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   FEBRUARY/MARCH 2006 - ISSUE FIFTEEN  

Allhallows and St Mary Hoo Parish Councils' Magazine

This magazine is printed and published by and under the ultimate control of the two Parish Councils and views expressed may not necessarily be those of the Parish Councils.

Fenn Bell Inn, St May Hoo. Picture credit: John Burrows

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FULL PAGE—£360

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01634 255366

Your support is needed if the village hall is to remain open

ALLHALLOWS VILLAGE HALL

Stoke Road

Rates:

block bookings £3.00 per hour;         Saturdays £75 per evening;       one-offs (jumble sales etc) £4.50 per hour.

For bookings call:

Noleen Skudder

01634 271026

RECYCLE

Why should you recycle?
Each year the Council collects over 125,000 tonnes of waste from households in the district. Most of this waste is sent to be buried in landfill. Due to a steady national increase in domestic waste, averaging about 3% a year, there is a need to implement measures to reduce, reuse and recycle our waste.

Recycling Targets
In June 2000 Central Government produced the National Waste Strategy for England and Wales, setting targets for recycling and composting as stated below:

To recycle or compost at least 25% of household waste by 2005
To recycle or compost at least 30% of household waste by 2010
To recycle or compost at least 33% of household waste by 2015

Further demands were place on local government to increase this recycling rate and improve the way it collects recyclable materials and Medway was set a target to recycle or compost at least 30% of our household waste by 2005/6.

Medway residents recycled over 27% of its waste in 2004/5 and this year are well on the way to exceeding 30%. Your continuing help is needed to increase recycling further and improve the quality of our local environment for present and future generations.

Neighbourhood Recycling Points
Medway Council provides 58 “Neighbourhood Recycling Points” located throughout Medway. These recycling points cater for a selection of paper, glass, cans, textiles and shoes.

Please remember that these sites are sometimes located near to your neighbour's homes. Please do not make excessive noise after 7 pm or before 7 am when depositing your recyclable materials, especially glass bottles or jars. There are litter bins located next to or near to all recycling points. Please either use the bins, or take your boxes and bags home with you.  Cardboard boxes can now be placed in the paper banks for recycling. Please fold the boxes flat first to ensure there is enough space in the bank for other people's recyclable materials.
Here's a list of what things you can recycle at the local recycling points to the Hoo Peninsular.

Kerbside Recycling collection service

Blue boxes have been distributed to most Medway residents to help them recycle more.

The blue boxes are for:

• newspapers, magazines, catalogues, junk mail, phone books and yellow pages;
• all types of plastic bottles, those with a screw top or flip-top lid, including plastic milk bottles, drink bottles, shampoo bottles, bleach bottles, etc. - please wash all bottles thoroughly and remove the lid;
• all food and drink cans and tins - please rinse these out first;
• aerosols - please make sure they are fully discharged first;
• foil - please rinse first;
• cardboard, including cereal boxes, washing powder boxes and large cardboard packing boxes;
• plastic carrier bags.

The blue boxes have led to such a big increase in recycling that the council also distributes blue bags to allow householders to recycle more.
If you do not already recycle and would like to do so, please contact customer services on 01634 333333 or complete an on line request form at  www.medway.gov.uk. The staff on the help-line will be able to advise you on how to start recycling and when to leave out materials for collection.

Blue bag scheme

Medway Council has introduced a blue bag scheme to supplement the blue boxes to make recycling easier following suggestions from residents.

During October and November 2005, the council undertook a survey to see who was using the blue boxes. To help make it as easy as possible for residents to recycle, rolls of 26 bags have been issued as a thank you for recycling and to help encourage further recycling. The bags are being issued as a supplement to the box, not as a replacement and have only gone out to those residents who are already recycling.

• Do please leave your recycling at the edge of your property by 7am on your collection day. Make sure it can be easily seen and is separate from any black sacks.

• Don't put extra recycling materials in black sacks. This will not be collected as recycling.

The same items as can go in the blue box can be put in the blue bags. It is suggested that the box is used for paper and flat cardboard and the bags for cans, plastics and other more bulky or awkward items.

If you fill the bag with general rubbish it will not be collected and the collectors will leave a note explaining why.

Blue boxes are limited to one per household and the blue bags delivered are for a full year. It is not possible to provide more bags or additional boxes.

Recycling - what happens next?

Householders often ask what happens to materia’s put out for recycling once they have been collected from blue boxes and bags.

In Medway, recyclable items are collected in a compaction vehicle, similar to an ordinary dust cart but dedicated to recycling collections.

