Issue 130 The only FREE Newspaper on the Marsh 1st October 2015 First ever sighting of rare ‘Acadian Flycatcher’ at

Over a thousand birdwatchers descended on Dungeness people blasting the birdwatchers when the first ever European sighting of an ‘Acadian over their behaviour. Flycatcher’ was spotted resting in Dungeness. With several locals taking to social When the message spread between birdwatching media to complain about the way enthusiasts it did not take long for the whisper on the the ‘birders’ where being ‘birders’ grapevine and last Tuesday saw people flocking on disrespectful to locals and property. to the estate, all trying to get a sighting of the bird. Mark Calshall told the Looker; “I Owen Leyshon, who works for the went down to visit my mother-in-law Countryside but could not get to her bungalow because these ‘twitchers’ Partnership and oversees the had parked right over the track to the house. I could not Dungeness Estate told The Looker; drive round it as the shingle would have bogged the car “The majority of the birders acted very down. What gives them the right to just walk across private responsibly. I had my work cut out property with total disregard?” Millie Slater said on trying to marshal the cars to ensure Facebook: ‘It's great to have people visiting Dungeness but that locals and lorries had access. do they really have to park so badly that it completely This was a very unusual sighting and I disrupts the flow of traffic!?! There may not be many people believe the first time an Acadian living in Dungeness but we do still have school runs to do!!’ Flycatcher has been spotted anywhere Daryl Thorpe told The Looker; “I heard the news about in .” 8.30am yesterday morning and left Peranporth, in , Bird droppings removed from an area Owen Leyshon - immediately. I know its seems a little sad for those who are that the bird was seen pruning itself sighting is a first for not bird-spotting, but for me its like finding that rare stamp have already been sent to an the UK or scoring a goal at Wembley. If you can say you were there identification expert Dr Martin Colliston in Aberdeen to and get a photo of the bird, it would be a lifetime confirm the species. achievement for me. Last year I travelled over 18,000 Not everyone was happy about the sighting, with some around the UK for my hobby.” 1st October 2015 www.thelooker.co.uk

trying to make up his mind what to do with his old ‘Track Editor’s Day Car’ should he sell it? Is his mid-life crisis finally over? Word Well, the answer to one of those questions is ...he’s By keeping the car and its back on the road, but now Annabel Clare thanks to Ben Peach at Marsh Alloys and Alan Usher at Top Banana Banners, it’s been given a funky new look We have had another busy couple of weeks in The with eye-catching graphics in our new colour scheme Looker Office and anyone who follows us on the and with information on how you can have your website or Twitter will know we have been having lots of company promoted to thousands of readers every working lunches to discuss how we can take the paper edition, so give him a wave when you see a smart Audi forward over the next five years. TT sporting the all new Looker branding. With David’s ‘other job’ looking like it is going to take up So now is a great time for you, our readers, to let us more of his time over the next year, we have decided to know what else you would like to see in ‘Your Local put some extra effort into giving the paper its annual Community Paper’. This will be the last Editor’s Word revamp from the next edition. But don’t panic, all the that we print in this format. However, we will be printing things that you like will still be in there, but we are going our ‘Editors Social Diary’. The blog of which proved so to go for a bit of a brand makeover.. always a bit popular on the website. controversial, like when we decided to choose orange We are also seeking out new advertisers, so that we branding, now people associate the colour with The can build the paper into a bigger and more Looker. Continuing with branding, David has been comprehensive publication. Annabel Every effort is made by The LOOKER newspaper to ensure that the information is correct. The LOOKER newspaper reserves the right not to publish unsolicited material being sent through to the publication. Personal views expressed in this publication are solely those of the respective contributors and do not reflect those of the publishers or its agents. The Looker is not responsible for services provided by the advertisers. All material supplied to this publication is at the owner’s risk. Reproduction in whole or in part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent. Photographic rights remain the property of The LOOKER newspaper and Marsh Media. Contact: THE LOOKER: 01797-364837. Mobile: 07900080656. Advertising: Gill Hinds 07867575200. E-mail: [email protected] Page 2 www.thelooker.co.uk Because local news matters 1st October 2015 ‘Speak Out NOW’ or be lumbered with a Concrete Jungle!

That is what former Conservative Councillor David Wimble has warned the residents of about the latest planning application for New Romney. With Shepway District Council about to vote on an initial outline plan for 300 David Wimble is concerned about flooding for the new development...this is houses to be built on a Green Field site what the field looked like after one days rain last week! at the back of New Romney, the former refused. people do not raise their concerns Councillor exclusively told The Looker; The re-scheduled date for the it will be too late to do anything “Having sat on the planning committee, I planning application has yet to be about it. I ask all readers to write have a very good insight into how these set, but as reported in the last to the members of the planning things work. Shepway spent years copy of The Looker, local concern committee and reiterate about developing a core strategy which lists is about the infrastructure and what Southern Water stated in the the building of thousands of houses services for the town. councils own consultation and across the district over the next 20 years ‘ has been put forward as raise awareness for the lack of and New Romney has been allocated a a ‘shining example’ of what infrastructure. Act now before its number of properties that need to be happens when a developer works too late!’ built. It is not a legal argument to simply closely with a community on large Send your letters to: say NO because I don’t like it, it has to scale developments, stated the Planning Committee Councillors be a legal or planning reason. Whilst I former Councillor, before they put Civic Centre have publicly backed the redevelopment forward any plans they went to the Castle Hill Avenue of the former Potato Company site on locals and asked what they Cockreed Lane, that sits well with my wanted in return. The residents conscience, it’s a sensible sized and community were happy that CT20 2QY development on a site that will actually the investment into the area have a reduced ‘concrete mass’ than outweighed the disruption and Or contact the Council and ask to what is currently there. However, having everyone is happy… my worry is speak at the application. looked at the outline plans I feel it once this goes through, if local should be reiterated that Southern Water stated that building this large scale development will almost certainly cause flooding to adjoining properties to the development.” He went on to add: “I am not a ‘NIMBY’ I just think this is the wrong development in the wrong place, I have always stated if they must insist on building then the obvious place should be to put a junction at Hammonds Corner and develop the fields between the Road and the end of New Romney High Street. It would be much simpler to get the roads in place and there would not be the disruption to the rest of the town.” Local residents are invited to contact their local councillors to petition them as to why the development should be

www.thelooker.co.uk Page 3 1st October 2015 www.thelooker.co.uk Two Johns bowled over with success of book sales A book being sold in aid of the Air Ambulance has been flying off the shelves of local stockists. ‘Romney Marsh from the Air’ has already sold over 500 copies and has had to have a second print run by The Looker printers, , Wealden Printers at Hawkhurst. The book came about when John Harmer and John Wimble started flying their drones and took some pictures of local landmarks. With medical response times being so important in rural districts they decided to find a way of helping the Air Ambulance and went to Marden, the helicopters home airfield, to find out how they went about fundraising. With the aid of local sponsors and Wealden Printers, they raised enough money to cover the print cost of the book and with many local distributors agreeing to sell the book, the first run of 500 books went on sale two weeks ago. With over 50 books being sold at a book release morning at Sainsbury’s, both Johns said they were surprised at how quickly the books have sold but very happy to be raising thousands of pounds for such a good cause. The book is priced at £9.50, with every penny going to the Air Ambulance. If you would like to purchase a copy of ‘Romney Marsh from the Air’, please contact: John Harmer Tel: 01797 369674 or John Wimble Tel: 01797 362295.

