Paper Template issue 3_Layout 1 01/10/2010 08:59 Page 1 The Looker The Community Newspaper for the Edition 3 Fears over Fire Cover for the Romney Marsh The people of Romney Marsh have shown concerns over the possibility of losing their retained fire stations. This has been fuelled by plans to re-structure the brigade to bring it in line with EEC working time directives. The Looker has received a copy of a letter from the Chief Executive & Chief Fire Officer which states that “The county has changed beyond recognition in the last 50 years when the retained system was set up and a number of issues have now come together that means Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) now has to look again at how the system works”. When we have spoken to retained fire fighters from the three stations on the Marsh (, and Dymchurch) we have been retained firefighters were engaged in broadly told that retained fire fighters had been warned not similar work to full-time firefighters and they had to speak out publicly. However, several ‘off the been treated less favourably in terms of pension record’ comments have voiced concerns over the rights and sick pay.” He said, “Other concerns were potential shutting of all three retained stations, with that the economic downturn also means some the possibility of New Romney being kept open as a retained workers now travel further afield for their full time station. As a result, some fire fighters are full time jobs, so do not work near their local station concerned that not only will the Marsh lose its and have less time to work the hours the brigade retained service, it will be covered by stations in needs.” He went on, “Therefore we are losing some Ashford or . of our most experienced staff and in turn this was Mr Hendry (Chief Fire Officer) pointed out that the impacting on the ability to maintain day-time cover safety of the fire crews was the main concern and in rural areas.” as firefighting became increasingly complex and The Looker was told that, “There are no immediate dangerous, the brigade were concerned that current plans to close retained stations, but KFRS is drill-night hours ‘just weren’t enough to learn and looking at fire cover right across the county over the maintain risk - critical skills and knowledge’. He next few years and it is clear that changes of ways said that after the Warwickshire tragedy where four of working could improve the service that KFRS retained fire fighters lost their lives, along with some delivers.” other services in the south-east region, the brigade Mr Hendry said, “The service is not taking a ‘one carried out an assessment, which looked at how size fits all’ approach and is working with local staff long it takes to maintain skills against risk - critical to analyse what the risks are and how they differ skill areas. He said, “We are now clear that we across the county. This means we can continue to need to enhance the minimum number of hours provide the best possible fire and rescue cover for needed to learn and maintain competence” and local people wherever they live in Kent and he went on to say, “In 2007, a tribunal found that Medway.” What You Think About Fire Fighters. on the Romney Marsh on Page 5 Paper Template issue 3_Layout 1 01/10/2010 08:59 Page 2

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the distribution and also Craig EDITOR’S Avery who helps put the sports pages together.

WORD Every effort is made by The LOOKER Well it is already newspaper to ensure that the information is issue 3 and I correct. The LOOKER newspaper reserves the right not to publish unsolicited can’t believe material being sent through to the how quick our publication. Personal views expressed in deadlines come this publication are solely those of the around for respective contributors and do not reflect those of the publishers or its agents. All getting The material supplied to this publication is at Mandy Heath Looker off to the printers. As you the owner’s risk. can see in this edition, we have holds down a full time job running Reproduction in whole or in part of this published some more of your Heath Artcrafts in New Romney publication is strictly prohibited without prior comments. consent. Photographic rights remain the High Street, but gives up her lunch property of The LOOKER Newspaper. It is great to see that we seem to break every day to either phone or have got the balance right between call round businesses to sell Contact The Looker local interests and local issues. advertising. Tel:01797 366450 It is also nice to have such a busy Like anything that is new, it is Editorial Tel: 0790 0080 656 forum room. as with anything it always hard trying to convince takes a few weeks for people to get Distribution someone that we have a great Tel:07866 502 578 used to things and it looks as if we newspaper and that they really E-mail: [email protected] are being taken seriously across should advertise in it! However, in Web:www.thelooker.co.uk the Marsh. our first edition we had over 45 We are very keen to make sure advertisers and we now have over The Looker is available from that we have something for 60 in this edition! Best Kebabs Lydd, Lydd Airport, Botolphs Bridge everyone in each edition. Our PH , Garage, City Of We were also quite shocked that so London PH Dymchurch, Coach House Coffee biggest problem is that we are many copies were taken so soon! Shop New Romney, Coastal Kebabs, Colorcraft based in New Romney and it really So for future reference you can New Romney, Lifeboat Station, Dymchurch Garage, Elsie’s New Romney, is down to you, the reader, to be read the latest edition of The Greatstone Fish Bar, Haugelands Farm Shops, our eyes and ears. As you can Looker online from the Wednesday Heath Artcrafts New Romney, Romney Kebab imagine we have lots of information Shop Littlestone Rd New Romney, Kebab Shop before the paper comes out (you Station Road New Romney, Lathe Barn Bur- about New Romney and Lydd, but can also read back issues. marsh, Littlestone Lifeboat Station, Lydd we would like to know what is going Because we send the newspaper Butchers, Lydd Fish Shop, Lydd Golf Club, M & on across the rest of the Marsh, M Richardson Fish Shop Dungeness, Mittells to the printers early on Monday Newsagents Lydd, Park St Stores Lydd, Prince especially in Dymchurch, West morning, we try and put most of the Of Wales PH New Romney, Red Lion , Hythe and the smaller villages paper ‘to bed’ by Friday evening, Rod & Line New Romney, Romney Cycles, Romney Spice, Royal British Legion Dymchurch, across our area. just leaving the sports pages to fill Royal Oak PH Brookland, Sainsburys New With this in mind we would like to Sunday afternoon before going to Romney, Spar Greatstone,Lydd on Sea, Lydd & offer the chance for our readers to New Romney, Tandori Cottage Lydd, Tesco's be proof-read by another ‘unsung Dymchurch, The Britania PH Dungeness, Broad- help put this newspaper together hero’ (my Dad) who does a pretty acre Hotel New Romney, Captain Howey PH by assigning people as local good job of going through the New Romney, Cinque Ports PH New Romney, reporters. If you are interested in Dolphin PH Lydd, The Gallery Dungeness, The paper in just a couple of hours. George PH Lydd, The Library New Romney, doing this then please contact us The other member of the team who Neptune PH Dymchurch, New Inn PH New Rom- and we will give you all the help we deserves a mention is Terry, ney,The Ocean PH Dymchurch, Paper Shop Littlestone, The Pilot PH Dungeness,The Plough can. Mandy’s other half, who actually PH New Romney, The Railway Appledore, Royal I would also like to thank the other came up with the idea of The Oak PH Lydd, Rose & Crown PH , people responsible for getting Royal Mail PH Lydd, The Seahorse PH Looker (although he blames me). Greatstone, Ship Hotel New Romney, The Ship these newspapers out. He helps to make sure that all the PH Dymchurch, The Star PH Lydd, The Star PH Firstly Mandy Heath. printing is in on time and is in St. Mary's-in-the Marsh, Varne Boat Club,Varne Mandy is responsible for selling all Littlestone, Fish Bar Lydd on Sea, Warren Golf charge of the distribution. Club Littlestone, West Hythe Garage, Ward & the advertising that enables The We would also like to thank the Partners New Romney, Marsh Insurance Looker to go to print. Without her other people who have given up Services, Shaw Rabson New Romney, James Hawkins & Co New Romney,The Warren PH hard work we couldn’t get this time to make this happen every two New Romney, The Woolpack PH Brookland, newspaper out! weeks, including my long suffering The Bailiff’s Sergeant SMB, Newsagents SMB Mandy, like the rest of the team, wife Vicki who also helps Terry with and Foords SMB.

