issue 9_Layout 1 02/01/2011 21:29 Page 1 The Looker The Community Newspaper for the Edition 9 New Airport Group Support Jobs on the Romney Marsh

A new organisation to support the redevelopment of Airport has been formed to back up the excellent work being done by FLAG. Robin Gordon, Chairman of SOLA (Supporters Of Lydd Airport) called for a new approach from local society to emphasise the benefits that a revitalised airport can bring to the local area. He pointed out that regional airports on the south coast such as Southampton, Bournemouth, Exeter and Plymouth are valued by local communities and valuable gateways to the region. With the pending public inquiry these matters must be taken up and debated by all who live and work in the area. Tim Crompton, speaking for SOLA said “We will be concentrating on the community benefits of the redevelopment, the jobs created, the businesses Are there any jobs here??? Sola hopeso. generated and the stability of the existing community. We wish to show the benefits that the Government appointed body that does not redevelopment of Lydd Airport can bring to local represent the views of local communities, they are people. not elected). The whole of Romney Marsh and Shepway will SOLA of course recognise that ecology is important prosper from the many jobs created, the youth of but it should not be detrimental to the livelihood of the area will be able to live at home and get local communities. apprenticeships in high quality careers. Many other We will be supporting the Shepway District Council jobs will be available while the building and decision to allow the planning permission applied redevelopment is taking place, which qualified local for by the airport, for the small runway extension people, of whom there are many, can do. Local and new terminal building. This decision has gone shops will be able to employ more people and new through the due process, (a virtual Public Enquiry) businesses will want to locate in the area because with everyone having a say. of the better transport links created. Tourism will be All interested parties have been able being able to boosted, because don’t forget that people fly into make representations to the planning authority and airports from other lands as well as we fly out. to the full Council meeting which has decided the SOLA intend to speak at the public enquiry in issue. After objections by Natural , RSPB, favour of our community. the anti everything lobby, the Council decided in We believe that people come before plants so will favour of the local communities needs being above be opposing the ideas of Natural England. To the importance of a flora and fauna, which have create a sterile area on the Marsh with no jobs and survived through the 1950’s 60’s and 70’s when up large areas of special scientific interest which to 220 flights of large aircraft a day took off and cannot be used or seen because it is SO Special landed at Lydd. This decision was made by local that it cannot be stepped on seems ridiculous! elected representatives for local communities. (Natural England is of course a QUANGO, a

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that it is all about the ‘Brand’, in my Every effort is made by The LOOKER newspaper to ensure that the information is EDITOR’S case Allied. Local people know that correct. The LOOKER newspaper reserves the I am the guy who does a few mobile right not to publish unsolicited material being WORD discos in local pubs and hotels, but sent through to the publication. Personal views are they aware that I can supply expressed in this publication are solely those of I would like to the respective contributors and do not reflect anything connected with the world those of the publishers or its agents. All material take this of entertainment? supplied to this publication is at the owner’s risk. Reproduction in whole or in part of this opportunity to With a new High Street Shop I hope wish all of our publication is strictly prohibited without prior to put my money were my mouth is. consent. Photographic rights remain the readers a Happy You may have read in previous edi- property of The LOOKER Newspaper. New Year! tions about ‘using or losing’ local Contact The Looker For me, shops. Well I thought that the High Christmas is always a very busy Tel:01797 366450 Street does not need another empty Editorial time. For people who do not know shop front. Tel: 0790 0080 656 me, my business is based around We hope to diversify into other Distribution entertainment. We supply bands entertainment areas and will also Tel:07866 502 578 and cabaret acts, along with discos stock a wide range of fancy dress E-mail: [email protected] to hotels all over the country but costumes at fantastically low prices. Web:www.thelooker.co.uk mainly in London and the South Again it goes back to what I have The Looker is available from East. I am proud of the way that always said it can pay to shop local. our business has weathered the You can read in this paper how you Best Kebabs Lydd, Lydd Airport, Botolphs Bridge PH , Garage, City Of financial doldrums that as a country can buy the same cuts of meat from most of us have witnessed in one London PH , Coach House Coffee Lydd Butchers at the same or better Shop New Romney, Coastal Kebabs, Colorcraft way or another. Although in my price than the local superstores. New Romney, Lifeboat Station, Dymchurch Garage, Elsie’s New Romney, case the numbers are down a little This is because the butcher buys on the same period last year. with Greatstone Fish Bar, Haugelands Farm Shops, local and actually prepares the meat Heath Artcrafts New Romney, Romney Kebab this in mind it may seem daft to be on the premisies. Shop Littlestone Rd New Romney, Kebab Shop launching a new High Street shop! Station Road New Romney, Lathe Barn Again recently one of our vans , Littlestone Lifeboat Station, Lydd But anyone who knows me knows needed new tyres and brake pads. I Butchers, Lydd Fish Shop, Lydd Golf Club, that I am never one to do things the went to a national tyre fitting M & M Richardson Fish Shop Dungeness, easy way. By the time you read this Mittells Newsagents Lydd, Park St Stores Lydd, company whose claim that I ‘Can’t Prince Of Wales PH New Romney, Red Lion edition, Allied Broadcasting get quicker service’ was way off the , Rod & Line New Romney, Romney Company will be re-locating our mark. When it came to getting the Cycles, Romney Spice, Royal British Legion Entertainment Agency and Disco Dymchurch,Royal Oak PH Brookland, job done, Tiger Tyres were more Sainsburys New Romney, Spar Greatstone, shop to the High Street in New than fifty pounds cheaper and fitted Lydd on Sea, Lydd & New Romney, Marsh Romney. I have allways been a fan me in whilst I waited. Another Produce,Tandori Cottage Lydd, Tesco's of High Street shops and over the Dymchurch, Youngs, SMB, That Pet Shop, New example of superb service from a RomneyThe Britania PH Dungeness, years have been saddened to see local business! Broadacre Hotel New Romney, Captain Howey the demise of several of our High The Looker depends on companies PH New Romney, PH New Street local family businesses. Romney, Dolphin PH Lydd, The Gallery like this who advertise with us. They Dungeness, The George PH Lydd, The Library So when the Sports Shop became took a gamble on the paper and New Romney, Neptune PH Dymchurch, New Inn PH New Romney,The Ocean PH Dymchurch, available I jumped at the opportunity have reaped the rewards. We hope to have a High Street presence. Paper Shop Littlestone, The Pilot PH that the next 12 months will see the Dungeness,The Plough PH New Romney, The I think we only have ourselves to paper grow and the only way we Railway Appledore, Royal Oak PH Lydd, Rose & Crown PH , Royal Mail PH Lydd, blame for the closure of many of our can do this is with your support. local shops. With the advent of the The Seahorse PH Greatstone, Ship Hotel New If, when you pop into one of the Romney, The Ship PH Dymchurch, The Star PH internet it is only too easy to shops or businesses advertised in Lydd, The Star PH St. Mary's-in-the Marsh, ‘google’ any product you like and Varne Boat Club,Varne Littlestone, Fish Bar Lydd the paper, just take a few moments on Sea, Warren Golf Club Littlestone, West find a price that can beat many to say ‘Oh, I saw your advert in The Hythe Garage, Ward & Partners New Romney, other prices. I see this as a Looker’. Let them know that the Marsh InsuranceServices, Shaw Rabson New challenge to beat the internet at its Romney, James Hawkins & Co New paper is keeping their name out Romney,The Warren PH New Romney, The own game by not only offering the there. Woolpack PH Brookland, The Bailiff’s Sergeant same products at a price to match SMB, Newsagents SMB, Foords SMB and The Let’s see what will happen this year. Bell PH . the internet online shops, but offer It would be great to have next something that they cannot match January’s issue at least 60 pages and that is customer service. long! Anyone who knows how we operate our current office will know

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Romney Marsh Has Talent

The Looker has teamed up with Local Councillor Carol Walters to launch a new talent competition called ‘Romney Marsh Has Talent’. The idea was the brain child of the late William Richardson the Local County Councillor and also Shepway District Councillor. Last summer Mr. Richardson contacted our editor to ask if he was prepared to help with a local talent competition. With this in mind we started to plan I NEVER WANT ANOTHER TURKEY OR MINCE a competition eligible for all ages to compete in. PIE AS LONG AS I LIVE!!! As Carol told The Looker “Willie was very passionate about promoting local talent. Being a Marsh man he was keen to not only encourage people, but would actively tell people to ‘go for it’. With this in mind we could not think of a more Under 16’s fitting memorial to him than staging this 16 -21 year olds competition in his memory”. and adults. With the blessing of Mr. Richardson’s wife and We will publish full family we have decided to call the trophy the details in the next William Richardson Memorial Shield, with the idea edition of The being that it will be an annual event. Looker and an The Looker has agreed to supply the sound and entry form will be lighting equipment for not only the final but also downloadable the four heats which will be held in Lydd, New from our website: Romney, Dymchurch and also in a rural location. www.thelooker.co.uk The competition is split into three categories:- or by popping into our High Street offices, 13 and 19 Romney High Street.

