“If you see someone without a smile - why not give them one of yours” - Dolly Parton.

(Special thanks to Marilyn J.)

Shining Bright Party

“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying “ Take eat, this is my body “ then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it

to them, and they drank from it “ Mark 14:22

You are invited to a “Mad Hatters Tea Party” at Shining Bright this year…..Are you curious…?

School aged children are invited to come and follow the White Rabbit to Wateringbury Church - Tuesday October 31st, 5 -7pm and journey with us into Wonderland, for Wonderland inspired

crafts, games, dance, snacks and fun, including our outdoor treasure hunt. This event is FREE.

For more information or to book a place at our Non-scary alternative halloween party, please email lisaglasscote@gmail.com

or pick up a booking form from East Malling , Wateringbury or

Answers to puzzles from page 22.

Answer: 1. Originally, they paid £30, they each received back £1, they now have only paid £27. Of this £27, £25 went to the manager for the room and £2 went to the porter.

Answer: 2. Only I was going to St. Ives.

Answer: 3. Still 9 feet because the ladder will rise with the ship!

In loving memory of our Mum -

Mrs Pamela Blunden

26th July 1930 - 24th May 2017

Aconite. Earth has born a little son; He is very little one.

He has a head of golden hair and, a grave unwinking stare.

He wears a bib all frilled and green -

round his neck to keep him clean.

Though before another Spring, a thousand children

Earth may bring forth to bud and blossoming -

Lily daughters cool and slender,

Roses passionate and tender,

Tulip sons as brave as swords,

Hollyhocks like laughing lords - Yet she`ll never love them

quite as much as she loves Aconite:

Aconite, the first of all, who is so very very small;

Who is so golden haired and good,

and wears a bib as babies should.

(©Jan Struther)

Richard, Julie and Cynthea would like to say a special Thank You to all of

their family and friends throughout the sad time of the loss of both their

parents - Raymond and Pamela. Thank you also for the generous

donations given for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Brothers and Sisters in Christ

The holidays season is in many walks of life seen as a bit of a ‘quiet time.’ Schools are closed for Summer holidays and many people with children take the opportunity to get away for a break. The roads seem quieter and the whole pace of life seems to slow down a little. In Church terms however its still quite a busy time, one that is ‘bookended’ by two of the great seasons of the agricultural year. We have already celebrated Lammas Day the festival that marks the beginning of the harvest and which predates our Harvest Festival which we celebrate at the end of the Harvest season. These are both great community events during which we give thanks to God for the produce of the land, the people who produce it and the people who work to maximise the yield of the land, something particularly relevant in a village where East Malling research is such a significant presence. An important part of our thanksgiving is the gathering together of produce, fresh, dried and tinned which is later distributed to those who have less than many of us, although St James Church does operate a scheme where food boxes are distributed to those in need during the rest of the year and collects donations accordingly.

The holiday season is also a very popular time for Weddings and Christenings and most weeks see weddings on Fridays and Saturdays and Christenings on Sundays and to see the sun shining, hear the bells ringing and to see happy families celebrating a new direction in their lives is a truly joyous time.

This year however has been tinged with sadness, many of you will have read in your local newspapers of the destruction of the toilet in the Churchyard at St James. There is little that can be said about why someone

The Diocese of Rochester

The Church of St James the Great, East Malling

VICAR The Rev`d Nick Williams CHURCH WARDEN The Vicarage, 2 The Grange, David Chambers East Malling. ME19 6AH 01732 842582 01732 843282 parishofficeemwt@gmail.com ORGANIST & CHOIR DIRECTOR Belinda Hunter For Baptisms, Weddings and 01732 843319 other arrangements with the Vicar, Please contact the Parish Office:- READER 01732 843282 Alan Bramley parishofficeemwt@gmail.com 01732 846800 SECRETARY to the PCC TREASURER to the PCC Sue Payne - 01732 841585 Michael Rogers - 01622 718375

should have decided to set fire to the toilet, all they have succeeded in doing is depriving Church and Churchyard users as well as the wider community of the facility of a toilet. The Church can’t afford to replace it nor, until the Apple Tree Room is completed, are there any toilets in the Church, so through the actions of this unknown person everyone suffers. Despite this the Church will continue to open regularly during the week and cream teas are still available on a Sunday afternoon, the concerts will carry on, the toddlers groups will still meet and we will continue to try and reach out to the community around us.

So enjoy your holiday if you are having one, try and find some time to relax if you aren’t going away and above all remember that God walks with you and looks over you irrespective of who or where you may be.

