ISSUE 132 Thursday 29th October Distraught Daniel excluded from church trip

An outraged father has attacked Historic ‘Twinning Agreement’ teachers at ’s St. Nicholas Church of School signed in St. Mary’s in the Marsh for excluding his six year old son from attending a Harvest Festival A joint congregation celebrated a Twinning Ward, the Chairman of the Twinning service rehearsal at church. Agreement between the parish of St. Mary in Association. Daniel was told by teachers that he the Marsh with the French town of Saint- After the formalities had taken place, the was not able to join his classmates Andre. The agreement has taken two years celebrations began with everyone enjoying on the trip to church and was to put in place with hard work from both sparkling wine and canapes.On leaving the instead left at the school under sides of the Channel to ensure some ‘En - church, the entire assembly de camped to superstition and told to stay at tente Cordiale’ between both districts. the Star in the Marsh pub for a splendid home the next day for the actual The occasion started off with the formal buffet and some renowned Marsh hospitality. service. signing of the agreement between With local Town Councillor, Russell Tillson, Louise Peers, Daniel’s mother said; members of the Marsh rural district and it’s leading the singing with renditions of British “When Daniel came home, he was new French counterpart. and French traditional songs.. very upset and could not work out After the signing, Graham Allison, Chairman The afternoon finished with the dedication of why he had been left at the school, of the Parish Council, welcomed the French a tree to be planted within the district to he was visibly very distraught” contingency, followed by a speech by Nigel commemorate the occasion. Ian Dimmock Daniels father, Continued page 3... explained that the school knew of Locals woke to find a digger Daniel’s special needs as a student Anger at breaking up ground close to who has been diagnosed with the beachfront at St. Mary’s autism, and explained to us; “A St. Mary's Bay on the morning of 15th major part of any autistic child’s life October. Things became is the need for familiarity, by Bay historic heated between contractors excluding Daniel from the trip, and public when bemused confused him and made him very site residents asked who had upset. We would have been more given permission for the work than happy to have attended the to be done and the returned and continued service with him, but the school did damage contractors were reticent to flattening the area and not inform us. I’m disgusted at the By Barry Gilbert provide a name. The next ripping up privatley owned way they treated him!” Mr Dimmock wrote to the newly & David Wimble morning, despite the bushes that lead to the site. situation, contractors appointed Headteacher of the Continued Page 6... school, Christopher Dale and Continued Page 2... Thursday 29th October Because Local News Matters asked: ‘Can you please justify why my representatives from Foxwood School, child wasn't allowed to attend church who have specialist teaching for this morning with his class. children with special needs. I would also like to know who made this But the school have stated that they decision and why, without asking us as would look into the way that Daniel is parents if we would like to walk along treated in future and considering with him.’ sending his teacher on a course to deal The reply from the school dated Friday with children diagnosed with Autism. 10th October (the day of the Church Mr Dimmock told The Looker; “I have Service) said: ‘As you are aware, been in conversation with Foxwood and Disgusted Ian and Louise, yesterday the children attended church Daniels parents they have told me they are very pleased to run through the Harvest Service. We to hear that the school are looking at decision was made not to force the were prepared to take Daniel and in sending a staff member on the course.” issue. This was made in consideration accordance to meet his needs had Jo Blamires, from the Autistic Trust to the health and safety of the situation informed him that this would take place. said: ‘If a child cannot take part in an as well as being mindful of Daniels own Daniel like the other children was ready activity such as this (one would hope wellbeing, which I hope under the to go but at the final moment upon everything would be done in advance to circumstances you will understand.’ leaving dropped to the floor and refused prepare him so that he could) and if the However Mr Dimmock has stated that to go. He was encouraged to take part school thinks that this may be the case the school had been made very aware and come along but he flatly refused. they should really provide an alternative of his sons condition and could have As a result, and not wanting to increase option at school rather than ask you to handled the situation better, Daniel is Daniels anxiety even further the keep him at home.’ now being taught by teaching

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Twinning has been part of St. Marys Europe’s life since the early 1950’s, bringing people together across frontiers. Twinning It continues to grow and evolve. Seen as a way of Continued from front page healing the wounds left after the Second World War. However,in more modern times it is seen as a universal way of having a specific relationship with some of our European countries. ‘A twinning is the coming together of two communities seeking, in this way, to take action with a European perspective and with the aim of facing their problems and developing between themselves closer and closer ties of friendship”. of European co-operation, with thousands of towns and villages proudly declaring as you enter their territory which partner communities they are twinned with. The tree being a symbol of a growing friendship who’s roots will grow stronger as the years go by, which is surely the aim of this new international partnership. After the gathering on Saturday 17th October and subsequent celebrations The Looker believes The The official signing of the ‘Twinning Accord’ St.Mary in the This was the definition of twinning given many years ago by Marsh district is Jean Bareth, one of the founders of the Council of already off to a Nigel Ward and Russell Tillson lead the European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) after the war. good start. communal sing-song In this way, he identified the primary values which twinning On November 21st a quiz night will be held at the Levin represents: friendship, co-operation and mutual awareness Club. Teams of up to six people are invited to attend, the between the peoples of Europe. cost is £3.00 per person and includes a ploughman’s Twinning is the expression of a European unity and identity supper. For more information contact Nigel Ward on... built from the grass roots. It is perhaps the most visible form 01303 873766 Van Fire in Brookland Kent Fire and Rescue Service used breathing apparatus, foam and fog spike to tackle a fire involving a transit van in King Street, Brookland, on Saturday 17th October. A ‘fog spike’ is used to punch holes into a structure and deliver water into the inside of compartments, creating a super-fine misting effect that can dramatically reduce the temperature and spread of a fire. were also in attendance. Page 3 Thursday 29th October Because Local News Matters

