the website of South Ashford Community Forum
Statistics for crimes committed in the unparished area of South Ashford have been provided by www.police.uk/
Compare these statistics with previous months and years on our Crime Statistics page https://southashford.org.uk/index.php/local-information/safety-and-security/crime-statistics/
Good mental health is more than the absence of a mental health problem. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we are going to look at mental health from a new angle. Rather than ask why so many people are living with mental health problems, we will seek to uncover why too few of us are thriving with good mental health.
Mental Health Foundation
/www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled.
Talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay healthy.
Talking can be a way to cope with a problem you’ve been carrying around in your head for a while. Just being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone. And it works both ways. If you open up, it might encourage others to do the same.
It’s not always easy to describe how you’re feeling. If you can’t think of one word, use lots. What does it feel like inside your head? What does it make you feel like doing?
You don’t need to sit your loved ones down for a big conversation about your wellbeing. Many people feel more comfortable when these conversations develop naturally – maybe when you’re doing something together.
If it feels awkward at first, give it time. Make talking about your feelings something that you do.
#MHAW17
#timetotalk
Mental Health Foundation
www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/looking-after-your-mental-health/talk-about-your-feelings
If you’re experiencing mental health problems or need urgent support, there are lots of places you can go to for help. https://southashford.org.uk/index.php/2017/02/02/time-to-talk/#support
Kent Fire and Rescue Service were called to a fire involving a garden shed in Westbrook Avenue, Margate at 2.48am. Two fire engines were sent to the property and arrived to find the shed fully involved in fire.
Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used two hose reels to extinguish the blaze, which destroyed the shed and its contents, including children’s garden toys. A thermal scan of the property and surrounding properties was also carried out to check for hot spots.
The blaze is thought to have been started, after the occupant put what he thought were cold barbecue coals into a plastic bag. He left the bag close to the garden shed, which caught alight as the coals continued smouldering.
Margate Watch Manager, Gary Miller, said: “Unfortunately, coals and ashes that seem cold on the surface may still be hot deep inside. Have a look at our website for more safety tips to help keep your home and family safe around
barbecues www.kent.fire-uk.org/your-safety/home-safety/what-are-the-risks/barbecues/ and
bonfires www.kent.fire-uk.org/your-safety/home-safety/what-are-the-risks/bonfires-and-fireworks/
“We’re all hoping that summer and some warmer weather will be with us soon, so we can enjoy barbecues in the garden, but please make sure safety is a key ingredient. Always dispose of ashes and coals carefully. Douse them with water, put them into a metal container and once cool, empty them onto bare soil, not into a plastic bin.”
The fire also caused superficial damage to plastic fascia board on a double garage and wooden fence panels at a neighbouring property.
Gary ended: “Fortunately, we arrived just in time to prevent further fire spread to a timber framed double garage which is under construction.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service 07 May 2017
www.kent.fire-uk.org/news/news-releases/may-2017/cool-your-coals-advice-from-firefighters/
The by-election for the vacant Ashford Borough Council seat for Victoria Ward, will take place on the same day as the General Election, 8 June 2017. A by-election for a seat in Bockhanger Ward will also take place on that day.
The Returning Officer for Ashford issued the Notice of Election on Wednesday: (more…)
George Koowaree has retained his seat as Kent County Council Councillor for Ashford East.
George is the existing KCC Councillor and Ashford Borough Council member for North Willesborough
| Election Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 George Koowaree |
Liberal Democrat | 1426 | 41% | Elected |
| Larry William Krause |
Conservative | 971 | 28% | Not elected |
| Martin Chandler |
Labour | 534 | 15% | Not elected |
| Garry George Harrison |
UK Independence Party | 338 | 10% | Not elected |
| Steven Robert Campkin |
Green Party | 191 | 6% | Not elected |
| Details | Number |
|---|---|
| Seats | 1 |
| Total votes | 3460 |
| Electorate | 12888 |
| Number of ballot papers issued | 3467 |
| Number of ballot papers rejected | 7 |
| Turnout | 27% |
Dara Farrell, Labour Candidate, has been elected as Kent County Council Councillor for Ashford South Division, winning 32% of the vote of a 23% turnout.
