Official crime figures show that Sandgate is one of the safest places to live in Shepway, but Kent Police have asked us to share this message with some tips to keep it that way!

Finishing your Christmas shopping?

Most people take steps to keep valuables safely out of view when at home, but what about when you’re out and about? If you’re shopping in busy areas it’s easier to get distracted, so make sure you keep your wallet and phone close by but tucked away, for example in an inside jacket pocket or zipped bag.

Where possible, avoid leaving any personal belongings, gifts or loose change in your car when you lock it and never leave bags or belongings unattended.

Going away over the holidays?

Most people take steps to make their house look occupied if they are going out or going away. Do you? As well as checking your home and garden are locked up before you leave, do you also put timer switches on lights or radios to make it look as though someone is home? How about asking a trusted friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your property, park on your driveway or remove papers, milk and post from your front door while you’re gone? Your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme can give you more tips on home security.

Worried about bogus callers?

While incidents don’t happen often, if your doorbell rings and you’re not expecting anyone, never feel obliged to answer. If you do, make sure the rear of your home is secured first, use a door chain if you have one and always check they are who they say they are by contacting their company yourself (not on a number they provide). If in doubt, keep them out and ask them to come back at a later date (when you can have someone with you).

If you have older relatives or neighbours then please share our advice with them, too. You can print out our top tips from https://www.kent.police.uk/advice/bogus-callers-and-rogue-traders/

From the beginning of January 2017, the Sandgate Parish Council Clerk/Librarian will be Gaye Thomas and the Deputy Parish Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer will be Peter Savage.

Our current parish clerk, Amanda Oates, is retiring at the end of this year and all at Sandgate Parish Council wish her very well for the future.

Sandgate Parish Council will be closing its offices at 1pm on Friday 23^rd December and will re-open on Tuesday 3^rd January 2017.We then return to our usual schedule of being available 9-1pm every weekday.

Sandgate Library will be open on: Christmas Eve (Saturday 24th), Thursday 28^th, Friday 29^th and Saturday 30th December. It will then re-open on Tuesday 3^rd January 2017, and return to the usual schedule of being open Monday to Saturday (excluding Wednesday) 9.30am to 1pm.

There are a range of Christmas based events across Sandgate in the run-up to Christmas. We hope to see you at some or all of them!

Sandgate Craft Club

At Sandgate Library, Saturday 10th December, 10am to 12.00.

Children of all ages welcome; must be accompanied by an adult. Complimentary refreshments available. Theme: ‘Christmas’!

Sandgate Arts & Crafts Christmas Fair

At Chichester Memorial Hall, Sandgate, Saturday 10th December, 10am to 4pm.

The Band of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment presents a Christmas Concert

At The Tower Theatre, Shorncliffe, Saturday 10th December, 7pm.

Admission free – retiring collection.

Family Christmas Concert with Carols

At Saga Pavilion, Enbrook Park, Sunday 11^th December, 3.30pm.

£12 adults, £6 students, free to children under 12; with works including Polovtsian Dances, Finlandia, Gladiator theme, Star Wars theme.

FHODS’ Pantomime: ‘Cinderella’

At The Tower Theatre, North Road, 15^th to 24^th December at 2.30 and 7pm.

Box Office 01303 223925; www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk

St Paul’s Church – Christmas Services

• Sunday 18th – 8am Holy Communion; 10.30am Carol Service
• Saturday 24th – 4pm Crib Service; 11.30pm Midnight Communion
• Sunday 25th – 8am Holy Communion; 10am Family Communion