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Dymchurch Yobs on Vandalism Spree

Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused by vandals in Dymchurch over the past few months, with the most recent attacks being caused to the childrens play area at the St. Mary’s Road recreation park. Vandals have repeatedly broken swings and roundabouts over the Holly Wimble disgusted at the vandals actions summer months. This is just the includes the needless vandalism to will get hurt one day.” latest in a long line of incidents props used for the Day-of-Syn Locals are believed to have asked recently with thefts from re-enactments. the police about the possibility of a contractor’s huts and damage to Steven Goss said, “It is such a local dispersal order to enable the local high street properties. shame. A lot of people put a lot of police to stop large gatherings of A local landlord told The Looker that time and energy to put the weekend youths on the street after dark and in the evening, Dymchurch was of the Day-of-Syn on, only for a few to also have a zero tolerance to becoming a ‘no go’ area for many mindless thugs to ruin it for underage drinking on the streets. residents. He went on to say, “On everyone. It really makes you think any evening of the week you only why do they bother. All kids get up have to drive through the town to Have your say on this topic. to mischief but we are not talking see youths congregating at both Just go to the website about petty crimes. These people ends of the high street crowding the www.thelooker.co.uk have no consideration for others. pavements. Local residents feel and go to the forum page. You only have to drive down the intimidated by the youths, who We will publish your High Street and they just swagger shout out and deliberately bump across the road without any responses. into anyone trying to pass on the consideration for drivers. Someone pavement.” The Play area has since been closed until workmen can remove the broken equipment. This is the latest blow to the residents of Dymchurch with a £50,000 funding grant which was earmarked for the recreation area being withdrawn in recent Government cuts. Other vandalism in the village

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swam the channel in a record time Newchurch of 13 1/2 hrs, using prosphetic Wartime Airfield News in limbs and flipper attachments and a snorkel. Philippe had a terrible Brief accident whilst working as an by Amanda Heath Marsh Academy Pupils Rewarded Some Marsh Academy pupils were rewarded for their dedication and Over 100 people turned up to the hard work by a visit to Disneyland recent ceremony commemorating Paris, after a stay at Azincourt, the airfield. France where they had a chance to electrician when he was hit by The R A F base on the Spinney try out archery and circus skills. 20,000 volts from a power line was one of 26 advancing landing Marsh Academy Principal, Tracy which caused him to have his limbs grounds which were built during Luke said, “We are absolutely amputated. Well done Philippe. World War Two. In 1943 and 1944, delighted with our GCSE results the base saw a lot of activity with this year – not only are they the Fishermans Fate, Hythe 3, 19, 56, 132, 184 and 602 Academy’s best ever results, but squadrons flying out from the they represent significant year-on- village of Newchurch year progress since we opened.” A plaque was unveiled by Andy Congratulations to all of the Benison and John Kendall and lo- students on this fantastic calas villagers dressed up in 1940s achievement, and to the staff who costume. have worked so hard to help them to reach their potential. McMillan Nurses

Hythe’s ‘Fishermans Beach’ has an application for 62 houses including a fishmongers and a restaurant. It A coffee morning was held at the is expected to be considered by the All Saints Church Hall in St Mary’s Shepway Development Control Bay on Friday, 24th September. Committee on Tuesday 5th Altogether £450 was raised with a Limbless swimmer October. It is being opposed by cake stall, games and photography. Great fun was had by all. swims Channel Hythe Town Council . A petition opposing this development will be Thank-you all for your support for Limbless swimmer, Philippe handed in at the meeting with over such a worthy cause. Croizon aged 42 from France, 1000 signatures on it.

