The Looker The Community Newspaper for the Edition 1 People of have Their Say Over Split

By David Wimble September 7th was an important date for the people of Lydd as voting closed on the proposed splitting of Lydd Town Council and the setting up of a new parish council covering the coastal area including Greatstone, Lydd-on-Sea and . Some town councillors have urged the people of Lydd to vote NO to the proposed scheme on several grounds, mainly for the fact that up to 40% of Lydd’s precept will go to the new Coastal Council, leaving a large hole in the budget for Lydd to cover the cost of all the amenities. Critics have asked why there is need to have their own council as Lydd

Town Council membership has been Photo David Wimble made up with a majority of its Brian Godfrey, Michael Walsh, Clive Goddard Vicki Dawson, members coming from the coast. On a recent Romney Marsh FM Graham Snell and Chris Albrow phone-in about the split, Stephen Over recent years, what they pay now? And more Bent called the station with claims Town Council has worked on a importantly, what will the people that they have been told that if they warding system whereby its along the coast actually gain from vote for the split, the new parish members are made up of coastal this?” council will do something about the and town members being Brian Godfrey said, “It really is about state of the coast road as a priority. proportionally represented and it has time the people of Lydd realised how He said, “This is simply not true, the proven to work very well. Lydd much is at stake should the split go roads are nothing to do with town or councillor Clive Goddard has ahead. The Greatstone breakaway parish councils and it is not fair that suggested that Lydd follow in the group have had control of Lydd Town residents are being told this footsteps of New Romney. He said, Council for the past three years and propaganda just to get this “The people of Lydd were left out of what have they done…nothing. breakaway.” He went on to add, “I the original referendum which was What will having their own council am not sure why the coastal unfair and it was only when District achieve other than driving a wedge councillors need to break away, Councillors Vicki Dawson, Willie through the community.” proportional representation seems Richardson and myself went to Michael Walsh added, “Who will be the natural way to go.” Other Shepway’s General Purposes left to pick up the pieces when this questions were asked about the cost Committee that we requested a vote all goes sour? The Marsh of setting up the council, including for the people of Lydd. Why should Taxpayers.” the cost of employing a town clerk we be excluded from a discussion The decision will go before the full and the renting or building of an that could mean that residents of council on the 29th of September. administration centre. Lydd have to pay up to three times If you have an opinion on this, either 10th September 2010 www.thelooker.co.uk

our News Desk. the information is correct. The EDITORS You will also find colour pictures on LOOKER newspaper reserves the the website (many more than we right to unsolicited material being WORD could ever publish) which are sent through to the publication. Thank you for available for purchase as high Personal views expressed on this picking up this resolution prints. site are solely those of the first edition of One of the things we had to decide respective contributors and do not The Looker. It on was what the paper should look reflect those of the publishers or its came about like and after taking a small straw agents. All materials supplied to when Terry poll we decided we would give it a this site are at the owner’s risk. Heath was a traditional look in black and white. Reproduction in whole or in part of guest on my “Big Question” show This is for two reasons; to help this publication is strictly prohib - on Romney Marsh FM and made a keep the production cost down and ited without prior consent. comment about the fact that there also to give the paper its own Photographic rights remain the were no ‘Free Newspapers’ traditional identity. property of The LOOKER (as opposed to local Advertisers) Even before our first edition went to Newspaper. on the Romney Marsh. print we have had a bit of a coup I then made a sweeping statement with pictures from our photo library Contact The Looker along the lines of perhaps we being used for three national and Tel:01797 366450 should start one! one local newspaper! Editorial It is really important that you inform I mean how hard can it be? Tel: 0790 0080 656 us not only about what you would This readers is the result and after Distribution taking a couple of weeks to think like to see in these bi-weekly editions, but also contact us with Tel:07866 502 578 about the implications as to how we e-mail: [email protected] actually go about putting a paper news, stories and articles. If you Web:www.thelooker.co.uk together, we decided to take the have your own business why not plunge and launch “The Looker”. help out this community project and We used the name “The Looker” as call us about advertising with us. The Looker is available from it has a special prominence within It is a great value way of reaching potentially over 10,000 customers! Best Kababs Lydd, Biggles Bar , the Romney Marsh, a looker being Botolphs Bridge PH , Brenzette Garage, what some people would now call a We would also welcome any City Of London PH , Coach House Cof - people who would like to act as fee Shop New Romney, Coastal Kebabs, Colour - shepherd. As well as someone craft New Romney, Curry Lounge New Romney, who looked out for the famous freelance reporters for us, although Dungeness Lifeboat Station, Dymchurch Garage, as a Community Newspaper we Elsies New Romney, Greatstone Fish Bar, Haug - Romney Marsh Sheep, the looker lands Farm Shops, Heath Artcrafts New Romney, was also a source of local news cannot pay you for this. How Incar Mart RomneyKebab Shop Littlestone Road satisfying would it be to see your New Romney, Kebab Shop Station RoNew Romney, and happenings. As he lived out on Lathe Barn Donkey Street, Littlestone Lifeboat the Marsh he often knew what was story in print! Likewise, with Station, Lydd, Butchers, Lydd Fish Shop, Lydd Golf photos. Club, M& M Richardson Fish Shop Dungeness, going on by way of a verbal Mittells News agents LyddPark Stores, Post Office telegraph, talking to other lookers Within reason we will aim to cover Greatstone, Prince Of Wales PH New Romney, Red any issues that affect the people of Lion , Rod & Line New Romney, Romney from adjoining land. Cycles, Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Stations, As with any new project it is always the Marsh. This paper will not Romney Spice New Romney, Royal British Legion represent any political party, but will Dymchurch, Royal Oak PH Brookland, Sainsburys good to have like minded people New Romney, Spa Greatstone, Spa Lydd, Spa New around you and before long we set try and inform you of what our Romney, Tandori Cottage Lydd, Tesco's, up a team of budding would be Marsh Councils are doing and will Dymchurch, The Britania PH Dungeness, The also put issues across to both Broadacre Hotel New Romney, The Captain Howie journalists to help make this a PH New Romney, The PH New reality. Shepway District Council and also Romney, The Dolphin PH Lydd, The Gallery our local MP Damian Collins. Dungeness, The George PH Lydd, The Library New And more importantly advertisers Romney, The Neptune PH Dymchurch, The New Inn who cover the cost of printing the We hope that this project grows PH New Romney,The Ocean PH Dymchurch, The and grows and by reading this you Paper shop New Romney, The Pilot PH Dunge - 6000 free copies every two weeks ness,The Plough PH New Romney, The Railway as without these people “The are playing your part in supporting Appledore, The Royal Oak PH Lydd, The Rose & this newspaper. Crown PH , The Royal Mail PH Lydd, Looker” could not happen”. The Seahorse PH Greatstone, The Ship Hotel New The way “The Looker” evolves is Romney, The Ship PH Dymchurch, The Star PH David Wimble Lydd, The Star PH, St. Mary's In The Marsh, The down to you the reader. We have Varne Boat Club,The Varne Fish Bar Lydd on Sea, already set up a website which has Editor The Warren Golf Club Littlestone, West Hythe Every effort is made by The Garage, Ward & Partners New Romney, Marsh its own forum and the facility for Insurance Services, Shaw Rabson New Romney, readers to post stories directly to LOOKER newspaper to ensure that James Hawkins & Co