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Local Marsh Academy School Results Badminton Club A year ago, sports teacher Andre Double and maths The latest English Schools Tables for primary age teacher Simon Tse started the ‘Marsh Academy students have just been published and none of the After Marshes six primary school's featured too highly in the School Badminton Club’. The Club has been an much criticised leagues. The table marks are in percentages, pupils reaching level 4 in English and in overwhelming success although on the first night Mathematics and a combined score in these subjects, just eight pupils turned up. Now they have forty five i.e. pupils achieving the level in both subjects. Level 4 members. is the desired level required to move onto secondary The Club meets three times a week; on Friday education. There is also an average point score and a afternoons between 3 and 5 p.m. and Saturday and value added score. The average point score is Sunday mornings between 8 a.m. and 12 noon. devised by giving marks for percentage of children They are open to pupils from all school years with achieving level 5, one level above the required ages ranging from 11 to 16. One of their great standard. The value added score is calculated by successes has been the desire of the members to looking at a child’s achievement in tests at 7 years old help each other. Several of the older pupils have and seeing how much they have improved on that stated they want to continue coaching the younger score when they reach the age of 11. pupils when they leave school. At Brenzett, 18 pupils sat the test with 67% reaching They have participated in tournaments throughout the required standard in English, 72% in Maths and the county and recently three members reached the 56% in both subjects. They had an average score of later stages of a county competition. Jordan Haylett 25.7 and a value added score of 99.1. and Kvitka Mychamuk reached the semi -finals and Sixteen pupils were tested at Brookland with Sam Haylett reached the quarter finals. percentages scores of 69 in English, 50 in Maths and Simon Tse took up the sport whilst he was at just 44 in both subjects. Average score was 25.8 and boarding school in . He said he was too small a value added score of 98.3. for the Rugby team so was encouraged to take up At Dymchurch, 35 took the tests and they scored 77% Badminton and he went on to win a county doubles in English, 63% in Maths and 51% combined. Their title. Simon explained that the wider aims of the average score was 26 and value added score was 100.2. club were to 53 sat the exams at Greatstone and scores were 74% compete and also encourage as many pupils as for English, 81% for Maths and a combined score of possible to take up a sport. Some of its members 68%. They averaged 27.3 points and had a value are involved in many sports and for others this is added score of 99.9. their first involvement in a sport. Simon outlined the 31 took part at Lydd and 68% reached the target in many English and Maths and 61% reached it in both advantages he had seen, not just in health terms, subjects. They recorded an average score of 25.8 and but in self-confidence and in the class room there value added score of 97.3. had been improvements in behaviour and academic At New Romney's re branded St. Nicholas School, 54 performance. took the test. 69% reached the standard required in Having witnessed a training session at the Marsh English, 57% in Maths and 56% in both subjects. Academy, I was very impressed by the pupils and by They had average point score of 25.2 and a value Simon and Andre's dedication. added score of 98.1.

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Gloves, Sweat and Teas A year of Romney Marsh Rangers and Volunteers

The hard work of volunteers, who help protect and conserve the coast and countryside of the Romney Marsh, is being recognized by the Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership this week. The Romney Marsh Rangers scheme was set up early in 2010 to involve people in the community in looking after the special landscape and countryside of the area. More than twenty people regularly put on their working gloves and do a variety of essential tasks; clearing litter from the beaches, keeping footpaths and cycle Why not start 2011 with some healthy outdoor activity routes in good order, reporting problems with sites and and a warming tea break by the bonfire? The helping out with day to day tasks such as fence Partnership will be kicking off the New Year with a repairs. In addition the Partnership organizes volunteer task day on Sunday 9th January cutting volunteer task days throughout the year where anyone willow scrub at Dungeness. If you would like to help as can come along and help conserve the wildlife of the a Romney Marsh Ranger or come along to a task day Marsh. contact Mark at the Romney Marsh Countryside Partnership officer, Mark Tuson said, “It’s great that Partnership on 01797 367934 or visit our website: people are willing to go out and do something positive www.rmcp.co.uk. in their local environment, even travelling from other parts of Kent to regularly check walking routes or help Man killed in A259 out on tasks days. This work is essential and we would like to thank all the volunteers involved this year.” crash named

The man from Lydd who tragically died in a crash on the A259 on Saturday 18th December has been named by Police as 67-year-old Barry Griffin. He was driving towards Lydd on the A259 in a blue Nissan Micra at around 10 a.m. on the Saturday when it was in a collision with blue Suzuki Vitara heading towards Ashford. His wife, also in the car, was injured as were two people in the Suzuki. Tragically, Mr Griffin was pronounced dead at the scene. Police reported that the three other people injured are not thought to have life-threatening injuries. Anyone who witnessed the collision or the moments just before is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 01622-798538.

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and national economy. The cost for Romney Marsh Times in about two Your the expansion and development of minutes each and The Looker has Lydd is being financed from me engrossed. Letters overseas; the development of this I'm sure you have many ideas and airport should be approved as the suggestions to take this forward, at country and local region needs all present, my two pennar'th is that The opportunity of an effective the help it can get at the present you have a good balance. regional airport is a prospect that time. If it is not approved business I can see only one more feature to we should welcome with open will surely go elsewhere at a draw people, that would be a jobs arms; an opportunity that we should considerable loss to the area. column, perhaps pointing to a local not miss. Our major hub airports in Hopefully a final decision will be jobs web site, e-mail link or the South East are approaching the taken within the next few months. whatever. limit of their capacity. Heathrow, for Continually deferring the decision Since we lost the Jobcentre in New example, is operating at 99% and does not help. It just means that Romney there has been a massive the additional runway they required the solution arrives even later and vacuum regarding this issue, yet we will not be given approval in the everybody throughout the have a considerable number of foreseeable future; other airports community suffers in the meantime. young people motivated and ready are under pressure. The enormous After three years of representations, to work, while we also have many problem is the protracted time scale prevarication and tribal dancing skilled people who never have the before additional runways at major from the various factions plus the opportunity to work at Dungeness, airports become operational – what costs to the tax payer surely a final for example, because of a policy to happens to air services in the decision should be made now. With hire in contractors from other parts meantime? the closure of the existing of the country. Airport services to London and the Dungeness power stations in the As the New Romney Jobcentre was South East have contributed and offing and the unlikely event of a closing, I asked one of the staff in facilitated the development of the new station being built, if the Lydd confidence what the local UK as one of the major trading airport is not approved the effect unemployment figures actualy nations. At present they are will be to fossilize the area with little were, for Romney Marsh, suffering from increasingly cramped or no work or training opportunities dismissing the official quotes, I was and congested conditions and this for future generations. told 68%, in sincere honesty. will continue to increase as air Michael Crocker, Lydd. This figure will now have grown in a traffic continues to grow, as is recession, regardless of the TV Congratulations! You have predicted. portrayal showing over fed, wealthy achieved a local newspaper without Estimates of the economic benefits politicians talking up the hype, tabloid sensationalism or of aviation and its environmental claiming everything is wonderful. costs are hotly contested. But for patronisation. In the latter I refer to Barry Gilbert (By E-mail) all the difficulty of quantification to all those photos that have shown deny that aviation matters hugely people grinning, holding cakes, Thank you Barry. Lots of people for our economic prosperity defies trophies etc. since the pre-war are only too quick to moan about logic. years. mistakes or for that matter think New services from regional airports The Looker has matured very we are too politically biased. using the smaller short haul jets quickly, gathering trust to receive For the record the owners of this would serve to mitigate capacity and publish a spectrum of paper are one Conservative, two pressures at the main hub airports comments on abrasive local issues Labour and one Liberal so I hope in the South East and would make without expectation of censorship. that the editorial team is a valuable contribution to the local I nornally scan read the tabloids, completely impartial! including The and

