Maidstone Medway Magazine

mmm Maidstone, Medway Magazine Issue 14, March 2013 Complimentary

SPRING

Our guide to all things Easter and Mother’s day

HISTORY

TRAVEL TRAVEL

Take a trip to Switzerland, Austria and Italy

FASHION FASHION

Take a glimpse at London Fashion Week

Peter Cushing’s love for Whitstable

THE QUEEN OF THE HIGH STREET Meet Mary Portas, can she save the industry? n Food n Fashion n Business n Entertainment n And much, much more

Burberry Prorsum Autumn/Winter 2013 Collection

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Welcome

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Maidstone, Medway Magazine

Name: Address:

Postcode: Phone Number: Length of subscription 3 months @ £6

6 months @ £12

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Welcome to the March edition of mmm.

I don't know about you, but I am hoping that this month will finally bring with it an upturn in the weather and a tantalising glimpse of spring.

It seems as though the cold weather has been relentless over the last few months, doesn't it? Thank goodness the nights are now getting a little lighter and we're reaching the end of those icy temperatures.

I am just waiting to spot the gorgeous yellow of the first daffodils of the season and those days when the warmth of the sun soothes us all and seems to drive away the winter woes.

Certainly there has been much to put a spring in my step recently. Just a few weeks ago I feasted my eyes on the sensational styles on show at London Fashion Week – truly an inspiring event.

Inside we try and reflect a little of the glitz and glamour with features from some of those who appeared, as well as a look at Burberry's collection.

Keeping with the fashion theme, we take a special look inside this issue at Mary Portas – a businesswoman who has inspired some of the biggest fashion brands in a remarkable career which saw her rise up from a Saturday job in a high street clothes shop, to working for the likes of Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

She is now working hand-in-hand with a number of Kent town centres in a bid to breathe new life into their high streets as part of a Governmentbacked initiative.

We also take a look back at a man who exuded a style of his own, one of the most famous faces in British cinema – Peter Cushing.

He was a familiar face in his home town of Whitstable, and we take a look back at both his career and fondness for the seaside resort, ahead of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth.

For now though, I wish you all a very happy Easter.

It may seem like Christmas has only just passed us by, but the shelves in stores have been packed with chocolate eggs for months.

I'd also like to say a very big thank you to the increasing number of readers who are subscribing to MMM – in doing so ensuring they never miss a single issue, and it arrives through the post the moment we get it back from the printers.

We'd love to hear from you if you would like to join them.

Until then, enjoy the magazine.

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12 months @ £24

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mmm MMM Media Ltd White Cottage 13 Ashford Road Maidstone ME14 5DA Tel: 01622 299035 studio@mmm-media.com sales@mmm-media.com mmm-media.com Publisher Rasa Dregva Editor Tom White

13 Mary Portas

Read the story of Mary Portas, the biggest name on the high street

18 Mother’s Day

Stuck for gift ideas? See our guide to spoil the best lady in your life

22 London Fashion Week

Did you miss the Number One date in the fashion calendar? We give you the latest style this year

Travel Editor Tricia Lester

Sales Michael Rawley Accounts Kerry Head

Photography Gediminas Zilinskas

Further contribution Evelina Webster

With Easter coming early this year, be ready with the latest tempting chocolate and gifts

28 Burberry

Highlights of Burberry’s new collection show at Hyde Park, with an A-List audience

32 Kitesurfing

Be introduced to the latest craze in extreme sport, and a great way to keep in shape

35 Travel

Production Michael Pilcher

Design M S Rawley Oliver Theobald

24 Easter

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18 Cover picture: Piers Allardyce, Rex Features

Treat yourself to a spring break to Europe and view our Top 10 reasons for a guided holiday

44 Food

Make your next dinner at home special, and try one of our exclusive dishes

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49 History

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What does Dr. Who, Sherlock Holmes and Van Helsing have in common? Whitstable of course!

64 Home

Whether looking for your next dream home, pottering in the garden or redecorating, take a peek at our home section for inspiration

71 Kent’s Steam Railways

The story of it’s humble miniature beginnings, to one of the area’s prime tourist hotspots

74 Motors

Take a look at the new Mercedes, Peugeot and Citroen must-drives

78 Business

All the recent local updates for the entrepreneur in you

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. © MMM Media Ltd 2013

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Mary Portas story_mmm master 22/02/2013 16:56 Page 1

The Rise of Mary Portas

In the current climate, our town centres have been hit badly, especially our shopping districts. But meet Mary Portas, the self-made retail guru who could save our slowly faltering high street....

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HE demise of the traditional high street has perhaps been the defining constant of the economic slump which has haunted our towns and cities now for more than six years.

There has been no positives to draw; no pause in the apparent relentless pressures which have claimed the names of so many once household names.

When Woolworths collapsed few can have imagined it would be the first of many. That over the following years we would see the likes of Comet, JJB Sports, Jessops and Blockbuster fall by the wayside,

while HMV limps on.

It has presented a dilemma never before seen at the very heart of what was once our vibrant, bustling town centres.

With more and more out-of-town complexes being preferred by the big, surviving names, it seems almost certain that we are in a period of transition. A period from which we will eventually emerge with town centres looking like different animals; perhaps teeming with independent traders, perhaps awash with a continental style cafe culture.

Few would stake their reputations on quite how things will shakedown.

Apart, that is, from a woman who has emerged as one of the few who have been brave enough to state quite clearly that now is not the time to simply observe.

According to Mary Portas, now is the time to act and act decisively.

Because Mary Portas – the selfstyled Queen of the Shops – is on a mission to breathe new life into declining town centres; to pave a way to a sustainable future amid clouds of certain change.

And for much of the last year, she has spent a lot of time in Kent – fulfilling the role she was appointed to by Prime Minister David Cameron.

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Mary Portas story_mmm master 22/02/2013 16:50 Page 2

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Last year a host of 'Portas Towns' were named – among them the likes of Margate, Ashford and Dartford. All would benefit from expertise – in addition to a modest cash investment. And for Margate in particular, it resulted in a very hands-on experience with Ms Portas.

Much of what has happened has so far taken place under a veil of agree secrecy – with a TV show in the offing to highlight the success, or otherwise, of the operation.

It was in May 2011 she was called upon to lead an independent review into the future of the high street – a big ask for someone who previously had come to public attention through a string of high profile media roles where she would use her retail experience to review the operations of some of the biggest and smaller retailers.

From Mary Queen of Shops, to Mary Portas: Secret Shopper, her name swiftly became synonymous with the high street and who better to be the high profile name for the Coalition to appoint to conduct an investigation into exactly what lay around the corner for our town centres.

Yet despite her fame – built on a bedrock of pioneering work for the likes of Harvey Nichols and then through her own retail consultancy and a host of fashion giants – she remains a woman with a quite remarkable history.

From her rise up the ranks from a part-time job in John Lewis, to her role in brokering a deal with Jennifer Saunders to allow her free rein of the Harvey Nichols store for the filming of Absolutely Fabulous in exchange for plenty of mentions, she has played a remarkable role over the years.

And more recently, she ended 14 years of marriage, which had produced two children, and fell in love with the fashion features editor of Grazia magazine. The pair are now in a civil partnership and recently had their first child.

“My ex-husband and I had a great time. They were some of the best years of my life. But, like so many others, we just grew apart. That happens.

“What I am so pleased about is

that we had an amicable divorce and after that, I happened to fall in love with a woman.

“I know we've got it right, and our children are happy with everything.”

Mary Portas was born in 1960 and brought up in Hertfordshire, one of a family of five children.

Her childhood was far from trauma free. When she was just 16 her mother died of meningitis. Two years later, her father died of a heart attack.

Forced to turn down a place she

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had secured at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in order to look after her younger brother, she instead got her first taste of the working world with a Saturday job for John Lewis.

She would admit, in later life, that missing out on RADA was her greatest regret.

“One could go on forever about the psychoanalysis of losing one's parents,” she told the Guardian in 2011. “But I do think I was put in charge, and I learned that if I did this, this and this, then I could protect my world.

“I think I worked harder, because I thought if I lose this, I lose everything – and I've been there with nothing, and so you work that bit harder. I never had that, 'Oh well, I'll just go home to mum.' I know the worst place I can fall to, because I've been there, and I'll never fall that low again."

