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ISSUE 9 AUGUST 2009

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WHITSTABLE REGATTAWHAT’S ON • GIG GUIDE

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BUFFETDELIVERIES

buffets delivered to your home or office

funeral teaschristenings

family reunionstraining meetings

weddingsbirthdays

delivered in refrigerated vehicles on covered platters with disposable plates and quality serviettes.

affordable prices and a friendly service.

01227 37 33 22buffets@kingscaterers.co.uk

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The Whitstable IMP is a is a monthly magazine distributed free of charge to homes and businesses in Whitstable. A monthly minimum 90% of our 16,000 circulation is delivered via letter-box distribution, the balance being made available to locals and visitors through a variety of outlets including Whitstable and Swalecliffe libraries, The Horsebridge Centre, various dentists and doctors surgeries as well as other suitable outlets. Advertising is booked in the IMP is on the basis that 16,000 magazines are printed and made available in this way, anecdotal evidence that specific addresses have not been delivered to will not be grounds for full or partial refunds.

EDITORChristina Birkett Christina started working in Media twelve years ago and enjoyed a happy and varied career, but with three daughters aged five and under, work needs to be flexible these days, and the IMP gives Christina the chance to balance work and

family, as well as covering a subject she loves - Whitstable!

CONTRIBUTORSLiz CrudgingtonLiz has spent the last eight years writing about Whitstable for one of the town’s newspapers and is excited to be involved with The Whitstable IMP. She’ll be working on news and features, and is looking forward to making sure

the whole town knows what’s going on. Now a freelance writer, Liz is available for media, marketing and more - contact 07766 735 940 or liz@mediaandmore.co.uk

Chris HaydonChris is 19 years old and has lived in Whitstable his whole life. Currently studying Film at the University of Brighton, Chris is an avid film fan and buff, and plans to go to the National Film School after University to study Directing Fiction Film

and Documentary. He loves writing film reviews and has always wanted to be a critic, and will be writing reviews for the IMP between course work and writing for the university’s paper, ‘The Pebble’.

Zoe WocknerZoe Wockner lives in Whitstable and has been studying Astrology for five years with the Faculty of Astrological Studies in London. Astrology fascinates Zoe, and she finds The Sun Sign columns are a very general

description of personality traits. The configuration of the planets at any one time doesn’t repeat for 26,000 years! If you would like to know more or have a personal chart done, contact zoe at bespokeastrology@live.co.uk

Andy CaponAndy has lived in Whitstable for several years, and is drummer and founder member of popular local band The Trouser Trumpets. He has written two as yet unpublished books, Gone But Not Forgotten and Does Humour Belong

In Music?, as well as writing features for Viz and Empire magazine. He is also the author of The Trouser Press, a ‘puerile and meaningless magazine about our band.’ Currently unemployed ‘through illness rather than choice,’ he names his interests as music, writing, and Arsenal - and is obsessed with Marmalade.

Malissa TaylorSouth African-born Malissa is passionate about three things; Mamahood, Music and Mother Earth. She spends most of her time consumed by these and

feels that her responsibility is to ensure that each is celebrated by everything that she does. She recently moved to Whitstable, and she hopes to submerge herself in the community, something which she believes is essential for her wellbeing and that of her family.

Georgie MindGeorgie is 17 and has lived in Whitstable most of her life. Currently studying A levels at Canterbury College in English, Art History, Philosophy and Psychology, she hopes to start a degree course in Art History next year.

Georgie is very passionate about promoting arts in the community and thinks that the diversity of the wonderful Whitstable art scene should be celebrated!

Mike PetersHaving retired from the ‘rat race’ Mike has, for the last 14 years, continued with a full-time musical career with (amongst others) Celtic & World Roots trio Hot Rats. Since 2007 he has arranged the music for Faversham’s Hop

Festival and has expanded it from two main stages to several dotted around the town, not only arranging the music (his passion) but also organising the commercial input to pay for it all. muzikman@sky.com

SALES: Mel BirkettFREEPHONE 0800 44 88 309

DESIGN: Adam Borehamwww.reactionvm.co.uk

PRINTING: Headley Brotherswww.headley.co.uk

PUBLISHERS: IMPPO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH

WELCOME TO THE AUGUST ISSUE OF THE IMP!

As we go to press we’re nearing the end of the Oyster Festival and what has been a rather changeable week weather-wise. But we are

not disheartened! We’ve had more than our fair share of sunshine in recent weeks, and there’s much more summer left yet. Check out Summer Events, What’s On? and the Gig Guide if you or your youngsters need to be entertained... Or why not enter our draw to win a weekend away in a camper van? Offshore Campers of Herne Bay are offering one lucky IMP reader a van equipped with everything you need for a great

camping trip, ready to travel anywhere in the UK - see page 39 for details, terms & conditions.

Winners of last month’s Crab and Winkle DVD draw are: Veronica Russell, Michael Berry, Christine Benneworth, Paddy Pete, Caroline Goodwin and Barry Tuffin. Congratulations, we’ll pop them through your doors soon!

Enjoy the August issue and we’ll be back in September, The IMP Team

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A familiar face to any Whitstable local who has ever spent time at the Treatment Room at Whitstable Health Centre (WHC), Practice Nurse Chris Craven is an up-beat Lancashire lad with a quirky sense of humour. But as his day revolves around treating minor injuries, asthma attacks and spotting possible chest infections (among other things) it’s not always a pleasant experience actually meeting him...

For Chris, nursing was less a vocation

than an opportunity to get qualifications

and be paid at the same time. “If

someone told me I was going to be a nurse six

months before I did it I’d have laughed! There

were very few male nurses in the 80s and it

wasn’t a career I’d even considered. But I’d had

lots of different jobs after leaving school at 16

with 5 O-levels - from factory work to a stint in

the Army - and I realised I needed qualifications

to get on.” That left college, with the prospect

of 3 years’ study and no salary - or becoming

a student nurse and getting paid to qualify.

“Then you were an employee, now you just

get a bursary,” Chris explained. “So I did some

ancillary nursing to see if I could stick it. I loved

it, and I’ve never looked back since.”

There’s no such thing as a typical day for

a nurse, even down to the hours worked.

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Nursing traditionally works on the shift system

and the treatment room is no exception. Open

between 8.30 and 6.30 every week day (as

well as extended hours on some days) shifts

are set according to patterns of pressure and

demand, and the specialist skills of the nurses

within the team, as well as balancing part-time

and full-time hours.

Today, after dropping his son William (8) at

school and accompanying daughter Anna (6)

to her induction to Junior School, he took his

dad for his cataract check and one of his thrice-

weekly dialysis appointments at QE Hospital,

before arriving at WHC at 10.45 ready to start

his shift. “I officially start at 11 but really, you

start as soon as you get there,” he laughed.

“We all pitch in, it’s a lovely team with a diverse

mix of skills and personalities and we try to

cover all the bases.”

Chris’s background is in A&E and he’s well

used to pitching in when he should be off-

duty, or missing a meal or two when there’s an

emergency which needs immediate attention.

“It’s the nature of the job,” he said, “You can’t

expect someone who’s had a collapse or a head

injury to wait till you’ve finished your sarnie.”

Today, however, he has time to pop to his

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

CHRIS CRAVEN

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favourite sandwich shop, Dunns Bakery in

Tankerton, before heading back to work from

2-6pm for the nurse-led minor illness clinic.

When asked about his favourite part of the

job, he said: “The patients. They’re all unique

people with unique injuries. We have to deal

with everything that comes in to the best of

our training and ability - or refer it on if it’s

something we don’t have the facilities or the

knowledge or skill to deal with.”

“It’s not a bad thing to refer someone on.

It’s all about teamwork and using the specialist

skills we have to give the best treatment to the

patient. It’s unusual, but we’re very lucky here

to have specialists in so many areas. It means

we cover diabetes, heart problems, Doppler,

dermatology and all areas of chronic disease,

as well as providing primary Care, the minor

injury clinic and or course the nurse-led minor

Illness Clinic. And it means, as a nurse, you’re

learning all the time.”

The minor injury unit is probably where most

people will have met Chris. “People walk in with

all sorts - we had someone who had collapsed

and it turned out it had been a heart-attack.

Lots of people come to us because they’re

scared of hospitals and want to be in a more

familiar environment.”

“I would say that 90% of our job is talking to

people and explaining to them what they don’t

understand, especially kids - most are terrified

and it’s always worth spending that extra two

or three minutes sitting on the floor chatting to

them so you’re at their eye level - or playing - to

help get them out of their shell.”

One of Chris’s favourite tactics is to completely

ignore the parent and just speak directly to the

child. “The parents often don’t have a clue what’s

going on and may find it a bit strange, but it’s

all about making the child feel comfortable and

finding out exactly what’s happened.”

Timing can become an issue, especially

in the minor injury clinics where people have

appointments but emergency walk-ins take

precedence. “We have excellent receptionists

and I think that waiting times are usually very

short. Perhaps people get used to that so that

one day if they have to wait it’s a bit annoying

- but everyone leaves with a smile on their face

- and if they’d gone to Canterbury or QE they

might have been waiting 2 or 3 hours.”

And how does Chris deal with the pressure

of his job and relax after work? “It’s really helpful

having a wife who’s a nurse. We met during our

training and she understands the jargon and

the situations nurses have to deal with so I can

let off steam to someone who will understand.

I teach tag rugby at Thanet Rugby Club. And

when you have a family which consists of a

wife, two kids, a dog and a dad all under the

same roof, that really takes care of your outside

interests and hobbies too!”

The Minor Injury Unit and 6 GPs are due

to move to the new Estuary View Medical

Centre, Boorman Way, Whitstable on

September 17 2009. You can find out more

by picking up a leaflet at WHC or asking a

member of staff. Estuary View Pharmacy is

due to be open on the site from mid-August.

Swine ‘Flu: if you think you may have

symptoms, or for advice on how to reduce

the risk of contracting - please call the swine

‘flu telephone advice line on 0800 1513513.

Christina Birkett

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IMP reader Helen Ixer got more than she bargained for when she won our competition for a specially designed website.

The prize, from Activ Web Design Whitstable, led to her new business selling driving equipment to motorists travelling abroad.

Web designer Sharon Ingenlath created an online shop for Helen as part of eurosafedrive.com, which also offers motoring advice and a guide to the law in different European countries.

Now the former advertising executive is shipping high-visibility vests and warning triangles all over the country and could soon extend the range of products on offer.

Helen, who lives in Whitstable with her husband Neil, said: “The idea for eurosafedrive.com came after we went to France and heard about the new laws that mean anyone without the right equipment in their cars could be given on the spot fines.

“Reflective vests and warning triangles were on sale around the ferry areas but they cost a fortune and we thought there must be a way to do it better.

“Eurosafedrive.com offers competitively priced products, a guide to driving in Europe and the opportunity to avoid being fined dozens of Euros.”

