Latest WHIT Card Offers www.the-imp.co.uk

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ISSUE 13 DECEMBER 2009

£100 CASH FROM MOVIES, ARTS

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WELCOME TO THE CHRISTMAS ISSUE OF THE WHITSTABLE IMP!It’s suddenly feeling cold... and I’m suddenly

realising how close Christmas really is, and how much I still have to do. So I’m rather

relieved that the Christmas present conundrum has been taken care of rather neatly for me - I’ll be giving everyone ‘alternative’ Christmas presents this year, as seen in our bumper Day in the Life article this month. Dr Cheryl Mvula spends her life making a real difference for people who desperately need help - and now you can too, from the comfort of your computer! See page 7.

We also have Christmas offers in Whitstable to help you stay local from page 4 and, once again, a bumper Arts section from Georgie, as well as a double movie review for the film-watching season from Chris. And don’t forget to check out What’s on? and the Gig Guide so you don’t miss out on any of the festive fun and activities during the Christmas break.

The IMP Team will be taking a short break too - this is our birthday edition and, after

publishing 12 IMPs in as many months, we’ve decided to do a combined December/January issue to celebrate.

Mel and I would like to personally thank everyone who has contributed to the IMP over the last 13 months, whether it has been in writing, designing, printing or advertising. It has been, without exception, wonderful working with you and making the IMP what it is today. We really appreciate your support - thank you.

Have a wonderful Christmas, enjoy the break, and we’ll be back next year with the February issue and a touch of romance... If you have a romantic tale to tell, why not send it in to us at the normal address?

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

from The IMP Team

The Whitstable IMP, PO Box 290, Whitstable CT5 9AH

EDITORChristina Birkett – Christina started working in Media twelve years ago and enjoyed a happy and varied career, but with three daughters aged five and under, work needs to be flexible these days, and the IMP gives Christina the chance to balance work and family, as well as covering a subject she loves - Whitstable! Contact Christina at christina@the-imp.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

Chris Haydon – Chris is 19 years old and has lived in Whitstable his whole life. Currently studying Film at the University of Brighton, Chris is an avid film fan and buff, and plans to go to the National Film School after University to study Directing Fiction Film and Documentary. He loves writing film reviews, and will be writing reviews for the IMP between course work and writing for the university’s paper, ‘The Pebble’.

Malissa Taylor – South African-born Malissa is passionate about three things; Mamahood, Music and Mother Earth. She spends most of her time consumed by these and feels that her responsibility is to ensure that each is celebrated by everything that she does. She recently moved to Whitstable, and she hopes to submerge herself in the community, something which she believes is essential for her wellbeing and that of her family.

Georgie Mind – Georgie is 17 and has lived in Whitstable most of her life. Currently studying A levels at Canterbury College in English, Art History, Philosophy and Psychology, she hopes to start a degree course in Art History next year. Georgie is very passionate about promoting arts in the community and thinks that the diversity of the wonderful Whitstable art scene should be celebrated!

Anne Nacci – enjoys writing and was recently part of the editorial team at the Whitstable Times before their move to Margate. When not walking along the beach with her camera, Anne is busy renovating her Victorian house which provides a stimulating and ongoing creative challenge.

SALES: Mel BirkettFREEPHONE 0800 44 88 309

mel@the-imp.co.uk

DESIGN: Adam Borehamwww.reactionvm.co.uk

PRINTING: Headley Brotherswww.headley.co.uk

PUBLISHERS: IMPPO Box 290, Whitstable, CT5 9AH

Cover picture: Ashley Clark

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Scrooge may be having an effect on Christmas

Shoppers in many towns, with those ‘bah humbug’ words of Recession and Credit Crunch, but you won’t hear those words in Herne Bay or Whitstable; the sound of ringing tills and happy people is what you will find in the Coastal Towns.

The towns are full of independent traders who have everything you need for the perfect Christmas. The most amazing thing is that you can save lots of money by using your WHIT Card, in Whitstable or Herne Bay. We have over 300 businesses offering a discount or promotional offer to WHIT or BAY Card holders, and it is FREE for any business to be part of the scheme.

We have in circulation 21,000 WHIT Cards, FREE to anyone who wishes to pick one up. Local residents, people outside the area, visitors - all are most welcome to have a card. We do not

require any personal information and you don’t have to sign anything, just pick up a WHIT Card and start using it.

In additional to saving money in Whitstable and Herne Bay, we are also giving FREE 3 hour Car Parking to WHIT and BAY card holders on Saturday 5th, 12th & 19th December 2009. Park in the William Street Car Park, Herne Bay or the Gorrell Tank Car Park, Whitstable between 9am - 11am, show your BAY or WHIT Card to the steward by the parking machine and they will give you a parking voucher for 3 hours of FREE Car Parking. This is available to the first 100 vehicles in each car park.

You can use your WHIT Card in Herne Bay and your BAY Card in Whitstable.

Cards are available from key locations around the towns: council offices, libraries and participating businesses - or call 01227 742765 and we will send you one.

Make this Christmas special with your WHIT Card!

For more information contact:

Chris WestCoastal Towns Manager (Whitstable & Herne Bay)

T: 01227 742765M: 07786 852061E: chris.west@canterbury.gov.uk

DREAMING OF A

Chris West, Coastal Towns Manager

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As she sits on the sofa Dr Cheryl Mvula appears relaxed but you can see the energy and dynamism in her even here. With a Doctorate in Chemistry and a high-powered career in the oil industry she did not feel fulfilled, so she left to run a social enterprise called Tribal Voice Communications (TVC). In this new and very different role she is able to make a real difference to people’s lives - using profits from the company’s wildlife conservation and responsible tourism consultancy work to fund poverty reduction work in Africa. Grimacing when she talked about her previous job, her demeanour completely changed when we moved on to what she now finds herself doing on a typical day - and her enthusiasm for her subject is quite contagious: “I work on our own initiated projects (responsible tourism and wildlife conservation) and also as a consultant to other conservation and tourism organisations such as international wildlife conservation charity the Born Free Foundation (founded by Born Free film actress Virginia McKenna).”

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... ‘SHE WHO HELPS’

CHERYL’S TOP TIPS FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM 1. Sample local cuisine by avoiding all inclusive resorts - you can then enjoy taking some of your meals at local eateries - in this way you benefit local businesses and learn more about the culture of the area.

2. Don’t pay cash in Maasai villages for cultural tours - instead ask your tour operator or accommodation provider to purchase a ticket for such an excursion - if you don’t the village you visit won’t benefit.

3. Don’t give sweets, pens, or money to children - this only serves to propagate a begging culture which is very demeaning to local people. If you want to donate to a community give through your tour operator or headmaster at a local school or orphanage.

4. Never feed wild animals - they can become aggressive and may end up being shot!

5. On safari encourage your guide to show you the smaller things in the bush - not just the ‘Big Five’ - crowding of these animals, particularly big cats, by tourist vehicles is threatening their survival as they can’t hunt when constantly being followed.

Find the full list at:www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk

Responsible Tourism“One of my key projects at the minute is the ‘Maasai Villages initiative’ in Kenya - for which TVC has just won a global award in the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards 2009 - ranking us as amongst the top-three tourism organisations in the world for poverty reduction.” Not bad for a one-woman/man band... “This initiative has overturned over 30 years of exploitation of the Maasai tribe by Kenya’s driver guides who, up until we intervened, had been siphoning off 96% of the fees tourists to Kenya paid for excursions around Maasai villages (unbeknown to these visitors). Now these excursions (in the Maasai Mara, not elsewhere in Kenya) are ‘fair trade’ with the villages receiving between 75-100% of these tour fees. This is making an incredible difference to their lives”

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF... ‘SHE WHO HELPS’

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Wildlife ConservationAs a consultant to the Born Free Foundation www.bornfree.org.uk on wildlife projects in Malawi and Zambia, a typical day in Zambia could begin with a visit to someone’s house to confiscate a monkey being illegally kept there as a pet (usually on the end of a very short chain) followed by arranging health checks and veterinary care for the rescued animal. They usually arrive in very poor condition and extremely stressed: “A baboon we confiscated on my last visit to Zambia used to be chained to the roof of the man’s car to act as a ‘draw’ for his driving school business!”

A visit to Zambia Wildlife Authority headquarters to secure permits to release a troop of previously confiscated and now fully rehabilitated monkeys back to the wild could follow, along with a meeting later that day with a local company to try and secure sponsorship for the primate release project for things ranging from vehicle tyres to army tents for our anti-poaching patrol scouts.

Poverty ReductionWhen working on the Maasai villages initiative

in Kenya (see www.tribal-voice.co.uk), it is

completely different again: “I’d wake up very

early to the sound of cows being lead out of the

manyatta (homestead) for the day’s grazing and

after a quick wash and a mug of smoky Masala

tea boiled on an open fire I’d head off to the big

acacia tree on the escarpment overlooking the

Masai Mara game reserve for a meeting with

village elders.”

Timings are more ‘flexible’ in Africa: “If the

meeting is due to start at 9am it can take until

10.30am to actually start, as the Maasai come

on foot from villages miles around to attend.

You can see them coming in the distance - the

black dots of wildebeest are interspersed with

the brilliant red robes of the Maasai drifting

across the plains.” They meet to discuss their

village tourism enterprises - the challenges

they are facing and the developments they are

planning in their communities with the fruits

of their new-found tourism income. “These

meetings can take a very long time as in Maasai

tradition things never go to a vote - we have to

debate and argue things out until everyone is in

unanimous agreement!”

Lunch is usually thick creamy milk that

the Maasai ladies have taken from their cows

that very morning, decanted into gourds.

“In the afternoon I usually visit one of the

developments the Maasai are implementing

in their villages - this could be a rainwater

harvesting system, a new school or a biogas

project (where the villagers are using cow

dung and leaves to produce fuel for cooking in

their huts as an alternative to firewood).” The

evening could be spent around the fire in the

village discussing anything from cow herding

to protecting livestock from leopard attacks

- or visiting one of the nearby safari lodges

to discuss how the manager can begin to

operate fair trade Maasai village excursions to

his safari clients.