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and ‘damping down’. What will Your comments happen if the fire fighters are busy with a serious traffic accident on over the the M20. How do they prioritise what is more important? Or when Retained we have a fire at the power station, will the brigade be able to offer the same standard of cover that it can Firefighters presently provide? How can the fire brigade play a I cannot see how they can do this. game of chance with the lives of Our retained fire fighters do a the people of the Marsh? fantastic job and the community If the rumours are right that the should get behind them. Write to three retained stations are to be Kent Fire & Rescue Headquarters, minutes response time if you take The Godlands, closed, are we really expected to away the retained stations. I hope wait for a fire appliance to arrive to Tovil, they think again! Maidstone ME15 6XB a rural location on the Marsh? The Colin Webb (via e-mail) firemen will not have local and let them know what the people knowledge and lives will be put at So what happens when there are of the Marsh think! risk. Where will it stop next with multiple accidents or fires on the Marsh Man (forum Post) the other emergency services? Marsh? Back in the summer, fire First the fire stations, next the appliances were busy fighting fires police and then it will be the at Lydd Ranges when tracer bullets Let us know what you think ambulances. We all know what it set fire to scrubland. Due to the on our forum at risk of fire spreading across the is like with traffic coming in and out www.thelooker.co.uk of Folkestone and Ashford. You ranges, the appliances spent would have to add at least 15 several days containing the fires

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a competition between two dogs at to make illegal the hunting of any Hare Coursing a time. Hare Coursing has been wild mammal with a dog with Fox happening in this country for Hunting being the main focus. The by centuries with the south-east of introduction of the Act was the PCSO Denis Connolly. offering prime Hare subject of many articles in the Coursing land due to it’s flat nature. press and much discussion in It is now the time of year when The Romney Marsh offers probably Parliament. The Hunting Act (2004) harvesting has ceased and new the best environment for breeding includes Hare Coursing, which is crops have been sown in readiness hares in the country. Until The now an illegal activity. Any for harvesting in the Spring of 2011. Hunting Act (2004) was introduced participants caught Hare Coursing Apart for some late harvesting of Hare Coursing was not illegal, in can now be arrested and convicted potatoes you would reason that the fact there was an organised Hare in Court. The maximum fine on farmers can sit back, relax and put Coursing Club on the Romney conviction is £5,000. The John their feet up after a very tiring and Marsh called “The John Jones Jones Club has now ceased but testing growing season. They have Club” whose members took part in Hare Coursing is still carried on in speculated what crops would this pursuit responsibly and with an unregulated form by others. provide the best yield economically. strict observance of the rules. The activity brings with it other One farmer in particular has gone Great care was also taken to offences such as illegal betting, against the traditional farming protect the hares from injury. Their vehicle offences, intimidation of methods and invested in events were organised with the farmers, dog welfare issues, indigenous breeds of sheep and permission of farmers and trespassing, destruction of crops high quality beef herds. I have landowners and they would visit and damage to land. Hares are been watching this with my heart in other areas such as Suffolk, Essex usually killed by the dogs in the my mouth and everything crossed and Lincolnshire to take part in pursuit of this activity and the for them. Luckily, the risk has been competitions. The Blue Ribbon carcass is thrown into a ditch. worth it and the farmer is very event was called the “Waterloo Hares are a protected species and happy with the results so far. As I Cup” which is comparative to not considered a pest by farmers. have said, you would reason that winning The Grand National in In fact farmers that I have spoken the farmers sit back and lovingly Horse Racing. To win the Waterloo to are delighted to have them on watch the next crop grow, The Cup increased the value of your their land. They take great delight trouble is that this is the time of dog enormously with the obvious in watching their antics during the year when the field conditions are effect that the winning dog was in breeding season when the hares right for Hare Coursing. For the much demand for breeding stand up on their hind legs and uninitiated this is a country pursuit future “winners.” “box” each other as part of the that involves groups of people mating ritual. To support the gathering to bet on the outcome of farmers, introduced their specially trained dogs, ‘Operation Orchard’ to combat this usually lurcher or saluki/lurcher illegal activity. ‘Operation Orchard’ cross breeds, chasing a hare that is a joint initiative between Lydd has been flushed out. Betting is and Tenterden Police Stations. based on the dogs performance Police Officers are deployed at during the chase, i.e. points are optimum times to patrol the awarded for turning the hare in a Romney Marsh, Walland Marsh certain direction, how the dog is Why is Hare Coursing a and Rural Tenterden locations to able to keep in contact with the problem? When The Hunting Act engage with any offenders and to hare and so forth. It is traditionally (2004) was introduced the aim was stop check any suspicious vehicles.

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Since it’s introduction in 2005, the For instance ‘be’ becomes b, ‘see’ operation has gained huge ground A beginner's becomes c, ‘are’ becomes r, ‘you’ in tackling Hare Coursing and becomes u, ‘why’ becomes y and acting as a deterrent to anyone guide to ‘and’ becomes n. with other “illegal interests” in the Single digits can replace words. area. 'text-speak' Such as ‘ate’ becomes 8, ‘for’ ‘Operation Orchard’ is now up and becomes 4, ‘to’ or ‘too’ becomes 2, running and I would urge the public I started looking into text speak ‘for’ or ‘fore’ becomes 4, so ‘before’ to call us if they see anything when my daughter sent a text becomes b4 and ‘therefore’ suspicious. To this end, Kent message to me and I had no idea becomes der4. Police have two designated phone what it said, so I decided to do a In Britain, we send more than 100 lines available 24 hrs a day, seven little research.... million text messages a day. days a week. They are: Txt spk (text speak) evolved from Around 99 million probably say the shorthand used in internet something like "C U @ pub l8r Lydd: 07870 252416 chat rooms and was designed to 2nite?" (See you at pub later Tenterden: 07989 992341 accommodate the small number of tonight?). But it is not all fun and characters allowed for mobile text games: In New Zealand, messages (early text messages schoolchildren are allowed to use permitted only 160 characters), and text speak in exams and in as a convenient language for the Malaysia it has been possible small keypads on mobile phones. under sharia law for a man to It's also quick to do if you know divorce his wife by texting her, so how. The objective is to use as few long as his meaning is clear. characters as possible to create a Far from being an exact science, sentence and so punctuation, text speak style can also be very capitals and grammar are out. individual. Psychologists are Phonetics and emotions (images examining text messages sent by view sideways such as ;o) created PCSO Denis Connolly more than 160 members of the public to see if one person's text I would like to take this opportunity speak style can be identified in a to thank my police colleagues for similar way to their handwriting. their dedication and support for this Experts at the University of operation and to thank the farmers Leicester hope the project will help and members of the public for their police conclude whether or not a calls. person sent a text message, which The message is simple…”Hare could be crucial when trying to Coursing will not be tolerated and stand up an alibi. offenders will be prosecuted.” One internationally-read book has out of punctuation marks) are in. even been completely translated If you see any crime being Most of the time text speak into text speak. The Bible may be committed either call involves not using the five vowels, available in many languages but in Maidstone 01622-690690 A, E, I, O and U. For example YR Australia the entire 31,173 verses or for serious crime or life = YouR...but it can also include can be downloaded for free and threatening incidents call acronyms where the first letter of a sent by mobile phone. It begins: word is used, like BFN = Bye For "In da bginnin God cre8d da 999 Now. heavens & da earth.” Single letters can replace words.

