EK One Issue 6 :: May/June 2010

www.ek-one.co.uk

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ISSUE 6 | MAY/JUNE 2010

SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS Win tickets to Kent’s most exciting weekends of music

HIDDEN GEMS

Gourmet dining at the Royal Oak, Brookland and No. 11, Folkestone

LUXURY FOR DAD

Bang & Olufsen reveal the best gadgets for Father’s Day

VIP FOR A NIGHT!

Win an exclusive Sex & the City 2 VIP night out including cocktails, dinner, limo and opening night film showing

CARRIE’S BACK! SEX & THE CITY 2 STAR

SARAH JESSICA PARKER east kent’s number one lifestyle magazine // news | days out | fashion | music | sports | food | entertainment | motors | travel and more

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WELCOME TO ISSUE

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EK ONE

BLUE SKYS, WARM WEATHER AND NEW EDITIONS. IT’S SO EXCITING I CAN HARDLY CONTAIN MYSELF. WARM WEATHER, NEW MAGAZINES, AND THE MOST THRILLING READER OFFERS YET! Can you feel it? Spring is in the air (finally), birds are singing, and Kent residents are smiling; so we thought it was time to bring the EK One love to Bromley and Maidstone.

After such a successful year and wonderful reception from East Kent residents and businesses, EK One has taken the leap and will now be publishing two new editions of the magazine: BR One covering the Bromley area, and ME One covering Maidstone and Medway.

Each edition will feature a delightful mix of local and national content, from travel to restaurants to music and more. We can’t wait to get these new editions rolling, so if you have any suggestions for what you’d like to see in any of the editions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Spring seems to bring with it an aura of joy; an unclassifiable excitement is surging through the air. To boost your excitement even more, EK One is featuring some earth-shaking reader offers this month, including the prize of all prizes: The Ultimate Summer Festival Competition, where one winner will receive two tickets to the area’s greatest music festivals, including Lounge on the Farm, Sellindge Music Festival, Hop Farm Festival and Q-Fest (p73).

On top of that, to celebrate our sexy cover star Sarah Jessica Parker, EK One is giving away a Sex & the City VIP Night Out. The winner plus three friends will enjoy a gourmet dinner, cocktails and a luxury limo ride to the Sex & the City 2 film on the opening night of 28th May (p29).

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Last month I was privileged enough to visit the BBC Southeast studios in Tunbridge Wells to interview news presenter Polly Evans and meteorologist/presenter Kaddy Lee-Preston (p68). How lucky we are in Southeast England to have such intelligent and enthusiastic women bringing us our daily fix of news and weather.

It was an eye-opening experience going behind the scenes at the studio; most TV viewers don’t realise the skill and precision that goes into every second of every program.

Needless to say, I was humbled by the teamwork and talent evident in every corner of the newsroom.

Now, on to one of EK One’s most popular sections: food.

What better way to celebrate the Spring than with food, food and more food. We’re always on the lookout for the best restaurants East Kent has to offer, and this month we’re featuring a variety of gourmet eats you can’t afford to miss, including hidden gem The Royal Oak in Brookland (p56), No. 11 in Folkestone (p60), and The Chai Stop authentic curries (p59).

As always, thanks to all of our regular readers and subscribers, we always appreciate your feedback and comments. We would love to hear from more of you with your thoughts on this issue or ideas for future issues. Get in touch at info@ek-one.co.uk.

Happy Spring!

Donna Martin // Editorial Director donna.martin@thanet-publishing.uk

For all advertising enquiries, please contact Adam Ready at adam.ready@thanet-publishing.co.uk or 07824 882086

Westwood Business Park Strasbourg Street, Margate, Kent CT9 4JJ Tel 01843 282500 Fax 01843 282501 info@ek-one.co.uk www.ek-one.co.uk Publishing Director Adam Ready adam.ready@thanet-publishing.co.uk 07824 882086 Editorial Director Donna Martin donna.martin@thanet-publishing.co.uk 07506 328883 Art Director Dave Leo Yogore dave.leo@thanet-publishing.co.uk 01843 282500 Sales Executive Carla Dougherty carla.dougherty@thanet-publishing.co.uk 01843 282529 Marketing Executive Andy Matheou andy.matheou@thanet-publishing.co.uk 01843 282520 Managing Director Phillip Moore Contributors: Mandy Temple, Matthew Evans, Lizzy Cline, Anne Nielsen, Paul Martin, Luke Yates, Rob Reynolds, Charlotte Ready and Kelly Malyon Photographers: Dan Desborough, Luke Yates and Matthew Evans For all advertising enquiries, please contact Adam Ready adam.ready@thanet-publishing.co.uk 07824 882086

Published in East Kent by Thanet Publishing Ltd www.thanet-publishing.co.uk in partnership with www.sidewaysmedia.co.uk Printed in East Kent by Thanet Press Ltd www.thanet-press.co.uk

Printed on paper from sustainable sources

Subscribe to EK One for just £1 per issue!

For details, visit www.ek-one.co.uk or email subscriptions@thanet-publishing.co.uk

Sarah Jessica Parker cover image: © Matt Baron / BEI / Rex Features The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Publisher. © Copyright 2010. All parts reserved. No part of EK One may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the publishers. EK One will make every effort to return picture material but it is sent at the owner’s risk. Due to the nature of printing processes, images can be subject to a variation and therefore the publishers cannot be held responsible for such variation.

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NEWS

KENT’S WILDLIFE

STRICTLY COME DANCING OPEN NEW DANCE STUDIO Strictly Come Dancing stars Ola and James Jordan have officially opened a new dance studio at the Stour Centre.

The leisure centre’s River Room has undergone extensive refurbishment to transform it into a state-of-the-art dance studio, with a sprung floor, mirrors and new venting system.

The Blue Tit

The project was funded by Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust and Ashford Borough Council in the hope that more people will consider dance as a great way keep fit and healthy.

Professional dancers Ola and James opened the new studio on Sunday 28th March in front of a select group of invited guests, and were then treated to both ballroom and street dance performances from local groups Boys Dance Company and Manic Dance Company.

“Kent’s Wildlife 2010 – it’s counting on you” is Kent County Council’s celebration of this year’s International Year of Biodiversity and will provide Kent residents with the opportunity to learn more about the county’s wildlife and find out how to do their bit.

Ola Jordan was the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2009 with sports journalist Chris Hollins. She and James, who were born in Gillingham, live in Kent.

Wildlife recording is of vital importance; unless we know what’s out there, how can we go about protecting it? Throughout the year KCC will be focusing on a “species of the month” and will be asking you to look out for these animals and plants and send in your sightings. They will also be highlighting wildlife through the seasons, finding out what you love about Kent’s wildlife and organising some fantastic events and activities for all the family to enjoy.

What to look out for in May This is great time of year to be out in the countryside or to enjoy your garden as nature comes alive. Many bird species will arrive in Britain from Africa this month, while some of our resident birds will already be laying eggs.

One of the most familiar of these birds is the blue tit that can be found in gardens, woodland and areas with shrubs. Blue tits are hole nesters and where there is a lack of old, dead wood, the provision of nest boxes can make a real difference to these birds. If you are lucky enough to have an occupied nest box, it is fascinating to watch the number of visits that the parents make to their young.

Normally 7 or 8 eggs are laid and if the food supply is good, the same number of young will emerge for their first tentative flight from the nest hole a month later.

For more information on Kent’s wildlife visit www.kent.gov.uk/kentwildlife.

Boys Dance Company put on a show for guests

Ola and James Jordan open the River Room

The dancing duo has also agreed to become Active Ashford’s dance ambassadors, and are now included on the website www.activeashford.co.uk Simon Harris, sports project manager, at Ashford Borough Council said: “This was a great way to unveil the new dance studio, and we are delighted that Ola and James have been so supportive to the project and encouraging dance in Ashford.”

Councillor Gerry Clarkson CBE, portfolio holder for culture added, “Ola and James are a great inspiration for young dancers, and it is very fitting for them to open this wonderful new studio, where Ashford’s up-and-coming dancing stars can hone their skills.”

For further information on dance and other active schemes go to the website www.activeashford.co.uk or contact 01233 330232

FANCY A QUICK GETAWAY? Kent residents looking for some early summer sun will soon be able to make a quick escape to some of Europe’s most desirable destinations from Manston, Kent’s International Airport.

Machico Pokers, Madeira

Charter tour operator Newmarket Holidays’ first flight from Manston this year took place on Tuesday, April 27, and landed in Malta for an eight-day stay in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Porec, Croatia

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Holidaymakers can also take advantage of the tour operator’s packages to Italy, Austria, Croatia, Portugal and new for this year, Madeira, a beautiful island off the coast of Africa. Prices on offer start from £279 per person for a week in Malta but options are available to suit all budgets.

Bargain seekers may want to consider a visit to Croatia as all trips have recently been reduced by £100. Holidaymakers can experience seven nights from £439 and with three tour options available, there is something for everyone.

The full range of Newmarket holidays from Manston is available at www.newmarketholidays.co.uk. Visitors to the website should click on the ‘Air Holidays & Breaks’ section and then ‘Kent International (Manston)’ in the drop down ‘Select your airport’ section.

Alternatively, call 0843 316 1148.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Welcome to

HSBC

P R E M I E R !

My name is Kelly Knight, I am HSBC’s Area Premier Manager for East Kent. At HSBC we are proud of being the World’s local bank and in the Kent area my team of Relationship Managers reflect this.

If your current bank or service does not presently do all of the above for you please take the time to read on.

Using this feedback that we were provided with our Premier service has been tailored to offer all the above and more.

We do of course have criteria for this service, this is to either have/bring Savings and/or Investments of £50,000+, Mortgage of £300,000+, alternatively a salary mandated of £100,000+pa*. Although there is the criteria we do also consider this on an individual basis so please do not be put off asking for more information. We give you up to six months to qualify so you can be confident of the service levels and the smooth changeover of your banking. We don’t want to rush you; our Premier service is all about long term, highly valued relationships.

My team are a highly skilled and experienced team of Managers. They each cover a part of East Kent looking after a portfolio of clients They have been working in Kent for up to 30 years a have a good local knowledge. Each were appointed for the role based on their abilities to build relationships with Clients and understand exactly what we can do for them financially.

We asked our customers what they wanted from their banking and the changes they wanted to see and were told: • A direct contact point for someone in the local branch.

• The ability to see a local manager by appointment.

• Privileges for the business done with HSBC • World-wide recognition and the ability for a person to see all of their accounts across the world on one screen with free transfers between them.

• A service that caters for the whole family, not just the account holder.

We all want to be recognised as individuals and not just a number don’t we? As a Premier Client the member of the team looking after you will see and speak to as often as you need to help you get the most from your money and your banking.

Some of the many benefits you will enjoy as a Premier client are:

Nationally- Dedicated Premier UK based contact team to answer your queries 24 hours a day.

