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ISSUE 6 MAY 2009

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DAY IN THE LIFE...

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THE IMP TEAM

Welcome to the May issue of The Whitstable IMP!

EDITORChristina Birkett Christina started working in Media twelve years ago and enjoyed a happy and varied career, but with three daughters aged five and under, work needs to be flexible these days, and the IMP

gives Christina the chance to balance work and family, as well as covering a subject she loves - Whitstable!

CONTRIBUTORSLiz CrudgingtonLiz has spent the last eight years writing about Whitstable for one of the town’s newspapers and is excited to be involved with The Whitstable IMP. She’ll be working on news

and features, and is looking forward to making sure the whole town knows what’s going on. Now a freelance writer, Liz is available for media, marketing and more - contact 07766 735 940 or [email protected]

Chris HaydonChris is 19 years old and has lived in Whitstable his whole life. Currently studying Film at the University of Brighton, Chris is an avid film fan and buff, and plans to go to the

National Film School after University to study Directing Fiction Film and Documentary. He loves writing film reviews and has always wanted to be a critic, and will be writing reviews for the IMP between course work and writing for the university’s paper, ‘The Pebble’.

Stephanie ShantiStephanie has been practising yoga for 12 years and teaching since 2000. She trained at the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre in Montreal, Canada, and has taught classes to a

wide variety of clients. She lives in Italy with her partner and two sons on their yoga retreat - www.shanticentre.com.

Dominic BriceDominic has lived in Whitstable most of his life. He started out working for a landscape company 17 years ago and after 5 years decided to start his own company, Tranquil Earth Natural Garden

Design, which specialises in creating traditional and contemporary gardens, built with respect for the environment and to encourage wildlife. Visit www.tranquil-earth.co.uk for garden ideas.

Malissa TaylorSouth African-born Malissa is passionate about three things; Mamahood, Music and Mother Earth. She spends most of her

time consumed by these and feels that her responsibility is to ensure that each is celebrated by everything that she does. She recently moved to Whitstable, and she hopes to submerge herself in the community, something which she believes is essential for her wellbeing and that of her family.

SALES: Mel Birkett FREEPHONE 0800 44 88 309

DESIGN: Adam Boreham www.reactionvm.co.uk

PRINTING: Headley Brothers www.headley.co.uk

PUBLISHERS: IMP PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH

The economy is on the turn (or so we are told); we have had two consecutive months of houses price increases, and

the sun is starting to shine - so we are right to feel optimistic!

And while we’re on the subject of good news, The IMP is delighted to have been selected as Media Partner of the Oyster Festival 2009. We will do our utmost to keep the local community abreast of what’s on and where in the run up to the festival.

Our newly-appointed Town Co-ordinator Chris West has hit the ground running and is busy meeting with local retailers and businesses. He has told the IMP that he has some exciting plans for the town but as yet is not ready to reveal them – watch this space, we’ll keep you posted.

If you are wondering what’s going on within the scaffolded cocoon that surrounds our beautiful castle you can keep up to date with the Whitstable Castle Trust Newsletter, which is available from the castle gatehouse, and while you are there we would welcome your comments on the one-way system which is being trialled on Tower Hill.

Enjoy this issue and, as always, let us have your comments and feedback at the usual address.

The IMP Team

The Whitstable IMP is a is a monthly magazine distributed free of charge to homes and businesses in Whitstable. A monthly minimum 90% of our 16,000 circulation is delivered via letter-box distribution, the balance being made available to locals and visitors through a variety of outlets including Whitstable and Swalecliffe libraries, The Horsebridge Centre, various dentists and doctors surgeries as well as other suitable outlets. Advertising is booked in the IMP is on the basis that 16,000 magazines are printed and made available in this way, anecdotal evidence that specific addresses have not been delivered to will not be grounds for full or partial refunds. TH

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COMMUNITYA day in the Life... This month Liz talks to Jon Carter, volunteer lifeboatman Page 7

Chestfield speedwatch How the parish council challenged policy... and won Page 11

Age Concern Tea for Two, the new befriending service Page 14

Bubble bits and bobs Bigger than ever! Page 16

Letter Box Have your say Page 24

What’s on? Yet another bumper month! Page 42

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

07 11

30

14

26

16

24

20

22

LIFESTYLEGardening Tips for May Projects to get your little ones out in the fresh air Page 26

Yoga Swing your hips in May Page 30

Horoscopes What ‘May’ be in store for you... Page 34

ENTERTAINMENTMusic Review Page 20

Film Review Page 22

Summer Events Get the dates in your diary now! Page 32

GIG GUIDE Local live music Page 39

The Whitstable IMP monthly circulation: 16,000www.the-imp.co.uk

All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or whole is prohibited without prior written consent from the Publisher. Opinions expressed in the editorial are not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher. IMP does not accept responsibility for the advertising contents, or endorse or recommend any of the companies or products featured; nor shall IMP be liable for any damage caused to or losses suffered by any person who relies on the information published in this magazine. © Independent Media Publications.

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It’s an entirely voluntary position that sees him

take to the seas dozens of times each year to

rescue people and keep them safe, whenever

they need help. “Whenever the pager goes off

we respond,” Jon said. “If it’s an emergency, the

first helmsman and two crewmembers to reach

the lifeboat station will take the call but if it’s less

urgent we try to operate a rota system so it’s a

bit more fair.”

The reward of helping someone in trouble

makes up for early starts and ruined dinners,

according to Jon.

There is no ‘typical day’ as such because of

the nature of the work but, as the group of eight

launchers, 12 crewmembers and six helmsmen

are such a close-knit team, he spends a lot of his

free time at the lifeboat station.

They train together twice a week, on

Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings,

and Sundays begin with breakfast together

before getting down to work. Jon is training

co-ordinator for the station so has to make sure

all the crew have the skills they need to save

lives. Among the topics they cover are first aid,

navigation and operating specialist equipment

such as salvage pumps.

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After a few hours work, the lifeboat volunteers

are free to go home but many choose to spend

time together chatting and relaxing around the

station, particularly if the sun is shining. And

on this Sunday it’s lucky they did because their

services are soon required. A woman runs over

to the station to report that a lady has collapsed

on the beach. Jon and two crewmembers are

on hand and use their skills to treat her until an

ambulance arrives and they can set off for home.

But before he can enjoy a leisurely lunch,

the strident sound of his pager blares out

and he grabs his car keys to set off back to

the station again. All the volunteers live within

about five minutes of the lifeboat station and

are quickly ready for duty. This time it’s a yacht

that has lost its mast in strong winds and the

crew contacted the coastguard for help. Jon

gets details from the lifeboat’s operations

manager, Mike Judge, and briefs the first two

crewmembers who reached the station. Others

who arrived after them prepare the lifeboat

for launching, start the tractor and make sure

the crew have all the supplies they need. The

7.5 metre lifeboat is surpringly stable in the

choppy seas and they are soon alongside the

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... JON CARTER

One job is more than enough for most people - but not Whitstable’s Jon Carter. The 37-year-old is a self-employed education consultant; a demanding role which takes him all over the country inspecting schools. But at night, weekends, school holidays and whenever he’s working around Whitstable, he’s also an on-call helmsman for the town’s RNLI lifeboat, the Oxford Town and Gown.

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vessel, facing their next challenge of retrieving

the mast.

“We had to drag it from the water and onto

the boat in the pitching and rolling sea,” said

Jon. “It really was a case of holding on tight and

picking the right moment, and remembering that

although it was challenging for us, the people

on the yacht needed our help. Often when we

are called out it is a last resort and we always

give every shout 100 per cent. It can be exciting

and it can be nerve-wracking and although it’s

a cliche, the best bit is being able to help when

people need us.”

The yacht is towed back to shore where

the coastguards are waiting and the lifeboat

volunteers return to the station to clean

the lifeoat and make sure it is refuelled and

restocked ready for the next call.

They won’t have long to wait - last year the

Oxford Town and Gown responded to 62 calls,

with many during the busy summer period when

the volunteers base themselves at the station every

weekend to ensure the fastest possible response.

Jon said: “It is a commitment, and it’s really

not something you can try for six months then

drop. The training alone takes between one and

two years before you are an operational member

of the crew and it’s ongoing because there is

always something new to learn. But there is a

fantastic team spirit at the station with great

friendships and a real family feel. We wouldn’t be

involved unless we loved it because we are all

volunteers but I can’t imagine not being a part of

Whitstable Lifeboat Station.”

The station is looking for more volunteers

to join the team, particularly people who

can provide cover between 9am and 5pm

on weekdays. Potential recruits should be

able to get to the station within about five

minutes and previous maritime experience

is not essential as full training is given.

Volunteers should be aged between 18 and

40, reasonably fit and able to demonstrate

dedication, common sense and the ability

to work as part of a team. For more

information, visit www.whitstablelifeboat.

org.uk, contact operations manager Mike

Judge on 01227 275911 or visit the station in

the harbour on Sunday mornings.

Liz Crudgington

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CHESTFIELD

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The issue is listed as a priority for many

areas of Whitstable, with residents fed

up of taking their lives in their hands

each time they try to cross the road. Villagers in

Chestfield went one step further, by setting up

a Speedwatch scheme which sees volunteers

record details of speeding drivers in the

30mph zone to pass on to police. And when

they discovered no action was taken unless

motorists were almost one third over the limit,

it triggered a David and Goliath-style battle with

Kent Police.

Parish council chairman Bob Brown said:

“The volunteers were all convinced that

anything exceeding 34mph would be recorded

and the police would act. When it emerged that

38mph was the actual cut off point, we said it

simply wasn’t acceptable, not least because of

the consequences of pedestrians being hit at

40mph, which 38 basically is, versus 30mph.

We do have a lot of elderly people and children

in the village, as well as children who have to

cross the road to get to the playpark, and it

seemed that the most vulnerable people could

be at risk of motorists.”

The Government’s own figures reveal that

at 40mph, 85% of people hit by vehicles die,

compared to 20% at 30mph, and just five%

at 20mph. An average family car travelling at

CHESTFIELD

SPEEDWATCH

35mph will need an extra 21 feet (or six metres)

to stop than one travelling at 30mph - no matter

how good the driver is.

And the force of an impact on a cyclist or

pedestrian at 35mph is one third greater than

if the vehicle that hits them was travelling at

30mph. If drivers are caught by police officers,

they are generally allowed to exceed the speed

limit by 10 per cent, plus two mph, in what is

known as a tolerance level. In a 30mph limit,

this means it may be possible to escape with a

warning at 35mph. But when civilian volunteers

like Chestfield’s Speedwatch group record

speeds, the tolerance level is increased to 20%

plus two mph, which equates to 38mph.

