East Kent Lifestyle July/August 2013

issue nine

july/august twenty-thirteen

Helen Mirren

From Monarch to Monster - The Life & Times of One of England’s Finest Exports

Kent Spas pampering palaces on your doorstep

Beat The Bog toughen up on east kent’s muddiest racetrack

Rowhill Grange boutique hotel bliss in the kent countryside

[title ]

LENLEYS SUMMER

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Matching furniture available at Sale prices.

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Love seat leather sofa, available in a choice of colours and sizes.

RRP £2,910 NOW £2,328

huge savings on top brands 2

[title ]

Tulip Tulip base table with circular Carerra marble top.

WAS £1,065 NOW £855 Tulip base with leather seat dining chair

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Editions Florence ON SAVE 30% TH IS SOFA

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[welcome ]

july/august twenty-thirteen

ISSUE NINE

W

ell, as we reach mid-summer, we can only hope that summer appears at all! Sitting here in mid-June I can only recall two humid, occasionally sunny days so far and quite frankly that just won’t do!!

In anticipation of a summer “no show” why not treat yourself to some “sunshine indoors” as we review the best spas in East Kent from page 22. We also travel a little further afield into the Kentish countryside and check out Rowhill Grange Boutique Hotel and Utopia Spa, a real slice of heaven on earth!

If the weather does perk up then why not spend a few days exploring on your own doorstep with some ideas for some overnight stays within East Kent, from rural settings to the (hopefully) sunny seaside in our “Staycation” piece on page 80.

You can also get out and about, as this is the ideal time of year to take advantage of our regular East Kent walks and cycle trails, courtesy of Explore Kent which can be found on pages 20 and16.

If you’re more of a petrolhead than a cyclist, check out John Sanson’s review of the awesome Lotus Evora on page 64.

Travel Editor Jaillan Yehia reports back from Canada with some breath-taking scenery on pages 78-79, Amy McManus tells us how to keep yourself (and your kids) fit and healthy over summer with a look at local activities and the calories you can burn, simply by having fun with your kids during the summer holiay.

With our regular homes & gardens, events, news, food & drink, fashion and music sections we hope you enjoy another bumper edition of East Kent Lifestyle.

Pete Nichols, Publishing Director

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east kent lifestyle magazine

Kuta Reclaimed Teak Table 240 X 100 X 75cm, 2 Sahara Armchairs, 6 Sahara Side Chairs, Blue Slate Cushions.

24 MONTHS INTEREST FREE CREDIT available on items over ÂŁ1500. Written quotations on request.

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY Please ask for details.

[contents ]

64

Lotus Evora

52

Miles CafĂŠ Culture

what’s inside...

food and drink 53 54 57 59 52 61 61

Renee Health Food Tips Recipe: Crisp Pigs Trotter The Kitchen Cocktails by the Cuban Miles Cafe Culture Kent Cookery School Emmi Caffe Latte's

homes & gardens 29 31 32 37

Kent Stoneworkers at Chelsea Chilstone in praise of ageing Jacksons Gardens Space...The Final Frontier

music 48 Tess of The Circle 50 Caution Horses

45

Helen Mirren

6

[contents ]

78

Vancouver

88

Can You Beat the Bog

37

Space...the final frontier?

health & fitness 86 Fat Burning Fun 88 Can You Beat the Bog 90 CACI Microlift

fashion 68 Fenwick Fashion 76 Trends and Fashion 85 Harrison's Hair Tips

regulars & features 10 News 12 Fabulous Finds 14 Scenic Sevenoaks 16 The Viking Costal Trail 18 Sustainable Living 20 Elham Walk 22 Kent Spas 26 A day at Rowhill Grange 40 Canterbury in Bloom 92 What's Occurring?

94 Local Business

25

the garden of england spa at wallet’s court

travel 78 Vancouver 82 Staycation

motoring

20

Elham Walk

64 Lotus Evora 7

Made to measure kitchen door replacement Transform your kitchen in one day

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Door style: Newport Colour: Vanilla

Showrooms open: Mon-Fri 9.00-4.30pm Sat 9.00-4.00pm Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted Road, Maidstone ME14 5LH www.granitetransformations.co.uk

Great choice . Excellent service . Competitively priced.

[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

Sam Holliday

Contributors Jaillan Yehia, Nerissa Blower, Amy McManus, Brad McManus, George Pantelli, Martin McHugh, Renee Maguire, Tony King, Pete Nichols, Explore Kent, Charlie Lakin, John Sanson, Sue Harrison, Lorna Morris, Fenwicks Canterbury

Contributing Photographers Jaillan Yehia, Amy McManus, Jo Doran, Martin McHugh, Dan Desborough, Louise Tomlin, Kevin Francis

For all advertising enquiries please contact sales on 01707 878 026

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.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Š Copyright 2013. 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.

BAINES design 01707 876555 Printed on environmentally friendly paper A58092 9

[news ]

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

CANTERBURY AUTHOR DRAWS ON FLOWER POWER FOR LATEST BOOK customary stimulating and engaging style, for which he has received widespread acclaim from children, parents and teaching professionals alike.

The 52-page, lavishly illustrated softback book has been sponsored by the Whitefriars shopping centre in Canterbury as part of its contribution towards Canterbury in Bloom 2013.

Best-selling Canterbury children’s author Martyn Barr has drawn on flower power for inspiration for his latest book.

His new title – Garden Science – is targeted at 9-12 year-olds and has been written and designed in Martyn’s

Martyn says: “If we didn’t have plants, we couldn’t survive on this planet. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a garden, but if you do, it’s important to look after it, and to create the right environment for the insects and other creatures that live and work in it.

Garden Science is not designed to be

a practical guide to gardening. Reading this book will help children understand the science behind a garden… and if you know that, you will become a better gardener!”

Garden Science is divided into 14 short chapters, with over 100 colourful images and illustrations. Martyn has also devised a series of ten simple garden projects to help children observe, learn and have fun in the garden, available for download online.

Copies of Garden Science – along with Martyn’s other titles - can be purchased for £4.99, including postage and packing, at www.OOTBShop.co.uk.

Boost For Affordable Housing In Dover Southern Housing Group celebrated new development Maison Dieu, with an open day event, held on Wednesday 26 June.

To mark the occasion, a tree was planted by Councillor Sue Nicholas, Chairman of Dover District Council, and Councillor Sue Chandler, Dover District Council Cabinet Member, who formally opened the development.

Residents and members of the local community were all invited to help celebrate one of Dover’s newest and most welcomed additions. The site was previously occupied by a decommissioned post office depot and car repair premises. Southern Housing Group acquired the site and commissioned the design and construction to meet a high quality brief. Generous space standards were part of a strategy to achieve Lifetime Homes.

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Situated in central Dover, the development consists of 40 homes around a central courtyard. There are two blocks of flats, Eleanor Court and Bertram Court, and four family houses. All homes are let at social rents. Southern Housing Group invested over half the capital cost of the scheme with assistance from the Homes and Communities Agency under the 2008/11 National Affordable Housing Programme.

Dale Meredith, Southern Housing Group Development Director, said: "We are proud to develop a local scheme, where we have been able to provide high quality homes for people within the community who are in need of affordable housing.

Southern Housing Group has also helped to create local opportunities at the Maison Dieu development by working with the building contractor, Jenner (Contactors) Ltd to create six new apprenticeship posts through this and another local

building contract. The development also provided work for many local people, through a number of locally based sub-contractors and suppliers.

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

[news ]

Active Ramsgate Manston to Amsterdam a “Hassle Free Experience” If you haven’t heard about Active Ramsgate, you probably will soon. Launched in Miles Bar, Ramsgate on Wednesday 27th June, this refreshing new initiative was presented to an enthusiastic audience made up of people from local businesses, community groups and press. In addition to representatives from the project team, two celebrity speakers were also on hand to help get the message out; Nicholas Crane, of BBC Coast fame and Sam Brearey - World, European and British sailing champion and Olympic hopeful.

A lot of thought had obviously gone into the occasion and everything from the delicious and locally sourced food to the opportunity to experience part of the Town Rounders route (one of three new routes created for Active Ramsgate) emphasized how much Ramsgate and the local area has to offer.

Whether it’s a local resident who wants to discover more of the incredible history, natural beauty and attractions at their doorstep, or a visitor looking to do and see something different, Active Ramsgate has been created to help them do it. Cycling routes, walking trails, geocache challenges, boat rides, golf courses… the list of things the initiative is committed to promote and support is remarkable.

This is clearly an initiative that means business and is good for business. In fact a growing list of shops, restaurants, cafes and attractions already recognize the commercial potential and are offering exclusive discounts and incentives to participants.

Nicholas Crane summed it up perfectly when said that there are 8 million Londoners out there, and thanks to Active Ramsgate, some of them are going to be coming this way soon. www.ramsgatetown.org.uk/activeramsgate

Three months after the launch of twice daily flights from Manston Airport to Amsterdam, the service is proving popular with both business and leisure travellers.

The 50 minute KLM flight to award-winning hub airport Schiphol allows passengers to connect with 130 destinations across the Dutch airlines worldwide network.

Flights, which have been optimised to enable connections to both Europe and the rest of the world, leave Manston at 6:20am and 10:40am daily.With a return flight at 8:45pm, as well as 10:05am, it is possible to spend the day in Amsterdam, whether it be for a business meeting or to experience the sights of the city which is just a 15 minute journey from Schiphol.

“We are finding that people are travelling to exotic destinations, as well as to mainland Europe, so the message seems to be spreading that you can reach the world from your local airport,” continued Charles Buchanan.“After you check your luggage in at Manston, you won’t see it again until your final destination. As Schiphol only has one terminal – which some have described as a destination in itself – the transfer couldn’t be easier.”

Charles Buchanan added:“There has been a lot of positive feedback from passengers who find the hassle free experience a refreshing change from their usual travel arrangements.We already have many regular flyers who are enjoying the fact that they can leave home and be on the aircraft within an hour” To book flights visit www.klm.com. Select your final destination and the lowest fares available will be displayed.

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[fabulous finds ]

Finds

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BQ Owners Grilling B Manual

More familiar for their car manuals, Haynes have produced a step-by step guide to all things BBQ. From marinades and rubs to the infamous beercan chicken, it contains a variety of mouth-watering recipes for meat, fish and vegetables, along with some great barbecue puddings!

Price: £14.29



Summer

All items available now from www.prezzbox.com Personalised Deckchair

There’s nothing like sitting back, lazing in the sunshine and watching the world go by. So why not sit in the comfort of your own Personalised Deckchair?

Made with sustainable merpauh wood and treated with teak oil, this Personalised Deckchair is durable and is protected from the elements.The deckchair can be personalised with your own designs, photos or artwork.These will be printed in full colour (using state-of-the-art technology) on to a hard wearing polyester and cotton mixture canvas.

Price: £120



Zoku Instant Lolly Maker

The Zoku Instant Ice Lolly Maker is really easy to use, just add liquid to the moulds and 7 minutes later you have ice lollies. Plus, once left for 24 hours in the freezer, it doesn't require electricity so the Ice Lolly Maker can be used anywhere.

Experiment with flavours from orange to mango to passion fruit the choice is yours and you can also add fruit, yoghurt,chocolate or oats. Pour the desired lolly ingredients into the maker and within 7 minutes, volia, ice cold lollies!

Price: £39.95 12

[fabulous finds ]



Snow Cone Slush Maker

Use the retro, funky maker to create the classic Snow Cone flavours that’ll take you back to your childhood days. This fantastic machine enables you to make snow cones in less than a minute, and produces the perfect sized shaved ice to soak up any juice or syrup you want to add to it.You could even make slushies or cocktails; taking ice drinks to an entirely grown up place. Sluuurp!

Price: £49.95



Polar Bear Ice Cube Tray

The funkiest of ice cube trays, the polar bear ice cube tray and it’s mantra “Fill it - Seal it - Freeze it - Whack it” add that little touch of “Je ne sais quoi” to any garden party this summer.

Price: £9.95



Fontaine Wine Chiller

If you’re in need of a chilled bottle of wine quickly then the Ice Appliance Fontaine is a must for any home.

Whether you’re serving drinks for unexpected visitors or fancy a chilled glass of wine for yourself, the Fontaine wine chiller will quickly get your wine down to the correct temperature.

This stylish appliance rotates the whilst a fountain of ice cold water is poured evenly over it making your white wine ready to serve in as little as 4 minutes.

Price: £69 13

Scenic

Sevenoaks [feature ]

Amy McManus

Situated on the London fringe of Kent, Sevenoaks is a commuter town brimming with centuries of history. Surrounded by the beauty of the North Downs it is hard to believe that this picturesque rural town is just 24 miles south-east of Charing Cross and a 35 minute train journey away from one of the world’s largest cities.

A BRIEF HISTORY

KNOLE HOUSE AND PARK

The name Sevenoaks is famously Saxon, derived from the word Seouenaca (Seven Oak Trees) reflected also in the town’s motto Floreant Septum Quercus (May the Seven Oaks Flourish.) The town was originally founded as an area of care during the Middle Ages when two hospitals were built by religious orders to provide medical treatment for pilgrims travelling from London and Dartford. The importance of Sevenoaks grew as these two main roads were merged into one focal route heading south through the Weald to the coast. A key area to place a market!

In 1456 Thomas Bourchier, Archbishop of Canterbury, purchased the Knole estate and built Knole House which is now one of England’s most important and complete historic houses. In subsequent years the house continued to be enlarged with the addition of a courtyard (Green Court) and a new entrance tower. In 1538 the house was taken from Archbishop Thomas Cranmer by King Henry VIII and gifted to the Sackville family (Earls and Dukes of Dorset)

by Elizabeth I in 1566. The Sackvilles have lived there since 1603 and continue to do so today despite the house and 43 acres of the park now being owned and maintained by the National Trust. In January 2012 they launched a restoration appeal for £2.7M. The beautiful Knole Park is a 1000 acre area inhabited by deer and several million trees. It is a site of special scientific interest and has been host to many film and music video crews throughout the years. One particular name of note you may recognise...The Beatles. For a day out with the family, why not pay the estate a visit?

It was given market status in the 13th century where the majority of its historical records begin. Having been mentioned in the Doomsdays book At the time Sevenoaks’ sister village Otford was more well-known having been mentioned in the Doomsday book. Historically, Sevenoaks was therefore part of the Great Manor of Otford. However, the economic success of the market established Sevenoaks as a manor within its own right and it still remains a market town today.

In October 2005 Sevenoaks was awarded Fairtrade town status due to the large number of businesses within the area which sell Fairtrade products, guaranteeing third world farmers fair prices for their goods.

The main market is held every Wednesday 9am - 4pm in the car park.

A smaller 12 pitch market is run every Saturday in the High Street 9am – 5pm.

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For ticket prices and more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole PLACES TO VISIT The historical buildings and the gorgeous landscape give you some idea why the area is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In addition to the Knole estate why not also try some of the other attractions Sevenoaks has to offer?

[feature ]

Riverhill House and Gardens First built in the 16th century, Riverhill House is a Grade II listed, Queen Anne manor house located directly to the South of Knole Park on the southern edge of Sevenoaks.

The house and 130 acre estate are privately owned, but are periodically open to the public.

For ticket prices and more information visit www.riverhillgardens.co.uk Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve This site of special scientific interest covers approximately 175 acres and is situated to the north of the town centre.

The area outlines one of the town’s former gravel pits. The Wildlife Trust describes the reserve as, ‘a pioneering nature reserve which has roughly equal proportions of water and land. It includes five lakes and a mixed habitat of ponds, seasonal flooded pools, reed bed and woodlands.’

For more information visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/reserves/sevenoaks MUSIC AND ARTS Stag Community Arts Centre The Stag was originally built as the Majestic Cinema, a first generation Odeon cinema, in 1937. More than 70 years later, the shell of the building looks almost identical and welcomes more than 25,000 people every month. The 448-seat Stag Theatre boasts the largest performance stage in the South-East. The theatre regularly hosts choral and orchestral concerts, dance shows, musical theatre productions, pantomimes and local school plays. The Stag Community Arts Centre now operates as a charity, and includes a theatre and two digital cinema screens which is supported by a strong network of volunteers and Sevenoaks Town Council.