Page 4 www.thelooker.co.uk Because local news matters 1st October 2015

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www.thelooker.co.uk Page 5 1st October 2015 www.thelooker.co.uk Hythe gets a new ‘Fine Art’ Gallery

An example of the attention to detail on one of Pauls paintings ‘Hythe is rapidly becoming the artistic centre for the district!’ That is what Town Mayor Michael Lyons said last week at the opening of a brand new gallery In Hythe. The gallery is the realisation of a lifetime of work for local artist Paul Apps, who invited along a number of friends and dignitaries to his official opening party. With former Member of Parliament Lord Howard of accompanied by Lady Howard performing the Worshipful Mayor Michael Lyons paid tribute to Paul ribbon cutting ceremony, guests and potential Apps, stating how lucky the town was to be customers drank champagne and canapés as they represented by a ‘world class artist’ looked at not only Paul’s work but that of his wife

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Catherine and step-daughter Sam as well. With toastmaster Steven Warwick welcoming guests as they arrived and acting as master of ceremonies for the evening, guests heard from Paul, who originates from and is renowned as one of the worlds top wildlife artists, explain his vision for the gallery along with the art classes he is offering. With more and more people choosing to collect art, this is a great opportunity to invest in a world class local artist. Fine art limited edition prints are also available from the gallery. If you would like to find out more about The moment of realisation as Paul and the gallery, Michael Lyons realises that he then pop in and have has just agreed to buy a a look at: painting! 7-9 Marine Walk, Hythe or visit Pauls website: paulappsfineart.com

www.thelooker.co.uk Page 7 1st October 2015 www.thelooker.co.uk Dates For Your DIARY Thursday 1st October Lydd Meeting Point, Hardy Hall, 10 a.m. New Romney Meeting Point, Methodist Church Hall, 10 a.m. Keep Fit/Dance Class, St. Mary’s Bay Village Hall, 10.15 a.m. Heysham Hall Computer Club, Lydd-on-Sea, 7.30 p.m. St Mary’s Bay Camera Club, Village Hall, 8 p.m.

Friday 2nd October Cuppa & Chat, Heysham Hall, Lydd-on-Sea, 10 a.m. Whist & Scrabble, St. Peter’s Hall, Greatstone, 2 p.m. Cash Bingo, New Romney Bowls Club, 7.30 p.m. Sequence Dancing, St. Mary’s Bay Village Hall, 7.30 p.m.

Saturday 3rd October Coffee Morning, Newchurch Church, 10.30 a.m. Harvest Market, St. Peter’s Church Hall, Greatstone, 10 a.m. Dymchurch Heritage Group, Methodist Church, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Harvest Supper, All Saints’ Church, Lydd, 7 p.m. Brass Band Concert, RNLI, Dungeness, 7.30 p.m. Lydd Twinning Association Quiz Night, Royal Mail, 7.30 p.m.

Monday 5th October Crafters & Knitters, Hardy Hall, Lydd, 10 a.m. Dymchurch Meeting Point, Methodist Church, 10 a.m. New Romney 65 Club, Prescott House, Rolfe Lane, 2 p.m.

Tuesday 6th October Coastal Meeting Point, St. Peter’s Hall, Greatstone, 10 a.m. Coffee Morning & Bric a Brac, Heysham Hall, Lydd-on-Sea, 10 a.m. Dymchurch Art Society, Village Hall, 1 p.m. Keep Fit/Dance Class, Chichester Memorial Hall, Sandgate, 2 p.m. New Romney Craft Group, Old School, 7 p.m.

Wednesday 7th October St. Mary’s Bay Computer Club, Village Hall, 10 a.m. & 1.30 p.m. Purly Girlies for Knitters, Brooks Café, Hythe, 2 p.m. Country Mice Needle Craft Club, Old School, New Romney, 7 p.m.

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packs, medals and certificates! St. Nicholas pupils come The Summer Reading Challenge is a National scheme which takes place every year during the Summer top in Shepway reading holidays. It encourages children to visit their local library and keep up their reading skills. Each year the competition reading challenge has a different theme and this years was Record Breakers. Christopher Dale, the Headteacher of St Nicholas C.E. School said: ‘Reading is a vital skill and I’m delighted that so many of our pupils took part in the reading challenge, we look forward to building on this success with the introduction of a new English curriculum at the school.’ Lorna Leyshon , Reading Support Teaching Assistant, added: "We have had tremendous support from pupils, parents, staff and New Romney library. This is a great achievement and we are confident that children will Pupils at St. Nicholas Primary School have been continue reading keeping Carol and her team at New Romney Library into the new school busy this Summer holidays.The school have come top term" out of 32 schools in Shepway in the Kent Libraries Not only did Summer Reading Challenge. A staggering 109 pupils St.Nicholas School signed up to the challenge and on completion received come top in a medal and certificate. Shepway but came The school kicked off the challenge with a visit from the 9th, for the number Community Librarian. And with encouragement from all of pupils signing up the staff, the children rose to the challenge with twice for the challenge, out as many pupils signing up than last year. Uptake was of 247 primary so good that New Romney Library run out of starter schools in Kent.

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the institution, including the recent Institution inscribed An ordinary local man vellum for his part in the rescue of the ‘Liquid Vortex’ in the early hours of the morning of January the 3rd 2012. who does When in force 9 severe gales, rough seas and poor visibility, the previous Dungeness Lifeboat, a Mersey extraordinary things class called ‘Pride and Spirit’ was called upon by Coastguard to a yacht in distress. The vessel was struggling in extreme weather conditions three miles east of Dungeness Point, with five of its seven crew suffering from seasickness. The crew launched the lifeboat at 5.40 a.m, once at sea, the conditions worsened to Stormforce 10 winds, with waves of around 9 metres high. On arrival at the scene, the crew found the casualty vessel being battered by the rough seas. While the crew assessed the situation, an enormous wave struck both vessels from behind, spinning the yacht through 180 degrees. The skipper immediately transmitted a Mayday call, reporting that the yacht’s helmsman had been smashed against the helm, suffering injuries and damaging the steering. This left the skipper as the only person aboard the yacht in a fit state to work with the lifeboat crew during the rescue. The A few weeks ago Annabel and myself were lucky inflatable life raft, which had been tethered to the back enough to attend the blessing of the Dungeness of the yacht, had also been swept away. Lifeboat ‘The Morrell’. After the church service a The first attempts to transfer two lifeboat crew onto the number of station awards were handed out, all of which stricken yacht were unsuccessful due to the horrendous were greatly appreciated, but one that stood out to us weather conditions, so instead the crew tried to set up a was about Deputy Coxswain Trevor Bunny. tow. It took several attempts to position the lifeboat Trevor ‘officially’ joined the crew at Dungeness 30 years close enough to throw a line across to the yacht. ago, but as senior Coxswain Stuart Adams pointed out, he went on his first rescue aged just 11! Something that would surely be frowned upon in today’s health and safety environment. Like most lifeboat crew, Trevor started off helping out around the boathouse as a shore helper and then made it onto the boat crew working through all the roles starting out on deck before working through his exams to become the stations full time mechanic and more recently Second Coxswain. During his 30 year stint, Trevor has gone to sea on hundreds of occasions and is credited with saving many lives. On four of these occasions, he has been honoured by letters of commendation from