Yours in Christ Fr Nick Williams

Revd. Nicholas Williams Vicar of The Benefice of East Malling, Wateringbury and Teston

The Registers May to end of July 2017

Baptisms - Samuel John Edwards. Ruben Eates. Bleu Eates. Harmony Eates. Priscilla Brown. Chantelle Amy Wilson.

Grayson John Moss-Davies. Darron Junior Thomas. Zac Edward Tweedie. Nancy Rachel Hussey-Pell.

Michael Robert Flisher. Mason Christian Dean Britton.

Weddings - Lee Austin and Tanya Sage. Steven Wigman and Jade Blakey.

Steve Lewis and Zoe Ashby

Funerals - Betty Joan May Collins. Susan Imms.

Burial of Ashes - Graham Stuart. David Edward Collins.

Bernard Roy Herrington. John Bolton.

Memorial Service - Pamela Blunden.

Are you thinking of a Wedding or Baptism for yourself or your family? St James the Great Church welcomes families and individuals who would

like to be Baptised and/or Christened with the Sacrament of Christ.

We also offer Weddings, Memorials and Special Services.

You can also be involved with some of the preparations making your special event very unique!

For more details, please contact us at the Vicarage, (see page 5) - Thank you - We look forward to welcoming you!

St. James the Great Church

stjames.eastmalling.net

New Opening and Services Times

St. James the Great Church is normally open to Visitors on

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am - 12noon & 2pm - 4pm

From March to October

& Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am - 12noon

From November to December

There are occasions when it is not possible for the Church to be open, therefore, please check with

the parish office 01732 843282

NEW Service Times from May 2017

First Sunday in the month

8.30am - Holy Communion - Book of Common Prayer

First Sunday in the month 9.45am - Family Service

Second & Third Sunday in the month

9.45am - Holy Communion - with Sunday School and Crèche

Fourth Sunday in the month

8.30am - Holy Communion - Book of Common Prayer.

9.45am - Morning Praise

Wednesdays 1.30pm - Baby and Toddlers Group

Thursdays 9.00am - Holy Communion

When there is a Fifth Sunday in the month there is only one service within the

Benefice of East Malling, Wateringbury & Teston.

The service is always at 10.00am and rotates around the 3 parishes.

For Baptisms, Weddings and other arrangements please contact the Vicar or the

Parish Office at The Vicarage, t: 01732 843282 or parishofficeemwt@gmail.com

Available from the Church `A Guide to the Parish Church of St. James the Great.`

by Canon Derek Carpenter.

A Comprehensive Guide to the History and Beautiful

Architecture of the Church with Superb Photography.

Available for just £2.50

St James the Great Church - East Malling

Warmly invites you all to a

Baby and Toddlers Group

Every Wednesday at 1.30pm In Church

Lots of fun for all Children & Babies up to school age

Come along and catch up with Parents, Carers & Guardians.

Singing & Dancing with Musical instruments, Refreshments & Parties, Stories & Puppets, Presents, Outings and lots lots more!

Everyone is very Welcome!

We look forward to meeting you !

Blacklands Scouts Group

Mill Street, East Malling.

Scouting activities and lots of fun for

Boys and Girls aged 5 to14 yrs.

We meet in our own hut at the rear of Vigor Close -

*Cubs 8-10yrs - *Beavers 5-8yrs *Scouts 10-14yrs

please contact:-

Group Scout Leader :-

Elaine Greenwood

07813 675370

elainegreenwood19@gmail.com

The East Malling Brownies

For girls aged 7 - 10 years Why not come along and join

us for lots of fun and adventures!

We meet every Tuesday during term-time

Contact: Dawn Archer 01634 681606

Here`s a `Vital Tip` from `Rose` who lives at Upper Mill-

East Malling

If you or your family get burnt or scalded in any way

1st. Pour cold water on the area

2nd. Wrap the area in `Cling-Film` NOT towels

3rd. SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE.

It might also help to put a cold wet towel loosely OVER the cling-film to keep the wound cool.

Take Care - Be

BBQ Aware!!

St. James the Great PCC (Parochial Church Council)

would like to say a special thank you to everyone who

came along and supported the Summer Fayre held on

Saturday 10th June, you raised a fantastic £761 towards the

fabric and upkeep of St. James the Great Church.

* Thank you also to the hosts, bakers and guests who came

along to our Annual Afternoon Teas - Well Done to Everyone!

Coming Soon - Saturday 25th November,

Christmas Market at East Malling Village Hall,

New Road from 1.45pm to 3.45pm. Come along!