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Petrol Service Stations short wait and visa-versa. over use of available petrol Car owners in New Romney and I was inadvertently caught up in resources on the Marsh. Lets hope surrounding district have been such a situation the other Tuesday, it changes soon before other local labouring with the problem of returning from a Christmas residents have my experience. shortage of service stations for what shopping trip to Ashford with my John. (by E-mail) seems “for ever.” lady wife. Coming down from the I must say John you are correct When I first moved to the area in A2070 I went around the round- with your observations about the the early eighties, we also had about entering the forecourt from frustrations of lack of gargages in several more. One along the Rye side. A four “wheelie” the area, but must point out that Littlestone Road, the South end of vacated a pump allowing me to you missed one of the oldest the High Street and St. Mary’s Bay. drive my Saab estate behind it, as garages on the Marsh, Usher Three more than we currently now one would. Only to be confronted by Motors. have offering six alternatives. a women driver having come in There has been a petrol station on Although we have in theory three, from the Old Romney entrance this site in Lydd for nearly 100 one in the High Street, one at the saying I had jumped the queue. She years, and whats more they still Brenzett roundabout in the west had been waiting to get onto the have attendant service and you and one in Dymchurch going east, pump and I had dived in first. also get a proper truly local good in real terms we only have two with A bit surprised by this, I said I did service. So why not try this a possible ten minute drive to either, not know anyone was queuing and I superb small garage! depending on time of day. The had done nothing wrong, just come High Street one has been under- in to fill the car up. She was not going renovations for ever and no satisfied with this and accused me Walking past RMFM yesterday, I one seems certain when it will be of being an inconsiderate person. I noticed the aerial has gone. re-opening. said I would fill up quickly and go. Anyone know anything about this? Brenzett is not only responsible for She returned to her car as I filled Sharp Shooter Via Forum supplying us locals but the through up. This was not the end of it. I was traffic using routes to Tenderden, aware of somebody shouting at me Yes, RMFM is moving to our new and Rye and Ashford, so three traffic from another car calling w….r and Improved studio at 19 High Street, streams are converging on this one making the appropriate movements New Romney. In the next edition you can read all station. With no local competition, it with his hand. I had, at this point an about the move and the future plans is able to charge maximum rates, overwhelming desire to offer this for the station. Also the merging of diesel now up to 132p. “gentleman” a bout of fisticuffs but The Looker and RMFM to be the local Always busy with people filling up, curbed my urge as I had promised media One Stop Shop. having to queue to get on a pump, to refill quickly and in any case, I This is a very exciting time for us all. causing tempers to flare. I have had no desire to stress my wife, by Ed. recently become aware of this subjecting her to the spectacle of problem and there have been many me rolling about the fore court with complaints to the forecourt cashiers another driver. So returning the about the lack of pump user traffic “gentleman’s” salutations I paid and flow priority arrangements, currently drove home, hoping reverently I causing confusion. Cars coming in may bump into that “gentleman” from the Old Romney entrance, wait another time on my own. for a free pump, only to be beaten I have since calmed down over the to the vacant pump by cars coming incident and now realise that the in from the Rye entrance, directly real culprit is the lack of petrol opposite, who may have had a facilities in the area, causing an

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garages. The idea is that we no longer use our Photography on the Marsh garages for cars and may have workshops, by Lorraine Easton games rooms, gyms or just use them for storage; they can be tidy or a total mess. However, there maybe a few rare breeds out there that can still Who knew that the Marsh would be such an get their car in their garage but they are few and attraction for us artistic types. far between. There are many artists here and around the I am looking for some volunteers to pose for me Marsh, painting, drawing and photographing their with their garage space, no matter what it surroundings, especially Dungeness. The light contains, in fact the more unusual the better. The here and the enormous skies are a magnet to images will not be published, just used for my those of us who get a warm glow from creating college project and of course people’s names and beautiful images. Many times, I have taken my locations will be kept secret for obvious reasons. camera and walked out to the beach or around As a thank you to all who take part I will give you the lanes hoping to capture the amazing light at a mounted print of your photograph. sunrise or sunset, usually dragging my teenager If you are interested in helping me with this project with me to pose reluctantly in the landscape. you can contact me via the Looker or email me at But most of all it is the curiosity and friendliness of [email protected] the people on the Marsh that surprises me. I am not a Marshan, like many people here I have I would like to take this opportunity to thank the moved into the area and been so impressed that team for their superb Christmas edition! we ask ourselves why we didn’t move here earlier. Who would have guessed that the paper would It’s great when I am out and about with my grow so quickly. It only goes to show that more camera that people stop and chat, wanting to see goes on the Romney Marsh than the other two what I am up to or just to pass the time of day. supposed ‘progressional’ newspapers, with full You certainly don’t get that sense of openness time reporters know. and friendliness in towns and cities, not the ones I Keep up the good work. Any chance of some have lived in anyway. more gardening related features? When I moved here I was so inspired by my Kind regards, surroundings that I decided to go back to college Karen & John Field, to further my photography skills, not an easy Dymchurch. decision for a forty something. As part of my course I am undertaking a project on portraiture, Thanks for that kind note. Glad you are identity and culture. I am hoping to photograph my enjoying The Looker, and yes we will try and put fellow Marsh dwellers and their garages, yes, some more garden related articles in! Ed.

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of our old stock so we will need lots of new books News from before the next Sale. Please phone Liz Skilbeck, 01797-366959 before the next Sale on the third local Organisations Saturday of February. Friends of Lydd. 1st New Romney Scout Group. The Museum is closed for the season and will re-open The run up to Christmas was as ever very busy with at Easter. We will be re-building the exhibits for the craftwork, parties and the Christmas Coffee Morning new year and our call for help will be advertised which raised about £800. A big thank-you to all the shortly. At the AGM, Julie Leppard and Jackie traders, parents and supporters who donated prizes Woolgar stepped down from the committee. Jackie and to all the traders who advertised the event for us. has promised to help with the museum as and when The Toy Service was really special and another great she can and we thank her for the new eye-catching success, as was the Christmas Tree Exhibition. The brochure. Cubs and Beavers really enjoyed making the decora- tions and the trees looker great. 2010 was a very Brenzett WI. special year for our group. After a fantastic Centenary The hall was beautifully decorated in a Victorian theme year there are several exciting plans in the pipeline for for the Christmas Meeting. Guests were greeted with 2011, including summer camps, hikes and nights a glass of home made mulled wine or fruit juice and away. The list is endless. If you would like to be part business was kept to a minimum. Everyone tucked of the Adventure, phone our Group Scout Leader, Rick into the delicious selection of savoury and sweet on 01797-320768 for further details. treats. If you fancy trying something new for 2011, please come and join us in Brenzett Village Hall. New Romney & District Flower Club. Seventeen members met at Lathe Barn for their Christmas Dinner and AGM on 8th December. It was Ice Rink cancelled.... particularly pleasing for the rather diminished committee to find that enough members were willing to form a full committee. The last meeting of the year because of Ice ! ! ! was a demonstration by Jean Allan and Anne Luckett The ice skating rink planned for New Romney recently creating Christmas designs, followed by warm punch was cancelled. and mince pies. The eagerly anticipated event was due to take place at St. Nicholas Primary School in New Romney but was Middlemarsh WI. postponed as the company behind the event would not A coach full of members with friends and family went have been able to travel from their base in the North of to Hever Castle on Friday 10th December. The England because of the current weather conditions. combination of a darkening night with contrasting snow Hopefully, it will be rescheduled for early in the New made for an exciting atmosphere. The amount of deep Year. snow still present in this area of Kent demonstrated how fortunate we are to live in what seems to be such Story from www.romneymarshtimes.co.uk a mild area of the country.

Friends of St. Nicholas Church Book Sale. The grand total raised by the Book Sales in 2010 reached just over £4,000. This included over £500 raised by the November event and thanks are due to everyone for helping us exceed our target! This money has been paid into the Friends’ Account to be spent on the fabric of the Church. There are several projects in hand for 2011 including the installation of some extra radiant heaters in the nave and a draught- preventing heat curtain by the North Door. Also, automatic lighting is to be installed in the Church so that it is not so gloomy for visitors on dark winter days. At the end of the November Sale, we cleared out much

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Services. The StOP project provides a skilled, Caring All Together on Romney listening ear for older people who are going through Marsh: Part of the Real the trauma of abuse or alleged abuse/mistreatment. All our services not only support the elderly frail but “Big Society” also older people who have early dementia. If you think you might benefit from any of these services please do telephone or email. Alternatively, if you Is your New Year’s Resolution to ‘give something would like to volunteer to help deliver any of these back’ to your local community? services we would love to hear from you. More Do you know someone who is lonely and needs a information can be found on our website. friend? And finally, CARM has been established for nearly 30 Are you looking to meet new people and get involved years (a registered charity since 1997) and in all that in fun activities? time has relied almost entirely on the generosity of If you answer yes to any of these questions, CARM charitable trusts, other private benefactors and the would really like to hear from you! generosity of local people by way individual donations. As always we need all the help we can get – even CARM, Caring All Together on Romney Marsh, is a more so in these difficult economic times. long established, small local charity based in Please call…. Appledore, providing services through trained Nigel Dixon volunteers to support older and vulnerable people. Caring All Together on Romney Marsh Our aim is to reduce social isolation and to improve the well being of the elderly. Approximately 300 Tel: 01233 758122 people currently enjoy our services on a regular basis Email: [email protected] which are delivered by about 125 great and amazing Website: www.carmromneymarsh.org.uk volunteers. CARM offers the following services: Meeting Points CARM has 11 Meeting Points, or drop-in centres, located around the Marsh. These groups meet weekly and provide a chance for people get together, chat, and make new friends. You can be sure there is a Meeting Point near you. Well Being at Home This is CARM’s befriending service in which trained volunteers, on a weekly basis, visit older people who are generally isolated in their own homes, offering regular chats and enduring friendship. Our Memories Matter OMM is CARM’s reminiscence service where trained volunteers provide weekly reminiscence sessions for elderly people living in local residential homes. These sessions encourage social interaction and discussion by triggering memories through the use of props. StOP This is CARM’s safeguarding the older person service, working in support of Kent Adult Social