Web expert Sharon, who has a background in graphic design, started by creating the eye-catching logo and talking to Helen about other sites she admired.

She came up with a style to suit the target market and within days Helen had her first order.

Sharon said: “At Activ, we know how important it is for a website to look good and be easy to use.

“The bottom line, though, is that the site has got to work for the business, saving them time and making them money.

“I worked closely with Helen all the way through and that will continue as the site grows.

“We offer minor updates for free and are always on hand to answer any technical queries or to offer advice.”

Helen added: “We always thought most of the customers would be from Kent because we are so close to the continent.

“But the first order was from Oxfordshire - he found the website via Google!”For more information on how to get your own website, visit http://www.activwebdesign.com and for details of the driving regulations or to buy accessories click on www.eurosafedrive.com

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Every little helps...Anne, who chairs the volunteers’ group,

said: “Luckily we are not expected to raise all that here in Whitstable - our local target is £60,000. We have about 18 months to raise it, by fair means or foul, so there is a lot of work ahead of us.”

The couple are no strangers to fund-raising and Maurice already acts as treasurer for the amenity fund at Cliff Dene, another MHA home in Tankerton. That money is used to pay for extras like taxis to hospital appointments or leisure equipment for the residents. And they also organise fun activities for the Cliff Dene residents, their families and friends, including a strawberry tea and games afternoon and barbecue.

They are not daunted by the task ahead of them and have the support of a small but dedicated team of volunteers who are hoping the town will back them as well. Musician Jools Holland has taken on the role of honorary president, while Pam

It’s a saying most associated with one of Britain’s biggest supermarkets but one that Whitstable couple Anne and Maurice

Cattoor will probably be repeating over the next 18 months.

The pair are heading up a small committee of volunteers hoping to raise part of the £6million needed to transform the Granary House care home in Canterbury Road.

Plans have been approved to extend the 17-bed home to care for up to 50 residents, including some with Alzheimers or dementia and it is due to open next summer.

The ambitious designs include a shop, hair salon, library, coffee shop and space for art and music sessions and each room will have en-suite facilities. Much of the money has been raised by MHA, the charity that owns and will operate the home, but £250,000 is still outstanding.

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Rhodes is among the appeal patrons. Anne said: “The idea is to look for local

groups and businesses who will run an event for us or hold a raffle or a coffee morning over the next 18 months. We are planning our own activities to keep reminding people of what we are doing and why, including a Christmas tree festival at St John’s Methodist Church in Whitstable and a dinner or charity auction. The money we raise will pay to upgrade the facilities from the basics and we want to put all the things in there that the residents could possibly want.”

The new home, to be called Bradbury Grange after the Bradbury Foundation which has banked £350,000 towards the project, will replace Cliff Dene which is no longer fit for purpose. Anne said: “The rooms are lovely, the staff are very caring and the food is wonderful but the corridors are only just wide enough for a wheelchair and the floors are not on one level. There is also a need for more specialist care locally and MHA hopes to fill that gap.”

Cliff Dene’s 35 residents will move to Bradbury Grange, along with the staff if they want to transfer. Volunteers will also switch their attentions to the new home and will continue to provide the same services of running the shop, playing music and driving people to hospital appointments.

There are no plans to sell Cliff Dene and the charity is investigating other uses for it. In the meantime, Anne, Maurice and

the team are preparing themselves for the challenges ahead. Anne said: “It is a lot of work but it is not going to be forever. It is going to take time to set it up and then we will be volunteering there afterwards. We will need more volunteers and everyone would be welcome. The whole idea is to make it as close to home as it can possibly be and we have volunteers from all churches and people who have no connection with any church at all.”

For more information visit www.mha.org.uk or call 0113 272 8462.

Liz Crudgington

DO YOU OR A FAMILY MEMBER NEED ASSISTANCE WITH PERSONAL OR DOMESTIC CARE?Tender Loving Carers was founded in 1994 by Kim Grutzmacher, who’s mission was to provide care into the community to the highest of standards, and to provide care in a way she would want her own mother to be cared for, whilst maintaining Service User’s independence, choice and dignity and keeping them in their own homes.

SERVICES AVAILABLEPersonal Care Services Include:a Assisting with bathing / showeringa Assisting with washinga Hair Washinga Shaving (wet or electric)a Assisting to access the toilet / commodea Dressing / undressing

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needs such as dusting vacuuminga Washing and ironinga Blitz’ cleaning (spring clean)

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bills and paperworka Sit in servicea Any other service requested

would be considered.

To arrange care or free no obligation assessment please do not hesitate to call the main office.

TRAININGAll of our care workers and office staff, are trained in aspects of care up to NVQ level and above.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITYDue to the continual demand for people to stay in their own homes there are always employment opportunities in this sector. We can provide our employees with training (ongoing), supervision, a professional recruitment and induction process and a friendly working environment. If you are interested or would like any further information please contact the office on the number below.

TENDER LOVING CARERSDOMICILIARY LTD108-109 John Wilson Business ParkWhitstable, Kent CT5 3QTTel: 01227 772515Fax: 01227 772527Web: www.tenderlovingcarers.comEmail: contact@tenderlovingcarers.com

“OUR AIM IS TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE, CHOICE AND DIGNITY”

In our recent inspection (April 09) the Care Quality Commission gave us a quality rating of ‘excellent’

www.century21uk.com Smart Move.

Century21 Meridian, 105 Tankerton Road, Whitstable CT5 2AJ Tel: 01227 266 644

What do we do for our sellers...• FREEHIP when instructed on our standard fee

(Terms & conditions apply)

• Already have a HIP? We will provide solicitors FREE to act on your sale (Terms & conditions apply)

• Your own personal Estate Agent who will be with you throughout the entire sales process

• More exposure for your property locally using multiple window displays

• More exposure for your property by advertising it in the Whitstable IMP which is hand delivered to over 15000 Whitstable households giving greater coverage than any other publication in the town

• More exposure for your property by advertising it in the local papers covering Whitstable, Herne Bay, Canterbury and Faversham

• More exposure for your property by advertising it through our network of over 55 UK Century21 offices including Canterbury, Maidstone, Folkestone and Whitstable and Nationally through Greater and Central London and the North

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At CENTURY 21 United Kingdom, we have a unique approach to selling property, believing that you should only have to deal with a single professional to market and negotiate the sale of your home.

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These Community College students proved the town’s future as a Mecca for creative types was in good hands at an exhibition of

their A level coursework. The teenagers displayed prints, paintings and other work at the Walker Platt Gallery, above the Archive Film Centre in Oxford Street. Sonya Connell, curriculum leader for art at the college, said: “We usually exhibit the work at school but we wanted to get it out into the community. It is a pretty strong year group and we have got some really lovely students. We hope it will be a regular event because it’s wonderful for them to have some real gallery experience.” The young artists are expecting their A level results this month and were predicted top grades. Rachel Ormiston, 18, whose image of a grandfather and grandson was chosen for the private view invitation, said: “I was very proud it was picked. It was part of a topic on childhood and I worked from a photo I took of the little boy next door. It took about a week to finish, but there were a couple of days of non-stop painting!” She is planning to do a foundation art course at UCA in September. Fellow pupil Violetta Rowden, 19, intends to keep her textile art as a hobby. She said: “I love textiles because it’s a bit different and there are so many techniques. But I want to study forensic psychology. Art is a passion and

I want to keep it in my life but as a hobby.” The students were delighted to sell some of their work to visitors to the exhibition, and some found competition from buyers. Emily Drew, 17, said: “I always want to keep working on something until I get the results I want. Sometimes other people like the pieces I am less happy with but it’s always nice when someone wants to take something you have done and have it in their home.” The exhibiting students were: Dalton Ball, Jodie Bills, Lewis Day, Emily Drew, Tiffany Harris, Miranda Mclean, Rachel Ormiston, Violette Rowden and

Ashleigh Collingwood.

Words and pictures: Liz Crudgington

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Rachel Ormiston with her painting of a grandfather and grandson

Ashleigh Collingwood, Emily Drew & Miranda McleanPart of the exhibition

MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF WHITSTABLE ARTISTS!

ART IN WHITSTABLE Whitstable & Herne Bay Lions Club

SATURDAY 8TH & SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST 2009FIREWORKS AIR DISPLAY DONKEY RIDES

FUN FAIR CHARITY & GIFT STALLSSAILING & ROWING REGATTA

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PaintingDecoratingWoodworkingGardeningDouble Glazing

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Picture this if you will; it was a gloomy, grey wet day in the last week of June, 2005. I boarded a national coach service at Victoria station,

heartbroken by the fact that i had left my one year old Jacob at home. I should have been delighted at the chance to go and see some of my favourite bands like the White Stripes, Kasabian, Baaba Maal, The Kills, Aphex Twin and Basement Jaxx. All that haunted me was the sound of my precious son calling ‘Mama’ as i walked away and the silly girl next to me waxing lyrical about the ‘dreadful rain’! I was met at the gates of the Glastonbury Festival by a very wet, very kind best friend who had torn himself away from some or other underground act that he was undoubtedly championing, to bring me a pair of unsexy grey-green wellie boots that were to remain on my feet for much of the next three days. Andre not only saved me from muddy feet, but he had also pitched my tent in amoungst our other friends who were ready for the party of our lives. Curiously, i felt devastated, cold and hopelessly miserable...

Fast forward to July 2009. There are two more angels; Samuel and Abigail gracing my life with their illustrious presence. A local somebody suggests that we all go to what has been described as the ‘bestest festival’ with our children. My heart nearly jumped right out of my body as I remembered that awful time in 2005. I kind of mentioned it very gingerly to my Jacob who nearly turned inside out with excitement... There was absolutely no way that i could back out. Believe me i tried but no-one, least of all my two young boy children,

would hear of it. A wise man once said that the most successful people are those people who always have a plan B. My head went into overdrive tormented by thoughts of cold, wet tents, copious rivers of teenaged vomit and very hungry, damp children.

It was then that I was reminded of an advert that I had seen in the July issue of the IMP for an amazing little company called Offshore Camper Hire (www.offshorecamperhire.co.uk) run by the lovely Alexa. I gave them a call and to be honest, and in retrospect, even if they hired out tin shacks, I would use them every single time for the great service we got. Since my licence had been converted from a South African licence, I was not automatically given a C on my list of codes and for a while we thought it was all off. But then I got a call and Alexa’s father John offered to collect us from our home and take us to the festival and, on Monday afternoon, after a gruelling driving shift to London and back, returned to fetch us from the festival.

Lounge on the Farm restored my faith in festivals and the fact that we were in a offshore campervan has frankly ‘spoilt’ me as I will never do a festival in a tent again. Over the whole weekend I saw very few bands as most of the ones that i really did want to see like Roots Manuva and Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip at the Dance Tent were way past my bed time. Having said this, I believe that even if I had not seen a single band, I would still have had an amazing time - as this Festival was all about the children. As we all know, if the children

LOUNGE ON THE FARM 2009

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are happy so are the parents. We spent a lot of time at the Little Lounge area where the children were afforded the luxury of retro video games such as Space Invaders and Asteroids. Jacob was given lessons on the art of the Daibolo and I was given the welcome opportunity to sing along with Abigail in Hey Diddle Music’s colourful tipi. For my aspiring rockstar, Samuel, the School of Rock was a necessary stop on his path to fame...

