MMM Magazine April '17

Issue 63, April 2017 Complimentary

Alexandra Burke

Floral FASHION

X FACTOR ROYALTY

Spring

CLEANING

WIN!

Luxury Spa Break AT THE LONDON BEACH HOTEL SPA See page 37

EASTER HOMES TRAVEL AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

Locally Locallysourced sourcedingredients ingredientsthat thatchange changewith withthe theseasons. seasons.

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TYLER'S TYLER'S KILN KILN 01227 471 912 www.thetylerskiln.co.uk 01227471 471912 912 || www.thetylerskiln.co.uk | www.thetylerskiln.co.uk 01227

Hackington Road, Tyler Hill, Canterbury, CT2 9NE HackingtonRoad, Road,Tyler TylerHill, Hill,Canterbury, Canterbury,CT2 CT29NE 9NE Hackington

Heated Heated and and covered 100+ seated beer garden

Bar Restaurant Museum Bar --- Restaurant Restaurant --- Museum Bar Local Produce Shop Local Produce Produce Shop Shop Local Private Function Room Private Function Function Room Private Snug Live Music Snug --- Live Live Music Music Snug Heated Beer Garden Heated Beer Beer Garden Garden Heated On-site Car Parking On-site Car Car Parking Parking On-site Instant Online Booking Instant Online Online Booking Booking Instant

2 Course Dinner, Stay & Breakfast from £100pp Not had a chance to try one of our amazing new rooms yet? Well, now’s the time. From now until the end of April 2017 we are offering our new double occupancy rooms from £100 per person. That includes champagne, a two course meal in the restaurant and breakfast.

Available Sunday - Thursday, excluding bank holidays.

Good Fish Friday Friday 14th April At The Who’d A Thought It we will be serving an extensive seafood menu* on Good Friday, and will have live music in the evening too. Make sure to book to avoid missing out. *Don’t worry meat eaters, there will be steaks too.

GINGO! Gin & Bingo Night Friday 12th May We’ve got something special planned for Friday 12th of May - a night of gin tasting and bingo playing! This won’t be one to miss so give us a call to reserve your place.

Who’d A Thought It. BOUTIQUE HOTEL & BRASSERIE

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‘Ladies Who Lunch’ 2-courses Menu for £19 Join us for a two course lunch for £19, and receive a £10 voucher each to spend in our boutique. Available Monday - Friday.

Join the Club We’ve launched a brand new exclusive members club, full of amazing perks and exclusive benefits. Membership privileges include: ■

1/2 price double hot-tub rooms

■ 20% off food ■ Complimentary tickets to Who’d AThought It events ■ Late check-out options ■

Priority check-in

■

Early check-in options

■ Complimentary room upgrades when available That’s hundreds of pounds worth of exclusive benefits for just a small annual membership fee. Please see our website for further details.

To book your table, please call

01622 858951

Headcorn Road, Grafty Green, Nr Lenham, Kent ME17 2AR

www.whodathoughtit.com 22/03/2017 14:29

mmm

elcome to the April edition of mmm.

With Easter just around the corner, we like to think of this as a box of chocolates full of your favourite treats.

The only dilemma you face is which to go for first – perhaps you would like to dip into our fashion section, or maybe travel is more to your taste?

Then there’s news, history and everything else we know you have come to love over the years.

Not to mention our regular dose of celebrity interviews, which this month includes our cover star Alexandra Burke. From the charts to the stage, she has created a career that while many thought may be short-lived, is now on the verge of reaching its 10th year in the spotlight.

Alexandra, like so many of us, has worked so hard to develop her reputation. After all, it’s easy to launch on to the scene in a bang, like she did with the X Factor, but much more challenging to adapt and survive in a highly competitive marketplace. What is at the heart of success is a relentless work ethic and constantly building relationships with those you need to support you.

Loyalty too plays a major role in that – after all, it is that trust which is so essential. How many times in the entertainment world do you see those quit successful groups after believing their own hype, only to realise that it was only by being part of a successful, established brand, and the chemistry created as a result, which were actually the ingredients for that moment in the sun?

Trying to trade off past glories may carry you so far, but if the raw talent or originality isn’t there, then those career ambitions will surely falter.

Certainly ensuring our standards remain high, that we lead rather than follow or replicate, has been at the heart of mmm’s philosophy over the years. What’s more, we know that dedication and devotion to serving our readers is paramount to everything we do.

Which is why we remain so grateful to our thousands of readers and army of loyal advertisers who have backed us over the years.

They know we deliver and they know we’re no one-hit wonders! As ever, we hope you enjoy this edition of mmm. It is jam-packed with things to see and do, and how you can enhance your lifestyle. What’s more, we always welcome your feedback and look forward to building on our reputation going forward hand-in-hand with you.

We can’t wait to welcome all of you back again next month.

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CONTENT ALEXANDRA BURKE

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X Factor winner turned theatre star

EASTER

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Events, facts, chocolate, and more

BEAUTY Chop it off for spring

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FITNESS

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Pilates for all body shapes

FOOD

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Recipes, protein and superfoods

ELIZABETH TAYLOR Her outstanding career and fabulous life

TRAVEL

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Jet off somewhere wonderful

NATIONAL TRUST

77

Beautiful spring walks

BATHROOMS Live a life of luxury

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MOTORS Get sporty with these selected cars

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HISTORY Robin Brooks brings more fascinating tales

EVENTS Selected events in your area

HOROSCOPES Your guide to April

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MMM Media Ltd GHL House, 1st Floor, 12-14 Albion Place Maidstone, Kent ME14 5DZ Tel: 01622 299035 sales@mmm-media.com www.mmm-media.com Publisher: Rasa Dregva Editorial: Tom White, Robin J Brooks, Tricia Lester, Sarah Vince Design: Becky Appleton, Hannah Royer Sales: Liz Munro, Claire Byfleet Further Contribution: Vilte Dregvaite 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.

CELEBRITY FEATURE © MMM Media Ltd 2017

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WINNER WHO STILL HAS the X Factor

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IT WILL BE A DECADE NEXT YEAR SINCE ALEXANDRA BURKE BURST ONTO THE SCENE

BY WINNING THE TV TALENT SHOW.AND HER CAREER IS STILL GOING STRONG.

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The lessons I’ve taken from winning the X Factor, are to keep myself grounded, to never forget where I’ve come from, and to never forget who was there from the beginning

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lexandra Burke is one of the new breed; one who rose to the giddy heights of household name status with victory in a TV talent show and has subsequently been one of the few to maintain a career in a notoriously competitive industry.

And like a growing number of those in whose footsteps she treads, and who have subsequently followed, she has dabbled with both music and musical theatre.

After rave reviews in the West End production of The Bodyguard, and

its subsequent UK tour, she is now treading the boards around the country in the lead role of Sister Act – with the show heading to Kent later this year.

It’s a long way from that December day in 2008 when she won the hearts and votes of the British public to be crowned winner of the X Factor.

“The lessons I’ve taken from winning the X Factor,” she explains, “are to keep myself grounded, to never forget where I’ve come from, and to never forget who was there from the beginning. I always say that my team are my family, and I keep them very, very close to me.  CELEBRITY STORY

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Continued from page 13

“Keeping yourself grounded keeps you central to who you are. That is the main lesson in this industry.

You can easily be blinded by the light.” She was no stranger to showbusiness from childhood. Her mother, Melissa Bell was a singer with the dance group Soul II Soul – best known for hits such as Keep On Movin’ and Back To Life – and it was as a child Alexandra vowed to take a leaf out of her mum’s book.

“Mum raised us in Islington, North London,” Alexandra, who was born in August 1988 explains, “with my grandfather and aunt, as my dad was in and out of our lives.

“I remember watching her perform on Top of the Pops and thinking ‘this is what I need to do with my life’.

CELEBRITY STORY

“She didn’t force me into it, but when she knew I wanted to sing, she wouldn’t let me muck about or sleep over at friends’ houses because she knew what it takes to get to the top. I didn’t rebel as I enjoyed doing it and got an audience out of it.” Helping to bring up her younger brother while her mother toured with her band, she had to grow up quickly.

Her ambitions to make it big saw her take up dance classes and she started to perform publicly on local stages.

At the age of twelve, in 2001, she entered the BBC’s Junior Star for a Night talent show – finishing runner-up to Dover-born soul singer Joss Stone, who was just thirteen at the time.

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she wouldn’t let me muck about or sleep over at friends’ houses because she knew what it takes to get to the top

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She also had the rare treat of having Stevie Wonder sing down the phone to her after the legendary performer was contacted by Alexandra’s mum.

Needless to say, he was impressed by the youngsters voice.

By 2005 she auditioned for the second series of the X Factor and made it through to the final stages before the live shows.

However, judge Louis Walsh opted not to put her through as he felt her simply too young.

Undeterred, she continued her bid to brush up her skills and auditioned again in 2008.

This time, under mentor Cheryl Cole, she made it into the live shows and grew week on week.

After a memorable duet with Beyonce, she emerged triumphant and was crowned the winner.

Her debut single, a cover version of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah became the quickest selling in chart history, shifting more than 105,000 copies in a single day, and delivered her a huge number one hit.

“I auditioned for X Factor when I was nineteen and by the time I won, I was twenty,” the 28-year-old explains. 

CELEBRITY STORY

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“

If I watch it, to this day, it still makes me cry. It is very emotional because of how it all happened

Continued from page 15

“People have always assumed ever since that I’m older than I am.

“It was a high-profile situation to be thrown into at that age.

“I thank God for my mum. She gave me the do’s and the dont’s of this industry and she told me what was going to happen. She explained that I was going to get criticised for everything I did, everything I wore, how I looked.

“I got over it quickly because of my family’s support. My mum doesn’t take any nonsense. I get that attitude from her.

She raised four kids and had to be tough from a young age.

“I’d see how tough she was and she inspires me to be that way. You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

“The moment you try to be, you fail.”

And of that performance with Beyonce?

“It is still one of the show’s best ever moments,” she says, “If I watch it, to this day, it still makes me cry. It is very emotional because of how it all happened. Simon Cowell didn’t tell me until midnight the night before. I didn’t know what I was doing all week.

“I saw fellow finalists JLS and Eoghan Quigg rehearsing with Westlife and Boyzone and I’m sitting there going, who 

” CELEBRITY STORY

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CELEBRITY STORY

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the hell am I singing with then?’ and all the time, they were negotiating a massive deal for Bey to come in and sing with me. Ever since I met her, she has been so pleasant.

“Whenever she has a show in London, she always allows me to come backstage.”

Her music career delivered her some success following that success, and while she admits it remains her first love, she has enjoyed considerable success on stage.

First taking over from Beverley Knight in the stage musical adaptation of the Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner classic The Bodyguard, and then in Sister Act – another musical to benefit from a movie version.

“My heart will always be on stage, with my music and career,” Alexandra explains. “My music will always come first, and acting will always be something that would be on the same level as music, because I love it that much, but my music will always be a priority, and will always come first.

“Being in The Bodyguard definitely helped with my confidence. It allowed me to get in touch with my emotional side as you’re performing every night. It allowed me to be free in that respect.

“It made me not feel silly if I need to shed a tear, or if I need to laugh. It allowed me to be free.”

And its a routine which requires her to stay in shape – which means plenty of work in the gym. Although she admits it can be embarrassing when one of her hits plays over the music system.

“I start on the treadmill with five minutes running, then I up the incline and the speed and I do 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off for 30 minutes. That is just a warm-up and next, I do isolation work.

“If I don’t do isolation work, I do a full-body workout by doing high impact circuits and have a 90 second rest in between each set and a 10 second rest in between each exercise, so you just keep your heart rate going.

“To finish, I do a cool-down on the treadmill for 10 minutes, stretch and I’m done. I never listen to music when I’m doing it. I just stare into open space. I just listen to the music they play over the speaker and watch the TV.” One thing it has given her is stamina.

And in the world of music, that is essential. Alexandra Burke is no simple talent show winner who is fading back into obscurity.

She’s here for the long term.

Sister Act is at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre this summer from June 26 to July 1. She will not be performing at the matinee shows.

Tickets are on sale now. mmm

my music will always be a priority, and will always come first

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CELEBRITY STORY

MAKE IT AN EASTER TO REMEMBER LOCAL EVENTS, CHOCOLATE, INTERESTING EASTER FACTS, NATIONAL TRUST IN ASSOCIATION WITH CADBURY’S AND GENERAL EASTER FUN!

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All Our Eggs in One Basket £50.00

Egg on My Face Slab £8.00

Champaigne Egglets £8.50

Classic Ostritch Egg £75.00

HOTEL Chocolat Happy Easter Hamper £35.00

Extra Thick Easter Egg Patisserie £27.00 happy easter

CHOCO-BLOCKED GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY THIS EASTER WITH SELECTED KENT EVENTS AND FABULOUS EASTER TREATS

Medieval Story Garden, The Canterbury Tales 3rd - 14th April

Visit The Canterbury Tales over the Easter Holidays for their much-loved Medieval Story Garden Activities! Learn about Medieval Medicine in their herb garden, attend storytelling and be whisked away into your imagination, learn Maypole Dancing and be knighted after taking lessons at Knight School.

Open Monday-Friday over the Easter Holidays.

Hempstead Valley Easter Gift Fayre 10th - 15th April The malls will be filled with specialist stalls selling a wide range of handmade crafts and quality gifts perfect for Easter.

From delicious handmade chocolates, decorated goose eggs, to gardening equipment and plants, customers will be able to buy a wide choice of inspiring and quality gifts for Easter.

Open from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 7pm Saturday. FREE admission. Free car parking, maximum stay 6 hours.

Easter Egg Hunt, Demelza Hospice Care 14th April

Join the search for Cotton Tail and his friends throughout the beautiful gardens at Demelza Kent. Find all 15 of their Easter bunnies and you will be rewarded with an egg-stra special chocolate prize!

Relax with a drink, enjoy a slice of cake and spend time browsing their variety of stalls - you can even spend time in their pirate ship playground, HMS Demelza.

Please note that although they only charge £2 for those taking part in the Easter Egg Hunt they would very much appreciate it if you could let them know how many adults they should expect by registering your details!

Easter Egg Garden Quiz, Lullingstone Castle 15th - 17th April Lullingstone Castle and The World Garden kicks off its season with family fun on Easter Saturday with their annual free Easter Egg Quiz. Aspiring plant hunters will be able to scour two acres of The World Garden for Easter clues and then report on their discoveries to claim an eggtastic surprise, plus the chance to meet some Easter characters!

Set within 120 acres of beautiful Kent countryside, Lullingstone Castle is one of England’s oldest family estates, dating back to the time of Domesday. A historic family mansion frequented by Henry VIII and Queen Anne, it is also home to the UK’s first ever ‘World Garden of Plants’ - the vision of modern-day plant hunter Tom Hart Dyke. a

happy easter

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Rabbits, Riddles and Rhymes The Big Easter Break, Penshurst Place 1st April - 16th April

Creative hats at the ready! Your sleuthing skills are needed to help unravel the riddles left by the Easter Rabbit who has been dropping his carrots throughout the Gardens! Will you help to decode his clues in time for Easter? Don’t miss a visit to The Old Coach House, where you can write your own riddle, limerick or pun, make a pair of rabbit ears and help to colour in a giant story poster!

Easy Sunday: No Worries/ Wrap and Weave, Turner Contemporary 2nd April

Inspired by the bright colours and culture of South American artist Ximena Garrido-Lecca learn about the Smaman Legend of the Worry Dolls and create your own wrapped up Worry-Person (or animal!) using fabric, threads and recycled materials.

Tickets available from the shop on the day £3.50 per child.

Free for adults, under 3s and CT9 residents (proof of address required) 1 - 4pm... drop-in session Wire Egg Basket £4.99 TK Maxx

Faversham Hat Festival 15th April

The Hat Parade starts at The Hat Shop in West Street at 11am. The colourful spectacle winds its way through the town centre led by Jack Spratt, the Town Crier accompanied by a group of wandering minstrels followed by hundreds of adults, children and pets in a wonderful array of hats. Competitions for the best hats are judged at the Alexander Centre - everyone can join in, including dogs - who have their own special prize! There will be a craft and vintage Hatter’s Fair in the Alexander Centre during the day along with a children’s magic show and other activities. a happy easter

Easter Egg Pot £6.99 TK Maxx

Butteryfly Wreath £7.99 Home Sense

EASTER PRODUCTS to cheer up your home

Chocolate Tree £55.00 The Great Gift Company

White Broken Egg Vase £12.99 TK Maxx

Ornate Easter Eggs £3.99 Home Sense

Cups Set of 4 £12.00 National Trust

happy easter

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Easter Bunny Hunt and Holiday Activities 1st - 17th April

For some magical family moments this Easter, hop through Hever Castle & Gardens on the trail of the Lindt Gold Bunny to earn a delicious chocolate treat. Enjoy family entertainment throughout the Easter holidays from April 1 to 17 – sure to put a spring in everyone’s step.

Children can make and decorate an Easter bonnet at daily craft workshops* (*small additional charge) and then parade their creation in front of the Castle for the chance to win prizes for the best Easter bonnets. More family fun awaits in the Castle, where visitors can discover the history of Easter and learn about Easter traditions in the Castle quiz.

Free Easter Family fun Hempstead Valley 3rd - 15th April Makendoo returns for seven days with their popular Easter art and craft workshops from Monday 3rd until Sunday 9th April.

Children can decorate an Easter card, or a flower pot and plant a sunflower seed. Once again children can take part in the popular art and craft workshops, including painting a bunny mask, chick, egg or butterfly using paint and glitter. These workshops will be held outside Boots from 11am to 1pm and resume from 2pm to 4pm daily. Staff are on hand to help with all the messy stuff.

Easter Quest 1st - 17th April

Seek out Easter clues hidden around the Leeds Castle grounds on a fun Easter quest for all the family.

Answer all the questions and receive a chocolate reward (£1 charge per trail card). With 500 acres of beautiful parkland and formal gardens, daily activities, free flying falconry displays, special events and year round attractions, Leeds Castle is one of the best days out in Kent, you will want to come back time and again!

Easter antics on the Farm 14th - 17th April

Easter antics on the farm from Good Friday 14th to Easter Monday 17th April.

The Easter bunny will be around to give a friendly wave and reward you with an Easter chocolate treat when you complete the Bunny hunt around the farm area.

Meet the Animals - 10 am – 4 pm Red Riding Hood - 12 noon and 2 pm Wiley Wolf Productions presents our Easter Panto!

Pig Washing - 11 am and 1 pm Face Painting - 11 am onwards (small addtional cost.)

Falconry Display - 2.15 pm Pig Racing - 3.15 pm Trailer Rides - 11 am – 4 pm happy easter

CHOCOCO’S EASTER COLLECTION

THESE EGGS ARE PERFECT IF YOU’RE AFTER SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

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ward-winning, artisan chocolatier Chococo presents its handmade range of fun Easter eggs. Featuring a collection of carefully crafted single origin milk and dark chocolates eggs studded inside with exciting surprises, chocolate lovers can choose from its iconic Dinosaur Egg, a space-age Robot Egg or the highly tempting Honeycombe Egg. Created with wit and vigour, the whole range comes presented in its striking packaging. Carefully

happy easter

developed by the team, led by founders Claire and Andy Burnet, all the eggs are freshly handmade in Purbeck, Dorset, from fine origin chocolate from Colombia, Madagascar (dark chocolate 67% cocoa) and Venezuela (milk chocolate 43% which is very high in cocoa solids and lower in sugar). Chococo has always been a firm believer in working with chocolate high in cocoa solids and low in sugar, as it believes in giving its customers a fine chocolate, not a sugar, experience.