Patients in best option to ensure are that Dymchurch retains Dymchurch saddened to have a full GP service within the confirmation they the village. feared, that the local I understand that Surgery doctors surgery is patients registered at closing its doors for the Orgarswick Avenue the last time on Surgery will have the to Close Friday (30th Oct) option of moving to the In a statement Church Lane site and issued by Doctor Robert Cullen in early August he said; travelling to New “It is now 3 months until I retire and I thought I should write Romney, or registering to let you know what is happening, especially as there are with the Martello so many rumours going around.After I retire Dr Quastel Practice in Dychurch.” becomes Senior Partner and will be running the Practice. This was followed up by He has been looking at the options for the future of the a statement that said Dr Cullen retiring after 30 years Church Lane and Orgarswick Avenue Surgeries. that the surgery will of practice on the Marsh There is a shortage of General Practitioners in the UK and close for the last time on Friday 30th. he does not think he will be able to recruit a new Partner. Although the doctor has assured all his patients that they He has concluded that the best way for him and the will automatically be transferred to the Church Lane remaining Practitioners at the Practice is to work just from Surgery in New Romney, this has again sparked concerns about possible waiting times for appointments. The other option is for patients to register at the Martello Medical Practice in Dymchurch who’s own website states that: ‘The Practice is currently supported by a ‘small team’ of regular locum doctors.’ Which has raised concerns that again the service required by local patients will be effected. A local resident who did not want to be named said; “Unfortunately this is the problem with doctors surgeries all over the country, the NHS are demanding more from their GP’s and many of the older good doctors are seeing the writing on the wall and retiring, the problem is that there is a shortfall of doctors wanting to buy into practices. The people who suffer are the patients.” Another patient said; “ I understand that the villagers are Patients will now have to travel to New Romney Surgery signing a petition, well you can sign what you like, if a Church Lane Surgery in New Romney. doctor is not prepared to buy into a practice, that piece of The Orgarswick Avenue surgery would then amalgamate paper will count for nothing.” with the Martello Surgery in Dymchurch. Dr Quastel has With over 1000 homes being built in and over been in discussion with NHS England and a Consultation 300 new homes being planned for New Romney, period is about to start on how this should be done. the prediction is for things to get much worse before they It is disappointing for me that this should happen, having get better. worked at Orgarswick Avenue for over 30 years. Let us know your thoughts about the current state of GP I did not anticipate this when I decided to retire, however it Practices e-mail: [email protected] is not within my control and now probably represents the

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habitation. Various animals and plants Outcry over also appear to have been crushed. Romney Marsh is specifically noted landwork in for it's content of Red Crested Newt, an endangered species protected by St. Mary’s Bay European and UK law. Local District Councillor, Roger Coninued from Front Page Wilkens, told The Looker; “If its true Local people informed the police, that they have started working on this Shepway Planning, KCC and Natural ground without permission and in England, who took immediate action breach of a protection order as a to post a warning that this was in designated as a sight special scientific breach of the Wildlife and Countryside interest then they should have the Act of 1981 and could subsequently book thrown at them, this is the be subject to fines of up to £20,000. reason why we have protection The area was the site of a beach hut orders, you can’t just do what you

Site that has been flattened

once owned by the famous Royal want, wherever you want.” couple, Edward and Mrs. Simpson, It appears at present that action can who visited St. Mary's Bay on a number of occasions, indeed the work of local noted historian, Vic Hazel, included photographs of Edward exercising with his entourage wearing a rugby kit in St. Mary's Bay, where he was able to enjoy a private life away from the media, his life being respected and kept quiet by the people of Romney Marsh. The site's modern archeological evidence, along with it's historical importance prior to the beginning of the Second World War, appears to have been destroyed. In later years, the site received status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest be taken against the person ordering due to it's wildlife content and remains the work, whatever happens it so. appears very clear that development The recent damage has destroyed permission for the site is now unlikely lichen, understood to be prominent in to be granted under any measuring environmental changes, circumstances. atmospheric chemicals and radiation. What do you think? As always, let The It is understood the site must now rest Looker know your views e-mail: undisturbed for twenty years in order [email protected] that the lichen can re-establish

Page 6 WWW.THELOOKER.CO.UK Thursday 29th October Remembered with a rose A rose has been planted in memory of a ‘dedicated champion for council housing.’ Cllr Keren Belcourt, who was Shepway District Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, died suddenly in December last year.

Members of the Shepway Tenants and Leaseholders Board planted a rose bush at the Civic Centre recently as a tribute to Keren’s life and work and have created a new category in their annual gardening competition, which will award the Keren Belcourt Rose to the overall winner. “Keren was a great supporter of the Board and attended all of our meetings without fail. She was a fountain of knowledge and always took time to explain and include tenants in all areas of housing,” said Board Chairman Elaine Bostock. “She gave many speeches and amusing anecdotes at our annual general meetings and garden competition ceremonies and also enjoyed helping with our yearly garden competition - from acting as a taxi for the judges to giving her thoughts on the entries. “That’s why we wanted to dedicate a rose bush in her memory and include a new category in our annual garden competition. It will be reminder to us all of the work she did for Shepway tenants and the sadness we felt at her untimely death.” Cllr Alan Ewart-James, Shepway’s Cabinet Member for Housing said Keren was a great inspiration to everyone in the council’s housing team "Keren's enthusiasm and passion for housing shone through everything she did and the fact that the tenants have wanted to remember her by planting a rose speaks volumes of their appreciation of her work for them.”

