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64 Returning to school routine after the long summer break can be a challenge for kids. After weeks of relaxation and freedom, there may be some resistance or anxiety about returning to normal routines. Try these tips to make for a smoother start to term. Gradual Transition - Start preparing for the school routine a week or two before term begins. Gradually adjust bedtimes and wake-up times to align with the school schedule. This will help children readjust their internal clocks and establish a consistent sleep routine. Implement structure - Establish a daily routine that includes dedicated time for homework, extracurricular activities, relaxation, and socialization. A predictable routine helps children feel a sense of security and control, making the transition smoother. Open Communication - Create an open and supportive environment for your child to express any concerns about returning to school. Encourage them to share their feelings and listen attentively without judgment. Validate their emotions and offer reassurance to alleviate their anxiety and build confidence. Visit the School – Arrange a visit to the school before the term starts, especially if your child is transitioning to a new school. The school doesn’t have to be open. Familiarize them with the journey and the surroundings. This can help alleviate anxiety by creating a sense of familiarity. If you can find a floorplan of the school look for key areas, like the reception, dinner hall and playground. Connect with Friends - Encourage your child to reconnect with school friends before the term begins. Arrange a playdate or an outing to help them reestablish connection as well as boost their excitement about returning to school. Positive Reinforcement – Talk about the positive aspects of school, such as reuniting with friends, engaging in favourite subjects, school trips and extracurricular activities. Remind your child of past enjoyable experiences. Address Anxiety - If your child is very anxious, it's essential to provide additional support. Teach them relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises, to manage anxiety symptoms. Consider seeking professional help from your GP or a therapist who specializes in working with children. Problem-Solving - If your child refuses to return to school, try to identify the underlying reasons. It could be related to academic struggles, social difficulties, or bullying. Address the specific concerns by working collaboratively with the school, teachers, or other professionals to find appropriate solutions and support. Stay Positive - As a parent, maintaining a positive attitude and expressing confidence in your child's ability to navigate the school routine is crucial. Show excitement for the new school year, emphasize the learning opportunities, and highlight their strengths and abilities. Remember, each child's needs are unique, and the transition process may take time. Be patient, flexible, and supportive throughout the adjustment period. By implementing these strategies and offering unwavering support, you can help ease your child back into the school routine and set the stage for a successful academic year. By Sarah Davey Easing kids back into school.
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67 How to challenge your energy bill In the last few weeks, the news has been filled with some absolutely horrifying stories about ludicrous energy bills that clearly can’t possibly be true. What’s particularly frustrating is the abject failure of some energy firms to acknowledge that these bills are wrong. Often a basic check to see if a meter is ‘working’ is enough for some legitimate complaints to be dismissed. However, you should always fight back. I’ve been working on a few shocking cases for Rip Off Britain (out in August and October!) But until then, check out my guide on what to do if your bill doesn’t seem right. How to turn detective if your bill seems wrong Many of the people I speak to