For more information visit www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

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[feature ]

Costal Trial THE VIKING

EAST KENT CYCLE TRAIL

Enjoy a relaxing ride along this 8.5 mile section of the Viking Coastal Trail, from lively Margate to the vibrant town of Ramsgate. This stunning route follows meandering cliff top paths, winding past coves, bays and the charming town of Broadstairs.

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[feature ] From Margate train station, continue along Regional Route 15 as it sweeps past the glorious stretch of beach. Enjoy peddling along the coast, taking in spectacular views across the cliff top paths.

Location: Margate to Ramsgate (CT9 5AD)

Winding your way towards the seaside town of Broadstairs, plenty of picturesque bays create a dramatic backdrop, tempting you to pause and take a paddle or swim.

OS Explorer Map: 150

Inviting, seductive and awarded blue flag status, Joss Bay lies along this stretch of coastline. Introduced to the future Queen Victoria as the “famous Broadstairs smuggler”, Joss Snelling was named after this bay. Born in 1741 Snelling continued smuggling late into his life. Last fined for smuggling aged 89, Snelling was a local celebrity by the time of his death at the age of 96.

As you continue to trace this section of Thanet’s coastline, you will soon reach the nostalgic charms of Broadstairs. The town hosts a range of restaurants, bars and cafes, each serving delicious local food.

Sat above the sands of Broadstairs’Viking Bay lies the Dickens House Museum. Dickens enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to this fantastic house, once the home of Miss Mary Pearson Strong, the inspiration for Miss Betsey Trotwood in the novel David Copperfield. Within the house you will find a commemoration of Dickens’ links to Broadstairs and a range of Dickens prints, costume displays and Victoriana.

Your route will continue winding along the Victoria parade, before cutting back towards the coast and the Western Esplanade. Steal a glance back as you pass the quiet cove of Louisa Bay, to the stunning views of Broadstairs.

Travelling along the network of bays, you will soon reach the lively town of Ramsgate. This fantastic town is packed with local restaurants and bars in which to sit and relax after your ride. Soak up the town’s rich heritage in the Royal Harbour and learn of its maritime history in the fascinating Ramsgate Maritime Museum.

A ten minute train journey from Ramsgate back to Margate makes for a relaxing end to your ride, and the perfect excuse to stay a while and explore all that Ramsgate has to offer.

To find out about other cycle rides in Kent or for information on cycling, riding and country parks in Kent, visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent. Follow @explorekent on Twitter.

Distance: 8.5 miles (13.6 km) Time: Allow 1.5 hours Terrain: Promenades, cycle lanes and cycle lanes.

Parking: Charged parking available at Margate train station, Harold Road and Market Street, Margate.

Refreshments & facilities: Restaurants, cafes, public houses and public toilets at Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate.

Public Transport: Train stations at Margate, Ramsgate and Broadstairs.

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Cycle Trail - On-road Cycle Trail - Traffic-free surfaced 15

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National Cycle Route Train Station

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15 © Crown Copyright and database right 2013. Ordnance Survey 100019238

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[sustainable living ]

g n i liv

sustainable

t n e K t s a E in

Something Old, Something New

Every issue we will be sharing some tips and ideas to save you money, make you healthier, happier and become a little bit greener. ♥ Something fun - The Pines Garden in St. Margaret’s Bay is hosting a 1940’s themed weekend with a farmer’s market, crafts and activities. Called The Home Front, it will take place on 7th & 8th September, 11am – 4pm. There will be a replica WW2 fighter plane, music and old fashioned fun for the kids. Entry is free. ♥S omething yum – Kent is rightfully famous for its fruit and one way to preserve some of summer’s delicious bounty is to make your own jam. Everyone should try it at least once and you can get the kids involved in picking the fruit and enjoying the results. ‘Pick your own’ farms and farmer’s markets are great for local, cheap strawberries, raspberries and cherries and of course blackberries can be found for free!

Here is an easy jam recipe to get you started. ♥ 2 kilos strawberries ♥ 1.5 kilos granulated or jam sugar ♥ Juice of one lemon ♥ Knob of butter First sterilise 8 jam jars by either putting them through the dishwasher and using them while still warm or washing in hot soapy water, then boiling for 5 minutes in a large pan and putting them into a warm oven to dry.

Hull the strawberries. Crush 2 handfuls in the bottom of a large heavy bottomed pan. Add a tablespoon of the sugar and heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Add the rest of fruit and bring to the boil, then add the rest of the sugar and the lemon juice. Stir over a gentle heat until all the sugar has dissolved, then turn up heat and boil rapidly for 10-15 minutes. Stir in the butter to finish, this stops froth forming.

Pour into the warmed jars and seal with lids straight away.

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♥ Something else – the kids can do is come along to the Summer Holiday Club at Rippledown. The Adventure Weeks are packed full of outdoor activities like shelter building, campfire cookery, mammal watching and map & compass rambles. The club runs on 6th-9th and 27th30th August and costs £25 per day. There is also a club for children with additional needs. More info and bookings can be made by calling 01304 851737 and visiting www. rippledown.com.

Brought to you by The Bay Trust team who manage the Pines Calyx, Europe’s first energy positive, carbon negative wedding and events venue and Rippledown environmental education centre - committed to providing a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about practical sustainable living within a low carbon world.

For more inspiration see Alistair Sawday’s The Natural Wedding Book by Louise Moon.

Brought to you by The Bay Trust team who manage the Pines Calyx, Europe’s first energy positive, carbon negative wedding and events venue and Rippledown environmental education centre - committed to providing a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about practical sustainable living within a low carbon world. www.pinescalyx.co.uk|www.baytrust.org.uk | www.rippledown.com

[feature ]

RBCA Take a Different Tack Newly formed Community Interest Company the RBCA (Ramsgate Business Community Association) have come together to put on a day of activities on the 17th August, held in conjunction with Ramsgate Week.

The RBCA was initiated by Director Brian Urwin, and comprises several local people who believe in the power of direct action and the necessity of community participation and communication, with the goal of improving the town and the community at large.

RBCA have already established close working relationships with East Kent College and The Marlowe Academy, who will be providing administration, technical services and many of the performers and event. RBCA have also engaged the local Asda superstore who will be helping man stalls at the August Event.

Events will be family orientated and will include performing arts form local clubs, live music, beach based activities for the family, together with sports based activities for all to try.

Ramsgate Town Council have made a £2,000 contribution towards the event, while Ramsgate Football Club have provided coaches and equipment for the Beach football activity, and an offer from YOUR Leisure to provide a PA system, bars and other equipment is currently being negotiated.

For more information contact Brian Urwin at info@ramsgatecba.co.uk or call 07768530909 RCBA Director, Brian Urwin

Cursley & Bond

Folkestone Boutique Gallery Opens This Summer This month sees the opening of “Cursley & Bond”, a new independent boutique gallery in the heart of Folkestone’s Creative Quarter on the East Kent coast. The gallery is a warm and inviting space to browse, commission and buy unusual jewellery and contemporary crafts not found on the high street.

jewellery design label, ‘Designed By Bond’. C&B will be offering the public the chance to buy direct from the maker, to see how the designs are made, and even make a piece themselves in their one-on-one workshops.

While Folkestone thrives during another summer of exciting festivals and events, Cursley & Bond will open its doors with a ‘Summer by the Sea’ showcase on the 17th July. The exhibition will be a feast of nautical, seaside and summery must-have pieces from 18 specially selected jewellery & craft designers, artists and print makers.

Throughout the year there will be curated themed exhibitions, featuring selected national & international acclaimed designers alongside up and coming British graduates. The gallery will be a riot of colours and textures with luxurious and desirable items. Continuing the local tradition of makers working in the shop front Cursley & Bond will also be home to Nicola Cursley-Bond’s own

68 The Old High Street Opening times : Folkestone Tues – Sat 10am-6pm, Kent Sunday 11am-5pm CT20 1RN

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[travel ]

Elham Walk EAST KENT WALKS ENJOY a stroll along part of the Elham Valley Way, through open fields and past stunning views. Climb through pasture and chalk grassland to glimpse villages and church spires, nestled in the valley, before gradually descending into the village of Elham.

Starting from Elham Square, continue along Duck Street and past the Medieval St Mary the Virgin Church, until you reach the signposted footpath. Descend the steps and follow the path into a patchwork of fields, winding your way through until you reach the lane.Turn right, before strolling along a path on the left, enclosed by houses.

Continue through the rolling countryside, passing a tranquil pond on your right.Your route will soon lead towards a driveway and gate to the road; continue to follow the path through the open fields and towards views over Elham. Pause and take in the peaceful beauty of this ancient village and the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which stretches ahead of you.

Emerging into more pastures, continue along the way marked path, skirting past the shady thicket of Pierceley Wood to your right. Continue uphill, following the way marker to the top of the bank where you will experience stunning views over the rolling valley. A glance towards the Hall Downs ahead will treat you to views of chalk grassland teeming with wildflowers, an example of the importance of grazing.

Continue ambling downhill, following the way marked path to join the path you began your walk on. From here retrace your steps back to Elham village.

Amble through the field ahead and turn right at the road until you reach the signposted footpath on the left, before continuing into the field beyond. At the edge of the field you will reach another road.Wander down the road, before taking the footpath on your right across open fields.

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Elham is complete with all the trappings of a traditional village, and its welcoming pubs are the perfect excuse to sit and enjoy a refreshing drink while enjoying the backdrop of the area’s rolling countryside. Or perhaps settle in for a cup of tea and cake, made from locally sourced ingredients, in the village tea rooms.

To find out about other walks in Kent or for information on cycling, riding and country parks in Kent, visit www.kent.gov. uk/explorekent. Follow @explorekent on Twitter.

[travel ] 3.7 miles (5.9km)



Gate

Pub

Stile

Location: Elham (CT4 6TJ) Distance: 3.7 miles (5.9km) approx Time: Allow 2 hours OS Explorer Map: 138 Terrain: Some steep slopes Stiles: 2

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Gates: 15 Parking: Limited car parking available in the square in Elham. Other on-road spaces may be available in Elham village.

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Refreshments & facilities: Shops and pubs in Elham.Toilets in Elham village

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Public Transport: Bus: CanterburyFolkestone - hourly service, Mon-Sat; 2 hourly, Sun.Train: nearest is Sandling (5 miles)

THE

© Crown Copyright and database right 2013. Ordnance Survey 100019238

THEN & NOW SATURDAY

WEEKENDER

SUNDAY

AT HELLFIRE CORNER 7TH – 8TH SEPTEMBER 11AM TILL 4PM Farmer’s Market

* Crafts * Workshops * Activities

To book a stall or get involved contact tracy@baytrust.org.uk 01304 851 737

pinesgarden.co.uk the bay trust

The Pines Garden Beach Road St. Margaret’s Bay Kent CT15 6DZ

FIRST LIGHT COAST & COUNTRY

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Spas KENT

YOUR SPA, RAMSGATE Summer is about winding down, chilling out, and enjoying a bit of “me time” with a mid-year break. If the sun ain’t shining and the package holiday is lost its appeal then why not look a little closer to home? We that in mind, we check out some of the best Spas Kent has to offer…

Be the first to experience total wellbeing at the newly launched Your Spa If you’re looking for some ‘me time’, a special day out with friends or a romantic getaway then the brand spanking new “Your Spa” in Ramsgate may be just the ticket.This month sees the launch of Your Spa, a public day spa boasting luxurious treatments at affordable prices for miles around.

An array of enticing water, heat and cooling experiences await your visit allowing you to take time out of your demanding lifestyle. Relax your mind and body in the spa hydro pool, ice fountain and salt room. Soothe and submerge those tired muscles in the spa footbaths, sauna and steam room.

With a range of spa day treatments starting at just £13.50 you can truly enjoy luxurious experiences at affordable prices.

Thermal spa memberships are also on offer and there is something for everyone with prices starting at just £30 per month.

Be the first to visit Your Spa at Ramsgate Leisure Centre, High Street, Ramsgate CT11 9TT or find out more at www.yourleisure.uk.com

TUDOR PARK MARRIOTT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB, BEARSTED Set in acres of beautiful Kent countryside, the leisure club at Tudor Park, is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate, or work out and get fit.

With an indoor pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi the leisure club at Tudor Park has all the touches you’d expect from a first rate spa.You can also enjoy the tranquil environment of the ‘The Park’ treatment rooms and indulge in a pampering experience including manicures/pedicures, facials, body wraps and scrubs, eye treaments, waxing, massages, and a host of men’s services.

The spa is complimented by the opulent surroundings of the Tudor Park Marriot, which is situated in two hundred acres of glorious countryside, with rolling hills and peaceful surrounds.

With accompanying gym and full 18 hole championship golf club, a day at the Tudor Park Marriot is more than just a day at the spa, it’s a real Kent country getaway with a perfect combination of tranquillity and luxury.

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EASTWELL MANOR Having been built in April 2000 The Pavilion and Dreams Spa recently celebrated their thirteenth Birthday. What I loved most about The Pavillion and its staff is the attention to detail and the clear thought that has gone into every aspect of its operation.

For example, at the start of your day you are given a key for you own locker which already contains fresh slippers, towel and a bathrobe as well as a mini gift of facial care samples. The spa facilities include a 20 metre heated pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gymnasium.

Also, for those of you feeling a little more adventurous, there is a heated outdoor pool which is open during the warmer months of the year. The staff are all experienced and caring and most importantly there is never any sense of self-importance or snobbery. It is clear that they make kindness and respect key aspects in their staff training.

Sue Cross of Eastwell Manor said: “Our staff are very important, they must have a real sense of customer care in order to work here. We make the leisure and spa facilities anything that you want them to be. Whether you want to simply relax and read or workout in the gym, we cater to everyone’s needs.” I would recommend the facilities here to anyone and I hope to return again soon.

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The Garden of England Spa at WALLETT'S COURT is part of a vision to create a unique experience, a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation away from the stresses of the world in a hidden and intimate retreat . The Garden of England Spa provides this and more in a tranquil location with the perfect backdrop of the dramatic and raw beauty of the countryside in the heart of White Cliffs Country.

With an array of massage therapy, body & beauty treatments, The Garden of England Spa provides much-needed rejuvenation in this often hectic world and offers an additional dimension of holistic treatment for guests enjoying a health and wellness day, short break or holiday.

Unlike so many mega-spas of the day, The Garden of England Spa is small, intimate and inviting, allowing therapists to focus on providing personal service in a soothing atmosphere perfect for Spa Breaks and Spa Days.

The Garden of England Spa at WALLETT’S COURT Westcliffe, St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe, Dover, CT15 6EW W W W. W A L L E T T S C O U R T H O T E L S P A . C O M

For Spa Days & Spa Breaks Call 01304 852424 or Email Spa@WallettsCourt.com

Crystal Therapy

Hydrotherm

6 W EEKS O F FITNESS FRO M £52*

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with Mary Bonas

[feature ]

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.

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.

THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND SPA AT WALLET’S COURT The Spa at Wallet’s Court may not be the biggest, or even the most equipped in the area, but for character and setting it is hard to beat.

Wallet’s Court is set in the delightful open landscape of West Cliffe, not far from Dover. The original Jacobean building which forms the main country house sets the tone, lovingly restored and converted to include 3 four poster bedrooms, a meeting room, a private dining room, lounge/bar, conservatory and an internationally renowned restaurant.

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.

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

The spa itself sits in a converted barn within the grounds and includes an indoor 12 metre pool which has an optional counter current, allowing dedicated swimmers to choose the strength of the current from a gentle swim to a vigorous workout without having to tumble turn every few strokes. To one side of the pool a wall of window lets you look out to the acres of lush green countryside as you enjoy your swim while the tranquil music aids and assists the thoroughly relaxing ambience.

