1 times sandwich Spring 2024 The DELIVERED FREE TO HOMES IN SANDWICH & SANDWICH BAY Plus SURROUNDING VILLAGES WINGHAM, ASH, STAPLE, EASTRY, WORTH, PRESTON, ICKHAM, WOODNESBOROUGH, WICKHAMBREAUX, CHILLENDEN & GOODNESTONE View the magazine online at www.thesandwichtimes.com
2
3 Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise - without prior permission of the publisher. Editor - Catherine Russell 07813 177690 [email protected] www.thesandwichtimes.com Welcome to the Spring Edition of The Sandwich Times At last, Spring is around the corner - one of the best things about this time of year is the promise of good things to come ! Mothering Sunday falls on Sunday 10th March and then 2024 brings an early Easter weekend - 29th March- Ist April. The two May Bank Holidays are this year on 6th and 27th. Let’s hope the weather is kind and we are able to get out in the garden to enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends in our lovely corner of Kent. As per usual Sandwich has a number of Events on during 2024, starting with the popular 40’s Weekend on 4th - 6th May - full details can be found on p.66. Enjoy your read, and see you in the Summer. 40 4 Contents Fashion 8 Food & Drink 14 Health 32 Gardening 44 Travel 50 Motoring 60 Coffee Break 64 Kids Corner 70 Solutions 81 Education 75 Church & Com. 76 Healthcare 77 Sport & Leisure 78 28 8 Catherine Catherine Russell - Editor 12 8 14 50 32
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 The association of chocolate eggs with Easter is a delightful convergence of cultural, religious, and culinary histories. Spanning centuries and continents, the story of how chocolate eggs became synonymous with Easter reveals a fascinating blend of tradition, innovation, and symbolism. The egg has long been a symbol of new life and rebirth, a sentiment shared by many cultures and religions. In ancient times, eggs were often decorated in bright colours and given as gifts during spring festivals to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of new life. This practice was adopted by early Christians as a symbol of Jesus Christ's resurrection, which is commemorated during Easter. The hard shell of the egg represented the sealed Tomb of Christ, and cracking the egg symbolized his resurrection from the dead. In medieval Europe, the Christian observance of Lent, the forty days leading up to Easter, involved strict fasting rules. One such rule prohibited the consumption of eggs. However, chickens (who don’t understand about Lent) continued to lay eggs during this period, leading to an excess by the time Easter arrived. This surplus led to the tradition of boiling eggs to preserve them, which were then decorated and given as Easter gifts. The transition from real eggs to edible confectionery eggs began in the 17th and 18th centuries. Initially, these were not made of chocolate but of sugar or marzipan. The earliest chocolate eggs were solid, and a luxury item, enjoyed primarily by the wealthy due to the high cost of chocolate at the time. The Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements in chocolate production. The invention of the chocolate press in the 1820s by Conrad Van Houten helped in extracting cocoa butter from roasted cocoa beans. This process made chocolate more affordable and easier to mould into shapes, paving the way for the hollow chocolate egg. In the 19th century, companies like J.S. Fry & Sons in Britain began mass-producing chocolate eggs. John Cadbury followed suit in 1875, perfecting the art of the hollow egg and bringing it to a wider market. The Cadbury Easter egg was a game-changer, transforming the chocolate egg from a luxury to a popular treat accessible to the general public. The history of chocolate eggs at Easter is a rich tapestry that weaves together religious tradition, culinary innovation, and cultural celebration. From ancient symbolisms of new life and rebirth to the modern-day delights of Easter egg hunts and chocolate treats, the chocolate egg has become an enduring and beloved symbol of Easter celebrations around the world, enjoyed by all ages. By Gemma Brown A History of Easter's Delectable Delights
21
22
23
24
25
