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Welcome to the March 2015 issueof Minster Matters

The Editors accept alladvertisements, articles andnotices in good faith and activelyencourage the support of the localtraders and services. However,we cannot be held

responsible for the quality ofgoods or services offered.

Please mention the magazine

when replying to advertisers.

The magazine and CD arepublished eleven times a year, atthe beginning of each month, fromFebruary to December, inclusive.

Views expressed herein arestrictly those of their author anddo not necessarily agree withthose of the Editor and/or theeditorial team.

MM Subscriptions

Copies of the Magazine or CD are

now available on subscription toall non residents, worldwide.

Payments are in advance

To a UK postal address :-

Single Issue £1.85

Annually (11 issues) £18.00

Costs to an overseas address areavailable on request, and we willbe pleased to quote for thisservice.

Minster Parish Council

Next meeting will be held on:

Tuesday 3rd March @ 7pm

in the Neighbourhood Centre

Members of the public arewelcome to attend and canarrange to speak to the Council

through the Clerk or by requestingthe Chairman before the start ofthe meeting. Copies of the Agendaare available from the Clerk and

are posted in the Library. Clerk tothe Council is Mrs Kyla Lamband the Council Office isnormally open from:-

9.30am - 12 noon weekdays;

tel: 821 339 fax: 825 269

Email:clerk@minsterparishcouncil.org.uk

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EDITORIALFirstly Co-Editor Brenda, who isthe longest serving member ofanyone on Minster

Matters, has been pretty poorlyrecently and has had to havenumerous blood

transfusions to counteract severeanaemia, whilst poor old Gradyhas been relegated to the kennels.Happily Brenda is now backhome and getting better every day

and Grady

should soon be back to join her.The whole team wish her welland look forward to

having her ‘back in harness’ andworking hard again for us soon.

Secondly we are very sad to haveto report that our ‘resident poet’Yvonne has lost her battle for life.We have dedicated a page of thisissue to her poems in memory.

For those of you listening to this

issue we have taken thedecision to spread these outbetween articles in the hope youwill appreciate them better thatway.

Have you had your ‘Abbreviated’copy of the Draft Local Plan?Have you completed and returnedthe questionnaire? It’s still not toolate to do so as closing date isFriday 6

March - remember they must be atthe TDC Offices by this date, not

still in the post!!

Now my gripe of the month:

We have pictures on the frontcover and inside of the W.I.Centenary Baton visiting

Minster. I read about this in aFacebook message I receivedabout Minster W.I. Ladies beingon the television. Disappointedthat MM weren’t informed it wascoming here so as we could havecovered the story but at least weeventually managed to get some

pictures to publish tocommemorate the event.

Please if you know of anyevents/happenings in and aroundthe village that we would beinterested in covering then doplease let us know - we aren’tmind readers and don’t assumesomeone else has told us already.

Back to happier thoughts:

Jenny and I went to the OldSchools on Shrove Tuesdaylunchtime for pancakes -

delicious!! It was really good tosee the vicar and his familyinvolving themselves and lots oflocal youngsters in a variety ofgames whilst we were eating -they all seemed to be enjoyingthemselves but it looked far tooenergetic for me to contemplatejoining in - it made me feelexhausted just watching. Welldone Richard and Laura, good tosee you

getting involved in Minstervillage life.

A VERY BIG ‘THANK YOU’

To everyone who came andhelped with the recentredecoration at The Bell Inn -Ken & Fiona

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DIAMONDWEDDINGANNIVERSARYThank you to everyone who cameto our Diamond AnniversaryParty at the British legion andmade it such a special time.Thank you also for all the lovelypresents. Thank you to Julie andSue for the buffet and to the DJfor playing our favourite songs Agood time was had by all.

Brenda & John Philpott

Protect our villageWe are a small group of localresidents who have got together tolook at the Thanet

Draft Local Plan and consider itsimplications for Minster. This hasnot been an easy task as the planhas been presented in a way thatmakes it as difficult as possible toread. (As evidenced by the PlainEnglish Society who described itas ‘an example of dissuading

people from having a say’). Thisin turn makes it highly unlikelythat many people will be able tocomplete the 99 pagequestionnaire provided torespond to it!

The fact that the wildly optimisticspeculation of growth in the planis strongly linked to the expansionof an airport and ferry terminaldoes tend to raise the question asto how credible is this so called‘Plan’ is!

Luckily, an abbreviated versionrelating only to Minster, approvedby TDC and the Parish Council,was produced by a helpfulresident and hopefully you havehad the chance to see it by now,and maybe even discuss it at themeeting on Wednesday 25February.

(Copies available on the ParishCouncil, Minster Village andMinster Matters websites or fromAttwells Newsagents.)

Now we have the chance to haveour say about what happens to ourvillage, to speak

out about the destruction of primeagricultural land, theoverwhelming impact of 185

more houses on resources, at leasttwice that number of people usingthe local services and possibly200 more cars driving on theroads.

If we don’t speak now we arelooking at the tip of an iceberg as

the area outlined in the

‘Local Plan’ will take at leastthree times that number ofproperties and will have adetrimental effect on the whole ofMinster.

