East Kent Lifestyle Issue 13

issue thirteen

march/ april twenty-fourteen

Ricky Gervais FROM SLOUGH TO HOLLYWOOD – RICKY GERVAIS DID IT HIS WAY…

magical mother’s day

broadstairs spring fair

a feast in the valley

gifts guides galore for mum’s special day

premium produce paraded on your doorstep

foodie heaven at the marquis at alkham

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[welcome ]

january/february twenty-fourteen

ISSUE TWELVE

H

ello dear readers, and welcome to our Spring edition of East Kent Lifestyle.

As I sit here in early March writing this, there has definitely been a shift in the weather, I wouldn’t say Spring has sprung just yet – but it’s certainly beginning to uncoil!

With that in mind, there’s no excuse not to get yourself out and about in this most wonderful part of the world, and start to enjoy the “Garden of England”. Take a ride along the Great Stour Way (p20), or take a hike through the Wye Downs (p28), or maybe get yourself “Down to Margate” and wile away a happy afternoon browsing, grazing, and soaking up the sun in the buzzing Old Town or along the historic promenade.

Don’t forget that Mother’s Day is soon approaching, and with that in mind we have a whole host of gift ideas, from some fabulous retro prezzies (p16), some quirky gadgets (p18), to a selection of cracking cosmetics (p92).

If you want to go that step further and take dear old mum out for something to eat, we highly recommend you check out our reviews of the spectacular Marquis at Alkham on page 62, and the Coast restaurant in Hythe’s imposing Imperial Hotel and Spa (p56).

This issue we have the first recipe “Lemon Posset with Lemon Shortbread” from our new regular food writer, Hythe based foodie and chef to the stars, Lee Behan on p61, and a delightful Salmon dish to try from The Captain Digby’s Rob Bridger.

With our regular dose of fashion, homes and gardens, news, events, celebrity, health and beauty, and much more besides, we hope you enjoy our latest magazine as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Pete Nichols, Publishing Director

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EAST KENT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

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[contents ]

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48

imelda may

dream kitchens

WHAT’S INSIDE...

food and drink 56 59 61 62 65 66

Coastal Cuisine Rob Bridger Recipe Lee Behan Recipe A Feast in the Valley Renee's Healthy Eating Tips Broadstairs Spring Festival

home & garden 31 32 34 39 41 44 47

St Augustine's Park Maximise the Value of your Land Broadstairs Homes Development Papillon Interiors The Panorama Roma Interiors Jacksons Fencing

health & beauty 82 87 89 90 92 6

Hair Tips from Obsessions Salon BMI - The Chaucer Hospital Fella's Male Grooming Tips A Smile to Remember Yummy Mummy

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ricky gervais

[contents ]

56

coastal cuisine

74

fenwicks

fashion

74 Fenwicks Fashion 84 Trends & Fashion

regulars & features 10 East Kent News 12 13 16 18 49 51 53 96

High Street Art Signed Artwork Competition Fabulous Finds Mother's Day Gadgets Geek 2014 Lee Hurst Ricky Gervais What's Occurring?

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water, water everywhere

98 East Kent Business

days out 15 20 22 26 28 88

The Powell-Cotton Museum East Kent Cycle Trail Margate Revisited Eastwell Manor Spa East Kent Walks There's a New Spa in Town

education

96 what's occurring

95 St Lawrence College

travel

71 Water, Water Everywhere

music

48 Imelda May 7

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[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

www.fellahair.com

MEN HAVE 3 TYPES OF HAIRSTYLES:

PARTED, UN-PARTED & DEPARTED!

Sam Holliday Mary Jones

Contributors Jaillan Yehia, Nerissa Blower, Amy McManus, Lee Behan, Karen Gordon, Renee Maguire, Tony King, Pete Nichols, Explore Kent, Bobby Gordon, Mark Hourahane, Jennifer Baker, Riccarda Kane, Jody Anderson, Deborah Eastlake, Louise Tomlin, Fenwicks Canterbury, Karen Botha, Selma Page, Brian Donaldson, Rob Bridger

Contributing Photographers Jaillan Yehia, Amy McManus, Jo Doran, Mark Hourahane, Pete Nichols, John Lord, Paul Pitman, Karen Gordon 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.

HOOK US UP / 01227 780382 19 The Borough Canterbury Kent CT1 2DR

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No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Š Copyright 2014. 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.

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www.bainesdesign.co.uk 01707 876555 Printed on environmentally friendly paper A60572 9

[news ]

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

Award Winning Stylist Opts For

Margate Over London British Hairdressing Awards winner, Jerome Hillion, has opened a luxury hair and beauty salon in Margate’s iconic Walpole Bay Hotel.

French born Jerome relocated his London salon after “falling under the spell” of the Walpole’s enigmatic owner, Jane Bishop, last year. Jerome offers men and women a VIP hairdressing and make over experience the in luxurious surrounds of a “creative and magical hotel.”

The bijou style salon is located in the old sewing room on the hotel’s fifth floor, which involves a trip from reception in its 1920’s Otis trellis caged lift. Jerome’s career began over twenty years ago when he studied hair and make up at one of France’s most prestigious private academies. He then moved

to Jersey, where he ran his own salon and worked freelance on photo shoots in London and Paris.

After seven years in the Channel Islands, Jerome moved to London to train for the British Avant Garde category in the British Hairdressing Awards, which he won in 2005.

Jerome then opened his own salon ‘Hair’, which he rebranded ‘Moderne London’ in 2012, in fashionable Spitalfields where he established an international clientele and became a guest artist at the Schwarzkopf and RedKen Academies. Jerome’s session career continues with regular trips to London, Paris, Stockholm, Berlin, Hamburg and Portofino, working for pop video producers, designers and private clients.

Prices for a cut and blow dry start from £34 for men and £57 for women. Express 30 minute make up costs £25. Bridal one hour bridal make ups cost £45.

Jerome Hillion Hair & Makeup www.jeromehillionhairandmakeup.co.uk www.walpolebayhotel.co.uk

On the lookout...

Folkestone Triennial returns

Contemporary art will once again find a seaside home with the return of Folkestone Triennial this August.The Creative Foundation has already started work on an impressive artist line up.The Triennial, entitled Lookout, will be curated for the first time by Lewis Biggs previously director of Liverpool Biennial and Tate Liverpool. Nineteen artists have been invited to make new artworks which will be exhibited throughout Folkestone's public spaces. Internationally recognised artists include Yoko Ono, Andy Goldsworthy and Pablo Bronstein, as well as local creative talent Diane Dever, Jonathan Wright and Strange Cargo.

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Different areas of the town will be transformed for the duration of the Triennial, with a third of the works becoming permanent fixtures in the town, expanding the already existing Folkestone Artworks collection. A new park will be created by muf Architecture/Art, rejuvenating an area that is currently dilapidated and little used. Pablo Bronstein will erect a monumental beach hut designed in the style of 18th Century architect Nicholas Hawksmoor. Marjetica Potrč and Ooze Architects will construct a wind-powered lift that will take visitors to the top of North Foord Road railway viaduct for fantastic views across the town and coastline. Something & Son will create a completely sustainable rooftop installation that will harvest fish, potatoes and peas, to be cooked and served up by Folkestone's local fish and chip shops.There will be over nineteen artworks created, which will engage with Folkestone's rich history, the town's built environment and the local community.

Folkestone Triennial takes place every three years and is one of the five key projects of the Creative Foundation. A charity dedicated to the cultural regeneration of Folkestone, making it a better place to live, work, visit and study. Folkestone Triennial runs from 30 August - 2 November 2014.

For more info go to http://www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk/

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

[news ]

Turner Contemporary THE GRUFFALO comes to the deep Launches First dark wood in Online Shop To coincide with the spring exhibition ‘Making Painting: Helen Frankenthaler and JMW Turner’ (until 11 May) Margate’s Turner Contemporary launches its spring products and its first online shop.

With each exhibition Turner Contemporary offers a range of exhibition and art related products within its shop. Each retail item is carefully chosen for its quality of design and production, showcasing products by the best international artists and designers alongside those by emerging and established local artists and makers. For the first time key items from the shop can now be ordered online.

Turner Contemporary Deputy Director, Richard Morsley explains: “We are delighted to be launching our first online shop and allow new and existing customers to purchase products by both international and local artists and designers.

This is a major digital milestone for Turner Contemporary and one which will allow for us to reach new audiences.

Turner Contemporary is a charity and every purchase, in our shop and online, directly supports the work within the gallery and our local community projects.”

Published by Turner Contemporary to compliment the exhibition ‘Making Painting: Helen Frankenthaler and JMW Turner’ is a 96 page catalogue which includes over 50 colour images of works featured in the exhibition with text by James Hamilton and foreword by Victoria Pomery, Director of Turner Contemporary. In addition, Turner Contemporary has produced a set of 14 postcards, including 3 portraits of Helen Frankenthaler in her studio, 10 reproductions of works by Helen Frankenthaler and J.M.W. Turner’s The Evening Star.

Check out the new online shop at https://turnercontemporary-shop.myshopify.com/

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest Themed activity trails, giant wooden Gruffalo sculptures and a big birthday forest picnic are coming to Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest in Goudhurst, Kent

Families are invited into a deep dark wood near their home this year to celebrate The Gruffalo's 15th anniversary with characters from the world-famous picture books.

From April, visitors can join Mouse on his adventure and explore Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning tale through activity trails in the Pinetum.

The fun-packed partnership kicks off with The Gruffalo activity trails in Bedgebury and 27 other forests across England, which run through to the end of September.

In October, The Gruffalo’s Child activity trails take over and will stay in Bedgebury right through the winter until February 2015. Characters from the stories will lead children through the trees with adventure and intrigue, learning about woods and forests as they go.

From June, a giant wooden sculpture of one of the world's best-loved monsters himself will be hidden in Bedgebury Pinetum. Another 14 of the 7ft tall sculptures will be hidden in forests across England, for families to track down. The 15 Gruffalos will all be different and are currently being individually-carved in a secret woodland location out of three-ton pieces of timber, each carefullyselected from Forestry Commission sites.

Visitors are also invited to gather in Bedgebury with family and friends on Saturday 7 June to celebrate The Gruffalo’s anniversary with a big birthday forest picnic.

Sandra Styles from Bedgebury commented: “We are very excited to be a part of the celebrations with The Gruffalo activity trails and a sculpture at Bedgebury.”

Details of trails and sculpture locations and the forest birthday picnic party pack are available from www. forestry.gov.uk/gruffalo. Sign up online to find out more about the exciting year of forest celebrations.

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[feature ]

HIGH [STREET] ART BLUESWIFT GALLEY & FRAMING

BY PETER NICHOLS

With a wonderful position on Queen Street in Ramsgate and a view of England’s only Royal Harbour, BlueSwift gallery & framing is a contemporary space with beautiful work on offer.

With bespoke picture framing experience and a passion for art and design, owners Jody & Anna started BlueSwift in November 2012. After a long search for the right space and location they found what they were looking for at 43 Queen Street.

Since being opened, BlueSwift has quickly built a solid reputation for their high quality framing service.

“I enjoy the consultation part of framing a lot. Where possible I like to know where the piece will hang and to 12

generally get a feel for the client’s needs and taste. This way I can guide them in the right direction to really enhance the piece” says co-founder Jody.

The gallery is a little Aladdin’s cave of unique and beautiful British art. Busy sourcing the best of contemporary British design and craft, BlueSwift offers something very different from your average high street shop or gallery. From a quirky card, to a copper infused glass bowl, this boutique gallery has something to inspire and

[feature ] please everyone. With frequently changing, exciting window displays and creative shop layouts, there is always something new to enjoy at BlueSwift.

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“We have always felt that we wanted to offer unique work that is designed and produced in Britain. There are so many creative individuals in this country and we want to support them as much as possible.

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43 Queen Street, Ramsgate CT11 9DZ E-mail:info@blueswift.co.uk Tel:07754 897506

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BlueSwift is open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm and will be open Sundays in the summer.

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BlueSwift is looking forward to the launch of their online shop this summer as well as some fantastic exhibitions lined up.

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“Photography makes me look more closely at the detail of things, at what I might otherwise walk past, unappreciating.”

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Mike explains his fascination with his art as follows;

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A photographic retrospective of classic black and white images and experiments with colour and form printed on various media.

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Original Art & Design Unique Handcrafted Gifts Bespoke Picture Framing

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Spring 2014 brings photography by Mike Morrison to BlueSwift. “Look Again…Look Better”, will run from May 2nd- June 7th.

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With a variety of artwork on display in the gallery, BlueSwift has various exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing original works and limited edition prints of selected artists.

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AWARD-WINNING ELLEN KENT OPERA MAKES FOLKESTONE DEBUT

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Please amend the competition details to your requirements.

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For your chance to WIN a signed limited edition La Boheme artwork by renowned International Artist, Ralph Steadman; simply book your ticket(s) for La Boheme, then send your name, contact details and theatre seat numbers to press@psapublishing.co.uk closing date for entries is 21st April 2014.Winner will be contacted in advance of the show.

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The celebrated international solo soprano Elena Dee stars as Mimi, along with celebrated Chisinau National Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra, with international guest soloists, visit Folkestone’s Leas Cliff Hall on 27th April as part of a 75-date tour of the UK and Ireland.

Exclusive La Boheme Signed Artwork Competition:

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connect with, not just on a musical level but with the personal drama happening on the stage.”

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AR AWARD-WINNING opera producer Ellen Kent brings one of the most romantic operas ever written to the stage in her new 2014 tour. La Boheme is the tragic tale of hopeless romance between the doomed, consumptive Mimi and penniless writer Rodolfo.

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La Boheme; 27 April 2014 – 7.30pm.

Tickets are on sale now from Leas Cliff Hall box office on 0844 871 3015 or online www.leascliffhall.org.uk.

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EXCLUSIVE RALPH STEADMAN LA BOHEME SIGNED ARTWORK COMPETITION

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[days out ]

STORIES TO INSPIRE

The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens. Conservation Heroes 2014 – a series of talks London was recently host to an international conference aimed at guaranteeing high level political commitment to take urgent action to tackle the trade in illegal wildlife parts.

Global leaders from about 50 countries focused on elephants, rhinos and tigers, seeking to strengthen the policing of the trade, cut down demand for illegal wildlife products and help affected communities. The conference website stated that the Illegal wildlife trade is a criminal industry worth more than 6 billion pounds (9.8 billion US dollars) a year.

The animals and objects on display at the Powell-Cotton Museum may not have changed for many decades, but what we know about them has. When Percy Powell-Cotton hunted and collected animals in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries he believed he was making a contribution to science through the discovery of new species and the collection of a wide variety of specimens. Equally, when he collected everyday items from the people he met on his travels, he felt he was capturing a world that would soon be lost.

In particular, Powell-Cotton helped advance our scientific understanding of the wildlife of Africa. From his earliest expeditions Powell-Cotton was a meticulous record keeper. Through his diaries, photography and film, letters, and associated notes we know the specific details of nearly every animal

and object collected. The animals were identified, measured for height, girth, length and weight, and the location where they were shot recorded along with latitude, longitude and occasionally altitude.

He discovered fifty-two new species, some of which are named after him in recognition of his contribution.

Powell-Cotton didn’t just collect, but also presented his findings to important scientific institutions. He spoke at meetings of the Royal Geographic Society and published articles in anthropological publications such as Man and The African Society.

Today the Powell-Cotton Museum continues the legacy of its founder, carrying on his interest in the study of African society and natural science and helping others contribute to the study and preservation of Africa’s wildlife. During your visit to the museum you might meet some of our visiting researchers and wildlife conservationists whose research is not only making valuable contributions to the conservation of the world’s most endangered species but who are also looking at how we protect all our wildlife, hopefully avoiding the f uture endangerment of other much loved animals.

In view of the above, the PowellCotton Museum have launched a series of lectures entitled “Conservation Heroes 2014”.

[BOX OUT] The first in the series is entitled Elk, Elephants and Empire: The Nineteenth Century Hunter as a Conservation Hero on Friday 21 March 2014 by Dr Karen Jones (Senior Lecturer in American & Environmental History, University of Kent).

On Friday 20 June 2014Will Travers, OBE (President, The Born Free Foundation) when the Born Free Story of Compassionate Conservation will be delivered.

In September Dr Cheryl and Manny Mvula will draw upon their work on the ground in Africa to highlight the conflicting issues and challenges facing practical wildlife conservation and poverty reduction efforts within local communities in rural Africa.

Their talk entitled The Maasai Tribe in Kenya - How Safari Tourism Turned Conservationists into Poachers will take place on Thursday 18 September 2014.

The final talk in this series is from David Neale (Animal Welfare Director, Animals Asia Foundation) entitled Bears, Bear Bile and Developing Animal Protection in China on Thursday 20 November 2014. £ 4.00 per person. Talks start at 7.30pm (bar open from 7pm) in Mama Feelgoods, Quex Park. To book a ticket please call the museum 01843 842168.

Places are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment, payment required at the time of booking.

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[fabulous finds ]

Retro Mother’s Day

Finds

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1940S LOOK BOOK

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W A FE T D E ICK RO GIF LE P E I T V WE’ ICE RE T A SM E ON CHO TO PU ’S FAC CH M R AS IDE UR MU TH MA 0 3 YO ON NDAY SU

PEONY COWL NECKED BLOUSE This 1930’s inspired blouse from 20th Century Foxy is the perfect gift this mother’s day to ensure your mum feels extra special, and guaranteed to stand out from the crowd.

Price: £45 (sizes 8-18) Available from www.20thcenturyfoxy.com

Recreating the fashions, hairstyles and make-up of a bygone era this “1940’s Look Book” is packed with iconic and increasingly popular designs and looks from the mid20th Century Price: £16.99 Available from www.iwmshop.org.uk

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[fabulous finds ]

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ORIGINAL BAKELITE PHONE Add a vintage touch and bring back some memories for your mum (or your gran, wouldn’t want offend!) with an original, reconditioned Bakelite phone from the 1930’s. The affordability of the phones at the time ensured their popularity, quickly becoming the standard telephone used throughout the country.

