Maidstone Medway Magazine September'13 issue

mmm Maidstone, Medway Magazine 20

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Maidstone, Medway Magazine

Issue 20, September 2013 Complimentary

MAIDSTONE MUSEUM

The county town’s history for all to experience

MADONNA

A look back at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, 5 years on

THE COUNTESS OF WESSEX Her very Royal story

September 2013

n Fashion n Travel n Business n Entertainment n And much, much more

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Madrid 2013

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Welcome

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Be a part of this unique magazine dedicated to Maidstone and Medway

Rasa

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former TV for fronting presenter, best She admitsPet Rescue. known they have financi ally from benefit home purcha some shrewd ed ses – but no intentio they “We have n of moving on have just yet. our homes done really well buy homes,” the star reflectswith . “We work, do that need a bit of them buy someth up, sell on done that ing else. We and have donethree times andhave we quite well that. out of “We are not going again, to move but we see part of our pensio our house as n.”

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"I'm under no illusion husban d is gorgeo s - I know my us and I need to

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What a fabulous last few weeks it has been – the sun has kept shining, there have been a host of fabulous events across the county, and there's plenty more to look forward to.

Over the last few years September has proved to be a bonus summer month – typically just as the children go back to school or off to university! But it does mean that summer feeling continues for a little while longer, hopefully!

I'm popping out of the county to visit the Goodwood Revival this month – always a fabulous treat of motor cars through the ages and, of course, fashion.

Talking of fashion, inside this issue we look at Kent's very own royal family member – Sophie Wessex. After growing up in Brenchley, she has become one of the Queen's closest family members. Her story really is a significant one.

Almost as deep in the British psyche as the royal family is our affection for the Spitfire. A familiar sight above our skies during the Second World War, inside this issue we take a look at the remarkable story of how the generosity of the people of Kent paid for an entire squadron.

So as we return to our regular routines after holidays and outings, there is plenty for you to enjoy in this issue.

Here's hoping September proves as glorious as the rest of the summer!

Here at mmm we have an opportunity for a talented Sales Executive and Designer.

You will be a can-do person with a passion for all that’s great about our area.

Cut out or photocopy this form and send a cheque payable to: MMM-Media Ltd White Cottage, 13 Ashford Road Maidstone, Kent ME14 5DA

DON’T MISS OUT

Become a subscriber – just pay £24 p&p for a year and we willl send you the next 12 magazines hot off the press

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

Travel Editor Tricia Lester

Production Michael Pilcher

Design M S Rawley Oliver Theobald Sales Michael Rawley Accounts Kerry Head

Further contribution Evelina Webster

80 10 Countess of Wessex

The Local girl born in Brenchley, Kent, has gone on to be a Royal icon

24 Fashion

With the winter months fast approaching, we guide you through the best looks for the autumn season

28 Maidstone Museum

The history of Maidstone has been given a modern facelift for all to enjoy

34 Kent Squadron

We tell the story of how one donation lead to Kent’s own squadron of Spitfires

45 Travel

This month explore the amazing and unique India, or take a very special type of yacht trip!

53 Home

We take an exclusive look at a very exciting and incredible property in rural Kent

66 Motoring

Whether you are environmentally friendly or see yourself as a bit of a petrolhead, we have the two cars which are a must this Autumn

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45 71 Business

We take a look at the latest goings on in the local business world

74 Jude Law at the Dockyard

Jude Law returns to the Historic Dockyard once again for his new film, Black Sea

76 Radio 1 Big Weekend

We look back at Madonna performing alongside other high profile acts at Mote Park for the Radio 1 Big Weekend

80 Local Events

The Ferrari owners club gather for the summer ball to raise money for local charity

71 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. Š MMM Media Ltd 2013

The Countess of Wessex

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A young family keen to uphold the tradition of the Windsor family

HE pretty village of Brenchley is the sort of hamlet west Kent does so well; the quaint old pub, the picturesque houses and a palpable sense of history.

Fitting then, that it should provide the childhood backdrop of the county’s home spun member of the Royal family.

Sophie Rhys-Jones was no stranger to privilege as she grew up; attending private schools and mixing in the right circles.

With ambitions to carve a career in PR, she was set to become a successful, independent business woman long before fate intervened.

Because when, at the age of 28, she attended a charity event attended by Prince Edward, the youngest son of the Queen, a chain of events began which would see her fall in love and ultimately marry the prince, and find herself a fully-fledged member of the most famous family in the world.

What's more, she would strike up a remarkable friendship with the Queen herself – establishing a real affection which would see many observers remark on how she enjoys perhaps the closest relationship of any of the Queen's son or daughters-in-law.

Yet while she clearly enjoys good relationships with the Windsor’s, all has not gone smoothly for young Sophie – most notably when she was the victim of the News of the World's notorious 'fake sheikh' who managed to tape her candid views on everyone from the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and other members of the royals.

To make matters worse, her business partner at the time made a host of rather misguided comments which ensured she found herself and the way she conducted her public relations firm given her royal connections, facing intense scrutiny.

It was a naivety which would suggest misjudgement as she settled into her new role in public life than anything more sinister.

But since those dark days in 2001, things have settled down considerably. In 2002 she withdrew from her business interests to purely focus on her royal duties, and has developed a somewhat enviable reputation.

She is seen as a strong woman, and one who, as she approaches 50, retains the glamour and easy charm that many women half her age would gladly accept.

A mother-of-two, she is now very much part of the establishment – all of which is a far cry from when she took a secretarial course at West Kent College in Tonbridge in her late teens.

Yet she keeps her feet on the ground. She and Edward decided before the birth of their two children that neither James nor Louise adopt the HRH or Prince or Princess titles.

The fact she has bounced back after the embarrassment caused by the newspaper expose, stands as a testament to both her depth in character

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“She attended a charity event attended by Prince Edward, which would see her fall in love and ultimately marry the prince, and find herself a fully-fledged member of the most famous family in the world” and the genuine affection in which the Windsor’s hold her.

And she has certainly needed their moral and emotional support. An ectopic pregnancy – which can be life threatening – saw her rushed to hospital, while she had two C-section births during which she needed the support of both the Windsor’s and of course, her own family.

Born Sophie Helen Rhys-Jones, the young duchess was born in Oxford on January 20, 1965, to parents Christopher, a tyre salesman, and Mary. She took the name Helen in tribute to her father's late sister, who had died

in a riding accident some 10 years before Sophie was born.

The family moved to Brenchley and it was there, along a quiet rural lane, that Sophie grew up.

She attended Dulwich prep before continuing her education at the plush Kent College in Pembury. Stepping out of the public school system for her final qualifications, she attended Tonbridge's Brooks Street camps of West Kent College – the education establishment which would become K College before fracturing again following financial problems.