Travel and leisure discounts as well as free membership to our Golf network. Premier recognition in every branch nationally.

Internationally- Comprehensive, world-wide family travel Insurance & free cash withdrawals for your convenience. We have Premier services in over 40 countries, You will have a local Manager for the Premier accounts you hold in any of these countries. To makes things simpler you will be able to view all of these accounts on one screen and can transfer funds within these accounts free of charge. Both you and your family will also be Globally recognised as Premier Clients which will help you should you need to contact us.

We now also have a Commercial Premier Manager, Mark Cornwall. This is a really positive move for HSBC as we are now looking to reward our best Commercial clients with Premier. Mark’s portfolio of Clients all have Commercial links to HSBC and he works very closely with our Commercial Managers to offer an elite joined up service for both Commercial and Personal banking. There is separate criteria for Commercial Clients so please contact me for more information.

You may not be dissatisfied with your current banking facilities but why accept standard when you can have the best.

To find out more about Premier and what it can do for you, please contact Kelly Knight on 07767003765 or kellyknight@hsbc.com.

* Alongside 1 or more products through our Independent Financial Advisory service.

Locally- A Locally based Relationship Manager with a direct phone and email address. In house specialists to cater for your every financial need; Independent Financial Advisors, Financial Planning Managers and Mortgage Managers to name a few. You will also receive preferential rates on many of the products within these services. Our Premier service will provide you and your family with many benefits.

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NEWS

KILIMANJARO FOR CHILDREACH Kirsty Surtees, Rebecca Andrews and Lauren Hatcher

In October last year, Lauren Hatcher, Kirsty Surtees and Becky Andrews signed up to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for Childreach International, with a target of raising £2,300 each. Childreach International are a fairly new charity who support underprivileged children in developing countries, with the aim of improving health and education systems.

With such a high target to reach, the girls have set to work and held many fundraising events, including boot fairs, a football tournament, a rounders match, a St Patrick’s Day party and even a street collection with a band (Dock Yard Rocks) playing in the town centre of Ashford.

They have also been selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts in their places of work and to local businesses.

© www.dandesborough.co.uk

They have reached just over £3,000 so far, and are about halfway to their combined target. Any sponsors or donations would be much appreciated, and these can be made at www.virginmoneygiving.com/ClimbKili4kids.

KENT’S CHAI STOP GOES NATIONAL The Chai Stop’s award winning authentic frozen curries, handmade in Minster, Kent are now available nationwide thanks to the innovative use of sheep’s wool as an eco-friendly insulating material. A recent trial order successfully completed the 250-mile overnight trip to Bath.

The dishes arrived still completely frozen and the customer was so delighted that she has set up a weekly “curry club” for her friends.

The Chai Stop’s Indian and Thai curries have been available in East Kent since 1999. The company currently sells around 500 curries a week, with production set to double having just won a prestigious Taste of Kent Award for Best Kent Food Producer.

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The company is run by Tina Cesbron and Isobel Moore, who share a long-standing interest in holistic health from the ayurvedic properties of herbs and spices. All Chai Stop meat is reared outdoors and the vegetables, lentils and pulses are organic wherever possible. All dishes are prepared using mostly local produce and are wheat and gluten free.

Indian customers are curious how “two English ladies” make curry just like their own mothers.

Testament to their skill is being asked to cater for Indian celebrations. “The integrity of the cooking comes from years of experience, trying and testing recipes and listening to our customers,” says Tina, who displays an honest love of cooking and a passion for naturally grown local produce.

The curries are made in small batches of between 30 and 50 servings, “Any larger than that and it’s impossible to maintain the authentic taste of real curry,” says Tina. “Despite following traditional family recipes which have been perfected over the years, each batch is tasted throughout preparation and the ingredients adjusted.”

Invigorated by the Taste of Kent Award, The Chai Stop is making its frozen curries available nationwide. They also offer a complete outside catering service for dinner parties, business seminars, fundraising events, weddings, private functions, and film locations.

For more information, visit www.thechaistop.co.uk or call 01304 619858.

NEWS

© www.dandesborough.co.uk

70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DUNKIRK RESCUE OPERATION

English Heritage’s Dover Castle will be marking the 70th anniversary of the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk with a poignant and nostalgic special event at the end of May. It was here, in the deep labyrinth of tunnels in the cliffs below the castle where Admiral Ramsey masterminded the daring evacuation during ‘Operation Dynamo’.

Local photographer Dan Desborough tells EK One about his visit to Dover Castle for a preview of the anniversary events.

“As a big fan of WW2 history, I jumped at the chance to preview the 70th Anniversary of Dunkirk Tunnel Tour at Dover Castle. Though faced with gale-force winds and torrential rain, I packed my waterproof gear and camera and headed off to Dover.

The tour started at the Admiralty Lookout Tower that overlooks the whole of the harbour and across the channel to France. As the English Heritage historian talked us through ‘Operation Dynamo’ and the evacuation of Dunkirk, I realised the sheer size of the operation and what was involved over the 9 days it took to complete.

As we embarked on our route though the tunnels we were hit by a mock air raid; it was very unnerving to think that these were the general working conditions for staff during the war. As we continued on the tour we were taken though the annexe level to the underground hospital and living quarters for the operational staff, which is cramped to say the least! We were then led into the operational centre where Vice Admiral Ramsay planned and executed the infamous ‘Operation Dynamo’.

It was an informative, entertaining and eye-opening day which everyone should experience first-hand.”

Dover Castle is hosting a week of special events and activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Dunkirk evacuations between the 28 May – 4 June to mark one of the most dangerous and desperate operations of the Second World War. For more information on the events, visit www.english-heritage.org.uk or call 0870 333 1181.

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BUSINESS

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR PROFIT

IN BUSINESS, YOUR PROFITS ARE YOUR REWARD FOR YOUR ENDEAVOURS. IN FACT, PROFITABILITY IS ONE OF THE ESSENTIAL MEASURES OF A BUSINESS’ SUCCESS. PROFITS ARE THE VERY LIFEBLOOD OF A BUSINESS. THEY FUEL GROWTH, SUPPORT THE OWNERS, PROVIDE FOR THE WELL BEING OF THE STAFF, AND ULTIMATELY DETERMINE THE SUCCESS OR FAILURE OF THE BUSINESS. SO HOW CAN YOU INCREASE YOUR PROFITS? GROSS PROFIT The objective is either to expand sales income while controlling direct costs, or reduce direct costs to increase gross profit.

You should ensure that: • You know your market and your competitors

• If you charge a rate for a job it is important to ensure that you use your working time effectively. On average, a self employed trader should endeavour to charge for a full working week (say 35 hours). Keep a timesheet so you can monitor and adjust your use of time.

SUMMARY

OVERHEADS

It is not always necessary to produce a full profit and loss account every month, it may be appropriate just to select the key performance indicators (KPI’s) that will best help you understand how you are doing, e.g. chargeable hours, sales volume, wastage, and materials used. You should compare these figures with previous months and years, and most importantly with your budgets and targets.

You should aim to keep costs under your control: • Your product knowledge is complete and you are technically able in all aspects of the business • Your service is of high quality, delivered on time and according to specification • You take advantage of cost-effective means to increase sales - consider recommendations, promotions, leaflets, press releases, and adverts WARNING - Be wary of dropping prices to boost sales. The increased volume may not be sufficient to cover the reduced gross profit margin • Your direct costs are kept to an absolute minimum. Look carefully at material and labour costs, as well as production methods. Be flexible and innovative in seeking more costeffective solutions WARNING - Before changing your supplier, consider the level of service you are receiving as well as the cost

• Expenses - Keep your business expenses to an absolute minimum, and ensure that any additional overheads you assume result in increased profitability/efficiency • Increasing your overheads - Are you satisfied that for all new overheads you have reviewed the market to establish where to place your orders? Reliability and backup service are important factors to take into account. The cheapest may not be the best for your business

You must be aware of your income and expenditure. Proper books and records are essential for monitoring the trends and patterns in your business.

You should perform a “waste audit” on your costs, to ensure unnecessary expenditure is isolated and can be addressed. A similar exercise can identify missed sales opportunities!

Please contact us for help or advice in this area.

• Where assets are acquired on finance - Be sure to obtain quotations for your finance from your suppliers, your bank, and a finance company. Check with us to see if your finance costs could be reduced

Rob Reynolds Partner 01233 629 255 rob.reynolds@wilkinskennedy.com

• Reviews - Many businesses could benefit from a regular review of their telephone and insurance costs. Even bank charges can often be reduced • Credit - Control your credit account customers closely to avoid bad debts

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LOCAL PROFILES

SIMPLY ICE CREAM

EK ONE INTERVIEWS ASHFORD-BASED BUSINESS OWNER SALLY NEWALL, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF LUXURY ICE CREAM COMPANY SIMPLY ICE CREAM.

How long have you been in business?

About three years. We had a 6-month trial period in 2006 to see how our ice cream would sell at one local farm shop. When we saw how well it was received, we went ‘official’ in 2007.

How quickly have you grown?

We were in five farm shops in 2007, about 15 in 2008, up to 50 by 2009, and now we’re in over 190 locations including Waitrose and John Lewis.

What made you want to start Simply Ice Cream?

I’d been running a catering business doing 3-4 functions per week, which made it almost impossible to spend time with my four children.

We made our own ice cream for the events, and were always asked by the event guests where they could purchase the ice cream. I also thought starting Simply Ice Cream would give me my weekends back!

Did you get your weekends back?

No! But I do have more time with my children now, and I’m home for them when they need me.

What is the single best decision you've made in your business?

I’d have to say rebranding our packaging. I also never took out any loans, which has made running the business a lot less stressful than it could be, especially in view of the recession and the banks reluctance to extend credit to many small businesses.

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What is the hardest part about owning a business?

Balancing work and family. Growing a business is hard work, and if you want to be successful you have to put in the hours. My workday is definitely not 9 to 5. Thankfully I run my business from home, so it’s a bit easier to juggle.

What does an average day entail for you?

I usually make ice cream in the morning and early afternoon and do admin and paperwork in the evenings. I rarely get to bed before midnight.

Sometimes I’m up packing ice cream before 6am to make sure it’s ready for the day’s shipments.

How many flavours do you offer, and what are the most popular?

Our best sellers are Heavenly Honeycomb and Dreamy Vanilla, which are two of our four core flavours. The other two core flavours are Sublime Strawberry and Divine Chocolate. We also produce about 18 Simply Special flavours, like Brown Bread, Cinnamon, and Irish Coffee.

What is your personal favourite?

Hmm…I think I like Lemon Curd the best, but Christmas Pudding is lovely in the winter.

How much ice cream do you produce in a week?

We pack about 2,500 pots of ice cream every week.

What advice do you have for those looking to go into business?