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Page 7 Thursday 29th October Because Local News Matters

Monday 2nd November Dates For Your Diary Crafters & Knitters, Hardy Hall, , 10 a.m. Dymchurch Meeting Point, Methodist Church, 10 a.m. Thursday 29th October New Romney 65 Club, Prescott House, Rolfe Lane, 2 p.m. Halloween Special Trains, RH&DR (Pre booking essential) Lydd Meeting Point, Hardy Hall, 10 a.m. Tuesday 3rd November New Romney Meeting Point, Methodist Church Hall, 10 Coastal Meeting Point, St. Peter’s Hall, Greatstone, 10 a.m. a.m. Coffee Morning & Bric a Brac, Heysham Hall, Lydd-on-Sea, Keep Fit/Dance Class, St. Mary’s Bay Village Hall, 10.15 10 a.m. a.m. Dymchurch Art Society, Village Hall, 1 p.m. Halloween Grotto (indoors) with fun activities for all ages, Keep Fit/Dance Class, Chichester Memorial Hall, Sandgate, Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Drop in any 2 p.m. time - children to be accompanied by an adult) New Romney Craft Group, Old School, 7 p.m. Heysham Hall Computer Club, Lydd-on-Sea, 7.30 p.m. St Mary’s Bay Camera Club, Village Hall, 8 p.m. Wednesday 3rd November St. Mary’s Bay Computer Club, Village Hall, 10 a.m. & 1.30 Friday 30th Octobe r p.m. Halloween Special Trains, RH&DR (Pre booking essential) Purly Girlies for Knitters, Brooks Café, Hythe, 2 p.m. Cuppa & Chat, Heysham Hall, Lydd-on-Sea, 10 a.m. Country Mice Needle Craft Club, Old School, New Romney, Halloween Grotto (indoors) with fun activities for all ages, 7 p.m. Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Drop in any time - children to be accompanied by an adult) Saturday 7th November Special Halloween event, Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, 11 ‘Water for Wildlife – in even the smallest plot’, New Romney a.m. (Children to be accompanied by an adult - suggested Visitor Centre, 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. (Booking essential), minimum donation of £1) £15. “Wild about Gardens” officer Maureen Rainey will sug - Whist & Scrabble, St. Peter’s Hall, Greatstone, 2 p.m. gest how you can safely introduce a water feature in even Cash Bingo, New Romney Bowls Club, 7.30 p.m. the tiniest garden. Sequence Dancing, St. Mary’s Bay Village Hall, 7.30 p.m.

Saturday 31st October Halloween Special Trains, RH&DR (Pre booking essential) Greatstone WI Autumn Fayre, Assembly Rooms, New Romney, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Coffee Morning, Newchurch Church, 10.30 a.m. Halloween Grotto (indoors) with fun activities for all ages, Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Drop in any time - children to be accompanied by an adult)

Sunday 1st November Halloween Special Trains, RH&DR (Pre booking essential) Halloween Grotto (indoors) with fun activities for all ages, Romney Marsh Visitor Centre, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Drop in any time - children to be accompanied by an adult)

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Residents of Lydd and across New the Marsh showed their support for a new monthly community market which was launched Monthly earlier this month at Hardy Hall in Skinner Road, Lydd. With Market stalls selling a variety of crafts, jewellery, bread, cakes and gifts, the hall was packed all For Lydd morning. Organiser Debbie Mckenna told The Looker; “The idea of the market is to build up our community where people can meet up with friends and support local enterprise, we would like to thank all the people who have supported this”.

With the market proving to be such a big hit, the organisers plan to make this a regular monthly event, with the next market being held on Saturday 14th November, with plans already underway for a special Christmas Market on the 12th December. This is not the first time that a community market has been tried in Lydd, with a previous occasional market being held in the George Public House. However, the locals obviously feel that the time is right to get behind this latest market. Market organisers ‘very pleased with the turnout’

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Marsh Memories By John Wimble

In May 1949, Whitbread’s Brewery, which at the time was located in Wateringbury, Kent, began issuing 2" x 3" plaques featuring pub signs of Kent and the south-eastern part of Sussex.

Known as Whitbread’s Inn Sign Miniatures, five series of 50 each were produced between 1949 and 1955 as a powerful form of advertising.

And, as the collecting mania grew, customers were encouraged to visit other Whitbread pubs across the region. Whitbread had to compete with cigarette cards and with matchbox labels also used by publicans to advertise their house. The first three series were printed on thin aluminium sheet because of the post-war paper shortage and the third series was also reissued in card.The last two series were issued only in card. All of the Whitbread public houses of Romney Marsh were featured and here is a selection.

(From the Paul Rabson collection).

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An invitation from The We all want our business to Looker... make money, don’t we? Have you ever thought about Do you advertising but wondered…. Would it work for me? How want your much would it cost? Who would design my advert? business to If that’s you, then we would like to invite you to our ‘Looker make Fifth Birthday Party and Net - working Evening’ at Sotirios 103 Restaurant on Thursday money? 12th November. If you have your own business, then come along and meet our team who will answer all your questions.Talk to current advertisers on how advertising in The Looker has helped grow their businesses. Have you found yourself saying ‘no thanks, we can’t afford to advertise we are short of cash as we are very quiet at the moment.’etc.. Surely you are in need of advertising more than anyone? If you have an amazing product but our readers don’t know about it, how are you going to make money? Or maybe you are considering starting up a new business? The Looker is the best way of getting your name out to over 12,000 readers every two weeks. You can advertise in The Looker from as little as £15 per week or for only £10 per week on our website. We will also be showcasing Looker TV and showing you how to get the best from your website. If you would like to hear first-hand why our clients continue to advertise with Shepway’s favourite ‘FREE LOCAL’ newspaper, call us now to book your place. What have you got to lose? Come and enjoy a free drink and nibbles and the chance to promote your business. For your complimentary ticket call 01797 364837 P.S Bring your business card to be entered into the raffle. Small Investment = Large Profit

