January 2014 issue 24 by Rasa Dregva

mmm Magazine 24

mmm Issue Issue 24, 24, January January 2014 2014 Complimentary Complimentary

CLEAR SKIES AHEAD Sunny outlook outlook for for Sunny Kaddy Lee-Preston Lee-Preston Kaddy

UP, UP AND AWAY Sheppey’s remarkable remarkable Sheppey’s aviation history history aviation

RESOLUTIONS

Top 10 10 personal personal Top improvements you you improvements can achieve achieve in in 2014 2014 can

ROADSHOW TO SUCCESS The soaring value of Fiona Bruce

January 2014

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

Win 12 mo ! nth l me eisure s mb ers hip

mmm Magazine 24

mmm Issue Issue 24, 24, January January 2014 2014 Complimentary Complimentary

CLEAR SKIES AHEAD Sunny outlook outlook for for Sunny Kaddy Lee-Preston Lee-Preston Kaddy

UP, UP AND AWAY Sheppey’s remarkable remarkable Sheppey’s aviation history history aviation

RESOLUTIONS

Top 10 10 personal personal Top improvements you you improvements can achieve achieve in in 2014 2014 can

ROADSHOW TO SUCCESS The soaring value of Fiona Bruce

January 2014

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

Win 12 mo ! nth l me eisure s mb ers hip

6 mmm

Welcome

Get fit2014 for

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WIN! 1 years FULL

membership of the Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel Club

WELCOME to the first edition of mmm for the new year – and what a 2014 we have to look forward to! Firstly, I hope you had a fabulous Christmas – it's such a great time for parties and meeting up with families and old friends, but it can all be a little exhausting, can't it? Whilst the new year is, often quite literally, a rather sobering time of year, it's also one I find quite invigorating – as twelve fresh months stretch before me, all full of potential. It's really quite exciting. It's been helped by the fact we've just moved to wonderful new, bigger, more modern, offices in the middle of Maidstone – so please do make a note of our new contact details if you want to contact us. Also, we're two years old this month – I can not believe how time has flown! In fact we've grown so fast, and stretch now across so many parts of the county, we're dropping the Maidstone and Medway Magazine part of our name. Don't worry, we won't forget our roots, but from now on we're simply mmm – the essential magazine wherever you live in Kent. So sit back and enjoy our first edition of the new year – there's plenty to read, from examining some of the most popular resolutions to features on local favourite Kaddy Lee-Preston and everyone's favourite, the BBC presenter Fiona Bruce. Enjoy the read – and please do let us know what you think – I'd love to hear from you! Rasa

Valued at £470, this membership includes full access to the club 7 days a week: 2 all weather tennis courts, 2 gymnasiums, 16m Pool, spa, Steam & Sauna, trim trail. Great new Classes timetable from January including Yoga, Pilates, Circuits, Aqua, Legs Bums & Tums too!. Membership includes 5 guest passes, free induction and personal programme, discounts in the Beauty rooms, 20% off food in the hotel Brasserie and special offers throughout the year. Regular club activities & trips out. Anyone joining in January includes one free personal training session with qualified instructor. Come and see what’s new at the Club! For a chance to win, simply fill out this advert, cut out and send it to us at: MMM Media Ltd, GHL House, 12-14 Albion Place, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5DZ, by Friday 31st January 2014.

Name................................................................ Address............................................................. .......................................................................... .......................................................................... .......................................................................... Tel..................................................................... Email.................................................................

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MMM Media Ltd GHL House 12-14 Albion Place Maidstone Kent ME14 5DZ Tel: 01622 299035 sales@mmm-media.com www.mmm-media.com Publisher Rasa Dregva Editor Tom White Travel Editor Tricia Lester Design Matthew Jones Karen Oliver Accounts Kerry Head Photography Shaun Easton Rachel Luckhurst Further contribution Evelina Webster Christine Furlonger

10 10 Fiona Bruce

Read the story on one of the UK’s favourite presenters, who has become a role model to many young women

26 New Years Resolution

Every year we promise to give up a certain habit or try something new, we look at the top 10 New Year Resolutions

30 Fitness

New Year and time to get into gear, take a look at the escentials you will need to help burn those calories

37 33 Kaddy Lee-Preston

Kaddy has always been on BBC News South East’s to brighten up our day, now we look at her career after the BBC

37 Travel

Visit Laos and be captivated… Love Cyprus, read our report

47 History

Take a step back to why the Isle of Sheppey changed the way we fly around the world today

50 Food

New Year new recipes, find out what we have dished up

58 Property

Take a look at the stunning new properties for 2014

76 Razzamataz

Take a look at the steps it takes to get your child into show business

78 Events

Have a look at some of the worlds best photography, check out Abigails Charity Ball and the Kent Ferrari Owners Club gathering at Eastwell Manor

65 Motors

Bored of your old runaround? check out the brand new motors we have selected

72 Business

All the latest and exciting business news in the Kent area

33 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. ÂŠ MMMâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;Media Ltd 2014

Fiona Bruce

One of the UK’s most popular TV presenters Fiona Bruce, as she reflects on her life story, moving between Singapore and England as a child, to recently working in Kent.

OR young women looking for a role model, they could do far worse than gain their inspiration from Fiona Bruce. The TV presenter and news reader has after all, enjoyed a quite remarkable career. Which has seen her elevated to

the very top of her profession and become a household name. In Chatham last year filming an episode of the hugely popular Antiques Roadshow, later this year she turns 50 – a landmark she will reach having enjoyed a hugely successful career and private life.

