ashford voice winter 2010

NEWS•LIFE•INFO

www.ashford.gov.uk

Ashford Best Loyalty CardStart saving today

Enjoy fantastic discounts and special offers by using the new Ashford Best loyalty card - free in this issue of Ashford Voice.

Come into town and look out for the loyalty card window sticker at participating shops and businesses.

Show your loyalty card when buying goods and services and start saving today.

For the latest offers and participating businesses visit www.ashfordbest.co.uk

Information Line 01233 330367

Find your loyalty card inside Ashford Voice

www.ashford.gov.uk

Enjoy a brrrilliant Christmas

INSIDE...Supporting local good causes

Save energy and money

You said, we did

www.ashford.gov.uk2 ASHFORD VOICE WINTER 2010/11 www.ashford.gov.uk ASHFORD VOICE WINTER 2010/11 3

Christmas greetings from Ashford Voice, your borough

magazine full of features on living, working and enjoying

life in Ashford and the surrounding communities.

In this issue we take a look at what’s on off er in our towns this Christmas,

how despite the squeeze on public spending Ashford Borough Council is

determined to continue funding its valuable voluntary and community

organisations and learn more about Singleton in Your Community.

As the squeeze on public spending continues fi nd out how Ashford

Borough Council has listened to our communities and come up with

a new set of priorities in our 5 Year Business Plan as we feed back on

the “Save £1million – you say how” consultation.

We also have our regulars such as “A day in the life of…” which this time

looks at Eileen Law, Canine and Neighbourhood Offi cer for Ashford

Borough Council. Find out what happens to the borough’s stray dogs and

just how much owning a dog can cost.

Whether it’s theatre, music, days out or Christmas events our

“What’s on” section has something for everyone this winter.

Check out our competitions page. Win family tickets to Robin Hood

at the Marlowe Theatre Arena, or how about a hamper full of fantastic

festive fare or beat the winter blues with a free trip to the cinema!

Ashford Voice is going online!

This is the last edition of Ashford Voice to be delivered

to your door. From 2011 we’re going to be available

only online.

To make sure you receive your electronic version of

Ashford Voice straight to your inbox send your email

details to [email protected]

Welcome

ASHFORD NEWS

Contents

Contact the editorial team: Email: [email protected]

Call: 01233 330209

Fax: 01233 330597

Write: Ashford Voice, Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PL

News in brief All the latest news from around the borough.

CreditsDesign: The Design Practice, Ashford

Editorial: Ashford Voice

Print: Headley Brothers, AshfordPrinted on 100% recycled paper

Cover Photo: Snow princesses at County Square

ASHFORD INFO

What’s on Things to do and places to go across the borough.

Your council Helpful Christmas information, how to get help with housing debt, next

year is Census year and sign up to test the borough’s fl ood defences.

Get in touch Stay connected with Ashford Borough Council and other key services.

Reader offers and competitions Win panto tickets, a romantic weekend for two and free cinema tickets.

18 & 19

20 & 21

23Disclaimer: no article or photograph may be reproduced

without prior permission of Ashford Borough Council –

requests for permission should be addressed to Editorial.

Supporting local good causes How Ashford Borough Council continues to support the voluntary

and community sector.

Your community Discover more about super Singleton.

A day in the life of… Find out what it takes to be a Canine Offi cer.

Christmas in Ashford There are lots of fun things to do in our town centres this December.

Save energy and money Find out how you can make your home more environmentally friendly

and cut the cost of your bills.

You said, we did Ashford Borough Council unveils its priorities for the future.

12 & 13

10 & 11

12 & 13

14 & 15

16 & 17

ASHFORD LIFE

If you would like a copy of Ashford Voice in large print or audio format please ring 01233 330209 or visit www.ashford.gov.uk

You can read your borough magazine online at www.ashford.gov.uk/voice

NEWS•LIFE•INFO

www.ashford.gov.uk

Enjoy a brrriliant Christmas in Ashford

You said, we did

www.ashford.gov.uk2 ASHFORD VOICE WINTER 2010/11 www.ashford.gov.uk ASHFORD VOICE WINTER 2010/11 3

Christmas greetings from Ashford Voice, your borough

magazine full of features on living, working and enjoying

life in Ashford and the surrounding communities.

In this issue we take a look at what’s on off er in our towns this Christmas,

how despite the squeeze on public spending Ashford Borough Council is

determined to continue funding its valuable voluntary and community

organisations and learn more about Singleton in Your Community.

As the squeeze on public spending continues fi nd out how Ashford

Borough Council has listened to our communities and come up with

a new set of priorities in our 5 Year Business Plan as we feed back on

the “Save £1million – you say how” consultation.

We also have our regulars such as “A day in the life of…” which this time

looks at Eileen Law, Canine and Neighbourhood Offi cer for Ashford

Borough Council. Find out what happens to the borough’s stray dogs and

just how much owning a dog can cost.

Whether it’s theatre, music, days out or Christmas events our

“What’s on” section has something for everyone this winter.

Check out our competitions page. Win family tickets to Robin Hood

at the Marlowe Theatre Arena, or how about a hamper full of fantastic

festive fare or beat the winter blues with a free trip to the cinema!

Ashford Voice is going online!

This is the last edition of Ashford Voice to be delivered

to your door. From 2011 we’re going to be available

only online.

To make sure you receive your electronic version of

Ashford Voice straight to your inbox send your email

details to [email protected]

Welcome

ASHFORD NEWS

Contents

Contact the editorial team: Email: [email protected]

Call: 01233 330209

Fax: 01233 330597

Write: Ashford Voice, Ashford Borough Council, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PL

News in brief All the latest news from around the borough.

CreditsDesign: The Design Practice, Ashford

Editorial: Ashford Voice

Print: Headley Brothers, AshfordPrinted on 100% recycled paper

Cover Photo: Snow princesses at County Square

ASHFORD INFO

What’s on Things to do and places to go across the borough.

Your council Helpful Christmas information, how to get help with housing debt, next

year is Census year and sign up to test the borough’s fl ood defences.

Get in touch Stay connected with Ashford Borough Council and other key services.

Reader offers and competitions Win panto tickets, a romantic weekend for two and free cinema tickets.

18 & 19

20 & 21

23Disclaimer: no article or photograph may be reproduced

without prior permission of Ashford Borough Council –

requests for permission should be addressed to Editorial.

Supporting local good causes How Ashford Borough Council continues to support the voluntary

and community sector.

Your community Discover more about super Singleton.

A day in the life of… Find out what it takes to be a Canine Offi cer.

Christmas in Ashford There are lots of fun things to do in our town centres this December.

Save energy and money Find out how you can make your home more environmentally friendly

and cut the cost of your bills.

You said, we did Ashford Borough Council unveils its priorities for the future.

12 & 13

10 & 11

12 & 13

14 & 15

16 & 17

ASHFORD LIFE

If you would like a copy of Ashford Voice in large print or audio format please ring 01233 330209 or visit www.ashford.gov.uk

You can read your borough magazine online at www.ashford.gov.uk/voice

NEWS•LIFE•INFO

www.ashford.gov.uk

Enjoy a brrriliant Christmas in Ashford

You said, we did

4 ASHFORD VOICE WINTER 2010/11 www.ashford.gov.uk www.ashford.gov.uk

ASHFORD VOICE WINTER 2010/11 5

News in brief

Start saving today with the Ashford Best Loyalty CardThanks to this brand new scheme you can enjoy the best from Ashford businesses with

fantastic off ers on purchases and services.

Come into Ashford town centre and look out for the Ashford Best Loyalty Card window

sticker. Then simply show your Ashford Best card at participating shops and businesses.

For more information on the latest discounts and special off ers

visit www.ashfordbest.co.uk.

Work to transform St Mary’s Church with

improved facilities and a performance

space to cater for both religious services

and arts events is well under way.

The £1.7m project will improve the fabric

of the building and create a vibrant arts

venue for music, drama and arts events

for up to 350 people and should be

completed by July 2011.

For more information visit

www.ashfordbestplaced.co.uk/stmarys

Church renovation underway

Don’t lose your voice – act now to secure your say in 2011

More residents will soon be able to help reduce the amount of waste sent

to landfi ll as the blue box recycling scheme is being extended to a further

9,000 homes bringing the total to around 39,000.

The move comes after the council secured £300,000 of funding from the Waste

& Resource Action Programme (WRAP) and the Kent Waste Partnership’s Service

Improvement Fund.

The popular two weekly kerbside collection service will be extended in February

2011 to those living in the urban developments of Ashford and Tenterden and

more rural areas of the borough.

For more information visit www.ashford.gov.uk/blueboxscheme

On 5 May next year it will be your

chance to vote for the local councillor

you want to represent you on Ashford

Borough Council for the next four

years. You may also be voting in the

proposed UK referendum on changes

to the voting system for parliamentary

elections. But to be able to have your

say you need to be registered to vote.

You need to register every year. If you

haven’t done so already you can be

added to the Register of Electors by

completing a registration form.

Don’t miss out on your chance to vote

– register today.

To fi nd out more visit

www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or call

Electoral Services on 01233 330402.

Blue box recycling scheme expanding

Work to build new council homes for the fi rst time in 30 years continues with Ashford

Borough Council appointing the contractors for the second phase of the project.

I S G Jackson will construct 45 high quality, energy effi cient new homes on ten

brownfi eld sites across the borough providing a mixture of houses, bungalows and fl ats

for local people to rent by late summer 2011.

Construction of the fi rst phase of the project is well underway with new tenants

expected to move in as early as February 2011.

New council homes

Ashford Borough Council is looking to

provide council owned properties with

solar panels which could reduce local

people’s bills and potentially provide the

borough with an income from any

power fed to the National Grid.

The ground breaking initiative could be

rolled out to other council buildings

such as the Civic Centre and even to

private homeowners with the potential

for saving the local economy £900,000

a year.

Power boost for Ashford

Ashford Borough Council is working to

safeguard valuable open space in

Kingsnorth with an innovative project

aimed at involving local people in

managing their local environment.

The aim is to protect and enhance

over 40 hectares of land stretching

through the village from Bridgefi eld to

Knights Park creating new ponds and

other wildlife habitats. Public access

will also be improved with new

footpaths and cycleways thanks to

the project – the fi rst of its kind for

the borough.

Stewardship Grants from Natural

England will allow two tenant farmers

to manage parts of the land and

Kingsnorth Parish Council are

planning to work with local primary

schools to provide educational

opportunities in the area.

There are also plans to form a

community group which will be able

to help plan future projects and take

part in site management.

www.ashford.gov.uk/

kingsnorthurbanfringe

Innovative open space project

£82,000 of growth area funding is

being released to revitalise Ashford’s

skate park with at least fi ve high new

ramps planned for the site.

Skate Park makeover

New Singleton play area Residents of all ages in Singleton have

been putting their ideas forward for a

new park in the area.

Funding has been secured and the

results of the consultation and draft

designs will be unveiled in February.

4 ASHFORD VOICE WINTER 2010/11 www.ashford.gov.uk www.ashford.gov.uk

News in brief

Start saving today with the Ashford Best Loyalty CardThanks to this brand new scheme you can enjoy the best from Ashford businesses with

fantastic off ers on purchases and services.

Come into Ashford town centre and look out for the Ashford Best Loyalty Card window

sticker. Then simply show your Ashford Best card at participating shops and businesses.

For more information on the latest discounts and special off ers

visit www.ashfordbest.co.uk.

Work to transform St Mary’s Church with

improved facilities and a performance

space to cater for both religious services

and arts events is well under way.

The £1.7m project will improve the fabric

of the building and create a vibrant arts

venue for music, drama and arts events

for up to 350 people and should be

completed by July 2011.

www.ashfordbestplaced.co.uk/stmarys

Church renovation underway

Don’t lose your voice – act now to secure your say in 2011

More residents will soon be able to help reduce the amount of waste sent

to landfi ll as the blue box recycling scheme is being extended to a further

9,000 homes bringing the total to around 39,000.

