East Kent Lifestyle Issue 24

issue twenty four january/february twenty-sixteen

Ben Stiller

THE WORLD’S NO.1 COMIC ACTOR FLASHES “BLUE STEEL” ONCE MORE IN ZOOLANDER NO.2

East Kent Weddings

Valentine Day Find’s

Fish & Beer

THIRTY

GIFT

CRAFT BEERS & GREAT IN BROADSTAIRS

PAGES OF IDEAS FOR YOUR BIG DAY

IDEAS FOR THAT SOMEONE SPECIAL

GRUB

25% OFF ALL HIMOLLA Wade Henry Deep button seat, back and arms rounded off with wooden turned feet, fabulous! The fixed seat and back, with no cushions to plump, make this design very low maintenance.

Large sofa in Range 2

Himolla Rhine Himolla believe it takes hard work and inspired design to create the most comfortable relaxing experience. Featuring manual or power reclining systems in a wide choice of styles and colours.

was £1685

SALE £1265

Kaymed Opulent Therma-Phase mattress technology infuses viscoelastic with phase-change gel crystal, to optimise comfort and pressure relief without raising body heat to offer a great night’s sleep.

150cm 4 drawer divan set was £2279

SALE £1549

3 seater fixed sofa in 33 Leather RRP £2844

SALE £2135

Teramo Cool and contemporary bedstead with matching pale oak furniture providing plenty of stylish and flexible bedroom storage.

150cm bedstead RRP £920

SALE £739

Mattress optional extra

Memphis Extending dining table with Italian styling and a luxurious high gloss finish. Chairs and matching furniture also available.

196 – 250cm dining table was £1669

On orders over £500 and within 30 miles of store.

SALE £1335

If a retailer, or online website, offers identical goods on a like for like basis at a lower price, Lenleys will appreciate the opportunity to price match.

Roper Road, Canterbury CT2 7EL

01227 766655

THEWINTERSALE UP TO 30% OFF ACROSS THE STORE

www.lenleys.co.uk F U R N I T U R E

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C U RTA I N S

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F L O O R I N G

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AC C E S S O R I E S

[welcome ]

january/february twenty-sixteen

ISSUE TWENTYFOUR

Happy New Year folks!

Here’s to hoping you all got what you wanted for Christmas and that your New Year’s resolutions remain unbroken as yet – personally I like to avoid disappointment by giving that particular tradition a miss!

According to research, Christmas Eve is the number one day of the year for marriage proposals, and with that in mind we have put together our annual ‘East Kent Weddings’ feature for your perusal and to perhaps offer a little inspiration for any future brides and grooms among our readers. Covering everything from venues and events, hair and make-up, honeymoons and photography, get the latest tips and suggestions from some of East Kent’s leading wedding aficionados.

Of course we still have the best of the rest of your usual East Kent Lifestyle in our first issue of the year. For those of you who might have overindulged over the holidays we have top-notch detox advice from our resident healthy eating coach Renee Maguire on page 48, or take heed of an eye opening piece by Matt Hayden who encourages us to “Change your breakfast, change your life” on page 65. If you feel that the best way forward for a healthier 2016 is to make the most of the Kentish countryside why not try our East Kent Walk from the Margate Harbour Arm to the Dickens House Museum on page 16.

Those of you who are more than happy to continue enjoying the full spectrum of food and drink available in East Kent can look forward to the Broadstairs Food Festival Spring Fair which we preview on page 57 and for those of you who can’t wait till then we have reviewed two more splendid East Kent eateries, Fish & Beer in Broadstairs and Elsie Mo’s New York Diner in Canterbury.

We also have our usual fill of local news, reviews, fashion, homes & interiors and events so get stuck in to our first edition of 2016 and we’ll see you again in the Spring!

Pete Nichols, Publishing Director 4

EAST KENT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

[contents ]

70 east kent weddings

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fabulous finds

WHAT’S INSIDE... food and drink 46 50 53

Fish & Beer Café Elsie Mo's Recipe: Leek & Potato Soup

home and interiors 27 30

Copperfields Resin Bound Revolution

health and beauty 48 65

Koi Samui Detox Change your breakfast, change your life

fashion 58

Fenwicks Fashion

days out 14 22 41 57 6

Conquest House Women of the World Festival Ramsgate Music Hall Broadstairs Spring Fair

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ben stiller

[contents ]

55

broadstairs spring fair

east kent weddings 70 72 76 78 79 80 83 84 86 87 89 90 92 95 95 96 98

Bridal Make-up Your Leisure Wedding Venues The Pegwell Bay Hotel St Edmunds, Canterbury The Bell, Sandwich Gorgeous Gifts at Papillon Interiors Eastwell Manor Wallett's Court Bespoke in Kent Fellas's Male Grooming Tips Top Tips for Bridal Brilliance Divine Dresses Wedding Hair Wedding Fairs Chocolate Creations Honeymoon Hotel Hotlist Wedding Day Photography

50

16

east kent walks

elsie' mo's

regulars & features 10 12 16 19 20 25 37 68

East Kent News Fabulous Finds East Kent Walks Gardner Croft East Kent Cycle Trail Bang & Olufsen Ben Stiller What's Occurring

education 67

Kent College, Canterbury

46

ďŹ sh & beer

7

B es p o k e w o th a t f it o n r k to p s to p Fitted in one no m ess or d da y, with emolition Over 60 colo choo se from urs to Installed by professional our own fitters Friendly advi home consuclte & free ation We also fit kitchen door new s!

Visit our showroom, or call to book book aa free home consultation, and we’ll we’ll show you how easy it is to transform transform your kitchen with our granite, quartz quartz or recycled glass worktops.

Call now 01622 297371

Maidstone Showroom: Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5LH Open 10.00am – 5.00pm Mon to Sat – 10.30am – 4.30pm Sun www.granitetransformations.co.uk/maidstone

[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

Sarah Croft 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!

John Faull & Mary Jones

Contributors Jaillan Yehia, Lee Behan, Renee Maguire,Vicky King, Pete Nichols, Explore Kent, Bobby Gordon, Fenwicks Canterbury, Amy McManus, Brigitte Rennie, Alexandra Hill, Matthew Hayden, Jo Scott, Kim Foster, Rebecca Douglas, Nerissa Blower

Contributing Photographers Jaillan Yehia, Jo Doran, Lee Behan, Rebecca Douglas, Explore Kent, RG Photographic Studios, Jo Scott 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 2016. 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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[news ]

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

Olympic Skeleton Athlete Lizzy Yarnold to promote Active Ramsgate project Active Ramsgate – a regeneration initiative promoting the area around Ramsgate through its outdoor activities, now has the backing of Olympic Gold medal winner Lizzy Yarnold.

The skeleton athlete from Sevenoaks will be helping to promote the initiative as its new ambassador, and will be on hand to publicise various events and launches happening throughout the year.

Active Ramsgate is project managed by Explore Kent and run by Ramsgate Town Council. The project is now in its third phase – last year bringing in over £190,000 into the town.

Lizzy Yarnold will be helping to promote the launch of two canoe trails from Ramsgate, a new themed walking trail from Ramsgate to Margate (in addition to three existing Active Ramsgate themed walks) and e-cycle itineraries of the Viking Coastal Trail.

Lizzy Yarnold said of her Active Ramsgate ambassador role: “Keeping fit and active is so important and I’m delighted to be supporting such a valuable initiative. Getting out in the fresh air with friends and family and making the most of Thanet’s beautiful coastline and countryside, what could be better?

“I’ve heard about the activities that are planned for the future and those that are already in place, and they sound great; you can go for a themed walk, cycle part of the Viking Coastal Trail, go on a geocaching treasure hunt, play golf, get out on the water in a canoe or on a seal watching or fishing trip, the list is endless. I urge everyone to visit Ramsgate and get active, I certainly will be!”

For more information, visit www.ramsgatetown.org/activeramsgate, or search for Ramsgate Town on Facebook and Twitter.

Renewable Energy Record for Thanet Based London Array Jonathan Duffy, General Manager of London Array, which is the world’s largest operational offshore wind farm, said: “Both the monthly and annual figures are excellent results for London Array and show the contribution we are making to the country’s energy supply as well as the UK’s renewable energy targets.

“Above average winds this winter have helped push production higher but that is only part of the story: we have a great team of people who support the operation and maintenance of the wind farm.

Thanet based company London Array has set a new record for the amount of clean electricity produced by an offshore wind farm in a single calendar month.

December 2015 saw its 175 turbines generate 369,000 MWh of electricity – considerably above target and well above the previous best of 317,000 MWh set last November.

The two successive months of production brought net overall output for the year to some 2,500,000 MWh, enough to meet the needs of more than 600,000 UK households.

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“We have pushed very hard over the past year to build on our earlier successes and develop our approach to turbine maintenance and repair. Together with key contractors DONG Energy and Siemens we have focused on operational efficiency and expanding the amount of time our technicians are able to work offshore. This has helped ensure we extracted the maximum power from the wind and kept turbine availability above 98 per cent over the winter.

“Our performance is also good news for the environment as it will have prevented the release of some 1,075,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2015, the main gas linked to climate change.”

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

Coastal communities secure funding

Kent’s coastal communities are set to benefit from part of a £3m Government pledge that will help secure a number of local heritage sites for generations to come.

The Coastal Revival Fund will support the preservation of former military fortifications and historic buildings, as well as theatres, piers, lidos and lighthouses around the country.

Each successful project will receive funding of up to £50,000 to kick-start restoration work, and will attract £30 million in private and public investment and support up to 1,500 jobs.

The funding has been welcomed by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SE LEP), the business-led, publicprivate body established to drive economic growth across Kent, East Sussex, Essex, Medway, Southend and Thurrock Geoff Miles, the Kent Chairman of SE LEP, said: “Around our coastal communities there are many fabulous and longloved buildings that are falling into a state of disrepair.

“This funding, when combined with the longstanding commitment and support of the local communities, will help continue the process of bringing them back to their former glory.”

In Kent, the projects to have secured funding, include; £48,400 towards the restoration, conservation and development of Fort Burgoyne in Dover; £6,000 to support the conservation of the Sandwich town walls and associated earth works in the UK’s most complete medieval town; £39,000 to support the restoration of Dover’s “Maison Dieu” a Grade II Listed Town Hall, which dates back to 1203, £50,000 towards the Ramsgate regeneration project including the repair and restoration of the harbour’s Clock House marking Ramsgate Mean Time and Smeaton Dry Dock; and £45,000 for condition surveys and conservation management plans for two of Gravesham’s coastal heritage assets – New Tavern Fort and the remains of the Henry VIII Blockhouse.

[news ]

Ashford engineer is celebrated in exhibition at new landmark London building Verena Holmes from Ashford is one of the ground breaking engineers celebrated in the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) brand new exhibition in London’s Savoy Place.

As a founder of the Women’s Engineering Society and the first female member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers,Verena Holmes represented a breakthrough for equality and diversity in the 1920s. During the Second World War, she worked on naval weaponry including designing much of the mechanism for Lord Mountbatten’s station keeping system. Holmes also held over 12 patents for her various inventions including medical devices and engine components.

The display of ‘126 most influential engineers’ honours a range of engineers, past and present, from around the world. It celebrates the achievements of those who have dramatically improved the quality of our lives over the years with innovative ideas and problem solving capabilities.

All of those featured in the showcase are considered as having an impact on human kind and as reflecting the development of engineering over the 144 year history of the IET. Other engineers presented in the display, which is located in the building’s stairwells, include Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, physicist Albert Einstein and pioneers of aviation, the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur.

The showcase comes among several other new features such as the digital chandelier, live video walls and display of ‘100 engineering ideas that changed the world’ as part of the reopening of Savoy Place following a £30 million refurbishment of the building.

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[fabulous finds ]

Finds 

CHOCOLATE MASSAGE KIT

Relax, unwind and satisfy your chocolate craving senses with this heavenly scented Chocolate Massage Kit. This delectable massage kit contains moisturising body butter which has a rich chocolate fragrance, chocolate candles and candle holder, incense sticks and holder and a plastic spatula. A fabulous alternative to the usual chocolate gifts. It won’t add an inch to your hips!

s e n i t n e l a V 

AMBER HEART EARRINGS

Share the love with these gorgeous amber earrings. Made from fossilised resin, amber is a beautiful material for making elegant jewellery. Lightweight and attractive, it shines with lovely autumn tones. These heart-shaped earrings make an ideal Valentine's gift.

Price: £30 Available from www.nhmshop.co.uk

Price: £8.99 Available from www.findmeagift.co.uk



LOVERS CHOCOLATE PIZZA

Chocolate chompers assemble and indulge in a devilish delight you will adore! The Lovers Chocolate Pizza is ideal for sharing a scrumptious slice this Valentines. The novelty pizza takeaway box keeps your mouth-watering dish fresh and fun looking. Made with gorgeous Belgian chocolate and topped with a variety of ingredients including white chocolate curls, and handmade chocolate hearts this is better than giving someone your last rolo anyday!

Price: £12.95 Available from www.prezzybox.com 12

[fabulous finds ]



HREE MONTH CURRY T CLUB SUBSCRIPTION

Spice up date night with a three month Friday night curry subscription from The Spicery. The subscription contains all the fresh spices and recipes you need to make a fantastic curry spread every month. Choose from a selection of Thai, Sri Lankan, Caribbean, Indian or South-East Asian curries. The ingredients arrive each month in a box which fits handily through your letterbox and include approximately six or seven bags of spices measured out to make a main course curry and all the side dishes – and as they serve four people you can either double date or save some for another occasion.

Price: £20 Available from: www.notonthehighstreet.com

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RAMED HAND-SCULPTED F CLAY HEART



HE MONOGAMY T BOARD GAME

A sculpted heart, lovingly created from around 600 intricately hand-rolled clay petals, will make a beautiful and unique gift for him or her this Valentine’s Day. Each heart is handmade to order, in a colour of your choice, by artist Anna Zaphiri, who can add a name or personal message to the creation. The heart comes mounted on white card and placed in a white or black box frame (23cm x23cm).

Price: £60 plus £7 p&p Available from www.annazaphiri.com

Designed for committed couples, this adult board game encourages you to communicate honestly and openly with each other. It may even bring the two of you closer than ever before! Fun and naughty, Monogamy is a board game with a difference and after one play, couples will find themselves planning when they're going to fit in rounds two and three! (wink wink, nudge nudge!)

Price: £18.14 Available from www.prezzybox.com 13

CONQUEST HOUSE, CANTERBURY

[days out ]

A NEW HISTORY IS BEING CREATED AT ONE OF THE CITY’S OLDEST HOUSES

THE KINGS MILE AREA IN CANTERBURY HAS RECENTLY UNDERGONE A £500,000 FACE LIFT AND NOW AN ADDITIONAL JEWEL TO ITS CROWN WILL BE THE RE-OPENING OF HISTORIC CONQUEST HOUSE AT 17 PALACE STREET.

BY BRIGITTE RENNIE The Kings Mile area in Canterbury has recently undergone a £500,000 face lift and now an additional jewel to its crown will be the re-opening of historic Conquest House at 17 Palace Street.

The house, which has been closed for a while, was made famous by the reputed belief that on the 29th of December 1170, four knights; Reginald FitzUrse, Hugh de Moreville, William de Tracy and Richard le Breton gathered in the Norman croft and planned the assassination of Thomas Beckett, Archbishop of Canterbury. Standing in the beautifully preserved croft, the atmosphere is so electric that one could almost imagine hearing the sound of swords being drawn.