Price: £150 Available from www.iwmshop.org.uk

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DIANA MINI CAMERA Easy to use, perfect for a handbag, and takes great pics wherever you go. Put a smile on your mum’s face as she captures the smiles on her nearest and dearest with this fab retro camera.

Price: £49 Available from www.scienemuseum.co.uk

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OXO CUBE TIN Did you know that before OXO cubes were sold in packets they came in tins? During the First World War soldiers kept the tins to house keepsakes and letters.

Encourage your mum to organise her stock cubes for a kitchen 'spring clean' and brighten up her kitchen shelf with the OXO Cube Tin. Price: £6 Available at www.iwmshop.org.uk

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VINTAGE INSPIRED PILL BOX LIP BALM Stored in 1940’s inspired pill boxes with a handy mirror, this is a classy way for mum to store lip balm on the go.

The lip balm contains skin softening shea butter, sun protecting red raspberry seed oil and moisturising sweet almond oil with added anti-oxidant vitamin E oil and organic beeswax. The Pill box measures 6.5cm (length) x 3.5cm (width) x 1cm (depth).

Price: £15 Available from www.iwmshop.org.uk 17

[feature ]

MOTHER’S DAY

GADGETS FROM HOTCRAZE.CO.UK

Each issue, East Kent based gadget company HOTCraze. co.uk will be providing us with a selection of fun, innovative, gadgets to feature. This month we asked for some inspiration for Mother’s Day! All items available at www.HOTCraze.co.uk

THE OLD FIRE STATION, ARTILLERY WAY, DISCOVERY PARK, KENT. CT13 9FL | WWW.HOTCRAZE.CO.UK SWAP NOVA CRYSTAL IN WHITE LEATHER ENCRUSTED WITH CRYSTALS

The SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION of the beautiful NOVA is all pimped out in white leather and studded with high quality crystals & is the first palm sized touch screen mobile phone with keychain and neck strap. Designed to be worn around the neck or attached to any keyring this is the award winning world's smallest touchscreen mobile phone with a difference. Incorporating a unique retractable in-built USB connector to the phones body for easy charging and data transfer eliminates the need for cables HOTcraze Price: £299.99 RRP: £399.99 KOUBACHI - WI-FI PLANT SENSOR

Koubachi collects the data from your plants automatically. Accurate vitality diagnosis leaves determining the plant's vitality to the new Koubachi Wi-Fi Plant Sensor - it measures what matters most to your plant: soil moisture, temperature and light and water control so you’ll know exactly when to water your plants. As it monitors your plant over time, you even get recommendations on the ideal amount of water and over¬watering alarms.

HOTcraze Price: £99.99 From 18

YANTOUCH - BLACK DIAMOND 3D IPHONE DOCK

Now you can juice up your app-tastic gadgets and marvel at a hypnotic, swirling light show at the same time with the Black Diamond iPhone Dock. Launch the accompanying app on your iPhone and slide it into this black crystal ball to begin charging.

The app creates a slowly churning colour spectrum on the iPhone screen that becomes warped and refracted across the Black Diamond’s many translucent faces. The FREE app controls the look of the dock.

HOTcraze Price: £79.99 RRP: £129.99

DAZZLE CRYSTAL WIRELESS MOUSE AND FLASH MEMORY 8GB STICK - GIFT SET

The white wireless mouse encrusted with high quality clear crystals, has been ergonomically designed for ease of comfort and the compact design ensures that it slips easily into your notebook bag. The Dazzle wireless crystal computer mouse features the world's smallest 19mm USB receiver. Plug and play technology. With the 2.4 GHz digital receiver, your mouse is always ready to use. The elegant Dazzle USB crystal flash memory stick comes with 8GB of memory.

This Dazzle key is the ultimate stylish office accessory!

It features top quality sparkling clear crystals.

HOTcraze Price: £79.99 RRP: £99.98 ICE COOLER - THE ICE BUCKET MADE OF ICE

The ice cooler is a mould to make a unique ice bucket made of ice, how cool is that?

(Boom Boom!). The ice shape will last about 6 hours at 70ºF/20ºC. All this time it will keep your bottle at a chilled temperature.

Ice Cooler HOTcraze Price: £24.99

[days out ]

THE GREAT

STOUR WAY TRACE THE GREAT STOUR RIVER FROM CHARTHAM TO CANTERBURY. PEDDLE ALONGSIDE THE WINDING RIVER AND YOU’LL DISCOVER AN ABUNDANCE OF WILDLIFE, HISTORY AND GLORIOUS VIEWS ACROSS MARSHLAND AND MEADOWS.

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[days out ]

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Chilham

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"  Canterbury "  " 

Chartham

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LOCATION: Chartham to Canterbury (CT4 7HZ) DISTANCE: 3 miles (4.8 km) TIME: Allow 30 minutes OS EXPLORER MAP: 150

Godmersham

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Wye

Great Stour Way - On-road Great Stour Way - Traffic free, surfaced

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Other cycle route- On-road Train station

2 10 National/Regional Cycle Route

Ashford

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REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: Canterbury city centre

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© Crown Copyright and database right 2014. Ordnance Survey 100019238

Chartham Paper Mill has been a feature along these banks since the Domesday Book. Over time this mill has changed from a corn mill to a fulling mill and today a paper mill, but the placement has never changed.

Weave further along the river and pause to look across at Horton on the opposite bank. In 2001 this dwelling became an exciting glimpse into Anglo – Saxon times when six graves and traces of a building were discovered just a short distance from the current manor house.

Keep your eyes peeled when peddling along the riverside at Milton because kingfishers are said to be commonplace along this stretch of the river. Look out for these fascinating birds, diving from riverside perches as they hunt for fish.

A bit further along, the Thanington Lakes offer sights of tufted ducks, the

TERRAIN: Surfaced, shared use path

great crested grebe, profusions of wild plants, lakeside willows and insects, all set within the bounds of the man-made lakes which sprouted from disused gravel pits.

Further along you’ll find a manor sat on the banks of the river. The Manor of Thanington has been the residence of the wealthy for centuries, yet for the Hales in particular it was a scene of tragedy. Their eldest son was imprisoned and tortured under Mary Tudor’s reign. When he was finally released he returned to Thanington and drowned himself in the Great Stour.

Branching off your path, the long forgotten Elham Valley Line once arced across Hambrook, the Great Stour, Wincheap Meadows and Folkestone.

While trains have long since deserted this embankment, common lizards love to bask here.

PARKING: In Canterbury and Chartham PUBLIC TRANSPORT: For local bus and train services in Kent, contact Traveline tel: 0870 6082608, www.traveline.org.uk

Named after the last farmer to graze them, Hambrook marshes have evolved from farmland to a quarry in 1979, before being sold to the Kent Enterprise Trust in 2004 to be transformed into protected land to support plant life and migrating birds.

Your final stop is arguably one of the most idyllic. Canterbury itself may have changed beyond the belief of artist Sydney Cooper and his paintings of the Great Stour, but Whitehall Meadows remain a peaceful reminder of times gone by. Traditional methods of management have paid off here and damp-loving plants, such as the locally scarce brown sedge have crept back into the area. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch glimpses of lapwing, teal and snipe flocking to enjoy the meadows.

21

MARGATE [days out ]

D E T I S I V RE

BY PETER NICHOLS

It’s been two years since I last wrote about the regeneration of Margate, where I focussed my attention on the growth and relative abundance of new and independent businesses cropping up throughout the Old Town, situated in the streets and squares behind the promenade and across the way from the Turner Contemporary.

When I last spoke to the shopkeepers, new and vibrant businesses in the Old artists, residents and businesspeople, Town and up the High Street, but also there was a sense of what I would call in the improvements to the seafront and “hopeful optimism” promenade. On a clear day "The Old Town is the sweeping vista from the about the future of this once great seaside town. still my favourite top of Marine Drive up You got the feeling that past the Harbour Arm and little piece of the area had “turned a beyond the Turner can be Margate, with corner”, but that what quite breath-taking. lay around that corner the diversity and The view can be enjoyed was yet to be decided. individuality of its with a drink on the balcony While this is still partly (or indeed the roof) of the businesses and true, my most recent stunning boutique hotel business owners “Sands Hotel” which foray into the area has left me feeling that there a real inspiration." overlooks the bay. Sands, is most certainly more which opened last year confidence, and, dare I say it, more to great fanfare, replete with first class pride among those I spoke to in being restaurant “The Bay” is the perfect associated with the area. example of the confidence Margate is beginning to inspire. A bold move, but This confidence is physically manifested one which is echoed in many of the in not only in terms of the increase in smaller concerns which are cropping up 22

across the town.

In the Old Town I met up with Lisa Hemingway, the proprietor of the charming (and ever popular) Cupcake Café. Two years ago she spoke passionately about the need for communication and action on a local level to move things forward.

Evidently a woman of action, since our last article Lisa has opened two more businesses in the Old Town, “The Shop”, selling funky, kitsch and retro kitchen accessories and “The Kitchen”, where Lisa and her team not only cook corporate lunches, but also host a variety of classes, often held by local artisans, as well as catering for parties of all kinds.

It was also good to see another of the shops I visited back in 2012 moving onwards and upwards, with The Secret Wardrobe, an “Aladdin’s cave of French

[days out ]

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[days out ] and Italian clothing, scarves, handbags, jewellery, gifts, cards, paintings and ceramics” relocating to larger premises on the High Street, sharing a shop floor with another new local business “Naturally Crafted”, a delightful gift shop selling their own unique arts and crafts, as well as a range of other quirky gifts. The shop is run by former software developer Wendy James, although many would say it’s her fluffy feline companion “Pumpkin” who watches guard over the shop usually atop one of the gift displays, who really rules the roost – even inspiring her own range of “Pumpkin Cushions”.

Those visiting the Turner Contemporary might do well to take the 50 metre stroll to the old town to check out the galleries away from the spotlight. There are resident artists in situ, pop-up galleries which allow artists to exhibit in a good space on a temporary basis, and shops selling wonderful pieces of art. One such gallery is “Outside the Square”, the largest commercial Art gallery in Kent.

Outside the Square occupies a double fronted space on Duke Street, exhibiting and selling fabulous pieces from world renowned artists. The price tags of these pieces are such that the value of the shop’s wares at any one time is into seven figures – so it’s perhaps not a place the casual browser will pick up a bargain, but once again it is indicative of that confidence of those involved that such a gallery can survive, and indeed thrive in Margate (by the way, casual observers are MORE than welcome at “Outside the Square”, and the enthusiasm, knowledge, and passion of owner John Houston make it well

worth the visit – as well as the art on display of course!).

The Old Town is still my favourite little piece of Margate, with the diversity and individuality of its businesses and business owners a real inspiration.

From the wonderful café’s and bistros (a big shout out to the wonderful Greedy Cow, Mullin’s Brasserie, Bernie’s Chocolate Bar, and of course the Cupcake Café), to some great art galleries, furniture shops, vintage clothes shops, and fabulous boutiques – this Oasis of originality and independence in the face of the rise of the homogenous and the tiresome, really is something worth shouting about.

The town was seen to be dealt a blow last year when, despite strong opposition from local businesses, as well as from High Street champion Mary Portas, MP Eric Pickles gave the go ahead for an 82,000 sq ft Tesco

Superstore to start construction right on the seafront. The move, in principal will bring more jobs and prosperity to the area – but I’m with the Margate Town Team on this one, as it would most certainly have a negative impact on the livelihoods and prosperity of the fantastic entrepreneurship which is flourishing in the Old Town, on the Harbour Arm, and in parts of the High Street. An appeal has been lodged to the High Courts, and Mr Pickles may yet find himself defeated by the strength of local people power!

Of course, there are still big areas for improvement; the proposed regeneration of historic Amusement Park “Dreamland” is nowhere near where it had been hoped, despite the fantastic efforts of those involved; the main drag of the seafront with its selection of sorry amusement arcades, boozers, and bingo halls is still looking tired and dated, and many of the areas surrounding nearby Cliftonville are none too salubrious.

But let’s not concentrate on the “still to do’s”. I was born in Margate, and in my lifetime I’ve seen the highs and the lows, and I can say without question that this is a town on the up. What started with the news of the go ahead for the Turner Contemporary, and was taken up by the independent business owners in the Old Town is gathering pace and I for one am proud to be a Margatonian!

As some wise men once said, “You can keep the Costa Brava...”

24

[days out ]

REAL FOOD CAFÉ

RESTAURANT,

MARGATE

HARBOUR ARM With plenty of choices for meat and non meat eaters, we take great pleasure in bringing as much local and organic produce as possible to your table.

Lunch: Wednesday to Sunday Dinner: Friday and Saturday evenings.

Call: 01843 226008

Visit www.mullinsbrasserie.co.uk to view all of our menus

FRESH WAFFLES WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE LUXURY HOT CHOCOLATE

Beaux Intérieurs Gorgeous gifts, furniture and home accessories

2 Market Street, Margate Old Town

StUNNING VIEWS LOCAL ARTISTS GALLERY FREE WIFI BOOK SWAP CORNER @bschocbar facebook.com/bernieschocbar

OPEN EVERY DAY

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

25

[days out ]

A DAY OF DELIGHTS AT

EASTWELL MANOR SPA

BY KAREN GORDON

As a busy working mum of two, my Tuesday morning began with its usual hectic challenges including school uniforms, PE kits, and homework, so negotiating roadworks, maps and country roads in order to get to Eastwell Manor was not high on my list of priorities.

However, after a surprisingly easy half hour navigation from Ramsgate, I found myself on a long driveway heading towards a stunning gothic building, set in a backdrop of luscious green countryside.

The spring sunshine and blue skies completed the idyllic scene. I immediately felt the tensions of the morning melt away amidst these tranquil surroundings.

26

[days out ]

I was instructed to head to the Pavilion, a short walk away from the main building, to find Paul Foreman, the Pavilion manager, waiting to welcome me and give me my itinerary for the day.

Within these formidable buildings and beyond the elegant marbled entrance hall the atmosphere was anything but intimidating. Each and every member of staff looked up, smiled and greeted me warmly. Paul directed me to the dining room and allowed me to relax with a cup of earl grey and a selection of pastries, available each morning for all guests.

With my swimming costume safely ensconced beneath my cosy robe, I headed to the pool area for a quick dip in the stunning 20 metre pool.

The pool is set between pillars against a background of hand painted murals and heated to a comfortable temperature of 29 degrees. Eager to sample the other delights within this bright, airy room, I sweated in the sauna, cooled down in the hydro pool, perspired again in the steam room and finished off with an assault on my aching old limbs from the gyrating jets of the Jacuzzi, kept at a sleep inducing temperature of 37 degrees!

By this time it was 11 o’clock and Paul advised me I was booked in for a facial at 1pm, so he showed me around the I was now ready to experience my spa and gym and gave me my locker treatment. Before heading to the beauty key before discreetly left me to my own salon I washed away the perspiration in devices. My locker was the shower, and checked stocked with my own out at the vanity "...the atmosphere myself robe, slippers and towel. area within the changing was anything but rooms, making sure I had dusted off my intimidating; each to take advantage of gym gear that morning selection of so thought I should and every member impressively Molton Brown products put it to some light of staff looked up, available. use! The impressively smiled and greeted As I headed to Dreams, well stocked gym did not intimidate even a the beauty salon, Paul me warmly." gym-phobe like myself, was once again on hand especially as I realised there was a gym to accompany me to Silks Lounge to instructor on call should I require await my appointment. Like everything assistance. I chose to work up a sweat else in the spa, the décor at the lounge on the cross trainer, while plugged was directed towards a general feeling of into some headphones (available on all well-being and relaxation; full of comfy machines). While I spent only half an couches, footrests and magazines and hour in the gym (I was in a hurry to get stocked with plenty of tea, coffee, and on with all the other pleasures awaiting water. Conveniently, free wifi is also me!), I imagine the gym junkies among available throughout the spa if you want you could be in there for hours with the to browse the web while you chill out. multitude of state of the art machinery, free weights, and exercise areas.

Kim, my therapist came to collect me for my facial and my senses were not disappointed as I entered the salon, which boasts an impressive fifteen luxurious treatment rooms. The first thing to strike me was the beautiful smell of the aromatherapy candles dotted around the room, which had a lovely, warm, womb-like feeling.

The shelves were well stocked with Clarins and Guinot products. Kim informed me I was being treated to The Rose Infinity Facial, a relatively new treatment, which retails at £70, and lasts for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

I did wonder how a facial could last so long! I needn’t have worried. I was deposited on a heated bed, wrapped up in warm blankets, and treated to the most relaxing experience I’ve had in a long time. I was cleansed, toned and moisturised, using properties such as rose and frankincense, after which Kim advised me she was applying an enzyme to eat away the dead skin cells! While my dead skin was being taken off (and hopefully the years) I was treated to a shoulder, neck and head massage. I’m not ashamed to admit I found myself drifting off to sleep. Along with the dimly lit room, and low, soothing music, I dare you not to fall asleep too!

The brochure price for a day at the spa, including one treatment and a two course lunch is a very reasonable £99.

Obviously you can book as many or as few treatments as you like. My only criticism of my day is that I didn’t have enough time to stay and hang out in the Silks Lounge, open until 9 o’clock at night! Ah well, back to the school run…

27

[days out ]

WYE DOWNS EAST KENT WALKS

Stride across the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, taking in spectacular views across the landscape and the village of Wye.

28

[days out ]

LOCATION: Wye (TN25 5AW) DISTANCE: 4.3miles (6.9 km) OS EXPLORER MAP: 138



GATES: 13

j

TIME: Allow 3 hours



j

STILES: 2

REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: Public houses and restaurants in Wye PARKING: Available alongside Coldharbour Lane PUBLIC TRANSPORT For local bus and train services in Kent, contact Traveline tel: 0870 6082608, www.traveline.org.uk

From the car park continue through the gates and follow the sloping path to the top of the hill. Pause at the top of the incline and gaze across the patchwork landscape.