26 April Fools' Day is known for its pranks, jokes, and hoaxes. But how come we play tricks on each other every April 1st? What is the history behind this lighthearted and humorous day? The origins of April Fools' Day are somewhat murky and disputed, and there are several theories about how it came to be. One theory is that it started in ancient Rome, with a festival known as Hilaria. This festival was held at the end of March and involved people dressing up in costumes and playing practical jokes on each other. Probably the most popular legend about the origins of April Fools' Day involves the switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in France in 1582. The Julian calendar had been in use for centuries, but it was known to be inaccurate, with the date of the equinox gradually slipping backwards over time. To correct this, Pope Gregory XIII introduced a new calendar, which made some changes to the length of the year and the way leap years were calculated. New Year's Day had been celebrated on April 1st, around the time of the vernal equinox. However, not every citizen was on board with the new-fangled date system, and there were many who resisted the change. They continued to celebrate the New Year on April 1st.These people were mocked and ridiculed for their stubbornness, and others began to play tricks on them, sending them on fake errands or inviting them to non-existent parties. Over time, the tradition of playing pranks on April 1st spread throughout Europe and beyond. In England, it was known as ‘April Gowk Day,’ with "gowk" meaning ‘cuckoo’ or ‘fool.’ In Scotland, it was called ‘Huntigowk Day,’ with ‘huntigowk; meaning ‘hunting cuckoo.’ In France it’s known as ‘Poisson d’Avril’ or ‘April Fish’ And it’s France that points to the fact that a calendar switch can’t be the reason for pranking on April 1st, because in addition to some disparities about the differences between the two calendars (it seems there is disagreement about April 1st once being the start of the New Year), practical jokes and mischief son this date seems to be a very old custom that predates the changeover. There is mention of the day in a 1508 poem by Eloy d’Amerval, at least 150 years before! Perhaps in the end it’s nothing more than the start of spring making everyone feel giddy, that inspires a sudden sense of frivolity. Whatever its origins, April Fools' Day is celebrated in many parts of the world, with pranks, and media outlets publishing hoax stories or articles. It has become a fun and light-hearted way to celebrate the change of season and engage in some harmless mischief with friends and family. Enjoy. By Sarah Davey What’s the story behind the fun?
27
28 Spring cleaning is an annual ritual that not only signifies the end of winter but also heralds a fresh, clean start for your home. While the task may seem daunting, with the right approach, it can be both efficient and enjoyable. Planning: The most effective spring cleaning begins with a plan. Before diving in, make a list of all the areas in your home that need attention. This list should be comprehensive, covering everything from the attic to the basement, including oftenneglected spaces like the tops of cabinets and under the beds. Break down the tasks into manageable sections and assign them to specific days. This approach ensures that the work is spread out, making it less overwhelming. Decluttering: A crucial step in spring cleaning is simplifying your space. A cluttered home complicates cleaning and adds to your stress. Start by sorting through your belongings and categorize them into items to keep, donate, or discard. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of anything you haven't used in the past year. This process not only clears physical space but also creates a more peaceful and enjoyable living environment. Deep Cleaning: Spring cleaning is the time to engage in deep cleaning – tasks that go beyond your regular cleaning routine. This includes washing windows, cleaning carpets, and dusting hard-to-reach areas. Consider moving furniture to clean the areas beneath and behind them. These tasks require more time and effort but are essential for maintaining a healthy living environment. Organizing: After cleaning and decluttering, focus on organizing your space. Use storage solutions like shelves, boxes, and baskets to keep your belongings orderly. Proper organization not only enhances the appearance of your home but also makes it easier to maintain cleanliness. Eco-Friendly Cleaning: Protect your health and the environment by Incorporating eco-friendly cleaning products into your routine. Natural alternatives like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are effective, safe, and environmentally friendly. These solutions not only clean effectively but also reduce the levels of toxic substances in your home. Be systematic: A methodical approach ensures that no area is overlooked. Start in one room and don't move to the next until you have completed all the tasks on your list for that space. This approach provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps you motivated too. Maintenance: Post-spring cleaning, it's important to maintain the cleanliness and organization of your home. Develop a regular cleaning schedule and stick to it. Regular maintenance will make spring cleaning next year much easier by preventing the accumulation of dirt and clutter. Embrace the Benefits: Spring cleaning is more than a seasonal chore; it’s an opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate your living space, creating a more pleasant and healthy environment for you and your family. By Sarah Davey A Guide to Efficient and Effective Cleaning Spring CleaningCleaning Cleaning Cleaning