The present owners are passionate about retaining the historic essence of the

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house and its architectural integrity. It is through a mutual appreciation of history and art that we will now see fine artist, fresco designer and restorer, Kathryn Rennie, as the right person to run her business in Conquest House while at the same time respecting their vision.

“I am very excited to be returning to my Kent roots with the opportunity of working in such a beautiful house”, says Kathryn. “I already feel at home in Canterbury because over the past few years I’ve been here working on commissions in The Canterbury Hotel and The Pilgrims Hotel.”

Conquest House will be open as a gallery, studio and creative hub. Aside from Kathryn’s own work she will be inviting respected artists to exhibit as well as running regular life drawing

classes, fundamental to Kathryn’s practice, and also a variety of 1-5 day workshops for locals and visitors.

“I am very interested in adding to the vibrancy of this wonderful city both as a teacher and artist and becoming involved in existing events and festivals”.

Conquest House will give Kathryn the opportunity to incorporate all her knowledge, practices and experiences under one roof; murals, decorative panels, bespoke wall paintings, commissions – portrait, animal portrait, house portrait, abstract art work and sculpted bust.

The main core of the House dates from the 12th Century and is located in the heart of Canterbury beside Kings School and the Canterbury Cathedral.

The house contains a variety of rooms

available for use on a number of floors.

As you enter the building from street level, which features large 17th Century mullion windows, there is a double door access on the left which takes you into the first gallery space and reception area.

From there it is a few steps up to the main gallery space which is overlooked by a stunning mezzanine floor, which is to be allocated for use as Kathryn’s studio. The workshop room for art courses and teaching leads off from here, and as a rule will not be open to the general public. The second area off the reception room is down to the oldest room in Conquest House, The Norman Croft where the Knights met and the court yard garden which once were the stables.

“We are looking to hold early music events, poetry and medieval story telling” says Kathryn, “As well as basket suppers full of the best local produce we can find, washed down with mead and fine English wine and beer”. In order to successfully create and produce these events, Kathryn has approached a company called The Mosaic Cat that has a reputation for creating high standard and unique entertainment.

Kathryn and her Conquest House Team have the enthusiasm, expertise and attention to detail to make this a successful enterprise.

“I know that Conquest House is going to be a great addition to the city and to

the Kings Mile and I am so happy to be here”.

Look out for Kathryn on March the 10 when she will be presenting a talk on “Artistic Representations of the Female Nude”, followed by a practical class, at the Turner Contemporary as part of the new International Women’s Day festival 2016, called POW!Thanet (Power of Women! Thanet).

Conquest House will open its doors to the public in March with courses available from the beginning of February.

Details on: www.artincanterbury.co.uk & www.conquesthousecanterbury.co.uk

Life Drawing Studio

Every second Thursday of the month 6.30pm – 8.30pm All levels welcome.

£15 on the door (£10 Advanced booking)

www.artincanterbury.co.uk

Drawing & Painting Courses

Figurative, Landscape to abstract Oil painting to water colour Range of 1 – 5 day courses for Practicing Artists, Adults, Students, Beginners and Children

www.artincanterbury.co.uk

Medieval Knights (in the Norman Croft) Early music, poetry and story telling

Traditional basket of locally sourced food and beverages.

www.conquesthousecanterbury.co.uk

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[[days title ] out ]

EAST KENT WALK

TURNER & DICKENS

BLOW AWAY THOSE COBWEBS, BURN SOME OF THAT CHRISTMAS DINNER OFF AND HEAD OUT FOR THE DAY TO EXPLORE THE BEACH IN WINTER. DISCOVER THE FANTASTIC LANDSCAPES THAT INSPIRED WORLD RENOWNED ARTIST JMW TURNER AND AUTHOR CHARLES DICKENS. EXPLORE MARGATE’S BUZZING ARTISTIC HUB WITH ATTRACTIONS GALORE AND THEN ENJOY SOME PEACE AND QUIET AS YOU HEAD ACROSS COUNTRY TO THE TRADITIONAL SEASIDE TOWN OF BROADSTAIRS, WHERE YOU CAN TAKE A BREAK AT ONE OF THE LOVELY BEACHSIDE EATERIES. The four mile signposted route that can be walked in either direction and is designed to be accessible for all. Much of the walk is based on the ancient path linking St Peter’s Church, Broadstairs with St John’s Church in Margate. It combines urban and rural Thanet, starting and finishing at the two harbours which date back to the Tudor 16

period. Marker posts have been put up every 250m along the middle section of St Peter’s Footpath and distinctive black and white signs with the “T&D” logo can be found along the way, to help keep you on the right track!

Start at Margate Harbour Arm next to the Turner Contemporary Gallery

and turn right along the promenade, cross the road and walk up Duke Street.

This passes close to Dreamland vintage amusement park, a great place to explore if you’re making a day of it (visit www. dreamland.co.uk for more details). Not to mention the curious Shell Grotto showcasing secret passages lined with 4.6 million shells!

title [days [out ]]

LOCATION: Broadstairs CT9 1JD DISTANCE: 4 miles (6.4 km) TIME: Allow 3 hours OS EXPLORER MAP: 150 TERRAIN: Pavements and across fields which can be muddy in places

! & !

HOW TO GET THERE? Broadstairs train station is located on the walk itself, whilst Margate train station is a 10 minute walk from the start of this route. There are the Thanet Loop and The Breeze bus services which run from both Margate and Broadstairs.

& !

!

!

Start/Finish 4 miles (6.4km)

& !

Train Station

© Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey 100019238

JMW Turner was 11 when he first came to Margate, later becoming a frequent visitor to the town, inspired by the unique quality of light. The Turner Contemporary gallery is built where once stood the guest house in which Turner stayed. The gallery exhibits work by Turner but there is a focus on twentieth century and contemporary practice, featuring work by internationally renowned artists including one of Margate’s own, the famous Tracey Emin, for more information visit www.turnercontemporary.org.

As you leave Margate and venture into the peaceful countryside be sure to visit one of only two surviving windmills

& !

in Thanet.You’ll also pass through the historic village of St Peter’s, brought to life in award winning village tours on Thursdays. Costumed characters from past centuries help bring the past to life as you hear about conditions in the local workhouse plus infamous local residents.

See www.villagetour.co.uk for more information.

You’re next stop is bustling Broadstairs High Street, look out for the large white house, Pierremont Hall, built in 1785 Queen Victoria stayed here as an 8-year old princess in 1827, it now houses the Town Council offices.

The last stop on your journey is Dickens House Museum. Miss Mary

PARKING: Pay and display is limited and very busy REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: Fantastic independent eateries, tea shops, restaurants and pubs.

Pearson Strong was the owner when Dickens was a frequent visitor to Broadstairs; he later based the character of Betsey Trotwood in his novel David Copperfield on her.

If you manage to cram that all into a day, take advantage of wrapping up and relaxing on the beautiful beach at Broadstairs or soak up the fabulous coastal views with some local fayre at one of the fantastic restaurants.

For more information on walking in Kent visit www.explorekent.org for information about attractions, accommodation and eating out in Kent head to www.visitkent.co.uk

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[feature ]

YOUR FAMILY LAW EXPERT

At Gardner Croft, our expert Family Law team provide advice that is sensitive to the upset, uncertainties and upheaval that occur following the breakdown of a family relationship.

Our experienced team will address your concerns and assist in resolving differences with your partner or spouse as swiftly and as constructively as possible, helping you to reach an appropriate solution, particularly if you have children. As part of this process, we provide: •

Objective and clear advice about the options available to you to ensure that you can make the correct choices and consider your future and that of any children.

•

Expert guidance from lawyers who have specialist qualifications in

dealing with financial and children matters.

•

Tailor-made solutions which recognise the individual nature of each and every family.

We offer a wide range of legal support, including the process associated with a formal separation or divorce, arrangements for the financial matters arising from this including the family home and business interests, arrangements for children, Pre-nuptial Agreements and advising unmarried couples on cohabitation disputes.

If you are keen to talk to someone as soon as possible, we will do all we can to meet with you at a time that is convenient for you. We offer an initial meeting at a fixed fee of £100 (including VAT) at our offices in Canterbury.

Contact us on 01227 813400 or e-mail enquiries@gardnercroft.co.uk or visit www.gardnercroft.co.uk and quote “East Kent Lifestyle Advert”.

Please quote “East Kent Lifestyle Advert”.

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[days out ]

WEALDEN CYCLE TRAIL

EAST KENT CYCLE TRAIL

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& Lenham !

A22 9

START: POINTS TN23 4UX (from Ashford) / TN1 2SH (From Tunbridge Wells)

M2 0

A26

DISTANCE: 42 miles (67.2 km)

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Royal Tunbridge Wells

& Cranbrook ! & !

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Start/Finish 42miles (67km)

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Bodiam

65 A2

Tenterden

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& Hawkhurst !

PARKING You’ll find parking in many of the towns of and villages along the trail

A28

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A2 1

0 6 Kilometres 0 Miles 0 4

!

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Biddenden

Goudhurst & !

Lamberhurst ! &

REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: Pubs and restaurants in many of the towns and villages along the trail.

Ashford

4 A27

!!

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A229

Paddock Wood

TERRAIN: A mixture of on and off-road tracks

& Charing !

Tonbridge

TIME: Allow 5 hours and 30 minutes OS EXPLORER MAP: 135 & 189

A2 0

& !

& !

Robertsbridge

A268

Train Station

© Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey 100019238

& Rye !

Looking for a challenge this 2016? Hop on your bike and start working on that beach body!

This 42 mile (67km) route runs on small country lanes. Starting in the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and travelling through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It’s the best way to take in Kent’s quintessential Garden of England scenery, complete with hops, apple orchards, oast houses and picture postcard villages.

Not to mention the a few fine ale houses along the way!

Anybody who thinks Kent is flat might reconsider after this undulating journey, which is not recommended for novice riders. For those who want to tackle the full run, which forms part of the well signposted National Route 18, there are dedicated cycle lanes, running alongside main roads at both Tunbridge Wells and Ashford.

The main traffic-free sections on route 18 are at Bedgebury Forest, and, the Ashford Green Corridor - perfect family cycling and ideal locations for novices and young children. If you are interested in some more challenging mountain bike routes along the way, try the 12 mile circuit around Bewl Water at Lamberhurst. This offers lovely views across the lake, the largest inland water in the southeast. The track is suitable for mountain bikes and hybrids in drier weather. It is open for cyclists from early May until the end of October.

Although generally level, Bewl has three significant hills and includes a short section along quiet country lanes. There is a large car park and bikes can be hired on site. Places of interest on route include - Kent and East Sussex Railway where you can take a magical steam train journey to Northiam and Bodiam.

Bicycles can be carried in the Guards Van however booking is recommended.

Biddenden Vineyards, the oldest vineyard in Kent produce fine English wines, Kentish ciders and apple juices. Free admission to 22 acres of vines and free sampling of their produce makes it well worth a visit! For more information on great attractions to visit along the way on the Visit Kent website.

Bedgebury Forest in the High Weald of Kent has created a cyclist’s paradise amongst the trees thanks to funding from Sport England and The Forestry Commission. The forest has a 10

kilometre family cycling route and 12 kilometres of mountain bike trails. A new Visitor Centre features cycle hire, including cycles for disabled people, plus showers for bikes and their riders. They just finished their newest addition too, the fantastic new café where you can relax, unwind and enjoy a coffee and a snack.

There are lots of lovely quintessentially Kentish towns and villages along this route so be sure to make a day of it! This isn’t a route to be rushed as it showcases the best of the Wealden heritage, countryside and culture!

For more information about this cycle route and more in Kent, or for information about walking and parks in Kent, visit www.explorekent.org

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[days out ]

FESTIVAL OF

IINSPIRING WOMEN Folkestone Quarterhouse,

2016

This spring Folkestone marks International Women’s Day for the fourth time with Women of the World Folkestone, a branch of the Southbank Centre’s annual festival. Co-curated by Folkestone Quarterhouse, Folkestone Fringe and Leah Thorn,WOW Folkestone is a bold and broad festival that celebrates women and girls and explores important topics for women today.

WOW 2016 will look at topics like women in war, in politics, the beauty industry, ageing, men's role in ending sexism, righting the under-representation of women from the school syllabus, as well as energising and providing the inspiration and tools to bring in change.

At the heart of the WOW Folkestone programme are a series of inspirational performances and participatory workshops.These activities are linked in themes so you can take a pick and mix approach or pursue particular topics across art forms.

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Tuesday 8 – Saturday 12 March

Highlights include the grand dame of anarchic dance Liz Aggiss with The English Channel (Tues 8 March, 7.30pm), telling the story of a career forged in the heady waters of performance art and dance-film. It vividly depicts Liz resuscitating herself back into the on-stage limelight. Join Quarterhouse for a night of new theatre with the WOW Scratch Night (Wed 9 March, 7.30pm), an opportunity for artists from Kent to get together and share extracts of new work. Folkestone also welcomes the London Feminist Film Festival (Thurs 10 March 7.30pm), a night of short films on inspiring women’s rights activism around the world.Victoria Melody presents Hair Peace (Fri 11 March, 7.30pm), a comedic exploration from an unlikely sleuth! After being told she would need to wear hair extensions as part of a beauty pageant,Victoria set out on an extraordinary adventure to find out exactly where this hair comes from!

Don’t miss an uproarious closing night from Women of the World in Concert (Sat 12 March, 7.30pm).The WOW concert is

a gig, a party and a celebration of female artistry featuring the Quarterhouse choir led by Carol Grimes and other female singer-songwriters.

WOW Bites will take place daily, presenting four bites per session. Get refreshed and inspired by new ideas, performances, manifestos and more! Join the WOW Speed Mentoring Session (Sat 12 March, 10.30am), exchange ideas and stories and be mentored by experts from a wide selection of professions. Meet, network and discover at the WOW Market (Sat 12 March, 10am) featuring a diverse range of stalls showcasing work, raising awareness, offering workshops and selling wares.

For the full WOW Folkestone programme go to the festivals page of the Quarterhouse website www. quarterhouse.co.uk and find us on twitter @WOWFolkestone. A five day festival pass (£40) and a one day pass for Sat 12 March (£15) are available (booking essential). Events can also be booked individually.

The Lighthouse Bar Margate Harbour Arm Margate CT9 1AP 07980 727668.

Milo Bar & Eatery 15 The Parade Town Centre Margate CT9 1EY

OPENING TIMES: Seasonal opening times. Please visit our Facebook page to keep up to date with our opening times.

16 Marine Drive, Margate, Kent CT9 1DH 01843-228228

FRESH WAFFLES WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE LUXURY HOT CHOCOLATE

A modern take on seaside tradition, serves lovingly handcrafted gelato just steps from Margate’s sandy beach. Made with delicious Guernsey milk, locally sourced cream and natural ingredients, our gelato offers a range of mouth-watering flavours for everyone to enjoy!

StUNNING VIEWS LOCAL ARTISTS GALLERY FREE WIFI BOOK SWAP CORNER

OPEN EVERY DAY

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

Freshly prepared waffles, milkshakes, sundaes and beverages are also available in our vibrant and contemporary parlour.