Follow the waymarkers, taking the path along the top of the ridge. Follow the steps as they wind down the hillside and continue along the path across the field.

Making your way over the fields, you’ll spy Wye village ahead. It was in this peaceful village that Aphra Behn was born in 1640, regarded as the first English woman to make a living as a writer.

As you reach the main road, cross over and turn left to follow the pavement and join Church Street, heading towards the ancient church.

±

0

1

Kilometres 0.5 Miles

0.25

j

TERRAIN: Field paths and tracks

Start / Finish

0.5

Circular Walk - 4.3miles (6.9km) Stile Parking





Gate Pub

Train Station

© Crown Copyright. All rights reserved 100019238 2010

This historic village is on the fording point of the Great Stour River and was found to have been the site of a Roman camp and villa. Wye’s history as a royal manor by the time of the Saxons is evident in the medieval buildings which line the main street. Pause and enjoy refreshments in one of the local pubs or restaurants, soaking up views over the traditional village.

Follow the path as it leads you across the church grounds, following waymarkers towards the enclosed pathway, before turning right and following the North Downs Way signs.

Continue along the stone track, crossing the road and following the path as it climbs towards an area of woodland.

From the road, turn right and follow the North Downs Way waymarkers as they

lead you towards magnificent views over the Devil’s Kneading Trough, the most famous of the dry valleys of the Downs.

Savour the views and wander on towards the Wye Crown, an impressive crown cut into the chalk grassland of the North Downs, created to mark the coronation of Edward VII. Continue across the open grass and stride across the top of the Downs, taking in more glorious views. Soon you’ll reach another small patch of woodland. Trace the grassy path and head back towards the start of your walk.

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.

29

St Augustine’s Park Lymington Road • Westgate-on-sea • Kent Ct8 8en

A superb development of two, three and four bedroom homes in Westgate-on-Sea, on the beautiful north-east coast of Kent. St. Augustine’s Park is ideally situated just minutes from the stunning coastline whilst still being within easy reach of London and the motorway network.

Help to Buy availaBle Reserve today with 5% deposit *

Two bedroom houses from just £172,500 Four bedroom houses from just £250,000

SHOW HOMe OpeN Daily 10am to 5pm

07767 112 504 or 01622 691 911 *Terms and conditions apply

www.rpcnewhomes.co.uk

www.matthew-homes.com

[home and garden ]

SPRING INTO ACTION… PRICES FROM £172,500

Located on the edge of the picturesque village of Westgate-on-Sea, St Augustine’s Park is an exclusive development of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments and 2, 3 & 4 bedroom houses.

Within a short walk from the stunning north-east Kent coastline, St Augustine’s Park is a Matthew Homes development ideally situated for those looking for a coastal retreat whilst still being within easy reach of London and the motorway networks. Each home has been designed to a high specification with a well-designed layout to suit all needs which has proven to be very popular. Offering fitted kitchens with stainless steel electric ovens, gas hob & extractor hoods, plus spaces for dishwasher, washer/dryer and fridge freezer. With well-appointed bathrooms and en-suites, good size bedrooms and off road parking, these properties are selling fast and an opportunity not to be missed, with 2 bedroom houses starting from £172,500 and 4 bedroom houses starting from £250,000.

boutique shops, bars and restaurants Westgate-on-Sea has to offer, as well as the nearby village of Birchington and the popular family, award winning beach, at Minnis Bay. Margate, close by, also offers a more comprehensive selection of shops and amenities, including galleries such as the Turner Contemporary situated on the sea front, quirky shops and cafes.

The town and surrounding areas has excellent schooling facilities for all age groups including Ursuline College, King Ethelbert’s School and St Saviours’ Church of England all within easy access of St Augustine’s Park.The Cathedral City of Canterbury is also within easy reach with its stunning architecture and history that attracts millions of tourists every year, not to mention the excellent shopping and nightlife the city has to offer.

New owners at St Augustine’s Park are now enjoying the wide range of specialist

As well as an excellent summer getaway, St Augustine’s Park enjoys excellent

commuter links. Westgate-on-Sea train station is within walking distance of the development (Ramsgate 15 minutes, London Cannon Street and London Victoria approximately 1 hour 45 minutes) Whilst there is a regular high speed train service from Margate Railway station to London St Pancras via Ashford International (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes). There are excellent motorway links to the Capital and south-east coast via the A2/M2 for those little day adventures too.

With these beautiful new homes and a wealth of amenities on your doorstep, this stunning development is worth a closer look. Show Home and Sales Office are open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm, or call us today for more information.

Selling agents: RPC Land & New Homes Tel: 01622 691911 www.rpcnewhomes.co.uk 31

[home and garden ]

MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF YOUR LAND

BY MATTHEW STEVENS

According to economists, the vast majority of our personal wealth is tied up in our homes. This is not surprising when you consider that over the last three generations, home ownership has changed from aspirational to essential. The obsession to sink all our savings and wages into property has proved to be a great decision.

The reality of course is that at some point in our lives we will look to maximize that value. The question is when and more importantly how?

Just simply selling your home doesn’t add to your wealth, particularly when you need to buy somewhere else to live.

We spoke with Matthew Stevens of Country House Developments, a Kent based company dedicated to working in partnership with land owners to maximise the value of their land.

Adding value to your property 2+2=5 Everyone will recognize that the key to maximizing your land is to enhance its value. On a basic scale this could

32

be through a renovation or extension project. All these options require you to spend money to hopefully get more back.

architect. Not only that, professional fees will need to be settled regardless of the planning outcome.

2 + 0 = 10

HOW TO GET PLANNING ON YOUR LAND

“What about spending nothing and getting even more back”?

Imagine the value of your land if there were not just one house on it, but 2, 3 or even 4.

Not only would your house be worth what it is today, but the land with planning permission would be worth a fortune.

Most homeowners are “asset rich and cash poor” that means most of our money is tied up in our homes. We cannot always afford the services of an expensive planning consultant and

Two main options: a) Conventional Planning consultants: You can employ the services of all the necessary consultants to get your planning application processed.This is no guarantee however of getting approval. Consultants are, by their nature, are happy to work with you just so long as you pay their fees.

Success or failure of the application has no bearing on that fee. Furthermore, should you wish to appeal or make an application for an alternative scheme, your costs will significantly rise.

[home and garden ] b) Land Option Consultants: If you prefer to let someone else take the risk then a Land Option Company is a good choice. Just like planning consultants, they have all the expertise in house and will manage the entire planning process. The big difference is that they will do this at their own cost and risk.You simply give them an option to purchase your land if planning permission is achieved. This means they are equally motivated to get success as you are. Not only that you have a willing buyer at the end of the process.

They don’t get any revenue for failure, they’re motivation is the same as yours; to maximize the value of your land.

As an example, a very recent project

by Country House Developments in Maidstone, saw the homeowner turn his £300,000 bungalow into a £490,000 sale. He did this without spending any of his own money. He simply teamed up with Country House Developments to get planning permission for 2 additional houses on his land.

HOW DOES A LAND OPTION WORK? Land Option Companies will work at their own risk to achieve planning with an option to either purchase your land or alternatively receive a commission if the land is sold to another developer.

WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DON’T GET PLANNING? The reality is that not all land is developable. If planning is not achieved then the option agreement disappears with no cost or liability to you.

Land Options or Land Promotions are a great way of getting the maximum value from your land without the commitment of spending your own money.

WHAT’S THE PROCESS? 1. Expert planners from the company will come and assess the planning viability of your land.

2. If they feel you can benefit from planning permission, they will offer to take on your project and carry out all the necessary work to get you into planning.

3. In return, you will sign up to an agreement allowing them to purchase the land or alternatively receive a commission if you decide to sell it.

4. Once the process starts you will continue to own the land and have an input into the proposed scheme.

Existing bungalow plus 2 x 4 bedroom houses in Maidstone (January 2014) The landowner had a modest 3 bedroom bungalow which benefited from a large back garden and side entrance. Country House Developments tried a number of different schemes over a 2 year period and eventually achieved planning for 2 x 4 Bedroom houses wqhilst also retaining the existing bungalow.

The homeowner achieved uplift in value of over 60% from £300,000 to £480,000.

Retained bungalow

5. Even if the initial application gets refused, the company will manage and pay for any appeal.

6. Once permission is achieved the company will purchase your land in accordance with the option.

WHAT DO I DO NEXT? If you have some land; whether that is a large garden or a commercial site, then there’s no time like the present to get yourself planning permission. Just get in touch with a Land Option Company.

Just take a look at how they’ve helped these landowners; Most recent examples of land options developments 2 Pairs of new semi-detached cottages in Kent. (February 2014)

New development layout

This project was a real winner for the landowner at he had a large, unused side garden.

Conversion of a redundant and dilapidated Oast House West Kent (December 2013)

Country House Developments architects designed 4 traditional cottages on the land and lobbied with local parish and council to achieve planning. After appeal the permission was given and the landowners netted over £350,000 profit for the land.

Country House Developments teamed up with the farm land owner to achieve planning for conversion of a redundant and dilapidated Oast House into a 5 Bedroom luxury home. The process involved obtaining reports from several specialist consultants over a 2 year period. After appeal Country House Developments won the battle for planning and were able to achieve a land value of in excess of £500,000 to the Farmer.

33

[home and garden ]

NEW BROADSTAIRS HOMES

DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHED The long awaited launch of Hereson Place, the Abbey Homes development in the sought after location - off Dumpton Park Road, Broadstairs was held the first weekend in March.

It was anticipated that there would be keen interest in the first phase of these family homes due to the reservations made prior to launch…. however we were overwhelmed with the number of visitors received! Almost 100 new homes buyers tread the just laid carpet of the 5 bedroom show home.

To date OVER 50% of the first phase has been Reserved/Sold with continued interest being received!

The show home is ‘The Langdale’ house-type and is a beautifully spacious 5 bedroom detached family home which welcomes viewers through its door to discover a lifestyle by the sea.

34

Our sales office and show home is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm and visitors are invited to view during these times however, due to the high levels of interest you may want to pre-book your appointment so you guarantee time with the sales advisors.

We aim to offer a home for everyone at Hereson Place and currently have available 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes ranging in price from £269,995 to £424,995. Reservations continue to be taken off plan giving new home buyers an opportunity to personalise their home with kitchen and bathroom choices*.

Broadstairs is a cosmopolitan seaside town with its sandy blue flag beaches, promenade, cafes, and restaurants. Its lively social calendar includes food festival, folk week and Dickens festival.

Parks, a museum, local independent cinema, leisure centres etc can also be enjoyed.

Hereson Place Sales office and Show home – accessed via Merrivale Heights, off Dumpton Park Road, CT10 1FG Tel: 01843 862801 or 01622 691911 – www.rpcnewhomes.co.uk

[east kent business ]

eXCITInG neW HOMeS In BROADSTAIRS - pHASe 1 nOW AVAILABLe

e m W ho VIe ow O Sh n T pe O

Quality

NEW homEs, attractivEly pricEd

hErEsoN placE, mErrivalE hEights, Broadstairs ct10 1Fg Find out more about the exciting choice of 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes at Hereson Place. 4 bedroom homes from £329,995 - but hurry, now 50% sold!

Visit our Sales Office and Showhome open 7 days a week from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Telephone: 01843 862801 or 01622 691911 (www.rpcnewhomes.co.uk). Sat Nav: CT10 1FG take Merrivale Heights off Dumpton Park Drive House to sell? no problem... ask about our ‘Assisted Move Scheme’. *Price correct at time of going to press.

Government backed 'Help to Buy' scheme is available.

www.abbeynewhomes.co.uk

[feature ]

37

[home and garden ]

COUNTRY HOUSE DEVELOPMENTS

MAXIMISE THE VALUE OF YOUR LAND Country House Developments is a Kent based company dedicated to working in partnership with land owners to maximise the value of their land.

• We're experts in local planning policy • We have a great track record in achieving success • Most importantly - we cover all the costs you don’t pay for anything Whether you are the owner of a large garden, a commercial site or simply have some land you think might be of interest, we’d really like to hear from you.

Call US TODAY: 0843 557 4080

Email: sales@maximiseMYland.co.uk Web: www.maximiseMYland.co.uk

Kent's Exclusive Vitra Dealer. · Inspirational furniture pieces. · Design led kitchenware. · Educational and creative childrens toys. · Contemporary homeware.

Visit us opposite The Turner Contemporary Art Gallery 40 Fort Hill, Margate Old Town, Kent. CT9 1HD T · 01843 220088 www.papilloninteriors.co.uk

38

[home and garden ]

BACK TO WORK

BY TONY KING, PAPILLON INTERIORS, FORT HILL, MARGATE

This quarter we are focusing on the home study/workplace and the importance of looking after your back so please read on if you spend hours in front of a screen,tablet or laptop.

The workplace is rapidly evolving; good old Steve Jobs and his army of i-things have ensured the pace of change is now rapid and constant, and many employers are now looking at options to allow employees the ‘opportunity’ to homework. With much better internet, wi-fi and facetime /skype, the need to be fixed to a single position for many office workers has now disappeared. Indeed the pace is gathering momentum

as the government will be passing legislation in April to ensure office workers and staff returning from maternity leave have the option (where appropriate) to work from home. Flexible working is here to stay, so whether you are an employer or employee it is worth carefully considering your homeworking environment as the issues that are prevalent in the workplace also apply in the home.

DESK The good news is that many companies have woken up to the need for more homely, design led desks or bureau’s, so whether you have a grand study with room for library and workwalls, or just a cupboard under the stairs, there are many design led options to consider.

Mueller and Eno Space saving solutions such as the Workmate , Flatmate and Eno Studio Appunto table make for very easy access solutions, perfect for tablet or laptop working For design statements, then timeless classics such as the George Nelson Desk or the Jean Prouve Compass Direction offer both functionally and make a statement Built in systems are abundant, and companies such as Frezza bring Italian flair, whereas Whites offer good solid, British design - the only limitations are often imagination and just maybe budget.

CHAIR The office or task chair is the most undervalued of all items as it can have the most profound effects on your health, wellbeing and productivity. We all know you can go to an office warehouse and pick up an inexpensive chair than looks like it should be in Lord Sugar’s office. However, these chairs are style over substance i.e. they don’t work. If you look closely at Lord Sugar’s chairs (in the Apprentice) you will see they are either design classics (for short work) such as the Eames Softpad, or indeed fully functioning task chairs such as the Interstuhl Silver chair. For the home environment we advocate good all round functions such as the Humanscale World Chair that will fit well whatever member of the family uses it.

Food for thought? We hope so. One thing is certain, and that’s as technology advances, the likelihood of more work, study or leisure being conducted within the home will increase….so ensure your space works well for you!

39

[home and garden ]

SKYLINE VIEWS AT

THE PANORAMA, ASHFORD AWAIT YOU

Ashford’s landmark building, The Panorama has entered its final phase of redevelopment following a multi-million pound refurbishment by Dukelease Properties, transforming it into contemporary town centre homes and retail space.

Ten months on from commencement of works, all apartments on lower level floors of the building (floors one-seven) are sold out. Now attention has turned to The Panorama’s spectacular duplex and penthouse Skyline apartments over floors eight and nine.

22 penthouse suites and duplex penthouses will go on sale in summer 2014. Penthouse residents will benefit from secure underground parking and a private lift to the ninth floor. In addition to this there will be a rooftop garden offering stunning views over the Kent countryside.

Each penthouse will have a private timber-decked terrace and duplex penthouses will have a balcony on both levels.

Development Director at Dukelease Properties, David O’Neil said: “The residential market in Ashford has certainly bounced into life and we’ve had an excellent response to the

apartments sold off-plan over floors one to seven. In June, two new penthouse show apartments will be launched to the public.

“The Skyline apartments at The Panorama offer a real alternative to buying in London – and they’re a fraction of what you’d pay for a London equivalent! Indeed, with Ashford International train station just a five minute walk away, you can hop on a train and be in the city in 38 minutes – perfect for commuters.“ In addition to residential dwellings, The Panorama’s ground-floor retail and leisure opportunities look set to revitalise Ashford’s commercial appeal.

The building will provide flexible lease agreements for retail units ranging from 2,000-6,000 sq ft with both outside space and on-site parking.

“Ashford is on the up retail-wise. John Lewis, Wagamama and Abercrombie & Fitch have decided to join the growing

list of national retailers who have moved to the town. For the retail and leisure sector, The Panorama affords an unprecedented opportunity. When combined with Ashford’s vibrant tourist offer it’s easy to see why many brands that have previously been hesitant to invest in the mid-Kent area are now snapping up opportunities to tap into new and growing markets,” said David.

Prices for penthouse apartments on floors eight and nine start from £201,950 and once complete, The Panorama will provide 232 modern homes designed for town centre living.

Construction is expected to conclude in summer 2014.

For more information about Skyline apartments at The Panorama, commercial opportunities or to sign up to the e-newsletter please visit: http:// thepanorama-ashford.com/.

41

[food and drink ]

ROMA

KITCHENS

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Unit 15, Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH Telephone 01233 645530 Rd

Unit 15, Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Kent TN24 8DH KitchenAshford, showroom open Telephone 01233 645530

9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Kitchen showroom open andto10am to 4pm Saturday 9am 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday

Visitourour and improved Visit newnew and improved website now!website

now!

www.roma-interiors.co.uk www.roma-interior

Drop by to see these displays and much more in our Hendwood showroom

Drop by to see these displays and much more in our He

42

[food and drink ]

ROMA KITCHENS ASHFORD

rs.co.uk

endwood showroom

43

[home and garden ]

HOW TO PLAN YOUR

DREAM KITCHEN

BY ROMA INTERIORS

Roma Interiors at Ashford have put together a few points that will help you to in your search for the perfect kitchen.

WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS?

what you will require from your appliances, work surfaces, storage, sink and tap. Perhaps you already have a look in mind in terms of door style, colours and finishes, but it is also good to gather ideas from magazines and websites, try creating a scrap book of kitchen pictures, flooring, and taps and even paint colour swatches in fact anything that inspires you.

WHAT DO YOU WISH TO HAVE IN YOUR KITCHEN?

WHAT WILL MY BUDGET PRICE BE?

It’s important to think very carefully about the best use of the space you have available. Is the kitchen going to used purely for meal preparation or is it going to be an informal area where family and friends will gather. What's going to be your storage requirement and what bugs you about the layout of your present kitchen.

Consider all aspects and demands you will be placing on your new kitchen in particular your preferred choice in door design, appliances to make your life easier and worktops that will add the final touches to the installation.

Whilst pondering these areas bear in mind which particular way you like to work in your kitchen and also make sure you have tailored your thinking to the family’s specific needs.

WHAT WILL BE THE FINER DETAILS?

From a practical perspective consider 44

The cost of the kitchen will have certain elements within it that will vary dramatically. For instance appliances may account for a considerable percentage of the overall costs, similarly the worktops can escalate the price substantially. For the designer to be able to offer you a layout that fits your budget, then to have some idea of the spend you wish to make will aid and accelerate this process of the decision.

WHEN SHOULD I CONSULT A DESIGNER?

It is at this stage that you will benefit from a consultation with a designer

who will get the absolute maximum from your space. You should carefully choose a company where designers are highly professional, and whose expertise and experience will offer you all the ideas and innovations in the kitchen that you have probably not at this stage considered. These designers will also have up to the minute knowledge of the products they are offering and ultimately this will ensure that your new kitchen works as efficiently as possible WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A SUPPLIER?

If possible the supplier should come highly recommended as Roma are. Be able to offer you the benefit of a well laid out and pleasant showroom and prove to you that they are interested in your project.

They should be prepare to devote the time to help you fulfil the potential of your kitchen and guarantee that the layout works perfectly in every way.

WWW.ROMA-INTERIORS.CO.UK CALL 01233 645530

Help to Buy Available New apartments released at Kingsbrook Park, Canterbury

The new Homes and Communities Agency Help to Buy scheme is available for this development. First time buyers and homeowners who meet the criteria can benefit from a 20 per cent loan under the scheme, leaving them to fund a 5 per cent deposit and obtain a 75 per cent mortgage. For more details visit: www.berkeleygroup.co.uk/helptobuy Sales & Marketing Suite and Showhome open daily, 10am to 6pm Kingsbrook Park, 5 Westwood Drive (off Kingsmead Road), Canterbury CT2 7WY

Prices from £248,950 When creating open space, the Berkeley Group always goes the distance We have created a safer, cleaner, more bio-diverse riverside walk way at Kingsbrook Park to encourage wildlife for all to enjoy

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Book an appointment now to view your new home – call 01227 477100 www.kingsbrookpark.co.uk

Proud to be a member of the Berkeley Group of companies

Help to Buy

Details correct at time of going to press. Photography depicts the Riverlife Collection at Kingsbrook Park.

The Riverlife Collection is a stunning choice of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments now launched at Kingsbrook Park, Canterbury.

Set on the tranquil banks of the River Stour and with views of the city’s ancient Cathedral, this charming collection of apartments offers the high levels of specification which are synonymous with Berkeley. The well-planned interiors maximise light and use of space, and all homes benefit from fully-fitted, contemporary style kitchens with integrated appliances and Villeroy & Boch sanitaryware in bathrooms and en suites.

Jacksons guarantees all its products for 25 years. So when you see this badge, you are guaranteed a seamless installation by our team of specialists, top quality, great British design, and most of all, peace of mind.

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0800 41 43 43

www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

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

Tel 01233 750 393

[home and garden ]

Jacksons Fencing

news, topical treats and more...

A very Happy Easter to you all!

The new planters range from Jacksons, beautifully built to last and guaranteed for 25 years

Way back in dreary weather blighted Jan and Feb, Easter seemed a distant glimmer of hope for better brighter spring days, and now, thankfully it’s just around the corner.

It is very late this year though, Good Friday was 29th March last year, now we are looking 18th April – it always puzzled me as I was growing up, how one year we could be basking in early spring sunshine having the first (and possibly only!) barbecue of the season and the next year we could be sitting resolutely looking out the window at a winter wonderland – I guess the only good thing about snow in April is it’s pretty short-lived and has melted before we’ve got the sledge out.

Someone kindly explained to me a while later that church holidays like Easter are moveable feasts, and can

fall on different dates each year as they are based on lunar timings.The date of Easter is the first Sunday after the full moon following the March equinox. That is about as much as I can take in as there’re a lot of other conditions affecting it, so I prefer to keep simple and focus on the glorious March equinox – the day the clocks go forward and we are into British Summer Time again! I’m afraid I must’ve missed some vital info as I was growing up, as I only just realised they called it equinox because the day and night are of equal length.

Anyway, as we are anticipating Easter and the Equinox has passed, it seems fair to mention that this is normally the time of year that people venture out into their gardens to start tidying up or repairing

Win Jacksons Jakwall worth £250...

Enter the free prize draw and be in with a chance to win £250 worth of Jakwall. Simply log on to your local page, address below and follow the easy instructions on how to enter.

The draw closes 30.4.14. To enter go to:

www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/ashfordlocal things after the ravages of winter, and after the one we’ve just had, there may be more than just sweeping up to tackle. You may be one of the unfortunates who had a fence come down. In my Feb page we covered a lot of useful hints and tips, about what to do to avoid this happening to you and how to choose the right fence.The link to all that helpful stuff is still on your local page if you missed it before:www.jacksons-fencing. co.uk/ashfordlocal There is also a link on there to take you to the Fence Calculator Tool on our web site.This can help you work out how many panels you need and the cost including posts, ballast and even screws!

It has a choice of 22 of our

The Fence Builder Calculator web page can help you work out how many panels and fencing.co.uk posts you will need and also calculate the cost

most popular panels including trellis.

It really is so easy to use, even I can do it. However if you still are daunted, it is worth bearing in mind that we have very friendly ‘humans’ on the end of the phone, who are fencing experts and who can help work everything out for you. (freefone 0800 4084754 will connect you to your local Jacksons branch).

Just a quick word about our new planters, we are launching them this month and I think they look great. Not only are they strong and beautifully made; they are built to last with our 25 year guarantee.

Prices and sizes can be found on the local page too.

47

[music ]

IMELDA MAY AT THE TUNBRIDGE WELLS ASSEMBLY HALL

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MARK HOURAHANE

Over the past few years, there has been a huge resurgence of interest in the mid-twentieth century. Shops carry a plethora of items taking inspiration from the era – Keep Calm merchandise, fridges, enamelware, spectacles and clothing, to name just a few.

Throughout Kent, photographers offer vintage and boudoir photo shoots, themed restaurants and cafes are popular and there are several dance groups focusing on burlesque, jive and swing techniques. Clearly, it’s cool to be retro!

Music is following a similar path, with many artists showing influences from jazz, blues, country, folk and rockabilly.

Dublin-born Imelda May is no stranger to these genres. From singing in Dublin’s Bruxelles Bar at the age of 16, Imelda moved to the UK and sang with swing and rhythm & blues bands.

Her big UK breakthrough came after she supported Jools Holland, who lives in Cooling near Rochester, on tour.

When an act pulled out of his Later… television show last minute in 2008, he requested Imelda take their place.

Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, who lives near Tunbridge Wells, saw her on the tour and she has worked with him on several occasions.

48

The past five years were incredibly busy for Imelda. Her music has appeared on television adverts and films, and she has appeared on several top chat shows on both sides of the pond. Her last album, Mayhem, was a Top 10 hit in the UK and she toured several countries, performing at many of the top festivals.

In 2012, Imelda and husband Darrel Higham, who is her guitarist, became the proud parents of baby Violet.

It seems fitting that there were plenty of vintage-inspired dresses and hairstyles present for Imelda’s gig at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge Wells, as the venue is celebrating its 75th year. Support came from Big Boy Bloater, who provided an excellent one-man blues set that went down well with the crowd. His solo show is quite different from his normal fare with backing group The Limits, with clever use of a live loop sampler.

After a short interval, Imelda appeared on stage to huge applause. The crowd

were delighted that Imelda showed off a dozen new songs, along with some of her classics. Her new material demonstrated the versatility of the new album. I Wanna Dance and title track Tribal showed rock and psychobilly influence, Round the Bend had a classic punk rock feel, whilst the atmospheric lighting on Little Pixie (penned by her brother) and Gypsy in Me transported the audience to a smoky Parisienne jazz club. Bassist Al Gare put down his stand-up bass (literally – he and Imelda sat on it!) to play ukulele on two songs in the encore, including Blondie’s Dreaming. It was a great evening and I would highly recommend both Imelda’s new album and Big Boy Bloater’s current one,The World Explained. Try to catch them live, too – you’ll be glad you did!

Tribal is released on 2 June. The first single, It’s Good to be Alive, is available on iTunes.

Imelda May www.imeldamay.co.uk Big Boy Bloater www.bigboybloater.com

GEEK

BY SELMA PAGE

[feature ]

2014 [GAMES EXPO EAST KENT]

As a final year marketing student at Canterbury Christ Church University, I had the pleasure of being invited to working with Marine Studios at GEEK 2014.

GEEK is now in its third year at the Margate Winter Gardens and continues to gain in popularity and reputation each year. I was manning their social media throughout the week of GEEK 2014 and got to experience all that GEEK had to offer.

I wouldn't be what anyone would call a ‘gamer’, my gaming experience to date is watching my big brother play Tomb Raider on PS1 and playing Angry Birds on my phone, but I was pleasantly surprised by GEEK; there was so much more to do than play video games.

There were arcade games with fruit controllers, talks, science, drawing and sewing workshops and shopping too!

My favourite thing about GEEK was the focus on fun and games. It wasn’t just a room full of boys playing Xbox, as one might expect. There were kids of all ages, and lots of parents and grandparents joining in too. I saw parents re-living their youth with all of the retro games, and plenty of parents and children playing together and learning from each other.

All three days at GEEK 2014 were amazing, and each had its own distinctive focus and feel. On Friday the Margate Games artists came in to launch their games and talk about their

experiences. These artists have been part of the Margate Games Residencies during January and February, with funding from the Arts Council. I had a go at the Laser Arcade, designed by installation artist Seb Lee-Delisle. It’s a very simple shooting gallery, with a Nerf Gun and a laser target. “Pheebs and Rwig” (otherwise known as Phoebe Marsh and Rebecca Wigmore) talked about their live action game based around Margate. Players were sent out with a camera, either analogue or digital, and given historic photos to recreate within an hour. The game took place on Friday and Saturday, producing some inspired results!

Saturday was Cosplay day, where hordes of people came dressed as their favourite games characters. The showcase was amazing with everyone getting up in front of the packed hall to show off their costume and do a skit. My favourite was the 2 ½ year old Superman!

GEEK 2014 had a strong Indie game focus, and the Indie Zone was at the heart of the Main Hall all weekend, with everyone trying out their games and talking to the independent developers. I got the chance to play “Timmy Bibbles Friendship Club”, the eventual winner of the GEEK 2014 People’s Choice Indie Game. It’s a four player game with

a simple premise, four imaginary friends having a battle in a sitting room, last one standing wins!

Sticky Sunday at GEEK meant family, fun, and stickiness. The Reading Fairy paid us a visit, and did some brilliant interactive storytelling with the very little kids, and talked to the grownups about encouraging reading and storytelling with their kids, and how technology can help. Later on the sticky games come out, Punch the Custard and Jelly Track and Field. These games are a fantastic example of how science, games, and silliness can come together to make endless fun; Jelly Track and Field is a video game controlled by tapping lumps of jelly, which meant jelly everywhere!

I got call up for “Punch the Custard” in which you have to literally punch a bowl of custard! The number of punches is recorded and on the screen, and the player with the most punches wins. Its definitely going on the list of weirdest things I’ve ever felt, but was great fun!

The whole experience of GEEK 2014 has been brilliant, the atmosphere was amazing, and I will definitely be bringing my friends with me next year!

I am very thankful to all the amazing people at GEEK and Marine Studios for letting me be a part of it all!

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[feature ]

LEE HURST

BY BRIAN DONALDSON

COMEDIAN LEE HURST PLAYED FOLKESTONE’S QUARTERHOUSE ON SATURDAY MARCH 1ST, AND WE GOT TO PUT A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS TO HIM AFTER THE GIG. Lee, your new tour “Things That Make You Go Aaarggh!!!” is definitely a quality spleen venter – some of the stuff about the influence of technology over our generation was not only very funny but also, quite thought provoking.

“I don’t have a mobile anymore, but I have a laptop at home. I use it as a news feed.

I feel like I’m in a zombie film, where I’m the last person alive who doesn’t have a mobile.When I got rid of my mobile, my friends went mental: ‘how can we contact you?’ ‘Well, I have a landline.’ ‘But what if you’re not in?’ ‘Then you can leave me a message.’ And they went into more and more ridiculous scenarios to place me in as a way of trying to convince me that I should have a mobile.”

You also admit to being on Twitter and Facebook, I guess if anyone heckles you online you get a bit longer to think up a reply than while doing stand up?

“I make a point of blocking anyone who slags me off or who disagrees with me about an issue. But it cracks me up to hear about people being bullied online: just block! I have no sympathy for them. If you are being bullied on the street for real, you can’t move. Online, you can just block them and if they set up a new account, just block that.

Simple. If only real life was like that, it would be brilliant.”

After a while away from live tours, you’re now in your third in as many years. I notice you threw the second half open to the audience, is this something new to your act?

To perform so much of the show unscripted? Surely that’s a little nerve-racking?

“What I learned from the last couple of tours was that by having the second half based around improv, I sustain myself much better throughout the whole run.This is a guess, but I think I’m slightly unique in that I worry less about the unknown than I do about the known.The second half is out of my hands, so why worry about it? I wouldn’t even try to call myself an eternal optimist, but I just trust it will all be OK.” You’re into your 50’s now and have seen a lot of comics come and go, what’s your opinion of the latest crop of British comic talent?

“I won’t bash young comics because we were all young once, but I have a feeling at the moment that there is a fast track process with comics and they don’t do their time and their apprenticeship: many of those in their 40s and early 50s now are a different class.You just need to have a bit of life behind you and get some stage time in.

Now, they’re bringing through comics and instantly loading them up with writers. I’ll always say that a writer-performer is better than a comic who is basically just acting out a script, with mechanical repetition.”

Lee, I notice you have a week off between your gig here in Folkestone and your next gig in Norwich – did you get any time to take a stroll along the harbour and take in the sea air?

I'm afraid I had to go straight home to bed.

I've managed to have a cold off and on since the start of the year and am trying to shake it off.

Many people of your generation used to often visit the Kent Coast on holiday, before the package holiday boom kicked in – did you ever visit these parts when you were a youngster, and if so, what are your memories of our seaside towns?

When I was a child my parents had a chalet in Leysdownon the Isle of Sheppey and we spent every summer weekend down there plus the holidays. I loved going there. Playing on the beach and on the amusements formed a massive part of my childhood and also provided a welcome break from the East End of London where I'm from. I continued going there until my late teens, but then I developed asthma and staying in the chalet used to bring it on. From that point I used to still go there, but only for day trips. My parents eventually bought a house on Sheppey and so obviously I go to visit quite regularly.

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Tenors Un Limited

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A Family Adventure

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Richard Herring

For Their Own Good

Swan Lake

Vienna Festival Ballet

W A Night of British Wrestling

Sat 5th Apr

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18th & 19th April

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Thurs 24th Apr

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[cover story ]

RICKYGERVAIS Controversial king of cringe or creative genius? The opinion of English comedian Ricky Gervais seems to be split between two extremes. The co-creator of hit mockumentary, The Office, Gervais, 52, is a dab hand at reinventing himself as radio presenter, chat show host, author, producer, pop and movie star. Whether you love or hate him, Gervais has proved his groundbreaking, yet controversial style is a winning formula for international success.

Gervais had a typical working class background. The youngest of four children; brothers Larry and Bob and sister Marsha, the actor had a humble upbringing in Berkshire. Gervais’s father, Lawrence ‘Jerry’ Gervais was a Canadian who emigrated to England during World War II and settled in the UK to work as a labourer. It was believed

that Lawrence met his future wife, Eva House during a blackout. The pair married and started a new life together in Whitley, a suburb of Reading.

Gervais was a studious child and earned himself a place at the prestigious University College London, a historic academic institution with notable

alumni including Alexander Graham Bell and Joseph Lister.

Gervais intended to study biology at the university but after a fortnight decided to change to philosophy, in which he earned a 2:1. It was during this time that the actor met his long term partner, Jane Fallon.

53

[cover story ] Gervais had a short stint as a pop star during his last year at university. Along with friend Bill Macrae, the pair formed new wave band, Seona Dancing. The pop duo were signed by London Records and released two singles; “Bitter Heart” and “More to Lose”. The singles never broke the top 40 in the UK, however, although the latter song proved popular in the Philippines.

After achieving his degree, Gervais spent several years working for the university as entertainments manager, booking bands to play at the Student Union. He also briefly managed the as yet unsigned band “Suede” prior to either of their eventual success.

In 1997 Gervais went to work at London radio station, XFM as “Head of Speech”. The aspiring radio star needed an assistant and hired media studies graduate, Stephen Merchant. A lucky twist of fate, Merchant reportedly got the job because his CV was the first on the pile and agreed to do all the mundane duties at the radio station.

Gervais had his own evening show at the station but left when XFM was bought out by another company.

Not one to give up on the fickle world of media, Gervais continued to seek comedy work and both wrote and appeared on BBC TV shows Bruiser and Golden Years. He landed a permanent role on successful comedy series, the 11 0’ Clock Show which led to his own chat show; “Meet Ricky Gervais” with radio companion, Stephen Merchant.