The parish council, which represents just

3,000 residents, decided to write to Kent’s

chief constable, Mike Fuller, demanding that

the policy allowing drivers greater leeway if their

speeds are recorded by civilians rather than

police officers be changed. Despite assurances

that the force would look into it, weeks turned

into months and the council decided to try to

get others to join their fight. Cllr Brown and his

colleague Cllr Len Claisse put a motion forward

to the Kent Association of Local Councils and

won support, first from the area committee

then at the annual meeting. Cllr Brown said:

“I spoke at the meeting and 200 councils were

Speed kills. It’s a message drummed into us all by hard-hitting television, radio and newspaper advertisements. Yet thousands of people each year are still caught exceeding the limit, many in residential areas where children play close by.

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there and almost every single one of them

backed us. One objected because they wanted

the limit even lower, but it was as near to

unanimous as you can get.”

That backing added weight to their

argument and in January this year, eight months

after the council first contacted authorities, the

issue was discussed by the Kent and Medway

Safety Camera Partnership, who agreed to

change the policy.

Cllr Brown said: “It does show that

persistence pays off. We owed it to the

residents of Chestfield who see speeding as

one of the main problems in the village. It is

the vulnerable people who are the victims

of speeding. Whenever we have done

Speedwatch, we can see vehicles doing

excessive speeds and braking heavily when

they come up to the Speedwatch equipment.

What speed would they be doing if we weren’t

there? That is what has got to be changed.”

Not all motorists are appreciative of the

volunteers’ efforts, and many are verbally

abusive or gesture as they drive past. But Cllr

Brown said the same amount took the time to

say thank you. “That makes it all worthwhile,”

he said. “I take the view that if you don’t like the

speed limits in Chestfield, use another route.

“When I look back on it, it does look like a

David and Goliath situation. I was astounded

no one else had challenged it. Maybe they

didn’t know or maybe they thought it was a

hill too far to climb. This was nothing to do

with local policing, and our PC and PCSO

were very supportive. It was about a policy

set by someone in an office somewhere. But

despite the time it took it was very worthwhile

and common sense prevailed in the end.”

The Speedwatch team welcomes new

volunteers. For information or to get

involved, contact parish council clerk

Linda Livingstone on 01227 773121.

Liz Crudgington

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Life can be hectic, and it sometimes feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Many of us are very busy people rushing

around from one thing to the next, and often we don’t spend much time out in our gardens or walking down the streets where we live. Perhaps we go out in the car to save time, and when we return we hurry indoors again. Consequently we may not know our neighbours or the people who live a few doors down the road - and even if we know them by name, we might not stop to chat with them very often.

But there are many elderly people living in the Whitstable area who don’t have the energy left to rush around, or to go out much. These people are often extremely lonely, spending much of their time indoors and not chatting to anyone.

Age Concern Whitstable is very concerned about these people and has set up The Tea For Two Befriending Scheme. Run by Eve Knowles (who is based at Whitstable Age Concern Centre in Vulcan close) the aim of the scheme is to provide social contact and friendship for older people who are isolated or lonely.

Eve organises a group of volunteers who have a little time to spare to visit an older person for a cup of tea and a chat on a regular weekly or fortnightly basis. The befriending volunteers generally visit for an hour per week, providing confidential support and a sensitive ear for lonely or housebound individuals over the age of 60.

If you or a family member are housebound and would like to join The Tea For Two Befriending Scheme to have a regular visit from a volunteer befriender, please contact Eve Knowles on 01227 281189.

If you have a little time to spare and would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer befriender and being involved with something really worthwhile and rewarding, please contact Gill Ball on 01227 787313 or 07735 556811.

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The Whitstable Age Concern Centre is open weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm and offers a social environment in which people can meet. A meal which is cooked on the premises is provided, along with teas and coffees. Transport can be arranged, subject to availability. The following services are also offered: bathing, chiropody, hairdressing, laundry, and exercise groups; in the community they offer a support service for the carers of those suffering with dementia; if you have just left hospital they can help with light housework and shopping; and on Thursday and Friday mornings a registered podiatrist attends for those in the community that can get to the centre. For further details on any of the services call 01227 272055.

TEA FOR TWO?

DO YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER NEED ASSISTANCE WITH PERSONAL OR DOMESTIC CARE?Tender Loving Carers was founded in 1994 by Kim Grutzmacher, who’s mission was to provide care into the community to the highest of standards, and to provide care in a way she would want her own mother to be cared for, whilst maintaining Service User’s independence, choice and dignity and keeping them in their own homes.

SERVICES AVAILABLEPersonal Care Services Include:a Assisting with bathing / showeringa Assisting with washinga Hair Washinga Shaving (wet or electric)a Assisting to access the toilet / commodea Dressing / undressing

Domestic Care Services Include:a Meal preparationa Bed making / changinga Shopping / pension collectiona Basic household domestic

needs such as dusting vacuuminga Washing and ironinga Blitz’ cleaning (spring clean)

Other Care Services Include:a Sleep or wake overa Peace of mind visit / companion servicea Dog walkinga Escorting the Service User to

appointments, outings and visitsa Assistance in organising

bills and paperworka Sit in servicea Any other service requested

would be considered.

To arrange care or free no obligation assessment please do not hesitate to call the main office.

TRAININGAll of our care workers and office staff, are trained in aspects of care up to NVQ level and above.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYDue to the continual demand for people to stay in their own homes there are always employment opportunities in this sector. We can provide our employees with training (ongoing), supervision, a professional recruitment and induction process and a friendly working environment. If you are interested or would like any further information please contact the office on the number below.

TENDER LOVING CARERSDOMICILIARY LTD108-109 John Wilson Business ParkWhitstable, Kent CT5 3QTTel: 01227 772515Fax: 01227 772527Web: www.tenderlovingcarers.comEmail: [email protected]

“OUR AIM IS TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE, CHOICE AND DIGNITY”

In our recent inspection (April 09) the Care Quality Commission gave us a quality rating of ‘excellent’

Just four expressions of interest have been

lodged for the redevelopment of Whitstable Harbour.

Despite national advertising in Property Week and

Estates Gazette, and 39 inquiries, the port’s bosses have

only received a handful of proposals. The management

board was due to meet to discuss their next move as the

IMP went to press but a report to members admits the

response has been disappointing. “The level of response

is not strong but is in part a reflection of the poor state of

the economy and the difficulty in procuring development

finance from banks,” it says.

However, most of the response has been from

local businesses and the board will now decide how to

select from the four received. Among the criteria they

are expected to use are the concept, how the proposals

conform to the development principles and the team’s

financial standing and track record. Shortlisted developers

will then be asked to submit more detailed plans.

A Taste of Italy will be on offer at Whitstable

Playhouse in June with the latest offering from the

Lindley Players. The town drama group is staging

Saturday, Sunday, Monday, a riotously funny play written

by Eduardo de Fillipo and translated by Keith Waterhouse

and Willis Hall. Set in Naples, the play follows

preparations for the Sunday ‘ragu’ prepared by Mama

Rosa, to which both family and neighbours are invited.

But as well as the usual family tensions there are some

outrageous allegations made by the father of the house

which all come to a climax during the meal itself.

The play enjoyed a long and successful run in the

West End where the cast included Joan Plowright, Frank

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Finlay, Martin Shaw and a certain Laurence Olivier. Some

of Whitstable’s finest will take the roles for this production

under the watchful eye of director Larry Dobin and tickets

are on sale now from the box office. The production runs

from June 2 until June 6 with performances at 7.45pm.

For more information or to book online visit http://www.

theplayhousewhitstable.co.uk or call the box office

between 10am and noon on 01227 272042.

Congratulations to everyone at Joy Lane Primary School for their recent Ofsted inspection,

which returned a verdict of good in all areas inspected

- including the new Oyster Bay Nursery School. The

inspectors were with the children observing classes

for two days and wrote a lovely letter to all pupils,

thanking them for sharing their time, and congratulating

children and staff alike on their school and learning

environment, as well as the very good behaviour of all

children. Head-teacher Debra Hines said: “We are very

proud of the children and it shows what a committed

and talented teaching staff we have.” Previously Joy

Lane consisted of three separate schools - Infants,

Juniors, and the Autism Unit. Amalgamated into one

primary school in 2007, this is Joy Lane Primary

School’s first Ofsted report and really seems to show

that the hard work which has been going on behind the

scenes has paid off.

If you fancy something a bit different this May, why not investigate ‘a night of live

psychedelia in Whitstable’ at the Brewery Bar

Credit: Amy Bailey

on May 15th? Local band CROW have recently reformed

and are putting on a big evening of live music and

DJs. CROW used to play a lot and the old Whitstable

Assembly Rooms before they split up in 1995. Since

reforming in 2007 at the request of a promoter friend of

theirs who died, they have done a couple of gigs around

Canterbury and Margate, with London on the horizon,

but for them the special one is playing back in their

home-town of Whitstable, and they’re hoping to see as

many friendly faces as possible on the night.

The four-piece band consists of guitar, base, drums

and didgeridoo, and will be bolstered on the night by the

Kent Circus School (also based in Whitstable) who are

going to perform some of their specialities including UV

juggling and hopefully fire activities on the beach. Live

DJs and visuals will be provided by the BlueTribe Sound

System, also based in Whitstable. Music from 8-11pm,

tickets are £5 and can be bought in advance from www.

myspace.com/crowwhitstable. For more details call

band member Christian on 01227 264 916.

The Crab & Winkle Line first opened on May

3rd 1830 and SPOKES, the East Kent Cycle Campaign,

organised a ride, walk and picnic to celebrate the

Crab & Winkle 179 years on, on Sunday May 3rd. With

a simultaneous start at 10.30 from Canterbury West

or Whitstable Station (South side), and a picnic at

the mid-point, the Winding Pond, with The Sheriff of

Canterbury from 12.30, stalls, music, Bikeability and

Go Ride Demos (cycle training for children and adults)

were due to be there, as well as the launch of a new

DVD about The Canterbury and Whitstable

Railway. If you didn’t make May 3rd, you’ll

have another chance to learn

more about the pioneering

Railway at the launch party for a

new DVD called ‘The Canterbury

& Whitstable Railway’. Made

and released by a local couple through their company

‘Harbour Heights’, the official launch is on Saturday

23rd May from 7pm at the Horsebridge Centre, and

will include an illustrated talk, a celebratory glass of

sparkling wine and Master of Ceremonies will be Tony

Blake, Whitstable’s own archive film expert. Tickets £4,

call 01227 772552 for more details.