She earns upwards of £500,000 a year, is clearly very bright, and has managed perhaps the ultimate trick – keeping her private life out of the headlines. For the most part, at least. She is clearly the darling of the BBC which deploys her with

It would be very unfair to focus on the few negatives on what has been a truly remarkable career. One which, has elevated Fiona to be one of the nation's most popular presenters

apparent gay abandon. Not only is she the face of the long-running Antiques Roadshow, but she continues to present major news bulletins, She was selected to replace the murdered Jill Dando on Crimewatch, and has fronted a host of documentaries on everything from the Queen's palaces, to the love affair between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She's even become the outspoken apple of Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson's eye, who once

commented she had “a nice bottom” which has seen the two strike up an unlikely friendship ever since. Her home is a large detached Victorian villa close to London's Belsize Park station, which she shares with her husband Nigel Sharrocks, an advertising executive. The couple have two children – Sam, 15, and Mia, 12. So far so good for a woman who has admitted to having powerful feminist views, which began as a student in Oxford and continued through campaigning against nuclear weapons at Greenham Common during the 1980s. But while her family remain in the background, her financial affairs have frequently catapulted her into making the news rather than simply reading it. When it was revealed she was one of a number of BBC stars to have set up a company to be paid – a move many claimed was to avoid paying the top rate of tax – she felt forced to come out and defend herself. “The BBC stipulated I formed a service company,” she explains, “it was not my choice, but that was the situation. “I pay my full share of tax, believe you me. It's not the first time I've been associated with things or decisions I'm not responsible for, and you can't get aggravated about every single one." Another high profile incident was the 90th birthday interview with the Duke of Edinburgh where she found herself inadvertently caught in the middle of a row. What's more, she found herself face-to-face with a less than effusive prince.

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Clearly uninterested in the interview, it attracted plenty of attention. What Fiona Bruce wasn't aware of was that the interview had been brokered by presenter Selina Scott, a personal friend of the Queen's husband. But after he agreed to be interviewed by her as his only TV interview for his birthday, the BBC opted instead to send Fiona Bruce – a decision which clearly rubbed the prince up the wrong way. While Selina Scott would later let it be known she felt “betrayed” by the BBC who she accused of having an ageist agenda. Not that it made it any easier for Bruce when faced with a difficult interview subject who was giving nothing away. “He was slightly more antagonistic than I expected,” she says. “It was an interesting experience. He clearly did not want to be there. “I must admit I feared that he might just get up and walk out he was clearly quite agitated. It ended up being a very uncomfortable hour. “I've met him since and he's been an absolute delight.” It would be very unfair to focus on the few negatives on what has been a truly remarkable career. One which, has elevated Fiona to be one of the nation's most popular presenters. She was born in Singapore on 25th April 1964. Her father was a high flyer at the multi-national consumer company Unilver. Her family would move frequently. Her schooling took place in the Wirral, An International School of Milan and New Cross, in South London. While a teenager, she would model

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for stories in teenage girls' magazine Jackie. Fiona moved on to Hertford College at Oxford where she studied modern languages – coming away fluent in both Italian and French. Not that she didn't know how to let her hair down. Or, indeed, change its colour. "When I was at university, I sang in rock bands and dyed my hair blue,” Fiona would admit. After working for a management consultancy and then an advertising

agency, where she met her husband - she got her big break when becoming a researcher on current affairs show Panorama, and quickly started climbing up the ladder within the BBC. And that included fronting Kent's local BBC news show, BBC Newsroom South East for a short spell. Soon however, London would be calling and she quickly landed anchor roles on the corporation's main national news bulletins and the

rest, as they say, is history. Today, her association with Antiques Roadshow – which has recently seen her visit Chatham – is perhaps her best known. “Filming Antiques Roadshow is such good fun. I have done so much grim journalism so it's a great relief to do something that is so much fun.” So how does she square away her feminist principles in an environment where so much focus is put on how presenters, particularly the way women look? a

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“Filming Antiques Roadshow is such good fun. I have done so much grim journalism so it's a great relief to do something that is so much fun.”

“The reality is that you can't look like the back end of a bus if you're woman and hope to get the job, you have to be able to be well presented. But you don't have to be a beauty. You do, however, have to pay more attention to your appearance than the men. “But I can't ever see that changing in my lifetime.” Not, famously, that it stopped her from picking up the trophy for Rear of the Year in 2010 – not something she now looks back on with great pride. “Looking back I think it was a little hypocritical of me because I call myself a feminist. “I had called my girlfriends at the time and they found it hilarious – but told me to collect it as it would be a laugh, so I did it in the spirit in which it was intended but I must admit it wasn't my finest hour. “It was just odd going to an event where everyone just wanted to take pictures of your bottom.” A great, highly paid job, fantastic home, successful family, fame and an award winning backside she may, indeed, be the woman who has it all. mmm

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Top resolutions 24 mmm

for 2014

AS MEMORIES OF THE FESTIVE SEASON BEGIN TO FADE, THE BATTLE BEGINS FOR MANY TO TURN OVER A NEW LEAF WITH THEIR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS.

And while many may have already hit the rocks, there's no time like the present to make those changes you've always wanted to.

Here are ten of the most popular...how many have you tried in the past?

GET FIT

Well, none of us are getting any younger are we? So what better way to put a spring in your step than by improving your health? You don't have to join a swanky gym to make a difference, of course. Taking up running only needs a decent pair of trainers, while going for a brisk walk will also get the blood pumping. And if you manage to achieve this first one, the second most popular resolution tends to follow hot on its heels...

GET FIT FOR THE PARTY SEASON!

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LOSE WEIGHT

Around every corner is an article promising the magic formula of how to shed those unwanted pounds – especially those recently acquired courtesy of one too many turkey dinners. But the truth is that if you abide by two simple principles, the weight will surely be shed – namely don't eat so much and do some exercise. Weight fads will come and go. But a sensible diet and moving around more is always the key.

GIVE UP SMOKING

Still addicted to the deadly habit? Well, you're in a declining number. The mood against smoking has truly turned, with more and more pressure coming to bear to banish it from public places after the success of eradicating it from our pubs and clubs. No-one can be left in any doubt as to just how dangerous it is to your health, and take it from one reformed smoker, you'll feel so much better, smell great and enjoy a healthy boost to your bank balance. Surely that's reason enough?

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

Mystery Shopper visits Maidstone Last month Maidstone was targeted by the Travel Weekly mystery shopper, with an enquiry for a trip to St Petersburg in Russia. The scores are out of 100 and are based on advice and product knowledge, customer service, shop appearance and the overall experience. A few agencies were visited, but we are pleased to announce that Baldwins Travel won, with a score of 95/100! Wishing all our readers a Happy New Year. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to contact us if you are thinking about a holiday in 2014/15, our teams are extremely knowledgeable and will find the perfect holiday for you. Travel Tips from your Local Award Winning Travel Agency

Be Amazed... Laos W

HEN the French colonised Indochina, they had a saying – the Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow. This is a very apt remark on the pace of life in Indochina’s only land-locked country. Visit Laos and you’ll be captivated, amazed and enchanted by South-East Asia’s little known gem.