Although the talk show was short lived, the pair started to germinate ideas for one of the most popular British TV shows of all time.

In 1999 whilst on a BBC production course Merchant had to make his own short film and with the help of Gervais decided to make a docu-soap parody set in an office. The amateur tape was passed through the hands of BBC officials before landing in the lap of BBC Head of Comedy, Jon Plowman who agreed to commission a full pilot script.

The sitcom that followed, titled The Office featured Gervais as David Brent, a deluded, cringeworthy manager at a small paper company in Slough.

The series examined the relationship 54

Ricky Gervais & wife at the 69th Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. January 15, 2012 Beverly Hills, CA Picture: Paul Smith / Featureflash between Brent and his workmates in the style of a real documentary. The “warts and all” depiction of a mediocre workplace along with shaky hand held camerawork gave the mockumentary such convincing realism that many viewers were certain the show was real.

show in Sweden, France, Germany, Quebec and the United States, and has been exported wholesale to dozens of other countries. Gervais and Merchant were also executive producers of the hugely successful American version which ran for nine seasons.

The first series aired in 2001 on BBC2 with little fanfare, but word soon spread, and by the second series the show topped the BBC2 ratings. Achieving international acclaim, including two Golden Globes, The Office made Gervais and Merchant star writers overnight and spawned remakes of the

Gervais pulled the plug on the British series in 2003 after only two seasons.

He explained that if the comedy show continued, it would lose momentum and the quality of writing would decline.

One of the very few British comedians, writers or actors to ‘break America’, the launch of The Office in America meant

[cover story ]

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21, 2009: Ricky Gervais & partner Jane Fallon with Ashley Jensen & husband (left) at the premiere of "The Invention on Lying" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood.

Gervais became a sought-after actor on the silver screen. He had offers for roles in blockbusters such as Pirates of the Caribbean and The Da Vinci Code, but surprisingly turned them down.

all life topics with Merchant and Gervais frequently teasing Pilkington for his sour and disdainful attitude. The podcasts was later developed into an animated series and inspired the launch of TV series, An Idiot Abroad with Karl Pilkington.

In 2005 Gervais, along with writer and friend Stephen Merchant launched However for Gervais, his time as a brand new television series, Extras.

Hollywood darling would eventually Unlike the arrogant and somewhat fade. As the main protagonist in unloveable David Brent, in Extras, comedies Ghost Town and The Gervais played the pivotal role of Andy Invention of Lying in 2008 and 2009, Millman, a downtrodden, unsuccessful Gervais failed to create the same actor who braves wave of success and the gruelling life of His stand up shows eventually returned a movie extra with to television. He tried also contained best friend Maggie his hand at another risque topics, with Jacobs (played by mockumentary, Life’s Ashley Jensen). The Too Short with Gervais making offbeat comedy Davis in 2011 jokes about terminal Warwick became popular for its but the show which insightful look into the illness and other received a mostly fickle world of acting controversial topics. negative response and included a plethora from critics, and was of high profile cameos. Celebrities such cancelled after one season. Gervais’s as Ben Stiller, Daniel Radcliffe and latest TV show Derek, which focuses David Bowie made appearances on the on the life of a middle-aged careworker show and played exaggerated, fictional received mixed reviews for the representations of themselves. portrayal of a possibly autistic man and sparked debateabout whether Gervais From 2001 to 2005 Gervais had meant to cause offence or enlighten the produced a popular radio show, The audience about mental illness.

Ricky Gervais Show with Stephen Merchant and formerly unknown This was not the only time Gervais had radio producer, Karl Pilkington. From ruffled a few feathers. Once appearing 2005 the show continued as a podcast on a chat show the host asked him and became one of the most popular how he kept so trim and the actor downloads on the Internet. The podcasts replied ‘AIDS’. His stand up shows also feature discussions between the three on contained risque topics, with Gervais

making jokes about terminal illness and other controversial topics. As host of the Golden Globe Awards in 2010, Gervais created a stir by making fun of many Hollywood stars. Some viewers deemed his ribbing of Robert Downey Jnr and his former drug habit vulgar and witless, but despite his crude hosting talents, Gervais created more media attention around the awards than ever before and was duly invited back to host the event for the following two years.

Despite any controversy surrounding Gervais, he has proved himself to be a master of his trade. Not only appealing to adult humour, Gervais has written many childrens’ books including Flanimals, a book about imaginary animals. Gervais cites his inspiration for the book and its sequel, Flaminals Pop-Up came from the desire to work with animals at a young age.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Gervais has a busy year ahead of him. He is currently filming Night at the Museum 3 in Canada, he is one of the stars of this month’s big cinematic release, “Muppets Most Wanted”, and in May the actorcome-musician will tour the UK as alter ego David Brent and his band Foregone Conclusion. Ricky Gervais may be a somewhat polarizing character, but his success has been on his own terms, and he is rightly lionized as one of this country’s most ground breaking and pioneering comedians, producers, writers, and (via his wildly popular twitter feed) social commentators.

55

[food and drink ]

COASTAL CUISINE COAST RESTAURANT, HYTHE WORDS BY LEE BEHAN

When reviewing a restaurant, sometimes you can’t help have a preconceived view of the establishment even without having ever stepped foot through the door. For our visit to Coast we had no expectations of the restaurant, food, ambience or the staff - for me it had always been “that big imposing hotel on the seafront”.

Coast is housed in the Hythe Imperial hotel, engulfed by a sweeping golf course and a stone’s throw from the English Channel. I have a real affection for Hythe, but I’ve always felt it needs more dining establishments, so could this place be a positive addition?

We visited Coast on a warm Friday evening in March. My entourage consisted of my lovely lady and her mother (who was celebrating her 50 something birthday). As it was a special occasion we arrived by taxi so we could enjoy a glass or two of plonk.

On arrival, the hotel looked charming; green conifers adorned with twinkly lights, people lounging around outside on comfy seats and a warm glow radiating outwards from the inner 56

rooms. Once inside we were greeted by a newly refurbished and regal looking reception area, with a view to the restaurant in the distance.

The ladies headed to the bar for a pre-dinner tipple whilst I continued through the corridor and into the restaurant reception, where restaurant manager Jacob greeted me with a warm smile and a big heartfelt welcome to Coast restaurant. My request to delay proceedings whilst we enjoyed the bar, was met with a simple “no problem at all”. Whilst in reception I had a sneak peek into the restaurant, which ticked the box that said the place was clean, smart and newly refurbished.

The evening’s menu was also displayed via a back lit, jazzy glass case and what

immediately caught my eye was the ham hock & black pudding terrine; I knew this dish would set the tone for the whole menu; proper, robust, modern British fayre.

So drinks finished and lips sealed (never declare you’ve seen the menu to two hungry ladies or you’ll be hen pecked to reveal all its secrets), we headed into the restaurant.

A well lit room, clean white with blue finishings and a grand piano strategically placed within one corner, made for a lovely setting. Jacob eagerly explained the menu and the provenance of the ingredients which included meats from Huntelys of Tenterden and fish from the fabulous

[food and drink ]

beachside shop, Griggs. Many establishments claim to be local but most would find it hard to beat 500 meters from the sea and/or shop.Young chef Anthony Borley has really tried to put good, locally produced British food on the map, and the menu certainly delivered on this front.

The ladies focused on the edible options whilst I perused the extensive wine list, which spanned all the major wine producing countries and regions and delivered all the way through to dessert wine and port. We settled on a bottle of Chablis, safe but delicious.

The ladies deliberated over starters and finally settled on the goats cheese, breaded in an olive oil crumb and served with a roasted beetroot and chicory salad, and the simple but effective shell on tiger prawns with garlic and parsley butter; whilst I (yes you’ve guessed it) headed straight for the ham hock and black pudding terrine served with a light mustard dressing, spiced chutney and red chard salad. All dishes were received with the happy sounds of contentment. I had the pleasure of tasting all the dishes and was disappointed that there wasn’t a medley of the three starters on the menu; mostly because I’m just plain greedy. First course done, everyone happy and eager to see what the mains would deliver.

The ladies certainly weren’t shy and retiring in their main course selections, opting for roast rump of lamb with smoked paprika new potatoes, minted pea and artichoke relish, whilst the birthday girl (note the use of ‘girl’ as I try to redeem myself for declaring that she was celebrating a 50ish birthday) opted for the manly 28 day aged fillet steak with chunky chips, roasted vine tomatoes, mushrooms and garlic butter.

The request was to have the steak served ‘blue’, which arrived perfectly sealed with a browned fleshy crust and bright red beating heart at the centre.

Disappointed that both the ladies had opted for my manly main courses I headed to swine and the vey delicious pork fillet medallions which were pan fried with onions and garlic and served with peppercorn sauce and rosemary roasted potatoes. The dishes seem simple to cook but they really show the core skills of any chef. Blue steaks are nearly always under or over the diners preference and pork fillet can fool even the best chef by drying up in the pan and resembling a kind of pork leather.

I am delighted to report that both were cooked to perfection and with real skill, whilst the lamb was pink and perfectly succulent.

So all the dishes were consumed with gusto, the birthday girl was foiled by the size of the fillet, so I had it wrapped up to take home for breakfast the next

day – Yum! This was turning out to be a lovely evening with really good British cooking at the heart of it.

Plates cleared and our friendly waitress Saule presented the dessert menu which sang sweet things to us like deconstructed vanilla cheesecake, with harmonies delivered by the chocolate fondant with Chantilly cream.

However, we went for the encore of sticky toffee pudding with custard and ice cream. The ladies lamented how they couldn’t possibly even manage a spoonful and then devoured the plate leaving me with a morsel mouthful. I always make the faux pas of sharing, which always resonates in self loathing and regret. Having been a chef for the last 20 years I thought the sticky toffee pudding would be Anthony Borley’s Achilles heel, however it was light, unctuous and totally moreish and cocooned in a blanket of the most delicious sticky toffee sauce.

If I was being critical about Coast restaurant I’d say that asparagus shouldn’t be on a menu in the first week in March, as it almost definitely isn’t British, but then people love asparagus and I’m a pedantic old chef.

It would have also been great to have Frank Sinatra crooning to us over the grand piano with ‘I did it my way’, then again, I’m happy Coast did it their way!

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[food and drink ]

ROB BRIDGER Rob trained to be a chef for three years at East Kent College before going on to work at the Hilton Group. He moved to the Captain Digby fifteen years ago, and has been Head Chef since 2002. Rob has been General Manager for the past five years, and runs the business with his partner Kate.

SIMPLY SALMON

WITH WATERCRESS PESTO ON A WARM POTATO, SPINACH, & PICCOLO TOMATO SALAD

BY ROB BRIDGDER, HEAD CHEF, THE CAPTAIN DIGBY, KINGSATE

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 4)  4 X 6-7OZ SALMON SUPREME SKINLESS  OLIVE OIL  SALT & FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER FOR THE SEASONING  LEMON JUICE PESTO  2 CLOVES GARLIC  PINCH OF SALT  FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER  3 GOOD HANDFULS FRESH BASIL LEAVES, PICKED  1 HANDFUL OF WATERCRESS, WASHED  1 HANDFUL PINE NUTS,  1 GOOD HANDFUL PARMESAN CHEESE, FRESHLY GRATED (OR DRIED IF YOU HAVEN’T GOT FRESH)  2 TABLESPOONS OF EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL WARM POTATO, SPINCH, & PICCOLO TOMATO SALAD  4 GOOD HANDFULS OF SPINACH  8 PICCOLO TOMATOES HALVED  8OZ OF COOKED & SLICED NEW POTATOES  BALSAMIC VINEGAR 1OZ BUTTER

Method 1) F irst make the pesto. Using a food processor, mix basil and watercress with olive oil and blitz for 30 seconds.Then add the pinenuts, garlic, parmesan, salt & pepper. Mix until you get a smooth paste. If mixture is a little watery, add extra parmesan & pinenuts, If mixture is too thick add a little extra olive oil. Place in the fridge for approximately 2 hours to chill 2) Heat up grill to 180-200 degrees.

Season the salmon lightly and set it out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.

Coat the salmon with Olive oil.

Try not to move the salmon too much as it will cause it to fall apart. Place in a baking tray with lemon juice. Leave the salmon steak under the grill for a 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness.

3) After 8-10 mins take the salmon out from under the grill. Spread the pesto generously over the salmon and place back under the grill for a further 2-3 minutes and finish cooking the salmon while adding colour to the pesto.

4) While the salmon is under grill, prepare the salad. Melt the butter in a pan. Add the cooked, sliced potatoes and toss until warm, take off the heat and add the halved piccolo tomatoes and spinach and mix together.

5) When ready, place salad into a serving bowl. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and finish by carefully placing the salmon on the bed of salad.

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[food and drink ]

THe

C H A R L E S CD D I C K E N S P U B , K I TC H E N & D I N I N G R O O M S

FRESHLY PREPARED FOOD

LOCAL LY SOURCED INGREDIENTS NEW MENU EVERY DAY

AWA R D W I N N I N G B R OA D S TA I R S G AS T R O P U B ST U NNING V IE W S AC RO SS V IK ING BAY & B ROA DST A IRS HA RB O U R 5 - 6 V I C TO R I A PA R A D E , B R OA D S TA I R S , K E N T C T 1 0 1 Q S C A L L 0 1 8 4 3 6 0 3 0 4 0 TO B O O K YO U R TA B L E O R S AV E T I M E & B O O K O N L I N E : W W W.C H A R L E S D I C K E N S B R OA D S TA I R S .CO. U K

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[food and drink ]

LEE BEHAN Lee's love affair with food started at an early age, joining his Chef father in professional kitchens every spare weekend or holiday available. At the tender age of 13 he cooked dessert for a list of dignitaries which included HRH Princess Anne; opting for a seasonal Summer Pudding with clotted cream.

As he notes himself "it involved no real cooking". Lee has had the opportunity to cook with many of the UK's leading chef's including Mark Hix, Anna Hansen MBE and Gizzie Erksine; celebrities such as actress and designer Sadie Frost, singer Boy George and Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci have all enjoyed Lee's food via varied & epic fundraising dinners.

LEMON POSSET WITH LEMON SHORTBREAD

BY LEE BEHAN

INGREDIENTS FOR THE POSSET

Method for the posset

3) Grease a muffin tray with butter.

 600ML/1 PINT 1FL OZ DOUBLE CREAM

1) p lace the cream and the sugar into a large pan over a low heat and bring to the boil slowly. Boil for three minutes, then remove from the heat and allow to cool.

2) Add the lemon juice and zest and whisk well.

4) Divide the dough up and roll into small balls. Place the balls into the muffin cups, flattening the tops slightly with your fingers.The dough should come about one third of the way up the side of each muffin cup to give a nice proportion to the finished biscuit.

3) P our the lemon cream mixture into six large serving glasses and refrigerate for three hours.

5) Transfer to the oven and bake the shortbreads for 8-12 minutes, until they are a light golden colour.

4) P reheat the oven to 180C/355F/Gas 4.

Method for the shortbread

6) Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, then, using your thumb, make a small indentation into the top of each biscuit.

1) F or the shortbread, sift the icing sugar, flour and cornflour together into a bowl and add the ground almonds.

7) Let the shortbreads cool for a few minutes, then turn the mould over and tap the shortbreads out.

2) Transfer the flour mixture to a food processor. Add the butter and pulse until there are no visible lumps of butter. Add the almond essence. Pulse again, then turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and bring together to form a smooth dough.

8) When all the shortbreads are baked and cooled, dust the tops with icing sugar.

Fill the indentations in the biscuits with lemon curd.

 150G/5OZ CASTER SUGAR  2 LARGE LEMONS, ZEST AND JUICE ONLY FOR THE LEMON SHORTBREAD  90G/3½OZ ICING SUGAR  185G/6½OZ PLAIN FLOUR  60G/2½OZ CORNFLOUR  30G/1OZ GROUND ALMONDS  250G/9OZ BUTTER, CUT INTO CUBES, PLUS EXTRA FOR GREASING  2 DROPS ALMOND ESSENCE  75G/3OZ LEMON CURD  ICING SUGAR, FOR DUSTING

To serve, place the lemon possets onto plates with a shortbread on-top 61

[food and drink ]

A FEAST IN THE VALLEY THE MARQUIS AT ALKHAM

BY PETER NICHOLS

The Marquis at Alkham has a reputation as one of the finest restaurants in East Kent, and, as a winner of Taste of Kent’s “Restaurant of the Year” as well as being one of only half a dozen restaurants in the entire county to boast 3 coveted AA rosettes, it is a reputation well deserved.

Nestled in the heart of the Alkham Valley, an oasis of tranquillity and recognised as “an area of outstanding natural beauty”, The Marquis is one of seventeen Grade II listed buildings in the area. Although the Valley is easily accessible from two major towns (Dover and Folkestone), it is secluded enough to be considered a real getaway for those wishing to escape the monotony of the daily grind. It was also a brave investment on behalf of its current owners who wisely gambled that the quality of the restaurant would 62

be sufficiently desirable to encourage folk to consider it worth the journey!

The gastronomic accolades bestowed on the Marquis can be largely attributed to the talents of Head Chef Charlie Lakin, who has been at the helm since the Marquis (a hostelry for over 200 years, formerly known as The Marquis of Granby) underwent a radical facelift in 2008, transforming it from a somewhat lacklustre village pub to a five star “restaurant with rooms”.

Since the initial “facelift” back in 2008,

further improvements have been made to the Marquis, the most significant of which was the addition a couple of years ago of a new annexe attached to the main building housing an additional five sumptuous rooms.

While the focus of the Marquis is undoubtedly the food, the accommodation is certainly nothing to be sniffed at; the AA aren’t in the business of handing out five star ratings to just anyone you know. Each of the ten rooms, all named after an important character in the history of the Alkham

[food and drink ] The starter was Ham Hock with goat’s curd, rocket and wheat flakes and a beetroot puree - a fantastically presented dish. Thankfully the flavour was equal to the aesthetics and as such it was gone all too quickly.

has its own distinct character, and the feel is very much more “boutique chic” than “humdrum homogeny”.