The Joy Lane Children’s Centre had its

Grand Opening on April 22, and Malissa Taylor was

there: “My son Jacob is a pupil at Joy Lane Primary

School. Attached to this wonderful school is a children’s

centre which, I am sure, will become the heart of our

community. The official opening on April 22 proved to

be a fantastically eventful day, which was enjoyed by all

of us. We were entertained by a delightful juggler from

the Kent Circus School, and taught the joys of African

drumming. Our children were offered face painting and

provided with cleverly crafted balloon shapes. As we

wandered around our lovely centre, I felt so proud that I

am a part of this invaluable community, which provides

support in so many ways.”

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Credit: Malissa Taylor

A brand new Children’s Centre within the

grounds of Swalecliffe Community School is almost

complete, and should be ready to open by 1st June.

Acting as a one-stop-shop for all families to find

services for children aged 0-5, Children’s Centres try

to help ensure every child in the area can get the best

and surest start in life: through family support and

advice services – including Job Centre Plus and Adult

Education services; children’s health services (e.g.

ante-natal and special provision for young mothers)

quality early learning facilities and social events such

as mother & toddler groups, messy play, art and music,

and a visiting toy library.

David Stanley, who also manages the Joy Lane

Children’s Centre, is busy discussing partnerships

with Home-Start and Family Action to run sessions to

help with other issues such as post-natal depression

or domestic violence, parenting, self-development,

smoking, food and nutrition and behaviour management

- with the children’s centre crèche looking after the

children for a couple of hours whist the parents meet

and chat or receive training.

It is hoped that a special group for single fathers and

male cares can also be offered to give an opportunity

to meet as well as receive support and guidance. Local

health visitor and mid-wife teams are keen to operate

at the centre as soon as possible to run a clinics and

support groups and sessions, and local NCMA registered

child-minders will be able to meet together with their

charges in the fully-equipped play room to help the

children socialise with other children.

Future plans include a new pre-school nursery within

the centre for 3-4 year olds; Job-centre plus services

and training on an appointment basis; and ‘surgeries’

for Credit Union to offer loans and Christmas and other

savings schemes, and for family money and budgeting

advice. Clare Turner, local mum of three, is the new CIW

(Community Involvement Worker) for the centre and is

looking forward to meeting everyone.

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IMP writer Liz Crudgington will join thousands

of women to Race for Life this summer. The journalist

and mother of one decided to take part in the charity run

to mark her 30th birthday and has enlisted the help of

personal trainer Nicci Glasson to prepare. But previous

knee surgeries and new injuries mean she is finding

the three mile run, which raises money for cancer

research, more challenging than she expected. “At the

moment, running half a mile seems unlikely and three

miles is just impossible,” she said. “But running, even

with enough bandages on my joints to cater for several

Egyptian mummies, is nothing compared to the hell that

cancer patients go through every day. I’m determined

to continue with the training and to do my absolute best

and raise as much money as possible to help the fight

against this horrible disease.”

The run is from Hampton to Swalecliffe on July

12. For more information visit www.raceforlife.org. To

sponsor Liz, visit www.justgiving.com/lizcrudgington

Congratulations to Copperfields on their

wonderful Easter window display, which scooped top

prize in this year’s competition!

News has reached The IMP that someone has

been going into shops asking for money on behalf of

Whitstable Harbour Watch when they are not authorised

to do this. We’ve been asked to let our readers know that

authorised collectors would always have the Whitstable

Harbour Watch badge and carry photo ID.

The Whitstable Society has informed us that

the council now provide an alert service, where you can

specify which committees are of interest to you and you

will then be advised of any new minutes or agendas.

To sign up go to: www2.canterbury.gov.uk/committee/

ieRegisterUser.asp?RPID=320419

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TRUE Sometimes life affords us the pleasure of time alone without the daily distractions. At times like these, Whitstable local and single mother of two, Samantha Gloria’s album ‘True’ would serve as a perfect companion. Essentially a poet, Samantha, having suffered death and divorce, decided to marry her haunting words to her gentle guitar music and bless them with her lovely voice. Autobiographical in nature, the songs on this album describe her tough journey through a traumatic life and her perception of life in this town of ours with all its idiosyncrasies. While the songs are her words, they give voice to some of our own difficulties and certainly have the capacity to offer support for all of us moving though our own eventful, wonderful lives. Girls, pour yourself a lovely glass of deep red wine, and sit quietly and contemplate. Boys, listen carefully and try to understand…

Track ListingLonely house, Good kings, Love songs, Aeroplane, Three sad face, Superstition, Mozambican dancer, Reborn, Silver ribbon, Darling boy, Gentle people

This compelling album is available for £9.99 from Gatefield Sounds, 70 High Street, Whitstable, Kent, 01227 263 337.

1 GIANT LEAP We live in a world where few people seem to care about their neighbours. Many people are more interested in making money than making memories, and our planet is fast becoming very sick. Two incredible men, however, have decided to change the world and everybody in it. They are Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman. These incredible minds have taken on apathy,

indifference and disrespect with the most powerful weapon of all – Music!: “The primary theme of the project is ‘unity in diversity’ – the assertion that, regardless of one’s circumstance and experience, our similarities vastly outweigh our differences. 1 Giant Leap explores simple but universal concepts that touch all of us, no matter where we come from or where we are going.”

Catto and Bridgeman have travelled to 20 countries and collected music and stories and have married these in a unique and beautiful way. In one song, you will have an opportunity to hear a Grammy Award-winning artist sing with a virtually unknown somebody from a remote area in India, culminating in the most awe-inspiring music you will ever hear. I first heard this album in 2002. I have listened to it thousands of times and I hear something new and beautiful each time. It has become the soundtrack to my life. I listened to it throughout all my three pregnancies, and it was the first music that each of my children heard as they entered our wonderful world.

Track ListingDunya Salam (feat. Baaba Maal), My Culture (feat. Robbie Williams & Maxi Jazz), The Way You Dream (feat. Michael Stipe & Asha Bhosle), Ma’ Africa (feat. The Mahotella Queens & Ulali), Braided Hair (feat. Speech & Neneh Cherry), Ta Moko (feat. Whirimako Black), Bushes (feat. Baaba Maal), Passion (feat. Michael Franti), Daphne (feat. Eddi Reader, The Mahotella Queens & Revetti Sakalar), All Alone (On Eilean Shona), Racing Away (feat. Grant Lee Phillips & Horace Andy), Ghosts (feat. Eddi Reader). Produced by Duncan Bridgeman & Jamie Catto.

I urge each and every person to go onto the 1 Giant Leap website www.1giantleap.tv immediately and order it so it can enrich their life as much as it has mine.

Malissa Taylor

Music Review

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Every holiday season sees a collection of films that flood the Box Office. Notoriously, the summer is the time for Hollywood to shine, but this Easter has made home for a few films that will soar at the flicks.

Richard Curtis’ new film ‘The Boat That Rocked’ has been released, along with Disney’s new sequel to 70’s ‘Witch Mountain’ franchise, ‘Race to Witch Mountain’ which will go down a treat for the kids, but as the all-round Easter film to see this year, it has to be DreamWorks Animation’s, ‘Monsters vs. Aliens’ (dir/s: Robert Letterman/Conrad Vernon).

Shot in beautiful 3D, this CGI Sci-Fi fest will leave you laughing and gob-smacked. Susan Murphy (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) is a love-struck young woman about to be wed. Her big day arrives but is ruined when she is hit by a small meteorite which causes her to grow 50 feet tall. She is drugged and taken to a high-security prison with every other monster that’s surfaced across the United States.

Shortly afterwards, a series of attacks from space flood San Francisco, aliens from above have realised that the meteorite that hit Susan was full of ‘Quantonium’, a rare and highly dangerous chemical, and they want it back. The US Government is forced to release the monsters from their cells to fight off the aliens that are destroying their land, resulting in mayhem.

Sounds pretty ridiculous right? It is, but that’s what makes it so special. It pays homage to classic ‘Vs’ Movies, like ‘King Kong vs Godzilla’ (1962); it makes fun of those themes and ideas.

The film is filled with loveable characters, such as B.O.B (voiced by Seth Rogan), a hilarious blue blob who loves eating and dating Jelly; Dr. Cockroach (voiced by Hugh Laurie), a typical mad-scientist who happens to be a cockroach; and The Missing Link (voiced by Will Arnett), a fish-man who’s a ‘bodybuilder’, apparently.

‘Monsters vs. Aliens’ has something for everyone: its humour appeals to children and adults alike. If you’re a film buff, you’ll crease at the hidden gags, if you’re not, you’re laugh along anyway. The animation is just mind-blowing. Pixar usually leaves DreamWorks in the dust, but this film swings a good hard punch at its nemesis.

I recommend this film to any parent who wants to keep their little ones occupied, for any couple who want a film to see that they can both actually agree on seeing, and in general, anyone who likes a fun 90 minutes of solid entertainment.

It’s a grand achievement and it’s one of the best films I’ve seen this year.‘Monsters vs Aliens’ is on at the Royal Cinema, Faversham at 3pm and

7pm (Fri, Sat and Tues), 3pm and 8pm (Wed and Thurs), however it won’t be presented in 3D there due to their screens. The closest 3D supporting cinema in Kent currently is Cineworld, Ashford.Chris Haydon

Monsters vs Aliens CERTIFICATE: PG

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Dear IMP,

It is certainly encouraging words from Mike Weir, Whitstable’s harbourmaster, in that

the harbour is forecasting record profits without the help of any supermarkets, pubs or

manufactured sea-life centres. It is hoped that our beliefs and determination have been

rewarded with proof that tourism is something that has become a huge natural resource

for the town. We must assume that the rents received from the traders, now operating in

the harbour, have provided a significant proportion of the increased profitability. Hopefully

these figures will translate into a more realistic and positive approach to the development

of the south quay. It is evident that there exists a huge potential for tourism right in the

heart of the town and we should be mindful of the factors that contribute to this.

It is the first significant point of contact with the sea for people living in north

Kent, a factor borne out in a survey conducted by leading city analysts a few years ago

when local architect Peter Jackson’s ambitious plans for a huge marina were revealed. This

is a scheme that would provide much in terms of employment and revive the high street

trade, especially outlets involved in the staple needs. These plans, despite having several

noughts on the project’s price tag, would include significant input from the government

since the development would embrace all the components required to satisfy the criteria

recommended by the Environment Agency for sea defences in the area.