INTERESTING FACTS about Easter HERE ARE SOME INTERESTIG THINGS THAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE KNOWN ABOUT EASTER

The world’s most popular egg-shaped chocolate is Cadbury’s Creme Egg. Workers at Cadbury in Birmingham produce 1.5 million of these every day

Every child in the UK receives an average of 8.8 Easter eggs every year – double their recommended calorie intake for a whole week

Almost one in five children (19 per cent) say they’ve made themselves ill by eating too much chocolate over the Easter holidays

happy easter

The tallest chocolate Easter egg was made in Italy in 2011. Standing 10.39 metres tall and weighing 7,200 kg, it was taller than a giraffe and heavier than an elephant. But Portugal is the home of the largest decorated Easter egg, which reached almost 15m in height and 8m in diameter when it was made in 2008

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STANDARD QUAY Faversham

FOR A TOTALLY UNIQUE SHOPPING AND LEISURE EXPERIENCE RICH IN HISTORY! HISTORIC STANDARD QUAY One of Faversham’s hidden gems! Sitting alongsidethe Creek at the far end of Abbey Street and in easy walking distance from the town centre, it gives thevisitor a truly unique experience. Offering Creek side walking, shopping, eating and a chance to see Faversham’s living history. It’s home to several classic ships and boats including barges such as Cambria and Greta as well as traditional fi shing boats, classic tugs and overnight moorings of all sorts! One of Standard Quay’s classic ‘barn’ buildings, that dates back to the seventeen hundreds, is the temporary home of the Cambria Thames Barge Exhibition.

THE HISTORIC MONKS GRANARY This was constructed using timbers from Faversham Abbey, built by King Stephen & his wife Queen Matilda in 1148, it was also their burial place. The Abbey was then torn down as part of King Henry V111’s plans to sweep the monasteries from England.

delicious home-made food, so you can treat yourself to a snack, a meal or maybe a piece of home-made cake, all created on the premises!

ALADDIN’S LOFT Just above the Tea Room is Aladdin’s Loft indoor market, the name speaks for itself!

Definitely worth a browse as it has 22 different retailers selling antiques and collectables, perfect is you’re looking for something unusual or “not on the high street”. In addition to all this, there are 5 outlets selling antiques & used furniture, with traditional, nautical and retro themes; the infamous Creekside Clocks, a friendly local business offering sales & repairs of rare time-pieces; Old English Tools, which attracts visitors who come to see and buy the classic & rare wood & metal work tools from yesteryear!

And if this wasn’t enough, there is also The Inner Goddess offering hair, beauty & holistic treatments, and a gallery on site.

THE TEA ROOM AND SECRET GARDEN So while you’re here , visit the lovely garden and admire the many speciality plants & shrubs and the large selection of glazed and terracotta pots. When you’ve finished here, visit the Tea Room & Coffee House, they serve

To make your visit more convenient, there is plenty of free on-site parking; you can even have your car washed and your tyres checked while you browse or visit the Tea Room!

So next time you’re looking for somewhere different to visit, try Standard Quay.

You won’t be disappointed!

Standard Quay, Faversham – OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Faversham ME13 7BS (SatNav) | Tel 01795 597616 | www.standardquay.co.uk ADVERTORIAL FEATURE Many unique shops & outlets at Standard Qu

Historic Standard Quay is one of Faversham’s hidden Jewels. Sitting alongside the creek at the far end of Abbey St with many exciting outlets to browse.

Easter Egg Pot £6.99 TK Maxx

Butteryfly Wreath £7.99 Home Sense

EASTER PRODUCTS to cheer up your home

Chocolate Tree £55.00 The Great Gift Company

White Broken Egg Vase £12.99 TK Maxx

Ornate Easter Eggs £3.99 Home Sense

Cups Set of 4 £12.00 National Trust

happy easter

NATIONAL TRUST and Cadbury

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ENJOY A WILD WEEKEND IN KENT AND EAST SUSSEX THIS EASTER WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST AND CADBURY

he National Trust has teamed up with Cadbury to offer families across Kent and East Sussex the ultimate weekend with their ever-popular Easter Egg Hunts and plenty of fun along the way.

This year, the Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt (14 – 17 April*) will be inviting families to unleash their inner explorers on egg hunts through muddy woodlands, around mystical lakes, along nature trails and through spring gardens blooming with life

There are over ten Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts to choose from across Kent and East Sussex guaranteeing a fun-filled Easter for everyone. From hunts for missing lambs at Emmetts Garden and bunnies at Smallhythe Place, to a perilous dragon-inspired quest at Bodiam Castle, there are plenty of activities to keep you and your families entertained.

Every time you take part in a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt, you’ll help the National Trust fund vital conservation work to protect our special places across the South East.

In Kent Chartwell - Cadbury Egg Hunt Rabbit, friends and relations 1st April - 17th April, 11am - 4pm

Emmetts - Cadbury Egg Hunt Nature and wildlife trail 1st - 17th April, 11am - 4pm

Easter holiday family fun 1st - 13th April, 10am - 4.30pm (Themed Thursdays 11am - 3pm)

Knole - Cadbury Egg Hunt 1st - 17th April, 10am - 5pm

Keep the kids entertained during the holidays with Ightham Mote’s Spring Activity pack, craft activities and the chance to go wild in their natural play area. Normal admission applies, event is free.

Collect your trail map and follow the Cadbury bunny’s trail through Knole’s medieval parkland, historic courtyards and atmospheric Orangery. Solve the clues and claim your chocolate prize before the deer beat you to it! Child £3. Separate trail available for 3-5 years and 7-12 years..

Quebec House - Cadbury Egg Hunt 14th - 10th April, 11am-4pm

Ightham Mote - Cadbury Egg Hunt 14th - 17th April, 11am - 3.30pm

Help bunny find the missing members of the Churchill family around the home of Sir Winston.

Along the way, you’ll discover what their nicknames were before tucking into a chocolatey prize. Normal admission applies, £2 per trail.

Explore the house and garden at General James Wolfe’s home on their family Easter trail. Travel back to the eighteenth century in the house as it was when his family lived here, then collect your Cadbury bunny at the end. Normal admission applies, £2 per trail. happy easter

Help! The Lubbock lamb has escaped from his pen and gone gallivanting across Emmetts Garden.

Can you follow the trail and find out where he has escaped to?

Normal admission applies, £2 per trail.

Join Ightham Mote for our annual Cadbury Egg Hunt trail with puzzles and games to keep the family occupied. Find your way around this medieval moated manor and tuck into a delicious prize at the end. Normal admission applies, £2.50 per trail.

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Family Mondays 3rd & 10th April, 11am 3pm

Visit Knole on Family Monday during the Easter holiday for a range of spring-themed activities.

Create some wild art and learn how to make a home for a wild animal. £2 donation. Suitable for ages 5-12 years.

Sissinghurst Cadbury Egg Hunt 14th - 17th April, 11am-4pm

Take part in the Cadbury Egg Hunt in the grounds of the world-famous garden created by Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West. Follow the trail to claim your sweet-treat prize. £2.50 per trail.

Smallhythe Place - Cadbury Egg Hunt 14th - 17th April, 11am-5pm

There’s been a breakout. King Bunny’s chocolate army is missing, and now it is up to you to find out where the bunnies are and who unleashed them. Take home one of his chocolate soldiers as a tasty prize. £3 per child.

Scotney Castle Cadbury Egg Hunt 14th - 17th April, 10am - 4pm

Follow the clues around the garden, use your map and find the treasure to claim your chocolate bunny.

Normal admission applies, £2 per trail.

A Castle in England, writer in residence exhibition Open daily 1st - 23rd April

Jamie Rhodes brings his London exhibition inspired by his new illustrated novel to the castle. Discover unusual details about Scotney and see some of the hidden collection. Normal admission applies, event is free.

HAPPY EASTER

MEN’S FASHION

inspiration for Spring Palm Print Shirt £19.50 M&S

Black Print Shirt £200.00 House of Fraser

Broken Stripe Bomber £199.00 Jager

Hammond & Co.

by Patrick Grant Silicone Chrono £130.00 Debenhams

Debenhams Collection Sunglasses £20.00 Debenhams Navy Printed Shorts £50.00 House of Fraser Red Herring Shorts £25.00 Debenhams

Camo Print Backpack £350.00 House of Fraser

Hammond & Co. by Patrick Grant Automatic Skeleton Dial Brown £140.00 Debenhams

Pebble Grain Leather Holdall £99.00 M&S

Homes and Gardens

A FABULOUS SELECTION OF HOME AND GARDEN IDEAS, INCLUDING A BATHROOM FEATURE FIT FOR ROYALTY, HOME PRODUCTS FROM OUR FAVOURITE RETAILER, AND TIPS ON TAKING CARE OF YOUR LAWN

FLORAL fancies

FLOWERS AREN’T JUST FOR WATERING... MAKE YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS INTO SPRING POP WITH THESE FLORAL INSPIRED GARMENTS

Gingham Floral Print Dress £69.00 House of Fraser

White Floral Wide Sleeve Blouse £22.99 New Look

Daisy Lace Cut Out Shirt £38.00 Dorothy Perkins

Red Herring Shorts £35.00 Debenhams Black Floral Printed Bomber Jacket £199.00 House of Fraser

Botanical Print Jacket £99.00 Phase Eight

Sandals £45.00 Faith Star by Julien Macdonald £45.00 Debenhams women’s fashion

Printed Blouse £59.00 House of Fraser

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White Floral Jacket £35.00 Dorothy Perkins

Red Herring Skirt £45.00 Debenhams Shirt £220.00 Dickens and Jones

Skirt £49.00 Dickens and Jones

Entangled Enchantment Cover Up £75.00 Ted Baker

Embroidered Loafers £32.00 Next

Growe Shoes £85.00 Dune

White Floral Suit Trousers £20.00 Dorothy Perkins

Sunglasses Rounded Half-Moon Sunglasses £165.00 Phillip Lim

Cat-eye Clip-On Sunglasses £245.00 Selfridges

Sunglasses £220.00 Chloe

Mink Accent Sunglasses £399.00 Linda Farrow

Sunglasses £15.00 Next WOMEN’S FASHION

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Make sure you mention

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Kent’s luxury lifestyle magazine Kent’s

BEST P aces to D

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BEST Attractions in Kent when responding to advertisements Issue 53, June 2016 Complimentary

Issue 54, July 2016 Complimentary

Kent’s Leading Lifestyle magazine

ART IN YOUR

GARDEN

Topiary

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Fitness

KATE WINSLET

THE EPITOME OF GLITZ AND GLAMOUR

Kent EVENTS

TRAVEL GADGETS RECIPES AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

2016

DINE LIKE ROYALTY

Collection

WIN

An AFTERNOON TEA for two with a glass of

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Kent’s Leading Lifestyle magazine

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Queen

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MOTORS HISTORY FOOD EVENTS AND MUCH, MUCH MORE

COUNTY SQUARE’S new

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season pop-up fashion shows ALL DAY FASHION EVENT AT COUNTY SQUARE

S

pring has sprung at last and County Square in Ashford is embracing the season with an all-day fashion event on Saturday 22nd April. Sixteen ‘pop-up’ performances will take place in various locations throughout the centre with two male and three female models showing off up-to-the-minute fashions from County Square’s retailers. These will include outfits from New Look, Next, Designers at Debenhams, River Island, Peacocks, M&S, Select, Bon Marche and Yours.

There’s also a chance to win a voucher worth £25 at each show. Promotional staff will give out sealed envelopes to 25 shoppers who are watching the performances. Inside one of these envelopes will be a special number and if that number is the one displayed within the store, you could win a voucher for £25!

So, if you’re unsure what the trends are this spring, come along and get some inspiration from County Square’s Pop Up Fashion event.

Saturday 22nd April 10.15am - 4.15pm

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

12 HAIRCUTS for spring

BORED OF THAT SAME OLD HAIR THAT YOU’VE BEEN SPORTING FOR YEARS, OR JUST FANCY A CHANGE? THESE SHORT STYLES ARE SURE TO GIVE YOU INSPIRATION

GROWN-OUT PIXIE

The pixie gets a bad reputation of being a one-look style, but waiting a week or two longer between trims can fix that.

If you had the confidence to chop your hair like Kate Mara (right), try a pixie but with a little length. Ask for length at the ears and a little at the nape with a lot of cutting into for texture, so this won’t be a high-maintenance haircut.

BUZZ CUT

Off with your hair! A short, tight cut shows people that you’re confident. And no one would argue that Amandla Stenberg (below) is not just that. Channel her, and make a buzz bolder with a blonde dye job.

UNDERCUT

Maybe you’re newly single after four years. Maybe you’re just bored.

Whatever your reason, you should definitely go for a big chop or a cool detail (like Taraji P. Henson’s undercut, left). It just screams control and confidence. Go bold the next time you’re with your stylist and take the plunge with a dramatic cut. And if your idea of dramatic is losing more than two inches, that counts too.

BLUNT BOB

CURLY BOB AND BANGS

When you have curly hair, it can feel like you have few options.

But a bob—with or without bangs—gives hair volume and removes enough dry and split ends for your hair to look super healthy. Consider this curly bob with bangs a major spring cleaning for your hair that’s just gone through a rough, dry winter like Alanna Arrington’s (below) curls.

BEAUTY FEATURE

A blunt bob works whether your hair is wavy or straight—and Ferrera’s (left) recent blonde colour didn’t hurt, either. A classic blunt bob is a favorite and always chic. The magic is in the precision, so we recommend making sure you sit completely still and straight in the chair—in other words, maybe don’t try to squeeze in phone calls and emails during your cut.

’70S BANGS

Chloë Grace Moretz’s (right) bangs are a major throwback, and one that doesn’t require a long, torturous growing-out process. A fringe is a way to switch up your hairstyle without such a scary commitment, and the seventies version is a bit longer and sexier than your ordinary fringe. It gives the illusion that it’s already on its way to growing out.

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Super Sonic Hair Dryer £399.00 Dyson

Silk Professional Straightner £59.90 Remmington

Hair Grips £9.50 Oliver Bonas

Hair Gel Wax £9.50 Rituals

HAIR must have’s Conditioner £9.50 Rituals

Hair Tie Bracelets £9.00 Jigsaw

Shampoo £9.50 Rituals BEAUTY FEATURE

44 mmm Continued from page 42

WAVY, SHAGGY BANGS

If you have wavy or curly hair like Taylor Swift’s (below), bangs are still possible. The key is in the shape— which is a soft, U-shaped arch that hangs low over the eyes and is chipped into at the ends. This will keep the fringe airy and easy to sweep to the side. If the bangs are naturally curly, you can either air-dry or use a diffuser to bring out the texture, using your fingers to softly loosen any tight curls.

THE CURLY LOB

Size does matter—and when it comes to curly hair, stylists agree that bigger is better. Together, the length and shape of the cut help to build really stunning volume for natural girls. On Yara Shahidi (right), her hair’s soft, rounded shape sets this apart from your average lob. Getting the right products for your hair is essential to achieve this look, so talk to your stylist about what will work best.

TEXTURED LOB

If your hair can’t hold a curl for longer than 10 minutes - which, although we’ve never asked, is probably the situation with Kendall Jenner (left) a cut like this one will bring it to life.

This cut will give even dead, straight hair body and movement. It also brings out natural texture you never knew you had. If your hair is thinner this will probably work best for you, as thicker hair may fall flat again with its weight. Talk to your stylist about what you can do to achieve this look.

THICK, WAVY CURLS

LONG LAYERS

A lob with bangs is so last season. We’re now seeing a longer cut with tons of disconnected layers. The bangs are so long that they almost blend in, and you can’t go wrong with a sideswept style like Hilary Duff’s (above). This look will help to bring shape to your face, without hiding your beautiful features underneath as traditional bangs would.

To make bouncy curls or ringlets look even more magical, you’ll want to go to a stylist who specializes in dry cutting. Because curls are unpredictable, a trained stylist will want to see what your curls are doing in their natural state. This will help determine where they’re going to fall, how to frame your face, and how to work with the different textures throughout your head.

LAYERED CURLS

It’s a well-known rule that if you have curly or natural hair, your hair should be cut blunt on the ends to add weight and minimize frizz.

However, twenty seventeen is all about breaking the rules. Instead, try long layers, like actress Ashley Madekwe’s cut (left). Your stylist should cut your hair dry - and not straightened - so that you’ll be able to let it air-dry.

Curl Revolution £64.95 Remmington BEAUTY FEATURE

PILATES FOR ALL shapes and sizes GET YOUR BEST BODY EVER WITH THESE PILATES MOVES TAILORED TO YOUR NATURAL SHAPE

W

hile there are no specific exercises that should or shouldn't be performed depending on whether you have an apple, pear, hourglass or athletic figure, there certainly are some that can help to make your workouts more effective.

Pilates can really help you to focus on specific exercises in order to

FITNESS TIPS

enhance your particular shape. All bodies are different and it pays to know what works for you. Certain moves can add definition to your body and everyone can benefit from the postural power of Pilates.

Pilates is great for sculpting the body and stabilising muscles deep in the body. The workout is suitable for all body types, but if you’re short of time, just pick the exercises for your body type. a

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48 mmm Continued from page 46

TOE TAPS BEST FOR: APPLE, PEAR, HOURGLASS

Start lying on your back with legs lifted and knees bent above your hips, shins parallel to the floor and arms relaxed at your sides, palms down. Keep your lower abs engaged and your back flat on the mat.

Inhale, then exhale as you hinge at your hip, lowering your right leg toward the mat.

Inhale to return the leg to start position and change sides. Alternate legs, repeat 10-12 reps each side, bring feet to the floor to rest. Repeat for 2 sets.

CRISS-CROSS BEST FOR: APPLE, PEAR, HOURGLASS, ATHLETIC

Lying on your back, interlace your hands behind your head to support your head. Lift your knees and feet off the ground with your knees bent at 90 degrees. Inhale as you twist your ribcage to the left and extend your right leg forward.

Exhale as you take your body through the centre, twisting your ribcage to the right while extending your left leg to complete the exercise on the opposite side.

Do 6 twists alternating sides. Repeat 3 sets in total.

Great for core strength

GLUTE BRIDGE BEST FOR: HOURGLASS, ATHLETIC

Lie on your back, with your knees bent. Place your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart, with your arms at your side. Exhale as you lift your hips off the floor until your ribcage is in line with your hips and knees. Press down evenly through both feet. Inhale as you squeeze your glutes for three seconds and then exhale as you lower your hips slowly back down to the mat.

Do 15-20 reps, then rest pulling your knees to your chest, then repeat once more.

FITNESS TIPS

SIDE PLANK TWISTS BEST FOR: APPLE, HOURGLASS

Starting in a side plank position, with one hand directly under your shoulder, place your top hand behind your head, with your elbow pointing straight up to the ceiling.