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this by getting the thresher in and different houses in and around Marsh got a very large sum for them, but Lydd. We also acted as patients he did not forget it was due to me for them to practice first aid and and gave me a very large bonus for rescue procedures from various Memories my hard work. places, such as out of upstairs compiled by John Wimble In 1942, while helping my father windows on a stretcher being low- build a haystack just along from our ered by ropes etc. Extract from house, we witnessed the machine It was whilst on duty one evening ‘Living and Working in Lydd’ gunning of the local train loaded that one of the two Australian with soldiers going home on leave. doctors, Dr. Rupert Palmer, came I did various jobs on the farm The train had just left Lydd Station into the hall with a white enamel during the war including catching when two German planes being bucket with a lid on. “Ah, Basil,” moles that were causing a lot of chased by some polish pilots, came he said, “Would you please look damage to the arable crops. As a towards the train. The first German after this until I have had my tea lot of the good grazing land had to plane started shooting at the and do not let any of the cadets or be ploughed up, I got sixpence a engine of the train and flew over it, nurses look inside. I will then come tail and I had to keep the tails in a but the one following caught the and deal with it.” He lived in one of tin and show them to my father’s blast from the boiler as it exploded the two houses next to the British employer, Mr. Finn to get paid. He and this in turn brought the second Legion Hall. Well, you can imagine was a very generous and friendly plane crashing to the ground. The it rather intrigued me and eventfully man. My father used to skin them pilot landed upside down in the my curiosity got the better of me for me and we stretched them on a pond across the next field to where and I looked in the bucket. Inside board to dry and when we had we were and the engine of that was what was left of a mans foot. several dried, we sent them to a plane carried on for another two Dr. Palmer came back later with a place in Peterborough to be made large fields. We later heard that spade and said, “I can see you into the lining of pilot’s gloves. the first German plane was also know what’s inside the bucket.” I I helped in lots of jobs on the farm shot down by the polish pilots. I asked, “How did you know that,” when I didn’t have to go to school can assure you that we came down and he said “By the look on your including cutting broad beans for off that stack very quickly that day. face!” He then told me what had harvesting. I remember one time Mr. Finn taught me to ice skate on happened. Apparently he was the beans were so ripe that the the pond just down the road from called on to the Lydd Ranges loose beans scattered all over the our house. One winter when it where an aircraft had crash landed field. Mr. Finn had an idea and froze over and we were snowed in after a raid over Germany, and the asked me if I would like to do some by drifting snow, we had to be dug pilot was trapped inside by his foot. leasing of the broad beans to keep out by the soldiers from Lydd Camp It was only joined by a small piece me occupied and he would give me so we were able to get to feed the of skin and nothing could have so much a bushel. I cannot many sheep that he owned. saved the foot so he cut the pilot remember how much it was now During the Second World War, I free to save him from further injury but it seemed a very generous joined the St. Johns Ambulance and his life. He then went and amount. He did not expect me to Cadets at Lydd to act as telephone buried the foot in his brother’s gar- complete the whole field but I did boy and messenger at the British den. I have been waiting all these and it was very back aching at first Legion Hall, which was the years for someone to dig it up and but I soon got used to it. He was headquarters of the First Aid and start a murder investigation but as so pleased that he sent some of Civil Defence. We used to cycle yet it has not come to the surface! the beans to the seed merchants in around the town with the messages We had a very good Youth Club in Ashford, and they wanted the rest for the ARP and Civil Defence Lydd and one evening one of my threshed out for early seed. He did people who were sited in several pals, John, asked me if I would go

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along with him to a social evening very interesting and exciting job, as short while we opened the cleaner in the Assembly Rooms at New a lot of different skills had to be up and to everyone’s surprise the Romney as he had a young lady learnt. We had to make things just bag was full of the live beetles. friend he wished to see and her as they had been all those years From then on, every piece of oak in name was Sheila. I agreed to go ago by the workmen of yesteryear. the church had to receive this with him although I felt I would be Prior to the bombing, the old oak treatment and some more cleaners on my own, with no one that I knew rafters could not be seen as the were purchased. Some of the large to talk to. But fortunately when we whole lot was plastered cross tie beams had to be jacked arrived at the social, Shelia had her underneath, but most of this had up while we spliced new ends to friend Margaret with her and so come off when the bomb dropped. them, for where they rested on the Margaret and I got talking and we Every mortise and tenon joint had centre walls the very ends had agreed to meet on the bus to to be re-pinned with oak pins as rotted away over the years. This Folkestone at the end of the week. every one in the whole building had was because above them ran the We went to the pictures in Folke- been broken and some were very guttering between the two roofs, stone and from that day we difficult to remove. the main aisle and side aisle, and water had leaked through the gutters on to these large beams. It was a hard task splicing the new ends as we only had hand saws in those days, no electric ones. In any case it would have been very difficult to use one and the oak beams had become very hard over the years and much sharpening of the saws was required. Cutting sideways was the most difficult job, high up on the scaffolding, and then of course the moulding had to be done to match. It was very rewarding once finished and there were a number of very challenging remained together, although John It was thought that when the blast tasks involved in this restoration and Sheila did not. How fortunate went through the aisle, it lifted the work. Before the roof was retiled, it was I went with him that evening entire roof and dropped it back the ceiling board was fixed on top as after some time, we decided to down! We found much infestation of the rafters so now they could be get married. by the death-watch beetle and we seen. Soon after this work was When I left school I did a four-year had to clean all the oak rafters and completed, Mr. Cheek closed the indentured apprenticeship as a beams and then treat them with a business down and emigrated to carpenter and joiner at Godden’s of very strong mixture of Cuprinol. Canada. Hamstreet and I gained all the skills Not long after we started doing this, and passed. I worked there for the architect suggested trying to From “Memories of Romney another year and at the end of this I suck the beetles out with a vacuum Marsh” to be published shortly. left them to work for Ray Cheek of cleaner. We first thought that this Lydd. At that time, he was working was a bit of a joke but Mr. Cheek Contact John Wimble, on the restoration of Lydd Church went out and got a vacuum cleaner. 01797-362295 that had received a direct hit from a We lowered a rafter down and set for further details. bomb early in the war. This was a to work with the cleaner and after a