The rooms offer contemporary styling and maximum comfort, with huge comfy beds, tasteful furniture, and excellent facilities, with each room replete with en-suite bathrooms with underfloor heating, luxury toiletries, Egyptian cotton towelling and monsoon power showers. They also come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate your own individual taste and budget. We were lucky enough to experience the wonderful De Palmier Suite, with its separate living and sleeping spaces and a wonderful view over the village green (although staying, as we did, after the recent flash floods, the village green had become the village lake – more likely to appeal to local fisherman than the village cricket XI) We were invited to The Marquis to review their latest offer, which includes the four course evening taster menu, a night’s accommodation, and breakfast for two.

The taster menu changes on a daily basis and is prepared using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients. Kent boasts an enviable selection of fabulous produce, with fresh fish and seafood just a stone’s throw away, and with a bountiful selection of local meats, veg, fruit and nuts all more or less on the Marquis doorstep there is little need (or desire) for Charlie to look elsewhere. In fact, if you’re lucky you might find Mr Lakin foraging for garlic or horseradish in the surrounding countryside for the evening’s menu!

The Red Bream fish course was a delight, well-seasoned, with crispy skin and served in a saffron sauce. The portion was generous and I would have happily chosen this as a main course.

With the amuse bouche of butternut squash veloute with truffle crème fraiche we had been served between courses, I was beginning to think that it was just as well we hadn’t opted for the six course taster menu!

The main course offered two takes on beef from Di Smith’s renowned “Moomin” herd, which is located a mere stone’s through from The Marquis at Sladden Farm a few hundred yards up the road. We were served braised chuck of Dexter beef alongside an individual steak pie with stockpot carrots and scurvy grass mash – the scurvy grass being of course foraged

by Chef ’s own fair hands from the surrounding countryside. Dexter beef is a superb meat, tender, intensely flavourful and quite rightly the top pick for Chefs around the country.

By the time dessert came around my appetite was all but sated. However, I was unlikely to turn down the “Chocolate Marquis” with Sea Buckthorn berry sorbet. A soft, chocolately, creamy and rich dessert with the sorbet on hand to cleanse the palate – a superb way to end a first class dining experience.

As well as the food, we couldn’t fault the service. The waiting staff were keen, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about their work. I also noticed frequently throughout the meal they would engage with customers warmly and showed a natural flair for customer service and were certainly mature beyond their years (or perhaps I am getting old – yes, it’s more likely this).

We’d also like to extend our gratitude to the Marquis cocktail waiter, Brandon, who was happy to pass on the tips and tricks he’s learnt along the way to create some of the oh-so-delicious alcoholic masterpieces we treated ourselves to at the bar.

We took a relatively late breakfast (served until 10am), in order to sleep off the previous night’s excesses, and the full English breakfast was very much the order of the day for us. For those wanting a lighter start to the day there is plenty of choice. As well as the full English there are the traditional selection of cereals, waffles, porridge, a range of cured meats and local cheeses, smoked salmon, pastries, fresh juices, and smoothies – all included in the price of the overnight deal.

With prices of an overnight stay for two, including the four course taster menu and breakfast for two starting from just £149 this is an offer I seriously cannot promote highly enough. With almost £100 worth of world class food to be devoured and a luxurious night in a five star establishment this is cheap at half the price!

For our four course taster menu consisted of a starter, fish course, main course and dessert.

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[food and drink ]

THE Captain Digby FAMILY PUB, RESTAURANT & CLIFFTOP BEER GARDEN

HOME-cooked food

All freshly prepared on site using local ingredients ................................................

great coffee, excellent wine & superb real ale ................................................

Indoor & outdoor Childrens ‘pirates’ playground The Captain DIgby - WhitEness Road, Kingsgate, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 3QH Book now on: 01843 867 764 WWW.captaindigby.co.uk

LOCAL SEAFOOD Express Lunch 2 Courses

£10

Evening Dining

Open Mon, Wed - Sunday Free Parking Royal Harbour Brasserie 1-2.indd 1

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06/03/2014 10:15

[food and drink ] Renee's Health Food Tips

COURGETTE

PASTA

With Hollywood movies stars such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Woody Harrelson and world champion tennis star Venus Williams advocating a raw food diet for themselves and there family. Are you thinking fad or fact?

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

As a raw nutrition coach, many people come to me for weight loss and think that by “going Raw” as it is commonly referred to, is the answer to all of their weight problems. A new trendy diet to latch on to. For me as a coach it is all about increasing the amount of fresh raw fruit, vegetable, nuts and seeds into a person’s diet. Showing how your health can improve through healthy raw alternatives such as courgette pasta, raw lasagne and even delicious desserts such as raw coconut cake. It’s not just about eating to lose weight, this is a lifestyle change that has for me and hundreds of my clients, altered our long term health and impacted our lives by offering increased energy, improved sleep, reduced stress, increased positivity and a boost to your immune system.

Since I began coaching five years ago, I have seen raw food cafes and restaurants popping up all over the UK, the media are writing about it, celebrities endorsing it and many more people looking to combined this healthier way of eating into their everyday lives. The message, that eating raw can improve your health, is finally coming across. With so many of my clients taking on my 50/50 rule, I am seeing amazing results. I am not and never will be a 100% raw foodie, for me it’s all about balance.

Now what I really want to help clear up with the myth of raw food diet.

Raw doesn’t just mean uncooked, it means not processed, purified or refined, eating in its natural state. If you have a balanced diet, yet mindfully consume an abundance of natural raw fruit and vegetables, you will be rewarded with increased health and Vitality.

If you have a peeler or a Madeline, then slice into small strips, or if you have a spiralator you can make it into really thin spaghetti like strips.  Serve 1 courgette for each person  Tomato and basil pasta sauce (4 portions)  1 cup sundried tomatoes soaked for 2 hours  1 cup fresh tomatoes diced  ½ cup fresh basil  1 tbsp agave syrup  1 tsp cayenne pepper Blend all the ingredients in a high speed blender and pour over your courgette pasta.

This dish is served cold and is a delicious lunch, I often toss some pumpkin seeds over the top for an extra nutritional twist.

One of my favourite recipes I’d like to share with you is Courgette pasta.

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[food and drink ]

BROADSTAIRS SPRING FESTIVAL 2014 It’s back – bigger, bolder and brighter ! The Broadstairs Spring Fair will be opening its doors for three days of fun, food and Easter bonnets on Saturday 19th April.

The event takes place in Pierremont Park, High Street, Broadstairs, from 10am to 5pm, on Saturday 19th to Monday 21st April – and best of all, it is free! The event is staged by Broadstairs Food Festival CIC as spin-off from the well-renowned October Food Fair.

(Oct 3rd – 5th 2014).

“The Spring Fair was started last year in response to local requests for an Easter Fair,” Jo Scott, Festival Director. “Previously, a ‘Continental’ market had popped up over the weekend – but with such a wealth of wonderful regional produce, it made perfect sense to support and promote Kent producers instead of Londonbased traders.”

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Easter 2013 fell almost as early as it possibly could and the weather was less than kind to the inaugural event.

Kerry Millett,Volunteer Co-ordinator, “We were putting marquees up in the teeth of a snow storm, and taking them down in blasts of Viking wind.

Our poor team of volunteers needed mittens and mugs of cocoa to keep them going.” With Easter so much later this year, the organisers are hoping for snowdrops rather than snowfall.

Despite the poor weather, the event was a great success with around 12,000 visitors braving the conditions. This year hopes to build on that initial wave with more exhibitors and stall holders booked to attend the 2014 event, with a continued emphasis on

locally sourced, sustainable produce.

The weekend promises to be a mouthwatering three day offering with ample opportunity to taste and purchase a whole range of deliciousness: local game, cheese, cider, beer, potted herbs and the freshest of breads. Hot food choices roam the world, using Kent ingredients to produce offerings from Thailand, India, Portugal, Poland, Hungary and France. The eclectic selection includes sweet and savoury crepes, freshly cooked fish, stews and soups, venison sausages, wild boar burgers, curries, honeys, pickles and pies – yum!

No self-respecting food fair would be complete without a good choice of beverages so there will be the usual

[food and drink ]

MARGATE SMOKEHOUSE DELIVERING THE FINEST QUALITY SMOKED PRODUCE. Unit 3 Jarretts Yard Margate Kent CT9 1BW

07585004810 Twitter: @_SmokeHouse_ Facebook: Margate Smokehouse

WarnerWines Providers of fine wines from around the world, unusual single malts from Scotland, liqueurs not regularly available in shops. I offer home tastings on all products.

RUSTIC YET REFINED Find out more about our ciders & where you can buy, taste and enjoy

Contact: Brian Warner Tel: 07803 695662 Email: winemanwarner@btinternet.com Twitter: @WarnerWine

kentcider.co.uk

info@kentcider.co.uk | 01795 521 317

Kent-Cider-154x216.indd 1

07/08/2013 08:11

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[food and drink ] In support of the event, the festival will be hosting a celebration fund-raising supper in the seaview restaurant at East Kent College on April 15th. Billed as the “Garden of Kent Supper” the menu features five delicious courses using Kent ingredients. Tickets for the evening are available for a very competitive £30 per person. If you have not tried the college restaurant before, you are in for a real treat.

suspects alongside some new offerings from bottle to barrel. The Four Candles micropub and Taste of Kent award winners Ramsgate Brewery and Kent Cider, will on hand, alongside Core Fruit with fresh apple and pear juices. Much loved favourites from the October festival will be there, alongside newcomers Kent Crepes, Dungeness Fish Hut, Red Bean Coffee and Margate Smokehouse. Thanet Farmers Market, the latest addition to

the monthly market scene, will be hand to chat about their new venture, too.

Of course, Easter would not be Easter without a Bonnet parade – and the organisers are not ones to break that tradition. Everyone is invited to pop on a bonnet for the grand parade of hats at 2.30pm on Easter Monday. Prizes will be given for the most colourful, most floral and most unusual – no holds barred! (See website for full details).

For more details of the Spring or October Fair (October 3rd – 5th ) or to book tickets for the Garden of Kent supper, contact : Jo Scott, info@ broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk, 01843 871102. www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk Free entry. 10am – 5pm.

April 19th – 21st Garden of Kent Supper April 15th For details contact Jo Scott, 08143 871102 / 07866 857 088 info@broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk

www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk

Fabulous 3 day Festivals 19th - 21st April 3rd - 5th October

Garden of Kent Supper at East Kent College 15th April

Gala Dinner

30th September Broadstairs Food Festival is operated on a not-for-profit basis 68

Enquiries : info@broadstairsfooodfestival.org.uk | 01843 871102

| 07866 857 088 .

[food and drink ]

THANET FARMERS’ MARKET Spring & Summer Market Dates

Spring Market Dates Sunday 13th April Sunday 9th February Sunday 11th May th Sunday Sunday 98thMarch June th April Sunday 13 Sunday 13th July Sunday 11th May Sunday 10th August 9:30-1:00 9:30 - 1:00

Locally produced food & drink, guest craft stalls and Market Café. Free parking.

THE MARLOWE ACADEMY Marlowe Way, Ramsgate CT12 6NB

Email: info@thanetfarmersmarket.co.uk Website: www.kfma.org.uk/Thanet

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Make it Memorable.

Make it The Minnis.

Overlooking one of the finest beaches on the North Kent Coast, The Minnis Bar and Restaurant is a relaxed, stylish restaurant that offers a truly outstanding a la carte dining experience. With spectacular sunsets and panoramic views across Minnis Bay, diners can expect fine, innovative, English cuisine in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

The Minnis Bar & Restaurant Minnis Bay, Birchington

01843 841844

www.theminnis.co.uk

[travel ]

WATER,WATER EVERYWHERE

Think of the concept of holidays and what are the first words that spring to mind? For many of us it’s the perennial sun, sand and sea. But not everyone is happy to simply laze on a sun lounger on their precious days off; many of us prefer exploration and adventure, and to literally and metaphorically immerse ourselves in something new. So as the rejuvenating properties of a swim and a soak can’t be denied take your inspiration from this round-up of unusual and alternative ways to be a water baby on your travels, which take you way beyond the beach...

IN THE SEA: BE A DAREDEVIL CLIFF DIVER AT ARIEL’S POINT, BOROCAY ISLAND, THE PHILIPPINES

There’s a real sense of adventure about wading through the crystal clear waters of the picture-postcard White Beach to board a boat which will take you to the dedicated cliff diving site at Ariel’s Point.

The short and spacious boat ride across the Sulu Sea gives you a chance to mentally prepare for a day of action as you reach a private spot where volcanic rock formations and mangroves play host to five cliff-diving platforms; from a starter-sized board at a manageable 3 meters to the highest at a gulpinducing 13 meters, with 5,6 and 7 metre options in between.

There are also kayaks and snorkelling gear on offer for those who decide that jumping off a cliff isn’t for them after

all, and the day out includes unlimited food from the Filipino barbeque and all your drinks – though you might want to time your consumption, especially of the alcoholic variety, just right if you plan on tackling the high dives.

A 5 hour day trip to Ariel’s Point including boat trip, food and beverages, use of snorkelling and kayaking gear and as many cliff jumps as you want costs 2000 PHP (around £27) and depart daily at 11.15 a.m. from Ariel's House near Boat Station 1 on White Beach.

www.itsmorefuninthephilippines.com & www.arielspoint.com 71

[travel ] AT THE SPA: SOAK AWAY YOUR SIGHTSEEING-SORE LIMBS AT MARE TERMALE, BOLOGNA, ITALY

There’s nothing like a city break to inspire a sense of excitement – and here in Emilia Romagna’s buzzing university city of Bologna you’ll be endlessly exploring the maze of medieval streets and climbing the city’s famous Due Torri (Two Towers) as well as searching for nutty parmesan cheese, tangy balsamic vinegar, genuine gelato and authentic parma ham – in fact all the mouth-watering foods you associate with Bella Italia originate in this region.

What you may not associate with Italy is the concept of thermal baths - but Italians take the health benefits of thermal waters almost as seriously as their pasta, and the first public spa in Bologna was built by Emperor Augustus back in the first century AD. With all the pavement-pounding and belly-filling action of your trip to this historic city an aquatic combination of exercise and muscle-soothing at Mare Termale (literally, thermal sea) is just what the doctor ordered – and as well as the fitness and wellbeing benefits there is a salon-style spa here too, so you can book yourself in for a relaxing massage or facial while you’re in town.

A visit to Mare Termale costs from 12€ (£10) for the first hour, then 3€ for every further 30 minutes. A full day entrance (over 4h) is 30€.

For more info visit: www.visitemiliaromagna.com/en & www.maretermalebolognese.it

IN HOT SPRINGS: SWIM AND STEAM AT THE SERENE HARRISON HOT SPRINGS, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

One of Canada’s best known hot springs, Harrison has a reputation as a haven for relaxation amongst the stunning nature of British Columbia. The village of Harrison Hot Springs is on a land mass almost entirely surrounded by water – from the Harrison River and lake to the west and north to the mighty Fraser River to the south – and bordered by fertile farmland which gives ample opportunity for locally-produced farm-fresh fare.

There are 9 and 18-hole golf courses on which to play, and hikes and boat trips are popular excursions, but most come here to simply unwind and soak in the hot springs themselves, which are within the area’s historic resort, itself drawing visitors since the late 1800’s.

There are five natural hot spring-fed pools in which to relax, some alfresco so you can soak up the views of the mountains by day and the stars by night (the pools are open late into the evening) while enjoying the steaming waters. The indoor baths are set within a serene and tranquil environment that will leave you floating back to your room and there’s also a full service spa onsite, Healing Springs, perfect if you want to add a treatment to your weekend-away wish list.

Time your visit to Harrison during autumn and you’ll also have a chance to take in another water-based wonder: at this time of year millions of salmon

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[travel ] return to the Harrison River to spawn, and with them come up to 10,000 bald eagles who migrate to this area to feast on the plentiful fish, making this one of the best eagle watching spots in the world.

The indoor pools at Harrison Hot Springs are open from 5am until 1am and the outdoor pools from 8am until 10 and 11pm. Accommodation at the resort starts from $119 CAD (£65) for the Sunday to Thursday ‘Hot Dates’ package, and regular room rates are $179 CAD (pool view) or $189 CAD with a lake view (around £100). Eagle watching tours on the Harrison River cost from $69 CAD (approximately £37) per person.

For more info visit: www.tourismharrison.com & www.harrisonresort.com & www.harrisonecotours.com

AT A LAGOON: COVER YOURSELF IN SILICA AT THE BLUE LAGOON, ICELAND

Probably Iceland’s most well-known offering - after Bjork that is - the Blue Lagoon is a rare thing: a place that really lives up to the hype. Just a 20-minute drive from the country’s main airport, Keflavik, the location of this geothermal spa is a dream as an antidote to jetlag or a preplane pick-me-up.

The unique and little-known fact about these particular waters is that unlike everywhere else on our list they’re not a natural phenomenon at all – in fact it wasn’t until a pool of waste water formed at the Svartsengi geothermal power plant and local people began to discover the benefits of bathing in it in the early 1980’s that this site became a mecca for those in search of healing waters.

This inauspicious start belied a glowing future - today it’s easy enough to while away hours on end here – the pools are renewed with fresh water every two days and kept around a soothing 100 °F and the white silica mud is

placed in tubs around the entirely outdoor complex ready for you to smother it all over your skin and wait for the famous results.

You’ll probably want to stop in at the gift shop too – the Blue Lagoon has its own signature range of beauty products which allow you to keep the experience going long after you’ve left.

Adult entrance to the Blue Lagoon is 35 Euros, or 40 Euros during the height of summer (around £28 - £32) though accompanying children under 13 can visit free of charge.

