What a fantastic summer we’ve had - wouldn’t you agree? The London Olympics and Paralympics were nothing short of spectacular, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was fabulous, and the usually unpredictable English weather was just about perfect. Though I do love the summer (especially this summer), I must admit, I’m excited for the autumn. There’s something about crunching leaves under my feet, the smell of the crisp air and having a warm fire indoors that makes autumn my favourite season. Perhaps my experience growing up in North East America helped grow my love of the fall; after all, it was all about Halloween once the air started to cool down. And Halloween only meant one thing: sweets, sweets and more sweets. Though trick-or-treating isn’t as popular over here in England, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in Kent. Have a look at what’s going on this Halloween on page 129, or check out our top picks for scary films (p130) if you fancy a spooky night in.
example of his beautiful work. Read more about Andrew on page 16, and have a look at his portfolio at www.drewhartphotography.com. Thanks to all who entered the Cover of Kent competition. All proceeds will be going to Demelza Hospice based in Sittingbourne. Read all about this amazing charity on page 56. I could go on and on about the great features in this issue, but as I can’t mention everything, I at least need to tell you about our interview with the talented and gorgeous Denise van Outen, who now calls Kent her home. Have a look on page 118 for this exclusive feature. I hope you enjoy the Kentish autumn as much as I will, and as always, we love hearing from our readers, so feel free to get in touch with comments, questions or ideas at insidekent@sidewaysmedia.co.uk.
Another major autumn event is the beginning of the new school year; it’s back to normality and routine for most Kent parents. This issue, we’ve featured some of Kent’s top educational establishments (p25), so if you’re thinking about a new school for your child, don’t miss this informative section. Whether or not you have kids in tow, our Days Out sections features something for everyone. How about a walk through a medieval deer park (p96), or a day discovering one of Kent’s many museums (p93)? Or, hop across the channel and experience an incredible day trip to France or Belgium (p102). Donna Martin / Editor As you may have noticed, this issue doesn’t have a ‘normal’ insideKENT cover. We’ve strayed from our usual celebrity cover star and instead, gave Kent photographers a chance to have their photo be the Cover of Kent in aid of Demelza Hospice Care for Children. Many congratulations to Andrew Bruce-Lockhart for winning the coveted cover spot. His image - ‘A Sunny Winter Sunset at Margate Harbour’ - is just one
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KENT NEWS What's going on in the Garden of England
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AUTUMN SKINCARE Top tips for the cooler weather
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CHARITY insideKENT talks to Ann Baldock of the NSPCC
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DEMELZA HOSPICE CARE FOR CHILDREN Learn all about this amazing Kent-based charity
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BUSINESS The new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme
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WIN! A Taste of Kent
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LOCAL BUSINESS Diamond Floorings
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RECIPE FROM MICHAEL CAINES MBE Duo of chocolate
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PROPERTY Finding the best estate agent with netanagent.com
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HOTEL DU VIN French-inspired bistro gourmet
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EDUCATION Kent's top educational establishments
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A MEMORABLE MEAL with SteakStones
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HOME + GARDEN Using colour psychology in your home
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ELVEY FARM Dining in Darling Buds of May country
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THE ECOEGG Revolutionising the way you wash clothes
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KENT YOUNG CHEF AWARD 2012 The 'icing on the cake' for the county
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WOMEN'S FASHION Fashion-forward trousers
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TOP DINING ABode afternoon tea and dining at The Bull
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HEALTH + BEAUTY Keeping your summer glow
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KENT FARMERS' MARKETS What, why and where?
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BREAST CANCER CARE October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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THE DELIGHT OF AUTUMNAL FOODS Rejuvenate your palate
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AUTUMN HEALTH CHECK Staying healthy this season
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THE BRASSERIE ON THE BAY at The Lodge at Prince's Golf Club
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insideKENT The Oast, Stone Green Farm Mersham, Nr Ashford, Kent TN25 7HE 01233 226240 insidekent@sidewaysmedia.co.uk www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
Editor Donna Martin donna@sidewaysmedia.co.uk Publishing Director Adam Ready adam@sidewaysmedia.co.uk Design Manager Dave Leo Yogore Project Assistant Alex Perseval Fashion Editor Molly Neznanski Gil Finance Manager Charlotte Ready Account Managers Greg Bettles Paul Martin Terry Crawford Contributors Gemma Dunn Sarah-Jane Stenson Ian McIntyre Bob Taylor Charlie O’Brien Ann Baldock Helen Backaway Emma Batchelor Peter da Silva Cover Photograph © www.drewhartphotography.com Publisher
hello@sidewaysmedia.co.uk www.sidewaysmedia.co.uk
For all advertising enquiries, contact Adam Ready on 07824 882086 or adam@sidewaysmedia.co.uk
When you have finished with this magazine, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it.
© Copyright 2012. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees, warranties or claims as to the accuracy, currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine. No part of this magazine may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher’s written consent. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial, images or photographs published. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes.
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NEWS
160 KENT BUSINESSES ATTEND WILKINS KENNEDY FKC SUMMER NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION
BBC ONE’S ANTIQUES ROADSHOW VISITS THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM BBC ONE’s ever-popular Sunday evening programme Antiques Roadshow will be filming for its 35th series in the grounds of The Historic Dockyard Chatham, on Thursday, 6th September, 2012. The doors open at 9.30 am and close at 4.30pm. Entry to the show is free. The last series, watched by an average of six million viewers, included some amazing finds such as a painting by Rolf Harris bought for £50 and valued at £50,000, a beer flagon made from Oliver Cromwell’s horse, the medical chest taken on Shackleton’s 1914 expedition to the Antarctic and a toilet roll which was rejected by the Beatles at the Abbey Road Studios. Series Editor Simon Shaw says, “The team are all looking forward to visiting Chatham. It’s always exciting to see what will come to light on the day. We regularly see between 1500 and 2000 visitors on the day. Despite the high turnout everyone will get to see an expert.” More information can be found at: www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow
KENT INVICTA CHAMBER B2B EXHIBITIONS 2012 Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce’s 26th annual exhibition took place at the Ashford International Hotel on Tuesday 3rd July. Rebranded as the Kent & Medway B2B to reflect the Chamber’s new wider geographical area, it was a fantastic day supported by businesses from throughout Kent. Together with over 130 exhibitors, more than 1,000 visitors, and the established facilities of business advice sessions and free business workshops, Kent & Medway B2B 2012 was the place to be for business. Chamber Chief Executive Mrs Jo James commented, “We always strive to improve our exhibition as much as we are able to increase the benefits it provides for everybody. “This year we deliberately set out to give it a whole new look, with a fresh approach with enhanced facilities and attractions. Next year, we will be even better – see you there!” Kent Invicta Chamber has two more exhibitions scheduled for later in the year. On Thursday 11th October, Expo 2012 Construction, Engineering & Design will take place at Chatham Historic Dockyard between 08.30 and 16.30. It is free to attend as a visitor and is the ‘must go to’ event for any business involved, or that wants to be involved, with the construction, engineering or design industries. North Kent B2B 2012 will be at Woodville Halls, Gravesend, on Tuesday 6th November. This new exhibition will bring together business leaders and aspiring business leaders for a day of networking, learning and face-toface business. The programme is designed especially around the needs and requirements of business in North Kent. For further details, to exhibit at, and to book as a visitor on these events, go to www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/events or call 01622 232707.
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On Tuesday 26th June 2012, Wilkins Kennedy FKC chartered accountants and business advisers hosted the 8th annual Pimms drinks reception at Boughton Aluph Church Field, attended by 160 local professionals from in and around the South East. The Wilkins Kennedy Ashford office has 75 staff and partners, and is one of the leading accountancy firms servicing both East and West Kent. Hugh Summerfield, Director at Wilkins Kennedy FKC says, “Our annual summer drinks reception is extremely popular with businesses across Kent and the South East, and is a great opportunity for professionals to gather to discuss growth, news and business developments from around the region. We look forward to taking the event into its ninth year in 2013.” Wilkins Kennedy FKC works with clients across many sectors, offering a personal and professional local service with the back up of twelve national offices and international contacts and opportunities, including client access to the British Chambers of Commerce LinktoChina business matchmaking project. Their wide range of in-house resources includes: corporate finance, corporate recovery and financial services, together with a nationally recognised tax team. With thanks to the following businesses for donating prizes for the raffle which raised £900 for their Charity of the Year, Abbie’s Army: The ABode Hotel, Canterbury; B E Ames Builders and Decorators; Bannatyne’s Health Club and Spa, Ashford; Biddenden Vineyards; Eastwell Manor; The Everest Inn, Ashford; The George in Rye Hotel; Rocksalt Restaurant, Folkestone; The Secret Retreat, Mersham-le-Hatch; Whelans Garden Ornaments, Sheerness. www.wilkinskennedy.com
Bridgewood Manor Rochester, Kent
Rock and Roll Night Saturday 29th September Join us at Bridgewood Manor for a night of fantastic entertainment! Whether you want a great night out with the girls or a chance to strut your stuff on the dance floor to your favourite hits, your night is guaranteed to be one to remember. Your evening includes a delicious two-course set supper, plus disco until late.
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Ashford International Hotel Ashford, Kent
Celebrate the festive season in style this year. Our team have years of party experience and will take care of every last detail to ensure your festive celebration is extra special!
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01233 219988 ashfordevents@QHotels.co.uk www.QHotels.co.uk/xmas
NEWS 4.20-4.30am – Try to lock front door of new house. Huff a lot. Drop keys. Run back twice to check I’ve actually done it.
work on James and Charlie’s 2012 Challenge (to get a photo with all 204 nations taking part in the Olympics).
4.30-5ish – Journey to work (though my producer, Matt, may dispute my actual arrival time). I consider waving to the van full of Network Rail guys that I see every day but then reconsider as I may look mad.
1pm – Up to the viewing gallery to get photos for our Facebook, Twitter and website.
5.15-5.55am – Prep prep prep time. We already planned most of the show yesterday but there is always more to be done. So I flick through the papers and generally look at the pictures of outfits I like. Which has nothing to do with the radio show, but I like it. Don’t tell my producer. James makes us all a cup of tea and we have a bit of a laugh but try not to peak too soon, we still have a 4-hour show to go.
CHARLIE’S CHAT THE MOST COMMON QUESTION I GET ASKED IS, “WHAT TIME DO YOU GET UP?” FOLLOWED SHORTLY BY, “WHAT TIME DO YOU GO TO BED?” So, I thought for this column I might give you a day in the life of me, to give you an insight into the weird timeline and life of a radio presenter on Heart Breakfast! This is a genuine day selected from my diary from July 2012. 3.50am – Alarm number one goes off – I groan, hit snooze and roll over. 3.55am – Alarm number two goes off. I groan again and indeed roll again – this time out of bed. 4-4.20am – A strange fog of concealer (for the dark circles under the eyes), hair pins and hairspray (don’t get time to wash hair in the mornings) and clothes that I can’t see because it’s dark. I make (strong) coffee in a flask for the journey. 4.25am – Realize the weather’s not what I expected. Grab spare outfit, just in case.
6-10am – SHOW TIME! And today it goes in its usual blur of chat, giggles, caller, competitions and loads more. 10-10.30am – Cereal, crafty snooze on studio sofa, emails. And outfit change. Knew that was a wise move. 10.30am – Meeting with the boss Stu. He tells us what he liked and didn’t like. But it was more ‘like’. 11am – Jump in car and drive to Ebbsfleet. Park up, get confused by many carparks and very hot as air con broken. Midday – Jump on last carriage of high-speed train to meet the rest of the Breakfast Show team who got on at Canterbury. 12.15pm – Get off at Stratford, home of the Olympic city and Westfield shopping centre. Which, by the way is incredible. 12.18pm – Consider how many amazing shoes I could buy – but then remember I am here to
1.30-2.30pm – Lots of chatting to athletes, support staff and public in the boiling sun outside the Olympic village. Couple of photos and some recording done. 2.30-3pm – Quick pit stop for lunch and regroup with James, producer Matt and boss Stu. Few tweets to tell everyone what we’re up to. 3-4pm – Back out on the tarmac, four more photos for the challenge. And now very sore feet. Flip flops were a bad choice. 4-6pm – High-speed back to Kent, back in aircon-less car. Stuck in motorway traffic. Feeling tired now. 6ish-8pm – Wolf down some dinner, email exchanges with the team about the day, more social networking, catch up with the boyfriend, more prep for tomorrow’s show. 9pm – Bed, exhausted – but happy! So there you go – a day in the life of me, an ‘early bird’! As you can see, we don’t really get afternoons off! See you next time. (I’m off to bed) Charlie
Listen to Heart Breakfast with James and Charlie every weekday morning from 6am-10am, or online at heart.co.uk You can also become a Facebook fan – facebook.com/heartkent Follow Charlie on twitter @charlie_radio To contact or for event bookings find her at www.charlieobrien.co.uk
INTERNATIONALLY FAMOUS MUSICIANS JOIN THE ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra has arranged another series of six concerts. Their 91st season offers a rich variety of classical music to inspire and entertain audiences. Whether you are a casual listener or knowledgeable enthusiast, you can enjoy some beautiful masterpieces performed by internationally famous soloists. The 2012/13 season begins on Sunday 7th October 2012, 3pm, at the Assembly Hall Theatre. They welcome back their regular professional conductors, Roderick Dunk and Neil Thomson, who contribute control, energy and fresh musical interpretations for
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all RTWSO concerts. They set the high standards that we have come to expect from the Kentbased orchestra, which turns in such memorable performances time and time again. Their roster of first class soloists could make your Sunday afternoons complete, as the RTWSO will be joined by some internationally famous musicians including: • Simon Preston (organ) on Sunday 7th October performing Poulenc's Organ Concerto and Saint-Saens's Organ Symphony • Stephen Hough (piano) on Sunday 4th November performing Brahms's Piano Concerto No 2
• Nicola Benedetti (violin) on Sunday 2nd December performing Chausson's Poeme • Leonard Elschenbroich (cello) on Sunday 3rd February 2013 performing Schostakovich's Cello Concerto No 1 • Jennifer Pike (violin) on Sunday 3rd March 2013 performing Sibelius's Violin Concerto plus the Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society on Sunday 7th April 2013 performing Beethoven's Choral Symphony. www.rtwso.org
NEWS
BEANEY ART MUSEUM & LIBRARY RE-OPENS Following a £14 million restoration project, the Beaney Art Museum and Library situated in the heart of the historic city of Canterbury has re-opened. The Beaney is home to one of Canterbury’s most famous artists, the Victorian animal painter Thomas Sidney Cooper. The collection is of importance and spans the full range of Cooper’s work. The displays include over 1,000 objects with many items from the permanent collections not having been on display before. Display themes include Explorers and Collectors and People and Photo by Guy Gardener Places and span ancient Egyptian and Greek artifacts, objects from the East Kent areas to around the world, birds and butterflies, stained glass, paintings and drawings, all of which will be showcased in the permanent galleries alongside temporary exhibitions. The opening show, in September and October and from the Arts Council collection, is a selection of drawings and small sculptures by Henry Moore, one of the greatest artists of the twentieth century. The building is named after its benefactor, Dr James George Beaney, who died in 1891 and in his will, donated it to the city. It has been home to one of the main museums and the library since officially opening in September 1899. The restoration of the existing Victorian building and the addition of a new extension which doubles its size provides state-of-the-art exhibition galleries, a community gallery providing a space for collaboration with local artists and groups, explorer points with hands on activities relating to displays, excellent educational facilities and a varied programme of interactive events for all ages. As well as the historic collections, the Beaney will also feature work by contemporary artists such as Laura Thomas, who has encapsulated open-weave threads in glass to create a unique and colourful set of arched internal windows in the heart of the building. In addition, the Beaney will also be home to the city’s Visitor Information Centre, a cafÊ and a shop. For more information go to www.thebeaney.co.uk or follow the Beaney on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebeaney
END OF SUMMER
SALE
THE BULL INN AWARDED FOUR AA STARS Following a major refurbishment, the cosy country hotel The Bull Inn has just been awarded Four AA Stars for its beautifully refurbished 11 ensuite bedrooms, whilst the popular gourmet restaurant has retained its prestigious AA rosette status. The Bull has excelled in transferring the quality of the AA Rosette restaurant to the pub menu. The atmosphere is everything you would want from a great traditional pub. Everybody is talking about the fillet steak at TheBull. The owner, Martin Deadman, says this is due to the expert skills of the AA Rosette awarded kitchen. He also credits Hartley Bottom Farm, who supply the beef; their animals are kept as naturally and with as much freedom as possible. Mr Roy Glover from Hartley Bottom Farm, not six miles away from The Bull, says that his animals are fed solely on the corn, grass and feeds that are produced on his farm. His grandfather, Henry Glover, brother Eric Glover, children and niece have devoted themselves to the farm and its produce for the past hundred years. Indeed the Glovers have been farming locally since the 1700’s. Roy Glover is fond of the relaxed, traditional atmosphere in the restaurant at The Bull. He says he particularly enjoys "the fillet steak, especially when the live jazz band is playing."
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CHARITY
KENT RESIDENT AND LONG TERM NSPCC SUPPORTER
Ann Baldock
explains why she supports the children’s charity and why more volunteers are needed to help fund its vital services across the county
Ann Baldock
I started supporting the NSPCC in 1982 as a young mum with four small children, when a friend asked if I would come along and help on the local NSPCC group which held a couple of events each year to raise money for the charity. Incidentally, the group was started during the Second World War by the wife of the local doctor who was concerned about the plight of local children. As a young mum, I wanted to do something which I felt could be of use to other children less fortunate than my own; it was also an opportunity to make some new friends and to have a break from just being a ‘mum’. Thirty years may seem a lot of time to be involved with the NSPCC, but I am not unusual – many people carry on for 20, 30 or 40 years. I met a gentleman at our Supporter’s Day in London recently who has been involved since 1968. I believe this to be a testament to the NSPCC on how it values its volunteers that people support for such a long time. I have, over the ensuing years, become very involved within the charity and have become very passionate about the work carried out by the Society – I hold five positions. I am still on the original group and we hold several fundraising events each year. There are eight of us who meet for coffee and discuss Roger’s knee, errant husbands, pesky teenagers and then we get around to organising fun events which are not too arduous but will raise much needed funds!
I became Mid Kent Branch chairman about 15 years ago (not sure exactly – have lost count) and through that role I support other volunteers in the area. I have supporters who have collecting boxes in shops, others that come along and support events being held, or groups who organise events. So whoever they are I make sure that they know how the money they have raised is being used and I help as much as I can. In my small area we raise about £17,000 a year and in the south east last year we raised over £1million which is an amazing total and just proves when people pop £1 in a collecting box how that money adds up to a staggering total. Over the years I have been involved with the charity, I have seen many changes within our society on how it values its children; from when I was brought up “only to be seen and not heard”, to now when we have a Children’s Commissioner within Parliament, that young people hold positions within the NSPCC and have their say in how the charity is run. The NSPCC has helped to change attitudes, has raised awareness of the plight of many children and challenges society to help. I feel honoured to be part of the organisation.
Photographs of children by Jon Challicom, posed by models
and really do feel that I have made a difference. Even if I have only helped one child, that fills me with much joy. Unfortunately the NSPCC is still needed and the need for funds continues until the time comes that abuse to children stops (and I doubt that will be in my lifetime). If you would like to consider becoming involved with the charity, do get in touch. We do not get to meet the children we help but sometimes we hear from an adult what the NSPCC has done to turn their lives around so we get to hear how are funds are making a difference. There are various roles within the NSPCC but our most important role is to raise funds because the charity relies almost completely on donations. Without us the work would fold. If you can spare just a little time I can assure you that it will be well spent. Do give me a ring and we can chat (01732 842446) or email me on annr.baldock@live.co.uk.
I have met some really lovely people over the years, who like me, feel passionately that all children should be loved and valued. I have also learnt many new skills and have had lots of fun
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BUSINESS
INVESTMENT UPDATE
INVESTMENT AND THE NEW SEED ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SCHEME (SEIS) FOR START-UPS
From 6th April 2012, a new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme was introduced targeting start-ups looking for investments of up to £150,000. Chartered accountants and business advisors, Wilkins Kennedy, looks at what this means for young businesses and the investor benefits. Individual investors looking to support start-ups and small firms could benefit from a number of tax reliefs introduced in the 2012 budget, geared to support fledgling businesses. Investors and larger companies will already know about the existing EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) designed for established businesses, although the qualifying figures changed in the March 2012 budget, moving from a maximum gross asset size of £7 million with 50 employees to £15 million with 250 employees. The new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) is specifically designed to help early stage companies to raise equity finance by offering a range of tax reliefs to individual investors. Shares issued after 6th April attract tax relief at a higher rate. The scheme is not without the usual rules and regulations – the company has to meet a number of requirements to qualify for the scheme. Some of the requirements apply only at the time the shares are issued; others must be met continuously, either for the whole of the period from date of corporation to the third anniversary of the date of issue of the shares, or in some cases, from date of issue for the shares to the third anniversary of their issue. If the company ceases to meet one or more of those conditions, the investors may have their tax relief withdrawn. Requirements: • The company must be unquoted, with no shares listed on the London Stock Exchange or any other recognised stock exchange (AIM and PLUS markets are not considered to be recognised stock exchanges). • It must have fewer than 25 employees. If the company is the parent company of a group, that figure applies to the whole of the group. • It must have no more than £200,000 in gross assets. If the company is the parent company of a group, that figure applies to the whole of the gross assets of the company and its subsidiaries. Shares in, and loans to, subsidiaries, are ignored for this purpose. • The company must not have had any investment from a Venture Capital Trust (VCT), or issued any shares in respect of which it has submitted an EIS compliance statement. • It may not receive more than £150,000 under the scheme. • Check that you are a qualifying business (exclusions include property investment and financial services firms). Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) – Raising finance for small businesses One of the difficulties facing many small businesses in the current economic
market is how to raise finance. One option that may be available to these companies is to seek private investment, but how can this work, and how can a small company ensure that they are attractive to potential investors seeking good returns? Under Enterprise Investments Scheme (EIS) rules, any small trading company meeting certain conditions can offer shares to investors which may qualify for certain tax advantages. This scheme can make investment in a small company attractive to individual investors, who may have previously avoided investing in small companies due to a higher risk factor. The main conditions a company must meet to be a ‘qualifying company’ are as follows: • It must be an unquoted company. • It must be a company carrying on a qualifying trade. • The money must be used in an existing trade, or in preparing to carry on a trade, or in research and development where it is intended to lead to a qualifying trade being carried on. • The money raised must be used within two years of the shares being issued to the investor(s) or within two years of the trade commencing if that is later. Most trades are ‘qualifying’ trades, but there are a few activities that are excluded, such as property development. Eligible investors can benefit from the following headline tax reliefs: • Income tax relief at 30% of the investment (increased from 20% from 6th April 2011). For example, a qualifying investor paying £10,000 for shares would have a reduction in their personal income tax liability of £3,000. • No capital gains tax to pay on any eventual gain made on the disposal of the qualifying shares in the company by the investor. • The ability to defer capital gains tax arising on disposals of unrelated chargeable assets sold within 3 years prior to or 12 months following investment in an Enterprise Investment Scheme. • Generous loss provisions if the investment is ultimately unsuccessful. The rules surrounding Enterprise Investment Schemes are detailed and complex for both firms and investors, and you should always seek advice from a qualified adviser in this area.
For more information or to arrange a meeting to find out more about it, please contact Ian McIntyre on 01233 629255 or ian.mcintyre@wilkinskennedy.com
www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
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LOCALBUSINESS
insideKENT INTERVIEWS
TREVOR WHITE OF DIAMOND FLOORINGS YOUR LOCAL FLOORING EXPERT
Trevor White with daughters
How long has Diamond Floorings been in business? I have been in the flooring trade for over 14 years, starting out as a subcontracting fitter for both independent companies and the larger chain stores. I started Diamond Floorings in 2005, with just one van and a small team of fitters. I set up as a mobile home sell company taking samples to my customers in my van during the evening and fitting during the day. As word of mouth spread and my customer base grew I had to make a decision to either turn away potential customers, work 24/7 or expand the business; all of which scared the life out of me! But as I didn’t want to disappoint people and certainly didn’t want to get into trouble with my wife, I choose to expand the business. We took on more vehicles, fitters, office staff and a full time estimator. We also opened up Ashford’s first and only designer flooring showroom in August 2010 where customers can browse through the latest flooring designs. What is the most important part of your business? Without sounding cliché, our customers are the most important part of our business, and we don’t finish a job until the customer is completely happy. I set up Diamond Floorings to be 100% service-based and make sure each and every customer feels valued. My valued team are also an important part of my business and I am fortunate to have surrounded myself with people who I can trust and who share in the ethos of the business. The Diamond Floorings team are always happy to help and have sound product knowledge, so if you have any questions about your flooring needs please do not hesitate to contact us. What does Diamond Floorings specialise in? We specialise in all types of quality floor coverings to suit all budgets including carpet and carpet tiles; sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl tile; safety flooring and commercial coverings; laminate and all types of wood flooring. We also provide floor maintenance such as carpet cleaning, safety flooring cleaning and sanding and sealing wooden floors.
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Diamond Floorings Designer Showroom
Diamond Floorings carry out flooring work from the smallest home setup up to huge commercial projects, so we really do mean it when we say no job is too big or too small. Our designer showroom showcases the top flooring manufacturers including Amtico, Karndean, Victoria’s and Brinton’s. We have a wide range of products to suit all budgets, with carpet from £6.99/sq.m, vinyl from £8.99/sq.m and new luxury vinyl tile from £15.99/sq.m. We can also give a price for underlay, door trims and floor preparation, if required. What makes you stand out from your competition? I think who we are, what we stand for and how we work makes us stand out from the competition. I believe people buy from people and all the team at Diamond Floorings are passionate, confident and knowledgeable about the products. We also employ our own fitters which enables me to have control over the fitting standard and ensure that there is consistency in the way we work. Diamond Floorings only sources products from trusted manufacturers with whom we have built up a strong relationship over the years. We also aim to use as many British manufacturers as possible and ensure our products come from responsible and sustainable sources. We also gently move furniture and even HOOVER once complete - leaving everything immaculate! What is the most popular product you sell? I have seen the market change over the years, especially in the domestic market which was predominantly carpet, laminate, sheet vinyl and wood. Now technology and manufacturing is moving forward and people are wising up to new solutions such as luxury vinyl tile, which is now our most popular product. The vinyl tile comes in wood effect and tile effect and has many advantages over actual wood and tiles – for example it’s easier to replace a damaged tile/plank. They are also warmer under foot than ceramics and are easy to clean. Our full designer display floor showcases many of these alongside hundreds of ranges of carpets, vinyl, woods and laminates.
What is the hardest part of owning your own business? Combating customer perception with regards to over-inflated unrealistic discounts and bucking the trend of other retailers who offer these. In this day and age, most customers want a discount, but here at Diamond Floorings we offer honest and open pricing and we don’t want to have to inflate our prices just so we can be seen to give a discount; this is not the way we like to do business. Don’t get me wrong, we do offer discounts, but only when they are genuine. It is also hard when a customer comes into the showroom and says they have been given another quote that includes free fitting, as I know I wouldn’t be a popular boss if I told my team they had to work for free?! Trying to explain that there is rarely such a thing as ‘free fitting’ or ‘free underlay’ – as it is usually built into the cost of the materials – is difficult, and sadly sometimes the customer has already made their mind up because of this ‘special offer’. Where do you see your Diamond Flooring in the next five years? Our aim is to have at least two more designer flooring showrooms open in Kent in the next five years so we can continue to offer the same local service to a wider catchment. Diamond Floorings are also committed to creating new jobs and nursing young talent in our apprenticeships and work experience schemes, so in the next five years also aim to double our team and continue to grow. All our advice and quotations are free of charge and we offer year-round genuine competitive prices. So please do not hesitate to contact us.
3 The Glenmore Centre Moat Way, Orbital Park Ashford TN24 0GR 01233 500 000 info@diamondfloorings.co.uk www.diamondfloorings.co.uk
PROPERTY
Finding the best estate agent with netanagent.com Estate agents are a common feature of every high street across the UK, but despite their prevalence, selecting the right agent to manage the sale or letting of your property can be a daunting task. In today’s challenging financial landscape and volatile housing market, it has never been more important to choose the right agent to manage your sale or letting. If done well the process should run smoothly and successfully, but get it wrong and it quickly becomes a very stressful experience.
Alex Thorpe, Netanagent Director
According to research conducted by netanagent.com in July 2012, approximately 93% of those polled have sold a property through an estate agent, but only one third feel that they got the best deal. Professionals would always advise doing a little research before selecting an agent, but what are the important factors you should consider?
Location is obviously of prime importance. Local agents will have an in-depth knowledge of their market and can therefore provide an accurate valuation, while generating interest in your property amongst buyers on their list of prospects. Indeed, two fifths of respondents in our research used a nearby agency, highlighting the importance of convenience. Likewise, reputation and experience are key motivators; 48 per cent of us list these as important considerations when choosing an estate agent. Your friends and family can be a good source of information in this regard, and their recommendations will give a good indication
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of the professionalism and performance of agents. Without doubt, the process of selling your property will be far more pleasurable if you are working with an agent who meets your expectations in terms of enthusiasm, dedication and market savvy. But in most sellers’ experiences, recommendation and gut instinct are not enough; you also need to have a clear and realistic understanding of how agencies will work on your behalf. How will each agent market your property? How will they conduct viewings? How good are they at managing their relationships with prospects, surveyors, financial advisors and solicitors? In today’s buyer-driven environment, effectively marketing your property really can make all the difference. Agents have a wide range of advertising and marketing tools at their disposal and you must ensure that you are getting the best package for your needs. Firstly, how will your property be presented? Will the agency include photos, floor plans and a good level of descriptive detail in the property summary? Do they advertise in the local press and online, and if so, on which sites? How good is their website and prospect list? The level of service you get will vary between agents and can be dependent on the fee you negotiate. Estate agents generally charge between 1-3% of the sale value of your property. You can haggle this figure down (although this is less likely with national chains than with independent agents), and whilst it is always tempting to go with the cheapest, this can be a false economy. You need your agent to be
motivated to sell your property and provide the best possible marketing package to make sure your property stands out from the crowd. If this sounds like a lot of work, then you are right; but the benefits of choosing the right agent far outweigh the effort required. But how can the process of selecting an estate agent be sped up whilst still finding the best deal on the market? This is the basis of netanagent.com. Their aim is to take some of the hassle out of selling and letting your property by making the process of selecting an agent easier and less daunting. netanagent.com is the UK estate agent comparison site, but more than this, they have turned the selection process on its head by allowing the agents to demonstrate just why you should choose them, prior to any contact. The process is simple and free to use – just post your property details and let netanagent.com do the rest. You will then be able to review your tailored quotes showing fees and services offered, before selecting the best agents to proceed with marketing your property. netanagent.com guarantees you get the best deal without having to negotiate directly. Despite their reputation, there are thousands of good estate agents out there and by using netanagent.com, you will find them.