Father Christmas will be there and lots of stalls

including: Tombola, Toys, Cakes, Crafts,

Bric-a-Brac, Grand Draw and Refreshments.

We look forward to welcoming you!

EDITORIAL NOTE

Hi Everyone! My thanks to Michael, Jean and Clive, Sue and all the volunteers for giving their time delivering your In Touch to more than 2,200 households throughout East Malling four times a year and, to each of you for your fantastic support of St James the Great Church. The fundraising events couldn't happen without you. Please keep supporting your local East Malling

businesses - Thank you.

We would love to hear from you if you have anything you would like to be considered for your magazine, all we ask is that you contact us before the

print deadline below to save any disappointment.

You can now read your magazine in colour, without advertisements and/or download it

from :-

stjames.eastmalling.net/intouch

The In Touch magazine is also available FREE whilst stocks last, but there are also many other books for sale in St. James the Great Church.

See page 7 for opening times.

Editor -Mark Francis - markfrancis10@talktalk.net Advertising -Jean Spinks - clivespinks@aol.com Cover -Designed and Donated by Diane Brazier. www.dianebrazier.co.uk In Touch magazine - Printers: www.lefaprint.com 020 8302 2555

EDITION PRINT DEADLINES

1st November 17 for Christmas 2017

1st February 18 for Easter 2018

1st May 18 for Summer 2018

1st August 18 for Harvest 2018

ADVERTISING COSTS

¼ page : £21

½ page : £31

Full page : £50

For inside covers, back page - please contact

Jean - Advertising.

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the PCC and its agents cannot accept responsibility

for any errors, omissions, or subsequent alterations. The articles/advertising/products featured in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of or

are endorsed by the Vicar, the PCC or the Editor.

Dates for your Diaries

St. James the Great Church, East Malling

8 October - Harvest Festival and Family Eucharist

The Wateringbury History Society

Wateringbury Heritage Day `Blue Plaque` unveiling - 9th September. Why not join us on our walk `Unveiling 7 Blue Plaques in the village`. Meet at 10.00am - noon - Gates to Wateringbury Place on Tonbridge Road

Wednesday 20 September - History from the Air by Rod le Gear Wednesday 18 October - Life of Pocahontas by Christopher Bull Wednesday 15 November - Life in the Victorian Workhouse by Peter Ewart Wednesday 20th December - Christmas Social evening - carols, quizzes, nibbles, glass of wine. Wateringbury History Society meetings in the village hall 7.40pm for coffees. All talks start at 8pm - Visitors are very welcome at £3. The Pilsdon at Malling Community

9th Sept 10am - 4pm - Barn Chapel open as part of the Heritage Weekend. 30th Sept 11am - Music@Malling Concert see their website for details. 19th Oct 7.30pm - Violin and Harpsicord concert with Rebekka Hartmann and Caroline Bergus another great concert of sublime Baroque music. 8th Dec 10am - Bazaar opens till Sunday 16th Dec - Closed Mon 11th Dec.

Eucharist Service - Every Wednesday at noon - Every Sunday at 6pm

For more details - 01732 870279 www.pilsdonatmalling.org.uk

27 Water Lane, West Malling, Kent. ME19 6HH

Everyone is very welcome to all the above Events,

Please come along !

Heavenly Father, Open my eyes that I may see you. Open my ears that I may hear you. Open my heart that I may love you. Make me a channel of your peace.

My South American Journey

By Kate Adds On a dull January day we left Heathrow to fly across the Atlantic and down the Pacific coast of South America to Santiago, the capital of Chile. Here was bright warm sunshine as our taxi took us through the rolling hills at the foot of the Andes and the neatly ordered vineyards into the sprawling mass of Valparaiso. It is such a colourful city, spread across 42 hills on the Pacific shore.

The buildings are brightly painted and at street level are often richly decorated with ‘street art’, or, perhaps, just lurid graffiti!! We spent a leisurely day recovering from the long flight and exploring the area around the port. We were really excited at the prospect of beginning our voyage round the southernmost tip of South America and northwards to Buenos Aires.

Our first port of call was Puerto Montt, once a logging port, built by German immigrants. Today it is known for its booming salmon industry. Here we were in Chile’s Lake District. We visited the Petrohue falls, Puerto Varas, and the German Settlers Museum at Frutillar. You could have been in any Bavarian town in Puerto Varas, judging from the buildings, but the shops were full of Chilean goods! All day we skirted round the huge lake, Llanquihue, catching tantalising glimpses of the cloud shrouded volcano, Orsono, known as the southern Fujiyama. Just before we left to return to the ship, the clouds parted and revealed the snow topped peak.