Demonstrating a clear talent in retail, she would move eventually to Harrods, where she spent three years handling their window displays, before moving to Topshop and then rival Burton.

But it was as creative director of Harvey Nichols she cemented her reputation, taking the store into a leading fashion brand, courtesy of sensational window displays and a strong sense of identity.

It was here she met Jennifer Saunders who was in the process of penning Absolutely Fabulous. The agreement she reached would see 'Harvey Nicks' become an essential part of the London scene, and the TV show's global fame, take the brand far and wide.

Such was her meteoric rise up the ranks, by the time she was 30 she had joined the firm's board.

However, by 1997 she left to launch her own consultancy – Yellowdoor – which she continues to run today. Its client list includes the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Puma, Swarovski and Westfield.

As her reputation spread, it was perhaps inevitable she would acquire a more mainstream fame.

Appearances on TV increased, and she quickly found herself a regular on chat shows and with a regular newspaper column, waxing lyrical on retail issues.

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“I believe that unless urgent action is taken, much of Britain will lose something that is fundamental to our society. Something that has real social as well as economic worth to our communities” Little wonder, then, she was hired to produce the 'Portas Review' into the future of the high street – reporting back with a host of recommendations and painting a picture of a high street which sat uncomfortably with traditionalists, but were accepted by realists.

Writing in the forward to the report, she said: “I took on this challenge, in full knowledge that it would be complicated and controversial, for one simple reason – our high streets have reached a crisis point.

“I believe that unless urgent action is taken much of Britain will lose, irretrievably, something that is fundamental to our society.

Something that has real social as well as economic worth to our communities and that after many years of erosion, neglect and mismanagement, something I felt

was destined to disappear forever.

“I would like to state right from the start that this report is not about pointing fingers of blame. Whilst I do believe that there are many compelling instances when out-oftown retail has drained the traffic and retail offers from our town centres, it would be naïve and far too easy to simply think that they are to blame for the decline of our high streets. The fact is that the major supermarkets and malls have delivered highly convenient, needsbased retailing, which serves today’s consumers well. Sadly the high streets didn’t adapt as quickly or as well. Now they need to.”

Subsequent to its publication, she added: “I think the biggest barriers are all the red tape that’s associated with the old ways and rules that the high streets work to, the way it is

currently structured doesn’t look at any new ways or embrace new ways of working. They need to think about parking, rent rates, change of usage. That’s why I have made 28 recommendations and not five.”

For the Kent towns involved, Mary has become a familiar sight – appearing at shop openings, spearheading a train fare offer which saw Londoners whisked down to Margate for a tenner – and few would be brave enough to bet against her setting the town centres on the right path.

We have not heard the end of Mary Portas – and there's every chance she could become a name synonymous with a high street revival. mmm

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mmm spring

n Our guide to Mother’s Day gifts

n What to buy for Easter this year

n See our coverage of London Fashion Week

To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

Happy Mother’s Make it the best one yet and shower your special lady in gifts this year!

Great Starts by Origins, £48 from House of Fraser

Porcelain M ug, £6 from Marks and Spencer

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by Pied A Terre an ss re D d te ea Pl al Te Fraser both available at House of A, BIB by ry Sca nt Pri al pic Tro

Day ove), £75, and White Trimmed Blouse (ab Pink Moss Crepe Jacket (below), £149, both

by Viyella, available at House of Fraser

A selection of Mothers Day cards, from £1, all available at Marks & Spencer

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Vodafone London Fashion Weekend: What’s New

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S quickly as it came, London’s most exclusive designer shopping and fashion experience has finished for another year. Vodafone London Fashion Weekend was a one-stopdesigner-shop, brimming with catwalk shows, pop-up shops, hair, beauty and educational panels from leading industry experts.

The event played host to pop-up shops from brands such as Issa

London, Radley, Louise Gray and ALICE by Temperley, Pringle of Scotland, Twenty8Twelve, French Sole, The Cambridge Satchel Company, By Malene Birger and DKNY Jeans – shopping heaven!

Hourly catwalk shows took place within the official British Fashion Council Show Space. Legendary stylist and award-winning Fashion Director Hilary Alexander styled the spring/summer ’13 ‘Trend’ catwalks, pinpointing exactly what will be

influencing our wardrobes this season. In addition, a schedule of ‘Designer Highlight’ catwalk shows featured select British brands including ALICE by Temperley, Issa London, Twenty8Twelve, Zoe Jordan and Louise Gray. Each designer showcased their current collection which visitors were able to purchase direct from their seats.

Vodafone London Fashion Weekend welcomed back Zoe Hardman as catwalk host, as well as

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a special appearance from internationally renowned model and presenter Jade Parfitt and rising star, Antonia O’Brien.

The brand new Weekend Edit was packed with a hand picked selection of ‘Best of British’ designer brands.

Hopefully you had a chance to bag yourself the must-have satchel from brand of the moment, The Cambridge Satchel Company, treated yourself to a pair of signature heels from Kat Maconie and jewellery from Dominic Jones and Michelle Lowe-Holder.

Additional names that were featured included Tata Nata, Michael van der Ham, Joanne Stoker and Liz Black.

The event kicked off in style,

launching with its biggest ever fashion showcase, ‘Fashion’s First Night’. There was an exclusive launch night designer deals and DJ sets from vintage singing act Verity & Violet and singer, model and VV Vintage’s very own VV Brown. With talks, events and extra discount promotions, it was the perfect way to start the event.

Designed exclusively by Radley, this season’s Vodafone London Fashion Weekend tote bag was cooler than ever – with limited stock available, they flew off the shelves!

This season the Vodafone Lounge was bigger than ever, it even presented a full events schedule hosted by stylist Angela Scanlon.

Inspirational fashion experts were present for discussions with the likes of Zoe Jordan, Amber Atherton and the ELLE editorial team.

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Trench Kisses

from London with Love

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URBERRY showed its Prorsum Womenswear Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, inspired by Burberry classics, sixties beauty Christine Keeler, and featuring an iconic Burberry colour palette.

The show culminated in a surprise music performance that celebrated Burberry’s support of emerging British music talent. The runway opened up to reveal a stage with Tom Odell, 2013 Critics’ Choice BRIT award winner and Burberry Acoustic musician, accompanied by a choir of concert backing singers.

The performance of the forthcoming single ‘Hold Me’ served as the backdrop for the show finale, concluding a British soundtrack by Paloma Faith and Burberry Acoustic musician Misty Miller.

The show marked Burberry’s debut of Runway Made to Order, a service that offers

Guests include Tinie Tempah (middle)

BURBERRY BEAUTY

Burberry today premiered the new Trench Kisses make up look and collection, shared live from backstage via the Burberry Beauty Booth on Twitter and through the dedicated beauty content on the brand’s Pinterest board after the show. Burberry Twitter followers could follow #BeautyBooth content, including live personal messages to users from the runway models.

custom-made outerwear and bags from the collection featuring personalised engraved nameplates. Runway coats and bags are now available for two weeks on Burberry.com, for delivery in nine weeks.

Over 1,500 guests attended the show at the custom-built Burberry show venue in London’s Hyde Park, including Les Miserables director Tom Hooper, actors Kate Beckinsale, Rosie HuntingtonWhiteley, Freida Pinto, Vicki Zhao, Melanie Laurent, Michelle Dockery, Gabriella Wilde, Alinne Moraes, Alice Braga, Olivia Palermo, Douglas Booth, Harry Treadaway, Joe Dempsie and Callum Turner. Musicians Rita Ora, Tinie Tempah, Jake Bugg, Dan Gillespie-Sells, George Craig, Harley Viera-Newton, Nil Karaibrahimgil and Misty Miller and 2012 Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton also attended. Models walking the show included Cara Delevingne, Jourdan Dunn, Karlie Kloss, Liu Wen and Charlotte Wiggins.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (left), Freida Pinto (middle) and Rita Ora (Right) where also the high profile names on the guest list.

The Collection Styles

Trench coats, cabans, Chesterfields, topcoats, regimental greatcoats, column dresses, shell dresses, cropped trousers.

Fabrics

Innovative and elevated fabrics including cotton gabardine, glossy cashmere, glossy calfskin and laminated python print leather.