Inhale and twist your chest upwards. Then exhale and rotate your chest towards the floor. Do 5-8 reps per side, and then rest before repeating again on the other side.

SIDE REACH BEST FOR: APPLE, PEAR, HOURGLASS, ATHLETIC

Sit with your knees bent and legs tucked behind you to the right, supporting your weight with your left hand and keeping your arm straight.

Inhale to prepare. Exhale as you lift your hip away from the mat, extending your top legs as your top arm reaches overhead. You're aiming to lift your side up towards the ceiling. Inhale to return to the start position.

Do 6-8 reps on each side and rest, before repeating the whole thing once more.

Alternative: Try with straight legs

SWIMMING BEST FOR: APPLE, PEAR

Lie on your stomach with your forehead down and arms extended out in front. Extend your legs with your toes pointed out.

Focus on pressing your pelvis into the mat while drawing your belly button away from the mat.

Squeeze your inner thighs and lift your arms, legs, chest and head from the mat.

Inhale and exhale as normally as possible as you alternate lifting the opposite arm and leg without touching the mat.

Count down from 10 to one then relax onto the mat to rest.

Repeat

SUMMER SLIMDOWN STARTS AT TUDOR PARK

Tudor Park’s experienced fitness instructors have created a 12-week Summer Slimdown programme to help Kent residents become beach-body ready.

The four-star hotel’s leisure team have created nutrition menus to ensure weight loss goals are reached in time for the summer holidays.

The 12-week Summer Slimdown includes use of the state-of-the-art gym facilities at the Marriott Hotel & Country Club in Ashford Road, Bearsted. Tudor Park has one of the largest hotel cardio-vascular suites in the county, with 30 machines including cross trainers, rowing machines and static bikes.

Its gym includes static and free weights, plus there is a dance studio, offering up to 50 exercise classes a week and an indoor swimming pool.

““We understand how hard it is to slim down and tone up and even if you have a holiday goal, it is always much easier to achieve with the right support,” says Jane Don-Lohmann, Tudor Park’s Director of Leisure. “The Tudor Park fitness team has years of experience in motivating people and devising the right individual programme to ensure success. For 12 weeks, we will be asking our summer slimmers to put their faith in us so we can help them lose weight and become more toned, ready for that beach holiday.“ The 12-week Summer Slimdown includes nutrition menus, a dedicated weekly weigh-in, a fitness plan for either beginner, intermediate or advanced, and, importantly, full support from Tudor Park’s experienced leisure team.

There will also be prizes for those who lose the most weight in the 12 weeks.

For more information, call the fitness team on 01622 734334. Membership from £45 per month.

Summer Slimdown is open to men and women from 16 years and the programme is free to current members. www.MarriottTudorPark.co.uk

Spring Food RECIPES TO TICKLE YOUR TASTEBUDS AND GET YOU READY FOR THE WARMER MONTHS. PLUS, INSIGHT INTO PROTEIN: WHAT IT IS, WHY WE NEED IT, AND HOW WE CAN INTRODUCE IT INTO OUR EVERYDAY DIETS SEAMLESSLY

HEALTH AND WELLBEING protein explained HERE IS mmm’S QUICK GUIDE TO PROTEIN

WHAT IS PROTEIN?

There are three nutrients that we need in large amounts – proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Proteins in the body are made up of long chains of chemicals called amino acids. Amino acids can be divided into two groups: non-essential amino acids, which can be made by your body and essential amino acids, which can’t be made by your body and must come from your diet, so make sure your body has enough on a daily basis.

WHERE CAN WE FIND PROTEIN IN FOODS?

Fish, meat and dairy contain all nine of the essential amino acids. These animal-derived products are known as ‘complete proteins’. Some proteins, like red meat, are very high in saturated fat, so it’s advisable not to eat beef, lamb or pork foods more than twice per week. Try to choose lean meats such as chicken, fish and low-fat dairy products as your primary source of animal-derived protein. Animal products are protein dense.

HOW MUCH PROTEIN SHOULD WE EAT?

WHY DO WE NEED IT?

Proteins are used to develop, grow and maintain just about every part of your body, and they’re hard at work all the time. They make up the structure of collagen and elastin, found in skin, nails and hair. They maintain, repair and grow tissue, collagen and bone. They produce hormones, such as insulin, and enzymes that carry out the chemical reactions in the body’s cells. They make antibodies to protect against viruses. They transport oxygen around your body in the form of haemoglobin in your blood. These long chains are constantly being broken down, so your body has to replace them every day.

The recommendation for adults is to eat 0.75g of protein per kilogram of bodyweight per day.

For a person weighing around 12 stone, that’s about 57g/day. Infants and children, pregnant and breast-feeding women, and people recovering from surgery or injury will need a little more per kilo of bodyweight. This is because their bodies are growing, healing or manufacturing more cells, and protein is vital in these processes. You’ll also need additional protein in your diet if you want to increase muscle size or you take part in sports such as weightlifting. You can add protein to your diet with a shake as many body-builders do, but most of us get all the protein we need from our food. If you have specific sports-related goals, like building muscle, a professional nutritionist can support you in fuelling your training the best way.

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54 mmm

TOP 10 SUPERSTAR

T

Superfoods

he best way to eat your way to health is by including nutritional superfoods into your daily diet. It's so easy to add nutrient-rich, flavoursome smart-picks to your menus and create delicious feasts which not only taste amazing, but will also bring long-term health benefits. Nutrients in foods are synergistic - working together to benefit your entire body.

Many superstar foods contain phytonutrients that promote good health due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

To really boost your immunity, try incorporating the following foods into your meals.

ONIONS

Onions contain a high concentration of quercetin, an antioxidant that helps protect and strengthen damaged cells. Onions are great for raising good cholesterol levels, lowering high blood pressure and helping to thin the blood, warding off blood clots.

Use in: stir-fries, salad, scrambled eggs, baked whole with roasts, French or British onion soup, stews, pasta sauces and added to savoury muffins.

GARLIC

Garlic increases immune function by promoting the growth of white cells - the body’s natural germ fighters. Garlic has been proven to slow the growth of harmful bacteria, yeasts and fungi. Fresh garlic is always the best choice and is a good alternative to antibiotics. Both fresh and dried garlic have been shown to lower harmful LDL cholesterol and high blood pressure. Take two crushed cloves a day with water to keep bugs out of your system and avoid picking up flus or viruses.

How to use: crushed in garlic mash, roasted with vegetables or lamb, chicken or pork, in stir-fries and grated on garlic bread.

BROCCOLI

Broccoli is rich in magnesium and vitamin C, which is known to help fight infections and viruses and is considered one of the most powerful immunity boosters available. Vitamin C promotes the production of interferon, an antibody that blocks viruses and infections from getting deep into cells.

Add to: stir-fries, salads, casseroles, pasta dishes and soups, or lightly steam and serve as a side dish.

SPINACH

Spinach is bursting with delicious health benefits.

It contains a cross section of phytonutrients and antioxidants, including vitamins K, C, and E, betacarotene, coenzyme Q10, folate, iron and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin.

Use in: stir-fries, soups and pasta sauces, for breakfast with poached eggs, and spinach toast.

SUPER FOODS

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QUINOA

Quinoa is perfect as a fast and filling nutritional breakfast - just add almond milk for an added boost of protein. Not strictly a grain, quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is derived from the seed of a plant related to spinach and is a true superfood. It is a complete protein food, which means it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle and repair itself. As well as being high in protein, with few carbohydrates and a dose of healthy fats, quinoa contains an amino acid called lysine, as well vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, copper, zinc, magnesium and folate.

Use in: porridge, salads and soups, and as a side dish.

KALE

Kale is a fibre-rich, dark green leafy vegetable which looks similar to spinach and is jam-packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

The vitamin A and C in kale is fantastic for your skin and can slow down premature ageing. It also contains lutein, a nutrient that is beneficial for your body and complexion, and also brightens the whites of the eyes.

One serving of cooked kale provides more than half the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. Add to: stir-fries or hearty vegetable soups, or crisp it in the oven with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt as a nutritious snack.

WILD SALMON

Wild Salmon is a great source of protein and contains minerals such as iodine, potassium and zinc. It also contains omega-3 fats - the ultimate anti-ageing nutrient and a major component of brain and nerve tissues.

Omega-3 fats are also beneficial for good eyesight. Wild salmon contains loads of vitamin D and selenium for healthy hair, skin, nails and bones. For optimum health benefits, consume salmon at least three times a week.

Have in: sandwiches, breakfast with poached eggs, soups and pasta dishes, or cook up some salmon steaks.

NUTS

Nuts are not only yummy but also contain healthy oils, fibre, vitamins, minerals, potent phytochemicals and the amino acid arginine. Walnuts are one of the best plant sources of protein, and all nuts are beneficial for heart health - eating a handful of nuts five times a week reduces your risk of coronary heart disease.

Nuts are rich in fibre, B vitamins, magnesium and antioxidants such as vitamin E. If you are concerned about mould and mycotoxins in nuts, soak them in water and sea salt overnight and then dry in the oven for a yummy crispy snack.

How to have: as a snack, nut milks, crunchy toppings for sweet and savoury dishes, and nut flours for baking.

SARDINES

Sardines are high in omega-3 oils, contain almost no mercury (unlike larger fish), and are loaded with minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese, and are rich in vitamin B. Not a sardine fan? Try flax seeds, walnuts or chia seeds for an omega-3 blast.

Serve: in a salad, on spinach toast or buckwheat toast, with eggs, or use as a spread combined with mustard and apple cider vinegar.

EGGS

Eggs have had a chequered past, but it has now been proven that eating eggs in moderation will not give you high cholesterol as originally reported. In fact, eggs have stellar stats, full of high-quality proteins, essential minerals and vitamins, including vitamin B12 and folate. An egg is a compact package of nutrition that provides every vitamin except vitamin C. Eggs are also a rich source of vitamin K - one egg contains one-third of the daily recommended amount for women. I usually have about two or three servings per week.

Ways to cook: poached, scrambled, baked, in frittatas, omelettes, baked goods and sauces. For a quick on-the-go snack, hard-boil a batch of eggs.

SUPER FOODS

SMOKED SALMON and lemon risotto

INGREDIENTS

1 onion, finely chopped 2 tbsp olive oil 350g risotto rice 1 garlic clove, finely chopped 1½ boiling vegetable stock 170g pack smoked salmon, three-quarters chopped 85g mascarpone lite 3 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped Grated lemon zest, plus squeeze of juice Handful of rocket

METHOD • Fry the onion in the oil for 5 mins. Add the rice and garlic, then cook for 2 mins, stirring continuously. Pour in a third of the stock and set the timer to 20 mins. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the stock has been absorbed, then add half the rest of the stock and carry on cooking, stirring a bit more frequently, until that has been absorbed.

• Pour in the last of the stock,

stir, then simmer until cooked and creamy. Take from the heat and add the chopped salmon, mascarpone, parsley and lemon zest. Grind in some black pepper, but don’t add salt as the salmon will be salty enough. Leave for 5 mins to settle, then taste and add a little lemon juice if you like.

• Serve topped with reserved salmon (roughly torn) and some rocket.

Recipe from: BBC Good Food www.bbcgoodfood.com

DELICIOUS RECIPES

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Recipe from: Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club Ashford Road, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent. ME14 4NQ 01622 734334 @Tudor Park www.marriottudorpark.co.uk

ITALIAN trifle

TUDOR PARK MARRIOTT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB HEAD CHEF ALFONSO SALVAGGIO SNEAKS CHOCOLATE INTO THIS DELICIOUS ITALIAN TWIST TO AN ENGLISH FAVOURITE – A PERFECT PUD FOR EASTER SUNDAY LUNCH

INGREDIENTS Makes 6 servings 400ml milk 100ml double cream 100g caster sugar 90g cornflour 100g good quality dark chocolate One packet of sponge fingers 100ml sherry or your favourite coffee liqueur 100ml of strong black coffee One vanilla pod 4 egg yolks Mixed berries to decorate

Chef’s tip: If you would like to make this even more creamy, combine 300ml of milk with 200ml of double cream. As long as you have 500ml of liquid in total, the combination won’t matter.

METHOD • Break the chocolate into squares and place in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water – be careful not to let the bowl touch the water. Gently melt the dark chocolate.

• Meanwhile, put the cream and milk into a saucepan. Scrape out the seeds of the vanilla pod and reserve, and add the pod to the milk and cream. Bring to boil.

• In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the caster sugar, vanilla seeds and cornflour.

• As soon as the cream and milk reach simmering point, pour over the egg yolk mixture while continuing to whisk.

• Pour the ingredients back into the saucepan and continue to whisk until thickened, but be careful not to overheat the saucepan as the eggs could scramble.

• Pour half of the custard over the dark melted chocolate and combine thoroughly.

• In a shallow dish, mix the coffee with your chosen sherry or favourite coffee liqueur.

• Take six glass dessert dishes and begin layering up the trifle. Start with a layer of vanilla custard into the bottom of each glass.

Dip sponge fingers briefly into the coffee liquid and place on top of the vanilla custard.

Add a layer of chocolate custard, then soaked sponge fingers, and repeat the layers until you have used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of vanilla custard.

Leave to cool in the fridge.

• When ready to serve, decorate with mixed berries and dust with icing sugar.

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CREAMY PASTA with spring greens

INGREDIENTS 150g dried tagliatelle 2 rashers smoked streaky bacon, cut into 1cm wide strips 100g finely shredded spring greens or Savoy cabbage 90g bag Waitrose Popped Garden Peas 75g Philadelphia Light with Garlic & Herbs 2 salad onions, thinly sliced 2 tsp finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano

METHOD • Cook the tagliatelle in a large pan of boiling water for 6 mins.

• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a small, non-stick frying pan for 5 mins until crisp and golden.

• Add the shredded greens and peas to the pasta pan and cook for a further 3 mins until the vegetables and pasta are tender. Reserve a ladleful of the cooking water, then drain the

pasta and vegetables and return to the pan.

• Stir in the crispy bacon, soft cheese and salad onions, stirring until the cheese melts, and adding a splash of the reserved water to loosen the mixture if necessary.

• Divide between two bowels and serve with a sprinkling of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Recipe from: Waitrose www.waitrose.com

DELICIOUS RECIPES

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INGREDIENTS 550g new potato, scrubbed 800g young broad beans in the pod 200g fresh young asparagus 400g young peas in the pod 90g pack prosciutto, sliced into ribbons 125g bag mixed salad leaves 100g pecorino cheese, shaved For the dressing 50g fresh watercress, roughly chopped 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp cider vinegar Pinch of sugar

METHOD • Cook the potatoes in boiling salted water for 10-15 mins until tender. Drain and halve when cool enough to handle; set aside.

• Blanch the shelled broad beans and the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3 mins.

Drain in a sieve and cool under running cold water. Drain again, fish out the asparagus, then peel off the hard outer skins from the beans – make a nick in the tops and pop the beans out.

• Blanch the shelled peas in a

separate pan for 1 min. Toss the asparagus, beans, peas, potatoes and prosciutto together.

• For the dressing, put all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blitz until really smooth and bright green.

Season with salt and pepper.

• To serve, toss the salad leaves with a spoonful or two of dressing and arrange on plates.

Pile the vegetable mixture on top, season, then drizzle over the remaining dressing and scatter with the pecorino.

Recipe from: BBC Good Food www.bbcgoodfood.com

SPRING SALAD

with watercress dressing

DELICIOUS RECIPES

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THE QUEEN

of everything

ELIZABETH TAYLOR’S LIFE WAS A ROLLERCOASTER OF LOVE, SUCCESS AND ADDICTION. WE LOOK BACK ON HER QUITE REMARKABLE LIFE. CELEBRITY FEATURE

S

64 mmm

Continued from page 63 71

Olga ©

ix years ago this month, the world lost one of its most enduring movie legends. Elizabeth Taylor was a giant of the silver screen in a career which stretched back to the early 1940s and saw her fame and popularity remain as high as ever right up to her death.

Quite where you start with such a remarkable life is a hard choice – perhaps her superstardom in a string of Hollywood movies throughout the 1950s and 1960s which delivered her two Academy Awards; or maybe her relentless fundraising for AIDS charities in the latter part of her life; her rarely uneventful personal life which included eight marriages; or her friendship with King of Pop Michael Jackson who, remarkably, she outlived following his untimely death in 2009?

But let’s start rather closer to

home. Because despite the fact she spent much of her life in her adoptive United States, the Britishborn actress spent time during her childhood in Cranbrook – endless summers and weekends on the Great Swifts estate, owned

by Colonel Victor Cazalet, her godfather and a politician.

Her family had a gamekeeper’s lodge on the estate which they had renovated, and Elizabeth and her family would use it as a country retreat.

Legend has it the house was named Little Swallows – taking its name from a family of the birds which lived outside the bedroom window of the young Elizabeth.

Speaking of the house, the actress would later reflect: “It was like a little house out of a Walt Disney film, nestled against a lovely little wood that was almost like a bird sanctuary. “There were 

Balance Web © CELEBRITY FEATURE

My brother and I made pets of all the animals – chickens, rabbits, lambs, goat – it was my idea of bliss

“

“

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CELEBRITY FEATURE

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Continued from page 64

acres and acres to roam over and a farm. My brother and I made pets of all the animals – chickens, rabbits, lambs, goat – it was my idea of bliss.”

Born on February 27, 1932, in Hampstead, London, her parents were both American – her father an art dealer and her mother an actress herself.

They holidayed in Kent during the mid 1930s, but the increasing tension in Europe ahead of the start of the Second World War, saw the family return to the US in 1939 as war became more and more inevitable.

They set up home in Beverley Hills and she grew up against an affluent backdrop.

The young Elizabeth would return to the county she held in her heart, but only after she had created a name for herself following in her mother’s footsteps.

With her striking, almost violet, eyes her parents were encouraged to introduce her to a wider audience and to audition for film when she was still only nine. Initially resisted by her mother, a family friend saw her audition for the Universal studio which she passed and began a contract in the April of 1941.

However, after her debut in There’s One Born Every Minute, released the following year, she failed to land more roles and her contract was ended by March 1942. But MGM picked her up and signed her to a deal which saw her eventually star in National Velvet which proved a big hit.

According to Taylor, she had “no real childhood” after becoming a star, as movie studio MGM took a major controlling aspect 

“

Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick and pull yourself together

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CELEBRITY FEATURE

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on her life. Forced to adhere to a strict daily schedule – of school and filming during the day, and dancing, singing and rehearsing in the evenings, she described MGM as a “big extended factory”.

But National Velvet was her making, and by the time she was in her teens Life magazine described her as “Hollywood’s most accomplished junior actress”. She would never look back.

Adult roles followed and hits included the likes of Father of the Bride, A Place in the Sun and 1956’s Giant which starred Rock Hudson and James Dean – notable as the heart-throb actor died just days after filming ended in a car crash, aged just 24.

1957’s Raintree County saw her secure her first Academy Award nomination – two years later she won best actress at the awards for her role in Butterfield 8. But it is perhaps 1960’s Cleopatra for which she will be best remembered. A movie in which she was paid a record $1 million to star in opposite Richard Burton – an actor she would go on to marry not once but twice in her life.