The S.E. corner of Kent is ideally placed to develop tourism from Europe

and is a natural ‘stop off point’ as travellers move to and from Europe. On the positive

side of the recession we could take advantage of the 30% rise in value of the Euro for

travellers in the UK. Many travel companies and ferry operators are noticing a reversal of

past activity when UK tourists headed to Europe in search of bargains. This is now not

the case and it’s probably cheaper for Europeans to come to England to fill up their fuel

tanks, have a meal and trot off back to Euroland rejoicing.

As a musician who takes part in some of the many festivals in Europe I can confirm

that developing the festival culture here in Kent at this time would provide a significant

boost to our economy. Whitstable of course, being geographically well-placed, is also

ideally structured to promote seafood-based festivals beyond the celebrated Oyster

Festival and it would be so easy to organise small-scale weekend daytime events

throughout the year.

If the interest in a few craft stalls, cafés and two fresh fish emporia drew a couple of

thousand people over the Easter weekend to the harbour this must indicate the potential

and direction we should be heading in terms of our harbour’s development.

Mike Peters (Muzikman) Dear Ms. BirkettThe Whitstable IMP is a well presented informative magazine but I do have one criticism and that is the incorrect use of a conjunction. The lack of awareness of grammar by many of the young is lamentable and it is irritating to daily see in print a plethora of commas, the disappearance of adverbs together with sentences beginning with But or And.The three writers in Letter Box in the April issue have got it right but perhaps they too were educated at the time when such things were considered important.

Mrs. Madeleine Croll

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POETS’ CORNERFree to WeeSomething delivered through your front door for free

Such interesting reading it works for me

With the IMP’s Poets’ Corner and rhymes

Better circulation than the Whitstable Times

Up to date Harbour topics and views

Maybe you could include some local fishing news

Something delivered through your front door for free

Needs a street map on the Town’s whereabouts to wee. Robert Bergin

Hi Robert, good idea, and I think David has solved the problem rather neatly for us:

Dear IMP,

I submit the following reply to Alan Edwards’ poem. Hoping it meets the high literary standards of your excellent publication.

David Lewis

Go In Peace

Dear Alan, I was sad to readYour search to find a loo,Could only find a single one,So here’s advice for you.

Behind the Ship Centurion,You’ll find a comfort station,While further east, to have a pee,To Horsebridge you should hasten.

Then opposite the Gorrell Tank,Conveniences await,And generally, I think you’ll find,They’re in a well-kept state.

And lastly, just before the Slopes,Where beach-huts stand in ranks,You’ll find a loo to make you say;“For this relief, much thanks!”.

Any letters or emails sent in to the IMP may be included in The Letter Box – if you would not like your letter published, please state this clearly.

Dear IMP,

It’s nice to have our own piece of history in the Crab and Winkle Way, reopened as a walk and cycle path. The operative word being PATH. I and my neighbours are getting a little tired of the num-ber of adults cycling along the footpath between Millstrood road and Brooklands Farm.

Many of the properties bordering this footpath, donated 4 foot of front garden to enable this to be made, so to get abuse from these adults when we point out that it is a footpath is not welcomed. We re-ceived no recompense from the council for this land.

The second pont on this is the inconsider-ate drivers who insist on parking along South Street, usually opposite or across driveways, and then cycling off along the Crab and Winkle Way. Again, we get abuse from these people when we ask them to park, say, on the industrial estate a few hundred metres away. Many cycle along the footpath and then turn their cars around in private drive ways. We have no legal recourse to these inconsiderate people other than to get into slanging matches.

Several times I have been threatened by these drivers when pointing out that some very large farm vehicles operate along South Street.

Please can you point out that cycling along a footpath is against the law (children excepted), and that driving into private driveways and parking to cause an obstruction is anti-social behaviour.

A South Street resident

Write in with your points of view, questions or feed-back, email [email protected] or write to: The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable CT5 9AH

We print as many of your letters as we can each month, but cannot guarantee to include all letters we receive, and may not be able to print letters in their entirety. The views expressed in the Letter Box are the readers’ own and not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher.

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Mini gardenersChildren love to grow plants, which gives them an

excuse to play with dirt, something else kids love!

Growing veg never fails to capture the imagination

of children, seeing seeds they have planted turn

into food for your table helps them understand

about the importance of natural food and where it

comes from.

During May it is still possible to sow vegetables

indoors. Young plants can be planted out once

conditions are suitable and when danger of frost

is past. If you have limited space, use growbags -

they are great for all kinds of vegetables.

Simple, fun things for kids to grow include:

Flowers - Marigolds , Sunflowers & Snap dragons

Vegetables - cherry tomatoes, lettuce, corn, and

of course pumpkins!

After regular watering and care, your little ones

will be rewarded with wonderful blooms and a

harvest of vegetables.

Gardens for kids The best garden for kids is one that is natural with

bushes, trees and lawns, places to hide, places

GARDENING TIPS

to explore and lots to discover. Whether they

are playing football, bouncing on a trampoline or

playing in a sandpit, children love to be outdoors

in the garden and we should encourage this as

much as possible.

Here are some ideas to keep

things interesting:

1 – Create a wild area with a log pile in a

corner of your garden. Simply leave it to go

wild - no weeding! Kids can then discover a whole

multitude of mini beasts and learn about them.

2 – Have a den or a playhouse in the garden.

Let the children design it, and listen to their

ideas. They may surprise you!

3 – Create a sensory area. Use plants that

have unusual textures, relaxing fragrances,

rustling leaves and striking colours, as well as

wind chimes, spirals and ribbons.

4 – Encourage wildlife into the garden. Put up

bird nesting boxes, bat boxes and perhaps even a

wooden hedgehog home. Your children can then

keep an eye on your wild neighbours’ progress

throughout the year and learn about them.

5 – Sandpits and trampolines. These are the

FOR MAY

If you have any questions, feedback, or interesting gardening stories or tips, please share them with us – email [email protected] or write to PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH

May is a great time to get kids interested in the garden, whether planting out some veg or just helping water the plants, getting them outdoors and involved in your garden is both educational and healthy. So this month’s offering from Garden Designer Dominic Brice is packed with ideas to get the kids outside!

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top two for kids’ garden entertainment, with

paddling pools being the next best thing.

What’s looking good in May

Aquilegias

Aquilegias are truly fantastic late spring

herbaceous plants. The first green shoots usually

appear through the March soil and their attractive

foliage often does not die down until November.

Aquilegias come in a wonderful range of lively

colours, they bloom in late spring and early

summer and are ideal for cottage gardens as

they self-seed freely throughout a border. Planting

them at the front of the border is best so they can

be fully enjoyed.

Weigela

Weigela Bristol Ruby is a very hardy shrub that

will bring a vivid splash of colour to your garden.

Covered in trumpet-shaped red flowers during

May, June and into early July, it is a very useful

and rewarding plant. Weigela should be pruned

immediately after flowering in early summer.

As with many shrubs that flower at this time of

year, they produce flowers on wood made in the

previous season (year). If you prune your Weigela

late in the year, then it will not have time to grow

mature wood for flowering next summer.

Quick Tips for May

n Control weeds to prevent them competing for moisture and nutrients. Hoe regularly between rows on hot days to make sure the weeds dry up and die without re-rooting.

n Apply a liquid fertilizer to spring bulbs after they have flowered, to encourage good flowering next year, and help prevent daffodil blindness

n Allow the foliage of daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs to die down naturally rather than tying in knots. Only remove it or mow it once it has turned brown and floppy.

n Keep tubs, hanging baskets and alpine troughs well watered.

n Add grass clippings to the compost heap in thin layers – too much grass all at once is likely to be very wet and poorly-aerated, resulting in smelly slime rather than compost.

Dominic Brice

If you have any questions, feedback, or interesting gardening stories or tips, please share them with us – email [email protected] or write to PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH

WeigelaAquilegias

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO... Swing your hips in May

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May can really make you want to

swing your hips, dance, and get into

summer mode. Here are a few ways

to bring flexibility and tone to your hips, loosen

up your lower back and shake your booty

ready for those beach days!

A rigid pelvis is not a healthy one: self

esteem, creativity, your emotions and all

the pelvic organs suffer when you limit the

movement and flow in this area.

To increase flexibility in your hips and pelvis,

allowing fertility and creativity to flow, try walking

like the African with something balanced on

your head that cannot move and allow your hips

to swing. Ladies, why not see if you can find

a belly dancing class nearby… Belly dancing

can really help you to gain control of (or grow

to love!) those love handles and teaches you to

swing your booty gracefully and beautifully.

Of course it is not just women who need to

swing their hips! Men can be particularly stiff in the

hip region and can benefit a great deal from hip

stretches. Below are some simple yoga hip openers

that will bring tone and flexibility in no time…

1 The Butterfly: Sit with the spine straight

and the soles of the feet together, then

knees falling out to the sides. Take hold of your

feet and pull the heels in towards your pelvis.

Try to keep the shoulders down and back. Start

bouncing the knees up and down like a butterfly.

Find a rhythm that is comfortable for you and

keep it going, breathing deeply.

2 Hip Stretch: Lie on your back, with both

feet on the floor near to your buttocks.

Cross your left ankle over your right knee and

let the left knee fall out to the side of you as

much as possible, making a hole between both

thighs. Then lift your right foot off the floor and

bring the knee towards your chest. Put your

The Butterfly

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left arm through the hole and take hold of your

right shin. Your your right hand can take hold

of the shin to and you can clasp your hands

together. NOTE: If your head and shoulders

are coming off the floor then this stretch is

too much for you and you need to clasp your

hands around the back of the knee instead.

Try to keep the chin tucked into the chest and

breathe deeply a few times. Then pull the leg

in towards the chest as far as you can and

hold the stretch, breathing deeply about 5

times. Repeat on the other side then relax,

hugging both knees into the chest.

3 Pigeon pose: Start on all fours, and then

bring your left knee in between your hands.

Move the knee towards the left hand and

gradually wriggle the left foot towards the right

hand. Gently lower your body down over the

left leg, allowing your right hip to lower towards

the left foot. Let the right leg go behind you as

straight as possible and lower your upper body

down towards the floor, walking your hands

forward. Rest on your elbows a while and then

try to go further still until you are stretching

forward in front of you as far as possible. Hold

the pose for a minute or two, allowing your hips

to open up and let go as you breathe deeply.