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A tow was established but, after just 20 minutes, with the yacht twisting violently, the line snapped. With the situation becoming increasingly dangerous, Deputy Second Coxswain Mark Richardson tried again to get two crew on board. By this time, the weather had deteriorated further, with winds gusting to Force 11! Dover lifeboat was also requested to launch to assist with the planned tow back to port. By 9 a.m., Dungeness lifeboat crew had been battling the appalling conditions for three-and-a-half hours. Both Dungeness and Dover lifeboats had attempted to set up a tow but the conditions proved too difficult They all finally berthed after an exhausting six-and-a- half hours at sea in the most appalling conditions. Andrew Ashton, RNLI Divisional Inspector of Lifeboats, East, said: “Mechanic/Deputy Second Coxswain Trevor Bunney showed highly commendable competence, professionalism, leadership and boat-handling skills. In addition, the rest of the Dungeness and Dover crew are also to be commended for playing a crucial role in the rescue, enduring horrendous sea conditions to ensure seven lives were saved that day.” Trevor, being a humble person, just took all this in his stride and looked almost embarrassed when given his 30 year service medal. However, we think that his exceptional service deserves to be recognised, which is why we have written this article.

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Marsh Memories Public Transport across the Compiled by John Wimble Marsh in years gone by

At the end of the nineteenth century, the local transport needs were served by Austen’s horse omnibus to Ashford and Rye, Mackett’s omnibus to Dymchurch, Hythe and Folkestone and Moody’s omnibus to Hamstreet and Ashford. This continued until about 100 years ago when omnibus services were expanding, linking towns with the country more closely than had ever been possible before. (Left: Carey’s Horse Bus c.1920). Villages like Brookland that were on a railway line usually had easy access to a market town, but where there was no railway, the journey previously had to be made in a carrier’s horse-drawn cart. This meant that trips to market towns would have taken ages. Soon there would be more frequent buses and coaches between Hastings and Dover with stops at Brookland, , , New Romney, St. Mary’s Bay and Dymchurch. (Right: East Kent bus outside The Ship Hotel in New Romney c.1930s). In 1920, Messrs. Carey Brothers, a local firm, took over the route between New Romney and Folkestone and Allens’ bus from Lydd carried passengers to Rye and Ashford. George Allen also had a contract with the South Eastern & Chatham Railway to meet trains and convey passengers and parcels, to and from Lydd Station. (Left: Carey’s Garage in North Street c.1930s).

From the 1930s, Careys also provided a passenger service from New Romney to Ashford and back on Tuesdays and Fridays, calling at St. Mary-in-the-Marsh, Newchurch and Bilsington on the way. One of their popular local services was the route from New Romney to Lydd, via Littlestone, Greatstone and Dungeness.

(Above: East Kent bus in Lydd c.1930s). There were also bus services to Hythe, Folkestone, and Hastings provided by the East Kent Road Car Company Limited. (Left: Carey’s bus at Dungeness c.1940s). Careys ceased operating in the area around 1952 and their services were taken over by the East Kent Company. The East Kent continued using the old Carey’s garage in North Street, New Romney until around 1960. Page 12 www.thelooker.co.uk Because local news matters 1st October 2015 A cup of tea to support sufferers of the Big C All over the district, businesses went that extra mile to raise money for the Macmillan Cancer Trust by holding coffee mornings over the past few weeks. Some of our advertisers held events including the Romney Marsh Osteopaths and Sainsbury’s, but also several members of the public held coffee mornings / afternoons too. The Looker was invited to a number of these and attended one held by New Romney resident Beverley Quested, who invited all her neighbours and friends to her Rolfe Lane home. Bev told The Looker: ‘It has been an amazing success and thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended and helped baked cakes and donate raffle prizes, which raised over £400 for the Cancer Trust. With thousands of coffee mornings being held nationwide, millions of pounds have been raised for Macmillan who specialise in giving aftercare for people who have suffered from Cancer and supply nursing and emotional support for victims.

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been invited by the A busy August for New Royal Naval Association to Romney Sea Cadets perform at the Cenotaph in The Battle of on September 6th. the Flowers is Following inspection an annual of the New Romney event in Jersey unit on 25th June in the Channel this year by Islands and Commander John this year three Greene R.N. Area members of Officer of the Sea New Romney Cadets for the South Sea Cadets East of , the Band spent a award of a Pennant week from 9th for progress made to 15th August by the unit in the last 12 months was presented to the aboard T.S.”Jersey” enjoying the company of the local Officer in Charge Mark Godden on 27th August by the Cadets and joining in lots of activities. Cadet Lewis, President of New Romney Sea Cadets Alderman F. O.C. Clark and Cadet 1st. Godden’s highlight of the Wood-Brignall. week was performing during the Battle of the Flowers on the island. The local Cadet unit was so impressed with their performance that they have been invited back for future events. The popularity of the Band was further enhanced when three Cadets from New Romney joined Folkestone, and Cadets as the East Kent District Cadet Band and took part in the National Cadet Band competition at The Officer in Charge of T.S.“Veteran” then made two The Tower of presentations one to a Junior Cadet of a Commodore’s London on August Broad Pennant and the other to Civilian Instructor 22nd.They came a Steve Denney who was appointed P.O. Mr. Denney creditable 5th in the has also recently completed a training week in National Portsmouth to organise and teach physical training to competition and The Cadets. have provisionally

Page 14 www.thelooker.co.uk Because local news matters 1st October 2015 Lydd in Bloom 2015