Colours

White, camel, oxblood, red, black, gold Accessories Crush bags, kitten wedges, animal print sunglasses and gold band belts.

Make-up

Golden glow with Trench Kiss lips, Oxblood Burberry Nail Polish.

Burberry Nail Polish

As part of the show, Burberry also introduced Burberry Nail Polish to its beauty collection, launching in stores in Autumn 2013. The shade worn by models in the show was Oxblood, inspired by the ready-to-wear and accessories collections.

GUESTS WEARING BURBERRY MAKE-UP

Guests wearing Burberry make-up included actresses Kate Beckinsale, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Vicki Zhao, Melanie Laurent, Michelle Dockery and Gabriella Wilde.

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Our aim is to offer this stunning venue and make a very special day a truly memorable one. www.oldrectoryweddingvenue.com

Back on Track It is estimated that four out of every five adults will experience back pain some time in their life. Chronic back pain can reduce quality of life by affecting family and social relationships and occupational performance.

Injury or degeneration of intervertebral discs, spinal joints and associated soft tissues (such as muscles and ligaments) are common causes of lower back pain.

Any one or a combination of the inter-vertebral discs, spinal joints and associated soft tissues may typically be affected or injured when lifting in a bent or twisted position, especially during or following repetitive activities.

Common factors relating to back pain include poor posture, weak core muscles, degenerative wear and tear and degenerative facet joints.

Disc Prolapse Full disc prolapses account for a relatively low percentage of spinal problems. A disc ‘bulge’, where part of the inner softer part of the disc bulges out through a weakness in the outer part of the disc is more common and can occur as a result of one or more of a combination of poor posture, mechanical occupational stresses, trauma (perhaps caused by sports) or slow degeneration of the disc.

Patients with a disc-related condition typically suffer with acute lower back pain and/or any number of referred pain

areas, including the groin, buttock, hip, thigh, calf or foot.

Other symptoms may also accompany pain, such as numbness and ‘pins and needles’.

The usual advice is to maintain activity as much as possible, but further treatment is sometimes required and this may include manipulation by a physiotherapist or in some cases, surgery. At the Spire Alexandra Hospital, you can see a physiotherapist and/or a spinal consultant who will advise on the best treatment plan for a specific condition.

Sciatic Pain Sciatic pain can be linked to conditions of the lower spine.

Some sciatic pain may occur when a disc or other spinal component irritates or compresses the sciatic nerve root at its spinal exit point.

There are, of course, other less well-known nerves of the lower back that may also be similarly affected. Lower back pain conditions often follow what is considered by a patient to be a relatively trivial movement or activity.

Understanding that a number of previous ‘unfavourable’ components may well have led to these symptoms over a prolonged time period is key in managing future spinal health.

At the Spire Alexandra Hospital, our physiotherapists can use a wide variety of effective treatment methods for back pain. Prompt treatment may help you to cope with the anxiety of back pain, recover more quickly and potentially reduce the need for future surgery. Typically, a physiotherapy consultation for back pain will involve a thorough assessment of all

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involved spinal components.

Our physiotherapists can give advice and treatment options for a range of not only acute spinal conditions but also on more chronic degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.

Private specialist physiotherapy treatment, if suitable, will aim to reduce pain, restore function and provide the relevant education and ‘life-tools’ to assist in reducing the likelihood of symptoms returning. mmm

Why Spire?

Spire Alexandra Hospital in Walderslade offers a comprehensive range of private hospital services to patients throughout the South East of England, particularly Medway and the surrounding areas.

All of our consultants are GMC registered and the level of expertise on hand offers you peace of mind and guarantees that every stage of your treatment will be handled with excellent clinical practice.

Our services are open to everyone – whether or not you are insured. If you are paying for your own treatment, we offer one-off private treatment at Spire Alexandra Hospital, with a fixed price agreed in advance.

For further information about the hospital, please call 01634 662866.

“

Patients can choose their own consultant who will be with them every step of the way

”

For further information, please call 01634 662866 ‘The content of this article is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the professional medical advice of your doctor or other health care professional’

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Gone with the wind!

Beach boy Tim Bassett shoots the breeze and gives us the lowdown on kitesurfing, one of the world’s fastest growing extreme water sports

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EARNING to kitesurf is, believe it or not, a lot easier than it looks.

Kitesurfing has been around the UK for about 10 years and the sport has become increasingly popular in Kent due to easy access to the great beaches we have on offer.

It is an exciting sport requiring more skill than strength and is a great way to make the most of the excellent conditions we have on our doorstep.

I started kitesurfing as an alternative to my main sport of windsurfing. It has enabled me to

get out on the water when the wind conditions aren’t ideal for windsurfing. Not to say you can’t go out in more challenging conditions, once you have learnt and are confident. You also don’t need to take bundles of equipment to the beach.

One thing that is a must is lessons! And anyone interested should learn from a qualified instructor. Most kite centre’s and kite schools offer two day beginner courses or taster sessions to see if you want to progress. Generally during any introductory kitesurfing

lesson, you won’t get into the water, but instead learn a few basics to fly and control a kite on land. Once you have mastered this, you will then start to involve the board.

I caught the bug for it back in 2003 at Camber Sands and at Minster on the Isle of Sheppey. The first thing I noticed (apart from my aching arms) as the kite took off is how incredibly strong the wind felt once the kite was up in the air, even though there was only a breeze on the day I had my lesson. The second thing I realised was how satisfying it was to be at one with

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the elements and enjoying something incredibly cool and exciting, not forgetting the working of forgotten muscles. Needless to say I slept rather well that night!

I started with a C kite (the letter C being the shape of the kite), which for me - wasn’t, and isn’t, the most forgiving bit of equipment to learn with, but nowadays should be good for an intermediate rider, however over the last four/five years designs have evolved, making handling safer and more forgiving for beginners. The newer/later designs are called Bow Kites (due to their

shape) and are readily used by high-end professionals too. Bow kites have better wind ranges than the traditional C design, a suitably qualified instructor can advise you further on your choices.

Generally kites for use in conditions in this country come in sizes ranging from 3m2 to 16m2.

The larger the surface area, the more powerful the kite is. So the right choice for the appropriate wind speed is vital. Flying lines are made of a very strong material, generally 25 to 27 metres in length. The lines attach the rider's

control bar to the kite - using attachment cords on the kite edges or the bridle.

Modern equipment usually includes a de-power to get you out of trouble when the wind becomes too much. The depower system is controlled through a control bar and quick release mechanisms. Your local kitesurfing shop will be able to advise and help you with a suitable system.

Designs of kiteboards popular for our type of conditions are called twin tips - due to their riding ability to go in both directions without a

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a carving the board around and

switching your feet. The option to ride a small wave board is also great fun for the more experienced rider, but generally better on clean waves towards the South Coast and Cornwall, etc. This is something that could be progressed once you master the twin tip, which is very similar to a wakeboard, so if you have any experience of this it will help you learn.

Wind speed, rider experience, weight and riding style will all affect the choice of kite and kiteboard.

On-shore winds are the best for learning to kitesurf.

Wetsuits, boots and harnesses are widely available and winter and summer variants are readily available online or at your local kite/windsurfing shop.

It’s a great sport but a pretty extreme one, accidents can be serious or even deadly, so learning properly and slowly is a must, but don’t let that put you off as it’s growing in popularity and equipment can easily be transported in a small car. If you want to get involved, spring is a good time to learn as we generally

get a lot of onshore sea breezes that time of year.

Get in contact with a local kite school or take a look at the BKSA website for details on suitable locations in our region. An import thing to remember is insurance, (if you want to learn it’s a must!).

Check out the BKSA website on www.britishkitesurfingassociation. co.uk for further details. mmm

mmm travel

n Take a trip to Switzerland, Austria and Italy n See this month’s exciting travel tips n Top reasons to take a guided holiday

Sponsored by

To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

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Kirsty Keeling-Jones, Branch Manager, Baldwins Travel Agency, Maidstone 01622 762141

Travel tips from your Local Award Winning Travel Agency

Why you should consider a Touring Holiday……. n Banish misconceptions - it’s nothing like TV’s Coach Trip! First of all, it’s not just about travelling by coach – it will often include air travel, boats or trains – as well as plenty of exploring at leisure by foot or by bicycle.