They are taken to a materials recycling facility in Rainham, Essex run by Cleanaway, the council’s contractor.

The materials are then put on a conveyor belt and separated mechanically, using screens, magnets, infra-red light and air jets, and by hand.

Once sorted into the different types of material, they are bailed and sent off to accredited, recognsied re-processors in the UK and overseas, where they are recycled into new materials and products.

All recyclable materials collected in Medway are properly sorted by Cleanaway and are subsequently sent to reputable recycling companies.

Recycling from Flats

Medway is in the process of extending its recycling facilities to flats, houses of multiple occupancy and static mobile home sites. This is quite a complex process as each location contains its waste and has it collected in a different way. Medway is working with public and private landlords, housing associations and resident groups to assess each group of properties to ensure that the best method for storing and collecting recycling is introduced.

If you live in one of these types of properties and would like to take part in this initiative please contact customer services on 01634 333333.

LIVE FIRING AT YANTLET DEMOLITION RANGE

Please be advised that the Yantlet Range will be used for live firing on the following dates and times stated below.

COMPLAINTS ABOUT YANTLET RANGE :

HQ RSME Brompton Barracks          01634 822840

KENT FIRE & RESCUE SERVICE

Make sure your home is safe from the threat of fire, is the message from the Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

Their top fire prevention tips are:

•  smoke alarms should be fitted on all levels of the home, kept free of dust and be tested once a week. Never  remove the batteries;

•  have a fire action plan and make sure all occupants know how to escape in the event of a fire;

•  before going to bed make sure all exits are clear, keys for windows and doors are accessible and all doors are closed;

•  keep matches and lighters out of the way of children and stub cigarettes out—never have a cigarette in bed.

In the event of fire:                                     GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL THE FIRE SERVICE

01622 698360

www.kent.fire-uk.org

for more information on fire safety advice

ALLHALLOWS VILLAGE HALL

‘400 LOTTERY'

The 400 Lottery was originally set up to help raise funds for the maintenance and upkeep of the village hall,but over the years the

take-up on numbers has dropped dramatically and we are having difficulty raising enough money to pay out on the monthly prizes let alone having any funds left over to keep the hall going.

The prize money for 2006 is as follows:

1st prize — £50              3rd prize — £15

2nd prize — £25             4th prize — £10

If you would like to own a number they cost just £1.00 per month per number.

Contact Carol on 01634 271526 for an allocation.

Your support is greatly appreciated as the village hall is a prime local resource and it would be a shame to lose it through lack of funding.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

VOLUNTEER LOTTERY COLLECTORS are needed. If you have an hour or two spare once a month please call:

Carol          01634 271526

A vacancy has arisen for a volunteer or volunteers to deliver Villagers' Life magazine to Jutland Close and Binney Road , only six times a year.  Those in the 16-18 years age group would be particularly welcome.  If you can spare an hour every couple of months, enjoy walking and can help,

please contact:

Alan Marsh 01634 270726

Correspondence

Cliffe Woods,
8th January 2006

Dear Residents of Medway,

THAMES GATEWAY - PROPOSED HOUSING THREAT

Obviously we are all concerned about the Secretary of State’s proposal for vast numbers of houses under the above scheme, which will directly impact on the Medway Towns. I would, therefore, like to raise the following points for your consideration.

1. An article in the Independent newspaper dated 16 December 2005 stated that a government body i.e. the Office for National Statistics has noted a decline in population in the south east! That in 2003 an unprecedented level of people migrated to the north west. Yorkshire and Wales. Given these statistics it must surely be incumbent upon Medway Council to request that the Secretary of State’s office explains why he/they are persisting with their Thames Gateway plans in this area. If the figures quoted by the Office for National Statistics are indeed a trend (i.e. 30,000 people left the south east in 2003 alone) then it must be obvious that much of the Thames Gateway housing for this area will eventually be surplus to requirements and at the very least a waste of tax payers’ money. In these circumstances, the Secretary of State should be asked to explain why he plans to concrete over large swathes of the south east in the face of valid statistics observed by one of his own government departments!

2. The word ‘sustainable’ is currently very fashionable in political circles. Unfortunately the way it is used by local politicians when speaking about this government’s proposed housing numbers, would appear to give the Secretary of State some idea that the people of Medway are accepting of the Thames Gateway proposals, when in fact many of them are not. The message given is that the housing numbers would be acceptable if it were sustainable i.e. if new roads, schools, hospitals etc., were put into place to accommodate the new population growth. The fact is many people find the ‘sustainable’ factors themselves just as abhorrent as the housing! Indeed, the whole insane idea is not sustainable as a further licence is being obtained to extract more water from the River Medway to assist with record lows at the Bewl Water reservoir. This is a dire fact that cannot be ignored, even for the Secretary of State’s wish list!