who are worried about energy prices feel bamboozled by their bills. This is because energy billing is complicated and can be affected by lots of random elements. But don’t worry, here’s what you can do. Start with the meter readings. If you have an ancient meter (like me) then it’s really easy to read the dials wrong. So photo your gas and energy meter dials and send those to the firm. Most energy businesses can check pictures for you to see if they match up with the right reading. We still have a bit of a ‘service hangover’ from the pandemic. So your energy supplier may well have been working off estimates for a long time. If that’s the case, then you may be able to appeal the bill even if the meter turns out to be working properly. Dig out the bills and check when the meter was last read by the firm. There’ll be a code on your bill that explains whether the readings are estimated, officially read or sent by smart meter. If you or your energy provider suspect the meter might be faulty, they may ask you to provide daily meter readings for seven days to see if there’s an obvious problem. If the readings make no sense, it’s for the energy firm to come up with answers and solutions. This should involve sending out engineers to assess the meter’s performance or even a forensic analysis of your bills. Don’t forget, if all else fails, you can make a formal complaint to the business and go to the Energy Ombudsman if they don’t sort things out. Breaking the rules by back billing Regulator Ofgem has a number of rules that businesses are supposed to follow – but don’t assume they are behaving properly. One of the things that businesses aren’t allowed to do (but still do) is ‘back billing’. If an energy firm sends you a new bill that covers a period that is older than the last year, they should not be charging you for it (as long as you haven’t deliberately dodged meter readings). They are only allowed to charge you for only for the most recent 12 months. This is for new bills though. If you have an outstanding debt that you were correctly billed for at the time, the business can pursue it for up to six years. However, if you think you’ve not been treated fairly then you should make a formal complaint. Nonsensical charges I’ve seen some horror stories lately, including an older lady living alone, who was charged £12,000 for one year of energy use and a couple who moved in to a new home and were hit with a bill for £6,000 for six weeks of energy use. These bills are clearly errors. It’s not your job to work out why – it’s the responsibility of the business. Tell them to suspend all debt recovery while the matter is fully investigated and keep pushing back. They are supposed to be the experts – and can write off debts if they want to. The Energy Ombudsman Don’t forget that the Energy Ombudsman is a free alternative to the courts that you can go to if the business does not resolve your complaint. www.ombudsman-services.org/ sectors/energy Martyn James is a leading consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist. Consumer Rights
68 ON THER UN ON THE RUN Personal trainer to the stars Matt Roberts explains how to get started with running and explore the great outdoors in your region. He's on a mission to get more people hooked on running in the great outdoors. "Running gives a great sense of achievement and success," Matt says. "Running outside is certainly more challenging, but surely more rewarding and fun. The weather can be intimidating some days but if you are well covered and prepared once you start your running, you are half-way there." He says research shows that nature has a powerful restorative effect that goes way beyond pounding on a treadmill in the gym. "Training on uneven ground boosts muscle strength, and exercising outdoors increases mental agility and elevates your mood." Using the weather as an excuse won't wash either - Matt says running outdoors is an activity for all seasons. "In summer sunshine, you get your recommended daily top up of vitamin