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Sandgate in 1874 and improve- entrance from the sheltered water The Railways ments at Harbour to on the lee side of the headland, allow trains to come alongside the was never put to the test. As for Of Romney Marsh boats. The Sandgate branch was the shingle, it was widely used as By John Wimble mainly built to serve the military track ballast for the South Eastern establishment at Shorncliffe but Railway, but Dungeness was too Part One - The Early Years there were at least two other rea- remote from the Capital for its sons for the line. Firstly it was shingle to capture the London When the South Eastern Railway intended to develop Seabrook, market. In fact, Dungeness was opened its main line to Dover in the where the terminal station was not even favoured with a temporary 19th Century, was served situated as a holiday resort and pier and only the extensive gravel by stage coach from the inter- secondly, the Imperial Hotel had pits remained to testify that plans mediate station at Staplehurst. The just been built on the sea front on for a port were once entertained. In end of this temporary arrangement the outskirts came when the line from Ashford to of Hythe and Hastings was opened, although the was looked revenue earning potentiality of the upon as a line with no town larger than Rye great was slight. The people that most attraction for wanted the line were the the area. Government and, more especially, The possibil- the Forces and the Duke of ity of devel- Wellington. They were anxious to oping a port have a railway line available to at Dunge- convey troops to any part of this ness had most vulnerable stretch of coast- given rise to line. Because of this, the Ashford the ‘Rye & to Hastings line is the best example Dungeness in Southern England of a railway Railway & Pier Act of 1873’, which 1881, the nominally independent whose construction was envisaged Dungeness as a train ‘Lydd Railway Company’ obtained encouraged mainly for military ferry terminal. The powers passed powers to build a line from reasons. to the South Eastern Railway in Appledore, on the Ashford to When the Ashford to Hastings line 1875 who dreamed of a great port Hastings route, through Brookland opened in 1851, a branch was but took no practical steps, and not to Lydd and Dungeness. provided to Rye Harbour. Opened surprisingly, this scheme failed to So from Appledore to Lydd, rails in 1854, it was used only for freight materialise. The Lydd Railway Act were laid across Romney Marsh, and was worked as a siding. It was of 1881 was more judicious in that, and then out across the shingle to just less than two miles long and it recognising that if Dungeness was what was then the water’s edge at ran across the marshes parallel to to develop, it would be as an Dungeness. On 7th December the road to Rye Harbour. It ended outport of London. It was decided 1881, the Lydd Railway was offi- at a short pier on the River Rother that the line would leave the exist- cially opened. There was a grand opposite the Rye and Camber ing railway at Appledore, a better display of bunting for the occasion Railway station. There were also junction for London trains. It was and flags were run to the pinnacles private sidings to an oil firm and a also better placed to serve the town of Lydd Church tower. Initially, pas- chemical works. Five boats of Lydd, which lay between the senger trains ran only as far as the operated from the harbour and the marshland and the shingle. In addi- town because there was absolutely crews used to sail around the open tion to being a small market town, nothing at Dungeness except the beaches in the Dungeness Bay Lydd was the home of some of the lighthouse. So for two years, goods area and pick and bag blue flints for coastguard pilots and fisherman at trains only traversed the Dunge- use in the Staffordshire Potteries. Dungeness. Moreover, the nearby ness section until April 1883, when These were loaded on to wagons at expanses of shingle were used for the first passenger train arrived at Rye Harbour and 3/6d. (17½p.) a testing artillery and high explosives the remote outpost. The passenger ton was paid. and there was a large military camp trains were advertised to “enable Developments locally on the South on the outskirts of the town. visitors to visit the headland without Eastern Railway included the However, the feasibility of the donning the ‘back-stays’ that many extension of the Hythe branch to docks’ scheme, which included an locals used to cross the shingle”.

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In 1882, the ‘Lydd Railway the coast between Dungeness and Company’ obtained authorisation to Dymchurch. But out of season, CCTV construct a railway to New Romney. there was more than enough room The attraction for the railway and travellers could sit where they UPDATE promoters to extend to New liked. On the right, as the train Romney was increased by the made for Lydd, was , As some readers may recall, in the existence close by of the small and to the left about a mile away last edition of The Looker someone seaside resort of was the boundary of Romney wrote in about the CCTV in New Littlestone-on-Sea. As a result, the Marsh proper. The boundary was Romney. new terminal station was strategi- the main road between Appledore cally located halfway between New and New Romney and this was Romney and Littlestone. In order to known as the . This road use cheaper land, the junction was was constructed on top of an old not at Lydd but at an isolated spot a earthwork but unless you knew mile south of the station. This was what to look for, you would never on the way to Dungeness and a have noticed it. Closer attention new Signal Box, Romney Junction, reveals that for most of the way, the was built. The New Romney road runs a few feet above the level branch was opened to passenger of the surrounding marshes. and goods traffic on 19th June Passengers would have also We have contacted Mrs Ratcliffe for 1884. noticed that to the north-east, the details of the trust registration, but The signalling and signal boxes on level of the Romney Marsh was a as yet still have not had a reply. As the branch line between Appledore foot or two lower than the level of soon as we have the information we and New Romney were of South Walland Marsh to the south-west. will print the response along with Eastern Railway design but the The Rhee Wall could not be details as to how you can donate to station buildings at Brookland, Lydd distinguished from the train and this trust fund being set up to pay and New Romney owed little to after running parallel for nearly four for the CCTV cameras which were SER practice and the small struc- miles, the road and railway donated to the town by Shepway tures were unique to the Lydd diverged. The road went to New District Council. Railway. The completed Lydd Romney and the railway to Lydd. In the next edition we also hope to Railway was worked by its own inform our readers as to when the Company until 1895, when the To be continued. cameras will be functioning. South Eastern Railway absorbed its smaller offspring. Boarding the train in summer, it would have been difficult to find a seat in its coaches, so popular was

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WHERE HAS ALL THE MUSIC GONE? [Part two] Anyway, here are the lyrics to the song:

by Andy Holyer THE WRECK OF THE In the last edition of ‘The Looker’ I wrote an article about the apparent absence of a folk music tradition indigenous Come and listen all you decent people, while this sad story to the Romney marsh. In the article I invited readers to I relate. recall marsh folk songs. I have had a couple of interesting It’s about a vessel called the ‘Northfleet’ responses. Which met with such an awful fate. The first, and perhaps most surprising, is that the most famous of English folk songs ‘SPANISH LADIES’ contains 500 souls she had aboard her lay anchored there off an original verse about Dungeness. Dungeness And bound for Australia was this vessel 1st verse They bid farewell with full caress. Farewell and adieu to you, Spanish Ladies, Now it was a big and foreign vessel came drifting with the Farewell and adieu to you, channel tide ladies of Spain; Bore down upon the helpless ‘Northfleet’ For we have received orders And crashed into her timbered side. to sail to old England, But we hope in a short time to Nor did it stop to give assistance, nor, repair the damage it see you again. had made 2nd verse And everyone aboard the ‘Northfleet’ Chorus: We’ll rant and we’ll Fell down upon their knees and prayed. roar like true British sailors, We’ll rant and we’ll roar across God rest those widows and those orphans. Comfort them the salt seas; where ere they be Until we strike soundings in the Channel of old England; Oh, may God in heaven above protect them From Ushant to Scilly ‘tis thirty-five leagues. From all the perils of the sea. 3rd verse So the first land we made it is called the Deadman, Now the Captain he cried, ‘Now to the lifeboats. Next Ram Head off Plymouth, Start, Portland and the Stand back you men. The women first. I’ll shoot the first Wight; who disobeys me’. We sailed by Beachy, by Fairly and Dungeness, They did not heed but madly rushed. And then bore away for the South Foreland light. Now the captain fired, his shot was fatal I understand that the famous sea shanty choir from And one poor fellow’s life was slain Cornwall, ‘Fishermen’s Friends’ will be singing at the And everyone aboard the ‘Northfleet’, fell down upon his ‘Cinque Ports’ in New Romney in the new year. Hopefully knees and prayed. they will be singing Spanish Ladies and perhaps find other God rest those widows and those orphans. Comfort them songs about the marsh. where ere they be Oh, may God in heaven above protect them The second, is a song recorded by a Rye based fisherman From all the perils of the sea. and musician called Johnny Doughty [1903 - 1986]. He learned the song from older fishermen, which is dated from The captain cried out to his first mate and bade him try and somewhere between the great wars. save his life This tells the tragic story of the wreck of the Northfleet in As he gave into trust and keeping 1873. The Northfleet was a sailing ship carrying railway His young and newly wedded wife. irons and some 400 railway workers and their families. The ship was lying at anchor off Dungeness sheltering, with ‘Oh, can’t I stay with you dear husband?’ ‘Oh, no, my wife many other ships, before setting sail for Tasmania where a that can not be’. railway was to be built. The ship was rammed by a But she stayed onboard that sinking vessel Portuguese steamer called The Murillo. The Murillo did not With him went to eternity. stop to take off survivors but steamed on to Portugal, disguising its name and figurehead in an attempt to avoid God rest those widows and those orphans. Comfort them blame. Due to confusion about signals and flares only where ere they be three small boats came to the aid of the Northfleet. 320 Oh, may God in heaven above protect them men, women and children were drowned that night, their From all the perils of the perils of the sea. unrecognisable corpses being washed up as far away as Dover. The incident provoked much public distress, Many thanks to Dave Hewitt, Nigel Holyer and Jenny Kane sympathy, a change in signalling systems and the eventual for the research. Anymore songs out there? arrest of the captain of The Murillo. Painting - ‘The Wreck of the Northfleet’ by Andy Holyer.

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Ever Thought of Joining Up?