Escorted touring has evolved in recent years, and it’s easy to forget that these holidays offer a very highend product that will give you a real insight into a destination. Staying in perfectly situated hotels with a professional Travel Director acting as a personal concierge every step of the way, guests will see destinations and cultures come to life.

n There’s an escorted holiday for nearly everyone! There’s a huge variety of guided holidays on offer, so make sure you familiarise yourself with the product. Did you know for example that escorted touring programmes feature semiindependent city breaks for more independent travellers? Plus there are leisurely itineraries, holidays for the cost-conscious travellers, for young people and gap-year students and fantastic family programmes which offer a great way of keeping the kids entertained.

n Make the emotional connection.

While many of the benefits are practical, such as fantastic value-for-money and jumping the queues at major tourist attractions, touring also means meeting people, making friends from around the world, getting to know the destinations through the eyes of a local and understanding other cultures, so tours can even be lifechanging experiences.

Read my report, as I was lucky enough to be invited on an Insight Vacations educational trip...

Exploring T

HIS familiarisation trip, unlike many others, is less about hotel visits and more about how Insight looks after their guests.

Day 1 - Whilst we didn’t unfortunately get the VIP home

pick up which is included on all Insight holidays, we did arrive into Zurich nice and early and were swiftly met and transferred to the Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

A comfortable, modern hotel, right in the heart of Lucerne.

Day 2 – We boarded the coach only to find a goodie bag of local maps and a voucher for a freebie from Rolex (a teaspoon not a watch!). Lucerne is home to the largest Rolex shop in the world! We also given a radio listening device with earpiece.

All presented in a very handy Insight shopping bag. [

Switzerland, Austria and Italy

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[ So, first on the list is Mount

Pilatus, and as we arrive Belinda gets to the front of the queue and gets our tickets and we are all rushed straight through, no queuing for Insight guests! The views, once we arrive 40 minutes later by cable car and have broken through a thick layer of cloud and fog, are amazing.

We get an hour to look around before we have to descend back down by train. But we are already booked on to the train and again we don’t have to queue!

Day 3 – Today we head off to Innsbruck in Austria, via Vaduz, the capital of Lichtenstein. Insight aim to offer a comfort stop after no more than two hours travelling. So, after another brief lunch stop at a service station (it was the most amazing service station I have ever seen, nothing like the ones in the UK!) it’s onto Innsbruck. The reason for the brief lunch stop is so that we can get to Innsbruck at a reasonable time and get in some sight seeing and time to freshen up before dinner.

As we drive through the mountain roads and tunnels we get treated to the complete soundtrack to “The Sound of Music”!

Day 4 – Another early start, but again the bags are taken for us.

Today we are heading to Venice for two nights, a highlight of the trip.

After a couple of hours on the road admiring the passing scenery we have a comfort stop, and then after another couple of hours we have a brief lunch stop so that we can arrive in Venice in good time. We arrive mid afternoon and are instantly met from the coach by a private transfer boat and are taken to our hotels (the group have been split between two hotels here in Venice, but Insight actually contract about six-eight hotels, all in good locations but varying in size and facilities, so there is something for everyone.

I am lucky enough to be staying at the Hotel Carlton & Grand Canal, which as the name suggests, is one end of the Grand Canal and the transfer takes no time at all.

Day 5 - After breakfast, those of us at the Hotel Carlton head over by water taxi to see the hotel the rest of the group are staying in – Hilton Molino Stucky, which is very different from ours.

The Hilton is large, modern, spacious and although its not as central it does run a regular courtesy water bus service for guests. After a brief stop here and then some more time in and

around St Marks Square, we are whisked off for our ‘‘Highlight Lunch” to the Island of Burano with its pretty multicoloured houses and its very own leaning tower! There is just one small main street with a few shops and restaurants (including one that Insight regularly use that has recently been made famous by getting a mention from Jamie Oliver, but sadly today it’s closed). We enter through a small and insignificant looking entrance to be met with a restaurant that looks like an Aladdin’s cave and goes on for miles before we find our tables. [

[ On the menu is a sumptuous

seafood menu (all diets are well catered for however) and so we begin – red wine, white wine, homemade fish pate, seafood risotto, seafood lasagne, prawns, squid, the list goes on! Then its dessert, teas, coffees and a small bottle of Amaretto each!

Day 6 – Today we leave Venice.

Once we have eaten and checked out we head back to the coach and our driver Marco and we head for Verona.

We see the “Juliet Balcony” and all have to touch the statue of Juliet to be guaranteed of love and happiness! Afterwards we get a short amount of free time to grab a coffee and dash up to the Roman Arena and take photos.

We had to run, but we made it! Now it’s off to Milan for some more sight seeing. Belinda walks us round the sights of Milan, pointing out the La Scala Opera House, Galleria Vittorio shopping arcade and the “Duomo” fourth largest in the world.

It is amazing both inside and out.

After lunch we settle down on the coach for a couple of hours for our final drive from Milan to Hotel Dino at Lake Maggiore. It’s a

good chance for a snooze as tonight is our last night and our “Farewell Celebration Dinner”. The hotel is gorgeous and our rooms all have a lake view. We all receive a gift, which is what all previous Insight guests receive as part of their Club Bon Voyage. It’s a handy notebook and pen presented in a zip-up wallet with the Insight logo on. Then we have another endless dinner and drinks and all swap contact details and business cards. This really is our last farewell as some of the agents have very early starts the next morning to catch flights to Canada and New Zealand.

Day 7 – We pack our bags one final time and put them outside the door, which has now become habit, and have breakfast and watch the sun rising over Lake Maggiore. Then we load ourselves onto the coach one last time with Belinda (who has been up seeing off individuals since 3 am) and head off to Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate airports.

Many thanks to Insight Vacations for an amazing trip and for showing us such generous hospitality the whole week. If that is how they look after our customers we won’t have anything to worry about!

If you would like further information or advice, please contact Kirsty on 01622 762141.

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H

Top reasons to take a guided holiday!

OLIDAYS come in all shapes and sizes, from backpacking to cruising, from villa holidays to city breaks and then there are guided holidays, sometimes called escorted tours or journeys. But what exactly are they and why would you want to go on one?

Guided holidays have moved on quite a bit since the concept of an organised trip was a bus holiday with a guide herding large groups of people to tourist destinations – and thank goodness!

These days, guided holidays can be a lot more sophisticated, as the holidaymakers like to consider themselves travellers and not tourists. And the holidays are not confined to coach travel if other modes of transport are more suitable, so they will sometimes

include flights, rail or cruise whichever befits the destination in question.

There are lots of different types of guided holidays. You can take organised trips anywhere in the world, from Europe to Australia, Africa to North America.

Sometimes it might be because the destination such as Asia or South America can be daunting to get around on your own, not to mention the language barrier.

Anyone that’s been to China will tell you that getting off at the right train stop when you can’t even read it, let alone pronounce it, is more than a little challenging on your own.

Families, couples, single travellers and independent travellers can all find a holiday designed specifically with them in

mind. There are so many different travelling styles, you’re spoiled for choice. There are adventurous family holidays, active holidays with lots of excursions, leisurely holidays with lots of free time, and independence and in-depth regional holidays that go off the beaten track and uncover hidden treasures.

With so many variables then, it can be difficult to pin down exactly what defines a guided holiday, beyond having a fixed itinerary from the start and a desire to be sociable with fellow travellers or local people. If you are the kind of person who changes your mind about what you want to do half way through our holiday, or you don’t much like meeting people, then you might want to steer clear.

Otherwise, what’s not to love!

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1. Hassle Free With these holidays, you can be reassured that your itinerary is as perfect as it can be in the given time and nothing has been left to chance from the minute you leave your front door. There’s no queuing at attractions, no carrying luggage, no parking and driving worries and no cooking!

2. All Inclusive Value Hotels, sightseeing, transportation, daily breakfasts and select meals, VIP chauffeur-driven airport transfers are all included in the price. Plus, travel

“

Everyone should be treated like VIPS, just as we were. Our Travel Director was knowledgeable and our driver top-notch. Every location was above and beyond my expectations, making our holiday a memory that will last forever!