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nearly 60 years of which over 30 takes them in France. This have been based in Lydd. spectacular event will see the Local Business It prides itself on being a family run horizon filled with seventy-five company that not only supports the Hot-Air Balloons from across the backs World local community but also UK and Europe. promotes the use of local Record Attempt businesses whilst remaining a leading distributor in electrical Local Balloonist hopes to break a connectors. world record. Owen Weaver said, “We are Owen Weaver from Lydd based incredibly proud of our staff. They company Servo Connections hopes are extremely knowledgeable in to fly the ‘Servo’ hot air balloon as their field as well as hard working part of a group of over seventy which has allowed the company to balloons. continue to prosper even during the During the forthcoming month hard times that we currently live in. Servo will be on stand-by to We recognise that without them compete in a world record Servo would not be where it is attempt of crossing the English today, and also we would not be Channel along with seventy-four able to continue using the other participants. This unique traditional Servo-Logo-Balloon. event is heavily dependent on This record attempt is dedicated to weather conditions which need to all the staff that have worked for us be deemed suitable by the Met over the past 60 odd years without Office as well as the balloon whom this would not be possible”. pilots expecting to make the daring The balloons will be setting off from crossing in one piece. Lydden-Hill Race Circuit in Kent Servo Connectors Balloon Servo has been established for and landing wherever the wind

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Taking up a hobby may have the love, or hobby, of observing Hurrah for calming or helpful therapeutic side animal behaviour. Practitioners of effects. The increasing interest in that hobby went on to form the Hobbies yoga and new age pursuits shows backbone of the conservation people are using hobbies as a movement that flourished in Britain by David Wimble means to deal with the stresses from 1965 onwards and and strains of modern life. became a global political The shrinking time that families movement within a generation. Most people have a hobby, until have to spend together has led to a Time to yourself, time with your kids come along or their lives get new use of hobbies. More and family or time for discovery, too busy with work, family or more quality time together in a hobbies have it all. friends to spare even a measly shared hobby, such as cycling, What are you doing this hour a week. swimming, cooking or karaoke. weekend? Hobbies have functioned as an This new, valuable role helps to important means of personal bring otherwise distanced fulfillment and discovery throughout enjoyable, shared experience, modern history. But in the 21st century, hobbies have far more important uses. They can bond families and offer an escape route from everyday life or, indeed, family. There are some interesting theories about the derivation of the word hobby. In the Middle Ages, falconry was a very popular pastime and of all the different birds used for it, the Eurasian Hobby, a small falcon, was perhaps the most popular. Many say that the modern use of hobby, meaning a pastime, followed from this. An alternative explanation is that the usage grew from another recreational animal called a hobby rather than the everyday chores – a type of small ambling or pacing that dominate the week. horse. From this, the wooden or Saying that, hobbies are also a wickerwork hobbyhorse was perfect means to getting away from created to be ridden just like the family life, even if it is just a one- real hobby horse. hour lesson in the calming world of Then came the expression “To ride yoga. one’s hobbyhorse”, meaning to In the same way that hobbies can follow a favourite pastime, which advance personal fulfillment and was simply shortened to hobby. family bonding, they have also Hobbies are practised for interest been responsible for advancing and enjoyment, rather than culture. Many amateur financial reward, although some astronomers have been the first to hobbyists go on to develop their discover a celestial body or event, craft as a career. Popular hobbies making valuable contributions to are collecting, craft making, sports the science of astronomy. and adult education. In fact, there has always been a Engaging in a hobby can lead to close relationship between substantial skills, knowledge and discovery and hobbies. Much early experience. However, personal scientific research was, in effect, a fulfillment is always at the heart of hobby of the wealthy. Early wildlife any hobby. conservationists were born out of