2 www.thelooker.co.uk 10th September 2010

“You never know what to expect Andy said he was encouraged by Painting By when you agree to stage an the number of people who came exhibition of this nature, the biggest along not knowing what to expect Numbers fear is that nobody will turn up”. His and now have a small peek into the fears were unfounded as over the life of this Marsh based painter. Lydd Artist Andy Holyer enjoyed four days on display his pictures The Grand Hotel is building rave reviews for his exhibition of were seen by hundreds of people. reputation as ‘The’ place to go to original artwork at the Grand Hotel THE LOOKER asked Andy what see major creative exhibitions in in over the recent Bank makes him want to paint and he the South East. Its owner, Michael Steiner, is trying to recreate the ambience of the building which is over a 100 years old, into its original form when the hotel was visited by many aristocrats, royalty and artistic people. If you have never been there before it is defiantly worth a visit even if only for a cream tea and to soak up the history of this fantastic building. For more images from the exhibition go to our website www.thelooker.co.uk

Holiday, with art lovers and said, “I get my inspiration from members of the public coming to everyday life. I may be in a and view over 150 original works of art. see someone standing playing on a The exhibition was called North fruit machine or maybe just day and South and represented over 25 dreaming when inspiration comes years of the artists’ paintings to me. To me nothing is off limits”. depicting his time in Wakefield and He went on to say how pleased he more recently back on the Romney was with the turn out. Being a bank Marsh. holiday, he wasn’t sure who would Andy definitely has his own style attend, but he really was very with his vivid use of colour and the pleasantly surprised by the number unusual layouts of his paintings. of positive comments he received Over the weekend Andy sold over the four days. several of the original artworks Although many of the paintings on along with some prints. He said, display were commissioned works,

3 10th September 2010 www.thelooker.co.uk

parks, The Looker can inform you though that for a one off charge of £50 per year you can get a Parking permit which allows you up to 2 hours per day in as many shepway car parks as you wish. This is not wildly known and we think Shepway may not be publicising this too much as it may effect their income!

Dear Looker can any of your inform me as to wether any of your readers have Dear the looker, brick block and very uneven. It ever seen a great crested newt? It I would like to congratulate you on is extremely dangerous for old seems to me that they are your new publication, for far to long people and cannot be good for responsible for the lack of Romney Marsh has been left out people with prams, disabled investment and job creation on the when it comes to local newspapers. scooters etc. Can you bring any Marsh! I have lived in Dymchurch I have joined your forum room on pressure to bear on the council for nearly 60 years and worked at the website and as a ‘Silver surfer’ Dungeness power station for most will do my best to give my opinions to get this sorted before of the past 30 years, I think that on subjects relating to the Marsh. someone has a nasty acci - jobs on the Marsh far out way the I have an idea for your dent?? preservation of this none discript newspaper which is to spotlight Jack Wiltshire animal, which appears to be what different people get up to in Thank you Mr Wiltshire for your letter, unfortu - nates this is properly a something that you popular all over the country, so I their sheds… I know a number of should take up with your Town Council. say put Jobs for the Marsh before people who restore old motor the great Crested Newt what do cycles, Have model scalextric sets Dear Looker you readers think. and art studio’s at the bottom of the Can you please inform us on the Paul Dymchurch garden, how about featuring them? current state of the retained fire Thank you Paul for your emotive letter! I am Wishing you all the best for the fu - service on Romney Marsh, sure that many of our readers will have an ture with the Looker. opinion on this subject. please let us know Rumour has its that due to a what you think. Bernie Archant european directive, retained fire Thank you Mr Archant for your letter, what a fighters are to be axed and fantastic idea, if any readers would like to Can any of your readers inform me inform us of there shed based activities we Romney marsh will be serviced as to what is going on between would love to print them. with fire appliances from Ashford. Rolfe Lane and Cockreed Lane, If this is true, I think that it is Dear Looker Rumour has it that Time Team are appalling that the Marsh with a Can anyone please tell me why: a filming a documentary, has population of over 21,000 people planning application in New anything been found or what do may have to wait up to 20 minutes Romney that goes before New they think they will find on this site for a fire engine to attend a house Romney Town Council and is which has been proposed for a fire or road traffic accident. recommended to be turned down. building development Daniel Burrows Then goes before Shepway GG New Romney Thank you for your letter, we have tried to We are not sure but we will look into this Council and is passed, without speak to several retained fire fighters based watch the next edition. there being a representative from on the Marsh, but they have told us ‘off the record’ that they are not allowed to comment the New Romney Town Council at this time... and should they be quoted as We would like our readers to being present and putting New doing so they could be struck off of the contact the looker with thier Romney's reasons for refusing it to brigade. The Looker will do it’s best to get to the bottom of this. views on not only these letters Shepway Council? but also any othe corespondent Sandie Phipps Dear Looker Romney Town council can only recommend why has the car park charges in actions for Shepway to follow, Unfortunates New Romney be raised by such an their needs to be a legal objection for something not to be passed rather than a alarming rate in the past 12 moral objection. We suggest Mrs Phipps months? does the town of New attends planning meetings at New Romney Town hall and she will be welcome to ask Romney benifit from these hiked up questions charges or is it once again Shepway cashing in on the Marsh. Dear Looker Peter Speller The pavement outside the Peter New Romney Town Council has no say undertakers in George Lane is over the parking charges in the towns car