Maria M. Grand, European

”

companies negotiate better rates and secure availability in the best hotels which may not be available to independent travellers.

3. Expertly Planned Itineraries Itineraries from reputable companies are not guineapigged on their travellers!

However, they are continually being refined over and over again to perfection, so they include the right balance of free time, included sightseeing, optional excursions and free time to explore. Plus, you’ll know that you’ve made the best use of your precious holiday day time.

4. Travel Directors Experienced travel directors act as a personal concierge, smoothing the whole travel experience so there are no hiccups while you are away.

They know their destinations well and combined with local guides, share local knowledge and insider tips.

5. In-depth Experience Travel to the heart of a destination with the chance to experience both the day and nightlife of a place. Taste authentic local specialities, meet local craftsmen and get a behind-the-scenes scoop on many places you visit.

Trafalgar are the experts in worldwide guided holidays with over 65 years experience planning holidays and offering a huge choice of over 220 itineraries. They are a family owned company who go the extra mile to offer guests genuine travel experiences at exceptional value.

Call 01622 762141 to order one of their brochures or visit one of our stores to discuss… Baldwins Travel – Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Uckfield & Sevenoaks Travel.

saw so much of Italy “We in a short time, it was so

beautiful! We saw all the major sights and made a lot of new friends from around the world.

This was our first guided holiday and all in all, it was the trip of a lifetime!

Charie S, Best of Italy

”

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FOOD mmm chosen recipes from your local restaurants Cauliflower Panna Cotta Recipe by Eastwell Manor Ashford Serves 6 PurĂŠe 300g cauliflower 400ml milk 3.5 gelatine leaves 50g butter Salt and pepper to taste

Panna Cotta 250ml double cream 250ml milk Batter (for Cauliflower Beignets garnish) 125g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp white wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Water Garnish Roasted cumin seeds, edible flowers and seasonal mixed salad leaves.

Puree Melt butter in a saucepan. Add the cauliflower and cook gently for two minutes. Add 400ml of the milk and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

Remove from the heat and puree.

Panna Cotta Take 200g of the cauliflower puree and mix with 250ml of double cream and 250ml of milk. Season to taste. Bring to the boil. Remove from head and add the gelatine. Pour into six moulds and allow to set in the fridge for 6-8 hours.

Batter Place all the dry ingredients in a bowl and add the vinegar whilst stirring. Add enough water until a thick pouring consistency is reached. Dip the slices of cauliflower into the batter and deep fry until golden brown.

To serve Place the set Panna Cotta on a small flat plate or slate, sprinkle with roasted cumin seeds and garnish with the cauliflower beignets, seasonal mixed salad leaves and edible flowers.

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The Great Danes Hotel Sunday Carvery Lunch with live music every Sunday 2 Dine for

Maidstone

£20 with this voucher

Please complete the following details:

Terms & Conditions: Includes a 2 course meal from the Suday carvery (main course and either a

Name: ........................................................ starter or dessert). Table to be booked in advance.

Maximum of 1 voucher per reservation. Voucher to

Email: ......................................................... be given to your server on arrival. No photocopies

Please tick if you do not wish to receive any information about future events at the hotel c

accepted. Valid until the end of April – Excludes Mothering Sunday. Cash Value 0.00001p.

Wham Duran Easter Lunch Sunday 31st March Tribute

Saturday 10th August £34.95 Including 3 course meal

Chris Barber

Sunday 16th June £34.95 A fabulous lunch sure to have your feet tapping under the table

Rod Stuart Tribute

Saturday 13th April £34.95 Including a 3 course meal

£19.95 3 Course Carvery and Easter Egg Hunt

Mothers Day Sunday 10th March £21.95 The perfect way to say ‘Thank you’

A night featuring Tyber & Pete from

The Dualers Saturday 11th May £15.00

Mercure Maidstone, Great Danes Hotel Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, Maidstone ME17 1RE Tel: 0844 815 9045

Mother’s Day menu Call Seyfi or Roberto for menus

Traditional Sunday Lunch until 6pm 3 courses £19.95 adults £12.95 Children under 12 A la carte menu always available

Celebrate Mother’s Day at The Vineyard The Vineyard restaurant offers an extensive selection of exquisite seafood, French and Italian A la cuisine The ideal venue for family gatherings, special celebrations or casual dining

Don’t forget to book for Easter Weekend!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • Air-conditioning • Ample parking

A20 London Road Wrotham Heath TN15 7RU 01732 882330 dine@thevineyardrestaurant.co.uk thevineyardrestaurant.co.uk

pG 46_mmm master 23/02/2013 13:55 Page 1

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FOOD mmm chosen recipes from your local restaurants Chicken Liver Pate Recipe by The Beeches Restaurant Mereworth

RESTAURANT

ns io r at fo rv en ay ay se ak s D nd Re w t er’ Su no oth ster M Ea d

Preparation Finely chop garlic Pick the thyme from the stalks Gently melt 400g of the butter Spread livers on a tray and season with salt, thyme and garlic evenly Heat large frying pan Add vegetable oil and livers to pan Colour all sides of each liver Add red wine and place in hot oven for three minutes Blitz livers and melted butter in a blender Pour pate in to serving dish and chill Gently melt 200g of butter until it separates from the butter milk Pour just enough clarified butter over the pate to cover

Pad Thai

an

Ingredients 1kg chicken livers 2 cloves garlic 1/4 bunch of thyme 200ml cooking red wine 600g unsalted butter

A Unique Experience At West Malling

T: 01732 870 000 www.pad-thai.co.uk manta@pad-thai.co.uk 15 HIGH STREET, WEST MALLING, KENT ME19 6QH

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From Hollywood to Whitstable

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Celebrating Peter Cushing’s life and his love for the Kent seaside

I

N the final years of his life, after a lifetime of mixing with the biggest names in show business; of jet setting around the world, Peter Cushing's favourite daily trip was a simple one.

Walking the short distance from his wood-framed beachside property in

Whitstable, he would trave to his favourite view – a seat which allowed him to watch the comings and goings alongside the seafront.

In fact, he loved the view so much he would eventually donate a bench to the town so that others could sit at what is now known as 'Cushing's View' and

allow the world to unwind around them.

Far to the left the coastline stretched around the Thames Estuary, his eyes able to follow the contours of the land, down through Seasalter and across the marshes towards Faversham and beyond. a

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To his right, the hustle and bustle of a town he came to hold so precious. A town which fully embraced perhaps its most famous resident in his final years, protecting him from the merry-go-round of autograph hunters and those wanting to disturb the peace and tranquillity he so craved.

Peter Cushing may have made his name as the star of countless movies, a face which sparked hundreds of nightmares in his roles in the classic Hammer Horror films, of portraying Dr Who on the big screen and Sherlock Holmes, and Darth Vader's boss in the classic science fiction universe of Star Wars.

But after time spent living in Hollywood he sought refuge in the quiet Kentish seaside town.

He and his beloved wife would holiday here before they opted to make the move permanent.

During filming around the world, he would keep returning to paint the colourful boats that would frequent the harbour, take an early morning swim in the sea, and become a popular member of the local community.

And this year marks the 100th since Peter Cushing was born. And it will be marked in special style at the Whitstable Museum which will be hosting a special exhibition remembering his life and his time in the town.

Explains a spokesman: “This will be a celebration of Whitstable's most famous resident in images and objects from collectors across the UK and beyond, linking with a

Bentley Continental GT V8 The new Bentley V8 engine delivers performance and power in the Bentley tradition. It achieves outstanding levels of fuel efficiency for the luxury performance sector and is capable of travelling more than 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of fuel.

The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfills Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Prices start from ÂŁ123,850.

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a special events around the town.”

Peter Cushing was born in 1913 in Kenley, Surrey. His childhood was spent at family homes in Dulwich and then Purley, during which he took up a scholarship at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

His talents were quickly spotted, along with his distinguished and distinctive looks.

He moved to Hollywood in 1939 to seek fame and fortune, and within a year had secured a host of roles – including The Man in the Iron Mask and alongside comedy legends Laurel and Hardy in one of their

feature length movies, A Chump in Oxford.

But it was not until 1948 that he finally landed his first major role – as Osric in Laurence Olivier's Hamlet.