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Broadlands Estate, also all the fields in question had 'cleared ditches'. Over the years these have been filled in or Your Letters fly tippers have blocked them. Fields backing onto Cockreed Lane have started flooding on a regular basis (this is clearly seen where the little model I went to the exhibition regarding New Romney railway field is). Since the extension of Broadlands the field building plans on the 16th September. A few pretty pictures, floods after even a small amount of rainfall. while suits displayed toothy grins in representation. Now I am not a scaremonger nor for that matter an What I learned... environment agent (I am actually a retired lorry driver!) but The planned rainwater ponds to trap run off appear inadequate. Had the estate been built last year, last winter's the none scientific answer is that a house covers a lot of rainfall would have left the new properties flooded. People ground area with concrete covering run off and drainage living close to the proposed site were phoning the water area's. The water then needs somewhere else to go, which authorities to release the dyke gates to prevent the dykes is to saturate the adjoining land. over flowing in to their homes. This was difficult, because You only have to dig a hole about 5 feet deep across the not all the dykes can discharge flood water on high spring Marsh and await high tide. You will soon see that water tide. Fortunately, the professionalism of those controlling the starts to fill the hole. water succeeded, disaster averted. In my opinion the fields should stay as they are. To build the estate, therefore, the helical pumps at If they do build on them, the land owners should have a Jefferstone Lane require upgrading to handle the increased contract written between themselves and local residents to water volume. If we calculate for 300 properties, measuring, cover insurance against potential flood risk say, 30ft.x30ft., double that for road space, then 1 cubic inch Leonard Moss. (From the Forum) of rainfall in one hour on the proposed estate calculates through roughly at 1,274 (UK) tons of water an hour excess. Which, I think, is a very conservative assesment of the Dear Editor probable scenario.....hence the little duck pond features May I firstly commend both yourself and your ‘Partner in were found to be childishly naive and amusing. Probably as crime’ !!! Terry Heath for the creation and publication of ‘The effective as tying water wings to the Titanic. Looker’. With two editions, it has proved to be a most Two questions, as people are already asking; if construction welcomed down to earth, grass roots publication, occurs? highlighting varied aspects of interest, none more so than 1. Who is paying for the flood damage? the coverage of the current Lydd Governance Revue (sic). 2. What are the names of the people to be dragged before As for the comments made by J Blean Lydd via e-mail the Courts for permitting criminal damage to homes and (edition 2 ), thats just about right. For goodness sake, give properties? credit were it’s due. I am of the understanding that their has It appears, that many, many people, are becoming jaundiced been three parish meetings convened on the very subject of with these half considered schemes and associated bullying. demanding a referendum for the DA polling district of Lydd, Best regards, dating back as far as 2006 and all instigated and chaired by Barry Gilbert. (From the Forum) Cllr Chris Allbrow, with no signs of Cllr Goddard being in attendance at any of them . !!!. I know the area well. We never had any flooding at all up Bandwagon !!! Jumping On !!! Yes ? until about 35 years ago, when developers built the T.M. Curtis, Lydd. (by post)

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The hopes of over a thousand There has now been a consultation on council tax will be spent in an area six residents in the coastal part of Lydd, to this matter with the residents of Lydd miles away from where you live? have their own local council are set to Town, and, the resounding answer Lynne Beaumont (by e-mail) be smashed by the block vote of Tory from this was that they have said no, members on Shepway District Council, they do not think this is a good idea. LYDD AIRPORT most of whom do not have the best Not surprising really, considering Lydd Dear Editor, interests of Lydd and the Marsh at Town has gained many thousands of As a local resident living close to the heart. pounds, every year from the people of airport, I am strongly against any On Monday 13th September, I the coast, and they were in effect now increase in the size of aircraft that will attended a meeting of the General being asked whether they wanted to use the airport. Purposes Committee at Shepway loose this money or not. I totally Many people come to the area District Council. One item on the understand why Lydd town residents because of the peace and quiet and agenda, was the parishing of the have said no, and the vast majority of unspoiled countryside. It will not be coastal region of Lydd Town Council as us would do the same, but what about the same if the airport expands. All it stands now. the people who have paid thousands along the flight path local businesses This has been an agenda item for the of pounds for many many years, and in that rely on tourism will suffer. past four years, yes, four years. A their eyes, have not received anything The claim that the expansion will bring committed group of citizens have for their money? Is it right we should much needed employment into the campaigned for the coastal region to let this continue? area, I feel this part of the application have its The recommendation from this has been exaggerated. The few jobs own parish meeting is to go to a meeting of created will be at the expense of council for Shepway District Council on the 29th others lost to the local economy. this length September, and the recommendation Close to the runaway approach is a of time, now stands that this new parish should primary school. How many parents will petitioning not be formed. This is a total reversal want to sent their children to a school local of the mood of the meeting for the past so close to a busy airport with all the residents, four years. noise and air pollution. The airport gaining Does this mean, that the District managers apparently offered the over 1,000 Councillors are going to totally school double glazing. The school signatures disregard the feelings of over 1,000 already has double glazing. in support of people who have supported this idea Manston Airport in north Kent is their aim, and gathering local people for the past four years? struggling to run a passenger service. together to form their own local parish Unfortunately, I think it does. The They already have a runway suitable council. There are many reasons Conservative whip is out, and the for the largest of modern jets. The behind this, but the main driver, is that Conservative councillors will all vote demand is not there for more the people of the coastal region do not with one voice and one mind. This is passenger services. believe they have received a service not democracy. This is not what David My impression is that the airport from Lydd in respect of the thousands Cameron means when he talks about owners know that there is little demand of pounds they pay every year to the empowerment of local communities. for passengers and will use the town council. The people of the coast should be extended runway to bring in jets to be Up until a few months ago,after four given their own voice. They need to maintained and serviced. This is a long years, the General Purposes have a say in how and where their very skilled occupation. Committee have been fully supportive money is spent. Legally, Lydd Town I have kept my objections brief but they of this aim, with District Councillors Council's hands are tied as to where are strongly held in the belief that this being vocal in their support. This this money can be spent, and it is not application will not benefit this part of however has changed, almost on the Coast. Kent. overnight. How strange you may think. I have supported this new parish for Field Worker (via Forum) But we have to look at the fact that the past four years, and I will continue there are local elections looming in to do so. Lets face it, nobody likes (WE WONDERED HOW LONG IT 2011, and this does tend to focus the paying council tax, but how would you WOULD TAKE FOR SOMEONE TO minds on votes. feel if you knew your local parish BRING UP THE AIRPORT! ed)