Extras like towels and bathrobes do cost a fee, and there’s a reasonably-priced and well-stocked onsite café in which to have lunch. The pools are generally open from 10am-8pm with extended opening hours in the summer.

For more info visit: www.visiticeland.com & www.bluelagoon.com 73

[fashion ]

ALL TAKEN FROM A SELECTION OF DESIGNERS AT FENWICKS, CANTERBURY

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[fashion ]

FANTASIE SEA-BREEZE BRA £43 THONG £23

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[fashion ]

FANTASIE VIVIENNE-SILVER BRA £38 BRIEF £20.50

GOSSARD BRA £29 THONG £12 SUSPENDER £18 76

[fashion ]

FREYA TROPICS-PARADISE PLUNGE BRA £33 SHORT £12.50 77

[fashion ]

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FREYA PATSY-FUCHSIA PLUNGE BRA £31 BRIEF £15.50

[fashion ]

FREYA MARVEL-GLACIER BRA £30 BRIEF £16 79

[fashion ]

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GOSSARD FLOWERRUSH CAMI (MODEL 2) £28 SHORTS (MODEL 2) £21 BRA (MODEL 1) £34 BRIEFS (MODEL 1) £16

[fashion ]

GOSSARD LACE LOLLIPOP BRA £29 THONG £12 SUSPENDER £18

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colour… [health and beauty]

CHANGING YOUR HAIR

BY JENNIFER BAKER, OBSESSIONS SALON RAMSGATE

So spring is about to burst through our curtains and we will all soon be thinking about updating our winter hair colour, but where do we start….

Choosing a salon is scary, “they don’t know my hair”, “stylists always get it wrong” or “I simply don’t have the time” are all factors that have us running to a chemist to buy a home dye kit and needing to swiftly spring clean our bathrooms shortly after.

My name is Jennifer and I’m going to share with you what I believe is special about our salon.

The main points that differentiate Obsessions from other salons and what makes us leading colour experts within our area are:

 Firstly you will need a skin test.

No reputable salon should EVER colour a guest’s hair without one. Our complementary 15min appointments are a great way to meet the team, we hold a full visual and verbal consultation designed to fully understand your parameters and what you want to achieve.

Giving you safe knowledge that we understand you.  All of our team are colour trained to a high standard and we are proud of our continuous training program  We only use high quality Paul Mitchell products. Their XG, XG Shines and Lightening products all contain a protection system adding condition and shine while activating and their pure micro-molecular

technology ensures shiny long lasting colour.  We know that most people are timepoor so we offer a “No-Faff ” colour service designed to have you in and out of the chair in an hour or grab a G+ service structured to cover grey in-between colour services a smudge of colour is applied over the visible hairline and will take 45mins.

Professional blow-dry upgrades can be added to your appointment although not necessary. We also provide guests with Wifi so they can work or simply catch up with friends during their appointment.  We will teach you how to style your hair and how to look after your new colour. Our guests love our informative advice sessions while we blow-dry, learning tips and tricks from a professional means you’ll have more good hair days.

I GUESS YOU STILL HAVE ONE QUESTION – ARE WE ANY GOOD? Well, we have been in business 8 strong years. We expanded two years ago after outgrowing our first salon, we have just completed a beautiful refit and we are part of the 365 hairdressing group where I am also part of the training team.

We are passionate about hair and Obsessed with detail.

To book an appointment or consultation with me or my team call the reservations team on 01843 852662 Or check our website out obsessionssalon.co.uk 82

FA S H I O N

G O E S

POP CELEBRATE SPRING WITH BOLD CONTRAST COLOURS AND CATWALK-INSPIRED BRIGHTS

JAEGER £225 OUTLET PRICE £149

The fashion forecast is bright with the new season’s rainbow palette – choose from vivid pinks, rich oranges, brilliant blues and dazzling yellows. Inject some colour into your wardrobe at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford where you can pick up the latest items and accessories from your favourite designer brands – all for up to 60% less.

GAP OUTLET OUTLET ONLY £24.99

FOSSIL £69 OUTLET PRICE £16.99

FOSSIL £85.50 OUTLET PRICE £39.99

LACOSTE £90 OUTLET PRICE £45

PHASE EIGHT £130 OUTLET PRICE £90

KURT GEIGER £75 OUTLET PRICE £49

ENTRY LEVEL

I N T E R M E D I AT E

M&S OUTLET £15 OUTLET PRICE £6.50

RADLEY £189 OUTLET PRICE £132

AshfordDesignerOutlet.com Product is subject to availability. All prices are correct at time of going to print.

FA S H I O N I S TA

KURT GEIGER SHOE EXCLUSIVE TO MCARTHURGLEN OUTLET PRICE £79

& trends FASHION

[fashion ]

BY DEBORAH EASTLAKE

OUTFIT ONE: LARGER HIPS Minimise your larger hips by wearing neutral colours on this part of your body. We have completed this outfit with bright spring colours perfect for this time of year and for drawing the eye away from other parts of your body.

Clarks orange pumps RRP £34.99 Outlet price £24.99

Fossil yellow bracelet RRP £25 Outlet price £8.99

Marks and Spencer orange strip jumper RRP £12 Outlet price £8.50 Marks and Spencer denim skirt RRP £25 Outlet price £12.50

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.

OUTFIT TWO: LONG LEGS Show off your longer legs with skinny jeans and team with this lovely single breasted floral jacket from Marks. Make sure the jacket covers your bottom and wear the crossover bag at your hip.

Guess blue jeans RRP £111 Outlet price £55.50

Marks and Spencer floral jacket RRP £55 Outlet price £27.99 84

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.

Radley overbody bag RRP £119 Outlet price £83 Marks and Spencer pink metallic court shoe RRP £25 Outlet price £15

[fashion ] Fossil green necklace RRP £69 Outlet price £19.99

OUTFIT THREE: PETITE FIGURE Pick a solid colour dress that finishes at the knee or above, we have put together two bright pastel colours, the dress and the necklace. The necklace will draw the eye up to your neckline and help to balance your body shape.

Guess pink bag RRP £123 Outlet price £73.50

REISS pink dress RRP £169 Outlet price £112

Clarks nude court shoe RRP £39.99 Outlet price £24.99

OUTFIT FOUR: HOURGLASS FIGURE Accentuate your smaller waist with a dress that highlights what you have got! Hide any larger hips under your full skirt and add accessories your outfit to balance, we love this French Connection dress that you can find in store today.

OUTFIT FIVE: ATHLETIC SHAPE Create a curve to your figure by wearing this peach dress from Jaeger, the tailored skirt and cowel neck line will give you a little volume in all the right places. Team with a metallic accessory to complete this feminine look.

Marks and Spencer Pink metallic court shoe RRP £25 Outlet price £15 French Connection blue dress RRP £79 Outlet price £29

Jaeger peach capped sleeve dress RRP £199 Outlet price £139

Clare’s earrings RRP £4.50 Outlet price £2

Radley Tula silver wallet RRP £49 Outlet price £24.50

Fossil gold bag RRP £109 Outlet price £69.99

contact us

Watch Station Michael Kors watch RRP £209 Outlet price £134.99

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

Fossil sunglasses RRP £59 Outlet price £34.99

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[food and drink ]

Jennifer Baker Timeless hair that you will love forever For all your bridal party needs

16 York Street Ramsgate CT11 9DS T: 01843 852 662 Obsessionssalon.co.uk

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[health and beauty]

Make informed decisions BEFORE GOING UNDER THE KNIFE.

Cosmetic surgeons at BMI The Chaucer Hospital in Canterbury are encouraging people looking into cosmetic surgery options to take great time and care when making the decision to go under the knife. need as much information about you as possible to make an informed assessment. The consultation should be with the consultant surgeon who will be performing your procedure.You’ll need to talk through your medical history and should be asked some psychologically probing questions.

There will also be an examination.

Your surgeon can then advise you as to what the surgery would involve, including the risks and pitfalls.

• Visit the hospital: Get an idea of where you’ll be treated, the hospital and its facilities. It is important that you gain a visual perspective of where you’ll be staying and who’ll be caring for you.

It comes as the hospital’s patient enquiry centre has experienced a 162% increase in enquiries from patients looking to undergo a cosmetic procedure, since the start of the year.

Since the beginning of January 2014, BMI The Chaucer Hospital’s patient enquiry centre has seen increases in a number of procedures including: • Breast augmentation - 321% • Breast lift – 227% • Facelift – 313% • Neck lift – 320% • Nose reshaping procedures – 283% The increases are likely due to people adopting the “New Year New You” ethos.

The team at BMI The Chaucer Hospital is offering the following advice: • Speak to your GP: They are an important source of advice and information. Good surgeons will want to work closely with your GP to ensure that they know your medical history and are kept informed about the surgery that you are having and any clinical examinations that have been performed.

•C heck your surgeon’s credentials: Choose a Consultant Surgeon ensure they are on the specialist register of the General Medical Council, which ensures quality in medical practice. Ask if they are a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and make sure they regularly perform the type of procedure you are interested in, and that they work for a trusted hospital group.

• Do your research: If a price sounds ‘too good to be true’, it generally is.

In the current climate it is even more important not to make a decision based solely on price. Don’t be pressurised because of a discount or special offer. Talk to people who have had the procedure you’re interested in.

•G et a price: The hospital should offer a fixed price package, which should include hospital fees, surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees, implant costs and all aftercare including dressings.

• Take your time: Embarking on cosmetic surgery is not something that should be rushed into. A good surgeon will not take a booking on the day of consultation, they will give you a ‘cooling off ’ period so that you can thoroughly consider your options and talk to your friends and family to help you in the decision making process.

• On-going support: Ask about postoperative visits and aftercare. Make sure you are offered follow up appointments with the surgeon performing your surgery. Ask what happens if things don’t go to plan. In the event of acute complications arising post-surgery, the hospital should be able to resolve them at no extra cost.

For more information on the cosmetic procedures available at BMI The Chaucer Hospital please visit: www.bmicosmetic.co.uk or call BMI The Chaucer Hospital on 0800 092 8728

• Consultation preparation: Ask any questions you have; be honest and frank with your surgeon as they 87

[days out ]

THERE’S A NEW

SPA IN TOWN! After the full renovation of The Canterbury Hotel in Wincheap, we sent our resident health and beauty guru Amy McManus to explore their new Rose Garden Spa and see what they have to offer.

You know me; I’m a stickler when it comes to spas. I know what I like and how things should be done. So, when I find a place that’s doing it right I want to shout about it! So here you go, here’s me shouting, because I love this new spa. Not only do they offer products and treatments from my favourite marine experts Thalgo, but from the moment you step in to the building you are greeted by smiles and made to feel comfortable and important. This is exactly what you want and should expect during a spa visit, no matter how small the treatment you are having.

Each of the Rose Garden Spa’s newly refurbished treatment rooms are completely private and have their own modern bathroom.What a lovely touch to ensure that you are completely encompassed in your own private haven and don’t have to step outside of it for your entire time there. Feeling rather tired and puffy eyed I went for the Thalgo Eye Touch treatment. My therapist was just lovely and very knowledgeable on the products she was using.

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The Thalgo Eye Touch treatment began with cleansing around the eye area and a gentle massage using a specific eye concentrate. I was then introduced to The Thalgo Eye Massage Mask Machine! I’m not going to lie, it looks like a pair space age snow goggles and you feel like something out of Star Trek while wearing it, but the results are totally worth it. The machine is used in conjunction with the appropriate eye products and either a warm or cold gel mask underneath to massage the eye contour area. The machine vibrates and pulses on various settings (rather like a massage chair for the eyes) and feels fabulous.

To finish I was given a lovely application of Thalgo’s Silicium Eye Cream. The result is, without a doubt, an instant rejuvenation of the eye contour area.

My previous puffiness had gone and the dark circles had been replaced by my skin colour. I was completely astonished by the results and how instant they were.You have to remember that this treatment only takes 20 minutes and

Thalgo Eye Touch Treatment - £20 Marine Body Wrap - £55 The Rose Garden Spa, 140 Wincheap, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3RY +44 (0)1227 453227 info@rosegardenspa.co.uk

can be done in a lunchtime break. It’s my new, post-night out rejuvenator.

Thalgo Eye Touch can be combined with any face or body treatment, so why not pair it up with the Marine Body Wrap and treat your entire body.

For a variety of different spa packages and information on their facilities (including indoor pool and sauna) check out their website at www.therosegardenspa.co.uk

[health and beauty]

FELLA'S GUIDE TO

MAINTAINING STUBBLE

BY BOBBY GORDON OF FELLA

Gone are the days when clean shaven was the only way to look well groomed. Stubble is no longer seen as scruffy and plenty of stylish guys are now sporting some kind of face fur. Ask yourself if stubble is for you, and whether you are prepared to maintain the look. It also helps if you can grow some! To get the best results you should follow Fella's 4 step guide.

1.EXFOLIATE

3.SHAPING

Wash your face with a high quality face wash or scrub to remove dead skin cells.

Exfoliating and washing your face prior to shaving will also help prevent rashes and irritations of any sort.

Using an electric trimmer will enable you to create a clean line at the edge of the stubble. Try not to sculpt your beard with too much precision though and remember, ‘chinstraps aren't cool!’

Fella recommends Wahl’s Lithium Ion Grooming Station

Fella recommends Bulldog original face scrub.

4 MAINTAINING LENGTH

2. SHAVING GEL

Apply to areas that you’ll be shaving this tends to be cheeks & lower neck.

We would recommend gel as foams, although often cheap and convenient tend to dry the skin more and are not so great if you already have dry or sensitive skin. Gels usually offer more lubrication, and transparent ones are useful if you have facial hair and need to see where you’re going with the razor.

Fella recommends American Crew shave gel.

Find a length your happy with & using a trimmer with different length guards you will be able to keep your stubble in check so it always appears well groomed & never to scruffy.

Fella recommends Wahl’s Lithium Ion (Rechargeable) Stubble Trimmer, which comes with 2 x variable attachment combs (a stubble comb and beard comb).

Fella is the destination for sharp haircuts. Founded in 2009 by Bobby Gordon, a 15 year veteran of some of Soho’s hottest hair joints.

Fella is located in the heart of Canterbury, and brings a unique boutique feel to the barber shop experience like no other in the area. With no appointment necessary & late night openings you can kick back & listen to some cool beats whilst one of the expert stylists take care of you. Fella has a highly trained & skilled team who pride themselves on grooming for the modern man 89

title ] and beauty ] [health

A SMILE TO REMEMBER

A SHORT GUIDE TO ORTHODONTICS

BY RICCARDA KANE - BIRCHINGTON ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE

CONSIDERING STRAIGHTENING YOUR CROOKED TEETH?

Read on for some advice about types of treatment, what to look out for in your orthodontist and why you shouldn’t be misled by the promise of a quick fix.

The word ‘Orthodontics’ comes from the Greek words ‘orthos’ meaning ‘to correct or straighten’ and ‘dontia’ which means ‘relating to teeth’.

Bad bite (or ‘malocclusion’) is a term for crooked, crowded, spaced or protruding teeth which do not fit together properly.

Orthodontic treatment using a brace is an excellent way to straighten your teeth and make them fit better, and improves the appearance of your smile, teeth and face and it can make cleaning much easier.

GO TO A SPECIALIST A specialist orthodontist has usually undertaken at least ten years of training to achieve a listing on the General Dental Council’s Specialist register.

Training starts with a degree in dentistry (BDS), followed by extensive experience in hospital and general practice during which a higher Fellowship of the Royal College (FDS) is achieved. Following this a three year full time course in a university hospital involving study, research and supervised clinical work is undertaken. Many exams are needed before the Membership in Orthodontics M.Orth is awarded.

WHAT IS ORTHODONTICS? There are many different areas and specialities in dentistry. Orthodontics is the speciality that treats irregularities of the bite or jaws or crooked teeth in children and adults.

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This then allows the dentist to be listed by the General Dental Council as a specialist.

Orthodontic treatment can be carried out by general dentists, but they are unlikely to have the same depth of training, knowledge and experience.

WHAT TO DO If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, the following good advice was published in 2013 by The British Orthodontic Society - a professional society to which the vast majority of specialist and non-specialist orthodontic practitioners belong.

CONSIDER ALL THE OPTIONS Any good orthodontist will discuss all the possible types of brace that can be used to correct your teeth.You should be wary if you are only offered one option or one type of brace.

CHECK QUALIFICATIONS Some dentists offering orthodontic treatment have had very little training in straightening treatments, so it’s advisable to ask the dentist how much training they have had in orthodontics.

DON’T EXPECT A QUICK FIX Whilst it is true that simple straightening of the front teeth can be carried out in as little as six months, this is not always a long term solution.

It often takes 12-18 months to correct the way the teeth bite and to fit in harmony with the jaws and lips.

CHILDREN Most ‘bad bites’ are inherited, but can also be caused by thumb-sucking, early loss of baby or adult teeth due to dental disease or accidents and gum or periodontal disease.

[health and beauty ] These days general dental practitioners are good at spotting potential problems developing in children and they then refer to a specialist for an assessment.

They tend to be used now for children and teenagers, who love the coloured elastics that are used, or when the bite is particularly difficult in adults.

Having braces is no longer a social stigma like it was for the over 30’s when they were children, and the vast majority of children are happy to have orthodontic treatment carried out.

Ceramic fixed appliances These are translucent, or tooth coloured brackets bonded to the front of your teeth, which when used with “white” wires and stain resistant ties are almost unnoticeable. The movement of teeth is very predictable in all directions and these braces can be used for all treatments sometimes in combination with other types of braces. Care with hygiene is needed and some hard sticky foods should be avoided to prevent breakages, also highly coloured foods and drinks can lead to mild discolouration of the brace.

Some children with naturally straight teeth even feel disappointed to miss out on braces with colours like their friends!

ADULTS Many more adults are now considering orthodontics to correct problems that were left as a child or which have developed due to natural age changes, gum disease or loss and drift of teeth.