In short, do we want to remain avillage with a real sense ofcommunity or become just anotherurban sprawl?

If you care please make yourviews known by completing theabbreviated questionnaire, or

even better set out your views inyour own words, and place themin the collection box at AttwellsNewsagents,

or send direct to:-

Strategic Planning, ThanetDistrict Council, PO Box 9, CecilStreet, Margate. CT9 1XZ

No time to lose the closing date isFriday 6 March!

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Village Development - the viewsof a concerned resident

As a concerned long time villagerI felt that I must voice myopinions. On a selfish level Ithink Minster is losing itscharacter. It used to be a lovelyvillage with a good communityspirit and still is in a lot of ways,but it seems to be getting biggerby the day which is such a shame.

On a practical level can Minstersupport all this growth? Parking

and congestion is

getting really bad, I don't think theschool can stretch to too manymore pupils and the Doctors(which already accommodates thesurrounding villages) I don't thinkwould be able to cope withanother influx of patients.

I do appreciate that people haveto live somewhere, but I stronglyfeel that the

infrastructure of the villageshould be an important priority

before any more homes are builtin Minster.

I love this village and I am surethere are a lot more villagers thatfeel as I do.

A concerned villager (Name andaddress supplied)

NEWS FROMTHE BELFRYNot a lot of activity in the belfrythis month apart from usualpractice and Sunday ringing, buteven here there has been someuseful improvement. The band hasbeen practising a method called"Plain Hunt" for a few weeks andit has not been easy, because onjust five bells changing one’splace at every pull of the rope isnot that easy to achieve.

However, at the beginning of thismonth we started to get it right sothat we could

continue it four timesconsecutively. Plain Hunt leadson to other methods in the future.

Learning to ring is similar tolearning any skill - it is a series ofhills to climb, followed byplateaux where you practise andimprove your technique, then it’son to the next hill!

The band is slowly increasing in

size and still welcomes newmembers, whether

experienced or newcomers. Itsgreat fun and exercise so if youthink you might like to knowmore, come along to a WednesdayPractice 7.30pm at the Church,you will be

very welcome!

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The Life Within (In Memory ofKen King)

The life within

Still ran in and delivered the ball

Fast enough to break the stump

It still urged the players on

From the touchline

As they strained for the goal.

The life within

Still woke before dawn

And cycled a distance more thanmost would drive

To beam with pride

At the sparking welding tools

The shining hall floor

And the sparkling pool water

The life within

Still enjoyed a beer at the bar

And a steak by the sea

Remembering the good old days

As if they were just a sunset ago.

It still pottered in the garden

And constructed in the shed.

The life within buzzed, laughed

And overflowed to all around

And we learned to live because

It was lived so completely

But his body could not contain

The life

And in the end he could not bear

The prison anymore

So he slept dreaming of themoment

When he would leave that tiredbody behind,

He slept and then

He flew, he was free to leave thecell behind

But

The life within

goes on Forever.

Dalwyn Attwell

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Minster PlayhousePrompt CornerThe Minster Playhouse AnnualGeneral Meeting was held at TheBell on Tuesday 3

February and was well attendedby Playhouse members andfriends.

The outgoing President, LesleyGallagher, spoke about what asuccessful year it had been for the

Playhouse with an award winningproduction of Move Over MrsMarkham in

May, the very popular SteelMagnolias in September and thena family orientated

pantomime Dick Whittington inDecember. In addition she praisedthe social aspect of the Playhouseincluding the Strawberry Tea,Halloween Dance, Summer Fairand Quiz

nights.

Chairman, David Downes-Powell, congratulated thePlayhouse on raising money for a

number of charities during theyear including CRY (CardiacRisk in the Young) and

Parkinson’s Disease. He thenwelcomed Jane Daulman as thenext President. The existingcommittee were re-elected withone additional member, JayneGoodson.

Rehearsals are now underway for

the next production, Plaza Suite inMay and tickets will be availablefrom March, althoughreservations are already beingtaken.

The three directors weredelighted with the turnout onaudition evening and were

pleased to cast DominiqueVaughan, Marcus Hogben, RuthClement, Neal Morcom,

Lesley Gallagher and SteveClement in the principal roles.

They will be ably supported byEliot Eaton-Brown, LauraPortanier and Terry Wood.

The play tells the story of 3separate couples who occupySuite 719 at the Plaza Hotel inNew York at different times andfor very different reasons.Definitely not to be missed.

MINSTER BOWLS CLUB -NEWS FROM THE GREEN

2015, and we are up and running.

The fixture list for the newoutdoor season is already at theprinters. Now is the time to comeand see us to fill in an applicationform before the pre-seasonmeeting on Friday 10

April.

The indoor bowling has alreadyproduced several members toplay in the Competitions

on Final Day. To date we knowwho the the finalists are for theWednesday Night Pairs, Ladies

Pairs, Men's Pairs, Ladies Singlesand the Triples Competition.

We have a good crowd of playersand spectators nearly everyFriday night for the FoursCompetition. The bar is usuallyquite busy, but there's enoughspace for you and your friends tobenefit from a warm room andfriendly atmosphere.