4 www.thelooker.co.uk 10th September 2010

The postbags in those days said, “That’s alright, it’s lovely here, were sealed with hot sealing wax I’m alright.” Well I ran down the over the knots on the string. They lane, and ran, and ran and people were long sticks of sealing wax, like kept coming by me on push bikes, a bar of chocolate and we had a so excited to see this plane. And little gas jet to heat the wax and would you believe, this darn plane drip it onto the string. The had actually landed at St. Mary’s postmistress had to buy the wax Bay! On leaving school, I obtained a and to save money, we used to tear I eventually reached it and job as a Boy Messenger at New the bits of wax off the bags as they was so interested that I just stood Romney Post Office and came in, put it in a saucepan and and watched it with all the crowds sometimes they gave me a boil it up. When it was bubbling, around me. A fellow I knew was part-time postman’s job if they had we turned it out onto a piece of there and I asked him the time. He gone sick. The first time I did a slate and when it cooled a little, said half past one! Just imagine, postman’s round I had to go to rolled it back into another stick. I’d left that poor old girl at nine in Newchurch and back. Our And then of course as the the morning outside the Prince of postmistress gave me details of telegrams came in, I would go out Wales. I borrowed the chap’s bike what to do. I was given a spring and deliver them. This would be in and raced back to New Romney, balance and a three foot measure. New Romney, Old Romney, St. expecting a hell of a row. They’d That was to weigh and measure Mary-in-the-Marsh and Jesson (St. been searching all over the place the parcels that I would pick up on Mary’s Bay). In Jesson, there were as they’d expected me back in my round. She also gave me a only a handful of houses. When I about half-an-hour or so. They whistle and said, “When you get to went out in the summer, I always eventually found Miss Francis and I the centre of the village, blow the had time to pick a few blackberries was still missing. I didn’t get in a whistle to let people know you’re to eat on the way back. The only very big row and I wasn’t reported there.” thing I dreaded was on a winter’s to the Post Office officials. Just as I When I got there, one or night and a telegram coming in got back to the Post Office, there two of the old inhabitants asked about five to eight. I remember was a telegram for the pilot of the why was I walking. Apparently the once I had one for North Lade, plane, so I rode the office bike and regular postman road a trike so the where the airport is now. It was pushed the chap’s bike all the way next day I borrowed a little old pitch dark and raining like hell and I back to St. Mary’s Bay. I met the woman’s bike and never walked was on my bike with a little oil pilot but didn’t know what the out there again. I had to go as far lamp. It wasn’t very nice. telegram was about and he took off as Oak Farm, which was half way Mrs. Pomeroy had an later in the afternoon. I often to Bilsington – a long way to walk! invalid sister and they used to take wondered as he was in a ploughed After some time, they opened up a her out in a wheel chair. I field, how he managed to get up in Post Office at Newchurch and it remember it would have been the air. had a little hut where we used to go around 1912 and she asked me to and have our meal. push Miss Francis out if any .Extract from I also did the Dungeness telegrams came in as it was a nice round once as the old boy there sunny day. Well, I pushed her “A Postman in New Romney ” had got hay fever. I rode my bike round into Fairfield Road, by the “Memories of Romney Marsh” to where the old boy lived at Prince of Wales, and at that time To be published in the autumn. Greatstone and then put on there was a big air race on. There Contact :John Wimble, backstays to walk on the beach were quite a lot of planes in the 01797-362295 right through to Dungeness. There sky, and of course in those days for further details. were no roads down there then. As they were very interesting and I a Boy Messenger I sometimes had never ever been close to a used to work up to 72 hours a plane. All of a sudden, one I was week. Mrs. Pomeroy was the watching went bang and it landed, postmistress and my first duty was just in the fields along the road or to sweep the Post Office, dust the so I thought. counters and then tidy up the little It was around nine in the sorting room at the back. The Post morning and I said to Miss Francis, Office then was on the corner of “Will you be alright, I’m just going to the High Street and Tritton Lane. run over to look at the plane.” She