TM
EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Cobham Hall
We could tell you about all our facilities – our magnificent Manor House, swimming pool, tennis courts, art studios, dark room, cookery room, fitness suite, dance studio, huge gym, even our new solar panels – we could talk about our small class sizes and our Round Square ethos. But what does that really tell you about what makes us different from every other school you’ve ever read about and what life is like at Cobham Hall? What does make us different? Principally two things. Firstly, we believe that to succeed in and to contribute to the World community you need more than good exam results. Certainly they’re important and we take pride in the fact that our girls regularly perform above expectations and get to the university and study the subjects of
their choice. However, it is not solely exam results that define our girls. As importantly we care about and develop self-esteem and confidence, interpersonal skills, creativity, initiative, perseverance and happiness; empathy, kindness and a young person’s desire to make a difference in the world. Skills and characteristics invaluable to the individual and valued by employers. Secondly, we are driven by the underlying belief that ‘there is more in you than you think’. By giving girls the opportunity to try new things, to take risks, to succeed and fail in a supportive and caring environment, mixing with girls from different communities and cultures bringing out the best in our girls, developing resilience and confidence, fostering understanding and compassion and uncovering new skills and interests. The true nature of Cobham Hall – the practical expression of all our philosophies and
ideals, our size and our pupil make-up – is perhaps best defined by the tiny details of our everyday life. It’s inseparable roommates, enthusiasm engulfing young faces, animated greetings between teachers and girls and bedtime chats between Housemistresses and their ‘little ones’. It’s teenagers fluent in many languages and the random trade of expressions and phrases between students of different cultures. It’s in the laughter in the corridor and the singing in the hallway and the cheerful roar of the dining room at mealtimes. It’s found in the members of staff still at school well past the end of lessons; the cheers on the sports field and the melodies floating from the music wing. It’s in the art on the walls and in the many hands up in class. It’s in the very air as you walk through the front door. Come and see. www.cobhamhall.com
Independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 years
...tranquil
...friendly
...adventurous
OPEN MORNING - Saturday, 29th September 2012 from 9.30am - 12.30pm Situated in 160 acres of historic parkland, Cobham Hall provides a comfortable and secure home for our boarding and day students. Full, weekly and flexi-boarding available. Excellent pastoral care. Small class sizes with an excellent range of subjects at GCSE. IB studied in 6th Form. Easily accessible by car (A2/M2 or M20) from Kent and SE London and by train (London, St Pancras 17 mins). Ask about our Taster Afternoons and Sleepovers. An IB World School and member of Round Square—“There is more in you than you think”. For further information, to register or to arrange a private visit contact: Admissions Office: Cobham Hall, Cobham, Kent DA12 3BL UK Tel: +44(0)1474823371 Email: enquiries@cobhamhall.com www.cobhamhall.com
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EDUCATION
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Forging Ahead KENT COLLEGE, CANTERBURY HAS JUST ANNOUNCED EXCITING PLANS FOR ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. THIS A PERFECT TIME FOR THE SCHOOL TO BE PLANNING AHEAD, AS IT IS ACHIEVING SO MUCH, IN SO MANY AREAS. The development will provide the school with a 600-seater Great Hall suitable for all forms of performance, plus a brand new sports facility. These additional facilities will provide the appropriate environments to match the outstanding level of performance that is evident in the school. This year the school has celebrated so much: Church School of the Year for London and South East, in recognition for its work in local and global communities; and national recognition of its musicians and sports players, with choral singing, hockey and athletics being outstanding. Academically the school remains amongst the top co-educational schools in the country and its recent IB results place it in the top 10 IB schools nationally. The strong pastoral support within the school makes it the perfect environment for students from the age of three upwards to find their own talents and then to be encouraged to excel. All success is celebrated and ranges from showing a champion duck at the County Show to winning the highest accolade for any exam paper written in A-level history. Idyllic surroundings make Kent College a popular choice for both local and boarding students who enjoy the historical and cultural facilities of the beautiful City of Canterbury. The school even provides its own bus service allowing students from all over the county to benefit from the extended school day. With the high-speed rail link from London we are only 50 minutes from the hub of London. For further information visit our website www.kentcollege.com
Planning for the future
Outstanding co-education for 3 to 18 year olds
We can help... At Kent College pupils realise their dreams
Open Days 2012 Nursery, Infant and Junior School Saturday 13th October, 9.30am - 12.30pm Senior School Saturday 6th October, 9.00am - 12.30pm Sixth Form Evening Thursday 15th November, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Junior School Senior School
www.kentcollege.com
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Download the Kent College App from the App Store
EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH School’s Military Band at the Submariners’ Beating the Retreat and Ceremonial Sunset in May 2012
GREAT OPPORTUNITIES AT
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School AN ACADEMY WITH MILITARY TRADITIONS A good school is about more than just what is learnt in the classroom; sport and outdoor pursuits continue to play a leading role in the lives of all our pupils and over 65 students received Duke of Edinburgh Awards this year. Our acclaimed military band continues to perform at events, and members of our talented senior choir have appeared on local and national TV. This year we have continued to work in partnership with a range of different schools locally, nationally and internationally. Most notably was the involvement of pupils in a critically acclaimed production of Cabaret both in Dover and Virginia, USA which was put on by a joint American, Russian and British cast. The school is non-selective, but all pupils are invited to a ‘suitability for boarding’ interview with the Executive Principal. We offer Taster Weekends if your child would like to experience boarding life to see if they like it, and we encourage you to visit us to see what an extraordinary school we are. Our pupils will give you an honest tour of the school and answer any questions you may have. We are busy planning how to best spend a government grant of £24.9m to enhance the lives of present and future pupils in the school. These are exciting times indeed, enabling us to give our pupils the best opportunities to develop and succeed. Visit www.doyrms.com for more information.
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EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Fresh Ideas in a Traditional Setting New 5-day academic week with an optional Saturday morning extra-curricular programme for Senior School from September 2012.
Since 1749, St Edmund’s School Canterbury has provided a lively, challenging education in a nurturing environment. During those 263 years the distinctive approach, small class sizes, strong pastoral system and ‘family’ atmosphere have consistently delivered enviable results which equip pupils to pursue their interests at the highest levels whatever their strengths - academic, musical, theatrical, artistic or sporting. In keeping with this ongoing commitment to excellence and diversity, pupils and their families may now benefit from the vibrant cultural and extra-curricular opportunity of a contemporary 5-day academic week supported by an optional Saturday programme.
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St Eds half page ad (Kent Profile) July 2012 outline.indd 1
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The following announcement was made recently after a thorough consultation process: “As of September 2012, the St Edmund's Senior School will cease to offer formal academic lessons on Saturday mornings, but will instead offer a full and vibrant extra-curricular programme for all of its pupils. This extra-curricular programme will be optional for day pupils, but it is our hope that many day pupils will choose to access the programme and join us on Saturday mornings.” Head, Louise Moelwyn-Hughes, adds, “I hope that the Senior School's new programme will allow flexibility to those families who feel that a 6-day teaching week no longer meets their needs, and also encourages those who would like to
access a 6-day programme to do so. We have put together an exciting programme giving our pupils the opportunity to participate in a range of activities from sport to the minibus of culture, poetry writing and geology.” For further information, please contact St Edmund’s School Canterbury St Thomas Hill Canterbury CT2 8HU Tel 01227 475600 www.stedmunds.org.uk
17/07/2012 09:52
EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
St Lawrence College
For all schools, September is a mixture of excitement and anticipation at what the academic year ahead will hold. The autumn term is also when schools throw open their doors and encourage families to visit and see what they have to offer.
Come and see us! St Lawrence College in Ramsgate welcomes you to its October Open events, giving you the opportunity to take an informal look around the school with your child: • Friday 5th October: Nursery & Junior School Open Day • Saturday 6th October: Senior School Open Day • Wednesday 10th October: Sixth Form Open Evening
From ‘ABC’ to A Levels St Lawrence College can offer continuity of education from 3–18 years, or the flexibility for you to choose independent education for just part of your child’s schooling. ISI Inspection Report, November 2011:
Nursery: “Outcomes for children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are outstanding.” Junior School: “Pupils of all abilities achieve highly, in all aspects of their learning, at all stages of the school.” Senior School: “The quality of the teaching throughout the school is excellent”.
New Developments This term is particularly exciting, with the opening of a new 500-seat theatre and senior girls’ boarding house. These new projects highlight the school’s commitment to continued investment, providing exceptional facilities for pupils.
Can you afford to pay for your child’s education? Can you afford not to? Many parents are now choosing independent education for their child,
realising the huge long-term benefits that their decision has on their child’s future. If both parents are working and have been used to paying for full-time childcare, Junior School fees are no more than those at many nursery schools. Fees are all-inclusive, there are no hidden costs. Scholarships and generous bursaries are available. • Tuesday 20th November: Sixth Form Scholarship Day • Thursday 22nd November: 11+ Scholarship Day If you have never been inside an independent school or think ‘it’s not for my family’ – why not take a look? Everyone is welcome. Contact Junior School: 01843 572912, mag@slcuk.com or Senior School: 01843 572931, ah@slcuk.com. www.slcuk.com
Open Days See what sets us apart from the rest at one of our...
S Bu chol rsa ars rie hip sa sa va nd ila ble
Nursery & Junior School Ages 3 to 11 years
ù Ǿ¹¶Î ɽ ¤¸ÉÄ·ºÇ ù 10am to 12pm & 1.30pm to 3pm
Senior School
Ages 11 to 18 years
ù ¨¶ÉÊǹ¶Î ɽ ¤¸ÉÄ·ºÇ ù 10.45am to 2pm Further information is available from the Registrar:
Junior School: 01843 572912 / mag@slcuk.com Senior School 01843 572931 / ah@slcuk.com St Lawrence College, Ramsgate CT11 7AE ù www.slcuk.com
St Lawrence College Co-educational, day and boarding school
Charity No. 307921
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EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
King’s Rochester King’s Rochester has a new Principal, Mr Jeremy Walker. Jeremy comes to King’s from Berkhamsted School in Hertfordshire where he was Headmaster of Berkhamsted Sixth and on the senior management team for six years. He was educated at Sherborne School and Worcester College, Oxford. Jeremy says, “King’s is a great school with a superb, friendly atmosphere in a beautiful setting. Founded in 604AD and set in the heart of historic Rochester, it couples a secure foundation with clear vision for a 21st century education. Our academic results are outstanding, but what really makes the difference in today’s world is being a well-rounded, confident person. Our commitment to a breadth of education beyond the classroom develops skills which do not always come from qualifications and, equally importantly, ensures that our pupils have a huge amount of fun.” At the next King’s Rochester Open Morning on Saturday 6th October, you will have the opportunity to experience the happy environment which nurtures the youngest pupils of three through to 18 who will be proud to show you around this vibrant school community. The Principal’s speech will take place soon after registration at 9.30am in the school’s conference centre, and Jeremy Walker and his staff will be pleased to meet you throughout the morning when you will learn more about the top results attained at this broad-ability intake school. For more information, call 01634 888590, email admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk or visit www.kings-rochester.co.uk
Exceeding
Expectations
Open Morning Saturday 6th October 2012 – 9.30am -12 noon New Principal, Mr Jeremy Walker, will speak at 9.45am in the King’s Conference Centre Ask about our personalised tours and taster days www.kings-rochester.co.uk T: 01634 888590 E: admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk Independent education for girls and boys aged 3-18 s "OARDING AVAILABLE FROM Top exam results from broad-ability intake s 3MALL CLASSES s !WARD WINNING MUSIC Wide range of sports and extra-curricular activities
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30 minutes approx by train from central London and Bromley South Extensive daily minibus services including: Bearsted, Gravesend, Hadlow, Kings Hill, Longfield, Maidstone, Meopham, Rainham, Sevenoaks, Sittingbourne, Tonbridge and West Malling
EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Kent College Pembury
Set in 75 acres of parkland, Kent College is an idyllic oasis, providing a safe, natural environment where girls enjoy living and learning, pupils can board from the age of ten on a flexi, weekly or full time basis and the reliable transport service provides transportation across Kent for day pupils. The Christian ethos gives a clear moral framework; pupils are well mannered, compassionate and kind. It is a busy, vibrant school with fantastic community spirit where pupils enjoy competitive sports events, barbecue lunches, arts festival or theatre trips to London’s West End. High achievers Academic standards are very high, with excellent GCSE and A-level results, and pupils have a record of success in gaining places at highachieving universities to do a variety of courses, from medicine to engineering. The curriculum and approach to learning is broad and balanced
and the school’s value added scores are excellent. Success is achieved by nurturing the girls’ confidence and inspiring a love of learning. Kent College has an enviable reputation for excellence in performing arts and sport, competing at national level. Exciting opportunities An impressive and diverse range of over 100 activities enables students to discover new talents and nurture existing ones. Exciting exchanges to Australia, Europe and America, and international sport, music and drama tours are an important part of school life. Along with the school’s thriving Gymnastics and Swimming Academies, the school is set to launch a new Theatre Academy from September 2012 which will deliver professional workshops in drama, dance and singing. State-of-the-art facilities Modern, architect-designed facilities include a state-of-the-art theatre, large sports hall, music
school, dance studio, on-site outdoor ‘adventure course’, science laboratories and an indoor swimming pool. Sixth-formers benefit from their own study centre. An iconic library and art centre will be opened in 2013, providing outstanding study space, coffee shop, art studios and exhibition space. Scholarships and admissions Main intakes are at age 10, 11, 13 and 16. Academic, music, drama, sport and art scholarships and bursaries are available. To discover more and to see how Kent College can help your daughter to surpass her expectations, please make an appointment to visit by contacting 01892 820218. We look forward to welcoming you. www.kent-college.co.uk
PZJV]LY 2LU[»Z + Hidden Gem KPZJV]LY NYV^ [OYP]L L_JLS
:LUPVY :JOVVS 6WLU 4VYUPUNZ Saturday 13th & Tuesday 16th October 9.30am - 1.00pm Kent College is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 - 18. To reserve your place, please contact 01892 820218.
‘‘ ’’ We are over the moon with Kent College, my daughter’s JVUÄ KLUJL OHZ YLHSS` NYV^U HUK ZOL»Z [OL OHWWPLZ[ she’s ever been at school. Parent
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Old Church Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 4AX 01892 820218 www.kent-college.co.uk Kent College is a registered charity no 307920 and is a member of the Methodist Independent Schools Group www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
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EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Bethany School Why would you choose Bethany for your child? Situated in a beautiful 60 acre rural site, it enjoys a reputation as a particularly friendly and happy community. The Head firmly believes that school should be enjoyed rather than endured and it is the atmosphere of positive nurturing and encouragement which makes Bethany ‘refreshingly different’.
“Of course we want our students to fulfil their academic potential but we also want them to benefit from a broad and balanced educational experience, which is why we incorporate an extensive range of extra-curricular activities into the school day. Students’ talents are identified, nurtured and publicly praised at every opportunity and they are encouraged to blossom within our supportive environment. We are justifiably proud of our examination results and our students consistently outperform their ‘value added’ potential.” Francie Healy Headmaster. The curriculum and information technology Bethany offers a broad range of subjects taught in modern classrooms with specialist facilities, the latest addition to which is the high-spec Science Centre. Small classes ensure that
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students receive plenty of support and guidance. The entire campus is served by a wireless network, and from Year 8 all students are encouraged to have their own laptop and much of the curriculum is delivered through ICT. Over 94% of the sixth-form leavers progress on to university courses, having benefitted from a comprehensive tailored UCAS programme matching each pupil with the most appropriate course in each University from Year 12, for example UCL, Lancaster, Loughborough, Exeter and Sussex amongst others. The learning support department enjoys an international reputation for its success in giving specialist help to dyslexic students within our mainstream school. Beyond the curriculum Activities outside the classroom are very important in developing students’ personalities, so everyone
takes part in sport at least three times a week, as well as in activities sessions three afternoons a week; with a choice of around 20 activities each day including horse riding, chef school, archery, symphony orchestra and country pursuits. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is hugely popular and very successful at Bethany. Throughout the School, there are opportunities to perform in drama, music and dance. Boasting a particularly strong art department many students join Bethany to take advantage of the ‘mini art college’, choosing to study art, textiles and photography at A-level. Quote from a Bethany parent: “There seems to be a unique, caring and supportive environment where pupils learn to believe in themselves and to respect and support others, bringing out the best in each individual.”
EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
The Independent Curriculum for Independent Thinkers SUTTON VALENCE PREPARATORY SCHOOL near Maidstone is amongst one of the first independent schools in Kent to introduce the Independent Curriculum into their school for Years 3-6. The Independent Curriculum (IC) offers a new programme of learning, whereby children go through the steps of applying knowledge, understanding and being able to communicate it, not simply repeating what they have been taught, but truly understanding it.
It is this key difference which sets the IC apart from the traditional curriculum as all three areas of discovering, applying and communicating are given equal emphasis within the classroom. Previously, more emphasis was placed on the discovering element and this did not provide the essential platform for pupils to become the independent thinkers, which is so important in today’s workplace and society in general. There is a requirement for all schools today to better prepare their pupils for the next stage in their education journey. Not only does the IC encourage higher order thinking, but it is genuinely cross-curricular and provides a relevant toolkit of transferable skills for the children. For example, the child who is confident and has the ability to create a pie chart in their Maths lesson also independently understands the same technique can be used in their Geography work too. Furthermore, by developing and instilling independent thinking into the pupils, it allows those who may not naturally be ‘top thinkers’ to develop
that skill, to become more confident and to think broadly and outside of the box. Claire Corkran, Deputy Head at Sutton Valence Prep School, was delighted to be asked to contribute to the Independent Curriculum and has written all of the content for the area of PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education. “Here at Sutton Valence Prep School, we have been using aspects to enhance the teaching and learning. Our English, PSHE and RE planning is now closely linked with the IC and other subjects will follow soon. “The IC fits so well with the ethos of our School, an environment where we aim to provide children with creative, inspiring learning experiences as well as preparing them for life beyond school,” Claire concludes. www.svs.org.uk/suttonvalencepreparatoryschool
“Early Years provision is outstanding” Top 21% of schools for value added at A level
Open
Mornings Senior School (HMC 11–18 day and boarding) 29th September 2012 10th November 2012 13th October 2012 (Sixth Form Taster Day) T: 01622 845206 | E: websterk@svs.org.uk
Preparatory School (Nursery to age 11) 18th October 2012 T: 01622 842117 | E: barnetts@svs.org.uk
www.svs.org.uk
Advert ref: 0812WS/IK
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EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Sign up to a career of discovery BUDDING SCIENTISTS INSPIRED BY THE DISCOVERY OF THE GOD PARTICLE HAVE BEEN CHALLENGED TO MAKE THEIR OWN MARK ON HISTORY. MidKent College offers a number of qualifications in Applied Science and is now accepting applications from prospective students for courses starting in September. From astronomy and industrial chemistry to forensics, genetics and lots more, the laboratories of the £86 million Medway Campus are home to a wealth of educational opportunities. Lecturer David Gammon said, “Thanks to the interest surrounding the Large Hadron Collider and the popularity of people like Professor Brian Cox, science is as popular as it has ever been. “MidKent College is the perfect place for students to take those first steps towards a great career in the science industry, and hopefully even more fantastic discoveries in the future.” Applications are now open for the Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science, which is equivalent to four GCSEs at grades A-C. The course prepares students for a variety of worthwhile careers in scientific and allied industries, with many progressing onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma that is equivalent to three A-levels and is also now open for application. “All our courses are very hands-on,” said David. “Virtually every lesson has some sort of practical element to it, which makes it a lot
different to school. We find that is the best way to help our students understand the theory behind the tests they are carrying out. “Many of those enrolled on our science courses really enjoyed the subject at school but perhaps didn’t do as well as they had expected and lost confidence as a result. We help them rebuild that confidence so they can move onto greater things, which many of our students do.” MidKent College also offers Higher Education courses in Applied Science, including the Higher National Diploma in Applied Chemistry, and the foundation degree in life science laboratory technology and bio-manufacturing. The latter qualification is designed to lead to and enhance exciting careers in laboratory science, and is based within state of the art facilities at Kent Science Park in Sittingbourne. Hundreds of other courses across a wide range of subject areas are also available at the College, from traditional vocational subjects like plumbing and hairdressing to 21st century qualifications in ICT, music technology and lots more. Visit www.midkent.ac.uk for more information.
01634 402020 www.midkent.ac.uk
A great alternative to school sixth forms
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EDUCATION
Walthamstow Hall WALTHAMSTOW HALL S e v e n o a k s K e n t
Walthamstow Hall is a forward-looking Independent Girls’ School in Sevenoaks that has specialised in educating girls to the highest standard since 1838.
Open Morning for prospective Senior School and Sixth Form students Saturday 22nd September 10.00am – 12.15pm The Headmistress and students will talk at 11.00am and 11.45am r Independent School for girls aged 11 – 18 r Outstanding ISI Inspection Report r Academic excellence r Extensive extra-curricular programme r Exceptional facilities r Scholarships and bursaries of up to 50% r As featured in The Sunday Times ‘Top 100 Independent Schools’ and The Daily Telegraph’s ‘Top 20 Independent Schools at GCSE and IGCSE’. r Within walking distance of Sevenoaks station. School mini bus service.
A strong sense of community, respect for self and others and a pride that comes from sharing a great tradition makes Walthamstow Hall a school where each girl can flourish, discover and develop her talents and make lifelong friendships. Inspiring teaching, wonderful facilities and the close partnerships that exist between parents, staff and girls lie at the heart of our success. Campus and Facilities The original Victorian “Arts and Crafts’ style school building is at the centre of a campus of modern facilities all purpose-built for learning, including The Ship Theatre and state-of- the- art swimming pool. Recent developments include additional music and drama rehearsal rooms, a Design Technology room, additional IT room and student meeting and gallery space. Curriculum The curriculum reflects Walthamstow’s belief in the importance of the individual: it is designed to offer unusual breadth, choice and flexibility. Lessons are taught by highly qualified, enthusiastic specialists with a love for their subjects and a real commitment to their pupils and the process of teaching and learning. Many subjects are offered at IGCSE level and, in Sixth Form, the very highly regarded Cambridge Pre-U is taught alongside A level.
National Lacrosse Finals 2012
For information on Admissions please call our Registrar on 01732 451 334 or go to
www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk
Results Walthamstow’s record of academic excellence is long established. In
2012, 77% of A levels and 91% of Cambridge Pre-U exams were passed at grades A* - B and equivalent. 96% of GCSE and IGCSEs were also passed at grades A*- B this year. The Sunday Times ranks Walthamstow Hall as one of its ‘Top 100 Independent Schools’ in the country and The Daily Telegraph ranked the school as the 19th top performing independent school at GCSE/IGCSE in 2011. Leaver Destinations The breadth and flexibility of the Walthamstow Hall curriculum, coupled with the expert teaching that students receive, enables them each to pursue the further education and career path that is absolutely right for them. 99% of leavers go onto higher education, many to Russell Group universities. The most popular destinations in the past three years have included Exeter, Leeds, Nottingham, Durham, Loughborough, Warwick, Cardiff, Manchester, London, Oxford and Cambridge. Extra- Curricular Activities Extra-curricular learning is key with music, drama, art, ‘sport for all’ and charity work all components of every day school life. Many students compete at county and national levels. The Curling team are Kent champions and the Judo squad have been National champions for two years running. The school has an impressive record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and Young Enterprise, with the Lower Sixth team winning the West Kent Young Enterprise and Public Speaking Competitions in 2012. www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
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PSYCHOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF COLOURS from www.colour-affects.co.uk
DID YOU EVER STOP TO REALLY THINK ABOUT THE DARK VIOLET COLOUR YOU’D LIKE TO PAINT YOUR BEDROOM, OR THE SHADE OF RED YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT FOR YOUR NEW SOFA? YOUR CHOICE OF COLOUR FOR INTERIOR DECORATION CAN GREATLY AFFECT YOUR MOOD AND EMOTIONS, SO BEFORE OPTING FOR HOT PINK BATHROOM ACCESSORIES, READ ALL ABOUT THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF THE ELEVEN BASIC COLOURS TO MAKE SURE YOU’LL BE HAPPY AND PEACEFUL IN YOUR HOME. RED Positive: Physical courage, strength, warmth, energy, basic survival, 'fight or flight', stimulation, masculinity, excitement. Negative: Defiance, aggression, visual impact, strain. Being the longest wavelength, red is a powerful colour. Although not technically the most visible, it has the property of appearing to be nearer than it is and therefore it grabs our attention first. Hence its effectiveness in traffic lights the world over. Its effect is physical; it stimulates us and raises the pulse rate, giving the impression that time is passing faster than it is. It relates to the masculine principle and can activate the ‘fight or flight’ instinct. Red is strong, and very basic. Pure red is the simplest colour, with no subtlety. It is stimulating and lively, very friendly. At the same time, it can be perceived as demanding and aggressive.
BLUE Positive: Intelligence, communication, trust, efficiency, serenity, duty, logic, coolness, reflection, calm. Negative: Coldness, aloofness, lack of emotion, unfriendliness. Blue is the colour of the mind and is essentially soothing; it affects us mentally, rather than the physical reaction we have to red. Strong
blues will stimulate clear thought and lighter, soft blues will calm the mind and aid concentration. Consequently it is serene and mentally calming. It is the colour of clear communication. Blue objects do not appear to be as close to us as red ones. Time and again in research, blue is the world's favourite colour. However, it can be perceived as cold, unemotional and unfriendly.
YELLOW
GREEN
Positive: Optimism, confidence, self-esteem, extraversion, emotional strength, friendliness, creativity. Negative: Irrationality, fear, emotional fragility, depression, anxiety, suicide.
Positive: Harmony, balance, refreshment, universal love, rest, restoration, reassurance, environmental awareness, equilibrium, peace. Negative: Boredom, stagnation, blandness, enervation.
The yellow wavelength is relatively long and essentially stimulating. In this case the stimulus is emotional, therefore yellow is the strongest colour, psychologically. The right yellow will lift our spirits and our selfesteem; it is the colour of confidence and optimism. Too much of it, or the wrong tone in relation to the other tones in a colour scheme, can cause self-esteem to plummet, giving rise to fear and anxiety. Our ‘yellow streak’ can surface.
Green strikes the eye in such a way as to require no adjustment whatever and is, therefore, restful. Being in the centre of the spectrum, it is the colour of balance - a more important concept than many people realise. When the world about us contains plenty of green, this indicates the presence of water, and little danger of famine, so we are reassured by green, on a primitive level. Negatively, it can indicate stagnation and, incorrectly used, will be perceived as being too bland.
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BLACK Positive: Sophistication, glamour, security, emotional safety, efficiency, substance. Negative: Oppression, coldness, menace, heaviness.
ORANGE Positive: Physical comfort, food, warmth, security, sensuality, passion, abundance, fun. Negative: Deprivation, frustration, frivolity, immaturity. Since it is a combination of red and yellow, orange is stimulating and reaction to it is a combination of the physical and the emotional. It focuses our minds on issues of physical comfort – food, warmth, shelter etc. and sensuality. It is a 'fun' colour. Negatively, it might focus on the exact opposite - deprivation. This is particularly likely when warm orange is used with black. Equally, too much orange suggests frivolity and a lack of serious intellectual values.
Black is all colours, totally absorbed. The psychological implications of that are considerable. It creates protective barriers, as it absorbs all the energy coming towards you, and it enshrouds the personality. Black is essentially an absence of light, since no wavelengths are reflected and it can, therefore be menacing; many people are afraid of the dark. Positively, it communicates absolute clarity, with no fine nuances. It communicates sophistication and uncompromising excellence and it works particularly well with white. Black creates a perception of weight and seriousness; it is a myth that black clothes are slimming.
PINK Positive: Physical tranquillity, nurture, warmth, femininity, love, sexuality, survival of the species. Negative: Inhibition, emotional claustrophobia, emasculation, physical weakness. Being a tint of red, pink also affects us physically, but it soothes, rather than stimulates. (Interestingly, red is the only colour that has an entirely separate name for its tints. Tints of blue, green, yellow, etc. are simply called light blue, light green, etc). Pink is a powerful colour, psychologically. It represents the feminine principle, and survival of the species; it is nurturing and physically soothing. Too much pink is physically draining and can be somewhat emasculating.
WHITE GREY Positive: Psychological neutrality. Negative: Lack of confidence, dampness, depression, hibernation, lack of energy. Pure grey is the only colour that has no direct psychological properties. It is, however, quite suppressive. A virtual absence of colour is depressing and when the world turns grey we are instinctively conditioned to draw in and prepare for hibernation. Unless the precise tone is right, grey has a dampening effect on other colours used with it. Heavy use of grey usually indicates a lack of confidence and fear of exposure.
Positive: Hygiene, sterility, clarity, purity, cleanness, simplicity, sophistication, efficiency. Negative: Sterility, coldness, barriers, unfriendliness, elitism. Just as black is total absorption, so white is total reflection. In effect, it reflects the full force of the spectrum into our eyes. Thus it also creates barriers, but differently from black, and it is often a strain to look at. It communicates, "Touch me not!" White is purity and, like black, uncompromising; it is clean, hygienic, and sterile. The concept of sterility can also be negative. Visually, white gives a heightened perception of space. The negative effect of white on warm colours is to make them look and feel garish.
VIOLET Positive: Spiritual awareness, containment, vision, luxury, authenticity, truth, quality. Negative: Introversion, decadence, suppression, inferiority. The shortest wavelength is violet, often described as purple. It takes awareness to a higher level of thought, even into the realms of spiritual values. It is highly introvertive and encourages deep contemplation, or meditation. It has associations with royalty and usually communicates the finest possible quality. Being the last visible wavelength before the ultra-violet ray, it has associations with time and space and the cosmos. Excessive use of purple can bring about too much introspection and the wrong tone of it communicates something cheap and nasty, faster than any other colour.
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BROWN Positive: Seriousness, warmth, Nature, earthiness, reliability, support. Negative: Lack of humour, heaviness, lack of sophistication. Brown usually consists of red and yellow, with a large percentage of black. Consequently, it has much of the same seriousness as black, but is warmer and softer. It has elements of the red and yellow properties. Brown has associations with the earth and the natural world. It is a solid, reliable colour and most people find it quietly supportive - more positively than the ever-popular black, which is suppressive, rather than supportive.