Saturday 7 March will see usholding our first social evening ofthe New Year with games of ‘Hoy

Bingo’, ’You Bet’ and ‘Play yourCards’.

In April our social evening willbe a ‘Race Night & Auction’.

Come on, give us a visit and tryout our hospitality.

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PATIENTLIAISON GROUPNEWSLETTERCARE QUALITYCOMMISSION INSPECTION(CQC)

The CQC carried out a formal andcomprehensive inspection of thepractice on Thursday 29thJanuary. Although we have not yetreceived the final report, which is

expected

within the month, a brief statementhas been issued by the PracticePartners which

follows this report.

APPOINTMENTQUESTIONNAIREThe surgery is proposing toreorganise the appointmentsprocedure, both in making andattending the appointment itself.Also under consideration is theunacceptable level of patientswho fail to attend a pre-bookedappointment, and how best to dealwith repeat offenders. We wouldwelcome patient’s feedback onthese issues and are thus

launching a survey to help decidethe best way forward. We wouldbe very grateful if patients couldspend a few minutes whilst theyare at the surgery and complete asimple questionnaire.

Thank you for your help andsupport.

MISSED APPOINTMENTS -INCREASED AGAIN !

QUESTION? Why would so manypatients bother to make an

appointment and THEN

NOT TURN UP?

ANSWER: I don’t know - BUT142 PATIENTS DO !!!!!!

BECAUSE LAST MONTH 57PATIENTS DID NOT attend theirDOCTOR’S

APPOINTMENT and 85PATIENTS DID NOT attend theirNURSES APPOINTMENT! SO

THAT’S 142 PATIENTS

WASTING VALUABLEAPPOINTMENTS and TIME! Wemust

remind patients, that inaccordance with NHS policy,action may be considered againstrepeat offenders. SO PLEASE -DON’T BE A TIME WASTER -DON’T NEED IT - CANCEL

IT ! KEEP FORGETTING -REGISTER ! One day IT MIGHTBE YOU who urgently needs

an appointment and be told

“SORRY THEY’VE ALLGONE”.

OUR NEW PROJECT - YOUDECIDE

We would like your help -PLEASE! What additionalequipment or facility do you thinkwould benefit the surgery themost? Various suggestions havebeen put forward and aredisplayed on our notice board inthe waiting room, so please feelfree to comment or make

additional suggestions. We lookforward to receiving yourfeedback. Thank you.

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SPRING FAYREOur Annual Spring Fayre will beheld on: Saturday 16 May at “OldSchools”, Church St., Minster.Tables remain at £9 large and £6small and of course “FREEADMISSION”.

Several tables have already beenbooked and only a few remain soBOOK NOW to avoid

disappointment.

SURGERY CLOSURE DAYS –STAFF TRAINING

Please note that the surgery willclose from 12.00 noon on thefollowing days: Thursday 26March; Wednesday 29 April;Thursday 21 May.

Please ensure that you havesufficient medication to last youduring these times. Should youneed to see a Doctor when thesurgery is closed, please call the“NHS 111 Service”

via the normal surgery number821333 where you will betransferred automatically, or youcan call direct on 111, to receivenon-urgent confidential healthadvice and

information for you and yourfamily. For Urgent/Lifethreatening cases please dial 999as normal.

PATIENT GROUPMEETINGIf you have any issues you wouldlike to raise at our meeting inMarch, or require furtherinformation on any of the above,then please contact Ken Self on821 200 or Jeanne

Lawrence on 821 049.

Minster Surgery – CQCStatement

Dear Patient,

As you may be aware, the CareQuality Commission (CQC)recently undertook an

inspection of Minster Surgery.

The staff at the surgery would liketo thank those patients thatparticipated in the process on theday by answering questions to theCQC Inspector.

The final result of the inspectionis not yet known, however initial

feedback was

extremely positive towards thelevel of care offered to ourpatients. The process has alsohighlighted some improvementsthat can be made to the surgeryand we will therefore

be making some changes over thecoming months and ask that youbear with us as we

make these changes.

We would like to reiterate that it

is always our intention to provideour patients with the higheststandard of care possible and arecontinually looking at ways inwhich we can improve as apractice.

All the staff at Minster Surgery

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Minster ShowSpring may be in the air, so itmust be time to prepare forsummer!! Minster Show launchday will be Saturday 9 May whenyou can purchase your schedules(still only 40p) and collect, forFREE, the ‘Grow for the Show’kits for the children's entries!

As the ‘Show Theme’ this year is‘The Village of Minster’ thephotography sections will include

‘Village Architecture’, ‘RuralMinster’, ‘Minster Celebration’as well as the usual human andanimal portraits.

This year we will haveregistration sheets for Paradevehicles available at Attwell’sfrom launch day – this is so wehave some idea how many thereare likely to be; this is not torestrict the numbers at all!However it has become morepopular of late, we do take upspace on Freemans Road, and we

need to have a ‘Plan B.