The move comes after the council secured £300,000 of funding from the Waste

& Resource Action Programme (WRAP) and the Kent Waste Partnership’s Service

Improvement Fund.

The popular two weekly kerbside collection service will be extended in February

2011 to those living in the urban developments of Ashford and Tenterden and

more rural areas of the borough.

For more information visit www.ashford.gov.uk/blueboxscheme

On 5 May next year it will be your

chance to vote for the local councillor

you want to represent you on Ashford

Borough Council for the next four

years. You may also be voting in the

proposed UK referendum on changes

to the voting system for parliamentary

elections. But to be able to have your

say you need to be registered to vote.

You need to register every year. If you

haven’t done so already you can be

added to the Register of Electors by

completing a registration form.

Don’t miss out on your chance to vote

– register today.

To fi nd out more visit

www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or call

Electoral Services on 01233 330402.

Blue box recycling scheme expanding

Work to build new council homes for the fi rst time in 30 years continues with Ashford

Borough Council appointing the contractors for the second phase of the project.

I S G Jackson will construct 45 high quality, energy effi cient new homes on ten

brownfi eld sites across the borough providing a mixture of houses, bungalows and fl ats

for local people to rent by late summer 2011.

Construction of the fi rst phase of the project is well underway with new tenants

expected to move in as early as February 2011.

New council homes

Ashford Borough Council is looking to

provide council owned properties with

solar panels which could reduce local

people’s bills and potentially provide the

borough with an income from any

power fed to the National Grid.

The ground breaking initiative could be

rolled out to other council buildings

such as the Civic Centre and even to

private homeowners with the potential

for saving the local economy £900,000

a year.

Power boost for Ashford

Ashford Borough Council is working to

safeguard valuable open space in

Kingsnorth with an innovative project

aimed at involving local people in

managing their local environment.

The aim is to protect and enhance

over 40 hectares of land stretching

through the village from Bridgefi eld to

Knights Park creating new ponds and

other wildlife habitats. Public access

will also be improved with new

footpaths and cycleways thanks to

the project – the fi rst of its kind for

the borough.

Stewardship Grants from Natural

England will allow two tenant farmers

to manage parts of the land and

Kingsnorth Parish Council are

planning to work with local primary

schools to provide educational

opportunities in the area.

There are also plans to form a

community group which will be able

to help plan future projects and take

part in site management.

www.ashford.gov.uk/

kingsnorthurbanfringe

Innovative open space project

£82,000 of growth area funding is

being released to revitalise Ashford’s

skate park with at least fi ve high new

ramps planned for the site.

Skate Park makeover

New Singleton play area Residents of all ages in Singleton have

been putting their ideas forward for a

new park in the area.

Funding has been secured and the

results of the consultation and draft

designs will be unveiled in February.

www.ashford.gov.uk

Every year, the council provides signifi cant support to

voluntary, community and parish organisations across

the borough.

Last year, almost £1million was given out to the community.

But with a national squeeze on public spending, the council is

taking extra steps to ensure the future of community services

that matter most to local residents.

Michelle Byrne, Funding and Partnership

Offi cer, explains: “There are many services,

facilities and events across the borough

run by an army of dedicated individuals

who want the best for their neighbourhood,

and they are supported by the council in

many ways.

“As funding becomes tight on all sides, our job of working out

who to help and how becomes harder, but it is worth it to be

able to give so many very worthy organisations a chance to

thrive and help their communities.”

The council provides fi nancial grants and in-kind support to a

multitude of organisations, using money from the council’s

budget and by fi nding funds from other organisations.

Combined with contributions from Kent County Council,

the total amount spent last year was in the region of £3million.

From refurbishing village halls or local play areas to funding music festivals,

Ashford Borough Council provides ongoing support for important community

projects, and the hard-working groups and individuals who make them happen.

For more information on the council’s priorities, and results of the Save £1million - You Say How borough-wide survey, see pages 16 & 17.

What next?

With government plans to cut fi nancial support to local councils,

Ashford’s overall funding pot is likely to be reduced next year.

But the council has taken steps to prevent blanket cuts across

the board, and to ensure the money is spent in the right places.

Michelle explains: “While money will be very tight next year,

the new way we process applications will make sure the money

we do have is going in the right places.

“The council is making it simpler to apply for funds thanks to the

new Single Grants Gateway where organisations can apply to us

through a single point of contact.

“We’ve also spent a lot of time asking the public what’s

important to them as part of the consultation work carried out

to help form the new 5 Year Business Plan.

“This has enabled us to produce new guidance on the council’s

funding priorities for the coming year, which should give

applicants a better chance of being successful.

“The future might be challenging for us all but Ashford Borough

Council is determined to continue to do all it can to support our

local voluntary and community organisations that do so much

for our borough.”

Helping out the helpers Ashford Volunteer Centre, based in Ashford town centre, has

received several council grants over the years. Manager Sue

Sawyer explains, “the grants we have received have helped us

to reach out to more people, enabled us to

open a temporary offi ce in Tenterden and

most recently to have a presence in a vacant

unit at County Square. Whether a grant is

large or small everything helps and can

make a huge difference in the community.”

Sue added, “We are all facing uncertain times at the moment

but I am confi dent Ashford Borough Council will continue to put

the money it does have to good use, and that it will do an awful

lot of good.”

To fi nd out more about volunteering in your area visit

www.volunteering-ashford.org or call 01233 665535.

Types of grants

There are a range of grants available including for capital and

revenue funding, emergency loans and grants towards

organisational development plus Community Services Grants

of up to £40,000 for projects meeting the council’s priorities.

Does your organisation need help?Voluntary and community groups looking for up to £10,000 of

capital funding and £1,000 of revenue funding, as well as

emergency loans and “change grants”, can make an expression

of interest to the council anytime. Funds for Community Services

Grants have been allocated for the next fi nancial year but in

April 2011 you can apply for 2012/13.

To fi nd out more visit www.ashford.gov.uk/singlegrantsgateway,

email [email protected] or call Michelle Byrne on

01233 330485. > > >

Some of the organisations we support

• Ashford Community Network • Ashford & District Volunteer

Centre • Ashford International Association • Ashford Citizens

Advice Bureau.

Some of the projects given grants this year

• Ashford Carnival • Bethersden Scouts and Guides • Wye Tennis

Club • Woodchurch Memorial Hall.

Some of the ways Ashford Borough Council helps• grants towards refurbishment projects such as village and

other meeting halls, play areas and open spaces

• providing equipment for local sports clubs and leisure facilities

such as the Julie Rose Stadium and Stour Centre

• funding arts and cultural events including Create music

festival, Folk Around the World, Ashford Street Festival and

Tenterden Folk Festival

• providing premises for organisations to work from such as

Ashford Museum and the Singleton Environment Centre

• part-funding posts such as a warden for The Warren and

Hothfi eld Common

• waiving income or providing discretionary business rates

for community groups and enterprises

www.ashford.gov.uk

6 ASHFORD VOICE WINTER 2010/11

Supporting local good causes

Gateway Furniture Project £5,000 for kitchen and toilet facilities

Willesborough Windmill £7,000 towards maintenance plus peppercorn rent

Reynolds Playing Field Charity £5,000 for outdoor gym equipment

Invicta Valliants £500 towards football team for young adults with disabilities

Wealden Wheels £5,000 towards vehicles

www.ashford.gov.uk

Every year, the council provides signifi cant support to

voluntary, community and parish organisations across

the borough.

Last year, almost £1million was given out to the community.

But with a national squeeze on public spending, the council is

taking extra steps to ensure the future of community services

that matter most to local residents.

Michelle Byrne, Funding and Partnership

Offi cer, explains: “There are many services,

facilities and events across the borough

run by an army of dedicated individuals

who want the best for their neighbourhood,

and they are supported by the council in

many ways.

“As funding becomes tight on all sides, our job of working out

who to help and how becomes harder, but it is worth it to be

able to give so many very worthy organisations a chance to

thrive and help their communities.”

The council provides fi nancial grants and in-kind support to a

multitude of organisations, using money from the council’s

budget and by fi nding funds from other organisations.

Combined with contributions from Kent County Council,

the total amount spent last year was in the region of £3million.

From refurbishing village halls or local play areas to funding music festivals,

Ashford Borough Council provides ongoing support for important community

projects, and the hard-working groups and individuals who make them happen.

For more information on the council’s priorities, and results of the Save £1million - You Say How borough-wide survey, see pages 16 & 17.

What next?

With government plans to cut fi nancial support to local councils,

Ashford’s overall funding pot is likely to be reduced next year.

But the council has taken steps to prevent blanket cuts across

the board, and to ensure the money is spent in the right places.

Michelle explains: “While money will be very tight next year,

the new way we process applications will make sure the money

we do have is going in the right places.

“The council is making it simpler to apply for funds thanks to the

new Single Grants Gateway where organisations can apply to us

through a single point of contact.

“We’ve also spent a lot of time asking the public what’s

important to them as part of the consultation work carried out

to help form the new 5 Year Business Plan.

“This has enabled us to produce new guidance on the council’s

funding priorities for the coming year, which should give

applicants a better chance of being successful.

“The future might be challenging for us all but Ashford Borough

Council is determined to continue to do all it can to support our

local voluntary and community organisations that do so much

for our borough.”

Helping out the helpers Ashford Volunteer Centre, based in Ashford town centre, has

received several council grants over the years. Manager Sue

Sawyer explains, “the grants we have received have helped us

to reach out to more people, enabled us to

open a temporary offi ce in Tenterden and

most recently to have a presence in a vacant

unit at County Square. Whether a grant is

large or small everything helps and can

make a huge difference in the community.”

Sue added, “We are all facing uncertain times at the moment

but I am confi dent Ashford Borough Council will continue to put

the money it does have to good use, and that it will do an awful

lot of good.”

To fi nd out more about volunteering in your area visit

www.volunteering-ashford.org or call 01233 665535.

Types of grants

There are a range of grants available including for capital and

revenue funding, emergency loans and grants towards

organisational development plus Community Services Grants

of up to £40,000 for projects meeting the council’s priorities.

Does your organisation need help?Voluntary and community groups looking for up to £10,000 of

capital funding and £1,000 of revenue funding, as well as

emergency loans and “change grants”, can make an expression

of interest to the council anytime. Funds for Community Services

Grants have been allocated for the next fi nancial year but in

April 2011 you can apply for 2012/13.

To fi nd out more visit www.ashford.gov.uk/singlegrantsgateway,

email [email protected] or call Michelle Byrne on

01233 330485. > > >

Some of the organisations we support

• Ashford Community Network • Ashford & District Volunteer

Centre • Ashford International Association • Ashford Citizens

Advice Bureau.

Some of the projects given grants this year

• Ashford Carnival • Bethersden Scouts and Guides • Wye Tennis

Club • Woodchurch Memorial Hall.

Some of the ways Ashford Borough Council helps• grants towards refurbishment projects such as village and

other meeting halls, play areas and open spaces

• providing equipment for local sports clubs and leisure facilities

such as the Julie Rose Stadium and Stour Centre

• funding arts and cultural events including Create music

festival, Folk Around the World, Ashford Street Festival and

Tenterden Folk Festival

• providing premises for organisations to work from such as

Ashford Museum and the Singleton Environment Centre

• part-funding posts such as a warden for The Warren and

Hothfi eld Common

• waiving income or providing discretionary business rates

for community groups and enterprises

www.ashford.gov.uk

Supporting local good causes

Gateway Furniture Project £5,000 for kitchen and toilet facilities

Willesborough Windmill £7,000 towards maintenance plus peppercorn rent

Reynolds Playing Field Charity £5,000 for outdoor gym equipment

Invicta Valliants £500 towards football team for young adults with disabilities

Wealden Wheels £5,000 towards vehicles

www.ashford.gov.uk

Singleton is a young, expanding

community in south Ashford with a

wonderful blend of historic landmarks,

beautiful countryside and modern day

convenience.

From the ancient moated Singleton

Manor, picturesque old mill house and

17th century tithe barn, to its serene lake,

river walks and woodlands, Singleton has

something for everyone.

