East Kent Lifestyle Issue 38 by Barley House

in association with

issue thirty eight june twenty-eighteen

Chris Pratt FROM SITCOM SLOB TO HOLLYWOOD HEART THROB

Kent Spas Pampering Palaces on Your Doorstep

Festival Season

Buoy & Oyster

Soak up the Sounds of the Summer

Sampling Spectacular Seafood

Be our Guest Book a room at one of our wonderful hotels & let us look after you with delicious home-made dishes, fantastic wines, beers & ales. All you need to do is enjoy the gorgeous Ramsgate coastline.

Book online today www.oakhotel.co.uk www.pegwellbayhotel.co.uk

www.oakhotel.co.uk 66 Harbour Parade, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 8LN Tel : +44 (0)1843 583686

www.pegwellbayhotel.co.uk 81 Pegwell Road, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 0NJ Tel : +44 (0)1843 599590

[title ]

[welcome ]

june twenty-eighteen

ISSUE THIRTY SEVEN

Hello and welcome to our first summer edition of 2018, let’s hope it’s a good one! Hopefully I won’t jinx it by saying so but thus far it’s been so far so good on the weather front and long may that continue over the coming months so that we can all enjoy the delights of another golden East Kent Summer. With that in mind we’ve lined up some seasonal specials for your consideration. Why not take some time to kick back, unwind, and visit one of Kent’s best spas this summer? Check out our pick of the best including the wonderful Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange and the peerless Champneys at Eastwell Manor (from p24). If you fancy something a bit more lively take a peek at our summer festivals recommendations from p80 featuring the likes of A New Day Festival in Faversham and the Hop n Harvest Beer Festival at Kent Life. We’ve also got a lot of food & drink to talk about this issue; as well as reviewing the wonderful Buoy & Oyster overlooking Margate Sands (p56) and the uniquely fantastic Parade Room at One Pound Lane, Canterbury (p50), our travel editor Jaillan Yehia continues her quest to eat her way around the globe – and she’s back in Britain this time to sample the delights that Bristol has to offer (p63). We welcome back Russell Grant, our celebrity astrologer to impart his bi-monthly star-sign wisdom on p38 and talking of celebs, they don’t come much bigger than Chris Pratt who has not one but two huge blockbusters about the burst onto the silver screen (Avengers: Infinity War & Jurrasic World: Fallen Kingdom) – Leanne Austin gives us the lowdown on one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. With plenty more news, reviews, and things to do – get stuck into the latest edition of East Kent Lifestyle and we’ll see you in a couple of months!

Pete Nichols, Publishing Director

EAST KENT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

your perfect fireplace

showroom, 196 - 198 Canterbury Road Birchington, Kent, CT7 9AQ Tel: 01843 841922 Fax: 01843 844255

open monday - saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

www.fireplaceandstonecentre.co.uk

fireplaces • gas fires • woodstoves • chimney systems • design & construction

[contents ]

kent's best spas

east kent walk

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INSIDE...

food & drink

50 The Parade Room 55 Rose & Vanilla CrĂ¨me Brulee Recipe 56 The Buoy & Oyster 59 Hythe Imperial 63 Bristol Bites

homes & interiors 33 Do something cool with your summer 34 Townley House 36 Roma Interiors

health & beauty 85 Hair by The Chair

fashion 68 Whitefriars Fashion

chris pratt 8

[contents ]

the parade room

regulars & features 12 East Kent News 14 Fabulous Finds 23 Kent Mining Heritage Foundation 38 Russell Grant’s Horoscopes 40 Job Hunting in 2018

hops n harvest

school partnerships

43 Chris Pratt 48 Gardner Croft 78 Karen & Kim’s Introductions 92 What’s Occurring

days out 16 East Kent Walk 18 East Kent Cycle Trail 24 Kent’s Best Spas 80 Broadstairs Folk Week 81 Hops n Harvest Beer Festival

83 Blues 0n the Farm 83 New Day Festival

bristol bites

arts & culture 94 Explore Open Quarter

education 86 Duke of York Military School 88 School Partnerships, The King’s School 90 St Edmund’s School 91 St Lawrence College

explore open quarter 9

[publication information ]

psapublishing East Kent Lifestyle magazine published by PSA Publishing Barley House, Sopers Road, Cuffley, Herts EN6 4RY tel: 01707 878026 email: sales@psapublishing.co.uk www.psapublishing.co.uk

Publishing Director

Creative Director

Pete Nichols pete@psapublishing.co.uk

Stuart Bennett stuart@bainesdesign.co.uk

Sales Executive

Managing Director

Jo Costello sales@psapublishing.co.uk

Andrew Bennett andrew@bainesdesign.co.uk

Travel Editor

Distribution

Jaillan Yehia hello@savoirthere.com

Bertie Payne Mary Jones

GOING TO THE BALL? Get a Summer Glamour Package worth £120 for £80! St. Tropez Tan, Shellac Manicure & Hair-Up Style

Contributors Peter Nichols, Jaillan Yehia, Explore Kent, Leanne Austin, Nick Rose,Vicky King, Sarah Whelband,Victoria McLean, Karen Gordon, Peter Wilson, Dev Biswal, Jo Tuffs.

Early booking recommended.

Contributing Photographers Jaillan Yehia, Explore Kent, Peter Nichols, Nick Rose. For all advertising enquiries please contact sales on 01707 878 026

T H E - C H AIR .C O.U K The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the content of advertisements or contributed editorial in this magazine. Opinions expressed editorially are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and no responsibility is accepted for loss, damage or injury incurred as a result of opinions, advice or comment.

OPE NING TIME S

THURSDAY

9AM - 8:30PM

MONDAY

9AM - 7PM

FRIDAY

9AM - 6:30PM

TUESDAY

9AM - 5PM

SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

9AM - 5PM

SUNDAY

8AM - 4PM CLOS ED

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © Copyright 2018. No part of East Kent Lifestyle can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the prior written consent of the publishers. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

01227 455545 BO O K I N G S @ TH E-CH AI R. CO. U K THE CHAIR, 2-4 THE BOROUGH, CANTERBURY, KENT CT1 2DR

www.bainesdesign.co.uk 01707 876555 Printed on environmentally friendly paper A72651 11

[news ]

east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east ken

250 years of circus: Dreamland Margate celebrates its history

and rehearsing for the twice-daily shows (1.30pm and 4.30pm) which they will perform during opening hours at Dreamland from 26th May until 2nd September. Performers from Gorilla Circus will also be running a week-long circus school from 13th-17th August. This will include clowning, trampoline, aerial and trapeze skills for 11-25 year olds to learn and enjoy. The return of Circus Wednesdays will see favourites Dizzy O’Dare – who wowed the crowds with his Giant Balloon Show in 2017 and The Strong Lady, who combines muscle and grace as she presents an elegant array of feats of strength.

250 years ago, the world’s first ever circus took place in the UK. In celebration of this and its very own history, Dreamland Margate announced that it will welcome Gorilla Circus to its site until September as part of a programme of circus entertainment throughout the summer. Gorilla Circus provides a high-octane outdoor show on an impressive circus set up. Combining aerial, high wire, trapeze and other “fly by the sea of your pants” circus spectacles, the performers can be can be seen training on their circus rig, set up on the large events site at Dreamland from 5th May. They will be preparing

New acts for this year include 8 Songs – a series of choreographed juggling vignettes set to 8 classic rock and roll songs. In addition, Jessica Arpin’s ‘Kalabaz’ performance combines poetry, clown and circus, with acrobatics on a canary-yellow bike all while speaking backwards! Motionhouse and NoFit State Circus will bring together their unique styles in BLOCK – a collaboration which sees 20 oversized blocks deconstructed and reformed into an infinite variety of shapes for performers to play on, move with and explore. All Circus Wednesday performances are included within all park entry options. Dreamland members go free.

Celebrity Chef Gives Back to Local Businesses in Whitstable A pub and a restaurant in Whitstable is launching a new initiative, celebrating Whitstable business- with a night of no business. Pearson's Arms owned by celebrity chef Richard Phillips is offering 20% off all house drinks to Whitstable's independent business owners, Monday to Friday, with one rule; wind down and leave business at the door. Richard Phillips said: "This town is made on independent business. They are what gives it a uniqueness that keeps people coming back. To use a food analogy, Whitstable is like a dish, the owners, the shop floor workers, the waiters, are all ingredients that come together to make Whitstable what it is, which is why we want to give back to everyone involved."

Richard went on to say: "Running your own business is hard. I know how easy it is to allow your business to consume all aspects of your life. That's why I wanted to organise something to give back to Whitstable's business owners and their staff. I not only want to offer discounted rates, but more importantly a venue and evening in which people can truly relax and unwind after a hard days work." Since 2nd May independent business owners received two key fobs, one for themselves, and one for their staff members, entitling them to discounted prices on all house drinks (ale, lager, wine, soft drinks and coffee) at the Pearson's Arms from Monday-Friday 17:00-20:00. Nicky Ingoldby, owner of The Whiting Post and The Clothes Horse in Harbour Street said: "It's great that a local business is looking to give something back. We're a close knit group on Harbour Street and I know plenty of business owners up the High Street. The town is built on the hard work of these independents so it's great that we can relax after a hard day's work and treat ourselves to a drink at the Pearson's."

nt NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS

320 Face Redundancy at East Kent College Group Increased costs and slashed Government funding have been cited as the reason that 320 staff have been told they risk redundancy from East Kent College in a new restructuring move which will affect all EKC Group’s campuses.

[news ]

Kent Resident Wins £20,000 ‘Make It Possible’ Bursary To Launch Mental Health App For Students

Affected staff have received letters and are now in consultation. It’s not all doom and gloom, however as the changes will create 238 new posts which staff facing redundancy can apply for. In February a merger between East Kent College and Canterbury College was completed and a rebranded EKC Group was launched which covers Canterbury, Dover, Shepway, Swale and Thanet. The new organisation was said to have a turnover of approximately £55million, more than 1,000 staff and 15,000 students. Graham Razey, Group Principal and Chief Executive at EKC Group, said: “We currently face lower funding from Government and its departments, which have reduced, or are static at best. Coupled with increasing prices, we now have to consider how we can remain financially sustainable. “As a consequence we have opened a consultation at each of our colleges, proposing structural changes for the future. This has meant we have had to place 320 staff at risk across the Group. However, within that there are 238 posts which staff are able to apply for. “The proposed structure this would create will enhance the financial resilience at our colleges in Broadstairs, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Sheppey, while ensuring they are able to deliver the right curriculum to meet our communities needs for the future. “We recognise this is an incredibly difficult time for all of our colleagues and are offering support to those affected through our local colleges.”

Huawei, the world’s second largest smartphone manufacturer, today announced the winners of its Make It Possible Bursary – a £30,000 fund established to help the people of Great Britain pursue their dreams in 2018. Juanita Agboola from Rochester has been named the overall winner of the competition, receiving a £20,000 cash prize which will go towards her dream of developing an app to help schools and university students improve their mental health. Huawei have also offered to support Juanita, in the development of the app through the concept, planning, prototype and launch phases For a chance to win the cash prize, entrants had to explain what dreams they would like to follow in 2018 – whether it be to start a business, run a community project, or develop a creative passion – in 500 words or less. With over 800 entries received, Juanita was named the overall winner of the contest, impressing judges with her ambition to use technology as a means to prevent the rise of poor mental health amongst Generation Z. The app – Half Full Not Empty – will provide students with the necessary resources to maintain a positive mental state, and book appointments with counsellors. Huawei will work with Juanita alongside Connector, to map out the development of the app through the concept, planning, prototype and launch phases. Commenting on her win, Juanita Agboola, said: “I am so unbelievably grateful for this opportunity. The development of Half Full Not Empty and impacting and encouraging others to live a mentally healthy life means the world to me and I’m thrilled Huawei is helping me take the project to the next level.” 13

[fabulous finds ]

Finds

● GARDEN IGLOO Perfect as an outside entertainment area, these Giant Igloos are a quirky alternative to a costly conservatory. When assembled the Garden Igloo offers a 360° window on the world. Aside from looking great and providing an amazing view from within, the dome gently retains heat on cool summer evenings making it a perfect retreat. If the British summer does reward us with a once a decade scorcher and the internal temperature proves a little warm during the heat of the day, simply open the windows and door for a cooling self-ventilating breeze. Price: £849 available from www.cuckooland.com

● CASUSGRILL Finally, a disposable BBQ you don’t need to feel guilty about using! The CasusGrill is an environmentally friendly disposable grill that makes use of bamboo briquettes and lava stones as opposed to traditional charcoal.You can start grilling in just 5 minutes and get an even and hot grill bed. Furthermore, the grate and the grill itself are made from natural materials and are fully bio-degradable! Price: £6.99 available from www.coolstuff.com

● HOME SOFT SERVE ICE CREAM MACHINE A pretty nifty little device for a pretty nifty price here. Make up to a litre of delicious soft-scoop ice cream in just 25 minutes using just milk, cream, gelatin and sugar. No need to stick with just plain old vanilla either as you can add your own flavours into the mix! Price: £28.99 available from www.coolstuff.com 14

[fabulous finds ]

● GIANT INFLATABLE UNICORN SPRINKLER With a seven year old daughter who loves everything unicorn related I couldn’t help but include this one, and who doesn’t love running through the cool mist of a sprinkler on a sweltering summer’s day? The solution is obviously a 6ft inflatable Unicorn sprinkler! Just connect straight to your garden hose and let her rip! Price: £59.99 available from www.firebox.com

● CACOON HAMMOCK If you’re feeling bushed this summer after a hard day at work, or just fancy chilling outside at the weekend then this Cacoon Hammock could be just the thing for you. A single Cacoon packs down to a handy size of less than 20 cm x 70 cm (80 cm for a double), and being a real doddle to hang means that you truly can take it anywhere, anytime. Perfect for kids aged 8 to 88.

● GEORGE FOREMAN INDOOR/ OUTDOOR BBQ GRILL

Price: £263 available from www.madeindesign.co.uk

There’s nothing better than a summer BBQ, unless the weather won’t play ball, and living in the UK this is always a distinct possibility – enter the George Foreman Indoor/ Outdoor Grill! This little beauty works great in the garden as a freestanding electric grill but in the event that ‘rain stops play’ you can simply sit it on a table top for a great indoor grilling experience. The large, non-stick grill plate allows you to cook up to 15 portions of meat, fish or vegetables in one go, more than enough to feed the family! Price: £30 available from www.houseoffraser.co.uk 15

[days out ]

EAST KENT WALK

REVISITING THE LOST LANDSCAPES OF CHARTHAM

Set yourself free amongst the beautiful landscapes surrounding Chartham, an historical village with winding back streets and pretty homes set against the narrow roadways. Your walk begins outside the papermill, the modern exterior perhaps feeling a little out of sync, but with a history of papermaking in Chartham that spans hundreds of years. Setting out along the river, you will soon find yourself in rolling farmland, another industry that this area is well known for. You’ll pass an ancient burial ground, a tiny mediaeval church and Britain’s first orchard nature reserve, these being just a few highlights of this stunning walk. The history of milling in Chartham goes back as far as the Domesday book which refers to a mill for grinding corn situated in Chatham. The mill was transformed into a paper making mill in 1730 and has been in the paper making business ever since, specialising in high quality tracing paper.

a bronze cruciform brooch believed to date from the fifth or early sixth century. Further excavations have found evidence of a building and cemetery. Three of the six graves examined revealed typical Saxon grave goods including pottery believed to be from the abandoned farm building.

You’ll be following the riverside path alongside the Great Stour down towards a weir and the joining of the two branches of river.This point is known as Tumbling Bay and was once a popular place for local children to swim.There is also evidence that the Great Stour was once a navigable waterway with the unearthing of a ship in a nearby field known locally as the ‘Ship and Port Field’. Unfortunately, the ship disintegrated on exposure to the air, but there may have been the possibility of a port being in Chartham at one point.

The riverside land on which you walk was once managed as meadows – full of wildflowers in the summer and flooded in the winter. Meadows were sited where they were prone to flooding as this improved the quality and quantity of the hay and added vital nutrients to the soil. Meadows were highly valued due to the favourable growing conditions right up to mediaeval times. In the 19th century much of the land was lost after being turned over to pasture as is the case in the Stour Valley.

Continuing your walk, you’ll pass by a large old manor house. On the other side of the river used to be a farmstead dating back to 874AD. Interesting archaeological finds have been discovered in this area including 16

Look out for Milton church, a tiny flint church dedicated to St John the Baptist. It dates to around 1044 when it was part of the manor of Milton which was demolished in 1959.The church fell into disuse in the 1980’s after congregation levels dwindled to just a few people.