HOME+GARDEN
INVENTED IN KENT, THE
ecoegg
IS SOON TO BE A WORLDWIDE HOUSEHOLD NAME
THE ECOEGG LAUNDRY EGG IS REVOLUTIONISING THE WAY PEOPLE WASH THEIR CLOTHES ALL OVER THE UK AND THE WORLD. IT SAVES YOU MONEY, IS GREAT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, AND IS A FABULOUS PRODUCT FOR PEOPLE WITH SENSITIVE SKIN. SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! This handy little household gem replaces the need for washing powder or liquid, bringing your average wash down to 15p compared to 25p for branded detergents. And how about this for amazing: the ecoegg laundry egg lasts for up to 54 washes. For the average family that does four or five washes per week, it could last for up to three months before needing a refill. The ecoegg laundry egg is the core product in the range, which is placed in the drum of your washing machine and completely replaces washing detergent (there are two types of cleaning pellets inside, which work together to give a powerful clean, lifting away dirt and grime). Because it does not contain any harsh chemicals, the ecoegg laundry egg is great for people who have sensitive skin or who are allergic to washing powders. As a result, the product is supported by the charity Allergy UK and the National Eczema Society. ecoegg also manufactures the ecoegg dryer egg, which reduces the time it takes to dry clothes in a tumble dryer by up to 28%, saving energy and money. ecoegg dryer eggs do not contain any harsh chemicals, plus there are unique ecoegg fragrance sticks inside the dryer eggs so there is no need to use fabric conditioner. The dryer eggs are simple to use, you just place them on top of the clothes in the tumble dryer and dry as normal.
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TV Presenter and ‘Queen of Clean’ Kim Woodburn, who lives near Tunbridge Wells, unveiled the innovative new range of laundry products in August at Lakeland stores. She personally uses the ecoegg range of products and says, “I’ve been cleaning all my life and I am always looking for ways to save money. But it’s no good saving money if the products don’t work. But the ecoegg laundry egg does work, and the ecoegg dryer eggs are proven to save you money every time you use your tumble dryer, plus they’re good for the environment! That’s why I am proud to endorse these products.” The ecoegg range was designed in Kent by entrepreneur and product designer Rob Knight and his business partner Dawn White. They have spent four years designing, testing and creating the ecoegg laundry egg and now the full range of products are entirely manufactured in the UK. Knight, who lives in Penenden Heath, has set up a global headquarters for his rapidly expanding business, ecoegg limited, in Kings Hill, West Malling. The company now employs seven people locally, with a further three based in the Bristol office; and the decision to house part of the production of the ecoegg range at an assembly plant on the Isle of Sheppey adds a further 14 jobs.
Rob says, “I always planned to bring manufacturing of the ecoegg back to the UK from China, and after winning the contract to be the only product of its kind to be stocked in Lakeland, we’ve decided to do just that. We have spent a great deal of time researching the best manufacturers for the various elements of the product throughout the country, and I am thrilled that the headquarters are here in my home county of Kent.”
The ecoegg laundry eggs (available for £7.99) and dryer eggs (available for £9.99) are available at all 58 of Lakeland stores nationwide and online at www.lakeland.co.uk.
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WOMEN’SFASHION
TREND REPORT:
FASHION FORWARD TROUSERS BREAK THE MONOTONY OF A HUM-DRUM LOWER HALF WITH THESE FRESH TAKES ON THE BASIC TROUSER. EMBRACE THIS SEASON’S HOTTEST TROUSER TRENDS IN EYE-CATCHING PRINTS FROM FLORAL TO LOUD AND PROUD, COLOURS FROM DEMURE TO VIBRANTLY BOLD, AND UNEXPECTED SILHOUETTES FROM CLASSIC-CUT, SKINNY, PALAZZO, AND MORE. WHAT TRENDY TROUSER WILL YOU CHOOSE? Loud & Proud Feeling brave? Then pull on printed trousers that know how to make an entrance in all their neon glory. Balance the vivid print with a neutral tux jacket, a soft top and basic accessories so you look fashion-forward, not like a blast from the past from your glory days in the 1980s.
Print Trousers £29, Littlewoods.com
Black and Gold Bangles, ISME
Lake Back Chiffon Front Top £16.99, Pilot
Tux Jacket £69, Littlewoods.com
STYLIST TIP: WORRIED THAT PRINTED TROUSERS ARE ONLY FLATTERING ON STICK CHICKS? THEN FRET NO MORE! LADIES OF EVERY SIZE AND SHAPE CAN FIND A PRINT THAT FLATTERS. JUST REMEMBER THAT PRINTS WITH SMALL DENSE PATTERNS LIKE POLKA DOTS OR TINY FLORALS ARE MORE FORGIVING THAN LARGER, MORE SPREAD-OUT DESIGNS.
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Glimmer £85, Dune Patent Bag £15, Marks & Spencer
Bold & Geometric Confidently declare boring blue denim a thing of the past! To create a headturning ensemble, anchor your outfit with a colourful skinny jean, then play with complimentary colours, geometric shapes, and uniquely textured pieces to create a look that is bold and anything but boring.
Anodised Aluminum and Silver Earrings £30, Gift Wrapped & Gorgeous
Confident Curves Slim Leg Jeans £29, ISME
Sleeveless Printed Blouse £20, Littlewoods.com
Coloured Sweater £23, Littlewoods.com
Therapy Green ‘Harriet’ Frame Bag £49, House of Fraser
Black Loop Flat Sandal £12.99, Internacionale
Soft & Romantic
CLARA Wedge £47.99, Rocket Dog
Prefer to keep things romantic and understated? On-trend trousers can still work for you. For a look that shows that charming and soft can speak volumes, opt for a floral print skinny jean, a flowing feminine top with subtle details, simple jewelry and stylish wedges. Cut Out Back Long Shirt Top £14.99, Pilot
Pearl Silver Drop Earrings £49.50, Aye Do Multi Colour Floral Print Skinny Jean £29.99, Pilot
Boutique Beach Bag £9.99, Get The Label
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WOMEN’SFASHION Comfy Chic Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Slouchy Trousers £38, Debenhams
Dorus Mhor Deco Earrings £45, Boticca
Part uptown, part downtown: create a perfectly styled look that is comfortable, classy, and effortlessly cool. Pair slouchy trousers with a breezy printed top, practical low-key slip ons, and accessories with just the right amount of flash.
Patent Gold Metal Bow Front Cross Body £22, ISME
Classic Sophistication Look fabulously cosmopolitan and channel the ladies who lunch in a cool, chic, opposite-of-stodgy-kind of way. Declare your sophistication in carefree palazzo pants and a simple top with dainty earrings, a ladylike handbag, and balletinspired flats.
Spence Slip On £7.99, Get The Label
Blue & White Striped Strappy V-neck Top £35, La Redoute
Wide Leg Palazzo Pants £32, Littlewoods.com
Eternal Elegance Earrings £18, GlitzySecrets.com
Natural Weave and Red Bag, Ted Baker
Lexus £55, Dune
Love Label PKT Woven Vest £25, Very.co.uk
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LOVE IT? HATE IT? THIRSTY FOR MORE? FOLLOW OUR FASHION EDITOR ON twitter @lolachiffon’
HEALTH+BEAUTY
brighten up autumn by keeping your summer glow We all love summer with its promise of BBQs, Pimms and getaways to sunnier climates that provide us with that healthy looking summery glow. After a touch of fun in the sun, it’s a great feeling to come back looking all the more radiant, therefore it’s natural to want to preserve this summertime sheen. by Sarah-Jane Stenson Whether it’s a case of preserving or faking your tan, we’ve got some top tips to share about how to keep that summer glow with you, all the way into autumn. With a great range of products out there whatever your budget to fuel your tan ambition, there are a number of ways to carry that little piece of summer with you into the colder months of the year.
fake tan TO KEEP YOU FEELING LIKE A BRONZED GOD OR GODDESS, FOLLOW OUR TOP TIPS FOR OPTIMUM FAUX TANNING: 1. Good preparation: Keeping your skin in good condition will benefit and perfect your fake tan look. Stay hydrated and moisturise daily after showering. This way, your skin will be more than ready to soak up its newly acquired tan. 2. Exfoliate: This is a crucial step to ensure an all-over and patch-free tan. Lightly scrub dead skin cells away to reveal a smooth and tan-ready surface. However, try not to over exfoliate and complete this beauty routine only once a week and before you self tan. Use an exfoliating glove, brush, or scrub. 3. Shave: Ladies, make sure you shave your legs the night before any tanning, as open pores will leave a spotted effect behind if you apply fake tan immediately after. 4. Moisturise: Slather the entirety of your body in moisturiser before applying fake tan. Take care to allow it to sink in before going ahead with your tanning regime. 5. Top tip: For tricky areas such as wrists, elbows, ankles, knees and feet, use a small dot of Vaseline to avoid any telltale marks. 6. Tanning mitt: For an overall seamless finish, don a tanning mitt and apply fake tan in circular motions for an all-over glow. 7. The aftermath: Wear loose, dark clothing to avoid ruining any favourite garments or the tan itself. 8. Back-up plan: You may have mastered the perfect tan, but orange hands will always give you away. Luckily St Tropez have created Tan Remover (RRP £12.26, www.st-tropez.com/tan-remover) to banish this fake tanning woe.
bronzer BRONZING POWDER IS A GREAT WAY TO CONTOUR THE FACE AND TO PROVIDE A JUST SUN-KISSED LOOK. HERE’S OUR ADVICE TO BRONZE LIKE A PRO: 1. The right shade: As a general rule, opt for a bronzer that is 1-2 shades darker than your natural skin colour. If in doubt, head to your favourite beauty counter to be matched up to your perfect shade of bronze. 2. Foundation: To prevent a stark contrast between the colour of your foundation and bronzing powder, buy a slightly darker foundation to meet your bronzer in the middle to create a more flawless effect. 3. The perfect brush: If you want to achieve an effortless bronzed look, using the correct brush is essential. Invest in a good quality angled brush to master bronze perfection. 4. Contour: Apply bronzer under the apple of your cheekbones, along the sides of your nose, on your jaw line and under your chin to replicate where the sun would naturally touch you and to sculpture your face. 5. Blush: To make the apples of your cheeks pop, add a little blusher here, above where you contoured with bronzer. 6. Highlighter: Use a highlighter above your cheekbones and underneath your eyebrows to complete the look and really make your face radiant.
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TOP PICKS St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray This bestseller may be a little more expensive than your average fake tan, however, it has a proven reputation for being the best. This self tan spray provides an ultra-smooth look with 360° spray technology and is made with conditioning aloe vera for a longer lasting colour. tropez.com/self-tan-bronzing-spray
St. Tropez Applicator Mitt Apply your fake tan flawlessly with this applicator mitt. tropez.com/ applicator-mitt
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder If you’re looking to create that natural tan look, look no further than this bronzing powder from Bobbi Brown. It gives a soft matte effect and is available in five different shades. www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/ 2324/8166/Makeup/Cheeks/Bronzers/ Bronzing-Powder
Lush Silk Stockings/ Black Stockings Bar For a natural or a more tanned look, this trusty bar will be your new beauty favourite for when you dare to bare your legs. Featuring Shea butter as one of its core natural ingredients, this bar will not only make you look good but its nourishing qualities will make you feel good too. £7.50, www.lush.co.uk/product/ 351/Silk-Stockings-Solid-Body-Tint
Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil To add a bit of shimmer to your tan, choose this honey bronze glow to further enhance your summer warmth. Apply around your décolletage, arms and legs for optimum sheen. up/bronzing/honey-bronze-shimmering-dry-oil.aspx
Fake Bake’s Original Self Tanning Lotion Fake Bake is immensely popular among the stars due to its five star fake tanning qualities. With an easy glide formula and ‘show where it goes’ colour guide, self tanning has never been easier! Natural ingredients that work alongside your melanin cells develops a tan that will compliment your skin tone. £26,95, www.fakebake.co.uk/ contents/en-uk/p15_original
HEALTH+BEAUTY
in the pink OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH When breast cancer and its treatment overshadow everything, Breast Cancer Care sees the woman underneath. Breast Cancer Care is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to providing emotional and practical support for anyone affected by breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Highlights The Breast Cancer Care Shows 44 men and women, who have all been diagnosed with breast cancer, make their debut on the catwalk at these glamorous events. 3rd October, Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. www.breastcancercare.org.uk/theshow Pink Fridays This October, Breast Cancer Care is encouraging people to liven up their Friday afternoons by organizing a fun pink activity at work, school or home! www.breastcancercare.org.uk/pinkfridays Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day On 13th October, celebrate the third Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day to recognize the needs and experiences of people living with secondary breast cancer. www.breastcancercare.org.uk/secondary Shock Absorber WomenOnly Run On 20th October, run either 5k or 10k in the beautiful surroundings of Richmond Park, London, to help support those living with breast cancer. www.breastcancercare.org.uk/events
Breast Awareness How do I check my breasts? There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts. Try to get used to looking at and feeling your breasts regularly. Remember to check all parts of your breasts, your armpits and up to your collarbone.
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What changes should I look and feel for? Nobody knows your body like you do, so you’re the best person to notice any unusual changes. • Changes in size or shape. • Changes in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling. • Inverted nipple. • A lump or thickening of breast tissue. • Redness or a rash on the skin/around the nipple. • Discharge from one or both nipples. • Constant pain in breast or armpit. • Swelling in armpit/around collarbone. The five-point code Whatever your age, size or shape it’s important to take care of your breasts. And remember, although it’s rare, men can also get breast cancer so they need to be breast aware too. Being breast aware is easy – just follow these five simple steps: 1. Know what is normal for you. 2. Know what to look and feel for. 3. Look and feel. 4. Tell your GP about any changes straightaway. 5. Go for breast screening when invited. Breast Cancer – the Facts and Stats The Facts: • The number of people being diagnosed with breast cancer is increasing, but the good news is survival rates are improving. This is probably because of more targeted treatments, earlier detection and better breast awareness. • The biggest risk factor, after gender, is increasing age – 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50.
• Breast cancer also affects men, but it’s rare – around 300 men are diagnosed each year. • Breast cancer is not one single disease – there are several types of breast cancer. • Not all breast cancers show as a lump, and not all breast lumps are breast cancer. • Less than 10% of breast cancer runs in families, so having someone in your family with breast cancer doesn’t necessarily mean your own risk is increased. The Stats: • Around 50,000 new cases of invasive and noninvasive (DCIS)* breast cancer are diagnosed each year in the UK. This October, around 4,000 people will receive the devastating news they have breast cancer. • Nearly 12,000 people die from breast cancer in the UK every year.** • Breast cancer is the second biggest cause of death from cancer for women in the UK, after lunch cancer. • There are an estimated 550,000 people living in the UK today who have had a diagnosis of breast cancer.** • In women under the age of 35, breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer.
* Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is an early form of breast cancer, sometimes described as an intra-ductal or non-invasive cancer. ** This refers to invasive breast cancer. Statistics correct at time of publication.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! THIS OCTOBER, SUPPORT BREAST CANCER CARE BY PURCHASING ANY OF THESE GREAT PRODUCTS AVAILABLE ON THE HIGH STREET ALL OVER THE UK.
Swarovski Breast Cancer Care Ribbon Charm Price: £38 Donation to BCC: £15 Available from Swarovski stores and concessions nationwide.
Makita Pink Li-ion 10.8v Drill Driver Price: £84.99 Donation to BCC: £5 Available from Makita stockists nationwide.
Morphy Richards Limited Edition Accents Pink Kettle Price: £39.99 Donation: 10% Available from www.morphyrichards.com
Yankee Candle Pink Blush Large Housewarmer Jar Price: £19.99 Donation: £1 Available from www.yankeecandle.co.uk and Yankee Candle concessions nationwide.
Stokes Real Mayonnaise Price: £3.15 Donation: 10p per unit sold Available from Waitrose nationwide, Ocado and farm shops and delis across the country.
Burgen Bread (including Soya & Linseed, Buckwheat & Poppy Seed and Sunflower & Chia Seed) Donation to BCC: Burgen will donate 2p per pack Available from supermarkets across the UK.
Lucozade Pink Lemonade Sports Drink Price: £1.99 Donation: 10p Available from ASDA stores nationwide.
Tresor Paris La Bande Rose Bracelet Price: £25 Donation: 25% from every sale Available from www.tresorparis.com
For more information on how you can help support Breast Cancer Care, visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk
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HEALTH+BEAUTY
Autumn Health Check It’s a notorious cycle year on year; the endless worry for months on end around achieving and maintaining that ‘summer-ready body’, the panic as your summer holiday seems to arrive quicker each year, and finally the realisation that after all of your distress, you are bidding farewell to your summer dream and instead bracing yourself for the turn of the seasons. BY GEMMA DUNN There is no freeze frame to resist this transformation, no means by which we can elongate those summer months – and this fall, the story reads the same. But this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. Why not rewrite this year’s ending and banish those autumn blues by checking into the new season full of life and fighting fit? As the flu and cold season is fast approaching, use this autumn health check to gain ideas as to how you can preserve your health in the coming months. With the winter upon us, the fall is the perfect time to employ a new healthy attitude and adopt the mindset of the Latin phrase ‘mens sana in corpore sano’, meaning ‘a sound mind in a sound body’.
E is for Exercise A huge part of maintaining your health throughout each season is to partake in a form of daily exercise. This autumn avoid heavy, intense work outs and instead commit yourself to a routine of moderate, gentle training such as yoga, brisk walking or cycling. Rotation of the joints is imperative at a time when our body movement may be less frequent. Head outdoors to clear your mind and take in new scenery as the autumnal colour palette provides the perfect backdrop for a morning stroll. However, keep in mind you may need to consider reflective wear as the darker mornings set in. During a spell which also leaves us susceptible to sickness and infection, remaining active plays a vital part in preserving a healthy body. Moderate exercise will effectively boost your immune system via the production of
neutrophils, a common white blood cell that is essential in fighting disease. The multiplications of these cells ensure an increase in the natural defence to protect the body against viral and bacterial infections. Exercise is such a simple solution, but one which has proved invaluable in terms of the endless list of health benefits. With this in mind, focus on implementing a degree of fitness into your daily routine – make this a positive lifestyle choice, rather than a chore.
A Good Night’s Sleep Getting a decent night’s sleep is vital in order to achieve optimal health and wellbeing. Your body needs well-earned restorative rest in order to keep the heart healthy, reduce stress and simply prepare yourself both mentally and physically for the next day. For many of us, daylight saving time affects our sleeping patterns and is often one of the major causes of sleep deprivation between the changes of the seasons. Failure to adjust sleeping patterns in line with the transition can often result in headaches and drowsiness as your body clock struggles to cope with the change. It is imperative that our body attempts to reach harmony with the time difference, so as the days become shorter, why not try going to bed an hour earlier and rising an hour earlier? Make use of this extra time in the morning by taking a brisk walk to restore a peaceful mind in the run up to the day’s events.
Food for Thought As the temperature drops, it is inevitable your tastes will change with the seasons. Diet plays a huge part in ensuring your body is filled with the nutrition required to keep a healthy body, so although you may not fancy that cold salad, avoid falling play to the comfort of stodgy food as your sole intake. Whilst warm, homely meals can be full of nutrients, balance this with a variety of light meals and fresh fruit and vegetables to maintain your energy and to avoid feeling lethargic. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, not only will this detoxify the body, it will also work to rejuvenate the skin. Feelings of withdrawal and tiredness are all an indication that you are run down, the common sign that your immune system
needs support from a healthy diet. With an abundance of healthy produce harvested at this time of year, there is no excuse as to why vital nutrients may be missing from your diet. As well as tasting great, vitamin packed vegetables such as pumpkins, sweet potatoes and squash will each help boost the immune system in preparation for the winter months.
You and Your Body As the annual autumn harvest signals the change of the seasons, this cycle not only has an effect on the environment, but it also inevitably affects our health. As a direct result of the cooling climate and dry wind, the long-suffering respiratory system is usually the most vulnerable, hence the reasons as to why there is an increase in colds, coughs and allergies throughout this period. So although peak flu season is not yet upon us at the early end of September, avoid the rush and pre-plan your next move to ensure your health is well considered. If you suffer from reoccurring colds/flu, look into an annual health assessment at your doctors. Over 65s can get a free flu and pneumonia jab arranged through their GP, however take into consideration that some vaccinations are not immediately effective, so make this a priority. Stock up your cupboards with generic pharmaceuticals such as multivitamins and throat supplements to ensure you are not caught short if you are suddenly in need of a helping hand. Zinc tablets are useful to fend off ear, nose and throat issues, vitamin C will aid your immune system and vitamin D will help maintain your calcium levels as well as nerve and muscle function. As the human body uses vigor in an attempt to keep up with the sudden changes in temperature, you may find yourself becoming energy deficient, leaving you feeling low and dejected at the start of the new season. Resist this depression by following this set of simple tips. By making these slight modifications to your daily routine, you are putting in place a set of practices, which will in future allow a systematic ease of transition from one season to the next. Good luck!
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HEALTH+BEAUTY
Autumn Skincare
No matter the season, it goes without saying that our skin needs all-year-round care and attention to remain healthy. Although, in order to maintain this care, you must ensure that as the temperature changes, your beauty routine follows suit. Do not be fooled into using your cosy winter clothes as a cover up for discarded skin; the cooler weather should not prove detrimental to your daily routine, but instead encourage adaptation of your own skincare regime in order to achieve results in line with the new season. BY GEMMA DUNN
With this in mind, use this opportunity to get ahead in the beauty game by applying the following top tips to your daily skincare routine. EXFOLIATE Win the battle against worn-winter skin before it has even begun…by getting your skin in shape early autumn. Exfoliation is a vital part of any good skincare routine, as the scrubbing motion helps to clear layers of dead skin away prior to moisturising. Implementing/continuing exfoliation is an essential step in your skincare regime; however it is important you consider your skin type to avoid over doing it. Always ensure you are gentle with your skin when exfoliating and play by the seasons to determine how often you do it. It is recommended one to three times a week, however as your skin dries out in the autumn due to the cooler weather, three times would be optimal. Pick a scrub that is suited to your skin; if you are unsure, sugar and almond scrubs are great for pampering and will leave you feeling soft and smooth out of the shower. MOISTURISE As our bodies react to environmental factors outside of our control, the cooler autumn climate will inevitably lead to an influx of dry, rough and lackluster skin. To combat this, opt for an intensive, rich moisturising lotion that will work to nourish and re-hydrate the skin daily by locking in extra moisture. Choose a slightly heavier option such as shea- or cocoa butter-based creams to maximise skincare in the adverse weather. The most effective time to moisturise is immediately after bathing or showering whilst your skin is still slightly wet. In this instance, your skin will retain the remaining water and reap the
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benefits as the moisturiser draws the water on the skins surface into the lower layers. Rarely left unscathed, hands need extra care throughout the year. Use a rich hand cream throughout the day; ideally it needs to contain the soothing agent glycerine to inject some moisture back into your skin. Protect As the sunny spells diminish completely, do not be fooled into thinking you don't need to wear any sun protection in winter. It is imperative you shield your skin against harmful UV rays by choosing a foundation or moisturiser with an SPF 15 minimum – and remember, reapply to top up that extra protection. In addition, carry a lip balm around with you to prevent the dreaded case of chapped lips.
THREE STEPS TO FLAWLESS As the one part of your body that is consistently on show, your face should be one on the top of your skincare routine list. We have all been guilty of it at some point: tiredness takes over and the five minutes it takes to remove your make up just seems like an eternity, and with that, it is either off to bed with it on or with a quick-fix makeup wipe. These are great for convenience, but just taking that extra five minutes each night to follow these steps will make the world of difference in terms of the caliber of your skin. Step One: Cleanse The most important aspect of cleansing is often choosing the correct cleanser for your skin type. As the season dries your skin out in autumn/winter, you may want to swap your usual cleanser for one which is creamier and provides extra moisture. If you have oily or sensitive skin, chose carefully as you will want to prevent these elements, not extenuate them.
Take into consideration also the timeframe that you are looking at. If, like me, you are rushing around, you may want to opt for a cleanser which can be on and off in a couple of minutes. If you have the time for a deeper clean, go for one which needs time to set. A good routine is essential to remove makeup and dirt from your face, however ideally you should cleanse twice daily. Before cleansing, ensure your hands are clean and always use cotton pads to remove all excess makeup. Once massaged in, use clean cotton pads to take the cleanser off. Step Two: Tone As with the cleanser, ensure you are checking the skin type to coincide with your problem areas. Toning is the process whereby you are removing any remaining dead skin cells from your face, as well as any leftover makeup or cleanser from the step before. The main benefit from toner use is the contraction of the skin and the reduction of facial pores. Again, consider your schedule when purchasing, as you don’t want it to deter you from usage. Step Three: Moisturise The process is not complete without step three, moisturising the face. Finding the right moisturiser for your skin is imperative as you want to make changes now so that the future is bright for your skin. When considering the elements of a good moisturiser, you need to consider hydration, smoothing and SPF. It is essential you apply this twice a day to replace the loss of natural moisture as your face becomes dry from the autumn elements.
Josh LINGERIE
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COVERSTORY
Demelza
HOSPICE CARE FOR CHILDREN
Here at insideKENT, we love our county and all the wonderful businesses and charities that choose Kent as their home. As you may have noticed, this issue doesn’t have a ‘normal’ celebrity cover story. We decided to do something a little bit different to support one of our favourite local charities, Demelza Hospice Care for Children.
Hydrotherapy Pool
Soft Playroom at Sittingbourne
Demelza House
During July and August, we held a photo competition to find ‘The Cover of Kent’, asking local amateur and professional photographers to submit entries for our cover, with all proceeds going to Demelza. Congratulations to Andrew Bruce-Lockhart for winning the competition, and thank you to all who entered – not only for supporting Demelza, but for entering some incredible photos of the Garden of England. We’re proud to support Demelza Hospice, and we’re sure you’ll agree they are a remarkable organisation worth supporting. Demelza Hospice Care for Children supports almost 800 children with life-limiting and life-threatened conditions and their families across South East London, East Sussex, and Kent. Demelza has two hospices, one in Eltham, Greenwich and one in Sittingbourne, Kent as
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well as a community nursing team based in East Sussex. The charity was set up by Derek and Jennifer Phillips in memory of their daughter, Demelza, who sadly died at the age of 24. Demelza offers respite, symptom control, end-of-life care and bereavement support for families. Facilities include a multi-sensory room, soft play area, a hydrotherapy pool, and the Inclusion Zone for young adults. Demelza Kent, which opened in 1998, is a 10 bedded hospice in Sittingbourne. Demelza South East London offers similar facilities to Sittingbourne but in a six bedded unit in the heart of Eltham. Demelza Community is a nursing team offering a hospice-at-home service for children and families. Specialist children’s nurses go directly
into the family home to provide care, crisis intervention, an on-call service and respite. Their motto is ‘adding life to days when days cannot be added to life’. At the end of the child's illness, Demelza offers a comprehensive service of support using a bereavement suite which enables a family to let go and say goodbye at their own pace. Demelza organise support groups for different ages for the siblings of a sick child, so that their differing needs can be catered for. Demelza also have other family support groups, for example, a mother’s group and a grandparent’s group.
Alec’s story We knew early on that Alec was different. His development was behind his peers and he had difficulties with his speech. He was eventually diagnosed with Dyspraxia and then Asperger’s. One morning he complained of pain in his left leg. By the evening it was still there and we noticed swelling so we took him to A&E. We were given the devastating news that there was a tumour. We were running to and from hospitals, trying to offer reassurance to Alec. But we didn’t understand it ourselves. Alec endured chemotherapy for months and then six weeks of daily travel to London for radiotherapy. He had to deal with losing his hair, eyebrows, eyelashes and nails and losing weight. I realised that his younger brother, Rick, had gone through as much if not more but without our support. He had to learn to be more independent, he had days not knowing who would collect him from school, had no-one to talk to and couldn’t go out to play with friends as he needed to help at home. We finally visited Demelza and I realised that this was an opportunity for me to give Rick more attention, while Alec could have some independence. Rick was able to take part in siblings groups with others in the same situation and he started having therapy sessions. Just as Alec finished radiotherapy and we thought the oncology rollercoaster was ending we were told that his left lung was showing nodules. He underwent an operation, leaving him with weakness in his left arm but he was told he was free of disease in February 2010. That meant it was time to work on rehab for the leg but it was now shorter than his good leg leaving further issues. Then cancer was suspected on his lungs, meaning yet another procedure. Alec still uses crutches and has tiredness so extreme he attends school part-time. His left side is weak and the left leg shorter than his other leg, a difficult mix with a diagnosed balance/co-ordination disability and an inability to see dangers ahead. Sometimes we wonder how we coped – it’s because of the help and support of Demelza. No matter how bad things seem or how helpless we feel as parents there is always someone on the end of the phone who will do all they can to help. Our life as a family has changed, priorities are different and we appreciate the simple things like cuddles and laughter so much more. At times when we feel alone and when things start to get on top of us, we have a vital support network in the staff and volunteers at Demelza and that makes every day easier to live to the max and to enjoy making memories together.
Abigail’s story: In September 2003 we were expecting our third child. The pregnancy had gone well but two weeks before the due date, Nix felt the baby stop moving. At the hospital, it seemed the baby was in some distress and doctors performed an emergency caesarean. Abigail was quickly born and whisked off to the special care unit. It was a terrifying experience, but even then we didn’t know the full extent of Abigail’s problems. Over the next few days she struggled to feed and began to fit from time to time. Two weeks later we learnt the devastating truth after an MRI scan of Abby’s brain: at some point before birth she’d suffered a lack of oxygen. Doctors described her scan as showing “catastrophic” brain damage.
Abby was in hospital for the first nine months of her life. She was epileptic, had severe cerebral palsy, could only be fed through a tube and was almost completely blind. She was on a daily cocktail of drugs just to keep her stable. We would have to do everything for her. We knew that our family would never be the same again, and that life as carers of a severely disabled child would often be difficult. About a year after Abby was born we found the Demelza website and self-referred. We went down to Sittingbourne for our introductory tour with a sense of trepidation and anxiousness. But we immediately fell in love with that warm, happy, bright place, where everything had been done to minimise the sense of ‘hospice’ and maximise the sense of enjoying and celebrating life. The building was impressive, but the people even more so. At www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
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COVERSTORY Demelza we were welcomed like old friends and we were cared for as a whole family. If you want your faith in humanity restored and if you want to see how families who often carry an unbearable burden of responsibility are supported, then go to Demelza. Along our journey, of course there were many tears. But my goodness, there were wonderful times too! Once Abby was stable enough we took her on holiday, to parks, for walks in the country and to the seaside – as many sensory experiences as possible. Demelza helped us to create cherished memories. Opportunities, through respite care, to be a family together with none of the chores and routine of everyday life. Our other children loved going there – it was a place of fun and enjoyment! In 2007, when Abby was just three and a half, she caught a very serious chest infection and was put on a ventilator. After two weeks of fighting, and a day of lovely cuddles with her family, Abby gently died in our arms.