Filming was not without incident, however, having come close to death after suffering from pneumonia during shooting. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf saw her win her second Oscar.

In 1968, she was back in the UK, an enormous star, and attending a society wedding in Kent – a moment caught on camera by Lord Lichfield which captured her taking a photo of fellow guest the Queen Mother. History, regretfully, does not record where in the county the meeting took place.

And in 1980 she was back in Kent to film The Mirror Crack’d – a movie based on one of Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple books. Filming took place in Smarden, near Ashford, and the St Clere estate in Kemsing, near Sevenoaks. Other stars in the movie included Rock Hudson, Angela Lansbury and Tony Curtis.

Her personal life garnered her almost as many column inches as her films.

She was just eighteen when she married Conrad Hilton Jr – heir to the Hilton Hotel chain. But the relationship was over almost as soon as it began and she was divorced within eight months.

A year later she wed British actor Michael Wilding – some 20 years her senior.

They had two children but four years after tying the knot they separated and were divorced the following year, 1957.

A month after the divorce, she wed husband number three – Mike Todd. The couple had a daughter, but tragedy struck in 1958 when he was killed in a plane crash, leaving Taylor devastated.

Comforted by his friend Eddie Fisher – father of the late Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher – the relationship soon became a controversial affair as Fisher was still married to actress Debbie Reynolds. The couple married in 1959 but that too was shortlived.

By 1962 she had an affair with Richard Burton CELEBRITY FEATURE

during filming of Cleopatra. She divorced Fisher by 1964 and married Burton six days later.

The two became media darlings, but divorced in 1974, only to remarry the following year...and divorce again 12 months later.

Two years later, she was married to Republican politician John Warner, but found life married to a politician stressful, turning to prescription drugs and alcohol. By 1982 they were divorced.

Now struggling with her addictions, she met husband number seven – and her last husband – construction worker Larry Fortensky at the Betty Ford rehab clinic in 1988. Amid a media circus, they married at the Neverland Ranch of Taylor’s friend Michael Jackson in 1991.

She sold the exclusive photographs to People magazine which paid $1m – the proceeds of which went to establish Taylor’s AIDS Foundation.

The marriage didn’t last, however, and by 1996 the couple divorced.

After a lifetime of poor health – she broke her back during the filming of National Velvet although it was not diagnosed for several years – and a heavy smoker for much of her life, she was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2004 and died of the condition on March 29, 2011. She was 79. Gone, but certainly never forgotten. mmm

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TRAVEL INSPIRATIONS

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5 OF THE BEST NORWEGIAN FJORDS

C

ruising is the ultimate way to appreciate the incredible scenery of this spectacular region but for a more authentic experience, it is best to explore on one of the smaller cruise ships. The larger cruise ships are too big to traverse many of the fjords, and, because they cannot berth at many of the ports, you often have to land by tender, which wastes valuable time for exploration. You will sail deep into

the intricately carved landscapes where the larger cruise ships simply cannot reach; enter the heart of the fjordland as it weaves through the picturesque countryside, diverting down waterways perfectly sized for smaller ships to explore, a fairy-tale picture book of dominating mountains, thundering waterfalls, gleaming glaciers, rolling green hills and rich orchards presents itself as you relax comfortably on deck. You don’t have to move, they bring it all to you! a TRAVEL INSPIRATIONS

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NÆRØYFJORD

The Nærøyfjord has been rated joint top in National Geographic’s list of natural heritage sites worldwide: evidence enough that you’re in for something special.

At just 250 metres wide at its narrowest point, it’s only accessible to smaller ships like Fred. Olsen’s. The passage through is one of the most dramatic in Europe; each twist TRAVEL INSPIRATIONS

and turn gives the impression of heading towards a dead end, which opens up as you turn each corner.

SOGNEFJORD

At an impressive 127 nautical miles long, the Sognefjord is the longest fjord in Norway and the third longest in the world. With a steep and rocky appearance, in places it can feel almost eerie. a

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HARDANGERFJORD

Sail along the breathtaking Hardangerfjord. Known as ‘Queen of the Fjords’, it was voted by Norwegians as a top 10 fjord experience.

There’s inspirational scenery wherever you look, from towering mountains to shimmering waterfalls, and magical glaciers to idyllic orchards.

LYSEFJORD

As you make the unforgettable journey along the Lysefjord, only accessible

to smaller ships like those in the Fred.

Olsen fleet, you’ll be running out of superlatives to describe the incredible scenery that presents itself before you.

Look out for the unmistakable Pulpit Rock, a flat-topped cliff with a 604-metre plummet into the fjord below – that’s twice as high as the Shard in London – and the fascinating Kjerag Boulder.

Intriguingly wedged in a mountain crevice, this rock has become a popular spot for brave (or foolhardy) tourists to have their photo taken.

GEIRANGERFJORD

The pretty town of Geiranger is delightfully positioned at the end of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, and sheltered by mighty mountains – ideal conditions for kayaking. Take to the labyrinthine Eagle’s Road, which gives a more impressive glimpse of the stunning surroundings with every hairpin bend; sample sweet treats at the Geiranger Chocolate Shop & Factory; or enjoy spine-tingling scenery from the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint. Cruising Geirangerfjord & by the Seven Sisters Waterfall Ranked joint top as the best-preserved natural UNESCO site in the world by National Geographic and known as the ‘Jewel of the Fjords’, Geirangerfjord is home to some of Europe’s most breathtaking scenery.

Look out for the abandoned farms and tiny towns clinging to towering cliffs, and tumbling waterfalls such as the Suitor, the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters, which splits into seven streams. www.baldwinstravel.co.uk #HolidayInspirations TRAVEL INSPIRATIONS

FOC37

Your Tips Covered

*

On all 2017/18 sailings

Book any of the new 2018/19 cruises now and Fred. Olsen will cover the tips for your housekeeping and your table waiter, so you can relax on board and enjoy your holiday with the peace of mind that almost everything is included in the price you’ve paid.

Fred. Olsen’s Norwegian Fjords Cruises are expertly crafted to showcase the very best of this breathtaking part of the world. Making the most of a proud Norwegian heritage and extensive knowledge and experience of this beautiful country, these unforgettable sailings can show you this remarkable region like no other cruise can.

See a selection of Norwegian Fjord cruises below…

Scenic Fjords & Waterfalls of Norway

Scenic Fjords & Waterfalls of Norway

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords

28th April 2018 • 7 nights Sails from Dover Boudicca • D1807

16th May 2018 • 8 nights Sails from Southampton Braemar • M1812

4th August 2018 • 8 nights Sails from Southampton Braemar • M1819

Prices from £799pp

Prices from £949pp

Prices from £1,199pp

For more information please contact your local Baldwins Travel Group branch Tunbridge Wells

Tonbridge

Maidstone

Cranbrook

Lewes

01892 511999

01732 351223

01622 762141

01580 714411

01273 472466

Tenterden

Uckfield

Sevenoaks

#HolidayInspiration

01580 764344

01825 760488

01732 458255

www.baldwinstravel.co.uk

Fares are per person, based on twin occupancy of the lead-in twin cabin, subject to availability. Offers may be amended or withdrawn at any time without prior notice, are subject to availability & cannot be applied retrospectively. All bookings are subject to Fred. Olsen's standard terms & conditions, available on our/their website & on request. Some ports may be at anchor, intermediate days are at sea. FOCL reserve the right to amend itineraries for operational reasons. *Tips Covered Offer: Free tips are non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. Offer is applicable on new bookings on 2018/19 departures only. E&OE

FOC372568_Baldwins_FP_264x180_Advert_WC_13.3.17_FV.indd 1

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NATIONAL TRUST on your doorstep

EMMETTS GARDEN

Make the most of the spring colour on one of the walks around Emmetts Garden.

Enjoy a warming spring walk surrounding Emmetts Garden or go on a circular walk to neighbouring Chartwell.

Wherever you go you’ll be walking in the heart of the Kent countryside; steeped in history with fascinating landmarks to see along the way.

You can always park at nearby Toys Hill, with its own National Trust car park, or Ide Hill and enjoy one of the walks from there. a

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MARINERS HILL

With panoramic views of the Weald, Mariners Hill near Chartwell is a fantastic spot to enjoy a good walk or just admire the surrounding countryside.

Walk in the footsteps of one of their founders, Octavia Hill. Mariners Hill is much enjoyed by local people and dog walkers, who value its tranquil walks and excellent panoramic views of the Weald. The wildlife in the area includes many native birds and an array of dead-wood invertebrates. The

ONE TREE HILL

Discover why the locals love this place so much by exploring this tranquil site along its network of paths, which wind their way up through the woodland. Once at the top, relax and take in the wonderful view to the south over the Weald of Kent. Set within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, One Tree Hill is also recognised nationally as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as a home to rare species of plants, insects and molluscs. a national trust

hill has several paths which form small circular walks or, for those with more time, there is the long-distance Greensand Way, which runs along the northern boundary.

The character of the wood was dramatically changed by the storm of 1987, however damaged areas were left to recover naturally and these are now developing into maturing semi-natural woodlands.

Don’t miss a visit in spring when the woodland comes alive with a carpet of bluebells.

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PETTS WOOD AND HAWKWOOD

An oasis of peace and tranquillity only thirteen miles south-east from the centre of London.

Full of natural history, the area is a haven for all kinds of bird, butterfly, amphibian and plant life.

William Willett, the leader of the movement to have British Summer Time recognised, is remembered in the woods with a stone memorial sundial. A similar stone memorial can also be seen in the Edlmann Memorial Wood for their donors Robert and Francesca Hall and for Colonel Edlmann, who saved this part of the estate from development. The eastern part of Petts Wood - the Willett Memorial Wood - came to them in 1927.

The Hawkwood Estate and the remainder of the woodland was donated to the National Trust in 1957, with the entire estate now covering 136 hectares or 338 acres.

OWLETTS

As you enter Owletts, you get the sense that Sir Herbert Baker’s house is a much loved family home, not a museum.

There is a sentimentality about the house, not just because it has been, and still is, lived in by the Baker family, but because of the memories that are all around.

Sir Herbert Baker’s connection to the British Empire is very much in evidence in this room, with his watercolour ‘blog’ and the fascinating empire clock, one of only five commissioned.

When you look at the finnials on the chairs in the dining room, it’s clear that Sir Herbert Baker had a sense of humour as each finial was designed as a ‘caricature’ of the different family members. Alfred, who was always naughty is depicted as a little monkey, whilst Ann is shown with a bible as well as her tongue out to show she was naughty and nice.

The plaster ceiling on the first floor has the date 1684 in the centre, along with the initials of the original owners. The ornate national trust

ceiling depicts scrolls, leaves, flowers and fruit.

Can you imagine cleaning the ceiling? With all the intricate details, it’s a painstakingly slow process and when the conservation team last cleaned the ceiling, it took them over a week to complete!

The lawns are highlighted by some signature trees, such as the Cedar of Lebanon that Sir Herbert planted on Christmas Day, the winter before he died. His son, Henry, planted a walnut tree in the 1990s.

There is a grass tennis court, and if you explore beyond into the ‘Filbert Platt’ you’ll find apple and cobnut trees, a wishing tree for hanging ribbons on, a willow dome planted in 2013, and a swing large enough for adults to enjoy.

Although the large kitchen garden is currently closed to restore the planting, you can discover the Gertrude Jekyll border and the sunken herb garden. You can also have a look to see what wildlife is living in the pond.

All images supplied from National Trust ©

Homes and Gardens

A FABULOUS SELECTION OF HOME AND GARDEN IDEAS, INCLUDING A BATHROOM FEATURE FIT FOR ROYALTY, HOME PRODUCTS FROM OUR FAVOURITE RETAILER, AND TIPS ON TAKING CARE OF YOUR LAWN

Sage Tin, 2.5L £37.00

Rosemary Pot £10.00

NEPTUNE

this season, in colour Somerton Laundry Basket £94.00

Laura Cushion £80.00

Stamford Throw - Mist £86.00

Sage Green Candle £11.00

MEET SAGE

We knew we wanted our spring/summer colour to be one of green’s many, but we weren’t quite sure which. Then we spied the underside of a sage leaf and knew we’d found the one. Subtle, unassuming, and abundantly fresh, it works as a feature or a quiet accent.

Delilah Cushion £57.00

A PERFECT PAIRING

An all-green scheme is a wonderful way to shower confidence with colour. And if that’s a path you’d like to tread, let us suggest doing so with Cactus and Sage – a colour pairing that was truly meant to be.

Aloe Succulent £8.00

All of these beautiful collections and more are available to view at the Neptune Canterbury & Tonbridge store or online at www.neptune.com.

Neptune Canterbury, The Oast, Wincheap, Canterbury, CT1 3TY Neptune Tonbridge, Unit 1-2 Tannery Road, Tonbridge, TN9 1RF

3 Wick Sage Green Candle £14.00

Winsford Teapot £30.00

Winsford Sugar Bowl £14.00

Winsford Cup set of 2 £14.00 Winsford Milk Jug £11.00 Winsford Tea Plates set of 4 £32.00

HOME accessories

BRIGHT AND STYLISH THIS SPRING

Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson Sea Crane Lamp £85.00 Debenhams Daffodil Print Cushion £19.00 M&Co

Vase £30.00 Candle £14.00 Debenhams

Selina Bowl Vase £48.00 Biba

Discover our stunning range of Contemporary & Bespoke designs

s Free no obligation consultation & design s All building work undertaken s Quality s Design s Imagination s Better and at the right price 3 www.hamiltonkitchens.co.uk Tel: 01622 844897 Visit our showroom at Warmlake Business Estate, Maidstone Road, Sutton Valence, Kent ME17 3LQ

BATHROOMS to inspire

ALLOW mmm TO TAKE YOU ON A JOURNEY THAT WILL LEAVE YOU WONDERING WHY YOU HADN’T UPDATED YOUR BATHROOM SOONER

U

nique…luxurious…and practical… bathrooms to open up the hidden potential of your space.Bathrooms are a relaxing and comfortable space that we visit often, so it is important to make sure that they are styled in such a way that makes visiting them a pleasure. From standout luxurious bathtubs to ultra modern showering technology let mmm guide you in making the most of your bathroom space no matter how large or small. Through the next few pages, we will guide and inspire you...

Designer bathrooms

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Designer bathrooms

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TYPES OF baths and showers WHETHER YOU’RE A STAND AND SING SHOWERER OR A SIT AND SLEEP BATHER, WE’VE GOT THE ANSWERS TO YOUR BATH AND SHOWER QUESTIONS

THE FREESTANDING BATH

The freestanding bath has long enjoyed a reputation as a status-symbol, its ‘silver-spoon’ origins were hardly humble and its luxury status still reigns, even today. Once enjoyed only by the aristocracy, centuries of refinement and the discovery of new materials has helped to introduce it into a wide variety of households, from grand manors to city chic apartments alike – though owning one is still considered the height of both style and luxury! With its popularity rising, and the play on different shapes and styles, there is no limit to what designers can create – the freestanding bath has never been more exciting! No longer does traditional style necessarily have to reign; contemporary freestanding designs can also create a luxurious eye-catching centre-piece within the bathroom.

THE BURROWERS

These suites are fully integrated into the bathroom. From recessed baths to showerheads hidden within the ceiling, they are perfectly assimilated into the home.

Recessed, concealed and fully incorporated into the architectural design of the home, these clever bathroom products offer a mesmerising take on minimalism.

These integrated designs may largely sit out of sight, but as they defy convention they become instant focal points and fascinating features in the bathroom. a Designer bathrooms

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Whether you are interested in a recessed bath, which is inset within the floor, causing you to step down to bathe, a shower enclosure that is absorbed by a wall, or a unique basin that looks like it is part of the building, there is something to suit every taste and every space.

These products will also revolutionise how you view your bathroom. Just think how big a room looks when it is stripped of furniture!

These ingenious integrated designs enable you to benefit from the illusion of increased space without compromising on functionality. Protruding only slightly into your room, they leave a capacious expanse that will expel any feelings of confinement, even in the smallest room.

OPEN WATER

Venture into uncharted territory to take your showering experience to the next level. Walk-in showers and wetrooms are convenient, hygienic and offer a bold, stylish look that will suit a contemporary or traditional scheme.

A walk-in shower is the most convenient addition to a modern home.

Even the smallest bathroom can accommodate a walk-in shower. If you prefer an invigorating rainfall to a relaxing bathe, why not remove your spaceconsuming bath and opt for a roomy shower in its place? A single glass panel can guard the rest of your bathroom from water splashes or, for an unconfined option, consider transforming your bathroom into a wetroom — it won’t matter which part gets wet and you needn’t occupy space with a glass partition.

Designer bathrooms

A long soak in a deep tub is hard to beat, but a liberating and easily accessed shower, unrestricted by close-fitting cubicle doors or, dare we say it, an unhygienic shower curtain, offers rewards of its own.

Showers are invigorating; they rejuvenate and prepare us for the day. They are conveniently ready to go when we are and their temperature can be (almost) instantly adjusted… but a walk-in shower takes the experience to a new level of ease and comfort. Flush fit or concealed trays unify the shower with the surrounding area while at the same time removing a trip hazard, and where you were once restricted by an enclosure, a walk-in design is only limited by the walls of the bathroom.

Don’t be put off by the 21st-century vibe. A walkin shower or wetroom can offer a slick contemporary aesthetic, however, it can also complement a traditional scheme. Available in all shapes and sizes, they can be paired with any shower system, whether that’s a modern flush-fit rainfall shower or an industrial bar shower fixing with an exposed pipe.

SOLUTIONS FOR

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small spaces

SIZE DOES NOT MATTER WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING YOUR PERFECT BATHROOM

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he average size of a one-bedroom apartment in the UK is the smallest in Western Europe, with most abodes no bigger than a London tube carriage and the same size as a New York studio apartment. When working with such tiny living spaces, the bathroom tends to be an architect’s afterthought, meaning you really have to stretch your mind to make the most of what you’ve got to work with. Allow mmm to give you some ideas on how to make the most of your small space.

OPTICAL ILLUSIONS

Optical illusions are definitely your friend and decorating your bathroom with big patterns such as wide stripes can trick the eye into seeing expanded space. The same goes for stretching a mirror right across the wall instead of just about the vanity unit – plus it means two people can use it at once. Contrasting colours can make a space appear more cluttered causing it to feel smaller. Opt for a single colour – make sure it’s one you love – and go all in.

RADIANT RADIATORS

As cosy as your compact bathroom might feel, it still needs to be the right temperature. Complete your definitive designer compact bathroom with a slim line radiator.

BEAUTIFUL BATHING

Relaxation and escapism are key to creating a dream bathroom, but how do you achieve this with only a few square metres to play with and little space for a soak? It’s all about the products you buy…There are stylish products especially designed to inhabit urban spaces and combat cramped quarters. Little doesn’t mean compromising on luxury either – enhance your experience with a backrest or a shelf, which will hold your wine glass when you really want to unwind. Where possible, extend your stone or wood surfaces for maximising storage space. You can even run shelf space over the loo for a minimalist and clean look without its placement being affected. Talk to an expert about how to make the most of your space.