Treatments take place in “cabins”, set in the woods on the edge of the grounds. Once you enter from the rear of the cabin you are instantly transported to the most relaxing of environments as the faint smell of aromatherapy oils and pine needles waft over you and the genteel sounds from the sound system merge with the birdsong from outside to create a Zen like calm. Only adding to the atmosphere, the front of the cabin which, unlike the wooded rear is wall to wall glass doors affording fantastic views of the rolling fields beyond the grounds.

The exhaustive list of treatments, including the Ben Barnett Hydrotherm Massage and Mary Bonas Crystal Therapy can be found at http://www. thegardenofenglandspa.com

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[feature ]

Rowhill Grange Utopia Spa A DAY AT

AND

By Peter Nichols

An invite to spend a day and night at the wonderful Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa sounded like a delightful way to end a hard week. So, on a slightly overcast Friday afternoon in April, my partner and I made our way to the heart of the Kent countryside in Wilmington, near Dartford, to enjoy a touch of the good life at one of Kent’s finest boutique hotel & spas.

We arrived at a little after 5pm and after a warm welcome from the front of house staff, we took our collective belongings to our room, intent on utilising the spa before getting ready for dinner.

We were allocated a terrifically wellappointed Junior Suite, with a suitably comfortable, large king sized bed with 26

exquisitely soft duvets and immaculate Egyptian cotton sheets. We also had an adjoining lounge area with leather sofa, a large screen TV, iPod docking station, bureau, and plenty of storage as well as a choice of books and the latest glossy magazines.

The highlight of the room for me, however, was the magnificent, some

might say opulent, huge bathroom, with “his ‘n’ hers” dual vanity units, deep bath, large shower enclosure and shelves full of Temple Spa products.

After a quick spruce up, we took our Rowhill Grange dressing gowns and slippers and headed for the spa for a quick dip in the pool, and to check out the “ambience”.

[feature ] In a word, “Wow!” – The spa is everything you could want/need to unwind after a long week, and more besides. The treatments on offer are wide and varied, but we’ll get to those later, for on our first visit we only went to check out the facilities and the pool area and enjoy an hour’s relaxation before getting ready for our evening meal.

The décor is stunning, with a “Roman Spa” theme, replete with Roman

My favourite part of the spa was the circular pool downstairs with numerous jets of water offering a vigorous workout to my aching back and neck. I especially liked the underwater “beds”, where the floor of the pool had been contoured to allow you to lie down immersed in water and have small jets of water massage your neck and head while you drift off to the sound of the jets and waterfall. Bliss.

so opted for the splendid mixed grill of sirloin steak, lamb chop, sausage and chicken, served with huge hand cut chips, mushroom and tomato. The only slight disappointment was the delicious, yet rather small lobster ravioli starter – one piece on a huge plate was a little underwhelming for £9.50, but considering I barely had room to finish my main course, this turned out to be no great loss.

After a peaceful night’s sleep and a fantastic breakfast, we went for our treatments at the spa. With 19 treatment rooms and an exhaustive list of treatments, this is the ideal place to find your perfect therapy. I opted for a simple head, back and shoulder massage, while my partner went for an aromatherapy facial, after which we both took advantage of the wonderful roman themed spa for a final taste of tranquillity before heading home.

A stay like ours, at a highly rated four star boutique hotel with an amazing spa need not cost you the earth. In fact, Rowhill Grange offer a range of special offers to encourage people to discover for themselves the delights on offer.

Currently, Rowhill Grange their “Summer Escape” offer, priced at just £149 per person, which includes: • An overnight stay in a stylish room • £100 worth of spa treatments (between two) • Dinner or Champagne afternoon tea (to the value of £30pp) • A traditional full English breakfast landscapes and portraits adorning the walls, broken up by roman columns around the perimeter of the pool and huge pressure jet pool. The pool area is separated into the swimming pool upstairs, which overlooks the large, circular pressure jet pool below, with a Jacuzzi hidden away underneath the overlooking balcony nestled inside an ornamental roman “temple” with a waterfall effect obscuring the inhabitants of the Jacuzzi from those in the pressure jet pool. There is also a steam room on this lower level.

Having been suitably “relaxed” and changed, we made our way to dinner at the hotel’s premier restaurant, “RG’s”.

Dinner was a fine dining experience, as you might expect from a two AA rosette restaurant, under the stewardship of highly respected Executive Chef, Luke Davis. My partner chose the scallops with black pudding, pork belly and apple puree starter, followed by a sublime main course of Venison Loin with pumpkin puree, red cabbage and chocolate. I was rather hungry after my athletic (ahem) endeavours poolside,

Guests are also permitted entry to, and use of the spa facilities for the duration of their stay, up until 3pm on the day of departure.

For more details, check out their website at www.alexanderhotels.co.uk and select Rowhill Grange.

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[home

N E W. . .

SPA TREATS SPA DAY FROM £149PP •

Use of awardwinning spa

•

Your own bathrobe to take home

•

2 x 55 minute treatments

•

A delicious 2 course lunch

SAV E UP

TO £ 85

. . . S PA DAY

01322 612718

ROWHILLGRANGE.CO.UK Wilmington, Kent, DA2 7QH

SPA TREATS AT ROWHILL GRANGE HOTEL & UTOPIA SPA Nestled in the Kent countryside, Rowhill Grange is an impressive 4 star hotel with an award-winning Utopia Spa and 2 AA Rosette Restaurant. To celebrate Spring Rowhill Grange has introduced Spa Treats, a fabulous new spa day offer available from May. Spa Treats is a full spa day where you can dip in and out of the award-winning spa facilities. There are two floors of pools, bubble tubs, waterfalls, sauna and steam rooms to enjoy. As part of your Spa Treats Spa Day you will receive your own bathrobe to take home, as well as two 55 minute luxury treatments of your choice. From facials and manicures to massages and male treatments, there are plenty to choose from.

Guests can also make full use of the spa’s gym

facilities, join one of their professional fitness classes or simply spend the day basking by pool.

When it comes to dining, Rowhill Grange is a food lover’s haven and as part of your Spa Treats Spa Day you can delight in a delicious two course lunch! Spa Treats Spa Day is available from £149pp and if the thought of staying the night sounds extra delightful, you can add an overnight stay to your Spa Day for only £60pp!

What could be more ‘AHHHHH?’ Book your Spa Treats online at ROWHILLGRANGE.CO.UK or 01322 612718

Spa Treats Spa Day is available from 1st May to 31st August 2013. Overnight stay is only available when booking a Spa Treats Spa Day. Excludes Saturday evenings. Spa Day can be booked for one or two persons, room price is subject to two persons sharing a classic room, subject to availability.

Martin McHugh

KENT STONEWORKERS AT

[homes & gardens ]

CHELSEA

The 100th Chelsea Flower Show was another great success and served to remind the world that England is still the home of the modern country garden..

Typical of the high standard of gardens at Chelsea was an unusual show garden from multiple award winning garden designer Jack Dunckley, who has added a Silver Gilt medal to his collection of awards.

The young gardener, 20, who has already appeared on BBC's Gardeners World and on ITV's Alan Titchmarsh Show has created a prize winning garden called Juxtaposition which features an innovative equatorial garden based on the concept of contrasting effects.

The garden explores the relationship between contrasting textures that can be found in the equatorial region. One one side (lengthways) it displays the strong architectural form of plants from arid habitats and on the other, large leafed specimens that represent more humid and dense rainforests. An innovative clear acrylic waveform separates the two regions of the garden, highlighting the different effects of each zone, one lush and verdant, the other jagged and austere.

The garden is sponsored by Kent stone artisans Chilstone of Tunbridge Wells, who also provided structural stonework that surrounds a very special sand made from blended crushed stone, which attracted a lot of interest at the show. The garden won a Silver Gilt in the Fresh Garden category This is the third show garden to be sponsored by Chilstone in recent years. The first garden was a lovely rose garden which won a bronze medal in 2010. This was followed by a superb ground breaking 'cool' garden which featured a carpet (a first for Chelsea) and a unique artificial ice sculpture, which won a Silver medal in 2011 and this year's Silver-Gilt winning garden 'Juxtaposition'. “We have not won a Gold medal yet,” says General Manager Steve Clark, “but we are heading in the right direction, Chelsea is a wonderful event that attracts over 165,000 visitors each year and over 16 hours of prime time television. It is ideal for showing our ornaments in an optimum setting, and a great place to network with great names in our industry.”

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Chilstone in praise of ageing

[homes & gardens ]

Martin McHugh

Artisan stonemakers Chilstone of Tunbridge Wells have been making classical English garden ornaments by hand for exactly 60 years. When the ornament, be it a statue or a sundial, or one of nearly 2000 different garden ornaments made by the company emerges from its mould it is pristine and white like a new born baby. Only after exposure to the Sun and weather will it attain the patina of natural stone. But there are other ways to achieve this effect.

Artisan stonemakers Chilstone of Tunbridge Wells have been making classical English garden ornaments by hand for exactly 60 years. When the ornament, be it a statue or a sundial, or one of nearly 2000 different garden ornaments made by the company emerges from its mould it is pristine and white like a new born baby. Only after exposure to the Sun and weather will it attain the patina of natural stone. But there are other ways to achieve this effect.

We do not recommend using chemical or proprietary preparations to produce artificial ageing as they may have an adverse effect on the quality of the stone. The simplest way is to 'paint' the stone with a mixture of live natural yoghurt and soot (from a chimney) – approximately one tablespoon to a small pot of yoghurt. This treatment darkens the stone and creates an environment which encourages the growth of moss and lichen. Pay particular attention to the bold details as this will appear more natural. Moss is particularly agreeable as it coats the stone in a beautiful green velvet, but weathering can occur in many ways and in a great variety of colours from grey and black through to rich greens and vivid golds are possible.

For more ambitious effects, potters' dyes can be used.

METHOD NUMBER 1

Equipment needed

Equipment needed

• 1 pot of natural yogurt • 1 pint skimmed milk • Green stagnant water • Black silt from gutter • Handful of peat • Handful of cow manure

• Paintbrushes • Measuring Jug • Garden Misting Spray • Tin cans (for mixing) • Watering can • Mix 5fl oz water with 1 teaspoon ochre dye in one can • Mix 5fl oz water with 1 teaspoon black dye in one can • Mix 5fl oz water with 1 teaspoon dark green • Mix 5fl oz water with 1 teaspoon light green • Mix 10fl oz water with 1 teaspoon light green and 1 teaspoon ochre METHOD Paint black colouring on undercuts.

Paint mixture of green and ochre on bold decoration. Water with watering can to soften generally. Apply other colours with brush or spray to give desired effect. Remember colour does fade a little when dry and after first rainfall. Start off a little darker than desired. We also suggest you practise on any stone surface to see how it looks.

METHOD NUMBER 2 Known as 'Mr Walton's method' of antiquing the old fashioned way.

METHOD Mix together, paint on and let the rain wash off.

METHOD NUMBER 3 Nature also can accelerate the ageing process. Placing an ornament against a Yew hedge or lying in a bed of nettles also has an ageing effect. The quality of the atmosphere is key in this case and the effect varies from a tawny yellow to a gritty granite grey.

Care should also be taken that accidental effects are avoided, for example Yew berries will turn stone pink!

Of course, weathering is not to everyone's taste. It would not be appropriate in a New Build for example and not all cultures appreciate our English taste for venerable old age..Weathering can be avoided by sealing the ornament – this can be done at the manufacturing stage and can be requested.

For more information see www.chilstone.com 31

[homes & gardens ]

Jacksons Show Gardens

Come and get some inspiration!

Now in to the fourth year, the Show Gardens have proved to be an attraction for visitors to the Kent fencing company’s display area, as news has got around about these inspirational displays.

In the first year the project was hailed as a “mini Chelsea Flower Show” as people in the Kent area were treated to visions of loveliness more associated with the big RHS flower shows, rather than something you would expect to see in a local fencing centre.

The competition is national and open to garden designers, landscape architects and other landscape professionals, and the prize is to have your design built and on show for several years, not like the week or so the big garden shows run for.

This year, two of the older gardens have made way for new young blood: Joanne Winn has successfully redesigned the Seaside garden, creating the Sanctuary garden, using the plot’s unusual shape in a totally different way, which is a million miles away from the “seaside”.

Joanne has designed the ‘retreat’, a sheltered space within the garden, made from Jacksons Venetian panels.

This has already been much admired by visitors, many of whom want to recreate a similar structure in their own gardens, after seeing how effective the retreat looks, especially when the sun shines through it striping the inside with dramatic shadows.

The other ‘new kid on the block’ is a rejuvenation of the Float garden, previously designed by RHS medal winner Heather Appleton. The redesign was successfully achieved by David Magner, a garden design student from Plumpton College, in East Sussex. It has a sensitive and imaginative new planting scheme, which gives the garden a whole new feel.

Visit Jacksons and get some inspiration for your own garden projects – after the 18th May,the gardens, seven in all, are open to visitors during Jacksons usual opening hours.

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For more info see www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/showgardens or call 01233 750393

Jacksons Show Gardens – Come and get some inspiration!

Now in to the fourth year, the Show Gardens have proved to be an attraction for visitors to the Kent fencing company’s display area, as news has got around about these inspirational displays.

In the first year the project was hailed as a “mini Chelsea Flower Show” as people in the Kent area were treated to visions of loveliness more associated with the big RHS flower shows, rather than something you would expect to see in a local fencing centre.

The competition is national and open to garden designers, landscape architects and other landscape professionals, and the prize is to have your design built and on show for several years, not like the week or so the big garden shows run for.

This year, two of the older gardens have made way for new young blood: Joanne Winn has successfully redesigned the Seaside garden, creating the Sanctuary garden, using the plot’s unusual shape in a totally different way, which is a million miles away from the “seaside”.

Joanne has designed the ‘retreat’, a sheltered space within the garden, made from Jacksons Venetian panels.

This has already been much admired by visitors, many of whom want to recreate a similar structure in their own gardens, after seeing how effective the retreat looks, especially when the sun

shines through it striping the inside with dramatic shadows.

The other ‘new kid on the block’ is a rejuvenation of the Float garden, previously designed by RHS medal winner Heather Appleton. The redesign was successfully achieved by David Magner, a garden design student from Plumpton College, in East Sussex. It has a sensitive and imaginative new planting scheme, which gives the garden a whole new feel.

Visit Jacksons and get some inspiration for your own garden projects – after the 18th May,the gardens, seven in all, are open to visitors during Jacksons usual opening hours.

For more info see www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/showgardens or call 01233 750393

[homes & gardens ]

Jacksons fencing_Layout 1 26/04/2013 10:11 Page 1

From the boldest ideas to the finest detail, we understand exactly what goes into the areas you create. That’s why, since 1947, we’ve guaranteed to meet your vision with our guarantee.

We guarantee great British fencing designed around you.

We guarantee a seamless installation by our team of specialists, and most of all, we guarantee all of our products for 25 years.

YOUR VISION OUR GUARANTEE

Show Gardens Open day - Saturday 18th May Visit our show gardens & meet the winning designers. There will also be a farmers market with local Kent produce for sale & Jacksons workshop tours. Open 10am - 4pm with FREE parking, located at Stowting, near Ashford. For more details visit www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/showgardens To view the full range, visit jacksons-fencing.co.uk or call 0800 41 43 43 for a brochure.

Jacksons

Jacksons Fencing Head Office 586 Stowting Common Ashford Kent TN25 6BN

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[title ]

Unit 15, Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH Telephone 01233 645530 Kitchen showroom open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday Walderslade Shopping Centre, Walderslade Rd, Chatham, Kent ME5 9LR Telephone 01634 868721 Kitchen showroom open 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday

www.roma-interiors.co.uk 34

ROMA KITCHENS ASHFORD & M E DWAY

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[title ]

Kingfisher Place S H A L M S F O R D S T R E E T, C H A R T H A M C T 4 7 D J

HOMES OF THE WEEK Plot 11 - A cottage style home with a fully fitted designer kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite, two further bedrooms, a family bathroom and landscaped rear garden - Priced at £335,900 Plot 13 - A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with fully fitted designer kitchen, open plan living/dining room and landscaped rear garden - Priced at £249,500

READY TO MOVE INTO – READY FOR YOU!