133 Field Company (REME) Ashfords own Teritorial Army Unit will be holding an Open Evening on Friday 11th Febuary commencing at 7.30 pm.

This will give potential recruits and others interested in finding out more about the TA and they can meet members of the unit who will provide a comprehensive guide to life with the Reserve Forces. The trades available to learn in- clude military skills, vehicle mechanics, military clerking and catering.

The Informal evening will consist of demonstration stands providing an opportunity for hands on experience on the in- door range and other trade related subjects.

Free refreshments will be provided to all participants who attend with no obligation.

The TA Centre is located at:

133 FD Coy REME (V) TA CENTRE Sir Henry Brackenbury Road ASHFORD Kent TN23 3HX Telephone: 01233 645161

THANK YOU

Could you please thank the people who stopped and helped us when our car slid off the road between Ivychurch and New Romney on the day that poor man was killed on the A259, (18th December). Also great praise is deserved by the police officers who secured our car and drove us back to New Romney in the freezing bliz- zard. Thanks from Keith.

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Dymchurch and District Heritage Group

The Group is up and running! At a second meeting of interested people held on 15th December 2010 at the Beach 48 Cafe in the High Street, Dymchurch it was formally agreed that there was sufficient interest and the ‘District and the Heritage Group’ came into being. A Committee was formed with John Rees confirmed as Chairman, Jill Rees elected as Secretary and Colin Walker as Treasurer. Meetings will be held on the third Thursday in every other month and will be scheduled to last for no more than two hours. The purpose of the Group is to research and record the history of the village and the district, and to study methods of historical research. Content of meetings will be arranged by the Committee and will include guest speakers on subjects which have a bearing on local history and also visits to places that may be of interest. The first meeting will be held on Thursday 20th January 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Beach 48 Café in the High Street, Dymchurch. Everybody is welcome to join. The Annual Subscription for members is £5 and there will be a charge of £2 per meeting. Non-Members may attend meetings at a cost of £3 for each meeting. The second meeting of the year will then be on Thursday 17th March at 7 p.m. also at the Beach 48 Cafe.

For The New Year

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[more information at www.great- Mobile Police Station Goings On stone.net/newromneyriders] The next visit of the Mobile Police The Jolly Fisherman and Help for Station to Greatstone will be on in Greatstone Heroes 19th January between 13:30 and 14:30 hours in Dunes The Jolly Fisherman has Road and then again on 10th The Looker will be featuring local nominated the Help for Heroes February 2011 in Taylor Road news from Greatsone, courtesy (H4H) campaign as one of its between 17:00 and 18:00 hours. If of www.greatstone.net every charities. Since September 2010, you would like property marking or couple of editions. We really customers and staff have raised to discuss local issues then please would like to offer the same over £340 for the charity. The feel free to attend. service for other areas of the money has been raised from Marsh. If you could spend even donations to the charity/swear box Peter Faulkner, greatstone.net a couple of hours per month to on the bar and sale of H4H write a few words to inform the wristbands and H4H keyrings, rest of the Marsh what is going badges etc. on in your district, then The [more information at Looker would love to publish it. www.greatstone.net/jolly] In the summer of 2011, The Jolly Greatstone Notice Board Fisherman is supporting Further to the report in The Looker Greatstone resident and Jolly recently, Shepway District Council regular Grant Hall in his attempt to have agreed that the newly raise over £1,000 in aid of the Help refurbished Greatsone Notice for Heroes charity. Grant is Board can be moved to a much planning to skydive blindfolded over more suitable position, onto the Kent in aid of H4H! wall of the car park toilet block. In To help support Grant in his its present position, it cannot be attempt, the Jolly is planning a Help seen easily from those using the for Heroes weekend in the pub to ticket machine with the view being take place during the 2011 summer blocked by the playpark, which was holidays (mid-July to end of August built after the original board was 2011), to coincide with the skydive. installed. Also the board is very [more information at:- vulnerable to wind, rain and frost www.greatstone.net/h4hskydive] and it's move to the toilet block wall will mean great protection from the vagaries of the weather.

New Romney Riders A new motorcycle group, the New Romney Riders has been formed, which meets in The Jolly Fisherman in Greatstone. The New Romney Riders are a group of genuine motorcyclist aiming to have ride-outs and adopt a different charity for fund raising each year. They attend various motorcycle rallys throughout the year and in 2010 they attended the Afghan Heroes Ride of Respect through Wootten Bassett. Ride-outs will be arranged on a casual basis throughout the year, including rides to The Sammy Miller Museum and to various sites in Europe.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Friday 7th January Saturday 15th January Whist & Scrabble Afternoon, St. Peter’s Church Hall, All Saints Church Market, Hardy Hall, Lydd. Greatstone, 2 p.m. Jumble Sale, All Saints Church, St. Mary’s Bay, 9.30 a.m. Saturday 8th January New Year Social, St. Peter’s Church Hall, Greatstone, Monday 17th January 3 p.m. New Romney History Society AGM, Old School, Church Lane, 7.30 p.m. Sunday 9th January Romney Marsh Walking Society meet at 1 p.m. at Friday & Saturday 21st & 22nd January Oakdene, Bonnington. Dymchurch Players present ‘Robinson Crusoe & The Pirates’, Dymchurch Village Hall. Monday 10th January Craft & Knitting Morning, Hardy Hall, Lydd, Saturday 22nd January 10 a.m. – 12 noon. Romney Marsh Walking Society meet at 10 a.m. New Romney & District Flower Club, St. Mary’s Bay at Rye Market Car Park. Village Hall, 7.30 p.m. Brenzett & District Women’s Institute, Brenzett Village Tuesday 25th January Hall, 7.30 p.m. Ecumenical Service for World Day of Prayer, Greatstone Women’s Institute, St. Peter’s Church Hall, New Romney Methodist Church, 10 a.m. 7.30 p.m.

Tuesday 11th January New Romney Bridge Club, Old School, Church Lane, New Romney, 6 p.m.

Wednesday 12th January St. Mary’s Bay Computer Club, 10 a.m. – Noon & 1.30 – 3.30 p.m. 01797-362397 for details. Civil Service Retirement Fellowship, Assembly Rooms, New Romney, 10 a.m. (Non-members welcome). St. Mary’s Bay Camera Club, Village Hall, 7.45 p.m.

Thursday 13th January Middlemarsh Women’s Institute, St. Mary’s Bay Village Hall, 9.45 a.m.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 14th, 15th & 16th January Dymchurch Players present ‘Robinson Crusoe & The Pirates’, Dymchurch Village Hall.

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more, someone says taste and tex- them a number on a linear scale. If Finding the Best Fruit ture are surely the most important you cannot measure the most im- (or the Best School) things, so why was no attempt portant things, your comparisons made to include them? The experts must surely be suspect. What’s by Edwyn James observe that such factors are very more, if we ignore the important subjective and difficult to measure, things, we make them seem unim- Imagine, if you will, a Government- so are better ignored. If we tried to portant. You see it in the supermar- inspired research exercise to find take account of everything, we kets. We have all been tempted by the best fruit. We take up the story would never be able to make any trays of appealing apples on the when all but the apple and the or- helpful comparisons between the shelves, only to be disappointed ange have been eliminated. On different fruits. later to find they taste like card- what grounds can we decide be- The objectors remain uneasy. What board. tween these two? can it possibly mean to say that one Can it be that school comparisons For the experts, the solution is fruit is twice as good as another? ignore the things which matter, in clear. We need a set of criteria, Could one be 10% better than an- favour of what can be measured? It such as size, shape, regularity, or other? In reality, is there not scope is easy to measure attendance colour. By judging each of these on for a range of fruits for different pur- rates, hard to measure attitude and a linear scale, say 1 – 10, and poses, rather than one which is su- responsibility. Exams pose ques- adding up the scores, we solve the perior to all others in all tions which can be precisely an- problem. For instance, an apple circumstances and for all sorts of swered, rather than those which with a beautiful rosy tint might score people? In what meaningful sense require an argument to be devel- 6 on colour, since parts of the skin could a judgement be made be- oped. In consequence, successful were a much less interesting green, tween a blackberry and a redcur- candidates may be good on sound- with small blemishes. At this stage rant, and yet are we not glad of bites, but not well informed on the the orange triumphs, to score 8, on both? It becomes increasingly ap- core meaning of a subject. Perhaps account of its uniform golden glow. parent that trying to give fruits an this is why universities lament the Let us suppose that, when all the order of merit is a futile and mean- lack of basic awareness which so tests have been completed, the ingless exercise. Perhaps we knew many prospective undergraduates total score is 60 for the apple and this from the start, but somehow it seem to show. 120 for the orange. Because we seemed encouraging to arrange The urge to put a number on every- have been able to put a number to things in this way. thing is a curse of the present age. the different aspects and add up By now we ought reasonably be Without realising it, we concentrate our findings, we now have clear evi- starting to show unease about on what can easily be measured dence that the orange is twice as league tables for schools. In what and neglect what matters. When we good as the apple. Not only that, we sense is a school which scores seek to evaluate a school, there are have a score for all the different 96% better than another which has other factors which should occupy fruits available, so we can rank 92%, or a third which only shows our attention. How polite are the them in order to make a league 48%? Is the first school twice as pupils, both to outsiders and table. good as the last, and if so, what amongst themselves? What respect Not everyone is convinced. We does being twice as good mean? do they show for their teachers and have all picked up oranges which Remember, the most important for the pursuit of learning? These seem ideal, but their skins turn out qualities of fruits were too difficult to and other pertinent issues are not to be almost impenetrable. What’s be measured, in the sense of giving things to be answered on a scale of 1 – 10. They require careful thought and considered judgement.