VANITY EQUALS SANITY

A sink has space underneath it that’s begging to be utilised. You will be surprised how functional a small space can be. Some smart solutions – like switching the door to open outwards, choosing sliding cupboard doors and using mirrors or reflective materials – can make a claustrophobic room feel much more comfortable.

Designer bathrooms

HOTEL

I

style bathrooms LUXURY, STYLE, ELEGANCE

f there is one room in the home that embodies the essence of luxury, it’s the bathroom. There is nothing more luxurious than a long and indulgent soak – and often our busy lifestyles and hectic day-to-day lives mean that it is only when taking time out and spending time away from home that we truly relax and unwind. It is no surprise then, that the world’s most luxurious hotels favour some of the most opulent bathrooms – but there’s no reason you can’t recreate this in your own home.

Whether you opt for a chic, neutral scheme or a bold, dramatic backdrop, follow these tips to create a spa-like sanctuary at home and achieve that glamourous look.

CHOOSE A FREESTANDING BATH

Freestanding baths are synonymous with hotel bathrooms worldwide. Acting as a focal point in the bathroom – or, in some cases, found at the foot of the bed – a freestanding bath makes a dramatic design statement.

Whether it’s a classic roll-top or a cutting-edge design, freestanding baths are the perfect way to wind down after a long day.

There is an impressive range of top quality luxury freestanding baths that will provide your bathroom with a stunning focal point. With a fantastic variety of styles for you to choose from, you can be sure to find your perfect freestanding bath. Have a look at our recommended bathroom retailers on page 94.

LIGHTING

Lighting in a bathroom is a great way to achieve instant atmosphere and create a sensual mood. Zone your lighting so you have three or four light settings to reflect your current mood. For example, task lighting for applying make-up and beauty treatments is best achieved with wall mounted lights either on or alongside your vanity mirror. Our favourite lighting in a bathroom is uplighters. Set in the floor, in the corners of your room, behind the tub, or along a tiled wall, they throw up a warm arc of light, similar to the effect of a candle. They are superb for bringing out the texture in your bathroom tiles, instigating a sensual mood and inviting you to relax.

DESIGNER BATHROOMS

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WALK IN SHOWERS

Not a fan of a bath? A walk-in shower is for you.

Not only is it romantic, but practical too. Add to its spalike feel with a waterfall shower head and floor-to-ceiling tiles for a decadent look. When it comes to easy access to the bathroom a walk-in shower is a solution you must look at. Whether the room is created with a wet room former under the floor or with a low or level access shower tray, eliminating the need to climb into a bath or step up onto a high shower tray allows everyone to shower safely.

Further to this, providing an experience that’s as decadent as a long soak in a hot bath, walk-in shower enclosures are for people who take their showering seriously.

A walk-in shower unit takes up the same space as a bath and has no doors, allowing for luxurious shower indulgence.

Whether it’s ease of access or the sleek design you want for your bathroom, a curved walk in shower screen or enclosure will provide a practical solution that’s simply stunning.

DRESSING AREA

Combining your bathroom with a dressing room gives an air of grandeur to any bathroom. If you have the space available, place your bath at the centre and surround it with vanity units, mirrors or fitted wardrobes and cabinets to create the ultimate walk-in-washand-wardrobe. Add a sofa or chair to your bathroom space to enhance its luxurious element, and really make you feel as though you’re living the high life.

Try keeping the colours of your dressing area different to your bathroom. This will enhance the space and make it look as though you have two rooms in one. Finally, don’t forget the all important accessories to make your dressing area pop!

TWIN SETS

His-and-her or side-byside basins immediately create a sense of luxury – plus they ensure no fighting for space or over products!

Twin sets are also a great way of making sure your bathroom oozes sophistication, whilst creating a practical living space for you and your partner. Twin sets can come in the form of twin shelving to create more storage space in your bathroom, and why not try hiding this storage in your twin vanity mirrors above your basins? No matter how big or small you space, twin sets work!

DON’T FORGET THE ACCESSORIES

Accessories make all the difference to any room – be it a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom. They elevate any space from a well designed room to a beautiful room. In the bathroom, opt for candles, bath shelves, floor-length mirrors and clever storage ideas to keep your bathroom looking sleek and stylish. Statement basin taps are also a great way to accessorise your bathroom, and add a touch of floral elegance with some fabulous flowers. Don’t forget to add a key chair, stool or side table next to the bath – the quirkier the better. After all, one always needs somewhere to put that glass of champagne!

Designer bathrooms

RECOMMENDED bathroom retailers WE WOULD TRUST THESE EXPERTS WITH OUR BATHROOMS, AND WE THINK YOU SHOULD TOO

ASK PLUMBING

Unit 2, 2M Trade Park, Beddow Way, Aylesford, ME20 7BT Tel: 01622 791791 Ask plumbing are an approved retail showroom and approved seller of the following brands; Aqualisa HiQi & Ilux showers, GSI, Imperial Bathrooms, Hudson Reed, Ideal Standard, Duravit, Hansgrohe, Utopia Bathroom Furniture, No Code, Dansani, QX Bathrooms, Roper Rhodes, Bristan, Claygate, Eastbrook, Calypso and Vanity Hall plus many, many more. Ask Plumbing trade counter can supply everything from a toilet cistern or tap part, through to an entire heating system! Ask Plumbing are stockists of Vaillant, Worcester and Heatline Boilers, and can offer competitive prices on a wide range of other boilers, cylinders, radiators, pipes and fittings.

Designer bathrooms

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ROBERT ASHLEY

67 Oxford Street, Whitstable, CT5 1DA Tel: 01227 639003 When you choose to visit Robert Ashley Bathrooms, you will receive a top quality, personal and friendly service from their family run business with all of your bathroom renovation needs accommodated in one place. They supply everything from flooring to cast iron baths. They offer a free survey service with their Installations Manager who will come to your home, at a time convenient to you, to measure up and discuss your design options. They discuss your ideas and create your beautiful new bathroom design using the latest 4D design software. Once your design is complete they will invite you into the showroom where you can use the 4D virtual reality glasses to take a ‘walk’ around your new bathroom. Once you are happy with your design they provide a complete installation service by experts with years of experience.

Designer bathrooms

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MORRIS & TURNER

4 Third Avenue, Chatham, ME5 0AD Tel: 01634 813813 Morris & Turner have been trading bathrooms and fireplaces for over 46 years. A long standing company with close ties to the Medway and Kent community and local businesses.

Founded in Medway on traditional beliefs and the core primary objective of providing first class customer service, first time, every time, with a Medway distribution network.

They supply Medway, Chatham, Gillingham, Maidstone, and Rochester with a wide range of baths, fittings, furniture, toilets, showers and accessories accompanied by a wide selection of electric, wood burning, multi fuel & gas fireplaces, Fire Surrounds, Insert Fireplaces. They strive to set the standard in Kent for others to try imitate. Call in store for a warm welcome and a professional, friendly service.

Design Wondering where to start with planning your new bathroom? Their bathroom showroom is packed full of products, design inspiration and practical advice and ideas for your bathroom – whatever the size and budget you’re working with. The bathroom is often the smallest room in the house, but it can really pack a punch when it comes to interior design. Visit their website for more details, or give them a call to further discuss your design wants and needs.

DESIGNER BATHROOMS

7 THINGS TO

deep clean thing spring IT’S ALL ABOUT SPRING CLEANING! HERE ARE SOME ITEMS IN YOUR HOME THAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE CONSIDERED IN NEED OF SOME TLC

YOUR SILVER

mmm suggests to use a toothbrush and Hagerty Silver Foam on your silver because it’s not too abrasive and it’s water- soluble. For really bad black tarnish, Simichrome Polish is great. Never put your silver in the dishwasher and store it in anti-tarnish cloth bags when you’re not using it.

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1

YOUR PAINTED WALLS

Maintenance is crucial to keeping a crisp paint job looking fresh. To do this, we suggest spot cleaning your walls with a cloth or sponge and water. If that doesn’t work, dip the rag or sponge into water mixed with a little dishwashing liquid, the milder the better. If the stain persists, apply a few drops of soap directly onto the wet sponge or cloth you’re using. Then make sure you rinse the wall afterwards with plain water. 

YOUR MATTRESS

The perfect time to pay attention to what’s under your bedding? When your sheets and comforter are being washed. Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to clean the surface and sides, then spot-clean stains with an upholstery cleaner. Sanitise with a spritz of disinfectant spray afterwards and you’re all set.

3 SPRING CLEANING

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4 mmm 99

Continued from page 97

YOUR BOOKSHELVES

Sort books by size and subject. Remove and discard any ripped dust jackets (unless you think they might have value).

Line books, some vertically, some horizontally, in a rhythmic pattern. This will relieve the monotony of rows.

5

YOUR BEDDING

Namely your pillows and comforter – since you should obviously be cleaning things like pillowcases and sheets every two weeks. These fluffy sleeping accessories should be thrown into your washing machine (just read the manufacturer’s label first!) two to three times per year.

6

YOUR BROOM

Dust bunnies, be gone! To get rid of these annoying cling-ons, swish your broom around in warm, soapy water as needed. Another option? Try to zap it with the nozzle on your vacuum, just make sure you clean out the attachment afterwards.

7

YOUR PATIO FURNITURE

Before outdoor season begins, wipe down your chairs (minus the cushions) and tables with a mixture of warm water and a squirt of dish detergent. Then hose off the solution with water from your garden hose and let air dry before enjoying.

SPRING CLEANING

HOMEMADE cleaning products

DITCH THE STORE BOUGHT PRODUCTS AND OPT FOR SOME DIY CLEANERS THAT YOU CAN MAKE FROM YOUR EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

TILE CLEANER

Bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar and lemon juice Mix two parts bicarb to one part vinegar and one part lemon. Use a damp cloth to apply the mixture to the tiles and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing off. This can also be used on draining boards, sinks, baths and shower doors.

FURNITURE POLISH/ WOODEN FLOOR POLISH

Olive oil and lemon juice Mix one part olive oil with one part lemon juice. Rub on furniture or apply with a spray bottle then polish with a dry cloth.

NO-STREAK WINDOW, GLASS AND MIRROR CLEANER

White vinegar, water and newspaper Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply then wipe dry with crumpled newspaper.

TOILET CLEANERS • • •

To deodorise: sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bowl, squirt with vinegar and scour with a brush.

To remove limescale: pour white vinegar on to tissue paper and stuff under the rim. Pour white vinegar into the bowl and leave for several hours.

To remove stubborn black limescale: sprinkle two tbsp of oxygen bleach (a non-toxic alternative to bleach) into the bowl and leave for a minimum of two hours or overnight if possible.

SPRING CLEANING

mmm101

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GARDENING LOOK AFTER YOUR LAWNS AND PONDS THIS APRIL

T

urf can still be laid, provided the soil is not too wet or frozen. Work from planks, to avoid compacting the soil. Do not walk on newly laid turf, and leave it undisturbed for several weeks to allow the new roots to establish. Newlyturfed areas can be mown with the blades set to the highest setting, as soon as the grass reaches 5cm (2in) in height. Mow the established lawns if the weather is mild enough and the grass shows signs of growth. Ensure the first cut of the season is light, raising

the blades 0.5cm (0.25in) higher than the usual cutting height.

Where lawns are to be grown from seed, prepare the ground for sowing by cultivating, levelling and then firming the soil.

Doing this now will allow the soil to settle prior to sowing later in the month. In early April apply a high nitrogen spring/summer lawn fertiliser to encourage good, strong growth to help the lawn recover after the winter.

Straighten lawn edges using a half-moon turf iron and a board, or use sand to mark out a curve, which can then be cut out with the iron.

Sow a wildflower meadow.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Disperse worm casts (above centre) with a hard brush once they have dried out.

Bare patches can be re-sown at the end of the month in mild areas.

Molehills continue to be a problem in spring, as the creature tunnels in search of food. Traps are the most effective way to deal with this problem.

Fusarium patch, or snow mould, and algae may continue to be a problem.

The best way of tackling these is to improve airflow and light over the lawn by pruning back any overhanging trees or shrubs. Alternatively it may be much easier in the long run to plant shade-tolerant ground cover plants instead. a GARDENING SECTION

106 mmm

S

Continued from page 105

tart feeding the fish now. Little and often is best, to prevent excess food leading to unwanted algal blooms.

Frogs, toads and newts begin to spawn as the weather improves.

Remove pool heaters and clean out pond filters when the weather starts to warm.

Replace pumps, water features and lighting systems, after checking that they are in working order. Remove netting coverings

TROUBLESHOOTING

New or recently-cleaned ponds can suffer problems with algae. Providing some shade (using plants with floating leaves such as waterlilies, above centre) can help reduce this problem.

Other helpful measures include filling the pond with rain water rather than tap water, avoiding getting soil or compost in the pond (as these contain fertilisers that encourage algal growth), and removing any plant debris from the water promptly.

GARDENING SECTION

placed over the pond to protect it from autumn leaf fall. Also begin dividing marginal and bog garden plants if overcrowded.

Contain vigorous perennials by planting in aquatic plant baskets and top with a layer of gravel to prevent fish stirring up the compost.

Cut back old marginal vegetation from around the pond. Tidy up plants in the bog garden and mulch with composted bark (or similar material).

mmm109

108mmm

Y

Make sure you call us on

07946 135441 01622 299035

THE RUSTIC COMPANY

Stunning summerhouses and garden furniture.

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112mmm

GADG & ETS

izmos

THE LATEST INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY FOR YOU TO GET YOUR HANDS ON

Varidesk

Make the right decision with Varidesk, a sit, standing alternative that provides support at any height. With a simplistic and hassle free design it couldn’t be easier.

Effortlessly made to fit perfectly into any workspace no matter your requirements. Choose from the Pro Plus 30 ideal for the use of one monitor or the Pro Plus 36 a larger desk to accommodate two monitors. Both available with a two-tiered design to keep the mouse and keyboard separate, so you can decide what works best for you. Or how about the Cube Corner 36 or 48 which uses the same two tiered design while maximising the space of a more cubicle corner office shape, with an added benefit of its ability to hold two monitors. And if you’re pushed for space, then try the Soho, a smaller desk model perfect for laptops or tablets with a single flat surface. The Soho is a great way to start out as a newbie into the world of standing desks.

Varidesk’s aren’t just for office workers; it has been proved to be a resounding hit with students and a great tool for undergraduates in school, college or university. Improving attention to work as well as cognitive functioning, standing up to increase interactivity in both work and pupils.

The benefits of standing desks have caught the eye of major organisations within the United Kingdom. The University of Loughborough and the NHS have been trialling the desks since 2016 and are expected to release their findings later on this year. Make this lifestyle change today and watch the benefits unfold right before your very eyes. You’ll just be wondering why you didn’t make the change sooner. £150.00 uk.varidesk.com

The Nest Thermostat

The Nest Learning Thermostat learns from you and creates a schedule to help save energy. And now, its ring comes in stainless steel, copper, black and white.

Nest learns the temperatures you like and programs itself in about a week. To help you save energy, Nest automatically turns itself down when nobody’s at home. Connect your thermostat to Wi Fi to control the temperature from your phone, tablet or laptop. Control your hot water tank from anywhere. Adjust your hot

water schedule. And give your hot water a boost if you need it. Nest now uses OpenTherm technology to modulate your condensing boiler. You’ll see the leaf when you choose a temperature that saves energy. It guides you in the right direction. £249.00 www. store.nest.com 

114mmm Continued from page 113

MiVue™ 658 Touch WIFI Extreme HD recording

Your personal eyewitness on the road, with Extreme HD, touch screen, integrated GPS, lifetime safety camera alerts and built-in WiFi. With the new, stylish and lightweight MiVue 658 WiFi you’ll always have proof of what really happened on the road, and you’re able to send it instantly to your smartphone via the integrated WiFi. For your convenience, the dash cam will start recording when you start your car and you can easily access the menu by touching the screen. The Extreme HD 2304 pixel camera records your journey, functioning

Nokia 3310

The icon is back. The new Nokia 3310 takes the iconic silhouette of the original and reimagines it for 2017.

The custom designed user interface brings a fresh look to a classic, whilst the 2.4” polarized and curved screen window makes for better readability in sunlight.

Remember when you couldn’t leave the house without a charger? Well, with the new Nokia 3310, you can. It comes with a long-lasting battery, so you can talk all day, or leave the phone on standby for up to a month. When needed, a Micro-USB port makes charging simple. Play the legendary Snake. It’s back with a little update that makes it even more fun to play on the colour screen. Do you still remember your high score? Think you can beat it? Nokia 3310 is made to fit your style. It comes in four distinct colours: Warm Red and Yellow, both with a gloss finish, and Dark Blue and Grey both with a matte finish. What’s best, the colour runs through the material, so it looks better for longer. www.nokia.com

as your personal eyewitness on the road.

So in case of an accident, you’ll always have recordings of what happened. Of course, you can also use your dash cam simply when driving through beautiful, memorable scenery, so you can share your experiences with friends and family.

Thanks to the built-in WiFi, you are able to connect the dash cam to your smartphone. After installing the MiVue app on your phone, which is available on Google Play and the Apple Store, you can share your video’s immediately on Facebook, via e-mail or via other platforms of your choice. This means you’re able to not only share your recordings with friends instantly, but in case of an accident you can send the video to your insurance company straight away. The integrated GPS tracks your route, including speed, altitude, longitude, latitude and heading, and thanks to the safety camera data with monthly updates for the lifetime of your device, you’ll always know where to drive extra carefully. The new MiVue 658 WiFi is the perfect combination of connectivity and safety. This dash cam offers you the safe feeling of a personal eyewitness on the road, and adds GPS tracking, safety camera data and WiFi for instant sharing. This makes the MiVue 658 WiFi the ideal solution for everyone who wants to be connected and feel safe on the road at the same time. £179.99 www.mivue.co.uk

TEFAL ACTIFRY SMART XL

The ever-popular Tefal® ActiFry® low-fat ‘fryer’ just moved up another level with the new Smart XL. Not only can it make large batches of guilt-free, home-made chips – and cook meat, fish, veg and fruit more quickly than a standard oven – but its cutting-edge smart technology means that Tefal’s ‘fussfree fryer’ just got even easier to use. Simply choose a recipe, follow the step-by-step instructions to load in your ingredients, click Start and grab some quality time for yourself while everything cooks.Big enough to cater for up to 8 people – the Tefal ActiFry Smart XL will conjure up curries, casseroles, stir-fries, risottos and desserts and even cook ingredients from frozen. And if you choose recipes with the chef’s hat icon, you have Tefal’s guarantee of tasty meals that even first-time cooks will find easy to follow.

From £237.00 (Available from July) www.tefal.co.uk a

116mmm Continued from page 114

XB50BS EXTRA BASS™ Sports Bluetooth In-ear Headphones

Sports headphones with wireless Bluetooth connectivity. Get into workout mode instantly.

Powerful Extra Bass™ sound drives you forward, whatever you’re doing. The splashproof design means light rain won’t slow you down. Extra Bass™ sound gives you more motivation, whether you’re at the gym or on the street.