D, and in winter, you burn up calories as your body uses extra energy to maintain its core temperature. "Outdoor exercise bolsters the immune system too. Studies show that moderate outdoor athletes get 20% to 30% fewer colds than non-exercisers." Still not convinced? Running outdoors is also cost-friendly - all you need is a comfortable pair of running shoes and some warm, breathable running kit. Matt advises checking with your doctor first if you have any particular health worries, otherwise it's absolutely fine to start training. "The most common excuses I hear from people are about their injuries - a past knee or ankle injury is a common example," he says. "Injuries are certainly not to be neglected, but they can be prevented and worked through. Often people suffer from injuries and use that as an excuse not to run for a very long time, but if you prepare for your running by warming up, building up your programme and cooling down at the end of
69 your training by stretching, your running will improve hugely." If you do overdo it, place a cold compress around areas in pain, such as your knees and thighs. When used cold, the compress can help relieve pain and reduce swelling associated with sports-type injuries. Motivation is usually the biggest hurdle for most runners, whether they're lacing up their trainers for the first time in years or can set times to rival Paula Radcliffe. Matt says reluctant runners may find it easier to run with a friend, and setting short-term goals will help you stay on track. "Involve family and friends as they'll keep you inspired, and believe in yourself and the power of positive visualisation," he says. "There's no reason why you can't achieve your goals." MATTS TOP TRAINING TIPS… Whether you're training for a half-marathon, a 5km fun run or just want to run around the park without stopping, Matt has some sound advice... 1. Planning is the key: "The more time you spend realistically planning your training regime before you start, the more you can relax and feel confident," he says. "The most common fault when attempting an endurance event for the first time is to take it easy at first, then panic that you have not done enough and then over-train, causing injury and fatigue." 2. Look after yourself: "Make sure that you keep your muscles in good condition and they will protect your bones and joints." Matt suggests building plenty of muscle strengthening work into the early stages of your training plan to help your body cope. Don't forget to help your muscles recover with lots of stretching and massage. 3. Pace yourself: By the halfway mark of your training you should be used to running at 'race pace', Matt says. "A great way of learning pacing is to use a technique called 'out and back'," he explains. "Whatever distance you are training for, find a route that is half that distance. Aim to run to the turn at a good pace, but aim to be able to run the same pace on the return leg. Over time you can go quicker and longer, but always make sure your time out and back are the same. 4. Remember to rest: Your training plan should have all your work done at 10 days before the race so that your body can recover and prepare for the day. "Don't be tempted to sneak another run in a couple of days before the race, it will not help," Matt says. Relax, eat and drink well and stretch or have a massage. Go for a short easy run to prepare the legs the day before the event and you'll be in great shape. For more information about Matt Roberts, visit https://www.mattroberts.co.uk “Training on uneven ground boosts muscle strength, and exercising outdoors increases mental agility and elevates your mood.” Images: shutterstock.com
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74 Across: 7. Thigh bone (5) 8. Cock (7) 9. Raise (7) 10. Incense (5) 12. Spiteful (10) 15. Reinforce (10) 18. Additional (5) 19. Climate (7) 21. Cattle thief (7) 22. Annoyed (5) Down: 1. Bubble (10) 2. Urge (5) 3. Operatic song (4) 4. Mourn (6) 5. Drowsy (8) 6. Totter (7) 11. Degenerating (10) 13. Yearly (8) 14. Dissent (7) 16. Cheap and showy (6) 17. Cool (5) 20. Measure of land (4) CROSSWORD SUDOKU Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.