GREAT INCENTIV ES AVA IL A BL E - A SK FOR DETA IL S Kingfisher Place is a delightful collection of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes in a variety of styles.

Other homes available with prices from £249,500 • Call today on 01227 731407 Show home and sales office open Thursday to Sunday 10:30am to 5pm & Mondays 10:30am to 3pm 36

www.pentlandhomes.co.uk *On selected plots only and subject to scheme rules

[homes & gardens ]

Space...the final frontier?

Written by Tony King of Papillon Interiors, Fort Hill, Margate

Sorry Trekkies, this is not a reference to a sci-fi series but a question of how we best utilise our interiors, especially in modern apartments and houses where storage and space is often at a premium.

Whether using space for dining, work/ study, or storage, the issues often remain the same, so below we have decided to consider some solutions for you.

 Storage For maximum capacity storage, wall solutions (floor to ceiling) offer a sensible panacea but can often appear bland and soulless. For a more Contemporary take on this then systems such as the String and Muller offer storage that are flexible, interesting looking, and practical. These systems can be built and adjusted to your personal space and needs.

For standalone signature pieces that offer storage but are also display pieces then Casamania Robot Storage have some intriguing ideas.

 Work/Study For modern apartments or indeed to maximise a room space then the Flatmate Foldaway desk solution or the rather eccentric (but very good sound quality) La Boîte allow for multitasking but striking good looks in or out of use.

 Climbing the Walls Storage is now often used to enhance wall space, and freeform shapes such as corniche, allow your imagination run wild in terms of type of use but also grouping and positions. Corniche can be used in living rooms, hallways or anywhere your design imagination takes you.

Even Charles and Ray Eames got into Wall storage with the aptly named Uten Silo, a 1950’s plastic collage of small trays for storing that adds a cool design dimension to home studies ,children’s rooms or utility areas.

The message is simple, storage and space saving doesn’t have to be boring and utilitarian…it can enhance an area as well as provide good functionality.

For more ideas download our PDF at www.papilloninteriors.co.uk/ storageathome 37

[title ]

Terlingham Forum D E F I A N T C L O S E , H AW K I N G E C T 1 8 7 R H

IF YOU’RE SERIOUS ABOUT MOVING, SO ARE WE

HELP TO BUY SCHEME AVAILABLE *

A collection of two bedroom apartments and retail units, creating a new community in a great location.

The apartments are designed to make living easy and affordable and each benefits from:• Fully fitted kitchen • Lift access to all floors • Audio-operated door entry system • Close to supermarket and shops • Excellent transport links • Allocated parking space Prices from just £129,500 • Selling Fast - Block Two Now Released!

Show apartment and sales office open Thursday to Monday 10am to 5pm.

Call today on 01303 893080 38

www.pentlandhomes.co.uk *Using the Help To Buy scheme. Subject to scheme rules. Mortgage offer is subject to application and status

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[feature ]

Canterbury in Bloom Whitefriars gears up for

By Martyn Barr

The Whitefriars shopping centre in Canterbury is gearing up to support this year’s Canterbury in Bloom initiative, aiming to build on the success of last year's campaign, which earned the city a Silver Medal.

Whitefriars is currently partnering with local charity The Fifth Trust to teach children how to grow and look after plants.The charity - for adults with learning difficulties - is located at the Vineyard Nursery in Elham and worked with Whitefriars last year to plant up the colourful raised flower beds in Whitefriars Square, designed by local school children.

This year’s children’s initiative is taking place at six local primary schools and children’s groups, including St Peter’s Primary School, Canterbury, Goodnestone Primary School, Sturry Beavers, Blean Primary School and Hernhill Pre-school.Whitefriars is providing each group with all the materials, plants, equipment and tools they need. A garden expert from the Trust, assisted by three of the charity’s students, will teach a class the entire growing process, from germination to potting up a finished plant.The plants will be brought in to Whitefriars during the summer, with a prize for the best display.

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Last year,Whitefriars commissioned local children’s author Martyn Barr to produce a young person’s guide to bees entitled ‘To Be A Bee’.The book achieved glowing reviews and has been used as a valuable learning resource in schools across the country.Whitefriars has commissioned Martyn to produce a new book this year, which looks at the science behind a garden, and will again be distributed free of charge to local schools.

Also in production are ten 8ft colourful banners, which will be going up shortly in Whitefriars Square.These feature floral photographs taken by local people, winners of an online competition organised by the shopping centre. Each of the nine finalists received £100 in Whitefriars vouchers for their efforts, whilst the winner – Anton Parker from Canterbury – received £500 to spend at Apple Premium Reseller Stormfront in the Marlowe Arcade.

Whitefriars is also once again partnering with Jacksons Fencing to create an attractive floral display in Whitefriars

Square.This will be used as a venue for children's workshops, bee information days, special promotions and live music gigs throughout the summer.The Stowting-based fencing manufacturer ran a competition for local garden designers to come up with a show garden for Whitefriars.The winning entry - entitled the ‘Shadow Garden’ - was designed by Whitstable-based garden designer Lisa Feurtado. It will be unveiled in Whitefriars Square on Saturday, 15 June at 12pm with a rousing musical accompaniment

by Whitstable community samba band Samba Pelo Mar.There will also be floral displays and hanging baskets/balls throughout Whitefriars over the summer period.

The shopping centre will be repeating its popular Summer Sounds programme this year, showcasing local musical talent.The programme will run for 12 weeks from Thursday, 20 June in Whitefriars and Rose Squares, from 4.30pm – 6.30pm.

Details of all the Canterbury in Bloom events can be found on the Whitefriars website at www.whitefriars.eu.

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[feature ]

Helen

Mirren FROM Monarch to Monster, Helen Mirren is certainly a woman not to be messed with!

Words by Nerissa Blower

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[feature ] The English actress is lending her voice talents to summer blockbuster Monsters University, the prequel to childrens’ animated comedy Monsters Inc but has made a name for herself with a number of risqué acting roles.

Both a pin-up and prestigious star of the stage and screen for over 40 years, the former ‘Sex Queen of Stratford’ is regarded as a British national treasure.

Nerissa Blower discovered how the rebellious yet regal 67-year-old, once famed for her steamy on screen performances is still hitting the headlines today.

wowed audiences and led to her signing with agent Al Parker. Her performance as the ultimate femme fatale spurred on many more powerful and provocative roles including Castiza in The Revenger’s Tragedy in 1966, Cressida in Cressida and Troilus in 1968 and Lady Macbeth in Trevor Nunn’s production of Macbeth in 1974. The actress who gained many of these titular roles whilst signed with the Royal Shakespeare Company earned the title ‘Sex Queen of Stratford’, a label she greatly resented.

The actress made a shaky start to her silver screen debut with a steamy performance in Caligula, coBorn Helen Lydia Mironoff on July 26 1945 in starring English favourite Peter O’ Toole. The film Hammersmith, London, Mirren was the daughter famed for its explicit sex scenes and graphic violence of second generation Russian immigrant Vasiliy performed poorly at the box office. Her career took Petrovich Mironov and English girl a turn for the better with gangster Kathleen ‘Kitty’ Rogers. The second film The Long Good Friday in 1977 Born Helen Lydia of three children, along with older which received praise from critics, and sister Kate and younger brother Mironoff on July was followed by another screen success Peter, Mirren was raised in the as the venomous but sensual Morgana 26 1945 in coastal town, Southend-On-Sea in in Arthurian movie Excalibur in 1981.

Essex.

Hammersmith, Coincidentally Mirren met her former Despite a poor upbringing, the long term partner, Irish actor Liam London, Mirren was on –screen monarch has strong Neeson on set of the fantasy film. links to royalty through her parent’s the daughter of second A rising star within the movie bloodlines. Her mother Kitty, was generation Russian industry, Mirren landed her first one of 14 children to working class major film awards for her portrayal of parents from Westham, London, but immigrant Vasiliy Marcella in Irish political drama, Cal her grandfather worked as Queen Petrovich Mironov and in 1984. The actress won the Cannes Victoria’s butcher. On Mirren’s Film Festival Prize and a BAFTA for paternal side, her great grandmother English girl Kathleen Best Actress. was a countess mentioned in ‘Kitty’ Rogers.

Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. The Mirren made her big television break Mironoff family were Russian in 1991 when she was cast as DCI aristocrats with links to the military, Jane Tennison in TV drama Prime but Vasiliy who was raised in England, changed his Suspect. The series was a major success and Mirren’s name to Basil Mirren in the 1950s. A man of many portrayal of the troubled but brilliant detective landed talents, Mirren’s father played the viola for the her several BAFTA awards, EMMY nominations London Philharmonic before World War II broke including an EMMY win for Outstanding Lead out and later worked as a taxi driver, driving test Actress in 1996. The series was aired from 1991 to examiner and finally a civil servant with the Ministry 2006 and paved the way for more major roles for of Transport. the diverse actress. Her performance as queen in The Madness of King George in 1994 was commended Mirren noted that her first taste for the theatre was with a Best Actress Oscar nomination in 1994 awakened after watching an amateur production followed by a Best Actress win at the 1995 Cannes of Hamlet aged 13. She was so impressed by the Film Festival in 1995. performance she sought to take to the stage herself.

Mirren landed a string of hit roles, one of her most Mirren made her acting debut when she performed memorable playing haughty housekeeper for an in school productions at St Bernard’s High School of aristocratic English family in period mystery drama, Girls in Southend-On-Sea. A notably strict school, Gosford Park in 2001.

St Bernard’s was run by nuns who ruled against sex education and restricted the pupils’ contact with In 2003 Mirren once again stripped for an acting part, boys. Despite her parent’s determination to steer their but this time was joined by an ensemble of established daughter away from acting, an English teacher at the English actresses in the British comedy, Calendar Girls. school encouraged her to audition for the National Based on a true story, the film tells the tale of a group Youth Theatre at age 18 she was accepted. Her role of fifty-something WI members posing nude for their as Egyptian queen, Cleopatra at the companies’ annual calendar to raise funds for Leukaemia research. production of Anthony and Cleopatra at age 20 The film became a major success and Mirren was Photo:s Front Cover: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com, P45: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com, P46: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com 46

nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance.

Although the actress made her West End debut in the 1970s, she returned to the stage in 2013 playing Queen Elizabeth II in the play The Audience. Mirren was no stranger to donning a crown for her art and is the only actress to have played both Queen Elizabeths on the screen. She starred as Elizabeth I in the 2005 TV series of the same name and Elizabeth II in film The Queen in 2006. Controversy does little to hurt the reputation of the fiercely independent actress.

She raised many eyebrows when she stripped off for romantic crime film The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover in 1989. Proving to be more than just a golden oldie, Mirren shocked the public when at age 65 she posed topless for a magazine to publicise her role as a brothel madam in Love Ranch.

The dedicated performer hit the headlines this year when she yelled expletives at a group of street drummers while dressed as Queen Elizabeth II. The star was performing on stage for the West End play, The Audience but was interrupted by banging outside the venue. So enraged by the disturbance, Mirren stormed outside to shout profanities at the drummers whilst dressed as the monarch. This incident however barely scarred the thespian’s reputation and was quickly forgiven when she delivered a public apology and was awarded the Laurence Oliver Award for Best Actress the same year.

A fiercely independent woman, Mirren once vowed never to marry but eventually tied the knot in 1997 with American director Taylor Hackford. The couple currently reside in Los Angeles and London.

In 2003 Mirren received a damehood for 25 years of contributing to TV, film and theatre at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. She was then awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013.

Showing a diverse range of talents, Mirren most recent role was voicing the vicious dragon-like monster, Dean Hardscrabble in the new Pixar movie, Monsters University. The film is the prequel to 2001 box office hit Monsters Inc and shows unlikely duo Mike and Scully forming a friendship after being kicked out of the School of Scaring by the frightening Hardscrabble.

The film was released on June 20.

In 2003 Mirren received a damehood for 25 years of contributing to TV, film and theatre at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. She was then awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013.

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[music ]

East Kent Album Review –

“Thorns”

by Tess of the Circle Words by Nerissa Blower

I HAD the privilege to interview male singer/songwriter Tess back in 2010 with the release of critically acclaimed debut album, Magpie. Now the artist is back in business and this time is joined by a 'circle' of musical maestros to create an exceptional and challenging record.

'Thorns' is the collaborative works of Folkestone based musician Tess Jones and a plethora of established artists with impressive credits working with the likes of Jeff Buckley, Paul Weller, Sinead O' Connor and many more.

The driving force behind the album is the masterful BRIT award winning producer Chris Potter who worked with The Rolling Stones, Richard Ashcroft's solo works and produced the iconic nineties record, 'Urban Hymns' by The Verve.

'Magpie' is an intimate, reflective album that deals with personal loss and the emotional, yet quiet musings of the artist is juxtaposed to the rich, textured and almost grandiose tone of 'Thorns' thanks to a wide spectrum of instruments and an upbeat vintage feel.

Stand out track is 'Say What You Want (Run)', an almost sombre, evocative piece that appeals to the rebellious child in all of us to escape our fears and worries. The album mastered at The Lodge in New York owes much of its reflective, resonating qualities to the exceptional string arrangements from the talented Howard Gott at his studio in Whitstable, Kent.

Tess explained that he wanted to create an album with a bigger, richer sound to fill music venues and gives a nod to the heyday of sixties and seventies folk rock.

He said "Each time I returned home I felt myself re-energized and more drawn to the rock songs that formulated my youth, the stuff that got me into music to begin with. To me that was the next step that we bought to Thorns. I still write what I know. It's still me and an acoustic guitar but now I have a circle of musical friends that open it all up."

Fans of Tess's earlier work and the folk-rock scene will be delighted with this record and remains proof the artist never strays too far from his signature sound of bluesy vocals and delicate instrumental arrangements, but it is certainly not an album for the hard-hearted.

Thorns is released on July 15 by Vintage Voice Records and is available online at www.amazon.co.uk.

For more information visit www.tessofthecircle.com

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[food and drink ]

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[food and drink ]

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[music

Caution Horses Interview with Duncan Cartledge by Bradley McManus

Caution Horses are the latest band to join the gigging circuit around Kent, hosting an unusual seven members, the only problem they seem to have is fitting them all into some venues! Carl, Ian, Russell, Duncan, Jemma, Simon and Phil make up the group so I caught up with their trumpeter Duncan to learn a bit more about the lot of them.

Covers bands are fairly common in the area, so what sets you apart?

the region and a sea of dedicated fans who come to have a good time.The group keep up to date with the latest music so you're unlikely to hear the same set twice. It's early days for their own musical writings but I am assured they will come when the time is right.Take some time to check out this great band, whether you're into having a dance or you just want to see a shed load of instruments, they will fit the bill.

YOU CAN CATCH CAUTION HORSES ON THE FOLLOWING DATES: 28th July - The Clarendon , Deal 2nd August - Hole in The Roof, Deal 23rd August - The Frenchman, Folkestone.

31st August - The Park Inn, Folkestone.

Keep up to date at www.cautionhorses.co.uk

Our brass section separates us from other bands playing the same style of music. It makes us versatile enough to cover anything from The Killers to Stevie Wonder, without leaving our comfort-zone.

He's got a point. Caution Horses sit in a fairly niche area where they aren't a "standard" group with guitar, bass, drums and vocals. Playing things that other bands simply can't do like Bang, Bang You're Dead by Dirty Pretty Things gives them a distinct edge and crowd appreciation. I went to see them play a semi-private gig at The Tiger in Stowing near Ashford. All seven somehow squeezed in and were curved around one entire side of the pub.

I remember the gig well because that was the place we got our first crowd surfer. In a pub! One of the other things to confirm we're going in the right direction was someone urinating themselves at a gig in Deal. Both equally enjoyable moments in their own way...

Compared to the likes of The Raconteurs and Mark Ronson they play a variety of well known hits from across the last few decades. Fronted by Carl Street, the Jesus like figure (in appearance only of course) is very comfortable on the mic and has a husky growl which always makes you sit up and pay attention.