First, know your competition. Second, do a test run of your product before you go into it full time – you have to know if there’s a demand for what you’re offering.

For more information on where to purchase Simply Ice Cream, visit www.simplyicecream.co.uk, or visit Simply Ice Cream at any of the following events:

7th – 10th May The Real Food Festival, Earls Court, London 22nd – 23rd May Home and Garden Weekend, Leeds Castle 29th – 31st May Foodies Festival, Hampton Court Palace, London 26th – 27th June Giant Craft at The Rare Breeds Centre, Woodchurch

SOCIAL

KENT INVICTA

Chamber Business Awards Ceremony Goes Like A Song 130 PEOPLE GATHERED AT THE CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL LODGE FOR THE 2010 KENT INVICTA CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS, WHICH SINCE THEY WERE ESTABLISHED IN 2005 HAVE BECOME ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS BUSINESS AWARDS IN THE COUNTY. MC Tony Gilbert Singing Waitress

Twig Trading Business of the Year

We Love Most Promising New Business

Diners

Winners & Finalists

The Awards

Aspinal Foundation Excellence in People Development David Evans Entrepreneur of the Year

Singing Waiters and Dancing Diners D&DExcellence in Customer Service

www.timstubbingsphotography.com

The Awards were made in five categories, Excellence in Customer Service, Excellence in People Development, Most Promising New Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, and Business of the Year.

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE sponsored by Lloyds TSB Winner: D &D Autos of Ashford EXCELLENCE IN PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT sponsored by McLaughlin Hook Winner: The Aspinal Foundation MOST PROMISING NEW BUSINESS sponsored by HSBC Winner: We Love of Maidstone

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR sponsored by Kent Innovation & Enterprise Winner: David Evans of Sunray Engineering, Ashford

Many congratulations to all the winners and finalists, and many thanks to our sponsors and judges and to Canterbury Cathedral Lodge, who provided a superb venue and service.”

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by The University of Kent.

Winner: Twig Trading Ltd of Tunbridge Wells Chamber Chief Executive Mrs Jo James commented, “It was a wonderful evening all round, and our thanks go to everybody involved.

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FIRST TIME BUYERS SET TO BENEFIT FROM STAMP DUTY RELIEF AT BAYEUXFIELDS The Budget announcement regarding the stamp duty relief on homes priced under £250,000 is fantastic news for first time buyers considering purchasing in Kent, as Pentland Homes is soon to release its next phase at Bayeuxfields, Hawkinge, which includes two bedroom homes priced from £165,000 and three bedroom homes priced from £185,000, which are therefore exempt from stamp duty.

Janet Burnell, sales and marketing director of Pentland Homes, comments: “The Budget announcement is wonderful news for first time buyers. We have been incorporating stamp duty payments into our incentive offers as a way of helping purchasers, but now that stamp duty is exempt on properties below £250,000, we can help in other ways. We will be offering to pay 5% of the deposit, which means a first time buyer on a 90% mortgage will only need to find 5% of the purchase price and legal fees, which equates to just over £9,000 on a two bedroom house here, making that step onto the property ladder much more achievable.”

all of which offer high quality interiors in a lovely village setting. The two bedroom homes are ideal for first time buyers, with a kitchen, cloakroom and living/dining area that leads out to the garden on the ground floor, and two bedrooms - both with fitted wardrobes - on the first floor, together with a fully fitted bathroom.

Hawkinge is located on the crest of the North Downs, just three miles from the coastal resort of Folkestone which benefits from the new

CTRL link to London’s St Pancras International with journey times taking approximately one hour. The M20 is just two miles away and provides access to London to the north, and the port of Dover to the South.

Prices of the two bedroom homes at Bayeuxfields start from £165,000. The sales office is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. For further information, please contact the sales office on Tel: 01303 893080 or visit the website www.pentlandhomes.co.uk

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“...WONDERFUL NEWS FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS...”

The next phase at Bayeuxfields is due to launch in early June 2010 and incorporates a range of two, three and four bedroom homes,

When you need shelter from the sun, rain or frost we have the solutions. Do you need more covered space, want to protect your expensive garden furniture with out the hassle of storing it away. Illuminate your deck or patio with integrated spot lights and add instant heat with infra red heating solutions.

SBI has a range of top quality products that will add style, sophistication and value to your property.

If you want to use a local family run company that believes in traditional service and has been trading since 1998 with thousands of satisfied customers through out the South East look no further.

Call 0800 0742 721 for your FR EE home consultation

Visit our on line showroom

www.sbiproducts.co.uk German manufactured remote controlled awnings, retractable roof blinds & vertical screens

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DAYS OUT

minnis bay &

reculver

TAKE A LEISURELY WALK ALONG DRAMATIC COASTLINE AND DISCOVER KENT’S HIDDEN HISTORY. THIS WONDERFUL STILE-FREE WALK IS GUARANTEED TO BLOW AWAY THE REMAINDER OF THE WINTER BLUES.

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Find more free, easy access walks at www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent.

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the popular seaside resort, Birchington-on-Sea, our route takes us along the sea wall, towards the impressive view of Reculver Towers, some 3.7 miles (6km) in the distance.

Thanet has 19 miles of coastline, 15 beautiful sandy beaches and bays, 7 with Blue Flag Awards and 4 with a Quality Coast Award. Minnis Bay boasts blue flag status and is considered an excellent rural sandy bay featuring rock and shingle areas as well as a promenade and paddling pool. The local sailing club offers windsurfing, seal watching trips and kite board lessons.

As you walk you may notice a bend in the sea wall. This, along with a shingle ridge has created a sheltered area that houses a salt-water lagoon.

Sea Purslane, Sea Beet and Saltmarsh Rush grow on the clay and shingle banks.

Known as Reculver Towers, the impressive structure you see perched dramatically ahead of you is the remains of a Roman fort built over two thousand years ago to guard the Wantsum Channel which then separated the Isle of Thanet from the rest of Kent. More than half of the fort has been washed into the sea but the southern and eastern walls still remain. The twin towers of Reculver are the remains of the medieval church that used to be here. If you would like a closer look you can take a steep climb up to the towers and the country park. Here you will also find a visitor centre and cafĂŠ.

The area is a haven for wildlife so why not stop for a while and see what you can spot? Each year thousands of birds stop off here on long migration routes to and from the Arctic. Sand Martins nest in the cliffs and the grassland on top is a wildflower meadow, home to butterflies and skylarks.

After a short stop for some exploration and a refuel, follow the route back towards Minnis Bay. There is a warm welcome waiting for you if you feel you deserve refreshments or a hearty plate of fish and chips back at the Minnis Restaurant.

Location: Start at Minnis Bay, CT7 9QP, or Reculver Country Park, CT6 6SU Distance: One-way, 3.7miles (6km), allow one and a half hours. Or 7.4miles (12km), allow three hours both ways.

OS Explorer Map: the Isle of Thanet

150, Canterbury &

Terrain: Mostly concrete surfaced sea wall Step Count: Approx 7,400 one way Parking: Car Park along seafront at Minnis Bay and at Reculver Country Park.

Refreshments & Facilities: There is a cafĂŠ at Reculver and a restaurant and refreshments available along Minnis seafront

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DAYS OUT

FAMILY FUN AT

farming world WORDS AND PICTURES BY LUKE YATES

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SET IN THE BEAUTIFUL KENT COUNTRYSIDE, JUST OUTSIDE THE TOWN OF FAVERSHAM, FARMING WORLD PROVIDES VISITORS OF ALL AGES WITH A GLIMPSE INTO THE DAY-TO-DAY RUNNING OF A FULLY WORKING FARM.

Farming World boasts hundreds of species of animals, including heavy horses, cows, goats, pigs, sheep, llamas and alpacas. Visitors can enjoy the various seasonal happenings at the farm; when we visited we were able to see some brand new lambs, still learning how to walk.

For the smaller children there are plenty of less-intimidating looking creatures, such as rabbits and guinea pigs, and even “Bee World” where visitors can find out about the process of keeping bees and making honey. There is even a special nesting box, where the bees can be safely observed doing what bees do, this proving very popular with younger children.

There is plenty of information displayed around the farm on each creature, explaining how it is kept and used on the farm, not to mention many friendly, well-informed and helpful members of staff, always happy to answer questions and explain further.

On our recent visit, we found it very difficult to get near the animals at times; not because of queues, but because our children were having such a great time in the enormous play-park area. The highlight of this for the children was the enormous inflatable “bouncy pillows” which are, if I’m being honest, as much fun for adults as they are for kids. Eventually, we did manage to drag our kids off to look at some of the other things going on.

The jewel in the crown at Farming World is an extremely impressive collection of birds of prey, which are found in the Hawklands area. Managed by the ever-informative and enthusiastic keeper Sharon, she can often be seen around the complex chatting to kids and allowing them the fantastic opportunity of seeing these amazing creatures close-up. To a small child, touching an owl can be a truly magical experience.

Throughout the day there are various demonstrations and shows; the birds of prey display being particularly impressive as several species from Hawklands are put through their paces in front of a crowd. Falconry is a fascinating art, synonymous with the countryside, and it is great to see it still being practised so skilfully, perhaps inspiring future generations to give it a go and even try the falconry course that Hawklands offer.

After our visit, both of my children fell asleep in the car the moment we left the car park, and a very good night's sleep was enjoyed by all, which is probably the best recommendation that can be given to parents.

Entrance costs around £8 for adults and £7 for children in peak season (1st April to 1st Sept including school holidays) or alternatively a two-adult and two-child season ticket will cost you £174 per annum. Food and drink is available courtesy of Farmhouse Kitchen Catering; a cup of tea cost £1 and a burger and chips was around £4.50. Alternatively there are several picnic areas around the site. There are also activities such as face painting, a jewellery shop and a gift shop.

The farm is open to the public from 6th March to 31st October (summer season) and from 1st November to 19th December, before closing for January and February.

For more information, visit www.farming-world.com or call 01227 751144.

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WHEN YOU NEED A

QUALITY PUBLISHER Issue 9 / June - July

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For more information, contact the Publisher Services Team on 01843 282500 or info@thanet-publishing.co.uk

TRAVEL

GOODBYE STAYCATION,

hello bruges

FROM THE CROSS-CHANNEL FERRY TO LATE NIGHT STROLLS TO SAMPLING CHOCOLATE AND BELGIAN BEER, A EUROHOP TO BRUGES IS 100% DELICIOUS RELAXATION. With the economy slowly healing from the killer recession, previously trendy ‘staycations’ are being replaced by affordable short breaks to destinations such as The Netherlands, Germany, and our top pick: Bruges.

Although travelers are still counting their pennies, they’re beginning to venture out again, desiring a genuine holiday experience without spending thousands of pounds or traveling thousands of miles.