She looked to seek her fame in

London – working for a variety of companies as she looked to make her way in the highly competitive world of public relations.

But her talent was obvious from the outset. She secured a plum post at Capital Radio, and key positions with other respected PR firms.

Fond of travel, she spent time working as a ski rep in Switzerland and took a year out to travel and work in Australia.

Come 1993 and her brush with Prince Edward at a London charity event would change the course of her life.

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By 1996, and now with a sufficiently high profile, she felt in a position to launch her own PR agency R-JH Public Relations was launched alongside her business partner Murray Harkin.

It was to be a fateful decision, the end of which would be played out on the TV screens and front pages of newspapers around the world. Cynics would say for a business woman whose job is to control images and stage manage public persona, the way her company and career would end was somewhat ironic.

But for the first three years, she secured contracts as her relationship with Edward blossomed. In January 1999 they announced their engagement – sealed with a ring with an estimated value of £105,000.

By the June, the couple tied the knot.

Unlike the weddings of Prince Charles, Princess Anne or Prince Andrew – the Queen's other children – the ceremony was relatively low key. Staged at Windsor Castle, it was televised but not with any of the global attention of, say, the recent nuptials of Kate and William.

From Sophie and Edward, the couple emerged as the Duke and Countess of Wessex.

But then Edward has always preferred a lower key role. Determined to find his own way in life, he has almost become as famous for his theatre company and patronage of the arts, as he has royal duties.

Yet after getting married, and having to ride out the scandal of the News of the World sting, the dramas did not end there.

In December 2001, Sophie was rushed to the King Edward VII hospital after feeling unwell. An ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed – where an egg attaches to the fallopian tubes rather than the womb. If not swiftly diagnosed and treated, it can be extremely serious – even fatal.

Sophie was treated and recovered.

And just two years later the Windsor’s were celebrating a royal birth as Lady Louise was born in November 2003.

But the birth was far from straight forward. A sudden placental abruption – where the placental lining separates from the mother's uterus – meant she had to be rushed into hospital to

undergo an emergency caesarean. Edward had been on a trip to Mauritius and was alerted to his wife's predicament. He rushed back but not before his daughter was born.

She was born with exotropia, a condition which sees the eyes deviate outward.

At the age of three she had underwent a 30-minute surgical procedure to correct the condition, although it remains apparent.

Now nine, Louise is a popular little girl who enjoys riding around the royal estate and like her mother, is close to the Queen.

In December 2007, she welcomed a brother into the world when James was born, again by C-section. This time, his father was at the birth, who quipped it was “a lot calmer than last time” after the birth- much to the relief of both parents and an anxious nation.

Today, they are a young family keen to uphold the tradition of the Windsor family. They were high profile during the Queen's Jubilee in 2012 and visitors to the bedside of Kate when she gave birth to young Prince George earlier this year.

Yet, also, as seen by the decision not to burden their children with the pressures of a title, they are determined to live their own lives and create a safety family environment for their children.

Sophie has certainly come a very long way since her childhood in Brenchley – and few would deny her the success she has subsequently enjoyed. mmm

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Are you breast aware?

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With October being breast cancer awareness month, Miss Hassanally, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon at Spire Alexandra Hospital advises on the facts you need to know In the UK in 2010 more than 49,500 women were diagnosed with breast cancer¹. However, almost 2 out of 3 women now survive this disease beyond 20 years and there are several different factors accounting for this, including earlier detection and a range of improved treatments.

Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Spire Alexandra Hospital, Miss Hassanally explains: “Any woman could be affected by breast disease, no matter what their age. The UK has a high incidence for breast cancer with 1 in 9 women being diagnosed during their lifetime¹. Being breast aware is the first step to protecting yourself from this cancer.”

Miss Hassanally adds: “Only quite a small proportion of cancers are thought to be due to inherited risk less than 1 in 10 cancers are clearly linked to inherited genes². The risk of having one of these genes in the family depends on the number of relatives affected, the closeness of these relatives, and the age at which they developed their cancer.”

To help you detect the signs of breast disease it is important that during everyday activities you get

used to how your breasts normally look and feel and follow the five point breast awareness code:

A team of specialist radiologists and nurses aim to carry out any investigations required at the patients first appointment using state-of-the-art equipment that can help detect breast abnormalities.

The earlier breast cancer is detected, the better the chance of beating it – so it is important to have regular checks. The ‘One-stop’ service is an opportunity to have a consultation and further investigations promptly. mmm

•Know what is normal for you •Check both the look and feel of your breasts •Report any changes to your GP without delay •Attend routine breast screening if you are 50 or over •Know what changes to look and feel for: -A lump in the breast/nipple References discharge or pain -Change in size and shape of your 1 http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerbreasts (flattening or swelling) info/cancerstats/keyfacts/breast¹ cancer/cancerstats-key-facts-on-breast-cancer -Dimpling of the skin -Change in the position of the nipple 2 http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Aboutcancer/Gen (unless you are breastfeeding) etics/Cancergenetics/Howcommonisafamilyhistory -A rash or crusting on the nipple or surrounding area -Swelling/lump in the armpit -Veins which stand out Spire Alexandra Hospital in Walderslade offers more than usual a comprehensive range of private hospital -Any changes in services to patients throughout the South East sensation, especially if in of England, particularly Medway and the one breast only surrounding areas.

-Constant pain in part of All of our consultants are GMC registered and the breast or armpit

Why Spire?

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

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

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

“

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

”

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

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Established at The Somerfield Hospital in Maidstone since 1996 we provide a comprehensive dental implant service.

Patients are treated by Anthony Bendkowski, Specialist in Oral Surgery, and his small dedicated team of support staff.

Dental implants provide a safe, predictable solution for patients whether they are missing one tooth or even if they have lost all their teeth.

Anthony Bendkowski Specialist in Oral Surgery BDS(Lon) LDS RCS(Eng) MFGDP(UK) DP D Sed(Newc) DPDS(Bris) M Surg Dent RCS(Eng) Fellow & Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists

Complete Implantology Clinic The Somerfield Hospital, 63-77 London Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 ODU Tel: 01622 208017 Email: implant@ukgateway.net Website: www.ukcic.com

For many people who are missing teeth Dental Implants are the next best thing to having their own

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My Implant Diary – by Anna Jones

Appointment 1The Consultation After going to dentist and orthodontist surgeries on a regular basis for the past thirteen years, coming to Anthony Bendkowski for an implant consultation was a refreshing change.

I felt like I had all the time I needed to listen to proposed treatments, ask questions and understand exactly what was going to happen. The preferred treatment was explained clearly with diagrams and videos so I felt completely at ease with the process.

After exploring different routes, I felt well informed and happy about the options presented, including what may possibly prolong the treatment or not happen straight away. The benefits, as well as possible complications, were explained, so there were no empty promises or hopes that everything would necessarily work perfectly first time. I felt reassured by the consultation and very happy to proceed with the proposed treatment.