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given, or will give, to the plans for Our Man at Westminster new sea defences west of Dungeness and the shingle work to fights For the north, near Lydd-on-Sea. As you will know, new sea Dungeness Power Station defences west of Dungeness are very much needed. To the north for the last three years the and Sea Defences Environment Agency, at the insistence of Natural England, have Shepway Member of Parliament reasonable compensation for the been maintaining the shingle banks Damian Collins has raised loss of the small area required for a at Dungeness, not by recycling the concerns this week about proposed new power station at Dungeness” shingle that is there as was extensions to Natural England’s previously the case, but importing plans to extend the ‘Site of Special more from a quarry. This has led to Scientific Interest’ (SSSI). a trebling of the cost of the He has sent letters to both Charles operation to over £1 million a year.” Hendry MP, Minister of State and the Department for Energy and Climate Change. In the Ask your MP correspondence Mr Collins said, “As you may know, Natural a Question England has begun consulting on a significant extension of the Damian Collins has offered to Dungeness to Pett Level Special answer questions from The Looker Protection Area (SPA). The MP Damian Collins readers. If you have a question for proposal is to increase the size of He has also written to Richard our Member of Parliament, please the Special protection area to Benyon MP, Parliamentary e-mail it to:- Under Secretary of State, 4,048.63 hectares or more than [email protected] 175 percent. Department for Environment, Food The proposed site of a new Nuclear and Rural Affairs, voicing concerns Please put the subject as Power Station at Dungeness about sea defences from Lydd-on- ‘Questions for Damian Collins’ covers 52 hectares, and only part Sea around the Dungeness Point of the area nominated (perhaps and the area covered by the Lydd Or post them to our office:- half) is currently protected. Ranges. He wrote, “Having read The Looker. My view is that, given the very Natural England’s consultation 13 High Street. considerable increase in the size of documents, I would be interested to New Romney, the SPA proposed, this would be know what consideration you have Kent TN28 8BN

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British Athletics have never looked so good

Dame Kelly Holmes has endorsed the talents of Kent teenagers and school children ahead of the 2012 Olympics. She spoke recently at the launch of her own fitness training seminar at the Village Hotel in Maidstone. Our editor compered the event which invited over 200 people to have “An Audience with Dame Kelly” as well as giving advice on how you can achieve fitness by using everyday objects around the Dame Kelly Holmes with David Wimble 'Photo Courtesy of Marcus Woronecki' house. She also held a question and answer session, answering questions on all kinds of subjects including the country has never had such a strong and ‘Life as a serving Captain in the British Army’ through professionally ready chance to scoop a ‘major medals to questions about her punishing training shedule and haul’ at the event which is now less than two years away. her superstitious preparations for events. She singled out former Marsh girl Lisa The Pembury born athlete said that the standard of Dobriskey as a real gold medal hope for the country. sports education has never been so good with real When questioned about the Commonwealth Games she opportunities for professional sports related careers said, “It’s every athletes dreams of representing their with Universities such as Loughborough specialising in country at a major sporting event and it really must be down to the individual as to if they compete or not.” sports related degree courses. Dame Kelly said that

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8th October 2010 www.thelooker.co.uk Just For Fun Crossword

Across Down 7 US State (6) 1 Empty (6) 8 Ease (6) 2 High (4) 9 Of the mouth (4) 3 Reptiles (7) 10 Exasperating (8) 4 Opposite of back (5) 11 Whoever (7) 5 Socialise (8) 13 Blowy weather (5) 6 Support (6) 15 Instrument (5) 12 Harshly (8) 17 More sweet (7) 14 Gave (7) 20 Month (8) 16 Glanced (6) 21 Afraid (4) 18 Obliterates (6) 22 Use (6) 19 Commands (5) 23 Rubbed out (6) 21 Fuss (4)

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Just For Fun Sudoku

Place a number from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so that each 3x3 block, column, and full row includes each of the numbers from 1 to 9 only once.

We will publish the correct solution to this Sudoku Puzzle on our website www.the looker.co.uk If you have any suggestions for competition ideas, please forward them to the editor. [email protected]

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puddings. Also, according to one apparently our cake holds it’s Hidden of our customers, they are the very trajectory very well! best product for a good food fight As for “hidden puddings” – try Puddings (especially the creamed varieties). these easy and delicious recipe One customer, who buys ideas: A slice of Cake Bake Lemon Madeira served with whipped cream to which you have added a little Lemon Curd, topped with raspberries. Not only looks pretty but tastes delicious. Try serving our Farmhouse Cake with a slice of your favourite cheese – an old country idea – both cake and cheese are quite a partnership. My gran used to fry a slice of Genoa Cake in a little butter and serve with ice-cream. Our Date & Walnut Cake, warmed up in a microwave and served with custard is a warming pudding for autumn evenings and our Ginger Cake makes a good Ginger and Orange Trifle. Finally, try cutting up our Chocolate Cake and using it in a choc-sundae with ice-creams, cream, choc sauce and a few nuts. If you are in Chatham on We are the nation that enjoys a thousands of our cakes weekly, Saturday 16th October, pop along good food fight. We think it is very treated his daughter to a box the to Asda where we will be building a funny to throw a custard pie or to day she moved into her new house. Ginger Cake House. Bring the lob a sausage across a school After a few glasses of bubbly to children along to join in the fun. dining hall. This astonishes the christen the new home, a food fight The company that baked the cake rest of the world!! We are also ensued with our cakes featuring that built the car has moved from great lovers of “afters” highly. What a waste!!! the automobile industry into the Cake Bake cakes are excellent for We cannot waste food with a clear construction industry. turning into delicious “afters” and conscience nowadays, but

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STONE MEDIA

To Advertise In The Looker Call Mandy 01797 366450 An advert this size costs as little as £29 (for 1 issue) or £23.00 per issue (with 4 consecutive editions)

sole amongst the whiting. Fishing Forecast for Jurys Gap If we get some ‘surf up’ we should see more bass coming ashore. Dungeness and District Boat Fishing Difficult conditions for the dinghies for week commencing 27th September 2010 with so much wind at weekends, but I have heard from the charter At last things are on the move, the few whiting I expect) and as I boats that there are still loads of extra bit of wind this weekend has always say, “It depends on the wind black bream to be caught as well helped. I have had reports of cod direction.” as some superb plaice towards the up to 10lb caught at Dungeness. Back of the boats CS3 buoy. With reports of lots of Still loads of whiting around but This venue has ‘thrown up’ quite a cod in the ‘screens’ at the Power some bigger ones beginning to few bass this weekend in the wind, Stations any time now. show. More bass have been but it remains ‘fishable’ even in a Kerton Road reported, not large but big enough south westerly gale. If whiting are Mark should ‘fire up’! to ‘go home’. Dabs are returning in your ‘thing’, come on down! Tony Hills, Seagull Fishing Tackle. more numbers and we still have Dungeness sole. The current forecast is for the From the ’walkway’ next to the new wind to drop and swing south-west lighthouse round to the ‘point’ gives and then south-east. The tides are you, I think, the best chance of a still pretty good till Wednesday and cod on the drop to around low with short tides next weekend it water. means bait will be in short supply. Dengemarsh & Galloways Pirate Springs and Littlestone If we have a southerly wind on a Should also throw up the odd rising tide it should give us more codling at high tide (looking to eat a bass. Calm spells should see more