Enhanced low frequencies make music sound more powerful, so you feel energised and driven. Built to be tough and durable, the MDR-XB50BS is ready for demanding exercises and workout routines. With 8.5 hours of battery life, you have enough power for a week’s worth of workouts. Never be without your music again. Bluetooth connectivity lets you run, jump, kick and more, without wires holding you back. Ergonomic arc supporters keep the headphones securely in position while you exercise. Available in red, black and blue, the MDRXB50BS can even match your workout clothes. £70.00 www.sony.co.uk

Aiptek i70

Be compact, stylish and wireless with the Aiptek i70. Oozing simplicity with a contemporary edge, this up-to-the-minute mobile cinema treats those watching to rich colour and sound.

This Pico Projector is the hottest, on trend product of today that will see you questioning what you ever did without it! The i70 comes in a sleek and stylish silver metallic housing, an ultra-chic addition to your everyday life. The mobile cinema is both supremely light and compact, ideal for any business or holiday trip and even makes the perfect addition to your movie night shared with friends and family. Sure to be the hot topic of conversation among friends as the latest tech and gadget savvy, that will stir up a whole lot of jealously. The mobile cinema weighs only 132g so this gadget is sure to be your new favourite travel companion anywhere, anytime. Whilst it may be compact don’t underestimate the capabilities of this edgy and unique device that projects beautiful and visually stunning imagery with its 70 lumen light which creates an 80 inch display (854 x 480 pixels) and visual masterpiece. With its embedded WiFi the i70 mirrors a notebook, tablet or smartphone device removing the hassle of multiple cables. £226.00 www.amazon.co.uk

PRYNT IPHONE CASE 6/6S

With smartphones and social media transforming our love for photography, we are taking more snaps than ever before.

But we can’t help but miss those days of having a physical picture in our hands to enjoy with those around us. So stop your photos getting lost online, and share your world in a whole different way, with the incredible Prynt Case for iPhone 6/6s!

Making pictures real again, the Prynt is the first ever photo printing case for your phone. All you have to do is connect the case to your phone to get high-quality photo prints, absolutely anywhere. Your prints are long-lasting, fade and tear resistant and offer millions of high-res colours (as well as doubling up as a sticker!). And you’ll never have to pay for messy ink cartridges as the Prynt photos use special ink-free technology.

But the magic doesn’t stop there, as each Prynt has a video saved inside it (we told you it was magic!). Simply get your friend to take a photo of the Prynt with their smartphone and using the Prynt app, they can watch that photo as a video.

Small enough to carry with you everywhere and so totally futuristic it will blow your mind; we just can’t wait to try it! £139.99 www.red5.co.uk

THE ALL-NEW Super Series McLaren

mmm117

WITH BESPOKE MSO 720S ‘VELOCITY’

J

ust 24 hours after the new McLaren 720S was revealed in all its glory at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, McLaren Automotive is highlighting the level to which buyers of its new Super Series will be able to personalise their car by unveiling a dramatic, bespoke 720S, created by McLaren Special Operations. The McLaren 720S ‘Velocity’ by MSO signals the almost limitless scope of personalisation possibilities available to buyers who opt to commission their new Super Series car from McLaren Special Operations, the bespoke vehicle division of McLaren Automotive.

“The MSO mission is to fulfil customer desire for exclusivity in their choice of McLaren,” explained Ansar Ali, Managing Director of McLaren Special Operations.

“The lean, sculpted beauty of the new 720S provides the perfect starting point for owners to be creative and the specification of this MSO 720S ‘Velocity’ showcases a taste of the customisation options that are possible.”

The striking ‘Velocity’ paint theme comprises two

pearlescent hues of red; a newly formulated shade, Nerello Red, is used on the front and upper body panels of the car – including on the red-tinted visual carbon fibre bonnet – and fades into a vivid Volcano Red that covers the sides and rear of the car.

The unique paintwork is complemented by lightweight alloy wheels, finished in a subtle shade of metallic bronze by MSO. A range of exterior carbon fibre parts selected from the MSO collection also features on the 720S ‘Velocity’, further enhancing the bold and purposeful appearance of the new Super Series. In addition to the red carbon fibre bonnet, a gloss carbon Rear Deck Vent, gloss carbon fibre Service Cover, gloss carbon rear aero bridge and satin carbon Full Length Sill Cover are also fitted. Step inside the spacious, light and airy cabin of the 720S ‘Velocity’ and you are greeted

by Carbon Black Alcantara trim throughout, providing a technical, sporting feel with a luxurious tactile finish and  MOTORS SECTION

118mmm

ABOUT MSO

Continued from page 117

contrasting with Harissa Red leather details.

Complementing the exterior ‘Velocity’ theme, Harissa Red highlights are continued throughout the interior, including on the fascia, steering wheel, doors and across the sports seats fitted as standard on the 720S, further enhancing McLaren’s most luxurious Super Series interior to date.

The McLaren 720S ‘Velocity’, which as a complete vehicle costs in the region of £335,000 as a McLaren Special Operations commission, is one of five MSO themes for the new McLaren Super Series that are explored in a boutique area of the McLaren stand at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show. The other themes, ‘GT’; ‘Pacific’; ‘Track’; and ‘Stealth’, are displayed on screens, further demonstrating that MSO can fulfil almost any request to ensure that each personalised McLaren perfectly delivers the customers’ initial ideas and vision.

MOTORS SECTION

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) is the department of McLaren Automotive responsible for everything from bespoke customisation options through to the creation of ultra-exclusive, limitededition or one-off models. It offers five tiers of service: MSO Defined offers personalisation options for Super Series vehicles including the new 720S, from aerodynamic kits to lightweight components and interior upgrades. Such upgrades will soon also be offered for McLaren Sports Series models.

MSO Bespoke allows almost limitless customisation, from unique paint or trim colours, to significant changes to materials or even bodywork to create a unique one-off vehicle. MSO Limited builds limited-edition versions of cars, whilst MSO Heritage delivers continuing commitment to every car produced, helping owners of the McLaren F1 to service and upgrade their cars. Finally, MSO Programmes offers the McLaren P1™ GTR Driver Programme, training owners and maintaining, preparing and delivering the GTRs tocircuits for exclusive track days.

mmm119

ABOUT MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE

McLaren Automotive is a British manufacturer of luxury, high-performance sports and super cars. For the past 30 years, McLaren has pioneered the use of carbon fibre in vehicle pro duction and since introducing a carbon chassis into racing and road cars with the 1981 McLaren MP4/1 and 1993 McLaren F1 respectively, McLaren has not built a car without a carbon fibre chassis.

Following the global launch of McLaren Automotive in 2010, the groundbreaking 12C was revealed in 2011, the 12C Spider in 2012, and the limited-run McLaren P1™ went into production in 2013. In keeping with its plan to introduce a new model each year, the company unveiled the 650S, in Coupé and Spider form in 2014, while 2015 proved to be a year of unprecedented growth of the product portfolio with five new models launched across the full range. 2016 also marked the introduction of the company’s new business plan, Track22, which sees the company investing £1B in Research and Development to deliver 15 all new cars or derivatives by the end of 2022, of which at least 50% will feature hybrid technology. mmm MOTORS SECTION

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THE MASERATI

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he Maserati Levante is a turning point in Maserati’s history. The brand new model, which made its World Premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, enables the Trident to access the largest luxury segment in the world. The Levante significantly contributes to the creation of the most complete product line-up in Maserati’s history. The name Levante was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant, mirroring the character of the first Maserati SUV. The Levante is based on the evolution of the saloon platform, designed exclusively by Maserati.

The chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive offroad capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality.

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The premium Italian SUV was conceived around three main pillars: Design, Exclusivity and Performance. It represents the optimum blend of these three elements in the SUV world. The Levante’s design is distinctive and attractive, embracing the aesthetic elements of Italian style. The design brings a new concept to the SUV world, combining spaciousness and coupé lines while achieving the best aerodynamic efficiency in its segment with a Cx coefficient of just 0.31. Its exclusivity stems from technical features like Air Suspension and the Q4 AWD system, which come as standard equipment, and the high level of customisation that includes two cutting-edge packages, Sport and Luxury. The result is a driving experience that is as unique as the Maserati brand and its customers. a

KEY FEATURES: Unparalleled design combined with abundant space Unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capabilities Best in class on-road handling in “sport” mode Best in class handling on snow and ice Leading off-road comfort 100% Made in Italy

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Maserati’s more than 100-year tradition of craftsmanship and cuttingedge technology guarantees outstanding quality right down to the tiniest of details.

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The thoroughbred on-road handling typical of all Maserati cars and the solid off-road capabilities, as demanded in the SUV segment, describe the car’s overall ethos. The Levante is here to excite any sports car driver counting on performance-oriented features, such as the extensive use of lightweight materials, ideal 50-50% weight distribution and its lowest in class centre of gravity. Features that deliver unparalleled agility in the luxury SUV class. The aluminium “double wishbone five link” suspension layout is comprised of standard Air Springs and electronically controlled Skyhook shock absorbers. In conjunction with the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system and the newly introduced Torque Vectoring system which deliver GT on-road behaviour and surprising - for a Maserati offroad capabilities: the Levante is designed to deliver best in class comfort on rough roads and handling on snow and ice.

The off-road equipment completes a product made to surprise avid travellers and adventure lovers as well.

The Levante is available with a common-rail, direct injection turbodiesel V6 with reduced dwell time injectors. The 3-litre engine is capable of 275 hp and delivers 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and a 230 km/h maximum speed while keeping the fuel economy as low as 7.2 litres/100 km under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).

The Maserati Levante uses the eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox that provides seamless comfort and fast gear shifting, depending on the selected drive mode. The Levante driver can choose between four drive modes, Normal, I.C.E., Sport and Off-road.

Each one constitutes distinct characteristics, intelligently altering engine, transmission, suspension and electronics features. The Levante introduces several innovations to ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

the current Maserati line-up; from safety to convenience options and through to the brand new Human Machine Interface and the dedicated cargo solutions. The range of equipment options is wider and more complete than ever.

The Levante has entered the SUV segment with a marked advantage in terms of new content. The innovative features of the car include: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, capacitive 8.4” Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control, plus the AHA function, an addition to the Maserati Touch Control Plus which extends the AM, FM and DAB digital radio with a network connection option: the AHA function dialogues with the user’s network-connected mobile device to give access to on-line services (radio stations, programmes, etc.) while on the move. Maserati’s more than 100-year tradition of craftsmanship and cutting edge technology guarantees outstanding quality right down to the tiniest of details.

VISIT US: Motorline Maserati Maidstone Bircholt Road Parkwood Maidstone ME15 9XY Tel: 01622 233111

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HAYNES NEW LOOK FordStore showroom opens for business at landmark site

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The Haynes site previously

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ork has recently finished on Haynes’ modern FordStore extension to its existing Ashford Road Ford Showroom.

The modern extension has completely transformed this well known Ashford Road building and given it a state-of-the-art appearance to display Ford’s latest exciting and popular models.

Ford has only recently introduced the FordStore concept to its network of 450 plus dealers and only certain handpicked dealers around the country are becoming flagship FordStore dealerships. These special dealers are the only ones able to supply the complete range of Ford Products such as the all New Ford Mustang and the exhilarating Focus RS. They also have a special lounge area

for their Vignale customers who want to buy Ford’s ‘top of the range’ Vignale cars.

As one of Ford’s oldest dealerships in the UK, Haynes jumped at the chance to be a FordStore. However, the only problem was that their existing showroom was too small to display all of Ford’s new products and the showroom was also starting to look a bit dated.

The company first considered moving, but this would have meant losing its prime and popular spot so close to the town centre. It also considered knocking down the existing showroom and building a new one, but this would have caused huge business disruption. The company was also aware from customer feedback that many customers liked the feel inside of the existing showroom.

After careful consideration of

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all the options, the company eventually approached Leeds based architects, SDA, who had designed many Ford showrooms, to see if it would be possible to extend, clad and completely modernise the showroom.

Andrew Haynes, Chairman and Managing Director of Haynes Bothers Ltd said: “I thought there might be a way to achieve what we wanted by making better use of the forecourt display space we had in front of the existing showroom, but also keep the lower ceiling feel of the main showroom that customers seemed to like. SDA came back with some initial drawings for an extension that seemed to combine the very best of both worlds”.

The showroom extension took six months to complete and the showroom remained open throughout. It was developed by Canterbury based property developers, Coombs. The Project was internally managed by Haynes Ford’s Operations Director, Richard Collison.

Commenting on the project Richard Collison said, “Both Coombs and SDA were very helpful to work with and I would like to thank all our customers and showroom team who were very patient with the disruption in the showroom while the project was underway”.

Andrew Haynes, Chairman and Managing Director said “Our customers and staff have been really fantastic whilst the extension was being built for which we sincerely thank them. Hopefully the result has been worth it and we look forward to welcoming everyone back into our newly modernised showroom”.

The new Ford showroom is now fully open for business in time for the important plate change of March, which this year is anticipated to be a particularly big month, as customers seek to beat the significant Road tax rises coming on the 1st April 2017. Special Opening Offers are available for those who visit the newly modernised showroom before 31st March 2017.

Haynes Brothers Limited is one of Kent’s oldest businesses, established in 1790.

It took on the Ford Franchise in 1911, and is one of Ford’s longest established UK dealerships.

The Group employs 275 staff in its Car, Truck and Agricultural businesses with total annual sales of over £80m.

The Company moved to Ashford Road in 1938 and the original 1930’s showroom was knocked down for KCC road widening in 1986.

A replica showroom was built further back, to which this new extension has just been added.

For more information please visit: haynesgrp.co.uk/ford ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

LOCAL business news NEW CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S HEALTH AND WELL BEING CENTRE Work is well under way to create a new children and young people’s health and well-being centre for Medway on a multi-million pound transformation of the site of the former Temple School in Strood.

The project has been made possible thanks to the combined resources of Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS Property Services and local partners.

The new facility will provide a much-needed centre for local children and young people to access community healthcare services delivered by Medway Community Healthcare, Medway Council and Medway Foundation NHS Trust.

The centre will be owned by NHS Property Services – with the company fully funding the purchase of the site from Medway Council and redevelopment at a cost of £3.1m. Medway CCG is funding the fit-out and equipping of the new centre.

The existing buildings are being significantly

JAGUAR LAND ROVER CHOOSES WATERBROOK PARK AS ITS NEW ASHFORD HOME Waterbrook Park, the business park near Junction 10 of the M20 in Ashford, is to be home to a £9m state-of-theart Jaguar Land Rover retailer after a deal was struck with Canterbury-based Barretts Motor Group.

The agreement with GSE Group, the Ashford-based company developing Waterbrook Park, involves the purchase of a five acre site and development of a 3,600m2 new car sales and service centre.

The new Jaguar Land Rover dealership is due to be operational in late 2018/early 2019, with the staff at the existing Orbital Park dealership relocating and the prospect of 20 new jobs.

Darrell Healey, Managing Director of GSE Group, said: “Jaguar Land Rover is synonymous with quality, design and British engineering. We’re delighted that Waterbrook Park will soon play its part in supporting the ongoing

LOCAL NEWS

refurbished to provide modern, spacious clinical facilities for the proposed use, including reception and waiting area, consulting rooms, plaster and weighing rooms, plus a nursery and soft play and sensory facilities.

Local children and young people will also be able to access speech and language support, physiotherapy, with observation suites and secure external play areas.

success of the UK’s largest automotive manufacturer.”

Paul Barrett, Managing Director of Barretts Motor Group, said: “We have seen a significant rise in sales of both Jaguar and Land Rover as new and exciting models have come to the market, most recently the Jaguar F-PACE, and the all new Land Rover Discovery and the forthcoming all-electric I-PACE. “From under this one new roof in Ashford we will be able to showcase the full range of Jaguar Land Rover vehicles, and also have the latest high-spec servicing facilities.

“We have outgrown our current local dealership, but still wanted easy access to the M20 and rest of Ashford.”

Barretts Motor Group, which can trace it automotive roots in Kent back more than 115 years, joins Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (formerly VOSA), the vehicle inspection organisation, sponsored by the Department of Transport, at Waterbrook Park.

Waterbrook Park is also home to the award-winning Ashford International Truckstop, which owners GSE Group has plans to extend in size to meet growing demand and help remove unwelcome trucks from parking overnight in and around Ashford.

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FLIP OUT ASHFORD TAKES SHAPE One of the biggest trampolining arenas in Kent is on course to open in Ashford this spring, and details will soon be announced of a recruitment drive to fill up to 60 vacancies at the Flip Out centre.

Around £1.5 million is being invested by Ashford entrepreneurs Lisa and Steve Wootton to bring the world’s fastest growing trampoline franchise to the town.

Contractors are transforming a 28,000 sq ft former packaging factory on the Henwood Industrial Estate to provide an innovative family entertainment centre for all ages.

As well as featuring dozens of connected trampolines that will allow you to spring, trick or flip off the walls, Flip Out Ashford will offer stunt boxes, wall runners, slam dunks, dodgeball, a Ninja warriors course and

plenty of other surprises.

Flip Fit is a programme of regular fitness classes – for ages 15 and over – which provide an enjoyable way to boost energy, tone and strengthen, and burn up to 1,000 calories per session. Increase your flexibility and balance with a blend of exercises from trampolining, parkour and gymnastics, all led by a trained instructor.

There will be four rooms for private celebrations, with special party packages available for both children and adults. The venue is also certain to be popular for corporate functions.

A spacious café on the second floor is set to become a popular meeting place for both customers and businesses on the busy Henwood estate and beyond. Free parking will be provided for more than 100 vehicles.

NEW BLUEWATER DEVELOPMENT Land Securities has today revealed details of the redevelopment of the Plaza at Bluewater, Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination. Designed to enhance the Plaza experience for guests, the plans include the creation of four new screens for Bluewater’s Showcase Cinema de Lux, as well as three new restaurants, and two new leisure spaces. Work has already begun on-site and is due for completion by Christmas this year.

As part of its upsize to 17-screens, Showcase Cinema de Lux is adding a large format XPlus auditorium with a supersized screen that will provide crystal clear projection, ultra-sharp image quality, and the brightest 3D experience, as well as a Dolby Atmos™ sound system; the ultimate multidimensional sound experience.

In addition, guests will be able to enjoy films in the comfort of new fully electric recliners in every screen.

The three restaurants are situated at the end of the Plaza on the upper level, overlooking the central space with its 14 existing restaurants. Ranging in size from 2,500 sq ft to 3,800 sq ft, the three restaurant units are being targeted at operators that add to the Plaza’s existing offer, which is focused on entertainment dining.

Land Securities is already in detailed discussions with several leading brands.

The two leisure spaces are situated separately on the upper and lower levels and are of approximately 24,000 sq ft and 10,000 sq ft respectively. Land Securities is currently exploring several innovative leisure concepts for the spaces that will add to Bluewater’s unique dayout experience.

Commenting on the plans, Russell Loveland, Portfolio Director at Land Securities, co-owner and asset manager of Bluewater, said: “Evolving Bluewater’s offer to provide a day-out experience for guests unavailable elsewhere in the South East is our priority.

“The upsizing of Showcase, the creation of three further restaurants, and the addition of two new exciting leisure concepts means we will continue to offer something different on every visit.”

Duncan Short, Senior Vice President, US & International Operations, Showcase Cinemas, commented on the new screens: “Across our multinational estate, our core strategy is to offer a fully customisable guest experience.