During the 1950s he returned to the UK to appear in a host of TV dramas, before in the 1950s he began his long association with Hammer Film.

The Hammer Horror movies would see Cushing perform in such iconic roles as Frankenstein in the Curse of Frankenstein and Dracula.

He would frequently find himself alongside other Hammer regular

Christopher Lee – and the two would go on to become best friends.

But Cushing's soul mate was his wife of 28 years, Helen. The two had married in 1943 and lived together in Whitstable.

When Helen died in 1971, Cushing admitted the spark in his life had been extinguished. His heart would never fully recover from her loss.

In an interview he gave to the Radio Times in 1972, he made it quite clear the impact of her loss.

He said: “Since Helen passed on I can't find anything; the heart, quite

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simply, has gone out of everything.

Time is interminable, the loneliness is almost unbearable and the only thing that keeps me going is the knowledge that my dear Helen and I will be reunited again some day.

To join Helen is my only ambition.�

Yet he remained one of life's great gentlemen and thoroughly devoted to his wife.

Peter Cushing finally joined his

beloved wife in 1994 when, at the age of 81, he died of prostate cancer.

His funeral brought the streets of Whitstable to a standstill as hundreds poured onto the streets to pay their tributes, and at a special memorial service in London, a host of the world's biggest movie and TV stars were in attendance.

Today, the town still pays homage to the actor. A pub bears his name,

a blue plaque is on the outside of his former home and there is a permanent exhibition at the town's museum in his honour.

He may be gone, but he is far from forgotten.

The exhibition to mark his 100th anniversary is staged at the Whitstable Gallery and Museum from March 29 to June 23. mmm

mmm home

n Find your next dream home as we look at property highlights n Discover some great interior design tips

n Garden ideas for the coming Spring

To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

Complete your home 56 mmm

Ambriella Bedside Table £199 Furniture

Silver Lace Storage Box

Village

£32 Debenham

s

Grace Lustre Vase Flower Cushions £15 Next

Rabbit Ornament £19.50 M&S

£25 M&S

Linea Naturals Home Accessories Dean Sideboard £869

Natural Ceramic Leaf Frame £15 r £8

Ribbed Tea Light Holde

Graduated Wooden Vase £33 Ribbed vase £20

Leaf Tall Vase £20 House of Fraser

Bedside Clock

£12 M&S

Star Collection by Julien Macdonald Debenhams ser £10 - Soap dish £7

Mirror £40 - Soap dispen

Tumbler £7 - Storage Jars £10-£12 - Hand Mirror £10

Stripe Pleat Table Lamp

£26 Dunne

Stores

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kitchens & bathrooms

Treat Your Flooring to some TLC this New Year

Stockists and Fitters of: - Wood Flooring - Vinyl Flooring - Underlay - Carpets

UNIT 8 BALLARD BUSINESS PARK, CUXTON RD, STROOD ME2 2NY TEL: 01634 720411

We guarantee any written quote WILL be beaten OPEN: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm Sat 9am-1pm

All works Tiling • Plastering • Flooring • Gas • Electrical & Lighting Replacement Doors & Worktops Franke & Blanco Sinks, Quartz, Granite, Oak, Walnut Worktops Stoves • Belling • Falcon • Rangemaster • Hotpoint • Bosch

01634 722229

Please ring for best free quote

Lots more to see online www.rcikitchens.co.uk sales@rcikitchens.co.uk

Kitchens of distinction

by Guy Hamilton

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Natural Fires Morso Stoves Open Weekend 16th & 17th March Special offers and refreshments available

Free no obligation home consultation and design Full installation service including building works Superior quality at surprisingly low prices

Warmlake Business Estate Maidstone Road, Sutton Valence ME17 3LQ www.hamiltonkitchens.co.uk Tel: 01622 844897

Suppliers and installers of Quality Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves from traditional to contemporary.

Fire Baskets, Fire Screens, Companion Sets and Accessories. Full installation service available.

Unit G6, The Powerhub, Maidstone Business Centre St Peter’s Street, Maidstone ME16 0ST 01622 691676

www.naturalfires.co.uk

Imagine a conservatory you can use comfortably all year round

IS YOUR CONSERVATORY . . . v Too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter? v Roof leaking or noisy when it rains? v Being used as a storage area, not a living area?

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN ‘REFURBISH YOUR CONSERVATORY’ TO HELP CREATE AN ENERGY EFFICIENT LIVING SPACE? Fairdeal Windows Ltd are Kent’s only approved installer of ‘Refurbish My Conservatory’ specialist and exclusive products This is one of the most cost effective ways to revive your tired old conservatory We can offer the following three options Replace the roof only Replace the roof, windows and doors Replace the entire conservatory

KENT’S ONLY INSTALLER OF

Unit K Orchard Business Centre 20/20 Industrial Estate Aylesford Kent ME16 0JZ www.fairdealwindows.co.uk 01622 683332

The cost-effective way to revive your tired conservatory

Customer Testimonial ‘We were delighted with the service and work carried out on our property recently. We would recommend your company to anyone wanting any of the services that go with double glazing and if in the future we require any further work we will of course contact your company. The fitters who replaced our conservatory roof were efficient, clean, tidy and very polite. We cannot praise them or the service your company provided too highly. Our conservatory has been transformed into a second sitting room, complete with comfortable furniture, it’s lovely to just sit and read, no longer a junk room. Thank you once again.’

Mr & Mrs Henley, Snodland, Kent

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Jacksons Fencing news, topical treats and more...

Spring is in the air. Have you noticed every week it’s that little bit lighter in the evenings? The birds are singing a bit louder and later in the day as well...

I

t’s a naturally optimistic time of the year, when you can harness your enthusiasm and start, not only planning garden projects, but also getting them off to an early start.

With this in mind we’ve launched our “beat the spring rush” offer. We will be giving 50% off delivery charges on orders placed in March for any products in the Good Fencing Guide and our new Equestrian range. This will mean you will be at the front of the queue and will get your order nice and early, before we get into our busiest time.

Full details and T&Cs can be found on your local page jacksons-fencing.co.uk /ashfordlocal Back in December I mentioned our unique 25

year guarantee and some of the lengths we go to that set us apart from the crowd.

Well further to this is the news that we’ve published the Definitive Guide to Quality Timber Treatment.

This is in response to some misleading reports in the farming press, that instead of making the subject of timber treatment clearer, has actually lead to even more confusion.

So, to cut through all the myths and hype about this complicated subject, Jacksons has published this helpful, no-nonsense guide to the dos and don’ts of timber treatment. I know it may not be world changing news for everyone, but if you are a farmer, a professional in the landscaping industry, or a

householder that wants to know how and why we can guarantee our timber for 25 years, the answers are all there. It’s not a sales tool though, the booklet covers: vital information on timber types, timber physiology, species suitable and not

suitable for treating, kiln drying, pressure treatment, chemical loading, traceability and responsible sourcing.

Handy bedtime reading for those who want to know more!

You can download a PDF of the guide from the website.

louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk

Win a Chilstone Bird Bath!

To be in with a chance to win this delightful, handmade stone Chilstone Bird Bath, simply log on to your local page, address below and follow the easy instructions on how to enter.

The draw closes 31.3.13.

Previous Prize Draw winners are posted on the web page.

To enter go to:

jacksons-fencing.co.uk/ashfordlocal

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Life in a rural setting with outstanding natural beauty

Charming three bedroom barn conversion in an elevated rural location on the outskirts of Lenham with garden and grounds of approximately three acres

T

HIS charming property property is situated in a rural location within an area of outstanding natural beauty on the outskirts of the pretty village of Lenham with its medieval square, offering local facilities including doctors, restaurants, public houses and schools.

The popular Chilston Park restaurant/hotel is also nearby.

The mainline stations at Lenham and Headcorn (eight miles distant) provide services to London.

Middleton Barn is a charming and sympathetically converted property offering character accommodation with an abundance of beams and an inglenook fireplace.

The barn dates back to circa 1900 and was converted approx 15 years ago.

One of the many features is the rural views from all windows, the spacious vaulted and beamed kitchen/dining room with Belfast sink, country style units, tiled floor and an oil fired Aga. Stairs lead to the large entrance hall with floor to ceiling windows and doors overlooking the front garden.