Appointment 2The Surgery Having left the consultation feeling optimistic about the process, I have to say I was slightly nervous about the surgery itself. On arrival I was again made to feel at ease and comfortable about what was going to happen. The procedure was really not as bad as I thought; it was definitely not as bad as having a tooth taken out even though it took longer.

I was reassured throughout the procedure and I felt extremely relieved to be one step closer to the final result.

Appointment 3Review and Suture Removal This was only a short appointment 2 weeks after the procedure and it was good to have the stitches out. I was pleased to hear that Anthony was happy with the healing process so far and that everything was going to plan.

Appointment 4Implant Uncovery and Healing Cap Ten weeks later I was back for the next appointment where the implant would be uncovered, which is a minor procedure under local anaesthetic. The bone had healed very well. A healing cap was put on and a couple more stitches were put in. The gum would be left to settle for the next stage.

Appointment 5The Impressions I am not a fan of impressions but as this was a completely pain free appointment I can’t complain. This was the penultimate appointment so I was starting to look forward to seeing the end product. During this appointment I was also able to help choose the colour of the tooth and look at any characteristic markings I wanted incorporated. Again, I felt like I had a say in the final tooth which made me feel at ease and confident because I knew what to expect.

Appointment 6The Final Appointment The finishing of the implant was a lot quicker than I expected and seemed to be done in no time at all.

I couldn’t believe the end result, it looked absolutely

fantastic. Anthony said that the gum contour would continue to improve, but to be honest I was happy with how it looked already.

It felt absolutely incredible and after thirteen and a half years of waiting for a new, permanent tooth I felt quite emotional that the journey was finally over.

In Conclusion …

I am so grateful to Anthony Bendkowski and his team for all their work and can’t thank them enough for giving me my tooth and self-confidence back. If I was to speak to anyone who was considering an implant, I would say do it, it is worth the few months of wearing a temporary denture.

Reflecting over the treatment process, I only seem to have positive feelings about the whole experience. I can’t really recall any real pain associated with the procedure or the subsequent healing and throughout the whole thing I felt at ease, probably because I was reassured along the way and the team are so relaxed and friendly.

I also think it was because I felt in control about each stage and understood the procedure. I feel this is so important as it led to a fantastic result and a very happy patient.

Anthony Bendkowski Specialist in Oral Surgery

Anna was referred to me here at the Somerfield Hospital by her uncle, who is an experienced local dental surgeon, to have her upper right central incisor replaced with an implant supported crown. She had suffered a sports injury at school damaging the tooth and despite all best efforts it had to be extracted when she was 22 years old, leaving her with an unsightly gap in an otherwise healthy and attractive mouth with no fillings. She was now wearing a temporary removable denture and was looking for a permanent solution that would be both cosmetically pleasing and feel like a natural tooth.

Having assessed the case and discussed Anna’s options with her, I felt confident that we could achieve a good cosmetic and functional replacement for the missing tooth using dental implant treatment.

The two challenges with this type of case are maintenance of good soft tissue contour, particularly the little pink points between the teeth called papillae, and achieving a perfect match in colour, translucency and shape when compared with the other front tooth. We were able to achieve an excellent result for Anna by use of careful surgical technique, minor bone augmentation to support the soft tissue and working with the latest technology – Zirconium implant components and all ceramic crown – both of which are metalfree, therefore allowing for the best aesthetic outcome.

I hope you enjoy reading about Anna’s experience of dental implant treatment here with us.

Website : www.ukcic.com

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We’re the only clinic in Kent to offer TATTOO REMOVAL with 2 high powered Q lasers

No single laser can remove all types of tattoo ink and colours The Q-switched 1064 ND:Yag removes dark blue, black, grey and white ink.

The Q-switched 532 KTP removes red, purple, orange, brown, green blue.

The Spirit Health Clubs of Maidstone and Rochester are not your typical membership clubs.

At Spirit, they pride themselves on building long-standing relationships with their members by offering a friendly and unintimidating health club.

The highly qualified lifestyle consultants are there to help each member to achieve and maintain the lifestyle change they desire. From weight loss and strength training to relaxation and swimming, Spirit offers a range of activities that appeal to a wide ranging demographic.

Spirit has seen many success stories of members achieving excellent results and improvements in their health and fitness. Rick Lancaster is one such example where a combination of hard work and dedication along with the expertise of the staff has seen him lose four stone in eight months.

How did Rick achieve this? Firstly he realised his general exercise routine was good for his health, but not producing any significant change in his bodyweight. After a chat with a team member, a new program focusing on high intense calorie burning, supplemented with weight training and nutritional advice, kick-started a transformation that even Rick wouldn’t have expected.

Rick now attends five times a week and trains at varying times of the day for up to 60 minutes and he even finds the time for the odd pilates session to boost his flexibility.

After a typical workout, Rick would relax in the sauna and steam room to cool down after another hard session.

All staff are trained and certified in tattoo removal.

The price will be from £55 per session depending on the depth, size and colour.

Call us to arrange you free consultation.

Wells Clinic

9 New Street, Ashford, Kent TN24 8TN Tel: 01233 661662 info@wellsclinic.com 71 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1DX Tel: 01892 530265 info@wellsmedicalcentre.com

Rick Lancaster lost four stone while training at Spirit Health Club

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Maidstone Museum expands into the 21st Century W 28 mmm

HEN Maidstone Museum unveiled its fresh new, modern extension recently, it forced many traditionalists to think long and hard about what it meant to the county town's cultural heart.

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Described by one national newspaper as “a super-sized Benson and Hedges fag packet� (before admittedly going on to hail it a success), the extension to the site took a little getting used to.

But it did drag the centre into the

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21st century and reminded everyone in the town, and indeed county, of just where to go in search of their local heritage.

What's more it expanded the amount of space available and did what all good buildings dedicated to art should do – prompt debate and discussion; that is, after all, what all good art should trigger in the mind of the passer-by.

Yet it's modernistic new twist is merely a disguise to the remarkable history behind its creation and the man who not only once lived in the town centre site but whose personal collection of art and artefacts forms the basis of a collection which has continued to grow and continue to educate and inspire.

Thomas Charles was a surgeon-turned-antiquary, described by some as “an eccentric bachelor”. Born in 1777, he owned and lived in the imposing, but run down, Chillington Manor in the very heart of the county town.

The picturesque building had originally been built in 1562 for the local MP Philip Barham.

But despite being a popular figure during his lifetime, it was a gesture in death which would ensure his name would go down in the town's history books.

After his passing in 1855 he donated both his house and sizeable collection of art and archaeological items to the people of the town.