Last month saw Lydd Town Council hold a presentation evening at the Guild Hall, Lydd, to award the prizes to this year’s winners of the Lydd in Bloom competition. The green-fingered residents were congratulated by the Mayor of Lydd, Councillor Tom Dawes and the Lydd in Bloom judges Councillor Mrs Carole Waters and Mr Roger Hooper, Chairman of the Lydd Allotments Association handed out the prizes. The display which most impressed the judges this year was at 79 Leonard Road,Greatstone, which had a stunning array of baskets and tubs. This is a splendid achievement, as gardening on the Coast is particularly challenging, they were also the winners of the coastal baskets and tubs section and in addition to receiving gardening gift vouchers for both categories they will hold the Lydd in Bloom rose bowl for the forthcoming year. The first prize for the well-tended and productive allotment plot went to Mrs Laker, Mittell Court and The Royal Oak public house were the winners of the best floral displays in the business category. Second place for the coastal baskets and tubs was awarded to 126 Leonard Road with 3 Fort Close, Lydd on Sea taking first prize for the coastal garden. In Lydd Town, 6 Grisbrook Farm Close won first prize in Town baskets and tubs and 16 Sycamore Close came second. Third prize in the Town Garden category was Cluckly House on Robin Hood Lane with joint first prizes going to Honeysuckle House also on Robin Hood Lane and 11 Megan Close. Highly commended certificates were awarded to Brackenthwaite, Goldsithney and Fra Liemer all of Robin Hood Lane and Beeching House at 45 Station Road. Councillor Mrs Carole Waters said; “Lydd in Bloom rewards gardeners whose front gardens enhance their neighbourhoods and brighten up Lydd Town, the Coast and the Allotments. Congratulations to all the winners” Lydd Town Council funded and awarded the total of £160 in gift vouchers to the winners of this year’s Lydd in Bloom competition and Councillors are impressed by the support the community shows for the competition. The planting schemes bring a wide range of benefits which include improving the local environment, encouraging flora and fauna and promotes a sense of pride in our Parish.

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and compared to the current cost of a number of classic Ever thought about sports and racing cars, acquiring a Spit can be done on a relatively modest budget. Around £1.2 million gets owning a Spitfire? you a genuine Spit and you can pay more than double that for an original aircraft with battle history and which Lots of people of a certain age think about investing in a may have been flown by a celebrated war-time pilot. classic car, or maybe two? Well why not, the kids have So now you have your dream, so lets go and fly it…. grown up, left home and the mortgage is paid. Hang on, it needs a quick MOT, or should i say However, with rare cars becoming more and more airworthy CAA certificate. Asking around you would pay scarce and prices now commanding eight-figure sums about £50k per year on routine maintenance, looking (or heading that way), you’ve probably thought of after the undercarriage, propeller, wiring, hinges, key acquiring your own piece of aviation history instead. stress points and so on, is of course, hugely expensive, With the recent 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain certainly compared to a road car. Remember that a Mk we thought we would look at the cost of buying an IX Spitfire was only designed for a total flying life of just airworthy ‘Legendary Spitfire.’ 200 hours. This year one of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spits has already hit that mark in nine months! Naturally you wouldn’t be looking to thrash your 75 year old fighter across the sky (or maybe you would?) but nevertheless, according to former Manging Director Clifford Spink (a two seater Spit owner who was regulary seen flying over the Marsh), it’s best not to stray beyond around one- third throttle on the mighty 27 litre Rolls Royce Merlin. Nor is it advisable to pull more than 4.5G whilst manoeuvring, pull 5G and Nothing like the spluttering sound of a 27 ltr. Merlin coughing into life! the aircraft has to undergo I mean, how hard can it be? Why not, surely its every an expensive inspection. And not forgetting the 500 schoolboy’s dream to don a thick sheepskin jacket, flick hour £120,000 engine overhauls. the fuel pump on and push the starter button to hear the Even with your Spitfire successfully acquired you won’t mighty 12 cylinder, 27 litre engine splutter into life, be able to fly it safely without the 50 hours required to warm up and trundle to the end of your own private gain your Private Pilots Licence, plus another 50 hours airstrip with exhaust flames roaring from the banks of exhaust and fly off for some fun into the sun! But hold on, how much would this dream cost? At the recent Goodwood Revival race meeting a few weeks ago, as well as millions of pounds worth of classic racing cars, they had the largest collection of airworthy Spitfires and Hurricanes. So, The Looker thought- just for fun-we would look at the cost of buying the dream… with money no object of course! David, our Editor, started delving in the spirit of naive unbridled optimism and started to look at what it takes to acquire and run a legendary World War 2 fighter. Well to start with, to buy an airworthy example you are looking at a modest investment of between £1.2m – £2.5m, which compared to buying an ex 1960’s F1 car driven by Jackie Stewart, is just about half that price

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take around a year to build and then you would have to get an airworthy certification. The aircraft would be like a Spitfire, but at the end of the day it would just be a plywood replica. A new-build Spit cost’s a cool £4 million, built from the original jigs and every part a real spit. But having just received my bank statement… I have made my mind up and I think I will perhaps be looking to buy a Spitfire…. Maybe I should say a Triumph Spitfire, still a classic but available from around three grand! Still, its nice to dream and I guess there is always the lottery… now where did I put that Euro Lotto Possibly a stunning replica kit Spit could save a few quid? ticket? in a Chipmunk for basic ‘tail-dragger’ experience, then another 50 hours flying something like a North American Harvard, in which you’ll learn about flaps, variable pitch propellers, retracting the undercarriage and flying from the rear of the aircraft. The latter is very important because from the hot seat in a Spitfire you can’t actually see where you’re going, which makes landings a trifle challenging. 150 hours seems an incredibly short amount of time to learn to fly a Spit. Back in the day when these aircraft were running at full boost and burning 150 octane fuel at up to full throttle, If I start saving now, maybe by Goodwood next year I they would get through around 90 gallons (409 litres) could take my own Spitfire to the Revival. per hour! At ‘cruising’ speed and greatly reduced boost a Spitfire nowadays will make-do with 40 gallons (181 litres) per hour of 100 octane fuel. (Even at the Goodwood Aerodrome price of £1.89 per litre, that’s still quite a lot.) We found a much cheaper way of doing this, you can build your own replica Spit from a kit for about $320,000 surely a snip of the price of an original, but then it would