THE BENEFITS OF TREATMENT FOR ADULTS INCLUDE • Improved appearance with increased self confidence and self esteem - this can help with meeting new people, dating and job interviews.

• Straight teeth tend to be easier to clean, which with a good diet reduces the chance of tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss.

• Well aligned teeth make for easier restorative dental work such as placement of implants, bridges,crowns and veneers.

STANDARD TREATMENT Metal Braces Metal braces are still the most commonly fitted appliances and are strong and reliable.

‘INVISIBLE ‘TREATMENTS Clear Aligners (Invisalign ®) Advanced 3-D computer technology in conjunction with the treatment plan devised by the orthodontist allows the results to be planned and visualised by computer animation. Every two weeks a new aligner is worn full time and is just taken out for eating and cleaning. This gradually moves your teeth into position.

The aligners can give aching discomfort initially and speech is affected, but this soon improves.

Dedication to wearing the aligners all the time is needed, but the main advantage is that your friends will probably be unaware of your treatment and that your diet and oral hygiene can continue unaffected.

Lingual appliances Lingual appliances are fitted on the inside or tongue-side of the teeth, they are very discreet and are now often the choice of many celebrities and TV presenters for ‘invisible’ treatment.

Treatment times and results are the same as for conventional braces. Initially they can cause tongue soreness and affect your speech, but it soon settles.

Following all treatments retainers need to be worn to hold your teeth in their new positions, otherwise they can quickly slip back or relapse.

Retainers can be removable, very similar to aligners or a thin wire glued or bonded to the inside of your teeth which remains in place in the long term.

Riccarda Kane BDS, LDS RCS.(Eng), FDSRCPS (Glas), MSc, MOrth RCSEdin is a specialist orthodontist, practising at Birchington Orthodontic Practice since 1999. GDC Number 64202

Please telephone 01843-844600 or email birchingtonorthodontics1@btconnect.com if you have any questions or would like to self-refer for a private consultation.

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YUMMY MUMMY [health and beauty]

BY AMY MCMANUS

Make your Mummy feel EXTRA yummy on Sunday 30th March. Our resident health and beauty expert Amy McManus takes us through her top Mothering Sunday gift ideas and shows off some of the most stylish beauty products on the market!

LORD & BERRY VOGUE LIPSTICKS

If your Mum is more of a lipstick girl Lord and Berry also offer these gorgeous lipsticks in a range of modish colours. I’m one of those people that have really dry lips and constantly apply balm to keep them soft. Usually lipstick is a big no no for me, but Lord & Berry was fab and didn’t dry them out. It’s now my go to lip product for all occasions. £12 from www.lookfantastic.com

LORD & BERRY TWISTICK SHEER LIPSTICKS

Treat Mum’s lips with the newest release from Lord & Berry. Twisticks treat lips to mouth-watering moisture whilst adding a hint of shine in a brilliant sheer finish. The three-in-one crayons combine the benefits of a pampering balm, a full colour lipstick and a super shiny gloss, for a fashionable, contemporary lip. What could be better? £13 from www.lookfantastic.com

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SEAMS HAND CREAM, 50ML

Keep Mum’s hands and nails beautiful with the “backstage beauty hero” loved by designers and makeup artists. Healing and softening, Seams hand cream has a non-greasy texture and should be massaged into hands and nails at every opportunity.

Always in my hand bag, this cream has changed my world. Bye bye dry hands! £9.50 from www.seamsbeauty.co.uk

[health and beauty]

THALGO: HYALURONIC CREAM, 50MLL

With the use of marine technology,Thalgo draws on the active complex of Hyaluronic Acid which acts at the heart of wrinkles to smooth and fill lines and reveal visibly younger looking skin. Hyaluronic Acid is a major component of skin, where it is involved in tissue repair. For a light yet moisturising cream this one has my vote.Very conformable to wear and not at all greasy; it leaves the skin feeling smooth, rejuvenated and looking radiant. £53 from www.thalgo.co.uk

MAVALA NAIL RESCUE KIT

If Mummy’s nails need a little more help than a bit of polish and some hand cream, then I have the perfect solution for you. Mavala’s nail rescue kit is all you need for happy and healthy nails. The kit consists of Mavala’s revolutionary hero product Scientifique Nail Hardener, Mavaderma Nutritive Oil to encourage nail growth as well as Nail Polish Remover Pads and Mini Nail Files to keep your manicure tidy. No more flaking or splitting; just gorgeous healthy nails. £20 from www.feelunique.com

PERRICONE MD: COLD PLASMA, 30ML

Read straight from the box – “Cold Plasma helps correct the ten most visible signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, redness, discoloration, uneven skin tone, impurities, loss of firmness, loss of smoothness, and loss of radiance.” I have to say, I believe the box. I’ve been using this cream at night and am loving it. It works best as a serum, applied before your usual night / day cream. Your Mum will notice the results almost instantly. £123 from www.perriconemd.co.uk

PHILIP KINGSLEY: ELASTICIZER, 75ML

Elasticizer is a multi-award winning papering treat for all hair types (especially Mum’s.) Launched 40 years ago, it was originally developed for Audrey Hepburn and is the world’s first pre-shampoo treatment. Work it into the ends and mid-lengths of your hair, leave in a towel for 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition as usual. Perfect for Mum’s dry ends! £15 from www. philipkingsley.co.uk.

250ml, 40 Year anniversary kit available for £38.

DENNIS BASSO, EDP 75MLT

The couture designer Dennis Basso’s first fragrance features top notes of Italian bergamot, lemon and green apple; a modern fragrance to make every Mummy feel chic and elegant. I keep this one for special occasions, but it’s a perfect fragrance for day or night. £65 exclusive to www.harrods.com 93

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

Still undecided about September 2014?

Book a place and join us for ‘A TASTE OF RECEPTION’ Friday 25 April 2014, 1.30 – 3pm For 3 & 4 year olds born Sept 2009 – Aug 2010

NURSERY & JUNIOR SCHOOL OPEN DAY Bank Holiday Monday 5 May 2014, 10am – 12 noon

For further information and to book a place, please contact: Mrs Lindsey Harris Junior School Registrar T: 01843 572912 E: jsadmissions@slcuk.com www.slcuk.com

College Road Ramsgate Kent CT11 7AE

[education ]

St Lawrence College

When choosing a primary school, why do some parents opt for independent education? What are the benefits? Find out more about St Lawrence College Junior School in Ramsgate: INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION

Pupils are taught in small classes (average of 12-16 pupils). Children are treated as individuals and thrive in the secure and positive atmosphere.

Teachers really get to know each individual child’s needs, stretching and inspiring the most able whilst supporting and encouraging those whose confidence is still developing.

The Junior School also prepares pupils thoroughly for the 11+ Kent Test.

VALUES

The school is proud of the traditional values it strives to uphold - discipline, manners and kindness towards others.

Children are guided and nurtured by a caring and dedicated team of teachers.

AFFORDABLE FEES

If both parents are working and have been used to paying for full-time childcare, the fees at primary school age are often no more than those at many Nursery schools. At St Lawrence College Junior School the fees are all-inclusive; there are no hidden costs.

Flexible payment plans can be arranged, eg monthly direct debits.

EXTENDED DAY

At St Lawrence College Junior School, busy parents can relax in the knowledge that their child is being well-cared for from 8am to 5pm (at no extra cost). Parents do not have to cut short their working day, with options to arrive before 8am, stay for supper, and even stay the night with occasional or flexi-boarding.

SPECIALIST TEACHING

Children benefit from being taught by specialist teachers, especially as they get older when this approach is the norm right across the curriculum. Rather than having one class teacher who teaches every subject, pupils share each teacher’s passion for and knowledge of their subject as well as their high expectations.

RESULTS

Great exam results enable pupils to move on to the next stage of their education.

Independent schools provide this and so much more. Pupils’ eyes and minds are opened up beyond exams. Academic expectations are high and pupils achieve results which are usually well beyond national expectations.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The Junior School is not restricted just to delivering the National Curriculum, but is able to offer pupils a wide variety of experiences in addition. Extracurricular activities are incorporated into the school day or offered as clubs, avoiding the need to ferry your child from school to activity each evening.

For example, individual music lessons, rugby, fencing, ballet, tennis, swimming, drama, etc.

FACILITIES

St Lawrence College Junior School is well provided with its own independent facilities, including Science Lab, Art Studio, IT suites, and separate Music Department and Performance Hall. It is also fortunate to share the Senior School’s outstanding facilities, including a Sports Complex, Design and Technology Centre, heated indoor swimming pool, 500-seat theatre, floodlit Astroturf pitches and acres of sports fields.

Why not take a look for yourself?

Book a place at the next open event at St Lawrence College Junior School.

Everyone is welcome. www.slcuk.com 95

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[what's occuring ]

March & April

occurring Sunday 23rd March 911 @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Fresh from ITV2’s “The Big Reunion”, one of the 90’s most medicore boy bands have dusted off their bus passes, released a new album “Illuminate – The Hits and More” and are keen to cash in and ride the reality TV comeback train. Woop..

Tickets: Adults £23.95, Kids (3-15yrs) £19.95 Call: 0844 8424647 Port Lympne Wild Animal Park, Lympne, Nr Hythe CT21 4PD

Monday 7th April UB40 @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone

From: 7.30pm Tickets: From £26.90 at www.atgtickets.com or call 01303 228600

Sunday 30th March Mothering Sunday Lunch @ Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Every Mum deserves this Sunday off to relax! She’ll savour this delicious 3-course lunch in the grounds of one of the country’s most historic landmarks and the opportunity to take a stroll in the Cathedral grounds. Mums deserve to be spoilt so pick up the phone and make it a day to remember.

For more information and to book, please call 01227 865350.

Canterbury Cathedral The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2EH

Friday 4th April Richard Herring’s “We’re All Going To Die” @ Theatre Royal, Margate After sorting out politics (Hitler’s Moustache), religion (Christ on a Bike), love (What is Love, Anyway?) and penises (Talking Cock), Herring returns to tackles the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns (apart from Jesus and that canoe bloke). Is death a tragedy or an excuse to have an extended lie-in? Are we snuffed out or forced to endure eternity without bodily pleasures?

Death is inevitable, so let’s laugh in its face while our hearts still beat and our jaws are still attached.

Show Starts: 7.30pm Ages: 14+ Tickets £15, Restricted View £13 Call: 01843 292795

Saturday 5th April – Sunday 6th April Aspinall Foundation 30th Anniversary Celebration Weekend @ Port Lympne Celebrate the Aspinall Foundation's 30th birthday with fun and games at Port Lympne! See if you can hang like a gibbon, pin the tail on the primate, try your hand at rhino hoopla and more.

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Join the hugely successful group, famed for hit singles such as 'Can't help falling in Love with You', 'Red Red Wine' and 'I Got you Babe' as they once again hit the road to promote last years acclaimed album “Getting Over The Storm”.

The bands 18th album features cover versions of country classics, along with five new original songs – but expect to be treated to some of the old classics from the 70 million record selling legends.

Show Starts: 7pm Tickets: From £32.40 from www.atgtickets.com or call 01303 228600

Friday 18th – Monday 21st April Easter Fun @ Leeds Castle Just Pupets will perform a slapstick children's production suitable for ages 4-10 years. Follow Mrs Mouse as she visits the magic cake shop to buy a birthday cke for her hundreds of baby mice. Meet her friends along the way, sing and laugh along with the characters on thier adventures. Have a go at hobby-horse jousting, children's mini battles and knight's training at 'Knight School'. A valid entrance ticket to Leeds Castle is required for this event.

Leeds Castle Maidstone ME17 1PL Tel: 01622 765400

[what's occuring ]

Friday 18th April

Saturday 3rd May – Monday 5th May

I LOVE Vintage fair @ Quex Park, Birchington

Scalextric Race Event @ Hornby Visitor Centre, Margate

Come along to this vintage style fair at the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens. Peruse stalls selling clothes, household gifts, jewellery, cards and gifts and enjoy High Tea in the Mama Feelgoods vintage style cafe.

From 10am -4pm Price: £3 Adults, accompanied children under 16 years Free Quex Park, Park Lane, Birchington, Kent CT7 0BH

Get the kids out of the house and visit one of our Scalextric Race Days, included in the admission price to the Hornby Visitor Centre. Re are great prizes to be won for this unique three day event which caters for kids of any age!

Hornby Visitor Centre, Margate, Kent CT9 4JX 01843 233500

Saturday 19th – Monday 21st April

Wednesday 14th May

Broadstairs Spring Fair @Pierremont Park, Broadstairs

Get Your Bake On With Paul Hollywood @ Margate Winter Gardens

The Spring Fair is back by popular demand. From the organisers of the hugely successful Broadstairs Food Festival, the Spring Fair once again brings dozens of local food, drink and craftspeople together to offer their wares with hot and cold food to eat on site or take away.

Entry: Free Pierremont Park, Broadstairs CT10 1JX For more info go to www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk

Thursday 24th April Sarah Millican @ Margate Winter Gardens

TV’s baking star Paul Hollywood brings his first ever live show to the UK in 2014. Paul Hollywood Live – Get Your Bake On! Sees Paul take to the stage for an evening of baking, comedy and fun as Paul takes the audience on a journey through his life in baking. The show will culminate with four lucky randomly chosen audience members coming on stage to bake with Paul.

Tickets: £28.50 Call 01843 296111 or visit www.margatewintergardens.co.uk/ box_office

May

Sunday 18th May The British Comedy Award’s Queen of Comedy Sarah Millican is giving up the party scene (Ann Summers), easing off on the drinking (fizzy pop equals wealthy dentists) and is settling down (taking her bra off). Determined to put down some roots, she now has a cat (furry baby) and even a tree (she has a lot of mugs).

On this, her third national tour “Home Bird” , you will learn what to take on a dirty weekend, the easiest way to blend in in posh restaurants and how to teach a pensioner to swear. Join her for some hilarious domestic bliss.

Show starts: 7.30pm Tickets: £25 Call 01843 296111 or visit www.margatewintergardens.co.uk/box_office

See Peppa Pig & Family!

Peppa Pig @ Kent Life, Maidstone To celebrate her 10th anniversary, Peppa Pig returns with her family - brother George, Mummy & Daddy Pig, to enjoy the sights, sounds and activities at Kent Life. Visitors will have the opportunity to see Peppa at intervals throughout the day.

From: 10am – 5pm Kent Life Lock Lane, Maidstone ME14 3AU Tel: 01622 358841

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[east kent business ]

ADRIAN MOWL, CHEF PATRON – ROYAL HARBOUR BRASSERIE, RAMSGATE.

This month we caught up with Adrian Mowl, Chef Patron of Harbour Brasserie in Ramsgate. A career chef, Adrian has worked across the world in a wide and varied career, before unleashing his passion for food, hospitality, and bringing people together in this unique East Kent eatery.

ADRIAN CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AS A CHEF?

Well, I’ve literally spent half my life in kitchens. I’ve done the big London restaurants, including training at The Dorchester, and working at The Atlantic Bar & Grill, but I’ve also done a lot of corporate contracts for business. I spent some time working in kitchens in Sweden (where he cooked for King Gustav at the Nobel Peace Prize Dinner no less!), been a Sous Chef in the Palazzo Versace in Australia (the luxury hotel on the Gold Coast where the evicted “I’m A Celebrity” stars and families are housed for the duration of the series), and worked on a number of great projects back here in the UK including Executive Chef at the Olympic village back in 2012 and setting up the restaurant at the Turner Contemporary in Margate where I was fortunate enough to preside over the Queen’s Gala when she visited in 2011.

I SHOULD IMAGINE THERE WAS A LOT OF PRESSURE FOR THE OLYMPICS GIG AND COOKING FOR THE QUEEN?

For sure, there’s not much more pressure than having to oversee the preparation of upwards of 10,000 meals a day! At 98

the Olympic village I looked after the morning shift, overseeing around thirty cooks, but it was a 24 hour operation.

The pressure was on of course, but it was a great atmosphere, and a privilege to be part of something so momentous for the UK. As for the Queen’s gala it was a less boisterous affair, but of course there was pressure there to, especially when all the food was checked by the royal private chefs!

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS LOCATION FOR A RESTAURANT?

It’s an iconic part of the landscape in Ramsgate and I just love it. I was actually trying for two years to secure the building, so to get the opportunity was a dream come true. I love the views, the fantastic terrace, and the sanctuary of literally being “out on a limb” at the far end of the harbour arm. Running a business which requires some effort for diners to reach was always going to be a risk, but I thought it was important to make it work. Both I and my wife Larissa are working hard here to leave a legacy for the area. I love the area, it’s a wonderful place to live, so for me it’s not just about what you can get out of a business like this but what you can do for the place you live in.

WHAT CAN DINERS EXPECT FROM THE HARBOUR BRASSERIE?

Good food at reasonable prices using the best local produce. We get our meat from Brogdale Farm, local seafood from Fruits De Mer, veg from Nash Farm, and bake our own bread. We’re not food snobs; I think there’s a place for fine dining, but there’s also room for a place which serves unpretentious but lovingly prepared food in an inclusive and friendly environment. We also do a great Sunday lunch accompanied by some great tunes from the resident pianist from the Savoy Hotel!

The Royal Harbour Brasserie is open from 8am till late at weekends, and from 11am till late weekdays. The venue is also available to hire for events, weddings, and other private functions upon request.

Royal Harbour Brasserie End of the East pier Ramsgate seafront Royal Harbour Parade CT11 8LS 01843 599059

As I got older and started work, I really regretted it.

Everyone else had nice white, straight teeth - I felt really self-conscious.

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I should have had braces as a teenager, but I was silly and refused, much to my Mum's annoyance!

My dentist referred me to Riccarda, and it's made all the difference to my confidence!

your smile by

Riccarda Kane

The Birchington Orthodontic Practice www.birchingtonortho.co.uk GDC Registration Number: 64202

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