Even though the camper was fully equipped with everything we needed including a delightful little kitchen, we chose to eat out a lot and we were delighted to find that every single meal that we had was inexpensive and delicious. On Sunday afternoon, we were treated to the smokey Blues of Art Ferguson’s Big Blues stage at the Bandstand Stage which was deliciously accompanied by the fantastic food offered by the Farmhouse restaurant. As I sat back with my children basking in the wonderful sounds emanating from Art and the incredible musicians he has supporting him, I remember thinking, ‘This is what memories are made from...’

The Further Stage was graced by the likes of the James Taylor Quartet and even though I have seen them before, I had never experienced their iconic sounds in such a perfect setting. We were surrounded by happy, shiny people enjoying the music and each other. I saw very little evidence of drunken malaise or ill-founded aggression. Instead, I experienced a microcosm of what I had hoped Glastonbury would be for me back in 2005.

I would not be the least bit phased if Lounge on the Farm was the only festival that I ever went to again. I have told everybody who will listen to me that it truly is Kent’s ‘bestest festival’. Check out their website to get more of an idea about what a priceless treasure chest of amazing memories Lounge on the Farm could be for you: www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk

Before heading for Lounge on the Farm I also had the chance to review one of the headline acts, Amber Room.

I will turn 38 in a couple of days - I’ve been feeling that my youth is slowly slipping through my fingers and there is not a single thing I can do about it. Until I heard Amber Room, that is. When I heard the first bar of the first track, it felt as if I had joined Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) and Blind Melon in their brand new incarnation. Suddenly I was reminded that life is just as beautiful now as it was then and that I simply have to move on and create new memories... Amber Room is, for me, a weapon against the war on ageing, an audio cue for the joy and freedom that not only rests in youth, but that can continue always...

Track Listing: 1. Better Broken, 2. Honda (Live Acoustic), 3. Armageddon

Amber Room are Matt Club (vocals/guitar), Phil Hall (guitar) Sueleen Flecter (vocals), Alex Powley (bass) and John Rivers (drums). Check them out at www.myspace.com/amberroomsongs

Amber Room pics courtesy of the bandWords and Festival pics: Malissa Taylor

Everything you need for a party• Balloon Decoration for all occasions• Fancy Dress Costumes• Suppliers of Helium• Open to the Public and Trade• WHIT CARD Discount

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01227 770 351 / www.partybagswarehouse.com

Hire a camper van and hit the road...

UK & European holidays, music festivals, camping trips

(2 berth, 4 berth & 6 berth campers available)

Call Alexa 07712599879 or

info@offshorecamperhire.co.uk We are in

Herne Bay, why don’t you come and have a look around

Where will you go?

www.offshorecamperhire.co.uk

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The Dukes Four lads are smashing onto the local music scene and causing a stir: Rowan Arnold (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Matt Critchell (lead guitar), Marcus Dukes (bass) and Haimer Atkins (drums) formed a year ago and already have a performance at a huge local festival under their belt.

Their first gig - at the Red Lion pub in Baddlesmere in January - attracted hundreds of fans and since then the boys have only had more success. The Red Lion has booked them to play again throughout the year and their fan-base has rocketed in the last few months. With almost 600 fans on their Facebook page, The Dukes look like they are here to stay.

Frontman Rowan Arnold describes The Dukes’ sound as an “Indie, rock, pop smoothie that always goes down a treat.” Drawing on personal experience as inspiration for their music, many Dukes songs have a nostalgic element to them, especially their ‘family favourite’ track ‘Questions’. Their musical influences derive from a mixed bag of Bob Marley, Police, Guns ‘n’ Roses and The Strokes, which blend harmoniously to create a unique sound that can be appreciated by everyone.

In July, the band entered a demo track ‘Another night, same story’ into a competition to win a performance at Lounge in the Farm. Winning both the public vote and a ticket holders’ vote, they were awarded the prestigious prize of playing main stage on Saturday alongside popular up-and-coming acts such as ‘The golden silvers’. A crowd of 500 flocked to the main stage to see them play their set, and the boys described the atmosphere as ‘buzzing’. Hit track ‘White lies’ (which they wrote in just one hour) went down a treat with the crowd and attracted many new fans.

The Dukes are now being sought after by local business such as The Monument pub and The Horsebridge Centre. Front man Rowan has also expressed the band’s interest in supporting charity gigs, and they have already been booked by The Shepherd Neame in Faversham for a fundraiser gig in aid of Kent air Ambulance in August (date TBC, watch this space!).

A recent performance at The Monument was described by the band as “One of the best gigs [they’ve] ever played.” The set included a few covers, with the boys’ unique spin, but it was their own songs that were a winner with the audience. New track ‘Mr Unique’ was especially well-received.

As for now, The Dukes are currently working on their seven track EP, ‘Something a little bit cheeky,’ and continuing to gig in and around the local area. Their name, The Dukes, which was ironically decided upon during an argument, has connotations of success and importance… and I think it’s safe to say that these boys are definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Check them out at www.myspace.com/thedukesbandpage and look out for them in future Gig Guides.

Georgie Mind

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If you’re feeling like the summer’s nearly over, and

missing the excitement of the Oyster Festival, fear

not! The Faversham Hop Festival is just around

the corner - or, more literally, one stop on the train.

Muzikman (Mike Peters) tells us more...

“Hop on a train” is indeed the best advice to all

Whitstable folk - since you would no doubt need to

leave the car abandoned in Faversham somewhere after

spending several hours absorbing the immensity of

entertainment (and other attractions) scheduled for this

year’s festival.

Over 80 different musical activities will be taking

place over the weekend, most of which happen between

10am and 5pm when the roads are closed around the

main town, making way for entire families to enjoy the

festival in complete safety.

This year sees acts imported from as far away as

Prague - such as the smallest orchestra in the world,

who will be performing a full programme of music from

Dvorak, Smetana, Bach and Victorian Czech Music Hall

at The Arden Theatre during the evening of September 4

as a classical prelude to the weekend’s huge ‘melange’

of musical tastes.

This year there will be several open air stages,

inviting you to enjoy a complete spectrum of music and,

apart from a few concerts behind closed doors, all are

absolutely free and provide entertainment for the entire

family throughout the town on both days.

And not forgetting the traditional side of the festival

- which is a celebration of the hop harvests at the turn of

the 20th century when trains full of Londoners came to

the hop fields of Faversham to spend a couple of weeks

in the countryside harvesting the hops and, at the same

time, earning a few extra bob in the process.

There was much merrymaking during the evenings

and the festival reflects much of what was a tradition

then. Our hosts Shepherd Neame, who run the UK’s

oldest and only surviving Faversham brewery, take a

very active part in the festival, putting on steam trains

from London, conducting tours of the brewery, or simply

allowing you to taste some of the wonderful selection of

beers they can offer. The 19th Faversham Hop Festival

runs the weekend of September 5 & 6.

For more details go to www.swale.gov.

uk/hopfestival, call 01795 417426 or email

catherineherbert@swale.gov.uk - it’s only one stop up

the line from Whitstable, and one step off the train to

the Railway Hotel where it all begins and your weekend

will unfold.

Mike Peters

FAVERSHAM HOP FESTIVAL Faversham Enterprise Partnership

Joy Lane Swimming Club!

Learn to Swim - All ages

Grouped or Private Lessons

Weekly Lessons

Website: www.langtonlaneswimming.co.uk

E-mail: joylaneswimming@live.co.uk

Telephone: 07817171524

Summer Holiday Crash Courses! Only £30!

Take time out to relax, unwind, de-stress and get your mind

and soul back on track

Holistic or Swedish Body MassageNeck/Head/Back Massage

Pregnancy MassageGift Vouchers available

(All oils either base or pre-blended are organic)

Oak leaf Holistics01227 264 699 / 07947 838 330

www.oakleafholistics.co.uk

check website or call for full terms and conditions

EXCLUSIVE IMP OFFER BUY 2 GET 1 FREE

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BUBBLE BITS AND BOBSAn old Bread Oven has gone on display in Whitstable’s Hospice Shop. It was discovered behind a

false plasterboard wall during refurbishment and the staff decided

to keep it on display as a feature. Manager David Bradley told Andy

Capon: “We knew it was there all along, but only when the wall was

taken down did we realise what a great feature it would make.” A

lick of paint has been applied, and the door opens, revealing the

original fire bricks (and cobwebs) in a space that stretches back 10

feet. A thermometer is clearly visible on the wall outside, but little

is known about when the oven was last used to produce bread. Mr Bradley is keen to know more as it has

gathered interest with locals. “Since its rediscovery, many shoppers have asked about the oven as they are

so surprised to see it there... I would be very grateful to hear from anybody that could tell us a little more

about the history of this building and when it was last used as a bakery.” There is an insignia across the top,

with the words ‘Improved Coal Oven’ beside, and it can be seen on the far wall of The Hospice Shop.

Are you a local historian, or do you remember when this shop was a bakery? All information about

this piece of Whitstable’s history will be gratefully received - you can pop into the shop and let them

know - or send in your responses to: christina@the-imp.co.uk or The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290,

Whitstable CT5 9AH - we’ll pass the information on and follow up on the story in a future issue.

Caring children Sian and William Barratt raised £14 for charity by selling their own home-grown vegetables.The pair, both pupils at St Alphege school, decided to set up their own stall

to help support Actionaid.The school sponsors a child in Malawi through

the organisation and the money raised from the produce will help pay for

their education.Pupils also contribute to a weekly collection using a special

wooden bowl made by one of the parents.

A sea of pink washed along the coast as runners took part in the Race for Life.More than 2,500 women and girls wearing every shade of the colour ran,

jogged or walked the three-mile course from Herne Bay to Swalecliffe and

back, including IMP writer Liz Crudgington.

Organisers hoped to have raised £135,000 for cancer charities. Liz

said: “Race for Life is an amazing experience and although no land-speed

records were broken I was proud to take part. So many women experience cancer and fight so hard against

it that running, or in my case jogging/limping three miles seems the least I could do to support them. There

was a wonderful atmosphere on the day and I am seriously considering entering next year as well.” Other

Whitstable entrants included teams from Tesco and Sam Skull, who runs Motivated Mums.

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Fancy a doggy day out? Then head for the Dogs Trust fun day on Sunday, August 9. The event, held in the field opposite the Chestfield rehoming centre,

runs from noon to 4pm with fun for all the family. As well as stalls selling a range of pet-related products

there will be demonstrations, refreshments and fund-raising fun.