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Page 11 Thursday 29th October Because Local News Matters Your Letters Dear Editor, New Romney and adding to the First of all, can I say that New Romney already overstretched facilities, why does not want 1,2 or 300 houses built not utilise the space to build a much in Cockreed Lane! needed by-pass and take the 40ft It seems that every time we have new lorries off the High Street. housing it does not go to locals but Yours Faithfully to overspill.If Folkestone J.Barnes people want housing then stay in your own town because we are full.If any Dear Annabel, New Romney councillors voted for this Congratulations on your new look can I suggest that you step down publication, you really have upped the straight away, as you have not got New anti on the other papers that are sold Romney citizens concerns at on the Marsh. In particular, I loved your heart.New Romney Town Council, comment about the fact that even a once again, it is about time that you plastic bag costs five pence and yet stood up to Shepway District Council The Looker is still free. and thought more of the people of New The only thing that could possibly Romney instead of what you want. make it better would be if it was How many councillors are actually weekly! locals and really care about the Keep up the good work Marsh,or did you only come down here Pat Marsh to change everything about this ancient land. Any councillor who Dear Looker, voted for this project CAN YOU Littlestone Golf Club Ltd consists of the PLEASE STEP DOWN AS YOU ARE Littlestone Championship Links and NOT REQUIRED IN NEW ROMNEY. Littlestone Warren clubs. Since Affinity Water put a new pipeline In the last edition of The Looker, an in, the right hand side of the sports advert was placed suggesting that field and 90% of the children's Littlestone Golf Club is under new playground has become a quagmire. management but this is not the case. Once again New Romney Town The actual situation is that Littlestone Council lets every body ride roughshod Golf Club Ltd have outsourced the food over them, so can I recommend if you and beverage operation for the don’t want to represent locals then step Littlestone Warren clubhouse only to a down.We seem to be carrying a lot of third party. dead wood. The café area in the clubhouse, Yours Mr Tony Spiers known as “The 19th”will be managed by a franchisee but all of the golf Dear Sir, course, membership, societies, green Instead of building yet more houses in fees etc are still very much part of Littlestone Golf Club. The new team at “The 19th” café welcome everyone to come along and enjoy the excellent food and ambience on offer and we are delighted to work with them in welcoming golfers and non-golfing visitors to the Littlestone Warren Golf Club. With kind regards Sarah Saunders

The Royal British Legion Women’s Section Saturday 28th November Dymchurch Village Hall

10.00am - 2.00pm

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Georgie is a seven year HAVE old neutered tom who went missing on the evening of Thursday 1st YOU October from the Ashford Road end of North Street, New Romney. He is big SEEN and muscular, rather like the cat in the Felix adverts, and as you can GEORGIE see, he is very endearing and affectionate. He is microchipped and has lived there with me and his friend Blanche, a pretty, petite white and black four year old, for the last three years. Neither of them has left their walled garden for more than a few hours before. However, over the last month a strange series of events

has occurred. First, on the afternoon of Sunday 13th September Blanche disappeared. The weather then and for most of the following week was very wet and stormy, so I guessed that she had jumped on a van or lorry for shelter and had been taken away. Georgie pined for her and spent most of that week just sitting in the kitchen looking at the cat flap. Then at four o’clock in the morning on Tuesday 22nd September, after eight and a half days away, Blanche returned, crying so loudly that she woke me up. She had lost a lot of weight and ate about ten meals that day, but was otherwise uninjured. Georgie seemed so pleased to have his friend back and after some long sleeps and a lot more meals, Blanche was back to her old self a few days later. Then, in the last few days of September Georgie’s behaviour began to change, perhaps because we had a spell of balmy weather which affected his hormones or perhaps because Blanche had told him about her adventures. Anyway, he went out more and more and I think he stayed out for the whole of the night of the 30th/1st, returning for breakfast around 7:30 a.m. The last time I saw him was at dusk on Thursday 1st, playing tag on the lawn with Blanche and watching the bats sweeping overhead. Georgie is a very special cat, so please check your sheds and garages for him and talk to your neighbours. If someone has been looking after him I will be very grateful to them. Please call Charles on 07760168765 with any news you may have. Page 13 Thursday 29th October Because Local News Matters At the meeting of Lydd Spotted In.. Christmas Town Council held on 5th October, Councillor New Romney Clive Goddard proposed Blackadder & Band that Lydd Town Council Mr Bean star funds be used to Rowan Atkinson, organise the Christmas nice car Rowan! Concert Band Concert this year. Cllr Goddard said:”I was Send your celeb pic’s to [email protected] disappointed to learn from Councillor Dawes that the Mayor’s Charity Christmas Band Concert was not going ahead this year, as last year it did not bring in any money to aid his charity. Whilst I understand and fully appreciate this decision, I think it is a tradition that will be much missed. I know many residents who really look forward to this occasion and in past years the concert was something that the Town Council put on for the benefit of residents at Christmas, it is only in more recent times that it became something that the Mayor organised” Councillor Goddard Good to see Cllr Goddard getting then went on to into the Christmas spirit already successfully gain the support of his fellow Councillors in his proposal to go back to tradition that Lydd Town Council organises and pays for the event this year. Cranbrook Town Band will therefore be performing at 7.30pm on December 12th at All Saints Church.Tickets will be £4 and will include light festive refreshments.