Pottery Painting • • • • • • • • •

Creative fun for all ages and all abilities

Children’s holiday workshops Adult evening workshops Children’s parties Commissions Clay workshops Willow Weaving School Workshops & Clubs Play ‘n Clay for pre-school children Hand & Foot Impressions & Outprints

TAPAS, BRICK OVEN PIZZAS & PLATTERS FRESH COFFEES, TEAS, WINES, CIDERS & BEERS

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

23 advert_january.indd 1

21/01/2016 14:58

[title ]

A NEW WORLD OF SOUND AND VISION NOW OPEN IN BEER CART LANE CANTERBURY

Bang & Olufsen of Canterbury are proud to have opened their new flagship Experience Centre on Beer Cart Lane.

Designed to stimulate your senses in a new environment dedicated to a world of sound & vision. Bang & Olufsen creates exceptional audio and video experiences for your home like no-one else. Now you’ll be able to see, hear and feel this exquisite craftsmanship up-close like never before. With a brand new product range, discover the very best of Bang & Olufsen in this new world-class showroom.

1 Beer Cart Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2NY Call: 01227 452451 Email: canterbury@bang-olufsen.co.uk www.bang-olufsen.com/canterbury 24

[feature ]

Norma and Bev Hubbard

Peter Whapshott, Ken and Pat Green

Mark and Alison Smith with Roma Kerrison

Jonathan Hill, proprietor and managing director Bang & Olufsen of Canterbury, Andy Macer, head of sales for Bang & Olufsen UK

BA NG & OLU FSEN C A N T E R BU RY Open New Flagship Store in Canterbury PHOTOGRAPHY : SAMUEL WILES

Kieton Patel, Callum Mackenzie and Dhiran Modasia

Band & Olufsen celebrated the launch of its new flagship showroom on Beer Cart Lane in Canterbury with an evening of canapés, drinks and a demonstration of state-of-the-art new BeoLab 90 loudspeakers. Jonathan Hill, managing director and owner, welcomed more than 100 VIP guests to the grand opening and explained how the previous location in Burgate had been in existence for 17 years but the time had come to move into a new space. “We are celebrating not only our

showroom but B&O’s 90th birthday and our 18th year in Canterbury. I guess you could say we are coming of age,” he said. Andy Macer, head of sales for Bang & Olufsen UK, added: “I genuinely believe that Canterbury is now our best UK showroom and we have 63 of them, so that’s an incredible achievement. At a time when more and more brands are moving away from the high street and into online shopping, Bang & Olufsen is an exception.”

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[title ]

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HOMEWARE [home & interiors ]

AT COPPERFIELDS OF WHITSTABLE

Kilner & Mason Cash This month we’re showcasing some classic kitchenware from the icon Kilner and Mason Cash brands. Mason Cash have been producing beautiful, functional, iconic kitchenware for over 200 years, with their origins tracing back to a pottery operating at Church Gresley in the heart of England around 1800. The Kilner business was first established by John Kilner in the 1840's in England. It was towards the end of the 19th century when the original Kilner Jar.

Kilner Drinking The original Kilner jar is as muchloved and successful now as it was 120 years ago. Its long-lasting popularity is owed to its distinctive pressure seal and iconic design. Put simply, households all over the world trust it to successfully preserve and pickle their fruit and vegetables. Now, not only is the Kilner jar an essential

for the kitchen, but has become a statement of style around the home.

Create a sensational table setting for parties or gatherings with the Kilner drinks dispensers and handled jar collections. Simply prepare and chill your drinks in advance, letting your guests mingle while they serve. What could be easier? With a collection of recipes to choose from, the Kilner website is a great tool to use to serve up a variety of refreshing drinks.

Their dedicated consumer website www.masoncash.co.uk is packed with recipes, a ‘tutorial’ section designed to help consumers get the most out of using their products, plus ‘how to’ video demonstrations, providing easyto-follow, step-by-step guides designed to help make baking easy.

Open 7 days a week Copperfields are always looking for the new innovative products and will introduce all new ranges over the coming 4 weeks.

Mason Cash Baking On the back of the success of the hugely popular Great British Bake Off, we have seen an influx of consumers try their hand at baking themselves. Mason Cash provide the tools for all bakers, novice or expert, to help get them in the baking spirit.

Their cane mixing bowls, as seen on the Great British Bake Off itself, combine functional benefits with beautiful aesthetics, to give consumers an ever-lasting experience.

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COLLECTABLES

D A N 2-4 Broad Street, Margate CT9 1EW I 01843 292 417 S 07428 370 291 H flemmingmoberg@hotmail.co.uk

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Danish-Collectables

www.danishcollectables.co.uk 28

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

Country Warmth Top quality fireplaces from a top quality company

Traditional to ultra modern • Established 30 years Full design & installation service througout the south east 1-3 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Kent • 01303 240300 www.countrywarmth.com • GAS SAFE, HETAS 29

[home & interiors ]

RESIN BOUND THE

REVOLUTION

BY PETE NICHOLS & BRIAN THOMAS OF THOMAS MEWS LTD

Thomas Mews Ltd is a father and son run family business who offer what they call a “from planning to planting” service, which covers every aspect of construction and landscaping from the front gate to the back gate and everything in between. From renovations to refurbishments, house builds to garden landscaping and patios to driveways, Thomas Mews Ltd can deliver without having to rely on sub-contractors.

MD Brian Thomas says, “We’ve been in construction and landscaping for many years, working with major house builders and architects, delivering new builds, extensions, brickwork, ground works, paving, driveways, underpinning, installing play areas, synthetic grass, tree and shrub planting and fencing. In 2014 we decided to come away from mainstream contracting and focus on domestic households and small developments which has proven to be positive and rewarding. Two areas in which we

have seen a lot of interest is in the use of synthetic grass, and, due to the continually improving technologies, the move from traditional block paving, loose gravel or tarmac to resin bound driveways and paths”

Resin Bound Surfacing Resin bound surfacing works by mixing blended natural aggregates such as gravel and stone with a UV stable binding resin which coats every stone. The resulting mixture is then laid by hand to produce a solid,

smooth surface, which is not only highly durable, but also looks great and come in a wide range of colours and blends. Thomas Mews Ltd offer twenty colours including cappuccino, titanium, and slate gray Resin bound surfaces can be laid quickly and efficiently, and be ready to walk on within hours.

One of the many benefits of a resin bound driveway or path is that it is highly permeable, so you can say goodbye to puddles underfoot. Resin bound surfaces are SUDS (sustainable urban drainage systems) compliant meaning that they manage run off close to where the rain water actually falls, which helps not only to reduce the risk of flooding, but also helps control potential pollution.

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[home & interiors ]

As well as the environmental plus points, resin bound surfaces also benefit from being impervious to frost, no weeds (a geotextile membrane inserted prior to the mixing process prevents weeds from breaking the surface), no loose stones, low maintenance (a simple hosing down or a firm broom is all that is required to maintain the surface), no cracking, and are highly affordable.

Also, if you already have an existing tarmac or concrete surface then a resin bound surface can simply be laid over the top, saving you the time and money required for a complete excavation.

Speaking to Brian about the resin bound surfaces they have worked on in recent months he said, “I’ve yet to come across a customer who doesn’t

absolutely love the end result, which comes as no surprise to us as they do look fantastic. In fact, the most common reaction we get is for the customer to tell us they wish they’d done it years ago. It’s quick, durable, aesthetically pleasing, environmentally sound, affordable, AND it comes with a 10 year guarantee! – what’s not to love?”

Thomas Mews Ltd are based at Manston in Thanet but have team members throughout East Kent and Medway and cover the whole of Kent and the South East. For more information on Resin Bound Surfacing or any other aspect of building and landscaping, you can call Brian or one of the team on 0800 802 1400 or visit

www.thomasmewsltd.com

Family run business offering a wide range of construction and landscaping solutions throughout Kent and the South East Construction • Extension • Resin Bound Surfaces • Synthetic Grass • Landscaping Call now to arrange you free no obligation quote on 0800 802 1400 www.thomasmewsltd.com 31

[title ]

Kitchens to suit every individual taste and lifestyle.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL AS STANDARD.

32 INZO - Available in 15 contemporary colours

Call Now 01233 645530

Unit 15, Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH

Roma is a leading kitchen specialist who, alongside expert design flair, provide a unique project management and fitting service.

Your kitchen will be provided on time, as specified and fitted by professional and highly qualified tradesmen.

Visit our showroom Mon - Fri ................................9am - 5pm Sat ..........................................10am - 4pm 01233 645530 Unit 15, Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH

www.roma-interiors.co.uk

STAIRLIFTS • WALKERS • SCOOTERS • WHEELCHAIRS 34

instore

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online

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mobile

Visit our showrooms:

156 Tankerton Road, Tankerton, Kent CT5 2AW.

01227 907003 NO CALL OUT FEES SERVICE ONLY £39.99 EX VAT 131 Canterbury Road, Westbrook, Kent CT9 5BD • 01843 292136

For your FREE quotation please contact us on either;

Mobile: 07875 385 833 / 07860 637 656 Email: mark@elementsonline.co.uk

SERVICING • RISE & RECLINERS • DAILY LIVING AIDS

Elements are a small company with a big future, we have a skilled workforce specialising in Heating systems, kitchens, bathrooms and all electrical works.

www.1stchoicemobility.co.uk

Garage and/or allocated parking included with some apartment

[title ]

23 High Street, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1AP

Exceptional apartments in Whitstable...

Built with

‘lifestyle’ in mind.

WestBay Court is an exceptional and prestigious new development of eight apartments and a luxury penthouse for sale with unrivalled 360O views across Whitstable Bay. The Apartments have been created by a local developer from a landmark, iconic 60’s building in the heart of the fashionable beachside resort of Whitstable, Kent.

The high speed link to London (St.Pancras) takes approximately 72 minutes from the mainline railway station at Whitstable. Both Folkestone’s Channel Tunnel and the Port of Dover are accessible within 45 minutes.

Prices from £299,950 - £350,000 To request a brochure, please call either: Strutt & Parker tel: 01227 451123 . www.struttandparker.com Christopher Hodgson tel: 01227 266441 . www.christopherhodgson.co.uk

Christopher

Hodgson 35

• EPC’s: • Apartments 5 & 6 = B • Apartment 8 EPC = C

THE Captain Digby FAMILY PUB, RESTAURANT & CLIFFTOP BEER GARDEN

HOME-cooked food

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

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 A S 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 O A 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 O A D S TA I R S .C O. U K

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[cover story ]

KNOWN as Hollywood’s hapless loser or ego pumped maniac; Ben Stiller’s own movie success seems to reflect anything but misguided failure.

Ben Stiller

BY NERISSA BLOWER

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[cover story ] An intrepid actor, director, producer and scriptwriter; Stiller, 50 has bravely paved his own way to movie stardom and inadvertently helped to launch a new comedy ‘Frat Pack’, making his unique offbeat humour mainstream.

Stiller was born in 1965 in New York to Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller. His mother was an actress who converted to Judaism after marrying the Jewish comedian. The couple also had a daughter, Amy. The Stiller children had an unusual upbringing due to both parents being active in showbiz.

The family had many late nights and travelled around in order to keep up with the hectic world of film and television.

A keen filmmaker as a child, Stiller made lots of Super 8 movies with his sister and friends. At the young age of nine, he made his acting debut on legal drama series, Kate McShane which featured his mother in the lead role.

Eager to pursue an acting career like his parents, Stiller also played several roles in the New York City’s First All Children’s Theatre and even starred as the titular character in the theatre’s production of Clever Jack and the Magic Beanstalk.

Throughout his childhood years, Stiller developed a passion for comedy and was a fan of Canadian sketch show, Second City Television. The show inspired the young star to start a career in sketch-based comedy. In the early 1980s Stiller performed as an opening

Ben Stiller & children Ella, 11, & Quinlin, 8, at the TCL Chinese Theatre

act to singer and comedian Jadin Wong on the cabaret circuit. After this short stint in theatre, Stiller decided to study film at the University of California.

However after nine months, Stiller abandoned his studies to pursue acting.

He left the University and returned to New York in the hopes of finding an agent and launching his career in film and television.

At fifteen, Stiller starred in the television soap opera, Guiding Light and was later cast in the 1987 television play, The House of Blue Leaves alongside John Mahoney. During this time, Stiller produced a mockumentary

Dustin Hoffman, Robert DeNiro, Jessica Alba and Ben Stiller attend the world premiere of "Little Fockers".

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which followed the life of the actor Mahoney. The mini production was applauded by the cast and crew of the film and Stiller was encouraged to create The Hustler of Money, a ten minute parody of Martin Scorsese’s The Color of Money. Producers from popular talk show Saturday Night Live were so impressed by the short that they featured it on the show. In 1989 Stiller wrote and appeared on the hit comedy series but left after only four episodes when the producers refused to let him make more mini films.

Determined to make his own way in the film industry, Stiller began creating more of his own shorts and movies.

He created Elvis Stories, a satirical film about the fictitious sightings of Elvis Presley. The movie starred his acting friends including the young John Cusack. The film was a success and Stiller went on to produce a music video, Going Back to Brooklyn; a parody of rapper LL Cool J’s Going Back to Cali. MTV producers loved the video so much that they offered Stiller his own show on their music channel.

The Ben Stiller Show included comedy sketches mixed with music videos and parodies of actors, movies and television series. The show was not the success Stiller had hoped for and was cancelled after its first season but was shortly relaunched on the Fox

[cover story ] Network. Among its new writing team was Judd Apatow who later went on to direct hugely successful comedy films including Anchorman, The 40-YearOld-Virgin and Knocked Up. Although The Ben Stiller Show received low ratings, it was later awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program.

In 1992 Stiller agreed to direct the film, Reality Bites and spent almost two years rewriting the script, raising funds and recruiting the cast and crew. It was released in 1994 and was the highest grossing film in its opening weekend.

Stiller’s next creation as a director was the 1996 black comedy, The Cable Guy starring Jim Carrey and Matthew Broderick. The film was Judd Apatow’s first as a feature film producer. Despite critic reviews that deemed the movie a flop, the film made a $47 million profit and gained a cult status amongst fans. The film also connected Stiller to future friends and fellow actors Jack Black and Owen Wilson.

It wasn’t until 1997 that Stiller achieved worldwide recognition for his movie roles. The actor starred as awkward and accident prone Ted Stroehmann who hires a detective to track down his former school crush in There’s Something About Mary. The film, which starred upcoming actress Cameron Diaz was a major success and established Stiller as a well-loved Hollywood comedian.

and David Bowie and gained generally favourable reviews from critics.

Stiller and Owen joined forces again as Chas and Eli in comedy-drama, The Royal Tenenbaums. Famed for its ironic, offbeat humour; the film’s screenplay was nominated for an Academy Award.

2004 was an auspicious year for the actor who was cast in some of the highest grossing films of the year. These included seventies remake Starsky and Hutch opposite Owen Wilson, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, romantic comedy Along Came Polly with Jennifer Aniston and Meet the Parents sequel, Meet the Fockers. He also made cameo appearances in regional news parody Anchorman, improvised comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm and short-lived but critically acclaimed sitcom, Arrested Development.

In 2005 Stiller joined a cast of famous actors including Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer to lend his voice to computer animated film, Madagascar. The movie about a group of animals from a zoo in New York who get stranded on the island of Madagascar was an international hit and launched two sequels.