“We are committed to leading innovation in the industry, and the expansion and upgrade of our flagship Bluewater Cinema de Lux will further enhance its standing as one of the finest cinemas in the UK.” Mark Barlow, General Manager Showcase Cinemas UK added: “Showcase Cinema de Lux in Bluewater is hugely popular with our guests. The expansion will offer even more people the opportunity to enjoy the best cinema experience in unrivalled comfort. The introduction of an IMAX to Bluewater in 2013 and refurbishment in 2014 proved very popular, and we look forward to the additional screens opening later this year.”

The development news follows the recent opening of Missguided’s second store in the UK on Bluewater’s lower Rose Gallery. The 16,000 sq ft store opened earlier this year, and has attracted many shoppers and attention.

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COMMUNITY TEAM SCORES WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM ARRIVA

Anchorians Equal Teams, the Gillingham-based football club for players with disabilities and learning difficulties, can continue competing for at least another two seasons thanks to a shirt sponsorship deal with Arriva.

The club has 18 players split across two teams in the Kent Disability League, and the B team are the reigning Kent Disability League Championship 2 champions.

Founded as Equal Teams in 2007, the club merged with Anchorians FC – an FA Charter Standard Community Club – to become Anchorians Equal Teams in 2014, giving it a home base, better facilities and stability for the future.

“This support from Arriva means a huge amount to us,” said Leigh Williams, Chairman of Anchorians Equal Teams Football Club.

“We are a non-profit making grass roots club and we rely on donations to allow us to keep offering chances for youngsters to participate in sport.

“This generous sponsorship from Arriva allows Anchorians Equal Teams to carry on playing for at least another two seasons by providing much needed new kit, which we really appreciate.”

Craig Taylor of Arriva said: “Anchorians Equal Teams is a thoroughly deserving cause, giving young people from across Medway the chance to compete in a safe and rewarding sporting environment.

“We hope our sponsorship means many more players will enjoy the benefits of belonging to a real community club, and we will look out for their results with interest.”

Anchorians Equal Teams is always on the look out for new players, aged 16 and over. To find out more details, email Paul Mcdonald via paulmcdonald1965@ btinternet.com.

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AWARD FOR THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY The Big Cat Sanctuary were most proud to be awarded the Animal Charity of the Year in the Kent Charity Awards for 2017. They were among many other deserving nominees doing fantastic work, all of which are also worthy of this award. They were ecstatic to have won the Animal category and thanked those who have recognised their conservation efforts, not just here in the UK but globally supporting on-theground in-situ projects as well. It is a wonderful accolade and will hopefully help to raise awareness of their charity and the work they are doing. The event at the Mercure Hotel in Maidstone was fabulously organised by Sarah and Jo.

ROCHESTER CATHEDRALS’ CHILDREN’S COMMUNITY CHOIR SING FOR THE COUNTESS OF WESSEX

On Wednesday 22nd February the Dean of Rochester, The Very Revd Dr Philip Hesketh, and the Chairman of Rochester Cathedral Trust, Mr Michael Aiken MBE, welcomed their Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex GCVO to a fabulous reception at Mercers’ Hall in London generously hosted by the Mercer’s Livery Company.

The reception is part of a series of events being

held by The Cathedral Trust to develop relationships with London based donors and to highlight the excellence of the Cathedral’s musical tradition and the work it does with its local community. The Cathedral’s new Children’s Community Choir, conducted by Clare Innes-Hopkins and accompanied by Cathedral Director of Music, Scott Farrell, was there to entertain the Countess and the guests. This new Choir was created to provide an opportunity for local children to experience the delights of choral singing in an inspirational setting such as Rochester Cathedral. Already one young singer has been spotted as having great talent and has been offered a bursary by King’s School and has been accepted as a probationer chorister in the Cathedral’s Choir.

The guests were also entertained with a speech from Vice Patron, Dr David Starkey CBE, who praised the Cathedral and made the case for its significance and importance.

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WHITE CLIFFS oF DoVEr ‘BroUGHT To LIFE’ To HoNoUr DAME VErA LyNN oN HEr 100TH BIrTHDAy During the second world war she inspired our troops and stole the hearts of a generation and, on Monday 20th March an eternally grateful nation honoured the incomparable Dame Vera Lynn on her 100th birthday with a unique and fitting tribute.

War veterans, WWII re-enactors, 1940s’ singers and supporters of the Dame Vera Lynn’s Children’s Charity gathered by a special display on the White Cliffs of Dover. The display featured three huge blue birds as immortalised by our forces’ sweetheart in the iconic and fiercely optimistic lyrics of The White Cliffs of Dover with the stunning backdrop of Dover’s South Foreland lighthouse and the Union Jack flag proudly flying at fullmast. Veterans and WWII re-enactors then performed a military salute to mark the national treasure’s birthday.

Dame Vera Lynn said: “I can’t believe everyone went to so much trouble to wish me a happy birthday – I feel incredibly humbled by it all.”

The spectacle came just days after the release of the Forces’ Sweetheart’s latest album and a star-studded birthday event at the London Palladium.

When asked what’s on her birthday list, Dame Vera said: “I don’t need anything at all, I just ask that the wonderful people of Britain are as generous as possible towards my charity, who do much-needed work for children under five with cerebral palsy, and their families.”

Virginia Portman, General Manager at the White Cliffs

of Dover for the National Trust, added: “The White Cliffs of Dover will be forever intertwined with the British wartime spirit immortalised in Dame Vera’s songs.

Her music marked the start of the enduring emotional connection that people feel when they visit us here.

Today, the cliffs we care for are home to a rich array of wildlife, from rare butterflies to falcons. We use traditional conservation methods, including our herd of Exmoor ponies, to preserve the delicate chalk grassland for generations to come. We’re delighted to be a part of Dame Vera’s extra special day – Happy Birthday!”

Dame Vera Lynn and her charity give special thanks to the National Trust, Matchboard MDF for creating the bluebird structure, Heritage Scaffolding for erecting the structure, Silvertips films for filming the event, the Swingtime Sweethearts for performing and Barry Williams at Regency Independent Financial Advisors for sponsoring the Spitfires.

To make a donation to the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity please visit www.dvlcc.org.uk/donations

REAL AND REVERED PoCAHoNTAS rEMEMBErED 400 yEArS AFTEr HEr DEATH oN ENGLISH SoIL Pocahontas is an icon of popular culture, but little is commonly known of her true story and many people assume she is a fictional character.

It is largely untold that she was a real Powhatan Native American woman who converted to Christianity, married an Englishman and travelled over 3,000 miles to England in 1616. In March 1617, she died in Gravesend at the beginning of her return leg to Virginia.

To commemorate 400 years since the death of Pocahontas on English soil, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has re-listed the statue of Pocahontas in Gravesend and has newly listed the Virginia Quay Settlers Monument in Blackwall, both on the advice of Historic England.

Pocahontas in England is a life-size bronze statue of Pocahontas standing by the Church of St George in Gravesend in honour of the final resting place of this extraordinary woman. First listed in 1975 the statue has been ‘re-listed’ in time for the 400th anniversary of Pocahontas’ burial on 21 March. The list entry has been updated to include a full history and description of the important role this woman played in both English and American history at a critical time in the founding of modern America.

Pocahontas was primarily linked to the English colonists through Captain John Smith, who arrived in Virginia in 1607.

LOCAL NEWS

THE EAGLES THAT LANDED

WITH THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN FOUGHT AND WON BY RAF FIGHTER COMMAND, THE LUFTWAFFE LOOKED TO OTHER METHODS OF ATTACKING THE BRITISH MAINLAND. THIS INCLUDED THE INTRODUCTION OF FIGHTER/BOMBER ATTACKS AGAINST SOUTHERN ENGLAND, ONE OF WHICH WENT VERY WRONG. ROBIN J BROOKS TELLS THE REMARKABLE STORY.

The magnificent memorial at West Malling

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n another attempt to bring the British people to their knees after losing the Battle of Britain, the German High Command decreed that bomb attacks by small groups of aircraft would be for an experimental period beginning on April 16/17, 1943.

The experiment however got off to a bad start, for on the very first mission, four of the German aircraft either landed or crashed in Kent. The station ORB for RAF West Malling on April 16, 1943, stated that the weather was fine and clear and very warm for the time of year. The base at this time was a night fighter station

and was home to No. 29 Squadron flying Beaufighters. Around midnight some enemy activity was reported by sector control at Biggin Hill, prompting the controller to dispatch a single Beaufighter to carry out a patrol over Kent. Finding nothing the aircraft landed back at West Malling. Several searchlight units were active in the immediate area, their beams probing the night sky but also finding nothing. At three minutes past midnight a deflected beam from the Sittingbourne area brought a single engined aircraft within the Malling circuit. The duty controller noticed a different engine 

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West Malling pictured in 1942

sound and thinking it to be a Defiant in trouble, ordered the airfield beacon to be switched on. With this the pilot switched on his own navigation lights, fired a recognition flare and turned finals to land on the grass runway. Once landed the aircraft turned onto the perimeter track and proceeded to make its way to the watch office whereupon one of the fire crew from the tender parked alongside, jumped down and ran towards the aircraft to inform the pilot that he had landed at West Malling. The pilot replied in a foreign tongue and it was at this precise moment that the airman realised that the aircraft was in fact German.

Running back to the watch office for his rifle, Lionel Barry of the 4th Ulster Light Ack-ack Regiment engaged on airfield defence approached the aircraft to help the pilot out. No resistance was offered and Feldwebel Otto Bechtold, arms raised in surrender, was taken into custody by the station police. The aircraft was found to be a Focke-Wulf 190A-4/U8 and with the exception of the engine cowling, was painted a sooty matt black. It was manhandled and placed in front of the watch office at the same time as word came through from sector that several other enemy aircraft were operating in the Kent area. Twenty minutes later another searchlight beam was deflected towards West Malling and a second aircraft was heard to enter the circuit. With the beacon still lit, it too commenced a landing and had its wheels on the grass as the fire crew took a Beaverette Gun Platform to head the aircraft off. Just twenty yards from the aircraft it was identified as another FW190 but at the same time the pilot realised that he had landed at an RAF

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airfield. Giving his engine full throttle, he attempted to turn his aircraft round and head back to the runway to take off.

Realising what was about to happen, LAC Sharlock, the gunner on the Beaverette, fired a burst from the Vickers gun mounted on the truck scoring several hits and causing a small fire in the back of the cockpit. This was not however enough to deter the pilot from taking off as his taxi run continued. Sending another burst of gunfire into the aircraft, this ignited the fuel causing fire to erupt around the wing area. This time the FW190 stopped moving and the pilot fell rather than climbed out of his cockpit, some of his outer clothing already in flames. Another member of the Beaverette approached him and threw a blanket over the flames at which point the German broke free and dodged round the back of the tender.

Unfortunately he ran straight into the arms of the station commander, Wing Commander Peter Townsend, who had arrived at the incident minutes earlier. At this point the pilot gave up the struggle and surrendered himself to the CO who used his cap in an effort to douse smouldering clothes. He was found to be wounded in the leg and shoulders and was suffering from severe burns as the ambulance arrived to take him to the sick bay. In 1992 Peter Townsend recalled the incident: “That night at West Malling was unforgettable. The enemy had been busy doing a series of lightning raids

by Focke Wulf 190s concentrating on London. At midnight on this particular night the sector controller called me to say there was nothing else on the board and to recall the 29 Squadron Beaufighter that had been on patrol. I left the watch office and returned to my room where a The 190 sits outside the control tower

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I lay down, fully clothed in case of further raids. Ten minutes later an aircraft flew low over the mess, its engine making an unfamiliar noise.

I called the control officer, Squadron Leader ‘Curly’ Clay and asked what the aircraft type was that had just landed. He returned a moment later to say it was one of ours. Not content I asked him to take another look whereupon he came back with his voice having risen about three octaves and said ‘it’s a Focke Wulf 190’.

“The standby van operated by two Waafs and the fire crew drove out to meet the aircraft, turned around and switched on the illuminated panel ‘FOLLOW ME’ which the German obligingly did and taxied in. Climbing out of his cockpit, Feldwebel Otto Bechtold was marched into an office where the interrogtion officer began to question him. In the middle of the questions, Pilot Officer Arbon rushed in and cried out ‘another one has just landed’. I sped down the circular staircase just in time to see the Beaverette mini armoured car tearing off towards the 190. I yelled out ‘don’t shoot’ but almost immediately there was a burst of gunfire and the aircraft burst into flames. The pilot, also on fire, climbed out and Arbon and I pushed him onto the ground and rolled him over and over to extinguish the flames. For a minute or two the German pilot fought like a madman and screamed something in German while Arbon and I held him on the ground.

“Suddenly there was a colossal explosion

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West Malling control tower in 1967

The soot like substance on the 190 LOCAL HISTORY

which very badly injured two of our firemen and threw pieces of aircraft several yards away.

Getting him into the watch office I asked the interpreter what was he screaming about and he replied, not unkindly, ‘I was trying to tell that officer (pointing at me) that there was a bomb aboard the aircraft’. At that moment a policeman arrived and informed us that there was another 190 down a mile short of the runway.

Accompanying him we arrived at a farmhouse to find a very dazed pilot having a cup of tea with an almost equally dazed elderly couple. Outside the tail plane of his aircraft was lodged in a tree, the engine was some distance away and the only recognisable part was the cockpit. The pilot had a fractured skull and was taken to the sick quarters. The next morning I was told that a fourth 190 had crashed some distance away and that the pilot was dead.”

The fire in the second aircraft was caused by the oxygen bottles exploding. With this the entire aircraft was enveloped in flames with pieces of red hot metal being thrown as far away as three hundred yards. Two members of the fire crew, AC1 Lamb and AC1 Halford, received severe injuries in their efforts to put out the fire with extinguishers and in the ensuing explosion.

The night however was far from over as a third aircraft was heard orbiting the searchlight beam.

By now the message had spread that the airfield was being mistaken for a German base and that any aircraft within the circuit was hostile.

With this in mind, the RAF Regiment and Army personnel manning the gun emplacements around the airfield were firing at the aircraft relentlessly. Whether or not they actually hit this particular FW190 or just confused the pilot, Oberfeldwebel Otto Schultz, is questionable but for some reason he undershot the airfield and crashed into some cherry orchards just short of the threshold. The aircraft was a total write-off but a guard was mounted by it for the duration a

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of the night. Not so fortunate however was aircraft including Lancasters, Stirlings and the pilot of a fourth FW190 which crashed Wellingtons, all of whom had returned at Henhurst Farm, Staplehurst about the from raids over enemy territory the same time. First Lieutenant Kurt Kahn, previous evening badly damaged. One of realising that he was lost, abandoned his the returning bombers was a Wellington of aircraft at below the required level, the No. 199 Squadron based at RAF Ingham consequence being that his parachute did in Lincolnshire. Flown by Fl/Lt C A Bryant, not have sufficient time to fully deploy. he was one of the first to land at West He was found next morning by a rescue Malling and was amazed to see a German party from the airfield, attached to his aircraft parked in front of the watch tower. open parachute some distance from where In his own words:- ‘I wondered if we the aircraft crashed. He was bought back had made England!’. The day of the 18th to West Malling later that morning after was given to the military and civilian consultation with the Staplehurst Parish scientists to inspect, detail and fly the 190.

Priest who did not want a German airman Flown to Farnborough the next day, it was buried in his churchyard. Sometime later given the serial number PE882 before Lieutenant Kahn was buried at Barming undergoing a change of livery to standard Church with military honours but during RAF dark green and dark earth with yellow the 1950s, his body was exhumed and undersurfaces and a yellow P indicating re-buried in the German War Cemetery prototype. With this identity it first flew on on Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. For April 20, 1943. It was later delivered to Feldwebel Otto Bechtold and Leutnant No. 1426 (Enemy Aircraft) Flight at Fritz Setzer, after Collyweston on April 23, further interrogation 1944 but on October 13, That night at at West Malling they it unfortunately crashed West Malling was were taken away to killing the pilot, Fl/Lt E spend the rest of the R Lewendon, the CO of unforgettable. war in a prisoner of the flight. The aircraft was The enemy had been war camp. However completely burnt out. So busy doing a series of ended one of the more it was not the only time that the latter lightning raids by Focke remarkable episodes for was to see West West Malling. It was later Wulf 190s concentrating revealed that the four Malling. For the station it had seemed aircraft belonged to I and II on London like a long night.

Gruppen of SKG 10. They No further enemy aircraft were within all bore a yellow H aft of the Balkan Cross the immediate area and at 2.30am, the and a black equilateral triangle forward of beacon was switched off. The 190 beside the cockpit. The aircraft had left the Amiens the watch office was placed under guard area with one 250kg bomb and two drop until morning and the station returned to tanks, some of which were later discovered normal routine. The station diarist recorded at Gravesend having been dropped on in unexcited terms: ‘an intensely interesting the inbound flight. The aircraft were put night’. The next morning as news spread on a northerly heading over Cap Griz throughout No. 11 Group that an intact Nez but navigation was difficult because enemy aircraft had landed at West Malling, of ground mist causing them to become the station became the focus of intense disoriented. In the case of Leutnant Fritz attention. From early morning on April Setzer, after flying on his course for forty 17, a string of visitors began to arrive, minutes, his aircraft s/n 2719, was picked among the first being Group Captain up by searchlights. He released his bomb, ‘Sailor’ Malan, the CO of Biggin Hill. Many reduced height and turned about. After high ranking officers came from No. 11 some time had passed, he saw several Group to view the prize with sixty seven searchlights pointing in the same direction aircraft movements being recorded in and with no firing from the ground, the station log. Intelligence officers from assumed he was over France. Following the the Air Ministry and civilian experts from general direction of the lights and being Farnborough came to see the aircraft and low on fuel, he saw the lights of an airfield later that evening, the 190 was flown by an and lowered his undercarriage to land, RAF pilot for assessment. only to find himself at West Malling. In a West Malling on the morning of April 17, letter to historian Chris Goss he spoke of 1943 was basking in warm sunshine as the incident a few years later. the airfield began to get back to normal.

“At the beginning of 1943 even the Parked around the airfield were many 190 was not able to overpower your air

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LOCAL HISTORY

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At midnight on this particular night the sector controller called me to say there was nothing else on the board and to recall the 29 Squadron Beaufighter that had been on patrol.