Education Primary Schools Cartwright & Kelsey C of E Primary School, School Road, Ash 01304 812539 Eastry C of E Primary School, Cooks Lea, Eastry 01304 611360 Goodnestone Church of England Primary School, The Street, Goodnestone 01304 840329 Hornbeam Primary School Mongeham Rd, Gt Mongeham 01304 374033 Northbourne Primary School, Coldharbour Lane, Northbourne 01304 611376 Preston Primary School, Mill Lane, Preston. 01227 722235 Sandwich Infant School, School Road, Sandwich 01304 612228 Sandwich Junior School, St Barts Rd, Sandwich 01304 612227 Wingham Primary School, School Lane, Wingham 01227 720277 Worth County Primary,The Street, Worth 01304 612148 St Bart’s Out of School Centre, Sandwich Junior School, St Bart’s Rd, Sandwich [4-11yrs] 01304 619800 Secondary Schools Sandwich Technology School, Deal Rd, Sandwich,CT13 0FA 01304 613071 [email protected] Sir Roger Manwood’s Grammar School, Manwood Rd, Sandwich, CT13 9JX [email protected] 01304 613286 Independent Schools Kent College, Canterbury Senior School 01227 763231 Junior School 01227 762436 www.kentcollege.com Northbourne Park School, Bettshanger, Deal 01304 611215 / 611218 www.northbournepark.com St Lawrence College Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE Junior School 01843 572912 Senior School 01843 572931 www.slcuk.com St Faith’s at Ash Prep School, The Street, Ash CT3 2HH, 01304 813409 www.stfaithsprep.com [email protected] Wellesley House, Broadstairs , CT10 2DG, 01843 862991 www.wellesleyhouse.org Dover College Infants / Juniors Effingham Crescent, Dover, 01304 244506 Dover College [11-18 years] 01304 205969 Nursery & Pre School Bubbles Nursery,Wilmott Place, Eastry 01304 615487 Busy Bees Pre - School, Worth Village Hall, Worth,CT14 0DE 07912 555537 www.busybeesworth.co.uk Sandcastles Nursery at St Faith’s Prep School The Street, Ash CT3 2HH 01304 813409 www.stfaithsprep.com [email protected] St Bart’s Day Nurseries, 17 Dover Rd, Sandwich CT13 OBS 1304 1304 615129 [email protected] See Saw Pre-School, Wingham Village Hall,School Lane, Wingham 07851057213 Staple Pre - School, Village Hall, Mill Lane, Staple 07816 841429 Parent & Toddler Preston Tots Preston Village Hall, Mill Lane, Preston CT3 IHB Fridays 10-11.30am @PrestonTots 07799356817 Mums & Toddlers, Ash Village Hall Mondays 10.00 -11.30am 01304 813249 Toddler Group, Church Hall, Parish Church of St Clement, Sandwich Tuesdays 1.30-3.00pm Staple P & T Staple Village Hall Wednesday 1.15 - 2.45pm Humpty Dumpty, Eastry Village Hall Thursdays 10 -12 [term time only] Contact Lisa / Karen 01304 613238 Tiny Tots, Sandcastles Nursery at St Faith’s Prep School, 5, The Street Ash CT3 2HH Free session-open to everyone. Further Education Canterbury College, New Dover Rd, Canterbury 01227 811188 www.canterburycollege.ac.uk Canterbury Christchurch University, North Holmes Rd, Canterbury 01227 767700 Adult Education WEA. Adult Education across East Kent www.weaeastkent.org Kent Adult Education Service, College Rd, Sittingbourne 0846 6065600 The Sandwich Times 75
Ash Library Ash Village Hall 01304 812440 Sandwich Library 13 Market St, Sandwich 03000 41 31 31 [email protected] Tuesday,Thursday, Friday 9.30 am-5.00 pm Saturday 9.30am -3pm PCs and Wi-Fi need to be booked in advance Citizens Advice Bureau, Dover, Deal & District -Sandwich 01304 612811 Thurs 10.00 -15.00 www.doverdealadvice.co.uk Citizens Rights for Older People 01227 789777 Department of Social Security / Benefits Agency 01304 868000 Social Services 01304 204915 The Pension Service 0845 606265 White Cliffs Housing Association 01304 829152 Alcoholics Anonymous 01227 455557 www.eastkentaa.org Carer’s Support Dover District & Thanet 80 Middle St, Deal,CT14 6HL 01304 364637 [email protected] www.carers-doverdistrictandthanet.org Families Anonymous 08451 200 660 www.famanon.org.uk Narcotics Anonymous 07071 501 