Stiller returned to live action movies as night watchman Larry who discovers exhibits come alive at after hours in Night at the Museum. Despite mixed reviews, the film grossed over $74 million. In 2008 Tropic Thunder, a comedy about a group of actors making a Vietnam war film was released. Stiller co-wrote, produced, directed and starred in the film. In 2011 Stiller was cast opposite Eddie Murphy in Tower Heist and produced, directed and starred in 2013’s The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

Stiller has been romantically linked with several actresses including Jeanne Tripplehorn, Calista Flockhart and Amanda Peet. He met and dated actress Christine Taylor whilst filming a television show which never aired. The couple married in 2000 and currently live in New York with daughter Ella and son Quinlan. Stiller supports many charities including the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation and is involved in animal rights campaigns.

Stiller is set to reprise his role as dimwitted model in Zoolander 2 which will be released this year.

Following his recent success in cringe worthy comedy; Stiller was cast as the calamity stricken Gaylord ‘Greg’ Focker in Meet the Parents. The film, which famously included Robert de Niro as an intimidating ex CIA officer and father figure was an international success, grossed over $330 million worldwide and spawned two sequels.

In 2001 Stiller directed his third film, Zoolander in which he starred as the vain and short sighted male model of the same name. The film was inspired by a short film Stiller produced and aired at the 1997 VH1 Fashion Awards.

The feature length movie which featured Owen Wilson as Zoolander’s nemesis Hansel McDonald included celebrity cameos such as Donald Trump

Christine Taylor and Ben Stiller at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'Madagascar Escape 2 Africa 39

Margate Theatres Spring 2016 [title ] Theatre Royal

The Simon & Garfunkel Story Saturday 6 February

I, Malvolio Thursday 3 March

Winter Gardens

Romesh Ranganathan Irrational Sunday 7 February

The Why Not Workshops 4-5 March

I Am Not Myself These Days Friday 12 February

Celebrating Hoagy Saturday 5 March

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Saturday 13 February

Flatpack Wednesday 9 March

Katherine Ryan Saturday 13 February

The Daddy Blues Friday 11 March Musicality - Masque Theatre School 12-13 March

Jackson - Live in Concert Saturday 13 February Winter Warz - Indoor Laser Combat 17-20 February

Sarah Millican - Outsider Friday 4 March

Simple Simon - The Adventure of Bella the Elephant Thursday 18 February

Frankie Boyle - Hurt Like You’ve Never Been Loved Saturday 5 March

LDN Wrestling Sunday 21 February

Brian Conley Sunday 13 March

Circus of Horrors Saturday 27 February

The Magic of Motown - The Reach Out Tour Sunday 19 March

Lysistrata Monday 14 March

The Police Panto The Miss-Adventures of Robin Hood 18-20 February Hiraeth Tuesday 23 February The Remarkable Tale of Oliver Twist Thursday 25 February

The Broke N Beat Collective Friday 18 March

The Tannahill Weavers Friday 26 February Not Now, Bernard & Other Monster Stories Satuday 27 February

Psychic Sally - Call Me Psychic Tour Thursday 3 March The Old Woman, the Buffalo & the Lion of Manding Saturday 19 March Russell Howard - Warm-up Sunday 20 March The Thanet Gang Show 24-28 March

Your Leisure working in partnership with:

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All Stars Charity Concert Sunday 20 March Planet Thanet Beer Festival 25-26 March Sing As We Go Wednesday 30 March Coppelia Vienna Festival Ballet Thursday 7 April

Box Office: 01843 292795 margatewintergardens.co.uk | theatreroyalmargate.com

[days out ]

WINS NME BEST SMALL VENUE

2015

RAMSGATE MUSIC HALL As we reported in our last issue, Ramsgate Music Hall had been nominated for the “Best Small Venue 2015” in the NME, and on 27th November the 125 capacity venue was confirmed as the winner after votes by readers of the leading music industry website and magazine were counted.

Owner Julian Bigg said to the Thanet Gazette: "It's fantastic and a great honour to be thought of as the best in the country.We were nominated last year and came very close.This year we won it.

We have a very small and dedicated team that run the place. All our hard work is finally paying off.”

The Music Hall beat off tough competition such as the legendary King Tuts in Glasgow,Think Tank in Newcastle, Guildhall in Gloucester, and The Sugarmill in Stoke.

Despite the ‘intimate’ size of the venue, RMH has already attracted the likes of Neneh Cherry Sleafod Mods, Jungle Brothers, and Adamski.

Speaking to NME Julian said: “Small is beautiful.The hall is intimate, our sound is spectacular, the bands and fans love it as you really experience the full flavour of the music in a way larger venues cannot deliver.”

Ramsgate Music Hall opened in 2013 when Julian and his business partner Robin Hyman transformed the three storey former private drinking club into the award winning live music venue.

with Petit Fours

Stay over on the 12th, 13th or 14th February, for £259 including your

Stay either 13th-14th or 14th-15th February, for £349 including your

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SPRING FAIR 10am to 5pm Saturday 26th to Monday 28th March Pierremont Hall Park, Broadstairs

www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk

T: broadiefoodfest

FB: broadstairsfoodfestival

45

[food & drink ]

BY JO TODD

OVER HERE FOR

FISH & BEER FISH AND BEER CAFÉ BAR, BROADSTAIRS

There’s a new style of drinking in Broadstairs with the opening, mid 2015, of Fish and Beer in Albion Street, Broadstairs. Owner Adrian Mowl has taken his inspiration from the streets of Belgium, bringing an impressive list of eleven continental craft beers to Broadstairs.

Adrian, who also owns The Royal Harbour Brasserie in Ramsgate, says “The concept is to recreate that café style bar that mainland Europe does so well.These beers are quite distinctive, so we offer a beer stick – that’s a rack of three one third of a pint glasses – with a choice of any of the craft beers for just five pounds. It’s a good way of sampling several beers – sensibly!.”

We sampled a Pale Ale from the Four Pure Beer company; Paulaner lager, Big Wave and from Kent, Green Daemon.

Brewed in Bruges and on tap at Fish and Beer is the Bruges Zot Blond which pairs fantastically with fish and seafood.

Beware though, as this deceptively light and palate-cleansing lager has a sting in the tail with an ABV of 6%.

Staying with that Belgium theme, the décor is a pared down, rather quirky style of bare brickwork, wooden tables, bar stools and church pews. Lighting is an innovative mixture of bottling rack, metal boxes and tavern lamps.There’s even a grassed bar area.. really!

The menu, displayed on blackboards, has a definite continental feel with a selection of smaller dishes as well as Daily Specials.Who could pass up the chance to try beef dripping chips – probably the most sought after, crispiest chips in Thanet.The open kitchen, gives you a chance to watch Chef Luke Scott singe his eyebrows as he flambés the prawns.

Trained locally, Luke left Thanet to work in London for a while, honing his skills in places such as Browns and Feng Sushi, in Chelsea.

He says, “We try to bring the unexpected to the table.The menu majors on fish, supplied daily by Fruits de Mer, Broadstairs, but it is fish with a twist.

One of the most popular dishes is the

46

Kerala tiger prawn and coconut curry which started life as an occasional special, but has proved so popular it’s now a standard menu choice. Salmon teriyaki is another one of those dishes that just grabs people.”

Although the clue is in the name – Fish and Beer – there is something for everyone. Our taste buds adventure started with bowl of Thai style mussels, the waft of kaffir lime preceding its arrival.This was quickly followed by dishes of plump scallops, crunchy whitebait and sizzling garlic prawns for the fishies amongst us.The carnivores devoured a tapas sized bowl of rich chilli with crispy handmade tortilla chips, followed by luscious jerk pork loin with

[food & drink ]

sauté potatoes; and who could resist those legendary beef dripping chips? – though perhaps we should have, given what we had already eaten.

“We can always create something for non-fish eaters, vegetarians and vegans.

Or, if there is a group – we’ll happily make a seafood or meat based paella for the table.”

Fish and Beer is making its mark as an intimate music venue too with the local musicians Jamie Moore, Mike Deavin and Jeff Matthews appearing regularly.

Occasional acts include the trio of luscious ladies known as ‘Hotsy Totsy’, and the distinctly edgier Steve ‘Boltz’ Bolton. (Fish and Beer will be hosting

musicians as part of Blues Bash and Broadstairs Folk Week: worth a note in your diaries.)

With this happy combination of beers, good food and music … it works equally well as a ‘drop in for a drink’ or ‘stay for food’ venue in the heart of Broadstairs. If visiting at the weekend – you might be advised to book if you want a table rather than a seat at the bar.

Hours: Wednesday/Thursday Midday – 3pm; 6pm – 11.00pm Friday/Saturday Midday – 11pm Sunday Midday – 9pm Telephone 01843 863003

...a brand-new continental-style bar in Broadstairs!

Serving up refreshing draught craft beers with freshly cooked platters of locally caught fish and seafood.

Freshly Prepared and Cooked in the Open Kitchen Exclusive Craft Beers • Seafood & Beers also Available to Take-Away 37 Albion Street, Broadstairs CT10 1NE Tel: 01843 863003 • www.fishandbeerbroadstairs.co.uk

www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk

BROADSTAIRS FOOD FESTIVAL – OCTOBER 2015 29 47

[health and beauty ] Renee's Health Food Tips

KOI SAMUI DETOX

BY RENEE MAGUIRE

We all promise ourselves we will start the New Year with good intentions, but something always gets in the way, and before we know it we are into February and the New Year resolutions are out the window.

This year I decided to begin those intentions in December to ensure a fantastic start to 2016.

I have taken myself back to where I had my inspiration for Rawchi lifestyle, a detox spa in Koi Samui, Thailand.

My job throughout the year is assisting others achieve their health goals and breakthrough, and as a result I often find myself spending too little time on my own goals. I eat a balanced healthy diet, laden with superfoods and raw foods, yet to return to where it all began and fast for a week, is the injection I need to continue to help others and feel balanced.

They say life moves in seven year cycles and its seven years since I took the plunge on my first week long fasting detox in Koi Samui. I had been travelling in South East Asia for 6 months and this was an amazing part of my journey of self-discovery.

It was during this detox that I had the realization that I as a chef I had the 48

ability to change my career from every day chef to a raw food / health food chef, sharing recipes and ideas with people to increase their health and ensure they still love the foods they eat.

Now, seven years on and I am back where it all began and I am guessing you are wondering why I chose to spend the week before Christmas fasting? Many people think the idea is extreme, even ludicrous to fast for 7 days, yet fasting has been practiced as a method of healing for millennia and is a fundamental part of many religions and cultures around the world. Fasting is not for everyone, and if it were easy more of us would use it in common practice on a regular basis, but the process can be difficult and I have to keep telling myself that the health benefits can outweigh a week of my life, not to mention the fact that I get to do this while laying on

a beach in Thailand, which as you can see from the photos, makes the whole experience a little more palatable!

The detox itself is made up of 5 detox drinks taken throughout the day from 7am to 7pm and contains bentonite clay and pysillium husk that absorb the heavy metals and toxins and expand in your stomach, allowing you to not feel hunger and most importantly assist the colon in ridding excess waste stored. In addition, herbal supplements are taken to assist in lymphatic drainage. No food is consumed during this time, and as the body is not producing digestive enzymes to breakdown and digest your food, it is essentially able to go into detoxification and cleanse your internal organs.

The physical results of this type of detox present themselves in many different ways.

[health and beauty ] 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

1. Improved immune systems Detoxification allows the body to absorb nutrients more efficiently and improves lymphatic drainage. It assists the liver to rejuvenate. Our liver has over 400 functions, from regulating blood sugar levels, producing 1300 enzymes, removing bacteria, fungi, viruses, parasites from our blood, breaking down old blood cells, drugs, chemicals, and hormones to name but a few. Our liver removes 75% of the toxins out of our body. So when our liver is dysfunctional, it loses its ability to filter toxins, chemicals, drugs and alcohol through our urine and bile and this shows in our immune system.

2. Assist with weight loss Many people look at the short-term weight loss and assume once we resume eating the body will think it has been starved and store the food as fat, in turn returning all the weight that has been lost. The body hides toxins in our fat cells and sometimes people dieting are unable to lose weight, this can be due to toxin build up. By ridding the body of these toxins, we are able to shift the fat cells, and the weight does not return once you begin to eat.

3. Turning back to signs of aging Our skin is our largest organ and when toxins remain in our body unprocessed they are trapped in our skin and show up in our tired, dehydrated faces. After detox your skin glows. We are able to absorb collagen more effectively, the skin is oxygenated and the stress the body has been under, leaving a fresher, happier and younger face.

4. Healthier food choices By detoxing we are breaking old eating habits. Most of us have addictions to sugar, caffeine and processed foods to

some degree, and by changing our routine over the course of 7 days we reduce our bodies craving for those toxic foods and replace them with new healthier habits. Once the toxins are gone you are able to make better food choices.

5. Clarity and Focus During detox, as your body releases the toxins you will fell lethargic, a little dazed and sometimes emotional, all of which I have gone through during my detox and see a number of others experiencing similar symptoms.Yet, as fasting detox draws to a close the fog lifts and your senses are sharper, the world around seems brighter, you feel calm, stress free and able to focus your mind on what’s important to you.

With my detox drawing to a close, I can tell you it’s not all been plain sailing. Day 4 was exceptionally hard, I had feelings of irritability, strong emotions and fatigue kicked in and I had to dig deep to appreciate that this was all natural and just emotions that need to be released in order for me to get to where I am now. The monotony of the detox drinks and nothing else was hard going and did make me a little grumpy, with a feeling of groundhog day and the waiting to switch from detox to detoxed did feel like an eternity, and yet here I am for the first time in an age feeling stress free, positive, and with a real sense of calm, perfect clarity and an inner piece that only arrives when your body is truly detoxified and empty of toxins. Looking in the mirror I see my hair, skin and eyes are looking luscious, smoother and shinier, my waistline trimmer, healthier and my confidence is back on par. For me this is the best Christmas gift I could have allowed myself and now the trick is holding on to this feeling through 2016 and beyond.

49

[food and drink ]

ELSIE MO'S

BY NERISSA BLOWER

NEW YORK DINER, CANTERBURY

CANTERBURY GETS A TASTE OF NEW YORK STYLE WITH THE OPENING OF A NEW AND EXCITING AMERICAN-THEMED DINER IN THE HEART OF THE CITY.

Situated in Burgate, Elsie Mo’s New York Diner is a colourful new venture that brings 1950s eye-popping colour, flair and vivacity to modern day dining.

Elsie Mo’s was the brainchild of established restaurateur Simon Barrett who also runs the continental café and bar La Trappiste in Sun Street in Canterbury city centre. Simon explained that he always wanted to open an authentic American diner although he wanted to stray away from the corporate feel of chain restaurants. To achieve his

50

dream, Simon researched authentic American recipes, from New York to the Deep South to find tantalising and unique dishes to bring to the UK. Proving his passion and determination to start an all American diner, Simon had been collecting and storing classic 1950s décor and memorabilia in his shed for the last twenty years!

The venue is deceptively large and built on a number of levels which adds drama and intrigue to the building. The interior is littered with artefacts from the heyday of Hollywood glamour with an array of Western themed posters, Native American artwork and vintage commercials. If there is a space not crammed with 50s themed paraphernalia, it is extremely difficult to find.

The menu is rich with variety and offers an array of generously portioned beef burgers, to surf and turf or barbeque ribs.Vegetable lovers, be warned, the choice of non-meat meals are limited

although they do provide a tempting three bean chilli, Texas Mac ‘n’ cheese and stuffed butternut squash.