Dogs are welcome and can enter the fun dog show, with classes including marvellous midgets and gentle

giants, and the winners will compete for the Best in Show. All proceeds go to the Canterbury Dogs Trust

rehoming centre. For more information email mailto:nikky.kimble@dogstrust.org.uk or call 01227 792505.

On Saturday July 11 staff at Age Concern Whitstable arranged an event to say thank you to their volunteers for all their hard work. The organisation would really struggle

to survive without the help and dedication of their willing group of

volunteers. The Lady Mayoress has selected Age Concern as one

of her charities to support during her term in office, and she and

The Lord Mayor joined the celebrations and presented long service

certificates for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years service. Tim Goodwin, Chairman of the Trustees, also gave a short

speech thanking everyone who has helped Age concern Whitstable. If you would like to find out more about

volunteering for your local Age Concern please contact Gill Ball on 01227 787313 or 07735 556811. There is

a wide range of volunteering opportunities and something to suit most people.

Do you know a mum who makes a difference? Nominate her for a new competition and she could win some great prizes donated by businesses around Whitstable. The contest has been launched by Sam Skull, founder of Motivated Mums. She said: “ Being

a mum can be a very challenging job at times but it can also be one of the most fulfilling roles and I know

there are many wonderful mums who deserve to have their achievements acknowledged and celebrated.” A

winner will be chosen every two months and will receive a voucher for a complementary therapy treatment

donated by Therapy 7 as well as 20% off any Motivated Mums workshop or one-to-one coaching sessions.

Pure Indulgence have also pledged their support, offering a complimentary pedicure; Mosaic have given a

goody-bag worth £30-£40 and Alistair Sands at Oasis in Tankerton is providing a free cut and blow dry to

each lucky winner. For more information, visit www.motivatedmums.co.uk.

Inspired by the beauty and diverse nature of Mount Ephraim gardens, Kate Samuels, a local jeweller, designer and enameller chose it as a theme for her most recent exhibition. Georgie Mind was at the private viewing: Find Five was an exhibition that led

the viewer on a journey through the stunning gardens to seek out 5 decorative

enamel plates in the shape of numbers. After spending time in the gardens, Kate

captured each season through photography, drawings and film. The outcome of

her experience in the gardens was 5 stunning copper enamelled numbers and arrows to gently guide visitors in the

right direction. The trail took visitors through the mizmaze, past the viewpoint, over bridges and across the picnic

lawns. The beauty and tranquillity of the gardens was reflected in the careful design of the panels and the calming act

of exploring the many lawns, mazes and woodland. Kate is available for small or large scale

commissions on 07738 207529.

Wedding SingerClassically-trained soprano soloist adds that special touch to your day.

Call: 07511 009 757 or listen at:www.myspace.com/christinabosanko

available for weddings, christenings, funerals, concerts and any special occasion

Long Rock, Whitstable, Swalecliffe, Kent, CT5 2NH

Newly opened in September 2008

If your quick you might be able to catch our last few spaces...For a no obligation visit, please feel free

to come to a ‘Play and Stay’ session.

Jo Jo’s Day Care Nursery

Correspondence to:-108 – 109 John Wilson Business ParkHarvey DriveChestfield, WhitstableKent, CT5 3QT

T: 01227 264213 / 07834 421171F: 01227 772527E: contact@jojosdaynursery.co.ukW: www.jojosdaynursery.co.uk

Registration Number:

EY373025

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Dear IMP,

Congratulations on the continuing high

quality of the IMP, and also thank you

for the new WHIT card which I will use

when shopping in our wonderful local

shops. However, one question - is this in

addition to or instead of the Residents Card

we already have in our purses? Perhaps

you can explain the difference between the

two cards.

Anne Cross

Hi Anne, Chris West has answered

this one for us:

The WHIT card is inconjuction with the

residents card. With the WHIT Card

anyone can pick one up in the town

and use it, they do not have to give any

personal details or sign any forms. We

are encouraging both residents and

visitors to Whitstable to use the WHIT

Card to support the local businesses.

The Residents Card is available to

anyone who lives in the Canterbury

District. You have to apply for a

card and give your personal details.

The Residents Card can be used in

Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne

Bay. A number of the businesses

in Whitstable are promoting both

schemes.

Whilst there is a difference between

the two schemes, both offer the

people of Whitstable the opportunity

to save money.

Dear IMP

I really must strongly object to the very

unkind remarks made in the last issue

regarding the Kavanagh Cinema in

Herne Bay. I was there again last week watching Ice

Age III which I had looked up on the net

under C for cinema! it wasnt that difficult.

We went on Tuesday, it was £2.50 to get

in for any seat - that is for a Monday or

Tuesday at any time. I defy anyone to find

a cheaper venue. The young people that run the cinema

are always friendly and helpful and may

I suggest that anyone that is unable to

find this information out on the phone or

internet drives over to Herne Bay? It’s all

of 5 miles away. Going to see harry potter

there next week.

Pat Newbold

Dear IMP,

Just wanted to say thank you for advertising the Harrow Choral Society event on Saturday [July 11]. We went, not quite knowing what to expect, and it was wonderful. I’ve bought tickets weeks before, and paid loads of money, to hear people not half as good as this - it was really a pleasure, so thank you. Best wishes

Rosemary Mills

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Any letters or emails sent in to the IMP may be included in The Letter Box – if you would not like your letter published, please state this clearly.

Write in with your points of view, questions or feed-back, email editorial@the-imp.co.uk or write to: The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable CT5 9AH

We print as many of your letters as we can each month, but cannot guarantee to include all letters we receive, and may not be able to print letters in their entirety. The views expressed in the Letter Box are the readers’ own and not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher.

Dear IMP,

I am surprised to hear the unused area of the South Quay is to be

converted into an entertainments centre, albeit open air. For many

years now Whitstable has been, and still is, visited by coach loads of

visitors, many quite elderly and unable to walk any long distance.

Having spoken to many of these visitors the majority enquire as to

why there is so little space for coaches to set down and park in our

town. It has become so difficult for the operators that many now by-

pass Whitstable and go on to Herne Bay. To visit Whitstable the more

intrepid have to travel by bus or train from Herne Bay.

The poorly sited coach drop off situated in The High Street is not

suitable and dangerous for continental coaches, where passengers

have to exit into the middle of the traffic.

In order to prevent the loss of the ‘Grey Pound’ from Whitstable, why

not allow coaches to drop off and pick up in the open area of the

South Quay? It is safe, central and easy for large coaches to enter

and leave.

The council underestimate the large numbers of visitors arriving by

coach all year round to Whitstable and maybe we, with your help, can

assist them to make the correct decisions for this busy town of ours.

Regards,

David T. Cavell

LOCAL EVENTS

• August 1 - Whitstable Carnival

• August 8-9 - Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions Club Annual Regatta. fireworks on the Saturday evening (weather permitting) as well as fairground rides, live music and stalls. Tankerton Slopes.

• August 22 - Harbour Day

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

• Irish Dancing, age 5+, runs through summer holidays, Saturdays 10.30-12, call Janice for details: 07895 457020

• Parent & Toddler Messy Play – Mondays 12.45- 2.45. Old clothes a requirement! Runs throughout summer holidays. Free of charge. Joy Lane Children’s Centre – 01227 263998

• Swimming - Summer Holiday Crash courses from £30 or weekly lessons (private or grouped). All ages, complete beginners or improvers. Joy Lane and Langton Lane Swimming Clubs. Call 07817 171 524, email joylaneswimming@live.co.uk or go to www.langtonlaneswimming.co.uk

• Whitstable Museum and Gallery - 01227 276 998 - Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and Sundays in July and August 1pm to 4pm, exhibitions and activities for all the family, including:

• Creepy Crawly! The Amazing World of Minibeasts - until August 31;

• Big Bug Hunt - until 31 August (age 2+, a BBC Green Balloon Club event)

• Scary Spiders? - August 1 10-12.30pm - Age 2 to adult

• Bees and Butterflies! - Meet the expert/craft activity - August 8, 10-12.30pm, age 2 to adult

• Seashore Minibeast Safari - August 13, 10-12.30. Meet at museum at 10am, wear sensible footwear, not suitable for buggies or dogs. Age 5+

• Creating a Minibeast-friendly garden - August 15, 10-12.30pm, age 2 to adult.

• Bat Chat - Animal enounter/family craft activity - August 19, 10-12.30pm. Age 2 to adult.

• What a Dive! Walk and Talk - Meet the experts - August 23 2-4pm. Whitstable Diver’s Walk. Numbers limited, advance booking on 01227 276 988 to avoid disappointment. Age 11+

• Dung Beetles and Fossilised Poo! - Insects in Archaeology Event - August 26, 10-12.30pm. Age 4+

• Little Oysters Pre-school storytelling & craft activity - August 26,1.30-2pm - under 5s, £2 per child: ‘The Clangers and the Astronaut’

• Build a Bug! - Family Craft Activity - August 29, 10-12.30. Age 3 to adult.

FESTIVALS IN KENT

• August 7-14 - Broadstairs Folk Week (featuring Whitstable’s own Trouser Trumpets!) - for more information call 01843 604 080 or log on to www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk

• September 5-6 - Faversham Hop Festival - Relive the Hop-Picking Experience with a weekend of good old-fashioned entertainment, hoppers ball, street theatre, traditional music, song and dance. 20,000 people are expected to enjoy a weekend of entertainment, food and, of course, beer! For more information call 01795 417426, email catherineherbert@swale.gov.uk or log on to www.swale.gov.uk/hopfestival

SUMMEREVENTS &DATES FORYOUR DIARY

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Since 1984, Pixar Animation Studios have dazzled

the nation. The beautiful craftsmanship and

dedication applied to their works is extraordinary.

They have grown from short films such as ‘The

Adventures of Andre and Wally. B’ (1984) and the world

famous ‘Luxo Jr.’ (1986), to multi-million dollar feature-

length masterpieces such as ‘Toy Story’ (dir: John

Lasseter, 1995) -the first ever feature-length computer

animated film - and the recent Oscar-winning Sci-Fi

epic ‘Wall.E’ (dir: Andrew Stanton, 2008) which was

easily the best animated film of that year and, I think,

the best of this decade - until now...

Everybody’s favourite creators have returned

with a film a little less ordinary, to say the least.

Pixar are famous, not just for composing bewildering

animation, but for their incredible stories and

characters, and their latest feature, Up, combines

both those elements brilliantly.

Directed by Pete Docter, the man behind the

exquisite ‘Monsters, Inc.’ of 2001, Up focuses on the

life of Carl Fredricksen (voiced by Ed Asner), an elderly

balloon salesman who recently lost the love of his

life. Carl and his late wife Ellie always dreamed of

adventure, they wanted to explore the wilderness of

South America but their dream never became a reality.

Now Carl is faced with the few remaining years of his

life in Shady Oaks retirement home, an environment no

aspiring adventurer would wish to explore.