In the three short years we had Abigail with us, she never said a single word, but she communicated a great deal and taught us so much. We were very privileged indeed to have parented her, and we’ve come to know so many people who selflessly spend their lives making the world a better place for children like Abigail and families like ours. There will always be an Abby-shaped hole in our hearts, but we and our children have lived a life-enhancing journey with Abigail. Demelza has been a huge part of that, and continues to be so. We’re still involved and get down to the house whenever we can for barbecues and get-togethers with other families. Demelza will always have a very special place in the hearts of our family. We urge you to visit, make use of and support this wonderful charity.
Eleanor’s story I will never forget the day I went for my 20 week scan expecting to see a clear picture of a healthy baby, only to be told that something was wrong. My baby had problems with its heart, brain and kidneys and probably wouldn’t survive birth. Eleanor was born at 36 weeks with severe deformities of her hands and feet, an enlarged kidney and heart problems. After nine days in the special care unit, Eleanor came home, still not feeding well and was very floppy and unfocused. At a routine GP check up after my caesarean I was told to take Eleanor to hospital, and by the time she got there she had stopped breathing. She was rushed to Guy’s and we were told to be prepared to say our goodbyes as it didn’t look good. When we walked into the intensive care unit I had to do a double take, the baby in the cot, attached to tubes and a ventilator, looking all bruised and puffy did not look like my baby girl. Over the next few days it emerged that Eleanor had bronchiolitis and her kidney was so enlarged it was pushing her bowel and stomach up under her ribs. We nearly lost her several times. Just before Christmas, Eleanor had her kidney removed, but if we thought things would settle down after all this we were wrong. Eleanor still couldn’t hold her head up, didn’t start to sit or roll and she ended up being fed through a nasal tube. She had test after test and it was discovered she had a condition called LVNC Dilated Cardiomyopathy, which means her heart is enlarged with only one half of it working properly.
She was also later diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. Our home was filled with specialist equipment, tubes and medication and our daily lives were changed irrevocably. We were trying to divide our time between hospital appointments and caring for our other daughter, Georgina. We had also had a third child, Daniel, and were really struggling to cope. This was when we were referred to Demelza. It was a huge shock to be told that Eleanor was
Demelza relies on the support of the local community for almost all of its income. Eighty pence in every £1 is spent directly on caring for children and their families. They are also very fortunate to have a strong volunteer team. Demelza currently has 1,274 volunteers. Last year they contributed nearly
104,000 hours – a contribution of £675k of physical resources, and almost 60 full-time equivalent employees. Other ways of supporting the charity are through fundraising, signing up to the lottery or supporting their 19 charity shops across the area.
eligible to attend a children’s hospice for respite, but over the years Demelza has been a huge help and support to our family. They not only provide Eleanor with amazing care whilst the rest of the family use the house and grounds to rest, play and relax in, but staff are also being there for emotional support. Knowing there is somewhere to turn when you are trying to keep things together for your other children while looking after a life-limited child is the best comfort a parent can have. Over the last few years, Eleanor has been diagnosed with Dystonia and has had brain surgery and several attempts at foot surgery to help her mobility and quality of life. During all this Demelza has been on hand to support the whole family. The outreach service has also become a godsend. Eleanor’s brother was diagnosed with autism and I myself was diagnosed with adult onset Muscular Dystrophy, so things at home became quite hectic. Georgina has become a young carer, not only helping my husband, Keven, look after Eleanor daily, but also caring for me and Daniel. Georgina has received lots of help from Demelza, helping her to come to terms with everything life throws at her. I strongly believe that without Demelza my family’s life would be very different now, and my children would not be so happy and well adjusted in coping with everything that comes with living with a life-limiting condition. I cannot thank them enough.
Find out more at www.demelza.org.uk, ring 01795 845200, find then on facebook or follow them on twitter @demelzahospice
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COMPETITION
WIN A
TASTE OF KENT!
insideKENT HAS PARTNERED WITH PRODUCED IN KENT AND ITS MEMBERS TO GIVE ONE READER A FANTASTIC ARRAY OF KENTISH GOODIES, FROM CRUMBLY FUDGE TO MEALS OUT AT SOME OF KENT’S BEST RESTAURANTS. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN, ENTER ONLINE AT
www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/tasteofkent
Aedos Facial Oil
Lunch for Two at ABode, Canterbury
A nourishing face oil with cherry kernel oil, organic jojoba, evening primrose and rose oil. Designed to nourish your skin and minimise the appearance of fine lines. www.aedos.co.uk
You’ll receive a delicious three-course Amazing Graze lunch for two at Michael Caines Fine Dining Restaurant. Available Monday-Friday 12-2.30pm, excludes beverages. www.michaelcaines.com/restaurants/canterbury
Award-winning Crumbly Fudge and Sauce from O’er The Moon Confectionery You’ll receive a large gift box of fudge including their awardwinning Roasted Peanut Butter Fudge, Vanilla Fudge and two jars of their award-winning Salted Caramel Sauce. www.oer-the-moon.co.uk
Batchelors Local Foods Hamper
This hamper includes selection of great local products: a bottle of Owlet Apple and Raspberry Juice, a block of Winterdale Shaw, pickle, jam and chutney. www.homedelivery.batchelorslocalfoods.co.uk
Two Bottles of Wine from Terlingham Vineyard
Terlingham Vineyard is home to the UK’s smallest commercial winery, and all of their wine is produced on-site by hand. Winner will receive one bottle of White 2009 and one bottle of Rosé. www.terlinghamvineyard.co.uk
Gourmet Oils Gift Set from Quex Foods Enjoy a selection of Quex Foods cold-pressed rapeseed oils. Each bottle is 250ml and come in a variety of infused flavours, presented in a wicker hamper. www.quexpark.co.uk
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Simply Ice Cream Freezer Bag with Four Pots of Ice Cream or Sorbet
Two Bottles of Biddenden Wine
Choose any four pots of Simply Ice Cream’s luxury handmade ice creams or sorbets, all presented in a branded Simply Ice Cream freezer bag. www.simplyicecream.co.uk
Relax with one bottle of Biddenden Ortega (awarded Best Kent Wine), and one bottle of Biddenden Pinot Noir (awarded Most Outstanding Red Wine). www.biddendenvineyards.com
£30 Voucher for the Ferry House Inn
Afternoon Tea for Two at Elvey Farm
©www.davidfenwick.co.uk
Enjoy a gourmet dinner for at the beautiful 16th century Ferry House Inn, specialising in dishes using beef, lamb and game from their own family farm and fresh fish caught right outside their door. www.theferryhouseinn.co.uk
A delicious tea for two including dainty finger sandwiches, sweet scones with clotted cream and homemade jam, Battenberg cake and chocolate brownies, plus a selection of teas and coffees from the Pluckley Tea Company. www.elveyfarm.co.uk
Box of Four Slices of Fresh Handmade Fudge from The Fudge Kitchen
5-litre Box of Big Tree Cider Quench your thirst with a 5-litre box of award-winning Appley Ever After cider made with apples from Hartley, Meopham, Sole Street and East Malling. www.bigtreecider.co.uk
Gourmet Hamper from the Whitstable Hamper Company You’ll receive a gourmet hamper including a variety of products from artisan producers in coastal Whitstable and surrounding rural Kent. www.thewhitstablehampercompany.com
Hand-painted Vase from Mulberry Glass Art Enjoy four slices of fresh handmade fudge in your choice of flavours from The Fudge Kitchen, Canterbury, including Chocolate & Orange, Lemon Meringue, Mocha Choca Swirl and many more. www.fudgekitchen.co.uk
Each unique vase is individually produced by Lenham Heath-based artist Sue Jones. Winner will receive a beautiful Fucshia Hurricane Lantern. www.mulberryglassart.co.uk
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RECIPE
DUO OF CHOCOLATE: White Chocolate Ice Cream and Dark Chocolate Mousse White Chocolate Ice Cream Ingredients • 1 litre milk • 100g sugar • 10 egg yolks • 400g white chocolate, melted on a bain-marie • 50g milk powder • 200ml whipping cream Firstly place the egg yolks and sugar together in a bowl and cream until white and stiff. Then, in a saucepan combine the milk, milk powder and cream, and bring to the boil. Pour some of the milk onto the creamed eggs and sugar, whisking continuously. Then return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over a medium heat at a temperature of 85°c. Strain through a fine sieve and then pour in the melted white chocolate. Then place the mixture in to an ice cream machine and reserve in the freezer.
Dark Chocolate Mousse Ingredients • 400g dark chocolate • 160g milk • 400g cream • 2 eggs Place the chocolate in bowl and melt over a bainmarie. Then put the eggs into a jug and in a saucepan bring the milk and cream to the boil. Using a Bamix, blend the boiling milk and cream into the eggs. Then stir the mixture into the melted chocolate, using a whisk at first and then a wooden spoon. Pour into metal ring, which has cling film placed around the outside and bottom, or pour into a baked tart base. Either way, reserve in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours.
MICHAEL CAINES is one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs. AA Chef's Chef of the Year in 2007 and awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry, Michael is an Operational Partner and Director of ABode Hotels and Michael Caines, in overall charge of all food and beverage operations throughout the fast-growing group. He is also Executive Chef at Gidleigh Park, the acclaimed and prestigious country house hotel on the edge of Dartmoor at Chagford, Devon, where he has earned his reputation - as well as two Michelin stars - serving distinctive modern European cuisine utilising the finest local and regional produce and ingredients. In February 2009 he was also made Executive Chef at The Bath Priory, Bath, Gidleigh Park's sister establishment. In 2000, he founded Michael Caines Restaurants and took over food and beverage operations at The Royal Clarence, Exeter. A chance encounter with Andrew Brownsword subsequently led to the creation of ABode Hotels. Recent career highlights include cooking at 10 Downing Street for the Prime Minister and taking part in ‘The Great British Menu’, a competition broadcast on BBC2 television where contestants compete for the honour of cooking for the Queen’s 80th birthday.
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FOOD+DRINK
FRENCH-INSPIRED BISTRO GOURMET
Hotel du Vin
THE HISTORIC SPA TOWN OF ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS IN WEST KENT PLAYS HOST TO A RANGE OF TOP EATERIES AND FINE DINING RESTAURANTS, WITH THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED HOTEL DU VIN & BISTRO COUNTED AMONGST ITS FINEST. SITUATED IN A GRADE II LISTED SANDSTONE MANSION, HOTEL DU VIN, FITTINGLY TRANSLATED TO ‘HOTEL OF WINE’, INSTANTLY STANDS OUT AMONGST THE CROWD FOR ITS UNPRECEDENTED DÉCOR AND ARDENT DESIRE TO SERVE ONLY THE HIGHEST QUALITY IN FOOD AND WINE IN ITS PRIZED BISTRO. BY GEMMA DUNN Originally built as a private residence in 1762, remnants of the 18th century design still remain today, with much of the earliest detail and authenticity restored to retain the building’s character. With a total of 14 locations across the UK, Tunbridge Wells is no exception to the Hotel du Vin ethos: to primarily serve simple, classic cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in a French-inspired bistro setting. It is this ability to deliver staple dishes combined with the extensive choice of fine wine to accompany that ensures Hotel du Vin’s success.
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On entrance, the sheer grandeur of the hotel becomes clear, as the high ceilings and elegant walkways lead you through reception to the equally stunning Bistro doors. Following a wonderful greeting, my guest and I were welcomed into the main dining area and seated with a glass of champagne. Whilst browsing the menu, we were treated to a freshly baked baguette and butter by one of the attentive and hospitable team, a perfect start to the evening ahead.
Vast in choice, the à la carte summer menu boasted an impressive grill selection using only the finest local Kent produce – however with the clue in the name, Hotel du Vin’s main vice is its French influence, with the majority of dishes acknowledging its upholding of classic French bistro dining. Although a reduced wine list, the selection of wines on the reverse of the menu is still considerable, whilst the extensive list of international wines is available separately on request. My choice of starter has always remained a firm favourite of mine, chicken liver parfait. Served with toasted brioche and raisin chutney, this dish was nothing but a delight. The parfait was smooth and velvety, a superb consistency when combined with the slight crunch of the toasted brioche. The rocket salad leaves cut away the often rich terrine, whilst the raisin chutney proved a delicious sweet accompaniment. My guest opted for an asparagus lyonnaise salad served with a crispy hen’s egg. Renowned for our British asparagus season, this dish did not disappoint as the sought after vegetable was cooked to perfection, full flavoured and tender. The crisp croutons and bacon provided the ideal basis for the salad, whilst the addition of the breaded hen’s egg added moisture to the mix as it was poached with precision. Following our starters, we were served a shot of gazpacho, a chilled tangy tomato soup, with flavorsome pieces of cucumber and red pepper. Unique in itself, this appetizer was a delight on the palette as the evident mix of fresh ingredients proved as refreshing as it did tasty. Now hopeful these utterly impressive starters were a sign of things to come, we eagerly awaited our main meals. Roast lamb rump served with a broad bean pea and baby onion fricassée was my main course of choice. The lamb, sliced into medallions,
was cooked faultlessly. Both fresh and tender, the meat was juicy with no fatty remnants in sight; overall an absolute pleasure to consume. The stylish medley of broad bean pea and onion fricassée that accompanied the meat was sensational and when combined, set off a real sense of fine French cuisine. Meanwhile the ‘Lyon’ inspired lyonnaise potatoes and honey roasted carrots proved the most delicious additional side dishes – the carrots were a personal highlight of mine as the slightly sticky, sweet honey provided the most delectable mix. The other choice of main on the night was selected from the specials menu: pork belly and mash with apple and caramelised jus. The meat was meltingly soft and tender with a thick layer of delicious crackling on top, ensuring a moist splendor of taste. The creamed mashed potato and spinach were the perfect partners to the jus, whilst the caramelised apple injected a sweet tang for extra indulgence. Full to the brim, but with that renowned ‘miracle’ space left for pudding, we studied the dessert menu before eventually whittling the choices down to chocolat pavé and the highly recommended crème brûlée. Pave au chocolat – translated in French as ‘chocolate slab cake’ – was the perfect choice for me, a self-confessed chocoholic. The dark chocolate mousse-based dessert was airy and light, and once served with cream, was not excessively rich as is sometimes the case. The scattered candied pistachios on top gave the dish a sweet crunch and provided an elegant finish to this delightful dessert. The chef’s special, crème brûlée, also didn’t falter – as the symphony of the creamy custard base with that of the impeccably caremelised crunchy topping proved a sensational blend. We finished the evening with a cafetière of fresh coffee. For those of you who enjoy an after dinner drink or dessert wine, the list was extensive
and choice aplenty. If you are unsure of what to order, the in-house sommelier is on hand to advise, as well as having provided printed recommendations throughout the entirety of the pre-fixed menu. To accompany my earlier lamb dish, I was recommended a Californian Pinot Noir, a soft fruity red tailored to the dish as well as my expressed taste. In-between courses, we admired the impact of the carefully selected memorabilia on the walls and the intentional mismatched décor. It is this eclectic mix of authentic bistro furnishings and antiques that capture the romanticism of the Parisian bistro. The candlelit ambience is both intimate and comforting inside, whilst the backdrop via the large French windows shows off the beautiful terrace and gardens around the exterior. In evaluation, I cannot commend Hotel du Vin at Tunbridge Wells highly enough. The team’s food and wine expertise was second to none, as was their passion for delivering an experience of service, comfort and value – all areas in which they excelled. With such a gem on your Kent doorstep, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to drop by. Maybe you simply want a night off of cooking or even fancy making a night of it and staying overnight in one of the 34 stunning suites? Either way, Hotel du Vin & Bistro is a must visit this autumn.
Hotel du Vin Crescent Road Royal Tunbridge Wells Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY 01892 526455 www.hotelduvin.com
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Oakwood House
for unique events with style
A grand Victorian mansion set in private tree-lined gardens offering experienced staff, elegant rooms, exquisite menus and lavish accommodation. Oakwood House is simply the perfect venue for any occasion.
Upcoming Events at Oakwood House t Sunday 7 October - Wedding Fayre - 10.30am to 4.00pm Free Entry for all t Saturday 27 October - Halloween Fancy Dress Ball - £35.00 per person t Friday 16 November - Rat Pack Tribute Evening - £29.50 per person t Fridays 7, 14, 21 & Saturdays 1, 8, 15, 22 December - Christmas Party Nights - £42.50 per person t Sunday 2 December - Family Pantomime & Disco - £15.00 adults, £10.00 children t Thursday 13 December - Live Band Christmas Party Night - £39.50 per person t Thursday 20 December - ‘The That Take Experience’ Tribute - £39.50 per person Oakwood House is conveniently located close to Maidstone town centre, national railways and the M20 motorway. There is ample free parking on site and discounted accommodation rates are available for function and event guests. 01622 620720
info@oakwoodhousehotel.co.uk
www.oakwoodhousehotel.co.uk
FOOD+DRINK
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with BY DONNA MARTIN
M E A L
SteakStones
I MUST ADMIT – MY MEALS AT HOME CAN BE BORING. EVEN WHEN I PLAN A ROMANTIC MEAL FOR TWO, IT ENDS UP BEING LIKE EVERY OTHER MEAL, BUT WITH A NICE GLASS OF WINE AND A FANCY FOLDED NAPKIN. IF YOU’RE LIKE ME AND WANT SOMETHING TO SPICE UP YOUR DINNERTIME ROMANCE – SOMETHING TO MAKE THE MEAL NOT ONLY DELICIOUS, BUT MEMORABLE – LOOK NO FURTHER THAN STEAKSTONES.
I love the idea of serving a big, juicy steak for a special date night main course at home. But, I’m just plain bad at cooking a good steak; it’s either underdone, overdone, a bad cut or flavoured with the wrong seasonings. So my perfect meal that looks so mouth-watering in my head turns out to be the topic of conversation – not because it’s so good, but because it’s comparable to eating a leather boot. I could just invest in a meat thermometer, but now I don’t have to. I’ve discovered SteakStones, which not only lets each diner cook their own meat to their preferred ‘doneness’ at the table, it’s also a great experience and conversation piece – omitting the possibility of having yet another chat about how similar steak and wellies are. SteakStones has different products to suit you, including their top-selling SteakStones Main Set which includes a specially sourced lava stone for cooking, bamboo presentation board, porcelain plate for your sides, and three glass bowls for seasonings, condiments or dipping sauces.
They also offer a new Sharing Platter to hold a larger selection of meat or fish, or the unique SteakStones Bowl which is modelled on the traditional Korean Dolsot, used for cooking a mixed selection of meat, rice and vegetables. Using SteakStones couldn’t be easier, so forget about slaving away over a hot cooker for your romantic meal. All you need to do is put the lava stones in a hot oven, cook your sides, add your condiments or seasonings and sizzle away. Quickly sear your steak or fish on the hot stone on both sides and serve. Each diner can cut off and cook slices exactly how they like – whether it be rare, medium or well done. The stone will stay hot for over an hour, and each bite will be just as hot and juicy as the first. Steakstones are not only great for cooking food, but can also be used to keep precooked foods piping hot throughout the meal. For example, use a medium heated SteakStone for gourmet sausages, served with a selection of sauces and chargrilled vegetables for a unique take on your usual bangers and mash. Or, serve sizzling crispy shredded duck with pancakes, cucumber and
spring onion complimented by a choice of delicious sauces for an Asian twist. I used my SteakStones for a traditional meal of fillet steak, salad and chips. Though not a particularly glamourous meal when plated on my normal white dinnerware, when I served it on a SteakStone, it transformed into something completely different – it changed from being an everyday meal to something truly memorable. I think I have my romantic date night dinner problem solved!
SteakStones can be purchased from £40 at www.steakstones.com
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DINNER IN Darling Buds of May COUNTRY
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IT HAS BEEN OVER 20 YEARS NOW SINCE THE DARLING BUDS OF MAY HIT OUR TV SCREENS BACK IN 1991. SET IN THE 1950S AND FILMED IN THE CHARMING LITTLE VILLAGE OF PLUCKLEY, HAVING DINNER AT THE CHARMING ELVEY FARM FELT LIKE WE WERE CHARACTERS IN THE POPULAR SHOW. To make our experience all the more authentic, we decided to arrive in true old-fashioned style. We were picked up in a 1936 chauffeur-driven navy and black vintage Austin 18 York. Our driver Stephen was very friendly and was full of information on the car, its previous life and how they had restored the car and others in their fleet. The ride across the windy and bumpy country roads was surprisingly comfortable, considering this car was 76 years old. Stephen explained back in those days, most of the roads were like this and cars were built to sustain the uneven surface. As we turned into Elvey Lane – a windy single country lane which leads up to Elvey Farm – other guests turned to admire the vintage car, one of only 24 of in the world. After a quick photo opportunity we walked up the path to be greeted by the restaurant manager and were offered drinks in the peaceful garden; a perfect way to
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start a beautiful evening amidst 75 acres of picturesque Kentish countryside as the sun set. Over drinks, my guest and I looked over the menu which can change on a daily basis, depending on what's in season and what's fresh, and found some very interesting dishes on offer from salmon, cod & tarragon fishcake and a tomato, thyme & red pepper gazpacho from the starters; and pan-fried eastern spiced John Dory from the mains. I decided on the ballontine of confit duck with pickled vegetables and grape chutney. This was a very filling starter followed by one of my favourites, braised Kentish lamb with truffled pomme purée, green beans, shallots with an extra side order of carrots and as Pa Larkin would say, “Perfick.” My guest decided on the smoked mackerel & horseradish pâté with a toasted huffkin, which is a soft, slightly sweet bread roll. Traditionally the baker leaves his thumb-print in the dough,
which explained the dimple on the top. For the next course my guest ordered the rib steak & hand cut chips. The steak had a Marmite butter on top melting away, along with grilled tomatoes with a herb crust. After our meals, we were able to pop back outside to the garden to relax before we ordered our pudding.
When we were both ready with a bit of extra room in our bellies, I ordered the bread and butter pudding with stem ginger & marmalade and vanilla bean sauce. The pudding was very light and went fantastic with the ice cream and sauce. Being a fan of local Simply Ice Cream, my guest went for the melody with two scoops of the creamy Honeycomb Crunch and one of the Mint Choc Chip. We then finished the evening by, you guessed it, sitting in the garden with a liquor and chatting about the evening we had before our taxi arrived. Elvey Farm is a fantastic hidden secret in a beautiful part of the Garden of England, using many local producers, and you can really taste the fresh quality of the ingredients, and the service and dining experience was second to none. So why not book your table now, or even visit for afternoon tea, served from Wednesday to Saturday between 3- 5 pm. It can be taken in the garden, or in the restaurant.
ELVEY FARM Elvey Lane Pluckley TN27 0SU 01233 840442 bookings@elveyfarm.co.uk www.elveyfarm.co.uk www.vintagecarhirekent.co.uk
Canterbury
Food Drink
ients: Ingred d, music, o e, Good fo nal produc aso local se rations, ore... st n m o dem d lots kids an fun for
Festival 2012 Friday 28 to Sunday 30 September 2012 Dane John Gardens, Canterbury Find out all the latest news at:
www.canterbury.co.uk search for the Canterbury Food and Drink Festival on Facebook and Twitter.
New fo launch r 2012, Green of Kent Hop fortnig Beer ht.
Photography Š Alexandra Patrick Limited 2009-2010 www.alexandrapatrick.co.uk and Š Tim Stubbings www.timstubbings.co.uk Working in partnership
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Kent Young Chef Award 2012 is ‘the icing on the cake’ for the county On Monday 13th September, Kent Young Chef Award 2012 goes live across the county on www.producedinkent.co.uk. The Produced in Kent inspired competition is now in its fourth year and has attracted hundreds of entries from schools across the county, competing for one of eight coveted places in the Live Cook Off. None has been more successful than 15-year-old Alice Browning of Walderslade Girls School in Chatham who has reached all three finals and won both a Junior and Senior title. So with the 2012 competition just on the horizon, insideKENT decided to catch up with the young star to find out why the competition has been ‘the icing on the cake’ for her and other young people in Kent.
What did it mean to you to win Kent Young Chef twice? It was fantastic, I was ecstatic both times. You hope you’ve done enough to impress the judges on the day, but you never know until they read out your name – it’s a brilliant feeling. You do feel like a celebrity for a few days with all the media interest and attention you get at the live final. Is the competition easy to enter? Really easy and I managed to fit it in with my other school work. The competition opens in the middle of September and you have till the beginning of November to enter a written recipe, so there’s plenty of time. You can either enter on your own or if your FT teacher gets behind the competition the whole class can enter (as long as people only enter one recipe each!). The forms are online on www.producedinkent.co.uk. Who can enter? Anybody who goes to school in Kent – as long as they are in year groups 7-11. How do aspiring young chefs enter? The competition is in two stages. The first stage asks for written recipe submissions and then the eight best paper entries get selected to go through to the Live Cook Off. For the first stage you need to write an original main course recipe to serve two people. It can be fish, meat or veggie – but the really important thing is that you use mostly ingredients that are grown locally in Kent and are in season in the autumn. Of course you can take an existing recipe idea, but if you want to impress the judges you must give it an original and personal twist, bringing out the
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local/seasonal elements and even personalise the title with your name or something memorable. Last year I got selected to go through to the final with my Tea-smoked Quail in Apricot and Ginger Glaze recipe, served with a Quail’s Egg Pasta Stack and Braised Lentils. What’s the Live Final like? It’s an amazing experience. It takes place at the end of November at the fantastic kitchens and restaurant of K College Tonbridge. The eight finalists have two hours to transform their paper entry into an actual dish. All the parents and supporters in the restaurant get to follow the action in the kitchen on a large TV screen and in 2012 the action will be streamed live to participating schools too. After the cooking, we all enjoy a lovely three course, sit-down lunch and then there’s the prize giving! What are the prizes like? Well obviously you get to be called the Kent Young Chef of the year (in either the Senior or Junior category), as well as a lovely trophy for the mantelpiece and a framed certificate. The two winners get a fantastic hamper of local food and drink supplied by Produced in Kent members. Best of all though is the one-day cooking experience at one of Richard Phillips’s restaurants, as one of my ambitions is to work for Richard at The Hengist, Thackeray’s, The Pearson’s Arms or The Windmill Inn. It’s an incredible hands-on experience in a proper commercial kitchen working with trained chefs. You also get to enjoy the fruits of your labour and sit down to a lunch that you have helped to prepare! There’s also a Kent Young Chef Charity Dinner which will be hosted in 2013 at one of
Richard’s restaurants. This is another amazing experience as the two winners get to write the menu for the evening and they are treated as ‘guests of honour’ which is very exciting. What do you hope to do when you leave school? One day I hope to compete on MasterChef: The Professionals so being involved in a top regional competition such as Kent Young Chef has been great grounding. I’d like to spend a few years working with Richard Phillips in one of his restaurants and then one day I’d love to run my own restaurant!
HOW TO ENTER • Write an original main course recipe featuring predominantly regional and seasonal ingredients. • You should be able to cook and serve your recipe within two hours. • Your recipe should serve two people. • You can use an existing recipe, but you’ll need to add your own original input. • Download the entry form from www.producedinkent.co.uk (OPENS: Monday 13 September). • Email your entry to youngchef@wacpr.com Deadline for entries is Friday 2 November
Above Photos (L-R): Senior winner - Alice Browning, Walderslade Girls School; Kent Young Chef Award - senior title winner Alice Browning with celebrity chef Richard Phillips; The judges taste Alice Browning's Tea-smoked Quail - which won the senior title in Kent Young Chef Award 2011
FOOD+DRINK
TIME FOR TEA AT THE
ABode Canterbury
THERE IS SOMETHING DELIGHTFULLY DECADENT AND EXQUISITELY BRITISH ABOUT AFTERNOON TEA. FROM THE FINGER SANDWICHES WITH THE CRUSTS CUT OFF, TO THE STUNNING ARRAY OF HOMEMADE CAKES, MACAROONS AND FRESHLY BAKED SCONES WITH CLOTTED CREAM AND STRAWBERRY JAM, EVERYTHING OOZES TASTEFUL ELEGANCE – WITH AN EMPHASIS ON TASTEFUL. BY EMMA BATCHELOR The ABode Hotel in Canterbury offers a fantastic venue for afternoon tea. There are three versions of afternoon tea available, which vary from cakes and scones, to the full monty with champagne. My companions and I took our full afternoon tea (alas without the champagne), in the Cathedral Lounge, on the first floor of the hotel. The beautiful sitting room is furnished with a range of elegant but comfortable sofas and armchairs, which are all very traditional in style. Although the room is above the entrance to the hotel, and overlooks the busy high street, it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle below. Feeling suitably grand, we were soon greeted by a waitress carrying two large tiered cake stands full of fresh sandwiches and cakes, as well as silver baskets of warm scones with clotted cream and jam, pots of steaming tea and beautiful china tea cups and saucers. The main attraction for me was the scones. Their wonderful, freshly baked aroma was very hard to resist, and my biggest dilemma was which order to spread the clotted cream and the jam. My natural inclination is to slather on the cream first but, having recently watched Ade Edmondson being shown how to eat scones the Yorkshire way on television, I decided to follow suit and put the jam on first. The advantage of this method is that the cream doesn’t melt into the warm scone, and I was very happy with the results.
The Bull Hotel
After topping up my Earl Grey tea, which the attentive waitress had kindly replenished (my companions had English Breakfast), it was time to sample the impressive selection of tiny cakes and tarts. Starting to feel rather full, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to eat much more, but their tempting colours and textures proved too much to resist. After putting in a good effort, we managed to sample the carrot cake, which was deliciously moist and well balanced; the chocolate cake, which was sumptuously rich and satisfying; and the pink macaroons, which were delightfully sweet. After our tea, my companions and I sat chatting happily, putting the world to rights, enjoying the feeling of being replete, before we headed out into the Canterbury throng. Afternoon tea at the ABode is served from 3pm and costs £7.50 per person for basic afternoon tea, £15 per person for full afternoon tea, and £23 per person for Champagne tea. ABode Canterbury 30-33 High Street Canterbury CT1 2RX 01227 766 266 www.abodehotels.co.uk/canterbury
AN EXPERIENCE NOT TO BE MISSED
From the outside, this beautifully refurbished country retreat looks exactly as it would have when The Bull was first opened for business back in 1395. Step through the door and you’re welcomed by 14th-century oak beams, a warm inviting décor and an inglenook fireplace.