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She Who HelpsIt is easy to see why the Maasai name this woman Naretisho - ‘She Who Helps’ - and their respect and affection for her are clearly reciprocated. It is plain, after talking to Cheryl for a short time, that she passionately believes in what she is doing - and she finds it incredibly fulfilling and exciting to make such drastic changes to the quality of life of the Maasai people: “People think that they can’t make a difference on their own, but they CAN! That’s why Manny (my husband) and I set up the High Five Club www.highfiveclub.co.uk) in our spare time. Anyone who wants to help reduce poverty in Africa can join. The ethos is simple - each member puts £5 a month into a collective High Five pot and every two months or so we collectively fund a community project in Africa which gives people a ‘hand up’ (as opposed to a ‘hand out’) to support them in their quest to escape the poverty trap. So for two fewer speciality coffees a month or less than the cost of a cinema ticket - you too can become a member of the High Five Club and ‘help change lives, £5 at a time’. 100% of monthly membership goes directly to these projects - nothing is used for admin - unlike a lot of charities - and, importantly, these are communities that for the greatest part we know personally... so we can be 100% sure the money is making a real difference.”

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AFRICA FACTS• 1 in 2 people survives on less than

50p a day

• 1/3 of Africans suffer from malnutrition

• 1 in 6 children dies before the age of 5

• Only 1 in 3 children completes school

• Fewer than ½ Africans have access to hospitals and doctors

• Average life expectancy is 41

• Every minute a woman dies during pregnancy or childbirth

Articles on Cheryl’s work in Kenya have been published in the Sunday Observer, Times Online and Spotlight magazine - see the PRO POOR page of the Tribal Voice website to www.tribal-voice.co.uk

Christina Birkett

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMASCheryl and Manny have just launched the High Five Club Unwrapped Gift scheme in time for Christmas - so if you’re worried about buying something for the person who already has everything, why not choose this alternative route, log onto www.highfiveclub.co.uk and buy a high Five Club membership for yourself, a friend or a relative? Or you could buy the gift of an egg-laying chicken for a community-owned poultry project in Zambia for £5 - to provide protein to a community who are lucky if they get protein more than 5 times a year - or, for £10 - a stake in the building of a classroom block for Kamanga School in Zambia, set up by the community themselves for orphaned and vulnerable children in Zambia’s biggest slum area.

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COTTAGE INDUSTRIES...WHITSTABLE

Allan Sullivan Photography - Greetings cards, calendars, and photo art-workMy work as an artistic photographer is a part-time role which I fit in around my main job, and looking after our two children. I specialise in floral art work, seascapes, and wildlife pictures. It started out purely as a hobby, but some friends inspired me to try to turn it into a business. We’d sent a birthday card featuring one of my pictures, and his wife rang up wanting to know if I had more pictures like that - she wanted a photo on canvas as a present for a colleague.

Since then my wife has set up a website for me to sell my photographs. I’ve also had exhibitions in various art galleries, but quickly realised that in the current financial climate, many people can’t afford to spend money on art-work. So we started making blank greetings cards with my photos on, which have been very popular. Most recently we have made calendars in 3 designs, and packs of Christmas cards which we are selling, with contributions to Cancer Research UK. We also had success at a charity event run by Westgate and Birchington Inner Wheel, at which we raised over £150 for their chosen charity.

I would love to expand the business, and perhaps look to have greetings cards permanently on sale in a shop or gallery, but at the moment orders mainly come through word of mouth, or via special events or exhibitions. My next major exhibition will be in the Horsebridge in March 2010.To find out more and see my online photo galleries, please visit: www.asullivanphotography.co.uk or call 01227 779126

Sarah Underhill-Rose - HandmadeSix years ago I stopped working full-time to concentrate on my family and my burgeoning small business. I have always made my own curtains, blinds and other soft furnishings since buying my first house 17 years ago. Whilst working full-time I began sewing for other people as well as family and friends and so my passion began.

I also incorporate my love of fabrics (especially vintage) in making and exhibiting unique designed handbags. For the last four years I have regularly exhibited at the Fish Slab Gallery with great success. I have always followed the ‘Make Do And Mend’ philosophy. You never know when a much loved curtain could become a handbag or purse! I hate to see fabric wasted as even a small amount can be turned into something beautiful.I can be contacted on 07758 020879

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Alma Caira – Handmade Jewellery and TuitionI create unique silver, copper and glass jewellery to commission in addition to teaching jewellery making. With a passion for jewellery from a very young age, I developed my skills on a Silversmithing and Jewellery Degree at Glasgow School of Art. After a period in London designing for the jewellery trade and then selling my own designs at Camden Market, I was ready for a change. Having spent many happy weekends visiting friends in Whitstable, it seemed the natural choice to move here and it’s the best thing I ever did!

Finally having a garden meant I could build the workshop I’d always dreamed of and I was soon making full use of it – without worrying about the mess! I was also becoming intrigued by all things digital and completed a second degree in Digital Media at Canterbury Christ Church University. This led to some time spent creating graphics, animation and web design whilst teaching art, craft and media studies for local colleges and Kent Adult Education.

In the past year I have returned to my first love – creating jewellery. I have also opened my workshop to others, providing individual jewellery tuition, and I’m really happy with the response I’ve had. Students have been learning how to create their own designs, working at their own pace with help at hand. My workshop can accommodate two students comfortably so anyone interested in making jewellery has the option of learning with a friend if they like. Gift vouchers are available – the ideal present!

My aim for 2010 is to expand my range and take my jewellery further afield. I would love to welcome more students in my workshop as I find one to one tuition really rewarding and love seeing the results. Images of my work can be viewed at www.almacaira.co.uk and I welcome visits to my workshop by appointment. Please call 01227 280 648 for more details.

Gill Goldfinch - Rainbow Collection – Handcrafted beaded jewellery and accessoriesAfter a number of years as a Lecturer in IT, I wanted a hobby to ease my stress. I have always had some sort of craft work on the go and my equally ‘crafty’ friend, Lorraine and I discovered Beading and attended some workshops. It completely took us over and we eventually had so much beaded jewellery we decided to start selling some at local fairs.

I decided that it would be fun to teach something that I do as a hobby and now run workshops at The Horsebridge Centre. It wasn’t long before Children’s Parties were added, where children can design and make their very own bracelet choosing from a huge range of beads and materials taken along to their home. Parents have been amazed at how quiet the children are at these parties and led to private workshops for those parents!

With the constant fund of inspiration in Whitstable, like the sunsets, the seaside atmosphere and the local art and craft movement, the ideas just keep coming. We believe in working with good quality materials, giving an excellent service, and keeping costs affordable.

A new website is in the process of being built, bringing Rainbow Collection right up to date and spread the name far and wide, and it is a really exciting time. Lorraine and I still love to make handcrafted jewellery and accessories and it seems that our creations are just the thing for people to buy as gifts or treats for themselves during the Credit Crunch. Contact us on 01227 273524 or gill.goldfinch@virgin.net

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Mia Karen, Boudoir hair extensions & makeupI started doing hair extensions about 10 years ago when I moved to Berlin. I always loved the ‘natural’ hair extensions look and the smiles my clients had on their faces when they looked in the mirror, and soon it became a successful business. But I was always looking out for more creative ways to work with hair and started to play around with synthetic hair for dreadlocks and other materials such as plastic and wool - even cutting tablecloths into pieces and using them for hair-pieces and wigs.

My ‘alternative’ hairstyles became very popular in the Indy music scene and I offered my services for photo-shoots and fashion shows, and styled bands for their gigs. Five years ago I became more serious and took a degree in Special Make up Design, specialising in wig-styling. I have a big passion for period/costume films, especially old vampire movies, and my big dream is to work on a costume film or on a big theatre production one day.

My partner and I have just moved to Whitstable and I am now starting up my business here. Although I still do my creative hair work and sell through my online shop, I’m going to concentrate more on the natural-looking hair extensions now, such as Cinderella Hair. Because I work from home my costs are low and this reflects in my prices - I don‘t think hair extension should be only available for the rich and famous... I had all kinds of clients; cancer patients, women unhappy with their hairstyles and a male client changing gender - they all deserve to have the hair they always wanted... and I still love to see the happy smiles on their faces!Contact me at mia@agenthair.com - call 075 153 910 83 or visit: www.agenthair.com

Emily Peasgood - self-employed musicianI fell into the Music Industry. After studying music from the age of 4, and performing from the age of 14, it felt natural to become a Musician. Music is something I deeply enjoy - an integral part of who I am. I can’t imagine having any other job - I work well on my own, setting my own rules and I think most creative people are wired this way.

As with all people, I have to pay the bills and composing / performing my own songs doesn’t do the trick! So I set up a band-leading business where I manage and perform in several stylised bands for weddings and private functions. I enjoy it and it keeps me afloat, whilst enabling me to have the time and resources to work on my own material.

I hope that in a couple of years, my album will be making some sales and my band-leading will become much more successful to the end where I can hire someone to manage my business for me.

Since 2009 there has been an immense drop in bookings for my function bands. I am currently down 60% in bookings as unfortunately live bands are expensive and in the time of recession, it makes financial sense for people to book a DJ. I subsidise my income by teaching privately at my home and performing locally at pubs and bars, whilst brain-storming ways to get my band-leading business back on the ground (including a 30% price drop!).

Despite the recession, I wouldn’t change my lifestyle for anything. I’m a manager, business-woman and creative musician and feel I’m incredibly lucky!You can contact me on 01227 282556, 07749 115484 or emilypeasgood@gmail.com

Whitstable women writers With an aim at getting work published,

anyone with a creative writing desire is welcome to join fellow member, artist and WEA tutor/organiser Moira Hyde at monthly meetings which offer support, feedback and constructive criticism in a relaxed environment. “I love hearing what other people write,” said 60-year old Moira, who is not only a keen writer but also enjoys working with shape and colour to produce semi-abstract paintings. “I love everything creative,” she added.