Among the collection were some very fine works of art. a

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a Fortunately it coincided with the introduction of the Public Libraries Act which enabled local authorities to fund the creation and upkeep of public libraries and museums from local taxes – and as a consequence the local authority used the generous donation to benefit the community.

Over the years, the building would be extended – in the late 19th century an east and west wing

was added to allow it to showcase purpose-built galleries.

The collection was growing too.

In addition to Charles' original donations were works from the collection of the museum's first curator. Edward Pretty was born in Hollingbourne and was an antiquary and friend of Charles.

Following his death just 10 years later – in 1865 – the second curator, WJ Lightfoot, from the British

Museum, acquired the collection of his friend Julius Lucius Brenchley.

Brenchley, known as one of the UK's foremost adventurers of his day, was a hugely influential figure in Maidstone. Born and bred in the town – he died aged just 56 in Folkestone – his works were donated to the museum and include items which remain key exhibits.

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The Brenchley Trust continues today; a charity which raises money for the upkeep of his collection.

Unsurprisingly, with such a flood of items coming into the museum, its reputation boomed at the end of the 19th century.

When the two-storey art gallery wing was added in 1889 – the Bentlif Art Gallery – the museum included galleries and a library.

The name Bentlif was derived from the wing's benefactor – high street footwear wholesaler Samuel Bentlif – who in turn invested as a last memory to his brother, George Bentlif. A keen art collector, George's own collection of some 200 paintings joined the museum's growing collection.

Over the years, the museum has continued to benefit from generous donations – including a number of oil paintings by the town's famous writer, William Hazlitt, who gives his name to the town's theatre.

A number of local works continued to join the collection during the mid 20th century. a

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a Since 1960 it has also been the home of the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment Museum – an independent resource which tells the history of this famous local regiment which played such a significant part in both the First and Second World Wars.

Today, Maidstone Museum contains over 600,000 artefacts and specimens – including a chair once used Napoleon Bonaparte.

It continues today, operated by Maidstone Borough Council, and attracts thousands through its doors.

As valuable a community resource today as it was all those years ago, when it first opened.

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Current exhibitions: Worn To Be Wild until November 2 A vibrant exhibition of fashion though the ages inspired by the wildlife of Britain. Designed and created by Kate Plumtree, dress designer and textile artist.

Worn To Be Wild is a touring exhibition of fascinating theatrical costumes, headdresses and accessories. The collection is inspired by British birds and mammals combined with the evolution of period dress from medieval times to the present.

(Admission charges apply).

Treasures From Hirado until November 2 Part of the 400th anniversary of the opening of trade and cultural ties between Britain and Japan.

It features artefacts never before seen outside Japan. In particular the exhibition focuses on William Adams, a native of Gillingham, who was the first Englishman to reach Japan. Adams became a confidant of Japan's ruler and was buried in Hirado.

(Admission charges apply).

General access to the main collections stored at the museum and the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment Museum, is free of charge.

The museum is open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday and noon to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

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01622 766262

M A. Strum

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X mmm

We will remember them

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In August 1940 a cheque for £5,000 donated by a Bearsted resident led to the setting up of the Kent County Spitfire Fund. What followed became unique in wartime history. Robin J Brooks tells the story...

IN August 1940 in what became known as ‘the long hot summer’, Squadron Leader ‘Bob’ Stanford Tuck DFC was forced to abandon his blazing Spitfire shortly after being in battle with the Luftwaffe just off Beachy Head, near Eastbourne.

In the fields below, workers watched his blazing aircraft fall and then saw the pilot’s parachute open. Tuck landed badly just outside the boundary of a large Kentish house called ‘Plovers’ at Horsmonden, the home of Lord Cornwallis MC.DL.JP, the then secretary of ‘The Association of Men of

Kent and Kentish Men’.

Taken by the estate workers to the house and after being attended by a local doctor, Lord Cornwallis told Stanford Tuck that he had just received a cheque for £5,000 from Mr Stanley Johnson of Bearsted, with the suggestion that the money be used for the purchase of a new Spitfire to replace the one he had seen crash earlier. After this news and a hot bath, Stanford Tuck promptly fell asleep in his Lordship’s bed!

At a meeting of the War Emergency Committee of the

Association of Men of Kent and Kentish Men held later that month, it was decided to inaugurate the Kent County Spitfire Fund. Estimates of the result of the decision varied but with the Battle of Britain raging overhead and enemy aircraft falling in the county streets, the people of Kent decided in no uncertain fashion to pay their debt to the ‘Few’.

The inauguration of the fund fired the imagination of people and, by the winter of 1940, £29,370 had been collected, enough to buy three Spitfires. It was decided a

that they would be called ‘Man of Kent’, ‘Kentish Man’ and ‘Fair Maid of Kent’.

As the fund gathered momentum it was felt that it was not enough to just purchase a flight of Spitfires but an entire squadron.

The people of the county once again responded magnificently and

by May 1941, the fund had reached £100,000, this helped by asking other local funds to co-operate.

From Colonel Moore-Brabazon,

the president of aircraft production came the following letter: ‘We are very pleased that the County of Kent has been successful in achieving sufficient money to pay for a full fighter squadron. This will be the County of Kent Fighter Squadron and Kent will be the first county to have a squadron named after it’.

Designated No. 131 (County of Kent) Fighter Squadron, it was formed at Ouston on June 30, 1941.

Commanded by Squadron Leader J M Thompson DFC, it was equipped

with Spitfire Mark IAs, and once again unique, each aircraft carried the name of a Kentish town emblazoned just below the cockpit together with the Kent emblem of the ‘white horse’. It was further decided that the commanding officers aircraft should be named ‘Spirit of Kent-Lord Cornwallis’.

During July and August the squadron moved to Catterick and Ternhill respectively for training before becoming operational at RAF Atcham on September 27, 1941, and

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converting to the Spitfire IIA. In the county the donations were still coming in and were used to buy additional items needed to function as a squadron. When the fund closed in August 1941, Lord Cornwallis gave thanks to the people of the county in a letter published in every town and village.

“Just remember that when you look upward to the skies, it may be your Kent squadron that is defending the gateway of England and ask for God’s blessings and protection for the glorious brave men who are riding on the wings of the White Horse of Kent”.

By October, No. 131 was deemed ready for operations and during November they had many abortive scrambles due to the bad weather.

With Squadron Leader M G F Pedley DFC taking command and following a further period of training for new pilots and groundcrew, December 1941 saw the squadron fully operational.

Over the following years they moved around the bases of Fighter Command, achieving moderate success in shooting down enemy aircraft. Conversion to the Spitfire VB saw 131 arrive at Merston, a satellite airfield to Tangmere on the south coast during 1942, this base possibly being the closest that the squadron ever got to a Kent airfield.

Carrying out Ramrod and Rhubarb operations (day bomber raids escorted by fighters and low level strike operations carried out in occupied Europe respectively) they saw action through to November

1944, when they ceased operations prior to moving overseas.