The 11 en-suite rooms are full of modern luxuries and cater for every requirement. If you are on business, take a room complete with a bureau set under an alcove and make the most of the free Wi-Fi. If you are with the family, you might want to opt for the adjoining rooms linked by an interconnecting private corridor. If you are looking for a romantic break, then take the room with the four-poster-bed or one of the rooms which overlooks the stunning nearby church. All are spacious, every room has a sofa, flat-screen TV, tea- and coffee-making facilities and each are decorated with a perfect balance of heritage paint and lavish Laura Ashley furnishings. While the accommodation is sure to impress, the AA rosette restaurant continues to thrive and live up to its fabulous reputation. Owner Martin Deadman is deeply committed to sourcing high quality, regional and seasonal ingredients. The
beauty of the food menus is that while staying true to the tradition of ‘pub-grub’, offering fish and chips, omelettes and burgers on the bar menu, there is also an à la carte menu featuring culinary delights such as cumin-scented Barbary duck breast, fillet of sea bream with red pepper cream and 30-day-aged fillet of beef. Wash it down with real local ale or compliment your food with one of the 100 wines available. Equally impressive is the affordability of food, drink and accommodation – a gourmet break which includes an overnight stay, a three-course dinner and full English breakfast start from just £99 for two. A private dining room is also available for hire which is perfect for special occasions and business meetings. But whether it is business or pleasure, a trip to The Bull is an experience not to be missed.
The Bull Hotel Bull Lane Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7RF 01732 789800 www.thebullhotel.com ‘Many thanks to you and all of your colleagues for setting up our event and helping us so much over the last two days. Everything went really well and our French and Dutch colleagues were delighted to stay in a real old English hotel! The food was super, as we knew it would be, at both the dinner and the lunch. Also, I discovered a wine worth seeking out and had the best cappuccino ever!’ Peter Russell, Manager Evaluation International, The International Instrument Users' Association
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KENT’S FARMERS’ MARKETS:
What, why and where? Enthusiasm for good food has never been greater. Shoppers are ever more demanding about choice, quality, nutrition and, especially currently, value. We also want to know where our food has come from, and its impact on the environment and animal welfare. insideKENT investigated how the county’s farmers’ markets are rising to meet this challenge. Miranda Palmer at Capel-le-Ferne Farmers' Market
In terms of variety, markets sell much more than just local fruit, vegetables and meat. Typically, they also offer bread and cheese; pies and pâtés; cakes and desserts; pickles and jams; fruit juices and beer – and even liquors. Many will also include stalls selling fresh and smoked fish, game and prepared meals. While products will come predominantly from the local area, you may also find a few specialist products likes olives. The precise range will depend on whether you visit a bustling town centre market, which tend to be larger, or a smaller one focusing on just on the needs of surrounding villages. But wherever you go, the food is more authentic, with minimal colourings, additives or preservatives, and the produce is seasonal and fresh, so very healthy. And what about value? People who have never visited a farmers’ market are sometimes under the impression that they are expensive. However, research has shown that on a like-for-like basis, farmers’ markets are highly competitive with supermarkets. How? With no middlemen or shareholders, no expensive shops to run and minimal transport and packaging, the markets are extremely efficient, so their costs are low, which is reflected in their prices. Many shoppers are also attracted by the unique chance to meet the producers of their food. Heather Hay French, local author of Great British Food, relishes the opportunity this gives her. “I'm a great believer in farmers' markets. They're a chance to ask the producer what's special about the food and drink on offer – how the fruit and vegetables have been grown, what's in the sausages and how to cook the fish.”
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Miranda Palmer, from Farmer Palmers’ Quality Meats near Smarden, has a stall at more markets than anyone in the county, so she has wide experience of the mutual benefits this offers both stallholders and shoppers. “We raise all our own Romney lamb, Aberdeen Angus beef and traditional breed pork. Having direct contact with our customers means we can explain about the high standards of animal welfare and environmental conservation on our farm – and crucially, why our meat tastes better.” Supporting Kent’s farmers is often an important motivation for shoppers. Benjamin Dent, chairman of Kent Farmers’ Market Association and manager of Penshurst Farmers’ Market, explained, “Over the last 10 years, the amount of imported food which could have been farmed in the UK has risen by 20 per cent. Anyone who spends time on the M20 will witness the endless tide of foreign trucks bringing food from all over the Continent. And while it is great to see the increase in Fair Trade products from developing countries, the recent milk crisis shows we need to get a fair deal for our local farmers too – and farmers’ markets, as well as Kent’s many farm shops, do just that. That means as consumers, we can make a real difference every time we go shopping. By choosing local products, we are contributing directly to seeing the end to this nonsense in our food system, and supporting a vibrant farming industry which is the best protection of the Kent countryside we cherish.” For example, Kevin Payne is the fourth generation of his family to farm near Sittingbourne, and his son, Robert, is the fifth. They found that the transport and packaging costs required to sell
The Chilli and Herb Farm grow their own chillies and then turn them into a variety of unique products which are sold only at local farmers' markets
through wholesale markets was eroding their profitability. Now they sell their apples, apple juice, twenty varieties of cherries and twelve of plums direct to the public, along with jams, chutneys, pies and cakes made by Kevin’s wife Brenda. "Farmers' markets have really saved our family business. We thoroughly enjoy meeting all our regular customers who continue to come back through rain or shine. We're so pleased we decided to go this route.” Markets also offer many products which are beyond the ability of large supermarkets. There are 25 artisan bakers attending Kent’s farmers’ markets, and one such is Avard’s Village Bakery, who have been baking bread since 1869. This Lamberhurst bakery produces 80 different breads, and 45 types of soft and crusty rolls, French sticks and speciality breads. Everything is baked freshly each day, seven days a week and made from scratch. Compare that with Tesco, who were rebuked by the Advertising Standards Agency because its so-called fresh bread was often actually cooked in distant factories, and then transported, chilled or sometimes even frozen, to be re-heated in an in-store ‘bakery’. Game is another product where local markets have a lead over supermarkets. Keiron Toole sells venison steaks, roasts, burgers and sausages at several markets in West Kent. Born in the area, Keiron learnt how to stalk as a small boy, hunting for rabbits with a catapult. He has now turned this hobby into a career by providing game control to farmers, and selling the results through farmers’ markets. “Many people have been put off venison from their experience of Scottish red deer. Its flavour is quite strong
The hugely popular West Malling Farmers' Market
Why shop at a Farmers’ Market?
Neil Filmer bakes about a dozen different types of bread, all made with strictly local ingredients. His breads can be found at Chartham and Cranbrook markets
Fresh and tasty food Seasonal produce freshly picked for that market means food with real flavour.
Pine Trees Farm Apple Juice
Healthy food Products with no unnecessary colourings, additives or preservatives.
Value for money Quality food with no middlemen, no expensive shops and minimal transport and packaging. Buy exactly how much you need, so save money and waste less.
Traceable food
Fresh and local parsnips
Kevin and Brenda Payne
Bought directly from knowledgeable, local producers, with the opportunity to talk to them so you can make informed choices.
Local food Almost all the food is grown or made less than 30 miles from the market, which means fewer food miles.
Unusual food Enjoy an amazing variety of local products.
High animal welfare The production of free-range and organic meat respects animals’ natural instincts and behaviour.
Support your local community By buying directly you give a fair deal to smaller producers; strengthen your local community and help keep farming sustainable, which is the best protection for Kent’s countryside.
To enjoy shopping It’s a totally different shopping experience: no hassle, no trolley rage, meet your friends and the producers. Find your nearest farmers’ market at www.kentfarmersmarkets.co.uk
because of its heather diet. Whereas fallow deer around here live off crops like corn, rape and beans, and have a much milder flavour as a result.” Similarly, while Kent does not have a long heritage of cheese-making, some new local cheeses are now competing with more established English greats. Leading the way are Winterdale Cheesemakers, who won a gold World Cheese Award in 2009, and The Cheesemakers of Canterbury who won two Gold Awards in the Great Taste Awards 2010, with two more bronze awards in the British and World Cheese Awards. These and other delicious cheeses are available at most markets. Farmers’ markets also help nurture new businesses, and so further contribute to the county’s economy. Kent Farmers’ Market Association offers advice to farmers and start-up food companies. “Farmers’ markets offer a unique low cost, low risk way to try selling direct for the first time,” says Jen Porter, who leads the Association’s work in mid-Kent. “We can provide advice on opportunities around the county, and help with regulations, and we will soon be launching a new self-guide on our website for existing and potential stallholders. And by getting feedback direct from consumers, new enterprises quickly build up an understanding of what shoppers like.” Bob Taylor, who is the driving force behind the Association, explained that the strength of local farmers’ markets lies in the ties into the community. “Most of Kent’s markets are run by volunteers, which means their roots are deeply embedded in their local community.” This is exemplified by the organisers of Horsmonden Farmers' Market, which has been running for over six years. It was set up by three friends who came up with the idea over a meal out. They have highly complementary backgrounds. Liz Taylor has
a Masters degree from Wye College; Pippa Ankjaer has run her own business and Mary Moffat has senior marketing experience. They have combined these commercial skills with a strong commitment to the social aspects of markets. As Liz explained, “The market is closely connected to the village. The refreshment stall provides a place for shoppers to gather and catch up, and since it is run by local charities, it helps with fundraising projects too. The village school also visits the market to help children develop a closer understanding of farming and food.”
Shipbourne Farmers' Market
Bob, who also manages Shipbourne Farmers’ Market, which was awarded the Best Farmers’ Market in Kent in 2011, explains why shoppers become loyal supporters of their local market. “Farmers’ markets are a totally different experience – it makes shopping fun again. They offer a social hub for the community, where meeting friends can be as important as buying a loaf of bread.” So if you want to try your local farmers’ market, where and when can you find your nearest one? Since there are over a thousand markets in Kent every year, held in over forty locations, there should be one near you, and they are all listed on www.kentfarmersmarkets.org.uk.
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WELCOME BACK THE DELIGHT OF
Autumnal Foods
BY SARAH-JANE STENSON
As the summer sun begins to fade into the distance for another year, autumn makes way for an abundant bounty of seasonal foods, guaranteed to rejuvenate your palate. Despite the fresh and crisp tastes that summer has to offer, towards the end of its period, the allure of comforting and hearty meals begins to grow with a general notion of looking ahead to those dimming nights. One of the best things about autumnal foods is the vivacity of colour, from deep greens, bright yellows to burnt oranges. The plate is transformed into a colourful representation of the seasonal goods that Britain has to offer, evoking notes of nostalgia and pride. Not only are the foods of autumn utterly flavoursome, but also nutritiously benefitting, with the real stars of the season being fresh fruit and vegetables. OUR AUTUMN FOODS TOP 10:
1. Sweet Potatoes
The soft texture and sweet taste of this vegetable makes for an absolute success story, guaranteed to make or complete the perfect meal. Not only does it taste good, but it is also good for you, acting as a high source of vitamin C.
2. Pumpkins Halloween isn’t just an excuse to get carving the pumpkin! It is a versatile ingredient and the bright colour screams both flavour and nutrition. The vegetable is loaded with antioxidants, as well as being rich in vitamin C. Pumpkin works well in soups, bread, desserts and more.
4. Butternut Squash
7. Figs This is a fabulous fruit that deserves a bit more love and appreciation. Figs are vibrant in colour, whilst being deliciously sweet and sticky.
Once again, make way for the brilliant oranges. This vegetable has a delectable sweetness to please most palates, suits a variety of dishes and can carry a selection of different flavours, from sweet to spicy. Butternut squash is great roasted, in soups and in casseroles.
8. Clementines No need to save these for the bottom of your stocking from Santa. The tiny little parcels pack a sweet but citrus punch, working well in salads or incorporated within desserts.
5. Apples Crisp and juicy, apples are an alltime family favourite with countless varieties found within our home county of Kent. Whether ‘one a day keeps the doctor away’ is another matter, but they are a trusty source of nutrients and flavour. Utilise in sweet or savoury dishes for appely goodness. Let’s not forget their presence within cider also, with many from Kentish origins such as Biddenden Vineyards and Big Tree Cider.
9. Blackberries This fruit is another joy of Kent. Blackberries are deeply flavoursome and their natural goodness should be enjoyed in a simple pie or eaten immediately after you go picking your own in the Garden of England.
3. Parsnips
Autumn means the return of the roast! What better way than to celebrate with roasted parsnips, drizzled in honey and cooked to crispy perfection.
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6. Cranberries
10. Pears
For a juicy, in-season ingredient, look no further than cranberries. They are a great sweet addition to a savoury dish, whilst working wonderfully in chutneys.
Kent produces three different types of pear: Conference, Comice and Concorde. Pears are a versatile ingredient and are a popular choice in desserts or simply poached for optimum flavour.
Living in the Garden of England can mean only one thing: the very best selection of produce can be sourced locally and is guaranteed to have that fresh home-grown flavour. Kent is famous for its apples, blackberries, pears and more. Here’s one of our favourite seasonal recipes to help you invite autumn back into your kitchen. APPLE AND BLACKBERRY CRUMBLE Ingredients: Crumble topping: • 100g plain flour • 100g rolled oats • 75g brown sugar • 100g unsalted butter (room temperature) Filling: • 500g apples, diced into small chunks (opt for a locally sourced Kent variety) • 250g blackberries • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 30g unsalted butter • 30g Demerara sugar • Vanilla ice cream
Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees 2. To create the crumble topping, place the flour, oats, sugar and butter into a mixing bowl and rub together until well mixed 3. Sprinkle the mixture evenly across a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes
4. Meanwhile, peel, core and dice the apples and wash the blackberries, removing any stalks 5. Melt the butter and sugar for 3 minutes whilst gently stirring to create a caramel 6. Stir in the apples and cook for a further 4 minutes 7. Add the blackberries and cinnamon and cook for 3 minutes more
8. Remove the crumble mixture from the oven 9. Place the fruit compote at the bottom of an ovenproof dish and top with the crumble mixture. Bake for a further 10 minutes or until crisp 10. To finish, top with vanilla ice cream
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The Brasserie on the Bay B Y
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C L A R K
Usually I would start a review with the entrance to the restaurant itself, but in this case, my experience started even before I entered The Brasserie on the Bay at The Lodge, Prince’s Golf Course in Sandwich. The coastal views on the drive up the private road started the evening on a high, and as I pulled up into the private car park, I realised I was about to enjoy a meal at one of the most truly beautiful and peaceful locations on the Kent coast.
The Lodge itself has recently been rebuilt after a fire, and you can tell the building’s designers had a fine eye for detail; it mixes a clean and contemporary look whilst still feeling welcoming. We started in the bar amongst comfortable sofas and log burners and plenty of French doors opening to a south-facing terrace. If I wasn’t working, I could have sat there all night and watched the sun set over the golf course with a pint or two of the Shepherds Neame beverages available on tap. While we enjoyed a cold beverage in the bar, we were surprised with some delicious canapés, including my favourite of a quail’s egg with bacon, sausage and black pudding. This went down a treat and the staff were pleased to share how every sausage they serve is made in Sandwich. We then made our way to the Brasserie; the sleek and contemporary look carrying on through the restaurant. We were introduced to Chef Michael Fowler who has, quite impressively, worked under chefs Marco Pierre White and Rick Stein. Michael was quick to tell us how keen he is on creating a positive dining experience while using locally sourced produce wherever possible. We took our seats in the corner of the restaurant, once again with beautiful views over the golf course. I had a feeling we would be in for a treat as we tucked into our warm homemade bread rolls and butter that was ready to spread. Our waitress, who had a fantastic knowledge and enthusiasm of the menu, brought
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over our starters. Between us we had the seared diver scallops served with cauliflower purée, apple cauliflower salad and sauce nero; and the foie gras ballantine with Gewürztraminer jelly and truffle brioche. The scallops were fresh and full of flavour and did not stay around for long, and the foie gras was magnificent – probably the best I have ever tasted. We now had an idea of what to expect and were looking forward to our main courses. The fillet of beef served with smoked pomme purée, oxtail ravioli, Vichy carrots and Madeira jus was superb in both presentation and flavour. The little part of me saying ‘don’t ruin it, take a picture’ was almost beaten by the ‘got to get stuck in’ side of me. The beef was tender and cooked to perfection and melted in the mouth. The oxtail ravioli was equally as perfect and every part complemented the other. I think in some restaurants, the chefs concentrate too much on the meat while everything else is an afterthought, but where Michael is concerned, he has obviously thought a lot about creating the ultimate dish, and I believe he has succeeded. The Brasserie is constantly looking to change the menu to keep it fresh, and to tie into the season’s available produce. The restaurant prides itself in using Kentish fare whenever and wherever it can. Feeling full (which isn’t always the case with à la carte dining), we decided we could make enough room for dessert, and waited in anticipation for our passion fruit soufflé. The
presentation was fantastic and it had a beautiful texture and flavour. We sat back and enjoyed a coffee and petit fous whilst the sun set over the golf course; a perfect end to a perfect meal at the Brasserie on the Bay.
The Lodge at Prince’s The Brasserie on the Bay Sandwich Bay Sandwich CT13 9QB 01304 611118 reservations@thelodgeatprinces.co.uk www.thelodgeatprinces.co.uk
FOOD+DRINK
£12,000 RAISED
FOR THE SHAMPAN FOUNDATION
ON MONDAY 25TH JUNE insideKENT MAGAZINE VISITED THE BRILLIANT SHAMPAN RESTAURANT AT THE SPINNING WHEEL WHERE THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE SHAMPAN FOUNDATION TOOK PLACE.
Photos © www.vadukulkhalique.com
The Shampan Foundation was set up as a result of seeing the potential for social change through sport. The founders, Sufian Miah and Rubel Ahmed, have seen how the power of sport has changed the lives of many young people as well as seeing how sport can open up pathways forward in areas such as training, education, employment and volunteering. Sport also opens young people up to a wider community that can help encourage and inspire them to change, develop and grow. In third world countries this is equally mirrored to the UK; however the challenges faced by young people is a growing concern due to poverty, hunger, health and social deprivation. Over the past five years, Changebox (Rubel’s company) and Active Communities Network have done a lot of international development work in countries such as Brazil, India, Kenya, Indonesia and South Africa. Working in these countries has provided invaluable experience of how the work in Bangladesh could be started from scratch. Many of the trustees of Shampan Foundation have spent time involved in youth work as well as within different sports and are all very passionate about this fledgling charity as they have experienced, first-hand, how much of a difference sports can make to young people.
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The three main aims of the Shampan Foundation are: 1. The promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit among people who are socially excluded from society or parts of society 2. To advance in life and relieve needs of young people 3. The advancement of education, including physical education
Through the sale of event tickets, The Shampan Foundation raised £10,000 and a further £500 was raised on the evening through the sale of raffle tickets. Teamed with private and individual donations that had been made in the weeks leading up to the Shampan Foundation Launch, as well as those made on the evening, the total amount raised by the Launch was a magnificent £12,000. This is going direct to the Shampan Foundation and will make a substantial difference to the work that is currently underway in Bangladesh and provides the Foundation with many pathways to start and develop more and more projects. To view the projects, on-going work or too make a donation to The Shampan Foundation please visit their website at www.shampanfoundation.org.
FOOD+DRINK
hello fresh
AMAZING RECIPES AND ALL THE INGREDIENTS DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR
Hello Fresh is a revolutionary new gourmet grocery delivery and recipe service that aims to change the way Britons eat by providing an entirely new shopping and cooking experience. Hello Fresh launched in the Capital at the beginning of the year and became an instant hit with time-poor Londoners, who quickly swapped regular visits to the supermarket for the service. Hello Fresh is now available in Kent and aims to bring the same benefits to its residents. Hello Fresh delivers a weekly package to customers’ homes including interesting recipes and all the ingredients needed to prepare each dish in the exact quantities, depending on if they select the two, four or six person meal plan. The service promises to put an end to stressful supermarket dashes and makes it easy to enjoy the experience of cooking and discovering delicious food. Each delivery contains simple step-by-step photo recipe cards from experienced chefs, designed so that even the most kitchen-phobic of users can create a restaurant-standard dish within 30 minutes.
Hello Fresh eliminates all the time consuming aspects of cooking, from weighing of ingredients to sourcing of unusual foodstuffs – such as star anise, purple potatoes or a single pinch of Pink Himalayan Salt, which can be hard to find. This means that you can create fuss-free meals easily, with no food wastage, while discovering new and exciting ingredients. The dishes provide a well-balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals and vitamins, containing approximately 500-750 calories. With Hello Fresh, no more time will be wasted trawling supermarket aisles, trying to pre-plan meals for the days ahead, with the inevitable second visit when a vital ingredient has been forgotten. And by sourcing directly from the UK’s leading food suppliers, Hello Fresh ensures that their produce is fresher and tastes better than the standard supermarket fare.
Here’s just a sample of the delicious meals you can expect from Hello Fresh: • Grilled Lamb Pittas with Cucumber Salsa and Summer Salad • Tiger Prawn Linguine with Chilli and Sun-Dried Tomato • Lebanese Fattoush Salad with Sumac and Thyme Roasted Chicken • The Ferrari of Zesty Orange Beef Stir Frys • Roasted Stuffed Romano Peppers with Herb Couscous A three-meal plan for two costs £39 per week, £59 for a family of four and £89 for six, while prices for the five-meal plan range from £49 to £129 a week. www.hellofresh.co.uk
If you’re a keen cook, preparing Hello Fresh meals will add more delicious dishes to your repertoire, and if you’re a novice in the kitchen, the easyto-follow menus will help you to learn the basics quickly.
www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
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ARTS
Henry Moore Henry Moore ENHANCING SCULPTURE ENHANCING SCULPTUREAND ANDNATURE: NATURE:
AT THE BEANEY ART MUSEUM AND LIBRARY, CANTERBURY 5TH SEPTEMBER TO 28TH OCTOBER 2012
CANTERBURY’S NEW BEANEY ART MUSEUM AND LIBRARY OPENS TO THE PUBLIC ON 5TH SEPTEMBER WITH HENRY MOORE IN THE ARTS COUNCIL COLLECTION. ONE OF THE GREATEST ARTISTS OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, MOORE SPENT FORMATIVE YEARS LIVING NEAR CANTERBURY, WHICH HE SAID “CLINCHED MY INTEREST IN TRYING TO MAKE SCULPTURE AND NATURE ENHANCE EACH OTHER.”* THE ARTS COUNCIL COLLECTION LOANS GIVE AN OVERVIEW OF KEY CREATIVE DEVELOPMENTS AND THEMES ACROSS FIVE DECADES.
“Time/Life Screen: Working Model”, 1952. Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London. © The Henry Moore Foundation. All rights reserved, DACS 2012.
In 1931 the Yorkshire-born Henry Moore (18981986) and his wife, Irina, bought a cottage at Barfreston, near Eythorne in Kent. They were living in a small flat in Hampstead, London, and had got to know the area through regular visits to nearby Waldershare, where Moore’s sister, Betty, lived with her husband. Moore’s mother moved to Waldershare shortly before the artist’s Barfreston purchase. Alterations by Moore at Jasmine Cottage included the addition of a small studio with pitched roof, looking onto a garden that ran down to the small church of St Nicholas. This textbook example of Norman architecture has some of the finest surviving Romanesque carvings in England, sketched by Moore. Teaching at Chelsea School of Art in London, Moore travelled between Kent and Hampstead. The London flat had a small sitting room in which Irina posed for figure studies. The sculptural Seated Figure (about 1933) has monumental legs partly because Moore could not sit at a distance in their small sitting room. Jasmine Cottage was more spacious and an excellent place to work, with none of London’s distractions: “I’ve averaged … 8 hours carving a day,” he wrote to friends in 1933, “and yet have had the best part of the day once or twice a week at the sea [he loved swimming], a game of tennis every two or three days at Waldershare, occasional trips to Canterbury or Dover and other odd jaunts on the motor bike, with spare spells of gardening…house decorating and repairing.”* Sculptures made at this time include the original cast concrete version of Composition (1934), a work in which the figure is abstracted to separate elements.
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Inspiration for Moore’s development of figure sculpture came from natural materials he found in Kent. On the beach and in woodland or ploughed fields, he came across variously shaped flint nodules, which occur naturally in chalk. He also collected bones of interesting shape. Several drawings in the exhibition show Moore sketching stones or bones and developing ideas for sculpture from natural forms. The abstracted figures he carved became synonymous with modern art. The first of Moore’s reclining figures with a hole in the chest area was created at his next home in Kent using elm bought from a Canterbury timber merchant. Jasmine Cottage was sold in 1935 and the Moores bought Burcroft, a bungalow with five acres of land on a hillside at Marley, near Kingston, a few miles from Canterbury. “Any bit of stone stuck down in that field looked marvellous, like a bit of Stonehenge,” said Moore. Burcroft was “much lighter and brighter to live in and easier to keep clean than Jasmine Cottage.” Moore built a studio-workshop and bought a car instead of the motorbike. “Living at Burcroft was what probably clinched my interest in trying to make sculpture and nature enhance each other,” Moore recalled. “I feel that the sky and nature are the best setting for my sculpture. They are asymmetrical, unlike an architectural background with its verticals and horizontals. In a natural setting, the background to a sculpture changes if you move only a very small distance.”* With plentiful space and the help of an assistant, Moore was able to work on large carvings. He also took photographs, carefully
“Drawing for Figure in Concrete”, 1929. Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London. © The Henry Moore Foundation. All rights reserved, DACS 2012.
“Standing Nude”, 1929. Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London. © The Henry Moore Foundation. All rights reserved, DACS 2012.
“Seated Figure”, 1933. Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London. © The Henry Moore Foundation. All rights reserved, DACS 2012.
“Composition”, 1934. Arts Council Collection, Southbank Centre, London. © The Henry Moore Foundation. All rights reserved, DACS 2012.
arranging and lighting his works. Moore was interested in the way that small sculptures can appear big when set against the sky or distant landscape. In the photographs can be seen the seed of ideas for later, much larger works. Several examples of his Burcroft photographs are included in the Beaney exhibition, courtesy of The Henry Moore Foundation Archive. The outbreak of the Second World War led the Moores to leave Burcroft in 1940. Postwar sculpture in the exhibition ranges from a working model for one of Moore’s public art commissions, Time/Life Screen (1952), to carvings exploring forms within forms, such as Working Model for Reclining Figure: Internal/External form (1931). Of particular interest are three very different treatments of heads: Head of a King (1952-53), Head: Lines (1955) and Helmet Head No. 3 (1960), the latter an internal/external form within a form.
Henry Moore in the Arts Council Collection is an Arts Council Collection exhibition from the Southbank Centre, on view from 5 September to 28 October 2012 at The Beaney Art Museum and Library, Canterbury. Admission is free. For details visit www.thebeaney.co.uk.
*Quotations from Roger Berthoud, The Life of Henry Moore (2003)
Exhibitions at Francis Iles Galleries, Rochester
Rowland Hilder OBE PPRI RSMA Watercolours, Oils, Etchings & Limited Edition Prints
Exhibition opens Saturday 11th August 9.30am-5.30pm Continues Monday - Saturday 9.30am-5.30pm until 22nd September
Henry Moore
Contemporary 2012
Saturday 8 September to Sunday 28 October
Featuring works by Michael Chaplin RWS, Jon Gubbay, John Scarland & Terry Watts RBA. Exhibition opens Friday 28th September 9.30am-5.30pm
High Street, Canterbury thebeaney.co.uk Free admission The Beaney, House of Art & Knowledge is a partnership between Canterbury City Council and Kent County Council
An Arts Council Collection Exhibition from Southbank Centre
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ARTS
natural beauty BRIAN BROWN, AWARD-WINNING KENT PHOTOGRAPHER, EXPLORES HIS LOVE OF CAPTURING THE BEAUTY OF WOMEN IN HIS WORK.
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In a small studio in a quiet East Kent cul-de-sac, Brian Brown creates stunning images that aim to bring out the best in women.
the Master Photographers Association and British Institute of Professional Photography and also lectures on his work.
can be resolved. I can show the clients how to pose to create the best shape for them – even reducing double chins.”
Brian, a professional photographer since 1995, does commercial and portrait work, but he is most successful for his makeover-style photographs of women.
In 2005, Brian was the UK Fashion and Glamour Photographer of the Year, beating photographers from all over the country to the title.
Brian works by appointment only, and has more than 100 recommendations from satisfied clients.
Although he spends time doing modelling portfolios, he is equally happy working with the woman next door. “I love my work and really enjoy making women look beautiful,” said Brian. “I want to create images that women love of themselves, something stylish and beautiful that will stand the test of time.” Brian works from a studio next to his home in River, near Dover. He holds qualifications from
He is experienced at motivating his clients to relax so the images are in a style that they like. Sessions last a minimum of three hours. A makeup artist can be provided if required, and the type of look wanted will be discussed beforehand so the client is happy with the results. “We work in a relaxed and friendly environment and want the sessions to be enjoyable,” said Brian. “We want our clients to forget about any imperfections they think they may have as these
He added, “My work is not just about one image, but about creating something that is stylish and beautiful forever – something that captures one moment in time…so if you are encouraged then give me a call.”