Heading southwards, the temperature quickly became cooler. We spent a morning ‘scenic cruising’ through fiords to the Amalia Glacier on the edge of the Southern Patagonian ice field and on into the Glacier corridor. It was characteristically cool and damp, with amazing views of glaciers either at sea level or tumbling from on high – a truly awe inspiring view. Next we dropped anchor off Punta Arenas, the last stop for many Antarctic expeditions. It has very much a "pioneer, edge of the world" feel to it. It was settled originally by Croatians. In the 19th century Chile and Argentina were desperate for help to develop their natural resources and offered inducements to Europeans to come and settle in these remote regions. One problem was that the natives were still hunter gatherers and a flock of sheep was a godsend! Unluckily for them, they then became the quarry and were hunted to extinction. This sorry episode has been repeated all over South America. As the top summer temperature is around 10°C I'm not so sure of the attraction to live there! Southwards again through the Drake Passage and Beagle Channel to Ushuaia, the most southerly city in the world, only 400km to the Antarctic.

Our trip to The National Park of Tierra del Fuego was especially thrilling! A visit was paid to the post office on the pier at Fin del Mundo! In the visitors' centre was a native birch bark canoe, with a fire place in the bottom, which had given the name to the area, as the early explorers could see all these fires dotted about them. Sadly these natives succumbed to the Europeans too. This was misplaced philanthropy; the natives were accustomed to living naked, in spite of the cold climate. They were given warm clothing by well-intentioned missionaries. However, thick wool and tweed held the damp and the Indians died as a result.

The following day was scenic cruising round Cape Horn, a clear day with calm seas and good views of the islands here. I am now allowed to sit with one foot on the dining table! (But must sail round the Cape of Good Hope before I can put the second one up!)

Next stop was Port Stanley on the Falkland Islands. Fortunately the weather was calm enough to be tendered ashore. This is not always the case. Here, so many miles from home, you could have been in any English seaside town on a chilly autumn day! Same red phone boxes, pillar boxes and double decker buses! We went on a tour to see a colony of Rock Hopper penguins on the coast of a sheep farm. This necessitated a one and a half hour journey in ancient land rovers across the roughest peat moor. We chose this tour, rather than the one to see the King Penguins as that meant a two and a half hour journey and my companion doesn't travel well!! It was worth the buffeting! The penguins were adorable and posed beautifully for photos. Life on the Islands is a constant battle against wind and wild weather. There is little more than a bleak, treeless moorland, like an endless cold Dartmoor without the charm. Two thousand people live here, and since the war with Argentina, any medical emergency which cannot be dealt with by the army base means being sent back to Britain on an18 hour flight. There being no midwife, this includes giving birth.

After The Falklands we were heading north and perversely it was becoming warmer again! Our next stop was Puerto Madryn, originally a Welsh settlement. This time we had chosen to stay in town and not join a tour, so had a restful time exploring this town. It seems that many S. American cities are rather dilapidated, even allowing for earthquakes, with rough uneven pavements, colourful graffiti and stray dogs which appear well fed and content to sleep in the shade. It is fascinating to see the mixture of cultures and the names.

Who was Bernado O'Higgins? And why is he celebrated in heroic statues? As it is very expensive and unreliable on board, everyone makes for the nearest free wifi point in each port! In Puerto Madryn this was in a small shopping mall. At 10am a couple appeared in the atrium and proceeded to Tango to a tinny radio. He in a 1930's suit, slick, Brylcreemed hair; she in a strappy frock and high high heels! A surreal moment!

Montevideo was lovely. There are just 3 million people in all of Uruguay, with 1.3 million living in the capital. With beautiful colonial buildings and wide streets, there are no traffic jams. It became rich in the late19th and early 20th centuries, when refrigerated ships and canning allowed the export of beef products to Europe. Remember Fray Bentos corned beef? It came from here. This all changed in the war years and things stagnated. It does, however maintain an enlightened democracy, unlike the past in Chile and Argentina. We saw the memorial to The Graf Spee and were reminded that this was the scene of the battle of the River Plate. Our last port was Buenos Aires, on the opposite side of the vast estuary of the Plate. What a contrast from the tranquillity of Montevideo! One huge traffic jam as vehicles attempted to leave the enormous port area! The 'Paris of South America' is exciting, bustling and has great contrasts between the rich and poor. The old residential area around the port, La Boca, is colourful and shabby but the former warehouse area has been gentrified into expensive apartments, shops and restaurants. The main commercial district boasts the widest boulevard in the world with16 lanes of traffic! A tour of the city took us to many iconic sites. Eduardo, our guide, had appeared in the film of ‘Evita’ and was keen to share his experience with us!! In the main square stands Casa Rosada once the home of Juan Peron and Evita. And here the mothers of ‘The Missing’ still march every Thursday in memory of those who disappeared under the Pinochet regime. There were placards of their photos posted in many places in the city. It was a chilling reminder that not so long ago we could not have been there. We also saw the cathedral where Pope Francis had officiated before his appointment, and la Recoleta cemetery with the tomb of Eva Peron.