This pose can feel rather uncomfortable at

first so try to let your exhalations relax you as

much as possible. Gently walk your hands back

up and come out of the pose gracefully, then

repeat on the other side.Stephanie Shanti

Please check that the positions Stephanie describes are suitable for you before you begin. Check with your Health Professional if you are unsure.

Hip Stretch

Pigeon pose

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evolution health.pdf 19/5/09 11:22:03

LOCAL EVENTS• June 14 - Whitstable Rotary Club’s Pantomime Horse Races returns for the third year. Tankerton Slopes. Fund-raising for good causes.

• June 21 - Whitstable Umbrella Centre’s Fun Day - Tankerton Slopes. Stalls & entertainment to support the Community Centre in the heart of town.

• July 18-26 - Whitstable Oyster Festival - details to be confirmed

• August 1 - Whitstable Carnival - details to be confirmed

• August 8-9 - Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions Club Annual Regatta. fireworks on the Saturday evening (weather permitting) as well as fairground rides, live music and stalls.

• August 22 - Harbour Day - details to be confirmed

• Saturday June 6, Saturday July 18 (Oyster Festival) and Saturday August 15th, 10am-5pm - Rustic Seaside Chic from ‘Seaside Brocante’ - St Mary’s Hall, Oxford Street (The Umbrella Centre). Come and browse the stalls: Furniture - Homeware - Vintage/Designer Clothes - Jewellery/Accessories & Haberdashery. Bigger stands in vintage garden. Marquee (weather permitting) as well as hot and cold food and drinks. Stall space can be donated for fund-raising for any worthy cause in Whitstable, subject to availability. Call Cindy Mainwaring for further information on 01227 773037, 07778 318319.

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES• Creepy Crawly! The Amazing World of Minibeasts - Community showcase13 June to 31 August 2009Explore the fascinating world of insects and other minibeasts.from the deadly tarantula to the humble honey bee. With specimens from museum collections, stunning close-up photographs, artwork by local children and a range of exciting hands-on activities!

Whitstable Museum and Gallery, Oxford Street, CT5 1DBTelephone: 01227 276 998 www.whitstable-museum.co.uk

• Creepy crawlies under the microscope - Hands-on science eventSaturday 20 June 10am to 12.30pmInvestigate amazing minibeasts in close-up detail, including cockroaches, butterflies and fleas! Age 2 to adult. Whitstable Museum and Gallery, Oxford Street, CT5 1DB Telephone: 01227 276 998 www.whitstable-museum.co.uk

SCHOOL FAIRS• JOY LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL SUMMER FAIRSaturday 13th June, 12-4pmChildren free, adults 20pThe fair will be opened by a KMFM Radio personality and will include: Dalek and Cyberman, Driving School, Inflatable fun, raffle tombola, barbecue, treasure hunt, face-painting, live music, Karate and Dance demos and much much more!

• WHITSTABLE JUNIOR SCHOOL SUMMER FESTIVALSaturday 27th June 11am-3pm FREE entryFood area, entertainments, activities, merry-go-round. Samba Pelo Mar will be playing outside the library from 11am and the school samba band will also give their debut performance at the fair. Community stalls and information. Stalls are still available from £5 - if you are interested or for further information call Fiona on 01227 272385.

• ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOLJune 27th 11am-2pm

• ST ALPHEGE INFANT SCHOOL Saturday 4th July 10am-2pm

• BRIARY PRIMARY SCHOOL SUMMER FAIRGreenhill Road West, GreenhillSunday 7th June 12-4pmDonations welcomed for entry!Traditional Fair with a French theme - fancy dress competition, face painting, various stalls, tombola, ‘la coconut shy’ bouncy castle & rides, virtual pet show (send in your pictures) and the emergency support services will be there on display. For further information, call Debbie on 373 095.

The IMP will keep you informed about all these events and more as we move into summer, and don’t forget to check out ‘What’s on?’ to find out what’s happening this month.

SUMMEREVENTS &DATES FORYOUR DIARY

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AQUARIUS January 21 to February 19This month you may be called

into working with the children around you. They need your childlike qualities and care more than ever. On a social level, you will feel a jolt of energy this summer, taking you to a very happy and sociable place. There maybe a a loss coming to you too, so keep an eye on what you have got and try to remain positive throughout. You need to repair your self esteem.

PISCES February 19 to March 21This moth you can enjoy a

renewed sense of belonging, either in a relationship, marriage or in part of your family. You can be content with ordinariness this summer, enjoying normal everyday pleasures as if they are luxuries. One phase of you life is coming to an end, you need to let it go and this will enable the next chapter of your life to start.

ARIESMarch 21 to April 20You need to take some time

out this month and seek inner guidance rather than instruction from those around you. You alone know which path you need to take, so spend some time alone in nature dwelling on the things of the heart. Travel, learning and spiritual experience are on the cards for you this summer, but try not to be thoughtless and reckless in initiating this journey.

TAURUSApril 20 to May 21May sees a month of stillness

and tranquillity for you. Get your head down and take time to study, read and find out where life is taking you at the moment. With attention to detail, persistence and dedication you can find what you are looking for. This month you can feel like you are the apprentice, learning whatever it is that life is teaching you.

GEMINI May 21 to June 22May is a month of

transformation for Geminis. New romance is imminent, either with a new-comer or through re-ignited passion in your existing relationship. Try to stay open to giving and receiving love as much of the time as possible. You are on the cusp of a change of heart, a seasonal shift. May will bring new feelings of attachment, beginning with the feelings of self love and respect.

CANCERJune 22 to July 23You need to travel through

May with awareness, faith and hope because there is something positive on the horizon that you cannot yet see. You are at the turning point, coming out of a period of suppression and turmoil, moving towards a spring of hope and renewal. Bright prospects await you this summer, and inspiration and guidance will come, you only need to stay open.

LEO July 23 to August 22You may feel your life is a

bit of an illusion lately, with nothing seeming real. Don’t worry, you are going to spring into May with a sense of reality. You need to try to study and learn a little more as you go along to find this sense of reality though. May is the month that will breathe new energy into your social circle, and you will be able to see what is on the horizon much more clearly in time.

VIRGOAugust 22 to September 22You may feel that your

experiences in the past are coming back to haunt you this month. But don’t worry, it is just an opportunity for you to clear some unwanted emotions and start afresh this summer. Some situations need caution, look deeper before proceeding, especially in the realm of money. You need to forge a successful relationship between commerce and creativity, work and play, striking the perfect balance between yin and yang.

LIBRASeptember 22 to October 23You can feel this month that

you are on a real adventure, created by your own soul. What do you want in life? Where do you want to go? Visualise the answers clearly and you will find strength to make it all happen. Negativity will block your progress. Try to be more aware of symbols and signs that mean something to you, bodily aches and pains, emotional reactions and mood swings and use them to progress on your way towards happiness.

SCORPIO October 23 to November 22Your time of isolation is

coming to an end and May will begin to melt your icy exterior. You have been asking for help lately, now you can relax and be open to help as it comes from all directions. Your period of being the hermit is over and you can once again enjoy a full social calendar and a even perhaps major shift in your life path

SAGITTARIUS November 22 to December 22May heralds a sense of

maturity in your world, you are becoming a light to shine on your friends and family, spreading happiness and joy. Others may think you are a fool, acting suddenly and unexpectedly, but you are you are just ready to take risks and learn lessons that need to be learnt. This month heralds movement, change and a fresh start, a turning point perhaps and the answers to questions that have been on your mind for a long while.

CAPRICORN December 22 to January 21You are studying hard and

preparing to cut through any political situation in your life with a sharp sword. You will have the chance to separate the men from the snakes and see clearly the difference between right and wrong. Clarity and discrimination are needed, the old way of doing things is being called into question by you. The result is that everything will feel a little uprooted this month, but by summer the situation will have calmed and will be more successful than ever.

Stephanie Shanti

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Specialist home pattern service for all carpets, vinyls, laminates, woods and rugsFree underlay, grippers, door bars and fitting ON ALL CARPETS

Call us for a free estimate on: 01227 265544 or 07860 358552Family-run business Est.1971

It’s an overcast and chilly morning in Broadstairs, and Whitstable-based photographer Tim Stubbings is busy photographing another of his FREESTYLE photo-shoots. “It’s so simple really,” he says, “in that for years there

have been photographers like myself working on location for commercial clients, finding innovative ways to work - and yet the high street studio’s offering to the public has mainly consisted of jumping around in front of a white background. Some people find a studio setting can be both sterile and daunting – but getting away from that can be great fun and a lot more relaxing. So all I’m doing is opening up the magazine-style shoot to everyone else, not just commercial clients. It really is a magazine-style shoot in which the model is you.”

For Tim, this style of photography lends itself particularly well to Whitstable and the surrounding coastal towns. “It’s all about breaking out of the studio and using the beach, woodland or some great urban locations as well. The key to these sorts of pictures is both the lighting and the location, and we’re spoilt for choice along the Kent coast. A lot of fashion and magazine work will deliberately use locations which are neutral – and they can be anything, from a car-park, to a shelter on Tankerton slopes.”

Tim completed a shoot just before Christmas,around the East Quay and Continental Hotel in Whitstable, and revealed: “There you have at least 3 or 4 great backdrops to work with, not even counting the sea or the views!”

Taking part in the current shoot is Sophie, a student at UKC, who is working with Tim on the training courses he offers both commercially and to students (he coaches as a guest lecturer on the photography degree course at Christchurch). Tim explains: “We’re shooting here on what is effectively an industrial estate – but by being careful and selective we can find some great backdrops which act as our set.”

ARE YOU...

MODEL MATERIAL?

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TIM IS OFFERING AN EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION TO IMP READERS.

Anyone booking a FREESTYLE shoot in April will have a glossy 20-page book of their pictures

(worth £95) included absolutely free, in addition to a free 10x8 print. For more information on FREESTYLE

see http://www.freestylepix.co.uk or call Tim on 01227 460604

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MAGAZINE & FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY GOES MAINSTREAM, AS WHITSTABLE PHOTOGRAPHER TIM STUBBINGS LAUNCHES FREESTYLE – THE MAGAZINE-STYLE SHOOT WHERE THE MODEL IS YOU...

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1 Stop any advertising that isn’t working

Test your ads. If you cannot effectively test

the ad you are running then stop advertising. That

may sound obvious but many people are running

ads just because that’s what their business has

always done. They don’t really know whether the

ads are working or not.

2Look at how much you are spending.

A good basic rule for comparing rates or

calculating what you should pay for an ad is ‘cost

per thousand’. That is what it costs you for every

thousand people who might see the publication.