3. In the summer of 2003, I was told by Medway Council that they would accept 14,000 new homes into the area without objection, in the hope that more would not follow. Appeasement as a policy, as history shows, has a tendency to fail, for the bully always wants more! Indeed, it is my understanding that we are now facing (give or take) 21,000 houses plus the Chattenden 5,000 already earmarked and agreed in the previous Medway Strategy Plan. This would indicate a final figure of some 26,000 new dwellings. In the light of the above, would it not be right to ask the Secretary of State for a revision of housing numbers? As large numbers of Medway residents are directly apposed to the proposed housing schemes being forced upon them, surely Medway Council should be seen to be fighting these plans much more vigorously?

4. ‘Regeneration’ is another popular modern word. We are led to believe that regeneration is essential to our towns, as if we have all been living in abject poverty all this time! In fact it would seem that Thames Gateway represents regeneration for London - by moving vast numbers of the capital’s residents here. People are being forced by government policy to live in the south east when the true regeneration needs are in the northern parts of our geographically tiny country. As mentioned above, the population of the south east is in decline because the residents have had enough! Regeneration is adouble-edged sword for the people of Medway. Make your bed with the government and vast numbers of houses will raise more capital... but the council will still be strapped for cash as the government will cap the amount of revenue the Medway Towns is entitled to! Therefore, what real benefits does the word regeneration hold for us?

5. We are constantly bombarded by the term ‘affordable housing’, another ruse to build thousands of unwanted new dwellings in/on our rural heritage. This term is designed to sweeten the pill for local people to accept the proposed new homes. We all know that the new housing developments that have been granted thus far ARE NOT affordable to the average person in Medway. Local salaries cannot purchase luxury riverbank apartments and executive 4/5 bedroom homes. Of course. lip service is paid by the developers and some 2/3 bedroom homes are included in the new estates, but what local family can afford £1 80,000+ for a tiny 2 bedroom home. Three bedroomed property is little bigger and cannot in anyone’s wildest dreams be classified as a family dwelling! Affordable housing really means homes for young professionals who work in London or people who have cashed in their home in London to buy in a much cheaper area. Grants are being given to key workers to assist with their affordable housing’. What about the local refuse collector, shop assistant, care worker, home help, classroom assistant etc., all of whom play their vital role in our community.., they neither get a grant nor LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING. If we are to believe that the council are working for the needs of our community, then should it not be possible to dictate a realistic affordable housing figure to the developer before planning permission is granted, to ensure that local people at least benefit from this mess?

6. 1 am aware that large sections of the land surrounding our villages on the Peninsula are owned by developers already. It is easy to believe that green fields are owned by farmers, but in many instances they are not. I know that the land behind Symmonds Road in Cliffe is owned by a developer who has told me he will be applying for planning permission to build within 5/6 years. I have seen a plan where developers have applied for permission to build (so far turned down by the council) joining Cliffe Woods to Cliffe. I am sure you are aware, due to the publicity and various articles written, that despite vigorous opposition 650 houses are to be built on the orchards at Bell’s Lane. Where will it end?

It must be clear to all that if we ignore the above and, more importantly, the demise of local democracy it is at our peril. This threat is every bit as big as the ‘airport’, and its impact in some ways is worse. At least most of us would have been bought out and able to move away to escape. The houses that John Prescott is forcing upon us will take 20 years to build. We all know what an impact the road works at Four Elms Hill had on the community for some 2 years... we will be living in a building site for 20 years!

Start writing to the council and the Secretary of State’s office and stop this for all the reasons stated above - before it is too late.

Yours sincerely,

Joan Goddard

Kent & Medway Biological Records Centre needs your help!

The aims of the Biological Records Centre are to collect, store and give out wildlife information about Kent. You can contribute to this work by telling the KMBRC about the wildlife in your garden.

Gardens are a valuable source of records, attracting a great variety of wildlife, from insects and spiders to birds and mammals. Don’t worry if you aren’t an expert. If you would like any advice about identifying and recording wildlife, contact the Records Centre who will be happy to help with any of your queries and will try to aid the identification of any mystery species you come across!