Homework is set each month but I’m reassured it is not compulsory, with a variety of different themes, subjects and genres such as ‘water’ and ‘fear’ and can be interpreted in different forms including free verse and prose. For additional help at home specialist books on writing can also be borrowed from the group which is proving extremely helpful. I asked Moira what the definition of free verse was and she happily explained that it was non-rhyming verse compared to prose which may or may not rhyme. I had already learned something new!

I was also confidently assured that those who feel a bit daunted by the thought of reading out their own work in front of the group need not worry as help and support from other members is always at hand.

Whitstable Women Writers meet up on the first Monday of each month at The Methodist Hall, Argyle Road at 8pm. A contribution of £3 is welcome, along with new members, and more information can be found by calling founder member Jill Clinton on 01227 771126 or at: whitstablewomenwriters.blogspot.com.

Anne Nacci

Would-be Poet Laureates and wannabe novelists can have the opportunity of unleashing their

innermost thoughts and putting pen to paper at an informal and friendly group set up to promote and enhance the work of local writers.

If you have ever yearned to write a book or pen some prose but never quite found the time then why not set aside the first Monday of each month and come along with your creative ideas to the Whitstable Women Writers group?

Set up approximately seven years ago under the umbrella of Whitstable Writers Group it progressed by common desire to become a female-only gathering and now, with more than 17 members of all ages, the group is a mixture of fiction, non-fiction, screen writers and magazine contributors, both professional and non-professional. Guest speakers are often arranged and members were thrilled when Scottish-born writer and poet Jackie Kay recently attended one of the workshops.

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Moira Hyde

JEWELLERY TUITIONindividual instruction in friendly Whitstable workshop

£20 per 1 hour session, includes basic materials

Please call ALMA on 01227 280 648

or visit www.almacaira.co.uk for more information

WHY NOT MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS PRESENTS THIS YEAR?

THE IDEAL PRESENT, GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

THE FISH SLAB GALLERY ART IN WHITSTABLE

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The Fish Slab Gallery has an interesting history... The old bus garage (now The Horsebridge Arts and Community Centre)

was previously used as an exhibition space for the Contemporary Art Society called ‘Johnny’s Art House’. When the site was demolished seven years ago, the group feared that they would lose the ability to exhibit in Whitstable, so the council kindly offered them the empty fish shop on Oxford Street. Norma Fryer and a group of other local artists took on the space rent-free and began exhibiting there from then on. The building was refurbished, along with two outbuildings which are now being used by two local artists as studio space. This is the beauty of the Fish Slab - it is more than just a gallery. And as it is run by a group of artists, there is a warming emphasis on community spirit and supporting newcomers to the Whitstable art scene.

Earlier this year the council decided that they needed to make a profit from the gallery, so Norma Fryer, Jon Bird and Estelle Jourd took on a lease and essentially saved the gallery.

The Fish Slab is keen to encourage fresh art from emerging local artists and takes no commission from their exhibitions - the money made goes straight back into supporting artists. And, along with Bridge House Arts, the gallery is part of a growing movement aiming to raise the profile at their end of the high street. Situated next to Deco 5, the Fish Slab and Deco5 are increasingly pulling people towards the establishments at that end of Oxford Street.

Distinctive from the majority of art galleries, The Fish Slab boasts a new exhibition every week! However, if you miss something that you wanted to buy or see, the gallery will be more than happy to put you in contact with the artists involved.

In the lead up to Christmas, they will be putting on some fantastic festive-themed exhibitions, showcasing works that would make

the perfect Christmas present. From December, 2-8 an exhibition called ‘BITS AND BOBS’ comes to the fish slab - a Christmas sale of paintings, crafts and jewellery by Marion Datlen, Rita Conde, Bob Male and Joyce Male. The following week, December 9-15, ‘An exhibition for Christmas’ is hosted by Jean Markham, and in the final week before Christmas, Janet Maxwell is exhibiting her colourful paintings.

In January 2010 the gallery is planning a rebirth to refine its image - follow the IMP Arts column in the early New Year to find out more! Bookings for 2010 are quickly filling up but The Fish Slab is always looking to exhibit fresh talent, so don’t hesitate to contact Linda for a booking form.

Linda Fletcher: 01227 277408, 07724076398.

Georgie Mind

ART IN WHITSTABLEA FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO COMBINE ART AND YOGA

Stay at the beautiful Casa Mimosa, Abruzzo, Italy. June 7th – June 11th 2010

This is a unique opportunity to try your hand at two very different leisure activities, surrounded by the stunningly beautiful

rural landscape of Abruzzo, in luxury en suite accommodation.

Our yoga teacher, Steph has been practising yoga for 12 years and teaching since 2000. She has studied many forms of yoga including Sivananda, Integral, Iyengar and Astanga and is qualified in Thai Yoga, Swedish and Indian Head massage.

Our resident artist, David Napp, is internationally acclaimed and has successfully exhibited for over twenty years, well-

known for his highly individual and distinctive oils and pastels. David’s courses are loved because of his relaxed approach and sense of humour. He will take you to somewhere near Mimosa for your lessons, making it easy to walk back in time for

a large glass of cold rose’ wine and sumptuous lunch!

Itinery: Arrive Monday 7th. You will be met at the airport and brought to Mimosa. After lunch there is time for swimming and sunbathing before your first yoga session. Afterwards you can chat to both of your instructors for the stay, Steph and

David. Drinks and supper will be served on the veranda watching the sun set over the Gran Sasso mountain range. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: Breakfast between 8-9am. 9.30am on location with David. Lunch at Mimosa at

1.30pm. The afternoon can be spent sunbathing, relaxing and enjoying the pool or you can go back to your art location to work on the lesson of the morning. 5.30pm a 1 ½ hour Yoga session with Steph. On the terrace absorbing the breathtaking beauty of the area. All mats and blocks are provided. After yoga, drinks and nibbles are served on the veranda followed by supper. On the Thursday night there is a meal out at a local restaurant, several courses of local delicacies and all the wine

you want! Friday: Early breakfast and then you will be taken to the airport for a homeward bound flight. £395 for the whole break, all accommodation (based on 2/3 friends sharing), airport transfers, lessons, meals and wine

included in the price. To book the limited offer (max 12 places) please call 01264 810171 or email office@houses-in-italy.co.uk

This itinery is based on Ryanair flights from Stansted to Pescara, these maybe subject to change depending on Ryanair.

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Elisabeth Sephton and Bridget Bonnett are two Kent-based artists inspired and compelled by the Kentish Seascape.

Elisabeth is photographic artist, who runs a studio gallery in Deal where she exhibits work and also offers a variety of photographic courses in Digital imagery. Elisabeth has exhibited in all corners of Kent, from Folkestone to Canterbury and at the end of November she bought her unique images to the Horsebridge Centre. Exhibiting alongside her was Bridget Bonnett, who makes exquisite ethical jewellery inspired by all things aquatic. The pair met when Bridget took a photography class at Elisabeth’s Studio and began selling her jewellery at the Gallery. The harmony of the two artists’ work has enabled them to largely exhibit together.

Elisabeth specialises in nature and landscape photography and is also particularly interested in capturing seascapes. As the lead up to Christmas has now begun, Elisabeth has created some wonderful winter-themed Christmas cards and a separate range featuring stunning shots of Whitstable. These will be available from Harbour Books on Harbour Street, as will a variety of Elisabeth’s photographs. Elisabeth’s prints can instantly lighten one’s mood as her work is colourful and rich in detail.

Bridget’s jewellery is also colourful, intricate and highly ethical. The Karen Hill Tribe silver that Bridget uses in her pieces comes from Thailand and is made by the Karen people, who receive a Fair Trade profit for making it, so that by creating her beautiful jewellery Bridget is also supporting a community. The bone that Bridget works with is waste material from fish in the Philippines. The bones would only be thrown away, but instead a project has been set up so that local people can sell it on and gain a fair profit from it. The money made from this scheme provides education and

WHITSTABLE GEMS

resources. Bridget goes to great lengths to ensure that her materials are benefiting the greater good.

By working with unusual gemstones in their natural state, Bridget can guarantee that they are entirely organic in form and boast total individuality. Her love of the coast compels her to work with raw materials such as driftwood, shells, sea glass, pearls and pebbles and transform them into delicate bespoke pieces, and she regularly combs the beaches where she lives to collect the exquisite items washed up by the waves. However, many of the materials she uses are sourced from far away exotic lands such as China, the Amazon and Hawaii!

At ‘Whitstable Gems’ Bridget launched her new Menswear range, which features a selection of leather, rubber and bone necklets and wristlets. Bridget felt that there was a gap in the market as men’s jewellery is becoming increasingly fashionable.

As for upcoming exhibitions, Elisabeth and Bridget will be showing a Christmas collection of festive-themed jewellery and photography at ‘The Studio’ in Deal from Friday December 4. Both artists are keen to spread their wings and increasingly exhibit throughout the New Year. Elisabeth will be displaying again at the Horsebridge over the Easter period of 2010 with the art group SEAS (South-Eastern Artists) in a mixed media exhibition of painting, ceramics, photography and etchings.

To find out more go to: www.bridgetbonnett.co.uk www.imagesthatlast.co.uk The Christmas Collection of Elisabeth and Bridget’s work will be shown from Friday 4th December at The Studio in Deal - 01304 371111

Georgie Mind

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Wherever you look, you will hear nothing other than great stories about this band and how they

have enhanced every memory that they have been a part of.