All the meats and produce are bought from local farmers freshly prepared by chefs from the kitchen and patisserie.

The diner also has an in-house smoker which adds to the authentic flavour of classic Americana.

My food of choice for the evening was bbq chicken breast which consisted of a generous portion of meat stuffed

[food and drink ]

with melted cheese, barbeque sauce and wrapped in a layer of crispy bacon. My dining partner opted for the cowboy’s burger – 10 ounces of succulent beef sandwiched within a large brioche bun complete with homemade coleslaw and deep fried chips.

As the menu delightfully advises, ‘Healthy option? Don’t be silly this is an American diner!’ the offerings are

not for the faint hearted, those of a small appetite or meticulous calorie counters – but what is the fun, or indeed pleasure in that?

Elsie Mo’s provides a real nostalgia and craving for hearty meals with a devilish sense of humour.

I was also pleased to report that the diner had a number of popular cocktails to choose from, which were of course, all freshly prepared onsite. I would recommend the Cosmopolitan, which unlike other pub/diner chains is not sickly sweet but fresh and tart and presented beautifully in a giant cocktail glass. If cocktails are not your thing you can also quench your thirst with soft drinks, coffee, wine or special import American craft beers.

The diner not only boasts a unique dining experience for customers – you can also get a glimpse of some talented live music acts that perform every Friday and Saturday from 7.30pm to 11pm.

To cater for the large number of University goers in the city, Elsie Mo’s also hosts half price student nights every Wednesday. From 7pm to 10pm students can benefit from 50% off the food menu via advanced booking.

For more information about Elsie Mo’s or to book your place at one of their music or student discount nights, please visit the website www.elsiemos.com or phone

01227 453034

51

The Minnis Bay Bar & Brasserie

Alfresco dining Stunning views of Minnis Bay Freshly brewed coee & teas Locally sourced, freshly prepared food Ice cream Great selection of local ales, international lagers and wines

The Parade, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9QP T: 01843 841844 - E: minnisbay@shepherd-neame.co.uk - W: www.theminnis.co.uk

52

[food & drink ]

LEEK

AND POTATO

BY LEE BEHAN

SOUP

SERVES 4

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.

It’s that time of year when you leave the house in the morning and you instantly see your breath. It takes me back to being a child and telling everyone to "look at me, I’m smoking”. Now when I see my breath, all I think about is how bloody cold it is and should I take the Vespa or the bus? The great thing about frosty mornings and chilly evenings is that they lend themselves very well to roasting hot soups and hunks of bread. This leek and potato soup satisfies on all levels, and the bacon croutons are a must!

PROCESS:

INGREDIENTS:  1 TBSP VEGETABLE OIL  1 ONION, SLICED  225G/8OZ POTATOES, CUBED  2 MEDIUM LEEKS, SLICED  1.2 LITRES/2 PINTS VEGETABLE STOCK

 150ML/5FL OZ DOUBLE CREAM OR CRÈME FRAÎCHE  SALT AND FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER  1/2CIABATTA  6 SMOKED STREAKY BACON RASHERS (DICED)

1 Heat the oil in a large pan and add

the onions, potatoes and leeks. Cook for 3-4 minutes until starting to soften.

2 Add the vegetable stock and bring

to the boil. Season well and simmer until the vegetables are tender.

3 Whizz with a hand blender or in a

blender until smooth

4 Slice the uncooked Ciabatta into 2

cam cubes and pan fry with the diced streaky bacon until crispy. Drain onto kitchen towel

5 Reheat the soup in a clean pan, stir

in the cream or crème fraîche, heat through and the bacon and croutons and serve

53

FAVERSHAM

NEW

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N OW

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tel: 01795 532007 www.thelimesonline.com

Kent’s Premier Burger Company D E A L

A NEW RANGE OF FINE FOODS PRODUCED

IN THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND 151 Minnis Road, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9NS 01843 841180 - Info.curiouslykentish.co.uk

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VOTED NUMBER 5 FOR BEST UK BURGER JOINT BY TRIP ADVISOR 2014 AND NUMBER 1 FOR KENT. burgerbrosuk burgerbros_uk @theburgerbros

Kent’s newest Bar and Music Venue Located right on the beach with stunning sunsets over the sea from the window of the bar, Herne Bay is right between the hottest spot east of London, Whitstable, and the retro cool Margate.

Within striking distance of the beautiful city of Canterbury and not beyond the reach of Ramsgate, Dover and Maidstone.

CORPORATE/PRIVATE HIRE

Looking for a venue in Kent to host a party, seminar, meeting or an annual event? Look no further. Contact us now: corporate@onthefront.co.uk

A few of our forthcoming events 12TH

FEB

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FEB

tickets available online now

tickets.onthefront.co.uk

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01227 370639 | hello@onthefront.co.uk

www.onthefront.co.uk

facebook.com/thefronthb twitter.com/thefronthb 55

56

[days out ]

BROADSTAIRS

SPRING FAIR

BY JO SCOTT

FROM THE NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTHY, TO THE INDULGENTLY NAUGHTY BUT NICE, BROADSTAIRS COMES ALIVE WITH ITS THIRD SPRING FAIR, HELD IN THE GROUNDS OF PIERREMONT HALL. THE GATES WILL OPEN AT 10AM SATURDAY 26TH MARCH FOR A FREE ENTRY THREE DAY FOODIE FEAST, BROUGHT TO TOWN BY THE BROADSTAIRS FOOD FESTIVAL TEAM.

The now well-established, and wellloved, Spring Fair heralds in the new season with over fifty Kent food and drink producers – most of them under cover – offering an ideal chance to try a wide range of cured meats, local brews, hand baked cakes and lovingly made hot food.

The weather may be variable but the standard of produce featured at the Fair is guaranteed. Many of the stall holders are Taste of Kent award nominees, winning top places year on year.

Come and find your regular favourites such as Stour Valley Game, Ramsgate Brewery , Kent Cider from Faversham, Biddenden Wines and master Italian baker, Enzo, from the Goods Shed, Canterbury. Newcomers include Go Dutch with sumptuous savoury and sweet pancakes and Canterbury’s Club Burrito with spicy meat and veggie wraps.

throughout the three day event as well as competing for the best bonnets on Monday 28th (full details on the website: www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk).

And what event is complete without a face painter creating an army of pixies, fairies, vampires and super heroes?

The Spring Fair is free to enter but there will be a chance to show your appreciation with a plethora of “PopA-Pound” buckets on hand. Broadstairs Food Festival is a not for profit organisation – and as such, welcomes support from the business community and local residents as well as the stall holders. Equally important is the ongoing support from the enthusiastic band of volunteers who turn out in all weathers with a smile and a helping hand so do make their day by making a donation – as every pound counts.

Opening hours are 10am to 5pm on each day. For full details of exhibitors, art competition and best bonnets got to the web site: www.broadstairsfoodfestival.org.uk Or follow the Spring Fair through Twitter: broadiefoodfest Facebook: /BroadstairsFoodfestival.

If spice is your passion, there will be Thai and Indian offerings to eat at the fair or take away for your supper; or why not try one of the wide range of spice mixes available from Bit Spicy and create your own?

The Fair has its very own micro-pub provided by The Four Candles, St. Peters. But if you prefer your drink somewhat more spirited, visit Nip From the Hip to sample their selection of flavoured gins and vodkas or Warner Wines.

Children can take part in the free artwork competition that runs 57

BETTY & CO AT FENWICKS, CANTERBURY.

BETTY & CO. COATIGAN £125

58

[fashion ]

BETTY & CO. TOP £40

BETTY & CO 59

[fashion ]

BETTY & CO. ZIG ZAG JACKET £80

BETTY & CO 60

[fashion ]

BETTY & CO. DRESS £100

BETTY & CO. SCARF £35

BETTY & CO 61

[fashion ]

BETTY & CO. PRINTED BLOUSE £70

BETTY & CO 62

[fashion ]

BETTY & CO. COAT £279

BETTY & CO 63

HAIRSTYLIST

since 1972

MALCOLMS 91 High Street | Broadstairs | Kent

Modern & Traditional Men’s Hairstyling Appointments Optional

01843 865230 / 864256

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

MON-WEDS 09:30-18:30 CANTERBURY CT1 2LG

THURS 09:30-19:30 FRI 09:30-20:00 SAT 09:00 -17:00 T : 01227 806225 64

[health & beauty ]

CHANGE YOUR

BREAKFAST, CHANGE YOUR

life

BY MATTHEW HAYDEN

Matthew Hayden was born and grew up in East Kent. He is the owner of Oasis Wellness Group with bases in The USA and UK. Matthew works with individuals, groups and companies around the world in creating easy, workable and effective health and wellness plans.

Your body is made up of trillions of cells and each does a very specific thing; the one thing they have in common is that they all rebuild new versions of themselves.Your body is literally rebuilding itself every second of every day and it uses what we eat as the ingredients.

Oh, and by the way, your body is amazing! Look at some of the things it does: in the time it takes to read this sentence 50,000 cells in your body will die and be replaced.You make 100,000 Red blood cells every second, 50 million skin cells every day , a new layer of skin every month and a new skeleton every three months.

But what does this all have to do with breakfast? There are two major categories of foods;The first group supplies energy (proteins, fats, carbohydrates)

It’s New Year’s Resolution time again, and you‘re trying to decide whether or not to try to get into the shape you keep promising yourself. I’d like to suggest giving it one more shot this year, and if you follow a few simple steps you’ll be shocked at the results you can achieve in a short time; just by making one small, simple change. Could it really be as simple as changing your breakfast? Let’s find out…

and the second group supplies building materials (amino acids, vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, etc).While you are awake, you use all the energy; while you are asleep, your body uses the building materials to regenerate itself. Every morning, you wake up "empty".Your cells beg for water and for 114 essential vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, phytonutrients and trace elements; the Building Blocks of your body. BUT what do you feed it? Cereal? Full Monty?

Nothing?

The best things you can feed yourself in the morning is a little serving of complex carbs, a clean protein source and colourful, nutrient dense foods.Whole fruits, nuts, eggs, and oats are all good options if you have the time. For many people, healthy meal shakes are a great

way to get out of the door quickly with a delicious, easy, nutrient packed breakfast – they’ve been the key to my own success.There are so many choices out there these days that a little knowledge and an adventurous spirit can transform your breakfast into s feast! Whatever you choose, aim for around 300 calories and stick to the ratios 40% Carbs, 40% protein and 20% fats and you’ll notice a difference in your energy, midmorning carb cravings will disappear, and your shape will start to change. Just by changing my breakfast I was able to shed 22kg of unwanted bodyfat! Once you establish the habit of changing your breakfast you will never look back!

Contact: oasiswellnessuk@gmail.com 07937 463 702 65

[title ]

Kent College is a Great Place to Learn • Idyllic surroundings • An adventurous curriculum • The adventure starts at 3

Call Today 01227 762 436

66

Find out more at KENTCOLLEGE.COM

[education ]

KENT COLLEGE JUNIOR SCHOOL

- A UNIQUE EDUCATION IN CANTERBURUY

Visitors to Kent College Nursery, Infant and Junior School are always impressed by the considerate yet purposeful approach of the children as they go about making the most of the opportunities presented to them whilst looking smart in their school uniform.These pupils are enjoying a school day that is tailored to their individual educational needs, which will enable them to raise their self esteem to a level that means they will thrive with the variety of challenges that each day brings. It is a traditional education but one that is preparing them for the modern world.

EARLY YEARS CENTRE

The Nursery and reception classes are based around their idyllic garden and provide an adult to pupil ratio of 1:4, this enables the children to gain confidence and skills in a supportive and challenging environment.

INFANT SCHOOL

On entry into the infants the children stay in small groups and spend most of their time developing numeracy and literacy skills but also start to enjoy the teaching of specialist teachers for music, sport, Information and Communication Technology and foreign languages.This sees them enter an accelerated learning programme, which may see them taking GCSE, or similar qualifications early.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Here the average form size has grown to twelve and it is at this point all the children enter the school’s Gifted and Talented programme which sees them enjoying additional curriculum time studying in an area of their strength and interest.This accelerates their progress and enables them to develop further skills and interests that will be with them throughout their lives.

They also enjoy Maths and English lessons that are grouped according to a child’s ability and potential rather than age.This enables them to accelerate their rate of progress surrounded by similarly talented individuals.

A programme of sport and music, which sees extensive involvement for all the children, complements all this academic progress. Sports and music tours feature regularly and there are frequent fixtures for the older children.These opportunities with specialist teaching from teachers that have played up to international standard themselves ensures that no aspect of a child’s education is neglected.

All of this plus a full range of after school clubs every evening and a 50 week a year programme. It is no wonder that the children thrive in such an inspiring, organised and happy environment.

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?

[what's occuring ]

January & February

occurring Sunday 31st January

Tuesday 16th – Friday 19th February

Stephen K Amos – The Laughter Master @ Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury

Brilliant British Birds @ Quex Park, Birchington

The maestro of feel-good comedy is back on tour with his new show. Fresh from sell-out tours of Australia and New Zealand, as heard on BBC Radio 4 Life: An Idiot’s Guide and What Does the K Stand For?

Performance: 7.30pm Tickets: £17 call 01227 769075 Suitable for age 16+

An ideal day out with the kids during half term (also during National Next Box week no less!) enjoy an exciting walk through Quex gardens to discover the brilliant birds that live there. Then make your very own wooden bird nest box to take home. Places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.

Suitable for children aged 7 and up.

From: 11am – 1pm Price: Adults £8.50, Children £6 For more info call: 01843 842168 or enquiries@ quexmuseum.org

Saturday 6th February

Friday 19th – Sunday 21st February

Robert Newman: The Brain Show @ Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone

Broadstairs Blues Bash @ Broadstairs Town

After volunteering for a brain-imaging experiment meant to locate the part of the brain that lights up when you’re in love, popular comedian, author, and political activist, Rob emerges with more questions than answers.

The show includes a specially constructed MRI-hat that will record Robert’s real-time brain activity in the show.

Broadstairs Blues Bash is a FREE Blues music festival which is now into its eighth year. Broadstairs has a vibrant exciting music scene and with small intimate wine-bars, friendly pubs and bars, larger pubs and one ticketed (250) venue with two huge headline acts (Friday AND Saturday night), it is the ideal town for a Blues festival. The Broadstairs Blues Bash attracts high quality performers, so if you're a fan of old Blues, new Blues, GREAT Blues, this festival is definitely one not to miss.

Call for prices on 01622 758611

Entry to all gigs: FREE

Can brain scans read our minds? Are we our brains? How can you map the mind?

Friday 4th March

Sarah Millican – Outsider @ Margate Winter Gardens In the past when you put Sarah Millican outside, she asked things like: ‘Why? Where is the taxi? Do I need a cardie?’ and said things like: ‘There’ll be wasps. I’ve nothing to sit on. Is that poo?

Can we go home?’

But things have changed.

Now she has outside slippers.

68

March

[what's occuring ] She can tell a chaffinch from a tit (hey). But she still can’t tell if it’s an owl or her husband’s asthma.

Join Russell Howard, one of our funniest and most successful comedians, as he tries out brand new material.

Sarah Millican is venturing outside. Bring a cardie.