Your path will take your through Larkey Valley Wood. It was donated to the people of Canterbury in 1932 by the Mayor. This area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) containing wonderful displays of bluebells and wood anemones in the spring.The chalky soil produces ideal growing conditions for the rare lady orchid found almost exclusively in Kentish chalk woodlands.The woodland was badly damaged in the storms of 1987; however, it has regenerated well with the northern area regenerating naturally where a mix of trees predominantly ash and hazel sit. The central ridge is predominantly hornbeam and sweet chestnut.The southern aspect contains many of the destroyed trees where they have been left to decay, providing useful habitat for the flora and fauna that flourish in this area. Not far from the woodland lies a Roman’s last resting place. In 1949, a Roman urn and Samian patera were unearthed here during excavations. It is highly likely that this site was used for Romano-British cremation burial dating

[days out ] from around 100AD. The pottery found is in the care of Canterbury Roman museum. Nothing more was found in the area despite further excavation. You’ll soon pass New House Farm which is over 400-years-old. It’s an unusual structure in that the house is supported entirely on beams. In the scullery is a well over 190 feet deep. Nearby two farm cottages were built which have now been converted into a single dwelling. Follow the walk alongside a tall hedge nearby Iffin Wood.There is evidence of there once being a manor house here, with documented evidence for the manor of Iffin dating from 1086 to 1465. Passing through Upper Horton Farm, the old looking building was built in 1957 albeit on the site of a much older dwelling. The area was once known locally as ‘Owls Home’ due to the large number of owls that made their homes in the surrounding woodland. The footpath you’ll follow just after the farm used to be a carriage road.The path is quite wide in parts and you may be able to imagine the carriages rattling down from Kenfield Hall and Patham. A much older discovery was made in 1952 in this area by local farmer, Mr Given. He unearthed a finely polished axe made of flint later confirmed to be Neolithic, dating between 4,000-2,300 BC. LOCATION: Chartham, CT4 7HZ DISTANCE: 6.4 miles (10.3 km) circular TIME: Allow at least 3 and a half hours OS EXPLORER MAP: 137 TERRAIN: Open fields and woodland Undulating with no big slopes PARKING: There is some on-street parking in the village (please don’t park in village hall car park and be considerate to residents) PUBLIC TRANSPORT: For directions to Chartham via public transport, please visit www. kentconnected.org Railway station at Chartham. REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: The Artichoke, Chartham offers a warm welcome

Kent is well known for its orchards with this area being no exception. Perry Court Farm dates to at least the 16th century originally known as Perly Farm, possibly in reference to the growing of pears on the land. A map of 1778 shows the farmstead marked simply as ‘Perry’.The farm adopts organic farming methods and claims to have been chemical free for over 50 years. It has been in the Brockman family since 1953. Chartham Downs was used as a burial place for over 600 years. Although there is nothing visible to see, the site contained about one hundred barrows. About twenty were excavated in the 18th century. A glass bottle, now in the British Museum, a brooch and coins of the Lower Empire were found. Many of the graves were found with no objects in them.The cemetery appears to date from the 5th to early 11th centuries and appears to be a Saxon Christian burial ground based on the objects, or lack of, found in the graves. The end of your walk suggests a rather sinister unsolved murder mystery. The housing estate in which you now walk suggests evidence of quarrying during the Romano-British period 40-410AD. The area was first used as a chalk quarry before being abandoned with work resuming in the 2nd century.The

quarry was finally abandoned in the late 3rd or early 4th century. During the time of the first abandonment, a single cremation burial was inserted into the backfill. Analysis of the bone showed it was female and found with the urn was a flagon and bowl. The second burial dates from when the quarry was finally abandoned and contained the remains of a young male who appeared to have lived a strenuous life and had spend a considerable length of time horse riding and had bowed legs as a result.The apparent careless positioning of the body suggested the burial was carried out in a hurry, and the fact it was at a quarry and not in a cemetery points to foul play. You are now nearing the end of your walk and you’ll walk through the streets back to Chartham. Be sure to stop off at the Artichoke in Chartham, a lovely traditional beamed pub that serves local ales and freshly prepared food, it’s an ideal stop off before heading home after a busy day of walking. What Next? For more information on our walks, events and ideas for days outdoors visit ExploreKent.org follow Explore Kent on social media @explorekent on Twitter & Facebook.

6.4 miles (10.3 km)

Start/ Finish

0 0

Km Miles

0.5 0.25

1. 0.5 .

[days out ]

CYCLING COAST TO COAST

SANDWICH TO RYE

Challenge yourself to a day of cycling if you’re fit and experienced or tackle the route in smaller sections. Follow the quiet country lanes of National Cycle Routes 1 and 2 for a fantastic coastal bike ride taking in the dramatic Romney Marsh landscape, as well as dedicated sea wall cycle paths allowing you to cycle safely along the entire route. Whether you are doing the whole route or a part of it, one thing you can be sure of is that you’ll have a fantastic day of cycling exploring Kent’s beautiful coastline.

perfect opportunity to hop from the saddle and spend an hour or two relaxing on the beach. From here or Deal you can get the train to Dover if you’re ready to head back.

If you’re looking for a relatively gentle stretch suitable for all the family, try out the 9-mile section from Dover to Deal. Although there is a steep climb coming out of Dover towards the castle, the rest of the route is downhill almost all the way. To avoid the climb, take the train to Martin Mill, cut 2 miles across land and join National Cycle Route 1 at St Margaret’s at Cliffe before enjoying the tremendous run down to Deal. The sea views from St Margaret’s are truly remarkable.

If you’re after a more challenging ride, head out from Dover towards Folkestone following the 7-mile Chalk and Channel Way which takes in the outstanding landscape of the Kent Downs AONB and fabulous views from the rugged White Cliffs. There are some steep climbs as the route drops back down to sea level with some on road cycling at both Dover and Folkestone.

From Deal there is a further five miles following a traffic free route to Sandwich. Cycle through chalk grasslands, which provide the perfect habitat for several rare species of plant and wildlife. The grasslands give way to sandy beaches and dunes. It’s a 18

Midway between Dover and Folkestone you can cut across and visit Samphire Hoe, a unique landmass created from the material dug out from the channel tunnel construction. Today, it is a haven for wildlife, with dramatic landscape and tea kiosk. It offers easy access with National Cycle Route 2 passing right by the entrance.

The next 3 miles from Folkestone to Rye, the route becomes much flatter. Leaving the centre of Folkestone, you’ll pass the beautiful Lower Leas Coastal Park, this is an ideal stop off for families as it contains the largest free adventure playground in the South East. From here the route follows the sea wall and is practically traffic free for the next 6 miles to the Royal Military Canal at Hythe. From Hythe you will pick up National Cycle Route 2 which moves inland slightly where you’ll cycle along quiet country lanes through the picturesque Romney Marsh villages including Burmarsh with the wonderful All Saints Church, still using two of its three original bells with the third cracked tenor bell still in the church, and Old Romney, with St Clément’s church and its rose coloured pews painted for the 1962 Doctor Syn film.You’ll pass through the historic town of Lydd, still known as a Cinque

[days out ] If you prefer to finish your ride in style you could pick up the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway, a miniature steam driven train that also carries bicycles, operating between Dungeness and Hythe and stopping at six stations. It is within comfortable reach of mainline stations at Folkestone and Rye, where you can make your way back to Dover or your start point by train. This route is rewarding for cyclists of all abilities, and a perfect reason to take a weekend away to cycle through the wonderful coastal landscapes of Kent once synonymous with smugglers. Port from when Lydd was at the height of its shipping prosperity in the 13th century. Notable buildings in Lydd include the Gordon house longhall, a guildhall and a mediaeval courthouse.

coast and from here you will follow the sea wall through Dymchurch, a wonderful small town with its own amusement park and quaint cafes, and Greatstone which has a beach to rival Camber Sands, it’s a great place to stop for a spot of photography, stone skimming or coffee break!

You’ll now join a cycle path which takes you directly into Rye, re-joining the road briefly at Camber where you can stop for a while to soak up the sun at the wonderful Camber sands, a stunning wide sandy beach and dunes that draws in summer sunseekers.

For more information on our walks, events and ideas for days outdoors visit ExploreKent.org follow Explore Kent on social media @explorekent on Twitter & Facebook.

Head inland, passing through New Romney, a small town made up of land reclaimed by the sea after the harbour began to silt up. It is now more than a mile away from the sea, however a mooring ring can still be found in front of the church. At Old Romney you’ll re-join National Cycle Route 2 into Rye.

If you prefer to take in a little more of the Romney Marsh landscape, you can take an alternative route into Rye by following the A259 out of Hythe. after a couple of miles, you will re-join the

& !

LOCATION: Sandwich, CT13 9EN OS EXPLORER MAP: 150 DISTANCE: 56.5 Miles 90.4KM (Linear) TERRAIN: 24 miles traffic free, 30 miles on roads PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The Route is well served by mainline stations. For directions by public transport from your home address to Sandwich, please visit www. kentconnected.org. REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: Pubs and restaurants in Sandwich and Rye

What Next?

! Sandwich !

Canterbury

& !

Deal

St Margaret's at Cliff

Ashford & !

& !

& ! Hythe

Dover

Folkestone

Start/Finish 56.5 miles (90.4km)

& !

Train Station

! Rye !

0 7.5 Kilometres 0 Miles

Dungeness

Simply Danish J.Prentis Fruiterers & Greengrocers is a familybased Greengrocers founded in 1887 and trading in Broadstairs since 1979.

01843 292 417 07428 370 291

J.Prentis have shops in Broadstairs, Deal and Westgate-on-Sea and have a firm commitment to our high streets, serving the local community with high quality fruit & vegetables.

@simply.danish @Danish_Margate

Broadstairs shop: 01843 860979 Deal shop: 01304 449085 Westgate-on-Sea shop: 01843 834934

20 Cliff Terrace, Margate CT9 1RU

info@simplydanish.co.uk

www.simplydanish.co.uk

FRESH WAFFLES WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE LUXURY HOT CHOCOLATE StUNNING VIEWS LOCAL ARTISTS GALLERY FREE WIFI BOOK SWAP CORNER @bschocbar facebook.com/bernieschocbar

OPEN EVERY DAY

2-14 High Street, Margate, CT9 1AT 01843 221 420

TAPAS, BRICK OVEN PIZZAS & PLATTERS FRESH COFFEES, TEAS, WINES, CIDERS & BEERS www.woodysmargate.co.uk | 01843 293768 Woodys

/woodys margate

1 6 T H E PA R A D E , M A R G AT E O L D T O W N

20 advert_january.indd 1

21/01/2016 14:58

TM © RUG 1991

Chris Ramsey Live 5th July

An Evening with Sir Ranulph Fiennes 19th July

King of Pop The Legend Con�nues 31st Aug

The Dreamboys 20th July

Odyssey & Gwen Dickey of Rose Royce 15th Sep

Showaddywaddy 28th July

Joe Lyce�: I'm About To Lose Control And I Think Joe Lyce� 20th Sep

®Technicolor is the registered trademark of the Technicolor group of companies

Live at The Leas Cliff Hall Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat 23rd - 25th Aug

Barry Steele & Friends The Roy Orbison Story 29th Sep

We are an exciting new gallery exhibiting and selling paintings, ceramics & unique handmade silver jewellery.

98 High Street, Ramsgate, CT11 9RX Rolling programme of exhibitions throughout 2018 Facebook – Gallery98Ramsgate Instagram - gallery 98 ramsgate

• Frames available in full pantone range • Giclee printing up to A1 size • High quality glazing • Prints • Extensive range of mounts • Cards

1 High Street, St Lawrence, Ramsgate CT11 0QH

07754 897506

www.blueswift.co.uk

[days out ]

KENT MINING HERITAGE FOUNDATION

The Kent Mining Heritage Foundation is celebrating reaching a momentous £1million of funding towards the development and support of the Betteshanger Project, a significant step in its goal of £1.8million. The unique and ambitious project is already in its first phase, and includes a new £9.5m Visitor Centre, encompassing the Kent Mining Museum and Green Energy Centre. It will provide retail, cycling facilities, education, conferencing, events, gardens and public spaces. It will also act as an iconic gateway to the 250-acre country park with its exceptional leisure and recreation facilities. These elements will bring together the Project’s three unique appeals; heritage, sustainability, and health and wellbeing. Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, Hadlow Group and Chair of Kent Mining Heritage Foundation, commented on the milestone: “Betteshanger is a huge project for the Kent Mining Heritage Foundation and for the Hadlow Group, and reaching the million mark is a huge step for the fundraising campaign. The Betteshanger Project will have such a vast impact, not only on the East Kent community, but across the whole county and reaching to international audiences. We will be a flagship sustainability project and a showcase of health and wellbeing. We will transform the facilities on the former spoil heap beyond all recognition for all to enjoy. I would like to personally thank all those who have supported the campaign to date and I hope it will inspire others to get involved.” Recent supporters of the campaign that have helped the Foundation break the £1m mark, include the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Rochester Bridge Trust and the Roger de Haan Charitable Trust, amongst others. When complete, the project will inject £6.2m every year into the local economy of one of the most disadvantaged areas of the UK. Betteshanger Park is built upon the extraordinary history of Betteshanger Colliery. For almost ninety years, mining was at the heart of the East Kent community, with the Kent Coalfield employing over 150,000 men and extracting over one hundred million tonnes of coal. sustainability, health and social welfare.

Karen & Kim Introductions

JOIN A MATCHMAKING AGENCY WHO CARES Meet genuine single over 40’s, all interviewed in their homes, vetted, and looking for love. Members profiles will never be seen online as we are a safe professional agency looking for only genuine people. If you’re aged 40 or over and would like expert help in finding your soul-mate, reach out to Karen & Kim today.

Tel: 01227 637949/07523 613536 Karenandkimintroductions.co.uk enquiries@karenandkimintroductions.co.uk

[Kent’s Best Spas]

TOR SPA, ICKHAM TOR spa is an Ayurvedic (Ayurvedic being the Hindu system of traditional medicine native to India) spa that offers spa days and packages. Located in the village of Ickham, a few miles east of Canterbury, TOR comprises large, rustic, barn style buildings, nestled within beautiful gardens, alongside a small lake.

Overnight guests can enjoy views of the lake from their room and with a library and a large relaxation room replete with comfy sofas and tranquil music to help clear your head and bliss out in style. For more information contact TOR spa on 01227 728500 or visit their website at http://www.torsparetreat.com

Set in the ground of Ty Wilkinson’s family home and nestled away in the small country village, TOR spa is a true retreat from urban stress and strains. The Spa began life ten years ago when Ky’s late mother, Kim brought masseuses and an Ayurvedic doctor over from Kerala. As well as traditional therapies, traditional foods are also on the menu with delicious vegetarian indian fayre served for lunch. As well as treatments and packages the spa boasts an oxygenated swimming pool, 95 degree hydro pool, Finnish sauna, and stone steam room.

THE LONDON BEACH HOTEL SPA & COUNTRY CLUB Despite its name, the London Beach Hotel Spa & Country Club is neither in London, nor near a beach – thankfully, however, it is in East Kent nestled in the beautiful Kent countryside close to the historic town of Tenterden.

The Spa has a large luxury saline hydrotherapy pool with built in loungers below the water line and powerful water jets to massage your aches & pains away. There is also a superb infinity swimming pool as well as saunas, steam rooms and a jaccuzi. The spa has been designed to make you feel pampered, just the place to relax. The London Beach spa also boasts a ladies only area off the ladies changing rooms with its own jacuzzi, sauna & steam room as well as a monsoon shower and loungers, perfect for a chilled day out with the girls. If you want to feel truly pampered there are a plethora of spa treatments available at London Beach. The spa’s experienced and friendly therapists use Clarins and Espa products and have been specially trained by Clarins to deliver the new triactive facial proven to have a long lasting effect on the skin. The list of treatments is truly exhaustive and includes massages, facials, hot stones, waxing, manicures and pedicures. Check out their website at www.londonbeach.com to check out not only the list of spa treatments but also look out for deals on spa days, spa breaks, or seasonal offers.