‘Folk tradition par excellence, bringing their unique sound to the festival. A treat for the senses.’ (Faversham International Hop Festival)

The funny thing is that until I arrived home - that is, until I arrived in our beautiful town just over a year ago, I didn’t even like folk music so it’s either the sea air or motherhood that is making me a bit soft and fluffy. Relig Oran is that first sip of single malt whiskey you have after coming in from the cold on an icy winter’s day. Perhaps the very sip that a very brave monk Oran took one day after he agreed, on St Christopher’s request, to determine which was the better place, Heaven or Hell. To the horror of all who heard, Oran proclaimed that Hell was indeed the place to be and that Heaven was at best, boring. Oran was buried soon after as those in higher places felt it necessary to keep this ‘shocking revelation’ a secret… The resting place of this forgotten monk is RELIG ORAN.

This warming sip on a winter’s day is made up of Andy Renshaw who plays the kalimba, bodhran and percussion and the bass pedals; Martyn Kember-Smith on the fiddle; and Jem Scott who graces our ears with the guitar, the bousoukli

and his voice. I wouldn’t be able to put it better than what’s written by the nice people on their website: “Relig Oran take the traditional music of England, Ireland, Brittany plus Eastern Europe and mix it with the exotic sounds of the African Kalimba, driving percussion, fiddles and bouzouki’s to produce a heady mix of flavours and rhythms. Using innovative and dynamic arrangements they give the music a contemporary and exciting twist, at the same time keeping the spirit and depth of the tradition.

Between them the members of Relig Oran have toured Europe, recorded several acclaimed albums and had radio play from Russia to Japan.

Find out more about this fascinating band on their website: www.religoran.co.uk or at www.myspace.com/religoranband

Words: Malissa TaylorPics: courtesy of Relig Oran and Dylan Woolf

Relig Oran ‘Traditional music from Brittany, England, Ireland and a bit of Africa played with a contemporary and exciting twist…’

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Last year saw the release of the screen adaptation of Stephanie Meyer’s worldwide best-seller, ‘Twilight’. Since then it’s become a global phenomenon and virtually everyone has wanted a piece of the action. From

teenage girls and boys lusting over Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, to the masses of merchandise and endorsements available, it seems everywhere has been struck by ‘Twilight fever’ and now, with the release of the second screen adaptation in Meyer’s quadrilogy, we’re even more obsessed with the ‘Romeo and Juliet of the vampire world’.

Sporting a new director, Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass) plus new cast members including Michael Sheen and Dakota Fanning, New Moon has some rather large weight resting on its shoulders. So, does this sequel live up to the hype?

The story picks up where the previous film left off; Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is soul-destroyed after Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) tells her he’s leaving as he can’t protect her anymore after a surprising incident at the Cullen family home on Bella’s birthday. Broken and fragile, Bella seeks a companion, and finds refuge in her childhood friend, Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), who shows her how to have fun again. She begins to resort to adrenaline rushes to make her feel alive and whole, but her actions start to make devastating changes to her personality and behaviour. As dark and strange secrets of Jacob’s past begin to unfold and Bella becomes knowledgeable about the Quileute legends and The Volturi (a royal organisation of vampires); and her ever-enduring love for Edward sends her on a journey to Italy to save his life.

As a big fan of the ‘Twilight’ franchise, I could be biased towards this film but I’m going to judge it as if I were reviewing any other picture. In terms of the screenplay being faithful to the novel, the picture succeeds. The sweeping and engrossing romance that Meyer is so famous for is elegantly placed on screen and the chemistry between the two leads has grown tremendously. The film is packed with action, suspense and some stunning CGI, keeping the audience locked in from the start. It’s also filled with some jaw-dropping cinematography; from the winding streets of Italy to the shadow-soaked woodlands of Forks, it’s full of beautiful imagery. However, the film does have a slight problem. It seems Weitz lost his footing slightly during filming; at times the dialogue is very slow and seems to float along without making any major plot development, consequently losing some of the picture’s pace.

Yet this slight issue doesn’t seem to affect the picture badly; the cast and crew have put great efforts into adapting the book so many of us love. There are some stellar performances from the cast, especially Michael Sheen as the cruel and cold Volturi leader, Aro. There is also a fantastic performance from Stewart, who has seemed to blossom as an actress since her screen debut in Panic Room, and this sequel really emphasises her abilities to fill the screen without needing another actor to lean on. The absence of Pattinson through the majority of the film gives her the undivided attention she deserves.

The film won’t appeal to every audience; the narrative and romance will either be enduring or just plain cheesy, but I think most people will be pleasantly satisfied. It has enough energy, charm and charisma to make this picture not just another Box-Office money-maker, but actually a great piece of entertainment.

VERDICT: 4 out of 5 – It’s warm and inviting, powerful and emotional, and it’s loads of fun too.

Chris Haydon

TWILIGHT SAGANEW MOON - 12A FILM

REVIEW

TINKER? TAILOR?SOLDIER? SAILOR?

WHO’S IN YOUR TREE?Ancestor Finder is a locally-based family history research service offering a range of searches to suit you and your budget.

Whether looking for that one elusive ancestor or for several branches of your family tree - you decide what you want and Ancestor Finder will do the rest.

For details on costs, the product we provide etc visit www.ancestorfinder.co.ukemail ancestorfinder@btinternet.com or call 07864929610

Ancestor Finder • researching your family history

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Debut animation filmmaker Shane Acker has teamed up with Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov as his executive producers to create the feature-length version of his

original short film, ‘9’. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where all the humans

and animals are gone; all that is left is a group of rag-doll based beings who are taking refuge from evil machines trying to wipe them out. 9 (Voiced by Elijah Wood), falls into this mysterious world by chance. Filled with fear and anxiety, he rushes to safety where he meets the remainder of his kind. Like him, they are all named by numbers. Each number has a different skill, and together they create a united front to stop the machines that are intent on destroying them.

The film is a computer-generated animation and looks magnificent. The film’s look and feel is rather bleak, bearing a colour pallet of browns and greys, yet it isn’t harsh on the eyes. The dreary colours seep through the stunning animation leaving every character, set and scenario beautifully rendered. The film’s concept is rather dark too, playing along the ideas of world destruction and domination. The film also has an impressive voice cast, Elijah Wood playing our hero, Jennifer Connelley voicing the wonderfully powerful 7, and John C. Reilly and Christopher Plummer also providing pleasing voices. To make things even better, the action sequences are utterly immersive and there are plenty of them. The scenes with the team fighting the machines tear the world apart with whirling light beams, crashing buildings and explosions that only deserve the silver screen. However, the film does have a couple of small problems; firstly, the plot. Even though the it’s fairly self explanatory, Acker fails to take the audience in or along with his narrative. The picture just floats along quite happily without requiring any thought or audience involvement. It is also painfully short, lasting barely 79 minutes. This length not only makes it barely qualify as a ‘feature-length’ picture, but it may leave some viewers fairly agitated.

But putting the picture’s bad points behind, ‘9’ rightly deserves to be placed alongside some of this year’s great animations. It’s not as good as ‘Up’ or ‘Coraline’, but it is a solidly entertaining and gorgeous work which doesn’t rely on the gimmick of 3D.

VERDICT: 4 out of 5 – It’s short and snappy, but ‘9’ fills the hole that modern animation has been missing.

Chris Haydon

9 CERTIFICATE: 12A FILMREVIEW

Glass of fizz on arrival

Jerusalem artichoke soup with truffle oilPheasant and bacon terrine

Home-smoked fish with creamed horseradishRoast squash & beetroot, whipped goat’s cheese and walnuts

Cranberry sorbet

Roast chestnut & root vegetable hotpotGoose, Old Spot & home-smoked sausage cassoulet

Fish stew, leeks, fennel and aioliSaltmarsh lamb pie, suet crust and baked potato mash

Christmas pudding, brandy butter and creamClementine sorbet and stem ginger shortbread

Butterscotch creamed rice with armagnac prunesChocolate tart with créme fraiche

Coffee

01227 272 005 • www.pearsonsarms.comThe Horsebridge, Sea Wall, Whitstable

THEPEARSON’S

ARMS

CHRISTMAS MENU

£30 per head

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Millstrood RoadWhitstable

Kent CT5 3PS

• Pilates: Control backpain with specific exercise programme

• Sports Injury Clinic

www.backfit.co.uk T: 07748 988 851

NEW DAY TIME BEGINNERS PILATES COURSE STARTING IN WHITSTABLE IN JANUARY. TO BOOK CALL NOW!

As a nation, we are regularly divided in opinion; from current affairs to politics, from race and ethnicity to religion, we all seem to

share a different batch of thoughts; and it seems the debate on the ‘glorification’ of violence is just like the rest.

Throughout recent history, we have seen waves of criminal cases that have used a film or a video game as a piece of evidence or an ‘influence‘. And with the recent release of Infinity Ward’s new Soldier FPS (First Person Shooter) ‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’, the debate has surfaced again. In the mission ‘No Russian‘ (which can be skipped if you’re easily offended) casts you as a US Special Forces soldier undercover as a Russian terrorist. You and the terrorist organization head for an airport and in no uncertain terms, eliminate everybody in the entire building. The mission lasts for around 8 minutes and is one of the most graphically violent and gruelling video game experiences, yet various critics and news corporations have been saying that the mission’s sole purpose is to ‘glorify terrorism’.

Having played ‘No Russian’, to me it shows how cruel and un-just terrorist attacks are, by putting you personally in the scenario. I think creating this mission was an incredibly brave thing to do and

it could have lost Infinity Ward a lot of money and respect, but in fact the opposite has happened. The game sold 1.23m copies on it’s day of release, beating any other UK game sales record.

As a film-lover, I’ve always defended cinema when it is raised in a criminal debate. Critics around the globe say all audiences want now is gore, death and rape, but so many of us are offended by the waves of graphic pictures that fill our big and small screens. I believe a film’s content could be a possible ‘final prompt’ towards a crime, but never its entire cause; roots of criminal lifestyle and behaviour must be embedded previously, and I feel the same about video games.

However, I regularly see parents buying their young children 18-rated films and games, which to me is ridiculous. The British Board of Film Classification place this age rating on their products for a reason, yet so many people seem blind to the enormous red circle placed on the box.

‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’ is an 18-rated game with ‘strong graphic violence‘, but I’ve still seen youngsters that are barely 10 years old clutching a copy. Are these children our nation’s future criminals? I doubt it, but it does make you wonder that if they were, would their actions be covered by the ultimate scapegoats, films and video games?

Film and video game violence: I’ve said how I feel about it - what do you think? Let us know at editorial@the-imp.co.uk or the usual postal address.

Chris Haydon

Film and Video Game Violence: A Global Controversy?

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WHEN YOU PURCHASE A FLAT-PACK WARDROBE OR CHEST- OF-DRAWERS, THE LAST THING YOU’D WANT TO DO IS SPEND A WHOLE WEEKEND ASSEMBLING IT

The whole experience can be very stressful, and I’m sure you do not want to risk an argument with your partner. Now, wouldn’t you rather put your feet up after a hard week at work, or take the kids to the beach and let somebody else build your furniture?

A NEW SERVICE HAS COME TO TOWN AND IT’S CALLED ‘FLAT PACK RESCUE’.

TEL: 07801 814511

PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION:

WWW.FLATPACKRESCUE.CO.UK

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

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

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BUBBLE BITS AND BOBSSt John’s Methodist Church will be filled with a forest of Christmas trees next month - all in aid of a local care home. Town groups and businesses will decorate the 25 trees at St John’s Methodist Church and visitors will be asked to vote for their favourite.

The festival, from December 4 to 7, is in aid of Bradbury Grange care home in Canterbury Road and will also include a performance by the Whitstable Active Retirement Association Singers on the Saturday afternoon and a concert that evening.

Seasalter Christian Centre is holding a Christmas Family Fun Morning, starting at 10am and finishing around lunchtime on December 21. There will be plenty to keep everyone entertained, with with crafts, toys and lots of mess as well as fun. At mid-day we will finish with a short Christingle service when we will light the christingles we have made during the morning. It costs just £2 per child aged 3 and over or 50 pence for younger children. For more details contact 01227 276923

The Whitstable Age Concern Centre is busy planning and preparing for the festive season, and a wide range of special events will be organised, hoping that there will be something for everyone to enjoy. As some clients may only attend the centre one day per week the Christmas party lunches will run for a whole week (commencing December 14) giving everyone the opportunity to attend at least once. Entertainment is arranged for party days, including games and dancing, an Elvis impersonator, school children singing Christmas carols, a guitarist and a volunteer with a keyboard singing Christmas songs. Raffles are also organised during party week, if anyone has a raffle prize they would like to donate Age Concern Whitstable would be extremely grateful, please contact the centre on 01227 272055. At the beginning of December the Centre will be decorated with Christmas decorations to help get everyone into a festive mood. Care has to be taken, though, as too many in the wrong places have set the alarms off in previous years!

In the week leading up to Christmas party week, mulled wine and mince pies will be served to all attendees in the day centre. Age Concern Whitstable are looking for volunteers who could help with a variety of roles - to find out more please contact Gill Ball on 07735556811, she would love to talk to you.

Scout Post Boxes will be in the shops until December 18, and at 15p per card to help raise funds, it’s a bit of a bargain. Cards will be delivered over the weekend of December 19 and 20. The scouts need help with deliveries as well as your support in using the service. If you are willing to help, you can select your round from the list which will be delayed at Scout HQ. And anyone who can help with the final sort on Saturday morning from 9am would be very welcome. Post boxes can be found in various local shops between now and then.

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

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

Domestic Care Services Include:a Meal preparationa Bed making / changinga Shopping / pension collectiona Basic household domestic

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

Other Care Services Include:a Sleep or wake overa Peace of mind visit / companion servicea Dog walkinga Escorting the Service User to

appointments, outings and visitsa Assistance in organising

bills and paperworka Sit in servicea Any other service requested

would be considered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Dear IMP,Dawn and all the staff at Copperfields of

Whitstable would like to say Happy Birthday

to Whitstable IMP and to say how much

we enjoy the magazine.

Regards,

Dawn Reading www.copperfieldsofwhitstable.co.uk

Dear IMP,When I moved to our lovely town, after much thought, the only things I could find fault with were the narrow pavements and the fact that there was no NHS dentist.

Finally one came to town, brand spanking new, with great staff and a wonderful dentist, and all I hear are complaints that there’s a long waiting list.

If people had been more proactive and had called when the sign went up, they wouldn’t have had to wait so long for an appointment.

A friend of mine who didn’t call straight away has her first appointment in March 2010 but, despite this, when she had an emergency, they tended to her the same day, with no hassle.

Now there’s only one thing to work on - any ideas?

Malissa Taylor

Dear IMP,After seeing the Backfit ad in the IMP I’d like to say what it has done for me!Before starting Pilates classes, I had suffered with a stiff and painful lower back, restricting some movement and activities. Pilates has enabled me to strengthen my back, become aware of and improve my posture and has given me the confidence to exercise again.Liz runs her classes

professionally but with an element of fun. She provides a varied and progressive weekly programme of exercises catering for each individual’s needs and abilities.I feel stronger, fitter and more toned and, after 18 months, I continue to be motivated and look forward to each class!

C Bargent

Dear IMP,One correction re the November issue. I did not take the

cover picture... but I am more than happy to send you

Whitstable pictures with a seasonal flavour and not just

Duncan Down. I attach some that you might wish to use.

With kind regards, Ashley Clarke

Sorry about that, we left the credit from the October

issue in by accident. We’ve been very pleased to use

your snowy Neptune picture for this issue’s cover,

and we also loved this one - sheep in the snow - very

seasonal, thank you.

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

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

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

POETS’ CORNER

CHRISTMASSisters visitAnd grandmas coughDaughters giggleWhile brother-in-laws scoff!Bang go the crackersAnd on with the hatsWhile out in the kitchenWait the hungry cats.Candles flickerAs dads down the beersSiblings bickerWhile mums are all ears.Here’s to another Christmas-timeWhile up goes the mistletoeAnd down goes the wine!Bottoms up!

Anne Nacci

Dear IMP,

We are trying to attract tourists to the area and one

of the tourist attractions is the seat which is called

Cushing’s View.

Everyone wants to sit in it as Peter Cushing was

a well-loved actor and resident of Whitstable. I was

shocked to see that the seat and plaque have been

removed and replaced with a flower pot. What’s

going on?

B Darvill

Dear IMP,I enjoy flicking through The

Whitstable IMP so thought I

would offer one of my poems

and images for consideration.

Regards,

Anne Nacci

01227 266 644At CENTURY2 1 United Kingdom, we have a unique approach to selling property, believing that you should only have to deal with a single professional to market and negotiate the sale of your home.

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

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Your own personal Estate Agent who will be with you throughout the entire sales process. All viewings will be

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We will advertise your property on the big three independent property websites RightMove, Globrix and

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More exposure for your property by advertising it in the Whitstable IMP which is hand delivered to more than 15000 Whitstable households giving greater coverage

than any other publication in the town.Terms and Conditions Apply

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INGREDIENTS• 3 large carrots,

roughly chopped • 1 large onion,

roughly chopped • 4 celery sticks,

roughly chopped • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 2 large potatoes,

cut into small dice • 2 tbsp tomato purée • 2l vegetable stock • 400g can

chopped tomatoes • 400g can butter or

cannellini beans • 140g spaghetti, snapped

into short lengths • 1⁄2 head savoy

cabbage, shredded • crusty bread to serve

Delivering fresh, local vegetables to your door every week

1In a food processor, whizz the carrots, onion and celery into small pieces. Heat the oil in a

pan, add the processed vegetables, garlic and potatoes, then cook over a high heat for 5 mins until softened.

2 Stir in the tomato purée, stock and tomatoes. Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat and

simmer, covered, for 10 mins.

3 Tip in the beans and pasta, then cook for a further 10 mins, adding the cabbage for the

final 2 mins. Season to taste and serve with crusty bread

To find out how to order a veg box with exclusively local produce go to www.nethergongnurseries.co.uk, phone 01227 860825 or e-mail lewis@nethergongnurseries.co.uk

CHUNKYMINESTRONE SOUP

recipe recipe recipe RECIPE recipe recipe recipe RECIPE

recipe recipe recipe RECIPE recipe recipe recipe RECIPE

Buy 2 large glasses of wine and receive the rest of the bottle free

****Buy One Get One Free on selected cocktails

www.pearsonsarms.comThe Horsebridge, Sea Wall, Whitstable

Offers open Monday to Thursday from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. until December 23rd

thePEARSON’S ARMS

DECEMBER

1 - Deco5 - SWING & JIVE NIGHT - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

2 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01277 273056

3 - Deco5 - JAZZ TRUNK - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

3 - Whitstable Labour Club - WHITSTABLE HOODENERS & PIG’S EAR - 07895 683567

4 - Coach & Horses - SELKIE - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 264 732

4 - Monument - KELLY’S HEROS - 7pm, FREE entry 01227 264155

4 - Duke of Cumberland - BAD PENNIES - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 280617

4 - The Old Neptune - TOM PALMER - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

4 - Deco5 - THE SESSION- 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

4 - East Kent - SLUG PIXIES - 9pm, FREE entry, 01227 272 018

4 - Horsebridge - THE BUBBLE CLUB - EZIO - £8.50 (£7 conc) - 01227 281174

5 - The Old Neptune - FAT RIVER BAND - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

5 - Deco5 - ZEDHEADS - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

5 - The Two Brewers - KARAOKE - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

5 - East Kent - BLUES FUSION - 9pm, FREE entry, 01227 272 018

5 - Coach & Horses - DONE TOL’ MAMA - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 264 732

6 - The Old Neptune - JIM LEVERTON - 5-8pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

6 - Duke of Cumberland - WHITE PEPPER - 3.30-5.30pm, FREE entry 01227 280617

6 - Deco5 - ROGER LEWIN - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

6 - The Two Brewers - STEVE BOLTON - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

8 - Deco5 - BLUE ARCADIANS - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