Brian Brown Photography 01304 822229 www.kentmodelportfolios.co.uk
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TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Sevenoaks Situated in the weald of Kent, the opulent town of Sevenoaks is surrounded by a plethora of striking countryside with panoramic views to rival any other. However, here the visually beautiful goes hand in hand with practicality. Only 24 miles outside of London, and with frequent train links in and out of town, Sevenoaks not only offers a wealth of grandeur and beauty, but it remains a popular choice for the daily commute. In addition, the town is just a stone’s throw from the M25 major road links. It is such definitive features as these that ensure the district is just as highly regarded for its locality as it is for its profusion of rural picturesque villages. For this reason, it is no surprise that the intriguing town of Sevenoaks remains at the forefront of Kent’s destination guide. by Gemma Dunn With few records pre 13th Century, and prior to establishing itself as a victorious market town in 1200, Sevenoaks was originally very much a part of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Manor of neighboring Otford. The significance of Sevenoaks’ position was only realised after the
two main roads from London and Dartford were merged into one main route, easing access through the weald to the south coast. Only after such a realisation, Sevenoaks developed into a core market town. However, it was still only once the town secured a high influx of trade resulting in an economic rise, that Sevenoaks become a manor in its own right. The revolution of the marketplace was a major development in medieval England; not only did
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it generate a sense of livelihood via trading with local produce, it ensured that many unbeknown districts such as Sevenoaks were now on the map as a result of their own successes. Despite a history spanning over 800 years, this prosperous and wealthy town continues to triumph its markettown status today by ensuring it remains a poignant feature in the heart of the town centre – a narrative the locals alike seem to champion. So with the decease of the market unfeasible, what better way to celebrate Sevenoaks’ origins than a trip to the town’s weekly market for your fresh meats, plants, home wares and much more? Located in Buckhurst car park every Wednesday from 9am to 4pm, or alternatively each Saturday on the high street (near Chequers Inn) between 9am and 5pm, this market remains a popular choice with the locals. The Market at St Luke’s offers another fine selection, with quality local Kent produce its main vice. This can be found in Eardley Road on Thursday mornings between 9 and 11am. If crafts are your preference, Sevenoaks’ Bligh’s Meadow Country Craft and Fayre Market every Saturday is well worth a visit. In addition to this, keep an eye out in local publications for notification of annual international food markets hosted in the town. Meanwhile, rich in heritage and periodic architecture, Sevenoaks town centre is not short of historic haunts which capture the ambience of the old town. If this is your penchant, take a
stroll down to the southern end of the high street, home to many of the town’s distinguished buildings. The Old Vicarage, The Old House and The Chantry are among the listed buildings here that were built in the 18th century, whilst the notable St Nicholas Church in the same area is a must-see as its gothic features and perpendicular structure showcases remnants of typical 13th century design. Adjacent to St Nicholas church is Rectory Lane, off of which is the renowned Six Bells Lane. Take a walk down the narrow alleyway of Six Bells to catch sight of the distinctive and picturesque 18th and 19th century cottages steeped in history. If instead you fancy some light relief through the means of retail therapy, why not head to Sevenoaks’ unique abundance of eclectic shops and independently run boutiques. Interspersed in between the lanes, you will find everything from inimitable jewelers and antiques to fresh produce and unique handmade crafts. Remember, if the talk of all of this is already sounding tiring, there are plenty of charismatic coffee houses along the way to plan a well earned rest. Making a full day or night of it? The Stag Community Arts Centre, originally the Playhouse Theatre, could be the perfect way to start or finish your evening festivities. The Art-Deco style 1930s building seats 450 and boasts critically
acclaimed comedian sets amongst other performances. The theatre is also home to two cinemas, both of which screen all of the latest films. If like me, food is never far from the mind, Sevenoaks has an extensive range of eateries from well known chains to independent fine dining restaurants and traditional English pubs. The Vine Restaurant occupies the perfect position in town and offers a stylish and sophisticated menu. Meanwhile, if you’re after traditional pub food, The Chequers is in a prime location on the Sevenoaks high street and boasts good reviews for its historic exterior and selection of ales. If you want to immerse yourself in the many historic relics outside of the main town, Sevenoaks magnificent Knole Park and House on the eastern side of town is perhaps the most dominant and famed gem of all. Purchased in 1456 by the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Bourchier used the 100-acre estate to accommodate the construction of Knole House. Since its build, both Henry VII and Queen Elizabeth I have both been in residence, before passing it on to relative Thomas Sackville in 1566. Although the building is now owned by the National Trust, Sackville’s descendants still own the majority of the property today as well as the encircled estate that attracts thousands of visitors year on year. Surrounded by 1000-acres of Kent’s last medieval deer park, the charm of Knole House has not gone un-noticed and remains one of England’s greatest treasures since its opening to the public
in the 17th century. If you simply fancy a walk around the stunning deer grounds or want to soak up some of the history in the house itself, Knole Park and country residence is the perfect offering of Kent culture for all ages. If it is horticultural splendour you are seeking, there are many private gardens open to the public in the surrounding villages of Sevenoaks. Emmett’s Garden on Ide Hill offers beautiful scenery, with contrasts of an impressive exotic plant collection with that of quintessentially English displays of bluebells. Unwind here with the family or head across to nearby Ightham Mote for a peek inside the historic manor house and magical gardens. A visit to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve is also a must. Whether you consider yourself a wildlife enthusiast or not, spend time in the peace of the preserved natural habitat and enjoy relaxing in this outstanding haven. With a population and tourist base increasing all the time, it is clear to see that it is ever more ostensible that Sevenoaks, illustrious for its charm and character, continues to epitmomise the ideal vibrant community that frankly we all want to be a part of. With its history at its heart but future growth in its sights, the town’s motto ‘Floreant Septum Quercus’, meaning ‘May the Seven Oaks Flourish’, seems a dictum that rings ever more true…if the towns astounding popularity is anything to go by! With all of this on your Kent doorstep, it would be rude to not pay the delightful town of Sevenoaks a visit and see for yourself, so what are you waiting for?
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01732 464450 www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
85
DAYSOUT
STEAM, STEEL & submarines
FOR CENTURIES THE WORKERS OF CHATHAM DOCKYARD DESIGNED AND BUILT MAJESTIC SHIPS MADE OF WOOD AND POWERED BY SAILS, BUT AS THE VICTORIAN ERA DAWNED, THAT WOULD SOON CHANGE. WARSHIP BUILDING TRANSFORMED AS MEDWAY BEGAN FORGING MACHINES FROM METAL, POWERING THEM BY STEAM AND USING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES AVAILABLE.
Steam, Steel and Submarines tells the story of Chatham Dockyard and the Royal Navy’s use of the River Medway in the 19th and 20th centuries. It represents a time of power, strength and adaptation, not only in terms of the ships built at Chatham, but the people behind the dockyard, without which Britain may not have achieved such global influence. From the launch of the Phoenix in 1832, the first steam paddle warship to be built at Chatham, to the final submarine Okanagan in 1966, there was a need for the dockyard to expand to remain competitive with other naval bases around the UK, impacting on social life in the area. Chatham Dockyard and the Chatham Division of the Royal Navy played a central role in both the First and Second World Wars as well as later conflicts, and it is those people, who worked in often dangerous environments and faced adversity to ensure that Britain’s Navy was ready to fight, that were the real steam and steel of the dockyard. The Steam, Steel and Submarines gallery has provided a fantastic opportunity for Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust to explore its own collection, allowing new objects and images to be displayed. A large graphic timeline, over 10 metres in length, starts from 1832, runs to 1984, and helps orientate the visitor through the gallery as well as contextualising the narrative. It also makes good use of the Trust’s photographic
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archive with ‘never before seen’ images reproduced – some reaching two metres in height. Objects have been redisplayed giving them more space to breathe and where possible have integral interpretation making labels a part of the infrastructure rather than an addition. Where possible, investment has been made in new display cases. The result of this has been a transformation in the way these 19th and 20th century objects are now viewed. Award-winning illustrator Isabel Greenberg was commissioned to produce new graphic illustrations / comic strips that tell the story of key events from the dockyard’s history. Alex Patterson, Collections and Galleries Manager at The Historic Dockyard Chatham said, “Whilst the illustrations are aimed at children, they appeal to a wider audience and are linked directly to the main interpretation of the gallery. It is a unique and engaging approach to communicating complex information, such as Victorian ship construction, or the launching of a submarine”. With an emphasis on the people of the dockyard, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, for the first time, has incorporated some of its oral history collection into the gallery. The creation of a ‘memory table’ at one end of the gallery combines both object display and audio visual in one area. Clips from the Trust’s oral history archive have been selected and can be accessed via
two telephone handsets, providing the visitor with a chance to interact with former dockyard workers or listen to Second World War experiences. Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust has also worked closely with the Chatham Dockyard Historical Society (CDHS) and the Chatham Dockyard Volunteer Service (CDVS) to produce content that reflects not only the technological achievements of the dockyard’s past but also the people who were involved. The CDVS Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS) displays which tell the story of a volunteer service that helped protect Britain’s ports and waterways during the height of the Cold War are also integrated into the new gallery. Steam, Steel and Submarines is included within the dockyard’s usual admission price, giving visitors a whole 12 months to enjoy both this new gallery and the other wonderful attractions found at this amazing maritime heritage destination including a fully operational 1/4 mile Ropery, three historic warships and No.1 Smithery – a partnership with The Imperial War Museum and Royal Museums Greenwich.
The Historic Dockyard Chatham ME4 4TE www.thedockyard.co.uk
DAYSOUT
Retail Therapy KENT IS FAMOUS FOR ITS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE, MILES OF PICTURESQUE COASTLINE AND INTRIGUING HISTORY, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE RETAIL THERAPY? WITH SO MANY PLACES TO GET YOUR SHOPPING FIX IN THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND, SURELY IT SHOULD BE ON THE LIST OF WHAT MAKES KENT FAMOUS.
'BLUEWATER SHOPPING CENTRE
WITH CHRISTMAS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, CHECK OUT SOME OF insideKENT’S FAVOURITE SHOPPING CENTRES. County Bluewater, Bluewater Shopping Greenhithe Centre, Greenhithe DA9 9ST Number of shops: 330 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm www.bluewater.co.uk
Ashford Designer Outlet, Ashford Number of shops & restaurants: 80 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-5pm www.ashforddesigneroutlet.com
Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells Number of shops: Over 90 Opening hours: Mon-Weds & Fri 9am-6pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm www.royalvictoriaplace.com
Square Shopping Centre, Ashford Number of shops: Over 60 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm www.countysquareshoppingcentre.com
The Walnuts Shopping Centre, Orpington Number of shops: 39 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm www.thewalnutsshoppingcentre.com
Bouverie Place, Folkestone Number of shops: 24 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm www.mybouverieplace.co.uk
The Orchards Shopping Centre, Dartford Number of shops: 30 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7.30am-9pm, Sat 7.30am-8pm, Sun 10am-4pm www.orchardsdartford.co.uk
Bligh’s Meadow, Sevenoaks Number of shops: 35 Opening hours: Contact individual shops www.blighsmeadow.com
De Bradelei Wharf, Dover Number of shops: Outlet Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, Sat 9.30am-6pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm www.debradelei-dover.co.uk
St George’s Shopping Centre, Gravesend Number of shops: 39 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 11am-4pm www.stgeorgescentre.co.uk Westwood Cross, Thanet Number of shops: 53 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9.30am-7.30pm, Sat 9.30am-6.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm www.westwoodx.co.uk Fremlin Walk, Maidstone Number of shops: 53 Opening hours: Mon-Weds & Fri 9am-5.30pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm www.fremlinwalk.co.uk
The Mall, Maidstone Number of shops: 66 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm, Sun 10.30am-4.30pm www.themall.co.uk/my-mall/maidstone Royal Star Arcade, Maidstone Number of shops: 19 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm www.royalstararcade.co.uk
Pentagon Shopping Centre, Chatham Number of shops: Over 70 Opening hours: Mon-Sat 8am-7pm, Sun 9am-4pm www.pentagonshoppingcentre.co.uk Whitefriars, Canterbury Number of shops: 65 Opening hours: Contact individual shops www.whitefriars-canterbury.co.uk
Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, Gillingham Number of shops: Over 50 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-4pm www.hempsteadvalley.com The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells Number of shops: 40 Opening hours: Contact individual shops www.pantilestraders.co.uk
Number of shops listed are approximate. Opening hours correct at time of publication. Please check individual websites for current information.
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DAYSOUT Retail Therapy
De Bradelei Wharf – Dover BAGS & BAGS OF SAVINGS
AT DE BRADELEI WHARF – DOVER, YOU CAN ENJOY A GREAT DAYS SHOPPING BY THE SEA. AS ONE OF KENT’S LEADING SHOPPING ATTRACTIONS – IDEALLY SITUATED OFF THE A20, BETWEEN THE 2 FERRY TERMINALS – THERE’S PLENTY OF REASONS TO PAY A VISIT TO THE SUPERB STORE. STANDING JUST OFF THE SEAFRONT, IN THE SHADOW OF DOVER CASTLE AND THE FAMOUS WHITE CLIFFS, DE BRADELEI WHARF OFFERS A PLEASANT RELAXING ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH TO SHOP AND BROWSE. They’ve got the best of current season ladies fashion available from Joules, Esprit, Great Plains, Seasalt, Klass and Weirdfish. You can save up to 70% discount on high street prices on ladies classics from Jacques Vert, Planet, Windsmoor and Precis along with great ranges from Alexon, Ann Harvey, Minuet Petite, Dash, Kaliko and Eastex. Stylish menswear is on hand from Brook Taverner, Skopes, Wolsey, Joules, Seasalt and Weirdfish, along with whole departments dedicated to Pavers Shoes, Bedeck bed linen and soft furnishings, Dartington Crystal, Aynsley China along with leisurewear from Regatta, Craghopper and Tog 24 plus so much more!
De Bradelei’s Waves Coffee Shop serves delicious home cooked food throughout the day, and their Coast Coffee Bar serves coffee, tea, paninis and pastries for those looking for a lighter bite. The glass and wood walkway that runs along the front of the building is the perfect spot to enjoy a delicious lunch or tea, overlooking Dover’s busy marina.
Joules - Seasalt - Esprit - Weird Fish - Jacques Vert - Windsmoor - Precis Planet - Alexon - Ann Harvey - Dash - Minuet Petite - Kaliko - Eastex Klass - Roman - Tigi - Solo - Nomads - Just Elegance - Autonomy - Tog24 Regatta - Craghopper - Pavers Shoes - Skechers - Flyflot - Cat - Bookthrift Skopes - Brook Taverner - Gabicci - Gurteen - Oakman - Wolsey - Morley Woods Gifts - Dartington Crystal - Aynsley China - Harbenware - & More! De Bradelei Wharf Joules - Seasalt - Esprit - Weird Fish - Jacques Vert - Windsmoor - Precis Dover Planet - Alexon - Ann Harvey - Dash - Minuet Petite - Kaliko - Eastex Klass - Roman - Tigi - Solo - Nomads - Just Elegance - Autonomy - Tog24 Regatta - Craghopper - Pavers Shoes - Skechers - Flyflot - Cat - Bookthrift Skopes - Brook Taverner - Gabicci - Gurteen - Oakman - Wolsey - Morley Woods Gifts - Dartington Crystal - Aynsley China - Harbenware - & More!
AUTUMN COLLECTIONS NOW ARRIVING
Ladies & Men’s Fashion - Shoes - Gifts - Outerwear Bedlinen & Soft Furnishings - Kitchen & Cookshop China & Glass - Books & So Much More!
Bags & Bags of Savings www.debradelei.com www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
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DAYSOUT
kent museums
FAMED AS ENGLAND’S OLDEST COUNTY, KENT CERTAINLY DOES NOT LACK IN HERITAGE OR CULTURE. IN FACT, AS A REGION STEEPED IN HISTORY, IT IS NO SURPRISE THIS ICONIC COUNTY IS HOME TO SOME OF THE BEST MUSEUMS IN BOTH THE UK AND EUROPE. THIS AUTUMN, DISCOVER KENT’S ECLECTIC MIX OF MUSEUMS WITH A FRESH PAIR OF EYES. WITH SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERY TASTE AND GENERATION RIGHT ON YOUR DOORSTEP, LOCAL INSTITUTIONS HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE INSPIRING. BY GEMMA DUNN Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery
Powell-Cotton Museum
www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
www.quexmuseum.org
This admission-free award-winning museum and art gallery located in West Kent houses the world’s largest public collection of Tunbridge Ware – a distinctive style of marquety woodware made in the late 1600s – 1920s. Although renowned for this specialty, this family-friendly museum of sorts also holds a number of astounding collections, ranging from toys and dolls (which span over 200 years), to an eclectic assortment of costume attire dating back to the 1700s. If you are hoping to capture some of the local Tunbridge Wells history, artefacts are displayed aplenty. Meanwhile, if archaeology and historical relics are more your cup of tea, the museum exhibits around 28,000 natural history specimens in total, mainly sourced from the Victorian era.
The Powell-Cotton Museum can be found in Quex Park in the coastal town of Birchington. Originally built in 1896 to showcase Percy Powell-Cotton’s travel keepsakes, this pavilion structure soon became an inimitable museum in which his intention was to share the cultures of the world through each artefact.
In addition, Tunbridge Wells Museum & Art Gallery hosts a number of exhibitions throughout the calendar year both on site and online. Often championing local artists in its appeal, the museum promotes artistry via free-of-charge events and workshops in an attempt to nurture talent as well as simply provide a source of enjoyment for all. With all of this on your doorstep in the weald of Kent, be inspired and make the trip to discover your creative side.
If this wasn’t enough to entice you, the 15 acres of beautiful surroundings steeped in Victorian history should be, as the entire Quex estate on which the museum resides is a recognised treasure in itself.
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery
www.kbobm.org
www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk
The Kent Battle of Britain Museum is the oldest established museum of its kind, with the most valuable collection of Battle of Britain memorabilia in the country. Situated between Folkestone and Canterbury in Hawkinge, this unmatched museum is fortunate to acquire one of the very airfield sights on which Britain fought for survival in WW2. Despite the many years that have passed since the great air battles, today it is said that the essence still remains on the airfields and can be felt by visitors alike.
Situated in the beautiful Elizabethan Chillington Manor in the centre of Maidstone, this charismatic museum epitomises the very essence of Kentish charm. Originally built as a residence for local MP Philip Barham in 1562, it wasn’t until 1858 that the property was declared a public museum after the town of Maidstone inherited local doctor Thomas Charles’ antiquarian collection.
Since its opening in 1971, the museum has been highly commended for its relations built with former RAF pilots, many of whom have contributed to the leading collection of artefacts that can be seen on site today. This really is a truly fascinating museum and one of which is sure to trigger a sense of national pride as we remember our war heroes of yesterday.
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It was only after Powell-Cotton’s death in 1940 that the family collections came into play as son Christopher opted to display his ancestors’ ceramic, archaeology and weaponry collections. Today the suitably named PowellCotton Museum comprises of eight galleries, each of which is brimming with unique cultural specimens that support the historical and ethnographical study of Powell-Cotton’s two famed expeditions: Africa and the Indian subcontinent. Use of the diorama (the display of mounted mammals) distinguishes this museum from many others of similar taste in the UK due to the sheer quality of the displays.
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By the late 19th century, public interest had rocketed and the museum was in need of expansion. As a result, two extra wings were built within the manor in their commitment to provide a gallery space in which the town’s art enthusiasts could display their Victorian collections.
Today, Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery remains united, with the duo now regarded as one of the top attractions in Kent. Whether you are paying an individual visit in admiration of the museum’s memorabilia, or you want to make a day of it with the family, there are activities for all ages. Explore the secrets of ancient civilization within ‘Secret Egypt’, an interactive exhibition favored by the younger visitors or alternatively, marvel at the diverse collection which includes artefacts within costume, fine art, geology, and archaeology to name a few. With over 660,000 samples now housed at the museum, the range is exceptional.
The Shoreham Aircraft Museum www.shoreham-aircraft-museum.co.uk
Dover Transport Museum www.dovertransportmuseum.org.uk Situated in Whitfield just outside of Dover, the Dover Transport Museum houses a unique collection of vintage transportation models from Romany caravans to British Army lorry memorabilia from WWI. The set up of the museum is extraordinary, with two large expedition halls that have been restored to recreate Dover street scenes, offering a fascinating insight into the town’s historical influences for those who don’t know it well, and a re-jerk of old memories for those who do. Run entirely by volunteers from the Dover Transport Museum Society, the museum is dedicated to creating a unique experience for each guest through content and expertise of subject.
The Historic Dockyard www.thedockyard.co.uk
Situated in the Kent village of Shoreham, it is perhaps of relevance to note that this aircraft-enthused museum is housed in the most bombed village in the UK during WW2. Filled today with hundreds of aviation remnants from the English and German planes that crashed during WW2, the museum displays tell a thousand stories in remembrance of the brave men that fought in our skies 70+ years ago. Amid additional donations provided by the public, the museum’s collection is one that is ever-expanding, with the promise of ‘something new to see’ on every visit. The museum is admired for its research and hard work that goes into gaining as much background information as possible to support all artefacts – photos, eye witness accounts and letters are just some of the documentation that is displayed alongside memorabilia. Whilst visiting, pay a trip to the tearoom and gardens for homemade cake and tea and whilst doing so, remember to look out for internationally acclaimed artist Geoff Nutkin’s aviation artwork for sale.
Canterbury Heritage Museum www.canterbury.co.uk/thedms.aspx?dms=13&venue=3030489
Spread across an 80-acre site, The Historic Dockyard in Chatham is firmly on the map due to its wealth of historic buildings, galleries and lively exhibitions. Based entirely on the history surrounding Chatham docks, the museum’s collections are either in connection to this or to that of the Royal Navy at Chatham. With over 100,000 items on location ranging from photographs and oil paintings of the docks, to a dockyard’s matey’s cigarette box, the diverse collection documents every aspect of dock life. For those of you who are interested in delving into the history surrounding much of this, there is also an extensive archive system and library area in which you can read up on a fascinating past. If visual stimulation is more your forte, plan your day via the interactive site map. Visit the historic warships to gain a fascinating insight into the life of a sailor or head over to the Victorian Ropery’s themed gallery for a costume guided tour to learn the importance of the rope maker’s role in association with the docks. With so much to explore, this isn’t just one for the sailing niche – it can be enjoyed by all.
Formerly known as The Museum of Canterbury, the reformed Canterbury Heritage Museum sits in the heart of the town centre on Stour Street. Built in 1373, the museum was originally a 12th century hospital for sick and retired priests. For this reason, even the building is a gem worth exploring as it is infused in history on arrival. Inside, exhibits in the museum galleries date back to the prehistoric era, right up until the present day. Use the free digi-guide tour to talk you through the timeline of key artefacts that are remnant of the town’s heritage, and be sure to discover Oliver Postgate’s Thomas Beckett Story as well as the original Invicta Railway Engine en route. A particular point of interest and one that attracts regular interest is the Rupert Bear Gallery, an exhibition dedicated to Rupert’s creator and Canterbury local, Mary Tourtel. If you are hands-on, explore the fascinating history of Canterbury via the Heritage Museum for interactive displays and discover the fun activities on offer for the whole family.
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DAYSOUT Royal Engineers Museum
The Beaney House of Art & Knowledge
www.re-museum.co.uk
www.thebeaney.co.uk
Located in the heart of Medway, the Royal Engineers Museum, library and archive can count over one million specimens in their extensive collection. This includes photos, prints, maps and objects, all collated from conflicts in which the Corps of Royal Engineers have been involved. In September 2011, the museum introduced a new exhibition: the ‘Corps Today’ gallery. Here the focus on life as a Royal Engineer continues as visitors are able to kit themselves out in modern day solider attire whilst listening to the sounds of the battle field. With relevance to modern day warfare, the gallery will also touch on the Corps involvement with Iraq and Afghanistan as well as shedding light on their projects at home. At a time when much of us question the intentions and reasons behind such plights, such informative access to valuable images and artefacts should not be overlooked.
Finchcocks Musical Museum www.finchcocks.co.uk Residing in a beautiful Georgian Manor house, profuse with acres of parkland
outside, is Finchcocks Musical Museum. Situated in Goudhurst, Kent, Finchcocks plays host to over 100 historical keyboard instruments, most of which are in perfect working order. Collectable harpsichords and organs from the mid-late 18th century feature in the prestigious collection, as do 70 historic pianos, all from the late 18th – early 19th century. Finchcocks is one of the few musical museums throughout Europe which permits their visitors to play on the instruments – an opportunity many young players want to experience. However, don’t let this deter you from visiting if you are not musically inclined; instead enjoy one of the frequent performances or daily recitals and appreciate the musicality as a vital member of the audience.
Eden Valley Museum www.evmt.org.uk Only opening as recently as the year 2000, Eden Valley Museum is modern in both form and appeal in an effort to tell the story of the people of Eden Valley. Housed in a medieval farmhouse in the centre of Edenbridge, this community-run museum is active in its approach to appeal to all tastes and ages. Interactive computer displays, exhibitions and outreach work are just some of the ways in which Eden Valley Museum communicates their message, whereby ‘the human story is at the forefront’.
Following an extensive repair and restoration project, the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge is reopening its doors to the public on 5th September. Sitting in the historic city of Canterbury, the superbly restored facility provides state-of-the-art exhibition galleries, a brand new and extended library, excellent educational facilities and a varied programme of interactive events for all ages. The Beaney is not only a great day out, but a great way to show your support for your local community, with the Beaney’s top priorities being to promote cultural excellence, encourage active community participation and support economic and social regeneration. This combined with the fantastic collections and special exhibitions makes the Beaney one of the county’s must-visit attractions this season.
Exhibits focus on the history and heritage of Edenbridge, including images and objects from past trading industries as well as informative script on the traditions of the town. Although quaint, this no-admission museum is well worth a visit as it is ever more important that we celebrate our own Kentish towns as well as support our home county neighbour’s successes.
www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
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DAYSOUT
Knole Park and Sevenoaks P A R K L A N D
A N D
P A R A K E E T S
THIS IS A PLACE OF PEACEFUL PATHS AND INSPIRING HILLS, WHERE YOU CAN FEEL REFRESHED AFTER ENJOYING THE PEACE, QUIET AND AMAZING VIEWS ON A POPULAR WALK TAKING IN PART OF THE GREENSAND WAY THROUGH SOME OF THE COUNTY’S MOST BEAUTIFUL AND UNSPOILT NATURAL COUNTRYSIDE, BEFORE REACHING KNOLE - KENT’S HIDDEN TREASURE HOUSE.
The circular route starts in Sevenoaks – known as the jewel in the crown of Kent – packed with a charming mix of shops, cafés and restaurants, rubbing shoulders with historic buildings, including the renowned Sevenoaks School. It is set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Green Belt land that protects the surrounding countryside of rolling wooded hills, country estates and picturesque villages, and preserves their rich heritage. In 1450, the rebellion against King Henry VI, led by Jack Cade, involved the Battle of Solefields, at Sevenoaks, at which Cade defeated the King’s troops. You can see a plaque commemorating this event at the junction of Tonbridge Road and Solefields Road. At the heart of Sevenoaks you’ll find the Old Vine Cricket Ground – one of the oldest in the country – founded in the 1700s. Contrary to popular belief, the town is not named after the seven oak trees that line the cricket ground boundary, but apparently derives from the Saxon word Seouenaca, the name given to a small chapel that stood in Knole Park around 800 AD.
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Sevenoaks has its fair share of interesting old buildings, including the Old Market House, Chequers Inn, The Red House, Chantry House, Old House, St Nicholas’ Church, Old Rectory and the Almshouses. The town is renowned for its distinctive, independent shops that give it an individual atmosphere lacking in many of today’s modern shopping centres. Shoppers can explore the network of small cobbled lanes and alleyways just off the High Street, including the medieval Shambles, once home to slaughterhouses and butchers, and the more recent School Walk. There are two excellent markets – the traditional Saturday High Street market received its charter in 1207, while the Wednesday market by the bus station, is a popular modern trading place for a wide range of goods. By contrast the lush, rolling landscape of Knole Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is just a hop, skip and a jump away to the east of the bustling market town, set in the beautiful Wealden countryside. Knole’s historic deer park straddles the Greensand Way and is the perfect place for
LOCATION: Knole Park, Sevenoaks TN13 1LW DISTANCE: 4 miles (6.3km), approximately 2 hours STEP COUNT: 6,000 OS Explorer Map: 147 TERRAIN: mainly surfaced paths with some grassy, gentle slopes, one steep slope with handrail. This walk is not suitable for pushchairs, electric scooters or wheelchairs but many of the paths within Knole Park are suitable for all users. GATES: 1 (less than 1metre wide) PARKING: In Sevenoaks town centre or you could start the walk from Knole house car park (£4 charge) in front of Knole house, disabled parking for five cars. REFRESHMENTS AND FACILITIES: café, toilets at Knole, pubs, cafés, restaurants, public toilets in Sevenoaks.
walkers of all ages and abilities to enjoy long views across to the North Downs. From here you can also appreciate the changes of the seasons and a wealth of wildlife, amid ancient trees and acid grasslands. The 1,000-acre (405 hectare) grounds at Knole make up the last remaining medieval deer park in Kent. Knole Park has been home to the same fallow deer herd since at least the 15th century, and a herd of Japanese Sika deer was introduced in the 1890s. As you stroll through the magnificent parkland, you’re likely to come across some of these deer grazing peacefully together. Visitors are asked not to approach, pet or feed the deer, because when they become tame, they can be dangerous to people, particularly small children. If you hear loud squawking, they come from a flock of ring-necked Parakeets, a species of parrot from the African and Asian continents, living wild at Knole. There’s a brick-domed ice-house in the grounds, and you may also discover a surprising relic of the Second World War – an anti-aircraft gun emplacement close to part of the walk, but very well concealed. It’s just one of many relics of Knole’s wartime history. Another is the metalled paths and roads (made from stone chippings mixed with tar) which criss-cross the park. Knole Park is dominated by Knole House, an exceptionally beautiful ragstone mansion that takes its name from the knoll, or small hill, on which it was built. The central buildings of the house date back to 1456, when it was owned by Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, but much of it was either built or modified by Thomas Sackville in 1603-1608.
Now a National Trust property, it’s well worth taking a tour around this magnificent house, packed with exciting and exotic treasures that reflect its fascinating past. Knole is known as a calendar house, as it has 365 rooms, 52 staircases, 12 entrances and 7 courtyards - so allow several hours for your visit! It’s worth trying out some of the locally-sourced food and drinks available from the ground floor café, check out the visitor centre and shop, or sit among fragrant lemons growing in the Orangery and watch the world go by. Free guided and special family parkland walks are run most days that the house is open. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole
Other places to visit: Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve and Bradbourne Lakes Nature reserve with bird-watching hides overlooking a lake and trails, open daily, dawn to dusk, visitor centre, shop, toilets, refreshments, parking. Riverhill Himalayan Gardens Unique hillside garden renowned for rhododendrons and azaleas, panoramic views from Mount Everest, maze, children’s activities, open March to midSeptember, admission charge, tearoom, toilets, parking.
For more free walks in Kent go to www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent, or follow Explore Kent on Twitter @explorekent www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk
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LIVINGSTONE COTTAGE
WAKE UP TO THE SOUNDS OF THE SERENGETI
ESCAPES
BY ADAM READY
WHEN THE BROCHURE ARRIVED IN THE POST WITH THE ITINERARY OF OUR NIGHT’S STAY AND SAFARI AT LIVINGSTONE COTTAGE, TO SAY I WAS EXCITED WOULD BE AN UNDERSTATEMENT. THE RECENTLY REFURNISHED LUXURY ACCOMMODATION OF LIVINGSTONE COTTAGE BOASTS THREE SPECTACULAR DOUBLE BEDROOMS, ONE CHARMING TWIN ROOM AND THREE BATHROOMS. THE BRIDAL SUITE AND MASTER BEDROOMS BOTH HAVE PRIVATE EN-SUITES – COMPLETE WITH FREE STANDING ROLL TOP BATHS – AND THE BEST PART, IT BOASTS SPECTACULAR FAR-REACHING VIEWS ACROSS THE AFRICAN EXPERIENCE TO THE ENGLISH CHANNEL.