Say hello to the EuroHop. A EuroHop can be anything from an overnight trip to Boulogne to a long weekend in Prague, the only requirements being affordability, low stress and plenty of fun.

For the ultimate in relaxation and European charm, a EuroHop to Bruges is just what the doctor ordered. Perfect for singles, couples, and families alike, Bruges offers unique days out, varied accommodation and some of the most fabulous food, chocolate and beer to ever cross your lips.

Norfolkline Restaurant

Forget planes and trains for your short break to Bruges; the ferry is the best way to travel for your 2010 EuroHop. With incredible rates, a range of quality restaurants, comfortable seating, dedicated children’s play and entertainment areas, and luxurious upgrade options, Norfolkline is the ferry company of choice for discerning travelers.

Norfolkline offers the Channel’s most relaxing sailing experience, and have won the Guardian, Observer and guardian.co.uk travel award for ‘Best Ferry Company’ two years running.

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With France just two hours away on Norfolkline’s Dover-Dunkirk route, hopping over to Europe is as simple as it sounds. As well as providing easy disembarkation for ferry car passengers, Dunkirk is a popular point of entry into France with links to major arterial roads, making travel to Bruges easy and quick (under one hour).

Bruges is located in northeast Belgium, less than two hours from Brussels and about one half hour from The Netherlands’ border. Locals speak a mixture of Flemish and French, but don’t fret if you can’t say more than ‘hello’ in either language; most natives speak nearly perfect English.

Bruges weather is similar to Kent, with the warmest season falling between April and September, and the coldest months being November through February.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Bruges, from quaint B&Bs to historic hotels built for royalty. For an experience of a lifetime, book your stay at the Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace (www.kempinski.com/en/bruges), a 15th century royal venue fit for kings and queens, and Bruges’ only 5-star hotel.

Standard rooms include modern oversized marble bathrooms and 300 thread count cotton sheets on so-comfy-you-might-missbreakfast super sized beds. With a window between the bathroom and sleeping area, you can even watch your flat-screen telly from the luxurious soaking tub with inbathroom speakers.

Kempinski Hotel Dukes’ Palace Comfortable shoes will be your most prized possession in Bruges, as locals and tourists do most of their getting around by foot or bicycle. If you get exceptionally tired whilst exploring, you can always get a lift on one of the many horsedrawn carriages weaving their way through the city.

You can easily lose track of time meandering through narrow alleys, shopping along tree-lined streets and enjoying local scenes next to the romantic canal. Taking in the sites is more than lovely, but make sure you leave time for the best attractions and dining experiences in Bruges.

THINGS TO DO

DINING Chocolaterie Sukerbuyc

Oude Burg 22

Sukerbuyc (meaning ‘Sugarbelly’) is a family-run chocolate maker using a secret family recipe for all of their meltin-your-mouth creations. With over 80

Modern, chic and just plain sexy, the Oude Burg 22 is an unexpected pleasure in the heart of Bruges. Decorated in shades of hot pink and chocolate, this boudoir-style eatery offers more than just beautiful interior design.

Run by a husband and wife team, the extensive menu offers fresh dishes and sumptuous desserts for all tastes. users.telenet.be/oudeburg22

A demonstration at Sukerbuyc

different types of chocolates including their signature handmade edible chocolate boxes, Sukerbuyc produces over 25,000 kilos of chocolate per year – all in-house, and all by hand. www.sukerbuyc.be

De Florentijnen

Discover the extraordinary history of chocolate, from its original as a ‘drink from the gods’ in ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures, to what makes Belgian chocolate the best in the world today. www.choco-story.be

Diamantmuseum Brugge

Diamond polishing demonstration

Did you know that diamond polishing was invented in Bruges, and that diamonds are Bruges’ number one export? You’ll learn this and many more fascinating facts at the Diamond Museum.

Learn all about carats, facets and clarity, and why diamonds are so important to our daily lives. www.diamondmuseum.be

Market Square

If you’re after charm and history, don’t miss a visit to Bruges’ Market Square. The square is dominated by the Cloth Hall and Belfry Tower, the medieval heart of the city. The 83-meter-high Belfry Tower can be climbed to view the square and beautiful Bruges beyond, and you’ll find plenty of quaint bistros for an afternoon drink. www.brugge.be

For the adventurous chocolate lover, The Chocolate Line is a must-visit in Bruges. Creating unique fusion chocolates such as Chili, Earl Grey and Tequila, The Chocolate Line is worldrenowned for its funky flavours and unique products.

Most notable is their exclusive Chocolate Shooter; a crazy little contraption that shoots fine flavoured cocoa dust up your nose. Yes, up your nose. www.thechocolateline.be / www.chocolateshooter.be

Conger Eel Terrine at De Florentijnen

Put on your fancy threads; you’d be a tad out of place at De Florentijnen in your jeans and trainers. Expect luxury food paired with luxury service, perfect wine accompaniments, and luscious desserts in a gorgeous modern setting. www.deflorentijnen.be

Pastis Apero & Bistro

Casual but elegant, Pastis Apero & Bistro offers a spectacular array of traditional Belgian dishes in a setting loved by both locals and visitors.

With two floors of seating and views over the canal, Pastis is the perfect spot to relax for lunch and a cold Belgian beer. www.pastis.be Speaking of beer, to top of your perfect Bruges EuroHop, pop into on of the many local bars and taste some of the fabulous brews on offer. From local beer ‘Zot’ to more unique concoctions like ‘Kriek ‘ cherry beer, you’re sure to find a Belgian drink that tickles your fancy.

For more information on booking your own EuroHop to Bruges, visit: Norfolkline: www.norfolkline.com Bruges Tourism: www.brugge.be

The Chocolate Line’s ‘Chocolate Shooter

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Accommodation • Conferences • Events Meetings • Weddings and the 1181 Restaurant Tel: 01227 733892 www.howfieldcanterbury.co.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to Howfield soon!

WIN

A VIP NIGHT OUT WITH

SEX AND THE CITY 2 Celebrate like a Hollywood star for the opening of Sex & the City 2 on 28th May. One lucky EK One reader will win a spectacular night out for four including: • Dinner and cocktails at Utopia Bar and Restaurant, Ashford • VIP tickets to see Sex & the City 2 on opening night at Cineworld, Ashford • A stretch limo ride to and from your home provided by Oasis Limos

To enter*, email win@thanet-publishing.co.uk with the answer to the following question: Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, does what for a living in the series and films?

A) Interior Designer B) Newspaper Columnist C) Café Owner

Don’t miss out on your chance to win – entries will only be accepted until 25th May! Join us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest competition news and info. www.facebook.com/onemagazines www.twitter.com/onemagazines *No purchase necessary to enter. Must be 18 or older and live in East Kent to enter and win. Winner will be notified by email on Wednesday 26 May.

29

© Henry Lamb / BEI / Rex Features

COVER STORY

carrie’s back AND

BETTER

THAN

EVER

by Lizzy Cline

CARRIE’S BACK

Two words follow Sarah Jessica Parker throughout her life: FASHION ICON; but Sarah is so much more than the beautiful drapes of fabric that adorn her. The actress has graced not only the big screen, but also television and live theater, and works relentlessly for numerous charity organisations. Above and beyond her busy career life, she is a wife and mother of three as well. Although a great deal of the world looks upon Sarah as her alter-ego Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, she has been honing her craft for nearly thirty years.

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© Warner Bros. Pictures

Born March 25, 1965 in Nelsonville, Ohio, Sarah

was one of eight children. Trained in ballet at the American Ballet School as well as vocal performance, she was cast as a youth in the Broadway production of the The Innocents. As Sarah’s acting passion increased, her family relocated to New Jersey where young Sarah landed the lead in the Broadway production of Annie.

Television was not far behind as Sarah starred in the 1982 sitcom Square Pegs, as high school student Patty Green. Although the show was short-lived, it allowed Sarah to gain roles in major films such as Footloose and Steve Martin’s bubbly lover in the comedy L.A Story. Her talent and quirky sense of humor became apparent as she graced the screen opposite one of Hollywood’s shining stars Johnny Depp in Ed Wood, and her loveable face could never be forgotten in popular 80s flick Flight of the Navigator.

When Sarah was offered the role of Carrie in the HBO series Sex and the City, she had doubts about committing to a long-term role, but ultimately decided to give it a try. She had no way of preparing herself for the popularity she was about to obtain. The show had only aired two episodes when it shot to the top of viewer ratings and HBO knew it had a hit. Watching Sarah portray Carrie is not like viewing an actress at all, but more like watching Sarah just go by another name. Critics have claimed that the role was written totally and specifically for her alone.

Directly before accepting Carrie as her alter-ego, Sarah was introduced to actor Matthew Broderick by one of her brothers at the Naked Angels Theater Company where they both preformed.

She has shared that Matthew is her soul mate, “It was alchemy. You know, people just really liked each other. We spent all our time off camera together, we enjoy being with one another. I think we loved watching each another work.” They married on May 19, 1997 in a civil ceremony in an historic synagogue on the Lower East Side of Manhattan.

The couple reside in Manhattan and have no plans to live anywhere else.

“I feel least stressed out in Manhattan. I’m comfortable there with the noises of the city and its accompanying humanity. It’s my favorite place to be. I can’t imagine a time when I would want to leave New York City.”

On keeping her marriage strong while she and her husband are both enjoying high-profile acting careers Sarah says, “We don’t live somewhere that shines such a strong spotlight on our marriage [she means LA]. And we live in a city where the engine is not the entertainment industry, its art and commerce and education and museums. I think we’ve made choices in our life that protect us from the glare and allow the relationship to be real.”

On 28 October 2002, Sarah took on her biggest role to date as mom to their first son James Wilkes Broderick. He was named after Broderick's father, the actor James Joseph Broderick and writer Wilkie Collins. Now eight years old, James has been featured by photographers in tabloids and magazines worldwide. How does Sarah feel about this and does it bother her young one? It’s the question that plagues all celebrities of her caliber and Sarah comments that her son may not be aware of his parent’s fame, “When we leave our house and there are photographers outside, he’s certainly aware that something’s different for him, but so far he’s just pretty much interested in the things all seven-year-olds are interested in – primarily himself.”

Just last year the couple expanded their family with the birth of their twin daughters Marion Loretta Elwell and Tabitha Hodge. Their middle names of "Elwell" and "Hodge" are from Parker's side of the family. Sarah talked about what a blessing the twins are to the couple and how privileged they feel. “It’s very magical and of course they are a delight.” Balancing her three children with her other responsibilities is a great challenged but one that Sarah does not cower from in the least. “It’s crazy all day long, but you adapt very quickly. It is daunting, yeah, but we welcome the chaos. Your children are your priority; you do what you do for them.”