An exposed brick inglenook in the sitting room houses a wood burner, with abundance of beams and stripped wood flooring.

A balustrade staircase leads to the galleried landing with vaulted beamed ceiling offering access to the boarded loft. On this floor is the master bedroom with exposed

beams, dual aspect windows with far reaching rural views, en suite shower room, two further bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Access to the barn is gained by metal gates leading to a long gravelled drive with ample parking for several cars.

To the front of the property is a large lawn with brick wall and mature country hedging, access to parking and detached double garage. There is a room above which needs finishing to suit.

The rear garden is mainly laid to lawn with a brick paved sun terrace, which also leads to the front of the property. There is ample space for garden table and chairs and ideal for enjoying the views over the grounds and adjoining paddock.

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The flat, well drained paddock is enclosed by fencing and would be ideal for horses and livestock.

The overall plot is approx three acres.

The property has an oil-fired boiler which supplies heating and hot water, mains electricity and water, plus private drainage.

For further details please contact: Madeleine Rose Bower House, North Street, Sutton Valence, Kent ME17 3HR t 01622 84 44 55 f 01622 844456 e madeleine@madeleine-rose.com Viewings are strictly by appointment.

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Heritage Building Services All home improvements including Bathrooms, Kitchens, Extentions, Driveways, Brickwork, Plumbing, Heating & General Maintenance For further information please call

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Working in association with

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Steaming Ahead of the Crowd

Kent’s historic railways truly are a sight to see, and of course a great experience to ride! But how did it all start?

T

HE fascination with railways seems to be sunk deep into our national psyche.Perhaps its the industrial, mechanical aspect of the process which continues to captivate so many. Or maybe it is simply the alternative to the car, and an opportunity to relax, absorb the scenery around you, and let the train, as they say, take the strain.

Either way, Kent is perhaps particularly tied to it.

From the network of rails which transport tens of thousands each and every day in and out of the county and into the capital, there is also the flow of international travellers entering the county courtesy of Eurostar and Eurotunnel. And that's before we start talking about the nation's only high speed line – HS1 – which carves a superfast route through our landscape.

But in addition to the more functional service, the county also

has a sprinkling of more specialist operators providing historic services which attract thousands of visitors each and every year, purely to indulge in the thrill of the ride.

Perhaps the two most famous book-ends each side of the county.

In the east is the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway, which has a history as fascinating as the very service it continues to provide along the south coast.

Billed today as the world's smallest public railway, it runs a service from a

athe outskirts of Hythe, with its

magnificent canal, through to the shingle of Dungeness, complete with lighthouse and nuclear power station.

Perhaps more remarkable though is its history.

It was founded by two men – Captain JEP Howey, a racing driver and former Army officer millionaire land owner, and Count Louis Zborowski, a racing driver who had the distinction of owning and racing the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car, upon which James Bond author Ian Fleming based his famous book.

Both men became devoted to the idea of building a miniature railway line.

Attempts to secure tracks elsewhere in the UK failed, but

undeterred the duo commissioned the building of two locomotives to form the cornerstone of their new venture.

However, tragedy struck when Count Zborowski was killed during the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Undeterred, Howey hired Henry Greenly, the highly respected model engineer, to help him see the project to fruition. It was Greenly that found Romney Marsh as the ideal location.

By 1927, the railway was open, with the inaugural service operating from Hythe.

The line became a great hit, attracting visitors from across the region to come and ride the miniature service.

However, when war was declared, the War Department requisitioned

the line, given its proximity to the coast, and the only miniature armoured train in the world took to its rail instead.

When peace was restored, the line was once again opened to tourists – and in style.

In 1946 two of world cinema's most icon characters – Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, during a rare visit to the UK – cut the ribbon and performed trademark skits for the adoring crowds.

In the intervening years, the line has been on something of a rollercoaster, with costs causing headaches, but investors riding to the rescue.

Today it stands as one of the county's foremost and more endearing tourist attractions.

“The line became a great hit, attracting visitors from across the region to come and ride the service” A very different rail operation exists in the west of the county.

The Kent & East Sussex Railway (KESR) is no small scale affair. It continues the glory of the steam years, with special services which meander along the Kent and East Sussex border, taking travellers on a ride through some of the area's most beautiful countryside.

From Tenterden in the east the 11and-a-half-mile route through the Rother Valley travels up to Bodiam – within walking distance of the beautiful Bodiam Castle.

With special services throughout the year, the line is a hugely popular draw with its vintage carriages pulling in young and old alike to relieve a little piece of transport history.

Its roots date back to the 1850s, when then rail operators the South Eastern Railway proposed Tenterden should be a stop on the popular Ashford to Hastings line.

However, it would be almost 50 years before any line emerged – as the Rother Valley Railway was born, linking Robertsbridge to Tenterden as a light railway, with the first services operating in 1900.

Renamed the Kent & East Sussex Railway, it enjoyed prosperity until 1931 when it collapsed into bankruptcy.

It continued to serve the local area, particular the rural and farming communities, but as the popularity of the roads ate into the rail network after the war, it stumbled again and with declining passenger numbers

All images by Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

was closed in the first week on 1954, It remained popular, however, and efforts continued to revive the line.

It was not until a charity took over in 1973 and extensive work took place that the route between Tenterden and Bodiam was finally restored by 2000.

It is perhaps unique in the county's tourism portfolio and has now established itself as a key attraction built on a successful business footing.

The result is to the huge benefit of both Kent and East Sussex – and, like the engines which pound up its tracks today – show no sign of slowing. mmm

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MOTORS

Mercedes

E-Class revision MERCEDES-BENZ are no strangers to a bit of hyperbole when it comes to stoking up the hype machine ahead of the launch of a tweaked version of one of its popular models.

But when it describes the new take on its E-Class saloon and estate, as the “most significant model revision” it has ever under taken, you can’t help but sit up and take notice.

And with the new models driving onto forecourts in the UK next month (April) the brand has released pricing and specification

details and given its standard equipment a boot up the backside too.

The new E-Class model line-up consists of SE and AMG Sport, replacing the SE, Avantgarde and Sport models from the previous generation E-Class.

With more than £4,000 of additional standard equipment in the new SE model, for a £2,280 increase over the previous SE, and almost £3,000 of added standard features in the new AMG Sport for £575 over the previous Sport, Mercedes is quick to suggest the new E-Class provides better value to the customer. The new E-Class SE will retail for £32.400, while the

new E-Class AMG Sport is £34,895.

But if you have plenty more burning a hole in your back pocket then you can double that figure if the mood and top-of-the-range specs do it for you.

The new E-Class features a new contemporary front-end design, as well as new proportions for a sporty appearance. The front has been completely revised with new headlamps.

At the rear, the lights and bumper have also been revised to emphasise the width and feature a characteristic night design.

The new rear bumper has a distinctive lip and a black insert with chrome trim.

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MOTORS

Peugeot

Return of the 208 GTI

Citroen

Launch of the DS3 Cabrio CITROËN has launched the DS3 Cabrio – a new soft-top version of its popular DS3 range.

And owners will have started driving the first new models off showroom forecourts as of March 1.

If it ticks the right boxes for you, then there are three versions ranging from £15,045 to £19,675.

And for that you'll get an electric soft top capable of operating at speeds of up to 75 mph and closes in just 16 seconds.

Launched almost three years ago, the DS3 has proved a success for Citroën with over 200,000 sold worldwide, including more than 36,000 registered in the UK alone.

Boasting an enhanced range of options and designs, there are a series of special editions, a Racing version and Ultra Prestige models.

The DS3, says Citroen, has played a major role in boosting awareness of the expanding DS line. Overall, sales of DS3, DS4 and DS5 have already topped the 300,000 mark globally in just 30 months.

PEUGEOT will drive its 208 GTI back onto forecourts on April 18, confident that it will provide an intoxicating blend of performance and style in the ever intense small car market.

Prices get under way at £18,895.

Following in the tyre tracks of the successful launch of the new 208 in June 2012, Peugeot is confident it has rejuvenated the supermini car segment.

It certainly has an impressive track record, with a long and distinguished history of hot hatchbacks.