Visit Vientiane Vientiane is the country’s sleepy capital lying on the banks of the Mekong River and home to beautiful French-colonial architecture, superb restaurants and river-view cafés. The capital for over a hundred years, Vientiane translates into ‘Sandalwood City’ a fragrant incense which stimulates the senses of travellers passing the many monasteries and sights in town. Visit Vientiane’s oldest and most famous temple, Wat Sisaket, as well as Phra That Luang, a religious building covered with intricate murals, and dating back centuries ago. The Patuxai Monument in the centre of town is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but is said to have been donated by the USA so they could build an airport

runway in the capital during the American ‘Secret War’ in the 1970s. Linger Longer in Luang Prabang North of Vientiane is the former royal capital of the Kingdom of a Thousand Elephants.Luang Prabang is the highlight of any visit to Laos and one of the most inspiring destinations in Indochina. Set amongst lush mountain scenery, Luang Prabang is best known as being home to one of Asia’s most incredible sights. Every morning thousands of saffron-robed monks rise at dawn and walk the streets of town barefoot to collect their daily alms from local residents. Many ethnic minority people live in the area around the city, and every night the hill tribe population sets up a market on the town’s main street. Here you can find beautifully embroidered fabrics, Lao handicrafts and silver jewellery. On the banks of the Mekong River, enjoy a sunset drink at one of the many excellent cafés or restaurants in the restored French-colonial villas lining the waterway. The vacant Royal Palace and numerous monasteries and pagodas provide amazing examples of the intricate and symbolic detail involved in Lao architecture.a

Out of town nearby waterfalls, stunning scenery and the Cave of a Thousand Buddhaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s each offer a rural Laos experience. Northern Laos is also home to the Plain of Jars where hundreds of mysterious stone vessels, whose ancient purpose remains unknown, are scattered across the countryside.

Islands and Highlands In southern Laos explore the 4,000 Islands. These numerous land masses spring from the waters of the Mekong, home to a rare breed of freshwater dolphin. Few of the islands are inhabited and where they are, the local residents live as they did hundreds of years ago.

The south is also home to the Bolaven Plateau, a beautiful and rarely-visited cool-climate region with stunning flora, coffee plantations and hill tribe minority villages. If you would like more information or holiday options to Vietnam, call Baldwins Travel on 01622 762141.

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Discover Cyprus

Educational report by Trevor Ridler, Branch Manager, Baldwins Travel, Tonbridge On the 11th November 2013, I went to Cyprus, courtesy of Individual Holiday. They are a small independent tour operator specialising in a few Mediterranean destinations and Bespoke Caribbean Holidays. The Cyprus selection, although not as large as other tour operators, is handpicked for customers who like quality and service with an individual approach to the needs of the clients. They have a very good relationship with all the local hotels in their brochure, along with individually selected ground handlers, who are there to tailor for the needs of the customer.

This includes those extras not added in the package. For example arranging golf, dining, and tours, plus anything else that is needed. Being independent they can offer holidays from 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 28 nights and longer, flying with all airlines from Easy Jet to British Airways and from any departure airport serving Cyprus. Private transfers included and car hire can be arranged so that it is delivered to the hotel. Car hire is

highly recommended. Cyprus having an excellent road network, signs in english and driving on the left with numerous places of interest to see. A lot was packed into a three day visit, in some ways too much to get

a real feel for Cyprus, but enough for me to be planning my own trip back to the island in June of 2014. I visited a lot of hotels in the three days, probably half of the portfolio of Individual Holidays in Cyprus,seeing hotels in Limassol, Pissouri, Paphos and the resort of Aphrodite Hills. A selection of hotels for all holiday types, family, adult only, sport, wellness, gastronomy, relaxation etc. Trevorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Three Hotels All of these hotels have a selection of room

types superior, deluxe and suites with sea or inland views. A selection of board types, from B&B to all-inclusive. I would suggest with the amount to see and do in Cyprus, B&B or half board, would be the best choice to make. 1: Limassol â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Amathus Beach and Spa Hotel. The Amathus Limassol is a very good standard hotel, well worth its five star rating.

It has what I must say is the best spa I have ever seen, anybody whose priority is a spa, would be more than than satisfied. a

I would say that it is more than worth it to look at side or full sea view, as the inland view is not that good. If your budget stretches, you should seriously consider the fabulous suites with private plunge pools. Dining on half board is in selected restaurants within the hotel, however, included in your half board is around 20 euros per day towards one of the À la carte restaurants. 2: Pissouri – Columbia Beach Resort and Hotel

Whether you just want to relax on the beach or take part in some of the exciting activities, the Pissouri Bay Beach Hotel in Cyprus has everything to offer. You will be well looked after with a high standard of food, service and facilities here. Beach Resort in Pissouri Bay will take you to a memorable holiday hideaway, located in the tranquil and picturesque Bay of Pissouri. It’s beach framed by stunning white cliffs. Picture yourself relaxing in the 80 metre long lagoon style pool,

admiring the incredible views of the Med without a care in the world. In my opinion, with the two distinctive parts, this is the perfect choice for whatever you require. The hotel a very high standard four star option, offering all board types up to all inclusive, with choice of room categories naturally exuding a friendly, warming atmosphere. It is perfect for couples and families alike. You then have the five star Beach Resort, offering the more discerning customer a higher standard of facilities including a very well a

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equipped Spa offering many different types of treatments and wellness programmes. The Beach Resort gives you the option to dine around the whole resort including restaurants the hotel. The rooms offer some of the best views you will find in Cyprus, overlooking the beautiful Pissouri Bay. I would highly recommend if the budget allows, to take one of the suites with a private pool. 3: Aphrodite Hills Resort and Villas Resort Facts at a glance: • The Mediterranean’s finest 578 acre integrated sports and leisure resort. • Luxurious five star InterContinental Resort Hotel, Paphos, Cyprus, with 290 bedrooms, four restaurants and three bars. • Outstanding 18-hole championship golf course with golf

academy and clubhouse. • The Retreat Spa - a luxurious, award-winning Spa with 27 treatment rooms, health club, thermae, pool, sun deck and a garden. • World-class tennis academy including nine championship tennis courts - four clay and five hard courts. • The village square and with a selection of shops, restaurants, bars and Byzantine style St. Catherine’s Chapel. • An extensive choice of luxurious and lavishly appointed villas. • Two private Mediterranean Beach Clubs. • The all new Pirates Village Kids Club • Sweeping views over the Mediterranean, the golf course and unspoilt natural landscape. • Charming architecture inspired by traditional Cypriot village style.