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TRAVEL

Cyprus 5-STAR LUXURY IN

WORDS BY ADAM READY

ALONG THE EAST COAST OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA LIES THE BEAUTIFUL ISLAND OF CYPRUS; A COUNTRY WHICH HAS HAD ITS FAIR SHARE OF RICHES & TROUBLES OVER THE HISTORY OF ITS EXISTENCE. THIS FRIENDLY AND PEACEFUL ISLAND BELIES ITS TURBULENT PAST AND THESE DAYS’ PICTURESQUE OLD VILLAGES AND VINEYARDS ARE SCATTERED ALL OVER THE SOUTHERN REGION AS WELL AS THE MODERN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF HOTELS, BARS, SPAS & GOLF COURSES.

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When first arriving at the stylish and brand new Larnaka airport and stepping out into the warm air, things seem strangely familiar with the cars driving on the left side of the road and the friendly local people speaking excellent English; great if you want to hire a car and explore the island for yourself.

With around 340 days of sunshine a year, tourism is Cyprus’ major industry and the standard and style of accommodation is extensive and varied.

Travelling through a breathtaking valley of

If you enjoy your sports & leisure, there is plenty on offer at the Columbia Beach Resort. The Columbia Spa has an extensive range of spa treatments including Daniele de Winter, Molton Brown and Phytomer. While waiting for your treatment why not make use of the heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi or steam & sauna rooms. There’s even a relaxation area to lay down with a book and cup of herbal tea. Other leisure activities available are the fully equipped gym, squash, tennis, complimentary yoga and a wide range of water sports. In the nearby area there are three

real treat sitting in the morning sun beside the 80-metre lagoon-style infinity pool. The only problem is deciding what to have from the cooked and continental style breakfast.

Following on from a hearty (or healthy) breakfast, take in the beautiful island by mountain biking on one of the national cycle routes and discover some of the many ancient and historical monuments. Also enjoy wine tasting at a local vineyard or just make the most of the beautiful beaches along your journey.

For those who enjoy a lively night out, why not travel into the large coastal town of Limassol which is about a 25 minute journey from Pissouri.

Here you can eat at one of the best steak houses on the island in the trendy, chic & modern Columbia Plaza, and finish the night by heading upstairs to the 7 Seas live music bar www.columbiaplaza.com.

vineyards and orchards through unspoilt countryside, I arrived at the 5-Star Columbia Beach Resort. With a backdrop of white cliffs descending into the Bay of Pissouri and overlooking 2km of quiet blue flag beach, it’s no wonder the resort attracts celebrities including Piers Morgan.

The beach resort boasts 94 spacious suites, each with luxury added touches. There’s a real wow factor when entering the bathroom with its king-size tub, his & hers sinks and built-in radio.

Each bathroom has its own separate shower stall and are stocked with indulgent Molton Brown products.

championship golf courses, to which the resort staff will happily organise your transport and green fees.

With approximately just over 4 hours flying time and 20 minutes to 1 hour airport transfers depending on which airport you fly into, The Columbia Beach Resort really is the finest luxury 5-star hotel & spa, tucked away from the packed tourist resorts in Cyprus. The resort also caters for families with children’s clubs running throughout half term periods. Plus guests have full use of the facilities at the sister Columbia Beach Hotel right next door which hosts a nightly dinner buffet and regular live entertainment.

Cyprus is well known for its cuisine and you won’t be disappointed by the offerings at the resort. The rustic courtyard Apollo Taverna even houses its own little chapel and leads down the beach. Dining here is a real traditional Cypriot experience serving freshly caught fish, feta salads and lots of mouth watering local meze, whilst soaking up the atmosphere listening to the sounds of a guitar duo.

Classic Collection Holidays are offers 7 nights at Columbia Beach Resort from £1,183 per person this July. Price based on 2 adults sharing a junior suite garden view on a bed & breakfast basis and includes return flights and private transfers.

If you’re a lover of fine dining, the Dionysos restaurant in the main part of the resort is the place for that very special meal. Breakfast is a

Tourism information www.visitcyprus.com

For more info or bookings visit www.classiccollection.co.uk/cyprus/columbia-beach-resort or call 0800 008 7288.

35

IT’S BBQ TIME! OUTDOOR LIVING

KENT HAS ALREADY BEEN GRACED WITH SOME SUNNY WARM DAYS THIS YEAR; IT’S TIME TO UNLOAD THE SHED AND GET OUT YOUR BBQ GEAR FOR SOME BACK GARDEN SOCIALS. EVOKE THE SPIRIT OF SHERWOOD Planning a camping excursion to Sherwood Forest this summer? Don’t forget your lance! As Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men ride fervently towards a big screen near you, there has never been a better time to channel your inner Medieval warrior.

By arming yourself with a mighty BBQ Sword or Mallow Lance from Totally Funky, you’ll indulge in a world of historical fantasy this summer.

BBQ Sword

Mallow Lance

All hail the barbeque utensil of every knight’s dreams; those tiny sausages won’t have a fighting chance against this BBQ weapon of destruction. The undeniably cool and testosterone fuelled BBQ Sword is the cooking tool of choice for any self-respecting Friar Tuck (or BBQ fanatic).

The new Mallow Lance takes the worldwide beloved ritual of toasting marshmallows over a campfire and turns it into a medieval style sport.

Fearlessly toast your marshmallows with your very own Mallow Lance protecting you in the heat of battle.

This is the perfect gift for the man who loves nothing better than a fun and flaming barbeque during the summer months. Measuring 52 x 8.5 x 2.5cm, with a stainless steel sword and wooden handle, your man will rule over any BBQ. It even comes with a musketeer style mask to complete the look of a BBQ warrior!

Grrrr.

Price: £14.99

Ideal for camping, BBQ's, toasting mallows on an open fire at home and adding some champion fun to sleepovers. You can even toast marshmallows over a cigarette lighter if needs be!

Each pack contains two complete wooden lances and 10 refills. Refills are also readily available in supermarkets and cook shops. The handle of the lance is made of heavy gauge stainless steel.

Price: £9.99

Totally Funky W: www.totallyfunky.com T: 0845 226 9110

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GREEN BBQ Summer arrives, it’s the weekend and someone suggests a BBQ! The unpredictability of the British weather means this summertime favourite can often catch us unprepared and the resulting spontaneous BBQ can be a wasteful event with single-use disposable BBQ’s and cutlery being the main culprit.

With a little preparation however, the summer BBQ can be a less wasteful affair. Think reusable and compostable over disposable and we can all do our bit to lessen the landfill impact of this year’s barbecue season.

The

The Natural BBQ Firelighter Perfect for BBQ’s and campfires, the If You Care Biomass Firelighters (£3.99) are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional Reusable kerosene andPortable paraffin wax BBQ firelighters.

An alternative to thewood landfillfrom destined disposable BBQ, the Whitstable Bucket BBQ (£21) Made using sustainably managed and Holkham (£35) are portable, lightweight which can be reused over forestsBBQ and vegetable oil, the firelighters are barbecues from and over again.

When theresources. warm weather calls it, the 100% renewable Quick andfor easy to BBQ bucket can be easily carried from theuse, back to the beach for barbecue. justgarden place 2-3 firelighters onan topimpromtu of charcoal.

The cubes will burn for 8-10 minutes each.

Both BBQ’s consist of three parts: the bucket, a tray that sits inside the bucket where the charcoal goes and the griddle on top. The bucket has large air holes on the sides which allow for maximum circulation of air through the charcoal and results in an even burn and less 'flare-ups' during cooking.

The Compostable BBQ Plates Traditionally used for serving curries at weddings and festivals in India, eco friendly Leaf Plates (£5.99) are perfect for picnics, bbq’s, parties, or camping.

The Natural BBQ Firelighter Perfect for BBQ’s and campfires, the If You Care Biomass Firelighters (£3.99) are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional kerosene and paraffin wax firelighters.

Made using wood from sustainably managed forests and vegetable oil, the firelighters are from 100% renewable resources. Quick and easy to use, just place 2-3 firelighters on top of charcoal. The cubes will burn for 8-10 minutes each.

Each pack contains 20 extra large party plates which are made using 100% Sal and Siali leaves, from the forests of Orissa, east India. Leaf plates are completely biodegradable and compostable, when the party is over simply add to the compost heap or dig a hole in the ground and the plates will decompose naturally.

ECOutlet W: www.ecoutlet.co.uk T: 0207 272 7233

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Garden Design Gurus INSPIRATIONAL SHOW GARDENS IN THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND

IN LATE 2009, JACKSONS FENCING CALLED OUT FOR GARDEN DESIGNERS TO ENTER THE JACKSONS SHOW GARDENS COMPETITION – A CONTEST IN WHICH THE WINNERS WOULD GET THE CHANCE TO TURN THEIR GARDEN DESIGN PLANS INTO REALITY.

<< JACKSONS EXISTING DISPLAY AREA DUE TO BE TRANSFORMED

Jacksons are refurbishing the Jakstore display area at their Kent headquarters near Ashford and will be showcasing four inspirational show gardens created by the contest winners. Response for the contest was incredible, as garden designers from all over the UK and Europe registered their interest. Each designer put their heart and soul into their concepts, but in the end, only four could be chosen.

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WINNERS OF THE JACKSONS SHOW GARDENS COMPETITION: MARK SMITH Garden Name: The Haven

MATTHEW CHILDS Garden Name: The Centered Garden

HEATHER APPLETON Garden Name: The Float Garden

PHILIPPA O’BRIEN Garden Name: Jacksons goes to the Seaside

<< THE HAVEN WINNING DESIGN BY MARK SMITH

THE FLOAT GARDEN >> WINNING DESIGN BY HEATHER APPLETON

“We’ve been delighted at the variety of ideas and amount of work put in by all of the designers. It was very difficult to choose the winners.

We had to take into account the overall scheme, the products, plants and features; all needed to be substantially different. So the reason for not choosing one garden over another was not necessarily down to flaws in the designs, but because of the products etc. being repeated, or being too similar to one of the others,” explained Louise Tomlin, marketing manager for Jacksons.

taken apart and bits sold off! It seems an awful shame, all that hard work for a brief glimpse of glory. Our show gardens are set to last for the year, so there will be ample opportunity for people to see them, which should be great for anyone who’s never had the chance to visit Chelsea or Hampton. Viewing a show garden here will certainly not be stressful at all, visitors can take their time and get all the necessary details on the product or plants involved, they can even plan a day out in the area, there are many great places to see and have a lunch.”

“We wanted to create something that would really attract visitors and hopefully create a bit of a stir. We have a reasonable display area and people do come from all over, surprisingly from France and other European countries, and even Japan! But fencing, as lovely as it is, can be a little unexciting on it’s own. The idea was to create an inspirational display with other quality products and reliable suppliers, all showcased in exciting show gardens on a par with Chelsea or Hampton Court Flower Shows, although smaller, so visitors can get inspiration for their own garden projects.