Two things we all associate with Argentina are the Tango and beef! These two features were neatly combined to make a perfect evening out! A Tango show and the best beef steak dinner you can imagine in a beautiful Art Deco theatre! The origins of tango are slightly obscure, but it cannot be doubted that it began in the poorer quarters of South American cities among the immigrant populations in the 1800s. After a journey of almost 4000 miles, it was time to bid farewell to this amazing continent and head back to chilly Europe! Our heads are full of wonderful memories and we have promised ourselves another trip to fill in a few more gaps!! Kate Adds

Important Information for Patients registered at

Thornhills Medical Practice

FLU CLINIC DATES 2017

SATURDAY Clinics ONLY - 8.30am to 11.00am.

* No appointment needed

23rd September - 7th October - 21st October

EVENING Clinics ONLY - 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

Please note - Appointments needed for

Tuesday 10th October - Thursday 26th October

You are eligible for a FREE influenza vaccination if you have:

Kidney Disease : Heart Disease : Lung Disease : Liver Disease : Asthma

Diabetes : Weakened Immune : System Over 65 : Pregnant : are a Carer

Chronic Neurological Disease : Splenic Dysfunction

Extra Flu Protection for 2017 : We are using the Quadrivalent flu vaccine. This has the advantage of offering protection against FOUR strains of influenza viruses, whereas the traditional flu

vaccine only offers protection against THREE strains of influenza virus.

Pneumonia and Shingles Protection : For convenience, we will also be offering the Pneumonia and Shingles vaccinations to eligible

patients at the same time as their flu vaccination.

For more information please telephone: 01732 849980

or please visit our website: www.thornhillsmedical.nhs.uk

FLU

SEASON

AHEAD!

24th July 2017

Dear Friends at St James the Great,

Our container has arrived in Malawi and the huge task of distribution of the wonderful gifts has commenced. I am delighted to attach some photos of the blanket distribution as I promised.

You may not see your actual blankets here but they have been distributed and as you can see they bring much joy to the children of Glad Tidings Orphan Care. They will be warm and cozy in the chilly winter nights. The blankets are treasured.

Thank you once again for your kindness and for helping us to make such a difference.

God bless you all.

MAGGIE MITCHELL

Starfish Malawi

Student Sponsorship Programme Director southlodgefarm@gmail.com Telephone 01622 812297

In fond memory of my parents - David and Marian Greenham

Wateringbury Road, East Malling.

(Pictured left to right; Me, Mum, Dad and my sister Stella).

I was interested to read Elaine Gordon's article `A Rose in Spring` featured in the In Touch, Easter issue 2017, in particular the section about the primrose. Elaine explained the heterostyle types of Primula vulgaris, pin-eyed and thrum-eyed, but, there is another - the third type: which is the long homostyle, where the anther and style were in different positions, i.e. in close proximity to each other, enabling self-fertilization instead of relying on visiting insects.

Fig. 1 Fig. 2:

Fig. 1: the two normal forms of the Primrose vulgaris; A - Pin. B - Thrum.

Fig. 2: the 'Long homostyle' Vulgaris form first found by my parents in the spring of 1939. (Sketches of half-flowers made by Jack Crosby).

Many may not know about the long homostyle type because so far it is has only been found in a small area of Somerset, and another area in the Chilterns.

The long homostyle Primula vulgaris was first found by my late parents, Marian and David Greenham, who lived in East Malling from 1950 until their deaths in 1991 and 2007 respectively.

They made the unexpected discovery in the spring of 1939, at which time they were engaged to be married. They spent just about all of their Easter holiday collecting samples of primroses in Sparkford Wood, Somerset, just two miles from their respective homes in West Camel.