The squadron re-assembled at Amarda Road, India, with Spitfire VIIIs but seven months later, on June 10, 1945, it relinquished its aircraft to the Indian Air Force and was disbanded. A temporary reprieve when No. 134 Squadron was re-numbered 131 saw them operate Thunderbolts in preparation for the invasion of Malaya. This however was forestalled by the Japanese surrender with 131 finally disbanded on December 31, 1945.

A letter to the squadron from the Air Ministry dated November 1945 stated:- “Due to the contraction of the RAF to peacetime strength, No. 131 Squadron, Fighter Command presented by the County of Kent is to be disbanded. The council convey their deep appreciation of the spirit which prompted the gift of a squadron and in the well-being of the men. The donors may be sure that their contributions to the

common cause played an important part in attaining final victory”.

And so No. 131 (County of Kent) Fighter Squadron faded into the annals of RAF history. Unique due to the fact that it was an entire squadron purchased by donations sent in by the good people of Kent.

Today, 2013, the county has another unique contact with the iconic Spitfire. A local businessman, Peter Monk, learnt to fly at Rochester Airport. Having gained his private pilots licence, he went on to qualify as a commercial pilot flying with airlines such as Caledonian and Ryanair.

Fanatical about Spitfires, Peter was intent on one day owing and flying one. His chance came when having rebuilt a Harvard trainer to flying condition (a Harvard is considered to be the nearest flying experience to a Spitfire) it came to his notice that the remains of an ex RAF Spitfire Mark 9 TA805 and more recently of the South African Air Force, had

been returned to the UK for restoration in 1989. Following an eight year rebuild at Airframe Assemblies on the Isle of Wight, the Spitfire was purchased by Peter in 1997.

In memory of the wartime 131 (County of Kent) Fighter Squadron, he promptly named his aircraft ‘Spirit of Kent’ to be further known as ‘The Kent Spitfire’. With this name the county of Kent once again entered the history books as being the only county in peacetime to have its own Spitfire, a fact that remains to this day.

It was hangered at Biggin Hill Airport, a famous Battle of Britain

fighter station, which is today a commercial airport. The aircraft became well known performing displays at Kent events and when joined by further Spitfires, a Harvard and a Piper Cub, the search went on for a suitable hangar. When one became vacant at Biggin Hill Peter, together with his Hong Kong based business partner, promptly named it ‘The Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar’.

At the same time he set up his own Spitfire restoration company which today has three Spitfires undergoing various stages of restoration.

Although a business, the hangar is also used as an educational establishment for schoolchildren.

With the Battle of Britain currently in the school history curriculum, what better for them than to get up close and personal with aircraft that perhaps their grandfathers maintained and flew.

Work experience emplacements for school leavers is also proving popular and is also, hopefully, teaching them the skills that were lost when Britain lost its aviation industries.

Those words spoken by Lord Cornwallis some 73 years ago are equally relevant today for when you hear a Rolls Royce Merlin engine and look up to the skies, you may be seeing your own Kent Spitfire. mmm

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FOOD

Beef Empanadas

Recipe by Buenos Aires Maidstone

Empanadas is a stuffed bread or pastry baked or fried in many countries in Southern Europe, Latin America, and parts of south east Asia. The name comes from the Galician, Portuguese and Spanish verb empanar, meaning to wrap or coat in bread.

Ingredients 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil ½ lb ground beef ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about ½ cup) ¼ cup tomato sauce

! ns io r d at fo rio rv en pe se ak s Re w t tma no hris eC

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1 cup of olives 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped ½ tsp dried Oregano Ground black pepper, to taste 1 package puff pastry Instructions 1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, for about 10 minutes.

Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes more.

Stir in tomato sauce, olives, garlic, oregano and black pepper. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer until mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.

2. On a lightly floured work surface, using a rolling pin, roll out your pastry until ½in larger in diameter, and cut out round disc shapes for empanadas (use round molds or a small plate). Spoon about 1 tbsp meat mixture into middle, fold in half to form a half moon; moisten edges with water and pinch to seal closed, or seal with a fork.

3. To bake preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush tops with egg wash, avoiding crimped edges. Bake until golden brown, rotating sheets halfway through, 30 to 40 minutes.

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

OPEN ALL DAY SUNDAY Traditional Sunday Lunch until 6pm A20 London Road Wrotham Heath TN15 7RU 01732 882330

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mmm travel

n Be as active or as relaxed as you like with so many things possible

n Enjoy exploring the many wonders of India

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

It’s yachting, Kirsty Keeling-Jones Branch Manager Baldwins Travel Agency Maidstone 01622 762141

Enjoy the

We are hosting two presentations in October and you are invited!

Exodus Holidays Exodus have been creating and sharing adventure for 38 years. Adventurous holidays that feed the mind, body, soul and senses, and are exciting and memorable too!

From walking and trekking to cycling, winter activities, family holidays, polar expeditions, wildlife encounters and cultural journeys, Exodus offer the discerning traveller a holiday of a lifetime.

To find out more about their exciting holidays, book your place at our presentation: Thursday, 10th October, 2013 Mercure Hotel, Tunbridge Wells Start time: 7pm Finish time: Approximately 9pm Call: 01892 511999 or email: tricia@baldwins-travel.co.uk Tickets are limited SeaDream See our editorial for information Thursday, 17th October, 2013 Mercure Hotel, Tunbridge Wells Start time: 7pm Finish time: Approximately 9pm Call: 01892 511999 or email: tricia@baldwins-travel.co.uk Tickets are limited Refreshments will be available at both events.

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EADREAM Yacht Club is different from big ship cruising.

Their philosophy of casual perfection runs through everything they do.

With only 112 guests being pampered by an award-winning crew of 95, the level of attention and service they pay to each of their guests makes yachting aboard either one of their mega-yachts SeaDream I or SeaDream II feels as if you are on your own private yacht. a

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a Be as active or as relaxed as you

like and take in the ultimate in luxury, privacy and pampering.

SeaDream’s itineraries are designed to visit the intimate ports, harbours and yachting playgrounds that larger ships cannot reach.

From May-October SeaDream I and II sail the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

November-April we visit the turquoise waters of SeaDream’s Caribbean and this year also to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal.

From October 2013 through to April 2014 SeaDream II will go somewhere entirely new for the company and explore new ground as she visits Asia’s most striking locations, from the hustle and bustle

of international shopping havens Hong Kong and Singapore, to the undisturbed charm and tranquillity of Myanmar and New Guinea.

To ensure that their guests experience all that each specially selected port of call has to offer, their itineraries feature overnight stays in some of the best yachting ports and harbours in the world.

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Explore the many wonders of India

HY not consider visiting India, a country with a rich and diverse history and culture. India is a perfect fusion of both ancient and modern.