9 - The Smack - CAMINE - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01277 273056

10 - Deco5 - EMILY & GUEST - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

11 - Duke of Cumberland - LIVE MUSIC - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 280617

11 - Coach & Horses - VINTAGE JAZZ WITH MALCOLM & RAY - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 264 732

11 - The Old Neptune - PASSACAT - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

11 - Deco5 - EAST WEST BLUES BAND - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

11 - East Kent - HOOCHIES - 9pm, FREE entry, 01227 272 018

12 - The Smack - TVC - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01277 273056

12 - The Old Neptune - DAVE PEABODY - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

12 - The Two Brewers - KARAOKE - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

12 - East Kent - HENRY’S ROCK BAND - 9pm, FREE entry, 01227 272 018

12 - Deco5 - FLETCH - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

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

13 - Duke of Cumberland - HOT RATS - 3.30-5.30pm, FREE entry 01227 280617

13 - The Two Brewers - FAT RIVER BAND - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

13 - The Duke - LANDLORD TENANT ACT - 3pm, FREE entry 01227 280 617

13 - Deco5 - STEVE BOLTON - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

15 - Marine Hotel - CLUB XMAS PARTY! - 01304 830966

15 - Deco5 - THE WORD - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

16 - Monument - CAROL SINGING - in the garden with toffee apples, mulled wine and mulled cider - singing from 9pm, FREE entry 01227 264155

16 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01277 273056

16 - Deco5 - SALSA NIGHT - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

17 - Deco5 - FRANCES KNIGHT & FRIENDS - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

18 - Deco5 - KING DAVID’S TRIO ROYALE - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

18 - Coach & Horses - CAMINE - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 264 732

18 - The Old Neptune - SLAKEY JAKE, KEVIN & JUSTIN - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 272262

18 - Duke of Cumberland - KIT CURTIS & THE SCENE - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 280617

18 - East Kent - BADAGAS - 9pm, FREE entry, 01227 272 018

18 - Horsebridge - BLUE RHYTHM KINGS - £8/£6 - 01227 281174

19 - Coach & Horses - JENNY SALMON - 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 264 732

19 - Monument - THE HOOCHIES - 7pm, FREE entry 01227 264155

19 - The Old Neptune - STEVE BOLTON - 9-11, FREE entry 01227 272262

19 - Deco5 - DAYLIGHT SAVINGS - 8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

19 - The Two Brewers - KARAOKE - 9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

the gig guideThis information is intended as guide only, and may be subject to last-minute changes. Contact details are provided for all venues.

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19 - East Kent - LOST WEEKEND - 9pm,

FREE entry, 01227 272 018

19 - Horsebridge - TROUSER TRUMPETS

XMAS SPECIAL - £7.50 - 01227 281174

20 - The Old Neptune - STEVE, MATT &

AL - FREE entry 01227 272262

20 - Duke of Cumberland - EMILY & THE

BEATS DUO - 3.30-5.30pm, FREE entry

01227 280617

20 - The Two Brewers - RUN VT - 9pm,

FREE entry 01227 272150

23 - The Smack - PAUL THE OTHER ONE -

8.30pm, FREE entry 01277 273056

24 - The Two Brewers - BLUE DEVILS -

9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

24 - East Kent - DISCO - 9pm, FREE entry,

01227 272 018

24 - Coach & Horses - KELLY’S HEROS -

9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 264 732

26 - Deco5 - TIFFANY WELLS - 8.30pm,

FREE entry 01227 770079

26 - The Two Brewers - ONE LOVE - 9pm,

FREE entry 01227 272150

27 - The Smack - KARAOKE - 8.30pm,

FREE entry 01277 273056

27 - Deco5 - URBAN CAFE - 8.30pm,

FREE entry 01227 770079

27 - The Two Brewers - RUSTY FORD

& THE CLASSICS - 9pm, FREE entry

01227 272150

27 - Duke of Cumberland - THE CHIMNEY

BOYS - 3.30-5.30pm, FREE entry

01227 280617

29 - Deco5 - PHIL WATKINS TRIO - 8.30pm,

FREE entry 01227 770079

30 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT -

8.30pm, FREE entry 01277 273056

31 - Deco5 - NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY -

8.30pm, FREE entry 01227 770079

31 - Coach & Horses - DONE TOL’ MAMA -

9-11pm, TICKET ONLY 01227 264 732

31 - East Kent - DISCO - 9pm, FREE entry,

01227 272 018

JANUARY

3- - The Two Brewers - ON THE RUN -

9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

6 - The Smack - BEN TRUMAN BORDER -

8.30pm, FREE entry 01277 273056

8 Coach & Horses - RELIG ORAN - 9-11pm,

FREE entry 01227 264 732

9 - The Smack - TVC - 8.30pm, FREE entry

01277 273056

10 - The Two Brewers - LED GREMLIN -

9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

13 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT -

8.30pm, FREE entry 01277 273056

15 - Coach & Horses - CHARLIE PARKER

TRIBUTE PROJECT - 9-11pm, FREE entry

01227 264 732

15 - East Kent - TBC - 9pm, FREE entry,

01227 272 018

16 - Coach & Horses - THE THROWBACKS -

9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 264 732

17 - - The Two Brewers - ONE LOVE -

9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

20 - The Smack - DAVE FERRA - 8.30pm,

FREE entry 01277 273056

22 - Coach & Horses - ZINTA & THE ZOOTS

- 9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 264 732

27 - The Smack - OPEN MIC NIGHT -

8.30pm, FREE entry 01277 273056

24 - The Two Brewers - KELLY’S HEROS -

9pm, FREE entry 01227 272150

29 - Coach & Horses - VINTAGE JAZZ WITH

MALCOLM & RAY - 9-11pm, FREE entry

01227 264 732

30 - Coach & Horses - BLUES FUSION -

9-11pm, FREE entry 01227 264 732

DECO 5 Live music most evenings from

8.30pm see www.deco5.co.uk or call

01227 770079

DUKE OF CUMBERLAND Live music Fridays

12.20-3pm & 9-11pm, Sundays 3.30-

5.30pm. FREE entry 01227 280617

EAST KENT Live music Fridays & Saturdays,

FREE entry 01227 272018

HORSEBRIDGE CENTRE

see www.horsebridge-centre.org.uk

or call 01227 281174

OLD NEPTUNE Live music Saturdays

9-11pm and Sundays 5-8pm

01227 272262

CLASSICAL DECEMBER

5 - Durham House Drama Group - 8pm,

St Mary’s Hall (The Umbrella Centre).

£2.50 on the door, mince pies, coffee,

tea and mulled wine available.

01227 594888

5 - Cantemus - 7.30pm, St. Paul’s

Church, Canterbury http://www.

cantemus.org.uk/index.html

12 - Whitstable Choral Society - 7.30pm,

Concert of Carols, with congregational

carols and the chance for children to sing

Away in a Manger. £7.50 adults, £5.00

children under 12. Tickets from Harbour

Books, Tony Johnson 01227 750950, or

on the door.

12 - The University of Kent Chorus and

Symphony Orchestra - 7.30pm, Eliot

College Hall, Susan Wanless conductor:

Handel – Coronation Anthem No.1 Zadok

the Priest, Coronation Anthem No. 2

The King shall rejoice; Mendelssohn –

Overture ‘The Hebrides’ (Fingal’s Cave),

Psalm 114; Sibelius – Symphony No. 2

in D major http://www.kent.ac.uk/music/

diary.htm

18 - Broadstairs & St Peters Concert

Band Christmas Concert - 7.45, St Peter’s

Church, Sydenham St, Whitstable. Tickets

are £5 on the door or call Reg Spillett on

01227 792425

JANUARY

16 - Canterbury Orchestra - 7.30pm,

Kent College Chapel, Canterbury -

The Romantics - Tchaikovsky’s 5th

Symphony, Elgar’s Enigma Variations,

Mendelssohn’s Calm Sea and Prosperous

Voyage. Tickets £8.50 or £2 for children,

on the door or call 01227 378188. www.

canterburyorchestra.co.uk

If you would like to publicise your gig here please email christina@the-imp.co.uk or write to the usual address. Deadline for the February issue will be January 13.

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

Newly opened in September 2008

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

to come to a ‘Play and Stay’ session.

Jo Jo’s Day Care Nursery

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

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

Registration Number:

EY373025

A Pain-Free, Stress-Free Birth… Is it possible? It is with HypnoBirthing®

Taking the birthing world by calm

http://www.qhypnotherapy.co.uk/hypnobirthing

Tel: Lisa on (01227) 280522

With HypnoBirthing® you will learn:

• How the mind and emotions affect the body

• Why labour hurts and why it doesn’t have to

• To release fear, the enemy of labour • How to avoid artificial induction and

episiotomy • How to tap nature’s own relaxant • How to breathe your baby down for birth • How you and your birth companion can

achieve a gentle, calm birth for yourselves and your baby

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King George IV was on the throne, revellers were boarding the first train from North Lane Station, Canterbury, for

a scheduled departure at 11am on Monday May 3, 1830.

This was to be a landmark journey and certainly contributed to transforming Whitstable from a sleepy fishing village to the flourishing town it is today. There were bands and celebrations at both ends of the line including a celebratory lunch at the Cumberland Hotel. This was the beginning - the first railway to offer a scheduled passenger service powered entirely by steam.

The line also carried coal ‘imported’ by boat from Durham to the bustling city of Canterbury as well as ‘exporting’ produce from the Garden of England to the insatiable London markets. The railway commissioned Thomas Telford to build Whitstable Harbour to facilitate this trade, making it the first railway to own its own harbour.

The 180th anniversary of this historic journey is being celebrated over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend from the first to the third of May 2010. Residents of Canterbury and Whitstable, together with

visitors from near and far, are invited to a series of events. The programme is yet to be finalised and the co-ordinating committee are open to suggestions, offers of help and, of course, donations to make this a weekend to remember.