Bell ringing practice! We practise every Thursday 8pm at

St. James the Great Church

Everyone is welcome to come along and join us. We look forward to meeting you.

Please ask for Sue Payne

Do you enjoy singing? Could you sing in our St James` Church Choir?

We practise every Friday at St James the Great Church For more details please contact:

Belinda 01732 843319

And they did this to help a Cambridge University botany graduate friend of my father's, Jack L Crosby, who, as part of his work for his PhD, was researching the distribution of the pin-eyed and thrum-eyed types in many parts of the country.

In published articles, Dr. Jack Crosby explained that my father had found the first homostyle Primroses and that my mother, as Marian Llewelyn Jones, had sent all the samples to him at Cambridge.

I recall my parents telling me about this, except that they said that it was actually my mother who spotted the first homostyle.

Many years later, BBC Television twice screened a 30-minute nature programme devoted to this discovery. It was introduced by David Bellamy, and presented by Dr. Crosby, and, much to my parents' amusement, included short sequences with actors portraying my parents romantically strolling through the woods picking primroses.

My father came to know Jack Crosby while he, too, was at Cambridge University also studying botany. They both completed their PhDs after the end of WW2. Jack Crosby made a career out of botanical research, securing a post at Durham University, while my father worked as a scientist at East Malling Research Station, becoming Head of the Fruit Nutrition Section.

By Robert Greenham

Centre for independent Living

www.cilk.org.uk

Centre for Independent Living Kent (CiLK) is a charity that promotes independent living for disabled people. They enable disabled people to have the right to make choices about where and how they live, regardless of age, impairment or how much support they need. They aim to give people the skills and confidence needed to take control of their own lives. Taking a proactive role ensures the individual can live the life they choose.

CiLK is a disabled people`s user-led Charity, set up by disabled people to provide tailored support to people with impairments. All CiLK directors, members and most of the other staff are disabled with differing impairments and many employ their own Personal Assistants (PA).

It can be very confusing to know where to turn to for the right help for you, when you need information, advice or guidance on living independently as a disabled person. CiLK`s goal is to be a `one stop shop` where they hope to meet all disabled people`s needs regardless of impairment.

CiLK provide support and up-to-date advice on; * Independent Living/Direct Payments. * Support Planning and Personal Budgets. * Recruiting Personal Assistants (PA). * Community Advocacy. * Peer Support - support from one disabled person to another. * Disabled aids and equipment and adaptations in and around your home. * Outreach - Bringing our services to your community. * Bespoke training and Project work. * Blue badge applications and much more..

Do you have a matter you would like to discuss? Please get in touch and call us on: 01233 633187

or email us; enquiries@cilk.org.uk

Meet Sophie Fournel - Service Manager

Centre for Independent Living Charity - 1107079 (CiLK member of Disability Rights UK)

In 2010 Sophie became a Director of CiLK and almost immediately set to work on a co-production engagement project for Kent County Council, producing the report: “Towards a Better Future – Making it Work: (A Report to Support the Development of Services for People with Physical Impairments in Kent.) Since completion of this in-depth report Sophie has stayed on at CiLK as the Project Manager, later becoming the Service Manager. She continues to liaise with Kent County Council, many other service providers and other Disabled People’s User Led Organisations working towards strengthening the charity and driving it forward for a better future for all the disabled people it supports. She is also a keen advocate, ensuring that disabled people have their voice heard. “I am a Disabled Person living with a mobility impairment. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2005. I know how it feels to acquire a disability and not know where to turn to for the right help for me. I want to prevent others from having these struggles.” Sophie is joined by information Officers Donna Francis and Angie Berkley and Administrator Madlin Brinton. The Directors aim to ensure that CiLK continues to offer services that promote independent living and empower its members and other Disabled People living across Kent and Medway.

For more information please take a look at our website:

www.cilk.org.uk To get in touch or to donate please call;

01233 633187 or enquiries@cilk.org.uk

You`re very welcome to visit us on Tuesdays 10am - 3pm at our office but it is a good idea to call to arrange an appointment. Or you can write to us at: Centre for Independent Living The 123 Centre, 123 County Square, Elwick Road, Ashford. Kent. TN23 1AE

A few teasers!

Q: 1. Three people check into a hotel. They pay £30 to the manager and go to their room. The manager suddenly remembers that the room rate is £25 and gives £5 to the porter to return to the people. On the way to the room the porter reasons that £5 would be difficult to share among three people so they keep £2 and give £1 to each person. Now each person paid £10 and got back £1. So they paid £9 each, totalling £27. The porter has £2, totalling £29. Where is the missing £1?