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(finalists for the Kent Wedding Awards) perform with the Railway Swing Band at Dover Town Hall. A fantastic group Looker who all perform for charity and whose members range from 13 to 88. We both love big band music and they played all the classics including Moonlight Serenade and Fly me to Social the Moon. The highlight being Graham and friends dressed as nuns doing their own version of Sister Act, albeit with trombones. Diary Saturday 17th October We spent all day covering items which have featured in this These past couple of weeks we have enjoyed lots of edition. Firstly meeting Maggie and John from Santa Fe in amazing food,drink and shopping, that is available here New Romney High Street and purchasing from them my locally. Including splashing out a lovely new handbag from beautiful Alpaca poncho. I also can’t wait to try the Cherubs in New Romney High Street . I like to think of it Ecuadorean food that they are adding to their menu too. as supporting local businesses, which can only benefit the Then it was over to Lydd to take pictures and buy some community, right? Well that’s how I explain it to David delicious cakes at the local community market held at anyway. To counteract my indulgence, I did my first ever Hardy Hall before we dashed over to St Mary in the Marsh bootcamp session at Binsey’s Bootcamp based at for the second stage of the official signing of the Twinning Sycamore Farm. You really don’t need a fancy gym to get Agreement with St Andre, witnessed by non other than the fit, in fact this felt more like a personal training session. Run Mayoress of New by Dave Binsey O’Hara , he keeps his classes small so he Romney, Patricia can give you his maximum attention for you to achieve Rolfe .. After the church maximum results. I’ve heard only good things about his formalities, it was all sessions and now having attended a few I can see why he over to The Star Inn to comes so highly recommended and only £5.00 per class . sample some real For more info,get in touch with Dave Marsh hospitality. on: 07446828175 . Yes, there are some Sunday 10th October definite perks in being David and I were kindly invited by Deputy Editor of Shepway’s favourite free newspaper! Robert Boutwood of Odo’s Barn in Finally, in readiness for our dance class at Len Goodman’s Bilsington to attend an evening of Dance School , I trawled the internet and found the Railway Pink Floyd (tribute) plus sumptuous Club in Ashford. It is just what we need, a bit of instruction hog roast. This beautifully converted and plenty of social dancing..So long as David’s back holds barn is sure to be a very successful new venture for Robert up, I’ll make a dancer of him yet! and we look forward to any future events he holds there. It’s For the latest Deputy Editors Blog, visit the website now. an ideal venue for weddings and a great addition to the For more information on any of the items covered in the district. Social Diary or if you have an event you would like Wednesday 14th October featured please contact me at [email protected] We had the great pleasure of watching the uber talented Graham West and Kylie Barnes from the duo ‘Just Two’

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Many readers who have Last read The Looker over the past five years will realise that we are a bit partial to flight of anything that moves fast, everything from classic cars, go-karts and planes. the ‘Tin Well, last week saw the farewell flight of the ‘Tin Triangle’ or to give it the Triangle’ correct name the Avro Vulcan. The plane made a farewell flying visit to the South of England (no pun intended). For one local lady the flight was especially poignant. Rebecca Dearings, from New Romney, Uncle was flying it! Wing Commander Bill Ramsey. Having met Bill a number of years ago when he visited his family who ran the Prince of Wales pub in New Romney, I got into conversation with Bill who at the time was team leader of the world famous Red Arrows about his flying career. So to see him take to in history, certainly since the Avro Lancaster’s took part in Wing Commander the sky in the last flying Vulcan the famous Dam Busters raid. Bill Ramsey Bomber had a special memory for For this sortie another Avro plane was needed, the only me. And also made me look into the planes history as bomber in the RAF still flying was the Vulcan, designed holding the record for the longest ever operational bombing shortly after the Second World War and first flown in the mission in history. early 1950’s and made up the nuclear force of the RAF and In 1982 as I was just about to leave school, I remember that designed to launch airborne nuclear attack of Russia. in the April the country was shocked that the Argentineans The first problem was that the bombers had a relatively had launched an attack on British Sovereign territory and short range, so to fly all the way down to the South Atlantic as a result the Falklands war started. and back would mean some major re-fuelling. At the time, I recall that most people did not think it was Something that Vulcan pilots stopped doing in the 1950’s as going to be a real war and that we would send a token army it proved to be so difficult. But with only 3 weeks from the down to the South Atlantic. I am sure that most of the invasion, the pilots worked round the clock with the British population had either never heard of the islands, or if adapted Vulcan which had been designed to drop one they had heard did not really know where they where! single atomic bomb, having a bomb bay conversion to drop With the occupation of the island and the Government 21 conventional bombs. Using technology straight from the planning to send a task force down to recapture the islands, old Lancaster bombers technology which was almost 50 one of the first things to consider was the Argentine Air years old! Force who had set up base on the airfield at Port Stanley. Wing Commander Simon Baldwin was in charge of the With this in mind a decision was made to disable the operation and one of the first things he instructed the crews airfield. to do was write their wills. At this moment the pilots and This was the start of one of the most daring bombing raids crew knew this was for real. They where given instruction what to do if they where captured and paraded in front of Argentine media by using

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do fellas’ and carried on flying 4000 miles without breaking radio silence. The only time radio silence was broken was when the last in-flight fuel handover took place, the Victor had hardly enough fuel of its own to return to base and short fuelled the aircraft. Withers said on the radio, ‘ Ok we are off’ the tanker pilots did not know what that meant? Did that mean they where off back to base or off on the last leg of the bombing run? The pilot asked his crew did they want to carry on, knowing that they almost certainly would not have enough fuel to get home and subsequently have to ditch with almost certain dire consequences. To the man they said carry on. With 200 miles to fly, the Vulcan dropped to below 200 feet above the sea to avoid enemy radar, flying using very out of date charts because the ground radar would not work at such low level. With about 20 miles to the target they had no idea if they where anywhere near the islands so climbed so that they could get a fix on the island. At this point, the enemy radar locked on to the plane which was approaching at nearly 500 mph, as they approached the target, the bomb doors opened nearly a minute before the bombs where released just to ensure that they would open as there would be no room for a second run. With the runway only 120 feet wide, the 21 bombs where released at half key gestures, like scratching the left hand side of their second intervals. As the last bomb left the plane, Withers noses if they where telling the truth and right hand side if pulled the stick back and pushed the throttles wide open, as they where stating propaganda. the Olympus engines roared the sky’s lit up with anti aircraft After only 3 weeks of training three Vulcan’s left RAF batteries opening fire. As they made their way back to Waddington and flew to Ascension Islands which was about Accession all of a sudden the radar lock warning lights half way to the drop zone. After 24 hours break on the came on, and it was that of the British fleet not sure if it was island and a celebratory 50th birthday bash in the local enemy fighters, at which point Withers broke radio silence pubs for pilot Martin Withers, he and his crew took off from and calmly repeated the mission password Super Fuse. ascension Island along with another Vulcan being flown by At which point the news made its way back to both John Reeve who was the ‘prime bomber’ took off along with Accession Island and also to the Cabinet War Office that 11 Victor tanker aircraft who had a complicated piggy back the raid was completed. refuelling schedule to not only re fuel the Vulcan’s but also However, by now the plane was running almost on fuel each other. Something that left very little room for error. vapours, so much so that the flight engineer stated he had When the news was given that the lead Vulcan had never flown in a plane with such low fuel, the crew had returned to base, when the crew realised that the aircraft about 90 seconds left, when from the port side the fuel suffered problems with compression of the cockpit, Martin tanker swept into sight and the plane made a straight Withers told his crew ‘Looks like we have a job of work to connection and refuelled. On arrival back at base, the pilot of the tanker that short fuelled the plane on the outward journey, met the crew as they left the plane with a can of lager for the pilot and a smile, nothing more was said other than a look that said ‘job done’ although the plane that did the bomb run had a crew of only 5, the mission would not have been possible without the 95 crew in the 11 Victor tanker planes and also the hundreds of ground staff. The Vulcan Bomber really is one of the last wonders of British aviation, and I for one, can say it makes me proud to be British. I have seen it fly on a number of occasions, something I fear we saw for the last time this month. The Vulcan along with Concord, was a symbol of how Great Britain could be when its back was up against the wall! Words And Pictures by David Wimble