Carl decides to attach thousands of balloons to his

home, pulling it from the roots of the ground and into

the clouds. He is on his way to a world of exploration

and excitement, just him and his thoughts of Ellie, until

he receives a knock at his door mid-flight. Standing on

his porch in a state of shock is a charismatic wilderness

explorer called Russell (voiced by Jordan Nagai), gripping

Carl’s porch rails for dear life. Unfortunate weather

conditions cause the pair to crash down into the depths

of unknown territory, which happens to be South

America. Carl’s journey is a success, yet his companion

and situation are hardly what he had in mind.

Presented in stunning 3D, the film takes you further

than Pixar’s flawless animation has gone before - into

a new depth and breed of cinema. The reality of the

animation makes the audience really feel part of the

film, which is a difficult thing to achieve. It’s beautifully

rendered and the detail is astonishing.

Up sets a new level of Computer Animation and

cinematic genius. It’s by far the most adult feature the

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studio has released and is definitely the most emotive.

The first 10 minutes of the film are a montage of Carl

and Ellie’s life together, showing them change from

childhood sweethearts into an elderly couple. What

starts off as sweet becomes tinged with sadness and

ends up leaving the audience sobbing.

Not only does this film have sensational narrative,

character development, emotion blend, and scoring; it’s

also bursting with soul. It’s absolutely beautiful, riotously

hilarious and, simply, another masterpiece from the

finest American studio.

Director Pete Docter’s quote from the feature’s

production notes pretty much sum the film up:

“We came up with this image of a floating house

held aloft by balloons, and it just seemed to capture

what we were after in terms of escaping the world. We

quickly realized that the world is about relationships,

and that’s what Carl comes to discover.”

Up has already gained major success globally. It

premiered at this year’s Festival De Cannes by landing

the spot for the Opening Film. The film was the first

animated feature in history to open the festival and

also the first ever 3D format picture at Cannes. Up also

trampled the U.S. Box Office on its first week of release,

gaining $44,138,266 on its opening weekend and

$137,210,701 over the next 4 days.

Up may not hit screens in the UK until October 16 but,

trust me, this is the film of the year. As much as I’ve loved

some movies this year, I can’t see anything shaking this.

It’s honest, thoroughly entertaining, a pleasure to

watch and, most of all, it triggers emotions that you’d

never believe it could. Pixar have been challenging the

notion that animation is for children for years now, and

Up is a breath-taking and magical film that all ages will

love and appreciate.

Voice casting for the film includes Ed Asner as Carl,

Jordan Nagai as Russell, Bob Peterson as Dug and

Christopher Plummer as Charles Muntz.

VERDICT: 5 out of 5 – It’s truly amazing. Words really

can’t describe just how wonderful this movie is. It’s

almost certain to grab an Oscar next year and rightly

so. Don’t let its release date shake you; Up is a total

masterpiece. Make sure you check out the wonderful

short film ‘Partly Cloudy’ before the feature too!

Chris Haydon

AQUARIUSJanuary 21 to February 19What does the move into this

Age of Aquarius mean anyway? What’s the big deal? Aquarius isn’t so worried about the individual drama but has a great interest for the big picture. Moving into an Age where people are more interested in how the world functions as one moving organism seems like a move in the right direction.

PISCESFebruary 19 to March 21Pisces energy is the filter

through which magic becomes form. If we’re talking about art or creativity, then this is very beautiful. If we’re talking about normal everyday life then it’s a bit dodgy. Pisces feels everything! Don’t bother talking - as long as you feel what you want to say, Pisces will get it.

ARIESMarch 21 to April 20What I’ve learnt about Aries

recently is that they need to be nurtured. Like the first shoots from a seed, they hold all the potential of life. If you want to benefit from that potential you must nurture the first signs of life that Aries reminds us is present in the beginnings of everything.

TAURUSApril 20 to May 21Taureans are good at

endurance as long as they have decided which direction to take. They won’t change direction easily. The bull has a wide turning circle and you can’t push otherwise there will be trouble, those hooves will dig into the ground and then you’ve lost, there’s no moving after that. The trick is to suggest the new way as if it’s no big deal, just a suggestion, and gently lead the way, the ring in the nose. Taureans are so good when they are happy and such a nightmare when forced.

GEMINIMay 21 to June 22Geminis are the networkers.

They know all the workings of the machine, whether it be the toaster or next door’s relationship. They are the people you go to when you need help with a new idea or a new work surface. Geminis are meant to communicate, share ideas and impart information. They can sometimes feel insecure about not being as seemingly deep and mystical as others, but they rule the thinking brain, the highest form of evolution. Geminis function best here, not in the mystical make-believe world.

CANCERJune 22 to July 23Cancers rule the home

and family – as you all know – but if you really think about family, the generic as well as the personal idea of what family represents to you, you will understand the deep workings of Cancerian energy. The Mafia. Cancerians demand respect. They may not be the Godfather but they will definitely make you feel part of the family.

LEOJuly 23 to August 22Others can feel a little envious

of the Lion when everything is going their way, and of all the adoration they get for their big dramatic show of self-importance. Well, tough. Everyone likes to feel proud and important! When you don’t have Leo prominent in your chart you don’t have to carry the heavy expectation of cheering others up, being the best, and putting on a great performance for all the people.

VIRGOAugust 22 to September 22Imagine you’ve just thrown

a huge party, been wild and dramatic and shown everyone the greatest time – out of control. You wake up the next morning and the house, among other things, needs a miracle! Virgo is that miracle.

LIBRASeptember 22 to October 23The balancing energy. The

reason Librans can be notorious for indecision is that they embody both choices. Left or right? Both carry potential. A Libran friend once said to me: “If you can’t make a decision, just wait and eventually it will be made for you.” It’s only Libran energy that is comfortable with this. The fact is, it was said with such integrity that even I felt safe with the idea. Librans are good to have on your side.

SCORPIOOctober 23 to November 22I have a Scorpio friend. She

can make the most boring story sound sexy. I said to her once: “You know a scorpion, if backed into a corner, will sting itself and die rather than be defeated?” She seemed very proud of this and with a smile answered: “Yes.” Since I’ve understood this, I feel much safer about standing on the edge.

SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 to December 22What big adventure is

happening this month Sag? You are the fire under the quest for knowledge and freedom. You also have a big mouth and sometimes your foot gets caught in there! Never mind, your charm should always shine through and you are easily forgiven since your intention is always to share the beauty of adventure and discovery.

CAPRICORNDecember 22 to January 21That goat! Climbing all over the

mountain with the smallest foot holds. The mountainous terrain makes for a harsh journey. Capricorn is capable in the world. But not without a good measure of careful planning and rigidity. Capricorns represent authority; whether it be the voice in your head that warns away from parking on double yellows, or the feeling you get when the head teacher calls you to the school, Capricorn encourages the best from everyone.

Zoe Wockner

AUGUST 2009 HOROSCOPESLI

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This month our new columnist Zoe Wockner gives a brief overview of each star sign...

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AUGUST1 - Harbour Garden Cafe - SUNDOWN BLUES BAND - 6-8pm 01227 271199

1 - The Two Brewers - STEVE HUCKLE - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

1 - The Neptune - LIVE MUSIC - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

1 - Horsebridge Centre - THE HORSEBRIDGE HIJACK - featuring: Three Peace Sweet, Swap Meet, CWB, The Dukes, 8pm, £5, 01227 281174

1 - The East Kent - THE HOOCHIES - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

1 - Deco5 - THE CHIEFTAN & THE VISIONARY - 1-3pm, BILLY WEARS DRESSES 9-11pm. 01227 770079

2 - Harbour Garden Cafe - WHITE PEPPER - 1-4.30pm 01227 271199

2 - The Duke - ANDY WHITE - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry. 01227 280617

2 - The Two Brewers - ONE LOVE - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

2 - The Neptune - LIVE MUSIC - 5-8pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

2 - Deco5 - SUNDAY JAZZ WITH NEV - 4-6pm. 01227 770079

5 - The Smack - URBAN CAFE - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

6 - Whitstable Labour Club Folk Night - MICHAEL CHAPMAN - 8-11pm £8 (£6 members). 07895 683567

6 - Deco5 - RACHEL GERRARD & THE ROGER ALLEN SOUND- 8.30pm. 01227 770079

7 - Brewery Bar - THE BEATLEZ - Doors open 7pm. £11. 01227 280280

7 - The Neptune - STEVE BOLTON - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

7 - The Duke - BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3.00pm, FAT RIVER BAND - 9-11pm, FREE entry. 01227 280617

7 - Coach & Horses - JENNY SALMON - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

7 - The East Kent - FALLEN ANGELS - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

7 - Deco5 - ZEDHEADS - 9pm. FREE entry, 01227 770079

8 - The Smack - TVC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

8 - The Neptune - MERCURIALS - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

8 - Brewery Bar - PLANET ABBA - Doors open 7pm. £11. 01227 280280

8 - Deco5 - GROOVE CHASERS - 9-11pm. FREE entry, 01227 770079

9 - The Neptune - MATT, STEVE & AL - 5-8pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

9 - The Duke - LEE THOMPSON DUO - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry. 01227 280617

9 - The Two Brewers - CRUZ CONTROL - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

9 - Brewery Bar - MJX - MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE - Doors open 7pm. £11. 01227 280280

9 - Deco5 - SUNDAY JAZZ WITH NEV - 4-6pm. 01227 770079

11 - Deco5 - NEVILLE WILLS & GUEST - 8.30pm. 01227 770079

12 - The Smack - OPEN MIC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

13 - Deco5 - EMILY PEASGOOD & GUEST- 8.30-11pm. 01227 770079

14 - Horsebridge - BLUE RHYTHM KINGS - doors open 7pm for 8pm, £8 (£6 conc.) 01227 281174

14 - Deco5 - AT THE HOP WITH DJ DAVE - 8pm. 01227 770079

14 - The Neptune - SAMONDI - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

14 - The East Kent - TILT - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

14 - The Duke - BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3.00pm, LIVE MUSIC - 9-11pm, FREE entry. 01227 280617

15 - Harbour Garden Cafe - JEFF BARKER BAND - 6-8pm 01227 271199

15 - The East Kent - CAPTAIN MILDRED - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

15 - The Neptune - FAT RIVER BAND - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

15 - Deco5 - THE VIOLET JIVE - 9-11pm. FREE entry, 01227 770079

16 - The Duke - MIGDEN & GIBSON - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry. 01227 280617

16 - Deco5 - JAZZ JAM - 4-6pm. 01227 770079

16 - The Two Brewers - MATT BROOKS - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

16 - The Neptune - KEN COX & CATHERINE TAYLOR DAWSON - 5-8pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

18 - Deco5 - BLUE ARCADIANS - 8.30pm. 01227 770079

19 - The Smack - SELKIE - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

the gig guideThis information is intended as guide only. Please check with the venues before you go as details or dates may change after printing - contact details are provided.