KMBRC has designed and produced the Kent Wildlife Recording Calendar 2006 (see image), to help you to record in your garden. Uniquely designed with two sets of dates for each month, you can keep one as your every day appointment reminder and use the other to write in the wildlife you see in your garden, which can then be sent back to KMBRC.

Local artist and KMBRC Recorder, Edward Walters, has drawn six illustrations for every month of the calendar from his own garden. Hopefully these will provide inspiration for you to look more closely at the wildlife in your garden and get recording!

This unique calendar can be purchased from KMBRC for just £8.00. As a gift or for your own use, make a difference to Kent’s wildlife by supporting your Biological Records Centre(Registered Charity No. 1110163).

To place your order or for more details, contact KMBRC at Tyland Barn, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3BD. Tel: 01622 685646/685780 or email infokmbrc.org.uk.

Thank you, Roy White from Kingsmead Park, for sending in your poetry again.

The Maiden Ton

‘How’s that’ came the raucous shout

at the umpire I stare. Dare give me out!

He hardly moved, then ‘Not out,’ he said

The bowler, a rueful shake of head
moved back down the park
to his mark
Once more I took my stance
At the field a cursory glance
My nerves so tense my palms sweat filled
As the bowler began his run
Down the field,
I felt my nerves all disappear
As the keeper in my ear muttered
‘He’ll get you now this time for sure’
I shook my head as once more
I saw the ball well pitched and rise
I saw before my eyes
it begin to swing, I moved my

feet
and then the sound
of that sweet thud as willow hit
that leather from the ground.
A massive six!
Down the pitch my team mate

run
to congratulate my maiden ton.
Joy short lived, pride takes a fall
Out next ball!

EMAIL HOAXES

The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund and the Big Lottery Fund are warning

of hoax emails offering grants, but requesting a donation and financial details. Neither of the

two funds give away prizes and they only make grants to organisations that have applied to them.

http://digbig.com/4fgrh or http://www.theworkcontinues.org

and

http://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/contact.htm#1

ActionAid UK warns of an email telling recipients that the charity has awarded them

£850,000 to help development in their community. The scam is designed to obtain bank details

or to get people to pay a small amount to collect the money.

CRIMESTOPPERS

Crimestoppers is the only charity dedicated to solving crimes and catching offenders. It is now available to answer calls 24 hours a day, ensuring

that calls are always answered.  Calls are made with the promise of anonymity.  Around 20 people are arrested every day as a result of information given to the service.

0800 555 111

If you are a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, please let the Villagers Life editor know (01634 255366) so that your name and area can appear in the magazine.

COMMUNITY POLICE

SUPPORT OFFICER

John Hicks is the Community Police Support officer for the Hoo Peninsula.

He can be contacted during duty hours on: 07989 992451

When off duty, messages can be left for John on the Medway Community Police Office number

01634 884185

For a free handbook

Your Practical Guide to Crime Prevention

containing tips on how to prevent crime

Phone: 0870 241 4680   Fax: 0870 241 4786

Email: homeoffice@prolog.uk.com

KEEP SMILING!

Jesus and Satan were having an ongoing argument about who was better on the computer. They had been going at it for days and God was tired of hearing all the bickering.

Finally, God said: “Cool it! I am going to test you for two hours and I will judge who does the better job”.

Jesus and Satan sat down at their keyboards and typed away. They moused, did spreadsheets, wrote reports, sent faxes, emails and emails with attachments.  They downloaded, did some genealogy reports, made cards and prepared some IEPs. They did every known job.

Ten minutes before their time was up, lightning suddenly flashed across the sky, thunder clapped, the rain poured and, of course, there was a power cut!

Satan stared at his blank screen and screamed every curse word known in the underworld. Jesus just sighed. The electricity finally flickered back on and each of them restarted their computers.

Satan started searching frantically and screamed: “It's gone! It's all gone! I lost everything when the power went off!”

Meanwhile, Jesus quietly started printing all his files from the past two hours of diligent work. Satan observed this and became more irate.

“Wait! He cheated! How did he do it?”  God shrugged and said:

“Jesus saves.”

CAROL SINGING

All Saints' carol singing around the village on December 19 raised £63 for Demelza House Children's Hospice.

CALLING ALL CHILDREN!

Come along to SMASH on Sunday mornings All Saints' Church, 11am.

Join in the fun and worship in church, or on the second and third Sunday of the month leaders will take the children to the village hall to learn about Jesus in a fun way through music, puppets, drama, games, stories, drawing, painting and cooking.

All children welcome!