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38 By Sarah Davey Spring is in the air, so put at spring in your step too by getting out in the fresh air for a walk. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise as well as being FREE, good for these financially difficult times. Improves Physical Health: Walking is lowimpact exercise that increases your heart rate, strengthens your muscles, and helps to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Enhances Mood: Walking releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that improve your mood and help to reduce anxiety and depression. Walking outdoors in nature is particularly beneficial, as studies have shown that exposure to green spaces enhances the mental health benefits. Increases Energy Levels: Walking helps to boost your energy levels and reduce fatigue. Regular walking can improve the quality of your sleep, increase your metabolism, and reduce sluggishness. Boosts Cognitive Function: Walking has been proven help to improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span. Regular walking has even been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Encourages Social Interaction: Walking with a group is social activity that encourages interaction with others. Walking with friends, family, or a regular walking group helps to increase motivation, accountability, and make walking a more enjoyable experience. There are no downsides to walking. It’s kinder on the knees than running, requires no specialist equipment other than sturdy shoes and can be done at any time convenient for you, so, take a step towards better physical and mental health and start walking today! By Sarah Davey Walk this Way The benefits of walking for exercise
39
40 Mother’s day is all about showing your mother just how much you love and appreciate her and thanking her as best you can for the many years she has spent nurturing and looking after you. The origins of the day are not certain, in Britain we celebrate it on the Christian date of Mothering Sunday, the worship of the ‘Mother’ church and of the Virgin Mary. There are also suggestions that the day has roots in the Ancient Greek festival in honour of Cybele, a mother of Greeks gods. The Romans also had a celebration called Matronalia that was dedicated to Juno but mothers were also presented with gifts on the day. Wherever the tradition stems from it’s a great excuse to give your mother a well-deserved treat so read on to discover 8 ways to treat your mum. Pampering What better way for your mother to truly relax this mother’s day than a day at a spa? Why not go with her, treat yourself too and make a day of indulging in heavenly massages, treatments and steam rooms. A Day out Does your mother enjoy bracing walks in the countryside? Get some friends and family together, park up in a country pub and plot a circular walk. End your walk with a hearty meal. Meal Give your mum a break from cooking for a night and book a restaurant meal for all the family. She will love having her children around her, especially if it doesn’t involve slaving over a hot stove all day in preparation. Theatre/musical Is your mother mad about musicals or a theatre buff? You could make a day of it and book tickets to see her favourite show then take her out to supper. Chocolates Chocolates are a sure way to win your mother’s heart – get her a luxury selection she can enjoy with a bottle of wine and a good film. Flowers A bouquet may seem like an obvious choice but if you choose her favourite flowers, or an elegant pot plant for the house she will be delighted. Afternoon tea The English preserve of taking tea is a delightfully civilised way to enjoy a good old chinwag – so take her to a tea house and spend a peaceful afternoon catching up. A bottle of her favourite tipple Sherry is my mother’s favourite but a good bottle of bubbly is sure to go down equally well. Treat your mum this Mother’s Day Showing your mother you love her is easy with this guide to the perfect gift...