So, an ad that costs you £100, in a publication

which is read by 5,000 people, has a cost per

thousand of £20.

3Only run ads that are going to produce

a response. There is no point in running

an ad at a really low cost per thousand if the

readers of that publication are not in your

catchment area. The size of the catchment area

varies from business to business. Bluewater

draws customers from over hundred miles away,

whereas a local retailer may generate 90% of their

turnover within a 3 mile radius of their location.

4 Get your ad right. The most important

element is the headline. This needs to grab

people’s attention. Use powerful, emotive words

like FREE, Exclusive, terrific, exciting, staggering,

STOP WASTING YOUR MONEY ON INEFFECTIVE ADVERTISING – YOU KNOW WE ARE IN A RECESSION!

amazing. Then we come to what you’re selling.

You need to interest the reader, communicate

the benefits of your product, why it’s better than

your rivals’ product and, most importantly, give a

reason to act NOW!

5 You have to shout loudest. Unless you

have a vast marketing budget and can afford

to pay for the biggest, most striking ad, there is

little point in going into a publication with pages

and pages of other advertisers. They are all vying

for the readers’ attention. You can’t shout louder

than all the others put together!

6Don’t put all your eggs in the one basket.

Relying solely on advertising is not always

the best idea. Consider Direct Mail, Telephone

Marketing, Direct Sales, email, Internet, or

referrals.

7 Advertising works, if it’s done correctly.

If you do it well, and test and experiment,

then advertising can become a highly profitable

element of your marketing mix.

It’s easy to do well, if you know how.

Make your business more successful, NOW.

To get advice and guidance on any of the

topics covered here, or any other aspect of

sales or marketing please call Mel free on

0800 44 88 309 or email [email protected]

There are many ways to promote your business. BUT DON’T DO ANYTHING without measuring the results.

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MAY1 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm; G ‘N’ T EXPERIMENT - 9-11pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

1 - Whitstable Brewery Bar - HULLABALOO - doors open at 7pm, £7.50. 01227 280280

1 - Horsebridge Centre - KIT CURTIS AND THE SCENE - show starts 7.45pm, £5. 01227 281174

1 - The East Kent - BODEGAS - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

1 - The Old Neptune - TBC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

2 - The Old Neptune - JIM LEVERTON - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

2 - The East Kent - 70s DISCO - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

2 - Deco5 - FLC - call for details: 01227 770079

3 - The Old Neptune - TOBY BARRELLI - 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

4 - The Duke of Cumberland - BLUES BANDITS - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

6 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

7 - The Ship Centurion - BULLDOG DUO - starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740

7 - Whitstable Labour Club - FOLK MUSIC EVENING, MAGGIE BOYLE - 8-11pm, £7 (£5 club members), 01227 277670

8 - The Old Neptune - STEVE BOLTON - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

8 - Whitstable Brewery Bar - CHILLBILLIES - doors open at 7pm, £7.50. 01227 280280

8 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm; SMILER - 9-11pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

8 - The East Kent - BLACKSTAR - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

9- Horsebridge Centre - BOUGARABOU - THE RETURN! - show starts 8pm, £12, £10 conc. 01227 281174

9 - Deco5 - BRENDAN POWER TRIO - call for details: 01227 770079

9 - The Old Neptune - TBC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

9 - The Smack - TBC - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

10 - The Old Neptune - MATT BROOKS - 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

10 - Deco5 - JAZZ JAM - call for details: 01227 770079

13 - The Smack - ZINTA AND THE ZOOTS - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

14 - The Ship Centurion - LEIGH HIGHWOOD - starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740

15 - Whitstable Youth & Community Centre - FUZE - doors open 7pm, £3.50 on the door

15 - The Old Neptune - GREAT MATES - 8.30-11pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

15 - Whitstable Brewery Bar - ‘A Night of Live Psychedelia in Whitstable’ – Music from 8-11pm. Local band CROW, with performances from Kent Circus School including UV juggling, Live DJs and visuals by BlueTribe Sound System. Tickets £5, available in advance from www.myspace.com/crowwhitstable. 01227 264 916

15 - Whitstable Town Football Ground - BANDS AT THE BELMONT - RUBBER BISCUIT & HULLABALOO - Gates open at 6pm. Tickets £10 in advance or £15 on the gate. – 01227 266440

15 - Horsebridge Centre - BLUE RHYTHM KINGS - show starts 8pm, £8, £6 conc. 01227 281174

15 - The Duke of Cumberland - JAZZ BRUNCH WITH BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

15 The East Kent - LEFT OF THE DIAL - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

16 - Horsebridge Centre - SATURDAY OUTING - show starts 8pm, £6, £4 conc. LGBT social - all gay-friendly people welcome. 01227 281174

16 -The East Kent - GET CARTER - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

16 - Deco5 - AVA LA PUTIN - call for details: 01227 770079

the gig guideThis information is intended as guide only. Please check with the venues before you go as details or dates may change after printing - contact details are provided.

16 - The Old Neptune - LIVE MUSIC - 8.30-11pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

17 - The Old Neptune - GLENN BARNES TRIO - 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

20 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

21 - The Ship Centurion - MEL HARRIS - starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740

21 -Deco5 - STRODE PARK SUMMER SOIRE WITH HULLABALOO - call for details: 01227 770079


22 - The East Kent - SNEAKING SALLY - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

22 - Horsebridge Centre - The Legend that is... Wilko Johnson! - 01227 281174

22 - The Old Neptune - SLAKEY JAKE & JUSTIN FIRMIN - 8.30-11pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

23 - The East Kent - LOST WEEKEND - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

23 - Deco5 - THE JAZZ IN PARIS PROJECT - call for details: 01227 770079

23 - The Old Neptune - SHILLELAGH - 8.30-11pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

24 - The Old Neptune - GEZ GOLD - 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

25 - The Duke of Cumberland - JIM LEVERTON & GEOFFREY RICHARDSON 3-5.30pm, FREE entry, 01227 280617

27 - The Smack - CAMINE - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

28 - The Ship Centurion - THE FLING - starts 8.30-9pm, FREE entry. 01227 264 740


29 - The East Kent - THE HOOCHIES - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018


29 - Horsebridge Centre - HORSEBRIDGE COMEDY CLUB - 01227 281174


30 - Deco5 - CORINA BOSSA & JAZZ - call for details: 01227 770079

31 - The Old Neptune - OPEN HARP SURGERY - 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

JUNE3 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

5 - The Duke of Cumberland - SNEAKING SALLY - call for details: 01227 280617


5 - The East Kent - SLUG PIXIES - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

6 - Deco5 - FLETCH - call for details: 01227 770079

6 - The Old Neptune - FAT RIVER BAND - 8.30-11pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

6 - The East Kent - BLUES FUSION - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

7 - The Old Neptune - BRENDAN POWER - 5-8pm, FREE entry. 01227 272262

10 - The Smack - THE TIMPARETTES - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

12 - The East Kent - THE CRASH TONES - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

12 - Whitstable Brewery Bar - LOOSE CHANGE - –£5. Call for details 01227 280280

13 - Horsebridge Centre - JONI MITCHELL PROJECT - 01227 281174

13 - Deco5 - FLEUR DE PARIS - call for details: 01227 770079

13 - The East Kent - LEE FROM THE G’n’T EXPERIMENT - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

17 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

19 - Horsebridge Centre - BLUE RHYTHM KINGS - 01227 281174

19 - The East Kent - EQUILIBRIUM - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

20 - Deco5 - GROOVE CHASERS - call for details: 01227 770079

24 - The Smack - THE BOXING OCTOPUS - from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

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26 - Horsebridge Centre - HORSEBRIDGE COMEDY CLUB - 01227 281174

26 - The East Kent - HENRY’S ROCK BAND - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

CLASSICALMAY9 - RSCM COME AND SING ‘MESSIAH’ - St Mary’s, Canterbury Road, Wingham, Kent, 3-7.30pm. For more details: 01233 820298 or http://www.canterbury-rscm.org.uk

JUNE6 - Canterbury Singers - St Paul’s Church, Church Street, Canterbury. Music by Benjamin Britten and Lennox Berkeley. http://www.canterburysingers.com

13 - Rochester Choral Society - Rochester Cathedral, 7.30pm, Handel 250th anniversary celebration. Handel: Samson. Catherine Bott, Soprano David Allsopp, Counter-Tenor. Details at http://www.rochesterchoral.co.uk or 01634 401049

20 - Canterbury Choral Society - Canterbury Cathedral, 7:30 pm, Verdi’s requiem. Box office: 01227 378188

20 - Folkestone Choral Society - Holy Trinity Church, Folkestone: Bliss - Pastoral, Lie strewn the white flocks; Hurd - Music’s Praise; Poulenc - Concerto for organ. http://www.folkestonechoral.org.uk/ or call Denise on 01303 251 559

If you would like to publicise your gig here please email [email protected] or write to the usual address.

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15TH

MAY

TicketS ON SALE NOW - £ 10

@ WHITSTABLE TOWNFOOTBALL GROUND

TICKETS ON SALE NOW ONLY £10@ www.eventsatthebelmont.co.uk,

Kent Estate Agencies, 10/12 High Street, Whitstable

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

To be entered into a draw to win 2 free tickets,simply send an email to [email protected]

including your name and address.

www.the-imp.co.uk

what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on?

THE MONTH AHEAD...

Saturday May 2, Saturday June 6, Saturday July 18 (Oyster Festival) - 10am-5pm St Mary’s Hall, Oxford Street (The Umbrella Centre) - Seaside Brocante - Rustic Seaside Chic. Bigger stands in vintage garden. Furniture - Homeware - Vintage/Designer Clothes - Jewellery/Acessories & Haberdashery. Call Cindy Mainwaring: 01227 773037, 07778 318319. Space can be donated for fund-raising for any worthy cause in Whitstable - call Cindy to discuss.

Monday May 11- Transition Town Whitstable Book Exchange - 8pm at the Duke of Cumberland. Contact our general number 07960 492 307 or the website www.transitionwhitstable.org.uk

Tuesday May 12 - DIABETES UK CANTERBURY & COASTAL DISTRICT VOLUNTARY GROUP - The Marine Hotel, Marine Parade Whitstable.

Friday May 15 - Sing-along-a-Briary Night! - Sing-along version of Mama Mia being shown, lyrics on screen, dress up as the cast or Abba. Admission by ticket only, £5 adults, £2 children. Tickets available from Debbie at Briary Primary School, Greenhill Road West, on 01227 373095

Tuesday May 20, 7.30pm, Methodist Church Argyle Rd. Meeting of The Whitstable Society: Whitstable Building Best and Worst. Open to the public. An examination of what may be thought of as the best and worst in Whitstable with expert comments from architects.