Our Committee are also lookingfor a number of willingvolunteers: at present we needsomeone with the ability to tow atrailer on the Friday night andthen again

Saturday morning and evening.We have a trailer which is beingkindly lent to us but those of uswith tow-bars are not available tocart stuff as we all have otherjobs! We also require someone to

accept the registrations of floatsfor the Parade outside of theBritish Legion on the Saturdayfrom about 12 noon - there willbe support from the Committeewith this. Finally, for this month atleast, we are still looking for the“David Bailey’s”

amongst you who could takepictures for us throughout theafternoon.

If anyone is interested in helpingwith any of these jobs please chat

to Karen in Attwell’s, Ray atMinster Matters or to any otherCommittee member you mayknow. We would

really appreciate help on the day.

Thank you,

Dominique, Chair.

SCHOOLVOUCHERSAttwells Newsagents are stillcollecting all varieties of

‘Supermarket School Vouchers’

So if you have any to spare pleasedrop them into the shop - theywill be put to good use locally.

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FIRST AIDOh can I have a bandage Mum Ihear a plaintive cry

I’ve got a splinter in my thumb;I’m frightened I might die.

Please let me have a plaster Mum,I’ve bruised my little toe

If you don’t help me straightaway, it may drop off you know

Quick! get some ointment on my

nose; a pimple has appeared

It may spread over all my face,Oh I am so a feared!

I need a splint upon my arm, don’tdawdle – please be fast

I’ve found a scratch 2 inches long;I don’t think I can last!

Help! Oh help! Is no-one there;please be more sympathetic

I suffer much, what did you say?“Stop being so pathetic!”

How can you be so heartlesswhen my suffering is rife?

I’m off to A & E to see if they cansave my life!

Barbara White

Buster ReportA very excited Buster picked uphis Get Well Parcel fromAttwells.

We managed to fill the boot of hisfoster carer’s car with all thefood and treats donated by someof our lovely customers and staff.

We also bought food from themoney donated in our AnimalRescue Pot.

We are pleased to report thatBuster has put on a lot of weightand has had recent

treatment at the vets but he is wellon his way to recovery.

TAG wish to thank all those whohelped Buster in his hour of need.

‘Well Done’,

Karen

PET FOODAttwells Newsagents alwayswelcome donations of pet foodsfor

Dogs, Cats and Guinea Pigswhich they distribute to LocalRescue Groups

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WANTED LEGO BRICKSFOR ST MARYS

The Church are hoping to developa fund raising opportunity bybuilding a replica of the church inLEGO BRICKS

Please note that any lego given tothe project cannot be returned asit will always remain as part ofthe model

All donations of lego no matterhow smal will be gratefullyreceived and should be left in thefront porch at 33 Tothill Street orring Mary Lord on 821408 or

Kate Humphreys on 447692 andthey will arrange collection fromyou

MINSTER WIFollowing the usual openingrendition of Jerusalem,distribution of birthday cards andbrief business matters, President,Sarah Eaton-Brown, introducedthe February Meeting’s speaker.Janet Dean’s talk, entitled “MyGrandmother was a Spy”, provedto be

absolutely enthralling when shespoke of her memories of this

remarkable grandmother and herpart in the Great War. Such anunusual story of a lady whoworked for the

Belgian Resistance Movement inWorld War One.

Sarah gave details of the manyforthcoming events includingFebruary’s Birthday Dinner, theWine & Wisdom in April, theCentenary Celebration AfternoonTea in September and the DabbleDay in November - to name just a

few in this action-packed year!New ideas were discussed forour Minster Show Float, Stall andCo-operative exhibit. Sarahannounced that the March meetingwill be crafty and sociable withvarious crafts and games on offerfor members to take part in. Sheappealed to members forcontributions to the “Jam JarLucky Dip” and more Bannerletters.

Following the raffle February’sMeeting came to a close at around

9.45pm.

Forthcoming events:

Monthly Meeting – Tuesday 10March, 7.30 - Minster VillageHall

All welcome

Sunshine Outing (Lunch at theBritish Legion) – Thursday 19March

Monthly Walk – Thursday 19March – details TBC

Annual Council Meeting –Wednesday 25 March - WinterGardens - £10

Games Evening – Wednesday 25March - Village Hall CommitteeRoom @ 7.30

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TWINNINGASSOCIATIONOn Saturday 14 February, wehosted a day for 21 people fromFrance, lunch was taken

at the Royal British Legion andwe thank the staff for the use oftheir facilities and theirhospitality. Chris Ransom andDavid Bullock acted astranslators when the group wastaken on a whistle stop tour of

both the Abbey and St Mary’sChurch which had been

organised with the Revd. RichardBraddy and Tony Goodman, byMalcolm Bubb, so

thank you to you all. The Frenchwere enthralled with the BellTower, some having a go at bellringing themselves! Those whodid were mainly hoisted off thefloor which caused greatamusement to all. Some pictureswere taken revealing these antics

and these will eventually beposted on our website,www.minsterarboutstwinning.org.uk

Roy and Carol Bailey invitedthem to the Carnival CourtSelection Dance in the eveningwhere they danced the night away.A happy group left the village bycoach at 10.00pm.