New kid on the block

Singleton remained relatively untouched

until the early 1980s and in the early years

of development was a stepping stone, a

place where you would live for two or

three years before moving on, but that’s

changed now. People like the area so

much they tend to stay.

As the area grew the Parish of Great Chart

was enlarged to include the new

community in 1987, and over the last

twenty years the population has grown to

over 5,000 people.

Changing faces at Footprints

Gary and Candida

Gibbs are the new

faces at Ashford’s

Footprints Café &

Bistro at The

Singleton

Environment Centre.

Gary grew up in south Ashford but

recently returned from a decade living

abroad. He loves Singleton so much he’s

looking to move there.

“Singleton has really grown, but still

remains one of the nicest parts of south

Ashford. It’s a great place to live for families

with good access to local amenities and

public transport.

“There’s also a great sense of community.

It doesn’t jump out at you straight away,

but scratch beneath the surface and

there it is.”

Beauty………

Jenny Tippen is Chairman of the Ashford

Community Woodland Group which

manages 14 hectares of woodland next to

the Singleton Environment Centre.

She explains, “The woodland was

designed and is now managed by the

local community.

“There’s woodland, birds and other

wildlife, meadows with stunning views

across Ashford and fantastic wooden

sculptures – it’s perfect for a tranquil walk.

“The group

meets once a

month to

carry out

conservation

work. Tasks

can include tree planting, pruning, path

clearing and litter picking. It’s fun, gets you

out in the fresh air and keeps you fi t too!”

The Singleton Environment Centre

opened in 2008. Manager Daniel Jones

explains, “The centre off ers a range of

activities from nature trails, education

visits, volunteering opportunities,

environmental courses to school holiday

activities and function rooms for hire.”

… and the beast?

Not many places can say they have their

own giant, but Singleton does! Flora is

one of seven in Kent, each of which was

inspired by the local area and built by

local people.

She is a focal point for the community,

regularly making her appearance at

events in the area.

Everything you need

The Singleton Centre boasts a doctors,

dentist, post offi ce, chemists, veterinary

surgery, hairdressers, Indian restaurant

and pub. Throw in a village hall, a nursing

home, two thriving schools, and one of

the best youth clubs in the area and you

can see why Singleton has it all.

Key facts

Population: Over 5,000 (Great Chart with Singleton Parish).

Facilities: Doctors surgeries, dental surgery, pharmacy, Anglican

(Parish) Church, village hall, recreation ground, children’s play area,

post offi ce/convenience store, veterinary surgery, hairdressers, estate

agents, charity shop, nursing home, Singleton Environment Centre.

Pubs and restaurants: Singleton Barn, The Swan Inn, Hoodeners

Horse, Singleton Tandoori, Footprints Café & Bistro.

Community/sports groups: Youth club, senior citizens club,

sports societies, cubs, scouts, brownies, guides, ladies social clubs,

WI, church groups, parent and toddler groups, the barrow and

spade brigade.

Schools: Great Chart Primary School, John Wesley Primary School.

Parish Council: Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council meets on

the second Monday every month at 7.30pm. Meetings alternate

between Great Chart Village Hall and the Singleton Environment

Centre. For more details contact the Parish Clerk or visit

www.greatchartwithsingletonpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Parish Clerk: Ms Linda Bussey

Email [email protected]

Telephone 01634 305491.

Councillors’ details: Great Chart with Singleton North WardCllr. Jessamy Blanford

25 Westfi elds, Pluckley, Ashford, Kent, TN27 0PW

Telephone 01233 840050

Singleton South WardCllr. Amanda Hodgkinson

4 Oakleigh House, Watercress Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 5EL

Telephone 07758 482293> > >For more information about Singleton visit

Your community: Singleton life

“Singleton – a modern community in a lovely setting”

Photo by Mick Judd

www.ashford.gov.uk

Parish Council www.greatchartwithsingletonpc.kentparishes.gov.ukSingleton Environment Centre www.btcv.org/kent

Footprints www.ourfootprint.org.uk or call 01233 668308Ashford Community Woodland 01233 622070 or 07952 835063

www.ashford.gov.uk

Singleton is a young, expanding

community in south Ashford with a

wonderful blend of historic landmarks,

beautiful countryside and modern day

convenience.

From the ancient moated Singleton

Manor, picturesque old mill house and

17th century tithe barn, to its serene lake,

river walks and woodlands, Singleton has

something for everyone.

New kid on the block

Singleton remained relatively untouched

until the early 1980s and in the early years

of development was a stepping stone, a

place where you would live for two or

three years before moving on, but that’s

changed now. People like the area so

much they tend to stay.

As the area grew the Parish of Great Chart

was enlarged to include the new

community in 1987, and over the last

twenty years the population has grown to

over 5,000 people.

Changing faces at Footprints

Gary and Candida

Gibbs are the new

faces at Ashford’s

Footprints Café &

Bistro at The

Singleton

Environment Centre.

Gary grew up in south Ashford but

recently returned from a decade living

abroad. He loves Singleton so much he’s

looking to move there.

“Singleton has really grown, but still

remains one of the nicest parts of south

Ashford. It’s a great place to live for families

with good access to local amenities and

public transport.

“There’s also a great sense of community.

It doesn’t jump out at you straight away,

but scratch beneath the surface and

there it is.”

Beauty………

Jenny Tippen is Chairman of the Ashford

Community Woodland Group which

manages 14 hectares of woodland next to

the Singleton Environment Centre.

She explains, “The woodland was

designed and is now managed by the

local community.

“There’s woodland, birds and other

wildlife, meadows with stunning views

across Ashford and fantastic wooden

sculptures – it’s perfect for a tranquil walk.

“The group

meets once a

month to

carry out

conservation

work. Tasks

can include tree planting, pruning, path

clearing and litter picking. It’s fun, gets you

out in the fresh air and keeps you fi t too!”

The Singleton Environment Centre

opened in 2008. Manager Daniel Jones

explains, “The centre off ers a range of

activities from nature trails, education

visits, volunteering opportunities,

environmental courses to school holiday

activities and function rooms for hire.”

… and the beast?

Not many places can say they have their

own giant, but Singleton does! Flora is

one of seven in Kent, each of which was

inspired by the local area and built by

local people.

She is a focal point for the community,

regularly making her appearance at

events in the area.

Everything you need

The Singleton Centre boasts a doctors,

dentist, post offi ce, chemists, veterinary

surgery, hairdressers, Indian restaurant

and pub. Throw in a village hall, a nursing

home, two thriving schools, and one of

the best youth clubs in the area and you

can see why Singleton has it all.

Key facts

Population: Over 5,000 (Great Chart with Singleton Parish).

Facilities: Doctors surgeries, dental surgery, pharmacy, Anglican

(Parish) Church, village hall, recreation ground, children’s play area,

post offi ce/convenience store, veterinary surgery, hairdressers, estate

agents, charity shop, nursing home, Singleton Environment Centre.

Pubs and restaurants: Singleton Barn, The Swan Inn, Hoodeners

Horse, Singleton Tandoori, Footprints Café & Bistro.

Community/sports groups: Youth club, senior citizens club,

sports societies, cubs, scouts, brownies, guides, ladies social clubs,

WI, church groups, parent and toddler groups, the barrow and

spade brigade.

Schools: Great Chart Primary School, John Wesley Primary School.

Parish Council: Great Chart with Singleton Parish Council meets on

the second Monday every month at 7.30pm. Meetings alternate

between Great Chart Village Hall and the Singleton Environment

Centre. For more details contact the Parish Clerk or visit

www.greatchartwithsingletonpc.kentparishes.gov.uk

Parish Clerk: Ms Linda Bussey

Telephone 01634 305491.

Councillors’ details: Great Chart with Singleton North WardCllr. Jessamy Blanford

25 Westfi elds, Pluckley, Ashford, Kent, TN27 0PW

Singleton South WardCllr. Amanda Hodgkinson

4 Oakleigh House, Watercress Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 5EL

Telephone 07758 482293> > >For more information about Singleton visit

Your community: Singleton life

“Singleton – a modern community in a lovely setting”

Photo by Mick Judd

www.ashford.gov.uk

Parish Council www.greatchartwithsingletonpc.kentparishes.gov.ukSingleton Environment Centre www.btcv.org/kent

Footprints www.ourfootprint.org.uk or call 01233 668308Ashford Community Woodland 01233 622070 or 07952 835063

www.ashford.gov.uk

Self confessed dog lover Eileen reckons she’s got the best job

going. But it’s certainly not a job for the faint hearted and after

a year in the role Eileen’s seen it all.

Tell us about yourself

The job was right up my street. I love dogs and have several of my

own including a rescued German Shepherd found dumped in a

ditch one winter when he was about four months old.

Tell us about your role

Councils have a duty to pick up strays, so part of what I do is to

collect them and take them to the local kennels the council has

contracted to look after them. If we’re lucky the dog might just be

lost and will have a collar with a contact number or it might be

microchipped - the best way to ensure we can trace a pet’s owner.

Owners have seven days to claim their dog. If the owner can’t be

found or doesn’t come forward we will then work with the kennels

to re-home them.

Dogs are victims of our

throw-away culture and on

average we have about eight

to nine dogs to re-home per

month. The most commonly

abandoned breeds are

Staff ordshire and other Bull

terriers bought as status

symbols and then dumped.

What else do you do?

The council provides a

microchipping service for

dogs. It’s cheap and we come

out to your home, so it’s

convenient too.

We also provide enforcement and education on dog fouling. We

can issue fi xed penalty notices to people who don’t pick up after

their dog. As neighbourhood offi cers we are also always on the

look out for vandalism, graffi ti, fl y tipping and the like while we are

out on patrol.

What don’t you do?

Councils don’t have powers to deal with dangerous dogs – the

police respond to these incidents. Also, cruelty cases are dealt with

by the RSPCA.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I get a really good feeling when I re-unite a dog with an owner, and

when a dog that has had a sad past gets re-homed to a good home

- I love a happy ending.

And the worst?

Picking up dogs which have been badly mistreated and need

veterinary care - it’s heart breaking how cruel owners can be.

What does the future hold?

As well as what we do now, my

colleague Colin and I will be

providing additional inspection

support for those involved in

the licensing of boarding

kennels, catteries and dog

breeders. These establishments

have to be licensed and are

covered by strict rules aimed at

protecting the health and

welfare of the animals.

Use a breeder licensed by the local council and be confi dent the

animals are being kept in the proper conditions and you are likely

to be getting a healthy puppy, from a happy, healthy mother.

Failing to pick up after your dog can get you a fi ne of up

to £1,000.

Ashford Borough Council provides free bags available at the

Civic Centre, Ashford and Tenterden Gateways and most local

veterinary surgeries.

There’s lots of

information to help

anyone considering

buying a puppy

including a list of

local licensed dog

breeders – but

remember please

don’t buy one at

Christmas!

Find out more at www.ashford.gov.uk/buyingapuppy

A dog is for life not just for Christmas

Every year dogs are abandoned in February and March as the

novelty of the puppies bought as Christmas presents wears off.

The average cost of a dog

over its lifetime is a

staggering £20,000.

So take the advice of the

experts and think before

you buy. Weigh up the

costs involved, and

whether the dog you

are considering is

appropriate for the size

of your home and your

lifestyle.

www.dogstrust.org.uk www.rspca.org.uk

Toby the Airdale gets microchipped.

Eileen Law, one of Ashford Borough Council’s two Canine and Neighbourhood Offi cers

A day in the life of...

Lily – looking for a loving home

Nancy the Bull Terrier has been looking for a home for almost a year.

www.ashford.gov.uk

If you are struggling to look after your dog help is out

there with dog rescue societies for most breeds, the Dogs

Trust, The Lord Whisky Trust in Canterbury and sometimes the

RSPCA will help too.

www.dogstrust.org.uk www.lordwhisky.co.uk www.rspca.org.uk

No need to dump a dog

Don’t be sold a pup

Bag it and bin it

If you have lost your dog or found a stray report

it online at www.ashford.gov.uk/straydogs or call 01233 330340.

www.ashford.gov.uk

Self confessed dog lover Eileen reckons she’s got the best job

going. But it’s certainly not a job for the faint hearted and after

a year in the role Eileen’s seen it all.