I left the watch office and returned to my room where I lay down, fully clothed in case of further raids

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defence by day. Therefore they got the idea that attacks would be practicable at night. Aircraft and pilots of SKG 10 had no qualifications or training for night missions. There was no experience in night and instrument flying, and no navigation system was available. In the briefing for April 16, the pilots were ordered to climb up to 4,000m after take-off and head for London. Once the 250g or 500g bomb was dropped, we should fly towards France, nose down from 4,000m to 1,000m. If there were navigation difficulties, a new ground to aircraft communication system should lead our aircraft back to France. We were never trained in this method and I do not know if any aircraft had really picked up this system. After taking off I flew as instructed and was surprised to observe no air defence on the way. However this changed abruptly when I approached London. Being the lead aircraft I attracted all the medium and heavy ack-ack guns and in all I went through horrible fireworks. To avoid being hit I changed altitude and the direction of my flight and it is amazing that I was never hit. As soon as I saw the firing from the ground I dropped the bomb and minutes later realised that it had become very quiet. Then a searchlight suddenly found me and in the glare I noticed that there was smoke in the cockpit. It was then that I should have baled out but I stayed with my aircraft hoping to reach France which I was convinced by now was not far away. I was low on fuel and with the searchlight beam pointing in one direction, I followed this and suddenly saw lights below and an airfield. With the smoke getting worse, I headed for the airfield when the runway lights came on. Firing various flares and colours of the day, I landed safely and rolled to a stop. Suddenly realising that I had made a terrible mistake I attempted to taxi back to the runway. Meanwhile the smoke and fire in the cockpit was so intense I could not reach the crank for opening the cockpit. There was only the small aperture which I opened on approach to get some fresh air. It was through this that I had to hurriedly vacate the cockpit when I realised that

I could not take off again. Due to the fire the electric cables of the aircraft cannons melted and the two cannons began to shoot by themselves injuring some airmen for which I was sorry. I struggled with the British airmen who had captured me but it was to no avail and I was taken into custody to later be taken to a field hospital. When I left there it was to prisoner of war camps in England and Canada.”

This however was not the only time that Fritz Setzer was to see West Malling. It was later suggested that the 190s were flying on a concentrated beam from Germany directed at London and that the ‘Y’ Service operators at Kingsdown near Wrotham had spoken to Bechtold in German, thereby causing him even more confusion. The German intelligence service however denied this and the conclusion was that with this new type of operation, all four aircraft became hopelessly lost. For all three pilots the rest of the war was spent in a prisoner of war camp. In the case of Leutnant Fritz Setzer, he was to return to West Malling in 1997. By this time the airfield had been sold to an American development company and Fritz was invited as a guest of honour to open a new housing estate. Accompanied by his wife he stated: “if anyone had told me 53 years ago that I would be invited back here by the British I would have told them they were mad. I first arrived here as a very much uninvited and unwelcome guest. I landed with a burning aircraft and if it was not for Peter Townsend and some of the groundcrew I would not be here today. With my flying suit burning, he showed great bravery by beating out the flames with his hat.

He could not understand me but I was screaming for him to stand back because I knew the aircraft would explode at any moment. I will never forget him and how he risked his life, together with other airmen, to save an enemy pilot. It is a privilege to be here today.”

Sadly little remains of the former RAF station today, having been extensively built upon. The control tower is the last remaining building. Now sited in the shadow of Waitrose, few shoppers know of the incident that placed RAF West Malling in the history books.

LOCAL HISTORY

WHAT’S ON and when

Evening Tour & Ale Samplers’ Supper - Spring Season, Shepherd Neame 7th April to 26th May

A night out with a difference at Britain’s oldest brewer. Enjoy an 80-minute tour, a fascinating tutored tasting and a two-course home-cooked supper served in the Visitor Centre bar. Of course, there’s also time for a pint or two with your meal!

6.30pm arrive at Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre – bar open for the sale of drinks.

6.50/7.00pm guided tour of the Brewery.

8.20pm tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame beers in the Visitor Centre bar.

8.35pm enjoy supper in the Visitor Centre bar or function room.

10.00pm “last orders” at the bar.

10.30pm depart.

The tour itself lasts approximately one hour and twenty minutes and includes several of the brewery’s historic buildings, which have a number of steep staircases and uneven surfaces. It is therefore advised that the tour may be difficult for infirm visitors and is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Please call 01795 542016 or visit their website for full details & to book.

Medieval Story Garden, The Canterbury Tales 3rd to 14th April

The Easter holiday heralds the opening of The Canterbury Tales Medieval Story Garden, with family activities galore available to entertain visitors. Children will enjoy storytelling from a costumed character guide, discover Medieval Medicine techniques, complete a Knight’s School quest, plus get the opportunity to perform for friends and family at a Maypole Dancing session.

Medieval Story Garden activities are available between Monday 3rd and Friday 14th April from 11am to 3pm.

The Canterbury Tales is the only attraction in the world dedicated to celebrating the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, the father of English Literature who is widely considered to be the greatest English poet of the Middle Ages. During the 40 minute experience, through a combination of live interaction and audio guides, guests are regaled by five very different tales of true love, saucy scheming and spine-chilling trickery as each of Chaucer’s colourful characters competes to win the title of best story-teller.

The Canterbury Tales is part of Continuum Attractions, the leading operator of cultural heritage experiences in the UK. Continuum currently manages an award winning portfolio of visitor attractions including Oxford Castle Unlocked and York’s Chocolate Story. Adult £9.95, Concession £8.95, Child £7.95, Family £27.85.

To find out more, visit www.canterburytales.org. uk or call 01227 696 002.

Easter Fun for the Kids, Notcutts Garden Centre 13th to 17th April

Notcutts Garden Centre have plenty to keep the children entertained over the Easter holidays.

Kids Wildlife Hunt: Get a free chocolate treat everyday during the Easter holidays.

Free Sunflower Planting: Thursday 13th- Monday 17th April, 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.

Please check with your local centre as times may vary.

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The Little Mermaid, Woodville Auditorium 10th to 11th April

Guaranteed to make a splash this Easter, Wicked Productions return with their musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s, ‘The Little Mermaid’.

A tidal wave of comedy, ‘The little Mermaid’ is sure to warm your cockles and win the hearts of your little sea urchins! Join the fair Lenor, their Little Mermaid, as she sets out to find love and legs! Daughter of King Triton the sea God and one of four sisters, Lenor longs to leave the depths of her sea bed and explore the world beyond the water. In a desperate bid to win the heart of the handsome Prince Derek, Lenor makes a deadly pact with the infamous Sea Witch, Morgana, whose intentions are more than a little fishy!

Joined by best friends Crab Stick and Crab Paste, will Lenor win the heart of her human love or will Morgana rule the waves? Tom Swift returns as the hilarious Crab Stick with pantomime favourite Ant Payne as his side splitting sidekick Crab Paste. Also returning by popular demand are firm favourite Jimmy Burton-Iles to add to the comedy and mayhem that you expect from a Wicked Production. So why not go under the sea for a perfect Easter family musical? It’ll be SHRIMPly wonderful…

Book your tickets now - just for the Halibut!

Please Note, unfortunately Robert Pearce will no longer be performing.

Festival of Steam and Transport, Chatham Historic Dockyard 16th to 17th April

It is ‘Full Steam Ahead’ once again at the annual Festival of Steam and Transport on Easter Sunday and Monday, 16th and 17th April 2017.

This family event has a carnival atmosphere with all-inclusive festival fun and entertainment, including a free steam funfair, street acts, walkabout performers, together with classic and vintage cars, locomotives, steam traction engines, motorbikes, farm animals, traders and ‘Call the Midwife’ location taster tours.

PERFECT FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAYS

Bedgebury Birdsong Course 26th April to 24th May

Starting on Wednesday 26th April, local nature guide and bird behaviour specialist, Simon Ginnaw, will lead a series of three workshops on bird behaviour and how to identify birds by their song. Simon will unravel the complexities of bird song to help you identify the different species as you walk through the Pinetum. This course is a mix between classroombased learning and walks.

The series of three workshops costs £38 per person.

To book your place please call 01580 879842.

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Joel Dommett – Live 2017, Hazlitt Theatre 27th April

Fresh from his hugely memorable performance on 2016’s ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’, one of the UK’s most energetic and exciting comedians returns to the road with his solo show, Joel Dommett: LIVE. Catch the star of Sky1’s Bring The Noise as he delivers his high octane comedy to venues up and down the country.

Joel came onto the comedy scene in 2007 and has never looked back. After receiving great critical acclaim for his Edinburgh Fringe shows, he has gone on to appear in numerous television shows including; Impractical Jokers (BBC3), Reality Bites (ITV2), Russell Howard's Good News (BBC), Drunk History (Comedy Central), and has performed in acting roles for Popatron (BBC2) and Skins (E4).

Recommended age restriction: 14+ (Parental Guidance) Likely to be swearing and adult content.

8pm in the Theatre.

Tickets: £15.00 + £1.50 (booking fee) and £10 concessions/Student + £1.50 (booking fee)

Symposium: The Matter of Material, Turner Contemporary 27th April

It is now almost 35 years since Sarat Maharaj asked the question “Textile ArtWho Are You?”, describing textile art as “’undecidable...something that seems to belong to one genre but overshoots its border and seems no less at home in another.”

This symposium will explore the use of fabric in art, from the 20th century to the present day. Speakers include Entangled: Threads & Making curator Karen Wright and artist Freddie Robbins.

Sam Brookes, Ramsgate Music Hall 28th April

London based songsmith Sam Brookes is one of the UK alt-folk’s best kept secrets. His acclaimed 2014 album Kairos was tipped by The Independent for a Mercury Prize nomination, received support from the likes of Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2 and granted Sam the opportunity to perform at Live In Hyde Park. Sam is currently writing and recording new material for a forthcoming album and will be performing at only a handful of shows in 2017 to road

test new material and perform current favorites. Sam’s singing career began at an early age, filling the rafters of Her Majesty the Queen’s private chapel, as a chorister. Now his unmistakable, soaring vocal combined with crafty arrangements, deft guitar-playing and arresting lyrics delivers an

aural patchwork that has been positively likened to Wild Beasts, Bon Iver, Nick Drake and Tim Buckley. Sam is also the featured vocalist on the Basement Jaxx single ‘What A Difference Your Love Makes’ and has collaborated and toured with the likes of Lucy Rose and Newton Faulkner.

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Hever Castle May Day Celebration 29th April to 1st May

Celebrate May Day at historic Hever Castle & Gardens over the early May Bank Holiday. The May Day Festival runs from 29th April to 1st May with a host of customs and activities for all the family to enjoy. May Day has been a traditional day of festivities throughout the centuries, originally signalling the first day of summer.

Join the Lord and Lady of the May on the Castle forecourt and see the crowning of the May Queen. Visitors are invited to dance around the Maypole with brightly coloured ribbons intertwined. This age old custom is followed by demonstrations of May Day Dancing accompanied by 16th century music.

Meet the mythical Jack-in-the-Green and follow the Green Man from folklore in a customary May Day procession through the gardens as he wakes up the plants for summer with the help of children and their magical May bells. There’s also a May Day trail through the Castle.

At this time of year the award winning gardens and grounds are a feast for the

eyes, with delicate blossom of pear, apple and cherry trees to lift the spirits. Stroll through the Pergola Walk where the walls are bedecked with an array of Wisteria, and admire the colourful bedding plants in the Italian Gardens.

With the days getting warmer, adventurous children can risk a soaking as they navigate the Water Maze while more fun awaits in the Yew Maze – how long will it take you to find your way out? Boats are also available for hire from the Edwardian boathouse. To round off the day, head for the award-winning restaurants where delicious lunches and afternoon teas will be served. Or bring a picnic to eat in the designated picnic spots - the perfect way to celebrate the coming of summer.

Buy tickets for Hever Castle and Gardens in advance online for a discount. For more details visit www.hevercastle.co.uk/visit/prices/

Bricks Britannia, Kent & East Sussex Rail 29th April to 4th May

This exhibition of stunning models, created solely from LEGO bricks, charts the history of Britain from the Neolithic Stonehenge through to the supersonic age of Concorde.

Featuring over 30 models created by Bright Bricks (as featured on Channel 4’s Inside Lego at Christmas) and using hundreds of thousands of LEGO bricks, Bricks Britannia opens on April 1st at Tenterden Town Station.

Thers’s also an opportunity to join their workshops where both young and young at heart can build their very own LEGO steam locomotive and Pullman carriage.

These are exclusive to the K&ESR and available at the special price of just £10 when booking online.

The exhibition is free to K&ESR ticket holders.

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Colour Me Purple 5K Run 30th April

The Friends of the Wisdom Hospice will be returning to Milton Creek Country Park in Sittingbourne for their third year undertaking their Colour Me Purple 5k sponsored run/walk; still Swale’s only colour run.

This year’s Colour Me Purple 5k Run will take place on Sunday 30th April and is open to individuals and teams of all ages and abilities.

So whether you are an experienced marathon runner or someone who fancies a challenge, the Colour Me Purple 5k Run is the event for you.

With the early bird special price at just £10 for an adult and £5 for a child, there is no excuse to not go along, enjoy a great day and raise money for the Wisdom Hospice.

Motors by the Moat, Leeds Castle 6th to 7th May

Motors by the Moat is the ultimate weekend for anyone with a passion for cars. Get up close to hundreds of vintage, high performance and classic cars from around the world including a World War Two themed section.

The cars will be displayed on the Castle lawns with plenty of other entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

Gig For Life, The Hop Farm 27th May

Gig For Life is a brilliant new family festival that has been created for the friends and supporters of Cancer Research UK. It takes place on Saturday May 27th at The Hop Farm.

Come along on the second May Bank Holiday weekend and enjoy an impressive line-up of musical talent! Legendary rock band 10cc are headlining, along with soul singer and Brit Award Nominee Maverick Sabre. There will also be special performances by chart topping band Toploader, Amerciana Group Los Pacaminos, featuring Paul Young, and the very best in local musical talent including the wonderful Steffan James, Kent based rock band The Standard Lamps, singer-songwriter Jono Williams and the folky, harmonious Arcelia.

There will also be the finest local food and drink on offer and plenty of fun family activities to keep the kids entertained!

Don’t miss out on what is set to be one of the best days out of the year.

The money raised at Gig For Life will go to Cancer Research UK, to help beat cancer sooner.

Buy your tickets now at www.gigforlife.co.uk LOCAL EVENTS

April 2017

CHECK IN WITH THE STARS TO SEE WHAT THE SECOND MONTH OF SPRING HAS IN STORE FOR YOU

Gemini

Aries

22nd May - 21st June

21st Mar - 20th Apr

It’s likely that the second month of spring will be virtually the richest and most colorful for the year as a whole, and you need to be ready for this. In April, Geminis shouldn’t be afraid of anything. There will be challenges, nobody is disputing that, but these will be challenges that can definitely be overcome.

Don’t be too rational, and don’t be a wet blanket, otherwise you will lose the attention of the people who are important to you.

Aries is highly likely to be at the center of rapidly developing events. This means that in the work sphere as well as the sphere of personal relationships, you can be in your element, attaining the envisaged goals with relative ease.

The stars do not advise you to become an egoist, you just mustn’t forget what happiness is. The patrons advise the married Arians as well as the single Arians to spend as little time as possible at home.

Taurus

Cancer

21st Apr - 21st May Taureans can completely count on having a dynamic and colorful time. Now it’s important not to forget who you are and why you are moving in the direction you have chosen for yourself. If necessary, become the leader, but understand that you shouldn’t make it about yourself. Be a hero, not in words, but in deeds.

Queen Elizabeth 21st April

22nd June - 22nd July

For people born under the sign of Cancer, April will definitely be a fateful month. You can rest assured that you will have enough strength to overcome any difficulty. Under no circumstances should you keep away from opportunities to help somebody, to do something major, important, or interesting not just for yourself.

Don’t let yourself instigate conflicts, otherwise Jupiter will bring a lot of 23rd Nov - 23rd Dec negativity into People born under this sign could your life. get lucky in April. Circumstances will unfold to your advantage, especially when you don’t expect this. Single Sagittarians are advised to behave as actively and confidently as possible, as this will enable them to overcome difficult situations, without even noticing that they exist.

Sagittarius

David Tennant 21st April

Emma Watson 15th April

Libra

23rd Sep - 23rd Oct

Leo

Nothing and nobody will stop you now from moving towards the goals you consider important and necessary. You must act powerfully, boldly, sometimes without looking back. Blatant inactivity or the absence of clear motivation could destroy you, so be attentive.

23rdJuly - 23rd Aug

The second month of spring is envisaged to be quite bright and unusual, but with respect to the current sign it is more likely to become a month of thinking and contemplation. The work sphere could prove to be extremely promising. Many Leos really could find their “significant other” this month, although in actual fact you will have something to do even without that.

Scorpio

24th Aug-22nd Sep

Capricorn

24th D ec - 20th Jan

Critical situations will give you a wide berth, and challenges will be easily overcome. April could be a month of rest for you. But you could also get a lot done in April! Don’t lose vigilance, especially if it involves some massive celebration and many new acquaintances.

24th Oct- 22nd Nov

April is highly likely to bring you a lot of positive emotions, arising from the fact that you will finally resolve the most long-standing conflicts. At the same time, it will be hard not to pay attention to the situation’s prospects. You must be particularly considerate in relationships with new acquaintances.

Virgo

The key representative of this sign will put you in a creative mood, gravitating more towards theory than practice. You will be able to deal with many potential problems as they arise, and this is good, because it’s easier to prevent a difficult situation than to sort it out once it’s already developed.

It’s quite likely that you will meet people who will change your life in the most radical way.

Aquarius

21st Jan - 18th Feb

Pisces

19th Feb -20th Mar

For Pisces, April could be quite an unusual time. The influence of circumstances on your life will be minimal, which will give you greater freedom to act than usual.

Under no circumstances must you take risks or act in circumstances which are characterized by too many variables.

This month you should adapt to circumstances which will be most unusual for you. The level that you will achieve will depend on how clearly you envision your own path. You can’t allow emotions to get the upper hand, but you must rely on them. This is a fine line, and if you don’t stick to it, you’ll be in for trouble.

THE TYLER’S KILN Canterbury

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We are passionate about bringing a real sense of community to the village

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ow many times are historic pubs transformed only for them to turn their back on the very past which has seen them survive through the generations?

It's certainly not an accusation which could be laid before The Tyler's Kiln on the outskirts of Canterbury. Following a much heralded multi-million pound transformation, which saw it under wraps for two years before being re-opened in 2015, it marries the past and present in perfect harmony.

Perched in the pretty village of Tyler Hill, it weds itself to the past of the community it now serves – celebrating the medieval tile-making and pottery which in the 14th century was so dominant in the area with a huge brick built kiln. When the weather's chilly it houses two roaring fires to keep the thousands that flock to the pub and restaurant cosy.

What's more there are 700-year-old tiles unearthed in the area on display to further reinforce its connection with the past, not to mention 1,000-year-old pottery originally created in and around the hamlet. As the only pub in the village it has undergone a complete refurbishment, which has already seen it named Pub of the Year in one major countywide competition.

And little wonder. With a delightful bar, it also has a restaurant that serves up tasty food, sourced locally wherever possible, with an evolving menu for lunches and dinners.

Not to mention regular special offers during the week to further attract the customers.

It also boasts an upstairs function room that has proved a hit with those seeking the perfect venue for everything from birthdays to Christmas get-togethers.

Next to the bar there's even a village store selling essentials plus a host of home-made chutneys and jams.

The owner, Allister Collins explains: “We are passionate about bringing a real sense of community to the village, combining good food, good drink and good company.

“Whether you’re popping in for a pot of tea with home-made shortbread, enjoying a pint of one of our fine cask ale’s with friends, a glass of red wine by the roaring open fires, sampling our homemade soup with freshly baked crusty bread, or how about a homecooked Sunday roast with your family, or do you simply need some stamps, local jam and a bottle of milk…you'll find it all here.”

The Tyler's Kiln is at 27 Hackington Road, Tyler Hill, Canterbury, CT2 9NE.