We entered a team for the SturryTwinning Association Quiz Nighton Friday 30 January and werethrilled to gain second place. We

will also be entering a team in theRNLI Quiz on Saturday 21February.

Our first dates for your diariesare:

28 March: Twinning Quiz at theRoyal British Legion for tables of6-8 people. The cost will be £5per head which will include theusual excellent buffet. Our rafflewill again be American style asthis was very popular before.Please be there by 7.30pm for a

prompt 8.00pm start. Tables canbe booked in advance via Carolon 07745 683 466.

28 June: Anniversary Day inArmbouts Cappel. A coach willbe booked to travel from

Minster, cost is £20 per head,including a meal andentertainment. No driving inFrance guys! Please ring Barbaraon 07874 214 279 for furtherdetails if you’re interested injoining us.

DEMENTIAFRIENDSAndy Robinson is running somemore information sessions aboutdementia for anybody

who is interested in helpingMinster become a dementiafriendly area.

The sessions last one hour, do notrequire any prior knowledge ofdementia and will

appeal to anybody who isinterested in dementia and howwe can all better understand howto help those who have thedisease.

Sessions at Minster Surgery willtake place on

Friday 6 March at 10am

Tuesday 10 March at2.30 pm

Wednesday 25 March at 3.30 pm

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Minster & Monkton WednesdayAfternoon Club

Royal British Legion

EVERY WEDNESDAY 2.00pm -4.00pm

Come and join us for a game ofBingo

ALL MEMBERS & bona-fideguests welcome

Phone Pat on 822 622

Salvation Army

Coffee Morning

Saturday 7 March 10.00am –11.30am

Call in for a drink and a chat.Everyone Welcome

- - - - - - - - -

Desert Island Praise

Saturday 21 March 4.00pm

(Cream Tea included)

Tickets £4.00 (Available fromMajor Bryn or the CommunityShop)

- - - - - - - - -

Easter Celebrations

Good Friday 3 April

United Walk of Witness 9.45amoutside Abbey gates

Followed by an Open Air Serviceoutside Community Shop &10.45am Morning Worship EasterSunday 5 April - 10.30am FamilyCelebration

Everyone is invited to come andjoin with us

Minster & Monkton RoyalBritish Legion Women’s Section

NEXT MEETING

Monday 9 March

A favourite piece of jewellery

Bingo , Speaker or Quiz

Raffle prizes needed for allmeetings

For further information pleasecontact Miriam Smith on 822589

MINSTER SHOWNext Committee Meeting: Friday13 March 7.30pm @ The Bell Inn

(New members always welcome)

The Committee is looking forvariety of volunteers - can youhelp?

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Trash n` Treasure CoffeeMorning

Monkton Nature Reserve

Saturday 14 March 10.00am-1.00pm

£2.00 entry includingrefreshments

Also... Mothers Day Kids Craftsand Discount Book Sale

Please call 01843 822 666 withany enquiries

HORTICULTURALSOCIETY

NEXT MEETING

Wednesday 18 March 7.30pm

Village Hall

Spring Mini Show

"Sissinghurst" a talk by JanineDalton

Points Competition

“A Vase of Spring Flowers”

All Welcome

PSYCHIC FAYRESunday 22 March 10.00am ‘til4.00pm

Village Hall, Minster

Lots of stalls including Tombolafor Cats in Crisis

Lots of Mediums giving Spiritual,Tarot, Angel Card andPsychometry readings

All profits to non-aided Animal

Sanctuaries

Entrance £1 - children Free(includes tea & biscuits)

Come along and help us raise lotsof money for the animals

Some stalls still available at just£10

Further information from Kay on01843 297 665

ANEXPLORATIONOF TEXTILEARTTHE HORSEBRIDGE CENTRE,WHITSTABLE

Wednesday 25 – Tuesday 31March

Weekdays 9.00am to 6.00pm -

Sunday 10.00am to 5.00pm

‘Altered Textiles’is a dynamicgroup of local artists showcasingtheir unique creative skills usingmixed media, hand dyed fabrics,felting, hand and machineembroidery.

Wall art, wearable textiles andaccessories will be on sale.

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CHARITY DAY atTHE SADDLERIn Support of Isi and Reverse Rett- Saturday 28 March from 3.00pm

An open event at this fab villagepub to raise money for awonderful charity - Reverse Rett- whose aim is to find a cure forRett Syndrome.

Many of you will have seen Isiout and about in the village, she

will have just celebrated hersixteenth birthday by the time youread this and we would lovenothing more than to see hercelebrate her 18th with a pint inThe Saddlers!

There will be a buffet, raffle andmore to raise funds to help thisbecome a reality and we wouldlove for you to join us.