41
42
43
44 I caught up with gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh recently, who prefers permanent plantings in pots on his own patio. "I have agapanthus in pots, olives in large tubs, lots of clipped box orbs and domes and cones, 16 tubs of camellias because I'm on chalky soil, planted in ericaceous compost. I tend to go for perennials and evergreens in pots generally, although I love popping tulips and daffodils in pots as well." Indeed, year-round and transient displays can be a less labour intensive and, ultimately, cheaper way of keeping interest going on your patio. An all-year-round display, he says, will need to contain evergreen plants to form a framework that other more transient plants can be built around. "Flowering bulbs will give a burst of colour from midwinter through to mid-spring. In summer, you can use bedding plants, climbers, summer bulbs, shrubs and perennials. In autumn, fill pots with perennials, late bulbs and corms, and plants for autumn colour or berries. "Over winter, opt for winter-flowering shrubs, hellebores and structural plants, which look particularly striking covered with frost or snow." Group containers together, which allows you to match flowering and foliage plants and move seasonal flowering plants into the group as they reach their prime. Remove them once they start to fade. Standing pots together also reduces moisture loss as the leaves form layers, which trap moisture underneath, creating a more humid area for all the plants. If you are adding annuals to your permanent scheme, think carefully about colour. "If you want to colour-scheme them so they are all pastel shades and pale blues and purples, that's fine. But if you just want bright, jolly, zingy contrasting colours that's fine too. "Don't be dictated to by other people saying, 'This is tasteful and that isn't'. You need to work out what you like looking at and be brave enough to go for it." Colours generally regarded as working well together are those which are opposite on the colour spectrum - orange works well with purple, red with green. "If you have purples and darker colours you need a sunny spot because they disappear in shade, whereas white and pale blue and pale pink will stand out in shade. But a lot of flowering plants don't like a lot of shade," he says. Vibrant colours such as reds, oranges, yellows and reddish purples look good in pots, which have warm colours such as terracotta, browns or yellows. To create a more peaceful, sedate atmosphere, use relaxing colours - blues, mauve, pale pinks and purples, white and cream are also calming. Combine them with a beefy foliage plant, such as hostas, for a wonderful contrast and put them into blue, white, silver or green containers to complete the cool effect. For permanent plantings in pots, Alan recommends using a loam-based compost as it retains both water and nutrients well. Choose pots as big as possible, which will hold more compost and won't dry out as quickly. Every year, check that the roots of permanent plants aren't coming out of the drainage holes in the base of the container or at the surface of the compost. If they are, re-pot them in spring or autumn into a new container, only slightly bigger than the old one, filled with fresh compost of the same mix as the existing growing medium. Large patio plants like trees and shrubs don't need re-potting every year, but each spring give them a top dressing, scraping away the upper layer of the compost and replacing with fresh compost containing slow-release fertiliser. Titchmarsh’s Tips for perfect pots By Hannah Stephenson. Now is the time you need to be planning your summer containers, whether you are going for uniform colours and types of pots, annuals or permanent plantings.
45
46 These pretty low-growing plants provide rockeries and scree beds with plenty of colour at this time of year in many shades of pink, blue and white, tumbling over walls or creating flat carpets of flowers. They are easy to grow and will last a few years if given a little TLC. The most popular is the carpeting P. subulata (moss phlox), which grows to just 3in (9cm) and spreads around 45cm (1.5ft), flowering in April and May. Phlox thrives in any well-drained, moistureretentive soil in full sun. Things to do this month... Gardening Continue to plant summerflowering bulbs. Prune plum trees once they have started growing. Don't let pots and seed trays in the greenhouse dry out. Prune spring-flowering shrubs more than three-years-old as they finish flowering. Sow sweet peas directly into their flowering position. Sow tomato seeds in a heated propagator or on a warm windowsill to grow outdoors when risk of frost has passed. Plant sprouted tubers of early varieties of potato. Remove the ends of shoots on shrubs damaged by frost. Feed climbers with a slowacting general fertiliser around all established plants. Check borders for plant losses and plan how you are going to fill the gaps. Remove invasive shrubs or tree roots or cut across them, as they will rob the soil of nutrients and moisture. They are as easy to grow as lettuces, an extremely useful follow-on crop after broad beans have finished and decorative enough for a small garden. Chinese cabbage, pak choi and other oriental veg are perfect for adding to stir-fries and spicy salads. Sow them between March and May, but be warned that spring-sown plants are likely to bolt if