Saturday May 23, 9am-12pm Whitstable & District Horticultural Society coffee morning with sales stalls at St Alphege Church, High Street, Whitstable, in aid of Society funds. 01227 265503 for further details

Saturday May 23 7.30pm, launch of ‘The Canterbury & Whitstable Railway’ DVD at the Horsebridge Centre, including an illustrated talk, a celebratory glass of sparkling wine and Master of Ceremonies Tony Blake, Whitstable’s own archive film expert. Tickets £4, call 01227 772552 for more details.

Whitstable Museum - Green Colour exhibition Continues to 30 May. An exploration of the colour green in art, nature and society - from green grass to the Green Belt, and from ‘eat your greens’ and the Green environmental movement, to serpents, superstition and poisoning. Call 01227 276 998 for further details.

Saturday 23 May - Be Nice to Nettles Day! at Whitstable Museum - Age 4 to adult: 10am to 1pm - Discover fun facts about nettles and take part in hands-on activities including nettle rope-making and weaving, a touch if you dare feely box and quiz. Adults and children age 8 plus: sessions start at 1.45pm, 2.30pm and 3.15pm. Meet the expert - Roy Vickery shares his knowledge of nettles in traditional medicine. Numbers limited. Advance booking 01227 276 998 to avoid disappointment.

Second and fourth Saturdays of each month - Whitstable Farmers’ Market - St Mary’s Hall, Oxford Street (The Umbrella Centre) 9.30am- 2pm, selling

meat, fruit, vegetables, drinks, cakes, crafts and with a Fair Trade cafe on site. Becky Richards 01227 770836

Last Wednesday of each month, 1.30-2.30pm - Little Oysters Pre-school storytelling and craft activity - Whitstable Museum. A fun storytime and art/craft activity for the under 5s and their carers. Admission £2 per child, adults free. Materials and refreshments provided. Advance booking 01227 276 998.

Don’t forget to check out the gig guide on page 39 for local gigs this month!

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Samba Pelo Mar - Whitstable’s own community samba band rehearses Tuesdays 7-9pm at Whitstable Junior School. Call 01227 281838. www.sambapelomar.com

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Many of these activities may be term-time only, and some have waiting lists or need to be booked. Contact details are included for each listing, so please check before you arrive!

BabiesEnjoy Your Baby – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Tuesdays – New mums should receive an invite through their Health Visitor. Call Carol Fellowes on 01227 594417 for more info

Baby bounce and rhyme – Whitstable Library, Oxford Street, first Tuesday of each month, 11-11.20am. Call 01227 273309

Breastfeeding Clinic – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Tuesdays, monthly, by appointment only, through midwife Ursula. Call 01227 263998

Drop-in baby clinic – Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Thursday mornings, 9.30-11, no appointment necessary, just call in to see the health visitor for a chat and have your child weighed. Call 01227 263998

Baby Massage – Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Thursdays: 12-1pm appointments only; 1.30-2.30pm drop in. Call Jo on 01227 594419

Baby Massage – Whitstable Health Centre – 5-week courses, Friday mornings. 50p per session, bring your own massage oil. Call Carol Fellowes on 01227 594417 for more info

Locomotion – Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Friday mornings 10-10.45, ages 2-5 years; 11-11.30 ages 6 months - 2 years. For more information call 01227 263998

PIPS - Joy Lane Children’s Centre - for families with children 0-5 with additional needs - Friday mornings 10:00 - 12:00. For more information call 01227 263998

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Parent and ToddlerBaby Ballet - Fridays 9.30am at Tankerton Dancing Academy. Activities, dance, and nursery rhymes. Contact Helena Griffiths for more details or to book your place, on 01227 275375

Twinkle Twinkle music group, fun action songs and instruments for children up to 3 years. Fridays 9.30 and 10.30am, the parish social centre, 15A Castle Road, Whitstable. Call Ava for more info on 01227 772893

Button Tots – Lucerne Neighbourhood Centre, Faversham Road, Seasalter. Monday mornings 10-12, call Jane 01227 282732 3 Years Plus Family Group – Westmeads Infant School, Cromwell Road, Monday afternoons 1.45-2.45. Children can play while parents chat and the sessions provide a gentle link to school. Call 01227 272995

Little Alfies – Seasalter Christian Centre, Faversham Road, fortnightly on Monday afternoons at 1.45, call 01227 276795

Story Time – Swalecliffe Library, Herne Bay Road, Swalecliffe, Monday afternoon 2-2.30, just come along or call 01227 792645

Messy Play Sessions – Monday afternoon 12.45- 2.45. Old clothes a requirement! Term time only. Free of charge. Joy Lane Children’s Centre – 01227 263998

Playmates – Christian Fellowship Hall, Harbour St – Tuesday mornings 9.15-10.30 or 10.30-11.45. 50p per family. Currently full but spaces expected in New Year – call Diane Wilkin 01227 263393

Tots @ TEC – Tankerton Evangelical Church Hall, Northwood Road, Tankerton, Tuesday mornings 10-11.30, £1 per family, open to children from 0-5, call 01227 794328

Seasalter Christian Centre parent and toddler group – Faversham Road, Seasalter, Tuesday afternoons, 1.30-3, £1 per family, call Jane Myhill 01227 770257

Little Lights – St Alphege Church, High Street, every Tuesday afternoon 2-2.30pm, call 01227 770221

All Saints Parent and Toddler Group – Shirley Hall, Church Street – Wednesday afternoons, 1.15-2.45. 50p per family. Term-time only – Call Sue Smith 01227 471325 Little Oysters Pre-school storytelling and craft activity, Last Wednesday of each month, 1.30pm to 2.30pm. A fun storytime and art/craft activity for the under 5s and their carers. Admission £2 per child, adults free. Materials and refreshments provided. Advance booking 01227 276 998. Whitstable Museum and Gallery, Oxford Street, CT5 1DB. Telephone: 01227 276 998. www.whitstable-museum.co.uk

Parent and Toddler Group – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Thursday mornings, 9-11.30 in the large crèche room. All welcome. Free of charge – 01227 263998

Chatterbox Baby and Toddler Group – St John’s Church Centre, St John’s Road, Swalecliffe. Friday mornings, 9.30-11.30, 50p per person including drink and biscuits, open to all with babies or pre-schoolers, call 01227 792835

Story time – Whitstable Library, Oxford Street. Friday afternoon, 2-2.30, call 01227 273309

Friday Fun Group – Middle Wall United Reformed Church – 9.30-11.30am. £1 per family. Waiting list, spaces from Spring/Summer ’09 – Contact Pat 01227 771766 or Rita 01227 263959

After-School ClubsWhitstable Majorettes and Pom Teams - 5 years and above at St Peters Church Hall, Cromwell Street, Whitstable, Monday 4-6pm, £2 per session. 07900 478863

FITNESS

Badminton courts at the Community College, Whitstable, are now available to hire at weekends. The courts are open to the public between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays and 10am to 1pm on Sundays. For more information or to book call Kelly Litchfield on 07880 902367

Yoga/Pilates Fitness - Mornings: Monday 10.30am, Wednesday 9.15am; Evenings: Wednesday 8pm, Thursday 8.15pm. Contact Helena Griffiths at Tankerton Dancing Academy for more details or to book your place, on 01227 275375

Salsa-Fit - Fridays 10.20am and 8pm. Contact Helena Griffiths at Tankerton Dancing Academy for more details or to book your place, on 01227 275375

Adult Ballet - Tuesdays 8pm. Contact Helena Griffiths at Tankerton Dancing Academy for more details or to book your place, on 01227 275375

Low impact keep fit - Mondays 12.15-1.15pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Suzi 07702 386176

Yoga and Relaxation with Chrissie - Monday and Tuesday evenings 7-8pm and 8.15-9.15pm, Longfield Court Garden Room, Swalecliffe. Thursday mornings 9.25am. Whitstable Youth and Community Centre, Tower Parade. Friendly drop-in classes £6. Please ring Chrissie on 01227 275000

Yoga - Mondays 1.20-2.20pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Suzi 07702 386176 Walk and talk - Wednesdays 10.30am from Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre – enjoy a walk, some fresh air and lively conversation!Contact centre 01227 274880 Keep Fit for over 50s and less active - Wednesdays 12.30–1.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre 01227 274880

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COMMUNITY GUIDE

Clubs/SocietiesArts and crafts for adults - Thursdays 10am-12, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre 01227 274880

Book club - informal, fun reading group. First Thursday of each month, 6.30-9pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre. The group watch a Movie every other month. Contact centre 01227 274880 East Kent Model Railway Society - Wednesdays 7.30pm, at Club house in the Old Dairy (by Castle Stores), Castle Road, Whitstable. Large OO scale layout for members’ use. New members welcome, children (from 11+) should be accompanied by responsible adult. Open Day Saturday 18 April. Info: 01227 275157, [email protected]

Flowers and Crafts Club - Tuesdays 7-9.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact 01227 281138 Needles and natter - Thursdays 2.30-4.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre on 01227 274880

Oyster Lacemakers - Mondays, 4–7pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Kay 01227 276921

Reading Group - at Swalecliffe Library - are you interested in joining? We need a minimum of 6 people. If you’d like to take part please call the library on 01227 792645

Samba Pelo Mar Whitstable’s own community samba band rehearses Tuesdays 7-9pm at Whitstable Junior School. Call 01227 281838. www.sambapelomar.com

Scrabble Club - Mondays 10.30-12.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre 01227 274880

Short Mat Bowls - Friday and Sunday evenings, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Eddie 01227 794600

‘Stitch and Bitch’ Knit Club - Wednesdays 6.30-8.30pm at The Archive Film Cafe, 39 Oxford Street. Call Sue Allen on 07592 020120

Walk and Talk - Wednesdays 10.30am from Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre – enjoy a walk, some fresh air and lively conversation!Contact centre 01227 274880

Whitstable and District Horticultural Society. Meetings at United Reformed Church, Middle Wall, at 7.30pm: May 8th, Mr L. Manser will speak on Herbaceous Perennials; June 12th, Julie Coleman will speak on Bees. May 23rd 9-12 Coffee morning with sales stalls at St Alphege Church, High Street, Whitstable, in aid of Society funds. 01227 265503 for further details.