And with small cars proving a constant success despite the doom and gloom, Peugeot will be hoping that when it opens the order books from March 1, it will be grabbing some much needed marketshare.

The GTI will come with a 1.6 THP 200 bhp engine, capable of 0-60 in 6.8 seconds.

There will be 17-inch alloys, red painted front and rear brake calipers and the perhaps obligatory twin chrome exhaust and rear spoiler.

The announcement of this new Peugeot 208 GTI follows closely on from the launch of the 208, which has taken off since its launch, now with over 21,000 orders since order books opened.

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BUSINESS

Local businesses

Kent Business Awards 2013 THE cream of the Kent business community will be gathering in the shadow of Canterbury Cathedral this month for the Kent Invicta Chamber Business Awards 2013.

The annual event, which celebrates business excellence, will be marked with a gala dinner at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge on March 13.

Based in the cathedral precincts, it will prove the ideal location to mark the many highs that local businesses have achieved over the last 12 months – despite the background of a constantly challenging economy.

Entries were open to all members of the

county's biggest chamber of commerce, with entries closing in mid-February.

Judges will be set to reveal what they considered was: The Most Promising New Business, Excellence in Customer Service, Entrepreneur of the Year, Business of the Year and, Achievement in International Business A spokesman for the event said: “If your business is doing well under the current difficult economic circumstances, then this is the perfect platform to shout about it and get a well-deserved award.

“These awards provide businesses the chance to show clients, customers and competitors how successful you are, win recognition through the county, and success is a powerful PR and marketing tool.”

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Thanet Council

Economic development LEADER of Thanet District Council Clive Hart has taken on more responsibility going forward for the area's economic development.

At a council meeting in February, responsibility for economic development and regeneration would transfer to him.

It had previously been part of the portfolio held by Iris Johnston.

Cllr Johnston will continue in her role of community services portfolio holder, which includes tourism and community safety.

She will also hold important roles associated with the new health and wellbeing board and the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel.

4G Broadband

Forefront of technology IT isn’t often Kent is at the forefront of technological advances, but with the roll-out of superfast 4G broadband, it is, if not in the lead, then at least keeping pace with the medal hopefuls.

After its perhaps underwhelming launch at the end of the last year, the 4G roll-out is unlikely to slow this year, with other networks all coming on board in a bid to claim a slice of what is set to be the next standard for mobile devices.

For the uninitiated, 4G is a big step forward from the existing 3G network, offering lightning fast speeds to enabled smartphones and devices.

Apple's last phone, the iPhone 5, for example, is primed for 4G... but if you have an Apple 4 you'll need to upgrade to access the faster speeds.

And between now and the summer, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Ashford will be switched 'on' to the

Cllr Hart, who already advises and works on the strategic elements of economic development and regeneration, said: “This is a logical redistribution of responsibilities as it provides both of us with the opportunities to consolidate our work. In my case by bringing all of the regeneration within my remit I shall be able to provide for greater integration of all projects concerned with economic development and regeneration.”

Cllr Johnston added: “The move enables me to allocate the time required to establish the work of the proposed Thanet Health and Wellbeing Board. This will cover elements from housing right through to the effects of air pollution and is especially important given that Thanet

District Council is having to take on an increasing amount of work which was previously the domain of other agencies.

“As a member of the Kent and Medway Police and Crime Panel I shall be working with our new Police and Crime Commissioner Ann Barnes, but there is also the opportunity to extend our community safety work.”

“I believe that both my new fields are complementary to each other, tying in as they do with the evolving community safety plan and overlapping with my other role as cabinet member for community safety."

4G network.

It's a move which has been welcomed by local and national business groups.

Olaf Swantee is chief executive officer of EE – the company which spearheaded the launch of the technology and is behind the expensive advertising campaign featuring Hollywood star Kevin Bacon.

Outfitters, who are already reaping the benefits of increased efficiencies and productivity both in and out of the office.

“Our business customers want a 4G network that covers the markets in which they operate, and that is exactly what we are building for them – and at a phenomenal rate. We’re set to cover more than half of the UK population by the summer, staying ahead of the schedule that we set for ourselves at the launch, and continuing to demonstrate the amazing value of 4G mobile to many organisations with different challenges and different needs.”

However, EE – the company formed by the merger of Orange and T-Mobile – have not had things easy so far.

It was forced to reduce the prices for 4G services after sluggish take-up rates, and is likely to face stiff competition when the likes of Three start offering the service. It has already promised not to add any extra premium for users.

O2 and Vodaphone were still considering their price points when we went to press.

He explained: “The 4G roll-out, which offers customers speeds up to five times faster than 3G, is proving a huge success with UK businesses, including Addison Lee, Foxtons, Gatwick Airport, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Kier, Microsoft, Morrisons, Sony Music, TNT Post and Urban

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SUCCESS

Local Girl Shines at Award Ceremony Grace Taylor was awarded Starbucks Manager of the year at The De Vere Village Group’s inaugural hotel awards of excellence.

350 staff from the company’s two hotel brands, De Vere Hotels and Village Urban Resorts.

Grace works at The Village Hotel, Maidstone, as Starbucks Manager, and has worked for the company for seven years.

Veronica Kingham, General Manager, is quoted as saying how proud everyone at Village Maidstone, J6/M20, are.

Grace has worked hard to make her department the highest Revenue Store within De Vere Village brand and is well recognised for her great customer service, community work and revenue performance.

Grace is a great example to all young people; she has been promoted several times internally and really deserves her award.

Known as The Excees, a total of 28 awards were presented at a presentation ceremony, held at the Grand Hotel, Brighton, attended by

Also just pipped at the post on the night was Stephanie Nester, who was runner-up in the Young Chef of the Year category.

It was a tough category with over 80 young chefs competing in “master chef style’’ heats.

Stephanie made it to the short list of three and was awarded runnerup prize on the night.

General Manager Veronica Kingham and several of the team were also at The Grand Hotel cheering the girls on.

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REVIEW

Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant, Dover

‘W

HAT a wonderful location. You can see Dover Castle, the White Cliffs, the French coast – you can watch some of the world’s finest and largest cruise ships and you can watch the ever evolving English Channel. Some days you will see swimmers training for that elusive cross-channel swim and you will be seeing youngsters learning to sail and develop their sea sport skills from the modern centre located beneath the restaurant.

There are no lorries, cars or motor cycles and no pollution – these are the thoughts and observations of Turrloo Parrett as he takes coffee at his latest local venture, the branded Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant on the Esplanade at Dover.

He believes that this restaurant has the finest location not only in Dover but anywhere on the south coast. He has now transformed the original café into a quality seafood restaurant, similar to his existing restaurant of the same name in Hythe.

This area of Dover has been significantly improved and beautified over the past months and has other good quality

restaurants situated on this stretch of the seafront. There is plenty of free parking in the evenings and this area of shoreline provides a pleasant and accessible area for a stroll at any time of day.

Locally grown fruit and vegetables will be used and the majority of fish served is also locally sourced wherever possible. The menu also has non-fish and vegetarian options plus a children’s menu. There is a wonderful balcony area for alfresco dining and this has been fitted with external heating so that alfresco dining can take place most evenings whilst listening to the waves gently rolling in.

The restaurant is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there is a facility for private functions which is perfect for business meetings and can accommodate up to 40 delegates.

In addition to the Dover restaurant, Turrloo Parrett owns

and operates the original Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant in Hythe. Once again this venue is in a prime location on the seafront in this delightful seaside town. Since opening in 2007 this has proved to be a very popular venue all year round, as you can dine inside or outside according to the weather and view the ever changing vista over the sea and beach. It is the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.

Both restaurants offer the finest and freshest seafood, other quality products and an excellent wine list. One of the local producers is Simply Ice Creams, which offers an amazing range of flavours. The best way to sample some of these is to order the Magnificent Seven – a platter of seven flavour ice creams chosen by the guest. It should be shared by two but it’s not compulsory! mmm

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Celebration at The Vineyard

The Vineyard restaurant in Wrotham Heath held a very special evening, where local people were invited to come and celebrate Seyfi and his team taking charge of The Vineyard once again.

There was food, music, drink and many familiar faces to make the evening a great success, and we had a camera on hand to capture the moment.