For tickets call Box Office 01843 292795

Performance: 8pm Price: £25 available at www.eticketing.co.uk/ margatewintergardens or call 01843 292795

Sunday 6th March Mothering Sunday Lunch @ Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Every Mum deserves this Sunday off to relax! With the Chef's delicious 3-course lunch and the opportunity to take a stroll in the Cathedral grounds, Mum will be truly spoilt.

Price: £27.95 per adult or £12.95 per child under 14 years (under 4’s eat free).

Call: 01227 865350

Tuesday 8th – Saturday 12th March Alan Bennett's Single Spies @ The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury National treasure Alan Bennett explores our fascination with Russian spies and royalty in a double bill chronicling the lives of two members of the notorious 'Cambridge Five' spy ring.

Tuesday 22nd March The Stranglers @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone In March 2016, The Stranglers will head out on a full UK tour which will see them showcase their legendary Black & White album both chronologically and in its entirety plus additional material new and old.

With a stellar cast including Nicholas Farrell (The Iron Lady, Legend) and Belinda Lang (2point4 Children, Midsummer Murders) and David Robb (Downton Abbey, Wolf Hall).

The band's third studio album Black & White was unleashed in May 1978 and showed them to be the first of their peers to break away from the 'punk' formula of the previous year.

Described recently by journalist John Robb as 'the first post punk album', its release was acclaimed by fans and critics alike at the time and it reached number 2 in the UK charts.

Lyrically, subject matter had been broadened by the band's recent travels around the world and included the Cold War, Yukio Mishima, Sweden and Hell's Angels.

Prices: From £18.50 available on 01227 787787

Doors Open: 7pm

Performances: Evenings: 7.30pm, Thu & Sat matinees: 2.30pm

Tickets: £28.15 available from https://secure.atgtickets.com or call 01303 228600

Tuesday 8th – Sunday 13th March

Friday 26th March

With forgery, fraud and hilarious blunders, Single Spies gives us a glimpse into a life full of espionage, secret identities and even an interrogation by the Queen.

POW! Thanet @ Throughout Thanet Thanet is holding its first International Women’s Day festival this year from the 8th to the 13th of March. Called POW! Thanet (Power of Women), there will be talks, music, theatre, workshops for men and women, girls and boys! Venues include; The Sarah Thorne Theatre, Broadstairs; The Theatre Royal, Margate; The Turner Contemporary, Margate; The Tom Thumb Theatre, Cliftonville and Pie Factory Music, Ramsgate.

Faversham Hat Festival @ Faversham Town Centre The popular Hat Festival and Hat Parade are back for 2016.

The Festival is to encourage community involvement in a fun, creative and interesting way - centred round the theme of hats.

Whether you want to make headwear, dress up a hat or just wear a well-loved favourite. It's all about the hat!

Free entry

For more information contact Rachel Thapa-Chhetri at the Hat Shop on 01795 227071 or visit www.facebook.com/ FavershamHatFestival

Sunday 20th March

Friday 26th – Sunday 28th March

Russell Howard @ Theatre Royal, Margate As one of Britain's best loved comedians Russell needs little introduction.

He has appeared on some of the most well-known comedy shows on television including 'Mock The Week', '8 Out Of 10 Cats' and 'Never Mind The Buzzcocks'. In addition to this he has his own television show on BBC3 - 'Russell Howards Good News'. He has released four DVD's of his most successful stand-up tours and in 2011 embarked upon a sellout UK arena tour 'Right Here, Right Now'.

Broadstairs Spring Fair @ Pierremont Park, Broadstairs Retuning for the fourth year Broadstairs Food Festival brings a Spring Fair to town.

Over 50 stalls of local food and drink.

Use this Easter weekend as a perfect opportunity to shop locally with the freshest of Kent food (and drink) on offer.

From 10am – 5pm daily, Free entry 69

[weddings ]

FEATURED BRIDAL MAKEUP ARTIST

GEMMA DALE

AT BLISS BEAUTY THERAPY, EASTRY EKL’S BEAUTY EXPERT AMY MCMANUS TALKS ABOUT HER FAVOURITE MAKEUP ARTIST GEMMA DALE AND THE MAKEUP THAT LASTED OVER 14 HOURS THROUGH THE DECEMBER COLD, WIND AND RAIN. Your hair has been sculpted with precision, the dress you tirelessly dieted for feels like a dream and your nails have never looked better. Flawless make-up is the cherry on top of a picture perfect cake. The excitement (and / or chaos) of the wedding morning finally arrives and your makeup artist turns up like a knight in shining armour...but with a contour kit instead of a sword.

In December last year I was fortunate enough to be a bridesmaid. When I was asked, there were obviously tears, lots of emotion and a great feeling of excitement. Once I had eventually stopped crying, organisation Amy stepped forward. When it comes to weddings, you want absolutely everything to be perfect. This is one of the most important days of someone’s life and there is a particular pressure, as a member of the wedding party, to ensure everything goes to plan. This was especially important as the bride was my gorgeous sister-in-law.

I knew she was getting married in December (by the sea) so my first thoughts were wind, rain, possible snow and FREEZING! My second thoughts were of course, hair and makeup. My sister-in-law wanted photos on the beach, so the makeup would need to withstand the usual pressures of a full wedding day, with added winter weather, wind and sea! Quite a task, but I knew the perfect makeup artist for the job, Gemma Dale.

25% off all wedding make-up trials when quoting East Kent Lifestyle Magazine*

*Subject to availability

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Gemma not only did the makeup for my own wedding, but each time I have been a bridesmaid, she has been there too. I guess I’m pretty adamant who does the wedding makeup eh? It’s just easy to recommend someone who is so good at what they do and who I can always trust to do the best job.

As you can see from the pictures, Gemma’s makeup lasted from morning until night, through beach photographs, windy walks, speeches, dinner and the after party. However, it’s so much more than good makeup that lasts; the care she puts into each person is simply wonderful. From the first call to your trial and wedding; her dedication to you and your big day is as though you were a member of her family. Gemma often says that if she let someone leave her salon with nails or makeup that weren’t perfect, she wouldn’t be able to sleep that night. That’s the exact person you want doing your wedding makeup; someone who cares about it as much as you do.

Bliss Beauty Therapy Eastry, Kent - 01304 619212

blissbeautytherapykent.co.uk Bliss.BeautyTherapy

EAST KENT

[weddings ]

WEDDINGS

Includes:

Georgeous Gifts PAGE 80 Divine Dresses PAGE 90 Wedding Hair PAGE 92 Hot Honeymoons PAGE 96 Stunning Venues & plenty more inside‌ 71

[title ]

Looking for a wedding venue in Dover or Margate?

Come & discover our four fabulous venues...

Our venues, Theatre Royal (Margate) and Maison Dieu (Dover) are fully licensed to hold civil ceremonies and include features such as a unique Victorian theatre stage and a 800 year old medieval hall with stunning stained glass and historic dĂŠcor & paintings.

These are supported by fabulous reception venues at Northdown House (Margate) an elegant English manor house in a parkland setting with a grand open staircase. The Winter Gardens (Margate) which is ideal for larger parties with a popular seaside and Turner sunset setting. The Maison Dieu (Dover) also benefits from having a variety of suites available for receptions right alongside your ceremony.

Having the advantage of our very own in-house catering teams and facilities, we can tailor your needs and preferences to your requirements. A dedicated wedding co-ordinator will provide you with the support you need to ensure that your day with us is one to remember. Call today to arrange a visit 01843 296111.

Northdown House, Margate Ideal For Wedding Receptions A hidden gem in the heart of Thanet, this elegant English manor house is set in the picturesque grounds of Northdown Park, Palm Bay. The tree lined sweeping drive entrance unveils this beautiful building that provides a great intimate venue for wedding receptions.

Ideal for a private setting for up to 130 people, and the backdrop of the park offers further flexibility to erect a marquee for larger parties.

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A private garden is available for those memorable wedding photographs.

Theatre Royal Margate Bringing a little Theatre to the proceedings

[title ]

A truly unique and dramatic setting for weddings and civil marriage - the Theatre Royal is licensed for Marriage Ceremonies.

You will have full use of England's oldest stage From 20 to 360 ceremony guests and use of the bar or if you wish onto one of our other venues for the reception.

Winter Gardens, Margate Ideal For Larger Wedding Parties The largest banqueting venue in Kent is steeped with history, the building is a real testimony to Edwardian architecture and has retained many of its original features.

Main Hall: The premier dining suite in Kent – dining and dancing for up to 800 . The Main Stage provides an impressive backdrop for any occasion.

Queens Hall: Adjacent to the Main Hall, is the second largest hall in the Winter Gardens complex. The flexibility of the Queens Hall makes it a popular function suite in the area, catering comfortably for numbers of 100-350 guests.

Maison Dieu, Dover Town Hall Perfect Traditional Wedding Ceremonies The historic Maison Dieu has been a place of hospitality and celebration for almost 800 years.

Today the building boasts a magnificent suite of four beautiful rooms, complemented by historic paintings and splendid Victorian stained glass windows.

Having been approved for civil marriage, the Maison Dieu can accommodate various sized parties for ceremonies with the Stone Hall (seating 280) and Council Chambers (seating 70).

The flexibility of the venue also allows for additional guests of up to 300 for a sit down reception and 400 for an evening celebration.

Telephone 01843 296111 www.yourleisure.uk.com events@yourleisure.uk.com

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Kentish Weddings by the sea

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Wedding Venues For Your Special Day...

Enjoy your special day and have your wedding ceremony by the sea. Thorley Hotels Group have dedicated and experienced people in place to guide you through all of the necessary arrangements ensuring your Wedding Day is tailored to your dreams.

Call your venue of choice for more details The Pavilion, Harbour Street, Broadstairs 01843 600999 www.pavilion-broadstairs.co.uk The Pegwell Bay Hotel, Pegwell Road, Ramsgate 01843 599590 www.pegwellbayhotel.co.uk The Oak Hotel, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate 01843 583686 www.oakhotel.co.uk

www.thanetweddingvenues.co.uk 75

title ] [weddings ]

THE

PEGWELL BAY HOTEL, RAMSGATE

The Pegwell Bay Hotel is the hidden “Wedding Venue” gem in Thanet’s crown. With its unique offering of a completely private sea-side wedding venue. “Most of our weddings come from guests who attend other weddings here” said Richard Gregg, the Pegwell Wedding Co-ordinator. “Our breath-taking decking is so unique, as is our Gazebo where couples can get married al-fresco with the backdrop of the sea.”

The Pegwell has a wedding licence so couples can have the one stop shop they are looking for. With the Hotel, forty two rooms and the two function rooms, the possibilities are endless.

The Ravenscliff Suite

The Ravenscliff suite has been fully refurbished with a modern contemporary feel.

It boasts a large fully equipped bar, a solid wood dance floor, air conditioning and a fantastic veranda overlooking the sea.

The veranda area has casual seating, where your guests can relax whilst taking in the breath-taking surroundings.

The Ravenscliff suite, which also offers relaxed but formal dinners or lunches as well as evening entertainment, such as DJs or live bands and dancing, is the bigger of the suites, and can easily seat 130 guests.

As noted above, the Ravenscliff is licensed for DJs and bands and these can either be booked for you or you can peruse a list of recommended artists who have performed at previous functions at The Pegwell.

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The Clifton Suite

The smaller of the Hotel’s two suites is located one floor above sea level. With the recent addition of a fantastic new balcony, you will be able to admire the breath-taking views out to sea.

The room has been lovingly restored with the original features of the building remaining intact. Sporting high ceilings, ornate chandeliers, a stage and ceiling height windows, the Clifton suite is a picture of true Victorian elegance.

The Clifton can seat 70 guests, and you have the option of relaxed but formal seated dinners or lunches, or less formal buffets with entertainment and dancing.

Both function rooms are easily accessible by the new modern lift, which serves all floors.

The in-house brigade of chefs are led by Head Chef John Marchant. John has led the team at the Pegwell for over five years now and previous to that he had been Head Chef at two other Thorley venues.

[weddings ]

“We really look forward to wedding days as it gives us the opportunity to really deliver as a team. The Menus we have created have proved really popular, however, because all my team are fully trained chefs, menus can be changed or altered to suit our client’s requirements” said John.

staying at the Hotel, especially as once on site they did not need to move venues for the whole of the wedding day celebrations. The meal was fantastic, as was the service given by all of the team. Richard did a great job of making sure every detail was adhered to.”

Barbecues are very popular in the summer months and can add a different twist to either the wedding breakfast or evening buffet.

The Pegwell caters for weddings of all sizes and budgets and it always pays to telephone and have a conversation as you never know what is possible until you ask.

The Pegwell Bay Hotel works very closely with local suppliers to enable them to offer a truly bespoke wedding, catering to every bride and groom’s needs.

The Pegwell Bay Hotel, the perfect Thanet wedding venue, with hotel rooms on site, a wedding licence so your guests do not need to relocate, indoor and outdoor wedding facilities, and a private decking area for your guests to enjoy the unique ambience of your sea-side wedding.

The experienced team at the Pegwell have delivered hundreds of successful weddings and it is something the whole team enjoy. From the receptionists, to the bar and waiting staff, a wedding day is a special event and the whole team rise to the occasion.

A quote from one of 2014’s summer’s brides “we chose the Pegwell for its unique location and for the attention to detail shown by all the team there. Many of my family and guests travelled from around the Country and they really enjoyed

The Pegwell Bay Hotel Pegwell Road, Ramsgate

01843 599590 www.pegwellbayhotel.co.uk 77

[weddings ]

The beautiful, historic setting of St Edmund’s overlooks the city and cathedral of Canterbury, giving you and your guests a stunning panoramic view from St Thomas Hill.

Founded in 1858 by Dr Samuel Warnford, its’ magnificent 19th century historic buildings are set amongst acres of tranquil mature gardens and parkland, and offer an ideal location for your wedding day. Approved for civil marriages, civil partnerships and renewal of vows for up to 120 guests, St Edmund’s is the quintessential English venue that promises to make your occasion truly memorable.

Step inside and you’ll discover the Drawing room and Terrace with its’

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scenic views, creating an intimate atmosphere for your ceremony, and the traditional oak-panelled Dining Hall, a perfect space for your wedding reception. Outside, the elegant limestone-arched colonnade provides a wonderful location for an outdoor ceremony, followed by a marquee reception on our lawns. Whatever your needs, whether small and intimate affairs, or larger receptions, let the magnificent venue of St Edmund’s be the starting point for your special day.

Rental and catering packages available to suit all budgets – Please contact our lettings department at: Tel: 012274756289 Email: gcd@stedmunds.org.uk

[weddings ]

A HEARTFELT WELCOME AWAITS YOU AT THE BELL HOTEL - THE PERFECT VENUE FOR YOUR MOST SPECIAL DAY.

From the moment you step through the Edwardian revolving doors, a delightful, traditional hotel greets you, brimming with character and a touch of chic, modern magic.

Overlooking the river Stour, in the heart of Sandwich the hotel is set in stunning surroundings, giving you the opportunity to capture some charming images of your day.

The Bell Hotel is licensed for ceremonies and boasts the elegant Regency Room with deep original Georgian sash windows and Minstrels' Gallery making it the perfect setting for a wedding reception of up to 100.

For a more intimate gathering The Old Dining Room and Laurent Perrier Club Room are ideal.

Offering 3 inclusive wedding packages, incorporating a range of menus and a selection of reception drinks, the hotel’s dedicated team are happy to help you plan your day exactly as you wish. And when you book your wedding breakfast with the hotel you will be offered a complimentary night stay in one of

the Honeymoon Suites (subject to availability).