www.thelooker.co.uk Page 17 1st October 2015 www.thelooker.co.uk LOOKER LETTERS Dear David, It was great reading about Brian May's visit to the district recently. I wonder how many people realise that Finally there are enough brown field sites on the Marsh, in addition to being a rock musician and stargazer, but yet again we come back to infrastructure. Brian is also a great advocate of 3d stereophotography. Regards, I discovered this when he gave a presentation at the David Baker. 2010 Folkestone Book Festival which I attended. This presentation totally changed my photographic direction Dear David, cultivated over twenty years up to then and I took up The regular Leopard Seal off St Mary's Bay is known as taking 3d photos myself. This has culminated in me Ron by early dog walkers.....we compete for other creating my own presentations and I will be showing names that can appendage seal! one at the Camera Club on October 1st, All Best wishes, proceeds from this will be going to the Pilgrims Jo Braddon. Hospice. All I can say is thanks to Brian May for (It took me two seconds to get that ‘Ron’-seal... ed) invigorating my photography! Best regards. Dear Looker, Kevin Harvey. Following the death of my wife, I have recently moved to Kent to be close to my family after living many years Hello David, in Devon. Whilst I am finding the new area very Hope you are well. I just had to give my account of the agreeable, a decided downside has been having to Planning of developments on Romney Marsh. leave my many loyal and supportive friends and coming When I was County Member I wrote to SDC in March to an area where I know no-one outside of the family. 2013 voicing my concerns over any development being My eldist son who lives in Hythe, has brought to my undertaken BEFORE any infrastructure were carried attention a Wednesday club for single people over the out. I received a reply in September 2013, six months age of 60 years of age. It meets every other later which was very negative, (copies went to New Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm at the Hythe Cricket Club Romney Town Council, Lydd Town Council, and to my premises. The attendance fee is £2 per visit. knowledge Dymchurch Parish Council). On my first visit recently I was amazed to find a table At the time I was extremely worried by the irresponsible which contained about a dozen sheets of paper each of passing of planning applications, some quite dubious. which contained an invitation to club members to enrol Hopefully now that we have some different District for out-of-club activities, such as jazz evenings, theatre Councillors more thought will go into the passing of visits, attending local village fetes and visits to places of some of these applications. Developers are ONLY interest, etc. interested in one thing irrespective of what they might I have started to use these opportunities to continue say or tell you at any inquiry, Romney Marsh is a some of my interests and very importantly, to do so in FLOOD PLAIN and to ADD more housing to an already the company of new friends. It is clear that the problem is sheer madness. rebuilding of my life is under way thanks to the support When we talk about Infrastructure we mean Updating of club members. Roadways, building more Schools, more Doctors I feel privileged to have the opportunity of attending the Surgeries, better and newer drainage for rainwater and sewer drainage. What we have now on the Marsh is not coping sufficiently. You have not got to be a brain surgeon to see this for yourself. I attended a meeting in the Assembly Rooms last year with an entourage of Developers to discuss the issues of their proposals, and one of these developers when I questioned him about the amount of extra traffic leading onto the high Street, actually told me that they would consider PEDESTRIANISATION of the High Street. Say no more about their intelligence. I sincerely hope that the SDC give very SERIOUS thoughts to allow any planning Applications without very SERIOUS infrastructure being carried out.

Page 18 www.thelooker.co.uk Because local news matters 1st October 2015 club, meeting some very sociable people and went before local councillors were deferred due to participating in events I would have otherwise missed. I awaiting more information. How much more information recommend it to all people over 60 who are on their do we need? own. Forthcoming meetings are on October 14th and I went to a consultation on 12th November last year 28th organised by Iceni Projects and the information I Yours truly, discovered soon convinced me that the development William Ridley. was ill conceived and certainly ill advised. After further investigation of the proposed site surrounding roads etc Dear Editor, confirmed this. In response to your notes and replies about the closing My prime concerns were access to the proposed site of the Nationwide Branch and The NatWest Bank and and a great fear of local flooding, not to the new houses Barclays Bank. but to the surrounding existing properties .Also the Once upon a time, the most important person in any other infrastructures such as, Doctors, Dentists, business was the customer. Golly Gosh… Now it is as Policing, Hospitals, increased volume of traffic, over- shown, the accountant who wants to collect his or her subscribed schools and many more concerns. £1 million a year bonus out of their customers pockets, These concerns I raised with Shepway and Iceni and look good. Projects. I am not against building more houses but No one ever says that these wages and profits come build them in the right place and have the right out of the service charges, why not ???!!! for which the infrastructure. Shepway Council might think that customer pays. increased income from more houses will give them Similarly in the retail sector it was (?) the boss of the more money to spend, this is a false economy. revamped Tesco outfit who took £4 million a year in If the developers get the green light to go ahead the wages from our food produces, similarly with our other only winners will be the landowners and developers, the supermarket stores. losers will be the people of New Romney. Thirdly front page, Greenfield site planning application. Yours, We Brits can go on world wide contractual holidays and John Clarke. say what a wonderful time we had at the beaches etc. and gaily show photos, without noticing behind the Dear Looker, beaches big 12 storey blocks of hotels and apartments, I was shocked to hear about the planned housing all of which seem to be helping the surroundings. development in your last edition. I was under the Yet in medieval wood timbered walls and thatched assumption that public consultation papers had to be roofed cottages mentality of H.M.QE11, Establishment sent out to the whole town on any development larger and Parliament and County Councils, Local Councils than 50 homes? and consultants we cannot and will not ever consider Since talking to my neighbour, I understand there was doing such a thing… Let us cover the Greenfields with an exhibition in the Assembly Rooms a few months ago housing, to keep down the prices! (that’s a joke) and showing what the development could look like. This is then import all our food and drinks. hardly consultation more of a ‘this is what we are going Lordships and knighthoods along with backhanders all to do, like it or not’. around. Who gives our council the right to dictate that this Yours in desperation and no hope. beautiful farm land be turned into an unwanted or for Eric Pettinger, Hythe. that matter needed housing estate. As your journalist said, the land is already regularly flooding! So how is Dear Editor, building hundreds of houses going to stop this? Regarding the front page ,The Looker STOP large Contact your councillors and get them to block this! Or housing developments at Cockreed Lane New Romney. will it end up going to a public enquiry? I am surprised that the two housing applications which Patricia Small.

www.thelooker.co.uk Page 19 1st October 2015 www.thelooker.co.uk Saltwood Village Society celebrates 50th Anniversary

At the invitation of their President, Mrs Jane Clark, on Saturday 12th September, 70 members of Saltwood Village Society spent a wonderful afternoon at Saltwood Castle. Despite the dire weather predictions, the sun shone and there was a gentle breeze.

They enjoyed a wonderful choral recital by the Folkestone Gospel Choir, led by Alex McNeice, followed by a brief history of the Society by Chairman, Brian Doorne.. celebration cake. Much to everyone’s amusement the Saltwood Village Society - or Saltwood Village cake was paraded in by the Chairman holding aloft a Preservation Society as it was then known – was sword to be used by himself and Mrs Clark to cut the formed in 1965 as a mouthpiece for the views of local first slice. people. Over the years it has performed that task well Brian Doorne, Chairman, said: “As the Chairman of the although, inevitably, there have been occasions when Society and member of the Executive Committee for the views of the people have not held sway for political, most of the past 38 years, it was a pleasure to see the economic or logistical reasons. Society members gathered together on such a joyous In recent years, the Society has led a number of occasion. It is not every village which has a beautiful successful fund-raising events - including two garden Castle at its centre and certainly not every Village safari’s and quizzes - to raise more than £6,000 for the Society who can boast the owner of the castle as its refurbishment of the local War Memorial and the President. We are extremely fortunate to have both inscription upon it of the names of the local men who and the setting of Saltwood Castle provided a perfect fell in both wars. backdrop for our celebration. We look forward to 50 There then followed a delicious cream tea and special more years of success.’