[Kent’s Best Spas]

UTOPIA SPA AT ROWHILL GRANGE

BY KAREN GORDON

Utopia Spa is situated just outside Dartford deep in the heart of the Kent countryside and forms part of Rowhill Grange, a four Silver Star luxury retreat, a stylishly refurbished 18th century manor house set in fifteen acres of wonderfully landscaped gardens with views across the Kent Weald. I had heard a lot about Rowhill Grange and I must have driven past the entrance to this rural gem on a number of occasions whilst out and about on various work engagements. I must say it was great to finally get the chance to stop by and ‘sample the goods’ so to speak. Today’s assignment was to sample the delights of the Utopia Spa with a half day package which included a two course lunch, full use of the Spa facilities for four hours, and either a 40 minute ‘Utopia express facial’ or 40 minute back, neck, shoulder and scalp massage. It’s a tough job I realise, but somebody’s got to do it! 26

Arriving a little before my 12pm booking I took in the glorious grounds and had a quick tour of the property. A few quick facts; the hotel boasts 38 rooms and suites between the manor house, the news, and a more modern extension. The dining options are impressive; RG’s offers a splendid fine-dining experience while a more casual ‘light bites’ option is available at Elements Bar & Lounge which also offers al fresco dining on the terrace. Back at Utopia spa by 12.15 I had a brief window before my 12.30 lunch to have a chat with spa manager, Ellie who told me that the spa enjoys a wide

variety of clientele ranging from hen parties to gift days, couples on weekend breaks, wedding guests from the hotel, as well as plenty of local members who can enjoy the delights of the spa whenever the mood takes them for a modest membership fee. Before the rigours of the spa, however, lunch at Elements Bar & Lounge. Keeping it healthy I enjoyed a melon medley starter followed by chicken supreme, quinoa and a side of fresh veg for my main course, all washed down with a chilled bottle of sparkling water. Having already donned by spa robe and having sated my appetite,

[Kent’s Best Spas]

a list of treatments too numerous to mention including both Ayurvedic (an ancient Indian holistic healing system) and Mediterranean inspired body, face, and massage options. Relaxing manicure and pedicure pampering is also at hand, as well as Caci non-surgical facelifts, anti-ageing treatments and crystal free microdermabrasion. My massage was pure bliss. After burning the midnight oil the previous evening as well as my filling lunch, large glass of vino and a bit of a workout in the pool I’m ashamed to say that I lost the last 10 minutes of my glorious massage to sleep, only waking up when the therapist patted me gently on the back to alert me to the conclusion of the session. I only hope I didn’t snore… I’m afraid to say my healthy start was somewhat slowed down after I decided that what would go down very nicely after my nutritious luncheon would be a delicious glass of ‘gavi’, a splendid Italian white wine. I still felt positively saintly, however, after watching another guest revising ‘Doing a Literature Review’ whilst demolishing an entire 3 tier stand of sandwiches, scones, and cakes! And why not? Although I am informed that couples days are becoming more popular, at lunchtime on a Wednesday the lounge is mostly filled with forty-something women in robes, mums, aunties, and ‘ladies who lunch. So I fit in perfectly! Finishing my leisurely lunch at 1.30 I had plenty of time to enjoy the facilities before my 3pm booking for a head, back, and shoulder massage. The Oxford English Dictionary defines Utopia as “An imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect”. This isn’t a bad description of

the feeling one gets upon entering the dual level Roman inspired pool area. In equal measure the visitor experiences serenity, tranquillity and opulence while snugly wrapped up in a fluffy white robe. After taking in a few lengths of the upstairs pool, I meandered down to the large circular hydrotherapy pool which boasts underwater beds contoured into the pool floor and offering a gentle bubbling massage, and also poolside water jets ready to pummel your body into submission should you require a ‘deeper’ and more vigorous aqua workout.

With a wide selection of seasonal spa day offers, treatments, and membership options available I can highly recommend taking a little time out from the daily grind and losing yourself in the wonderful world of the Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange this summer. Utopia Spa, Top Dartford Road, Wilmington, Kent, England, DA2 7QH - T: +44 (0)1322 517247 https://www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/ rowhill-grange/spa/

The hydrotherapy pool is separated from a sizeable Jacuzzi by a beautiful waterfall cascading over a replica entrance to a Roman temple.You'll also find the steam room close to hand, with a sauna by the changing area. Suitably refreshed and steamed I took myself off and dried myself down to partake of my massage. Utopia Spa boasts a full 21 treatment rooms (including two couples rooms) and 27

Dine Relax... Stay

Celebrate

V I S I T E A S T W E L L M A N O R . C O. U K O R C A L L 0 8 4 3 2 2 4 1 7 0 0 TO B O O K

[Kent’s Best Spas]

EASTWELL MANOR CHAMPNEYS HOTEL & SPA Eastwell Manor, Champneys Hotel & Spa in Ashford Kent has undergone a significant refurbishment since Champneys purchased the hotel in 2016. This historic hotel now boasts a stylish and state-of-the-art Champneys Spa where guests can enjoy the ultimate pampering experience – whether you’re there for just a day or longer. The Spa has 23 treatment rooms and offers an extensive range of treatments, from mani-pedis to facials, massage and waxing, as well as pregnancy friendly treatments and men’s grooming. Brands including Elemis and Clarins are available as well as Champneys own signature treatments, all delivered by world class therapists. The Spa’s facilities include a new look 20m heated indoor pool, and a heated outdoor pool during the summer months – perfect for relaxing on a

warm day. Beside the indoor pool you will find a thermal area, sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool – flanked by relaxation beds and a relaxation room overlooking the rural North Downs. The Spa also offers a choice of over 20 fitness classes including Jumpga, Pilates, Aqua Circuit, Zumba, and Fitness Fusion. There is something to suit all levels of fitness and abilities. The Spa’s newly renovated Spa restaurant is now the perfect spot for a relaxed light lunch with friends offering a selection of healthy and delicious food prepared by the hotel’s chefs. If you’re looking for some well-deserved pampering and relaxation Champneys Spa at Eastwell Manor is the perfect place to visit. Spa Packages at Eastwell Manor start at £79 per person for a Spa Day which includes full access to the spa facilities, a range of Champneys fitness classes, a nutritious lunch, Champneys Robe hire and flip flops. An overnight Spa Break at Eastwell Manor is priced from £137 and includes breakfast, lunch, a three course dinner, and full access to the spa facilities, plus £40 credit towards Champneys treatments or product. The hotel itself at Eastwell Manor has also seen significant investment with stylish new bedrooms in the main house, which channel a 1920s and 1930s design, mews cottages and the most recent addition, two luxury Shepherds Huts located in the grounds of the hotel. The AA Rosette Manor Restaurant

and Lounge Bar have also been newly renovated to a high standard.The Manor Restaurant is a gourmet destination in its own right, and guests can enjoy mouthwatering seasonal menus that focus on traditional English dishes tempered with a twist of modern European. Afternoon Tea at Eastwell Manor is still something extremely special with a delicious range of homemade sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats, and a fabulous range of speciality teas. For further information about Spa visits to Eastwell Manor Champneys Hotel & Spa or booking enquires visit www.eastwellmanor.co.uk or call 0843 561 2016 29

[homes & interiors]

Country Warmth Top quality fireplaces from a top quality company

Traditional to ultra modern • Established 30 years Full design & installation service througout the south east 1-3 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Kent • 01303 240300 www.countrywarmth.com • GAS SAFE, HETAS

[homes & interiors]

ROBERT ASHLEY BATHROOMS FAMILY RUN SHOWROOM

• 4D design technology • E verything you need for your new bathroom • F ree Survey and Design Service • Fitting Available 67 Oxford Street Whitstable CT5 1DA, 01227 639003

Jewellery to Swear By ...

Silversmith, Rob Morris showcases 12 unique designers' handmade work... some of his stunning pieces are also online at

At Your Service

www.frontjewellery.com 1 Horsebridge Road, Whitstable, CT5 1AF

L E AT H E R G O O D S | K E Y C U T T I N G S H O E R E PA I R S | E N G R A V I N G DRY CLEANING

01227 264 008 | Est.1996

Swearables

Kelp

Dark Hearts 31

Vision Frameless Sliding Doors

T 01843 825 573 | W www.avsglass.co.uk | E info@arcvis.co.uk

Unit 32, Telegraph Hill Industrial Estate, Laundry Road, Minster, Kent CT12 4HY

[homes & interiors]

DO SOMETHING COOL WITH YOUR SUMMER! BY VICKY KING, PAPILLON INTERIORS, FORT HILL MARGATE

ORIGINAL BEANBAG We thought we’d share one of our favourite brands with you to help you get ready for Summer this year. Since we opened in 2011 we have always waited with anticipation for the launch of Fatboy’s new range and we’ve chosen a few favourites to share with you.

PARASOL

In the last 15 years Fatboy has developed considerably. The beanbag is without any doubt the ultimate hero, but, they do a lot more than just creating beanbags. The collection has expanded into a diverse range of iconic products and Fatboy is now available in over 60 countries. All products are designed with one goal: escaping the daily routine with a big smile.

These fabulous garden umbrellas are easy to expand with a clever pulling system. The luxurious fabric will protect you from the strongest sunbeams and look amazing in the garden or on your terrace.

Most of their products are very versatile in that they can be used indoors and out, in Summer or Winter. A wide range of colourful bean bags, huge lamps, oversized sunshades, magical hammocks, super-relaxed dog beds and exuberant outdoor rugs come in many colours that can be chosen with your room or garden colour scheme in mind. They are often perceived as being quite quirky, a bit different, but hey why not, we’d be a bit boring if we were all the same! Fatboy is – as many people think – not named after the firm shape of the beanbag, but after the artist Fatboy Slim. That name was on a CD cover which its designer, Jukka Setälä, received in the late nineties and this gave him the inspiration for a brand name: Fatboy the Original.

The world’s best-known beanbag. A lifestyle icon, practically indestructible and ultimately comfortable. Sit, lie, lounge.

HEADDEMOCK HAMMOCK

SPHEREMAKER Stylishly design, simply formed, ceiling pendant lights that are perfect for any interior. From small to large find something just right for your space. Don't hammock alone, sharing is caring! This oversized hammock takes up to 3 people, and what's more, you don't even need a tree to hang it in. Just Headdemock, lie back and relax.

BOLLEKE Wireless, strong and perfectly formed. Hang it up or sit it down, this rechargeable light can move with you indoors and out!

LAMZAC Get comfy anywhere with the original air lounger. Simple to inflate with long-lasting cosiness. Creates a life-size air bean bag at the swish of a bag, yet deflates in a jiffy when it’s time to move on. A true travel must-have.

[homes & interiors]

RAMSGATE’S HISTORIC

TOWNLEY HOUSE APPROVED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Ramsgate based architects, del Renzio & del Renzio, have announced as of May 2018, that Thanet District Council has approved the planning application for the change of use and conversion of a prominent Grade II* listed mansion house from the late Georgian/Regency period - Townley House and its associated grounds in Ramsgate, Kent.

enable nine contemporary dwellings (with four affordable homes) to be constructed, along with communal areas interlinked by extensive greenery and landscaping.The scheme respects the local and architectural importance of Townley House and its grounds whilst providing much needed contemporary housing for Ramsgate.

The approved scheme from property developers CorePi Ltd, assisted by del Renzio & del Renzio, will result in the construction of residential apartments and a gated development of mews houses, car parking and communal spaces.The development will retain, restore and reintroduce a range of the building’s original architectural features, to help return Townley House and grounds to their former grandeur, following years of neglect.

DESIGN The affordable apartments will face Chatham Street; and the new-builds will be erected using modern methods of construction – providing energy efficient residence for occupants. External materials feature crisp modern detailing, with bronze coloured metalwork; aluminium framed glazing; and natural cedar cladding.

The proposal features two, new-build terraces and townhouses, set behind Townley House; as well as the renovation and remodelling of the main house (previously:“Farley’s furniture store”). This will result in ten self-contained flats which trace the original outline layout of the building.The demolition of a rear extension, late Edwardian shops and warehouse buildings on the site, will 34

Townley House will represent a balance between both historic and modern features to incorporate the desires of the contemporary home owner – all whilst retaining an essential part of Ramsgate towns’ history. Large Georgian sash windows will yield increased levels of natural daylight to accentuate the oak floor finishes - and further provide a contrast against the softwood skirting boards and architraves.

Rooms will feature the reinstatement of plaster cornices to match original profiles of Georgian design. In addition, living spaces feature open plan kitchen, living and dining areas, with full height glass screening; and remnants of existing walling to create areas of privacy. Nick Naumann, Director of CorePi Ltd who owns the Townley House site said, “We are delighted to enter the next stage of development of Townley House in Ramsgate.This project is important for the entire local community - both residents and businesses. It combines beautiful architecture, the restoration of a landmark building and contemporary housing.We look forward to the future and the positive impact the development will have.” Ivan del Renzio, founding partner of del Renzio & del Renzio said, “The Townley House project is a sensitive redevelopment of a very important part of Ramsgate’s fascinating social and architectural history. As born and bred locals, based in Ramsgate, it’s an extremely prestigious project to be working on and we’re excited to be part of it.”

[title ]

[feature ]

RUSSELL GRANTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BI- MONTHLY HOROSCOPES JUNE/JULY 2018 ARIES (March21st-April20th) The New Moon on the 13th June invites you to make a sales pitch, begin a social media campaign or start a writing project. At times, you'll become muddled. When this happens, step away from your work and keep busy with routine chores. Things are changing on the home front on the 13th July, due to a Solar Eclipse. You won't be fond of many of these transformations. A group collaboration will come to a rapid conclusion on the 27th July.That's when a Lunar Eclipse makes you free to pursue a solo project. TAURUS (April21st-May21st) A fresh moneymaking opportunity will arrive on the 13th, courtesy of the New Moon.You will enjoy the work involved, but your colleagues will be less than impressive.Your hard work and diligence will be seen as a threat.The Solar Eclipse on the 13th July makes it difficult to operate as part of a team. Although you have good ideas, louder members of the group will discount your suggestions. On the 27th July, the Lunar Eclipse marks a career high point. GEMINI (May22nd-June21st) You're ready to make a fresh start, but don't make any changes that will compromise your prospects. Getting a radical hairstyle or adopting a fashionable look could put you out of the running for an impressive job.Your financial security will be undermined on the 13th July, due to a jarring Solar Eclipse. It may be necessary to pay a legal fee, make an alimony payment or buy out a business partner.You'll be a little alarmed by your resulting bank balance, but try to stay calm. CANCER (June22nd-July23rd) On the 13th June, you'll feel the urge to rest, relax and recuperate from a busy social season. Before you get too comfortable, you will have to attend to a

legal or business matter.The Full Moon on the 28th June brings a partnership or contract to completion. Getting a personal project off the ground will be difficult on the 13th July.That's when a Solar Eclipse puts strain on your personal life.Your best friend, romantic partner or even a professional contact does not want to change the status quo. LEO (July24th-August23rd) A cutting-edge collaboration will be more challenging than expected on the 13th June, due to a tense New Moon.There won't be enough money in the budget to do this project justice. As a result, the team will start squabbling. On the 13th July, the Solar Eclipse will bring an embarrassing secret to light. A jealous colleague will try making trouble for you.The Lunar Eclipse on the 27th July brings an end to a partnership that has run its course. Going solo will be scary but stimulating.

VIRGO (August24thSeptember23rd) A career opportunity on the 13th June isn't all that it is cracked up to be.The New Moon is urging you to make a job change, but there will be hidden elements to this job that are very unpleasant. On the 28th June, the Full Moon will mark a turning point in a romance or creative project.You'll feel like a duck out of water on the 13th July.That's when a Solar Eclipse will put you in a group that utterly confounds you. Not only will you disagree with their beliefs, but you'll also find their attitudes offensive. LIBRA (September24thOctober23rd) An opportunity to travel, publish or teach will arrive on or around the 13th June, thanks to an adventurous New Moon. There will be strings attached to this

[feature ] opportunity, so beware. A professional offer on the 13th July is not as rosy as it appears.The Solar Eclipse will force you to choose between having a rewarding public and professional life. If you take this job, you'll have little opportunity to spend time with friends and family. SCORPIO (October24thNovember22nd) An investment opportunity arriving at mid-June is too good to be true.The New Moon will tempt you to back this exciting venture on the 13th June, but all is not what it seems.You're dealing with someone who talks a good game but has nothing to show for their claims.The Solar Eclipse on the 13th July will make you feel like you're out of your depth. If you're asked to do work that is beyond the scope of your knowledge, ask for help. SAGITTARIUS (November23rdDecember21st) On the 13th June, the New Moon will tempt you to enter into a business or romantic relationship. Don't jump into anything too quickly.Your feelings are muddled and with good reason.You're dealing with someone who blows hot and cold. A powerful physical attraction will create financial strain on the 13th July.The Solar Eclipse will make you restless. Resist the temptation to buy someone's affection. It's also important to stay true to your moral code. CAPRICORN (December22ndJanuary20th) Starting work on a project will be cause for alarm in mid-June. Someone who isn't clear how this work will be performed will give conflicting instructions on the 13th June, due to a deceptive New Moon. It will take a great deal of time and energy to sort out your priorities and form a plan of action. On the 13th July, a Solar Eclipse will prompt you to pay more attention to a close relationship. Expecting your best friend, romantic partner or someone you work with to follow orders will create deep resentment. Be more attentive. AQUARIUS (January21stFebruary19th) The New Moon on the 13th June opens the door to a passionate relationship.