Tell us about yourself

The job was right up my street. I love dogs and have several of my

own including a rescued German Shepherd found dumped in a

ditch one winter when he was about four months old.

Tell us about your role

Councils have a duty to pick up strays, so part of what I do is to

collect them and take them to the local kennels the council has

contracted to look after them. If we’re lucky the dog might just be

lost and will have a collar with a contact number or it might be

microchipped - the best way to ensure we can trace a pet’s owner.

Owners have seven days to claim their dog. If the owner can’t be

found or doesn’t come forward we will then work with the kennels

to re-home them.

Dogs are victims of our

throw-away culture and on

average we have about eight

to nine dogs to re-home per

month. The most commonly

abandoned breeds are

Staff ordshire and other Bull

terriers bought as status

symbols and then dumped.

What else do you do?

The council provides a

microchipping service for

dogs. It’s cheap and we come

out to your home, so it’s

convenient too.

We also provide enforcement and education on dog fouling. We

can issue fi xed penalty notices to people who don’t pick up after

their dog. As neighbourhood offi cers we are also always on the

look out for vandalism, graffi ti, fl y tipping and the like while we are

out on patrol.

What don’t you do?

Councils don’t have powers to deal with dangerous dogs – the

police respond to these incidents. Also, cruelty cases are dealt with

by the RSPCA.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I get a really good feeling when I re-unite a dog with an owner, and

when a dog that has had a sad past gets re-homed to a good home

- I love a happy ending.

And the worst?

Picking up dogs which have been badly mistreated and need

veterinary care - it’s heart breaking how cruel owners can be.

What does the future hold?

As well as what we do now, my

colleague Colin and I will be

providing additional inspection

support for those involved in

the licensing of boarding

kennels, catteries and dog

breeders. These establishments

have to be licensed and are

covered by strict rules aimed at

protecting the health and

welfare of the animals.

Use a breeder licensed by the local council and be confi dent the

animals are being kept in the proper conditions and you are likely

to be getting a healthy puppy, from a happy, healthy mother.

Failing to pick up after your dog can get you a fi ne of up

to £1,000.

Ashford Borough Council provides free bags available at the

Civic Centre, Ashford and Tenterden Gateways and most local

veterinary surgeries.

There’s lots of

information to help

anyone considering

buying a puppy

including a list of

local licensed dog

breeders – but

remember please

don’t buy one at

Christmas!

Find out more at www.ashford.gov.uk/buyingapuppy

A dog is for life not just for Christmas

Every year dogs are abandoned in February and March as the

novelty of the puppies bought as Christmas presents wears off.

The average cost of a dog

over its lifetime is a

staggering £20,000.

So take the advice of the

experts and think before

you buy. Weigh up the

costs involved, and

whether the dog you

are considering is

appropriate for the size

of your home and your

lifestyle.

www.dogstrust.org.uk www.rspca.org.uk

Toby the Airdale gets microchipped.

Eileen Law, one of Ashford Borough Council’s two Canine and Neighbourhood Offi cers

A day in the life of...

Lily – looking for a loving home

Nancy the Bull Terrier has been looking for a home for almost a year.

www.ashford.gov.uk

If you are struggling to look after your dog help is out

there with dog rescue societies for most breeds, the Dogs

Trust, The Lord Whisky Trust in Canterbury and sometimes the

RSPCA will help too.

www.dogstrust.org.uk www.lordwhisky.co.uk www.rspca.org.uk

No need to dump a dog

Don’t be sold a pup

Bag it and bin it

If you have lost your dog or found a stray report

it online at www.ashford.gov.uk/straydogs or call 01233 330340.

www.ashford.gov.uk

Christmas looks set to be a sparkling event this year as both

Tenterden and Ashford have plenty planned for the festive

season. There are special events in both towns with Christmas

lights switch-ons, carol-singing and lots more.

Christmas in Ashford – at a glance

County Square

2 December Carol Service 6.15pm

4 December Salvation Army

4 & 5 December Giant snow globe

9 December Ashford Organ Club

11 December Ashford Baptist Church Choir

18 December Ashford Community Choir

19 December Ashford Sings

www.countysquareshoppingcentre.com

Town Centre

5 December Sing up Sunday with Ashford

Hospital Broadcast Service

10 & 17 Kent Fire and Rescue Service

December annual charity collection

12 December Rotary Club Christmas carols

13 December Opera singer Franz Hepburn

18 December Salvation Army Christmas collection

www.ashford.towntalk.co.uk

Tenterden

The fun begins on Friday 3 December when the Christmas

lights will be switched on, setting the town a-glow.

Organised by the Tenterden and District Chamber of

Commerce and Tenterden Improved, this is the night when

the shops will be open until 8pm and it’s also the date of the

annual Best Dressed Window Competition when shop owners

will be creating magical displays.

There’ll be drinks and nibbles in many of the shops, carols and

plenty to keep the children entertained with fairground rides

and street entertainment. Plus, there will be no charge to use

the Ashford Borough Council car parks from 4pm onwards.

Take a steam train ride with Father Christmas himself – the

Kent & East Sussex Railway are running their Santa Special

every weekend from Saturday 4 December until Christmas Eve.

Or visit the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch, always a

magical place at Christmas time.

Christmas in Tenterden – at a glance

3 December Christmas lights switch-on, late night

shopping and best window competition

4 December Santa Specials start at the

Kent & East Sussex Railway

10 December Snow ball event with local

band, Tenterden Club

Church Lane

11 & 12 Santa’s Magical Christmas at the

December Rare Breeds Centre plus Christmas

Gift and Craft Fair

18 & 23 More Santa’s Magical Christmas at the

December Rare Breeds Centre

19 December Carols in the Barn at the Rare Breeds Centre

www.tenterdentown.co.uk

Christmas in the borough

www.ashford.gov.uk

Ashford

Ashford’s lights will be twinkling from 20 November and

there’s plenty planned in the run-up to Christmas.

As well as sporting magical decorations, including an

enchanting animated Christmas scene, County Square has a

line-up of special events to get you in the spirit. There’ll be

carols from the Salvation Army and a special Giant Snow

Globe where you can have a family picture taken.

There’s plenty going on in the town centre too, with special

fundraising events planned by our local

fi refi ghters and others – including a

performance by opera singer

Franz Hepburn.

Free parking in Ashford Borough Council’s car parks across the borough every Sunday from December 5 to 26.

Ashford late night shopping – Thursdays until 8pm.

www.ashford.gov.uk

Christmas looks set to be a sparkling event this year as both

Tenterden and Ashford have plenty planned for the festive

season. There are special events in both towns with Christmas

lights switch-ons, carol-singing and lots more.

County Square

2 December Carol Service 6.15pm

Town Centre

10 & 17 Kent Fire and Rescue Service

December annual charity collection

18 December Salvation Army Christmas collection

Tenterden

The fun begins on Friday 3 December when the Christmas

lights will be switched on, setting the town a-glow.

Organised by the Tenterden and District Chamber of

Commerce and Tenterden Improved, this is the night when

the shops will be open until 8pm and it’s also the date of the

annual Best Dressed Window Competition when shop owners

will be creating magical displays.

There’ll be drinks and nibbles in many of the shops, carols and

plenty to keep the children entertained with fairground rides

and street entertainment. Plus, there will be no charge to use

the Ashford Borough Council car parks from 4pm onwards.

Take a steam train ride with Father Christmas himself – the

Kent & East Sussex Railway are running their Santa Special

every weekend from Saturday 4 December until Christmas Eve.

Or visit the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch, always a

magical place at Christmas time.

Christmas in Tenterden – at a glance

3 December Christmas lights switch-on, late night

shopping and best window competition

4 December Santa Specials start at the

Kent & East Sussex Railway

10 December Snow ball event with local

band, Tenterden Club

Church Lane

11 & 12 Santa’s Magical Christmas at the

December Rare Breeds Centre plus Christmas

Gift and Craft Fair

18 & 23 More Santa’s Magical Christmas at the

December Rare Breeds Centre

19 December Carols in the Barn at the Rare Breeds Centre

www.tenterdentown.co.uk

Christmas in the borough

www.ashford.gov.uk

Ashford

Ashford’s lights will be twinkling from 20 November and

there’s plenty planned in the run-up to Christmas.

As well as sporting magical decorations, including an

enchanting animated Christmas scene, County Square has a

line-up of special events to get you in the spirit. There’ll be

carols from the Salvation Army and a special Giant Snow

Globe where you can have a family picture taken.

There’s plenty going on in the town centre too, with special

fundraising events planned by our local

fi refi ghters and others – including a

performance by opera singer

Franz Hepburn.

Free parking in Ashford Borough Council’s car parks across the borough every Sunday from December 5 to 26.

Ashford late night shopping – Thursdays until 8pm.

But there are ways to make energy

saving improvements to cut your

bills, make your home warmer and

even make you money!

Kent Action to Save Heat (KASH) is a

not-for-profi t scheme backed by Kent’s

12 local authorities. They work in

association with Creative Environmental

Networks (CEN) who have been working

on behalf of the Energy Saving Trust for

over 12 years helping householders,

businesses and communities to create

a better environment.

KASH off ers expert, free and impartial

advice on energy saving measures and

renewable energy systems for the home.

You can fi nd out about grants, discounts

and the best prices in your area for a

range of services including cavity wall

and loft insulation and energy

effi cient boilers.

CEN off er information on all energy

saving technology and can give

unbiased advice on the best value,

quality checked installer in your area.

www.ashford.gov.uk

An Englishman’s home might be his castle, but it can be a battle to keep up with those power bills.

Keep warm, save energy and save money

SaveSave£160£160a yeara year

Doing our bit

Warm Front makes homes warmer,

healthier and more energy-effi cient.

This government-funded initiative provides

a package of insulation and heating

improvements up to £3,500 (or £6,000

where oil, low carbon or renewable

technologies are recommended).

If you own your home or rent it from

a private landlord, you may be eligible

for a grant under the Warm Front Scheme.

It’s a simple four step process from start

to fi nish.

Grants from Warm Front

Find out if you qualify

Warm Front assesses your home and suggests the best improvements for you

Fully trained installers make the improvements

The work is quality checked

Ashford Borough Council is working hard to make local homes

greener and cheaper to run.

• New council homes have energy saving features which include PV panels,

air ground sourced heat pumps and energy effi cient boilers.

• Existing council homes have loft insulation and cavity wall insulation (where

appropriate) and double glazing. All new boilers are energy saving models.

• Housing Services works with local landlords to help create better, more energy

effi cient homes for their tenants.

• Strict planning policies ensure carbon neutral housing developments and

20 to 30 per cent energy generated from renewable sources.

Find out more and apply online

at www.warmfront.co.uk or call

0800 316 2805.

www.kash.org.uk

0800 358 6669

www.cen.org.uk

0800 014 7411

www.ashford.gov.uk

Cavity wall

insulation

Fill the space between the

bricks in your external walls.

It should take around two

hours to complete.

Energy effi cient condensing

boilers

These modern boilers extract more of the

heat lost by older non-condensing types.

Also, boilers over 15 years old become less

effi cient and break down more frequently.

Solar hot water

panels

These can generate up to 70

per cent of your hot water

by harnessing energy from

the sun. As well as reducing

bills they can increase the

value of your home.

ReducesReduces bills & bills &

increases increases house house valuesvalues

Solar electricity photovoltaic (PV)

panels

These generate electricity you can use in your

home. What you don’t use you can export to the

National Grid giving you an income. MakeMake

moneymoney

The insulation has made the house much warmer and easier to heat, and I’m really looking forward to lower fuel bills. With the new system I can also control the heating and hot water separately, which makes a huge difference. The installers worked really hard, were very courteous and always cleaned up after themselves.

Warm Front customer Sylvia Bennett recently had a new boiler and loft insulation installed.