20 - Deco5 - FRANCIS KNIGHT & FRIENDS - 8.30pm. 01227 770079

21 - Deco5 - BLUES FUSION - 9pm. FREE entry, 01227 770079

21 - The Neptune - AMBER ROOM - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

21 - The Duke - BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3.00pm, SMILER - 9-11pm, FREE entry. 01227 280617

21 - Coach & Horses - JIM & JEFF - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

22 - The East Kent - DISCO - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

22 - The Neptune - LIVE MUSIC - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

22 - Coach & Horses - AMAHOOLA- 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

22 - Deco5 - KING DAVID’S TRIO ROYALE - 9pm. FREE entry, 01227 770079

23 - Harbour Garden Cafe - INNOCENT BYSTANDERS - 1-4.30pm 01227 271199

23 - The Duke - GET APE - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry. 01227 280617

23 - The Two Brewers - ON THE RUN - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

23 - The Neptune - KENT DUSHANE - 5-8pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

26 - The Smack - OPEN MIC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

27 - Deco5 - LA DOLCE VITA, 8.30pm. 01227 770079

28 - The Neptune - SELKIE - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

28 - The Duke - BERT BUTLER’S JAZZ PILGRIMS - 12.30-3.00pm, SNEAKIN SALLY - 9-11pm, FREE entry. 01227 280617

28 - Coach & Horses - LIVE JAZZ - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

28 - Brewery Bar - BEN MILLS & HIS BAND - £7, tickets from Hotel Continental 01227 280280

29 - The Neptune - LIVE MUSIC - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

29 - Harbour Garden Cafe - RICHARD J LEWIS BAND - 6-8pm 01227 271199

29 - Coach & Horses - ROY BROWN - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

29 - Horsebridge - SHANG ORIENTHEATRE BARDO TODEL - doors open 7pm for 8pm, £7 (£5 conc.) 01227 281174

30 - The Smack - KARAOKE - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

30 - Harbour Garden Cafe - MOVEABLE FEAST - 1-4.30pm 01227 271199

30 - The Neptune - TENER & DUENDE - 5-8pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

30 - The Two Brewers - RUSTY FORD & THE CLASSICS - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

30 - The Duke - LIVE MUSIC - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry. 01227 280617

31 - Harbour Garden Cafe - PRAGUE CASTLE ORCHESTRA - 1-4.30pm 01227 271199

31 - The Duke - JIM LEVERTON & BRIAN BARNETT - 3-5.30pm, FREE entry. 01227 280617

SEPTEMBER2 - The Smack - LIVE MUSIC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

3 - Whitstable Labour Club Folk Night - DANA & SUSAN ROBINSON - 8-11pm £8 (£6 members). 07895 683567

3 - The Neptune - TOM PALMER - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

4 - The East Kent - THE CRASH TONES - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

4 - The Neptune - CANARY WOLF - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

4 - Coach & Horses - SELKIE - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

5 - Harbour Garden Cafe - SUNDOWN BLUES BAND - 6-8pm 01227 271199

5 - The East Kent - BLUES FUSION - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

5 - The Neptune - BILL, MATT & AL - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

5 - Coach & Horses - NIGEL HOBBINS - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

5 - The Smack - SELKIE - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 273056

5 - Horsebridge - THE INCOMPATIBLE OTWAY AND BARRETT JOHN OTWAY AND WILD BILLY BARRETT - doors open 7pm for 8pm, £12 (£10 conc.) 01227 281174

6 - Harbour Garden Cafe - JEFF MARTIN - 1-4.30pm 01227 271199

6 - The Neptune - LIVE MUSIC - 5-8pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

6 - The Two Brewers - KEV REYNOLDS - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

9 - The Smack - OPEN MIC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

11 - The East Kent - BLACKSTAR - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

11 - Coach & Horses - CHRIS TAYLOR ALLSTARS - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

11 - The Neptune - LIVE MUSIC - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

12 - Coach & Horses - BEBA - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

12 - The Neptune - JO HOOK BAND - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

13 - Harbour Garden Cafe - PEPPER ARMY DUO - 1-4.30pm 01227 271199

13 - The Neptune - MATT BROOKS - 5-8pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

13 - The Two Brewers - RUN V T - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

16 - The Smack - LIVE MUSIC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

18 - The East Kent - EQUILIBRIUM - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

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18 - The Neptune - SAMONDI - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

18 - Coach & Horses - ZINTA & THE ZOOTS - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

18 - Horsebridge - STAND UP COMEDY - MYSTERY SPECIAL HEADLINE ACT - doors open 7pm for 8pm, £7 (£5 conc.) 01227 281174

19 - The Neptune - BRENDAN POWER & BILLY EVE - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

19 - Harbour Garden Cafe - BRENDAN POWER & BILLY EBELING - 6-8pm 01227 271199

19 - Coach & Horses - DONE TOL MAMA - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

20 - The Neptune - TOBY BARELLI - 5-8pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

20 - The Two Brewers - FAT RIVERBAND - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

23 - The Smack - OPEN MIC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

25 - The Neptune - LIVE MUSIC - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

25 - The East Kent - HENRY’S ROCK BAND - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 272018

25 - Coach & Horses - RELIG ORAN - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

25 - Horsebridge - BLUE RHYTHM KINGS - doors open 7pm for 8pm, £8 (£6 conc.) 01227 281174

26 - The Neptune - SIOBHAN PARR - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

26 - Coach & Horses - LED GREMLINS - 8pm, FREE entry 01227 264732

27 - The Neptune - DAVE PEABODY - 5-8pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

27 - The Two Brewers - THE BLUE DEVILS - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

30 - The Smack - LIVE MUSIC - 9pm, FREE entry. 01227 273056

CLASSICALSeptember 26 - Whitstable Methodist Church - WHITSTABLE MUSIC SOCIETY - Veronika Ilinskaya (Piano), 7.30pm. 01227 261153.

If you would like to publicise your gig here please email christina@the-imp.co.uk or write to the usual address. To be included for September, please send your listings to christina@the-imp.co.uk by August 17th.

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READER OFFERS! READER OFFERS! READER OFFERS!

WIN A WEEKEND AWAY with Offshore Campers of Herne BayOne lucky IMP reader could win a weekend a away in a camper van anywhere in the UK. Tell us where you would go and what you would do and inspire us with your ideas for a great weekend away. Send them, along with your name, address and phone number to editorial@the-imp.co.uk or The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable CT5 9AH before August 31st 2009.

For more details go to www.offshorecamperhire.co.uk or call Alexa 07712 599879T&Cs - the prize can be taken anytime between now and December 1 2009, subject to availability. Pick up Friday after 3pm, drop off Monday before 11am. Travel is restricted to the UK. The camper is equipped with, pots & pans, outside table & chairs, games, maps etc. Includes insurance for 2 named drivers, sat nav and gas. Offshore Campers is the competition promoter. Winner will be drawn at random and announced in a future issue of The Whitstable IMP. Closing date for entries is August 31 2009.

Specialist home pattern service for all carpets, vinyls, laminates, woods and rugsFree underlay, grippers, door bars and fitting ON ALL CARPETS

Call us for a free estimate on: 01227 265544 or 07860 358552Family-run business Est.1971

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THE MONTH AHEAD...

August 1 - Whitstable Carnival

August 1&2, 15&16 - Car Boot Sale, Church Street Playing Field, from 7am. Call 01227 276544 for details

August 8-9 - Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions Club Annual Regatta. Fireworks on the Saturday evening (weather permitting) as well as fairground rides, live music and stalls. Tankerton Slopes

August 15, August 29 (Bank Holiday weekend) - Seaside Brocante - 10am-5.30pm, St Mary’s Hall (Umbrella Centre) Oxford St. Aug 15th: wardrobe emphasis, homeware & rustic seaside chic in garden. Aug 29th: garden party theme, lovely unusual mixture, including clothes. Admission £1. Car Park to rear. Don’t miss the garden for seating, hot & cold drinks & food. Stall SPACE DONATED to worthy Whitstable causes. LOCAL BANDS WANTED - venue has full music licence. Call Cindy Mainwaring: 01227 773037.

Parent/Toddler/Older Sibling Sessions - Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Thursdays 9-11:30 during the summer holidays. 01227 263998

Irish Dancing - ages 5+ at the Parish Social Centre, 15A Castle Road, Whitstable. Saturdays 10.30-12 throughout school holidays. Call Janice for details on 07895 457020

Joy Lane Swimming Club. Swimming Lessons for all ages and abilities. ASA Level 2 qualified instructors. Joy Lane Primary School swimming pool. Weekly Lessons from now until Oct. Ph: 07817 171 524 Email: joylaneswimming@live.co.uk website: www.langtonlaneswimming.co.uk

Last Wednesday of each month, 1.30-2.30pm - Little Oysters Pre-school storytelling and craft activity - Whitstable Museum. A fun storytime and art/craft activity for the under 5s and their carers. Admission £2 per child, adults free. Materials and refreshments provided. Advance booking 01227 276 998

Second and fourth Saturdays of each month - Whitstable Farmers’ Market - St Mary’s Hall, Oxford Street (The Umbrella Centre) 9.30am- 2pm, selling meat, fruit, vegetables, drinks, cakes, crafts and with a Fair Trade cafe on site. Becky Richards 01227 770836

Whitstable Museum and Gallery - 01227 276 998 - Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, and Sundays in August 1pm to 4pm, exhibitions and activities for all the family throughout the summer. See full listings in Summer Events p33 or call the museum on 01227 276 998

See also our Summer Events guide and the Gig Guide

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Many of these activities may be term-time only, and some have waiting lists or need to be booked. Contact details are included for each listing, so please check before you arrive!