Rett Syndrome is a conditionwhich primarily affects girls - Isiis very intelligent and studying at

GCSE level, but she has a bodywhich simply doesn't work. Ifyou'd like to know more aboutthis devastating disorder, whichaffects more girls in Kent than anyother part of the UK, please visit:www.reverserett.org.uk

Sandwich and District ChoralSociety with The DealHandelians

present Rutter's Requiem,Mozart's Symphony No. 25

Mozart's ‘Ave Verum’ and ‘AveVerum Corpus’

Saturday 11 April at 7.30pm

St. Mary's Art Centre, Sandwich

Tickets: £10.00 per personincluding programme andrefreshments

Tickets available from choirmembers and on the door

The ‘Messiah’ as you’ve neverseen it before!

St Nicholas Church, St Nicholasat Wade

6.30pm Saturday 18 April

Described as ‘an electrifyingexperience’, Merry Opera’sground-breaking production ofHandel’s Messiah dramaticallyportrays twelve strangers seekingspiritual comfort as they struggleto understand the world. Singingtogether in a church, they inspireeach other to pick up the raggedends of their faith and look to the

future with hope.

Going to a traditionalperformance of Messiah willnever be the same again – Don’tmiss out!

Tickets: £16 if purchased before2.00pm on Friday 17 April fromSt Nicholas at Wade

Post Office or by debit/creditcard via The Sarah ThorneTheatre Company

01843 863 701 - £18 at the door:

unreserved seating

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ABBEYPATCHERS

Biennial Quilt Show

St. Mary’s Church, Minster

Saturday 23 May 10.00am -5.30pm

Sunday 24 May 12.00pm -4.00pm

Monday 25 May 10.00am -4.30pm

Large Display of Quilts, SalesTables, Traders, Charity QuiltRaffle

Refreshments, Admission Free

For further details contact: SandraAnderson 01227 375 429

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S T N I C H O L A S - A T - WA D E

O P E N G A R D E N S

S a t u r d a y 6 & S u n d a y 7 Ju n e

1 1 . 0 0 a m t o 5 . 0 0 p m

S h a r i n g f u n , b e i n g t o g e th e r , m e e t i n g J e s u s

A L L C H I L D R E N * A N D FA M I L I E S I N V I T E D

S T N I C H O L A S - A T - WA D E

M a n o r H a l l , M a n o r R o ad , S t N i c h o l a s a t W a d e

2 n d S a tu r d a y o f e a c h m on th 3 .0 0 p m - 5 .0 0 p m

A p p r o x : 1 2 V i l l a g e G ar d e n s O p e n

t h i s m o n t h

w i t h s t a l l s s e l l i n g

S a t u r d a y 1 4 M a r c h

P l a n t s , C a k e s , P r e s e r

v e s ,

B o o k s , B r i c - a - B r a c e tc .

M O N K T O N

G a r d e n e r s ’ L u n c h e s an d C r e a m T e a s

M o n k t o n V i l l a g e H a l l ,M o n k t o n S t r e e t

E n t r a n c e £ 3 .5 0 i n c l u de s

4 t h T u e s d a y o f e a c h m o nt h 3 . 1 5 p m - 5 . 1 5 p m

a l l g a r d e n s t h a t a r e o pe n

t h i s m o n t h

I n C h u r c h - A r t & F l o w er E x h i b i t i o n s

T u e s d a y 2 4 M a r c h

P r o c e e d s t o F r i e n d s o fS t N i c h o l a s f o r C h u r c h

F a b r i c

* c h i l d r e n s h o u l d b e a cc o m p a n i e d

I n f o r m a t i o n : 0 1 8 4 3 8 47 9 2 2

b y a p a r e n t o r g u a r d i a n

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IN MEMORY OFYVONNECHAPMANSadly today we learned that ourresident poet Yvonne Chapmanhad passed away.

Yvonne had been very poorly forquite a long time and spent herfinal days in

Shottendane Nursing Home, but

she never gave up her fight forlife, however she slipped awayvery peacefully in her sleep onFriday 19 February and we knowshe will be missed by family andfriends alike. Although we atMinster Matters didn’t always seeeye to eye with her we did try toaccommodate her writings as andwhen we had sufficient space todo so and to that end we’d like todedicate this page in her memory.The following are a selection ofpoems Yvonne sent us just beforeshe became too ill to use her

computer.

Yvonne’s husband Bas told us thatshe didn’t want a funeral servicewhere relatives and friends felt aneed to grieve, so the cremationwill only be attended by theundertaker and the vicar, familyand friends will have theopportunity to say goodbye at amemorial service and wake on adate still to be decided after herinternment. Details of this will bedisplayed at various points in thevillage by her family and all her

friends and

acquaintances will be invited toattend.

19

MUSICMusic can transport you inthought, mind and eye,

To the place in your heart, whereperhaps memories lie.

Carrying you back in life’spassing time,

When we had more ‘spring in ourstep’, young and sublime.

Music can make us remember a

special day,

When something wonderful cameour way.

Whatever, whenever, wherever,why or when,

Music can be a joy to hear, andwith our moods somehow canblend.

WASTED SPACETime comes, time goes, tides ebb,tides flow.

Spring returns, and in life lessonsare learned.

One strives to achieve, all in life,we think we need, when in reality,

it seems to me, this is not alwaysa necessity.

As long as one has a happy home,

where love and security,

both are known, all the rest is“wasted space”,

as long as you can look the worldin the face.