From the Taj Mahal in Agra (one of the New 7 Wonders of the World), and the Forts and Palaces of Jaipur, to the hustle and bustle of modern New Delhi with its Formula One

track and Business districts.

You could take a trip into the North to the tea plantations and mountains or maybe a safari. Mumbai is a coastal city with evidence of its colonial past and its famous slums (thanks to Slum Dog Millionaire) that reach right up to the Mumbai airport runway, is also worth a quick visit.

There are many ways to see India,

but probably the best way to see this wonderful country is to take one of the many organised tours.

Why not start your tour to India by flying with Jet Airways and immerse yourself from the start with the friendly hospitality, and experience a new altitude of luxury!

Jet Airways believe that nothing should stand between you and your

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dream destination. Over the last twenty years, they have become an international airline connecting you to over 75 destinations, each connected every five minutes and bestowed with 42 Best Airline Awards.

First Class Service Imagine sleeping on a fully lie-flat bed in your own private bedroom, 40,000 feet above the ocean. It’s not a dream; it’s their luxurious new First Class offering, unrivaled privacy and more personal space. a

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from our selection of world class cuisines, whilst you sip from a glass of sparkling wine. Step into your own private suite. With dual sliding doors, night sky mood lighting system, and a host of other facilities, their First Class offers more peace and comfort than you can imagine. There’s a private wardrobe and award-winning in-flight entertainment too. So, you will arrive in style no matter where your travels take you.

Smart New Première Service Stretch out and relax in the most comfortable and spacious seats in the sky. Their innovative herringbone configuration in Première provides direct aisle access to each seat so you don’t have to step on anyone’s

toes to get to the aisle.

With a laptop plug-in socket at every seat, you will always have the power to be productive.

Enjoy the revolutionary 180º lie-flat bed surrounding you with a wall of privacy and personal space; unwind with award-winning in-flight entertainment. Enjoy a good night’s sleep and arrive refreshed.

On arrival why not consider staying at some of the amazing Taj Hotel properties, such as the famous Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, the Rambagh Palace Hotel in Jaipur or the Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur (featured in the James Bond film Octopussy).

Contact Baldwins Travel now for more information on tours to India t: 01622 762141.

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n We give you access to one of the most luxurious homes in Kent, just a few miles from Lenham n We have a few tips on how to kit your home out, ready for the Autumn months

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

Marks & Spencers Home & Furniture Collections Spring 13

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

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A must view property full of luxury

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TEDE House is a five bedroom detached house set in gardens of 1 acre. The current owners have extenisvely

developed their home in the fourteen years they have lived here and transformed the accommodation available.

The downstairs arrangement of

accommodation is very adaptable and benefits from three separate reception rooms along with a 21ft conservatory overlooking the garden.

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There is also a well proportioned well fitted kitchen/breakfast room.

Upstairs the master bedroom features a balcony looking out over the gardens and farmland beyond and there are four further bedrooms and family bathroom.

The overall plot measures one acre with the home sitting relatively central to the grounds.

The gardens are laid mainly to lawn. There is an extensive driveway area leading to the double garage and an "L" shaped workshop beyond.

Rarely does a property in such a location become available so an early viewing comes most recommended.

The entrance door leads through to the hall that then leads into the square dual aspect sitting room with a wood burner.

To the left is the 22ft by 19ft family room with patio doors onto one of the patios.

The well fitted and well equipped kitchen/breakfast room enjoys a central island and has a utility room off it. Leading to one side is the triple aspect dining room and to the other side the 21ft conservatory, which again leads out onto one of the patio areas.

Upstairs the master bedroom suite features both a vaulted ceiling and a balcony that looks out over the garden and surrounding countryside. To one side is a dressing room leading to an extensive walk-in wardrobe plus a spacious ensuite shower room.

There are four further bedrooms along with a contemporary family bathroom fitted to a high standard.

The gardens of Stede House surround the property and extend to approximately one acre with the house relatively central to the plot.

There are electronic gates leading to an extensive shingled parking area with a turning circle.

Behind the garage is an extensive "L" shaped workshop measuring 32ft in length, ideal for a variety of uses. There is also a large mower store.

The gardens are laid mainly to lawn with extensive areas of patio to two sides of the property. There is also a most useful covered patio area to one side.

Within the garden are a variety of plant and shrubs along with established trees.

Stede House is found

approximately 11/2 miles outside the village of Harrietsham along Hogbarn Lane.

The situation of the house is private yet not completely isolated, with neighbouring properties within the vicinity.

The larger village of Lenham is approximately three miles away and offers a wide range of amenities to include a railway station. There is also a railway station in both Harrietsham and the neighbouring village of Hollingbourne.

The M20 motorway is approximately five miles away, providing a direct link to London and the continent. The county town of Maidstone is approximately eight miles away and the Cathedral City of Canterbury twenty miles away, with its regional shopping centre and extensive range of cultural activities.

The fast train from Ashford International to London St Pancras takes 38 minutes and is approximately twelve miles away.

Viewing is strictly by appointment with: Philip Jarvis Estate Agent 1 The Square, Lenham Kent ME17 2PH Tel: 01622 858241 Fax: 01622 859324 Email: homes@philipjarvis.co

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Jacksons Fencing news, topical treats and more... mmm 61

The evening sun deck with single pergola and premier lattice trellis panels.

Let’s hope it will continue into an Indian summer remember you’ve still got time to take advantage of our latest offer on half price delivery, so why not go for it and perk up your garden with a pergola, or a dreamy deck to enjoy the autumn sunshine on. Details, as usual, are on your local page: www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/ashfordlocal That brings us neatly around to the subject of

Well we’ve had some glorious summer weather at last, it certainly makes up for the dreadful start to the year, when you can bask in the sun and enjoy being in your garden, rather than staring gloomily out the window at the rain, yet again!

decking. I’m a great advocate of decked areas, they can add a different dimension to your outside space.

Speaking from experience, a couple of years ago we cleared flowerbeds and an old arch from the bottom of the garden, raised the level by creating a sizeable deck with a couple of steps up onto it.

We also installed a single pergola and lattice trellis panels along the tatty old end fence and, hey presto, we now have a wonderful area to enjoy the evening sun. The garden feels airy, bright and spacious down there now.

So I’m a fan of decking, as long as it is well looked after, if it’s not brushed and hosed regularly it can easily build up slippery areas.

To be in with a chance to win one of our raised bed kits simply log on to your local page, address below and following the easy instructions on how to enter. The draw closes 30.9.13. Previous Prize Draw winners are posted on the web page.

To enter go to:

To this end we’ve introduced slip-resistant decking boards at Jacksons. Available in 3 metre lengths, these anti-slip boards still feature grooves, as with our standard decking, and are made using the same Jakcure treated softwood that is guaranteed for 25 years.