• Easily accessible - just 15 minutes from Paphos International Airport. This fully self-contained resort is perfect for a resort based holiday. The hotel has everything you would expect, with the world renowned quality of Inter Continental in every corner. For golfers there is, in my opinion, very few better golf resorts in the whole of the Mediterranean. For any customers wanting a villa holiday, I would look no further, than maisonette type apartments. To luxurious five bedroom private villas, with infinity pools and amazing views over the sea or golf course, are recommended. If you book a villa it would be highly recommended to have a car whilst there. You can get transfers from Paphos or Larnaca airports and pick your car up in resort..

Aviation

Isle of Sheppy A

S the 20th century dawned a revolution in the skies was about to take place; changing the way we travelled forever more. But as the world embraced the remarkable opportunities brought about by the birth of the aviation age, few are aware that Kent would play host to a key part of its emergence and development. And, in particular, the Isle of Sheppey. Today, the island is best known for its prisons and the remarkable wildlife it allows to flourish on its marshlands. It would write itself into aviation's history books, attracting some of the most remarkable names of the age – the Wright Brothers, the Short Brothers and even Charles S Rolls, the man who would later go onto

form the legendary Rolls Royce company. It would also bear witness to some of the defining moments of that remarkable age; providing the platform for some of the most significant breakthroughs. At its heart was Mussel Manor – a Grade II-listed building, which claims to be one of the oldest in Leysdown. Today it is the site of a holiday park, offering static caravans and chalets as well as bed and breakfast accommodation – its name tweaked to Muswell Manor. It can track its history back to 1540 and still boasts some of the original beams from all those centuries ago. It was at the turn of the 20th century where it would really write its name large in the history books. It was in 1909 when the Aero Club

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of Great Britain, or the Royal Aero Club as it would be known, stretched its wings. Having been created eight years before in London by Frank Hedges Butler, his daughter Vera and Charles Rolls, it had operated out of the capital and focused on the then booming world of ballooning. By 1908 the airplane was emerging as the next big thing, and the Aero Club wanted to be at its forefront. So it created its first aerodrome on a stretch of marshland at Shell Beach, near Leysdown in early 1909. Nearby farmhouse Mussel Manor became the clubhouse. Meanwhile, members could start building sheds to accommodate their aircraft on the surrounding land. Among the first were Eustace and Oswald Short – better known to a

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historians as the Short Brothers – a duo who were already well known to club members for the balloons they created. Now, inspired by the Wright Brothers' successes – the American brothers who, in 1903, had seen the first controlled, powered, heavier than air human flight – they turned their attention to aircraft. The club acquired a licence to create copies of their aircraft and the race to push ahead began with gusto. By the 1st May of that year John Moore-Brabazon flew 500 years in his Voisin craft at Shell Beach, In doing so the pilot, who would later become known as Lord Brabazon, became the man behind the controls of the first flight by a British pilot in Britain. Just days later, the Wright Brothers themselves came to Sheppey to visit the Short Brothers' factory. Buoyed by their progress, the same pilot managed to fly a mile by the October of 1909. A month later he proved pigs could fly – strapping a piglet to the plane and completing a short flight, both arrived back safely.

Sheppey's reputation as the driving force of the British aviation industry gained traction – with the Royal Navy establishing a flying school in nearby Eastchurch – where the Aero Club would move its operations to the following year. There the club played a vital role in training pilots – some of whom would find themselves, by the start of World War One, taking control of a war plane. The progress kept being made and plane building became a major industry – expanding into nearby Rochester. A number of firsts continued to be made in and around the area – the first take off of a plane on a ship, for example, happened off the coast of Sheerness. The Short Brothers' focus looked to the boom in airships and much of their production was shifted to Bedfordshire. The Kent link remained however, although the tough economic situation of the 1920s saw it face challenges, as well as the increased competition from around the UK and Europe in terms of aircraft

innovation and development. By the early 1930s the Shorts switched much production to its Rochester Airport operation. In 1934 it closed its Eastchurch premises. After the airfield and factories were heavily bombed during World War Two, production would ultimately switch to Belfast – bringing down the curtain on the Short Brothers' Kent links. Yet it remains a very special place for aviation historians – and a place of pilgrimage for many. It is perhaps ironic that the greatest threat the island faces going forward is from the need for further aviation capacity in the South East. Given its position at the very birth of the industry in this country, the repeated efforts to build a massive multi-million pound airport just off its coastline could, ultimately, change the way of life for everyone who lives and works there. The Short Brothers can surely have never imagined what they helped pioneer all those years ago would one day become such an incredible business phenomenon.. mmm

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FOOD

Ingredients: for the pasta: 3 eggs, room temperature 1-3/4 cup flour (more or less) for the filling: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 leek, thinly sliced, white part only 12 ounces salmon, skin removed and cut into cubes 3 tablespoons dry white wine 1 tablespoon chopped chives 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano cheese 1 egg salt and pepper 1 tablespoon lemon zest for the sauce: 1-1/2 leeks, thinly sliced 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter juice of 1 lemon 1 tablespoon chopped chives for garnish Instructions: Make the pasta: Mound the flour on the counter and make a well in the middle. Break the eggs into this well and, with a fork, whisk the eggs until slightly beaten. With the fork, start incorporating the flour a little at a time until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour. Only add enough of the flour to make a dough that is still slightly wet but not sticky enough to come off on your fingers when you press into it. Knead the dough for a couple of minutes and wrap in floured plastic wrap. Let rest on the counter for 20 minutes. Make the filling: In a large saute pan, heat the oil and leeks and saute the leeks over medium low heat until soft. Add the salmon and cook gently for about five minutes. Add the white wine and cook for a couple of minutes just until the wine has cooked off and the salmon is just barely cooked.