Can say, in truth, you have doneall you can,

to help wherever possible, yourfellow man,

no hopes or dreams need to beshattered,

for you have achieved in life, allthat really matters.

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFEARE FREE

You ask me what uncoils mysprings.

This is a simple task to answertrue.

I don my walking boots and off Igo.

To walk the lanes and tracks

To me this brings.

An unequalled sense of peace,that is nice.

I think I may have mentioned thisbefore, perhaps once or twice!!

IFSOur lives are made up of “ifs”.

If we had done this, if we haddone that.

If I had walked one way, orwalked a different way back.

If I had not ventured out, if I hadstayed at home.

We do not know what may havehappened, this remains unknown.

All these “ifs”, each one our own.

“If only”, how many times, arethese two little words “groaned.

20

TIME HEALSTime heals the sorrow of parting,we all hope this to be true.

We hope we can speak of ourdear departed, in such a way,

We never thought we would beable to do.

I believe in our hearts, werealise, that nobody ever reallyleaves us, even if daily they donot appear before our eyes

All those loved ones, neverforgotten,

remember their laughter,remember their fun.

In return they do not forget us.

I believe in remembering themwith peace of mind, is what theywish, and in our life on earth, adefinite plus.

My wish is you understand this.

OUR TASKWe cannot all rock the world, inour life-span on earth.

But most folk, I am sure, alwaysearn their worth.

Each and every one of us, has atask.

This is the only request, ourCreator asks.

If you can reach out to just one

soul.

To lend a helping hand, you havereached your goal.

It does not have to be a majesticdeed.

Just a kindly effort is all it needs.

We are all born for a reason,

whether it is our birthday during asunny or a rainy season.

We may not always realise

exactly why, but one day out ofthe blue, you can change a face toa smile from a heart-renderingcry.

Then you can say to your innerself,

this is why I was given life, tohelp someone else.

I FEEL CERTAINI feel certain that, what I am aboutto say, is fact.

We are never along, when we die.

An angel will be standing by yourside.

To welcome you with open arms.

To think like this will do you noharm.

So, when one of us has to saygoodbye.

Although I know we need to cry.

I realise sad partings, make ussigh.

The angel’s face you willrecognise.

I know this to be true, and I amnot that wise.

21

MINSTERSCARECROWCOMPETITIONA NEW ADVENTURE FOR THEVILLAGE

BOUGHT TO YOU BYMINSTER MATTERS

Plans for the above are still intheir infancy, at the moment, butwe hope to be able to

‘run’ the first of thesecompetitions this year. Rules arebeing discussed as I type (wellmaybe not as I type but they arewell in hand). It is hoped we canorganise this to

coincide with another of theannual events in the village butthat element has yet to bediscussed with other members ofthe community.

Prizes are being sought and it ishoped village businesses will

‘come on board’ and

support us in this venture. We mayalso be able to offer some cashprizes but again that is somethingthat is still under discussion.Regardless of what’s on offer wefeel sure there are residents whowill enter into the spirit of thecompetition and make it anongoing success.

For now just keep an eye onMinster Matters - rules and entryforms will be available from our

website and participating outletsin the village when we havefinalised a date.

AMBER’S ADVICE

You learn the most when yourmouth is closed and your ears areopen.

TIGER’S TIP

To clean oil based paint off ofyour hands, use vegetable oil.Then wash hands with warmsoapy water.

Zac’s Musings

Well last month’s critique onholiday destinations has had themthinking long into the night.Keyboards have been red hot withactivity looking for a cottage torent but so far I don’t thinkthey’ve settled on anything inparticular, but the signs are good.

Seems there’s some controversyabout new houses or something inthe village and he

who shall be obeyed (well

maybe!!) has been off out printingand collating thousands of sheetsof paper for others to deliver,let’s hope it does some good.

The subject of dog poo seems tohave raised it’s ugly head again,what is it with

irresponsible owners not pickingup after their pets? Come on welive in a great village don’t spoilit for the rest of us!!

22

Journalist Club - School Page

ChristmasOn Christmas day, I suddenlywoke up and I banged my head onmy stocking. I quickly jumped outof bed and ran downstairs,thinking it was time for me to getup but it wasn’t. So I quickly ranback up stairs and tried to getback to sleep but I couldn’t. I thenran into my brother’s room andwoke him up and we ran downstairs and saw how many presentsthere were, so we ate our

breakfast and we kept callingmum and dad. We had a little peakat our presents and then mum anddad finally came down.Eventually we got to open all ourpresents and the first thing Iopened was a box of ‘Make 20Bracelets’ and then I opened allmy other presents and we waitedfor my big brother and mygranddad to turn up. We had roastchicken and gammon for dinnerand Christmas cake for pudding.

By Ella Rose Brewer

BBC’s 500 Words

After a successful year of music,interviews and competitions BBC2 have decided to continue theirtradition of a 500 wordscompetition.

Entry to this competition is opento people aged between 5 and 13years they are due in on the 29thMay 2015 and the entrants willreceive news about their storiesonce all of them have been readand scored.