After a busy day in the office, my guest and I arrived at the reception which is situated in Port Lympne Wild Animal Park opposite the mansion house. We were lucky enough to have picked one of the warmer evenings of the season to go on our African experience. We were happily greeted by our informative ranger Richard, who was on-hand throughout our stay at the park. After his introductions, glasses of bubbly and a popular South African drink called Amarula were offered as a welcome drink to start off our private safari stay adventure. Our bags were loaded onto the Land Rover and off we went through the park to the start of the African Experience Safari. Our first encounter was the black rhino; the park had recently had a new rhino addition with the birth of a baby. Along the safari Richard would stop the truck by the animals and explain where they were from along with very interesting facts about each one, and even about his time living and working on
safari in Africa. This was also a fantastic photo opportunity. It was amazing to see so many roaming animals in our Kentish back garden. The giraffes were very pleased to see us – Sebastian being the friendliest, lowering his head into the truck to say hello. In addition to the rhinos and giraffes, we came across buffalo, zebra and wildebeest. At the top of the park sits the beautiful Livingstone Cottage with views across the Romney Marsh. After a quick tour, Richard introduced us to our chef for the evening, Christo, who was a real character. He had a South Africaninspired meal planned for us, starting with traditional bread based soup followed by seared swordfish, and for the main meal: sirloin steak and fondant sweet potatoes complimented by a nice bottle of Flagstone red wine. Whist enjoying the meal, Richard and Christo told us stories and about the culture back in Africa – fabulous entertainment during our private dinner.
After a typical South African dessert, which Christo explained was a firm family favourite, we relaxed with coffees and enjoyed the beautiful setting in the front garden. The night sky and noises from the nearby safari animals was truly magical. We had a 7am wakeup call from Richard for our early morning safari covering the same tracks as the evening before, but in the peaceful morning light. After the tour we arrived back at the cottage and sat down for an Aspinall full English. Over breakfast, my guest and I chatted about celebrating a birthday with friends at Livingstone Cottage next year – obviously it was an experience we would love to repeat!
For more information on prices and bookings please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/ livingstone-cottage
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NEW for 2012 WEEKEND PASS
Free pint of beer for every full paying adult
HOPS ‘N’ HARVEST FESTIVAL 2012 (formerly Maidstone’s Beer Festival)
Sat 8 & Sun 9 September 2012
Up to 60 varieties of beer, including our own Cobtree Ale. See the last working coal fired Oast House in Britain. Try picking the hops by hand. A variety of live and local music. Enjoy the ‘festini’ atmosphere!
Detling International Antiques & Collectors Fair Kent County Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF
Up to 500 exhibitors in two buildings, shopping arcades, marquees & outside offering a wide range of items from ceramics, glass, vintage clothing, furniture, books, metalware, kitchenalia, postcards, pictures & much more.
Sat 1st - Sun 2nd Sept Sat 27th - Sun 28th Oct
Pre-book before 7 September 2012 and save 20% off all ticket prices. Call 01622 763936 www.kentlife.org.uk
Sat: Early Entry 8.30am -10am - £6 Sat: Public 10am - 5pm - £4 Sun: 10am - 3.30pm - £4
Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU. Junction 6 of the M20
Tel: 07900 006870 www.b2bevents.info
Shane Hamsheir From UK, Sensational Universal Records Artist, the Bublé Rat Pack Singer Shane Hamsheir with Dancers & Big Band. Friday 21st September 2012
Christmas Parties at Dickens World
Channel 4 TV Musician Ray Butcher
Las Vegas Cabaret Nights A dazzling night of music, dance, circus & cabaret! Includes 3 course meal, cabaret show & a DJ after party until late. From £42.50 per adult
From Channel 4 TV Musician Ray Butcher with Blew Tubes Funky New Orleans Beat Band From BBC TV Proms, Brazillian, Latin & Melodic Jazz with Steve Rubie Saturday 22nd September 2012
Rod Stewart & Abba Tribute Night A Tribute to One of the world’s greatest entertainers & legendary group. Doors open at 7pm, Purchase tickets from Porters Bar. £29.95 – Including a 3 course meal. Saturday 20th October 2012
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to visit our website now or find us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with all the latest news and offers from Dickens World!
Leviathan Way, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4LL (for sat nav use Leviathan Way) For all information and online bookings call 01634 890 421 or visit www.dickensworld.co.uk
Annual Passes now available from just £10
GETAWAYS
DAY TRIPS TO BELGIUM AND FRANCE W I T H
D F D S
Whether you’re after waffles in Wallonia, beer in Bruges or light shopping in Lille, your perfect day trip could be just a hop away across the Channel.
S E A W A Y S
With prices from £19 day-return for a car and up to four people and up to 44 crossings a day on its Dover-France routes, DFDS Seaways offers an affordable and relaxing start and finish to your trip. DFDS Seaway’s modern fleet of ferries on the Channel have been designed to ensure plain sailing when it comes to onboard entertainment, with soft play and TV areas for kids, and a range of eateries and an onboard shop for the adults.
Calais or Dunkirk, from where historical cities such as Bruges in Belgium or Lille in France are less than an hour’s drive away. To book your ferry to Dunkirk or Calais, or for more information on DFDS Seaways’ services and offers, including travel guides, visit www.dfdsseaways.co.uk or call 0871 574 7241.
DFDS Seaways also offers a choice of entry points into France, enabling you to sail into either
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GETAWAYS
Dunkirk
FRANCE The Opal Coast The Opal Coast is right on the doorstep of the UK and has lots of different activities for those looking for a thrilling day-trip. Activities available include sand yachting, kite surfing, sailing, cruise sailing and boat hire. Adrenaline sports available include paragliding, paint ball, Jet Ski, quad biking, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, motor racing and parachuting. With so much on offer, why not spend the day seeking a thrill? www.calais-cotedopale.com/en.html
Calais
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Lille ©Bruno Cappelle
for keen Kent golfers tee’d off with their own 18 holes. Offering a spectacular 27-hole course, the Grand Littoral Golf Club offers a great game in the French countryside. www.bluegreen.com
Le Touquet Le Touquet is situated south west of Calais, under an hour’s drive from the port. Known as one of France’s chicest resorts in the 1920s, Le Touquet is still referred to as a ‘Paris-Plage’(Parison-the-Sea), making it a real seaside treat! In addition to a large sandy beach and a promenade with sand dunes for children to explore and enjoy, Aqualud – a fantastic 8,000 square-metre water park – is situated right next to the beach and is a real delight for the all the family. And, if you choose to visit on either a Tuesday or Thursday, make sure to visit the market, Place du Marche Couvert, which offers an array of exquisite produce from the region. www.letouquet.com
Just a short 90-minute ferry from Dover lies the charming town of Calais. With a lovely sandy beach, 19th century lighthouse and home to the Fine Art Museum featuring work by Picasso, Rodin and Dubuffet, it’s hard to believe that this destination can sometimes be overlooked as a day-trip destination. With plenty to do and explore it’s a great destination for a spontaneous get-away for all the family. And, with a wide selection of wines, beers and local French produce available at the Calais hypermarkets, why not take the opportunity to stock up ahead of the festive period too? www.uk.pas-de-calais.com
Boulogne Sur Mer Boulogne is the largest fishing port in France and less than a 30-minute drive from Calais. The beach is popular for flying kites and windsailing, which are two great family activities. The beach also boasts an array of trampolines and a playground guaranteed to keep the kids entertained. And, if that wasn’t enough there’s also the Nausicaa Aquarium which is bound to keep a child’s boredom at bay! But it’s not all about the children. For history lovers, the Basilica of Notre-Dame has crypts that date back to the 7th century and the 13th century Les Ramparts, (the medieval walls) can still be seen around the town today. www.tourisme-boulognesurmer.com/uk
Dunkerque Grand Littoral Golf Club Dunkerque Grand Littoral Golf Club is a Blue Green site in Dunkirk and offers a great alternative
Dunkirk Dunkirk is a great destination for those looking to immerse themselves in history. It is the scene
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of the mass evacuation of British and French troops from German forces in WW2, known as Operation Dynamo. The Operation Dynamo War Museum is open from April to September and has equipment used in the evacuations, and the beaches still have the old ramparts. The sandy dunes of Dunkirk also makes it a lovely beach to visit for the day with the family, and sampling some of the fish delights in the various local restaurants is an absolute must! www.dunkirk-tourism.com
Parc Asterix Step back in time with a visit to Parc Asterix, the fantastic theme park in Plaily, under a three-hour drive from Calais. Based on a series of French comic books and the exploits of main characters, Asterix and Obelix, the park has been a popular attraction for more than 20 years. Attractions include a wooden roller coaster, a steel roller coaster, the ‘spinning rapids’ and the park’s newest attraction, ‘Village Gaulois’, which is made to look like Asterix and Obelix’s home. Adults (12 years and over) cost from 35¤ and children (3 – 11) cost from 30¤. www.parcasterix.fr/en
Lille Named previously as the European Capital of Culture, Lille is a great city to spend the day exploring. Only an hour’s drive from Dunkirk, there are many museums and galleries to visit, such as The Museum of Fine Arts and The Natural History Museum. www.lilletourism.com
Roubaix If you fancy some cheap continental shopping, why not visit the factory outlets at Roubaix? The McArthur Glen outlet boasts an array of over 65 factory shops, or there’s A l’Usine, an outlet which offers over 200 discounted brands including Levis and Nike. There’s two to choose from, but either one is a shopper’s paradise. www.roubaixtourisme.com/en.htm
BELGIUM Ghent Named by Lonely Planet as one of its top cities to visit in 2011, Ghent is a stunning historical city, just over an hour’s drive from Dunkirk, It’s perfect for cycling, so it’s a great place to visit with your bikes or you can hire bikes for the day, allowing you to take in the fantastic views on two-wheels. www.visitgent.be
Bruges
Only an hour’s drive from the port of Dunkirk, Bruges is a popular tourist city. While famous for its Christmas markets, Bruges has lots to offer all year round, with hundreds of beers to taste and master chocolatiers to visit, it is a gastronomical heaven. With a historic city centre, Bruges was listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2000 and has most of its medieval architecture intact. One of the most famous landmarks to visit is the 13th century Belfry. Another must-visit is the Chocolate Museum, where chocoholics get to discover all
Bruges
about the production of all different kinds of chocolate. Depending on the time of year of your visit, be sure to check local festival listings, as there are many music, beer and film festivals that you won’t want to miss! www.visitflanders.co.uk www.choco-story.be
Plopsaland De Panne Plopsaland De Panne is Belgium’s top theme park that offers over 50 attractions for a fun and exciting day trip. With key attractions including the Mega Mindy Zone, the SuperSplash, Anubis The Ride, Castle Yard and the SpringFlyer, there is plenty to keep the whole family amused. Only a short 20 minute drive from Dunkirk, Plopsaland De Panne is a must visit for the inquisitive family. Costs from 27¤ per adult and 8.50¤ per child. www.plopsa.be/plopsaland-de-panne/en
Antwerp Zoo Antwerp Zoo is home to more than 5,000 exotic animals and is a unique and historic attraction in Belgium, with origins dating back to 1843. Attracting more than one million visitors per year, it’s less than a two-hour drive from the port of Dunkirk. Boasting a huge array of animals from lions, leopards, tigers, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, elk, fishes, birds, reptiles and insects, it will be a jam-packed day of animal spotting, so make sure you bring your camera! Visiting the zoo is also a feel-good activity as all revenue from visitors goes directly to scientific research and nature conservation causes too.
Plopsalad de Panne
Adults cost 22¤ and children (3 – 18) cost 17¤. www.zooantwerpen.be
Aquatopia Less than two hours away from the port of Dunkirk lies the unique underwater world experience Aquatopia. Much more than your average aquarium, Aquatopia offers seven worlds ready to be explored including rainforest, swamp, mangrove, coral reefs, ocean, lab and submarine. With more than 10,000 fish and 250 species of animals in natural environments, children will be thrilled, entertained and educated. With additional facilities including an indoor playground with ball pool, this is guaranteed to tire kids out. Adults cost 12.50¤ and children (3 – 12) cost 8.50¤. www.aquatopia.be/en
Ypres For history lovers everywhere, a trip to Menin Gate, one of the most recognisable war memorials in all of Ypres, is an absolute must. The tribute is dedicated to British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives in the First World War. Menin Gate also offers picturesque views of Ypres as well as being a calm and commemorative place to pay your respects; all just an hour away from Dunkirk. Other World War I sites worth a visit include Flanders Fields Museum, Tyne Cot Cemetery and Talbot House. www.toerismeieper.be/en
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TRAVEL
GENEVA THE BEST KEPT WEEKEND CITY BREAK SECRET
© Switzerland Tourism / Stephan Engler
WHEN YOU COMBINE WELL-KNOWN SWISS EFFICIENCY WITH THE CHARM OF GENEVA, YOU ARE GUARANTEED A MEMORABLE CITY BREAK. STUNNING VIEWS, CULTURE, RESTAURANTS, SHOPPING AND A CHIC LAKESIDE LIFESTYLE ALL FUSE TO COMBINE A CITY FULL OF CHARACTER. BY PETER DA SILVA
Watch the 140m-high Jet d’Eau which shows Geneva’s self-confidence along with the distant mountains and Mont Blanc itself – this really is the ideal city for a short break. The lakeside promenade comes to life all day long and thrillseekers can enjoy lake trips, helicopter tours and mountain adventures. Seasonal festivals take place throughout Geneva adding and endless array of activities to visitors’ agendas.
© Switzerland Tourism / Max Schmid
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The boutique Hotel d’Angleterre, which dates back to 1872, has all the old-world charm with new-world service. Each of the 39 guest rooms and six luxury suites offer opulent, richly decorated and cosy interiors with stunning views across Lake Geneva. The rooms are reflective of the city’s well documented grandeur; each room offering a welcoming Swiss home-from-home experience including complimentary high-speed internet access, interactive TV and iPod docking stations.
The hotel’s Windows Restaurant merges breathtaking views and superb inventive cuisine by chef Philippe Audonnet. The cuisine is international – fusing French and Swiss dishes – and paired with the hotel’s sommelier suggestions, delivers the perfect match. The Leopard Room and Bar is an award-winning bar offering a selection of cocktails and comfort food in a club-style atmosphere complete with contemporary live music.
© Switzerland Tourism
© Switzerland Tourism / Samuel Mizrachi
© Photo by Red Carnation Hotels
© Switzerland Tourism / Samuel Mizrachi
© Switzerland Tourism / Stephan Engler
© Photo by Red Carnation Hotels
Stepping straight from the front door onto the broad lakeside promenade you are only a ten minute stroll away from the buzzing cosmopolitan elegance of Rue du Rhone – a broad street lined with Geneva's most impressive boutiques and stores. These include Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Valentino, Versace, Gucci and Montblanc, to name but a few. There are also the world's finest jewellers and watch makers, such as Patek Philippe, Blancpain, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Boucheron, Chopar and Fabergé. From here you can amble up the gentle hill to the Old Town, with its quaint streets, narrow alleyways and picturesque squares to discover Geneva's fascinating 2000 year old history. The Place du Bourg-de-Four, in the very heart of the Old Town, has been a thriving commercial centre since Roman times. Houses were built here to accommodate exiled Protestants, and it is still one of the city's favourite meeting places. There's a lovely 18th century flowered fountain in the centre with tables and chairs outside the cafés and bistros – a wonderful spot for a coffee while you admire the handsome 16th, 17th and 18th century buildings. The Place du Molard is also well worth a visit. In the heart of Geneva's left bank, surrounded by a rich array of department stores, luxury boutiques and restaurants, it has a lovely octagonal fountain with a marble obelisk dating from 1771, and an impressive tower which was originally part of the city's defensive wall. Saint Peter's Cathedral, on top of the hill at the centre of the old town, is an impressive reminder of Geneva's defiant Protestant stand during the reformation. Dating right back to 1160, it has a mighty tower from which you can enjoy a fabulous panoramic view of the city and the lake. Geneva boasts over 40 fascinating museums and art galleries. The Art & History Museum covers the whole of western culture, from its origins to the present day, while The Patek Philippe Museum hosts an exceptional collection of horological exhibits, musical automata and portrait miniatures.
The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art houses an eclectic collection of installations, videos, paintings, photographs, and sculpture. The BarbierMueller Museum is an archaeologists dream with over 7,000 masks, tools, statues, ornaments and other singular articles in the permanent collection, with numerous temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The Tavel House is devoted to the urban history and daily life of Geneva. It showcases objects, drawings, engravings and photographs, coins, furniture and collections of silver, from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century, as well as a huge scale model of Old Geneva and its fortifications. Geneva is one of Europe's greenest cities, with 50 parks. These include the English Garden, Botanical Garden, Parc des Eaux-Vives, Parc de la Grange, the Perle-Du-Lac, Ile Rousseau, and Parc des Bastions, the former botanical garden with its lovely promenade in the heart of the city littered with monuments, fountains and statues. The Flower Clock, in the English Garden, is the world’s largest floral clock, while the Reformation Wall in the Bastions Park, is a monument to Geneva's turbulent religious past. Once guests have explored Geneva, the Hotel d’Angleterre offers a range of health and fitness facilities including a sauna and fitness centre. The hotel also has access to the exclusive Insens where the finest treatments in Geneva are available.
For more information on booking your perfect Swiss holiday, visit www.myswitzerland.com Hotel d'Angleterre, Quai du Mont-Blanc 17, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland www.dangleterrehotel.com
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The Courtyard, Crowbridge Road, Orbital Park, Kent, TN24 0SY 01233 502900 Models shown: Alto 1.0 SZ4 available at £7,785 on the road, includes customer saving of £1,560 (metallic paint available at £380). Splash 1.2 SZ4 available at £9,254 on the road, includes customer saving of £1,851 (metallic paint available at £399). Swift 1.2 SZ4 5dr available at £10,820 on the road, includes customer saving of £2,165 (metallic paint available at £399). Alto, Splash and Swift range official fuel consumption figures in mpg (L/100km): Urban from 40.9 (6.9) to 55.4 (5.1), extra urban from 56.5 (5.0) to 78.5 (3.6), combined from 49.6 (5.7) to 67.3 (4.2). Official CO2 emissions from 131 g/km to 99 g/km. *VAT free offer on Alto, Splash and Swift range: Alto 1.0 SZ available from £5,995, including a customer saving of £1,200 to Alto 1.0 SZ4 A/T available at £8,335 including customer saving of £1,660 equivalent to VAT amount of previous on the road price of £7,195 (SZ) and £9,995 (SZ4 A/T). Splash 1.0 SZ2 available from £7,777, including a customer saving of £1,548 to Splash 1.2 SZ4 A/T available at £10,000 including a customer saving of £2,000 equivalent to VAT amount of previous on the road price of £9,325 (SZ2) and £12,000 (SZ4 A/T). Swift 1.2 SZ2 3dr available from £8,888, including a customer saving of £1,772 to Swift 1.2 SZ4 5dr A/T wavailable at £11,660 including customer saving of £2,335 equivalent to VAT amount of previous on the road price of £10,660 (SZ2 3dr) and £13,995 (SZ4 5dr A/T). VAT Free offer excludes Swift Attitude and Swift Sport. For full details contact your local participating Suzuki Dealer. Offer subject to availability for vehicles privately registered between 1st July 2012 and 30th September 2012 from participating Authorised Suzuki Dealers only. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. All prices and specifications correct at time of going to print.
MOTORS
FOR YOUR FERRARI
BARKAWAYS IS HERE TO HELP
BARKAWAYS MAY NOT BE A NAME FAMILIAR TO MANY IN THE FERRARI WORLD, BUT IF PASSION, QUALITY OF WORK, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE ARE THE INGREDIENTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS, THEN IT IS A NAME THAT WE WILL HEAR MUCH MORE OF IN THE FUTURE.
The business is very family orientated, led by Ian Barkaway, who has many years’ experience in the Ferrari field, working for a variety of specialists in the UK. It was during this period, that some of his clients suggested that he should set up properly in his own right. Despite the bleak economic situation and forecast of the past few years, he decided to take the plunge in 2011, and found suitable secure premises tucked away in a quiet location, quite literally, as the River Medway runs alongside the building close to Tonbridge. As mentioned the business is very much a family affair, hence the plural of the surname, with his wife Andrea doing the books, and his equally passionate teenage son Ben following in his father’s footsteps helping out at weekends. The family feel extends to the staff, which is rare in such a short space of time, but the overall feel is one of everybody working towards a shared goal. The official opening was in September 2011, and in the relatively short space of time since, the business has shown a steady growth, as the word has spread through the Ferrari community. Ian’s mantra is communication with the customer, i.e. keeping them informed of progress, explaining and advising of anything that might be uncovered
when they dismantle parts, so that they are aware of what the total cost may be, rather than presenting them with an unexpectedly high invoice upon completion. Equally, any parts removed for replacement are offered to the customer when they come to collect the car, so that they can see that they have been replaced, and are not just an item on the invoice. A delivery and collection service is also offered, this being in a discreet black fully enclosed trailer. So, what is it that Barkaways can do? In a word, almost anything: from a routine service through to the creation of a Concours winner. Currently in the workshop is a 308GTB in for a routine service; a stunning 246 Dino GT recently restored by Ian which has just been awarded ‘Best in Class’ at the Ferrari Owners Club National Concours; and a 360 Spider in for remedial mechanical repairs. “We will support customers in whatever way they want. Every car and owner is different,” says Ian. “And it’s important to me that customers enjoy the journey; that is vital. We speak to owners regularly and most visit us to see how work is progressing. These cars are owners’ pride and joys, and if work is done to them then they deserve to be totally involved.” The usual worry with the longer term
projects is that costs could easily spiral out of control, but that’s something Barkaways go to great lengths to avoid. “Our price structure is fair and we’re very upfront – we try to offer good, honest value for money. We will look after your car and do the best we possibly can – and at a fair price.” The ‘For Your Ferrari’ slogan is selfexplanatory. “It’s because we are here for your Ferrari; to help you enjoy your car. They’re Italian; they’re quirky, so you’re going to need help along the way, whether it’s for a warning light, a tuneup or a complete rebuild. Running these cars does require assistance, and we’re here to help with that.”
To find out more about what Barkaways can do for your Ferrari visit www.barkaways.com or call Ian on 01622 872100.
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MOTORS
DETAILS OF NEW
abarth 500 AND 595 RANGES ANNOUNCED TWO NEW MODEL NAMES HERALD THE UK ARRIVAL OF THE NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE ABARTH 500 AND 595 RANGES. An overhaul of the original and highly successful Abarth 500 line-up signifies a milestone in the development of the historic Scorpion brand. And to celebrate that history, two new versions of the sporting hatchback and convertible have been revealed: the 595 Turismo and the 595 Competizione. Both of these cars will come as standard with a 160bhp version of the turbocharged 1.4 T-Jet engine, to offer greater choice for customers in terms of enhanced standard specifications. The original Abarth 500 will remain as an entry-level model, though a new colour, and extra standard equipment has been added, while the on-the-road price has been reduced. An esseesse higher performance option will continue to be available for the Abarth 500 as part of a dealer upgrade kit.
All three new versions will be available in manual form or with Abarth’s MTA (Manual Transmission Automated) semi-automatic gearbox. “When the ground-breaking Abarth 595 SS was created in 1964 it established itself as a genuine performance car and a force to be reckoned with on and off the circuits,” says Ivan Gibson, head of Abarth in the UK. “It is therefore fitting that our two new versions revive the great 595 brand in the form of the Turismo and the Competizione. “While the Abarth 500 is positioned as an entry point for customers to gain access to the brand, the 595 models will now allow customers to progress or renew their Abarth experience and will also attract new drivers to the marque.”
WHO WHO SAID SAID IT’S IT’S RUDE RUDE TO TO STARE? STARE?
New colours, new configurations and an amazing set of possibilities. What more do you need to be seduced? Discover the new Abarth 500, 595 Turismo and 595 Competizione. You can even have them as convertible.
UK.ABARTHWORLD.COM
Abarth 595 Turismo and Competizione fuel cons mpg (l/100km): urban 33.2 (8.5) / extra-urban 52.3 (5.4) / combined 43.5 (6.5), CO2 emissions: 155g/km. The new Abarth 500 range starts from £13,975 OTR. Models shown: Abarth 595 Tursimo (from £17,725 On The Road) with optional Bi-Colour paint (£950) and Abarth 595 Competizione (from £18,725 On The Road) with optional Record Grey Paint (£400).
Performance House, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Maidstone, Kent, ME20 7XA Tel: 08430 225551 www.lipscomb.co.uk
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MOTORS
THE BENCHMARK roadster
PORSCHE ANNOUNCES A NEW GENERATION BOXSTER:
THE NEW PORSCHE BOXSTER ARRIVES IN THE UK THIS SPRING OFFERING OPEN-TOP DRIVING ENTHUSIASTS A NEW GENERATION OF THE BENCHMARK ROADSTER. THE BOXSTER HAS AN ALL-NEW LIGHTWEIGHT BODY, NEW FLAT-SIX ENGINES WITH DIRECT PETROL INJECTION, A COMPLETELY REVISED CHASSIS AND EVOLUTIONARY STYLING.
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Considerably lower weight, a longer wheelbase, widened track and larger wheels significantly enhance the driving dynamics of the mid-engined sports car. These attributes, combined with many other new features including electro-mechanical power steering, result in the new Boxster not only offering superior performance but also up to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency.
enclosed by a new fully electric hood, which now dispenses with a compartment lid for the convertible top when stowed. The interior design offers the driver and passenger more space and reflects the new Porsche outline, while the distinctive centre console - originating in the Carrera GT - further improves ergonomics.
PORSCHE INTELLIGENT PERFORMANCE CHARISMATIC FLAT-SIX ‘BOXER’ ENGINES
• Lighter, more efficient and more agile • Distinctive, purposeful styling emphasises midengine design • New Boxster priced from £37,589, Boxster S from £45,384 – went on sale in UK May 5
of the Boxster S. The 3.4-litre now delivers 315 hp (232 kW), 5 hp more than before. Both models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard, with the seven-speed dual-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) available as an option.
DISTINCTIVE ROADSTER STYLING
The new generation Porsche roadster makes its debut in the classic Porsche pairing of Boxster and Boxster S. Both derivatives are powered by charismatic flat-six engines with direct petrol injection, the efficiency of which is further enhanced by electrical system recuperation, thermal management and start/stop function.
The styling of the new Boxster clearly signals the unique driving experience on offer; with shorter front and rear overhangs, significantly forwardshifted windscreen, a flatter silhouette and expressive edges. Inside, the passengers are
The new power unit fitted in the Boxster delivers 265 hp (195 kW) from a 2.7 litre displacement – 10 hp more than its larger capacity predecessor. Technically, it is now based on the 3.4-litre engine
Both models achieve their best fuel consumption and acceleration performance with the PDK. Fuel consumption for the Porsche Boxster with PDK is 36.7mpg, and 35.3mpg for the Boxster S. With gear changes achieved without interruption to the flow of power, the Boxster sprints from 0- 62mph in 5.7 sec, the Boxster S in just 5.0 sec.
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MOTORS
To enhance the driving dynamics further, the Sport Chrono Package option is offered on the Boxster, featuring Dynamic Transmission Mounts for the first time. Also new in the Boxster is the option of Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) with a mechanical rear limited slip differential. THE NEW PORSCHE BOXSTER IN THE UK Built in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, the new Porsche Boxster went on sale in the UK from May 5. The Boxster is priced from £37,589, and from £45,384 for the Boxster S.
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The Boxster features an Alcantara interior, 18” alloy wheels, Auto stop/start and Sports mode, remote control hood operation, audio CD with 7-inch colour touch-screen control, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity and a three year warranty. The Boxster S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior and Bi-Xenon headlights in addition to the power advantage of the larger 3.4-litre engine. All new Boxster customers can also explore the potential of their car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.
GADGETS
THE HOTTEST GADGETS
from HOTcraze EXCLUSIVE discount to insideKENT readers! Use this code to claim 10% off your next order from www.HOTcraze.co.uk :
HOTCAN Self-Heating Meal in a Can
CnM Covert Key Fob Camera
If you’re used to trekking or walking in very rural places, you’ll know how difficult it can be getting a decent hot meal when you’re enjoying the great outdoors. Besides, who can be bothered with all that twig rubbing malarkey or carrying one of those primitive trekking stoves! Not us, because we’ve discovered HOTCANS. Despite sounding like a chain of dodgy lap dancing clubs, these amazing 400g tins of yumminess contain delicious ready meals that heat up, as if by magic, when you crack them open. No hob, campfire or washing up liquid required! Happy days! Flavours available: Cheese and Tomato Ravioli or Bangers and Beans.
The CnM spy car key fob has a tiny hidden camera – so tiny that it fits on your keyring and can be kept in the pocket, so it’s always there. It looks just like an electronic car key, so when you are filming, no one needs to know. Extremely easy to use, it includes a micro SD card slot (4GB micro SD card included), so just press the discrete button to start and stop recording. The car fob spy camera can also be used as a web cam when connected to a PC via the included USB cable.