Recipe from theitaliandishblog.com

Salmon Ravioli

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Remove and place in the bowl of a food processor. Add the chives, parsley, cheese, lemon zest and egg to the food processor. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust accordingly. Pulse until mixture is fairly fine. Refrigerate filling until you are ready to assemble the pasta. Assemble the ravioli: Cut the pasta dough into two pieces. Keep the dough you are not using wrapped. Make sure your pasta rollers are on the #1 setting, the widest. Flatten your piece of dough and run it through the rollers. Flour it, fold it into thirds, and run it through again. Do this three or four times. Set the rollers to #2 and run your dough through that setting. Take the sheets of pasta and lay them on a floured countertop. Repeat with remaining dough until you have made all your pasta sheets.

Cut your sheets slightly longer than your ravioli mold. Lay one sheet of pasta on the mold, making sure the entire mold is covered. Take a pastry bag and squeeze out about a tablespoon of filling into each well or you can just use a spoon and spoon filling into the mold. Spritz the pasta sheet with a little water or brush a little water in between all the filling. Lay the second sheet on top and run a rolling pin over to seal. Turn the mold over and release the ravioli. They will not be separated. Use a fluted pastry wheel to cut apart. Lay the ravioli on a floured baking pan and continue making ravioli until you've used all the pasta sheets. You can store the ravioli on baking sheets in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them. Cover loosely with plastic wrap. You can also freeze them on

baking sheets and then stick them in zip locks. To cook after being frozen, do not defrost first. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Make the sauce: In a large saute pan, melt the olive oil and butter. Add the leeks and cook until they are soft. Add the lemon juice. Keep this mixture on low until you add your cooked ravioli. To cook: Add the ravioli to your boiling water about ten at a time. Bring the water back to a gentle simmer and cook for about three to four minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon or handled strainer to the sauce in your saute pan. Continue cooking the remainder of ravioli. Add to your saute pan and blend gently with sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste and chopped chives for garnish.

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news, topical treats and more...

Happy New Year to Everyone! Keep your logs aired, covered and tidy with the log store from Jacksons

2014 is here and at the risk of sounding clichéd, I can’t believe how 2013 just zoomed by. Maybe it’s because the summer started so late, but no sooner had it started than we seemed to be hurtling towards the end of the year. There have been some horror headlines in the long range weather forecast that are ‘chilling’ to say the least. I hope by the time you are reading this in January, that they have turned into just scaremongering and the forecasters have got it wrong. It may be a tenuous link, but wintery weather can turn your thoughts to cozy evenings beside a crackling log fire. If you are one of the lucky ones that have a real fire, you may be interested in a new product we have just developed, our log store. I think it is perfect for placing

near your back door and tidily stacking logs in. It is made from our Jakcured softwood, so is guaranteed for 25 years, and has a covered roof, with ventilated sides and floor to aid airing, encouraging your logs to dry out. You can find more info as ever on your local page www.jacksonsfencing.co.uk/ashfordlocal

Question: When is a tool shed not a tool shed? The answer is simple – when it’s a beach hut! Well I’ll admit it’s not something that immediately springs to mind, however one of our very clever customers down in Cornwall had the imagination to dream that one up. She had a hot tub on her deck and wasn’t keen on her children (plus their friends) traipsing, and possibly dripping, through the house to get changed, so she came

Win a Jacksons garden gate set... Enter the free prize draw and be in with a chance to win one of our garden gate sets. We have 15 different styles and various sizes - the gate sets come complete with posts and everything you need to hang the gate. They make having a new gate beautifully simple and straightforward, and they are all guaranteed for 25 years too! Simply log on to your local page, address below and follow the easy instructions on how to enter. The draw closes 28.2.14. To enter go to:

www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/ashfordlocal up with the idea of a beach hut. After extensive searching she found our tool sheds, and realised that as the footprint was a reasonable size she could fit two on her deck; the other one is used for dog leads and walking boots, so she keeps her hallway free of clutter and mud too! Brilliant isn’t it? You can see the whole story and other customer projects via the link on the local page, there are lots of examples there to inspire you with your own projects.

It’s amazing what a bit of imagination can do - with a coat of colourful paint the tool sheds are transformed into stylish changing rooms and general repository for boots etc.

Seasonal Savers Offer! Just a quick reminder, tool sheds are one of our Seasonal Savers with 15% off until the end of

January! You can find full details on your local page of the 15% discount on tool sheds, metal wall trellis, verge protection marker posts, raised bed kits (photo below) and wheelie bin stores.

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17th Century Farmhouse 58 mmm

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XIIIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reign, cricket club, village hall, primary school and The Detling Players Amateur Dramatics Society. The county town of Maidstone is 6.1 miles away with a comprehensive range of shops, schools and recreational facilities as well as two mainline railway stations serving London Victoria and London Bridge, London Cannon Street and London Charing Cross. There are numerous leisure facilities in the local area; including golf courses, cinemas, the world renowned Leeds Castle and Maidstone sport and leisure centre. The M2

(junction 4) is 3.2 miles away providing links to the national motorway network, London, Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow Airports, the Channel Tunnel, the Kent coast, Bluewater shopping centre and Ebbsfleet station. Location information Detling 2.9 miles, M2 (Junction 4) 3.2 miles, Maidstone 6.1 miles Ebbsfleet International Station 20.1 miles, London 40.6 miles. For more information please contact: 01732 744 477 or visit: www.knightfrank.co.uk

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MOTORS

Revolutionary new eco technology Success secures Nissan as the market leader in UK electric car sales

Nissan has further underlined its position as the leader in the electric car market by clocking up the 3,000th sale of the all-electric Nissan LEAF in the UK. The car maker hit the landmark in November when a total of 141 new British-built LEAFs were registered at dealerships across the country. The figures clearly demonstrate that the Nissan LEAF – launched in the UK market in 2011 – continues to grow in popularity as its winning blend of environmentally-friendly and economical motoring finds favour with the nation’s motorists. Nissan’s second generation LEAF, which went on sale in May 2013 with more than 100 improvements on its predecessor, has secured more than 1,300 UK sales in just six months.