How you can save energy and money

Loft insulation

Everyone knows heat rises,

so make sure you install the

recommended 270mm

(about 11 inches) if

you want to make

a real annual

saving.

But there are ways to make energy

saving improvements to cut your

bills, make your home warmer and

even make you money!

Kent Action to Save Heat (KASH) is a

not-for-profi t scheme backed by Kent’s

12 local authorities. They work in

association with Creative Environmental

Networks (CEN) who have been working

on behalf of the Energy Saving Trust for

over 12 years helping householders,

businesses and communities to create

a better environment.

KASH off ers expert, free and impartial

advice on energy saving measures and

renewable energy systems for the home.

You can fi nd out about grants, discounts

and the best prices in your area for a

range of services including cavity wall

and loft insulation and energy

effi cient boilers.

CEN off er information on all energy

saving technology and can give

unbiased advice on the best value,

quality checked installer in your area.

www.ashford.gov.uk

An Englishman’s home might be his castle, but it can be a battle to keep up with those power bills.

Keep warm, save energy and save money

Doing our bit

Warm Front makes homes warmer,

healthier and more energy-effi cient.

This government-funded initiative provides

a package of insulation and heating

improvements up to £3,500 (or £6,000

where oil, low carbon or renewable

technologies are recommended).

If you own your home or rent it from

a private landlord, you may be eligible

for a grant under the Warm Front Scheme.

It’s a simple four step process from start

to fi nish.

Grants from Warm Front

Find out if you qualify

Warm Front assesses your home and suggests the best improvements for you

Fully trained installers make the improvements

The work is quality checked

Ashford Borough Council is working hard to make local homes

greener and cheaper to run.

• New council homes have energy saving features which include PV panels,

air ground sourced heat pumps and energy effi cient boilers.

• Existing council homes have loft insulation and cavity wall insulation (where

appropriate) and double glazing. All new boilers are energy saving models.

• Housing Services works with local landlords to help create better, more energy

effi cient homes for their tenants.

• Strict planning policies ensure carbon neutral housing developments and

20 to 30 per cent energy generated from renewable sources.

Find out more and apply online

at www.warmfront.co.uk or call

0800 316 2805.

www.kash.org.uk

0800 358 6669

www.cen.org.uk

0800 014 7411

www.ashford.gov.uk

Cavity wall

insulation

Fill the space between the

bricks in your external walls.

It should take around two

hours to complete.

Energy effi cient condensing

boilers

These modern boilers extract more of the

heat lost by older non-condensing types.

Also, boilers over 15 years old become less

effi cient and break down more frequently.

Solar hot water

panels

These can generate up to 70

per cent of your hot water

by harnessing energy from

the sun. As well as reducing

bills they can increase the

value of your home.

ReducesReduces bills & bills &

increases increases house house valuesvalues

Solar electricity photovoltaic (PV)

panels

These generate electricity you can use in your

home. What you don’t use you can export to the

National Grid giving you an income. MakeMake

moneymoney

The insulation has made the house much warmer and easier to heat, and I’m really looking forward to lower fuel bills. With the new system I can also control the heating and hot water separately, which makes a huge difference. The installers worked really hard, were very courteous and always cleaned up after themselves.

Warm Front customer Sylvia Bennett recently had a new boiler and loft insulation installed.

How you can save energy and money

Loft insulation

Everyone knows heat rises,

so make sure you install the

recommended 270mm

(about 11 inches) if

you want to make

a real annual

saving.

www.ashford.gov.uk

To fi nd out more about the council’s 5 Year Business Plan and the results of the Save £1million – You Say How survey visit www.ashford.gov.uk

www.ashford.gov.uk

16 ASHFORD VOICE SUMMER 2010

Council prepared to make £3.7m of savings

You said, we did

In the recent Save £1million – You Say How survey, one of

the council’s biggest ever public consultations, residents were

invited to ‘spend’ a sample council budget and make

important decisions on which public services they would cut,

keep or improve.

The results helped the council decide where savings could

be made, and where extra money should be spent.

T hanks to careful planning and input

from local people Ashford Borough

Council has identifi ed ways of saving

£3.7million while still giving people the

services they value the most.

Back in January the council began work

on the 5 Year Business Plan to save

between 20 and 40 per cent from the

budget in line with anticipated

government cuts.

The council went direct to the public to

ask them which services were most

important to them, and where they

would be prepared to make cuts.

Thanks to a fantastic response from

residents, the council’s future spending

will be infl uenced by real decisions by its

tax payers.

Recommendations were confi rmed at a

meeting of the council’s Executive

Committee on Thursday 11 November.

The cost savings measures will see the

deletion of 40 posts managed by not

fi lling 20 vacant posts, natural turnover,

voluntary redundancies, and

redeployment opportunities.

Chief Executive of

Ashford Borough

Council John Bunnett

said, “Having listened

to local people, we

have made some

tough decisions

about our focus for the next fi ve years,

and what we can aff ord to do and what

we can’t.

“Our business plan charts our course for

the next fi ve years and will be supported

by clear actions and measurable goals to

help us track our progress.”

Leader of Ashford

Borough Council Cllr

Peter Wood added,

“Instead of waiting to

see where the axe fell

in the Comprehensive

Spending Review, we have worked hard

to get a measure of residents’ service

priorities early so that we could make

savings in the right places when required.

“We are very grateful to all the residents

who, through the recent consultations,

have helped the local authority create

more effi cient and eff ective public

services for all.”

• Weekly food waste collections together with general

rubbish and recycling collections on alternate weeks

(no changes to be made before 2013 when the current

waste collection contract expires)

• Increase car parking charges to £1 an hour across the

borough – saving £75k

• Customer service centre opening times reduced to

8.30am to 4pm – saving £25k

• Tourist Information Centre to close with services

moving to the new Ashford Gateway Plus – saving £35k

• Ashford Voice to be switched to online only – saving £50k

Key service changes agreed by you

• Greater focus on improving the borough’s recycling and

waste services

• Creating more activities for young people

• Making housing and the sustainable growth of Ashford

a priority

Key priorities for 2011 to 2015, based on the results of the recent

‘Save £1million – You Say How’ consultation

• Residents opted for the complete closure of Ashford’s

CCTV service. The council will reduce the cost of

running the service saving £75,000 by replacing and

updating technology.

• Residents said arts events should be stopped

completely. The council is considering the results of

the recent separate survey on growing the arts in

Ashford before making changes to the service.

• The public opted to keep leisure, sports and play

facility spend the same. The council aims to make a

saving of £50,000 through better partnership working

or exploring other funding options.

• Residents selected to cut voluntary organisation

grants by the highest amount available – 20 per cent

– but the council agreed to increase this to 33 per cent,

in line with the cuts expected from Central Government.

Where we diff ered

Here’s some of the ways we did what you said

£75k incomeWaste collection & recycling

Street sweeping and litter picking

Grass cutting – parks, public open spaces, roadside verges

Planting schemes in parks and gardens

Youth activities

Leisure centres, sports and play facilities

Active lifestyle activities

Arts venues

Public toilets in rural areas

Pest control

Community centres

Planning enforcement

Property maintenance

New paid for green

waste collection

Keep current

service levels

Reduce service

by 15%

Keep current

service levels

Provide more

Keep current

service levels

Keep current

service levels

Keep current

service levels

Handover to

Parish Councils

Keep current

service levels

Stop subsidies

Keep current

service levels

Spend 20% less

Save £50k

£25k increase in spending

Save £50k

£10k increase

Save £200k

Save £50k

www.ashford.gov.uk

To fi nd out more about the council’s 5 Year Business Plan and the results of the Save £1million – You Say How survey visit www.ashford.gov.uk

www.ashford.gov.uk

16 ASHFORD VOICE SUMMER 2010

Council prepared to make £3.7m of savings

You said, we did

In the recent Save £1million – You Say How survey, one of

the council’s biggest ever public consultations, residents were

invited to ‘spend’ a sample council budget and make

important decisions on which public services they would cut,

keep or improve.

The results helped the council decide where savings could

be made, and where extra money should be spent.

T hanks to careful planning and input

from local people Ashford Borough

Council has identifi ed ways of saving

£3.7million while still giving people the

services they value the most.

Back in January the council began work

on the 5 Year Business Plan to save

between 20 and 40 per cent from the

budget in line with anticipated

government cuts.

The council went direct to the public to

ask them which services were most

important to them, and where they

would be prepared to make cuts.

Thanks to a fantastic response from

residents, the council’s future spending

will be infl uenced by real decisions by its

tax payers.

Recommendations were confi rmed at a

meeting of the council’s Executive

Committee on Thursday 11 November.

The cost savings measures will see the

deletion of 40 posts managed by not

fi lling 20 vacant posts, natural turnover,

voluntary redundancies, and

redeployment opportunities.

Chief Executive of

Ashford Borough

Council John Bunnett

said, “Having listened

to local people, we

have made some

tough decisions

about our focus for the next fi ve years,

and what we can aff ord to do and what

we can’t.

“Our business plan charts our course for

the next fi ve years and will be supported

by clear actions and measurable goals to

help us track our progress.”

Leader of Ashford

Borough Council Cllr

Peter Wood added,

“Instead of waiting to

see where the axe fell

in the Comprehensive

Spending Review, we have worked hard

to get a measure of residents’ service

priorities early so that we could make

savings in the right places when required.

“We are very grateful to all the residents

who, through the recent consultations,

have helped the local authority create

more effi cient and eff ective public

services for all.”

• Weekly food waste collections together with general

rubbish and recycling collections on alternate weeks

(no changes to be made before 2013 when the current

waste collection contract expires)

• Increase car parking charges to £1 an hour across the

borough – saving £75k

• Customer service centre opening times reduced to

8.30am to 4pm – saving £25k

• Tourist Information Centre to close with services

moving to the new Ashford Gateway Plus – saving £35k

• Ashford Voice to be switched to online only – saving £50k

Key service changes agreed by you

• Greater focus on improving the borough’s recycling and

waste services

• Creating more activities for young people

• Making housing and the sustainable growth of Ashford

a priority

Key priorities for 2011 to 2015, based on the results of the recent

‘Save £1million – You Say How’ consultation

• Residents opted for the complete closure of Ashford’s

CCTV service. The council will reduce the cost of

running the service saving £75,000 by replacing and

updating technology.

• Residents said arts events should be stopped

completely. The council is considering the results of

the recent separate survey on growing the arts in

Ashford before making changes to the service.

• The public opted to keep leisure, sports and play

facility spend the same. The council aims to make a

saving of £50,000 through better partnership working

or exploring other funding options.

• Residents selected to cut voluntary organisation

grants by the highest amount available – 20 per cent

– but the council agreed to increase this to 33 per cent,

in line with the cuts expected from Central Government.

Where we diff ered

Here’s some of the ways we did what you said

£75k incomeWaste collection & recycling

Street sweeping and litter picking

Grass cutting – parks, public open spaces, roadside verges

Planting schemes in parks and gardens

Youth activities

Leisure centres, sports and play facilities

Active lifestyle activities

Arts venues

Public toilets in rural areas

Pest control

Community centres

Planning enforcement

Property maintenance

New paid for green

waste collection

Keep current

service levels

Reduce service

by 15%

Keep current

service levels

Provide more

Keep current

service levels

Keep current

service levels

Keep current

service levels

Handover to

Parish Councils

Keep current

service levels

Stop subsidies

Keep current

service levels

Spend 20% less

Save £50k

£25k increase in spending

Save £50k

£10k increase

Save £200k

Save £50k

www.ashford.gov.uk18 ASHFORD VOICE AUTUMN 2010

Michael Ierace Piano Recital6 December

Award winning Australian Michael Ierace, has

received many awards and performed in the

Queen Elizabeth Hall at London’s Southbank

Centre. His programme will include Brahms,

Handel, Clementi, Chopin and Schumann.

William Staff ord (clarinet)Hiroaki Takenouchi (piano)7 February 2011

Experienced orchestral musician, William Staff ord

and award winning Hiroaki Takenouchi will be

performing Brahms, Schumann and THE Fantasy-

Sonata by John Ireland.