260 www.ukna.org Al-Anon Family Groups 020 7403 0888 www.al-anon.org.uk JobcentrePlus, Dover 01304 866100 Kent Highways 03000 418181 www.kent.gov.uk/ roads_and_transport.aspx Sandwich Town Council Town Clerk’s Office, Guildhall Sandwich, CT13 9AH 01304 617197 Dover District Council 01304 821199 Dover District Council Sandwich Area Office Guildhall - Tuesday/Thursday 9am -12.30, 1.30 - 4.30pm 01304 821199 Kent County Council County Hall, Maidstone 03000 414141 Tourist Information The Guildhall, Sandwich 01304 613565 The Phoenix Centre Jubilee Rd, Sandwich CT13 0QP 01304 611106 / 07727 165307 www.thephoenixcentre.org Sandwich Fire Station Ash Rd, Sandwich 01304 617774 Eastry Fire Station 01304 717799 National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 Port of Dover 01304 240400 Stagecoach East Kent 0870 2433711 P & 0 Ferries 08716 642121 DFDS 08715747235 KENT POLICE 101 [non- emergencies] 999 [in emergencies] [email protected] Churches Canterbury Cathedral 01227 762862 www.canterbury-cathedral.org The Carpenters Arms, Sandwich 07855 366589 01304 721627 Deal Salvation Army, West Street, Deal CT14 6AZ 01304 375398 www.dealsalvationarmy.org.uk St Nicholas Church The Street, Ash 01304 812296 St Mary the Virgin Church St, Eastry 01304 611323 St Mary the Virgin, Wingham The church is currently in vacancy Contact Churchwarden 01227 720734 St Clements C of E The Rectory, Knightrider Street, Sandwich 01304 613138 Sandwich United Reformed Church, Cattle Market, Sandwich 01304 617834 www.sandwich-urc.co.uk St Andrews Roman Catholic St Georges Rd, Sandwich 01304 374870 St Richards & St Nicholas Sholden 01304 374076 St James the Great, Staple 01304 612586 St Mary the Blessed Virgin Woodnesborough 01304 612586 St Peter & St Paul, Worth 01304 613138 Church Community & The Sandwich Times 76
Doctors Sandwich Medical Practice 01304 619790 www.sandwichmedicalpractice.co.uk The Surgery Chilton Place, Ash 01304 812227 Wingham Surgery 2 North Court Road, Wingham 01227 720205 Hospitals NHS Victoria Hospital, London Road, Deal 01304 865400 QEQM Ramsgate Road, Margate CT9 4AN 01843 225544 Kent & Canterbury, Ethelbert Rd, Canterbury 01227 766877 Buckland Hospital, Coombe Valley Rd, Dover CT17 0HD 01304 222510 William Harvey Hospital Kennington Road, Willesborough, Ashford TN24 0LZ 01233 633331 Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust 01227 795050 [email protected] Patient Advice & Liaison Service [PALS] 0800 0856606 [email protected] Dentists New Street Dental Practice, Sandwich, CT13 9BB 01304 806513 www.newstreetdentalpractice.co.uk Preston House Dental Practice 29 High St, Sandwich 01304 612075 Wingham Dental Practice 66 High St, Wingham 01227 720284 Healthcare The Sandwich Times Your Local Member of Parliament Craig Mackinlay MP South Thanet Tel 01843 603242 [email protected] Private Medical Services BMI Chaucer Nackington Rd,Canterbury 01227 825100 Spencer Wing, QEQM Ramsgate Road, Margate 01843 234555 Chemists Boots Pharmacy 22, The Street, Ash 01304 812242 Eastry Pharmacy The Cross, Eastry 01304 611362 Boots Pharmacy 12 Market St, Sandwich 01304 612047 Urgent 999 Tibetan Buddhist group jhampa.org.uk Zoom meetings Thursday 7.30 pm 77
Cinemas Empire Cinema Delf Street, Sandwich 01304 620480 Silver Screen Cinema Castle Street, Dover 01304 228000 Odeon Cinema Canterbury 08712 244 007 Vue Westwood Cross, Thanet 08712 240 240 Cineworld, Ashford Eureka Entertainment Centre Ashford 0871 200 2000 Theatres Marlow Theatre, Canterbury 01227 787787 www.marlowtheatre.com Theatre Royal, Margate 0845 1301786 Art Galleries Turner Contemporary, Margate, Kent CT9 1HG 01843 233000 www.turnercontemporary.org www.theatreroyalmargate.com St Mary’s Arts Centre Sandwich 0794 1982455 www.stmarysartscentre.org.uk St Peters Church, Sandwich 01304 617295 www.visitchurches.org.uk/ sandwich Castles Deal Castle, Marine Rd, Deal, CT14 7BA 01304 372762 www.english-heritage.org.uk/deal Dover Castle, Castle Hill, Dover CT16 1HU www.english-heritage.org.uk/dover Richborough Castle, Sandwich CT13 9JW, 01304 612013 www.english-heritage.org.uk/ richborough Walmer Castle, Kingsdown Rd, Deal, CT14 7LJ www.english-heritage.org.uk/walmer Sports Facilities Sandwich Leisure Centre Deal Rd, Sandwich, 01304 614947 The Fitness Connection, High Street, Sandwich 01304 614000 Ash Bowls Club, Moat Lane, Ash 01304 813629 [email protected] Ash RFC [Youth Section] Ash Recreation Ground, Queens Rd, www.pitchero.com/clubs/ashrfc/ 07889 519800 Sandwich Lawn Tennis Club Sandown Rd, Sandwich www.sandwichtennis.net Sandwich Town Cricket Club The Butts & Gazen Salts Recreation Grounds. 