Beware of trying to buy someone's affection. If this relationship is meant to be, your amour will be satisfied with you on any terms. A health regime will get off to a rocky start, due to a stressful Solar Eclipse on the 13th July . A new medication could make you feel queasy. The Lunar Eclipse on the 27th July puts you in the spotlight. Breaking off a relationship will put you in line for a much better arrangement. PISCES (February20th-March20th) Finding a place to live will be more challenging than expected.The New Moon on the 13th June invites you to lower your expectations about living spaces.You can have two of three options: Cheap, well-located and luxurious.

Getting all three is impossible. News of an engagement, marriage or pregnancy will come as a shock on the 13th July. That's when a Solar Eclipse turns your world upside down.Your whole life is going to change.

FREE Text a Psychic – Text CHARM and your question to 78887. The first 3 replies are FREE for new users* Visit www.russellgrant.com for everything astrological “*Offer redeemable once for new users. First 3 replies are Free. Subsequent messages cost £1.50/msg received. Max 2 replies per message sent. 18+.We may send you Free promotional messages, to opt out call 0207 111 6210. Entertainment Only. Service provided by Inveroak.com

[title [feature ] ]

JOB HUNTING IN 2018?

THE FIVE RULES EVERY GRADUATE MUST FOLLOW. BY VICTORIA MCLEAN

Looking to get hired this autumn? Make sure your CV stands out from the rest by mastering these five easy-to-follow steps courtesy of the CEO of Kent based CV experts City CV, Victoria McLean. Your exams are done and dusted. You’re a graduate. Congratulations! But once the graduation party is over, the real work starts. As quoted in The Independent, the average cost of a UK degree is now £100K. It’s a big investment and it needs to be worthwhile. With stats showing 250,000 applications last year for some graduate schemes, you must apply absolute focus and determination to beat your competition and seal the deal. As the CEO of www.citycv.co.uk and a former blue-chip recruitment manager, I have reviewed over 50,000 CVs and my team of expert writers and interview coaches have helped thousands of graduates secure their target roles at a multitude of top tier, blue chip firms through writing their CV, application and cover letter, and by coaching them for assessment centre and interview. This is my guide to get ahead of the competition: 40

1. I gnore the gloomy headlines | Stay positive It would be so easy to feel defeated before you’ve even began. In 2017 the number of graduates hired by The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers fell by almost 5%. That’s the biggest annual fall since 2009. However, the outlook for 2018 is cautiously optimistic. Vacancies are up slightly, particularly in accounting, professional services and engineering. Salaries are also holding up, with a median graduate scheme starting salary of £30K and some schemes - in law, audit, consultancy and investment banking - paying £35K to £50K plus a healthy golden handshake and big bonus. So, you can recoup your investment, there are roles out there, you just need to stay upbeat and focussed. 2. Add a dose of realism With economic uncertainty comes a tight and highly competitive graduate jobs market. In the latest High Fliers

report - the annual bible of graduate recruitment - more than a third of recruiters repeated their warnings from previous years. Graduates without any work experience are unlikely to be selected for the top employers’ graduate programmes. If you are a first or second year the get out there and source summer internships and work experience – it makes all the difference. Boost your CV with part-time or voluntary work. Check out local careers fairs, skills training events and promotions through university careers services. 3. Show some personality Recruiters don’t want to hire superbright automatons. They want super bright all-rounders! Differentiate your CV and yourself with unusual active interests that demonstrate the competencies required by graduate employers. If you are still at university, get involved in clubs and societies and be active, if you can get a position of responsibility even better!

[feature ] 4. I t’s all about marketing ‘Brand You’ You might not have studied marketing but it is essential you know how to market yourself. How can you set yourself apart from your competition? The first thing you’ll need is an exceptionally well written, compelling CV and covering letter alongside an impressive LinkedIn profile. Remember, these marketing documents should demonstrate your skills and prove your fit for the role. Invest the time to get these rights. When writing for our clients, we draw on all aspects of their life – academic, professional and extracurricular. A CV isn’t just a list of your experience, identify your strengths and competencies, how they relate to the roles you wish to apply for and think of how to illustrate them. Get across your Unique Selling Point. What sets you apart from the competition? What are the things you’ve done that you’re most proud of? Then tell your story using strong, active verbs in the past tense. Focus on results and achievements and keep it all to one page of A4. Don’t forget the keywords. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are recruitment databases that use algorithms to screen candidates. Include these throughout your CV and use an ATS-friendly format that guarantees they will be picked up by the CV-robots. Finally, triple check to make sure there are no typos. 97% of hiring managers reject on the basis of two typos. Care and attention to detail are essential in most graduate jobs and your CV is your opportunity to flaunt that skill. 5. Delivering ‘Brand You’ Interviewing is all about the delivery. You’ll need to sail through your interview by providing structured, strategic interview answers to a wide range of questions - help the interviewer buy into ‘Brand You’. When coaching our graduates, the biggest mistake I see is underpreparation. Research the organisation thoroughly and practise answering commonly asked questions around your strengths, track record and motivations.

You’ll also be asked competency questions and you can’t expect to ace these off the top of your head. Get all your key points across in a compelling way without stumbling or waffling using the Situation, Task, Action and Result (STAR) technique. If you want to know more, check out the interview tips videos on www.citycv.co.uk

Unilever, for example, has introduced an end-to-end digital process for many of its graduate opportunities. It starts with a quick mobile-enabled application automatically populated from your LinkedIn profile. It goes on to gamified assessments and video interviews before the face-to-face assessment centre.

6. Beat the ‘bots’

Lots of big companies – including many of the investment banks – are now using HireVue. During a HireVue interview you are not asked questions by a human being but by a pre-recorded voice asking you pre-set questions.Your answers, including content, body language and tone of voice, are measured by an algorithm, something we help our graduate clients to beat.

Finally, be aware that many companies are looking at new ways to screen and select graduates. These include online soft skills assessments early in the process to measure traits such as teamwork and curiosity.You might be called to a job audition rather than a straightforward interview. That’s where you’ll be asked to complete some real work so that they can observe your skills in action. Interviews themselves can also take a variety of forms. Some seem very casual – you may be invited for coffee or lunch – but they will still be assessing your character and behaviour. Technology is also playing a bigger role: everything from virtual reality (VR) immersive tests to live or recorded video interviews.

Finding your first graduate job can be tough. But stay focussed and stay motivated and you’ll get there. And, remember, you’re not on your own. If you need any advice or coaching we have a team of experts who can help you every step of the way. If you would like help from sector experts in converting your candidacy into the job of your dreams, contact www.citycv.co.uk 41

MALE GROOMING SALON CANTERBURY'S PREMIER BARBERS & MALE GROOMING SALON 20A LOWER BRIDGE STREET

MONDAY 09:30-17.30 TUES-WEDS 09:30-18.30 CANTERBURY CT1 2LG

THURS 09:30-19:30 FRI 09:30-20:00 SAT 09:00 -17:00 T : 01227 806225

BURGERS - CRAFT BEER - COCKTAILS

DEAL - DOVER - CANTERBURY - KINGS CROSS

www.theburgerbros.co.uk

[feature ]

Chris Pratt

BY LEANNE AUSTIN

After an improbable overnight transition from chubby sitcom star to charismatic leading man, Chris Prattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career is going from strength to strength. With the Jurassic World sequel just around the corner, we look at this unlikely superheroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meteoric rise to fame.

[feature ]

Chris Pratt had a humble upbringing in Lake Stevens, Washington, where his mother, Kathleen, worked for a local supermarket. His father, Daniel, a gold miner who later went on to work in construction, died from multiple sclerosis in 2014. Pratt is close with his two siblings, and credits his older brother Daniel Jr., better known as Cully, with sparking his interest in acting. “He was hands down the best big brother anyone could ask for, super-supportive and always helped me,” Pratt told Vanity Fair. “One Christmas, he was in a play, a musical, and sang, and it knocked everyone’s socks off. My mom was crying. And I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do.’” After finishing high school Pratt found himself with little direction in life. Dropping out of community college and into a slump, Pratt was convinced by his friends to relocate to Maui, Hawaii, where he would live out of his van for a time. At age 19 44

the closest he had come to the movies was joining the wait staff at the Forrest Gump inspired Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, however a chance encounter would soon start Pratt’s acting career. Rae Dawn Chong, daughter of actor and comedian Tommy Chong, would visit the restaurant one evening while planning her directorial debut, horror short Cursed Part III (2000). Charmed by Pratt, she offered him a role and organised his travel to Los Angeles for filming. “The moment she told me she was bringing me to L.A., I knew,” Pratt told Entertainment Weekly. “I was like, ‘This is what I’m going to do with the rest of my life.” Despite this being his first production, Pratt proved to be a charismatic addition to the cast. "He was fabulous, generous and fun," says Chong, reminiscing to the NY Daily News. "Everybody adored him and still does. He belongs on sets. He is a multitalented person, super funny, gorgeous, and perfect for the part."

Although Cursed Part III was never released, Pratt soon went on to be cast in his first television role in drama series Everwood (2002), where he played student Bright Abbot until the show’s cancellation in 2006. After taking small roles in the fourth season of The OC (2003) and action film Wanted (2008), Pratt was scheduled to make a six-episode appearance in the first season of NBC’s comedy Parks and Recreation (2009). Although conceived as a temporary character, producers enjoyed Pratt’s portrayal of slacker Andy Dwyer so much they promoted him to a series regular. Pratt appeared on Parks and Recreation for all seven seasons. During filming of the first season of Parks and Recreation, Pratt purposely gained 30 pounds for the role, however when the extra weight began to interfere with auditions for film roles. Pratt was initially turned down for the role of Oakland Athletic catcher Scott Hatteburg in baseball film Moneyball (2011) due

[feature ] to his size. “That was the first time I heard someone say, ‘We’re not gonna cast you-you’re too fat.’ So I decided to drop the weight,” He told Vanity Fair in an interview last January. “I couldn’t afford a trainer, so it was all running and crash-dieting and cutting alcohol.” After losing 30 pounds, Pratt won the part, breaking out of comedy with his first serious dramatic role. Pratt’s weight would fluctuate over the next few years, increasing for comedy 10 Years (2012) and dropping to portray a Navy SEAL in Zero Dark Thirty (2012). Pratt’s weight was back up to around 300 pounds when he appeared in Delivery Man (2013). Looking to break him out of supporting cast roles, his manager pushed him to audition for upcoming Marvel superhero film, Guardians of the Galaxy (2014). Pratt recalls being reluctant to audition in an interview with Esquire. “When Guardians of the Galaxy was pitched to me, I said, "I don't think so." I just didn't picture myself getting the role. I didn't want to go and embarrass myself like I did when I auditioned for G.I. Joe a couple of years previously. I went in there, and halfway through I saw the director's eyes just glaze over. It made sense-I was a little heavy and out of shape. I was not gonna play someone from G.I. Joe. I did not look like a G.I. Joe action figure come to life.” Director James Gunn also had misgivings about casting “the chubby guy from Parks and Rec”, but after encouragement from casting director Sarah Finn, Pratt was screen tested and won Gunn over almost instantly, with the director saying he knew “within 20 seconds” that Pratt was the leading man he’s been looking for. “He’s like Gary Cooper, he’s like John Wayne…He’s got all the classic movie star things and the ability to do humor,” Gunn is quoted as saying in the NY Times in 2014. “He had to learn the potency of just being…It was very difficult to get him to trust that.” The Guardians of the Galaxy casting would lead to Pratt’s most dramatic weight loss yet, with his 60-pound loss in just six months attracting much attention from the press. Pratt has documented his weight loss regimen on his social media pages and speaks openly about what motivates him. “Don’t be hard on

yourself if you can’t lose weight and can’t keep it off.That’s just really natural.” He says, speaking with Heart last April. “I think the best thing, the best way to think about it, is not to have a weight goal… It’s not to say my goal is 225 pounds. That’s not my goal. My goal is six months. It’s six months of consistency. Go to the gym or do something every day for six months. See if I can do that. Make the goal, a consistency. Build up a bunch of consistency and make it more of a lifestyle, rather than seek out a weight goal.” Breaking through with the huge success of Guardians of the Galaxy, the doors to starring roles kept opening for Pratt when he was offered the lead in the resurrection of the Jurassic Park franchise, Jurassic World (2015), which earnt over a billion dollars

worldwide. After starring alongside Denzel Washington in a remake of The Magnificent Seven (2016) and Jennifer Lawrence in Passengers (2016), Pratt reprised his role as Peter Quill in the Guardians of the Galaxy sequel and Marvel’s ambitious crossover blockbuster, Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Pratt’s career shows no sign of slowing down any time soon, with the follow-up to Jurassic World, Fallen Kingdom, set to release June 11th and the next Avengers film planned for next summer. Quotes Vanity Fair Entertainment Weekly NY Daily News Esquire NY Times Heart 45

[feature ]

SEPARATION IN THE FAMILY

The topic of divorce and separation can be a complex and sensitive issue – and it can be very difficult to get to grips with all the ins and outs associated with the process. It is important to appreciate that all families, marriages and circumstances are different and to avoid drawing comparisons with other people and their personal circumstances, instead it is sensible to seek expert legal advice if you are starting the process of a divorce, or separation, if you are thinking about doing so or you are on the receiving end of any legal documents. Further, if you are going through a separation involving arrangements

for children then it is important that you seek specialist legal advice at the earliest possible stage. There are many questions and urban myths surrounding divorce and separation such as: 1. Divorce carries a social stigma Years ago, there was often a negative stigma associated with divorce, however, times have changed and it has become more common and accepted. 2. Divorces always end badly Divorces can end badly but that is definitely not always the case. Celebrity divorces in the media

Growing Apart? The process of a separation or divorce inevitably carries with it questions about ﬁnancial matters

The Canterbury Law Firm Since 1900 For advice on separation matters contact www.gardnercroft.co.uk | 01227 813 400

almost glamorise what can go wrong, showcasing the worst of the worst with stories of being ‘taken to the cleaners’ and the like. With processes such as Collaborative Law now available, which allow both parties to manage the divorce process amicably and respectfully, there are other options that can be explored to resolve disputes in a constructive way. For more information and to arrange an initial consultation, contact Gardner Croft on 01227 813400 or email enquiries@gardnercroft.co.uk

Drink - Eat - Sleep Welcome to our family run, award winning restaurant with rooms. An historic old inn, opposite the church in the wonderful village of Wingham. Drink in the Lounge Bar and enjoy our famous Gin Bar. Eat breakfast, lunch or dinner in the restaurant or garden. Sleep in one of our eight luxury en-suite guest rooms. Restaurant and Bar with Rooms, Car Park and Garden. Open 7 days a week all year round.

For special oﬀers and event information visit our website or find us on Facebook. 01227 720 339 | info@thedog.co.uk The Dog At Wingham, Canterbury Road, Wingham, Nr Canterbury, Kent, CT3 1BB www.thedog.co.uk

   

[food and drink ]

THE PARADE ROOM

@ ONE POUND LANE, CANTERBURY BY PETER NICHOLS

The Parade Room is the recently opened dining room within the walls of One Pound Lane, more familiar to locals over the past few years as home of the award winning and achingly stylish Pound Kitchen & Bar, and even more familiar as the address of the Westgate Towers (as well as the 19th Century Gaol extension and the early 20th Century Police Station extension), the largest surviving city gate in England. The Pound has already built up quite a reputation and has been rated the number one cocktail bar on TripAdvisor and was voted by the public as Kent's Best Bar in the Muddy Stilettos Awards. The barâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen also serves British Tapas, small plates with a distinctly British flavour (Trout Scotch Egg, Roasted Shallot Welsh Rarebit, Beer Battered Cod Cheeks, and Tartar Sauce etc) which can be taken either in the bar or, weather permitting, on the terrace overlooking the Great Stour River. 50

The Parade Room, however, is now open to offer the more serious diner the opportunity to enjoy a three course meal in a dedicated dining space situated in, (in case you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already guessed) what was the Parade Room of the former Police Station.

nods to its former incarnation; police artefacts in a glass case on the back wall, the famous Kent Police lantern above the entrance, and various pictures adorning the walls playing out the history of the building and the Parade Room.