Where did the name Caution Horses come from?

People think that it's just a random set of words but it really isn't. Oour keyboard player, suffers from equinophobia. Google it.

The group have come on very fast, from playing small gigs in some of the regular pubs, they now have quite a following in 51

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[food and drink ]

Renee's Health Food Tips

LA the

experience

I’ve come over to LA to see what’s trending in the way of superfoods and raw foods in the Sunshine state of California and see for myself if the notoriously body conscious cousins of ours are as healthy as we are lead to believe.

With raw cafes, organic restaurants and herbal tonic bars stretching the coast from Venice beach to Santa Monica, being healthy has never been easier. At the end of my first week, I have dined on raw pizza and kale chips, raw burger with cashew cheese, and my favourite so far, Mediterranean wrap with live falafels, zucchini cilantro hummus, on live sun-dried tomato bread.Washed down with turmeric probiotic drinks, superfood smoothies and the most hedonistic durian and cacao shake imaginable.

How do I feel? In all honesty, amazing (or is it shamazing here in LA?) I wake naturally every morning around 6.00 and the environment lends itself to pulling on my runners and going for a run down the boardwalk, even at this early hour, the beach is awash with people walking their dogs, taking a run, workouts on the beach, practising tai chi and yoga.

LA Smoothie ♥ 1 banana ♥ 250ml milk, I use almond milk ♥ 2tsp cacao powder ♥ 1tsp maca ♥ 1tsp cat’s claw

In addition to diet, yoga is very much a way of life; the people I meet understand that they need to address both the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of their lives on a daily basis. Something I am guilty of not doing. Life, work and more work gets in the way and working for me takes a back seat.

♥ 2 mejool dates

This has been one of my most interesting discovery so far, that there is a large community of people in this part of LA who recognise that success, happiness, peace and clarity comes from consciously eating to live and stretching and exercise daily. It’s an altogether balanced and rounded way of life and for this part I must admit to being humbled by my preconceived idea of image and ego over health and happiness.

This smoothie will boost serotonin and dopamine while offering strength and endurance assisting with day to day challenges.

The food is organic, pesticide free, with advertisements outside café’s highlighting they sell local, farmers market produce.The menus are packed with superfoods and medicinal herbs and no one blinks at ingredients such as fresh noni juice, aloe vera, sprouting nuts and seeds, these are just considered building blocks offering the best energy boost, immune building, cleansing properties without compromising on taste or quality. Wholefoods Supermarkets are as big as any of our superstores here in the UK, and with the array of foods on offer, it is my Supermarket Mecca!

Now us cynical Brits can say that Vitamin D is what sets us apart from the LA lifestyle, or rather lack of it, but as I tell all my clients “Small changes make a big difference!” By consciously taking steps to eating well, you will notice a change in energy levels, sleep, stress levels and increased positivity.We have a choice and making the right choice can be the difference between an average life and one filled with possibility and promise. Find the sunshine within you.

Start your day with my LA superfoods smoothie and note how great you will feel.

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth, add a few ice cubes to this chocolate superfood smoothie

For more tips, recipes and where to buy superior, organic superfoods go to www. rawchifood.com

Renee Maguire is a chef, raw nutrition coach, food writer and motivational healthy eating speaker. Through discovering the benefit of her own health improvements she has dedicated her work to helping others find a balance between the foods they love to eat and the foods their body needs.

Renee writes for a variety of newspapers, magazines and blogs, and tours the country delivering inspirational motivational talks and food workshops to find out more visit www.rawchifood.com or email renee@rawchifood.com photography by jo doran 53

[food and drink ]

CRISP PIG’S TROTTER, PICKLED CAULIFLOWER, COURGETTE, FRIED QUAIL EGG AND CREEPING CHARLIE

By Charlie Lakin – Head Chef, The Marquis at Alkham

INGREDIENTS ♥ 8 whole pigs’ trotters ♥ 2 onions ♥ 3 carrots ♥ 5 sticks celery ♥ ½ bulb garlic

Wash and blow torch any hair of the trotter; gently remove the skin from the outside of the trotter using a boning knife trying not to pierce the skin as tis will affect the end product. When all skin is removed place in cold water over night to remove any blood.

In a heavy based tray seal the trotter skin, remove from the tray and add all the vegetables roughly chopped and lightly colour in the tray. Add the red wine bring to the boil and reduce by half, add the chicken bring to the boil and add the trotters and herbs, cover with foil and place in a 150c oven for at least 4 hours. Gently lift the totter skin from the liquor. Pass the braising liquor and set aside. Lay flat on a chopping board and scrap any fat & excess meat, trim into a square and lay onto a cling filmed tray next to one another so you get a long rectangle of trotter skin.

Place another tray on top and press to set.

Puree the chicken breast in a food processor with the egg white then add cream, nutmeg, sage and season. Spread this on the inside of the pressed pig skin and then pick the meat of the ham hock into the middle about 4 cm wide, then using the cling film the skin is on, 54

roll into a sausage shape, tie the ends off and put it the fridge to set.

For the cauliflower and courgette, dice the green of the courgette into ¾ cm pieces and with the cauliflower gently sprinkle with salt and leave for 1 hour, bring the vinegar, sugar spices and mustard to the boil, wash the salt off the veg and add to the vinegar. Cook for 1min and leave to cool.

For the sauce reduce the braising liquor until it lightly coats the back of a spoon, add the vinegar and madeira and reduce until again lightly coats the back of a spoon add a pinch of chopped thyme and season and reserve until needed To serve slice the trotter into 1 cm discs and gently fry in a shallow pan until crisp, turn and repeat on the other side, remove from the pan and keep warm.

Fry the quail eggs in a little oil, gently cut out into circles, season with a twist of black pepper place on top of the trotter slices then place 3 on each plate, scatter the cauliflower and courgette followed by a drizzle of the sauce and finish with about 6 creeping Charlie leaves per plate and serve.

♥ 500ml red wine ♥ 1 1/2l chicken stock ♥ 30g thyme ♥ 5 bay leaves ♥ 100g chicken breast ♥ 100ml whipping cream ♥ 1 egg white ♥ Pinch of nutmeg ♥ 5g chopped sage ♥ 2 cooked ham hocks ♥ 25ml sherry vinegar ♥ 100ml Madeira ♥ 100g small cauliflower florets ♥ 1 large courgette ♥ 450 ml white wine vinegar ♥ 1tsp turmeric ♥ 1tbsp ground ginger ♥ 1tbsp English mustard ♥ 90g sugar ♥ 18 quail eggs Creeping Charlie leaves (can be found in most hedge bottoms, small round leaf on a vine with a sage like scent)

Restaurant hours Sunday – Tuesday: 8am – 9.30pm last orders Wednesday – Saturday: 8am – 10pm last orders

Bar hours EVERYDAY: 8.00am – till late

Tel 01843 585008 website www.milesbarramsgate.com contact sally@milesbarramsgate.com mailto:mick@milesbarramsgate.com 56 Harbour Parade, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 8LN 55

RESTAURANT WITH ROOMS

Marquis Tasting Menus The Marquis tasting menus showcase the best of local & seasonal produce – game, dayboat fish, locally reared meat and seasonal fruits & vegetables treated with care & respect.

4 courses £22.50 (usually £30) or 6 courses £40 (usually £55) Cut this advert out & bring along with you on the date of your booking or mention when booking. This voucher can be used in our restaurant under the following conditions: Valid Sunday - Friday dinner and Tuesday - Saturday Lunch time until 31/08/13. Excludes bank holiday Sunday & Monday. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

01304 873410

Alkham Valley Road, Alkham, Dover, Kent CT15 7DF

www.themarquisatalkham.co.uk

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Chalksole Vineyard In perhaps the closest British vineyard to France, we have produced a sparkling wine of great quality which perfectly matches the cuisine from the same terroir.

The vineyard, in Alkham Valley, just ½ a mile from the Marquis, comprises of 7 acres of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier & Chardonnay grapes. You are welcome to take a stroll amongst the vines before or after your meal – ask at reception for a map which takes in the vineyard as well as the beautiful Sladden Dexter beef farm & ancient woodland.

And guess what?

This local delight is available exclusively to buy at the Marquis.

So come over and enjoy a glass to start a meal perhaps take a bottle home with you.

“The Kitchen”

[food and drink ]

is Officially Opened by Amanda Cottrell, OBE. We’ve been following the progress of “The Kitchen”, brainchild of Margate entrepreneur, Lisa Hemingway for some time now, and on Thursday 4th July, the project was officially opened by the Chairman of Visit Kent & Produce in Kent, Amanda Cottrell, OBE. The venture is Hemingway’s third business in Margate’s Old Town, as she also owns the adjoining “The Shop”, and the ever popular “Cupcake Café”, situated just a few steps away from “The Kitchen”.

The Kitchen will operate as a large “workshop” for local experts to teach all kinds of different culinary classes to a variety of groups, from a master baker teaching break making, to a fun cake decorating workshop for kids, from classes teaching young mums to cook nutritious food for their youngster, to lessons from a chocolatier.The Kitchen is also available for events and parties.

The project has received financial support in the form of a £17k, interest free loan

from the East Kent Growth fund to help with the set up, legal fees, and staff costs.

The opening evening saw locals, press, and some of the chefs who will be teaching at The Kitchen enjoy canapés, drinks and the unveiling of a project which should really help both the regeneration of the area, and the community at large.

Visit Kent Chairman, Amanda Cottrell officially unveiled the project saying that each person present “must tell at least ten of their friends about “The Kitchen” and make sure they see what a wonderful idea this is”.

Lisa, as ever, was ably supported by her troupe of loyal staff, family and friends.

WYATTANDJONES.CO.UK

WYATT

& JONES

BRITISH RESTAURANT BROADSTAIRS

OPEN FOR BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AFTERNOON TEA AND CAKE, AND DINNER INFO@WYATTANDJONES.CO.UK | 01843 865126 | WYATTANDJONES.CO.UK

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[food and drink ]

Cocktails From The Cuban

The Cuban Canterbury, 41-43 High St, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2RY | Tel: 01227 464464

Every issue we deliver some fantastic cocktail recipes for you to try out at home, courtesy of The Cuban, Canterbury. Our cocktail of the month is the Hendrick's Strawberry Jive Hendrick's Strawberry Jive 37.5ml Hendrick's Gin fresh mint leaves 4 fresh strawberries freshly squeezed lemon juice teaspoon of brown sugar muddle together add 25 ml of freshly squeezed orange juice shake over ice and fine strain into a rocks glass garnish with a sprig of mint.

And here’s a new summery addition to the cocktail menu, Midori June Bug 25ml Midori Melon Liquore, 12.5ml Malibu Rum, Banana Syrup, 25ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice, 50ml Pineapple Juice, Shake over ice and strain in to Pina Colada glass full of crushed ice. Garnish with a slice of Melon

Our new cocktail menu was released on Monday 1st July 2013 with upgrades and additional cocktails, Cocktails are now discounted by 25% Sun to Thurs until 11pm and Fri and Sat until 9pm 59

Boutique B&B By The Sea

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[food and drink ]

Kent Cookery School Kent Cookery School at Mersham-le-Hatch has now been in operation for two years, providing workshops in all manner of culinary workshops, courses, and activities, taught by experienced chefs from the area .

The school is situated in the cobbled courtyard in Mershamle-Hatch business village, just across from the ever popular restaurant “The Secret Garden”, and, just like the restaurant, is owned and operated by Stephanie Wanstall and family.

Opened in June 2011, Kent Cookery School was the actually Kent’s first purpose-built cookery school, offering a wide range of cookery courses for all skill levels, all tastes, with each course taught by an expert chef. Whether it’s making the perfect curry, improving your baking, a taste of the Mediterranean, puddings to die for, or taking advantage of the wonderful fish farmed off the Kentish coast, there truly is something for everyone.

As well as the more technically advanced courses, the Kent Cookery School also address more practical culinary issues, offering a two day course aimed at school leavers about to go on to university and will teach them recipes which are fun, affordable, healthy and quick.

Fun courses such as cupcake decoration offer kids the opportunity to take an interest in food at an early age, and a great day out for adults and children alike.

As well as the cookery classes, there are also a number of courses run by the Kent Wine Academy, from an introduction to wine for the beginner up to WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) qualification courses for those with ambitions in the catering or wine trade.

For more details go to www.kentcookeryschool.co.uk or call 01233 501771

CAFFE LATTE’s SKINNY RHUMBA COCKTAIL RECIPE Stay Skinny This Summer with Emmi Summer indulgence doesn’t have to impact on a bikini body diet with Emmi CAFFE LATTE’s Skinny’s exclusive new cocktail recipe for Summer 2013. Offering a mouth-watering and lower calories alternative to other popular seasonal beverages, the 180 calorie ‘Skinny Rhumba’ features a delicious combination of blended banana, golden run and Emmi CAFFE LATTE Skinny for a fabulously light and flavourful summertime cocktail.

SKINNY RHUMBA RECIPE Ingredients • 35ml Golden Rum • 1/2 Cup Emmi CAFFE LATTE Skinny-1/2 Banana Method • Blend all ingredients together • Pour into a tall glass and garnish • Enjoy!

180 calories per serving 61

[food and drink ]

Miles Café Culture Words By Peter Nichols

Miles Café Culture (or “Miles Bar” as it is more usually referred to by the locals), has been a stalwart of the regeneration of Ramsgate’s seafront for more than a decade, and was the first in a number of “continental” style venues which have subsequently appeared along the same stretch of road opposite Ramsgate Harbour (the UK’s ONLY Royal Harbour, no less).

Miles’ occupies a double fronted bar/ restaurant overlooking the marina. One side comprises the bar and bar area; with deep leather sofas, low tables, leather bars stools, and with internet access on wall mounted screens towards the rear of the bar.

The adjoining room is connected via an open doorway and up a couple of steps to the restaurant/bar area, with ample seating, a second bar, and an open plan kitchen.

As in the main bar, it also has large leather sofas positioned to afford the customer a splendid view of the marina through large picture windows.

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Over the last few years, the owners of the bars/restaurants in the area have made a concerted effort to bring real quality to Ramsgate marina, and it shows. Nearby Margate may have enjoyed a lot of funding and enjoyed a regeneration of its own in recent years, but the main drag from the clock tower to Westbrook is still desperately out of touch; all half empty amusement arcades, bingo halls, and dilapidated, closed down businesses.They could do a lot worse than take a stroll down to Ramsgate to see how it’s done.

Miles’ is the first in a selection of modern, inviting “continental” looking venues, who offer good service, good food, good drink, contemporary design and a great atmosphere.The wide pavement outside Miles’ (and other nearby hostelries) allows plenty of customers to enjoy a glass of wine or cup of coffee overlooking the masts of the yachts on the marina and watch the world go by.

Miles’ as a venue really sells itself – the location is ideal, the décor inviting, and

the picture windows allow passers by a glimpse of what’s on offer inside, a real “come on in” to anyone out for the day who happens to stroll on past (and given that Miles’ is the first venue you pass on your way towards the harbour/beach, that can be quite a few!).

Although we went for dinner, Miles’ serves food throughout the day. By nine in the morning you will often find tables full of locals enjoying coffee and croissants on the outside terrace, and by lunchtime, summer salads, lite bites and baguettes are the order of the day – and a selection of cakes and pastries are always on offer.

The main menu is served from afternoon to evening and changes seasonally. Fresh veg is picked up from Nash farm in Margate, meat from AJ Cliffe & Sons of Minster, and fish from Fruit De Mers in Broadstairs, and Cannons, who have a boat in the local harbour, and a fresh seafood stall a 30 second walk from the kitchen. Now that is what you call “locally sourced ingredients”.

[food and drink ]

An invite to enjoy a meal for two at Miles Café Culture on Ramsgate Harbour on a warm summer’s evening was one that myself and my partner were unlikely to turn down, so we headed down to enjoy the seaside, seafood, and ambience all on offer in spades at one of the most popular and well known venues in town..