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Earlier in the month Pub raise crew and shore helpers at RNLI Lifeboat station money for played host to Darren Bispham, landlord of the Singleton Barn in Lifeboat Ashford, along with Tom King and Adrian Ennis, two regulars station that helped raise a phenomenal amount of money for Dungeness RNLI, to present a cheque worth £5,000 which they had raised over the past year from their Saturday’s meat raffles (meat supplied from Marlow Butchers, Ashford) to the stations branch Chairman of Fundraising Nigel Packer on Photo Judith Richardson behalf of the Lifeboat station. The donation will help the RNLI to continue to save lives. join the fleet and the first to be propelled by waterjets Dungeness Lifeboat station has had one of its busiest instead of traditional propellers, making it our most agile years of recent times with 10 operational launches in the and manoeuvrable all-weather lifeboat yet. last 12 months. If you are a member of an organisation and would like to The station, which serves an area of one of the busiest promote what you are doing, please contact The Looker, shipping lanes in the world, was the first operational station we will feature it in both The Looker Newspaper and on our in the country to operate the new state of the art Shannon website. class lifeboat “The Morrell” To find out more call David on 01797 364837 The Shannon is the latest class of all-weather lifeboat to

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Half a Million young people with campfire songs, sketches, jokes, playing musical A Million committed to removing instruments and later served refreshments to their hosts, an social barriers, connecting amazing adventure for all. communities and improving Jamboree Journey was hosted by Scouts and Explorers. Helping lives. UK Scout Community Ellie and Jake relived their World Scout - Japan experience Week. Beavers, Cubs, with an audience of 50 local community representatives Scouts and Explorers from and sponsors. The pair had their audience spellbound with Hands the 1st New Romney Scout their adventures and the welcome they received from their Group took part in several Japanese hosts. Ellie was also presented with the Chief events which all impacted positively on the local community Scout’s Gold Award the highest accolade which is only in the first week of October. awarded to Scouts who consistently show resourcefulness The youngsters started their journey in September, by and achieve the a range of diverse challenges. representing the group at the Royal British Legion Poppy Beavers joined in the celebrations with their 33rd birthday Picnic and presentation of the new memorial in New party, an evening of Fun and Friends. They celebrated with Romney. This was followed by helping at the Dungeness traditional party games and the biggest cake you ever did Beachclean, with the Romney Marsh Countryside see. 1st New Romney Beavers are proud of the fact they project- part of a wider global initiative aimed at are the very first colony to be established in Kent. Group safeguarding the environment and keeping beaches around President Eddie Holtum was on hand to cut the cake and the world clean and litter free. share a few Campfire songs, a fitting moment as Eddie, along with Kathy Blanc, was responsible for setting up the Colony in 1982. The culmination of the week was the Harvest Service at St Nicholas Church in New Romney. The young - sters took part in the Story of a Pizza, the brainchild of church warden Jacky Darling. October started with a bang and a Cub adventure to They discovered what Chessington. 600 Kent Cubs and 1st New Romney were ingredients are in a Pizza and how its life begins, thru to part of it. The visit to Chessington was hailed as a doorstep delivery which gave them a fascinating insight into resounding success by all who took part. The Cubs food production. Beavers, Cubs, Scout and Explorers enjoyed visiting the themed lands, the thrill of the rides responded positively to the recent Bring a Can Initiative and especially Dragon’s Fury and Bubbleworks, plus the Zoo collected 40+ cans of food which were donated to the Safari adventure, Sea Life Centre and the daily shows recently formed local Foodbank. where the Penguins and Seals with their clever antics were All in all a very successful Scout Community Week. A time the highlight of the visit. for celebration and supporting the local community. And Scout Community Week proper started with Cub Campfire also a time to say a HUGE THANK-YOU to all the New at Prescott House, an inter-generational project connecting Romney community who so generously support the 1st seniors and scouting youngsters. The Cubs entertained New Romney Scout Group.