To access the Parade Room you are led from the bar, past the former Gaol cells which now serve as private drinking or dining booths, up the stairs and into the restaurant. The room has been lovingly restored to reflect its history with a number of

The Parade Room offers a relaxed environment away from the hub-bub of the always busy bar downstairs and comes replete with its own stylish bar tucked away in the corner and offers an intimate space to enjoy a romantic meal for two, but is roomy enough to

[food and drink ]

cater for a meal with family or friends. If you want to visit with a larger party, groups of seven or more can be catered for in one of the four restored former police cells downstairs. The menu is described as “Gastropub”, and is a one-pager offering a few wellconsidered choices for starters, and mains devised by the Parade Room’s award-winning Head Chef, Doug Stanham (except on Sundays when, between 12-4.30pm it is replaced with a Sunday Roast Menu). Canterbury born Stanham comes with a fine pedigree, having served as Head Chef of The Beacon in Tunbridge Wells as well as stints at the likes of the Abode in Canterbury and the Swan at the Chapel Down Vineyard. Sanham uses lots of local ingredients to prepare his dishes, but he likes to work in flavours and influences from around the world and to give each offering a little twist. Across the menu you can see little nods to Asian and European cuisine – although the overall ‘flavour’, for want of a better word, is certainly British.

glazed in chilli honey on a bed of crushed hazelnuts combined well with the servings of passion fruit sauce created a beautiful sweet/spicy combo, and the chicken sausage was sublime. The octopus was beautifully tender (a distinct advantage of the slow-cooking process over boiling) and it came with a sizeable chunk of chorizo and plenty of sturdy tomato and chilli jam. For mains we were both in carnivorous mood, and while the Confit Pork Belly, and the Salt Marsh Lamb were considered we eventually both plumped for the 30 Day Aged Rump with Onions, Ancient Ashmore Sauce, and Potato Fondant with a side order of Buttered Greens. Medium rare and cooked to perfection the steak and its accompanying sauces and sides more than sated my hunger but my wife thought she might just

manage a little dessert so we took a peek at what was on offer. While I stuck to my guns and a coffee, it was a toss-up between the Treacle Tart with Milk Sorbet and the Almond Milk Junket with Almond Crumble & Burnt Butter Ice Cream. The Milk Junket won through and to say it went down well would be something of an understatement. So enamoured was my better half with her creamy repast that she ordered a second helping – something she has never done before (at least in my company). All in all a highly successful and enjoyable outing; great food, great drinks, exceptional service all served up in a quirky venue with a fascinating past and, if I were to hazard a guess, a very bright future.

Once seated my wife and I both decided to treat ourselves to a cocktail; I went for a classic espresso Martini while my wife a refreshing Mojito. After a quick peruse of the menu my eye was drawn to the Chicken Sausage, Chilli Honey Crispy Wing with Passion Fruit & Hazelnut, while my companion chose the Slow Cooked Octopus, Tomato and Chilli Jam with Chorizo and Buttermilk. Both were more than adequate sizewise and equally big on flavour. Two generous crispy wings (no bones) 51

[food and drink ]

THE

C H A R L E S CD D I C K E N S PUB, KITCHEN & DINING ROOMS

FRESHLY PREPARED FOOD LOCAL LY SOURCED INGREDIENTS NEW MENU EVERY DAY AW A R D W I N N I N G BROADSTAIRS GASTRO PUB ST U NNING V IE W S AC RO SS V IK ING BAY & B ROA DST A IRS HA RB O U R B O O K N OW O N : 0 1 8 4 3 6 0 3 0 4 0 W W W .C H A R L E S D I C K E N S B R O A D S T A I R S .C O . U K THE CHARLES DICKENS, 5-6 VICTORIA PARADE, BROADSTAIRS, KENT CT10 1QS

THE Captain Digby FAMILY PUB, RESTAURANT & CLIFFTOP BEER GARDEN

HOME-cooked food

All freshly prepared on site using local ingredients great coffee, excellent wine & superb real ale Indoor & outdoor Childrens ‘pirates’ playground Book now on: 01843 867 764 WWW.captaindigby.co.uk The Captain DIgby, WhitEness Road, Kingsgate, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 3QH

[food and drink ]

Gourmet

Burger Night

steak night

6oz quality homemade gourmet beef burger in a toasted brioche bun. Served with mushrooms, salad and chips.

Quality 8oz locally sourced steak. Served with salad, grilled tomato, mushrooms and chips.

We recommend booking online or by phone to avoid disappointment

Margate Old Town (CT9 1EY) |

woodysmargate.co.uk |

/woodys margate |

01843 293768

AT DEAL, HYTHE, & DOVER • Open 7 days a week

• Full restaurant service from 12 noon until 10 p.m.

HYTHE BAY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN DEAL

Tel: 01304 365555 Email: deal@hythebay.co.uk 41-45 Beach St, Deal CT14 6HY

• Fully Licensed Bar

• Non Fish and Vegetarian options and Children's Menu available

HYTHE BAY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN HYTHE

Tel: 01303 233844 Email: hythe@hythebay.co.uk Marine Parade, Hythe, CT21 6AW

HYTHE BAY SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IN DOVER

Tel: 01304 207740 Email: dover@hythebay.co.uk The Esplanade, Dover, Kent CT17 9FS 53

drink ] [food and Townleys_Ad_190x133 copy.pdf

1 17/05/2017 14:25:47

Relaxed All Day Dining. By the Sea.

Join Us for a lazy breakfast, a long lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea.

CMY

THE CHAMBER for casual dining

THE PARLOUR for stunning views & longer stays

“Dinner with the folks.” The nice thing about Albion House is that you really feel that you are somewhere special as the surroundings are elegant and the views magnificent. The service is attentive without being overbearing and our meal this evening was not far short of perfect. Reviewed 28th January 2017 “First Class” The welcome, decor, ambience, food & quality of service throughout, were first class. Our Waiter was brilliant…I can't rate our evening highly enough in every regard. Reviewed 21 January 2017

Townley's Albion House, Ramsgate Breakfast 8am-11am Lunch 12-2.30pm Dinner 6.30pm-9pm Townleys, Albion House, Albion Place, Ramsgate, CT11 8HQ townleysramsgate.co.uk townleys@albionhouseramsgate.co.uk 0184360 6630

[food and drink ]

ROSE & VANILLA

CRÈME BRULEE

 325ML DOUBLE CREAM  50G GRANULATED SUGAR  75 ML CONCENTRATED ROSE SYRUP  1TSP FRESH VANILLA POD  1 EGG  3 EGG YOLKS  50G DEMERARA SUGAR

(SERVES 6)

Put the cream, sugar and rose in a pan and bring to boiling point, stirring occasionally. Add the vanilla pod. Whisk the egg and egg yolks together in a bowl and slowly pour in the brulee mixture, whisking constantly. Pour the mixture into six ramekins and place in a roasting tin half full of hot water. Bake in an oven preheated to 120c for 30 mins or until just set. Remove from the roasting tin, leave to cool and then chill. Sprinkle the Demerara sugar on top and caramelise with a blowtorch. Leave until top has become crisp and serve.

DEV BISWAL Dev Biswal grew up in Calcutta and trained at the Dubai Sheraton, before moving to London aged 26 in 2003 for spells at Mangoes and Eriki. He became a partner in The Indian Princess in Margate in December 2006, becoming patron and rebranding it as The Ambrette in 2010. His second restaurant, The Ambrett @ Rye opened in November 2011, and a third Ambrette opened in July 2014. Most recently Dev changed focus in Rye to a more casual, relaxed dining concept as he opened The Devil in Rye in August 2017. Dev’s restaurants are recommended by all the country’s top restaurant guides, including Michelin, AA, Good Food, and Harden’s Guide.

[food and drink ]

MAD ABOUT THE BUOY THE BUOY & OYSTER, MARGATE BY PETER WILSON

A hidden gem. Diamond in the rough. Best kept secret. All of these idioms may well have been true not too long again, but The Buoy & Oyster is now very much a ‘must’ on the food connoisseurs map having recently won the Taste of Kent, Kent Restaurant of the Year 2018. Conveniently located in the lower half of Margate’s High Street, adjacent to the very popular ‘Old Town’ The Buoy and Oyster’s home is a beautifully restored building offering space, high ceilings, drama and amazing vistas across Margate’s glorious beach and coastline. This is only surpassed by the amazing views available from the cocktail terrace and tables on the veranda where on a summers evening the most amazing sunset can be seen whilst enjoying a glorious meal. I recently visited with my wife on one such glorious summer’s evening and can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable nights and meals I have had in a long time. As you enter The Buoy & Oyster you are simultaneously greeted by the very welcoming front of house staff, whilst being very impressed by the freshly made cocktails being created at the cocktail bar. We were seated very promptly and had a fantastic table 56

towards the rear of the restaurant which benefits from the amazing views out over the beach and harbour arm. Our waiter for the evening organised some drinks and presented us with the menus. It was so pleasing to see such an exciting, but at the same time simple menu where the chef allows the ingredients of each dish to stimulate your imagination and taste buds to the point that you have a very clear expectation of the meal you are going to receive. It was also very pleasing to be able to discuss the relative merits of each option with our highly knowledgeable waiter. Foodies love to talk and understand the menus that chefs have taken a long time to create, and it was really enjoyable to be able to have a meaningful conversation about the various dishes. Whilst perusing the menu a table near to us received their seafood platter. The Buoy & Oyster offers 2 variants; chilled or grilled. The one being served was a

grilled version and looked absolutely majestic with the King Prawns exemplifying the wow factor the platter displayed. A perfect dish for a group of friends who are far more focused on ‘fun dining’ rather than ‘fine dining’. For families with younger children the ‘fun dining’ experience continues with the dedicated Little Sailors menu including dishes such as cod cheek goujons, battered haddock with mushy peas and a homemade beef burger. My wife and I decided to start our meal with a few Maldon Blackwater wild oysters. Being wild these are handpicked and they had the most exquisite taste and meatiness. Their very distinct taste comes from the salt marshes where they are grown. This was followed with the calamari for myself and the grilled King Prawns for my wife. The mackerel tartare and the curried haddock fishcake were a very close second. As a prawn lover it takes

[food and drink ]

a lot to impress my wife but she was in awe at the quality of the produce and the perfection of the cooking. The best King Prawns she had eaten in a very long time was the conclusion. Once again with the calamari, the freshness of the produce shone through with the light crispy batter making for a wonderful opening dish. The atmosphere at The Buoy & Oyster is very relaxing and calm ensuring those awkward silences we all dread between courses are filled with discussion and engagement from the numerous tables to provide that comforting backdrop in the restaurant. It seemed like no time at all before our main dishes arrived.

For my main I had opted for the wild Halibut with saffron crushed potatoes, baby leeks and a Broadstairs crab bisque, whilst my wife had opted for the John Dory served with some homemade wild garlic gnocchi, foraged sea herbs and a seaweed butter. There is also the option to have this served with palourde clams. The presentation of both dishes was stunning and the dishes themselves were such a delight to eat. The fish in both cases was cooked to perfection, with neither the potatoes or the gnocchi overpowering the piece de resistance, the fish itself.

strong bond and relationship between chef and local producer.

Our waiter was able to tell us exactly where and when each fish had come into the restaurant emphasising that

We asked for our desserts to come out in 20 minutes whilst we took the opportunity to take our drinks out on

Having finished our main courses, we perused over the tempting dessert menu. Should we or shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we?. My wife made it very clear that we should and opted straight away for the Buoy Brownie with salted caramel ice cream. I decided to go for the cheese board - a variety of local cheeses including Bowyers Brie from Canterbury and Winterdale Shaw cheddar from Sevenoaks. The cheese was served with crackers and a tantalising home-made spiced chutney.

[food and drink ]

to the veranda for an amazing sunset. It was so nice to enjoy the salty air from the sea less than 30 metres away on a lovely warm summers evening with a glorious sunset as a backdrop. I can imagine some amazing pictures appearing on social media and who knows? maybe even the odd proposal… After finishing our desserts, we were lucky enough to have a chat with Richard the chef for the evening. It was clear to see the passion and enthusiasm about the produce and cooking that he and the team have. It was very evident to us as well as we had just enjoyed of the nicest meals we have had in a long time.

Simon and Nadine have established one of the finest independent restaurants in Kent, emphasising the quality of the local produce. This can only be achieved by having extremely strong relationships with the best local producers who able to continually support you in wanting to provide only the very best to your clientele. The Buoy & Oyster is like the looking glass into the finest quality local produce in Kent. If the ingredients are of such a high quality, then very little needs to be done to make them excel. What Simon, Richard and the team do though takes everything to the next level!

“I can say with confidence that anybody looking for thoroughly accomplished no-fangled British cooking in Thanet South will not be disappointed.” THE TELEGRAPH “An indulgent alternative. Make sure to try one of their mouth-watering soft-boiled duck eggs, paired with crispy smoked eel soldiers and topped off with seaweed . . . at a bargain.” HELLO MAGAZINE “Freshly landed fish straight from boat to kitchen, is expertly prepared by chef Craig Mather’s delicate touch.” HARDEN’S BEST UK RESTAURANTS “Craig Mather’s . . . presence is significant as it raises the culinary game in Ramsgate to new higher strata. In short, his cooking is amazing … The service is friendly and unfussy. The food is glorious.” NEIL HENNESSY-VASS 58

OPENING HOURS Tuesday – Sunday Lunch 12-3.30pm Dinner 5.30-9pm Coffee/Cocktails 11am-11pm Closed on Mondays LOCATION & CONTACT 44 High Street, 17 Marine Drive, Margate CT9 1DS 01843 446631

Special Offer: A complimentary glass of wine per person with lunch or dinner with this ad. Empire Room Restaurant @ Royal Harbour Hotel 10-11 Nelson Crescent, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 9JF T: 01843 582511 (restaurant) 01843 591514 (hotel) E: info@royalharbourhotel.co.uk Tw: L@EmpRoom L@RHHotel W: www.royalharbourhotel.co.uk

ood and drink ] [[ffood

AA PRAISE FOR THE HYTHE IMPERIAL The Hythe Imperial is celebrating an improved AA grading and the retention of the coveted AA rosette for its Coast restaurant following its most recent inspection by the organisation. Praising the quality of the hotel’s refurbished rooms, housekeeping and hospitality, the AA awarded the Hythe Imperial an improved rating of 82%, 2% up from last year’s report and close to the top of the band for 4 star hotels which goes up to 84%. In its summary, the AA report said its inspector had enjoyed a positive visit to a well-run hotel. It added: “The team displayed a very good grasp of service skills. Housekeeping, considered to be of the utmost importance within the inspection process, was diligent across the operation.

“Output of the kitchen was generally very good, where varied menus are well pitched at the hotel’s clientele. “Bedrooms and bathrooms are wellmaintained, well-coordinated and high in quality. The refurbishment programme has been completed and now it is only a matter of maintaining the product. “The public areas are versatile and are ideal for both business and leisure markets.” Nick Gauntlett, Executive Director of the Hythe Imperial said the AA findings reflected well on the team at the hotel.

He said: “While we have invested heavily in the refurbishment of the hotel, what our latest AA inspection highlights is the result of our commitment to recruiting and training the right people to ensure our guests get the best possible level of service. “The praise for our front of house and housekeeping teams is very satisfying and their efforts have been key to the continuing improvements in service that have seen the AA increase our rating again. “As always, the report provides constructive feedback on areas where small changes can make a further difference and we will be taking this on board as we continue to strive to achieve the highest standards possible.”

THE V E RY BE ST T H AT KE NT H A S TO O F F ER ! HA ND-P ICK YOU R GOOD S A N D L E T U S C R E AT E YOU T H E PE R F ECT GI F T F OR C HR IS TM A S WI T H OU R B E S POKE H A M PE R S! FU L L R A N GE OF B E AU T I F U L WI CKE R H A M P E R S TO CH OOS E F R OM . A brand new shop in the eclectic old town of Margate selling the finest artisan products sourced only from Kent. Wines - confectionery – cheeses – coffees and teas From ‘Curiously Kentish’ pickles, chutneys, jams & salamis ‘Romney Marsh Wool’ goods – male grooming products from ‘Beard Juice’ –Hand made pottery ENJOY A GREAT COFFEE AND PASTRY IN OUR COFFEE SHOP GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE | OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

The Kentish Pantry 1 Duke Street, Old Town Margate CT9 1EP Tel: 01843 231150 www.thekentishpantry.co.uk

the

elephant in the room looking for a quirky and unique gift? we have the perfect thing. come and visit us on Queen Street

45 QUEEN STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 9DZ

“A balanced diet is having a cupcake in each hand!”

Taste the delights of The Curious Cupcake Café in the historic old town of Margate Open 7-days-a-week for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, our wonderful café is renowned for great service and delicious food.

A Taster of Our Menu Wholesome soups | Chunky Cheese on Toast Fresh Granary Sandwiches | Handmade Cakes Loose-leaf Tea and Indulgent Coffee Our signature Cupcake Full Breakfast is a must

Why not treat someone special to afternoon tea with a Christmas gift voucher?

Charli & the team look forward to seeing you soon!