5 10th September 2010 www.thelooker.co.uk

lives that can only be appreciated www.heritagefamilyhistory.co.uk/ev Building Your by studying them and how they ents lived. As well as running her own Family Tree People often ask me how to start classes, Celia writes for Practical Family history is one of the most their family tree. They would like to Family History Magazine and is popular hobbies of our day. Many start but are not sure exactly how, Radio ’s genealogist, featuring of you will have noticed the and are worried about doing it increasing number of TV wrong and tracing the wrong line. programmes and magazines about Many also wonder how to do it family history while, apparently, without use of the Internet, as more family history websites are now and more documents become only more popular than e-bay! available online. Despite what you So what is causing this great surge may think there is still life without in interest and why is this such a the Internet! Whether you wish to riveting hobby? Of course, people trace your family history with or get interested for all sorts of differ- without the Internet there are many ent reasons. For me it happened pitfalls that the unwary can fall into, some 28 years ago at the tender especially if you rely on using the Internet alone. age of 15 when my Mum began to Celia Heritage tell me various family stories which I shall be looking at all these as- had been passed onto her by her pects of tracing your family history great uncle. They fired my and many more, in my course here in regular live phone-in sessions. imagination and I set out to prove on Romney Marsh at , She also lectures for the Society of or disprove them. Back in those running once a week for five weeks Genealogists in London, and the days a child of fifteen researching from Tuesday September 21st Institute of Heraldic and her family history was an oddity, onwards. So whether you have Genealogical Studies in and I soon got used to the many already started and would like to . raised eyebrows from my more learn more or whether you are a senior (by about 40 years!) fellow complete beginner, why not take researchers! Over the years I have the plunge and find out more about become hooked and after who are! qualifying at the Institute of Give me a ring on 01797 344376 Heraldic and Genealogical Studies for more information. in Canterbury I am now a Building Your Family Tree, professional genealogist and love Ivychurch, Romney Marsh both researching and teaching Every Tuesday evening for five family history weeks from 21st September. These days things are very Suitable for beginners and those different and the age of with a several years’ experience researchers is accepted to be as behind them. The course costs £66 young as nine upwards to ninety. and includes a years’ advice and There is an interest in how we support service for any problems ended up how and where we are you may encounter in your genetically and geographically. The research. Discount for the over decisions our ancestors made have 70s. For further details and booking had a knock on effect on our own telephone 01797 344376 or go to

6 www.thelooker.co.uk 10th September 2010

In the meantime peel and par boil the potatoes cut into cubs and stir into the casserole once cooked. Roll out half of the pastry and line the bottom of a pie dish, Lookers Pie spoon the casserole contents into Much has been said about this pie, the dish. originally made to sustain the look - Use the remaning pastry to make a ers while they were out on the crust to cover the dish. marsh for days and weeks. These Glaze the top of the pie with the are now sold locally at various beaten egg. butchers on the marsh, also various Cook the pie for 25 minutes at 170c eateries. So look out for the looker’s fan ovens may vary pie. How to make the Lookers Pie Lookers Pie Method Ingredients Dice the lamb and brown in a 700g lean Romney Marsh Lamb little oil. 500ml Lamb stock Chop and brown the onions in a ½ Glass Red Wine knob of butter, 225g Onions place the lamb and onions in a 1 Tbsp Chopped Mint casserole dish, 285 Crust Pastry with the wine,stock and mint. 225g Potatoes Season with salt & pepper, Salt & Pepper to Season Cook for 1 1/2 hrs in pre heated 1 Beaten Egg to Glaze Dash of oil oven 160c Knob of butter

7 10th September 2010 www.thelooker.co.uk

day... But we'll all be back to give it Richard Branson another go in the not too distant future. I'll delay my birthday Vows to break celebrations until then on a positive note. I guess that means Record I'm still 59!” Sir Richard Branson has vowed to come back to Dungeness to try and cross the Channel by Kite For more photos of Sir Richards Surfboard in the next few weeks. Cross Channel attempt visit our On his first attempt hundreds of website: www.thelooker.co.uk people gathered at Dungeness RNLI Lifeboat station including HRH Princess Beatrice. However although the weather was ideal for the Kite Boards, the safety boats struggled to keep up with the team, and the attempt was called off. with most of the 18-strong team returning to Dungeness. Sir Richard headed down wind and landed at Littlestone-on-Sea Lifeboat station to be met by operations manager Charlie Davis. Charlie said, “I just popped into the station when I saw a lone Kite Surfer making his way ashore. He had lost his board and was walking up our lifeboat ramp. I went down to see if this person needed any help when I saw it was Richard Branson, I asked him if he wanted a cup of tea which he greatfully excepted and I spent about 15 minutes chatting with him on my own with only David Wimble from our our crew being there, who happened to be covering the event for the Looker” We spoke to Richard Branson at length the next day and he said, “Despite being ready from 7am on the beach, with all 18 of us Sir Richard With Charlie Davis Holly Branson & pumped up to set a couple of HRH Princess Beatrice World Records, the winds defeated us again today. The two days couldn't have been more different - yesterday the winds raged - today they whispered! One extreme to another. But setting world records is never easy or we'd all be doing them! Sometimes mother nature just decides today was not your