Page 20 www.thelooker.co.uk Because local news matters 1st October 2015

see up close the work of the nuclear industry and I EDF Visitor Centre hope inspired many young people to be part of its future." celebrate 100,000 visitors EDF Energy celebrated the success of the visitor centres at it’s eight nuclear power stations, as the 100,000th visitor stepped through the door of the centre at Dungeness B in Kent – just three years since the first one opened in August 2012.

EDF Energy has opened a visitor centre at each of its seven nuclear sites and in July 2015 the eighth was opened at West Burton B CCGT power station. The first centre at Hunterston, on the west coast of Scotland, opened in August 2012, the centre at Dungeness B was officially opened in February 2013. The centres are part of the company’s efforts to be open to local communities and encourage people to Pupils from Greatstone Primary School and Marsh see for themselves how electricity is produced. Academy accepted the honour together with Shaun Free tours of the sites can be booked in advance and Kirby, Head of Science at Marsh Academy who was take place following security clearance. They have officially recorded as 100,000th visitor. proved popular with teachers, with around two thirds of The students were treated to Zingy cupcakes which visitors coming from school and educational groups. they shared with EDF Energy’s Chief Executive Vincent Mr Kirby, Head of Science at Marsh Academy and the de Rivaz to mark the occasion. official 100,000th visitor said; “We have taken our Vincent de Rivaz said; "These centres give people a students to visit Dungeness B for the last two years chance to see what happens inside a nuclear power since it opened in 2013. As an educational trip you can’t station and their success nationwide shows that we beat it. It’s fascinating for them and brings the subject of have delivered on our commitment to be open and energy to life.” transparent. The centres allow us to meet people, listen Dungeness B has seen visitors from up and down the to what they have to say and answer any questions country as well as tourists from as far as Mexico, they may have about our stations, our business and the Australia and New Zealand. People of all ages come to energy industry as a whole.” see the centre and along with schools, groups that have Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe said; visited include Scouts, Women’s Institutes, Rotary "Nuclear energy at Dungeness has long enjoyed strong Clubs and many more wanting to learn more about how community support and the excellent visi centre has nuclear energy is produced. added to this. It has allowed thousands of visitors to

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A number of these ‘Tin Chapels’ were built around the Hythe Community country, but the one in Hythe is a rare survivor. It has recently been lovingly refurbished by John and Kay Cinema comes to Tin Keesing and opened for business as a community resource in 2014. Kay and John were awarded the Tabernacle much coveted Capon Shield and Plaque by the Hythe Civic Society for their work on the church. From October, the beautifully renovated Tin Tabernacle The Hythe Community Cinema is the latest in a long in Hythe will be playing host to the Hythe Community tradition of providing for Hythe film-goers. Cinema. The Hythe Community Cinema is open to There have, over the years, been no fewer than four anyone over 16 and shows its films on the first Tuesday cinemas in Hythe. The first opened in the High Street of every month from October to July. The season kicks as the Electric Theatre in 1911, changing its name in off on October the 6th with The Grand Budapest Hotel, 1912 to the Picture Palace. It survived until 1927 when a visually sumptuous roller-coaster ride starring Ralph the Grove Cinema opened at the junction of Mount Fiennes, followed in November by the beautiful and Street and Prospect Road, near where the Aldi car park moving Jean de Florette. now is. This held 650 people and was known locally as ‘The Shack’. The Ritz Cinema, situated where Prospect Road meets East Street, opened in 1937 and was even larger, holding 858. The Ritz eventually closed in 1984 (although part of it had already become a bingo hall, and the remaining cinema part was by this time called The Classic), with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom as its final film. The Grove/Shack had already closed in 1958, but it means that there was a period when both cinemas were open and one and a half thousand people in Hythe could be watching a film at the same time! Finally, between 1970 and 1972, there was also the short-lived Embassy Cinema behind the Light Railway Restaurant, which held 100. The Tin Tabernacle Gabriel Topalian, one of the group of film enthusiasts The Tin Tabernacle, formerly St Michael’s Church, was who run the Hythe Community Cinema on a voluntary built in Hythe in 1893 to cater for working people living basis, says; “It’s amazing to think that there was a in the newly built streets between the Military Canal and cinema in Hythe holding hundreds of people not that the sea, who tended not to go to the rather grander long ago. I used to go there as a boy and it certainly of St Leonards on the side of the hill. contributed to my love of films. We’re so pleased to be The local people themselves constructed the building giving people in Hythe the chance to see films again from a ‘flat pack’ of timber framing and corrugated iron. without having to go too far, especially the more The site, a small triangle of land close to the canal, was interesting sorts of films from around the world that generously provided by the Watts family while a former would otherwise be difficult to see locally.” vicar, the Reverend F.T. Scott, paid for the building The Hythe Community Cinema was set up in 2011 as itself. It opened on the 19th of September 1893 when the Hythe Film Society and, as people have come to the Archdeacon of dedicated it to St Michael hear about it, the numbers coming to the film shows and All Angels. have been increasing quite rapidly. Picture and sound

Page 22 www.thelooker.co.uk Because local news matters 1st October 2015 quality at the Tin Tabernacle can be expected to be of the highest standard thanks to a substantial equipment grant from the British Film Institute. It costs just £5 to come to a film night, although regular visitors usually buy a Hythe Cinema Card at the start of the season for £10 and pay £3 for entrance to each film. Visitors need to become members, but this is free and can be arranged quickly on the door. More information about the Hythe Community Cinema and what films it is showing, can be found at www.hythecommunitycinema.co.uk Information about the Tin Tabernacle is at www.tintabernacle.co.uk Pictures of all the old cinemas in Hythe, as well as information about them, can be found in Martin Easdown and Linda Sage’s wonderful book ‘Hythe Through Time’.

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Brenzett turns back the clock

Several hundred people attended the Brenzett Aeronautical Museum recently for the Brenzett Bygones show. live music to get people in the spirit With visitors of all ages perusing the of the event. It will be definitely worth a day out collections of classic cars and The annual event has markedly next year and really should be motorcycles, alongside vintage farm grown this year and The Looker supported. tractors and large selection of scale understands that a recent change in As well as all the mechanical traction engines and steamrollers. the organisation team has helped hardware on show, there was a All of this was set off to some period increase the size of the show. display of traditional Falconry and plenty of trade stalls selling everything from spare spark plugs and workshop manuals for your historic Morris Minor through to arts and craft stalls. Although the Saturday was a bit overcast with a few scattered showers over the day, when we arrived on the Sunday we were greeted by a full car park and a field full of happy people taking in the sights and sounds of a bygone time.