CRABBY OLD WOMAN

When an old lady died in a geriatric ward in Scotland, it was believed she had nothing left of any value. Later, when the nurses were going through her meagre possessions, this poem was found. Copies were made and distributed to all the nurses in the hospital. It appeared in the Christmas edition of the news magazine of the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health and is now winging its way across the Internet.

Hoping you all enjoyed the festive season.

Cold weather, frosts and occasional snow have kept things dormant and there is still a risk of harsh weather that must be planned for. On a cheerful note everything starts to step up a gear H as winter gives way to spring.

LAWNS — Rake to scatter worm casts and to remove thatch and moss. Chemical moss killer can be used for thick moss. Cut to tidy appearance but only in mild dry weather.  Re-cut edges and cut back invasive plants. Apply fertiliser in late March.

TREES AND SHRUBS — Plant new fruit trees and bushes, train and shape climbers and prune back the previous season's growth close to the base on shrubs. Spread mulch generously along rows of fruit and around trees and bushes. Feed fruit with sulphate of potash
and protect from frost.

ROSES — Most bush roses require annual pruning in early spring. This prevents them becoming woody and encourages new shoots that carry the flowers. Remove dead or diseased stems completely and cut back existing shoots by a third to a half.

BORDERS - Rake over and prepare soil for sowing hardy annuals later in the spring. Plant lily bulbs, gladioli corms and dahlia tubers when the weather improves. As the soil warms up plant perennials out, taller at the back and shorter at the front to increase effect.

VEGETABLES — Plant early potatoes and sow seed according to suppliers instructions. Tender herbs and crops for early use should be planted in heated propagators.

PROJECTS - Now is the time to continue building and repairing. Treat sheds and fences with preservative when dry. Clean and service all garden tools.

PONDS — As the weather warms service pond pumps for fountains and water features. Large marginal plants can be lifted and divided. Thin out plants that have become too vigorous for the size of the pond.

WILDLIFE — Please continue to feed wild birds with a plentiful supply of seed and nuts to build them up. Remember to keep feeders away from structures and trees where cats can climb.

HAPPY GARDENING from Wayne — “Grass Roots” 271968 I 270192

DRAMARAMA

PRESENTS

‘SLEEPING BEAUTY'

HIGH HALSTOW

FEBRUARY 16, 17 & 18

7.30PM   (SATURDAY MATINEE 2PM)

TICKETS £3.50

PHONE:   ANITA  01634 271535   FRED 01634 251135

MERIT Community transport scheme

As you may be aware, Medway's Rural Initiative for Transport (MERIT) has been working towards the development of a community transport scheme for Medway's villages. The purchase of two brand new accessible minibuses has been agreed, and our volunteer drivers are undergoing training courses over the next couple of weeks.

It is hoped that the scheme will launch in April 2006, providing new services for rural Medway including flexible route buses serving supermarkets and the hospital, regular excursions to regional destinations like Canterbury and Bluewater, and cost-effective vehicle hire for local community groups.

If you'd like to find out more about the community transport scheme or volunteer as a driver, why not get in touch?

Speak to Tom Calvert, Rural Transport Development Officer: 01634 331402 or  tom.calvert@medway.gov.uk

Evening bus services to Medway Valley Park

We regret to inform you that as of the evening of 6/7th January 2006, services N33 / N94 to Medway Valley Park will no longer be running.

Please disregard any information relating to these services on your current timetables. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you.

For further information please contact the public transport team: 01634 331398 or info@medway.gov.uk

REFER TO THIS BUS SERVICE INFORMATION FROM NOW ON

ALLHALLOWS PRIMARY SCHOOL

Avery Way

Headteacher: Mrs B Beckhelling

01634 270705

KEY DATES

February 1 — Medway Youth Games Hockey Tournament

                         Parents' Consultation Evening 3.45pm — 7pm

February 2 — Full Governing Body Meeting — 6.30pm

February 3 — Non-uniform Day for Unicef

February 13-17 — Half Term

March 7 — School Photographer

March 20 — Full Governing Body Meeting — 6.30pm

March 22 — Medway Schools' Music Festival (provisional date)

March 27 — Girls' Football Tournament

March 28 — Medway Youth Games Tag Rugby Tournament

March 29 — Easter Service at All Saints' Church

APRIL 3-18 — EASTER HOLIDAY

A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer, she said:

“Now, class, if I stood on my head, the blood, as you know, would run into it, and I would turn red in the face.”

“Yes,” the class said.

“Then why is it that while I'm standing upright in the ordinary position the blood doesn't run into my feet?”

A little boy shouted:

“Because your feet ain't empty.”