8 www.thelooker.co.uk 10th September 2010

certain substances, cultures, and line, taking us into a 3 chord chorus religions, the band were seeking a which definitely cries out to be sung new direction into which they could at high volume regardless of the take themselves, and indeed their company you’re keeping! In music. Sgt Pepper’s is the result of amongst this we have the this experimentation. remaining Beatles posing Ringo with various questions, and him 1) Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts replying back in song – all very Club Band melodic – so far, a nice uptempo The Beatles – Sgt Pepper’s Lonely You are immediately immersed into start to the album! Hearts Club Band background noise as you eagerly 3) Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (3:28) It’s a sumptuous Summer’s Without any warning, we’re evening, you’re sitting in a suddenly uprooted from our cosy beautifully flowered garden in little bandstand in the local park suburban Hythe sipping a rather and dropped in some little known fine, fruity Scandanavian cider and corner of India absorbing the from nowhere you are asked to haunting melodies of indigenous write an album review for a brand instruments accompanied by John spanking new, local newspaper Lennon’s equally haunting vocals. that’s in the pipeline. “Ok!” I reply, Not only that, the english oak and already trying not to be enveloped bright, blue sky have been replaced in a wave of panic, thinking to by “tangerine trees and marmalade myself, “there are millions of anticipate the impending show with skies”! I don’t it happening, but albums, where do I start?” Well, the other members of the “crowd” inception is complete and my whether or not it was the flowers wanting to be entertained by Sgt mind’s eye is conjuring up all sorts that surrounded us secretly Pepper and his band of merry men. of colourful images. Psychedelia is imposing their scented fumes up Sure enough, 12 seconds later, cue born. Although immersed in drug our noses, eventually guitar intro and away you go. Add fuelled lyrics and melody, contrary overwhelming our nervous system into the mix Paul McCartney’s to popular belief the reference to to remind us of a time when flowers voice, a cheery horn section and LSD was not the initial concept for were synonymous with peace, love before you know it the crowd are the song, it was based upon a & music, we were both suddenly hit laughing and cheering along with self-titled drawing by a very young with the idea to review an all time you! The song borders on anthemic Julian Lennon, the reference was classic album. That, my friends, (if there is such a word spellcheck purely coincidental. had to mean The Beatles, and of doesn’t seem to think so!) and course the album would be Sgt contains all the ingredients that For the full album review please go to Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. makes a great sing-along chorus the Sound Bytes section of our (in fact the song was used to start website. You can hear cuts from the album and For many current artists/bands off Live 8 not so long ago) however the 2 minutes breezes along and even down load the whole album via (as well as many of The Beatles Amazon. just as you settle into things, “the contemporaries) this album If you would like Lee to review a remains one of the most influential one and only Billy Shears” is classic album, please let usd know and pieces of work in modern popular preparing to take you seamlessly we will set him the task! culture history – why is this so? If into the next track. Also on the website you can hear local we rewind back to the end of the act ‘The Scot Brunger Band’. 1960s, the UK was riding the crest 2) With A Little Help From My of a wave based upon one of the Friends biggest socio-cultural revolutions Long before the days of mixing, the country had ever seen. From with the exception of the changing their humble beginnings as the of the track indicator on the CD Quarrymen, The Beatles player (or ipod of course) you could themselves had evolved from being be excused for thinking we were a skiffle band to being a musical still on track 1. Instead, we’re phenomenon almost overnight. So, listening to Billy (sorry, Ringo) as well as experimenting with accompanied by a plodding bass

9 10th September 2010 www.thelooker.co.uk

on the playing fields in the another cart that featured a man Down Hill centre of the village, with a sitting in a comfy chair watching many craft stalls and a mini- television. funfair for smaller children. The overall winner this year was for Village The main event however was Martin Goodchild driving a the half-mile-sprint down Forge Soapbox called ‘The Little Red Hill with over thirty soapboxes Shark, beating last year’s winner Fair! taking part. The track featured a John Nash. The novelty prize chicane named after the late Bill went to the Newchurch After a blustery wet start to the Deedes, the former Editor of the Neanderthals driving the Soapy holiday weekend over 5000 Daily Telegraph and Ashford MP. Soapbox. people attended the fourth The soapboxes took many Organisers said that the event Annual Soapbox Derby held at different styles from sleek down helped raise a substantial Aldington on Bank Holiday hill racers to the more extreme amount of money for the local Monday. The event was aimed novelty entries. They included a charities including the Pilgrims as a family day out with plenty of man taking a bath and spraying Hospice and also the Aldington attractions for the whole family the crowds with his shower to Primary School PTFA.

Al Le Carte John Nash’s brought along All The Mod Cons his own designed Classic Racer

A lucky escape at about 40 MPH The Newchurch Neanderthals sparying the crowd

10 www.thelooker.co.uk 10th September 2010

Saturday 18th September Charity Golf Day Whats On 7 a.m. Sunday 12th September PSYCHIC FAYRE AND BOOT PLOUGHING MATCH FAIR At Scotney Court Farm, Bower Hall at the Ship Inn, Camber Road,Lydd. 118 High Street Dymchurch. Romney Marsh Ploughing and The Psychic Fayre is open 10 a.m. Cultivation Society. to 4 p.m. 01797-344261 Readings are £10 for 25 minutes. Dave Lee MBE The Boot Fair is £7 per pitch In the next edition of the looker Sunday 12th September Set up 7 a.m., open to the public published on the 24th September Annual Blessing of the RNLI from 8 a.m. we will have a full report on Dave Lifeboat Pride and Spirit. Lee’s charity golf day at the At Dungeness Lifeboat Station. Monday 20th September of Kent Golf Club on Sunday the Service starts at 5.30 p.m. 7.30 p.m. 5th. A plethora of sporting and NEW ROMNEY HISTORY show business celebrities will be Monday 13th – SOCIETY TALK playing a round of golf in order to Friday 17th September ‘DO YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE raise money for the Happy 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. YET?’ Holidays children’s charity. Local FRIDAY ARTS ART EXHIBITION Given by local genealogist Celia business Allied Entertainment will At St Nicholas Church New Herita. again be helping out with the Romney. At the Old School, New Romney. supply of entertainment which A wide variety of subjects will be on Admission: £3 non members, £2 included Chas Hodges (formerly display, contact Mr.Warden members Chas n Dave) Pictures and reports 01797-367734 01797-344376 on our website. www.thelooker.co.uk