Page 24 www.thelooker.co.uk Because local news matters 1st October 2015

www.thelooker.co.uk Page 25 1st October 2015 www.thelooker.co.uk Helping people with their cancer battles - Panache Wigs My name is Katherine Horn, founder of Panache Wigs Ltd. Before I received my breast cancer diagnosis in January 2013, I worked 24 years for Kent County Council directly supporting adults in our communities. To me the biggest upset during that time was the experience of losing my own hair because this made adventurous then try a new style. Optional emotional me lose confidence, have a fear of being shunned in support is given during your unrushed, no obligation wig society, and worry about my relationship with my fiancé consultation in the comfort of your own home. If you because I felt less attractive. When my hair fell out want the opinion of family members or friends ask them during my five-month chemotherapy treatment, I did not to come to the appointment too. Appointments are want to leave the house until I had a wig to wear, but available in the daytime or evenings and some had no choice as I could not find a mobile wig weekends. consultant in East Kent. Panache Wigs are here to make you look and feel I therefore understand how important it is to not only gorgeous again…..because you are. find a wig that looks great and is easy to look after, but To book an appointment please contact me... more importantly to have someone who can understand Katherine at: [email protected] what you might be going through and visit you in the or via my website comfort of your own home. I have empathy and respect www.panachewigs.co.uk for people going through what I did. or telephone me on: I set up Panache Wigs in 2014 to be able to inspire and 01233 501568 / 07925323204. invigorate women and give them back the dignity, confidence and strength needed to carry on their journey. Panache Wigs Ltd is a friendly and confidential home visiting wig service covering all areas of Kent. Passionately dedicated to delivering high quality and the most natural looking wigs in the right colour, fit and style to restore your confidence when experiencing hair loss. I have access to over 130 styles of wigs so the likelihood is, that a Panache Wig be it synthetic or real hair is available to suit you. For when you want to feel safe and comfortable within yourself or if you are feeling

Page 26 www.thelooker.co.uk Because local news matters 1st October 2015 Court fines owners of crowing cockerels Constantly crowing cockerels He described the noise as clearly which ruffled feathers in a quiet audible, intrusive and distracting. residential street, have landed their He made four more visits – the owners in latest in May this year - when he court. heard or recorded crowing by up to Jorg and five cockerels. Jacqueline The council wrote to Mr and Mrs Krafft from Krafft explaining that the noise was Harcourt unacceptable and advising them to Street, comply with the Noise Abatement Folkestone, Notice. were found When this appeal failed, the council guilty in their took the pair to court for five absence at Magistrates breaches of the notice. Court recently for breaching a Although Mr and Mrs Krafft failed to Noise Abatement Notice served by attend court, they were found guilty Shepway District Council. in their absence. Each was fined The court heard that after first £500 for the first offence. No other receiving a complaint about the penalty was imposed for the further noise in 2013, the council tried to breaches. resolve the problem informally by After the case, Cllr Stuart Peall, writing to Mr and Mrs Krafft making Cabinet Member for the them aware of the problem. Environment, said the issue of But the crowing continued and a cockerels crowing might not seem Noise Abatement Notice was significant to anyone who was not served. subjected to it. In his witness statement to the ‘In this case we felt there was a court, Environmental Protection definite noise nuisance and the Officer, Wai Tse, said he visited a court agreed. The cockerels nearby property so that he could crowed at all times of the day hear the noise for himself. sometimes up to six times a On one afternoon he heard minute. We always like to resolve different cockerels crowing more noise problems informally but we than 100 times in just over an hour had no response from Mr and Mrs in Mr and Mrs Krafft’s back garden. Krafft.”

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health services in this way to ensure local patients can The facts about French exercise their right to choice as set out in the NHS Constitution. Hospital services for the This cannot be influenced by local opinion. people of Shepway With concerns over stories that Shepway patients may have the chance to have treatment in France as part of their NHS options,The Looker questioned Rochelle Saunders, Chair of the Shepway PPG • Why has the CCG awarded a contract for NHS care to two French hospitals? The CCG is required to make sure that our patients have the best possible choice of healthcare. To do this, at regular intervals we must give all providers of certain types of planned healthcare the chance to become accredited providers of care for our patients. This is not a new process, it has been in place since 2008 when it was known as the 'free choice' • What types of treatment will be available at the programme. French hospitals? Under EU regulations on Procurement Law, healthcare Patients will be able to choose to use one of the French providers from other EU countries are entitled to apply or additional English providers if they need treatments to be accredited. Just like English providers, if they in the following specialty areas: meet all the requirements (which include wide ranging • How will this treatment be paid for? clinical and financial standards) they can be accredited The CCG will contract with the French hospitals in the to provide NHS care and work under the terms of the same way that we contract with English NHS and NHS standard contract. independent hospitals. We will pay the same NHS tariff The contracts that are awarded as part of this process (price) for the treatment and care. This is will be in UK mean providers can treat NHS patients but give no pounds sterling (the French hospitals will bear the cost guarantee of how many (if any) NHS patients will of any variation in the value of the euro to the pound). choose to use their services. Payment will only be made once we have validated The CCG is working with the French providers on the evidence that treatment has been provided to an NHS detail at the moment. Until all of the criteria are, patients patient. will not be able to choose treatment at the French Does this mean less money for local NHS providers? hospitals. Additional English providers have also been The CCG contracts with local NHS hospitals based on accredited as part of this process. the amount of treatment they are able to provide. • Can patients be forced to travel to France for their East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust treatment? will continue as the main provider of NHS hospital care No. This is only focused on providing patients with in east Kent. additional choice of healthcare which meets all current If patients choose to have their treatment in an NHS standards. independent sector hospital (whether in the UK or Given how close France is to the South Kent Coast France) it will not impact on the value of the current area, there may be some NHS patients who, following contract with the local NHS providers. discussion with their GP would choose to have their Who will pay the cost of transport to get to France? treatment in a French hospital. They will also be able to choose to receive their treatment from the additional accredited independent hospitals in England. • Is this happening because local NHS hospitals can't cope with the number of patients they are being asked to treat? No. This is purely about patient choice. Local NHS providers are aware of the requirement on CCGs to promote patient choice and are experienced in working with independent providers of healthcare. Why weren’t local people asked if they wanted this to happen? The CCG is required to commission certain planned