Proprietors, Mick and Sally White, have been keen to push the food at Miles’, especially the fantastic local Lobster, and with experienced Head Chef Steve and his team, the restaurant has seen big leaps forward, both in terms of quality, and in popularity. In fact, the Lobster has proven so popular that customers will often call, not to book a table, but with the request to “book a couple of Lobsters”. In addition, the culinary treats of Miles’ are currently being further extended as Sally’s latest initiative is to provide “take out hampers” filled with your choice of seafood, meats, cheeses and drinks, for those on their way to the beach or out on a boat trip.

We sat down around eight, and demolished a bowl of olives and fresh bread whilst perusing the menu with a cold bottle of beer and a glass of wine.

We’d already decided on Lobster as the main course, and, as it happens, the starters were a relative breeze to decide upon. My partner is a baked camembert fiend, so chose this with rustic bread, salad and red

onion relish, while I sated my meat quota with the pate, again served with salad, fresh onion marmalade and toast.

I enquired whether the salads on offer would be suitable starters but was told they were really “main sized”. I’m glad I was warned, as if the size of the starters were anything to go by, I would still be eating it now. My partner was presented with an entire baked camembert, mountains of salad and plenty of bread, while I received two huge wedges of pate (enough for a small loaf), and an equally generous helping of salad.

Unusually, neither of our plates were “licked clean”, owing more to the fear of not being able to finish the main course if we had, than any reflection on the enormously enjoyable starters!

The lobster was served warm (optional) and came with skinny chips and salad.

The lobster was sweet and succulent, with plenty of white juicy meat falling from

the shell. The decision to leave a little of the starter proved a wise one, as we both finished our mains but a dessert seemed out of the question as we were fit to burst.

Trooper that I am, however, I opted for the fresh lemon cheesecake (light and delightful), although as it was a balmy evening, we opted to take our final drinks (and my dessert) outside. Looking in through the window to the restaurant area as night fell, it looked particularly magical.Thick candles had been lit and the subdued table lighting contrasted with the glow from the kitchen making Miles’ the perfect venue for a romantic meal.

If you’re planning a trip to the seaside this summer, make a visit to Miles’ a must.

Whatever time of day and whether it be an empty belly or a raging thirst, you’ll be sure to find something to satisfy your craving.

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[motoring ]

Lotus Evora:

the best handling car in the real world? Discuss..

Words by John Sanson Esq.

Packaged as the new Lotus Evora S Sports RaceR? then an unequivocal yes. Review over. I can go and sit in the garden now. It's nice outside today you see. Ah, 1000 words you say? Actually, that’s not really a problem....

The Evora S can be had in Supercharged or non-Supercharged form. Both with a 3.5 litre engine planted amidships in true sports car style. Rivals include the Porsche 911 (the Lotus is considerably cheaper) and high spec versions of the Porsche Cayman. The S Racer comes with packaged equipment options for much less money than you would pay if you had specced separately. The car tested benefitted from the 'Tech' pack that included reversing camera, reversing 64

sensors (good when your review mirror is essentially filled with an engine!), Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility. All this adds to the day to day drivability of the car and complements the 150 or so changes that Lotus has made to the Evora since its launch in 2009. The sports pack adds Pirelli P-Zero Corsa clothed black wheels (19inch front, 20 inch rear) cross drilled discs, diffuser and a Sports button that sharpens the throttle response and gives the exhaust note a much rortier sound.

The interior itself is clothed in high quality materials and the seats cut in soft leather. It's a focused car inside make no mistake but one that is well made and surprisingly comfortable.

The large information touch screen infotainment system houses an easy to use Satnav system as well as the reversing camera and stereo and nice touches like the moody red LCD tyre pressure and trip computer displays flank the purposeful instrument binnacle. The driving position is great

[motoring ]

and the view ahead of the front wings curving voluptuously to a crease in the middle of the bonnet allows you to place the car brilliantly when going through the bends. Two rear seats can be specced too for added practicality. They will accommodate two small people and handily come with isofix mountings as standard.

Air-conditioning is standard on the Evora and with the automatic box and optional cruise control the lucky buyer could get use of the Evora S as a daily driver. I saw 27 miles per gallon too...

Superb bearing in mind all that power.

the Evora S drive like? IS it the best handling car in the real world? To begin with, its steering is phenomenal; it’s turn-in razor-sharp. It's extremely accurate – and so calmly yet finely resolved is its feedback that it gives you the time and confidence to push hard while simultaneously dodging the potholes with unerring precision. It is almost as if the wheel is somehow hard wired to your brain. Everything comes through the wheel and I'm sure if the driver went over a dropped coin with a front wheel the steering rack would let them know if it was heads or tails.

Enough of the equipment, reversing cameras are lovely but what does

I can think of no car that amasses serious speed on any kind of road

with such a polished fusion of supple control, consistency of grip whatever the surface and benign adjustability.

The Evora S will let you explore the outer limits of grip and relinquish that grip gracefully. There isn't a sting in its tail. What is more surprising is the ride control. Despite the focused looks both inside and out and world leading handling the Evora S rides like a saloon car. I took my 76 year old dad for a spin and despite his trepidation that he was about to have his back broken on seeing the Lotus parked outside his house, actually found the ride extremely comfortable. He even released his death grip on the door handle after a mile or two. Praise does 65

[motoring ] not come any greater quite frankly. I also took a work colleague for a spin and despite trying to compare it to her Astra VXR at all times (really Claire?) was profoundly impressed with the way the Lotus was able float across potholes but still give you all the information needed to maintain maximum safe pace.

The V6 Lotus engine is something else too. It can be specced without a Supercharger (280 BHP) but mine had one bolted on and this takes power to a heady 350BHP. Even without the extra power the Supercharger would be worth speccing for the noise alone.

The growl of the engine mated with the mechanical scream of the 'charger at high revs is a symphony pure and simple. It brought a grin to my face every time I did it. Naturally I sought

a few tunnels, dropped from 6th to 3rd with the gearbox shifting paddles on the steering wheel and floored it.

Juvenile but life affirming. In Sport mode the ECU automatically blips the Evora's throttle on downshifts to match gear to engine revs. Sometimes this results in rifle firing underneath you as unspent fuel is dumped through into the exhaust system. Again, juvenile but I will remember that sound forever.

Stats wise the Evora S hits 0-60 in 4.6 seconds and tops out at 172 mph. This is plenty.....

So to answer the question posed at the very beginning of this article, yes the Evora S is the best handling car in the real world. I had the pleasure of but a few short hours with it but I have driven nothing finer. Ferraris and McLarens are phenomenal but cost

three times as much. The Porsche 911 is a brilliant car make no mistake but it's less raw these days and doesn't quite have the chassis dynamics of the Lotus.

One final thing, whilst I loved driving the Lotus the best bit was watching out of my window and looking at all the school kids taking pictures on their phones as they walked home from school. Girls and boys. This wasn’t isolated to a few - this was pretty much all of them. As I left my house to drive the car back to its home in Aylesford (thanks Lipscomb) a neighbour asked me if it was some kind of Ferrari. I replied that it wasn't, but it was better really.

SO TO ANSWER THE QUESTION POSED AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THIS ARTICLE, YES THE EVORA S IS THE BEST HANDLING CAR IN THE REAL WORLD. I HAD THE PLEASURE OF BUT A FEW SHORT HOURS WITH IT BUT I HAVE DRIVEN NOTHING FINER.

A BETTER LOTUS positioN THE EvORA SPORTS RAcER Getting into a Lotus is now a lot easier with the new Evora Sports Racer. Its unique styling combines with fully loaded options and a lightweight price tag, making it more affordable than ever. And with the latest Lotus Finance offers, getting behind the wheel of one of the world’s best driver’s cars has never been simpler. coNtAct us to FiND out moRE oR to ARRANGE A tEst DRiVE

Lipscomb Lotus

Performance House, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7XA tel 0845 338 9909 www.lipscomb.co.uk

EVoRA spoRts RAcER REpREsENtAtiVE EXAmpLE 48 Payments of £499 Final payment £18,570 Deposit £17,657 Cash Price* £57,900 Amount of Credit £40,201 Purchase Fee** £145 Credit Facility Fee** £145 Total Amount Payable £60,179 Duration of Agreement 49 Months Representative APR 1.9% APR Interest Rate (fixed) 1.69%

Official fuel consumption, Lotus Evora manual in mpg (l/100km): Urban 21.5 (13.2), Extra Urban 39.6 (7.1), Combined 30.3 (9.3). CO2 emissions: 217 g/km.

*Price shown is the Manufacturer list price including VAT for an Evora Sports Racer with manual transmission, excluding on the road costs. **The Purchase Fee and Credit Facility Fees are included in the monthly payments and final payment. Applicants must be aged 18 or over. Finance available subject to status. Indemnities may be required. Excludes motability and fleet sales. Available at participating dealers only. Not available in conjunction with any other offers. Offer is only available through Lotus Finance provided by Black Horse Limited, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH. Please consult your local Lotus dealer for an exact quotation. Offer Ends: 31st August 2013.

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[fashion ]

Gorgeous SUMMER

Lingerie

designed especially for you..

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[fashion ]

FREYA Ruffle My Feathers Bra £32 Brief £12

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[fashion ]

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FREYA Lets Twist Again Bra £32 Brief £19

[fashion ]

GOSSARD Floral Print Bra £34 Thong £14 Suspender £24

GOSSARD Egoboost Bra (available from October) £48 Shorts (available from October) £22

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[fashion ]

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FANTASIE Elodie Bra (available from October) £38 Brief (available from October £20

[fashion ]

FAUVE Bronte Bra £58 Short £30

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[fashion ]

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FREYA Deco Hatty Bra £32 Short £12.50

[fashion ]

FANTASIE Melissa Bra £40 (available from September) Short £20 (available from September) Suspender (available from September) £24

FANTASIE Rebecca Bra £38 Brief £15

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[fashion ] Tank top from REISS RRP £59.00 Outlet price £18.00

&

trends Pink top from Phase Eight RRP £59.00 Outlet price £28.00

Sunglasses from French Connection RRP £65.00 Outlet price £25.00

Necklace from French Connection RRP £28.00 Outlet price £8.00

Necklace from REISS RRP £59.00 Outlet price £18.00

Patterned skirt from REISS RRP £129.00 Outlet price £78.00

Butterfly top from Phase Eight RRP £59.00 Outlet price £29.50

Shorts from French Connection RRP £52.00 Outlet price £20.00

Floral Jeans from Phase Eight RRP £69.00 Outlet price £34.50

outfit one

outfit two

outfit four

This outfit is all about creating a curve and defining your waist. I’ve chosen an A-line skirt that points to the waistline and matched with a tank top that matches colours in the skirt, highlight your waistline further by tucking in the top.

Wear neutral colours on your larger hips and save brighter colours for tops! I found these great muted floral jeans in Phase Eight and teamed them with a stunning pink top, draw attention to your top half by wearing it off the shoulder

Short shorts were made for you! By exposing more of your legs this gives the illusion that they are longer and adds height to your figure, I have matched them with a cute butterfly top from Phase Eight with puff shoulder detailing.

athletic shape

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Pear shape

petete

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fashion Fine top from REISS RRP £89.00 Outlet price £45.00

Summer dress from French Connection RRP £165.00 Outlet price £39.00

Necklace from REISS RRP £55.00 Outlet price £33.00

Bracelet from French Connection RRP £20.00 Outlet price £6.00

Handbag from French Connection RRP £150.00 Outlet price £50.00 Trousers from REISS RRP £139.00 Outlet price £35.00

outfit four

outfit five

This outfit will highlight your smaller hips in order to balance your figure with your larger shoulders. These pleated trousers with a funky print are great for you, match them with a block colour top that will balance perfectly.

Show your fabulous waist by opting for a dress with a belt, French Connection have a great range of summer dresses that can be dressed up or down. I have teamed this dress with an over the shoulder bag and bracelet accessory to complete the look.

apple shape

[fashion ]

Hourglass

Deborah Eastlake is a Personal Style Advisor at Ashford Designer Outlet. She has picked out a range of up to the minute outfits from the centre to suit your body shape, whatever it may be.

Deborah spent years living in London running a vintage clothing boutique and has sold clothes to many high profile customers including Jenny Packman, Kate Moss and Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Having returned to live in her home town Deborah is now keen to share her expertise with customers at the Ashford Designer Outlet.

Deborah Eastlake - Personal Shopper Designer Outlet Ashford Management Suite, Kimberley Way Ashford TN24 0SD T: 01233 895 903 E: deborah.eastlake@mcarthurglen.com www.ashforddesigneroutlet.com Twitter: ashford_outlet 77

[travel ]

Vancouver make tracks for

BY JAILLANYEHIA

I’m in a downtown Vancouver restaurant chatting to three people I don’t know. But then I’ve already learned this is par for the course in Canada’s West Coast city.

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Yes, if Americans stereotypically tell you to have a nice day, Canadians it seems, and Vancouverites especially, will do whatever it takes to make your day nice – then take the time to chat about what you have planned for tomorrow.

add yet more new friends to the list: owner Andre is always on hand and hearing that I’m a keen cyclist arranges to get the hotel’s new guest bikes a day early so I can take one for a spin up mountain roads and trails, as a prelude to a spot of canoeing.

I’ve been introduced to the couple at the next table by our mutual new best friend, the waiter, who’s spotted the fact we’re all visiting from the wrong side of the pond.

Lake Louise turns out to look so much like a fake backdrop I feel I’ll canoe,Truman Show style, straight off the edge of this too-perfect-to-be-true world and bump my forehead against the glass.

Wrong in this case means the side where oysters haven’t typically been fished out of local waters just hours before being served up, and where finding the restaurant staff as friendly as your dining companions isn’t the norm.We all agree it will be a culture shock when we have to return home.

But like many tourists in Vancouver my fellow diners are glad not to be boarding a plane anytime soon, though we’re all here to board a train; this city break is a bookend to a trip on The Rocky Mountaineer, the journey of a lifetime through the Canadian Rockies - and North America’s vast and mountainous railroad retort to The Orient Express.

After an early morning departure from a specially commissioned train station, passengers are given a send-off complete with live harpist to mark the start of two days of falling into and in love with the unique rhythms of luxury train life.

There’s the comforting nudges and lurches of the carriages as they transport you through the vast Canadian wilderness, punctuated by frequent calls to head down to the dining car for refined meals, served complete with white tablecloths to an accompaniment of ever-changing, jaw-dropping views which float past in picture-window frames.

The destination for me on this leg of the rail journey is Lake Louise, a famed area of pristine wilderness where I can get out and actually touch the nature that I’ve been oohing and ahhing over while clutching my camera alongside my fellow train passengers. Or as I come to think of them, the latest in my never-ending line-up of Canadian-inspired new best friends.

Getting back to nature in Lake Louise does mean leaving the utter Alpine luxury of my home at The Post Hotel - where I

Not for the first time in Canada I have to catch my breath at the sheer scale and beauty of nature. Luckily there’s no bumping of any kind – the water is as clear and smooth as a cut diamond and I’ve chosen the right moment to admire the glacier up close before another of the frequent stormy spells rolls in.

All this exercise in the crisp mountain air builds up quite an appetite so it’s a good thing The Post has the best restaurant this side of Calgary and hands down the most well-stocked wine cellar.

If I had sorrows to drown I’d be doing it in style with 25,000 bottles to choose from, but the only sorrow is of course the idea of checking out of my mountain retreat; I must confess knowing I’m boarding the train for a whole new two-day adventure softens the blow somewhat.

If I thought the train journey North was epic, nothing could have prepared me for the bridges and tunnels, lakes and rivers and mountains and canyons of the First Passage To The West and by the time we pull into Vancouver again, as delighted as I am to be back in this city, I can’t believe I’ve seen my last soaring eagle and photographed my final brown bear.

Back in the city I’ve got one more friend to make – and it doesn’t take long for me to become BFF with The Wedgewood, the city’s most opulent, and well, European, luxury hotel.

Cocooned amongst the velvet and print fabrics, gilded and carved furniture and homely (we're talking stately home, rather than your average semi) plush elegance of this boutique bolthole on the leafiest of downtown streets it’s hard to believe I’m in a city centre – until I step outside and find myself amidst the yellow taxis, shopping streets and coffee culture of Vancouver, wondering what new friends I’ll make today.