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After a long overdue holiday blend of spices then grilled in the tandoor oven. The GP The the GP and myself wanted went for the Desi Fish Fry (£4.50) Bangladeshi fish to relive some of the asian marinated in a mixture of spices then fried with onions and food that we enjoyed whilst a hint of garlic and tamarind. Both dishes were delicious. Curry on our travels. For the main course, Payal chose us a selection of dishes We have often passed the that very sounded interesting. Pudhina Chicken (£7.95) Curry Lounge, admiring the tender pieces of chicken marinated in spices and cooked Lounge 18th century building in a with mint and honey in a creamy sauce. WOW, this was for beautiful garden setting me, a showstopper. If you normally favour a mild curry, High Street New Romney on the High Street in New such as Korma, I highly recommend this amazing dish with 01797 366292 Romney. The first thing that it’s unusual flavour combination that I have not come across struck us as we approached before, but put together, it was a definite winner. Chicken the restaurant was the Sizzler Tikka Karahi (£8.25) marinated on skewers and heady aroma of authentic Indian cooking pricking our taste cooked in an iron stove with tomatoes, onions and green buds and enticing us to come in. peppers. In both dishes the chicken was succulent and On entering, we were met by the proprietor, Payal sauces delicately spiced. Khandaker, who’s smile was It takes a lot to impress the Glamourpuss, so I was as warm as some of his dishes and very welcoming, on such a wet and windy evening that we’d chosen to visit. We were shown into the cosy bar area for a drink, while we waited to be seated Payal gave us an interesting insight into his heritage and culture. The restaurant is spacious with carefully chosen art work adorning the walls, with a gentle Bollywood soundtrack drifting through. So, down to business. The Food… Most people will be familiar with the tradional curry house, they are as much a part of our culinary lifestyle as fish and chips! But many are now modern, stylish eateries, rivaling any gourmet restaurant. Which is exactly what the Curry Lounge is, with its extensive contemporary Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine, all cooked with the freshest ingredients. As we ordered our drinks and inspected the varied wine list, we enjoyed a stack of papadum’s with a selection of dips whilst we sipped on Cobra beer and the House Red. Reading the menu, we decided to ask Payal to suggest his favourite dishes, as being new to Bangladeshi food, we wanted to experience new tastes and flavours. Under Payal’s guidance we chose one of the new dishes on the menu, Lamb Chops (£3.95) marinated in the chef’s own

Page 24 WWW.THELOOKER.CO.UK Thursday 29th October staggered when she proclaimed to had just eaten the best Even though we were both getting full, we couldn’t resist lamb curries she’d ever had. Lamb in curries is something the dessert menu. We chose the Coconut Lagoon (£3.95) that is so easy to get wrong, often (in her experience) being fresh coconut ice cream and Orange Delight (£3.75) a zesty tough or tasteless. Lamb Sorisha (£7.95) lamb marinated in orange sorbet. chefs own mixture, barbecued in a clay oven, then cooked We had superb,unobtrusive service from our waiter Nabid, and were treated to a complimentary liqueur from Payal, a fine way to end what was a masterclass in Eastern cookery. The Curry Lounge is open 7 days a week and most nights offer discounted rates and special offers which can all be viewed on their website. Also, don’t forget to ask on your next visit about their VIP scheme and extensive takeaway menu. So if you, like us, fancy trying something different don’t be afraid to ask your waiter or the manager for their recommendations, you never know, you might just find your new favourite or if you prefer to stick to your old favourites, then give your taste buds a treat and visit Payal and his team over at the Curry Lounge.. . again with mustard in a medium sauce, a procedure that For more information, check out their website allows the meat to be so soft, it melts in the mouth. Lamb www.currylounge.net Bhuna (£5.75) cooked with onions, fresh tomatoes, By R.A.C Fishman coriander,herbs and spices, all accompanied by lemon rice and cheese nan- all breads are made fresh in-house too,I discovered.

RAC Fishman Looking good on the outside, tasting fantastic on the inside, The Curry Lounge New Romney 01797 366292

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Owners Maggie Grant-Brown A Taste and Partner, John, of the Santa Fe Restaurant in New Romney are adding some of South more authentic South American food to their menu, following a recent trip to visit America John’s family in Equador. Maggie told The Looker;” I spent 2 weeks learning new recipes from John’s mum and have some wonderful new dishes on the menu.” Ecuador is a country straddling the Equator on South America’s West Coast. Its diverse landscape encompasses the Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands, in the Andean foothills at an elevation of 2,850 metres above sea level. Quito, the capital, is known for its largely intact Spanish colonial centre, with decorated 16th and 17th century palaces and churches including the ornate Compañía de Jesús cathedral and as Maggie told us; “The food really does have its own unique taste, none of the products have been genetically modified and there is no use of pesticides or fertilizers.” They also took the opportunity to bring back several genuine, locally produced items. Including products made from beautiful Alpaca wool, which are as common in the mountains and surrounding areas, as sheep are here on the Marsh.

Purchase your Trimmings Hair & Beauty Vouchers Now! An Ideal Christmas or Birthday Present Haguelands, Farm Village, Road, Dymchurch

Maggie and John with our Editor in her new poncho

The quality is superb and the cost of production is minimal as the farmers use their own wool. Their wives spin the yarn to make the most amazingly soft and warm garments to sell at local markets. Maggie recently held a small sale of some of these items and Annabel, our Editor told us: “I’ve been looking for a poncho for some time but couldn’t find anything I liked, until I felt the quality of the Alpaca. Knowing it came direct from a local market in Ecuador makes it extra special.” Santa Fe now has Ecuadorian food on the menu and working on new recipes to add, also ask about their range of local South American products.

Page 26 WWW.THELOOKER.CO.UK Thursday 29th October NEWS HOUND By Ted

Looks like my news on the effectiveness of how UKIP are getting on in Shepway has reached Thanet, with more members resigning from the party and setting up an Independent Party. Rumours have reached my kennel that three current Shepway ‘kipper’ councillors, who are said to be ‘very frustrated’ that the party has no direction are considering going independent. I wonder who will be first to jump? I understand that despite narrowly losing out at the last election, our former Editor David Wimble, has not given up… the latest news is that he is looking to set up a Romney Marsh Independent Party. He was heard speaking to a couple of members of Shepway and said: ‘It’s about time the Marsh had its own voice in Shepway instead of councillors towing the party-line.” This came in the aftermath of New Romney Tory Councillor Peter Simmons, proposed that planning be given to 300 new homes in the town. Denying rumours that he has had ‘a bit of work done’ Lydd Councillor Clive Goddard, stated that ‘although some peo - ple have claimed he has a face only a mother could love, to date, he’s had no botox. When the male nurse said it was just a little prick with a needle he said: ‘I know you are, but what are you going to do with it?’ With news that a current SDC councillor is soon to find out his fate regarding an expenses scandal, one of his colleagues told The Looker; “If what they say is true, he should do the right thing and step down”… but then stated: ‘then again, he has never done the right thing in his life!’ I wonder who he was talking about??... The glamourous Jenny Hollingsbee was seen on TV recently, standing in for SDC Leader David Monk, who has been ‘sunning himself’ on a 3 week cruise. She was speaking alongside our MP Damian Collins, about the effect Operation Stack has had on the local population and businesses. One person stated that she not only got her points across, but was much easier on the eye than the Leader. Hopefully Mr Monk is enjoying a smoother passage than the stormy waters that maybe be ahead for his party on his return,as they also seem intent on cutting benefits for the people who need them most! Until Next Time Woof Woof