Page 28 www.thelooker.co.uk Because local news matters 1st October 2015

Patients who choose to receive their care in the French If it's a medical emergency, patients will access their hospitals will be required to arrange and pay for their local Accident and Emergency service (as is the case transport to and from France (in the same way that they with all patients who are treated in the independent do when travelling to hospitals in the UK). sector). The arrangements for patients who are eligible for All providers who are part of this procurement will be support with their transport costs or to use the Patient required to provide 24 hour access by phone to a Transport Service are being finalised. The same criteria member of the hospital surgical team for 14 days. will apply as for transport to UK hospitals. If further planned treatment is required as a result of • Will I need a passport if I choose to have my complications within 30 days, the patient will be treatment in France? re-admitted to the hospital where they were initially Yes. treated, at that hospital's cost. • Will the staff in the French hospitals speak The French hospitals, just like UK ones, must show English? they have insurance, including for professional liability The French hospitals are required to ensure that all and indemnity, to cover every NHS patient and every staff dealing directly with NHS patients undergo English eventuality. language training (where necessary). • How many patients do you expect to go to It is also a requirement of the contract that any patient France? literature and information is translated into English We don't know - we will be interested to see how many (before any NHS patients are treated) and that patients take up the option. discharge letters and the care plan in English are sent to the patient and GP within two days of the patient being discharged from hospital. > Orthopaedics > Pain management > Ear, nose and throat > Gynaecology > General surgery > Ophthalmology and cataract surgery > Urology • I understand French patients have to pay a daily rate for staying in hospital. Will this apply to NHS patients? No. As with UK providers, this is included within the tariff price that the CCG will pay for your treatment. How will my follow-up be managed after treatment? Depending on the type of treatment patients have received, their follow up will be either by telephone or video technology such as skype, or they will travel back to the French provider to see their consultant. This is no different from those patients who currently choose to have their treatment in London, for example. How will my patient notes be managed and stored? The standards for managing and storing patient records will be the same as for UK hospitals and in accordance with the UK Data Protection Act. Patients will have access to their medical records in exactly the same way as they have with NHS providers. • What happens if something goes wrong after my treatment in France and I'm back in England?

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corner opportunities, over hitting the pass and comfortably finding the keepers hands. Lydd had the better opportunities throughout the game but never really tested the New Romney defence. Tom Morgans scored the only goal in the second half with FOOTBALL the only bit of quality in the game, when his superb free kick from 25 yards out flew into the top corner. Bredhurst Juniors 0 New Romney 6 New Romney’s County League season started with a Rusthall 2 Lydd Town 5 game against Bredhurst Juniors who had been Lydd progressed into the second round of the Kent relegated from the Premier Division last year. Invicta League Cup with a convincing victory at The Marsh side started strongly and took the lead after Rusthall. They fell behind in the 5th minute when 25 minutes when Warren Smith tapped home from scored following a free kick from long range. Lydd close range. They doubled their lead ten minutes later levelled in the 30th minute when skipper Ryan Smith when Billy Weir-Somerville tapped into an empty net. was fouled in the area and scored from the spot. Just before half time, Warren Smith scored again from After seven minutes of the second half Lydd took the a pass by Jack Moran. lead when George Hayes scored and in the 60th minute The visitors controlled the second half and Warren Gary Lockyer took the ball down superbly and fired Smith completed his hat-trick on the hour mark. home an unstoppable shot to put the visitors 3-1 up. Lewis Butler came off the bench to score the fifth and A fourth was added by Gary again in the 67th minute Billy Weir-Somerville scored his second just before with another expert finish and James Simmons added the end. the fifth with a fierce drive after good work from substitute Chris Wyles. Rusthall scored a second Lydd Town Res 1 New Romney 0 consolation goal just before the end. A scrappy and bad-tempered County League match with the visitors ending with ten men. Lydd played Kent Football Utd 3 Lydd Town 2 with pride and passion whereas New Romney didn’t A poor performance saw the Marsh side lose their first and they allowed the home side to control the game game of the season. Lydd started the game very well in the centre of the park. and scored two goals in the first six minutes. Ryan In the strong wind, New Romney played high drifting Smith's long ball saw Gary Locker slot home and then balls over the top and wasted several free-kick and Ryan headed home Carlum Macleod's corner.

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They were dominating the play but slowly the home Appledore 2 Grasshoppers 2 side gradually came back into the game and they were Promoted side Appledore earned a decent point at awarded a penalty for handball, from which they home to Grasshoppers in this Sunday League game. scored, in the 30th minute. Just before half time, Kent Jim Brazil gave Appledore a 1-0 half-time lead before levelled the score when a long drive assisted by the Rhys Hodges added a second for Jim Kelly’s side. But wind found the top corner of the net. any hopes of an opening day victory were dashed when Lydd went behind after five minutes of the second half Frankie Steer netted twice for the ‘Hoppers as the when the home side scored from close range. There points were shared. were no more goals and a disappointing and frustrating game for the Lydders. Grasshoppers 6 Burton Grove 4 Frankie Steer scored three times for Grasshoppers as Kings Hill 3 New Romney Res 0 they came back from going behind early on to beat New Romney Reserves first game of the season in the Burton Grove at the Rype. Burton went ahead in the Kent County League saw them lose to Kings Hill. first minute and doubled their lead just five minutes later to shock their hosts. But the ‘Hoppers came back into Kennington Res 0 New Romney Res 2 the game to turns things around with goals from Paul Kennington were playing their first home game of the Paddock, Shane Holding and Steer before the break to season, but with a young side and the experience of the lead at the interval 3-2. Steer scored twice more in the visitors, the marsh side just about deserved the three second half to complete his hat-trick to put points. Kennington gave away a needless penalty in Grasshoppers 5-2 ahead, with Ben Holding adding a the first half, but their 16-year-old keeper read it well sixth. The visitors scored two late goals to complete and saved. The game was pretty even but midway the goal scoring feast. through the first half, a speculative shot from 30 yards from Henry Donoghue on the touchline, and with the New Romney 5 Willesborough Res 1 help of the downhill wind, New Romney took the lead. New Romney kicked off their season in the Ashford The second half was much a same as the first, but Sunday League with a 5-1 home win against fellow following some short passing from the visitors, a well newcomers Willesborough Reserves. Former Marsh taken shot by Paul Boorman finished in the top left Athletic midfielder Aurin Johnson netted for Romney hand corner of the net. adding to additional strikes from John Simpson, Matt

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Tilson, Bailey Pearson and former Newchurch defender Phil Aspri. Aaron Neill pulled a goal back for the visitors just before the end.

Lydd Town 3 Lewisham 1 A comfortable win for the Lydders in this Kent Reliance Senior Cup game. Two goals from Ryan Smith and one from Carlum Macleod secured a place for the Marsh side in the next round.

Greenways 3 New Romney 1 A difficult game for New Romney who were up against Premier League opponents in this Kent Intermediate Challenge Cup match. Billy Weir-Somerville scored the visitors only goal.

Bredhurst Juniors 0 Lydd Town Res 2 The home side have yet to win a match this season and Lydd Reserves proved too much for them. James Aspri and Joey Tibble scored the goals.

New Romney Res 2 Sheppey Utd Res 1 The first points in the County League this season for New Romney Reserves.

Grasshoppers 7 Shepherdswell Spartans 1 A convincing win on the Rype in the Kent Junior Trophy for the Lydd side. Ryan Easter hit a hat-trick and Frankie Steer scored two. Both Chris Button and Ben Holding also netted for the home side, who looked comfortable from start to finish. The ‘Hoppers could have added an eighth, only for midfielder Michael White to miss from the penalty spot.

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