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Thrills & Spills at Local Speedway

Riders from all over the South-east was a small boy, it is great to be next race starts just a few moments attended a speedway meeting held able to just go a few miles down later. The Belgar Farm Track is at Belgar Farm, near Lydd, on the road to see competitive sport hoping to expand its facilities and Saturday, 25th September. The like this. You only have to try and The Looker thinks it is a great way Looker attended to get a better get a ticket for something like the to introduce youngsters at a grass feeling for the sport at a ‘grass root’ British Grand Prix at Silverstone or roots level. level. Our Editor took his daughter British Superbikes at Brands Hatch The race meeting was held to along and he said, “It’s funny that to know just how expensive it is to celebrate veteran rider Malcolm you do not realise that a club like spend a day at a motor racing Smiths 60th birthday. this exists on our door step. circuit” Races featured: Two Valve Classic Having followed Motor Sport on Well, speedway is bike racing in it’s Class for over 45’s, Four Valve four wheels as well as two it makes purist form. The bikes line up at Upright Class for over 40's, Laydown a refreshing change to be able to the starting gate four abreast and Class for over 15's, Under 200cc Class attend a local meeting where there then fly round in a short sprint race. for up to 15's, Under 200cc Class for 15's & over and 250cc Match Race. is such a good atmosphere and Because the track is quite short For pictures, go to The Looker website really competitive racing! you can see all the action. www.thelooker.co.uk Having been a ‘petrol head’ since I As soon as one race finishes the

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The following week, Newhurch were away to Bliby 'Newchurch F.C.' give First Team in the Charity Trophy. The ‘Church’ are always looking for local support and would love to see 'East Kent Coatings' some new faces at games in the near future. a Gloss Finish ! ! !

Newchurch F.C hosted East Kent Coatings of Ramsgate in the First Round of the Kent Cup on Sunday 26th September. The ‘Coatings’ were a team no-one in the Newchurch Camp knew a lot about, so they weren’t sure what to expect. The game began and Newchurch came out of the traps running, playing a very fast paced game of football, which soon turned into some 'Brazilian' style passing and some 'straight off the stainless' finishing. There was a hat trick from Jonny Carr and Gavin Prowse with Ryan Geddes and Lee 'Wazza' Jackman adding to ‘Coatings’ pain. This was made worse by a missed penalty in which the home side keeper, Jamie Newchurch F.C- Maddox, Standen (Allaway 45), Maddox, made a save Gordon Banks would have Hooper, Smallman, R.Tillson, Read, Aspri, Prowse(c) been proud of !! (M.Tillson 75), Jackman, Carr (Fisher 60), Geddes By half time the game was already over with a Subs not used- Barker, Hitchman, Hill dignified score line of 8-0 to the 'Church’. Second half and the ‘Church’ came out a bit more In the next edition we will feature a profile on one of relaxed with a changed system and with the wind in the Marsh’s newest teams, “Marsh Athletic”, who are their favour, they reverted to a three-man defensive just one season old and have already won promotion system and went for the jugular of the ‘Coatings’ in the Ashford and District Sunday Morning League. defence, aiming for a double figure score lin. They had a sensational campaign where they did not Three more goals were netted in the second period, lose a single game in their first season. another from Captain Prowse and a brace from substitute Rhys Fisher. This rounded off a great days work to see the ‘Church’ cruise into the next round after an epic 11-0 win. RESULTS

Craig “Avo” Avery will be back in time for our next edition. He will be undertaking a comprehensive results service and special features piece for our sports section. If you are a member of a Sports Club or Association, please send your results to.... [email protected] In the next edition, we will feature all the fixtures for the Marsh football teams and also match reports.

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LOOKER SPORT Sponsored by JEFF MABEY LTD Turf Accountant Local Lisa Quits Games by David Wimble

Lisa Dobriskey has had to pull out of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi that have just started saying a leg injury was the reason and NOT security concerns. Lisa, who spent her childhood in New Romney, picked up an injury to her upper leg whilst competing in Zurich last month. Over the past couple of weeks, athletes have raised concerns about the state of the facilities surrounding the Commonwealth Games, with reports of a ‘Squalid’ Athletes Village with dangerous water supplies and unsafe structures. However, Lisa was quick to point out that she would have loved to have defended her 1500 metre Commonwealth title. She said, “At the time I withdrew I was not aware of the major issues that have arisen over the past couple of days. It didn’t play a part in my decision at all. I couldn’t train sustainably enough to be in the situation where I could go and compete in three rounds and be at my best physical condition for the championship. Had I Lisa Dobriskey gone out and competed, it would have prolonged the injury. I’m really disappointed. I would have loved to have given the title defence a good shot. You hear all these things coming out of India and it is a bit of a shame really. It’s blighted the whole thing.” Lisa is thought to be a major gold medal prospect for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics in London. She was first spotted as a potential major talent whilst competing as an 11 year old. She went on to Loughborough University and trained with some of the best runners in the world as a member of the British Team. Her younger Sister, Sarah, competed for England as a Hammer Thrower, and younger brothers David and Steven reached county level at Middle Distance Running, Javelin and Discus. Lydd Speedway Over 200 riders and spectators attended the Lydd Speedway at Belgar Farm, near Lydd on Saturday, 25th September. Races featured several divisions of rider from juniors through to the seniors. For pictures and more information, go to page 22

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