The hotel offers your guests a wide selection of en-suite accommodation; ranging from single to family rooms.

With televisions, direct dial telephones, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and hair dryers your guests will find everything they need for a special night away; some rooms even have extra touches such as river views and private balconies.

For more information or to arrange a visit please call the hotel on 01304 613388

C R E AT E M A G I C A L M E M O R I E S O N YO U R W E D D I N G D AY AT

THE BELL HOTEL IN THE HEART OF SANDWICH

A unique location and magnificent Georgian interior will help to make your big day truly unforgettable After saying your vows in the hotel’s beautiful Old Dining Room, enjoy a delightful wedding breakfast, then finish your special day with a stay in one of the beautiful honeymoon suites If you would like to view our stunning hotel please give us a call on 01304 613388, one of our dedicated team would be delighted to hear from you

The Quay, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9EF T: 01304 613388 E: bellhotel@shepherd-neame.co.uk W: www.bellhotelsandwich.co.uk

David Fenwick Photography

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[weddings ]

GORGEOUSGifts

BY VICKY KING, PAPILLON INTERIORS, FORT HILL, MARGATE

For guests, deciding what to wear isn't the only part of attending a wedding. They also have to figure out what to give the happy couple, a decision that involves a variety of factors (How much money to spend? How well do you know them?). This wasn't always a concern, though. Before the gift registry was invented in the 1920s, guests weren't expected to bring anything to the table Wedding gifts originated from the notion of a bride price or dowry that was paid to the bride's family. It usually included land, animals, money, and other forms of historical wealth. The first recorded dowry was exchanged in 3,000 B.C.

BLACK AND BLUM LOOP CANDELABRA

With the Renaissance came the idea of ornate marriage chests. These chests held all the bride's future wife-ly goods, which she would then take to her matrimonial house. It was the early form of a hope chest, in which unmarried women used to collect all the linens and things they would need to embark on married life.

This simple yet elegant interlinking candle holder, is a variation on the classic candelabra. It looks stunning when you have multiple ones interlinked in a line down a long table or sideboard.

In the earlier days of wedding lists, crystal, silver, and china were very common things to gift a bride. Picking out the right china pattern was an essential component of making a wedding list.

In the current era of gift giving, guests are more likely to move away from the list to get something more personal, or skip the presents altogether and just give money.

Due to increasing numbers of couples living together before marriage, kitchen appliances, linens, and homeware aren't as popular. Instead, modern couples are finding creative ways to celebrate their day, including asking guests to share the purchase of a larger item, asking for vouchers that can be used at a later time or asking for something that is likely to stand the test of time and can be passed down throughout the family as a legacy.

Here’s a few “off list” ideas from Papillon interiors which will hopefully be (almost) as unique, adored, and unforgettable as the big day itself…

ALESSI OUI NAPKIN RING As the name says ‘Oui’ or ‘Yes’ as we would hope to say when accepting a proposal of marriage.

This beautiful and tactile piece from Alessi would be a fitting Wedding gift, ‘an intertwined object, an encounter between two units’.

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MUUTO PUSH COFFEE MAKER Push is a characteristic coffee maker with a contemporary Nordic design twist. A combination of natural materials, including a stone body and beech wood ball top give Push a soft and pleasant touch.

VITRA DSR CHAIR These Iconic Chairs make wonderful gifts if the couple are collecting or want to start introducing pieces of design for their home. They look fabulous as a set or added to an assortment of Chairs. They are more than comfortable to be used as a hall chair or in the bedroom.

[weddings ]

ALESSI TRINITY FRUIT BOWL One of their most striking, contemporary designs this beautiful piece would not look out of place in any home. Designed on the spiral structure of a shell, it’s soft curves create a flowing rhythm drawing the eye in.

MAGIS SPUN CHAIR Something very different yet fun for the bride and groom. The Magis Spun Chair, a ‘Spinning Top’ will make a great addition to any outside area and offers hours of fun too!

VITRA SUNBURST CLOCK Every room needs a clock, the iconic George Nelson clocks embody the joie de vivre of the 1950s. To this day, his wall- and table clocks remain a refreshing alternative to the usual timekeepers.

Weddings at the Channel Suite

FOLKESTONE

With stunning views across the Channel, the Channel Suite at the Leas Cliff Hall is a wonderful wedding venue.

Everything is here to suit your needs, from elegant air-conditioned rooms to professional catering staff and an experienced weddings team to ensure every last detail of your day is perfect.

Whether you’re planning a large, lavish wedding, a smaller intimate day or a reception party to remember, we can make it special.

call 01303 228606 email lchfunctions@leasclifhall.co.uk www.leascliffhall.co.uk 81

AA K E N T ’ S L E A D I N G C O U N T R Y H O U S E H O T E L & S PA

B

espoke Weddings are our speciality . . .

Set in Kent’s beautiful Garden of England.

Less than 40 minutes from London.

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Tel: 01233 213020 | Email: weddings@eastwellmanor.co.uk | www.eastwellmanor.co.uk Ea stwell Pa rk , Bou ghton Lees, Ashford, Kent T N2 5 4 HR

[weddings ]

WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO

MAGNIFICENT AND SECLUDED EASTWELL MANOR PROVIDES THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR THE ULTIMATE BESPOKE WEDDING. Family-owned Eastwell Manor, Kent’s leading Country House Hotel & Spa, boasts four AA red stars and two rosettes.

The historic manor house, nestling at the foot of the North Downs, stands in beautiful gardens with manicured lawns and offers not only the idyllic setting but a fairy-tale experience that is difficult to beat and impossible to forget.

The happy couple may choose to have their very special day in its entirety in this wonderful setting. There are four special areas licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies: three beautiful oak-panelled rooms in the historic Manor House which are licensed for ceremonies of up to 135 guests and an Italian Walled Maids Garden, filled with an abundance of historic charm, stunning seasonal flower displays and a bridge over the lily pond leading to the elegant gazebo which is licensed for ceremonies of up to 150 guests. The lawns, with views of the surrounding countryside and Manor House, are perfect for larger, marquee weddings.

The Pavilion, Eastwell Manor’s modern building, is a brilliant place to continue the celebration with a dedicated bar area

and ample room for dancing into the night.

The Head Chef has devised some wonderful and varied menus using the finest quality, locally sourced and seasonal products but is delighted to create special menus on request.

Eastwell Manor’s wine list is extensive, with a large choice in each price range including a good choice of Champagnes and their own “Eastwell Manor” Bauchet Champagne. Naturally if you would prefer to offer something different– for example cocktails or mulled wine – their experienced team will guide you if required.

The Manor House comprises 23 individually designed, en-suite bedrooms and suites offering space, elegance and sumptuous comfort, some with four poster beds and glorious views. Groups of friends or families can also enjoy the 1, 2 or 3 en-suite bedroom cottages built in the sympathetically converted original Victorian stables which include a shared living room with kitchen and dining facilities. Whether in the Manor House or the cottages every room has all the modern day facilities that you

would expect from a first class country house hotel. Residents of Eastwell Manor have complimentary use of the extensive spa and leisure facilities including the 20-metre, heated, indoor swimming pool; the outdoor, heated swimming pool (Summer months); steam room; sauna; Jacuzzi; hydrotherapy pool; TechnoGym; Tennis Court and Petanque pitches. The Beauty Salon, “Dreams”, and golf course are also available for those requiring a little extra relaxation.

Whether you are seeking an individual, personally customized wedding or an all-inclusive wedding package the dedicated wedding planners and coordinators will guide you from start to finish and take the stress out of your wedding, leaving you and your guests to relax and enjoy your special day.

Exclusive use available.

Eastwell Park Boughton Lees Ashford, Kent TN25 4HR www.eastwellmanor.co.uk Tel: 01233 213000 Enquiries@eastwellmanor.co.uk 83

[weddings ]

WONDERFUL WALLETT'S COURT

WEDDINGS Wallett’s Court Hotel & Spa in Westcliffe, near Dover is one of the more picturesque and quintessentially “English” venues offering the full wedding package; and there are a variety of unique weddings on offer to suit most tastes and budgets.

Wallett’s Court itself is an ancient manor house with four-posters and fireplaces, Kent barn suites, cosy stable block snugs, hidden hideaways and gorgeous glamping places serving native Kentish food – all nestled in wild open landscape in White Cliffs Country. Add to this a luxurious spa with hydrotherapy and swimming pools and treatment rooms tucked neatly into the woodland surrounds,Wallett’s Court offer a one-stop-shop for both pre-wedding pampering and the main event.

WEDDING PACKAGES Wallett’s Court offer a range of wedding service packages to suit most budgets and party sizes. If it’s a small, intimate affair you crave then Wallett’s offer their “Petite Wedding Package” which can accommodate up to forty guests from £80 pp down to a mere handful (prices are available on application for parties of 10 people or less).This package includes a ceremony in the Drawing Room, a champagne and canape reception, a three course Wedding breakfast, dedicated Duty Manager and waiting staff, furniture linen, crockery and glassware, and surround sound speakers and iPod docking station for background music (the Petite

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packages don’t allow ‘plugged in’ live music, disco or DJ’s).

For those of you who want to go the “whole hog”,Wallett’s Court offer their “Grand Wedding Package” which caters for up to 80 guests and allows you and your guests to enjoy all the facilities of the manor for your own exclusive use for the whole day.

You can enjoy a reception in the manor house bar or on the lawn in front of the

house and enjoy the run of the Drawing Room, the Oak Room, Pitt’s Kitchen, and the Bakehouse.

The Grand House Party Package for 41-80 people costs £3,000 plus Wedding breakfast from £35pp (ceremony not included in this price).

For an even larger affair WC’s “Grand Marquee & Manor House Wedding” caters for up to 150 guests and includes the same benefits as the Grand House Party Package plus a Grand Marquee located on the croquet lawn next to the manor house, with prices from £7,000 plus Wedding breakfast from £35pp.

FESTIVAL WEDDING For those happy couples looking for something a little different,Wallett’s Court also offer a “Festival Wedding” Package.

The Festival Wedding takes place in the West Meadow at Wallett’s Court, and what’s on offer is an altogether more carefree and natural wedding; a celebration with your own mini-festival, somewhere beautiful and unique.The quirky and inspiring venue is set in a few acres of chalk grassland complete with a treehouse, wonderfully equipped

[weddings ] “glamping” tipis, a shepherd’s hut and a chestnut pavilion. Add to this the main stage marquee which is carpeted with a dance floor and lighting, bar, chairs, tables, luxury toilets, and room to seat 150 guests, and the festival wedding is complete! Venue hire is £7,500 and there are a range of menus to suit taste and budget.

WEDDING MENUS With celebrated Grand Master Chef Chris Oakley and Resident Chef Michael Fowler on hand to create and prepare all manner of canapes, buffets, and multi-course meals to suit any

palate, budget, and occasion, you can rest assured that your guests will not go hungry.

For more information on full wedding packages, reception packages, menus, and accommodation at Wallett’s Court please check out their website at www.wallettscourt.com and download the 2016/17 wedding brochure.

Wallett’s Court, Westcliffe, St Margaret's at Cliffe, Dover, Kent CT15 6EW 01304 852424 www.wallettscourt.com

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[weddings ]

BESPOKE IN KENT

BESPOKE IN KENT IS RUN BY ACTOR AND WRITER PETER BARNETT.

He previously worked as a Marriage Celebrant as well as a Registrar for Births and Deaths, so people and personality are his thing.

Peter and his team offer smart tailor made Renewal of Vow, Baby Welcoming and Civil Partnership to Marriage Renewal Ceremonies anywhere in the county. The ceremonies can include engraved silver plated gifts, Champagne and every couple are presented with a Commemorative Certificate and personal gifts from Fortnum and Mason.

‘We work closely with the couple to ensure that every element is meaningful and unforgettable on their special day. We want to make it as stress free as possible, so that couples can actually remember how special it was afterwards!’

Bespoke in Kent have found that whilst their Renewal of Vow Ceremonies are more popular than Baby Welcoming Ceremonies, a lot of couples are asking for a ceremony

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in a location of their choice, as many licensed venues have small guest capacities.

‘It is possible to buy a licence from the local council to have a Marriage at your home for example, but rather than paying over £1,000 Bespoke in Kent are now advising couples to have a simple marriage registration at their local register office (currently around £120 including legal fees and a marriage certificate) and then Bespoke in Kent will conduct a tailor made ceremony at the venue of their choice, where they can exchange vows, rings and make their personal promises to each other in front of as many guests as they wish, and at leisure’ This gives couples carte blanche to choose any location they desire from their own back garden to a beach or a castle.

‘The ceremonies can be as lavish or as simple as the client requires. We had a ceremony last year at Hever Castle where an owl flew the rings to the best man and every guest had a butterfly to release at the conclusion. It’s all down to the client requirements. The choice is entirely yours and we will make sure that your ceremony happens exactly the way that you would like it’ Bespoke are also happy to personally recommend an event stylist, a string quartet, a harpist, a bespoke cake maker - essentially all elements to make the day even more special.

The champagne is chilling!

For more information call Bespoke in Kent on Freephone 0800 024 8932

[weddings ]

GROOMING THE

FELLA’S GUIDE TO

GROOM

BY BOBBY GORDON OF FELLA, CANTERBURY

Your wedding day is one of the most important and memorable days in a man’s life.

All eyes are on you and your bride. You probably won't be photographed so many times in one day ever again in your life, so being well groomed is essential. With this in mind, here are Fella's tips for wedding day grooming.

AVOID TRENDS

Stick to a timeless style, your wedding photos will be seen (all going well) for decades. A trendy cut today will look dated pretty soon. Stay classic and natural.

SPRAY YOUR STRANDS

Have you tried hairspray? Gels and waxes might be more common among gents, but if you’re looking for a softly styled look for your wedding day, a spray might give you a better hold without looking stiff or shiny.

SHAVE

A perfect time to treat yourself to a professional wet shave. If you really want to keep some facial hair make sure it's shaped and tidy for the big day.

DRINK UP!

Water doesn’t just replenish your insides, it works wonders on your skin

as well. Start a regular eight glasses a day water workout ahead of your wedding and your skin will be clear, clean and an have enough blush to rival a bride, in time for your big day.

TIMING

We’d recommend getting your hair cut about a week before the wedding, unless of course you sport particularly short hair – in that case two to three days prior to the wedding to make sure it’s looking tip-top. Here at Fella we’ll also offer you a complimentary neck trim the day before the nuptials to have you looking spic and span at the altar

SLEEP

We can take care of you haircut and make sure your face is smooth and moisturised, but if you haven't slept or rested properly before your wedding it will show! Plan your stag do way before the wedding. Go to bed the night before and not to the bar!!

One last bonus tip - wear a smile, it's the only thing that won't cost a fortune on your big day...

GET YOUR HAIR CUT BY A PRO

Make sure you get your hair cut by someone who knows what they are doing, don’t scrimp on your big day.

At Fella we take pride in our work and want you looking your best on your wedding day.

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 87

For further information or queries, please call us on:

01227 772176

www.purebythesea.co.uk

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TOP TIPS

[weddings ]

BY JANINE KNELL

FOR BRIDAL BRILLIANCE

• Have a facial or two a few months before your big day to prepare your skin and to even out your skin tone and smoothness – ideal preparation for make-up.