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Just For Fun

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to see them, for this is the bird’s Alaskan Breeding Ground, taking a favourite food. Another winter visitor big detour to rest on the Chinese Nature Notes is the Redwing (related to the mainland. Just one step in the flight By Mark Newson Thrush family as is the fieldfare) of nearly 11,000 miles! Tagging and these are less common and are es- satellite monitoring have revealed pecially fond of Holly berries. You that come the autumn, the bird Now that winter is upon us, can I are more likely to see one on its makes the return trip in just one remind everyone that our birds own in your garden. On the other eight day flight of 7,200 miles. This need help more than ever at this hand you’re far more likely to see a is the longest ever none stop flight time of year? Please keep your bird group of some 30 fieldfares in a ever recorded. It is truly an amazing tables regularly stocked with bird- field. Migration is a fascinating sub- feat. So how does this little bird do seed and your feeders with ject and one of the true wonders of it? Before the flight, the Godwit peanuts. Fresh Water is also es- nature. The Whooper Swan (from builds up large reserves of fat- sential, even in cold weather. Birds Iceland) and the Bewick swan (from roughly half its body weight – to also like cake, cheese, fat, bread, Siberia) come to Britain to feed on sustain it during its long journey. In raisins, sultanas and a host of other their usual food of grass, grain and flight, it not only uses up these re- household foods which (sadly) most roots. Many migrating birds fly at serves, but also converts other people tend to throw into their bins. altitudes of over a mile high, proba- body matter – parts of its intestines Those of you about to prepare a bly because they find higher follow- and organs into fuel. Amazingly, roast joint, a steak or some bacon, ing winds at this height. If they these organs are re-generated cut off the fat first. Cut it into tiny encounter strong head-winds or when the bird arrives at its destina- pieces and put on your bird table. bad weather systems, they may fly tion. How do birds find their way This will be appreciated by the Star- at a very low level. Some incredible across thousands of miles of wind lings, Tits, Jackdaws Rooks and facts have been recorded over the and rain to a specific location? crows. It will also be good for your migration period, such as the Bar- Each bird has its own Time clock Waistline! At this time of year we headed Goose spotted at over 5 and is guided by the sun and stars will be seeing our migrant winter miles high flying over the Hi- (especially at dawn or dusk) and birds in our gardens and fields - malayas. One of the longest routes follows its route with the help of the most especially the Fieldfare. is undertaken by the Arctic Tern, earth’s magnetic field its one of na- These come in their millions from which flies from Northern Europe ture’s true wonders north-east Europe to feed upon the and the arctic, right down to the warmer climate of Britain, Where Southern Ocean. The undisputed Next time I will talk about one of our you will see large flocks of them in champion of migratory birds is the favourite garden birds-The Robin. open areas searching for a wide Alaskan Bar-Tailed Godwit. It is a range of invertebrates. For those small, wading bird. In the spring it who have apple trees in your gar- flies north from New Zealand to its dens, you are the ones most likely SUDOKU AND CROSSWORD ANSWERS ISSUE 8 Solutions Across

(1) PARCEL (4) GIFT-WRAP (9) SPIRIT (10) STOCKING (12) BIDE (13) PROXY (14) VINO (17) GREETING CARD (20) CHRISTMAS EVE (23) REIN (24) ICONS (25) INNS (28) LANTERNS (29) SALOON (30) CAROLLER (31) TINSEL

Solutions Down (1) POSTBAGS (2) REINDEER (3) EMIR (5) INTOXICATING (6) TUCK (7 )RAISIN (8) PIGEON (11) FRANKINCENSE (15) ITCHY (16) AREAS (18) REUNIONS (19) SEASONAL (21) FROLIC (22) DINNER (26) VEAL (27) MAGI

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stepped up for his first Football During this time, New Romney won Jeff Ireland League outing in February 1958 in many trophies and also the Eastern a 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest. His Section of the Kent Amateur Obituary other two top flight games came League no less than three times. during October 1958. He was also a good cricketer and We were sorry to learn of the Jeff joined Division Three club scored nearly 1,000 runs for New passing of Jeff Ireland who died Shrewsbury in June 1959, scoring Romney and Littlestone Cricket aged 75 on Christmas Day following four goals in 38 League games and Club during the 1975 season. a long illness. helping them to finish in third place Jeff was an outside right who spent the following season. He also two seasons with Tottenham featured in one FA Cup match. Hotspur, featuring in three First He played for Folkestone Town in Division matches during 1958. Signed from Finchley, he made a further 55 competitive appearances for their intermediate teams, scoring 19 goals, before transferring to Shrewsbury Town. Born at Paddington in 1935, Jeff New Romney’s successful 1979-80 team attended Holy Trinity Primary and officials. School and gained a scholarship to Reg Gorham, Brian Armstrong, Alistair the Haverstock Central School at Rabson, Fred Wood, Tom Seymour, Doug Chalk Farm. He represented St. Leckie, Andy Leech, Joe Latty, Stephen Pancras Schoolboys and the Ireland, John Purse, John Baker, Jeff London Schools XI. Andrews, Bill Hislop, Mark Warless, Mick the Southern League from August, Knight, Terry Burns, Peter White, Martin On leaving school he took up Huggett, Dave Groombridge, Trevor Tyrell clerical employment in the clothing 1960 and moved on to and Chris Williams with Jeff Ireland. department of the hatters company & Northfleet during season 1968- Messrs. Dunn & Co. and played 69, scoring two goals in 36 regularly for the firm’s team. appearances for the Stonebridge Jeff worked as a clerical officer for His National Service from January, Road club. Folkestone & District Water 1954 was spent at the Henlow RAF Jeff began a long association with Company until retiring during the Station working as a clerk in the New Romney in 1971, initially as mid 1990’s. He lived at St. Mary’s office and playing for the Station player-manager until 1978 and then Bay until moving to Elham four team. He returned to his former as manager until 1983. This period years ago. employers and began turning out in proved to be some of the best years He passed away at a Hythe nursing the Athenian League for Finchley in the club’s history, and leading to home on Christmas morning. He is during season 1956-57. the club being regarded as on of the survived by Peggy, his wife of 52 Jeff signed amateur forms for Spurs top amateur teams in Kent. years, sons Stephen and Gary and in October 1957 and made a New Romney had approached Jeff grandchildren Abigail, Sam, George goalscoring debut two days later to run their first team, which had and Bob. against Dulwich Hamlet in the been previously picked by the Our thoughts are with his family and London Challenge Cup. He was the committee. Jeff accepted on the friends at this sad time. only amateur in their reserve team understanding that he was insured Thanks to Andy Porter, Tottenham which defeated the south London for injuries whilst playing. This was Hotspur Club Historian, and Jeff Best club 9-1, watched by a White Hart accepted as a small price to pay for for help with this obituary. Lane crowd numbering over 3,000. such a prestigious player/manager. His only other appearance for them as an amateur was in the second round replay at West Ham United three weeks later. Jeff joined their professional ranks in November and made his Football Combination debut in a 4-2 win at Aldershot. After just ten Combination appearances he

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hence Marsh Business Assistant. The idea is not just Local to help new business to set up but to help maintain them, to give on-going help and advice, and be Business Profile available to answer all those questions that you just don’t know who to ask. It does not matter what your line of business is, Painter and Decorator, Shop Marsh Business Assistant Keeper, Child Minder we can meet your business needs. Marsh Business Assistant is a Romney Marsh based Marsh Business Assistant is available to established business, businesses, with a wide range of services to assist in established to the day to day running of any business, whether you assist local need an extra pair of hands at short notice to answer businesses with quick phones in the office, typing or front of house we are solutions to last minute available. If you are planning a large event and need dilemmas and on-going an Events Organiser, Marketing Support or business demands experienced Media Management, we are here to help. My name is Cheryl Hulton I work on the theory that we cannot all be experts in and I have been a local everything we do so why not ask for help. Running a business woman in New small or large business in this day and age is hard Romney for quite a enough. You may not be in a position to employ full few years now. I time help and that is what we are here for. If you need started Marsh us for an hour, day or week we always offer a Business professional service at affordable rates. Assistant to help fill So far the business has been a great success and I what I believed was a gap in the local market. would like to give a big Thank You to all my customers When setting up my own business 3 years ago, having for putting their trust and faith in Marsh Business had experience of running a successful car sales Assistant and I know we will be around for many years business in Ashford, I thought setting up a little High to come. Street shop in New Romney would be a breeze, but If you require any further information on the services let’s just say, what a learning curve. Everybody has we offer please do not hesitate to contact Cheryl on their skills in life and I believed with my background in 07908 664389 or E-Mail: sales and marketing, and having developed excellent [email protected] communication and people skills as an Estate Agent, Let us lift your burden, don’t worry about that pile of that small business practice would be easy. Well, invoices building up or the six months’ worth of insurance, business rates, card machines, setting up accounts you haven’t got round to, or that event that is accounts, VAT, the list goes on, What I really could approaching too fast, just give Marsh Business have done with was someone who had done all these Assistant a call we will provide the professional things before to just give me support and guidance, solution to your dilemma.