Ashford Music Society

Norton Knatchbull School, Hythe Road, Ashford

Tickets £12 (Adults) and £3 (Students) available

on the door or by calling Hilary Pittock on

01233 623700.

The Tim Kliphuis Quartet(violin, bass, guitar and piano)14 March 2011

World renowned Dutch jazz violinist, Tim Kliphuis

is joined by one of Britain’s fi nest jazz pianists,

Dave Newton, and the great Len Skeat will

provide the swinging bass.

Find out more about other local events on www.ashford.gov.uk/events

Holding an event you want Ashford Voice to feature? Call: 01233 330209 Email: [email protected]

What’s onCraft Fair and Community Open Day 11 December – 10.00am – 3.00pm FREE entry

Homewood School, Tenterden

Craft and community stalls, and Santa’s Grotto!

01580 764222

www.homewood-school.co.uk

Ashford Choral Society Concert19 February 2011 – 7.30pm

Wye Church

Conductor: Mark Deller, Baritone Piran Legg

Tickets: 01233 622081, 01233 629165

and Wye Newsagents

www.ashfordchoral.org.uk

Christmas Calorie Burner

1 – 31 December

Stour Centre, Julie Rose Stadium and

Kingsnorth Recreation Centre. Pay a one off fee

of just £25 for induction plus use of gym,

Health Suite, swimming pool (during public

sessions) and all group fi tness classes for a 30

day period. No Joining fees.

Christmas Fun Camps

at the Julie Rose Stadium

20 – 23 December 8.15am till 5pm

Sports based and arts & crafts activities for

children aged 5-14 years.

Tickets: Half day £8, full day £16

Julie Rose Stadium: 01233 613131

Stour Centre: 01233 663503

www.thestourcentre.co.uk

Ashford Leisure Trust gets into the festive season

22 January, 19 February, 19 March 2011

7:30pm to 11pm

Hothfi eld Village Hall, Park Drive, Hothfi eld

Enjoy American style barn dancing with

attitude! No experience or partner required.

01233 625362 www.contrafusion.co.uk

Want to try Barn Dancing?

Godinton House

& Gardens

4 & 5 December

Longbow Archery Christmas

Pudding Shoot

20 December

A Christmas Carol

Puppets, carols and audience interaction -

a Christmas treat for all the family.

Pre-booking is advised for all events.

01233 620773

www.godinton-house-gardens.co.uk

11 & 12 December and 18 – 23 December

Santa’s Magical Christmas

Featuring traditional Christmas as it should be with

Santa and his helpers, stories, songs and a truly

magical atmosphere. Plus the join in ‘one man’

pantomime.

11 & 12 December

Christmas Gift and Craft

The perfect opportunity to

see Santa and treat yourself

to local crafts, gifts and

goodies!

19 December

Carols in the Barn

Pre-booking advised.

01233 861493

www.rarebreeds.org.uk

Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre

18 November – 24

December

Giant winter maze,

snow machines and a

log cabin for roasted

chestnuts & mulled

For more information and opening times visit

www.ashforddesigneroutlet.co.uk

Woodchurch Film Society Launch night Friday 7 January 2011Watch the latest fi lms on your doorstep thanks to brand new projection equipment at Woodchurch Village Hall.

For more information visit www.woodchurch-pc.gov.uk, or Woodchurch Film Society on Facebook.

Farmers’ & Country MarketsWye, The Green 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month,

9am - noon

Christmas Specials

4 December - 10.15 and 11am

Christmas carols with the Faversham Mission

18 December

Christmas

Market with a

visit from Paddy

the Donkey,

mistletoe, and a

performance by

Lyminge Hand

Bell Ringers.

07804 652156

[email protected]

Rolvenden, St. Marys ChurchEvery Thursday, 10am-noon

01424 855636

www.kfma.org.uk

Challock, Challock

Memorial Hall1st and 3rd Saturday of each month,

1pm-4pm

Keeping you warm this winter homemade

soup and bread rolls, as well as tea, coff ee and

cakes. Great Christmas gifts at the craft stalls.

Christmas Special

3 December, 3pm - 4pm

Mikki the clown will be brightening up the

market and entertaining the children in the

Audrey Allen room.

01233 740979

www.kfma.org.uk

Egerton, Millennium HallEvery Friday 2pm to 4.30pm

01233 756533

www.kfma.org.uk

Warehorne, Village Hall4th Sunday of each month, 10am – 12.30pm

01233 733718

Christmas Special

19 December

Carols, mince pies and mulled wine.

01233 733718

www.kfma.org.uk

Town Centre

10 & 17 December Kent Fire and Rescue

Service annual charity collection

18 December Salvation Army Christmas

collection

County Square

2 December Carol Service

6.15pm

4 December Salvation

Singleton Environment Centre Green Gym – Mondays 10am - 1pm

Try your hand at some conservation tasks whilst keeping fi t, healthy and having fun! Free Entry for all.

01233 666519

Health Walks – Fridays at 10am

Take a fast paced walk or a slower stroll with our guides for an hour in the surrounding countryside.

01233 666519

Footprints Carvery – Sundays 12pm - 3pm

For a choice of locally reared meats, seasonal Kentish vegetables and all the trimmings, topped off with homemade dessert.

To book call 01233 668308

Call to artists – South East Open StudiosSouth East Open Studios is an annual artist-led event

running for 2 weeks in June, and is open to all artists

and makers working in Kent and East Sussex.

Membership details and application forms available

from the website, www.seos-art.org, or send

A4 s.a.e. to SEOS, 186 Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford,

Kent TN25 4NX.

Deadline for applications: end January 2011.

How Ashford is

celebrating Christmas…

Pantos

Robin Hood4 December to 16 January Marlowe Theatre Arena, Canterbury01227 787787www.newmarlowetheatre.org.uk

Aladdin23 December to 23 JanuaryLeas Cliff Hall, Folkestone01303 228600www.leascliff hall.org.uk

Stickman 13 to 22 December

Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury01227 769075www.kent.ac.uk/gulbenkian

Aladdin2 - 4 December

Village Hall, Bethersden

Tickets: Bethersden Post Offi ce and Marchants Butchers or call 01233 820650

Cinderella10 – 12 December

Brake Hall, Ashford SchoolAdults: £10, Children: £5, Family Deal (2 adults + 2 children): £25

Senior citizens (Friday and Sunday matinee only): £5

Tickets: 01233 331961 Enquiries: 01233 712513 or 07980 475813

www.ashford.gov.uk ASHFORD VOICE AUTUMN 2010 19

Christmas at Ashford Designer Outlet

Michael Ierace Piano Recital6 December

Award winning Australian Michael Ierace, has

received many awards and performed in the

Queen Elizabeth Hall at London’s Southbank

Centre. His programme will include Brahms,

Handel, Clementi, Chopin and Schumann.

William Staff ord (clarinet)Hiroaki Takenouchi (piano)7 February 2011

Experienced orchestral musician, William Staff ord

and award winning Hiroaki Takenouchi will be

performing Brahms, Schumann and THE Fantasy-

Sonata by John Ireland.

Ashford Music Society

Norton Knatchbull School, Hythe Road, Ashford

Tickets £12 (Adults) and £3 (Students) available

on the door or by calling Hilary Pittock on

01233 623700.

The Tim Kliphuis Quartet(violin, bass, guitar and piano)14 March 2011

World renowned Dutch jazz violinist, Tim Kliphuis

is joined by one of Britain’s fi nest jazz pianists,

Dave Newton, and the great Len Skeat will

provide the swinging bass.

Find out more about other local events on www.ashford.gov.uk/events

Holding an event you want Ashford Voice to feature? Call: 01233 330209 Email: [email protected]

What’s onCraft Fair and Community Open Day 11 December – 10.00am – 3.00pm FREE entry

Homewood School, Tenterden

Craft and community stalls, and Santa’s Grotto!

01580 764222

www.homewood-school.co.uk

Ashford Choral Society Concert19 February 2011 – 7.30pm

Wye Church

Conductor: Mark Deller, Baritone Piran Legg

Tickets: 01233 622081, 01233 629165

and Wye Newsagents

www.ashfordchoral.org.uk

Christmas Calorie Burner

1 – 31 December

Stour Centre, Julie Rose Stadium and

Kingsnorth Recreation Centre. Pay a one off fee

of just £25 for induction plus use of gym,

Health Suite, swimming pool (during public

sessions) and all group fi tness classes for a 30

day period. No Joining fees.

Christmas Fun Camps

at the Julie Rose Stadium

20 – 23 December 8.15am till 5pm

Sports based and arts & crafts activities for

children aged 5-14 years.

Tickets: Half day £8, full day £16

Julie Rose Stadium: 01233 613131

Stour Centre: 01233 663503

www.thestourcentre.co.uk

Ashford Leisure Trust gets into the festive season

22 January, 19 February, 19 March 2011

7:30pm to 11pm

Hothfi eld Village Hall, Park Drive, Hothfi eld

Enjoy American style barn dancing with

attitude! No experience or partner required.

01233 625362 www.contrafusion.co.uk

Want to try Barn Dancing?

Godinton House

& Gardens

4 & 5 December

Longbow Archery Christmas

Pudding Shoot

20 December

A Christmas Carol

Puppets, carols and audience interaction -

a Christmas treat for all the family.

Pre-booking is advised for all events.

01233 620773

www.godinton-house-gardens.co.uk

11 & 12 December and 18 – 23 December

Santa’s Magical Christmas

Featuring traditional Christmas as it should be with

Santa and his helpers, stories, songs and a truly

magical atmosphere. Plus the join in ‘one man’

pantomime.

11 & 12 December

Christmas Gift and Craft

The perfect opportunity to

see Santa and treat yourself

to local crafts, gifts and

goodies!

19 December

Carols in the Barn

Pre-booking advised.

01233 861493

www.rarebreeds.org.uk

Christmas at the Rare Breeds Centre

18 November – 24

December

Giant winter maze,

snow machines and a

log cabin for roasted

chestnuts & mulled

For more information and opening times visit

www.ashforddesigneroutlet.co.uk

Woodchurch Film Society Launch night Friday 7 January 2011Watch the latest fi lms on your doorstep thanks to brand new projection equipment at Woodchurch Village Hall.

For more information visit www.woodchurch-pc.gov.uk, or Woodchurch Film Society on Facebook.

Farmers’ & Country MarketsWye, The Green 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month,

9am - noon

Christmas Specials

4 December - 10.15 and 11am

Christmas carols with the Faversham Mission

18 December

Christmas

Market with a

visit from Paddy

the Donkey,

mistletoe, and a

performance by

Lyminge Hand

Bell Ringers.

07804 652156

[email protected]

Rolvenden, St. Marys ChurchEvery Thursday, 10am-noon

01424 855636

www.kfma.org.uk

Challock, Challock

Memorial Hall1st and 3rd Saturday of each month,

1pm-4pm

Keeping you warm this winter homemade

soup and bread rolls, as well as tea, coff ee and

cakes. Great Christmas gifts at the craft stalls.

Christmas Special

3 December, 3pm - 4pm

Mikki the clown will be brightening up the

market and entertaining the children in the

Audrey Allen room.

01233 740979

www.kfma.org.uk

Egerton, Millennium HallEvery Friday 2pm to 4.30pm

01233 756533

www.kfma.org.uk

Warehorne, Village Hall4th Sunday of each month, 10am – 12.30pm

01233 733718

Christmas Special

19 December

Carols, mince pies and mulled wine.

01233 733718

www.kfma.org.uk

Town Centre

10 & 17 December Kent Fire and Rescue

Service annual charity collection

18 December Salvation Army Christmas

collection

County Square

2 December Carol Service

6.15pm

4 December Salvation

Singleton Environment Centre Green Gym – Mondays 10am - 1pm

Try your hand at some conservation tasks whilst keeping fi t, healthy and having fun! Free Entry for all.

01233 666519

Health Walks – Fridays at 10am

Take a fast paced walk or a slower stroll with our guides for an hour in the surrounding countryside.