The Curious Cupcake Cafe 4-5 Market Place, Old Town, Margate. CT9 1EN 01843 231598 www.cupcakecafemargate.co.uk

THE MI

I S B AY

BAR & BRASSERIE M I N N I S B A Y, C T 7 9 Q P

SE A SI D E D I N I N G W I T H A S T U N N I N G V I EW

Overlooking one of the finest beaches on the North Kent Coast, the newly refurbished

MINNIS BAY BAR & BRASSERIE is a relaxed, stylish venue that offers Truly outstanding views Great food made from fresh, local produce An extensive drinks list Friendly service Alfresco dining Take away hot drinks & snacks

Now offering a superb new private 1st floor function suite with itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own bar & balcony sun terrace, making the

MINNIS BAY BAR & BRASSERIE the perfect venue for a special celebration or even a wedding reception!

www.theminnis.co.uk T: 01843 841844

E: minnisbay@shepherd-neame.co.uk The Parade, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9QP

[food and drink ]

Spring Fair Friday 30th March – Sunday 2nd April 2018 With over 50 Kent food and drink producers Broadstairs will be coming alive next Easter with the return of the Spring Fair. Pierremont Park Grounds, Broadstairs CT10 1JX – FREE entry

broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk @broadstairsfoodfestival #broadiefoodfest Assistance dogs only – thank you.

onepoundlane.co.uk hello@onepoundlane.co.uk 1 Pound Lane - Canterbury - CT12BZ

Canterbury Restaurant Now Open! Kent’s Gastropub In The City! One Pound Lane is set within Canterbury’s former city gaol & police station. Choose between British small plates in The Pound bar & riverside terrace or our Gastropub menu in the brand new Parade Room on the first floor. Enjoy free entry to the Westgate Towers Museum & Viewpoint with every receipt and a 10% discount to our award winning Escape Room experience set within the former cells of the Westgate Towers!

Enjoy a police cell feast!

[food and drink ]

BRISTOL BITES:

WHY EATING YOUR WAY WEST IS BEST

During EKL Travel Editor Jaillan Yehia’s stint living in North America she missed two things about the UK above all else: our historic and hip cities, and the unique flavours of the British food scene. She found both combined to perfection on a visit to Bristol. One of the things I talked of endlessly while based on the West Coast of Canada was the sheer variety of travel experiences on offer back in the UK – especially the variety of cities we can visit within just a few hours drive of our homes.

quirky shopping, and an all-round cool vibe, I’m convinced that Bristol represents the holy grail for a fun and accessible weekend away, and that it showcases everything I missed about the devil-may-care attitude of our edgier British cities.

Canada is epic, obviously, but those vast distances which define it often mean a long plane ride is called for just to get to the other side of the province while here in Blighty we can jump in our cars and literally be on the opposite side of the country in that same amount of time.

Bristol had stealthily crept up my travel wish list since moving back, but it stakes a claim right at the top when I read about a UK cooking tour by Chef Matt Campbell, my favourite UK Masterchef contestant by a country mile.

Our compact scale has some travel benefits we tend to take for granted, and despite the UK's modest distances, the scope of our landscapes, cultures, and of course cuisines, is almost endless. With this mission in mind - to enjoy the diversity I’d missed when separated from short breaks to English cities by the Atlantic Ocean - I organise a weekend away in Bristol, which is just a 3-hour drive from Canterbury. With a growing reputation for exciting independent food, edgy street art,

What tips me over the edge to making a trip to Bristol a reality is snagging the last table at the final event on his roadshow: a special 6-course plantbased menu prepared as a part of a vegan takeover at Box-E, a small but serious restaurant based in a shipping container in Bristol's Cargo complex at Wapping Wharf. After securing this booking, I find the rest of my foodie itinerary in Bristol flows effortlessly – a handful of other exciting restaurants find their way into my plans, and an airstream on the roof of a hotel opposite the historic food

market becomes an absolute must as a unique accommodation idea. I read that Observer food critic (and Masterchef regular) Jay Rayner called Bristol 'one of the most interesting restaurant cities in England' and I follow everyone I can find who is involved in making and selling yummy things in Bristol prior to my visit, proceeding to drool over everything from ramen lunches to locally-sourced suppers online in preparation. At the same time I follow Matt Campbell on social media, something I hadn't thought to do before, despite being enchanted by his dishes on TV After a few clicks on instagram and a scroll through a couple of foodie twitter feeds, I’m insanely excited about Bristol and ready to pack my stretchy pants. I've thought a lot about how to explain what happened next, and considered glossing over these facts because they are tragic, painful and not exactly the kind of upbeat topic a travel article usually covers. 63

[food and drink ] But I'd only be telling half the story if I didn't explain. Something completely senseless and terribly sad puts a strange shadow on the trip for me – and it’s to Bristol’s credit that despite the following events, I still have an exceptional time and wholeheartedly recommend you place Bristol high on your own weekendaway wish list. That meal at Box-E which makes my visit to Bristol a reality, turns out to be simultaneously the best and worst restaurant reservation I will ever honour. This is because Matt Campbell, the young chef behind the takeover which I was travelling specifically to experience, tragically died while running the London Marathon. Like so many others, I found myself utterly shocked and incredibly saddened. The meal went ahead, in Matt’s memory and with his family's blessing, with a portion of the proceeds going to the charity he was running for, the Brathay Trust. Here you can read how Matt’s food affected me and how the meal was bookended by wonderful edible discoveries throughout Bristol, which despite the underlying tragedy, left me feeling strangely elated and hooked on living life to its full.

THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY FOODIE FORAY TO BRISTOL WHERE TO EAT IN BRISTOL FOR CARNIVORES: PIGSTY As the focus of the main meal on this trip is to be 100% vegan, it seems sensible to single out a meaty alternative for committed carnivores (of which I am one) and trust me there are plenty of contenders in Bristol. There’s Argentinian inspired tapas on offer at Otira and Korean bao buns at Woky Ko (created by another Masterchef alumnus no less), all ready to satiate my appetite for meat, but in the end the utter meat fest that is Pigsty wins the first slice of my stomach after arrival in Bristol. Pigsty has the benefit of being housed, like Box-E and a host of other restaurant concepts, at Wapping Wharf, meaning it's a pleasant stroll away from many of the big hitters in Bristol's tourist scene like the Arnolfini arts centre, M-Shed and Museum Square. The menu is full of pleasingly piggish puns, and despite wanting to try the Pig Mac just for the sake of it, or go the Whole Hog with crackling and a pork belly bun, I plump for the PLT as I’m in the mood for my pork to be slapped between slices of sourdough. Pleasingly the drink selection features beer made by the brewery across the

way, Wild Beer Co, so I leave Pigsty feeling suitably piggish, and with a nice feeling of keeping it local, which is precisely what I’ve come to Bristol to do. pigstyuk.com

WHERE TO ENJOY A ROMANTIC DINNER IN BRISTOL: SHOP 3 BISTRO If you haven’t been to Bristol for many a year, you’ll find that much has changed - but the status of Clifton is one thing that’s remained consistent, and much of Bristol’s interesting and eclectic selection of independent

[food and drink ]

businesses are to be found in this leafy, sought-after suburb. A relative newcomer to the Clifton scene is Shop 3 Bistro, a rustic, paredback and laid-back 3-floor dining room which cuts the pomp and fuss out of proceedings and leaves you to concentrate on the food and do something lots of restaurants forget you want to; relax. What’s so nice about spending the evening at Shop 3 is that you can enjoy food that’s well-crafted and cared for, while enjoying a pleasantly chilled atmosphere perfect for your blow out meal on a short break, when you’ve likely been pounding the pavement or the nearby suspension bridge – and sightseeing all day. All the dishes taste good enough that the services of a dishwasher are

barely required for our plates, but the cocktails and starters are especially inviting, and if I could eat their Manuka smoked sea trout, pickled cucumbers, roscoff onions and bagel crumbs every day before my dinner, I probably would. Like Box-E it’s a husband and wife team running front and back of house at Shop 3, and the passion absolutely comes through in the flavours, the presentation and the service. I leave feeling I’ve surely found the perfect Bristol restaurant experience: eating locally sourced food, in a friendly neighbourhood setting which is just the right side of trendy and offers surprising value for money. shop3bistro.co.uk

WHERE TO EAT LUNCH ALFRESCO IN BRISTOL: BOX-E When I receive an email from the lovely team at Box-E, the restaurant Matt Campbell had been working with, saying in the most sensitive possible way that the vegan takeover they planned with Matt will now happen in his honour, I know I will go. Partly out of respect, partly because I want to contribute to the charity, but also, perhaps selfishly, because I want to have this final chance to get as close as I ever will to his creativity and to taste the dishes I knew he was working on. I worried that the meal would be a sombre affair, that it would seem very wrong to laugh and smile, drink and enjoy, in light of what had happened, but as it turns out it’s a glorious sunny day in Bristol, with sparkling blue skies

[food and drink ] – a rare perfect day which demands everyone eat alfresco and celebrate life, more so in the knowledge that it can be so very fleeting and fragile. The two dishes which are direct recreations of Matt's own are the very first and very last on the 6-course menu. It is no exaggeration to say that they shine, even among food – all cooked by Chef and proprietor Elliott Lidstone supported by partner Tessa – which is elevated to a standard which leaves no room for error. The Korean-style carrot hotdog is packed with a meaty texture and flavour which is hard to associate with vegan cuisine, and there is not a moment when I think any of the courses could be improved upon in the slightest by the addition of meat or dairy - not an opinion I am accustomed to holding. Every bite I have at Box-E is faultless, every dish inventive, light, and perfectly balanced and the food, setting, service and even the atmosphere lifts an already dazzling day. I can see why Matt chose to collaborate with this team, and I only hope you have the chance to dine here under happier circumstances. boxebristol.com brathay.org.uk

WHERE TO SHOP IN BRISTOL FOR FOODIES: OTOMI Named after the Indian tribe from whom their first products were purchased ready to sell to the Bristol community in 2006, Otomi is now a 2-floor Mexican boutique which is a treasure trove if you're interested in recreating the tastes of Tex-Mex cuisine – or buying some flamboyant and colourful Mexican accessories to take home. There are few places in the UK to buy the authentic and specially imported ingredients needed to make Mexican food properly at home, and the knowledge and friendly attitude at Otomi is ideal if you’re interested in this style of food but aren’t already an expert: be warned they will probably give you a free taste of their house tequila too. otomi.co.uk

WHERE TO HAVE COFFEE IN BRISTOL: WAINWRIGHTS SPECIALITY COFFEE I’m singling out one coffee house in an entire city which takes its coffee seriously, but the good news is that if you have walked along the suspension bridge or dined at Shop 3 Bistro, or if you’re spending any time in Clifton at

all, you won’t have to go out of your way to have your hipster coffee here. Word on the street from Bristol locals is that until Wainwrights openedup Clifton was strangely lacking a speciality coffee shop, but if you’re keen on sampling the independent food and drink scene in Bristol and are a coffee connoisseur you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Wainwright’s. wainwrightscoffee.co.uk

[food and drink ]

WHERE TO STAY IN BRISTOL: RETRO ROCKET ON THE ROOF AT BROOKS GUESTHOUSE One of the best things I can say about Bristol's food scene is this: discovering it is insanely easy and who doesn’t want their weekend away to be effortless? The opportunities to eat well in Bristol are brilliant; it's just knowing when to stop indulging that's a bit tricky. So what could be easier on a foodie expedition, yet more laced with the temptation to try just one more dish, than to sleep within view of St Nicholas Market, the historic Georgian arcade which has been trading local produce since 1743? Although I’m guessing they didn’t have pulled pork sandwiches on sale back in those days. Brooks Guesthouse is a popular, centrally-located spot to lay your head, and while its rooms are modern, stylish and comfy, the so-called Retro Rockets on the roof are hard to pass up - these converted airstreams come with a bird’s eye view of the food market as well as the wonderful feeling of having all of Bristol at your feet. bristol.gov.uk/web/st-nicholas-markets brooksguesthousebristol.com Bristol Vegfest, a celebration of vegan eating and living, takes place on 26-27 May and Bristol Food Connections is a food culture festival running from 11-17 June plus there are craft beer and coffee festivals throughout the Autumn. See Visitbristol.co.uk to find out more about what’s happening in Bristol. 67

[fashion ]

Textured knitted polo, ÂŁ28, Chino shorts, ÂŁ16

Available from Next in

Whitefriars Square, Canterbury.

[fashion ]

Khaki paisley pattern

dress, ÂŁ34

Available from Next

in Whitefriars Square,

Canterbury.

[fashion ] Orange asymmetric tassel Bodycon dress, £60,

Double ringed belt, £14,

Earrings, £14, Men’s shirt, £25, White jeans, £40, belt, £18, Sunglasses, £10

Available from River Island in

Whitefriars Street, Canterbury.

[fashion ] Sunglasses, £10,

Blue suit jacket, £85,

Blue suit trousers, £40,

Shirt, £28, Yellow dress, £42

Available from River Island in

Whitefriars Street, Canterbury.

[fashion ] Striped dress, ÂŁ29.99

Available from Zara in

Whitefriars Street, Canterbury.

[fashion ] Printed bowling shirt, ÂŁ22.99 Available from Zara in

Whitefriars Street, Canterbury.

[fashion ]

Heidi print maxi dress, ÂŁ109

Available from Monsoon in Whitefriars Street, Canterbury.

[fashion ]

Nevada shirt, ÂŁ42.50

Available from White Stuff in

Whitefriars Street, Canterbury.

[fashion ]

Alexandra floral print dress, ÂŁ120

Available from Phase Eight in the Marlowe Arcade, Canterbury.

[fashion ]

Cami, £8, Jeans, £13,

Sandals, £4, Necklace, £3

Available from Primark in the

Marlowe Arcade, Canterbury.

[feature ]

Let Us Introduce You...

KAREN & KIM INTRODUCTIONS

Several years ago Karen Giles, co-founder of Karen & Kim Introductions had her entire world turned upside down. The devastating death of her husband was followed by a bout of serious ill-health as she suffered a nervous breakdown and a minor stroke. Add to this a new relationship which proved to a very nasty experience and this once high-flying, confident businesswoman was left feeling frustrated, deflated, unhappy, and cheated out of her previously happy, healthy life. Prior to her breakdown Karen had enjoyed a successful 20 year career as a city banker, as well owning a successful local interiors business “Karen’s Curtains” for 30 years.The death of her husband, however, led to Karen giving away her 78

business to the staff for the price of the VAT. She no longer wanted to carry on, money wasn’t important any more. A sad story indeed, but as is very often the case with truly successful people, Karen found a way to refocus her considerable energy and life experience towards a new goal. Her own negative dating experience left her with a feeling that people deserve better, and after hearing similar stories from friends and acquaintances Karen decided she wanted to do something about it. After talking it through with her good friend Kim Mortensen, the pair decided that they would work together strive to create the sort of introduction agency for the over 40’s that they would be proud to endorse. Kim runs a successful property rental portfolio and her husband has a successful double-glazing business so, like Karen, she brings with her a wealth of business experience. Also, as both ladies are financially independent (and this becomes obvious when you meet them) their business is driven first and foremost out of a genuine passion for helping people meet the partner they deserve.

To this end the pair spent 6-7 months researching the market before launching; talking to people about their experiences, trying out other agencies and figuring out what worked and what didn’t work, and ultimately formulating their own blueprint for success. Over the course of their research, Karen & Kim were quite shocked at some of the outfits they came across, some of which charged up to an eyewatering £25,000 for membership! One Tonbridge agency (which shall remain nameless) charged £6,000 and did little more than provide their members with phone numbers and expected them to make their own dates.They also discovered that the owner of another of the agencies they researched with a fourfigure joining fee was simply fixing up her members with her own friends and acquaintances who had no intentions of forming lasting relationships.When you realise what you get for your £595 from Karen & Kim you realise that you are really getting value for your money. Karen and Kim travel to meet all their new members in person for an

[feature ] ‘informal chat’ which might take an hour to an hour and a half to really get an understanding about who they are as people, what they are looking for, and, quite importantly, that they are who they say they are.While online dating may be convenient for the millennial generation who demand instant gratification and who will happily dismiss a potential date with a quick, “swipe left” or choose a date based on what is often a completely fictitious profile (or, in even more cases, far from honest), there are those of us of a certain age who are perhaps a little more discerning and for whom security and honesty is more of a priority.

profiles be available online.They then tell prospective dates about the match, send them a photo and arrange the date, time, and place (somewhere equidistant between the two parties). After the date feedback will be sought to build both clients profile further and if a second date is agreeable then once again K&K will do the arrangements. It is not until the 3rd date that Karen and Kim will set their daters free – up until then they are advised not to give out their phone numbers or even their surnames to their dates.This is purely to protect their clients in the event that either of them change their minds during the process.

It’s for this reason that Karen & Kim ask for three forms of identification (utility bill, driver’s license, passport etc). Meeting a new person for a date can be daunting, especially if, as can often be the case with the over 40’s, they have previously been in a relationship for many years which has either ended by divorce or a bereavement – so that extra level of security offers some reassurance. Each prospective member also has to agree to a thorough set of terms and conditions aimed at ensuring the privacy, integrity, and honesty of all members’ information.

Karen & Kim guarantee 4 dates for a new member, but this is by no means a maximum, simply a bottom line. Having had hundreds of customers on their books already they are confident in their abilities to find the right match. A look at the testimonials on their website www.karenandkimintroductions.co.uk certainly seem to back up this claim.