Jon Pollock, Sales Director at Nissan GB said: “The LEAF is a true pioneer in every sense and in its lifetime it’s already done a huge amount to change attitudes and open minds in the UK and across the world. “The fact that we have been able to reach the 3,000 mark is a fantastic achievement and shows

not only what a wonderful car it is but also that motorists are keen to experience the revolutionary new technology it introduces. He added: “The low running costs of the LEAF, not to mention its many other benefits, make it an incredibly attractive proposition and we have been seeing steady growth in sales. “We expect that trend to continue rising as the model’s visibility increases and the rapid charging infrastructure expands across the UK.” The Nissan LEAF continues to grow in popularity further a field as well. To date, more than 16,000 LEAFs have found owners across Europe, while global sales have now topped an astonishing 87,000.

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MOTORS BMW Group to provide 1,000 new permanent contracts in its UK manufacturing plants

BMW Group has announced the provision of 1,000 new permanent BMW contracts across its four UK manufacturing plants The Group’s MINI plant in Oxford is set to benefit from the majority of the new contracts but the Group’s pressings plant in Swindon, engine plant at Hams Hall, near Birmingham, and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars plant in Goodwood, West Sussex are all set to benefit with the recruitment taking place in two phases between 2014 and 2016. Current eligible agency associates will be given priority subject to the normal selection criteria. As a major UK employer, investor and exporter, this announcement

underlines BMW Group’s further commitment to the UK as a strategically important production and sales location for the company. It comes as a result of a major £760m investment programme from 2012-2015 to support the launch of the new MINI, a new generation of three-cylinder engines and the expansion of our business at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. The initial recruitment phase covers 700 jobs and will start in the New Year with the recruitment

process for the remaining 300 contracts starting in 2016. BMW Group’s latest investment programme brings the company’s total investment in the UK to around £2 billion since 2001 and has seen a new body shop built and equipped with 1,000 new robots at its Oxford MINI plant, the debut of various new pressings technologies at the Swindon plant and the Hams Hall engine plant being equipped for a new generation of modular threecylinder engines.

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Big Local Event for Ferrari Owners club ‘Kent Ferrari’ owners club was holding it’s annual event at Eastwell Manor, the guests enjoyed a fun packed evening with entertainment from Russ Williams comedian/auctioneer, new girl band “Vanquish” who’s debut single “DAMN” is being released in February, followed by the ever popular “Shades” discotheque. The event was enjoyed by everybody that took part and was a great success. The evening was greatly enhanced by Guy Portelli and Louise Giblin’s display of their fabulous sculptures brining an art form into the proceedings.

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BUSINESS

Caffyns Skôda

New retail facility opened for Business was an early Christmas present for staff and customers alike. Caffyns Skôda began a new era in their state of the art New Skôda Retail Facility at The Boulevard, Orbital Motor Park, Ashford, as work was finally completed. The Dealership, which includes a Ten Car Showroom and more than double the size of its current, now after the sales operation is open for business. The outside area includes over forty used car display

spaces and offer ample customer, disabled and MOT parking bays. Caffyns has built in line with Skôda’s ‘Simply Grow’ design and strategy, which makes the location one of the first dealers in the country, able to conform to the new manufacturer corporate identity standards. This is in preparation for the arrival of more new models leading up to 2015 and beyond. Caffyns of Ashford has been representing Skôda in the town since 1999 and the partnership continues to go from strength to strength. Caffyns began its partnership at

its Henwood Industrial Estate site. Back then Skôda offered just two cars in its model line-up, the Felicia and the then all new Octavia. The new Fabia was launched in 2000 to replace the ageing Felicia and the labour period for the rebirth of the brand was well and truly under way. Due to the continued growth of the Skôda Brand, Caffyns relocated to a new purpose built Dealership on the Orbital Motor Park in 2001. Since then has seen the model line-up increase to seven. With the introduction and incredible success of new models including Superb (2002), Roomster (2006), Yeti

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“Skôda has been an incredible success story, which is now well into its second decade of consistent increase.”

(2009), Citigo and Rapid (2012), all new Octavia (2013) and soon to be launched in the UK Rapid Spaceback(January 2014). Caffyns realised it would have to rethink its long term strategy as they had now outgrown the present site. Head of Business, Jeremy Town said “Skôda has been an incredible success story, which is now wellinto its second decade of consistent increase. As part of the VW Group, Skôda has always delivered on its long term strategy for planned growth. We have continually bucked the trend in a difficult economic climate and decreasing UK market, we have

seen growth in both unit sales and market share. Many of our team were employed at our Henwood site when the partnership began. Therefore their experience and knowledge of the brand has grown naturally with the business. Which in turn means we can now offer our customers the best possible level of service. Skôda are looking for around 80,000 unit sales and a National market share of 3.5% by 2016. Building a new three million pound dealership will ensure we fulfil our obligation to the brand. To help make our customer experience worthy of their investment with us.”

Maidstone Business Park New plans for a local business park underway

THE findings from a public exhibition last month showcasing plans for a new business park in Maidstone are being poured over. Roxhill Developments wants to create 500,000 sq ft of employment space between the M20 and the A20, close to junction eight of the motorway. A public exhibition took place in the middle of December where development teams were on hand to discuss the plans and answer any questions. Managing director of Roxhill, Jason Dalby, said: “A new business park in Maidstone would play a key role in attracting new businesses, and jobs, into the area. “It will also provide opportunities for existing local companies to expand without having to relocate, keeping skills and jobs within the Maidstone area. We believe it is an ideal site for such a development, bringing long-term benefits to the area.” Roxhill has confirmed that a further public exhibition will be held in the New Year. Once its plans have been further refined, prior to a planning application being submitted.