Bob Winter, a member of the committee, said “In 1980 almost thirty events were organised including a Cavalcade of Transport in Canterbury and Whitstable. In 2010 the underlying railway theme will remain but with a focus on traditional entertainment, picnics, parades, exhibitions and film shows, as well as a number of events at the Horsebridge Centre.”

If you have any thoughts or suggestions for the celebrations, or if you would like to be involved, please contact Bob. He is also interested an any old pictures or stories you may have concerning The Canterbury and Whitstable Railway.

Harbour Heights has produced a series of informative DVDs on the subject - ask Bob for details:01227 772 552 www.harbourheights.uk.com

THE CANTERBURY & WHITSTABLE RAILWAY“Crab & Winkle Line - Then & Now”Issued July 2009

New DVD CW2“The Crab & Winkle Line - Then & Now” Shows film of the remnants of the railway as it is today compared withthe branch line in its heyday.

First DVD CW1“The Canterbury & Whitstable Railway” Tells the history of the line from its planning in the 1820s through to itsclosure 123 years later, in 1953.

Order FormPlease send me a copy of CW1 [ ] £13.95 CW2 [ ] £13.95 Name..........................................Address...........................................................................................................................................................................Postcode.........................................Tel...................................

Harbour Heights67 Tankerton Road Tel 01227 772552Whitstable CT5 2AH www.harbourheights.uk.com

Train Times

what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on?

THE MONTH AHEAD...

SCOUT POST! - 15p per card (funds raised for Scouts and local charities) stamps and post-boxes in shops now, last post Dec 18, delivery to local addresses over weekend of Dec 20.

Dec 5 - Whitstable Over 60’s Centre, Waterloo Road Whitstable - Xmas Bring & Buy Sale & Coffee Morning. Raffle Drawn by 12.00 Noon. Refreshments served 10.00 am till 1.00 pm. All welcome.

Dec 5 & 19, Seaside Brocante Christmas Fairs, 10am-4pm, St Mary’s Hall (Umbrella Centre). Set your season sparkling with Antique & Vintage jewellery, homeware & wardrobe, including vintage party frocks, winter coats, arts & crafts. Festive food in Cafe. Cindy Mainwaring 01227 773037

Dec 6 - Tankerton Christmas Market - 12-5pm, Tankerton Road from St Anne’s Rd roundabout to Graystone Rd. Stalls, shops and entertainment for all the family. For further info or to book a stall call - 01227 263595

Dec 21 - Family fun morning at Seasalter Christian Centre - 10am onwards, crafts, toys and activities, followed by a short Christingle service at noon. £2 for over 3s, 50p for under 3s. Detailst: 01227 276923

Second and fourth Saturdays of each month - Whitstable Farmers’ Market - St Mary’s Hall (Umbrella Centre) 9.30am-2pm - meat, eggs, fruit & veg, drinks, cakes, crafts & Fair Trade cafe. 01227 770836

SEE GIG GUIDE p 36 FOR CHRISTMAS GIGS AND CONCERTS

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Activities and times may change, please check before you arrive.

Babies

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

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

Breastfeeding Clinic – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Tuesdays, monthly, appointment only. 01227 263998

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

Baby Massage - Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Thursdays 12.00-1pm. 01227 564421

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

Health Visitor 1-1s - appointment only, through GP/Health Clinic, Swalecliffe Children’s Centre - 01227 272103

PIPS - Joy Lane Children’s Centre - for families with children 0-5 with additional needs - Fridays 10am-12. Call 01227 263998 for more info

Parent and Toddler

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

St Alphege Carer & Toddler group - Monday 9.15am at the school (Oxford Street) 01227 272977.

Arts & Crafts - Mondays 10-11am term-time only, prebook at Swalecliffe Children’s Centre - 01227 272103

Button Tots – Lucerne Neighbourhood Centre, Faversham Road. Mondays 10am-12, call Jane 01227 282732

Heuristic Play starting Monday 9-10am Nov 2nd-Dec 21st at Swalecliffe Children’s Centre - 01227 272103 3 Years Plus Family Group – Westmeads Infant School, Cromwell Road, Mondays 1.45-2.45pm. 01227 272995

Little Alfies – Seasalter Christian Centre, Faversham Road, fortnightly on Mondays 1.45pm, call 01227 276795

Story Time – Swalecliffe Library, Herne Bay Road, Swalecliffe, Mondays 2-2.30pm, drop in or call 01227 792645

Messy Play Sessions – Mondays 12.45- 2.45pm. Bring old clothes! Free of charge. Joy Lane Children’s Centre – 01227 263998

Art on Tuesdays 10-11am, term time only, prebook at Joy Lane Children’s Centre, 01227 263998

Playmates – Christian Fellowship Hall, Harbour St – Tuesday mornings 9.15-10.30 or 10.30-11.45. 50p per family. 01227 263393

Tots @ TEC – Tankerton Evangelical Church Hall, Northwood Road, Tankerton, Tuesdays 10-11.30am, ages 0-5, £1 per family. 01227 794328

Seasalter Christian Centre parent and toddler group – Tuesdays, 1.30-3pm, £1 per family. 01227 770257

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

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Parent & Toddler Group - drop in Wednesdays 9-11.30am, Toy Library every fortnight from September 16 - 10.30-11.30 - Swalecliffe Children’s Centre - 01227 272103

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

All Saints Parent and Toddler Group – Shirley Hall, Church Street – Wednesdays 1.15-2.45pm. 50p per family. Term-time only – Call Sue Smith 01227 471325

St Alphege Drop-in group - Wednesday 1.30pm at the school (Oxford Street) 01227 272977.

Rock-A-Bye-Music from Nov 4 - 1.45-2.30. Book at Swalecliffe Children’s Centre - 01227 272103 Little Oysters Pre-school storytelling and craft activity, Last Wednesday of the month, 1.30-2.30pm. Whitstable Museum. £2 per child, adults free. Advance booking: 01227 276 998

Parent and Toddler Group – Joy Lane Children’s Centre – Thursdays 9-10.30am and 11-12.30. 01227 263998

Messy Play - drop in Thursdays 12.45-2.45pm, Swalecliffe Children’s Centre - 01227 272103

Heuristic Play - Joy Lane Children’s Centre, Thursdays 1.45-2.45pm. Drop in. 01227 263998

Chatterbox Baby and Toddler Group – St John’s Church Centre, Swalecliffe. Fridays 9.30-11.30am. 01227 792835

Story time – Whitstable Library, Oxford Street. Fridays, 2-2.30pm, call 01227 273309

Friday Fun Group – Middle Wall United Reformed Church – 9.30-11.30am. Waiting list - 01227 771766 or 263959

Dads’ group - Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Fridays 1-3pm. 01227 263998

Locomotion - Joy Lane Children’s Centre - Friday Nov 6th - 2-5 yrs olds 10.00-10.45, 6 months to 2 yrs 11.00-11.30. 01227 263998

Managing Children’s Behaviour Friday Nov 6-Dec 11, 9.15-11.15, free creche for pre-schoolers. Book at Swalecliffe Children’s Centre - 01227 272103

Pre-school Children

Whitstable School Transition Group for children starting school at 4. Fridays 1.30-3pm. Penny: 01227 773155 transitionwhitstable.org.uk

School Children/After-School Clubs

Cricket - Saturday Colts - ages 6-11. 9.15am, £1 per child, including drink. Register at http://www.whitstablecc.tripod.com or at Belmont Road ground on Saturday morning.

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

Irish Dancing - ages 5+ at the Parish Social Centre, Castle Road. Tuesdays from 3.30pm, Saturdays 10.30-12. Call Janice for details on 07895 457020

Joy Lane/Langton Lane Swimming Clubs. All ages and abilities, qualified instructors. Joy Lane Primary/Simon Langton School pools. 07817 171 524 joylaneswimming@live.co.uk

MUSIC LESSONS WITH EMILY - Lessons for Adults and Children in: Singing, Piano, Flute, Recorder, Guitar, Theory, Sight Reading / Singing and Songwriting. £14/30mins, £26/hour, first lesson 1/2 Price, 10% Discount on block bookings. Call Emily on 01227 282 556 or 07749 115 484. emilypeasgood@gmail.com

Whitstable Home Education Group Tuesdays 1.30-3pm. Penny: 01227 773155, transitionwhitstable.org.uk, moonmama@inflatablecookie.com

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

FITNESS

Adult classes: Tap, Ballet, Salsa-Fit, Pilates/Yoga - new classes starting January 2010, contact Helena 01227 275 375

American Square Dancing at the W.I. Hall, Chestfield. Fridays 7:30-9:30pm. 01227 275455

Badminton courts at CCW available to hire Saturdays between 9am and 5pm. 07751 307708

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

Irish Dancing for adults - Women’s Institute Hall on Joy Lane. Mondays term time 8-9pm. Janice:07895 457020

KEEP FIT BELLYDANCE - Horsebridge Arts Centre, Whitstable. Fridays 10am-11am. MAKE EXERCISE FUN WITH BELLYBEATS: a TOTAL BODY WORKOUT with bellydance moves. Improve your posture, body awareness and build up confidence. Horsebridge Arts Centre, Whitstable. Fridays 10am-11am. ALL AGES AND ABILITIES WELCOME. £5 (£4 concessions). 07979 553789 or email sophia.vr@virgin.net

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Keep Fit for over 50s and less active - Wednesdays 12.30–1.30pm, and 1.30-2.30pm - Umbrella Centre, 01227 274880

Low impact keep fit - Mondays 12.15-1.15pm, Umbrella Centre, Suzi: 07702 386176

PILATES CLASSES - Mondays 5:30pm-6:45pm at the Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre, Oxford Street, Whitstable. Qualified and experienced Pilates teacher, specialising in postnatal and rehabilitation. £7 drop-in class or £35 for a block of six. (£5 concessions). I am also available for private sessions. 07979 553789 or email sophia.vr@virgin.net

Walk and talk - Wednesdays 10.30am from Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre: 01227 274880

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

Yoga - Mondays 1.20-2.20pm, Umbrella Centre, Suzi: 07702 386176

COMMUNITY GUIDE

Clubs/Societies

Arts and crafts for adults - Thursdays 10am-12, Umbrella Centre: 01227 274880

Book club - First Thursday of the month, 6.30-9pm, Umbrella Centre. Movie every other month. 01227 274880 East Kent Model Railway Society - Wednesdays 7.30pm, Club house in the Old Dairy (by Castle Stores), Castle Road. 01227 275157

Flowers and Crafts Club - Tuesdays 7-9.30pm, Umbrella Centre, 01227 281138 Needles and Natter - Thursdays 2.30-4.30pm, Umbrella Centre, 01227 274880

Oyster Lacemakers - Mondays, 4–7pm, Umbrella Centre, 01227 276921

Oyster Singers - Every Monday (except Holidays) 7pm at CCW, old and new songs in 4 part harmony. 01227 793155

Reading Group - Swalecliffe Library, 01227 792645

Samba Pelo Mar samba band, Tuesdays 7-9pm at Whitstable Junior School. Call 01227 281838.