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THE ROCKIES

VENTURING OUT IN VANCOUVER

The Rocky Mountaineer (rockymountaineer.com)

Vancouver has a lot to see and do and a tour is a great way to get under the skin of the city.

The two-day Journey Through The Clouds between Vancouver and Jasper and the First Passage To The West between Vancouver and Banff start from £624 per person.

Prices include two days onboard the Rocky Mountaineer in RedLeaf Service, breakfasts/lunches, a night’s hotel accommodation, rail station transfers, luggage delivery, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.The exclusive GoldLeaf Service starts from £1,249 per person and this includes full dining carriage meal service and alcoholic beverages.

The Post Hotel, Lake Louise (posthotel.com) Nestled in the Bow River Valley amongst the Canadian Rockies the Post Hotel is in the heart of Banff National Park, Canada’s first National Park, and a World Heritage Site.

Standard rooms starts from $310 (around £195). Rooms have a whirlpool tub, many with wood burning fireplace and there is a full spa with pool and steam room, as well as an award winning dining room with one of Canada’s largest wine cellars.

WHERE TO STAY IN VANCOUVER The Wedgewood Hotel (wedgewoodhotel.com) Overlooking the gardens and waterfalls of Robson Square right in the heart of Vancouver,The Wedgewood is the ideal place for the ultimate comfort and refinement in the city and also boasts a spa and renowned restaurant, Bacchus.

Executive rooms start from $248 and every room has a balcony and with no high buildings locking the view, it’s the perfect place from which to admire the city.The service includes access to the gym, garden, spa, newspaper and gifts on arrival.

The Burrard Hotel (theburrard.com) For a more modern, Miami-style motel experience in downtown Vancouver, try The Burrard, a cool and relaxed retro property dating back to the 1950’s with an on-site café perfect for watching the world go by. Rooms start from $187.

The YWCA Hotel (ywcahotel.com) The new look YWCA is a great comfortable yet affordable option in downtown Vancouver that also a social enterprise with proceeds going to support YWCA community programs across the city. Rooms start from $65.

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Shopabout Tours (shopabout.ca) Choose from tours of the trendy Yaletown, historic Gastown or arty Granville Island districts as knowledgeable locals guide you on a fun shopping spree, stopping at hidden boutiques, historic shop fronts and speciality stores. $40.

Foodie Tours (foodietours.ca) From the Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Tour which takes you on a journey through 14 delectable tastings through this foodie city’s restaurants, gelatarias and delis, to the World’s Best Street Eats Tour which shows visitors the vibrant international food cart culture scene and has you sample literally, from the city’s melting pot, including a stop at local staple, Japandog. $69 and $49 respectively.

Vancouver Hotel History Tour (vanartgallery.bc.ca) Organised by the Vancouver Art Gallery this walking tour of downtown Van brings the history of the city to life through stories of how Vancouver’s humble beginnings as an end point for the Canadian railroad - and the first generation of grand hotels built for the passengers. $30

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[travel ]

FORGET A VACATION, TRY AN EAST KENT

STAYCATION The Boutique Hotel Sands Hotel, Margate The original Victorian building, which started life as a hotel and restaurant, and was most recently a sweet shop, was snapped up at auction by Nick Conington in 2011. Inspired by Margate’s renaissance, with the new Turner Contemporary gallery, the thriving local art scene and the promise of Dreamland, Nick has invested in the town’s bright future and this stunning boutique hotel only opened for business at the end of June.

The interior is stunning, and rooms are flawlessly designed with comfort and style in spades. Many rooms also enjoy a stunning sea view.The hotel also offers a breath taking view of the coast from the roof terrace, where one has unspoilt views of the Turner to one side, and across the length of Margate main sands and beyond on the other.

The hotel also has a restaurant – Bay at Sands, serving imaginative modern British cuisine. Nick, with business partner Conrad Bigham and head chef, Ryan Tasker, have devised a menu that shows off the region and reflects the restaurant’s seaside location, with dishes inspired by the fresh, seasonal produce of the Garden of England.

The restaurant is open to hotel guests and non-resident diners seven days a week from 7am to 10.30pm, serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, with a special Sunday lunch menu Set on the first floor, the restaurant is beautifully designed, with an airy, bright, warm atmosphere, high ceilings and a stunning fireplace.

Full-length glass doors lead to an outdoor terrace, commanding breathtaking views of the sea and Margate’s wide golden bay.

A trip “Down to Margate” has never been so inviting!

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dover marina - The hotel and spa For those looking for a special place to stay that is full of character and English charm, the 81 room Best Western Plus Dover Marina Hotel & Spa is a recently refurbished seaside gem on the waterfront and with excellent access to the ferry and cruise terminals, It is a hotel that is ideal in meeting the needs of business and leisure travellers.Thanks to its fusion of 21st Century comfort and 19th century décor, the hotel is full of character and bursting with charm with ‘State-of-the-Art’ rooms, sea views and a charming atmosphere makes the Dover Marina Hotel & Spa a wonderful place to stay. Its location on the English channel with Dover Castle in the background, is just as attractive, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a day out in Kent, or even a day trip to France or Belgium.

The hotel also boasts a stunning spa, superb fitness studio and relaxing sauna.

Good food is on offer at the hotel’s Waterfront restaurant or for those looking for a “lite bite” or a cup of Starbuck’s coffee, just head to adjoining Waterfront Café or you can indulge one of their superb English afternoon teas. A good tip for the traveller if you are dining in the restaurant is to request a table in the alcove to enjoy nice views of the Dover seafront.

Bookings for accommodation and for dining can be made on 01304 203633, or by Email on reservations@dovermarinahotel. co.uk.Their website is www.dovermarinahotel.co.uk

[travel ]

The Marquis at Alkham Situated at the eastern part of the North Downs,The Alkham Valley is recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty with ancient wooded areas, conservation areas and 17 Grade II listed buildings. It is also the home of the delightful five star “Restaurant with Rooms” –The Marquis at Alkham.

The Marquis (a two hundred year old hostelry, formerly the village pub named The Marquis of Granby) was completed renovated in 2008 and transformed into a wonderfully chic boutique hotel.

The Marquis, as the five stars would suggest, provides first class accommodation, but is renowned above all for the fine dining on offer in its award winning restaurant run by Head Chef Charlie Lakin, recipient of 3 AA Rosettes and a Michelin rising star.

super king size beds, monsoon showers, roll top baths, underfloor heating, coffee machines and premium toiletries, was erected just two years ago As well as the annexe, accommodation can also be found in the Marquis’s Vineyard Cottages just a short distance from the main building.

With regular offers for those looking for a short summer break, a night of luxury or just a wonderful meal, the Marquis provides a number of value for money options. For more details be sure to check out their website at http://www.themarquisatalkham. co.uk/special-offers.htm

The menus change frequently, using primarily locally sourced seasonal and always fresh ingredients. As well as the a la carte option there is also a selection of multi-course “taster” menus.

The rooms in the original building are all extremely comfortable with big pocket sprung beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, fine fabrics and furnishings and spacious bathrooms with dual sinks and monsoon showers. In addition to these rooms, a multi-million pound annexe providing additional sumptuous accommodation to the rear of the building including stunning suites replete with

The B&B - Belvidere Place, Broadstairs A firm favourite of mine since my first visit last year, is the matchless B&B “Belvidere Place”, situated close to Broadstairs High Street, a mere three minute walk to the fabulous promenade leading down to one of Kent’s most popular and picturesque beaches, Viking Bay. The communal areas (breakfast room, living room, and garden) are all quirky, interesting affairs – the living area with its mismatched and reupholstered furniture is also home to a display cabinet containing various works of art from local artists alongside, books, bric a brac and cushions embroidered by Charlene Mullen – and a modest selection of “thank you” notes which owner, Jilly Sharpe has received since her arrival in Thanet a few years ago. I say modest as I happened to see a bureau in her “office” literally overflowing with positive correspondence from satisfied guests!

room individually styled) and each with its own gorgeous contemporary, stylish and spotless bathroom.

What really makes the Belvidere, however, is Jilly. She treats the guests as friends and has an uncommon and natural charm which explains the vast amount of repeat business The Belvidere is able to boast.

I also have to pay homage to the breakfast on offer.There is no “menu” as such but Jilly’s pantry is stocked with the finest

seasonal local produce and ingredients with which she effortlessly whips up an unbeatable breakfast, described by non-other than (to quote the Guardian) “Britain’s most feared and respected restaurant critic”, Fay Maschler, as ,“Possibly the best breakfast in Britain”.

You can take that review to the bank!

Belvidere Place, Belvedere Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1PF 01843 579850

The five rooms are immaculate with flat screen TV’s, unique furniture (with each

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H arrison ’ s

Hair Tips Over 20 years established, Harrison’s Hair Team has the talent, experience, and expertise to answer all of your hair care concerns. Every issue the team’s top stylists field our questions, providing you with expert advice and solutions to everyday hair related issues.

Question I have natural grey hair, which i do not wish to colour, but I have noticed recently that it is looking slightly yellow, is there anything that I can used to stop this?

ANSWER We would recommend you have a conditioning colour gloss which shampoos out so no need to commit to regular colours, alternatively Redken’s Silver Charge shampoo will demolish the yellow tones in the hair.

Question How can I stop my colour fading and looking dull on the ends?

ANSWER When you get your regrowth coloured ask your stylist to refresh your ends, Redken’s Shades EQ Gloss will do this without causing damage to the hair. Using colour protect shampoos such as Redken’s Colour Extend will also help prevent the colour from fading.

Question My hair is naturally wavy which is uncontrollable. Can I straighten it without ruining the condition?

ANSWER Try GK ‘The Best’ in salon treatment, it is a deep conditioning Keratin treatment to help control wave and frizz leaving hair in great condition that last up to 5 months and can be applied to all types of hair. Free consultation in salon first.

Question I have been colouring my hair blonde at home for a few years now and the ends feel very dry. Is there anything I can do to have strong healthy hair again?

ANSWER We recommend having the hair cut to remove the dry ends and to use a protein based treatment such as Redken’s Extreme Anti Snap or CAT to rebuild the hair’s strength. Ideally though colouring your hair at home makes it very difficult to apply only on the regrowth whereas in a salon this would not happen, we manage the condition as well as the colour.

Question My wedding date is set but i have no idea how to have my hair, where do I start ANSWER Come in for a FREE consultation and then our stylists can talk through options with you and arrange a trial where we can show you different ideas whether it be a vintage inspired look, a hair up or down, vintage curls, or a simple blow dry.We have a vast array of ideas.

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fat-burning fun Canterbury Bootcamps Words by Lorna Morris

Summer is finally here! It’s been a VERY long wait, but I have finally worn my first pair of flip-flops of the year (after an extreme pedicure of course.) Exchange your trousers for shorts, rip your sleeves off and soak up some glorious vitamin D! We have spent the long Winter months perfecting those torsos and sculpting those calves, so let’s make the season really worth it. Get out of your indoor gym and step outside into the light. Burning off calories has never been easier (or more fun!)

Learning to surf burns off approximately 250 calories per hour

Canoeing at a moderate effort can burn approximately 410 calories per hour

Rock climbing can burn up to a whopping 633 calories an hour!

Dancing burns off 259 calories an hour 86

[health & fitness ]

Our resident health and beauty writer Amy McManus takes us through some of the best local Summer activities to keep the kids amused and burn off those calories!

SURFING AT KENT SURF SCHOOL Viking Bay, Broadstairs www.kentsurfschool.co.uk info@kentsurfschool.co.uk 01843 871093

Learning to surf burns off approximately 250 calories per hour. Leisurely Swimming burns off approximately 350 calories per hour Surfing is one of my favourite sports. I first took it up on a holiday in Newquay, Cornwall and always left the beach feeling fabulous! It’s an absolutely brilliant activity to work the inner core muscles and really rip those abs.

One of the best surfing schools around is situated in Viking Bay, Broadstairs. Kent Surf School is a family run business which takes advantage of what the beautiful Kent Coast has to offer. Throughout their surfing lessons and water activities they emphasise the fundamentals of beach safety to promote solid lifelong practices. As well as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding and sea kayaking, Kent Surf School offers wetsuit, board hire and a range of surf packages. It’s also the only surf school in Kent to have ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors) accreditation. Lessons start from £35, for more information check-out their website.

CANOEING AND KAYAKING AT SEAPOINT CANOE & KAYAK CENTRE Various locations across Kent. The centre is currently situated in Seabrook. www.seapointcanoeandkayakcentre.co.uk Canoeing at a moderate effort can burn approximately 410 calories per hour Seapoint Canoe and Kayak Centre offers many types of paddle sports including Sea Kayaking, Open Canoeing, Flat Water Canoeing and Bell Boating. All sessions are run by qualified British Canoe Union/Canoe England Coaches who tutor around 2,200 people at the centre each year. As well as private and group tutor sessions, the centre also offers coaching courses to encourage others to achieve BCU qualifications.

WALKS

Various locations across Kent Walking at a leisurely pace burns off 175 calories per hour You cannot beat a good walk. Whether you want to go for a light stroll through Kent’s luscious countryside or are looking for more of a ramble, there are hundreds of routes right on your doorstep. There are a number throughout the East Kent

Downs around Chartham and Chilham which are particularly beautiful. Best of all, they’re free.

For free downloadable walking maps and trails visit www.walkinginkent.co.uk Alternatively there are a plethora of local attractions and sights which will keep you walking from morning till night.

Why not try the St Peter’s village tour in Thanet? There are four free award winning guided walks around the historic village and churchyard of St Peter's, Broadstairs in Kent. The tours are arranged by a team of 110 volunteers and have won several awards including the 2008 South East Tourism Best Tourism Experience prize.

For more details on the St Peter’s Village tour visit www.villagetour.co.uk

REVOLUTION CLIMBING CENTRE Oakwood Industrial Estate, Broadstairs www.revolutionclimbingcentre.co.uk sam@revolutionclimbingcentre.co.uk 01843 866706 Rock climbing can burn up to a whopping 633 calories an hour!

At up to 633 calories per hour climbing is one the best activities for burning off those extra snacks! Having held my last birthday party here I am very happy to recommend this fabuous indoor climbing centre. Revolution been open since December 2002 and is one of Kent's premiere climbing venues. It offers a great climbing experience for all abilities and ages. As a late addition to the Skatepark, the climbing wall at Revolution has all the facilities needed to offer even the most talented of climbers a challenge. The wall itself has seen many changes since it opened with the addition of a cave section, extra panel and wave wall which now enables a traverse wall round the entire centre. They offer equipment hire as well as lessons and parties for large groups. Prices start from £6 and monthly membership is available.

LIVE SUMMER MUSIC Dancing burns off 259 calories an hour Last, but never least, the season of Summer brings with it a multitude of outdoor music festivals and concerts to enjoy.

There are larger events such as Lounge on the Farm, Merton Farm, Canterbury as well as local barn dances and concerts in towns across Kent. Dancing is a wonderful aerobic exercise to get the heart pumping so investigate what your local area has to offer and get boogieing. Many of the events are also completely free!

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[health & fitness ]

CAN YOU BEAT THE BOG? Words by Lorna Morris

Images supplied by Beat the Bog

Clambering along water-filled tunnels; scaling ten foot walls; running for miles across rivers, dykes and bogs isn’t the easiest way to spend a Sunday morning, or the most obvious, but Kent now has its own obstacle race Beat The Bog and it turns out to be serious fun.

In May the Beat the Bog team held a free trial of this brand new series of events that are held exclusively at a brilliantly boggy bit of marshland just outside Canterbury.

Criss-crossed with dykes and ponds, the venue is perfect for obstacle racing (or ‘mud running’) and the organisers are busy building more and more exciting obstacles for their future events.

Even if you’re used to cross-country running, you’ll find obstacle racing a new physical challenge and Beat The Bog is pretty bonkers.You have to be keen to race your way, waist deep, through muddy dykes and ponds, climb over and under things, and get zapped crossing the electric bog. It takes a bit of grit - and future events will have over 30 obstacles and 10 kilometers of running.