11 10th September 2010 www.thelooker.co.uk

we have had incidences where one phosphorus. Another powder, again Should foxes household has fed foxes, only for obtainable from pet shops, is called the next door household to kill or SA37. This is a good all round be fed? injure them,” it says. “Secondly, by vitamin and mineral supplement. Foxes are to be found just about regularly feeding foxes, they can The easiest way, though, may be everywhere, from the heart of the become lazy and lose their hunting to put out Marmite sandwiches, as countryside to the heart of the inner skills. This is never a good thing for a good source of essential city. For some they may be seen as a wild animal, and what would vitamins. pests, but for many people it is a happen if you move house or go Another fox welfare charity, the Fox delight to have one visit their away for a long spell? So, long Project (www.foxproject.org.uk) garden at night, and they are term, it's probably best to let the fox recommends feeding with an eye to tempted to put out food for it. do what comes naturally and for balancing protein and roughage. In the wild, foxes are omnivores, age for its own food.” Canned dog food is fine, it says. their diet including worms, beetles, But people will still leave out food “Peanuts and raisins are popular, berries, carrion, small rodents, for foxes anyway, and most cannot be carried away, and will rabbits and birds. In towns and authorities and wildlife organisa - satisfy a fox's sweet tooth, and, cities it is happy to eat anything tions are fairly pragmatic about this. because these small items take else it can find, whether that’s The Derbyshire Fox Rescue charity more time to gather, you will have scraps put out for birds or (www.derbyfoxes.org) suggests the opportunity to watch foxes in convenient leftovers. that such individuals consider the your garden for longer periods Some people worry that putting out best items for the foxes’ diet, without causing problems to your extra food may lead to too many especially as this may help avoid neighbours.”But can feeding foxes foxes being present in an area, but the skin condition sarcoptic out of kindness actually be in fact the population is self- mange. detrimental? The Mammal says regulating. Occasionally they may “If you want to feed foxes but not foxes won’t become too tame so take livestock such as chickens, the local cat population, then try cat long as you treat them as wild rabbits or guinea pigs if access is or dog food sandwiches, dried fruit, animals and do not try to hand feed easy, but “easy” tends to be the jam honey or peanut butter them.“Watch them from a key. Foxes are not going to sandwiches, eggs etc,” it says, distance,” it recommends. “Foxes struggle to find prey if an easier adding that other foods to include in particular can become hand option is available. They are very are raw or cooked meat – no tame and then cause problems unlikely to be a threat to dogs or cooked chicken bones – and table approaching strangers expecting to cats – though may have gained a scraps. be fed or entering houses often reputation for being so after being The organisation does suggest that through cat-flaps to look for food. seen scavenging a roadkill pet. the food is supplemented with extra Tame foxes cause problems, can Again, with domestic refuse, getting vitamins and minerals. It says: scare people who are unfamiliar access to bins, especially modern “Deficiency of unsaturated fat for with them, and those that are used wheely ones, is much too much example in the diet can result in the to approaching cars to be fed by hard work for a fox. Claims that animal suffering dry hair plus hair motorists, a common practice in they can jump into bins are largely loss and redness of the skin exaggerated and torn bin bags are leading to skin lesions. Essential as likely to be down to the local saturated fats can be ensured for cats. either dog or fox by the addition of For those who want to feed foxes, a teaspoonful of a good vegetable advice varies. Many local councils oil on a daily basis. Sunflower seed discourage the practice, but more is said to be the best. on the basis of preventing “Vitamin B12 should be included in annoyance to neighbours from the diet at least twice a week and noise or digging in their gardens fresh liver provides a good source than for any public health or animal of this.” welfare reason. Research by the charity has some urban areas, are invariably suggested that many foxes suffer a run over. Charity Wildlife Aid suggests that Please Mention to our feeding any large wild mammal is deficiency of vitamins A and D. A not a good idea.You may adore powdered supplement called Advitisers your foxes, but your next door Stress Powder, available from that you have seen their neighbour may not be so keen and many pet shops, will counteract this, also providing calcium and adverts in the Looker. 12 www.thelooker.co.uk 10th September 2010

foliage. Even dahlias such as the colour and form. Or for the very An Exotic ever popular Bishop of Llandaff can simplest exotic garden simply plant bring a touch of sunshine to a a number of pots with large Garden In A garden filled with your usual bamboos, ferns and miscanthus cottage favourites. Bright, large which, when grouped in a garden British Climate? canna lilies are increasingly easy to look striking and are easily moved get hold of and less difficult to care to a sheltered spot in colder for than some of their sister plants. weather. Putting together a jungle They combine easily with chintzier inspired garden in a country where plants to give a wickedly rain falls throughout the year and unexpected contrast which will give frosts hit at the most unexpected your garden real personality. times isn’t the easiest thing to do. Indeed if you’re a fair weather When looking for the exotic don’t gardener all the application of feel confined to the glossy, dark fleece jackets and bringing plants green large leaves of jungle plants. inside is probably a little too much There are plenty of Mediterranean to ask. So why not use a little plants which work well in the British imagination to put a hint of the garden, used as they are to a less tropics in to your garden without unforgivingly humid climate. Lavenders, rosemarys, Hungarian acanthus and verbenas are becoming typical of the modern UK garden but give off the impression of something a little more unusual – direct from the South of France perhaps. Likewise though a bougainvillea may take a little extra work, placed against a south facing wall it can evoke memories of holidays in Spain or Italy.