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BUSINESS

Manston Airport

Local Airport takes on new changes

The new owner of Manston Airport has recruited the executive who oversaw the transformation of Southend Airport. The airport was sold for approximately £1m to Ann Gloag the multi-millionaire, who co-founded the Stagecoach empire. She bought it from former owners Infratil who had put it on the market in March 2012. Her first appointment was to bring in Alastair Welch, described as a “turnaround specialist”. Mrs Gloag said: “As the new owner of Manston Airport, I am ready to work on investigating opportunities for growth at Manston. “I have over 30 years experience in the transport industry, and will use that expertise as best as I can to optimise both freight and passenger growth at Manston.

"To help me in that challenge, I am delighted to have on board Alastair Welch. He will lead our work at the airport, working alongside Charles Buchanan and the wider Manston team as we scope the future strategy of the business. "Whilst this is a loss making airport, I hope that with the co-operation of our neighbours and the wider community of Kent. The airport partners and staff can capitalise on the opportunities available to give Kent the best chance possible of having a successful and vibrant airport." Added Mr Welch: “Our focus will be on doing what we need to do to build a successful business, we are looking at all options to give us the best chance of achieving that. "For the airport to thrive and fulfil its potential, it is vital that we create

an environment where new partners are attracted to do business at Manston. "We are already working hard exploring a number of opportunities and we greatly appreciate the positive support we have received from key stakeholders and staff so far. "Manston's future not only depends on Ann Gloag and our team, it also depends on a collaborative approach from everyone in Kent who wants the airport to thrive. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to make this happen. "In the meantime, the twice daily KLM flights connecting the people of Kent to worldwide destinations via Amsterdam continue to be very popular and the Manston team looks forward to welcoming even more passengers in the future."

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Chatham Dockyard

Latest project for Historic Dockyard

THE Historic Dockyard Chatham is set for a multi-million pound improvement project after it secured a £4.53m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It now activates a host of other funding to help reach the total £8.75m target to give the green light to the Command of the Oceans project. The ambitious scheme involves a restoration and preservation aspect with a host of new modern viewing and exhibition opportunities for visitors to see the famous site. One of the many improved visitor amenities will be the showcasing of the Namur, a 17th century ship. The timbers of which were found used in the ceiling of part of the dockyard buildings. Those behind the project also hope it will enhance the possibility of achieving World Heritage status. Chief executive of the Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, which administers the site. Bill Ferris OBE, said: "Command of the Oceans is arguably the most significant single project undertaken by the trust in pursuit of its own educational charitable purposes since the "Wooden Walls" gallery opened in the late 1980s.

“The project meets a number of urgent conservation and visitor needs. The news that the wonderful Heritage Lottery Fund has again supported us, alongside a number of long standing funding partners including the Homes and Communities Agency - is testament to the ever increasing significance of our work here. The significance of the place and the outstanding creativity of our team. We hope this news will give a major boost to the 'Chatham Dockyard and its Defences' World Heritage Site bid." Work will get under way early this year, and should be completed by the spring of 2016.

How to give your child a head start in show business

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Although there may be no business like show business, today, there are more and more talented children being plucked from obscurity and landing leading roles in TV, films and in London’s West End in shows such as Matilda, Billy Elliott and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Performing children have a very special existence, which sometimes sets them apart from their peers. As a parent, if you see your child has a gift and you want to see it flourish, there are steps you can take to ensure that they’ve got the best possible chance of success. The first of these steps is to confirm their talent by getting them

involved with local performing arts classes that work with a professional talent agency. Razzamataz Medway and Maidstone, part of the Dragons’ Den backed performing arts theatre school group, have teamed up with Top Talent Agency, which specialises in TV, commercials, pop videos, musicals, films, documentaries and much more and receives between 20-30 castings each day. “At Razzamataz, we believe in creating as many opportunities for our students as possible, whether it is performing on a West End stage or taking part in local charity events, the performing arts is incredible for

Pictures of young people from Medway and Maidstone Perfroming in local shows

all children, whether they want to take it to the next level and join a professional casting agency or just have fun with their friends once a week.” Although Razzamataz is primarily about improving confidence, getting fit and having fun through performing arts, there can be no denying that there is a lot of potential at classes and Hayley has a number of children already signed up to Top Talent. Alex Demyrov, age 9 from Razzamataz Medway, was spotted by Top Talent after a national round of auditions in the summer of this year. So far he has auditioned for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in London’s West

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Alex Demyrov age 9 from Razzamataz Medway was signed to Top Talent Agency after a national round of auditions

End. “Alex has great model looks and is a talented young actor who really impressed us at our auditions. He has been getting seen for many big Hollywood castings lately and I think he will go really far!" says Agency Director Warren Bacci. Although performing professionally is certainly not for all children and their families, for those that have the desire and talent, this can be a wonderful way of gaining a real head start in a very competitive industry. Having the opportunity to perform professionally can help the child to gain recognition, useful contacts, training, and discipline. One thing to keep in mind is that the extra hours required to put into a profession like acting is time consuming and can be incredibly tiring for the child. A child in the chorus for a West End show may have to travel up to London to perform three times a week, and a starring role requires even more of a time input than that. Do discuss your intentions with your child’s school, as not all are supportive. But it is undeniable that the chance of getting a career in the performing arts as an adult is boosted by already having performed as a child. For parents wanting to do some background research, a great place to start would be ‘Children in Theatre’ written by Jo Hawes, children’s casting director of 17 years. Jo has worked on over 75 productions mainly musicals in the West End and on tour for all the

leading theatrical producers, including Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Oliver!, Shrek at Drury Lane, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Sound of Music, and many others. In her books and workshops, Jo discusses the pros and cons of children entering the professional world of show business. For more information and to order the book, visit http://johawes.com/ Razzamataz Theatre Schools offer exceptional part-time training in dance, drama and singing together with exciting opportunities to perform. Classes, either on a Saturday afternoon or Tuesday evening, are for children from age 2 to 18 and allow students to experience a range of performance styles from classic West End musical theatre to funky street dance and pop singing. Children that attend Razzamataz can choose to audition and receive preferential rates for Top Talent Agency. To find out more visit www.razzamataz.co.uk Top tips from Top Talent Agency: how to prepare for auditions • Don’t be late! It’s always useful to be a little bit early as sometimes you are given a bit of a script when you arrive, or a ‘story’ about what it is you are being asked to do. This may be a scene from a drama, or an outline of a commercial, and it is good to have a few minutes to read through it. • Don’t take more than one person if you can help it. There is never much room at auditions to wait! • Make sure you know the basic info about your child: height, agent’s name and phone number, previous commercials they have been in,if it’s for an advert. • Make sure your daughter doesn’t have makeup on! It’s surprising how many 9 year old girls do! • And for musical theatre, they like girls to have their hair down. • Make sure your child is dressed simply (they need to be able to