BREAKFAST CLUB

MARCH 31 — EASTER SPECIAL!

Open 7.45am-8.45am                     Children £1.50                      Adults £2.00

Please call 01634 270705 for confirmation of dates and times.

NSPCC

If you know or suspect that a child is being ill-treated or neglected please tell the NSPCC at once on

FREEPHONE 0800 800

HUNDRED OF HOO UPPER SCHOOL     Headteacher: Mr Williams 01634 251443

WEST KENT BADGER GROUP
BADGERS NO THREAT TO HUMANS

A local farmer has called for a cull of badgers in Kent despite there being no out breaks of Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) in Kent. bTB very rarely affects humans and
there have been no cases of a badger infecting anyone, so there is no need for people to fear badgers. With the government proposing to kill thousands of badgers here are
a few FACTS people should know.

* 80% of bIB infections are cattle to cattle.
• Deer, foxes, rats, wood mice, wild boar, stoats and moles are all proven to carry b TB
• 90% of badgers are free from bTl3
* There is no link between badger numbers and bTB infection rates.
* In 2003 23,546 cows were killed due to bTB. but 90.000 due to Mastitis, 31,000 due to lameness, 125,000 due to infertility and 120,000 due to neo natal conditions
• Cattle movements, not badgers, have been identified as the main cause of the spread of bTB - Science Journal on Nature 26.05.2005 p491 to p496
• Kent has a large badger population and no bTB. If badgers were the main cause of the spread of bTB, as some farmers would have you believe, this would not be possible
• There are 14 million cattle movements a year
• John Bourne, the head of the government's scientific trials, concluded, “I would not be planning a cull at the moment. There is no indication it will make the situation better, in fact it will almost certainly make it a sight worse”. he also stated, “For the first time ever, ministers have a robust science base on which to base TB control and they are ignoring it”.
• In 1960, bTB was almost eradicated without any wild animals being killed, even though it was known then that moles carry bTB
• Farmers have recently been sent to prison for illegally moving cattle
• In 2001. the government was warned that if it did not restrict cattle movements after the Foot and Mouth outbreak, bTB infection rates would increase. After failing to ensure that cattle were properly tested there have been major bTB outbreaks caused by cattle movements. In Cumbria there was no bTB until cattle were moved in from the southwest, which has a high rate of bTB infection
• There is no proof that badger numbers are increasing. Dry weather, the badgers own ability to match reproduction with food supply and the 50,000 badgers killed on the roads each year all work to keep the population size down.

The West Kent Badger Group believes that farmers should be properly compensated when herds are killed due to bTB and this should include compensation for loss of any breeding stock. This and for all animals, regardless of age. to be tested for bTB using the far more accurate Gamma Interferon blood test before they can be moved is the way to control the spread of hTB. The group is urging everyone to write to their local MP voicing their opposition to the pointless killing of healthy badgers. Killing badgers will make the bTB situation worse, as killing badgers in one area increases the infection rate in the surrounding areas. This will cause millions of taxpayers' money to be wasted. If you would like to know the truth about badgers and bTB visit www.badger.org.uk

If you would like to know more about badgers, or what the West Kent Badger Group does, please write to PD BOX 301, Gravesend, Kent DA12 9AB.

What our Mothers Taught us

The important things our mothers taught us about are:

LOGIC — “Because I said so, that's why.”

STAMINA — “You'll sit there until you've eaten all that spinach.”

ANTICIPATION — “Just wait until I get you home.”

ROOTS — “Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”

WISDOM — “When you get to my age, you'll understand.”

RELIGION — “You'd better pray that will come out of the carpet.”

CONTORTIONISM — “Will you look at the dirt on the back of your neck!”

WEATHER — “This room of yours looks like a tornado hit it.”

TIME TRAVEL — “If you don't straighten up, I'm going to knock you into the middle of next week.”

ENVY — “There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don't have wonderful parents like you.”

HUMOUR — “When the lawnmower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me.”

HOW TO REACH ADULTHOOD — “If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.”

GENETICS — “You're just like your father.”

MEDICAL SCIENCE — “If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they'll stay that way.”

RECEIVING — “You are going to get it when you get home.”

OSMOSIS — “Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”

IRONY — “Keep crying and I'll give you something to cry about.”

FORESIGHT — “Make sure you put on clean underwear in case you're in an accident.”

HYPOCRISY — “If I've told you once I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate!”

And the best one of all!

JUSTICE — “One day you'll have children, and I hope they turn out just like you!”

BRITISH SUMMERTIME BEGINS!