01304 617 357 www.sandwichtown.play-cricket.com Wingham Tennis Club Wingham Recreation Ground 07956 354990 [email protected] Jelly Legs Running Club Canterbury, Whitstable & Deal 01227 830984 www.jelly-legs.co.uk Local sights & walks White Mill Rural Heritage Centre, The Causeway, Ash Rd, Sandwich 07754 147496 Sandwich Bay Bird Observatory Trust, Guildford Rd, Sandwich Bay 01304 617341 www.sbbot.co.uk Betteshanger Park [email protected] 01304 619227 Gazen Salts Nature Reserve, Strand St. Sandwich 07889866959 Monk’s Wall Nature Reserve 01304 617197 [Contact Town Clerk -Guildhall] Stodmarsh Nature Reserve Stodmarsh, Canterbury 07767 321053 www.naturalengland.org.uk Stour Valley Walk www.kent.gov.uk/leisure Saxon Shore Way www.kent.gov.uk/leisure Sandwich River Bus & Seal Spotting 07958376183 www.sandwichriverbus.co.uk www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk www.visitthanet.co.uk www.visitkent.co.uk Sport & Leisure The Sandwich Times 78
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81 SOLUTIONS Coffee Break Solutions Crossword solutions Sudoku solution Across: 7 Femur; 8 Rooster; 9 Elevate; 10 Anger; 12 Malevolent; 15 Strengthen; 18 Extra; 19 Weather; 21 Rustler; 22 Riled. Down: 1 Effervesce; 2 Impel; 3 Aria; 4 Grieve; 5 Comatose; 6 Stagger; 11 Retrograde; 13 Annually; 14 Protest; 16 Tawdry; 17 Chill; 20 Acre.
82 A & S Self Storage Age Concern Amanda’s Workroom Appliances For You Ash Physiotherapy B & H Fireplaces Bell Hotel Blaxland Breaks Blitz Services Buckland Chimney Sweeps Bumper 2 Bumper CG Gardens Carer - Margarida Rodrigues Carinya Landscapes Carpenter - John Lazenby Castles Cat’s Eye Carving Chiropodist - Caroline du Toit Citizen’s Advice - Dover & Deal Class Cars Clearview Shutters Computer Repairs - Jason Burt Connections4You Deal Bed & Suite Centre Deal Mobility DJ Plumbing Services Dover College Effie McLean Elite Blinds Fitness Connection Foundry Clinic Fox Tyres Gibsons Farm Shop Giles Watt - Carpenter Guilton Forge Garage Highway Motors Hot Dog Groomers Hugh Cooke - Builder Hutson Electrical Services J. A .Kaye Building Services J. Dilnot Smith & Son Kent Elevators and Platforms Kent Mowing Kerri Collins - Photographer Kim Wood KM Roofing Konect Electrical Lady Elegance & Chaps Malibu Grains Mobile Foot Clinic Mr. R. Crick Northbourne Park School Ossies Fish & Chips Owen Hearing PHT- Painting / Decorating Pilgrims Hospice Pit Stop Plumber - Bill Ray Poppy’s Play Park Preston Butchers Princes Golf Club RK Brickwork Robinson Motors Rose Inn, Wickhambreaux Sally Roberts - Foot Health Sandwich Animal Feeds Sandwich Art’s Week Sandwich Cars Sandwich Decorating Services Sandwich in Bloom Sandwich River Runner Sandwich Window Cleaners Secure Inheritance Seniors Helping Seniors Sovereign Upholstery States of Walmer Stellina Kitchens Su Shades The Hunt Gallery The Power of Three Concert The Victorian House Tree Surgeon - Matt McKay Trevor Laker Engineering 12 Potter Street Hair Salon Vegas Kitchens Walmer Tiles WS Cole White Mill Veterinary Centre White Mills Wake Wingham Woodburning Stoves Worth Tool Hire Wright & Shadwell THE SANDWICH TIMES INDEX 19 72 38 27 37 25 83 4 62 20 63 45 37 47 56 22 20 35 36 59 7 22 49 25 35 45 2 5 19 11 33 63 84 63 29 58 55 56 65 43 28,37 35 45 65 4 59 29 5 56 32 47 7 6 36 55 57 4 42 55 21 10,26 63 62 56 37 55 73 63 42 80 6 38 6 32 27 29 25 27 4 14,15 17 45 45 6 23 43 38 53 39 52 47 22
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