After gathering enough information about their new client, as well as up to date photo and ID it falls to Kim to build their profile – a profile solely for the use of Karen & Kim to find suitable matches – at no point will these

Karen

When I asked about any recent success stories Karen told me,

“Well, we’ve got a couple now currently on a yacht heading towards the Canary Islands.The lady is ten years the gentleman’s senior, she is black and he’s white, she is the funniest, kindest most amazing businesswoman and he is basically Captain Birdseye – and they couldn’t be more loved-up” “He had a 60ft ocean going yacht he has had refurbished, she’s had navigation lessons and now they’re on their way.We even received a call asking if we wanted to fly out to join them. It just goes to show you never know who might end up being your perfect match.” Karen and Kim work independently at their respective offices in Herne Bay and Whitstable and regularly meet to discuss members, business issues, and to plan prospective match-ups. Now, two and half years in, business is booming, and with a large portfolio of members all looking for love in the right places Karen and Kim are always looking for new potential matches. Karen & Kim cover South East England including Kent, Essex, Sussex, and South East London.

Karen & Kim Introductions Herne Bay

Call Monday – Friday 9am-6pm on 01227 637949 OR 07523 613536

www.karenandkimintroductions.co.uk

Kim 79

title ] ] [music

FOLK MUSIC BY THE SEA BROADSTAIRS FOLK WEEK – 10TH – 17TH AUGUST BY JO TUFFS

The 53rd Broadstairs Folk Week rolls into town in August with hundreds of musicians and performers in almost every available venue in Broadstairs. Headline acts include Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri - tickets are selling fast; long-standing folk band Blowzabella – celebrates their 40th anniversary with a concert, workshops and full-on ceilidh. The Pavilion on the Sands is a great venue with views over Viking Bay. Dances and concert include Americana, bluegrass and Cajun music with Flats & Sharps and the Flatville Aces; African drumming; Jive with the Rocket Dogs; Cuban grooves and Salsa with Sarabanda late night there’s leap about performances – from Tankus the Henge, Funke & the Two Tone Baby, The Backyard Rhythm Orchestra and eternal Broadstairs favourites – Blackbeard’s Tea Party.

Popular folk musicians from the British Isles and Ireland include Kathryn Tickell & the Darkening, Jez Lowe,Tom McConville, Jed Grimes and Pons Aelius hail from the North East; Jim Causley, the Longest Johns and Harbottle & Jonas from the west country; Narthen, Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham, Mrs Ackroyd Band from a medley of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Derbyshire and Ireland is represented by the Sharon Shannon Band, and John Doyle; Scotland by Elephant Sessions and Josie Duncan and Pablo Lafuente – plus Spain! Kent’s musicians include musical maestro, Tim Edey who is the Patron of Folk Week;The Kent Song Collective present a new show by Bob Kenward – Under the Green Bough – exploring farming in song. Other bands from Kent include bluegrass band Gentlemen of Few; singer songwriters Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter, Pete Collins, co-host of the Neptune singarounds; the Stark Bros; master harp player Al Clark and Happy Trails, Crisis, Hot Rats as well as Hobo and the Hippies and the Foot Down ceilidh band – both up and coming bands from Kent. The Family Festival at Folk Week includes the daily free Hobby Horse Club – with Inspirations Theatre company and a new band Giddy Yup, plus the mascot of the festival Clarence and the Hooden Horses.The Hill Top Ceilidh band invite young musicians between 12 and 20 to join them in creating a Band in a Weekend – or even

a Band in a Day; Alphonse Daudet Touna will create a family band with steel drums at the heart of it; there’s a Creative Tent at the campsite and a daily Magic Club at lunchtimes tucked away in Crampton Tower Museum. Morris sides make a great contribution to the colour and music around the town and this year there are many returning sides such as Hartley, Bishop’s Gundulf, Loose Women,Wantsum, Offcumdens, Kent Korkers and Pork Scratchings and new attendees include Brixton Tatterjacks and Black Dragon Morris. The Souvenir Programme is published in mid- June and has all the details including the free pub sessions: £6.50 including postage and packing. Concerts Ceilidhs Workshops Dances Children’s Festival Craft & Music Fair Festival Campsite Morris Dancers Pub Sessions All tickets are now on sale - Festival Tickets with or without camping for a week, weekend or day: plus single event tickets for dances and concerts. Credit card booking,Ticket Sales & Information Call 01843 604080 Book online at www. broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk Email: info@ broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk Follow us on Facebook – The Official Broadstairs Folk Week Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ BroadstairsFW/ and Twitter @FolkWeek

[music ]

HOPS ‘N’ HARVEST BEER FESTIVAL AT KENT LIFE, MAIDSTONE

The popular festival returns to its roots in 2018. Visitors can join in with the traditional hand-picking of hops, as well as meeting historical characters from Kent’s past. You can also sample up to 60 varieties of locally brewed ales and ciders while absorbing the fantastic live music programme. Ale aficionados will be right at home in the well-stocked Kentish Ales Marquee with plenty of hoppy delights to tickle their tastebuds, showcasing some of Kent’s finest products from Kent’s many local breweries.You will also be sure to find a wide and varied selection of tasty cider. The Village Hall will provide a full service bar, take time out and relax with a summery Pimm’s, a glass of something bubbly or a jug of something super. Take time to visit one of the last working coal-fired oast houses in the country, and witness the hop-making process from picking to drying.There’s also fantastic entertainment from the Pearly Kings and Queens. There will also be a variety of food stalls as well as Kent Liefe’s own tasty menu served from Dotty’s Tea Room, and their Wood Fired Oven in the Pizza Garden. There will be plenty of live and local musical entertainment from established Kent acts alongside some bright upcoming stars too. Children’s favourite Sooty will be performing shows in the Big Top, perfect for families. For the first time, Kent Life members can enter the Hops ‘n’ Harvest Festival for free. For more information, prices and tickets Call 01622 763936 or email enquiries@kentlife.org.uk

F O L K M U S I C BY T H E S E A SHAR ON SH ANNO N BAND | BLO WZABELLA GI GSPANNER BI G BAND KI KI D EE AND CAR M ELO LU GGERI M ATTH EWS’ SO UTHERN COM FORT KATH RYN TI CKELL & THE DAR KENING SAM KELLY & THE LO ST BO YS TI LSTON AND LO WE | STI CK I N TH E WHEEL POLI C E DOG HOGAN | JI M C AU SLEY TRIO NARTH EN | LUKE D ANI ELS | TI M EDEY ELEPHANT SESSI ONS | DAN WALSH TRIO BANTER | BLAC KBEARD’S TEA PARTY BAC KYARD RHYTHM O RCHESTR A G ERRY COLVI N BAND | FLATS & SHARP S ALBI R EO | RELENTLESS CEI LI D H BAND TO M M CCONVI LLE | COSM OTHEKA KI T HAWES & AAR ON CATLO W STABLES | HAR BOTTLE & JO NAS FLATVI LLE AC ES | TANKUS TH E HENGE JOSI E D UNCAN & PABLO LAFU ENTE | KADIA M RS ACKR OYD BAND | PO NS AELIUS PLU S M ANY M ORE ARTI STS! CONCERTS . CEILIDHS . WO RK SHOPS . D ANC ES CHILDREN’ S FESTIVAL . C RAFT & MUSIC FA I R FESTIVAL C AMPSITE . MORRIS D ANC ER S . PUB S ES S I ON S

F E ST I VA L T I C K E T S AVA I L A BL E NOW

BROADSTAI RSFOLKWEEK.ORG.U K BOX OFFI CE: 01843 604080

[education ]

A wonderfully chilled out festival in a beautiful venue, featuring three days of classic rock, prog and roots music. Great beers, excellent and varied food, all at reasonable prices. Camping and Glamping is available, parking is free

Featuring, for your listening pleasure…

FEEDER * HAWKWIND * TEN YEARS AFTER * JETHRO TULL’s MARTIN BARRE CARAVAN * CARL PALMER’s ELP LEGACY * CURVED AIR * ATOMIC ROOSTER HUGH CORNWELL * GONG * RUTS DC * THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN PEATBOG FAERIES * JOHN OTWAY * BERNIE TORMÉ * TYGERS OF PAN TANG Son Of Man * Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs * Thunderstick * John Coghlan’s Quo Rodney Branigan * Dr Schwamp * Far Meadow * Blackbeard’s Tea Party Bemis * Vikki Clayton Band * Gerry Colvin Band * The Gift * Tommy Justice The Mentulls * Kanda Bongo Man * AVA (Anna Phoebe & Aisling Brouwer)

www.anewdayfestival.com

PRESENTING AN AMAZING WEEKEND OF ROCK & BLUES

King King * Nine Below Zero

Dr Feelgood * Martin Barre’s Blues Band Climax Blues Band * Band Of Friends Jo Harman * Mike Sanchez * Robin Bibi Rebecca Downes * Spank The Monkey

Marcus Bonfanti * Vince Lee & The Big Combo Woolton Farm Tom C Walker * Cold Flame * Mack * Catfish Jackie McAuley Band Bekesbourne Camping, glamping, free parking Kent June 15-17 www.bluesonthefarm.com 82

[music ]

BLUES ON THE FARM

WOOLTON FARM, BEKESBOURNE, CANTERBURY. JUNE 15TH-17TH Canterbury welcomes a brand-new festival in June, with three days of amazing multi-award-winning blues bands from across the UK. The stellar line-up includes the mighty King King, Band of Friends celebrating the music of Rory Gallagher, and Grammy winning Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre, who has assembled a special one-off blues band exclusively for this festival – a performance definitely not to be missed.

Other great bands over the weekend include Dr Feelgood, Jo Harman, the amazing Mike Sanchez & his band, exThem & Poormouth’s Jackie McAuley, Robin Bibi, Marcus Bonfanti from Ten Years After, Catfish,Vince Lee, Rebecca Downes and the legendary Climax Blues Band, marking their 50th anniversary this year. The festival promises a good range of excellent real ales, cider and lager, and hosts Kentish Pip will be offering their superb range of sparkling wines, whilst the food stalls are varied enough to satisfy all tastes.

Camping and glamping (luxury camping) is available, and parking is free. For full details and to buy tickets see www.bluesonthefarm.com

A NEW DAY FESTIVAL

MT EPHRAIM GARDENS, HERNHILL, FAVERSHAM. AUGUST 3RD-5TH The little festival with the big bands returns to Mt Ephraim for the third year, and this year’s line-up is just as impressive as the previous two years, which have seen rock legends such as Jethro Tull, The Stranglers, Uriah Heep and many more entertain the delighted audiences. The mighty Feeder headline Friday night and are joined by the likes of long-time Stranglers frontman Hugh Cornwell, Ruts DC, Jethro Tull’s Martin Barre, madcap John Otway and the remarkable and joyous rhythms of Kanda Bongo Man. Saturday is traditionally prog-rock day, and with Hawkwind, Gong, Caravan, Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy, Curved Air, Atomic Rooster, Bernie Tormé and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown it is set to be a proggers delight! Add to that the techno-folk of The Peatbog Faeries and the unique sound of Dr Schwamp and there’s something for everyone.

Heavy rock is the order of the day on Sunday with Ten Years After, Tygers Of Pan Tang, John Coghlan’s Quo, Thunderstick and Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs, with something completely different offered by AVA, Rodney Branigan, Son Of Man, Bemis and Blackbeard’s Tea Party. There are two stages running consecutively with a short gap between bands, so it is possible to see every minute of each performance, avoiding the annoying clashes that spoil many other festivals. A major attraction of A New Day is Mt Ephraim itself, a beautifully scenic setting with natural amphitheatres. Of course, there is an abundance of craft, music, jewellery and clothing stalls, along with the well stocked and varied bars and food stalls. Camping, pre-pitched camping and glamping is available, and parking is free. Tickets will be available on the gate, but it is possible that camping and campervan tickets will sell out in advance.

For full details and to purchase tickets see the website at www.anewdayfestival.com

[education ]

MBER E T P E S H T 9 8TH &

2018

ly!

i m a F e h t l l a r o f Festival Fun

PLUS

THE

70th An HOW Bake O niversary ff Show !

Enjoy live music, pick our hops by hand, and try up to 50 varieties of beer and cider!

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

8TH SEPTEMBER LIVE MUSIC

9TH SEPTEMBER LIVE MUSIC

GE MAIN STeA ptember

S Saturday 8

vinia Matt and La rmaster Katie Kitte s Nick Wood nd a B is w Aid Le o re te S to Pro wn The Unkno H e ippies Hobo and th ul Sold on So

ACOUS Saturd

TIC STA

ay 8 Se

ptembe

Skinne rs Rats Pearly Kings a nd Que ens Frankie S w ain Sophie Harmsw orth Kelly S tanley Martin Morris

Saturday 8th September - Open 10am – 11pm Adult £12.00 • Child (3-15) £9.00 • Concession £11.00 Family (2+2) £37.00 • Kent Life Members FREE

MAIN STAteGmEber

Sunday 9 Se

Matt Brooks aisy Blackfoot D Band ie nn Pe Rosie Contraband s The Gallery

ACOUS Sunday

mber

Skinne rs Rats Pearly Kings a nd Que ens Frankie Swain Aid Lew is Niamh McSmit h Martin Morris

Sunday 9th September - Open 10am – 6pm Adult £9.95 • Child (3-15) £8.25 • Concession £8.95 Family (2+2) £32.95 • Kent Life Members FREE

www.kentlife.org.uk or call 01622 763936

84Kent

TIC STA

9 Septe

Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3AU (just off jct.6 of the M20) Acts confirmed at time of going to print and are subject to change.

[hair and beauty ]

HAIR BY THE CHAIR BY NICK ROSE, THE CHAIR, CANTERBURY

This issue we are delighted to share with you the new service we are now offering at The Chair, L’Oreal’s new and sensational highlighting system –Instalights. Instalights are a fantastic way to lighten the hair in minimal time, from touching up your balayage to creating some added dimension, you’ll be left with a brighter, fresher colour. I previously balayaged my clients hair but after time it grew down so we used Instalights to refresh and lighten the hair. I only used 10 foils in the hair to refresh. For the people that don’t have hours to spend in the salon Instalights would be the perfect alternative to your usual colour, although it can’t be used for your average back to back highlights, it’s a great way to give you lighter hair in lesser quantity.

Instalights are even available for men who want something lighter yet natural. By adding some lighter pieces to the hair it gives the hair added texture and dimension. The Chair 2-4 The Borough Canterbury Kent CT1 2DR 01227 45545

The Chair’s Senior stylist Nick Rose has been in the industry for 6 years and has extensive knowledge in all aspects of hair. Nick started his career with an apprenticeship at Sassoon’s, finishing his training at The Chair after moving to Canterbury. Nick’s skills enabled him to progress to the backstage finals at the prestigious L’Oreal Colour Trophy. In 2016 Nick temporarily relocated to an exclusive Mayfair salon to undergo further intense training in designer cutting and creative colouring. Now being back at The Chair Nick is using his skills to create looks tailored to his clients’ specific needs to give them the beautiful hair they deserve.

Modern & Traditional Men's Hairstyling Appointments Optional

01843 865230 /864256 91 High Street | Broadstairs | Kent

MMP are Chartered Certified Accountants situated in Broadstairs. We are well placed to provide expert knowledge and friendly advice for businesses and individuals.

SERVICES IN BROADSTAIRS • Accounts

• Financial Planning

• Audit

• Payroll and PAYE

• Business Tax

• Self Assessment

• Exit and Succession Planning

• VAT

OPENING HOURS: Mondays to Thursdays: 9am to 5pm Fridays: 8:30am to 4pm Weekends: Closed Broadstairs Business Centre 64 High Street Broadstairs Kent CT10 1JT

Phone: 01843 608081 Email: ian@mmpaudit.co.uk

www.mmpaudit.co.uk 86

ART GALLERY AND GIFT SHOP OPENING HOURS: 10AM-5PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY 43 QUEEN ST RAMSGATE CT11 9DZ 01843 597428

[education ]

CADETS VISIT SUBMARINE DEFENCE SHIP

HMS SOMERSET Naval cadets from the Duke of York’s Royal Military School experienced life aboard submarine defence ship HMS Somerset while it was moored at Dover as part of the 100th anniversary Zeebrugge Raid Commemorations. They saw first-hand what life is like on an active warship from sleeping and dining conditions to radar and navigation operations. Cadets were also able to talk to serving naval crew, try on combat protective gear and sit in the Captain’s Chair. Prior to the visit, HMS Somerset had sailed from Belgium after taking part in ceremonies to honour those killed and wounded during the Royal Navy’s attack on Zeebrugge a century ago to stop German submarines wreaking

COURAGE

havoc among allied shipping. A detachment also took part in the Dover commemorations on April 23 alongside students from the military school. The Dover school’s Combined Cadet Force is one of the largest in the country with British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force sections. It gives students the excitement and challenges of expeditions that test their teambuilding and leadership skills.