DON'T FORGET YOUR CLOCKS GO FORWARD ONE HOUR ON:

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

WEATHER WATCH with Dr Rigby

NOVEMBER was another typical month of 2005. A wet first week (.75”/19mm) then three very dry weeks. The weather was generally fine, but occasionally foggy and with early morning frosts. We had flurries of snow on the 25th, but nothing lay.

Total rainfall — 1.14” (29mm)

DECEMBER was very similar with occasional light rain and then a cold spell starting Boxing Day with snow (heavy east of the region), but only a light dusting in this area. The temperature was about normal for December. Sunshine was in short supply, often following a foggy start.

Total rainfall — 1.38” (35mm)

We ended up with 2005 being another very dry year. Other dry years were 1996 with 15.45” (390mm) rainfall and 1976 with 16.74” (42mm) rainfall.

No wonder Bewl Water is so low!

Two weathermen each broke an arm and a leg in an accident, and called from the hospital about the four casts!

Why did the woman go outdoors with her purse open? She expected some change in the weather!

What do you call it when it rains chickens and ducks? Foul (fowl) weather!

SHROVE TUESDAY — FEBRUARY 28 — PANCAKE DAY

MARDI GRAS (Fat Tuesday) FRANCE

Shrove Tuesday is traditionally a day for a last fling to use up food items that are forbidden during Lent. For most people it is just Pancake Day. Made from batter and fried in fat, the pancake ingredients symbolise four significant points at this time of year.

Eggs — Creation

Flour — The Staff of Life

Salt — Wholesomeness

Milk — Purity

Pancake races whilst tossing the pancakes, skipping in Scarborough, a pancake grease at Westminster School in London and eating pancakes are some of the traditions for this day.

Pancake Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1/2lb (220g) self raising flour

1 pint (500 ml) milk

2 eggs

pinch salt

1 1/2 oz (40g) lard

1 lemon

sugar for sprinkling

METHOD

Sieve the flour and salt into a basin, making a well in the centre. Break the eggs one at a time and pour into the well. Gradually beat the eggs and flour together, adding the milk little by little until creamy consistency has been reached. Beat the batter for a  few minutes to aerate it, and leave to stand for an hour or so if possible.

Heat the frying pan or griddle with a little lard and pour enough batter to cover the area needed.  Cook until the top is dry, and then either toss or turn the pancake and cook the other side until brown.

Turn out onto a greaseproof paper, sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice as desired and roll up before serving.

Pancake Song Mix a pancake, Stir a pancake, Pop it in the pan. Fry the pancake, Toss the pancake, Catch it if you can.                   Christina Rossetti

Pancake Poem Who wants a pancake Sweet and piping hot? Good little Grace looks up and says, “I'll take the one on top.” Who else wants a pancake, Fresh off the griddle? Terrible Teresa smiles and says, “I'll take the one in the middle.”                   Shel Siverstien

 

TOSS AWAY THOSE WINTER BLUES AND GET COOKING.  HOW ABOUT HAVING A PANCAKE PARTY?

Allhallows and St Mary Hoo Vital Villages Plan
		Survey Findings The Vital Villages plan is finding out what local people think about living in Allhallows and St Mary Hoo. The Vital Villages group surveyed all homes in the villages in April 2005. 14% of homes in Allhallows and 22% in St Mary Hoo took part.

Environment and Countryside

There is a strong attachment to the local countryside. Nearly half of residents chose to live in Allhallows or St Mary Hoo because of their love of life in the countryside. People value the countryside, open spaces and the peace and quiet of village life. People use the countryside for walking, playing, birdwatching and enjoying other wildlife, and just relaxing.

About half of people thought that the local countryside had changed for the worse in recent years. The number one priority for environmental improvements in the villages was to clean up the beach. People also wanted to see more care for woodlands, orchards and hedgerows. A litter warden was suggested as the best way of tackling the challenge of keeping the villages clean and tidy.

Transport

Cars are people's main means of transport. However, there are still many residents who rely on buses and other forms of transport. About a fifth of people in AlIhallows and 15% in St Mary Hoo have difficulties in getting out of the village, such as for shopping trips. Direct routes, a greater choice of destinations and times of services, and better bus shelters were the most common bus improvements asked for. About a third of villagers were interested in using some form of community car scheme.

Road safety

Most people thought that there were major danger spots on local roads. The areas near the shops and holiday park in Allhallows, Stoke Road and the Ratcliffe Highway were most commonly mentioned as danger spots. Residents in St Mary Hoo found Fenn Corner and St Mary Hoo Cottages the most dangerous spots. People supported ideas for new speed control measures, with traffic calming being the preferred option in Allhallows and the introduction of a speed limit being more popular in St Mary Hoo.