01233 666519

Footprints Carvery – Sundays 12pm - 3pm

For a choice of locally reared meats, seasonal Kentish vegetables and all the trimmings, topped off with homemade dessert.

To book call 01233 668308

Call to artists – South East Open StudiosSouth East Open Studios is an annual artist-led event

running for 2 weeks in June, and is open to all artists

and makers working in Kent and East Sussex.

Membership details and application forms available

from the website, www.seos-art.org, or send

A4 s.a.e. to SEOS, 186 Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford,

Kent TN25 4NX.

Deadline for applications: end January 2011.

How Ashford is

celebrating Christmas…

Pantos

Robin Hood4 December to 16 January Marlowe Theatre Arena, Canterbury01227 787787www.newmarlowetheatre.org.uk

Aladdin23 December to 23 JanuaryLeas Cliff Hall, Folkestone01303 228600www.leascliff hall.org.uk

Stickman 13 to 22 December

Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury01227 769075www.kent.ac.uk/gulbenkian

Aladdin2 - 4 December

Village Hall, Bethersden

Tickets: Bethersden Post Offi ce and Marchants Butchers or call 01233 820650

Cinderella10 – 12 December

Brake Hall, Ashford SchoolAdults: £10, Children: £5, Family Deal (2 adults + 2 children): £25

Senior citizens (Friday and Sunday matinee only): £5

Tickets: 01233 331961 Enquiries: 01233 712513 or 07980 475813

Christmas at Ashford Designer Outlet

Your council

Licensed to thrill?Don’t forget, if you’re organising a

Christmas or New Year’s event for

the public and your event involves

music, dancing or the sale of

alcohol, you will need to get a

Temporary Event Notice from

Ashford Borough Council.

The last date you can submit an application for New Year’s

Eve is Tuesday 14 December so contact the Licensing Section

without delay on 01233 330578.

Census 2011- Help tomorrow take shape

The Offi ce for National Statistics

(ONS) carries out a census every

ten years to fi nd out more

about the people who live in

England and Wales and about

the make-up of local

neighbourhoods.

The next census will take place

on 27 March 2011, when ONS

will be sending out questionnaires for around 25 million

households to complete.

The census asks about work, health, national identity,

citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes,

language, religion, marital status and more. These statistics are

then used by local authorities like Ashford Borough Council to

identify local needs for public services. Central government

funding for these is directly related to how many and what kind

of people the census shows live in our area. So even if the

census were to end up just a few households short, it could

make a very real diff erence to people’s lives.

The census needs to include everyone, everywhere – and that’s

why everyone has to take part.

To fi nd out more including Census job opportunities

visit www.ashford.gov.uk/census2011

Christmas and New Year domestic refuse collection

Normal Collection Day

Monday 27 December

Tuesday 28 December

Wednesday 29 December

Thursday 30 December

Friday 31 December

Monday 3 January 2011

Tuesday 4 January 2011

Wednesday 5 January 2011

Thursday 6 January 2011

Friday 7 January 2011

* Please place your waste out for 6am on these days

Collections may be up to one day later than shown

Blue Box recycling collection

Monday 27 December

Tuesday 28 December

Friday 31 December

For further information call 01233 331111

Don’t miss the last post this Christmas

Royal Mail’s recommended last posting dates for the UK are:

1st Class Tuesday 21 December

2nd Class Saturday 18 December

Standard Parcels Wednesday 15 December

International Airmail

Monday 6th December

South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Far East,

Asia, New Zealand and Australia

Friday 10th December

Japan, USA, Canada and Eastern Europe

Monday 13th December

Western Europe

For other services, including Parcelforce

visit www.royalmail.com

Help with housing debtMortgage or rent arrears? At risk of losing your home?

You can get help right now from Ashford Citizens Advice Bureau.

They can...

• Advise how to manage your

• Help negotiate with creditors

• Represent you at the County

• and much more

Get dedicated debt advice at:

Ashford Gateway, Park Mall, Ashford

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9.30 – 12.30

Tenterden Gateway, Manor Row, Tenterden

Monday 9.30 – 12.30

Citizens Advice Bureau, Norwood Road, Ashford

Monday to Friday 9.30 – 11.30

Don’t delay - contact them today. Call Citizens Advice on

01233 626185. Call Housing Plus on 01233 330368.

www.ashford.gov.uk/housingplus

Revised Collection Day

* Wednesday 29 DecemeberNormal collection

Normal collection

* Tuesday 4 January 2011

* Wednesday 29 December

Normal collection

Do something amazing in 2011 – give blood96% of us rely on the other 4% to give blood; why not make 2011

the year you stop leaving it to someone else.

You can give blood if you’re generally healthy and aged between

17 and 65.

To fi nd out more including when and where you can go to

give blood visit www.blood.co.uk> > >

Help test our fl ood defencesOne of the biggest emergency exercises to take place in the UK

is planned for 4 to 11 March 2011 to test responses to severe

fl ooding from rivers, the sea, reservoirs, groundwater and

surface water.

Along with all the emergency responders, organisers need

communities, schools and local businesses to help make Exercise

Watermark a real success.

By getting involved, local communities can make sure their

neighbourhoods are ready for a fl ood if and when it happens.

To register or fi nd out more visit

www.exercisewatermark.co.uk

There are facilities available throughout the borough to recycle

most materials including your Christmas trees and other green

waste. For more information, and to fi nd a recycling centre near

you, please visit www.ashford.gov.uk/recycling

You can fi nd the borough’s main recycling centre at:

Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate

Brunswick Road

Ashford

TN23 1EL

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 8am – 4:30pm

Sunday and Bank Holidays: 9am – 4pm

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Recycling

Your council

Licensed to thrill?Don’t forget, if you’re organising a

Christmas or New Year’s event for

the public and your event involves

music, dancing or the sale of

alcohol, you will need to get a

Temporary Event Notice from

Ashford Borough Council.

The last date you can submit an application for New Year’s

Eve is Tuesday 14 December so contact the Licensing Section

without delay on 01233 330578.

Census 2011- Help tomorrow take shape

The Offi ce for National Statistics

(ONS) carries out a census every

ten years to fi nd out more

about the people who live in

England and Wales and about

the make-up of local

neighbourhoods.

The next census will take place

on 27 March 2011, when ONS

will be sending out questionnaires for around 25 million

households to complete.

The census asks about work, health, national identity,

citizenship, ethnic background, education, second homes,

language, religion, marital status and more. These statistics are

then used by local authorities like Ashford Borough Council to

identify local needs for public services. Central government

funding for these is directly related to how many and what kind

of people the census shows live in our area. So even if the

census were to end up just a few households short, it could

make a very real diff erence to people’s lives.

The census needs to include everyone, everywhere – and that’s

why everyone has to take part.

To fi nd out more including Census job opportunities

visit www.ashford.gov.uk/census2011

Christmas and New Year domestic refuse collection

Monday 27 December

Tuesday 28 December

Friday 31 December

* Please place your waste out for 6am on these days

Blue Box recycling collection

Monday 27 December

Tuesday 28 December

Friday 31 December

For further information call 01233 331111

Don’t miss the last post this Christmas

Royal Mail’s recommended last posting dates for the UK are:

1st Class Tuesday 21 December

2nd Class Saturday 18 December

Standard Parcels Wednesday 15 December

International Airmail

Monday 6th December

South & Central America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Far East,

Asia, New Zealand and Australia

Friday 10th December

Japan, USA, Canada and Eastern Europe

Monday 13th December

Western Europe

For other services, including Parcelforce

visit www.royalmail.com

Help with housing debtMortgage or rent arrears? At risk of losing your home?

You can get help right now from Ashford Citizens Advice Bureau.

They can...

• Advise how to manage your

• Help negotiate with creditors

• Represent you at the County

• and much more

Get dedicated debt advice at:

Ashford Gateway, Park Mall, Ashford

Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9.30 – 12.30

Tenterden Gateway, Manor Row, Tenterden

Monday 9.30 – 12.30

Citizens Advice Bureau, Norwood Road, Ashford

Monday to Friday 9.30 – 11.30

Don’t delay - contact them today. Call Citizens Advice on

01233 626185. Call Housing Plus on 01233 330368.

www.ashford.gov.uk/housingplus

* Wednesday 29 DecemeberNormal collection

Normal collection

* Wednesday 29 December

Normal collection

Do something amazing in 2011 – give blood96% of us rely on the other 4% to give blood; why not make 2011

the year you stop leaving it to someone else.

You can give blood if you’re generally healthy and aged between

17 and 65.

To fi nd out more including when and where you can go to

give blood visit www.blood.co.uk> > >

Help test our fl ood defencesOne of the biggest emergency exercises to take place in the UK

is planned for 4 to 11 March 2011 to test responses to severe

fl ooding from rivers, the sea, reservoirs, groundwater and

surface water.

Along with all the emergency responders, organisers need

communities, schools and local businesses to help make Exercise

Watermark a real success.

By getting involved, local communities can make sure their

neighbourhoods are ready for a fl ood if and when it happens.

To register or fi nd out more visit

www.exercisewatermark.co.uk

There are facilities available throughout the borough to recycle

most materials including your Christmas trees and other green

waste. For more information, and to fi nd a recycling centre near

you, please visit www.ashford.gov.uk/recycling

You can fi nd the borough’s main recycling centre at:

Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate

Brunswick Road

Ashford

TN23 1EL

Opening Hours

Monday to Saturday: 8am – 4:30pm

Sunday and Bank Holidays: 9am – 4pm

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Recycling

Get in touch Readers offers and competitionsHow to contact Ashford Borough Council

8.30am – 5.30pm Monday to Thursday

8.30am – 5.00pm Friday

Typetalk 01233 330744

Out of Hours/Emergency 01233 629911

24 hour Payment Line 01233 330625

Fax 01233 645654

Online www.ashford.gov.uk

Post Ashford Borough Council

Civic Centre, Tannery Lane

Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PL

Visit Customer Contact Centre,

Civic Centre

Out and about Ashford Gateway, 14 Park Mall,

Ashford, Kent, TN24 8RY

Tel: 0845 8 247 247

9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday

9.00am – 4.00pm Saturday

Tenterden Gateway, 2 Manor Row,

Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HP

Tel: 01580 762558

Gateway online

Email: [email protected]

Online: www.ashfordgateway.co.uk

Council services and useful information

Kent County Council

Website www.kent.gov.uk

24 Hour Helpline 0845 8 247 247

Environment & Waste 0845 8 247 600

Highways and Transport 0845 8 247 800

(including roadworks, pot holes and street lighting)

Kent Libraries 01622 671411

Social Care & Health 0845 8 247 100

Trading Standards 01622 221012

Emergency Services

If it’s an emergency dial 999, otherwise, use the numbers below:

Kent Police (Ashford & Tenterden) 01303 850055

Community Safety Unit 01233 330891

William Harvey Hospital 01233 633331

Leisure & Tourism

Stour Centre 01233 663503

Julie Rose Stadium 01233 613131

Kingsnorth Recreation Centre 01233 503846

Ashford Tourist Information Centre 01233 629165

Pitchside & Courtside 01233 896511

(formerly Ashford Mini Soccer Centre)

Other useful phone numbers

Ashford’s Future 01233 330812

Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185

Environment Agency 0870 8 506506

(polluted ditches and watercourses)

Fraudline (benefi t fraud) 0800 026 2456

Floodline 0845 988 1188

December

Tuesday 7th - Joint Transportation Board Wednesday 8th - Planning CommitteeThursday 9th - Executive Tuesday 14th - Audit Committee Thursday 16th - Council Tuesday 21st - Overview & Scrutiny

January 2010

Wednesday 12th - Planning CommitteeThursday 13th - Executive Monday 17th - Licensing and Health & Safety CommitteeTuesday 25th - Overview & Scrutiny

February 2010

Tuesday 1st - Audit Committee Wednesday 9th - Planning Committee Thursday 10th - ExecutiveThursday 17th - CouncilTuesday 22nd - Overview & Scrutiny

Ashford Borough Council Committee Meeting Dates

Christmas and New Year opening hours Normal hours apply unless stated below.