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Thursday 6th January 2011 www.thelooker.co.uk

One for the road. Dave Randle gets to grips with the Subaru Forrester.

The Looker welcomes a new correspondent this month in the form of Dave Randle. Dave met up with the Editor in a pub (suprise suprise) and offered his services to us. He has a vast experience working as a freelance writer for just about every newspaper and magazine imaginable. On this occasion he turns his pen to a motoring feature.....

Winter time, and many a motorist’s fancy turns to thoughts of four- wheel-drive.

It’s true that they will generally keep going in many circumstances where a conventional car might run up with for the other eleven months Recently, they have become still aground or lose traction, and they of the year – and the majority of more attractive with the advent of have a positive advantage when it off-roaders are truly horrible in Subaru’s brilliant ‘boxer’ diesel comes to going up things. ordinary road use. Those same cart engine. The term boxer, while Conversely, they tend to be heavier springs that are unbreakable in the sounding appropriately pugnacious than other cars and consequently mangrove swamps are equally for this kind of wagon, has nothing all the more inclined to slid unbending on the potholed byways to do with cauliflower ears. It means gracefully down things, as we have of Britain. that, instead of being more or less all witnessed in the recent snows. vertical and in-line, the pistons are There are exceptions, fortunately, on their sides and horizontally op- Their major advantage is probably and Subaru’s Forrester is one of posed (in the manner of old Alfas, the sense of confidence they inspire them. Beetles and 2CVs). It’s been done in their pilots. Keeping going in the often enough with petrol engines – right direction on snow and ice has Rather than lumbering and notably the firm’s own wild child a lot to do with that commodity. Half overweight, Forrester is light and Imprezza – but this is its first of the disasters you see at this time sprightly. Instead of reverting to the commercial application in a diesel, of year result from nervousness and technology of the chariot and the adding huge torque, compactness drivers seeming to huddle together dog-cart, it majors on good road and low centre of gravity to the for warmth. manners, but can more than handle car’s existing virtues. itself among the mud-pluggers With all your wheels driven, the thanks to flexible, long-travel, One of those virtues is ease of theory goes that it doesn’t matter independent suspension. access. When you open a door, the what you do. It will always be an seat is at just the altitude you would ordinary car that brings you to a Refinement in this sector might wish to find it – allowing for certain skidding halt. That apart, you can seem a radical, untried idea, but variations, more or less on a level set off with the reassuring notion Subarus for many years have been with the thing you intend to park on that you are unstoppable. one of the countryside’s best kept it. There are acres of space for secrets. As far back as the ’80s belongings too, and, unlike so many The major disadvantage with most they had earned the nickname ‘the modern cars, you can actually see four-wheel-drives is the fact that farmer’s friend’, thanks to their out of it in most directions. white-outs, although inevitably willingness, go anywhere qualities dramatic, are not actually all that and reliability. Not, as you might These things, along with its frequent in these parts, so the think, because many of them exemplary comfort and driveability, glorified jeep that seems such a looked like the back end of a horse. make Forrester one of the best good idea right now has to be put off-roaders on the road.

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www.thelooker.co.uk Thursday 6th January 2011

floodlights at and there Friday 8th April: Essex v Kent (Chelmsford). Thursday 14th April: Northants v Kent (Northampton). K.C.C. will be three T20 fixtures under the Tuesday 26th April: Kent v Glos (Canterbury). Sunday 1st May: Kent v Worcs (Canterbury). St Lawrence lights. There will also Monday 2nd May: Middlesex v Kent (Lords). be a twenty-over fixture at Canter- Wednesday 4th May: Kent v Northants (Canterbury). Fixtures Sunday 8th May: Kent v Yorkshire (Canterbury). bury on Sunday, 3rd July. Tuesday 10th May: Glamorgan v Kent (SWALEC Canterbury Cricket Week takes Stadium). The eagerly awaited fixtures for the place a week later this year and be- Sunday 15th May: Yorkshire v Kent (Headingly). 2011 season have now been re- Wednesday 18th May: Kent v Loughborough MCCU gins with a home match against (Canterbury). leased and Kent County Cricket Sunday 22nd May: Kent v Sussex (Canterbury). Surrey on Wednesday, 10th August. Tuesday 24th May: Kent v Derbyshire (Canterbury). Club starts with a trip to Chelms- It is the start of ten days of cricket in Sunday 29th May: Kent v Leics (T. Wells). ford, to play old rivals Essex, in the Friday 3rd June: Kent v Somerset (T. Wells). a two-week spell including two four- Sunday 5th June: Kent v Hampshire (T. Wells). LV= County Championship, begin- day matches and a one-day fixture Friday 10th June: Somerset v Kent (Taunton). ning on Friday 8th April. Saturday 11th June: Glamorgan v Kent (SWALEC against the Netherlands in the Stadium). Kent, who will be looking for an in- CB40. Wednesday 15th June: Kent v Glos (Beckenham). stant return to the first division of Friday 17th June: Sussex v Kent (Hove). The Club has also been awarded a Saturday 18th June: Kent v Middlesex (Canterbury). the LV= County Championship, play Sunday 19th June: Middlesex v Kent (Lords). one-day match against the Indian Friday 24th June: Middlesex v Kent (Uxbridge). their first home match against touring side. This will be played Sunday 26th June: Kent v Surrey (Beckenham). Gloucestershire at the St Lawrence Thursday 30th June: Hampshire v Kent (Rose Bowl). under lights at Canterbury on Fri- Friday 1st July: Kent v Essex (Canterbury). Ground, starting on April 26th. The day, 26th August. The regular do- Sunday 3rd July: Kent v Glamorgan (Canterbury). Club then has a run of home fix- Wednesday 6th July: Glos v Kent (Bristol). mestic season concludes with a Friday 8th July: Kent v Sussex (Canterbury). tures in the Clydesdale Bank 40; home LV= County Championship Sunday 10th: Surrey v Kent (Oval). starting against Worcestershire on Thursday 14th July: Surrey v Kent (Oval). match against Glamorgan starting Friday 15th July: Essex v Kent (Chelmsford). Sunday, 1st May. Sunday 17th July: Netherlands v Kent (TBC). on Monday, 12th September. Wednesday 20th July: Glos v Kent (Cheltenham). Tunbridge Wells festival week starts The timing of the 2011 fixtures gives Sunday 24th July: Derbyshire v Kent (Derby). on Sunday, 29th May with a four- Thursday 28th July: England U19 v South Africa U19 Kent members and supporters just (Canterbury). day Championship fixture against over two weeks to take advantage Saturday 20th July: England U19 v South Africa U19 Leicestershire and runs for six days (Canterbury) of the Club’s special Early Bird Sunday 31st July: Worcs v Kent (New Road) during the school half-term. After packages, newly introduced to ap- Tuesday 2nd August: Leics v Kent (Grace Road). the successes of last year, the Saturday–Monday 6th–8th August T20 Quarter-finals peal to all. People have until De- Wednesday 10th August: Kent v Surrey (Canterbury). Nevill Ground also hosts two Sunday 14th August: Kent v Netherlands (Canterbury). cember 31st to benefit from a Tuesday 16th August: Kent v Middlesex (Canterbury). Friends Provident T20 fixtures in variety of discounted packages. At Wednesday 17th August: Kent v Middlesex (Canter- 2011; against Somerset and Hamp- bury). the end of the year, the Early Bird Tuesday 23rd August: Sussex v Kent (Hove). shire – the winners and runners-up specials end and all offerings go up Friday 26th August: Kent v India (Canterbury). in the 2010 season. There will also Saturday 27th August: T20 Semi-finals & Final 10% to their normal prices. Pack- (Edgbaston). be two FP T20 matches at Becken- ages are available to purchase by Monday 29th August: Kent v Derbyshire (Canterbury). ham including the popular fixture Wednesday 31st August: Kent v Essex (Canterbury). post, over the phone and in person. Sunday 4th Sept: 40L Semi-finals against the Surrey Lions on Sun- Wednesday 7th Sept: Derbyshire v Kent (Derby). day, 26th June. For the first time Monday 12th Sept: Kent v Glamorgan (Canterbury). Saturday 17th Sept: 40L Final (Lords). ever, the Club will have permanent