While concern over water con - sumption grows and less of us find time to spend tending a garden, dry gravel gardens are becoming more giving yourself a perennial and more popular. In place of a headache. lawn swathes of stones are home Exotic planting schemes don’t have to grasses, bamboos, euphorbias, to include difficult to look after sedums and eryngium, plants banana plants or expensive, hard which need little water and minimal to get hold of coffee bushes. In fact care. This kind of exotic gardening it’s very easy to adapt your can sit well with the gardener traditional British garden to give a concerned over a changing colourful, exotic look by adding in climate. A real gravel garden offers vibrant plants boasting bright a planting matter which is dry to colours, bold shapes or unexpected begin with sandy or gravely rather than simply adding a mulch of gravel to an existing bed. Perhaps the simplest way to add a touch of exotica to the garden is with bulbs which can easily be spread amon existing plants or distributed about the patio in pots. Peruvian daffodils, gloriosa lilies and naked ladies (amaryllis belladonna) are all safe bets for 13 10th September 2010 www.thelooker.co.uk

New Romney Town Plans The townspeople of New Romney have been invited to a public exhibition being held at the Assembly Rooms, located in Church Approach on the 16th of September. The Exhibition will show potential development ideas being put forward by a consortium of land-owners who would like to consult with local residents about proposals for the use of the land off Cockreed Lane for housing and potential community facilities, to support local shops and jobs in and around New Romney. For more iformation about the exhibition, e-mail Nick Cooper at: [email protected] If you cannot get a copy of The Please send in your comments and How To Get Looker you can also look at current letters and we will do our best to editions and also look at back publish them, including information Involved With issues. of clubs and events happenings We have an ever-expanding photo across the Marsh. The Looker libary on the website as well with If you are a member of a club or the ability to buy full colour photos. association or perhaps you have an If you would like to find out more You can hear music from our unusual hobby, let us know and we about The Looker why not have a ‘Sound Bytes’ column featuring will do a feature on you. look at our website? It is updated local bands. In the next edition we will have every day with local information We also have an upload page articles from our local PCSOs who plus latest weather reports and where you can send us word will update us on local policing photo albums. documents, pictures and PDF files within the Marsh comunity. We also have a forum room where for our next issue. We also hope to publish minutes you can post items and reply to Most importantly we want to make from town council meetings to articles. sure that we have the content that update you what is going on, not There is also full details on how to you the reader want to see in a only on the Marsh, but also news book advertising space. local paper. from Shepway District Council.

14 www.thelooker.co.uk 10th September 2010

affects some people more than Drinking others, but it also depends on how much caffeine you drink and how Enough? often. It’s fine to drink these sorts of drinks, but we should also try to We all know that not drinking drink some fluids each day that enough water is bad for you, but it don't contain any caffeine. This seems drinking too much can be shouldn’t be too difficult, as there equally bad, according to recent are plenty of options. You don’t just reports. With all these mixed have to stick to plain water. A few messages it’s hardly surprising that drops of fruit juice in a glass of many of us are left wondering how water gives it an instant injection of much water is enough. flavour, while a pure fruit juice or As most of us know, it’s very home-made lemonade makes a important to make sure we are welcome change from tap water on drinking enough because our its own. bodies need water and other fluids However, if you should fall foul of to work properly. Water makes up the recommended drinking about two-thirds of our body guidelines, you could find yourself weight. It’s important for this to be battling dehydration, so it worth maintained because most of the remembering the tell-tale signs. chemical reactions that happen in One of the first is feeling thirsty. our cells need water. Then you may feel tired and Our blood also needs water to lethargic, which will decrease your carry nutrients around the body as capacity for exercise. This is why well as to expel toxins. As your extra fluid is needed in hot weather body works it produces waste or during strenuous activity. For products, some of which are toxic. each hour of exercise you should These are got rid of through the drink an extra litre of fluid. If you kidneys in urine, and urine is have an illness that is causing mainly made up of water. sickness, diarrhoea or sweating, Unfortunately, we lose a lot of this you will need to up your fluid intake water through evaporation, when to make up for the extra loss. we breathe and sweat. As the If you think you might not be get - temperature rises or as we do more ting enough fluids, check if you are activity, this increases the amount showing any of these other com - of water the body loses. As a result mon signs of dehydration: you need to replace the fluids you lose to stay healthy. 1. Dark-coloured urine and not In the British climate, we should passing much when you go to the drink approximately 1.2 litres (six to toilet eight glasses) of fluid a day to stop 2. Headaches us becoming dehydrated. In hotter 3. Confusion and irritability climates the body needs more than this. It’s also worth remembering 4. Lack of concentration that we get some fluid from the food we eat. While it’s not wrong to drink caffeine, its best to avoid too much, particularly when it is very hot or you are in danger of becoming dehydrated. This is because drinks that contain caffeine, such as tea, coffee and cola, can act as mild diuretics, which means they make the body produce more urine. This