Scrabble Club - Mondays 10.30-12.30pm, Umbrella Centre, 01227 274880

Short Mat Bowls - Friday and Sunday evenings, Umbrella Centre, 01227 794600

Whitstable and District Horticultural Society. United Reformed Church, Middle Wall, 7.30pm: October 9 ‘Phantasmogoria’ (picture show). 01227 265503

Whitstable Indoor Bowling Club - open 9.30am-10pm. 01227 277 692

Whitstable Over 60s Centre, Waterloo Road (next to Baptist Church). Mon-Sat, 10am-1pm. Refreshments available. Drop in or call 01227 272093.

Whitstable Photographic Group – 1st & 3rd Friday each month, 8-10pm, Methodist Church Hall, Argyle Road. 01227 275936

Whitstable Short Mat Bowls Club - Fridays & Sundays 7.30pm, Umbrella Centre. 01227 794600

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

Whitstable Twinning Association - 01227 793212 or JOGI102@aol.com

Whitstable Women Writers, first Monday of the month, 8pm, new members welcome, 01227 771126Health

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

Chestfield Medical Centre – 0844 477 3073Saddleton Road Surgery - 01227 272809Seasalter Surgery - 01227 772327Whitstable Health Centre – 0844 477 2566Estuary View Health Centre - 01227 284300Seasalter Community Pharmacy - 01227 277744Estuary View Pharmacy - 01227 277488Out of Hours service – 0844 800 1234NHS Direct - including Out of Hours Pharmacies - 0845 46 47Blood Donation – 08457 711 711Stop Smoking Service - 0800 849 4444Disability Information and Advice Line - Tel: 01227 771155NHS Patient Advice and Liaison Service - 0800 085 6606

Local Policing

Police surgeries and meetings: www.kent.police.uk Whitstable: Gordon Etheridge, with Sergeant Dave Brenchley on 01227 868028Chestfield - PC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Abi Ellis 0777 222 6106

The Perfect Gift......for an aspiring singer

Mince Pie Package

The receiver will enjoy a

one hour singing lesson

and learn a song of their

choice. Includes a

discount on their next

lesson.

Stocking Package

Includes everything in the

Mince Pie Package, but the

receiver will also spend an

hour recording their song

to take away on a CD.

A fantastic experience!

Santas Package

Includes two one hour

singing lessons plus a one

and a half hour recording

session and three copies of

the recording on a printed

CD!

Price £50.00 Price £80.00Price £30.00

Take this opportunity to treat a friend

or loved one to a special experience

this Christmas.

Call Emily on Whitstable 282556 Vouchers can be redeemed at any time within 6 months, subject to booking availability. Terms and conitions apply.

Our three tailored packages offer a

range of gift experiences...

...and the receiver will have the opportunity

to continue their lessons...

and develop their singing abilities with

discounted rates on further lessons with a

professional vocal tutor.

Ask for details about piano, guitar and recorder lessons, too!

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what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on? www.the-imp.co.uk what’s on?

Gorrell - PCSO: Mark Harriott 0777 222 5966Harbour - PC: Andy Camp 07980 683530; PCSO: Aaron Pedwell 0777 222 6035Seasalter & Yorkletts - CSO: Aarron Newell 01227 868028Swalecliffe & Tankerton - PC: Steve Pope 01227 868028; PCSO: Graeme Downes 01227 868028

Volunteer Services

Elderly or disabled and can’t access public transport? Whitstable Volunteer Car Scheme: 01227 264743

Volunteers Needed

Whitstable Volunteer Car Scheme - drivers needed to take elderly or disabled to appointments. If you have time to volunteer please call 01227 264743

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

Age Concern Whitstable need volunteers for: befriending, escorting on their mini bus, day centre helper or health walk leaders. 01227 787313, 07735556811, agecorecruiter@btinternet.com

LOCAL SERVICES

Alternative Therapies

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

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

FOOT FRIEND - Caring Chiropody, the sole mate for your feet. The gentle foot health service in your own home. Visits within a 5 mile radius of town centre. Call Rochelle Lewis on 07974008120

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beauty

bbeautiful mobile beauty therapy & beauty room. Bridal make-up packages, Facials, O.P.I Manicures & Pedicures, UV Gel nails, Lash/Brow tints, Waxing, Individual lashes. Pamper parties and Teenage make-up parties. Gift vouchers available. Insured and a member of Associated Beauty Therapists. Call Rachel on 07784223287

Emphasising Beauty - Semi-permanent make-up. Eyebrows, eyeliner and lips. Eyelash extensions individually applied (silk and coloured available). Creative nail extensions, Jessica Manicures and Pedicures. Over 13 years experience. Qualified, insured and licensed. 07902877309 01227 264001 www.emphasisingbeauty.co.uk

Mobile Hairdressing for all the family. Cuts, colours, foils, children’s cuts and hair for special occassions. Call Vicky for an appointment on 07833 664 691/ 01227 272154.

Business Opportunity

British PLC now recruiting to assist with ongoing expansion program. Full training and support provided call 0800 0934 995 for free DVD.

Cake Making

Chrissie’s Kitchen - Beautiful, delicious cakes for birthdays, weddings, christenings - any special occasion, or just because you fancy a treat! Gluten-free (as seen in Elliotts coffee shop on Harbour Street), egg-free and dairy-free available. Organic and Fair Trade ingredients used wherever possible. www.chrissies-kitchen.co.uk or call Chrissie on 07511 009 757

Carers

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

Childcare

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

DAISY CHAIN NURSERY SCHOOL - we are open every day during term time from 9.15 to noon with extended hours on Mondays and Thursdays 9.15 to 3.15. We welcome visits - please phone for appointment, 07947 819 348 (nursery hours) 01227 773059

Computer Repair

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

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

Counselling

Whitstable Counselling & Psychotherapy Centre. Feeling unable to cope and need somebody to talk to and think things through? Confidential, UKCP & BACP Registered with 15 years experience. Contact Deborah Gibbons on 01227 261159. Reduced rates for those on low incomes.

WHITSTABLE COUNSELLING SERVICES - strictly confidential experienced face to face counselling or telephone counselling to anyone 18 years or over anywhere in UK or EU - 01227264643. Frankie Hall MBACP Dip Couns. Dip E.D. For further details, including reduced charges see www.frankiehall.co.uk

Cromwell Road Counselling & Meditation Centre – Do you need to find different ways of coping with life? Do you need someone to listen? Counselling, Psychotherapy or Meditation could help; for Adults and Children. Phone Karin Heinitz/Christine McAllen, Tel: 01227 273580

Curtain Making

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

Dress Making

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

Home Maintenance

Flat Pack Rescue, a fast and efficient flat-pack furniture assembly service. Don’t risk DIY, call an expert! Paul 07801814511 www.flatpackrescue.co.uk

Swann Plumbing Services is a small family-run plumbing & heating firm. We undertake all plumbing work from a leaky tap to a new boiler, please check website for a full list of services and local testimonials. Trading Standards Approved, OFTEC and Gas Safe Registered. 01227 262 585 www.swannplumbing.com

Family History

Who do you think you are? Would you like some help tracing your family history? Why not call me, Richard on 01227 281771 or e-mail rhove@tiscali.co.uk and I will be happy to discuss how I can help.

Gardening

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

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

Recycling/Waste Reduction

www.recycle-more.co.ukwww.freecycle.orgCouncil Services - Recycling Information: 01227 862 247; Recycling Collections, Banks, Sacks; Domestic Refuse Collection; Dog Fouling: 0800 031 9091

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Retailers

*Ripple Farm Organics* ORGANIC & LOCAL - Crundale, Canterbury CT4 7EB. Boxes delivered to your area. 01227 730898 (answer-phone)www.ripplefarmorganics.co.uk

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

Weddings

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

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

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

Beautiful wedding cakes made to your specification. Go to www.chrissies-kitchen.co.uk or call Chrissie to arrange an appointment on 07511 009 757.

FURTHER AFIELD

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

£100 off 2010 Yoga Holidays in beautiful and unspoilt rural Italy, booking and info www.shanticentre.com or 003 9 085 870 8273

‘Introduction to Art and Yoga’ break in luxury accomodation with stunning mountain scenery, Abruzzo, Italy. Learn to use watercolours, pastels and oils each morning and relax with massages and yoga on the terrace each afternoon. Info on www.shanticentre.com or 003 9 085 870 8273

Holiday rentals in Abruzzo, Italy: 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, swimming pool, all mod cons. Stunning location. info on www.shanticentre.com or 003 9 085 870 8273

Residential Italian Language course in Abruzzo, Italy: 18-24 July, £350 half board. Email laksmi_bee@hotmail.com or call 003 9 085 870 8273

To be included in the listings please contact Christina@the-imp.co.uk. Non-profit events can be listed free of charge, subject to space. Deadline for February issue: January 13 2010

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