Thursday Night ‘More Cheese Please’ Disco

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few days training at Hale School - a instilling the way things need to be Tredders place of obvious quality, with done in order to give us the best fantastic facilities. We then moved chance of not only reaching the Australian to Rockingham Mandurah, a little next level but performing when we out of Perth, for a one-day and get there. A number of the players Update four-day match against a Western now in the main team have been Read the personal thoughts of Kent Australia U23 eleven; similar to that through a Performance Camp so all-rounder James Tredwell, who is we played against in Brisbane. maybe it is now starting to pay in Australia with the England These games were both successful dividends. Performance Party. for the lads. In the one-day match We now only have a few days left we bowled the I'm writing this piece shortly after opposition out for we've finished our games here on 98 and knocked the Performance Camp in Perth them off for the and a week after the victory in the loss of just one second Ashes test. wicket. The four- I’m really enjoying watching the day match series unfold, here in Australia, and proved a it was brilliant to see the lads wrap little tougher but up a well deserved win on the last we won it by day. Every player seems to have seven wickets, raised their game a notch on this chasing down tour. This, coupled with the buzz 248 for victory. surrounding the trip, has increased The good thing the motivation for the lads on our about the tour is part of the trip. We know that if we that everyone keep improving then, hopefully, we has had an op- have a chance of being part of portunity and has made an of our trip and no games left but we what’s going on in the main team. impact during the games we have will continue to train. The Test While in Perth, we initially had a played. Danny Briggs, the left-arm squad have arrived in Perth, spinner from following their game against Hampshire, Victoria, so the bowlers are helping was the real them prepare for the third Test by standout from bowling in the nets, while the the games in batters will work at Hale School, Mandurah. He under the watchful eye of Graham bowled Thorpe. There is a Lions tour post really well in Christmas so it is a continuation of what was the time to impress before that gets really tough announced. I found out earlier this conditions week that I'll be part of the one-day (probably the squad in Australia and what an windiest opportunity that will be. With the ground in the World Cup just around the corner, world) and there may be a thought to play an looks like a re- extra spinner in that environment ally good so this trip will be a continued effort prospect. for me to show what I have to offer The tour here, to push for continued selection. As as part of the our programme will come to an end Performance at the start of the next Test, I think Programme, is a few of the lads will be going Happy New Year not just about certainly to the first day and I am the games but definitely looking forward to that to about develop- soak up a bit of Ashes fever first ment and im- hand. Tredders. provement and 26 issue 9_Layout 1 02/01/2011 21:30 Page 27

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Kent County League Div. 1 East Soccer Sixes

1. APM 8 5 3 0 28 11 17 18 1. Legends 4 4 0 0 23 8 15 8 2. Bromley Green 8 5 2 1 26 13 13 17 2. DSSC 4 3 0 1 21 10 11 6 3. Bredhurst Juniors 8 5 3 0 18 8 10 17 * 3. Rose & Crown 4 3 0 1 20 9 11 6 4. Staplehurst & Mon. 9 4 3 2 24 16 8 15 4. Bailiffs Sergeant 4 3 0 1 19 15 4 6 5. East 8 4 2 2 20 13 7 14 5. Great Stone FC 4 2 0 2 20 6 14 4 6. Premier 7 4 0 3 19 16 3 12 6. New Inn 4 2 0 2 14 6 8 4 7. Otford Utd. 7 3 3 1 11 9 2 12 7. Marsh Monkeys 4 2 0 2 12 10 2 4 8. Milton & Fuston 12 3 3 6 14 24 -10 12 8. Savage Gardeners 3 2 0 1 12 11 1 4 9. New Romney 9 2 3 4 15 18 -3 9 9. Woodings Warriors 3 1 0 2 8 11 -3 2 10. Sheppey Utd. 8 2 2 4 12 18 -6 8 10. The Lads 4 1 0 3 4 24 -20 2 11. Larkfield /N Hythe 10 0 4 6 10 21 -11 4 11. The Bench Warmers 4 0 0 4 2 19 -17 0 12. Kennington 8 1 1 6 10 34 -24 4 12. Meridian 4 0 0 4 7 33 -26 0 13. University of Kent 6 1 1 4 6 12 -6 3 * Football Fixtures - Saturday 8th January Kent County League Div. 2 East Kent County League Div 1 East Otford v New Romney 1. Lydd Town 8 5 2 1 27 11 16 17 2. Swale Utd, 8 5 1 2 17 8 9 16 Kent County League Div 2 East 3. Saga Sports/Social 7 5 1 1 16 7 9 16 Lydd Town v 4. N. K. Aces 8 5 0 3 17 12 5 15 5. Hawkenbury 10 5 0 5 23 22 1 15 Kent County League Reserves Div East 6. Broadstairs 10 3 2 5 23 24 -1 10 * New Romney Res v Sherness East Res 7. Town 8 3 0 5 14 25 -11 9 Saturday 15th January 8. Malgo 5 2 1 2 13 8 5 7 9. Platt Utd. 6 2 1 3 8 13 -5 7 Bill Manklow Cup 10. Borden Village 8 2 0 6 17 29 -12 6 Bly Spartans v New Romney 11. Guru Nanak 8 2 0 6 14 28 -14 6 Kent County League Div 2 East Lydd Town v Hawkenbury Kent County League Res. Div. East Saturday 22nd January 1. APM 9 6 3 0 12 5 7 21 2. Canterbury City 8 5 1 2 25 14 11 16 Kent County League Div 1 East New Romney v Bredhurst 3. Bromley Green 7 5 1 1 17 10 7 16 4. Bearsted 8 4 2 2 23 13 10 14 Kent County League Div 2 East 5. Otford Utd. 6 4 0 2 14 8 6 12 Tenterden v Lydd Town 6. Staplehurst 9 3 3 3 16 20 -4 12 7. Kennington 10 3 3 4 16 22 -6 12 Kent County League Reserves Div East 8. Platt Utd. 9 3 2 4 18 21 -3 11 Bearstead Res v New Romney Res 9. Sheerness East 11 3 2 6 15 23 -8 11 10. Bly Spartans 8 2 2 4 20 16 4 8 Saturday 29th January 11. New Romney 7 2 1 4 12 16 -4 7 Kent County League Div 1 East 12. Borden Village 10 2 1 7 18 27 -9 7 University of Kent v New Romney 13. Larkfield & N Hythe 9 2 1 6 18 30 -12 7 Kent County League Div 2 East * Points deducted Lydd Town v Swale United

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www.thelooker.co.uk Thursday 6th January 2011 LOOKER SPORT Sponsored by JEFF MABEY LTD Turf Accountant

Sports News From Days Gone By - Craig Avery

As we commence 2011, let's hope we have seen the world’s first revolving football pitch and he was sent off end of the arctic conditions and local sport can before the game had started. resume. It seems like we have had our own winter One other great story that again must remain break, the type often talked about in the professional anonymous as the person concerned is still a Marsh game. In recent years our local leagues have not resident. Whilst playing as a teenager for Brookland I scheduled fixtures over the Christmas and New Year was just about to leave when I was collared by one of weekends, and the Ashford leagues do not schedule a the senior players for advice. Not on football matters full round of matches on the "shopping" weekend prior but on whether he should go home to see his wife or to Christmas. go to see his girlfriend. I suggested a toss of a coin This has not always been the case. Certainly into the (perhaps you can see why I never made it as a 1980s, the Kent County League which was then marriage guidance counsellor) with heads for his wife known as the Kent Amateur League and the Ashford and tails for his girlfriend. It came down heads so he and District Saturday League had fixtures on Boxing suggested best of three but the result however was the Day, New Year’s Day and all available Saturday's. same. Needless to say he didn’t stay married much Mind you, not all players were fully free from the longer. Christmas spirit when they set foot on the park. I do I hope my ramblings may be amusing to you. I am remember persuading Andy Lindsay to turn out for currently trying to persuade our wonderful editor David Brookland on New Year’s Day after he had obviously to sanction my expenses to go out and interview enjoyed the night before. He was still the best player James Tredwell in Sydney. You never know unless on the park. you ask. There is another tale or two from the now disbanded Let us hope the 2011 sporting year is enjoyed by you Brookland Football Club. They played on various all and free from the tragedies of 2010, farmer's fields around the village, moving every few Happy New Year to you all. seasons to new location. They had sheds for changing rooms, no running water and worst of all you In our editorial we lament the lack of local games on had too clear the sheep from the pitch before you Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. I don’t know if played. You can appreciate the consequence of a football has ever been played on the Marsh on sliding tackle. A lot of readers would not remember Christmas Day, perhaps that’s one for John Wimble to that the Marsh village had two sides up until the mid answer and perhaps he played in one or more such eighties and such colourful players as Del Bingham, game. (I don’t ever remember playing on Christmas Tony Mackett and Frank Nicholson graced their ranks. Day but we did play on Boxing Day and New Year’s They had periods of success in the seventies and Day occasionally in the 1950s and 60s, JW). again in the early eighties under the Management of I do know that Christmas Day was once part of the Geoff Conway. With this in mind, I have two stories regular Football Calender. The last complete League that I will share with you, the first told to me by Del programme on a Christmas Day took place in 1957. from his playing days. Prior to a match one Saturday There were matches in 1959 between Blackburn afternoon they had stayed longer than they intended in Rovers and Blackpool in Division One and Coventry the Royal Oak. When the referee came to check the City and Wrexham in Division Three - and, in the last goal nets prior to kick off, he discovered the Brookland match of all, Blackpool beat Blackburn 4-2 in a Goalkeeper, who shall remain nameless but had the Division One fixture at Bloomfield Road in 1965. initials PC, was not so much as leaning against the post. Rather he was holding onto it as he could not Craig. stand up without it! For him, Brookland had the

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