Q: 2. As I was going to St. Ives, I met a man with seven wives. Each wife had seven sacks, Each sack had seven cats, Each cat had seven kits. Kits, cats, sacks and wives, How many were going to St. Ives?

Q: 3. A ship is docked in the harbour. Over the side hangs a rope ladder with rungs a foot apart. The tide rises at a rate of 9 inches per hour. At the end of six hours, how much of the rope ladder will still remain above water, assuming that 9 feet were above the water when the tide began to rise?

(Answers on page 2)

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God's gift, that's why we call it the present” - Joan Rivers

Find all the words below in Bold in the grid.

C A P R I C O R N W N T N N U S

Y E A R A J R G S O C N R G F O

T I A N R K F O B R L I N X M L

I H C S U E L P S D H O P O E S

N E D W A S T T V S L P N O E T

R L K H T R O F L M E T U V R I

E D D I G P Q C A X H S E O Y T

H O C C N R E H T R O N V E N I

T E J H L I A F I L N A I E D U

U O U B O T H R N X S E P T E M

O W L H P S H O O I O H W B W R

S T I T I U M M E U E N Y K H E

S U A T I T L E W X Z I Q E F

U Y S P X A U G U S T U S U N E

N A A M J G S U I V A T C O Q R

E R A D N I G H T R O T A U Q E

Did you know...The month of August was named for Julius Caeser’s adopted nephew Gaius Julius Caesar Octavius, who held the title Augustus. He named the month after himself. September is from the Latin word septem, meaning seven. Both equinox and solstice refer to the path of the sun throughout the year. During a solstice, the sun is either at its northern-most point the Tropic of Cancer or, it is at its southern-most point the Tropic of Capricorn. An equinox is either of the two days each year when the sun crosses the equator and both day and night are equally long. The word solstice is from the Latin solstitium, which is from sol (sun) and stitium (to stop) because it seems as if the sun stops at the solstice.

GATHERINGS By Elaine Gordon

I always think that one of the many satisfying moments of the gardening year is when you can spend time gathering in the fruits (and vegetables) of your labours.

If you have a vegetable plot or an allotment then this time of year can be a very busy one. Not only are the weeds still growing but there are lots of beans, courgettes and lettuces, to name but a few of those vegetables prone to gluts, to be collected. Then there are the tomatoes. You may be able to get a good harvest if they are growing in a greenhouse, but you could equally find yourself facing a blighted harvest. So what to do? Well a couple of years ago I wrote about rescuing blighted tomatoes, by picking everything, throwing away the obviously affected tomatoes, then spreading the rest out on trays, or any paper-lined flat container and placing in a sunny spot (in this case my daughter’s bedroom). It was very successful, in that I managed to get well over half of the tomatoes to ripen. If you don’t have the space to store a large quantity of tomatoes like this then you could also make chutney with the green tomatoes or use some of them in the recipe printed below (taken from one of Nigel Slater’s Kitchen Diaries books). Even if you don’t have a vegetable plot there are still successful harvests to be made. Many annuals will be producing seeds roundabout now, so it’s a good time to go gathering – especially if the plants you choose are not hybrids. Choose a sunny, dry day; arm yourself with some empty envelopes or paper bags (having written the names on them first – it’s always easier to do that when the bag or envelope is empty) and sally forth into the garden. In general, look for seed heads that have changed from green to brown and pounce before they have the chance to broadcast their seeds over the garden (you can always let a few of them do this – it’s always fascinating to see where self-sown plants end up in the garden).

Cut off the seed head and place in a paper bag or envelope, then bring them indoors and, one type at a time, spread them out on a piece of newspaper (if the seed is large) or a sheet of white paper (if the seed is small and difficult to see amongst the newsprint). It’s a good idea to fold the paper in half to begin with then open it out again to receive the seeds, as this makes it easier to pour your ‘harvest’ into an envelope or bag for storage. Sort out the seed from the surround-ing material. This is important as the surrounding casings etc can rot during storage and spoil the seeds. In some cases you can do the ‘sorting’ by blowing gently on the material in front of you: the chaff is lighter and will blow away, leaving the seed behind. In others, the seed is large enough that you can simply use your fingers to separate the seeds from the chaff.