HOTCAN Self-Heating Meal in a Can HOTcraze Price: £7.99 (RRP: £8.99) from www.HOTcraze.co.uk
CnM Covert Key Fob Camera HOTcraze Price: £49.99 (RRP: £69.99) from www.HOTcraze.co.uk
KWORLD External TVBox Relying on just your desktop PC or laptop for your entertainment fix at home? Need another HD TV? Here's a potential solution for you from consumer electronics maker, KWORLD. This new gadget will turn your PC's monitor into an improvised HDTV, just like that! The KWORLD External TVBox will turn your monitor into a TV with maximum resolution of up to 1920 x 1200. The ideal choice for an additional HD TV set and on top of it all, it’s very easy to switch from PC to TV and vice versa with a single click on the remote. KWORLD External TVBox HOTcraze Price: £49.99 (RRP: £99.99) from www.HOTcraze.co.uk
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LED Sound Sensitive Stool This might seem at first an ordinary white square stool, but make no mistake. Get a little closer and you’ll see that there is a lot more to this piece of furniture than meets the eye. Fitted discreetly within the simplystyled cube is a series of LEDs showcasing 16 colour combinations and four separate lighting effects. The LED Sound Sensitive Stool comes with a slim-line infrared remote control so you can switch from one light setting to another at the push of a button. From chilled out phasing glow to at-home strobe disco or solid static colour, it’s totally up to you. Hosting a party? Set the cube to ‘sound sensitive’ mode and the show starts. Watch a kaleidoscope of colour patterns move in synchrony to the beats you’re playing. It’s undeniably a cool way to set the party mood going. You can opt for the mains power using the provided adaptor or you can charge the stool, thanks to a built-in rechargeable battery. One charge lasts for over five hours, so you carry on partying with this totally wireless, portable LED sound sensitive stool. LED Sound Sensitive Stool HOTcraze Price: £139.99 (RRP: £149.99) from www.HOTcraze.co.uk For your chance to win your own LED Sound Sensitive Stool, answer the following question and enter online at www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/stool:
THE LATEST GADGETS AND GIZMOS from the Number 1 Kent Online Gadget Site. FREE DELIVERY on all orders. 05601 264421 www.HOTcraze.co.uk
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What is the current HOTcraze FREE gift with all orders over £30? a) Hypochondriac stress ball worth £4.99 b) iStand worth £8.99 c) Bottle opener ring worth £3.99
SPORTS
LOOK GOOD AND FEEL GREAT WITH GOLF GOLF’S WINNING COMBINATION OF EXERCISE, SPORTING SKILL AND SOCIAL INTERACTION MAKE IT THE PERFECT TONIC FOR GOOD HEALTH AND HAPPINESS. It’s a great game whatever your age, background or ability. But as well as having fun in the fresh air, playing golf also brings some impressive health and wellbeing benefits that can help you look and feel at your best. There’s no better sport for bringing people together. With plenty of time for conversation and fun – combined with a healthy dose of competition - golf is the perfect way to make new friends and grow closer bonds with people you already know. Indeed, research now shows that this increasingly popular sport is actually a powerhouse of all the core ingredients that doctors recommend for optimum physical and mental health and wellbeing. Studies show it can burn calories, lower cholesterol and may even help you live longer. It also keeps you mentally alert, boosting your body’s natural feel good chemicals. “Golf really does tick all the boxes for things you need for optimal wellbeing,” says psychologist and coach Miriam Akhtar from positivepsychologytraining.co.uk. “It offers some important feel-good factors, such as an active social life and regular physical activity of the best kind – what we call ‘green exercise’ outside in nature.”
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Get into golf offers a range of taster sessions and coaching across Kent. These sessions are low-cost or free and equipment is usually provided. So, all you need to do is book and turn up on the day in comfortable clothing. To find your nearest centre visit getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766. Come on your own or with your friends!
There’s never been a better time to...
Get into golf Get into golf is a national campaign to inspire adults (16+) to take up golf, and it supports the plan to make England the world’s leading golf nation by 2020. The Kent Golf Partnership offers taster sessions across the county for mixed groups, womenonly and for families and are all run by PGA professionals. You will receive a basic introduction to the game, together with information about club membership and follow-on coaching opportunities. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve never played golf or if you haven’t picked up a club since your school days or an almost-forgotten holiday. These sessions are low-cost or free and equipment is usually provided.
Golf’s winning combination of exercise, sporting skill and social interaction make it the perfect tonic for good health and happiness. And, as well as having fun in the fresh air, playing golf also brings some impressive health and wellbeing benefits that can help you look and feel your best. Indeed, research now shows that this increasingly popular sport is actually a powerhouse of all the core ingredients that doctors recommend for optimum physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“Golf really does tick all the boxes for things you need for optimal wellbeing,” says psychologist and coach Miriam Akhtar from positivepsychologytraining.co.uk. “It offers some important feel-good factors, such as an active social life and regular physical activity of the best kind” So, all you need to do is book and turn up on the day in comfortable clothing. Golf will be returning to the Olympics in 2016 for the first time since 1904
Studies show it can burn calories, lower cholesterol and may even help you live longer. It also keeps you mentally alert, boosting your body’s natural feel good chemicals.
Come on your own, or bring your friends. To find your nearest centre visit www.getintogolf.org and look at the activity map or call 0800 118 2766.
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ENTERTAINMENT
DENISE VAN OUTEN insideKENT exclusive interview
ACTRESS, SINGER AND TV PRESENTER (NOT TO MENTION WIFE AND MUM TO 2-YEAR-OLD BETSY), DENISE VAN OUTEN LIVES ANYTHING BUT A BORING LIFE. WHEN SHE’S NOT NARRATING THE ONLY WAY IS ESSEX OR SPENDING TIME AT ONE OF HER FAVOURITE CHARITIES, THE RARE BREEDS CENTRE, YOU CAN FIND DENISE ENJOYING OUR VERY OWN GARDEN OF ENGLAND, THE PLACE SHE NOW CALLS HOME. PHOTOS: © THE ASPINALL FOUNDATION
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“IF SHE WANTS TO DO ANY ACTING OR DANCING THEN OF COURSE SHE CAN, EITHER AFTER SCHOOL HOURS OR AT THE WEEKEND; SHE JUST NEEDS TO GET A GOOD EDUCATION.”
You attended Sylvia Young Acting School when you were younger. Was acting always a dream for you before attending? Before I attended I was at a local dance school, but I wanted to go to Sylvia Young because I imagined it would be just like Fame, but of course it was nothing like that. It was fun but it was hard work as well. I wanted to do more singing and dancing before I attended but I grew into the acting as I progressed through the school because they encouraged you to do a bit of everything there. Sylvia once sat me down and told me not to focus on one thing, to try and do a bit of everything because then I know I’ll always work. I’m so grateful for that advice, because a lot of people say try and find something you’re good at and stick with it, but the industry these days is so unpredictable that can’t always be the case. When you were younger, who was your biggest inspiration to get you motivated to work harder? A real mix of people. I grew up in the 70s and watched TV in the 80s, but the people who really inspired me were the kids from Fame. Nowadays, it's all about High School Musical, but back then it was Fame. I loved the idea of the all-singing, all-dancing school that you could go to.
What was the difference between acting on Broadway and here in the UK? I think for me, the audiences were equally difficult to please because the standards were both so high, but I was more relaxed out in New York because I didn’t have the pressure of people knowing me. When I did Chicago in the West End it was straight off the back of The Big Breakfast and at that time my profile was quite high so there was a lot of media interest and I felt like I was being judged from day one; whereas in New York I felt like I could find my feet a little bit more. I was lucky because I got reviewed really well review by the American press which is good because when you get good results in America, it helps your career. Since having my daughter, I’ve had an idea to do a one woman show which I have been wanting to do for a long time, and finally it’s just been finished. And I got the idea from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tell Me On a Sunday, which is a one woman show. I loved the experience and I feel that I want to do an up to date, modern version of that. Andrew’s version was written in the 70s and to me that's a bit dated, so I think the one we’ve just written will appeal to women of my age. Did you enjoy your time on The Big Breakfast and is presenting something you would like to go back to at some stage?
doing it at the moment with Day Break. I love it. My choice in television if I’m going to do it would be a live show because I like the adrenaline rush and I think it’s the same adrenaline rush you get if you’re doing a West End show. I’m at my best under a bit of pressure. If you had to choose one career choice because you enjoyed it the most between acting, singing or presenting on television, which would it be? Everybody asks me this and I really can’t choose. The thing is, with the work that I do, I judge each job by the people that I’m working with. I’m really lucky that most jobs I’ve done I’ve really enjoyed. I think the only one I really struggled with was when I did the Capital Breakfast radio show, but that was very bad timing because I’d just met Lee, we were trying for a family and there were all sorts of things going on, so it was hard for me to wake up at 4 o’clock in the morning and work silly hours. It just didn’t put me in the best state of mind. Apart from that I’ve really enjoyed every one of my jobs. I did a film last year, a British comedy called Run for your Wife which is out later this year, with Sarah Harding, Danny Dyer and Neil Morrissey. I absolutely loved that too. When I left I thought that’s it, I just want to do comedy. I really enjoy everything I do; I’m very lucky.
I loved The Big Breakfast, and yes, presenting is definitely something I’ll go back to; in fact I’m
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ENTERTAINMENT
“SYLVIA ONCE SAT ME DOWN AND TOLD ME NOT TO FOCUS ON ONE THING, TO TRY AND DO A BIT OF EVERYTHING BECAUSE THEN I KNOW I’LL ALWAYS WORK. I’M SO GRATEFUL FOR THAT ADVICE...”
You narrate in The Only Way Is Essex. Have you been surprised by the show’s success or has it lived up to expectations? I had a feeling it would live up to its expectations. The creator of it, a woman called Ruth, is one of the people who was involved in the success of The Big Breakfast and Big Brother. She’s a very clever lady and everything she touches turns to gold. People from Essex are real characters; they’re products of the East End and I knew this show really had potential. So no, I’m not surprised by its success. For this forthcoming issue of insideKENT Magazine, we are doing a photo competition of the best scenery in Kent. Where is your favourite view within the county? I can’t choose a favourite; there are so many places that I love. I ended up in Kent by doing a TV advert for Morrisons. I was being hoisted up on a crane at Headcorn Aerodrome for about four days shooting for this advert and I absolutely loved the aerial view I had. I went on a mission to live in Kent. We started looking around different villages and just fell in love with it. It’s great for families, there are so many things to do and it’s so pretty. What do you like to do on a lovely, sunny weekend in Kent? We go to Whitstable quite a lot, which we love. We go to Leeds Castle and take my nieces and nephews. One of the places I must mention because I do a lot of charity work for them is the
Rare Breeds Centre. I take my daughter there quite a lot and I love it; it’s such a special place. I’ve got to know some of the staff there and the way the charity itself is run is just brilliant. We also go to Howletts, and I recently went glamping at Port Lympne for my birthday – it was the best weekend, just fantastic. We often go to the Three Chimneys, and also the George in Cranbrook. We like going for a nice drive and end up going for lunch somewhere. We all as a family love the little steam train that runs through Tenterden. We just love Kent, it’s ideal for families and there’s always something to do. We’d like to know more about your charity work. In 2009 you climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with the likes of Cheryl Cole, Gary Barlow and Chris Moyles for Comic Relief. Which charities are you currently working with and how are you raising money? I work with three main charities at the moment. Firstly, Breast Cancer Care. I trekked through the Andes to Machu Picchu last year. I do quite a lot of work for them. Secondly, Great Ormond Street Hospital. This year I cycled through Rajasthan on a 329mile cycle and raised money for them. I did that with Lydia from The Only Way Is Essex. And my other charity is the Rare Breeds Centre. Paul O’Grady is also an ambassador for them. It’s important to support your local charities and I really feel a strong connection there; I’m very passionate about it. Once my daughter starts school I’m sure I’ll be involved in a lot more charities. My husband also recently opened the
Tenterden Summer Fair – we’re trying to get involved with the local community as much as we can. Would you like your daughter Betsy to follow your footsteps in a few year time, or is there anything in particular you would love her to do as an occupation? I’m going to say exactly what my mother said to me: I really don’t mind as long as she focuses on her education. If she wants to do any acting or dancing then of course she can, either after school hours or at the weekend; she just needs to get a good education. I’m starting to sound like my parents! If she does want to get into to the industry I’d have to make sure she’s passionate about it because it’s a tough business and I’d have to know that she really, really wants to do it. There’d be pressure on her as well because she’d be my daughter and it could go against her if people have high expectations of her. What do you see yourself doing in 5 years’ time and why? That’s a hard one. For me it’s about being a good parent. I’d like to try a lot more acting. I’ve never done a play so I’d really like to try that. Actually we have a vegetable garden and I’d like to focus on that! So professionally I’d like to do a play and personally I’d like to grow some good vegetables!
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LONDON IN ASSOCIATION WITH
WHAT’S GOING ON IN LONDON Unlimited Festival 31 August – 9 September The Southbank Centre celebrates the spirit of the Paralympics with a festival packed full of innovative performances by deaf and disabled artists. Amongst the unique acts to discover during © Sue Austin: Creating the Spectacle Unlimited is a breathtaking outdoors aerial display which takes place on four metre high sway poles, as well as an array of dance performances, a cabaret showcase and music collaborations. Highlights include Creating the Spectacle, a film screening which documents Sue Austin’s amazing underwater performances using her self-propelled wheelchair. There’s also a children’s show presented by Tin Bath Theatre, in which kids are invited into a beehive to help solve a honeybee murder mystery. Ticket prices vary. www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/unlimited-at-southbank-centre-article11642.html
iTunes Festival 1 – 30 September The month-long celebration of live music returns to the Roundhouse this September, with a series of free gigs from some of the top names in the business. The famous Camden venue will be hosting one-off performances from British stars such as Ed Sheeran, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and One Direction. A number of American stars are also crossing the Atlantic to entertain fans, with the likes of Pink and Norah Jones taking to the stage. Over the years, the iTunes Festival has built a reputation for attracting a diverse range of musicians, and this year is no different; while RnB lovers can flock to see JLS, fans of Jack White can also enjoy the American singer and multi-instrumentalist present his latest project, Blunderbuss. Tickets are free, but must be booked in advance. www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/itunes-festival-london-article-6912.html
Jesus Christ Superstar 21 – 23 September With the hit BBC television show, Superstar, having given us our very own Jesus (Ben Forster), everything is in place for one of the biggest musical tours of recent years, as Andrew Lloyd-Webber brings his hit show back to the stage. The musical kicks off its tour in London at The O2 arena, before heading off to Glasgow, Newcastle, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Sheffield. Aside from the captivating storyline, the huge production values and the presence of firm fan favourite, Ben Forster, perhaps the most intriguing
element of the show’s reprisal is that fans will be able to see the one and only Chris Moyles playing King Herod, which will be interesting, to say the least. Also on the cast are Melanie C (Mary Magdalene) and comedian Tim Minchin (Judas Iscariot), so expect some genuine stage pedigree too. www.viewlondon.co.uk/jesus-christ-superstar-tickets-london.aspx
London Oktoberfest 20, 23, 27 – 30 September Don your lederhosen and ready your gullet as Oktoberfest makes a very welcome return to Kennington Park for two weekends in September, where drinking like ze Germans will very much be the order of the day. Visitors are invited to really get into the spirit of things by tucking into the specially brewed Oktoberfest beer (served in 1 litre steins, just as they should), before getting up on the long benches and singing along to traditional ditties – just as they do over in Germany. In addition to all the beer, there’ll be plenty of authentic German food, live music from legendary Oktoberfest band, Albfetza, waiters and waitresses in traditional garb, and one of the best atmospheres of any London event. www.viewlondon.co.uk/oktoberfest-tickets.aspx
Hollywood Costume 20 October – 27 January 2013 A stunning exhibition showcasing Hollywood costumes opens at the V&A Museum this autumn, taking in everything from the early days of silent cinema to the latest CGI © Spider-Man, Columbia/Marvel/The Kobal Collection laden blockbusters. Examining the ways in which on-screen characters are moulded by their clothes, Hollywood Costume also highlights the careful thought which goes into designing even what appears to be the simplest of outfits. The exhibition features iconic outfits worn by over 100 memorable film characters, including Dorothy’s blue and white gingham dress from The Wizard of Oz, the little black dress worn by Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Batman’s high-tech suit from The Dark Knight Rises. From period dramas such as A Room with a View to sci-fi favourites such as Spider-Man, there’s plenty here to keep both film buffs and fashion followers happy. Admission costs £9.00 - £15.50. www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/hollywood-costume-exhibition-londonarticle-11432.html
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A PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER
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Board Meetings Office Christmas Parties AGMs
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‘PROOF’ – Pulitzer & Tony award winning Drama by David Auburn Saturday 22nd Sept & Friday 12th October 7.30pm ‘Music in Mansions’- Alda Dizdari violin recital in aid of Canterbury Festival Sunday 23rd Sept 4pm For details of the Christmas Fair & Shows visit our website.
Bookings: 01227 831355 www.charlton-park.org CT4 5JA
A MODERN CLASSIC WRITTEN BY
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AVAILABLE FOR TUE – FRI EVENINGS. QUOTE PROMO CODE BLUE15 WHEN BOOKING.
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*Offer is subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount, for premium seats or redeemed against tickets already purchased. Booking and transaction fees will apply. All ticket prices are subject to terms and conditions as stated in the Churchill Theatre Bromley season brochure.
KentEvents EVENTS
SANDWICH DAHLIA FESTIVAL AT THE SECRET GARDENS OF SANDWICH // 1-16 SEPTEMBER
With more than 76 different varieties of Dahlia planted throughout the gardens, there really is no better place to see the flower this season. The Secret Gardens’ gardening team will be giving talks and holding workshops on the flowers each day, and there will be the opportunity to learn how to grow your own Dahlias at home. Standard entry prices apply. For full details, call 01304 619 919.
HAWKINGE 2012 FUN DAY AT HAWKINGE // 8 SEPTEMBER
The Hawkinge Fun Day is an event to showcase local groups and businesses. The Day usually involves local groups of dancers and music performing on a stage, local organisations such as the 3rd Hawkinge Scouts, Whitecliffs Experience, Hawkinge Allotment Society, Hawkinge Bowls Club showcasing what they do in the community. There are bouncy castles food vendors and plenty to do for all the family. For details please visit www.hawkingefunday.co.uk
CANTERBURY’S BEANEY ART MUSEUM AND LIBRARY CELEBRATES ITS REOPENING WITH A WEEKEND OF CELEBRATION // 8-9 SEPTEMBER
Join in on a highlights tour for adults or families or stroll through the galleries and library at your own leisure. Visit the learning lab and create a piece of art inspired by sculptures and artifacts and enjoy the opening exhibition of drawings and small sculptures by Henry Moore. Free admission. The Beaney Art Museum & Library, High Street, Canterbury 01227 378100 / www.thebeaney.co.uk / www.facebook.com/thebeaney
MEDIEVAL FAIR AT TONBRIDGE CASTLE // 8-9 SEPTEMBER
Travel back in time to witness the sights, sounds and smells of 15th century life. Watch medieval combat across the Bailey Lawn as fighter's swords and armour meet. Come face to face with men-at-arms decked in full armour, hear their stories of battles past and find out what they wore and ate. For further details contact the Information Centre at Tonbridge Castle on 01732 770929.
HOPS 'N' HARVEST FESTIVAL // 8-9 SEPT
A home-grown festival of hop picking, beer, ales and cider and of course, live and local music all weekend long. Explore the time honoured traditions
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and have a go at picking the hops by hand. See the last working coal fired Oast house in Britain in full production. Have a cold one in the beer tent and try a large variety of rare and more commonly seen real ales and ciders. For more info, contact 01622 763936 or visit www.kentlife.org.uk Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone ME14 3AU
A MAGICAL NIGHT AT THE GRAND // 11 SEPTEMBER
Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet three-course supper whilst overlooking the beautiful Leas Gardens and the English Channel. Your friends and family will be entertained by our talented in-house pianist and a superb display of intimate table magic completed with an interactive final and magicthemed quiz! £19pp - 3 courses Tel: 01303 222222 The Grand, The Leas, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2XL
SALUTE TO THE ‘40s AT THE HISTORIC DOCKYARD CHATHAM // 15-16 SEPTEMBER
When Salute to the ‘40s takes place at The Historic Dockyard Chatham this year, there will be a wealth of nostalgia to soak up at one of the best events of its kind in the country, as ‘Life on the Home Front’ is superbly re-created, with civilian and military re-enactors and vehicles, vintage fashion and live forties entertainment by some of the best 1940s performers in the business. For more info, visit www.thedockyard.co.uk/salutetothe40s or contact 01634 823800 The Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TE
THE BELMONT COUNTRY FAIR // 16 SEPTEMBER
Over the years, the Belmont Country Fair has proved to be a great family day out with a unique atmosphere and a wide variety of activities for everyone interested in country life including falconry, steam engines, ‘have a go’ clay pigeon shooting and archery, petting zoo, pet dog show and of course great shopping and food. 10.00am till 5.00pm. Adults £6.00, Children under 16 Free. For more information visit www.belmont-house.org Belmont House and Gardens, Throwley, nr Faversham, Kent ME13 0HH
DEMELZA RUN // 16 SEPTEMBER
Inspired by the Olympics? Join Demelza at their Demelza Run on 16th September in Mote Park, Maidstone for either a 5k or 10k challenge. There are prizes for the top team and best fundraiser and the entry fee includes a t-shirt and a commemorative medal. All in aid of Demelza Hospice Care for Children. Sign up now at www.demelza.org.uk or ring 01795 845288.
PROMENADE 2012 - 'WHAT THE DICKENS?' AT SHEERNESS // 21-23 SEPTEMBER
A weekend of events, talks and performances in Sheerness and across the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. Under a working title of 'What the Dickens?' as Charles Dickens father worked in Sheerness Dockyard for a short while and the family lived in Bluetown, Sheerness. Some of the events being planned include talks on the dockyard’s history and architecture, wildlife on the marshes as portrayed in 'Great Expectations' and much, much more. Check out www.sheppeylittletheatre.org/promenade2012 for the latest event details. St. Georges Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2JT
ARTISAN MARKET CANTERBURY // 22 SEPTEMBER & 27 OCTOBER
Artisan is Canterbury District’s very own arts, craft and food market. The market showcases a variety of handmade contemporary craft from selected talented artists, designers and makers from all over Kent. Artisan operates every fourth Saturday in Canterbury and at selected dates in Whitstable and Herne Bay. For enquiries please phone 01227 862155.
THE LADYKILLERS AT MARLOWE THEATRE // 25-29 SEPTEMBER
Following a critically-acclaimed and sellout West End season, the celebrated Ealing comedy, The Ladykillers, is coming to The Marlowe Theatre. This classic black comedy tells the story of a sweet old lady who is pitted against a gang of criminal misfits. The cast includes Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em’s Michele Dotrice (Betty) as the frail but feisty Louisa Wilberforce, and Paul Brown (Holby City) as gang leader Professor Marcus. Taking the part of Louis will be ex-Eastender and Kent actor, Shaun Williamson. The Ladykillers is at The Marlowe Theatre from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th September. For more details and to book tickets, call the Box Office on 01227 787787 or go to www.marlowetheatre.com
A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS AT KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY // 29-30 SEPTEMBER
Families are invited to come along to The Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden between 29th and 30th September 2012 for a fun packed fantastic day out. Everyone’s favourite steam engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, will be making exclusive appearances at Tenterden station with some of his friends including 'Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller'. Tickets include a 1-hour train ride to Wittersham Road and back behind one of the Railway’s engines, the chance to enjoy Thomas & Friends station scenarios as well as a daily fun packed programme of children’s events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown. Adult £13.50, Child £10.50. For more information visit www.kesr.org.uk, or contact 01580 765155 enquiries@kesr.org.uk.
THE 20th TENTERDEN FOLK FESTIVAL AT KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY // 4-7 OCTOBER Tenterden Folk Festival is a four-day long festival of folk song, music and dance. Tenterden, situated in the ancient Weald of Kent, about 12 miles west of Ashford, is an ideal setting for this friendly, family folk festival. www.tenterdenfolkfestival.btck.co.uk, info@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk
BROADSTAIRS FOOD FESTIVAL // 5-7 OCTOBER
Taking place at Victoria Gardens, Broadstairs, The Broadstairs Food Festival is a three-day celebration of the abundance of good local food and drink to be found in Thanet and Kent: fabulous meats, cheeses, artisan breads, pickles, jams and relishes, mouth-watering cakes and pastries and Quex crisps all washed down with Kent wines, ciders and ales. Friday and Saturday 10am - 6pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm. For stallholders and sponsorship please contact Jo Scott at jo@broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk, 07866 857088 or 01843 871102. www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk
FALCONRY AT DOVER CASTLE // 6-7 OCTOBER
ENOTRIA WINE DINNER AT MICHAEL CAINES // 26 SEPTEMBER
event will be hosted by John Hancock, accompanied by Patick Pigny of Enotria Wines. The evening will start at 7pm with canapés and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, taking seats at 7.30pm in the dining room for a superbly matched menu prepared by Executive Chef, Jean-marc Zanetti. Guests will enjoy a range of different wine styles from Trinity Hill. This fantastic evening is only £67.50 per person. To make a reservation please contact 01227 826677 or visit www.abodehotels.co.uk/canterbury
CANTERBURY FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL AT DANE JOHN GARDENS // 28-30 SEPTEMBER
The city's annual Food and Drink Festival takes place in the Dane John Gardens from 28th to 30th September 2012, offering shoppers some of the finest products to tickle their taste buds. For more information, visit Dane John Gardens, Watling Street, Canterbury, CT1 2RN
Discover the traditions of the art of falconry which has been in existence for at least 4000 years. Watch beautiful birds of prey in action in spectacular falconry displays and find out about the rituals, traditions and customs of this age-old art form. 10:00am to 17:00pm. Adults £16.50; Concessions £14.90; Children £9.90; Family ticket £42.90. English Heritage Members FREE. For more info, contact 01304 211067 or customers@english-heritage.org.uk
DUNLOP MSA BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP AT BRANDS HATCH // 20-21 OCTOBER
The UK’s motor sport calendar reaches its much-anticipated climax on the world-famous Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit with the final round of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship season. The nation’s premier motor racing championship is famed for its bumper-to-bumper thrills and spills. With non-stop action including three headline BTCC races, unrivalled access to the star drivers and a carnivallike atmosphere the event has enormous public appeal. For more information about the BTCC visit the official website www.btcc.net, telephone 01474 872331 or contact brandshatch@motorsportvision.co.uk
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EVENTS HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN KENT FRIGHT NIGHT AT RARE BREEDS CENTRE // 26-31 OCTOBER (NOT SUNDAY 28TH OCTOBER)
Ghastly ghouls and wailing ghosts come out to play with you as the sun sets. Melancholy music, petrifying performances of gruesome plays and many a secret terror that lurks in the undergrowth or the dark labyrinth of the ‘boo’ tunnel is sure to set your teeth on edge and make your hair stand on end. 6.30pm-10pm. For more info, visit www.rarebreeds.org.uk, or contact info@rarebreeds.org.uk or 01233 861493
TERRIBLE TALES AT CANTERBURY TALES // 26-31 OCTOBER
The Canterbury Tales is turning ‘Terrible’ for a one-off series of after-dark performances of Chaucer’s classic tales, which promise to make audiences both laugh and shriek in pure horror! In what is a first for The Canterbury Tales, the horribly humorous performances will take place outside in the graveyard of the former church, which is now home to the award winning visitor attraction, offering a very spooky and haunted setting for this new take on Chaucer’s Tales. For more info, visit www.canterburytales.org.uk
FAMILY SCARE FAIR AT WINTER GARDENS MARGATE // 27 OCTOBER
If you experienced the Winter Garden's New Year's Fun Fair, you're going to love this! Get into the spirit of Halloween and give your little horrors the spooks with strange stories and gruesome games, then dance the night away to your favourite party tunes. Children will receive a free party pack, and there will also be free children's games and free spooking sideshow stalls. Event runs 12 - 4pm. Suitable for ages of 11 and under. Adult free when accompanying children. Telephone: 01843 296111
OCTOBER HALF TERM 'WITCHES AND WIZARDS' AT THE HOP FARM // 27 OCTOBER NOVEMBER
The Hop Farm will be celebrating Halloween with a host of fun things to do. There will be dressing up, party dances and magic, spooky stories and much more. Don't miss all the usual Halloween activities including a host of menacing games and spine tingling activities - apple bobbing and broomstick games! Open 10am – 5pm daily. Members will receive FREE entry to October Half Term 'Witches and Wizards'. Tesco Clubcard vouchers are accepted on individual (Adult, Child, Senior) tickets on the Gate Price Only for October Half Term 'Witches and Wizards'. Enquiries: 01622 872068, www.thehopfarm.co.uk
HAUNTED CASTLE AT DOVER CASTLE // 27 OCTOBER - 4 NOVEMBER
Be prepared to be scared this autumn half term for a frighteningly great day out at Dover Castle! With over nine ghosts reported to have been seen and heard, visitors should keep their wits about them as spooky characters
lead them through one of England's most haunted castles. Those who dare can walk through the tunnel of terror or make creepy crafts. Enjoy a chillingly fun day out with prizes to be won for the best children's Halloween costume each day. Tickets will be available to purchase at the event site on the day and are not available to book in advance. Prices: English Heritage Members – Free; Adult - £16.50; Child, 515 years - £9.90; Concession - £14.90; Family - £42.90.
OCTOBER HALF TERM AT PENSHURST PLACE AND GARDENS // 27 OCTOBER - 4 NOVEMBER
Daily throughout half term the popular Pumpkin Trail is back with clues to help you find them around the Gardens – from 10.30am. Craft Activities from 12 noon – 4pm. Also enjoy not too scary storytelling on Wednesday 31st October. Perfect for younger visitors to enjoy Halloween and for those who like to be a little scared, but not too scared! Three showings, from 2pm to 3.30pm. Followed by a fancy dress competition at 4pm in the Tea Room. Come dressed to impress! Prizes for all. For further details go to www.penshurstplace.com/whatson
SPOOKY GOINGS ON AT BELMONT // 28 OCTOBER
Spend your Halloween at Belmont where there’ll be lots of tricks and treats for all the family. The day will include a spooky trail around the gardens, pumpkin carving and much more! 12-5pm. Adults £5.00 and Children £2.50. For more information visit www.belmont-house.org Belmont House and Gardens, Throwley, nr Faversham ME13 0HH
PUMPKIN DAY AT GODINTON HOUSE AND GARDENS // 28 OCTOBER Enjoy spooky goings on at Godinton House and Gardens on Sunday 28th October from 11.00amto 4.00pm, what better venue for a day of fun with themed activities for all the family. Pumpkin day will see a variety of family activities including the traditional carving of pumpkin lanterns, children’s craft activities, a seasonal treasure hunt around the grounds of Godinton and the ever-popular scary stories in the cellars. For more information, contact 01233 643854 or info@godinton-house-gardens.co.uk
HALLOWEEN GHOST TOURS AT LEEDS CASTLE // 29-31 OCTOBER
This Halloween, hear gruesome tales from Leeds Castle’s 900 years of history with their new evening tours… for those brave enough! Ride the spooky themed Castle Ghost Train to the Barbican where you will meet your guide and be escorted around the Castle on your tour – starting in the Castle’s dark Cellars. Keep your wits about you as you explore the Castle State rooms at night as you might just catch a glimpse of something moving out of the corner of your eye. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Please arrive 20 minutes before the start of your time slot. A reasonable level of fitness is required to take part in this tour. Tickets (over 15 years): £15. For more info contact 01622 765400 or enquiries@leeds-castle.co.uk
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