Imagine them in different clothes). And if it is musical theatre, wear something they can move around easily in, in case they are having to dance. • Take a bottle of water with you. • Your child should always look the casting people in the eye and speak clearly to them, and act confidently. • If you were given a script before the casting, then at the very least make sure your child has read it through a few times. If at all possible, learn it (this is called ‘being off-book’). • Don’t ‘over-act’ – especially for anything filmed. They like children to be as ‘natural’ as possible. • Your child should listen carefully to what they say: for instance they may say: “look into the camera” or “look at me, not the camera”, and if they give you direction after a take, make sure you act on it. • Be polite and smile!

y h p a r g o t o h P d l r Wo Awards

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amateur and professional categories. Now in its seventh year, the awards are one of the leading photography competitions in the world and give international exposure, recognition and opportunity to both its winning and shortlisted photographers. The winning and finalist photographers will receive an exhibition of their work at Somerset House, London, from May 1st to18th and will be published in the 2014 edition of the Sony World Photography Awards book. For more details, see www.worldphoto.org.

erry, Samantha Fortenb

US, Entry Open Lo

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ENTRIES closed this month for the 2014 Sony World Photography Awards, an annual showcase of some of the most striking images. Organised by the World Photography Organisation, all entries had to be submitted by January 9th before the judging committee start making their decisions. The winners will be announced at a gala awards event on April 30th. The committee is chaired by WM Hunt, photography strategist based in New York. Anyone can enter the contest, which will be split into

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Carlos Duarte, Spain, Entry Open People

Eugene Stulov Russia Entry Open Arts and Culture

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Kevin John Bleasdale UK Entry Open Architecture

Simone S

Cory Kipa New Zealand Entry Open Nature & Wildlife

Nicolas Reusens Boden,

Pedro Londono Colombia Entry Open Low Light

ure & Wildlife

Sweden, Entry Open Nat

Abigail’s Footsteps Charity Ball

Many guests gathered at the Tower Hotel in London for a champagne reception and art exhibition by Guy Portelli and Louise Giblin with stunning views of the illuminated Tower Bridge whilst being serenaded by Jacqlyn Gage. The Comedian Russ Williams took control of the evening event by introducing Abigail’s Footsteps Charity Chairman David Philpott to say a few words to the nearly 300

people who had joined for the evening to support the charity. A thirty second trailer of the stillbirth awareness film ‘The Deathning Silence’ was shown to the guests to remind why the evening was being held. Dinner was followed by a game of Heads and Tails with a £500 diamond necklace up for grabs, which had been very generously donated by Jason Hunt from Kaizen

Antiques in Rochester, the lucky winner Mark Watson was to feature very prominently again later in the evening when he bid £500 to rip off Cheryl Baker’s skirt whilst she performed ‘Making Your Mind Up’. Entertainment for the evening commenced with the first act, with Stacey Solomon who sang to the audience receiving loud applause in return. Stacey was then followed by the

fantastic Cheryl Baker, Mike Nolan and Jay Aston formerly known as Bucks Fizz. The dance floor was filled for the whole set with everyone knowing the words and moves to almost every song they performed. Charity Vice President ITNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Julie Etchingham and Stacey Solomon presented certificates of thanks on behalf of the charity. Recipients included Norman Skinner from Gillingham, Keith Jones from Strood

and Ciarran Lismore, James Knott, James Chaple and Matt Dunn from the West Malling area. All had raised funds and awareness for the charity in various ways. A very successful auction followed with prizes up for grabs, including a ride in a former fighter jet aircraft and a unique one off bronze sculpture by Guy Portelli. In total the evening raised in the region of ÂŁ28,000 which is fantastic for the charity.

The evening closed with entertainment from the visitors who kept the dance floor full until the early hours. To find out more about the charity visit www.abigailsfootsteps.co.uk.

Photography by Rachel Luckhurst

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Sales Executive vacancy EMILY’S TRANSATLANTIC TEE-OFF A MAIDSTONE student has scored a hole in one - winning a prestigious golf scholarship to study at the Georgia State University in the US. Emily Royer (17), from Broomfield, began golfing aged 10 at Sutton Valence School and is a member of Chart Hills Golf Club, where she honed her skills. She was the West Kent Junior Champion in 2012 and in April this year, still aged only 16, became the youngest ever Kent Ladies’ Champion, having earned an impressive 5 and 3 win in the final at Kings Hill Golf Club. University golf coach Cathy Mant travelled to the UK to see Emily play in the highly competitive British Girls Amateur Championship at Fairhaven Golf Course, Lancashire, this summer, where she finished 69th. Cathy Mant said: "I was impressed with Emily when I saw her play. She hits it very long and has tremendous potential. Emily is capable of shooting some really low numbers and just needs a little work on her short game to be a really good all-round player." Golf is a big draw at Universities in the States and the Georgia State University team - the Panthers is ranked 58th in the Golfweek rankings. Talented Emily attended Sutton Valence School until last year, where she obtained 11 GCSEs, including one A* and 3As. She now attends Maidstone Grammar School, where she is studying Maths, PE and Film Studies for A level. Sutton Valence headmaster Bruce Grindlay said: “We were thrilled to learn of Emily’s achievement and are delighted she began her golfing success and honed her skills here at Sutton Valence. I am sure this exciting opportunity means we haven’t heard the last of her!” Emily said: “It will be a great experience to study in the USA and also give me an opportunity to travel.”

Are you a talented salesperson with a passion for Kent? Then you could be just the person we’re looking for to join our expanding team.

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Call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com for more information.

mmm Magazine 24

mmm Issue Issue 24, 24, January January 2014 2014 Complimentary Complimentary

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ROADSHOW TO SUCCESS The soaring value of Fiona Bruce

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