Health and Housing

About 30% of AlIhallows residents who took part in the survey had an ongoing health problem. Over a third of people in AlIhallows had frequent or occasional difficulties in getting to the hospital. There are concerns about the length of time it takes to get an appointment, and disabled access is poor in the local surgery.

Two-thirds of Allhallows residents and just over half in St Mary Hoo think that no more housing is needed in the local area. However, others wanted more housing for local young people, and small family homes. Over 70% of people in Allhallows wanted to see their village stay as it is, compared to 58% of residents in St Mary Hoo.

Crime and anti-social behaviour social behaviour were concerns. Over half of residents thought that the police service was poor. Most people wanted to see a greater police presence in the area, and more activities for young people.

About 40% of residents in AlIhalIows and 45% in St Mary Hoo felt unsafe in certain parts of their village. These included parts of Avery Way, near the shops, alleyways and woods after dark. The effects of speeding made some people feel unsafe along the main roads, particularly in St Mary Hoo.

Services and facilities

Local shops were generally used for last minute items and convenience, but also because people liked to support local shops. Just under 15% of Allhallows residents don't shop in the village, and over half of St Mary Hoo villagers do not shop there.

People would like to see more access for local people to the Bourne Leisure park - 78% of people in AlIhallows and half in St Mary Hoo. There is strong interest (86%) in having a children's playground in AlIhallows. A number of ideas were suggested for its location: by the school, Cross Park, seafront, or its original site. 43% of St Mary Hoo residents would like a local playground, but there was lack of agreement on where it could be.

People would like to see a wider choice of social and leisure activities locally, such as arts activities for children, rambling, gardening, adult education evening classes, and after school clubs. A few people showed an interest in helping to run out of school activities for children and young people.

Two-thirds of people in Allhallows and half of St Mary Hoo residents thought that facilities for under 16 year olds were poor. People suggested improved youth activities, such as a youth club, outdoor recreation like bike/skate parks and football, somewhere safe for young people to meet up, and cheap transport into town.

About a third of people in AlIhallows and over half of St Mary Hoo villagers would be prepared to pay a bit more council tax to meet local needs in their own parishes. There was some interest in a ‘good neighbour' type scheme and Citizens Advice Bureau sessions being held at the local school.

What's next?

The survey information is being used to draw up a plan, setting out what people want to see done to improve the local area. This will be used to get new projects set up. If you would like any further information, please contact Bob Beckey on telephone 272804.

Forget all the health tips this Spring; exercise your mind instead with Jade Harvey's selection of fiction to get you going.

Nicci French Catch me when I Fall

Holly Kraus is a young lady living in London trying to fight against the hum drum existence that plagues the hard working, fast paced lifestyles of today.
Seeking excitement soon lands Holly in trouble and, as she discovers, she cannot trust anyone especially her own judgement.
British duo, Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, have such love for their characters that your heart thumps with anticipation for their safety. If you fancy a Bridget Jones' Diary style story with a nasly twist then this is the book for you. 8/10

Karin Slaughter Faithless

Based in the fictional American town, Grant County, Sara Linton, a medical examiner, and her live-in partner Jeffrey Tolliver, a police chief, are thrown into a mystery only they have the power to solve. Whilst confronting a personae disagreement all Their cares are forgotten when they discover a murder in the woods. A secret religious group on the edge of town arouses their suspicions, but are they letting their own beliefs come to the wrong conclusions?
Karin Slaughter has a real passion for the interaction between characters, and pushes the boundaries right to the edge with regards to taboos in personal and public relationships no matter how shocking. If you like a book full of controversial arguments and theories set around a murder mystery then Faithless definitely fulfils that criteria. 7/10

Dean Koontz Velocity

Billy Willes is a pawn within another man's master plan, an extra in a film. The puppet master is a sick, psychopathic murderer who has the power at his fingertips and with careful cunning and planning can manipulate Billy to do whatever he says, including kill. Together with Billy's paranoia and desire to protect his partner, who is helplessly in a coma, he soon becomes the prime suspect in a series of brutal murders. Dean Koontz clearly has a love for literature and a poetic rhythm to his descriptions. His beautiful scenic portrayal is sharply contrasted by the dark, evil, disgusting depictions of mutilation and murder. If you love a good murder mystery this will keep you guessing right to the end. 9/10

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