Work on the show gardens at Jacksons Fencing Head Office site at Stowting is continuing throughout the Spring, and the opening event is planned for mid-May. Jacksons have planned further events throughout the summer months including ‘Designer Days’, when the designers involved with the gardens will be on site and available to advise members of the public on their own projects and to discuss aspects of their work. There is also a rumour about an as-yet unnamed celebrity who will open the gardens, and also the possibility of one of the show gardens from Chelsea or Hampton shows being given a home along side the Jacksons gardens. All will become clear… to find out opening dates and more detail visit www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/showgardens.

“Jacksons has been involved with show gardens at the big RHS shows for several years” Louise continued, “and it’s good fun and exciting work seeing the attention to detail and creativity that goes into some wonderful gardens. Thousands of people flock to see them, possibly only getting a few minutes in front of the most popular ones; it can all be quite stressful, busy and tiring. And what is rather sad is that the gardens are all dismantled after the prescribed time at the show. Some, if the designer is lucky, will be reassembled elsewhere, but most are

The major partner suppliers are: www.brett.co.uk/gardensanddrives, www.chilstone.co.uk, www.coblandsnurseries.co.uk and www.best4plants.co.uk For a brochure on Jacksons complete range of products call 0800 414343, or log on to www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk.

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HOME

dreaming in chocolate DECORATE YOUR BEDROOM IN SHADES OF CHOCOLATE BROWN FOR A SEDUCTIVE AND LUXURIOUS TWIST.

Venitian Leather Blinds £296, House Couturier

Ribbon Spot Cushion £15, Next

Rocha. John Rocha Buttons Cushion £20, Ecru Knit Throw £60, Rouched Cushion £18, Gather Flower Cushion £20, Arc Bedspread £120, Debenhams

Schubert Footstool from £595, House Couturier

Geneva 6-drawer bed frame from £239, Littlewoods.com

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Canopy Wallpaper £79.00/metre, House Couturier

Chocolate Lattice Suede Door Stop £25, Chocolate Stops

Retro Eyes Abstract Art £24.99, Artylicious.co.uk

Chocolate Mohair Throw £45, Funky Olive

Brown Capiz Chandelier £119, Ivory Pearl Interiors

FASHION

DOWNBYTHESEA //WOMEN’SFASHION Vincente Jacket £149, Antoine T-Shirt £39, Antoine Dress £89, Hobbs

Trompe L’oeil Grace Sweater £59, Hobbs Therapy Red Sunglasses £12, House of Fraser Red & White Striped Dress £16, BHS

Pied a Terre Navy Pencil Skirt £35, House of Fraser

Get On the Wave Wedges £35, Office

Striped Anchor Drop Earrings £5.99, River Island

White Anchor Print T-Shirt £18, BHS

Sailor Cap £19.99, River Island

Navy Striped Dress with Red Sequin Bow £15, boohoo.com

Street Stilettos £75, Dune

Striped Ruffle Sleeve T-Shirt £40, French Connection

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Blue & White Sailor Stripe Dress £50, Joy

Navy and White Stripe Dress £25, Navy Stitch Detail Bag £25, Red Tights £5, Dorothy Perkins

ENJOY THE SEASON WITH TAN-FLATTERING SEA-INSPIRED BLUES, AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE STRIPE CRAZE WITH FUNKY SAILOR-THEMED JEWELLERY, BAGS AND SHOES. MANDY TEMPLE HAD A SNEAK PEEK AT THE NEWEST SPRING AND SUMMER FASHION TRENDS FOR 2010.

VoodooSshoes £120, Feudlondon

Blue Bangle £9.50, Marks & Spencer

Denim Shorts £29.99, White Stuff

Turquoise Mac £160, French Connection Butterfly Dress £75, Monsoon Fusion

Manish Dress £60, Monsoon Fusion Silk Embroided Dress £135, French Connection

T-Shirt and Scarf £32, Freemans

Peppermint Patent Bag £30, Wallis

Turquoise Flower Ring £3.99, Internacionale

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DE BRADELEI WHARF • DOVER

THE SMARTER WAY TO SHOP

SPRING INTO SUMMER WITH...

Joules, Esprit, Jackpot, Seasalt, Weirdfish, Jacques Vert, Windsmoor, Planet, Precis Petite, Alex & Co, Kaliko, Ann Harvey, Minuet Petite, Eastex, Dash and many more!

Womenswear • Menswear • Childrenswear • Shoes Leisurewear • Accessories • China and Glass Kitchen Shop and Books OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 9.30-5.30 Sat 9.30-6.00 Sun & Bank Holidays 10.30-4.30 FIND US AT Cambridge Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BY T. 01304 226616 www.debradelei.com CRAGHOPPERS • HAWKSHEAD • WEIRDFISH • SEA SALT • DENBY POTTERY

ECCO • FLYFLOT • PADDERS • VAN DAL • PIERRE CARDIN

ALEX & CO • KALIKO • MINUET PETITE • EASTEX • JACQUES VERT

ESPRIT • JOULES • PLANET • PRECIS PETITE • KLASS • WINDSMOOR

WELLBEING

Sexy Suds

WASH UP IN STYLE WITH THESE GORGEOUS FRAGRANT SOAPS. Tokyomilk Glitter Wrapped Soap £12.50, www.cologneandcotton.com

Organic Rose Geranium Bath Soak £9.95, www.love-eco.co.uk

Tokyomilk Bon Bon Bubbling Bath Eiffel Tower Design £29, www.cologneandcotton.com Royal Crown Soap £3.99, www.notmassproduced.com Cote Bastide Mint Wrapped Soap www.bodieandfou.com

£6.50,

Gorgeous Soaps £3.99, www.berryred.co.uk

Cote Bastide Fig Bar Soap www.bodieandfou.com

Soap Gift Box £17.99, www.notmassproduced.com

Di Palomo Mediterranean Bathing Experience £19.99, www.pressies4princesses.co.uk

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£8,

WELLBEING

Pure Pampering Pure Focus EK ONE VISITS PURE INDULGENCE BY THE SEA IN WHITSTABLE FOR A MORNING OF GLORIOUS RELAXATION.

We all love to be pampered. Whether it be a full body massage, a manicure, or even an at-home foot spa, we should all take the time to be pampered every once in a while.

If you’re looking to be spoiled, look no further than PURE indulgence by the sea in Whitstable. From facials to tanning to massages to complete wellbeing packages, Pure offers it all.

As I walked into PURE for the first time, I was greeted by a warm smiling face and pleasant surroundings. I was escorted to my treatment room which oozed with a relaxing ambiance. The temperature was utter perfection, the smells were soothing and the music was just right for putting me into a purely pampered state.

After lying down on the comfortable treatment bed, my facial treatment began. Not with my face as I expected, but with my feet. I was receiving an Elemis Skin Specific Facial, and as with all Elemis treatments, the therapy targets your entire wellbeing. So, to begin my total wellbeing experience, I received a light foot massage and hot towel treatment before the actual facial began. Bliss!

My facial was one full hour, with a mixture of different products, massages and experiences. The Elemis products smelled and felt exquisite on my skin; each new treatment followed by a warm aromatherapy satchel being placed over my eyes to enhance my overall relaxation.

I must admit I never expected to get such a heavenly experience from a facial. I left feeling calm and reenergised at the same time, and can’t wait to return for another day of PURE indulgence.— Noelle Gray

LOOK AS GOOD ON THE OUTSIDE AS YOU FEEL ON THE INSIDE

Gok Wan has become a household name having brought us TV shows like How to Look Good Naked and Gok’s Fashion Fix in order to revive the nations’ women and their self-confidence.

In Whitstable, local businesses are pulling together to form a Gok-esque package for women in the area. Pure Focus is a new unique kick-start programme to help put a spring into women’s steps.

The brains behind Pure Focus, Janine Knell of PURE indulgence by the sea said, “All of us only look as good on the outside as we feel on the inside, so Pure Focus is specifically designed to work on both.

The programme succeeds by embracing the inside and enhancing the outside.”

Pure Focus is a sumptuous fusion of Life Coaching, Reflexology, Body Composition Analysis, Make-Up, Hair and Fashion. This takes Gok’s principals to the next level moving away from a quick fix to a more lasting effect.

Pure Focus practitioners have been trading separately for years and have united their expertise and passion. The union comes from a mutual recognition that all women deserve to feel good in their own skin and ultimately that comes from confidence and feeling good from the inside out.

Whether you want to treat yourself or someone else, spring into action and find out more by visiting PURE indulgence by the sea on www.purebythesea.com or calling 01227 772176.

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WELLBEING

here’s to your

health B

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Summer is just around the corner; the time of year to not only look your best, but feel your best. Make sure your inner and outer self is taken care of by trying some of these new wellbeing products.

Rude Awakening

In the cereal business since 2005, Rude Health is on a mission to produce the tastiest and healthiest breakfast with no added sugar and salt. Whether you prefer rice puffs, muesli, corn flakes, or porridge you are spoilt for choice with their delicious range of healthy cereals. Rude Health isn’t just good for your body, it’s also good for the environment as they source sustainablygrown and GM-free ingredients, and their packaging is made using recycled, recyclable materials wherever possible. For more information, visit www.rudehealth.com or 0845 465 7833.

Sporty Fragrance

To accompany its ready-to-wear sports collection, Burberry has recently launched two new fragrances for men and women. The men’s fragrance has a masculine woody, citrusy scent with notes of ginger while the women’s is more floral with hints of mandarin, magnolia and honeysuckle. If you are fan of Burberry fragrances but after something slightly different, both in terms of scent and design, this could be just the thing. Prices start at £27 for 30ml Eau de Toilette. www.burberry.com

Ancient Algae

Most people will probably not be familiar with Chlorella, an ancient green fresh water algae native to the Far East, and uptake since its introduction to the British market in tablet form 3 years ago has been slow. However, this may be about to change as the algae is being touted as a new superfood that has several health benefits. It contains a concentrated supply of vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants and chlorophyll, which can help block absorption of toxins in your diet according to research conducted by Oregon State University. Research also suggests that it can aid digestion as it increases the friendly bacteria in the intestines. For more information or to buy Natural Green’s Chlorella please visit www.naturalgreens.co.uk or call 0844 567 0547.

Nuts about Chocolate

Flaxseed is often labelled a superfood because of its many health benefits including increasing good (HDL) cholesterol, which in turn can decrease the risk of heart disease, and it may also improve digestion and regulate bowel movements. Linwoods have recently increased their range of healthy superfoods with their two latest additions: Milled Flaxseed, Walnuts, Brazil Nuts, Almonds and Q10 and Milled Flaxseed, Cocoa and Berries. Daily recommended intake is 2 dessert spoonfuls (30g) and although they are high in calories and fat, fear not as it’s mainly poly and monounsaturated fat which have both been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Linwoods products are available from many independent UK health food stores across the UK, as well as Holland and Barrett and Waitrose. For more information, visit www.linwoods.co.uk or contact info@linwoods.co.uk or 028 3756 8477.