However they have the additional benefit of two

grit strips per board (as seen in the image on the left), which will increase grip considerably and help make them less slippery. They are great for steps, to give an extra grip, and if you are lucky enough to have a swimming pool, they are just the job.

There’s more info on these, as usual, on the local page.

louise@jacksons-fencing.co.uk

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MOTORS

Nissan Leaf THE new Nissan Leaf has become the first 100% electric vehicle to join the Motability Scheme, allowing the scheme’s 620,000 current users the opportunity to explore zero emission motoring.

Customers can upgrade to the Acenta and Tekna ranges.

Whichever Leaf model customers ultimately choose, they can look forward to waving goodbye to petrol stations and

saying hello to instantaneous power delivery and a peaceful driving experience. A full charge on the Leaf gives up to 124 miles range and costs from around £2 (depending upon time of day and tariff), meaning that over a distance of 10,000 miles drivers can expect to save around £1,000 that would otherwise have been spent on the forecourt.

What’s more, British Gas is currently offering a 16Amp data-

enabled Home Charging Unit (HCU) which will charge Leaf from empty to full in eight hours.

Having been designed as a purpose-built electric vehicle from the ground up, the neat packaging of its lithium-ion batteries means there is no compromise on boot space; in fact, with 370 litres on Visia and Acenta grades, it has more luggage space than a Ford Focus.

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MOTORS

Vauxhall Cascada

WITH 200PS, 300Nm torque and a top speed of 146mph, a high-performance version of the new 1.6 SIDI turbo engine is to make its world premiere in a Vauxhall Cascada at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The engine is one of the newly-designed Vauxhall fourcylinder SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) units. It joins the existing 170PS 1.6 SIDI turbo fitted to the Cascada from its launch earlier this year.

“The completely new, even more powerful 1.6 SIDI turbo with 200PS debuting at Frankfurt makes our mid-size

Cascada an extremely attractive offer to convertible buyers.

The new 200PS 1.6-litre SIDI turbo not only delivers 11 per cent more power, but also 300Nm maximum torque with overboost – 70Nm more than the comparable 1.6-litre turbo predecessor. At the same time, the new engine with a power output per litre of 125PS is top-in-class in its competitive segment. With this the Cascada reaches a top speed of 146 mph.

The 200PS petrol direct injection unit is part of Vauxhall’s model and powertrain offensive. Within five years, the

manufacturer will introduce 23 new models to the market.

Through 2016 Vauxhall will also introduce three completely new engine families and 13 new powertrains, renewing 80 per cent of its entire powertrain portfolio.

The new 1.6 SIDI turbo downsized engines are distinguished by high power density as well as superb refinement combined with low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. At the same time, numerous ultra-modern manual and automatic transmissions are being introduced.

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LEVELS

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BUSINESS

4G

Expanding into Maidstone and Tonbridge BUSINESSES are being encouraged to take advantage of the superfast potential of 4G mobile broadband.

Typically up to five times as fast as existing 3G services, the service expanded into Maidstone and Tonbridge in July, courtesy of mobile operator EE. It has initial exclusivity on the high-speed service – prior to competitors coming on board later.

Rikki Lear, regional manager for Kent and Sussex at EE, said: “The expansion of 4G mobile broadband services across Kent and Sussex is a great benefit to local businesses and residents who will be able to do more on the move with the arrival of these higher speeds.

“We’ve been investing in launching 4G and improving our existing 2G and 3G services across the region, and I’m delighted that we’ve switched on in Maidstone, Tonbridge and Crawley.”

EE was formed by the merge of Orange and TMobile and has been investing heavily in advertising the service with Hollywood star Kevin Bacon.

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BUSINESS Locate

New deals abroad LOCATE in Kent has secured new deals with overseas firms in a bid to boost the county's attraction to firms from the USA, Germany and France.

The inward investment agency has signed agreements to help identify potential leads with the England Development Agency in the US, Sector Marketing of Germany and Frenger in France.

Paul Wookey, chief executive of Locate in Kent, said: “One of our key roles is to encourage foreign direct investment (FDI) into Kent.

“While we have had a successful memorandum of understanding with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) for the past year or so, which has helped identify a number of targets, and we ensure that we support overseas companies already in Kent through our aftercare programme, we need to cast our net as widely as possible to find and attract as much overseas investment as possible.”

The appointment of the three agencies aims to bolster Locate in Kent’s successful efforts in attracting FDI. In 2012-13, 15 overseas owned companies either started up in, or expanded or relocated to, Kent from places as diverse as New Zealand, India and Denmark, creating 559 jobs and retaining 277.

Mr Wookey added: “FDI is particularly important as the investment from foreign companies tends to be greater in both capital and jobs terms than that of

domestic businesses, and companies that move here from abroad often reinvest later.”

He added that the US, Germany and France had been targeted as they are countries whose companies had a proven record of investment in the UK, with latest figures showing 188 US owned companies operating from Kent, with 69 French and 47 German.

The United States and Germany in particular have burgeoning life sciences businesses – a sector identified as particularly important for Kent, home to Sandwich’s Discovery Park and Sittingbourne’s Kent Science Park.

The appointments were made possible through £150,000 of funding from Kent County Council.

KCC cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, Mark Dance, said: “We had a lot of applications from some excellent agencies for these three roles.

“The tender process was competitive and rigorous and I am confident we have appointed three agencies that will quickly begin to generate really valuable leads for Locate in Kent.

“There should be no doubt as to just how important the North American, German and French markets are to Kent in terms of FDI. We need a strong presence in all three if we are to attract crucial investment and jobs.

“By supporting Locate in Kent in appointing these new partners, we are confident we will soon see positive results in terms of new jobs being created here in Kent.”

Each agency has been awarded a threeyear contract, subject to annual reviews.

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Shepherd Neame

Deal signed with Canadian brewery FAVERSHAM brewer Shepherd Neame's desire to stretch its wings out of its traditional south England heartland has continued with a major distribution deal in North America.

The firm has signed deals with Canadian independent brewery, Moosehead Breweries, to act as its distributors for the US and Canadian markets.

Flagship beer, Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale, will be on sale across the US from this month (September), with further products planned for 12 months’ time.

The two businesses were introduced to each other by the Boston Beer Company, for whom Shepherd Neame brews Samuel Adams Boston Lager in the UK and Moosehead Breweries distribute in Canada.

Five-year contracts have been signed for each market.

Olly Scott, Shepherd Neame's export manager, said: “The US deal means Shepherd Neame beer will be available in the USA for the first time since 2001 and that’s very exciting for us.

“We know drinkers value greatly the heritage of our brewery and quality of our beers. Meanwhile, signing Moosehead Breweries as our new distributors for Canada will expand our distribution to new provinces: again, it’s a hugely exciting prospect.”