Thyme

Then pour the seeds into your chosen pre-labelled container and store over the winter in a cool, dark spot. Never store seeds in plastic bags as they will rot. They then need to be kept somewhere with a constant temperature, not too cold and not too hot. Then, the following year you should be able to re-stock your garden with some of your favourite flowers at no extra cost. You can also try doing the same with some of your vegetables too, though if they are hybrid varieties they won’t come true to form: One year I found a self-sown squash in the vegetable plot and let it grow to see what happened. It grew like a Triffid and had very bitter fruit. I gave up when it had covered the entire bed and was encroaching on the neighbouring one, choking all the newly sown squashes in the process! It soon ended up on the compost heap. CHICKEN WITH GREEN TOMATOES (courtesy of Nigel Slater) Serves 4 8 chicken thighs 12 black olives Juice of 1 lemon 2 tbs olive oil (plus a little extra for frying) 350gr tomatoes (mixed green & ripe) 6 cloves garlic 3 sprigs thyme Set the oven at 180 C/Gas 4. Rub the chicken pieces all over with salt and black pepper. Stone and halve the olives. Pour the lemon juice and 2tbs olive oil into a mixing bowl, then add the olives. Cut the tomatoes (about 1/3 green to 2/3 ripe ones) into quarters, unless they are very small, when you can simply halve them. Add them to the bowl. Peel the garlic and squash each clove, taking care to keep them whole. Pull the leaves off the thyme sprigs and add to the tomatoes with the garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Colour the chicken lightly on both sides in a non-stick frying pan until the skin is pale gold in colour, then transfer to a roasting tin (choose one in which all the

chicken pieces will fit in one layer). Tip the tomato mixture over the top and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and have produced plenty of juice and the chicken’s juices run clear when you pierce the flesh with a skewer. Serve with rice, couscous or crusty bread and enjoy!

Kent Community Warden Service The Kent Community Warden Service is a Kent County Council scheme that has teams of Wardens across Kent

working closely with partnership agencies. Tackling low-level crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB)

within the community.

All on-duty Wardens are dressed in uniform - (Black Trousers, Green Jacket and Tie).

Wardens can work every day providing a visible presence to be the ‘eyes and ears’ of other agencies.

Our Wardens also provide reassurance and visits to vulnerable residents.

Your Community Warden for East Malling is Mandy.

If you have an issue that you would like to speak to Mandy about or would like to know more;- Please contact Mandy (pictured) 07813 713035

mandy.harris@kent.gov.uk alternatively Janet Greenroyd - (T&M) Area Supervisor -

07773 397131 janet.greenroyd@kent.gov.uk Courtesy of Kent Community Warden Area Manager Mr Mat Honeysett -

07740 184006 - 03000 413392

Your Kent Police - PCSO (Police Community Support Officer)

For East Malling is Rebecca Cane

(Pictured right)

Simply telephone 101 to leave a message for Rebecca or email

csu.tonbridge.and.malling@kent.pnn.police.uk

for all incidents call 101 Kent Police

In all emergencies ALWAYS dial 999

*Photograph by courtesy of Sergeant Joanne Mott - Kent Police

CRIME AND HATE CRIME REPORTING LINE 101

`CHOICES` DOMESTIC ABUSE 0800 917 9948.

SAMARITANS 116 123

Useful Numbers — CHILD LINE- 0800 1111.www.childline.org.uk

TMBC - 01732 844522. RSPCA - 0300 1234999.

PAYDENS CHEMIST - 01732 843203. AGE CONCERN MALLING 01732 848008

KENT TRADING STANDARDS - 03454 04 05 06 (Textphone 18001 03454 04 05 06)

Heart of Kent

The local Heart of Kent Hospice is a much-loved local charity, and it was with great pleasure that The Royal Society of St. George North Downs Branch - under the leadership of our new Deputy Chairman, Wing Commander Mike Sutton - was able to provide some fundraising assistance.

At the successful East Malling fun day and "Picnic in the Park" held on Sunday 18th June, our Branch stall raised a fantastic £200 for the hospice. We were able to do this, thanks to a supporter and well-wisher donating a magnificent array of potted garden plants for us to sell. All but a few of the items were sold and a splendid sum achieved. Well done to Mike, his wife and their helpers (their grandsons and grand-daughter!)

The Branch has also been working hard to try to find additional sources of funding for the South Ward Playing Field's sports pavilion, now being looked after by Paul Fincham (Rising Sun - see advert right) and his football club. Thanks to the generosity of the Parish Council, an extra £200 has been made available for the facility's refurbishment - so that's £700 now in total, including The Royal Society of St. George donation earlier in the year.

All in all, a successful period for us - and a huge thank you to everyone in the community who has supported our efforts and the work of other charities.

Stuart Millson