left too long, although the flower shoots are edible before the flowers open. Like European cabbages, they like a very fertile, moisture-retentive soil with a high nitrogen content. If you wait, you can sow oriental greens directly into their final position in June and thin them out later. Keep the seedlings well watered and fork well-rotted manure or compost into the soil before planting. Soak the soil if it's dry and scatter a balanced fertiliser on it before planting. Chinese cabbage should be spaced 30-38cm apart to produce heads, while pak choi can be planted a little closer. Cover the crop with insect-proof netting and make further sowings throughout July for a continuous crop. Young leaves of immature plants can be harvested for salads, while mature heads are better steamed or used in stir-fries. Three ways to… Improve your compost bin Good enough to eat... 1. If you have a classic pallet bin, put mesh on the inside to stop animals hibernating among the clippings. 2. Make sure the heap is sited over bare soil so that water can drain away. 3. Add water if the compost is dry or newspaper if it's wet. Best of the bunch... Dwarf Phlox Oriental Greens
47
48 But, aside from jetwashing them, what should the average gardener actually be doing to these patios...? Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin, has some ideas. Bulbs planted in patio pots back in September may have rotted if they haven't been given good drainage and were standing on pot feet, he says, but even if there's no sign of them, all is not lost. "Even now, if you just lift the pot to allow them to drain, the bulbs and plantings may be all right." In addition to the practical, Gavin, has some easy patio design tips too. "You can brighten up the patio with instant colour, but be innovative about what you plant and how you do it." He suggests going to your local restaurant or takeaway to see if they have any large metal containers which once held olives or other food. Drill a few holes in the bottom, put a layer of gravel at the bottom and fill the rest with well-drained compost and either put in a selection of wonderful herbs like basil or marjoram or even some salads like Lollo Rosso or Swiss chard, or even nasturtiums and marigolds, and you will have results fast. "Another thing I love is to get big oil drums from reclamation yards for next to nothing, clean them up and paint them in Caribbean colours. If you have a collection of them you can cut some of them down to size and they make the most fantastic containers. "Large containers like these will take a good quantity of manure and topsoil. If they're big enough, you can plant birch trees or clumps of bamboos to create borders and long-term planting once you`ve topdressed and had them irrigated. "Be innovative about your choice of container and then make sure you have a good solid medium for them to grow in." If you want to invest in new garden furniture there's a wealth of choice too, adds Gavin. "Fifteen years ago if you wanted garden furniture you got a picnic bench or a plastic chair that cost £2.99. There's been a radical change in furniture, with durable woven plastics, colourful seating and even cabanas." If you want to hide unsightly eyesores like water butts, you can just put a big pot in front of them, he says. "People often make the mistake of corralling eyesores behind bits of trellis or fencing. If you do that, you make the garden look smaller and draw more attention to what you're trying to hide. Maybe have a light framework of planting such as the Russian vine (mile-a-minute plant) which, if kept under control, will be fantastic. "If you're trying to hide something in the shade, go for a light framework of honeysuckle, which emits a fantastic scent, or some rambling roses. Simplicity is key in this to avert the eye away from the offensive article." Spring planting could incorporate double daisies (Bellis perennis), Bachelor buttons (cornflower) or cheiranthus (wallflower). "Use traditional bedding in a more radical way. And if you didn't plant bulbs, buy some which are about to come into flower, whether dwarf daffodils, hyacinths or tulips and surround them with bedding or with ivies in pots." "Don't try to be too tasteful. When I grew up in a very suburban street I grew up with blue and white and blue and white. Mass-plant different shades of blue together, while clashing colours of bedding can be incredibly exuberant." Permanent plantings on patios of milder gardens could include some pittosporum and hebes. "If you're in a sheltered courtyard garden, I love a hint of the exotic with Dicksonia antarctica," he adds. "If you have a border, a good one takes planning. Build up a collection of plants with structure in the back, climbing plants and something exciting like the wall shrub Fremontodendron 'California Glory', a Japanese maple or an interesting birch and build at the front of that with medium-sized shrubs and colour." Put a simple pot of herbs as your centrepiece which are tactile, or plants with aromatic leaves like a lemon -scented geranium, he advises. As you progress to summer, go for dwarf sunflowers - by then, we'll hopefully have forgotten about the rain. PERK UP YOUR PATIO If the rain ever lets up long enough for us to venture out on to our patios, we'll need some quick fixes to brighten them up in time for the warmer, and hopefully drier, months of spring.
49
50