Having signed up for Tough Mudder in June I jumped at the chance to take part in an event that was, in theory, similar but shorter - I could get an idea of what I was in for.The day of the event was one of the hottest we have experienced so far this year making the terrain dry and hard work on the ankles, however if it had been wet then it would have been seriously muddy. I’m not talking Tough Mudder muddy - this is bog mud, a completely different kettle of fish with

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it’s own unique smell. If you’re delicate of stomach then you have been warned, this is not for the faint hearted. In Tough Mudder you can gallop your way through the electric cables on solid ground but at Beat the Bog that would be too easy, so there’s a nice deep layer of bog for you to get stuck in along the way, be really careful and you might just avoid the zaps.

If you’re looking for an event that will challenge all of your senses then this is definitely for you.

I spoke to the organiser,Tom List Brain, who explained how the event came about, what they’re looking to do for future events, and what gives BTB it’s unique flavour.

Q &A Why did you decide to run ‘Beat the Bog’? and why at Preston?

Well I try to keep fit generally and running cross-country is so much more enjoyable than being stuck in a gym.

Especially when we have the beautiful Kent countryside!

What’s more fun though is going to events, and running events are a whole lot more fun when they involve obstacles. It’s a natural thing to want to test yourself a

bit sometimes, push yourself to the limit.

And it’s pretty satisfying to have made it all the way through a course, and then go back with the scratches and bruises to prove it.

With Beat The Bog, I wanted to create something big, but really fun - unique in obstacle racing. Loads of people had mentioned, for two or three years now, how Preston Marshes could be amazing place to hold runs; the terrain is perfect, with more mud and water than you could ever want! In those years plenty of obstacle events have appeared all over the country. But what we have here in spades is mud, and properly boggy bits, hence Beat The Bog! Have you and the BtB team taken part in many similar events around the country? Which ones?

Yes, some well known ones like Tough Mudder and ToughGuy up near Wolverhampton, Hell Runner, and others.

Our resident “Bog Monster” (Sgt. Major Darren) takes all this sort of thing in his stride – in fact, as a serious fitness freak, he’ll be the one in charge of fitness and safety during our events, and be doing his military style warm-ups. Darren is also using his huge army experience to help us design some tricky obstacles.

[health & fitness ]

How do you feel BtB compares?

We’ve had fantastically positive feedback from pretty much everyone who came to our free trial event back in May.We asked everybody to fill out a little form and tell us what they thought, and we were a little surprised. Many of the trial participants had been to other events told us that the trial event course and the obstacles here were just as good, if not better, than the likes of “ough Mudder.This was amazing for us to hear, considering this was just our little test event. So we think we’re going to have something pretty special in future.

What is different about BtB? In one word, the BOG! Our wetland course at Preston is absolutely perfect for obstacle racing and has all the wet and muddy bits you could ask for. It’s completely criss-crossed by dykes, streams and rivers, and there’s lakes and woodland as well.

What we’re aiming for is to have the best proper obstacle course in the south-east, but also something really fun and a little bit silly.That means we’ll be aiming to make our events as enjoyable as possible and something that everybody can get something out of.

I’ve had lots of local people who live in Kent tell me this is great, as we haven’t really had any decent events to go to without travelling at least 2 hours.

What can competitors expect from BtB? Loads of fun!

And mud… future obstacles will be designed to be fun, challenging and, most of all, to take advantage of all that boggy stuff. But we’ll also be doing races with chip timing for those with a competitive spirit who want more than just the challenge of completing the course. At some events, we’ll be seeing if the really hard-core bogger fanatics to run a second lap of our course.

For those that took part in the May trial event, how will they find the September event to be different?

People have just said they want more, more and more!

So September 15th is going to be a whole lot bigger – the course will be nearly twice as long, at over 10 or 12 kilometers, the obstacles will be at least double the number, and we think our events can only get better. The best bit is that we’ll really

make good use of all that boggy stuff…

I’ll be hard at work with the rest for the team building some unusual obstacles, and we’re doing everything pretty much by hand.

What can we expect from future BtB events?

We’re aiming or BTB to become a proper race competition, hopefully with some smaller heats leading up to 1 or 2 big races through the year. At our last event of the year we’ll crown our new ‘Bog King’. It’ll be great fun.

Another thing is that we’ll also be offering “Bog fit” weekends – these will be designed as fun ‘crash’ fitness camps making use of our course and beautiful landscape, and be for all different age groups.

We want our events to be here for the long-run, something that people will keep coming back to year after year. That means they’ll be well organised and a little bit different every time.

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[health & fitness ]

CACI Microlift: The at home anti-ageing device that will turn back the years

By Amy McManus

CACI, the world leaders in nonsurgical face lifts introduce a never seen before at home facial toning device – the CACI Microlift, designed to reeducate facial muscles and combat the signs of ageing.

This unique hand held device targets the entire face including the forehead, eyes, brows, cheeks, jawline, lips, chin and neck to lift facial contours and reduce wrinkles.

The quick 10 minute treatment is easy to use, compact, light and portable.

This is the first time the celebrity favoured treatment allows you to experience CACI’s expertise in facial toning in the comfort of your own home.

HOW IT WORKS The ten minute treatment includes a five minute program to tone and lift and a five minute program targeting wrinkles across the entire face.

Toning Program (firming and toning muscles) -

Wrinkle Program (reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles) -

The first stage of the treatment uses a ‘pinch and release technique’ that combines a patented muscle gripping action and ultra-low frequencies.The pinch technique grips and holds the muscle to restore firmness and tone and the release technique is used to relax facial muscles that have become too taut.

The wrinkle program helps soften wrinkles around the forehead, eyes, brows, cheeks, jawline, lips, chin and neck using an ‘eraser technique’. This technique involves continuous and rapid up and down movements across each area.

The action of gripping the muscle triggers a stretch reflex response in the muscle that helps to restore shape and tone.Tiny electrical impulses at ultra-low frequencies help to recharge the electrical energy potential of the muscle, improving skin laxity and muscle firmness.This process is known as muscle re-education.

Higher frequencies are used during this program to stimulate the skin tissue and penetrate the active ingredients of the Electro Buds serum to help soften and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

CACI Microlift costs £350 and is available from www.caci-microlift.co.uk, John Lewis, Harrods and throughout CACI salons throughout Kent.

HAIRSTYLIST

since 1972

MALCOLMS 91 High Street | Broadstairs | Kent

Modern & Traditional Men’s Hairstyling Appointments Optional

01843 865230 / 864256 90

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[feature ]

occurring Saturday July 20th, 7.30pm

Shakespeare on the Beach @ Margate Beach

Set in a gothic world of murder, plots and intrigue, Changeling Theatre’s Richard III will be playing across Kent from 5 July to 11 August this Summer, in venues as diverse as Maidstone United’s football ground, Margate seafront and Biddenden Vineyard, to the grandeur of historic settings such as Dover Castle, Eastwell Manor and Boughton Monchelsea Place.

Changeling Theatre’s production will feature a brilliant ensemble cast, original music and the company’s renowned directorial twist. It promises to be an experience not to be forgotten!

For more information please contact: Jill Hogan, jill@thisishogan.com Call: 07801 748498

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Saturday 20 July - Sunday 21 July, 11am to 4pm Adventures in Archaeology @ Bodiam Castle Visit the castle and see what archaeologists have uncovered at Bodiam over the years and have a go digging for treasure in the castle's sandpit. A great day out for all the family.

Family Ticket: £16.95 (separate, Child: £3.35 Adult: £6.70) Contact: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle

Friday 26th July – Sunday 11th August Summer Live! @ Glow, Bluewater Glow, the new £60 million events venue at Bluewater will play host to the best in live music, comedy and children’s entertainment this summer. Including top kid’s entertainer “Mr Tumble”, BRIT award winners Blake, chart topping songstresses, The Saturdays, and a whole host of terrific comedians as part of the Glow Comedy Roadshow; this event offers two weeks of splendid summer family entertainment.

For more info go to: www.bluewater.co.uk/newslist/wh_newslist

Saturday 27th July – Sunday 28th July Sound Island Festival @ Quex Park, Birchington.

A two day music extravaganza including top talent such as Plan B, James Arthurs, Riat Ora, Jessie J, Union J, The Vamps, & MK1. Soak up the summer sun and bliss out to some of the most popular music acts in the UK today in the glorious surroundings of Quex Park.

Tickets from £35, available at: www.ticketline.co.uk QUEX PARK, BIRCHINGTON, nr MARGATE, KENT, CT7 0BH

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Friday 9th – Friday 16th August Broadstairs Folk Week @ Broadstairs Town The always popular Broadstairs Folk Week brings throngs of locals, holidaymakers and live music enthusiasts eager to get involved in the atmosphere, revelry and ample refreshments offered at this week long celebration of folk music, dance, storytelling with events & concerts taking place all over town.

Visit www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk or call 01843 604080 for more details

Saturday 10th – Sunday 11th August Whitstable Regatta 2013 @ Tankerton Slopes The 220th Whitstable Regatta will be held on Saturday 10th August 2012 and Sunday 11th August on Tankerton Slopes, Tankerton, Whitstable, and in Tankerton Bay for the Waterborne Regatta. Enjoy the fun fair, stalls and the stunning Firework display on Saturday night.

Tankerton Slopes are next to Marine Parade, Tankerton, Whitstable Free Entrance to the Lions Club Whitstable Regatta on Tankerton slopes, Whitstable, Kent

Sunday 11th August, 5pm The Glen Miller Orchestra @Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Under the dynamic direction of bandleader Ray McVay, the Glenn Miller Orchestra continues to thrill and delight audiences around the world.

Now with the line-up loved by UK audiences during the Glenn Miller’s wartime years, this is your opportunity to enjoy the Glenn Miller Strings.With classics like Pennsylvania 65000, Tuxedo Junction, American Patrol and the classic In the Mood, your date with the Glenn Miller Orchestra promises to be a night you will remember forever Tickets from £19.50 available at www.atgtickets.com

Saturday 17th August, 10am -10pm Different Tack @Ramsgate Harbour Ramsgate Business Community Association with be hosting “Different Tack”, a weekend of dance, live music, country stalls, and beach activities. A great family day out beside the seaside, with free entry for all and running in conjunction with Ramsgate week.

For more information go to: http://cb4031.wix.com/rbca#!events/ c1vw1

Saturday 24th - Monday 26th August

[feature ] film, comedy, dance, workshops, a craft market; activities and performances at the harbour and around Ramsgate, with something to entertain and inspire, whatever your age.

Professional artists from Kent and around the UK take part.

For more information, please contact us on 01843 584840 or info@ramsgatearts.org Tuesday 6th – Thursday 8th September, 9.30am – 5.30pm

Friday 6th – Sunday 8th September Weald Of Kent Craft Show @ Penshurst Place Set in the picturesque grounds of Penshurst Place, the Weald of Kent Craft & Design Show offers a stunning array of unique and inspiring crafts from over 250 craftspeople from across the UK. Whether it’s home or garden accessories, handmade jewellery or special gifts you’re looking for, there’s so much inspiration at this prestigious sho!

With Workshops, Demonstrations, awe-inspiring features and live music, it’s a perfect day out for all the family.

Adults from £5, Seniors from £4, Children under 16 Free (if accompanied by parent, otherwise £3) Buy tickets online at www.ichf.co.uk

Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th September Gears of Change @ Quex Park, Birchington.

Gears of Change consists of classic vehicles, motorbikes and other interesting vehicles from across the earliest vehicle to the current day. It is aimed specifically at families and is intended to be a whole day out with several exhibit areas and entertainment consisting of both music and interactive.

Chris West, Organiser of the Herne Bay, Whitstable and Deal Car Shows together with Kent Events are organising the event in support of the Kent Air Ambulance Trust.

Entry: Suggested £5 donation For further information, please email: gearsofchange2013@gmail.com or call: 07841 598076

Friday 13th – Sunday 15th September Wheels & Fins Festival @ Joss Bay, Broadstairs

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Founded in 2012 the 1st Wheels and Fins festival proved a resounding success , with great attendance and huge support from the local community. In 2013 the event will provide even more activities, sports and live entertainment than before. The event is built around live music and DJs, Skateboard Mini Ramp Competition and demos, Stand up paddleboard demos and fun race, Beach Volleyball Tournament, Soap Box Derby, Skateboard slalom and downhill.

A Summer Squall, Ramsgate

Entry Free

Visit the fourth Summer Squall arts festival in Ramsgate between Saturday 24th and Monday 26th August. Theatre, music,

Visit: www.wheelsandfinsfestival.com for more info

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[east kent business ]

Your Leisure MD - Steve Davis I recently met with YOUR Leisure MD, Steve Davis, to find out about the recent merger between Thanet Leisure Force and Vista Leisure, how they are improving leisure provision in East Kent, and the challenges they face as a non-profit organisation tasked with managing numerous leisure and hospitality services within the Thanet and Dover districts.

Q. Hi Steve. So, why the merger?

East Kent Coast.

TLF (Thanet Leisure Force) and Vista Leisure have worked closely together for a number of years, and a merger not only allows us to combine our strengths, but also the consolidation of resources and particularly utility costs will have a significant impact on leisure facilities and projects on behalf of the respective councils.

Q. What facilities do you look after?

Q. The word “merger” is often synonymous with “redundancy” – have you had to let many employees go in the name of cost-cutting along the way?

We had vacancies we didn’t need to fill. fact, out of 600 staff, we only had to make one post redundant. Some staff have been moved into other areas of our business, but it was important that we maintained a loyal and experienced staff to help us manage the business and deliver the services effectively

As well as the Margate Winter Gardens, we manage a range of facilities and operations on behalf of two councils including Hartsdown Leisure Centre, Tides in Deal, Dover Sea Sports Centre, Dover Town Hall, Theatre Royal, Margate, Thanet’s beaches (and beach huts), Dover Leisure Centre, and Ramsgate Sports Centre.

Q. What facilities do you look after?

As well as the Margate Winter Gardens, we manage a range of facilities and operations on behalf of two councils including Hartsdown Leisure Centre, Tides in Deal, Dover Sea Sports Centre, Dover Town Hall, Theatre Royal, Margate, Thanet’s beaches (and beach huts), Dover Leisure Centre, and Ramsgate Sports Centre.

Q. You mention experience, what is your history with Leisure & Tourism in the area?

Q. You mentioned Ramsgate Sports Centre – I believe the brand new YOUR Spa is opening this month?

I’ve been involved in Leisure & Tourism in the area for the past 35 years, having been GM of the Margate Winter Gardens for many years prior to my appointment as MD of TLF, and subsequently of YOUR Leisure. So pretty much my entire working life has been dedicated to managing and improving Leisure and Tourism on the

Yes, we’re extremely proud of it, we’re hoping to attract customers from up to 20 miles away as it’s the only spa in the area with 4 treatment rooms, sauna, steam room, Spa hydrotherapy pool, an Ice fountain, Spa footbaths, a salt room, manicure bay and relaxation rooms.

The investment will also bring about

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the relocation of Ramsgate Swimming Centre to the same location.

Q. What other projects are you hoping to embark on in the near future?

As well as investment in Dover and Deal, we very much want to continue to improve and upgrade the Margate Winter Gardens. It is a fabulous building and the views over the sea rival anything you’ll find at the nearby Turner Contemporary – it would be ideal to create something in that space, but before we can think about that there is work needed to regenerate the building in general.

We recently managed to create an additional 300 capacity in the main auditorium through work on the staircases. This has allowed the venue to be on the “A” list of sites booked by concert promoters, and part of the reason we are now attracting such great artists back to the area – the other part being the fantastic staff we have who are young, enthusiastic, and perhaps a little more in touch with today’s music and fashions than once they were!

We are excited about the future for Your Leisure as we continue to create opportunities for the community to enjoy life and have fun.

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1-3 Iron Bar Lane Off Burgate Canterbury Kent CT1 2HN Tel 01227 459525