For the top 50 short listed entries,if permission to enter was givenby a teacher, the BBC will contactthe teacher and ask forconfirmation of permission fromthe entrant’s parent or guardian.

Just remember inspiration cancome from ANYWHERE.

By Harriet Taylor

What Christmas isall aboutChristmas is all about presentsand Santa but that is not all,Christmas for most Christians isall about when Jesus was bornand how he died but came back tolife again. Jesus was born in astable because Joseph had to payhis taxes so he and Mary had totravel to Bethlehem on a donkey.Unfortunately Mary was pregnantand she could have Jesus at

any time. Once they arrived inBethlehem Mary was about tohave her baby so they went to aninn but it was full however the innkeeper said that they could stay inhis stable with all the farmanimals as long as they needed toand even better they did not haveto pay.

That night Mary was in labourwith baby Jesus, about an hourlater the three kings came alongand gave the gift of gold,frankincense and myrrh. Soon

baby Jesus popped out.

By Madeleine Taylor

23

New Year’s Eve

Excitedly in the morning I wokeup and jumped out of bed, andrushed down stairs. My friendswere coming to my house for myparty; we were also going toFolkestone to the skiing centre,where we go down on snowyslopes in rubber rings, I could

imagine my friends and I goingdown in them it was going to bereally funny. After a while, myfirst friend turned up, it wasVerity. While we were waiting formy other friends to come, Ishowed her a couple of myChristmas presents. Now Maddieshowed up and then Tanzin. Weplayed on my

iPhone patiently waiting for theothers, Hannah and Lauren bothcame at the same time now wewere just waiting for my best

friend Phoebe to show up. Soonshe arrived, and then we wereready to go. It took quite a longtime to get to Folkestone, but wegot there in the end, when we gotinside it was really big. Therewere swimming pools badmintoncourts, skiing places. I loved it;we got to where the slope was butfirst a man had to tell us the rules.

When we were ready we had todrag our rubber rings up theslope, it was very hard though.

The girls and I soon got to the topand decided to go down togetherso we held on to each other thenslid down. My mum caught it onvideo and shared it witheverybody, it was hilarious. Weonly had two hours and we wereall disappointed when we had togo. Because we were all hungrywe brought back a McDonaldsand ate it at my house. It was

scrumptious, when we hadfinished we played with more ofmy presents. The girls really liked

them; soon they had to go as itwas getting late.

I went to bed really early so timewould go faster and it would bemy birthday! When it wasmorning I was so happy andquickly went downstairs. Mymum covered my eyes then slowlywalked me into the kitchen wherethe table was covered withpresents and pink happy

birthday balloons. When my mumlet me see all my presents it was

amazing there were

loads in all different types offwrapping paper. I sat down on thebirthday girl seat, it was coveredwith decorations. Before I wasallowed to open my presents, wehad to have

breakfast. We all had chocolatechip croissants, they were yummy.When I finished I started to openmy presents, I was so lucky I gottoys, creativity sets, dresses, lipglosses and loads of other things.

Later on that day I went to myAuntie and Uncle’s house forNew Year’s Eve, for a while Iplayed with all my cousins andalso danced in the living roombecause my uncle had put discolights on and lights that changedcolours that shone on the carpet. Itwas so much fun my aunties andmy mum were also dancing. Therewere snacks and sweets as well.

It was near midnight and my dadand uncle was setting up the firstfirework, we counted down 10 9,

8, 7 .6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Suddenly thefirework exploded multi-colouredin the pitch black sky; the sky wasno longer black it was colourful,with fireworks randomly justshooting about. I was really sadwhen we had to go home, but itwas very late. Straight awaywhen we all got home we put ouronesies on and fell asleep. In themorning we were all very excitedbecause it was 2015!!!

By Isabella Brown

24

At Minster SchoolAt Minster School the year R’splay,

Wishing that they could alwaysstay

At Minster School the year 1’slearn,

Playing is their only good turn,

In Minster School the year 2’stalk,

Speaking is their only resort,

At Minster School year 3’sexpand,

They’ll always give a helpinghand,

At Minster School year 4’sdivide,

They refuse to let their numberscollide,

At Minster School the year 5’sadd,

Deciding to be good or bad,

At Minster School year 6’s cry,

The time has come to saygoodbye.

by Harriet Taylor

25

26

Contacting your District &County Councillors

District Councillor Bob Grove

Bob is available to speak toresidents by appointment.

Please ring 07711 774 262 orcontact him via the Parish Officeon 821 339

County Councillor RogerLatchford OBE

Tel: 01843 841 956 or email:roger.latchford@kent.gov.uk

Contacting your MP: Sir RogerGale MP

Roger holds regular advicesurgeries for appointments andadvice on urgent problems: Tel:01843 848 588 (a.m. from l0.00)Fax: 01843 844 856 (24-hour)Web:

www.rogergale.co.uk Email:galerj@parliament.uk

Write:

HOUSE OF COMMONS,London, SW1A 0A

Thanks for listening - Yourreaders this month were

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Musical interludes supplied

courtesy of

Brenda Saker, Daryl Booth andRichard Spendlove MBE