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01580 767610 www.londonbeach.com Ashford Road, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HX

GADGETS

GADGETS GALORE

Father’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday 20th June. Dads like nothing more than shiny new gadgets (well, besides your undying love and respect of course). To give your Dad the ultimate Father’s Day surprise, wrap up one of the newest high-tech toys from Bang & Olufsen.

BeoTime

Your bedroom’s best friend Everyone has to get up in the morning, but with BeoTime, Bang & Olufsen makes sure that even your basic morning ritual becomes an extraordinary experience. The humble alarm clock has been transformed with remarkable and unobtrusive design and surprisingly practical features, like built-in motion sensor and subtle automatic backlighting. The sleep timer lets you

doze off to music or late night programme without worrying about switching it off. You can choose to wake up to BeoTime’s discreet chime and add the sound of your favourite TV programme, radio station, or piece of music.

Whatever it takes, BeoTime is sure to make every morning a pleasant one. £295

BeoCom 5 With BeoCom5, B&O have created a cordless phone that captures every nuance of your conversation delivering a sound so real, it’s the next best thing to being there. Based on the same acoustic competences applied in Bang & Olufsen loudspeakers, this is a speakerphone that lets you truly listen.

The elegant BeoCom 5 gives you easy access to more than 400 contacts and the possibility to customize the display specifically for each person in your household.

Freedom of choice is an operative phrase for BeoCom 5. You can choose between layouts in the display, select among nine different colours and get as much as eight different handsets for one phone. Its innovative speaker phone/hands-free feature is made practical and enjoyable while still offering something quite unique for a cordless phone, namely Bang & Olufsen audio quality.

BeoCom 5 also offers two separate phone lines, allowing you to combine a regular landline with IP telephony, or perhaps use one line for private calls and the other for work, if you have a home office. £415 (Handset & Speakerphone)

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Geneva S Dock From the inventors of high fidelity for iPod comes the GenevaLab Sound System Model S - bringing great sound, style and simplicity to the bedroom, kitchen, office and more.

GenevaLab Sound System Model S features: • iPod Universal Dock for iPod® and iPhone® • FM radio with digital tuner with presets • High fidelity 2-channel sound with digital signal processor, bass enhancement and EmbracingSound to enhance compressed audio • Powerful amplifier that is also award winning for energy efficiency • Clock with programmable alarm • Choice of White, Black or Red • Detachable table stand included £299.99

Sony Digital Picture Frame Digital photo frame with high resolution LCD. With generous memory capacity, easy picture search and wide range of view modes.

EarSet 2 With EarSet 2, B&O went beyond all established standards to give you a matchless performance from a Bluetooth headset. The loudspeaker system is designed to high-fidelity standards.

Specially designed air vents and a ‘bass port’ ensure true voice reproduction. The microphones are designed to filter out disturbances, such as wind or background noise. With Bang & Olufsen audio technology, all the benefits of a cordless headset come together. This is the difference between merely talking on the phone and really having a conversation £265

Space for all your memories SPECS FOR MODEL SHOWN ONLY – DPF-D72N • 7-inch Clear Photo LCD Wide VGA panel displays incredibly natural, detail-packed images • Large 1GB memory provides storage for up to 2000 photos (images saved at 2 megapixel resolution to increase effective capacity) • Easy-to-use picture search functions including search by event, marker or folder • Auto orientation sensor 'flips' images for correct viewing in portrait or landscape frame positions • Multi card slot accepts Memory Stick™, SD Card, CompactFlash and xD media • Wide choice of exciting, dynamic and fun slideshow, clock and calendar display modes • Eco-friendly on/off timer saves power when operation is not needed (e.g. at night) • Remote control FROM £69.99

Roberts MP43

Bose Quiet Comfort Headphones (QC15) New QuietComfort® 15 Acoustic Noise Cancelling® headphones feature exclusive Bose advancements in noise reduction technology. You hear less noise than ever before, and even more of your music and movies. With the quality sound you expect from Bose and a lightweight around-ear fit that stays comfortable for hours, it's a combination of benefits unmatched in the industry.

The SOUND 43 (MP 43) is a fantastic tabletop multifunctional sound system with dock for the iPod. The SOUND 43 is perfect for any room in the house the wooden cabinet interior ensures fantastic sound quality and the 6 position graphic equalizer with separate bass and treble gives you extra control.

Features • Dock for the iPod • Touch panel controls • DAB / FM RDS wavebands • MP3/WMA playback via CD • Multi function remote control • Clock and multi function alarm • 20 station presets £230

• Six position equaliser and seperate bass and treble • Electric blue display • Alarm - wake to radio or buzzer • Adjustable sleep timer • Snooze function • Available in BLACK, WHITE, RED OR YELLOW

£279.99

These luxury gadgets, plus many more, can be purchased at: Bang & Olufsen Canterbury 6 Burgate, Canterbury CT1 2HG Tel: 01227 451452 Email: canterbury@bang-olufsen.co.uk.

Bang & Olufsen Tenterden 7 East Cross, Tenterden Kent TN30 6AD Tel: 01580 762864 Email: tenterden@bang-olufsen.co.uk

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FOOD

by Paul Martin

MY ANTICIPATION GREW AS THE SUBTLE GLOW OF THE ROYAL OAK LIGHTS REACHED OUT THROUGH THE MIST TO BECKON US IN, AND WHAT A REWARD. WE WERE GREETED BY THE OAKY SCENT OF A ROARING FIRE, USED TO SPIT ROAST LAMB AND PORK ON A WEDNESDAY NIGHT. MY FIRST IMPRESSION WAS OF A BUILDING LOVINGLY RENOVATED IN THE QUEST FOR A PLACE TO BE BOTH PROUD AND PASSIONATE ABOUT, AN EXTENSION OF A BEAUTIFUL HOME WITH A VERY WELCOMING FEEL. I INSTANTLY FELT AT EASE AND KNEW THAT I WAS ABOUT TO HAVE A VERY SPECIAL EXPERIENCE.

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Today’s Royal Oak is a far cry from its roots as the home of the Parish Clerk and Sexton, where bread and wine were produced for mass. The original dwelling, built in 1570, was a little smaller than the one we see today, over the years many alterations have been made to the building and its use.

In 1736, Jacob Ferris took over the dwelling, and added the title Ale Keeper to that of Parish Clerk.

He was granted a licence and named the establishment The Royal Oak. The Royal Oak lost its religious connection in 1751, when it was sold to Master Mariner and Inn Keeper Thomas Austern. It featured briefly in the battle of Brookfield, when injured blockade men were taken to the inn to have their wounds dressed after a vicious battle with smugglers.

As we entered the bar area, we were warmly greeted and made aware of the specials board, where the leg of lamb caught my eye. We ordered drinks and were shown to our table adjacent to the beautiful brick fireplace, with an embossed copper hunting scene as a backdrop to the flames. The restaurant had a roomy, yet comfortable feel and was full of happy diners engrossed in quiet conversation between mouthfuls of wonderful looking cuisine.

Sanded, original beams gave a cosy yet modern feel, while the fireplace, central to the pub, warmed my bones while I captured the homely atmosphere. Everything had been considered carefully, from the perfect lighting to the artwork on the wall.

The menu made the most of traditional local produce, affording genuine freshness and quality.

Some of the many options included Roasted Fillet of South Coast Cod, Char Grilled Chump of Romney Marsh Lamb and Slow-Roasted Belly of Pork with Crackling.

I chose the soup of the day to start, Leek and Potato, while my companions chose the Crostini of Stonegate Goats Cheese; Thai Fish Cakes with Spicy Cucumber Relish; and the Chicken, Pork and Pistachio Terrine. The portions were just right and beautifully presented, and the flavours fused in sublime harmony. The soup was light, but wholesome and piping hot, the bread crusty and warm. The other starters looked wonderful and the contented smiles and lack of talking at our table suggested that every mouthful was a pleasure.

For my main I had already decided on lamb, but which one to choose? The Chump of Lamb with Rosemary and Garlic Oil, or the night’s special of Slow-roasted Leg of Romney Marsh Lamb. In the end, the Chump of Lamb along with Roasted Vegetables and Whole Grain Mustard Mashed Potatoes seemed to shine out of the page to me. The others went for the Leg of Lamb special, Steak with Peppercorn Sauce and Pork Belly with Crackling.

Words really cannot do my meal justice. The lamb was more than I had expected, rich, yet not overpowering and complimented by the delicious mustard potatoes. I savoured every mouthful. The meat was firm and tender, the mashed potatoes creamy and full of flavour and the roasted vegetables perfectly cooked and juicy. The flicker of the fire, a full bodied red and the satisfaction of an inspired meal found me slipping slowly down into my chair, beaming like a well fed cat, almost forgetting that the dessert menu was still to come. Could I possibly make room?

How could I not? Homemade Honeycomb Ice Cream, Apple Crumble, and Brownies à la mode – I managed to make room for a serving of all of them, and all were heavenly.

We finished the evening with fresh coffee and contented conversation about the meal, although in my head I was already busy planning my next visit to The Royal Oak.

The Royal Oak High Street Brookland Romney Marsh TN29 9QR 01797 344 215 info@royaloakbrookland.co.uk www.royaloakbrookland.co.uk

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FOOD

curry party!

KENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AWARD-WINNING CHAI STOP IS THE PERFECT CULINARY DELIGHT TO OFFER WHEN HOSTING A DINNER PARTY OR SOCIAL EVENT.

They offer fresh and flavourful dishes that are delivered frozen to your door, all you have to do is pop them in the oven and voila! You have an instant party.

To host your own curry party with Chai Stop curries, visit their website at www.thechaistop.co.uk or call 01304 619858.

Last month, One Magazines hosted an intimate gathering at Utopia Bar & Restaurant with curry provided by The Chai Stop. We sampled two of their popular curries: Kerala Chicken and Five Spice Dahl, both gorgeous in taste and texture.

The venue, Utopia Bar & Restaurant, was the perfect setting for our event, offering many different drinks and cocktails and a great modern ambiance.

To hold your event at the fabulous Utopia Bar & Restaurant in Ashford, visit www.utopia-restaurant.co.uk or call 01233 636060.

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RECIPE MICHAEL CAINES is one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs. AA Chef's Chef of the Year in 2007, and awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry. In 2000, Michael founded Michael Caines Restaurants and took over food and beverage operations at The Royal Clarence, Exeter, Britain’s first hotel. A chance encounter with Andrew Brownsword led to the creation of the Abode Hotel group, of which Michael is an Operational Partner and Director, in overall charge of all food and beverage operations throughout the fast-growing group. Michael is also Executive Chef at Gidleigh Park, the acclaimed and prestigious country house hotel on the edge of Dartmoor at Chagford, Devon, where he has earned his reputation - as well as two Michelin stars, and also at its Michelin starred sister Hotel, The Bath Priory Hotel, Restaurant and Spa in Bath. Both properties serve distinctive modern European cuisine utilising the finest local and regional produce and ingredients.