Teacher Anne Ryder, commander of the school’s naval contingent and a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, said:“It was a real privilege for our cadets to see the conditions and facilities on a combat-ready ship and to meet its highly-trained crew who gave a real insight into life onboard. This was such a rare opportunity and we are thankful to HMS Somerset.” For more information, visit www.doyrms.com.

• INTEGRITY • RESPECT • COMMITMENT • LOYALTY • SELF-DISCIPLINE

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School DOVER • KENT

“Looking forward with confidence, looking back with pride.”

Our co-educational state boarding school for students aged 11 to 18 is located on a beautiful 150-acre site and welcomes applications from military and non-military families.

Please contact our Registrar on:

T: +44 (0) 1304 245073 • E: admin.office@doyrms.com

www.doyrms.com

[education ]

SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS - WHAT AND WHY?

The King’s School takes very seriously its centuriesold charitable aim of working with the local community. Sharing facilities, collaborating with other schools, offering means-tested bursaries these have all been going on for a very long time. Since the appointment of a Head of Partnerships in 2014, the school has shaped a partnership programme which is setting the standard in community engagement for independent schools across the country.

The school now partners with over forty state schools across East Kent, both secondary and primary. However, Head of Partnerships Christina Astin is very clear that all their partnerships are two-way. “Collaborating with other schools brings fresh ideas for our teachers and opportunities for our pupils to demonstrate leadership or simply broaden their experience”, she says. The school’s two flagship partnerships: East Kent Schools Together and the Canterbury Primary Science Partnership have transformed opportunities for their teachers and pupils, as well as helping to support local schools and close the educational gap. East Kent Schools Together (www.ekst. org) launched in September 2017 as a mutually-beneficial collaboration of 6 schools and Canterbury Christ Church University. It has already proved immensely successful in bringing schools closer together to share good practice and learn from each other. The Canterbury Primary Science Partnership has been supporting primary science since 2014 with teacher meetings and training as well as pupil workshops and science shows. The Saturday Smarties science masterclasses have benefited nearly 250 primary pupils in Canterbury and made a real impact on aspirations in STEM subjects. The annual Family Science Day which took place on 29th April opened up

the King’s science labs once again, but this time for primary pupils and their parents/carers to come along and learn together. Over 60 children, parents and carers were treated to a day of fun and experiments with Physics, biology and chemistry teachers and volunteers from King’s guiding them as they lit Bunsen burners to explore different colour flames, investigated wriggling water fleas under microscopes and even made their own pinhole camera to take home. Certificates were presented by Rosie Duffield MP and The Lord Mayor, Councillor Rosemary Doyle. Next on the agenda for the Partnerships Team is the fourth annual Canterbury Minilympics for Year 4 children, in conjunction with Canterbury Christ Church University, Kent Cricket Club and Folkestone Academy.Year 4 pupils from ten local primary schools are invited to the sports facilities at King’s for a day of exciting sporting activities. Team athletics, cricket skills, healthy lifestyle talks, sports science testing and the chance to meet Olympic and Paralympic sports stars make up a very enjoyable day which has quickly become an important event in the Partnerships calendar. To find out more about the variety of Partnerships activities the school is involved in please visit – www.kings-partnerships.co.uk

[title ]

C O -EDUCAT IONA L DAY & B OA R DI NG S C HO OLS F OR P U PI LS AGE D 3-18

Open Mornings 13+ Entry: Saturday 16th June

Sixth Form Entry: Saturday 23rd June

Pre-Prep & Prep School: Saturday 13th OCTOBER

age 3 - 13

age 13 - 18

www.junior-kings.co.uk

www.kings-school.co.uk

[education ]

Be all you can be

Wednesday 6th June | Reception Class experience morning Saturday 9th June | Open House for Nursery to Sixth Form Thursday 14th June | Nursery Class experience morning Saturday 6th October | Whole School Open Day Book now at www.stedmunds.org.uk

NEW ACADEMIC HUB AND THEATRE FOR

ST EDMUND’S SCHOOL CANTERBURY

St Edmund's School Canterbury has officially opened its new Academic Hub and theatre heralding an exciting new phase in the school's future. Opened by former Chair of Governors, Michael Terry, in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, pupils, staff and friends of St Edmund’s, the £2 million building is the first of two phases of development. Alongside wide refurbishment of existing facilities across the school's estate, this independent school is improving its already inspirational learning space for pupils. St Edmund's School Canterbury is the largest it has been since it was founded 90

classrooms, some with views of the school's beautiful grounds and the historical city of Canterbury.

in 1749, with pupils from across the world and the local area, attending as boarders or day pupils. The school aims for its pupils to achieve the very highest standards they can, and the Academic Hub is demonstration of the school's investment in its pupils, their academic careers and their futures. The Academic Hub, designed by award-winning architects Hazle McCormack Young and built by BBS Construction, is sympathetic to the beauty of the school's central Grade II listed building, marrying tradition and modernity. Phase 1 of the hub holds seven light and spacious new

After a tour of the Hub, guests joined St Edmund’s head Louise MoelwynHughes for the official opening of the school's theatre. Chic and stylish, from its lobby to its comfortable tiered seating, the 400- seat auditorium is a space that truly befits the excellent drama and music productions that the school is renowned for. The theatre refurbishment was made possible by a generous gift from a former pupil, now friend, of the school, and their family. St Edmund's music and drama facilities and achievements are some of the very best in the country, and the theatre is central to the provision of performing arts teaching. The Academic Hub and Theatre will be open to prospective pupils and parents attending the school's Open House on 9 June.

[education ]

THE NURSERY AT

ST LAWRENCE COLLEGE At a time when many nurseries are expanding their numbers and opening their doors to more children, St Lawrence College in Ramsgate is changing its Nursery to become smaller, more exclusive and more personal. The remodelled Nursery aims to offer an imaginative contemporary take on an old-

fashioned idyllic childhood. A modern, calm and focussed classroom environment is perfectly balanced with plenty of fresh air, muddy knees, creativity and messy play. Kindness and respect are considered important and, with a freshly-prepared hot lunch available with every session, children will be taught good table manners.

The Nursery curriculum is also changing to bring together a focus on developing core literacy and numeracy skills with the most exciting elements of forest school and the School’s established outdoor adventures’ programme. St Lawrence College considers Nursery education so important that they have redeployed one of their outstanding teachers to take charge. Current Year 1 Teacher, Rebecca Brown, is buzzing with excitement at the prospect; her energy and enthusiasm for September’s new-look Nursery is infectious.

Head of the Junior School, Ellen Rowe, said: “Having an experienced Early Years’ Qualified Teacher in the Nursery will ensure that every child in our care receives the very best start to their academic school life. With a smaller number of children there will be more opportunities for one-to-one learning, giving pupils a real head start before they move up to Reception.” Established in 1879, St Lawrence College has been offering a high quality education for children aged 3 to 18 years for generations of local families. With its popularity growing, and waiting lists in many year groups, parents can register their child from birth for a place in the Nursery with natural progression to the Junior School. Find out more and arrange a visit: 01843 572912 | jsadmissions@slcuk.com | www.slcuk.com

Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years in South East England

Find out more about our new nursery Registrations now being taken Limited number of places Small class size offering individual attention Inspirational outdoor learning activities Focus on core academic skills Welcoming family community Calm, happy and creative environment Spacious grounds with onsite woodland area

T: 01843 572912 E: jsadmissions@slcuk.com College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE

www.slcuk.com

[what's occurring ]

occurring

June

Thursday 7th June

a-ha Electric Summer @ The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury

Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th June

Meet Paddington @ Romney, Hythe, and Dymchurch Railway Meet everyone’s favourite Peruvian, marmalade sandwich loving bear and get your hands on some of these special train tickets guarantee which a seat on a VIP departure from Hythe to New Romney Station to see Paddington. These tickets include a reserved seat from Hythe to New Romney and return travel on any train (subject to space being available) plus unlimited travel to other stations for that day.

The Norwegian trio, whose video of Take On Me has been voted in the Top 10 best music videos year on year by MTV fans, will play the Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence in Canterbury, home of Kent County Cricket Club, on Thursday, June 7th. Their 2018 Summer Electric Tour will see them perform their greatest hits and their latest acoustic album, bringing a full electric set, plus new material. They will be joined by a full new band including a string section. They will be supported by fellow 80’s pop synth heroes OMD and Tom Bailey. From: 4pm Tickets: From £50 available from www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th June Sandwich Le Weekend @ Sandwich Town The authentic French Market will be back for its 9th year, on the Guildhall Forecourt on both Saturday and Sunday, with extra stalls in Market Street. There will be room to sit and relax and watch the street concerts with plenty of free outdoor live music on both days in Market Street and a French Breton street dancing party in No Name Street, again on both days as well as an Anglo French Medieval encampment on the quay green.

Departures at 09.40, 10.40, 11.40 & 12.40 Price; £9 for children (up to 15), £18 for adults – family tickets also available from www.rhdr.org.uk

Sunday 24th June Sarah Millican – Control Enthusiast @ Margate Winter Gardens One of the UK’s finest comic talents, the irrepressible Sarah Millican brings her hilarious new tour to sunny Margate this summer. Pay attention and you’ll learn about Rescue Men, farting in hospital pants, what can happen at a bra fitting, the benefits of casserole, plus tips on how to talk to shop assistants and the correct way to eat a biscuit. Funny, frank and unapologetically filthy! Doors Open 6.45pm Price: £27.50 call 01843 292795 to book (over 16’s only)

Saturday 7th July Summer Party Night @ Canterbury Cathedral Lodge

Free entry For more details call 01304 611619

Thursday 14th June Travis - The Man Who in Concert @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Following their triumphant headline show at On Blackheath Festival last September and due to popular demand, Travis, play their classic album 'The Man Who' live in full at Folkestone’s popular Leas Cliff Hall. Released 19 years ago, ‘The Man Who’ sounds as fresh today as it did then. One of the most successful British albums of the last 20 years, it spawned the timeless singles, ‘Writing To Reach You’, ‘Driftwood’, ‘Turn’ and possibly the band’s most iconic song, ‘Why Does It Always Rain On Me’. From: 7pm Price: From £44.65 available at www.atgtickets.com

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge invites you to enjoy the spectacular backdrop of Canterbury Cathedral at their Summer Party on Saturday 7th July. On arrival guests will enjoy a glass of Pimms and canapés in the beautiful Campanile Garden, overlooking the Cathedral, while being entertained

[what's occurring ] by solo singer, Sarah Banks. Guests will then make their way through to the Clagett Auditorium for 3-course a sit-down dinner, with coffee and mints. Afterwards, seven-piece local function band ‘The Soul Monkeys’, will entertain you throughout the evening. At 11pm there will be a disco until midnight.

July

Price: £39.95 per person call 01227 865350 to book.

Saturday 7th July Shakespeare on the Beach (Measure for Measure) @ Margate Beach Vienna is rife with brothels, loose morality and ludicrous characters. The weak Duke goes undercover, leaving his strict deputy Angelo in charge to clean the city up. But when Angelo sentences young Claudio to death for sleeping with his wife to be, Claudio’s sister Isobel, a nun, pleads for his life. Angelo agrees to spare him, but the stakes are high. Isobel faces an impossible choice…

of the most ambitious private expeditions ever undertaken. Amongst his many record-breaking achievements, he was the first to reach both Poles, the first to cross the Antarctic and Arctic Ocean, and the first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis. In Living Dangerously, Sir Ranulph offers a personal journey through his life, from his early years to the present day. Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ many endeavours have pushed his endurance levels to the very limits, inspiring generations and making him a pioneer of exploration with an unparalleled story to tell. From: 7.30pm Prices: From £26.90 available at www.atgtickets.com

Saturday 21st-Sunday 22nd July Whitstable Oyster Festival @Whitstable and Tankerton Sand

Changeling’s Measure for Measure is inspired by the Moulin Rouge with more than a hint of the Burlesque. This bawdy and witty Shakespeare comedy has a storyline full of twists and turns as sin meets virtue and good battles against evil. Price: £9 book now on 01843 292795 Gates open 7pm for 7.30pm start

Saturday 14th July Leeds Castle Classical Concert @ Leeds Castle, Maidstone

Once again it’s time to herald the Landing of the Oysters and proudly parade them through the town at the ever-popular annual Whitstable Oyster Festival. Cheer on the competitors in the famous Oyster Eating Competition, take in the sea views and explore a world of cuisine at the Tankerton Food Fair, as well as embracing the beautiful (and uniquely Whitstable) sight of a beach full of glowing Grotters at twilight. Free entry

Saturday 28th July Danny Baker – Good Time Charlie’s Back! @ Theatre Royal, Margate Get ready to party at the 40th anniversary Classical Concert on Saturday 14th July. Come along to one of the most magnificent and memorable summer evenings in the Kent events calendar. Bring a picnic and be entertained by field cannons, fireworks and much loved classical music. People in their thousands have attended the stunning setting of Leeds Castle across the last forty years to be entertained by this amazing open-air musical delight. This year’s special guests include West End performers Louise Dearman and Canadian Tim Howar from Mike and the Mechanics. Price: Picnic Style £45, Seated £55 Book: Call Heritage Events on 0845 652 62 62.

Thursday 19th July An Evening with Sir Ranulph Fiennes @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Named by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure, risking life and limb in some

Back by popular demand after his critically acclaimed ‘Cradle to Grave’ tour, Danny Baker brings his latest tour ‘Good Time Charlie’s Back!’ to Margate this July. A master story-teller with a razor-sharp wit, an hour in the company of Danny Baker in full flow is truly something to behold. Time: 7.30pm Price: £22.50 call 01843 292795 (over 14’s only) 93

[days out ]

EXPLORE OPEN QUARTER AT FOLKESTONE’S CREATIVE QUARTER THIS JUNE! This June, you are invited to explore Folkestone Creative Quarter’s hidden spaces and meet the people behind this unique and creative community. What’s more – this year, for the very first time, Open Quarter has been extended over ten days! A celebration of the artists, makers, businesses, shops and eateries that make up the Creative Quarter, the event is a showcase of the talent that make this urban village such an exciting place to be. With lots of events, open studios and performances, Open Quarter is a perfect opportunity to visit Folkestone and explore your own creativity. Open Quarter launches with Connecting Creatives on Friday 15 June at Folkestone Quarterhouse, where local business owners, artists and start-ups share knowledge and talk about future plans in a casual mini-conference, condensing big ideas into bite size portions. The following nine days sees the Creative Quarter throw its doors open, with studios, workshops, exhibitions, open houses and much more! No 94

matter where you go, you will discover something new in the industrious hive that is home to jewellers, tailors, sculptors, painters, framers, web designers, performers and architects. Begin your adventure on Tontine Street and pop in to Bounce Vintage, B&B Project Space,The Stables, ] performance s p a c e [ and HOP Projects for exhibitions, installations and performances. Keep an eye out for a Soup Opera, a Secret Strangelove performance and a window-gallery or two! The Old High Street is more than just a great place to shop, eat and drink – it’s also bursting with creative talent! From exhibitions and performances to workshops and events for all the family, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and find inspiration lurking around every corner! Don’t miss the fantastic events at Quarterhouse during Open Quarter. From the best in up-and-coming music; a vibrantly funny kids show, ANiMALCOLM; and The Royal Ballet’s Swan Lake, to tech talks and film screenings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Don’t miss this year’s Big Lunch in Payers Park on Sunday 17 June! Bring your picnic

blanket and some food to share, while you enjoy live music from Nat and the Noise Brigade! Open Quarter is also the perfect excuse to shop in an array of independent shops! Drop in to Concept, Atelier Feralchild, Pearl and Hemingway or Suzie Abbott for fashion and jewellery. Visit Kitty McCall for stunning interior design and dig through Vintage & Vinyl’s records. Stop by Thalassa for beautiful gifts; Sentient for art and design; Folkestone Wholefoods for treats and skincare; and Rennies Seaside Modern for to celebrate all things Japanese! Enjoy a coffee surrounded by vintage books in Steep Street; get a taste of Central American street food from Uno Mas; and discover why Beano’s is a local favourite! Kipp’s and Lime Bar are hot-spots for live music and speciality beverages; while Big Boys, Blooms and El Cortador are the perfect venue for dinner out. Also, don’t miss the sensational Sister Seitan, who will pop up in The Clearing at Quarterhouse on Saturday 16 June! For more information and to download this year’s full programme visit: http:// www.creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk/ open-quarter/

[title ]

OPEN QUARTER #openquarter

15-24 June 2018

[title ]

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can you keep a secret? I'm wearing invisible braces!â&#x20AC;?

your smile by

Riccarda Kane

The Birchington Orthodontic Practice www.birchingtonortho.co.uk

GDC Registration Number: 64202

7 Surrey Gardens, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9SA Telephone 01843 844600