The Whitstable Short Mat Bowls Club is currently looking for new members. Friday evenings 7.30pm throughout the year and also Sunday evenings September to April at the Umbrella Centre. They run two ‘competitive’ teams and one ‘friendly’ team. Call Eddie on 01227 794600

Whitstable Stroke Club - Fridays 3.30-5.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Avril 01227 266827

Whitstable Twinning Association - contact Gillian Godley, Secretary, on 01227 793212 or [email protected]

HealthChestfield Medical Centre – 0844 477 3073

Saddleton Road Surgery - 01227 272809

Seasalter Surgery - 01227 772327

Whitstable Health Centre – 0844 477 2566

Seasalter Community Pharmacy - 01227 277744

Out of Hours service – 0844 800 1234

NHS Direct - including Out of Hours Dispensing Pharmacies - 0845 46 47

Blood Donation – 08457 711 711

Stop Smoking Service - NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent - 0800 849 4444

NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service - do you have a health-related problem and don’t know where to turn? For help finding your way through the local NHS - 0800 085 6606

Information and AdviceDial Kent - information and advice for the disabled people of Kent - Disability Information and Advice Line - Tel: 01227 771155, Minicom: 01227 771645, Fax: 01227 772631, email: [email protected], website: www.dialkent.co.uk

NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service - do you have a health-related problem and don’t know where to turn? For help finding your way through the local NHS - 0800 085 6606

Local PolicingPolice surgeries and meetings: www.kent.police.uk

Inspector for Whitstable: Gordon Etheridge, with Sergeant Dave Brenchley on 01227 868028

Chestfield - PC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Mark Harriott 07772 226106

Gorrell - PCSO: Abi Symons 01227 868028

Harbour - PC: Andy Camp 07980 683530; PCSO: Aaron Pedwell 07772 226035

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Seasalter & Yorkletts - CSO: Aarron Newell 01227 868028

Swalecliffe & Tankerton - PC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Graeme Downes 01227 868028

Volunteer ServicesAre you elderly or disabled and can’t access public transport? Call the Whitstable Volunteer Car Scheme on 01227 264743

Volunteers Needed Whitstable Volunteer Car Scheme - Volunteer drivers needed to take elderly or disabled to appointments they can’t miss. If you have time to volunteer please call 01227 264743

Whitstable Volunteer Centre - Volunteers recruited to work in many different charities. Contact [email protected] or call 01227 772248

Do you have a little time to spare? Age Concern Whitstable are looking for volunteers who could help with any of the following: befriending, escorting on their mini bus, day centre helper or lead a health walk. Call Gill Ball on 01227 787313 or 07735556811, or email [email protected]

LOCAL SERVICES

Alternative TherapiesAcupuncture - Nathalie Bachet - Member of the British Acupuncture Council - Gift vouchers available for acupuncture and facial revitalisation acupuncture. Please call Nathalie on 01227 265 708

Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Swedish Massage, Ear Candles, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage. In the comfort of your own home or in Debra’s therapy room. Call Debra Maybourne, Holistic Therapist, 01227 276 881 or 07872 622 023

Holistic Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage.Treatment room in Whitstable; home visits within 3 mile radius. Gift vouchers, taster sessions and pamper events. Contact Liz Compton on 07931201148 or email [email protected]

Hypnotherapy at Q Hypnotherapy, based in Whitstable. Details at www.Qhypnotherapy.co.uk. Call Lisa Barnett on 0800 612 8153

Hypnotherapy for Smoking is the least expensive within a 20 mile radius. Based in Chestfield. Call Peter Corrigan on 01227 792359 or email: [email protected]

Reflexology at Body Mind and SOLE - Denise Fasulo, MAR (Member of the Association of Reflexologists). Professional treatment in pleasant surroundings. Call Whitstable 01227 275855

THE ACUPUNCTURE PLACE, WHITSTABLE - Acupuncture for pain relief, migraines, sciatica, back pain. Specialising in gynaecogical, fertility and IVF support. Member of BAcC. Contact: Amanda Thomas Tel:01227 265082 Mob:07763 566710 www.acupunctureplace.co.uk

THE HOLISTIC HEALTH PLACE, WHITSTABLE - Treatments available for adults & children. Homeopathy, Craniosacral Therapy, QX Allergy & Health Testing. Contact: Annette Stein - Tel:01227 265082 Mob:07813778027

BeauticiansBbeautiful - your local mobile beauty therapist. Facials, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures and Lash/Brow Tints in the comfort of your own home. Bridal make-up and occassional make-up packages, Pamper parties and gift vouchers are available. Contact Rachel on Tel: 01227 272 579 Mob: 07784 223287

CarersTender Loving Carers Domiciliary Ltd – Providers of Personal and Domestic Care to the elderly and younger less able within the community. For a FREE, no obligation assessment and enquiry, please call on 01227 772515. For employment opportunities please also call the number above. www.tenderlovingcarers.com

CateringChrissie’s Kitchen - cakes, cookies, cupcakes and more. Beautiful, delicious cakes for birthdays, weddings, christenings - any special occasion, or just because you fancy a treat! Call Chrissie on 07511 009 757

ChildcareJo Jo’s Day Care Nursery – Full Day care for 2–4 year olds. Open Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:00 for 47 weeks of the year. Sessions and Full day care available. For a no obligation visit, please feel free to come to a ‘Play and Stay’ session. Call: 01227 264213 or 07834421171. www.jojosdaynursery.co.uk

Computer Repair Whitstable Computer Repair - All types of help with your PC, no call-out fee within 10 mile radius of Whitstable. Very competitive rates. www.WhitstableComputerRepair.co.uk or call 0800 224 8824

CounsellingWhitstable Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre. Feeling unable to cope and need somebody to talk to and think things through? Contact Deborah Gibbons on 01227 261159. Reduced rates for unemployed or those on low incomes

Curtain MakingAffordable bespoke curtain and blind making service. Free estimates and measuring service. Co-ordinated soft furnishings, kitchenware and fabric gifts. Fabric also available to buy. Call Karen Mansfield Originals 01795 535348 or 07903 193390

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what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on?

Dress MakingSilver Belles and Cockle Shells - Bespoke couture, beautiful and elegant gowns for every occassion; for all ages, shapes and sizes. Fancy dress (eg Abba costumes) also available. All hand-made to order. Contact [email protected] or call 07864 112294

Garden DesignTranquil Earth Natural Garden Design Specializing in creating traditional and contemporary gardens, built with respect for the environment and to encourage wildlife. Visit www.kentgardendesigner.co.uk for garden ideas

PartiesCandles and Home Accessories? Quality fragrant candles in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Tri-Glow Reed Diffusers. Have an evening/coffee morning with friends and host a candle party. Monthly Hostess/Guest specials. Call: Karen 07956 575980 www.candlesulite.com

Bbeautiful - your local mobile beauty therapist. Facials, Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures and Lash/Brow Tints in the comfort of your own home. Bridal make-up and occassional make-up packages, Pamper parties and gift vouchers are available. Contact Rachel on Tel: 01227 272 579 Mob: 07784 223287

Recycling/Waste ReductionHelp with all aspects of recycling at home, school and in the workplace, including electrical items, go to www.recycle-more.co.uk

The Freecycle Network - an entirely non-profit movement of people who are giving (& getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It’s all about re-use and keeping good stuff out of landfills. See more details at www.freecycle.org

Real Nappy Helpline 0845 850 0606; Nappy Finder: www.realnappycampaign.com/nappyfinder

Council Services - Recycling Information: 01227 862 247; Recycling Collections, Banks, Sacks; Domestic Refuse Collection; Dog Fouling: 0800 031 9091; or email [email protected]

RetailersSunlock Blinds - Blinds for home conservatory or office. Made to measure, vertical, venetians, wooden, rollers, fly-screens, outside canopies. Home visits arranged, free no obligation quotes. Free fitting service. Family-run business 32 years, 01227 281191; 07828 564082

WeddingsClassical Wedding Singer - Make your day really special with beautiful classical music - available for weddings, christenings and any special occasion. Call Christina on 07511 009 757 or listen at www.myspace.com/christinabosanko

Club Class Carriages - Bentleys and Jaguars or the vehicle of your choice, for weddings and special occasions, with a Prestige service all year round. Call 0800 6118 528 or go to www.clubclasscarriages.co.uk for more details

Silver Belles and Cockle Shells - Bespoke couture, beautiful and elegant gowns for every occassion, for all ages, shapes and sizes. Hand made to order. Contact [email protected] or call 07864 112294

StuArt Photography - Available for weddings & special occasions; studio bookings or in the comfort of your own home. Call for pricing or booking on 07922 535 438

FURTHER AFIELD

Holiday LetsSpain - spacious holiday bungalow to rent in Torrevieja Costa Blanca. Sleeps 6 (3 bedrooms). Fully-equipped, close to town and beaches, 50 yds from communal swimming pools and bar serving hot food till 2am. For more details ring Carol, 01227 770581

Italy - B&B and Self Catering accommodation, near to the beaches, mountains and hilltop towns of Abruzzo. Go to www.shanticentre.com or call 003 908 587 08 273 for further information

Relaxing breaksONE space remaining on the special HALF PRICE yoga holiday at Shanticentre, Italy in September. £225 for a week of yoga, sunshine, delicious home grown food and tranquillity. To book, go to www.shanticentre.com or call 003 9 08 587 08 273

Art of Living Foundation (Sri Sri Ravi shankar) Part One Course at Shanticentre, Italy led by Craig Pruess, world-renowned musician and composer (who wrote ‘Sacred Chants of Siva’, ‘Mother Divine’, the score to ‘Bend it Like Beckham’, ‘Bhaji on the Beach’ and has arranged music for Madonna, Massive Attack, Sir Cliff Richard and many more) September 6-9. For all info please go to www.shanticentre.com and click on ‘contact us’, or call 003 9 08 587 08 273

Luxury yoga holiday at Casa Mimosa with Stephanie Shanti. A week of yoga and relaxation in a beautifully restored farmhouse in Abruzzo, the unspoilt region of Italy, with stunning views of the mountains and luxury swimming pool. To book, go to www.houses-in-italy and click on Activity Holidays.

Listings of 40 words cost £15 for one month, £30 for 3 months or £50 for 6 months. Non-profit organisations are listed free of charge. To be included please email [email protected] or write to the usual address.

Please do let us know if any details change so we are not publishing out-dated information

For display advertising please contact [email protected] or call freephone 0800 44 88 309. In all cases, if you would rather write, our address is: The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH.

Deadline for listings in the June issue will be Wednesday May 20

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