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Paul Hurford started this passed away in Charity event in memory of his 2010 after suffering son Stan, who lost his from a brain tumour. battle with cancer, and The cancer brought bike ride has pledged to make this on a rapid an annual event and has deterioration into his so far raised over £5000 health. He had in memory for the MacMillan Cancer always been a very Support Charity. active and fit man, The sponsored event is with cycling as one of son called the 5-4-3-2-1 Cycle of his passions. Challenge because it Paul promised Stan passes five churches, fea - that he would tures four relatives of Stan, includes three pubs, two wheels arrange this event, and one charity, MacMillan. something that Paul The event takes place on 24th October and it’s not too late hopes to make an to either get involved and enter as an individual or team. If annual event for the you can’t enter you can always sponsor the ride. Marsh. This years event is 24 miles long and starts at the Captain Paul told The Looker; “Its been fantastic the amount of Howey in New Romney at midday, stopping at St. Mary in support we have been receiving and I would like to the Marsh, then heading just off the Marsh to Bilsington and especially thank Romney Cycles, who have really been turning left along the ridge to the Blue Anchor at Ruckinge, getting behind this event. We are hoping that this will grow before dropping back down to the Red Lion at , year on year and will be an annual event on the Marsh and across to Brookland Church through the Marsh to the Rose again I would like to thank all the people who have and Crown at before sprinting back to St. supported us, for what really is an amazing group of carers Nicolas Church in New Romney. and nursing staff at MacMillan.” The route is 24 miles and is expected to be done within 2 To find out more information contact Paul on 01797 364499 hours, which is no easy task. Afterwards, the riders will or 07948 356970 head back to the Captain Howey for lunch and a bit of Or you can make a donation online by going to … liquid refreshment. www.justgiving.com/paul-hurford1 The idea for the ride came about after Paul’s son, Stan,

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Station Road as New Romney emerged victorious in an ab - solute thriller beating Keppel Cosmos on penalties, after the Looker game had ended 7-7 after extra-time. New Romney led 3-1 in normal time before Cosmos hit back to lead 4-3 with 89 minutes on the clock, but the Division Two side scored an Sport incredible late equaliser to send the tie to extra-time. FOOTBALL Romney looked to have wrapped up the game early on in the additional 30 minutes scoring three goals to lead 7-4, Glebe 2 Lydd Town 1 but Cosmos didn’t roll over and scored three more times A second successive league defeat away to Glebe was a themselves as the game headed to a dramatic penalty disappointing result for the Marsh side. The first half was shootout. Romney goalkeeper Ben Mackenzie was the fairly even but both defences held firm. hero for the hosts saving two spot kicks as they went The second half saw the visitors on top but Glebe scored through 5-4 on penalties, with Bailey Pearson grabbing a first in the 74th minute when the Lydders failed to track mid hat-trick, a brace from Jack Garner and individual strikes field runners and were punished. Ten minutes later, they coming from Joe Lehmann and Aurin Johnson. went further behind as they were caught short of numbers at the back. Tremendous credit to Lydd as their heads Lydd Town 0 Holmesdale 2 never dropped and in the 90th minute skipper Ryan Smith The Lydders exited from the Kent Reliance Senior trophy in fired home after good work from James Simmons. This led a game where they had plenty of possession but again to a tense, fraught 5 minutes of additional time but lacked the clinical touch in front of goal and were punished unfortunately, no more goals. by the visitors who took two out of the three chances they created. The game started evenly as Lydd’s new look team New Romney Res 4 The Bull 2 found their feet but they fell behind in the 15th minute when The Marsh side are through to the next round of the they allowed the visiting midfielder too much time and Ashford Charity Cup after a solid performance against The space and he fired home from 20 yards leaving keeper Bull. Craig Smith with no chance. The second half followed the same pattern with the home APM Contrasts Res 1 New Romney 4 side having the majority of the play but in the 60th minute, Lydd went two down when again the visiting forward took a Two goals from Billy Weir-Somerville and one apiece from well created chance with ease. All the players worked hard, Wayne Rogers and Warren Smith sealed the three points in substitute Craig Calvert saw his header hit the bar and sec - this County League game. ond debutant Charlie Sharman saw his effort just tipped over. Scrambles, long range efforts, corners and good foot - South Darenth 1 New Romney Res 0 ball saw many opportunities come and go but it was not to be Lydd’s day and the game ended with Holmesdale keep - New Romney 3 Ashford Utd Colts ing a clean sheet. Andy Bennett rolled back the years as he scored a hat-trick for New Romney in their 3-0 home victory against Ashford United Colts in this Sheber Trophy Round One match.

Ide Hill 6 Lydd Town Res 4

New Romney 5 Deal Community Sports 4 New Romney’s good start to the league season contin - ued with a narrow victory in this high-scoring game. Roy Godden and Warren Smith both scored a couple and Jack Moran also found the net.

New Romney 7 Keppel Cosmos 7 Game of the day in the Kent Sunday Junior Cup was at 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: 07900-080656 Advertising: Gill Hinds 07867-575200 .E-mail: i [email protected]

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