Babies

Breast Feeding & Weaning Peer Support Group – Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Mondays from 12:15 -2:15pm. Call 01227 263998

Baby bounce and rhyme – Whitstable Library, Oxford Street, first Tuesday of each month, 11-11.20am. Call 01227 273309

Breastfeeding Clinic – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Tuesdays, monthly, by appointment only, through midwife Ursula. Call 01227 263998

Drop-in baby clinic – Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Thursday mornings, 9.30-11, no appointment necessary, just call in to see the health visitor for a chat and have your child weighed. Call 01227 263998

Baby Massage – Whitstable Health Centre – 5-week courses, Friday mornings. 50p per session, bring your own massage oil. Call Carol Fellowes on 01227 594417 for more info

Locomotion – Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Friday mornings 10-10.45, ages 2-5 years; 11-11.30 ages 6 months - 2 years. For more information call 01227 263998

PIPS - Joy Lane Children’s Centre - for families with children 0-5 with additional needs - Friday mornings 10:00 - 12:00. For more information call 01227 263998

Parent and Toddler

Twinkle Twinkle music group, fun action songs and instruments for children up to 3 years. Fridays 9.30 and 10.30am, the parish social centre, 15A Castle Road, Whitstable. Call Ava for more info on 01227 772893

Button Tots – Lucerne Neighbourhood Centre, Faversham Road, Seasalter. Monday mornings 10-12, call Jane 01227 282732 3 Years Plus Family Group – Westmeads Infant School, Cromwell Road, Monday afternoons 1.45-2.45. Children can play while parents chat and the sessions provide a gentle link to school. Call 01227 272995

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Little Alfies – Seasalter Christian Centre, Faversham Road, fortnightly on Monday afternoons at 1.45, call 01227 276795

Story Time – Swalecliffe Library, Herne Bay Road, Swalecliffe, Monday afternoon 2-2.30, just come along or call 01227 792645

Messy Play Sessions – Monday afternoon 12.45- 2.45. Old clothes a requirement! RUNS THROUGHOUT SUMMER HOLIDAYS. Free of charge. Joy Lane Children’s Centre – 01227 263998

Baby Bounce and Rhyme - Whitstable Library, 1st Tuesday of each month, 11-11.20am - 01227 273309

Playmates – Christian Fellowship Hall, Harbour St – Tuesday mornings 9.15-10.30 or 10.30-11.45. 50p per family. Currently full but spaces expected in New Year – call Diane Wilkin 01227 263393

Tots @ TEC – Tankerton Evangelical Church Hall, Northwood Road, Tankerton, Tuesday mornings 10-11.30, £1 per family, open to children from 0-5, call 01227 794328

Seasalter Christian Centre parent and toddler group – Faversham Road, Seasalter, Tuesday afternoons, 1.30-3, £1 per family, call Jane Myhill 01227 770257

Little Lights – St Alphege Church, High Street, every Thursday in term time 1.45-2.45pm, call 01227 770221

All Saints Parent and Toddler Group – Shirley Hall, Church Street – Wednesday afternoons, 1.15-2.45. 50p per family. Term-time only – Call Sue Smith 01227 471325 Little Oysters Pre-school storytelling and craft activity, Last Wednesday of each month, 1.30pm to 2.30pm. A fun storytime and art/craft activity for the under 5s and their carers. Admission £2 per child, adults free. Materials and refreshments provided. Advance booking 01227 276 998. Whitstable Museum and Gallery, Oxford Street, CT5 1DB. Telephone: 01227 276 998. www.whitstable-museum.co.uk

Parent and Toddler Group – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Thursday mornings, 9-11.30 in the large crèche room. All welcome. Free of charge – 01227 263998

Chatterbox Baby and Toddler Group – St John’s Church Centre, St John’s Road, Swalecliffe. Friday mornings, 9.30-11.30, 50p per person including drink and biscuits, open to all with babies or pre-schoolers, call 01227 792835

Story time – Whitstable Library, Oxford Street. Friday afternoon, 2-2.30, call 01227 273309

Friday Fun Group – Middle Wall United Reformed Church – 9.30-11.30am. £1 per family. Waiting list, spaces from Spring/Summer ’09 – Contact Pat 01227 771766 or Rita 01227 263959

Dads’ group - Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Fridays 1-3pm. Would love to see a few more dads! Call for more details: 01227 263998

Swalecliffe Children’s Centre is due to open in July, with activities running through the holidays - for further information please ring 01227 272103.

Pre-school Children

Cool for School - group for children who have not been to pre-school, play group or nursery (or have only been a few times) - Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Monday 9-12pm. Call 01227 263998

Whitstable School Transition Group for children starting school at 4. Meet for coffee and a chat while children play, Fridays 1.30-3pm. Call Penny on 01227 773155, more info at transitionwhitstable.org.uk, moonmama@inflatablecookie.com

School Children/After-School Clubs

Cricket - The Saturday Colts - ages 6-11. 9.15am, £1 per child, including a drink. Children need to register before taking part - visit http://www.whitstablecc.tripod.com or the Belmont Road ground on Saturday mornings.

Homework Club - age 8+ - Whitstable Library - 3.30-5pm - 01227 273309

Irish Dancing - ages 5+ at the Parish Social Centre, 15A Castle Road, Whitstable. Tuesdays term-time from 3.30pm and DURING SUMMER HOLIDAYS Saturdays 10.30-12. Call Janice for details on 07895 457020

Joy Lane Swimming Club. Swimming Lessons for all ages and abilities. ASA Level 2 qualified instructors. Joy Lane Primary School swimming pool. Weekly Lessons from now until Oct. Ph: 07817 171 524 Email: joylaneswimming@live.co.uk website: www.langtonlaneswimming.co.uk

Whitstable Home Education Group meeting Tuesdays 1.30-3pm. Call Penny on 01227 773155, more info at transitionwhitstable.org.uk, moonmama@inflatablecookie.com

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Whitstable Majorettes and Pom Teams - 5 years and above at St Peters Church Hall, Cromwell Street, Whitstable, Monday 4-6pm, £2 per session. 07900 478863

Holiday Activities

See Summer Events, page 33

FITNESS

American Square Dancing at the W.I. Hall, Chestfield. Fridays 7:30-9:30pm. Friendly atmosphere - make new friends, have a laugh and get fit at the same time. Call Jean Barnes on 01227 275455.

Badminton courts at the Community College, Whitstable, are now available to hire at weekends. The courts are open to the public between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays and 10am to 1pm on Sundays. For more information or to book call Kelly Litchfield on 07751307708

Ballroom & Latin American Dancing, Tuesdays 1.30-3pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, 01227 274880

Irish Dancing for adults - Women’s Institute Hall on Joy Lane. Informal, friendly atmosphere - come along, get fitter and tone up for summer! Mainly adults, Mondays term time 8-9pm. Call Janice for details on 07895 457020

Keep Fit for over 50s and less active - Wednesdays 12.30–1.30pm, and 1.30-2.30pm - Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre 01227 274880Low impact keep fit - Mondays 12.15-1.15pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Suzi 07702 386176

Walk and talk - Wednesdays 10.30am from Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre – enjoy a walk, some fresh air and lively conversation!Contact centre 01227 274880

Yoga and Relaxation with Chrissie - Monday and Tuesday evenings 7-8pm and 8.15-9.15pm, Longfield Court Garden Room, Swalecliffe. Thursday mornings 9.25am. Whitstable Youth and Community Centre, Tower Parade. Friendly drop-in classes £6. Please ring Chrissie on 01227 275000

Yoga - Mondays 1.20-2.20pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Suzi 07702 386176

COMMUNITY GUIDE

Clubs/Societies

Arts and crafts for adults - Thursdays 10am-12, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre 01227 274880

Book club - informal, fun reading group. First Thursday of each month, 6.30-9pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre. The group watch a Movie every other month. Contact centre 01227 274880 East Kent Model Railway Society - Wednesdays 7.30pm, at Club house in the Old Dairy (by Castle Stores), Castle Road, Whitstable. Large OO scale layout for members’ use. New members welcome, children (from 11+) should be accompanied by responsible adult. Info: 01227 275157, nickevanscomms@sky.com

Flowers and Crafts Club - Tuesdays 7-9.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact 01227 281138 Needles and natter - Thursdays 2.30-4.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre on 01227 274880

Oyster Lacemakers - Mondays, 4–7pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Kay 01227 276921

Oyster Singers - Mixed group meets every Monday (except Holidays) 7pm at Whitstable Community College to sing both old and new songs, in 4 part harmony. Call 01227 793155.

Reading Group - at Swalecliffe Library - are you interested in joining? We need a minimum of 6 people. If you’d like to take part please call the library on 01227 792645

Samba Pelo Mar Whitstable’s own community samba band rehearses Tuesdays 7-9pm at Whitstable Junior School. Call 01227 281838. www.sambapelomar.com

Scrabble Club - Mondays 10.30-12.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact centre 01227 274880

Short Mat Bowls - Friday and Sunday evenings, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Eddie 01227 794600

‘Stitch and Bitch’ Knit Club - Wednesdays 6.30-8.30pm at The Archive Film Cafe, 39 Oxford Street. Call Sue Allen on 07592 020120

Walk and Talk - Wednesdays 10.30am from Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre – enjoy a walk, some fresh air and lively conversation!Contact centre 01227 274880

Whitstable and District Horticultural Society. Meetings at United Reformed Church, Middle Wall, at 7.30pm: June 12th, Julie Coleman will speak on Bees, July 10th Summer Social Event. 01227 265503 for further details.

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The Whitstable Short Mat Bowls Club is currently looking for new members. Friday evenings 7.30pm throughout the year and also Sunday evenings September to April at the Umbrella Centre. They run two ‘competitive’ teams and one ‘friendly’ team. Call Eddie on 01227 794600

Whitstable Stroke Club - Fridays 3.30-5.30pm, Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Contact Avril 01227 266827

Whitstable Twinning Association - contact Gillian Godley, Secretary, on 01227 793212 or JOGI102@aol.com

Health

SWINE ‘FLU TELEPHONE ADVICE LINE: 0800 1 513 513 WEBSITE: www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu

Chestfield Medical Centre – 0844 477 3073

Saddleton Road Surgery - 01227 272809

Seasalter Surgery - 01227 772327

Whitstable Health Centre – 0844 477 2566

Seasalter Community Pharmacy - 01227 277744

Estuary View Pharmacy, Boorman Way Whitstable, 01227 277488

Out of Hours service – 0844 800 1234

NHS Direct - including Out of Hours Dispensing Pharmacies - 0845 46 47

Blood Donation – 08457 711 711

Stop Smoking Service - NHS Eastern and Coastal Kent - 0800 849 4444

NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service - do you have a health-related problem and don’t know where to turn? For help finding your way through the local NHS - 0800 085 6606

Information and Advice

SWINE ‘FLU TELEPHONE ADVICE LINE: 0800 1 513 513 WEBSITE: www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu

Dial Kent - information and advice for the disabled people of Kent - Disability Information and Advice Line - Tel: 01227 771155, Minicom: 01227 771645, Fax: 01227 772631, email: enquiries@dialkent.co.uk, website: www.dialkent.co.uk

NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service - do you have a health-related problem and don’t know where to turn? For help finding your way through the local NHS - 0800 085 6606

Local Policing

Police surgeries and meetings: www.kent.police.uk

Inspector for Whitstable: Gordon Etheridge, with Sergeant Dave Brenchley on 01227 868028

Chestfield - PC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Abi Ellis 0777 222 6106

Gorrell - PCSO: Mark Harriott 0777 222 5966

Harbour - PC: Andy Camp 07980 683530; PCSO: Aaron Pedwell 0777 222 6035

Seasalter & Yorkletts - CSO: Aarron Newell 01227 868028

Swalecliffe & Tankerton - PC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Graeme Downes 01227 868028

Volunteer Services

Are you elderly or disabled and can’t access public transport? Call the Whitstable Volunteer Car Scheme on 01227 264743

Volunteers Needed

Whitstable Volunteer Car Scheme - Volunteer drivers needed to take elderly or disabled to appointments they can’t miss. If you have time to volunteer please call 01227 264743

Whitstable Volunteer Centre - Volunteers recruited to work in many different charities. Contact volunteering@whitstablevc.org.uk or call 01227 772248