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Jude Law returns to the Historic Dockyard, Chatham, for his latest film

UDE Law may have turned 40 last year, but his smouldering appeal and acting clout shows no signs of slowing – nor his apparent love of filming in this part of the world.

The star, who shot a number of scenes for the all action Sherlock Holmes movies – alongside Iron Man Robert Downey Jnr – at the Historic Dockyard Chatham, was last month back in the county for his latest film.

Black Sea is a tense thriller featuring Law as a British submarine captain who embarks on a hunt for a stolen submarine laden with gold on board.

And that brought Law to Rochester Esplanade to shoot scenes in an old Russian submarine moored on the Medway in Strood.

The actor and the film crew were

spotted boarding a chartered launch, while the crew's catering trucks and film equipment took over a coach park in Gas House Road.

Filming took place on the Black Widow submarine – a familiar sight in the Medway – and one steeped in history.

Originally built in Leningrad in 1967, it served with the Soviet Baltic fleet before being decommissioned in 1994 and sold into private hands.

She was moored close to the Thames Barrier after her sale, where she became a museum ship, open to visitors, before heading to Kent

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and Folkestone where again she was open for visitors.

However, she fell into a state of disrepair and has been moored near Strood since 2004 where she is awaiting restoration.

And proving the ideal spot for on location filming.

In addition to filming in Medway, Law also spent several days on HMS Talent, a British submarine, as it left Gibraltar to take part in training sessions in the Mediterranean.

Law, who has appeared in the likes of the Talented Mr Ripley and remake of Alfie, spent time understanding what it was like to serve in the cramped, tense, conditions underwater.

Leading Seaman Anthony Morgan said: “He was very down-to-earth, he went around every department and worked out with the captain.”

Law spent several days on the sub before filming got under way.

Black Sea is expected to reach the big screen next year.

For Law it is a return to the county he enjoyed filming the hit Sherlock Holmes films, directed by

Madonna's ex husband, Guy Ritchie.

Scenes from both the Holmes' movies were shot at Chatham's

dockyard, which saw both Law and Robert Downey Jnr shooting scenes at the hugely popular location.

Plus, it is claimed some scenes from next year's Dom Hemingway – also staring Richard E Grant – were also shot in Chatham.

And while Law was in the county, one of the top dramas of the year was being shown on TV. Southcliffe was a sometimes disturbing, always powerful, tale affecting a fictional market town. All the external shots were filmed in and around Faversham. mmm

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Mote Park had never T

HE normally tranquil green park was transformed from peaceful retreat to a vibrant music festival site. And at the very heart was an appearance by perhaps the most famous and influential woman pop music has ever seen.

But just how did Madonna come to be playing – five years ago this summer – in the county town. And at a show where entry was gained through a free ticket?

BBC Radio 1 has long held a special place in the hearts and minds of the nation. Few grew up without having dipped their toes in the sometimes excruciating,

A multi-million selling performer whose pioneering performances and attitude changed the entertainment landscape for ever

sometimes life-changing music and shows which it poured onto the airwaves.

But where once its summer highlight was the Radio 1 roadshow – more often than not a jaunt around the seaside towns, setting up in a car park and bringing chart stars

along for the ride – the 21st century brought a more sophisticated approach to meeting the public.

Out went the roadshow and in came the Big Weekend.

Instead of a truck and a DJ, this was a mini-village taking in some of the areas of the UK perhaps not

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seen anything like it before or since blessed with venues and live entertainment. Swindon, Bangor, Carlisle... it started to fulfil an important role in reaching out the to licence-fee paying BBC audience.

The recipe was simple – stage a mini-festival over the course of two days, and fill the bill with some of the top chart stars. Tickets were given away free, via a randomly selected lottery, and the whole event was broadcast live to give the BBC

a giant vat of original live performance content.

And make no mistake – the lure of plenty of publicity managed to attract some big names.

Leading up to 2008, headliners included the Black Eyed Peas, Keane and the Foo Fighters. But no one would compare to when Kent got the nod.

Earlier in the year, Maidstone was announced as the host of the 2008 Big Weekend – a major coup which

delivered plenty of early publicity for the town.

Taking place at Mote Park on 0May 10 and 11, the show was announced on the Chris Moyles breakfast show, broadcast live from Leeds Castle.

But it was not until the April that the big news was announced – that the legendary Madonna would be the big headline act.

A multi-million selling performer whose pioneering performances and

a

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a attitude had forever

changed the entertainment landscape, Madonna was still proving a commercial hit more than 20 years after she first emerged on the scene.

At the time her performance was announced she was number one in the charts with 4 Minutes, a track featuring Justin Timberlake.

Demand for the 20,000 free tickets was intense – with locals given prominence in the lottery – and heavily oversubscribed.

Elsewhere on the bill was the little known Adele.

The weekend itself was drenched in warm sunshine, and the crowds turned out in force.

Madonna herself was helicoptered in to the town – arriving at the nearby rugby club before running through a soundcheck prior to her performance on the Saturday night.

As she eventually emerged on stage – in what was her first ever UK festival appearance – the covered tent was crammed with fans, desperate to catch a glimpse of her.

James Thomson was one of those lucky enough to be there. He remembers: “The anticipation around her performance was intense.

“After all, this was the mighty Madonna coming down to perform in a tent in Mote Park. It was all rather surreal.

“In those minutes building up to her arrival on stage the atmosphere was intense.”

Appearing on a throne and flanked with dancers, in a performance showed live on TV, she ripped through several tracks from her new album including 4 Minutes.

By the time her six-song set was over, she was being rushed from the venue and flown out of the site.

Madonna had conquered but the biggest winner, without exception was Maidstone.

It had won coverage it couldn't have dreamed of, while enhancing its reputation among a more youthful demographic.

Some five years on and it remains one of the most remarkable chapters in the county town's modern history. mmm

Heart of Kent Hospice benefit from Kent Ferrari Summer Ball

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Kent Ferrari Summer Ball at the Thistle Hotel Brands Hatch saw a collection of more than eight million pounds worth of Ferrari’s on display. £13,000 was raised in an auction for the Heart of Kent Hospice, Aylesford, Maidstone, Kent.

Caroline Brinkman, Fund Raising and Marketing Manager, says: ‘She was overwhelmed by the generosity of members from The Ferrari Owners club’.

Guests were entertained by The Counterfeit Beatles, International cellist Lizzy May and Ager Brown Comedian/Auctioneer.

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mmm Maidstone, Medway Magazine 20

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Maidstone, Medway Magazine

Issue 20, September 2013 Complimentary

MAIDSTONE MUSEUM

The county town’s history for all to experience

MADONNA

A look back at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, 5 years on

THE COUNTESS OF WESSEX Her very Royal story

September 2013

n Fashion n Travel n Business n Entertainment n And much, much more