15 10th September 2010 www.thelooker.co.uk

sure they give you a quote for a associations have protection Gunning for fixed price and not an estimate a schemes or will help to resolve guess, which could go up later. disputes. But don’t just accept a cowboy builders Be specific about what you want trader’s word that he is a member – when asking for quotes so that the ring the association to check that Justified or not, the home building traders are giving a price for the this is the case and to find out what trade has a bit of a cowboy same work, and don’t be pressured protection it offers. reputation. The fact is that most into getting work done that you You should also ask to view similar homeowners have fallen prey to at can’t afford. Choose the quote that work the trader has done in the least one badly built job at one time offers best value for money, taking past and if he has insurance or another. into account not only price but also against damage to property – your Making the financial commitment to reputation for quality and reliability. neighbours’ as well as yours. improve your home is the first step. Regarding guarantees, remember Then get full written details of the The second is putting your money that guarantee schemes are in guarantee that is being offered. and home in safe workmen’s addition to your legal rights, not For more ways to ensure you get hands. Because the home building instead of them. If the work is the best service possible or for ad - covered by a guarantee scheme, vice if things do go wrong, visit the the name of the scheme and any government’s one-stop consumer registration number should be shop, Consumer Direct included in your written agreement. (www.consumerdirect.gov.uk). Some traders offer their own guarantees, which are worthless should they go out of business. The Care For Cats best protection is offered by Cats Protection area insurance-backed guarantees, stretches from Romney Marsh to which protect you if your trader Tenterden including Ashford, goes bust. Insurance-backed , and all the villages schemes may well be tied in with a roundabout. Cats are collected trade association and sometimes from people reporting them as association members are vetted strays or abandoned, but before they are able to participate. increasingly at this time we are trade is unregulated, this means One grey area for consumers is that you have to be wise in your whether you need to pay a deposit getting requests to take cats in to selection. It also means shoddy and when you pay the balance for find good homes for those who workmanship, fraud or inflated the work done. You are advised to have belonged to elderly owners prices are sadly a possibility. avoid paying large deposits, and who themselves have had to go You can’t buy personal never pay the whole amount up into more sheltered recommendations, which is why front. There is a risk that the trader they are priceless when choosing a will disappear with your money and tradesman. Ask friends and you will have less leverage over neighbours if they can recommend completion and quality. In all cases, anyone. If possible, view the work you should try to keep back enough that was done. money to pile pressure on the Be wary of people ringing you up or trader to get on with the job and to knocking on your door, especially if finish it properly. they want you to sign up to a accommodation and their beloved special deal on the spot. Be equally Questions cats cannot be taken with them. cautious of advertising that comes You should ask any trader how These tend to be the older cats, but through the door, particularly long he has been in business. may well still have many years of adverts that only have a telephone Does he have a permanent life before them. number. Anyone can claim to be a business address? Established Have you room in your life and tradesman. traders are less likely to disappear home for one of these? The next step is to shop around. in the middle of a job. If you can help us please call Ask at least three traders to quote Is your tradesman a member of a 07895 887557 or look on our on your work, but remember that trade association? This may give website www.tenderden.cats.org.uk cheap is not always cheerful. Make you some extra security, as some

16 www.thelooker.co.uk 10th September 2010

17 10th September 2010 www.thelooker.co.uk

In the next issue read the story about how the Cake Bake company was formed and how they made the cake that featured in the Skoda Car television advert and the way the business started as a one woman business and has grown into an international company. The next issue is available from Friday 24th September 2010. You can also see this on-line along with back issues and more stories.

18 www.thelooker.co.uk 10th September 2010

batted on slightly damp pitch. the stumps enabling Parkhust to They were soon in trouble at 15 be dismissed for 62 all out and Local Cricket for 4, however. Brian Knight giving an unlikely 6 run made easy of the conditions victory. News with a mixture of sensible PARKHURST v BRENZETT batting and lusty blows to be 44 Soccer Sixes After a minutes silence, not out as Brenzett stumbled to respecting Brenzett player John 68 all out. League Table Thompson, who tragically died Brian was then to star with the last week playing for the club, ball taking 4 wickets for 28 runs Saturdays game at Bexhill along with his fellow opening based Parkhurst-at-the- bowler Will Ainsley who returned Common produced an with 5 wickets for 16. He literally extraordinary match. had a hand in the other wicket to Brenzett won the toss and fall, deflecting a fierce drive onto Results In every issue of The Looker from the next edition we intend to give full fixture listings and results and match reports on all sporting events involving ‘Marsh’ Clubs’. For more information e-mail: [email protected] Kent County Leauge Div 1 Kent County Leauge Div 2 Usefull Numbers

Stone Media

19 Listen To Romney Marsh FM On line WWW.ROMNEYMARSH.FM In the next edition of the Looker Full show listings and station profile Tragic Loss Of Local Sportsman Popular local sportsman John in the Southern League. Thompson passed away whilst Last season he came out playing cricket for Brenzett at of retirement and played Rolvenden recently. John suffered several games for Lydd a massive heart attack whilst Town and he was part of batting, and despite the best a front two that had a efforts of players from both teams, combined age of 106 in paramedics and the air one fixture. ambulance, he was pronounced John lived in New dead at the ground. Romney with his partner Earlier in the day John had taken Lou and had one two stumping’s in Rolvenden daughter. He had just innings of 150 for 4. It was John’s celebrated his 60th fourth game for Brenzett. birthday and was working John had played Cricket for many in Aldington as a butcher. years and until last season was Although John had only doing a 140-mile round trip to been involved in Marsh John Thompson Surrey to captain Outwood Cricket sport in the last year, he competitively and with a smile. Club. He was also a footballer and was extremely popular with his He will be sadly missed. played for the Metropolitan Police teammates and who always play

Olympic high performance boxing coach as he THE LOOKER SPORTS prepares the team for 2012. Throughout The Looker we aim to give As mentioned before, if there is a story I have comprehensive coverage of all Romney Marsh missed or should be covering, let me know. sport , so if we are not covering your team, sport or event, contact me Craig Avery at The Looker and I will do my best to put that right . As well as reporting we will be supporting your teams and assisting them in any way we can. It seems sad that several of our teams have been short of players, and one of the better football pitches of my youth, in Jefferstone Lane is not in use as it has no changing rooms. I will also be commenting on issues county wide and national and following the progress of Romney Marsh people like James Tredwell the Kent and cricketer, Lisa Dobriskey defending her commonwealth title in Delhi and Lee Pullen the

Printed by: The Looker, 13 High Street, New Romney, Kent, TN28 8BN Tel: 01797 366450 Web: the looker.co.uk