Dara is the also the Ashford Borough Council member for Victoria Ward
Conservative candidate, David Robey, came a close second with 30% of the vote.
| Election Candidate | Party | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dara Farrell |
Labour | 1022 | 32% | Elected |
| David Robey |
Conservative | 966 | 30% | Not elected |
| Ryan Paul MacPherson |
UK Independence Party | 727 | 23% | Not elected |
| James Angus Galloway |
Liberal Democrat | 312 | 10% | Not elected |
| Claire Madeleine Wallington |
Green Party | 146 | 5% | Not elected |
| Details | Number |
|---|---|
| Seats | 1 |
| Total votes | 3173 |
| Electorate | 13910 |
| Number of ballot papers issued | 3176 |
| Number of ballot papers rejected | 3 |
| Turnout | 23% |
There has been a series of recent incidents reported to Action Fraud where a lone fraudster has approached victims whom they believe to be unfamiliar with the local area. They make an excuse to talk to the victims such as enquiring about directions or offering a recommendation for a good hotel.
After this interaction, several other fraudsters will intervene purporting to be police officers in plain clothes and will sometimes present false identification as proof. The fake officers will then give a reason to examine the victims’ wallet, purse or personal items. They may also examine the first fraudster’s items or try to tell victims that the first fraudster is suspicious in order to gain victim trust and appear more realistic in their guise.
After all the fake police ‘checks’ are finished, victims have then reported being handed back their personal items only to later realise that a quantity of money or valuables were missing.
Action Fraud 04 May 2017
www.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/da/178433/Tourists%20Targeted%20by%20Fake%20Police%20Officers.html
The NHS in east Kent is urging people to use their local pharmacy to buy medication for common minor ailments like hay fever.
As the pollen count rises, one person in five is likely to suffer from the allergic condition, which causes sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes.
But not everyone knows that treatment can be provided by a pharmacist rather than having to book an appointment to see a GP. Many treatments are available from as little as £1 from a pharmacy or supermarket.
Pharmacists also provide expert, free, confidential advice on health issues such as cold sores, constipation, coughs, cystitis, diarrhoea, headache, mild eczema, sunburn, sprains and strains. You can simply turn up and ask for advice with no prior appointment.
Details of your nearest pharmacy along with opening times can be found on the free NHS app, Health Help Now: www.healthhelpnow.nhs.uk or download Health Help Now from the App Store or Google Play.
Dr Navin Kumta, Chair of NHS Ashford CCG, said: “Rising pollen counts can lead to misery for hay fever sufferers but many cases of hay fever can be controlled using over-the-counter medication available from your pharmacist.
“Pharmacists can offer advice on how to avoid triggers and treat your hay fever. You do not need a prescription for hay fever medicines and many treatments are available for little cost from a pharmacy.
“So for most people, there is no need to let hay fever take up any more of your time by waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
“If your symptoms persist despite using medication as advised by the pharmacist you may wish to speak to your GP about alternative medication which is only available on prescription.”
If you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation, ring NHS 111. If you don’t know what to do or who to contact, use Health Help Now.
NHS Ashford Clinical Commissioning Group 03 May 2017
www.ashfordccg.nhs.uk/news/blog/?blogpost=9701
Casual vacancy in the office of Borough CouncillorNotice is hereby given under Section 87 (2) of the Local Government Act 1972 that following the death of Harold Apps a casual vacancy has arisen in the Office of Borough Councillor for the Victoria (Ashford) Ward of Ashford Borough Council. To call an election a request must be made in writing to the Returning Officer at the address below by TWO local government electors in the local authority area.
Terence Mortimer Returning Officer 22 April 2017
www.ashford.gov.uk/current-by-elections
© Copyright John Salmon and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence
Christ Church marks 150 years of worship today.
When the South Eastern Railway came to Ashford in 1842 and the large Railway Works opened in 1847, Canon Alcock, the Vicar of Ashford, decided that a new church was needed in South Ashford. An appeal was launched in 1860. With local and nationwide help from the shareholders of the Railway, Christ Church was opened on May 1st 1867. It cost £4,219.1s.1d to build and seated around 600 persons.
The church was built by a local firm Steddy, Joy and Steddy, and the ground was given by the Lord of the Manor, Mr. G.Jemmett. We have roads surrounding the church called Francis, William, Bond and Jemmett. There is also a memorial to this gentleman in St. Mary’s Church, Ashford.
Christ Church was known as “The Railwayman’s Church”, with the pub opposite called “The Locomotive”. Originally a curate from the Parish Church of St. Mary’s Ashford was responsible for Christ Church, but in 1889 the church was consecrated. The first Priest-In-Charge was the Rev.A.W.Palmer.
Christ Church: A short history http://southashford.co.uk/a-short-history/