Civic CentreFriday 24th December: Closed Saturday 25th December: ClosedSunday 26th December: Closed Monday 27th December: Closed Tuesday 28th December: Closed Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 5pm (Phones open 8.30am – 5.30pm)Thursday 30th December: 9am – 5pm (Phones open 8.30am – 5.30pm)Friday 31st December: 9am – 4pm (Phones open 8.30am – 4pm)Saturday 1st January: Closed

Sunday 2nd January: ClosedMonday 3rd January: Closed

Tenterden GatewayFriday 24th December: 9am – 1pm Saturday 25th December: ClosedSunday 26th December: Closed Monday 27th December: Closed Tuesday 28th December: Closed Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 5.30pm Thursday 30th December: 9am – 5.30pm Friday 31st December: 9am – 4pm Saturday 1st January: ClosedSunday 2nd January: Closed

Monday 3rd January: Closed

Ashford GatewayFriday 24th December: Closed Saturday 25th December: ClosedSunday 26th December: Closed Monday 27th December: Closed Tuesday 28th December: Closed Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 5pm Thursday 30th December: 9am – 5pm Friday 31st December: 9am – 4pm Saturday 1st January: ClosedSunday 2nd January: ClosedMonday 3rd January: Closed

Previous winners: Wye Beauty Pamper Session: J Rowland, Kennington Wife of Bath Dinner for Two: T Bartram, Willesborough Stour Centre Membership: C Bradley, Wye

Win tickets to the panto Nothing says Christmas better than a panto and Ashford

Voice has tickets for a family of four to see Robin Hood at

the Marlowe Theatre Arena, Canterbury in January.

Boo TV favourite John Thomas as the Sheriff of

Nottingham, cheer for Robin Hood played by CBeebies

presenter Sid Sloane and laugh your socks off at local

comedy legend Dave Lee as Friar Tuck.

While the Marlowe Theatre undergoes a magical transformation Robin Hood

will take place in the fully heated, state of the art Marlowe Theatre Arena

which has a new, improved layout ensuring everyone has a great view.

Find out more or book tickets at www.newmarlowetheatre.org.uk

To enter simply answer the question and return the completed entry form to:

Panto Competition, Ashford Voice, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford,

Kent, TN23 1PL. Closing Date: 20 December 2010

Why not beat the winter blues with a trip to the

cinema and thanks to Cineworld you could be

going free as Ashford Voice has tickets to give

away for four lucky families.

Cineworld Ashford is located in the Eureka

Entertainment Centre by junction 9 of the M20,

with easy access by car or the local E-line bus and free parking. With 12

screens there’s always plenty for everyone to enjoy and now they also show

classic fi lms and live performances from the National Theatre.

For more information visit www.cineworld.co.uk

For bookings call 0870 500 5000

For your chance to win simply answer the question and return the completed

entry form to: Cineworld Competition, Ashford Voice, Civic Centre,

Tannery Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PL. Closing Date: 20 December 2010

Win tickets to the movies

Name: ...............................................................................................

Address: ...........................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

Postcode: ........................... Tel No: ..............................................

Email: ................................................................................................

Tick if you wish to receive further information from Ashford Borough Council

and partners involved in the plans for Ashford’s future. For a full list of our Terms

and Conditions, please refer to our website, www.ashford.gov.uk/competitions

or write to us at the address on Page 2.

Q Where is the Barbara-Ann Clark Fine Foods &

Delicatessen shop?

A .......................................................................................................

Delve into a hamper full of delicious treats this

Christmas. Thanks to Barbara-Ann Clark Fine Foods &

Delicatessen one family could be tucking into fantastic

festive fare.

Discover fi ne foods, local jams, chutneys, olive oils,

biscuits, or pop in for coff ee , lunch or cream teas at the

Evegate Business Park, Smeeth. Try homemade cakes,

pastries and local cheeses. You can also order hampers,

mince pies, Christmas cakes, puddings and sausage rolls.

For more information visit www.barbara-annclark.co.uk or call

01303 813175.

To enter simply answer the question and return the completed entry form

to: Christmas Hamper Competition, Ashford Voice, Civic Centre,

Win a yummy Christmas hamper

Name: ...............................................................................................

Address: ...........................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

Postcode: ........................... Tel No: ..............................................

Email: ................................................................................................

Q How many screens does Cineworld Ashford have?

A .......................................................................................................

Name: ............................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

Postcode: ........................... Tel No: ...........................................

Email: .............................................................................................

Q Robin Hood is associated with which forest?

A ....................................................................................................

Get in touch Readers offers and competitionsHow to contact Ashford Borough Council

Typetalk 01233 330744

Out of Hours/Emergency 01233 629911

24 hour Payment Line 01233 330625

Fax 01233 645654

Online www.ashford.gov.uk

Post Ashford Borough Council

Civic Centre, Tannery Lane

Ashford, Kent, TN23 1PL

Visit Customer Contact Centre,

Civic Centre

Out and about Ashford Gateway, 14 Park Mall,

Ashford, Kent, TN24 8RY

Tel: 0845 8 247 247

Tenterden Gateway, 2 Manor Row,

Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6HP

Tel: 01580 762558

Gateway online

Email: [email protected]

Online: www.ashfordgateway.co.uk

Council services and useful information

Kent County Council

Website www.kent.gov.uk

24 Hour Helpline 0845 8 247 247

Environment & Waste 0845 8 247 600

Highways and Transport 0845 8 247 800

(including roadworks, pot holes and street lighting)

Kent Libraries 01622 671411

Social Care & Health 0845 8 247 100

Trading Standards 01622 221012

Emergency Services

If it’s an emergency dial 999, otherwise, use the numbers below:

Kent Police (Ashford & Tenterden) 01303 850055

Community Safety Unit 01233 330891

William Harvey Hospital 01233 633331

Leisure & Tourism

Stour Centre 01233 663503

Julie Rose Stadium 01233 613131

Kingsnorth Recreation Centre 01233 503846

Ashford Tourist Information Centre 01233 629165

Pitchside & Courtside 01233 896511

(formerly Ashford Mini Soccer Centre)

Other useful phone numbers

Ashford’s Future 01233 330812

Citizens Advice Bureau 01233 626185

Environment Agency 0870 8 506506

(polluted ditches and watercourses)

Fraudline (benefi t fraud) 0800 026 2456

Floodline 0845 988 1188

December

Tuesday 7th - Joint Transportation Board Wednesday 8th - Planning CommitteeThursday 9th - Executive Tuesday 14th - Audit Committee Thursday 16th - Council Tuesday 21st - Overview & Scrutiny

January 2010

Wednesday 12th - Planning CommitteeThursday 13th - Executive Monday 17th - Licensing and Health & Safety CommitteeTuesday 25th - Overview & Scrutiny

February 2010

Tuesday 1st - Audit Committee Wednesday 9th - Planning Committee Thursday 10th - ExecutiveThursday 17th - CouncilTuesday 22nd - Overview & Scrutiny

Ashford Borough Council Committee Meeting Dates

Christmas and New Year opening hours Normal hours apply unless stated below.

Civic CentreFriday 24th December: Closed Saturday 25th December: ClosedSunday 26th December: Closed Monday 27th December: Closed Tuesday 28th December: Closed Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 5pm (Phones open 8.30am – 5.30pm)Thursday 30th December: 9am – 5pm (Phones open 8.30am – 5.30pm)Friday 31st December: 9am – 4pm (Phones open 8.30am – 4pm)Saturday 1st January: Closed

Sunday 2nd January: ClosedMonday 3rd January: Closed

Tenterden GatewayFriday 24th December: 9am – 1pm Saturday 25th December: ClosedSunday 26th December: Closed Monday 27th December: Closed Tuesday 28th December: Closed Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 5.30pm Thursday 30th December: 9am – 5.30pm Friday 31st December: 9am – 4pm Saturday 1st January: ClosedSunday 2nd January: Closed

Monday 3rd January: Closed

Ashford GatewayFriday 24th December: Closed Saturday 25th December: ClosedSunday 26th December: Closed Monday 27th December: Closed Tuesday 28th December: Closed Wednesday 29th December: 9am – 5pm Thursday 30th December: 9am – 5pm Friday 31st December: 9am – 4pm Saturday 1st January: ClosedSunday 2nd January: ClosedMonday 3rd January: Closed

Previous winners: Wye Beauty Pamper Session: J Rowland, Kennington Wife of Bath Dinner for Two: T Bartram, Willesborough Stour Centre Membership: C Bradley, Wye

Win tickets to the panto Nothing says Christmas better than a panto and Ashford

Voice has tickets for a family of four to see Robin Hood at

the Marlowe Theatre Arena, Canterbury in January.

Boo TV favourite John Thomas as the Sheriff of

Nottingham, cheer for Robin Hood played by CBeebies

presenter Sid Sloane and laugh your socks off at local

comedy legend Dave Lee as Friar Tuck.

While the Marlowe Theatre undergoes a magical transformation Robin Hood

will take place in the fully heated, state of the art Marlowe Theatre Arena

which has a new, improved layout ensuring everyone has a great view.

Find out more or book tickets at www.newmarlowetheatre.org.uk

To enter simply answer the question and return the completed entry form to:

Panto Competition, Ashford Voice, Civic Centre, Tannery Lane, Ashford,

Kent, TN23 1PL. Closing Date: 20 December 2010

Why not beat the winter blues with a trip to the

cinema and thanks to Cineworld you could be

going free as Ashford Voice has tickets to give

away for four lucky families.

Cineworld Ashford is located in the Eureka

Entertainment Centre by junction 9 of the M20,

with easy access by car or the local E-line bus and free parking. With 12

screens there’s always plenty for everyone to enjoy and now they also show

classic fi lms and live performances from the National Theatre.

For more information visit www.cineworld.co.uk

For bookings call 0870 500 5000

For your chance to win simply answer the question and return the completed

entry form to: Cineworld Competition, Ashford Voice, Civic Centre,

Win tickets to the movies

Name: ...............................................................................................

Address: ...........................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

Postcode: ........................... Tel No: ..............................................

Email: ................................................................................................

Q Where is the Barbara-Ann Clark Fine Foods &

Delicatessen shop?

A .......................................................................................................

Delve into a hamper full of delicious treats this

Christmas. Thanks to Barbara-Ann Clark Fine Foods &

Delicatessen one family could be tucking into fantastic

festive fare.

Discover fi ne foods, local jams, chutneys, olive oils,

biscuits, or pop in for coff ee , lunch or cream teas at the

Evegate Business Park, Smeeth. Try homemade cakes,

pastries and local cheeses. You can also order hampers,

mince pies, Christmas cakes, puddings and sausage rolls.

For more information visit www.barbara-annclark.co.uk or call

01303 813175.

To enter simply answer the question and return the completed entry form

to: Christmas Hamper Competition, Ashford Voice, Civic Centre,

Win a yummy Christmas hamper

Name: ...............................................................................................

Address: ...........................................................................................

.............................................................................................................

Postcode: ........................... Tel No: ..............................................

Email: ................................................................................................

Q How many screens does Cineworld Ashford have?

A .......................................................................................................

Name: ............................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

Postcode: ........................... Tel No: ...........................................

Email: .............................................................................................

Q Robin Hood is associated with which forest?

A ....................................................................................................

NEWS•LIFE•INFO

www.ashford.gov.uk

Enjoy fantastic discounts and special offers by using the new Ashford Best loyalty card - free in this issue of Ashford Voice.

Come into town and look out for the loyalty card window sticker at participating shops and businesses.

Show your loyalty card when buying goods and services and start saving today.

For the latest offers and participating businesses visit www.ashfordbest.co.uk

Information Line 01233 330367

Find your loyalty card inside Ashford Voice

www.ashford.gov.uk

Enjoy a brrrilliant Christmas

You said, we did

ashford voice winter 2010

Documents

ashford voice winter

ashford voiceprint

issue of ashford voice

edition of ashford voice

borough magazine

loyalty card window

free cinema tickets

winter blues