Do you have a little time to spare? Age Concern Whitstable are looking for volunteers who could help with any of the following: befriending, escorting on their mini bus, day centre helper or lead a health walk. Call Gill Ball on 01227 787313 or 07735556811, or email agecorecruiter@btinternet.com

LOCAL SERVICES

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture - Nathalie Bachet - Member of the British Acupuncture Council - Gift vouchers available for acupuncture and facial revitalisation acupuncture. Please call Nathalie on 01227 265 708

Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Swedish Massage, Ear Candles, Hot Stone Massage, Indian Head Massage. In the comfort of your own home or in Debra’s therapy room. Call Debra Maybourne, Holistic Therapist, 01227 276 881 or 07872 622 023

Reflexology at Sole Indulgence for stress reduction, relaxation & better health. “If you haven’t tried it, it’s a must do.” Sarah, Whitstable. Gift vouchers available. New - Hot Stones Reflexology. Call Alison on 01227 272131 www.soleindulgence.co.uk

Holistic Massage, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage.Treatment room in Whitstable; home visits within 3 mile radius. Gift vouchers, taster sessions and pamper events. Contact Liz Compton on 07931201148 or email CChasComp@aol.com

Hypnotherapy at Q Hypnotherapy, based in Whitstable. Details at www.Qhypnotherapy.co.uk. Call Lisa Barnett on 0800 612 8153

Hypnotherapy for Smoking is the least expensive within a 20 mile radius. Based in Chestfield. Call Peter Corrigan on 01227 792359 or email: peter.corrigan@tesco.net

Reflexology at Body Mind and SOLE - Denise Fasulo, MAR (Member of the Association of Reflexologists). Professional treatment in pleasant surroundings. Call Whitstable 01227 275855

THE ACUPUNCTURE PLACE, WHITSTABLE - Acupuncture for pain relief, migraines, sciatica, back pain. Specialising in gynaecogical, fertility and IVF support. Member of BAcC. Contact: Amanda Thomas Tel:01227 265082 Mob:07763 566710 www.acupunctureplace.co.uk

THE HOLISTIC HEALTH PLACE, WHITSTABLE - Treatments available for adults & children. Homeopathy, Craniosacral Therapy, QX Allergy & Health Testing. Contact: Annette Stein - Tel:01227 265082 Mob:07813778027

Cake Making

Chrissie’s Kitchen - cakes, cookies, cupcakes and more. Beautiful, delicious cakes for birthdays, weddings, christenings - any special occasion, or just because you fancy a treat! Gluten-free, egg-free and dairy-free available on request. www.chrissies-kitchen.co.uk or call Chrissie on 07511 009 757

Carers

Tender Loving Carers Domiciliary Ltd – Providers of Personal and Domestic Care to the elderly and younger less able within the community. For a FREE, no obligation assessment and enquiry, please call on 01227 772515. For employment opportunities please also call the number above. www.tenderlovingcarers.com

Childcare

Jo Jo’s Day Care Nursery – Full Day care for 2–4 year olds. Open Monday – Friday 08:00 – 16:00 for 47 weeks of the year. Sessions and Full day care available. For a no obligation visit, please feel free to come to a ‘Play and Stay’ session. Call: 01227 264213 or 07834421171. www.jojosdaynursery.co.uk

Computer Repair

Whitstable Computer Repair - All types of help with your PC, no call-out fee within 10 mile radius of Whitstable. Very competitive rates. www.WhitstableComputerRepair.co.uk or call 0800 224 8824

HDG Networks: the only Trading Standards-Approved and Microsoft-Certified computer repair and IT support company in East Kent, based in Whitstable. www.hdgnet.com / 08000 434638 / 01227 280282. Quote “IMP” for a £5 discount off your first callout

Counselling

Whitstable Counselling and Psychotherapy Centre. Feeling unable to cope and need somebody to talk to and think things through? Contact Deborah Gibbons on 01227 261159. Reduced rates for unemployed or those on low incomes

Curtain Making

Affordable bespoke curtain and blind making service. Free estimates and measuring service. Co-ordinated soft furnishings, kitchenware and fabric gifts. Fabric also available to buy. Call Karen Mansfield Originals 01795 535348 or 07903 193390

Dress Making

Silver Belles and Cockle Shells - Bespoke couture, beautiful and elegant gowns for every occassion; for all ages, shapes and sizes. Fancy dress (eg Abba costumes) also available. All hand-made to order. Contact Heather@conroy.co.uk or call 07864 112294

Gardening

Gardening/Property Maintenance - No job too small. Whitstable area only. Tree pruning, lawn mowing/tidying, hedge trimming, fencing, carpentry/woodwork projects for gardens. Call 07835 665 707

Tranquil Earth Natural Garden Design Specializing in creating traditional and contemporary gardens, built with respect for the environment and to encourage wildlife. Visit www.kentgardendesigner.co.uk for garden ideas

Local Lettings

‘Stowaways’ Holiday Cottage - Newly-renovated, comfortable 2-bedroom accommodation available for short breaks or weekly lets. Central, 2 mins from town centre, beach & harbour. For photos search well-known internet site for ‘Whitstable Holiday Cottage’ or call 01227 264719

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Parties Candles and Home Accessories? Quality fragrant candles in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Tri-Glow Reed Diffusers. Have an evening/coffee morning with friends and host a candle party. Monthly Hostess/Guest specials. Call: Karen 07956 575980 www.candlesulite.com

Recycling/Waste Reduction

Help with all aspects of recycling www.recycle-more.co.uk

The Freecycle Network - www.freecycle.org

Council Services - Recycling Information: 01227 862 247; Recycling Collections, Banks, Sacks; Domestic Refuse Collection; Dog Fouling: 0800 031 9091; or email environmentalhelpdesk@canterbury.serco.com

Retailers

Sunlock Blinds - Blinds for home conservatory or office. Made to measure, vertical, venetians, wooden, rollers, fly-screens, outside canopies. Home visits arranged, free no obligation quotes. Free fitting service. Family-run business 32 years, 01227 281191; 07828 564082

Weddings

Wedding Singer - Make your day really special with beautiful classical music during your civil or religious ceremony - available for weddings, christenings and any special occasion. Call Christina on 07511 009 757 or listen at www.myspace.com/christinabosanko

Silver Belles and Cockle Shells - Bespoke couture, beautiful and elegant gowns for every occassion, for all ages, shapes and sizes. Hand made to order. Contact Heather@conroy.co.uk or call 07864 112294

StuArt Photography - Available for weddings & special occasions; studio bookings or in the comfort of your own home. Call for pricing or booking on 07922 535 438

Beautiful wedding cakes made to your specification. Gluten-free, egg-free and dairy-free available on request. Go to www.chrissies-kitchen.co.uk or call Chrissie to arrange an appointment on 07511 009 757.

FURTHER AFIELD

Holiday Lets

Italy - B&B and Self Catering accommodation, near to the beaches, mountains and hilltop towns of Abruzzo. Go to www.shanticentre.com or call 003 908 587 08 273 for further information

Relaxing breaks

Stay in our yurt, in the hills of Andalucia, southern Spain. 1hr Malaga, 30 mins coas t. Perfect for walking, exploring local white villages, horse riding, relaxing. Outside BBQ eating area, small inside kitchen and bathroom, plus yurt for sleeping. Pool and internet 2mins walk. More info and pics:jackyfaulkner@hotmail.com.

HALF PRICE yoga holiday at Shanticentre, Italy in October. £225 for a week of yoga, sunshine, delicious home-grown food and tranquillity. www.shanticentre.com or call 003 9 08 587 08 273

Luxury yoga holiday at Casa Mimosa with Stephanie Shanti. A week of yoga and relaxation in a beautifully restored farmhouse in Abruzzo, the unspoilt region of Italy, with stunning views of the mountains and luxury swimming pool. To book, go to www.houses-in-italy and click on Activity Holidays.

Listings of 40 words cost £15 for one month, £30 for 3 months or £50 for 6 months. Non-profit organisations can be listed free of charge, subject to space. To be included please email listings@the-imp.co.uk or write to the usual address.

Please do let us know if any details change so we are not publishing out-dated information

For display advertising please contact mel@the-imp.co.uk or call freephone 0800 44 88 309. In all cases, if you would rather write, our address is: The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH To be included for September, please send your listings to christina@the-imp.co.uk by August 17th.

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WHITSTABLE AND HERNE BAY LIONS CLUB PROUDLY PRESENT THE 216TH WHITSTABLE REGATTA Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August 2009 from 11am • Tankerton Slopes, Marine Parade, Tankerton

Featuring: Rowing and yacht races (Herne Bay Rowing Club and Tankerton Bay Sailing Club), Barge Race (over 50 boats), Seabourne display by Whitstable RNLI, Dog Show (Saturday - bring your dog!).

The Margate donkeys will be there, along with motorbikes and cars of yesteryear and also the latest models for you to see, not forgetting a fantastic firework display out in the bay at dusk on Saturday evening.

There will be live music, a giant funfair with rides and attractions for all, Punch and Judy, magic shows, coconut shy, hot and cold food, and stalls of all types, and Team Guinot Wingwalkers will perform on the Sunday as a finale for the weekend. And as well as all this:

There’s something for everybody, so come along and support not just Whitstable & Herne Bay Lions Club but all the other charities and organisations who help to make this the high point of Whitstable’s summer.

FOR MORE DETAILS PHONE: 01227 274313

Cakes, Cookies, Cupcakes & more...Home-baking for children or adults:

• Parties• Special occasions• Cafes and restaurants• Gluten -free a speciality• All baked to order• Fast turn-around, personal service.

Home made with the highest quality ingredients - free range, organic or faitrade where possible. Why not sample Chrissie’s delicious home-made creations at either Elliot’s or Samphire? Chrissie’s Kitchen07511 009 757chrissieskitchen@yahoo.co.ukchrissies-kitchen.co.uk

F TWEDDING DRESSCLEANING & PRESERVATION AFTER INVESTING SO MUCH OF YOUR TIME &

MONEY INTO YOUR DRESS YOU WILL WANT IT TO LAST FOREVER. FAIRY TALE CLEANERS CAN HELP BY CLEANING & PRESERVING YOUR GOWN. SOMETHING TREASURED THIS MUCH SHOULD BE PROTECTED PROPERLY BY EXPERTS. PERHAPS SOMEDAY YOUR DAUGHTER OR GRAND DAUGHTER WILL WALK DOWN THE AISLE WEARING THE SAME BRIDAL GOWN THAT MEANT SO MUCH TO YOU

DON’T LET THE FAIRYTALE END. TAKE THE BEST CARE WITH THE MOST IMPORTANT DRESS YOU’LL EVER WEAR

For more information or a brochure call 01843 845555 or 07971 817 942 or email paula@fairytaleweddingcleaning.co.uk

Bespoke and personal serviceDelivered to and from your doorPackaged in a rigid & protective boxGift Vouchers Available

Over 50 different box designs

available

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