• Be sure to bring along images, colours and ideas for your makeup and let your artist know your colour scheme, bridesmaids’ dresses and anything else you feel might be relevant.

• Have you make-up trial on a day when you will be out in

the evening. This gives you the opportunity to see how the makeup stays, feels, and looks throughout the course of a long day.

• The beauty of the trial is to experiment whilst you are here.

Always say if you would like to try something different or aren’t quite sure. This is your day – we will make you look perfect. Let us give you some ideas too.

• Have your eyebrows plucked/ shaped a couple of days before your

•

•

•

Janine Knell owns PURE indulgence by the sea in Whitstable. Janine is trained in reflexology, massage, holistic and beauty treatments and has run a successful salon since 2004.

•

make-up trial/wedding day to allow the redness to calm down nicely.

Shaping the eyebrows helps frame your face naturally.

Think about your lashes! Lash extensions can look natural, they open up your eye and won’t smudge with the happy tears as you might find with normal mascara.

It’s always a good idea to purchase the lip colour or bring your own to use so you can touch up your lips throughout the day If you’re thinking about having a tan, you will need any waxing done 24 hours before the tanning treatment Try and drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruit and veg, and keep a balanced diet to help balance your skin to bring out the radiance.

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[weddings ]

DRESSES

IMAGES BY BIRCHINGTON BRIDES/ BOWS BOUTIQUE The exclusive ‘BB' brand covers two stunning bridal boutiques serving brides in East Kent, Birchington Brides and Bows Boutique. Situated in Westgate on Sea and Ashford, they offer exceptional customer service and stunning designer bridal gowns at great prices. Offering the complete 'Wedding Wardrobe' package, Bridal Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Suits for the chaps and accessories with options to pay monthly look no further when planning your big day. The boutiques

Amanda Wyatt // "Ailsa" // £995

Call 01843 833458 (Birchington Brides) or 01233 620240 (Bows Boutique) and take a look at www.birchingtonbrides.co.uk & www.bowsboutique.co.uk for more information.

Available in a myriad of colours.

Amanda Wyatt // "Amelie" // £1200

Callista // "Paris" // £1800

Diane Harbridge // "Oslo" // £1450

Plus size gown for brides with curves.

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cover a wide selection of designer labels including; Diane Harbridge, Maggie Sottero, Mori Lee, Amanda Wyatt, Sophia Tollyy and Callista. They also feature a large collection of plus size brands.

Callista // "Hawaii" // £1600

Plus size gown for brides with curves.

Diane Harbridge // "Singapore" // £1495

[weddings ]

Maggie Sottero // "Francesca" // £1100 Available at Bows Boutiqe.

Mori Lee // "5414" // £1100

Sophia Tolli // "Aricia" // £1500

Maggie Sottero // "Nanette" // £1350 Available at Bows Boutiqe.

Mori Lee // "6817" // £795

Sophia Tolli // "Carson" // £1750 91

[weddings ]

WEDDING HAIR – WHAT'S HOT FOR 2016?

BY ALEXANDRA & DEE FROM MAKE ME SPARKLE, HYTHE

East Kent Lifestyle has been talking to Make Me Sparkle, one of Kent’s leading bridal styling companies to find out what’s going to be on trend in 2016 when it comes to bridal hair styling.

VINTAGE Vintage has been around forever, of course, but it is still the most asked for genre. Interestingly though our brides-tobe often consider vintage to be a single ‘look’. Natural looking curls, loosely tied to the nape of the neck, this style will still be big in 2016 because it is classic, timeless and works with almost every style of dress. It’s not until we sit down for the consultation and go through references from all the decades that our brides realise just how many ‘vintage’ styles there are to choose from, each with their own historical influences. This year we think some of the earlier 1920s references will be more prominent.

BRAIDING Everyone’s heard of a French Plait – a style that takes us girls back to our school days, if we were lucky enough to have a mother who had mastered them. Often brides think this is as adventurous as braiding gets but it is just scratching the surface. Braiding has been emerging as a trend over the last couple of years, but this year we are going to see a lot more unusual braids worked into styles in ways that you almost wouldn’t recognise them 92

as being such.The likes of waterfall braids, basket weaves and fishtail plaits will be pulled apart, messed up and pinned to create styles that wouldn’t look amiss in a photo shoot in a cornfield.

FRESH FLOWERS Almost every bridal hairstyle can be topped off with an accessory – especially with simpler styles, it can be what makes it bridal. While detailed crystal and pearl side combs and bands were big last year

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and will most likely continue into this wedding season, we can see fresh flowers making a huge comeback in 2016 with floral crowns and cottage-garden style large posies being woven through braids complementing loose, natural, tousled styles.

The Make Me Sparkle stylist team is headed up by professional stylists Dee and Alexandra who between them have over 20 years experience in the wedding industry, along with natural flair, creativity and attention to detail.

• Bridal hair, make up and beauty specialists • Large team of expert stylists covering Kent and East Sussex, all at the top of their game, setting the trends • Guaranteed back up on the wedding day giving brides total peace of mind

• Trails offered at our salon, or at your location • An enjoyable experience for your bridal party

Photography with thanks to Make Me Sparkle Bridal Styling, RG Photographic Studios, Broome Park Wedding Venue and Alta Costura Bridal Gowns.

• Stunning results – illustrated by our extensive portfolio and client testimonies

See more at: www.makemesparkle.co To arrange a trial please get in touch. Mention ‘East Kent Lifestyle’ and receive 10% off your quote.

07980 767635 hello@makemesparkle.co

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Inspiring Wedding Exhibitions where you can find all you need to make your Wedding Day truly special Regional Shows 10.30am – 3.00pm Kent Showground 10.30am – 4.00pm

A series of Wedding Shows in Kent

FRE

E

in partnership with

Y ENTR

Ashford International Hotel Ashford

2016

Sunday 13th March Sunday 5th June Sunday 2nd October

The Coniston Hotel Sittingbourne Sunday 11th September

Mercure Great Danes Maidstone Sunday 26th June Bank Holiday Monday 29th August

Royal Wells Hotel Tunbridge Wells Sunday 7th February Sunday 25th September

St. George’s Centre Chatham Maritime Sunday 28th February Sunday 4th September

The Kent Showground Detling Sunday 17th April Sunday 23rd October

The largest wedding shows

in the South East #kentwedshow

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www.wedding-experience.co.uk

01795 844449

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WEDDING IDEAS, INFORMATION, INSPIRATION...

You’ve found your perfect partner. Now, all that you wish for is your wedding day to be equally as perfect - but planning a wedding can be a pretty daunting task. That's why a visit to The Wedding Experience - a one-stop shop for all your wedding needs is an absolute must.

With a series of shows throughout Kent you’ll have the opportunity to see, touch and feel those luxurious items for your wedding.You’ll find a fabulous selection of bridal gowns and menswear, tiaras and jewellery, stunning cakes, wedding rings, delightful stationery, floristry, balloon décor, delicious chocolate fountains, magicians, wedding cars… in fact everything you need to plan the perfect wedding.

A show local to you is the ideal place to have a leisurely browse and informal

discussion with wedding specialists in your home region. And on 17th April you can visit Kent’s largest wedding show at The Kent Showground Detling with over 200 wedding suppliers for your to meet and entertainment on stage throughout the day with superb fashion shows to round off your perfect wedding planning day.

These events offer busy couples the chance to see what is available and compare services and products without spending weeks searching for that something special.

All shows are admission FREE so take along your family and friends for a day of planning which you’ll find to be very helpful and lots of fun too.

Enquiries: 01795 844449 or visit www.wedding-experience.co.uk

CHOICE

CHOCOLATE Husband and wife team, Henry and Tammy Hendrick wouldn’t mind telling you how many weddings they have attended and catered for over the years … including their own … and are noticing a huge trend towards artisan and craft made decorations and favours.

In particular, they have received a lot of interest and orders for their bespoke truffle towers.This is due to their flexibility in both size, colour and flavour.

Recently, Hendricks was commissioned to produce three white chocolate towers, silvered with glitter and dust to match a Winter Wonderland theme.The large tower, pictured left, contained 120 classic, vanilla and orange truffles and the smaller two towers had 60 each.

Another, pictured right, contained over 200 champagne, bucks fizz and tricolore truffles in milk chocolate.

They have also noticed a huge increase in demand for chocolate wedding favours, in particular their trademark hot chocolate stirrers and boxes of handmade truffles.

CREATIONS

Chocolate place name plaques are also becoming increasingly popular, ranging from a simple decorated tablets to more interesting commissions, like place names shaped like maple leaves, decorated in autumnal colours.

As the artisan chocolate movement grows, so do the requests for bespoke centre pieces, favours and decoration.

Hendricks it would appear, love the challenge to turn dreams into edible reality!

Hendricks of Hythe is a family run chocolaterie in Hythe on the Kent coast, specialising in handmade chocolates and truffles using the best and purest ingredients.

Their success comes from a huge passion for chocolate and a straightforward aproach … chocolate pure and simple. All you will find in their shop is prodigious knowledge, high quality chocolate and an enthusiastic team.

www.handmadebyhenry.co.uk 01303 311095

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2016

HONEYMOON HOTEL HOTLIST - LOVE CONQUERS ALL CONTINENTS

Travel editor, Jaillan Yehia, rounds up a selection of beautiful bolt-holes worldwide which make perfect - and most importantly private - palaces to spend your first days and nights of wedded bliss. For more travel ideas and inspiration visit www.savoirthere.com SOUTH AMERICA: HONEYMOON HACIENDA Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico When it comes to honeymoons couples are looking for something very special. More than just a beautiful setting, you’re searching for a whole other magical world, one of white sand and azure seas, which will open up its exclusive doors and usher yourself and your new spouse inside, leaving the stresses and strains of wedding planning firmly on the other side of the threshold.

Step forward the Banyan Tree at Mayakoba, an ultra luxurious and utterly tranquil resort which defines that ‘screensaver come to life’ combination of sea, sun, sand, spa and superior service.

You can entrust your honeymoon dreams to

Banyan Tree, whose signature Eastern style is blended here with a Mayan influence inspired by the setting on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula - where you can also make memories together swimming in a cenote, diving with turtles and exploring the temples of Tulum.

Tick everything off your honeymoon hotel wish list, from private secluded villas with landscaped gardens and infinity pools to double-sized alfresco candle-lit stone baths. Then bike to the beautiful stretch of beach or peddle at your leisure around the manicured grounds.

But while The Boundary and The Town Hall Hotel are worthy contenders, get behind the little blue Georgian door of the Zetter Townhouse and you’ll be sure to fall in love with its opulent feel and English eccentric décor.

You’ll also be spoiled with superior cuisine and sommelier recommended wines, and add a visit to the stunning signature spa and any lingering wedding worries will simply melt away.

The Zetter is plush, lush, quirky - and above all cosy, cute and comfy. If you’re planning a wedding you’ll know all about attention to detail and that’s in evidence here everywhere you look: cutlery is bone china handled, crockery is Wedgwood, beds are antique, plumped and inviting, and bathrooms are classical with bigenough-for-two soaker tubs.

www.banyantree.com

www.thezettertownhouse.com

EUROPE: HONEYMOON HERITAGE - THE ZETTER TOWNHOUSE, LONDON, UK If you’re on a mission to track down the perfect romantic setting for a decadent city stay close to

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home, many London hotels can be written off right away for being too corporate, too cliched or simply too bland for a honeymoon.

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creatures than two.

ASIA: HONEYMOON WITH HEART SHINTA MANI RESORT, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Shinta Mani is one of Asia’s most beautiful boutique hotels and a trendy temple to modernity for those who love art and design as much as they love each other.

This intimate 39-room property is housed in the colonial Cambodian town’s original post office building and makes the ultimate chic retreat in which to luxuriate after a day exploring the exotic ruins at Angkor Wat - itself a once in a lifetime activity.

The achingly cool palette of grey tones includes some beautiful ceiling murals placed perfectly above the oversized beds - but the muted shades are punctuated by flashes of orange, said to represent fleeting glimpses of the monks’ robes as they move through the temples.

Signature restaurant Kroya (which means ‘food’ in Khmer) features modern interpretations of classic Cambodian cuisine, served on the utterly romantic suspended swing seats.

But Shinta Mani is more than just a luxe and swish place to hang out and honeymoon. The real heart of the hotel is its celebrated not-forprofit foundation, Open Doors, Open Hearts, which funds projects to help impoverished Cambodian youth - and shares the love within the community. www.shintamani.com AFRICA: HONEYMOON HIGH SEATS - THAKADU RIVER CAMP, MADIKWE, SOUTH AFRICA

Start off married life by creating some real oncein-a-lifetime memories as you sit in the coveted high spotting seats of your safari vehicle and drive within inches of a pride of lions, find an elephant touching your rear bumper or spy one of the 300 species of native bird.

Wake up on your first mornings of marriage to the sounds of the dawn chorus, spend the day in the company of each other and the animals of the bush, enjoy dinner under the stars then return to your tented suite and share the beauty of an African sunset - honeymoons don’t come much better. www.thakadurivercamp.co.za

If you’re about to embark on the ultimate life expedition, why not go the whole hog and throw in some animal adventures while you’re at it, by choosing a honeymoon hotel on a stunning private African game reserve.

The relatively unknown Madikwe park, on the South Africa-Botswana border is ideal for those in search of privacy and seclusion - barely featured in brochures and not open to day visitors, once you’re ensconced within Thakadu Lodge’s exclusive grounds, you know you’ll be sharing your honeymoon with far more four-legged

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WEDDING DAY

WOW MOMENTS! When planning a wedding you often hear people make remarks such as, “blink and you’ll miss it”, or, “the day flies by so quickly”. Couples want to make sure they absorb and remember as much as they can on their special day.

•

•

Don’t forget to eat! Make arrangements for your hotel to cater for your bridal or grooms party or if you’re at home, arrange for a supermarket delivery of treat bits or even better a deli or caterer to deliver something divine

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Think about key moments you want photographed, if you want any group shots make sure you’re all dressed in time to allow for this

Like every important occasion in life, planning and preparation hold the key to a successful outcome, so here are a few pointers to ensure the day runs smoothl: •

•

Create a list or spreadsheet with a timeline and what is happening at that time Check arrival times of suppliers and have their contact numbers on the sheet

•

Delegation of morning activities is key, allowing you to focus on getting ready, call in any favours you need to free yourself up

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Have only your A-Team with you, people that will be focused on you, perhaps tactfully asking people who you might find less helpful to be else where or on a task

•

De-label clothes and shoes so they are ready to put on without a hitch

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Get ready in a room that has lots of lovely natural light so your suppliers can work with ease

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Build an SOS bag of things from the pharmacy for any regular aliments or flare-ups, this can double up as a honeymoon take-away

All of these things will make for a superrelaxed morning of getting ready, and will allow you more time to take stock and appreciate everything you’ve worked so hard for is coming together and actually happening.This, for me, is what helps create the most wonderful images.Then leaving for ceremony on time means the rest of the day will flow naturally.

Rebecca Douglas is a wedding and lifestyle photographer, creating authentic, natural and creative images. She based in Ramsgate and captures joyful moments across the UK and abroad.

BY REBECCA DOUGLAS Contact info:

www.rebeccadouglas.co.uk /rebeccadouglasphotography @bxdouglas @bxdouglas @bxdouglas

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My friend told me to go to Riccarda, and together we planned my orthodontic treatment into my wedding budget.

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