PENNE PASTA

with Spinach, Gorgonzola, Pine Nuts, Broccoli and Mascarpone

SERVES 4

METHOD:

50ml extra virgin olive oil

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until ‘al dente’.

500g penne pasta

2. In a sauté pan add half the olive oil and bring to a moderate heat. Add the purple sprouting and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes or until it starts to soften. Add the baby spinach and stirfry to wilt.

100g baby spinach 50g toasted pinenuts 100g purple sprouting 100g mascarpone cheese 100g gorgonzola cheese Salt and freshly ground black pepper

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3. Add the mascarpone, toasted pinenuts and gorgonzola.

Heat through.

4. Add the cooked pasta to the vegetables and cheese and mix well. Season, drizzling with a little more extra virgin olive oil before serving.

AN EVENING WITH

michael caines

EK ONE WAS DELIGHTED TO ATTEND THE EXCLUSIVE ‘EVENING WITH MICHAEL CAINES’ AT ABODE CANTERBURY. WE COULDN’T WAIT TO TRY EACH COURSE OF MICHAEL’S MAGNIFICENT TASTING MENU AS THE CELEBRITY CHEF INTRODUCED HIS MICHELIN-STARRED FOOD AND ENTERTAINED HIS GUESTS WITH STORIES AND ANECDOTES. HOSTING THE EVENING ALONG WITH MICHAEL WAS STEVE EDWARDS WHO INTRODUCED THE SUPERB SELECTION OF WINES CHOSEN TO ACCOMPANY EACH COURSE.

This unique evening started with a Champagne and canapé reception during which Michael took the opportunity to personally greet each diner.

Moving into the restaurant diners were treated to four fantastic courses including Little Lasagne of Rabbit, Scallops, Kentish Beef, and (our favourite) Caramelised Lemon Tart and Blackcurrant Sorbet.

Michael gave a fascinating insight into the processes behind each dish and during coffee Michael introduced head chef Toby Lin and the rest of his team, who received rapturous applause from appreciative diners.

This really is a fantastic and unique social event, not to be missed by those who love great food accompanied by great wine. The next evening with Michael Caines is Wednesday 25th August – book early to avoid disappointment, this is a popular event!

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MOTORS

GREEN MACHINE

IT’S COMPACT, ECONOMICAL, STYLISH, FUN TO DRIVE...AND BUILT IN BELGIUM. HARDLY WHAT YOU’D EXPECT FROM A VOLVO.WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATTHEW EVANS

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The C30 has always occupied its own, distinct little niche in Volvo’s line up. It downplays the company’s traditional, conservative virtues – practicality and spaciousness – and offers up more subjective qualities such as style and a premium feel instead. It doesn’t even come from Sweden, but from the same factory in Ghent that turns out the S40 and XC60. But it wowed us all at its launch three or so years ago by retaining a surprising similarity to the original concept car that appeared at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show, and the new, facelifted version hones the razor’s edge of the car’s styling still further.

Retained are the distinctive, stepped haunches and oval, all-glass tailgate – reminiscent of the iconic Volvo P1800 ES – while aesthetics at the pointed end are brought bang up to date with a larger grille and new headlights which slash deep into the front wings. It’s pinsharp aggressive, yet avoids straying over the top, even when combined with some of the gaudier colour options available, such as the Lime Green Grass Metallic you see here. The look is further enhanced by the R-Design spec, a badge which means that wheelarch extensions, sideskirts and other bodywork add-ons are all colour coded, and the whole package sits squat and purposeful on 17 inch Cratus alloys and low profile rubber.

a number of the company’s concept cars a few years back, and is gradually being rolled out on the current production models; it looked good then and it still looks different and striking now.

In the back there are two individual chairs rather than the threeseat bench that most manufacturers would try to squeeze into a car of this size, and when you stop to think about it that’s no bad thing. Okay, you lose the ability to carry five, but Volvo’s designers have simply acknowledged the fact that it’s relatively rare for vehicles in this bracket to carry four people, let alone a full house.

The trade off – and it’s a trade up in my book – is that the seats can be positioned more towards the centre line of the car, increasing shoulder and elbow room and giving ‘proper’ accommodation in the rear. Otherwise, the interior is fairly conventional, reassuringly understated, and built from good quality plastics to an excellent standard of fit and finish. Very Volvo, one might say.

Also very Volvo is the ignition set high on the dash – a safety measure so you don’t impale your knee in the event of an accident – but once you’ve tracked it down, a twist of the chunky key brings the 1.6 diesel to life with scarcely a murmur. It’s so quiet, in fact, that it initially had me wondering whether I was sitting in the stop/start version of the car, of which more later.

On the inside, things are given a lift by the contrasting leather upholstery and funky blue instrument dials, plus Volvo’s signature ‘floating’ centre console. This is another feature that appeared on

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MOTORS

VOLVO C30 MODEL: 1.6 DRIVE R-DESIGN PRICE AS TESTED: £19,940 ENGINE: 1560CC, 4 CYLINDER DIESELPOWER: 109PS/108BHP TOP SPEED: 118MPH 0-60MPH: 10.7 SEC ECONOMY ON TEST: 59.1MPG CO2 EMISSIONS: 119G/KM ROAD TAX: £35

Pulling away from a standing start, acceleration is reasonably brisk without ever threatening to set the Tarmac alight, and it comes as something of a surprise to discover that this version of the C30 has only 109PS on offer. Scorching it isn’t – there’s a 230PS engine available if laying black lines down the road at every set of lights is your thing – but what the Volvo lacks in outright power is made up for with a super smooth delivery of the horses it does have. Carrying speed through the corners becomes the name of the game, and the Sports Chassis – included with the RDesign pack – makes it easy to do just that. A whole host of changes to the standard car, such as lower ride height, uprated dampers and a sharper steering ratio, combine with low profile Pirelli P7 rubber to give a set up that corners accurately, and is sharp and responsive without ever turning twitchy.

That may all sound like a recipe for a crash, thump, tyre-roar induced migraine on harsh or uneven surfaces but the C30 turns out to be surprisingly quiet and refined, even on the Garden of England’s winter-ravaged roads. Motorway miles, too, are despatched in relaxed fashion with barely a whisper, and the almost complete absence of wind-noise provides a perfect

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environment to enjoy the high quality sound system, as well as suggesting there are some pretty accomplished aerodynamics at work.

there’s also a Start/Stop option that drastically improves urban fuel consumption by automatically cutting the engine when the car is at a standstill.

It’s a seamless system that claims to deliver 61.4mpg on the urban cycle and 74.3mpg overall, plus a CO2 figure of 99g/km; low enough to mean you don’t pay any road tax.

The car we tested didn’t have Start/Stop fitted, but still managed to return a shade under 70mpg when driven carefully, and just shy of 60mpg over a mixed route. Slightly less than the official figures – isn’t that always the way? – but still impressive.

CO2 is 119g/km so you’ll still be paying for your tax disc, but £35 a year should hardly break the bank.

And it’s those aerodynamics that play a large part in the technologies that are bundled up behind another badge that our car wore, the one that says DRIVe. Most manufacturers now have environmental tech programmes – which work with varying degrees of success – designed to boost fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions, and DRIVe is Volvo’s implementation. “Standard” DRIVe includes engine management and gearbox refinements, as well as the aero sorcery, but

Lipscomb Canterbury Central House, Ashford Road, Chartham, Canterbury CT4 7HH, Tel: 0845 338 9902 Lipscomb Maidstone Performance House, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Maidstone ME20 7XA, Tel: 0845 338 9901 www.lipscomb.co.uk

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BEHIND THE SCENES

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

POLLY EVANS Polly Evans and EK One's Adam Ready

What sparked your interest in TV presenting?

Had you always dreamt of being on TV? To be honest, I was always interested in literature and reading at school – English literature and English language were my favourite subjects at school. I also absolutely loved theatre, so I did think for a while I’d like to be an actress. When I got to Leeds University, I joined Leeds Student Radio. I had a Saturday morning radio show which gave me a taste of broadcasting which merged with my love for reading and writing and I thought, ‘Hang on a minute, I really like this’.

Did you study Journalism at school?

I studied English and Theatre at University and went on to study Broadcast Journalism at Cardiff University.

How did your career get a kick-start after Cardiff University?

I started out doing work experience at Radio Wales as a researcher for Good Morning Wales.

At the end of my postgraduate degree they

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offered me a job, so it was quite a seamless transition for me. They started having me do some reports, and lucky for me they liked my voice, so asked me to do some news reading.

Do you think luck or hard work plays a bigger part in getting to the top in media news presenting?

I think it’s a combination of both. It’s definitely being in the right place at the right time, and realising you’re in the right place at the right time and then making the most of that opportunity.

You have to work hard to get your foot in various doors, but once there you have to be spotted and people have to say, ‘I like you, you’d be good for this’, which is luck.

Is your profession as cutthroat as the general public think it is?

It really isn’t actually. I think there’s this perception because journalism attracts people who are ambitious and driven and people think, ‘Journalists must all hate each other and climb

over each other’s back to get the story’, but actually no more so than in any other field. There’s a healthy rivalry that spurs you on.

Many think that becoming a TV reporter is the ‘holy grail’ of journalism. What advice would you give to someone who wants to obtain this holy grail?

The key is persistence. You’ve got to decide what you want to do and where you weant to go and be totally focused. You need to find someone to help you get there – start at the bottom and call people that might be able to help. If they knock you back get in touch with them again and again. If that’s not working get in touch with them laterally, so get in touch with a presenter who might have a soft spot for budding journalists. So in a nutshell, make clear targets and be a polite pest, and be prepared to work for free when you start out.

WE ALL KNOW THEIR SMILING FACES. BRINGING THE SOUTHEAST THE LATEST NEWS AND WEATHER, BBC SOUTHEAST’S POLLY EVANS AND KADDY LEE-PRESTON ARE MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE.

Kaddy Lee-Preston in the Studio

KADDY LEE-PRESTON

What made you decide to be a TV/Weather Presenter?

I never really ‘decided’ as such. I always knew I loved science, and always loved weather and sunshine. I thought being able to forecast the best places to go for sunshine at the weekend seemed like a great plan! I studied maths and physics at school, which set me up perfectly to study meteorology at University.

How many years of study did it take to become a Meteorologist and Forecaster?

6 1/2 years, though the training I’ve done isn’t all necessary to be on TV. My training has just helped me apply my skills to Kent and Sussex.

What weather is the hardest to predict?

Snow is definitely the hardest. It’s also quite hard to know where frost will show.

You’ve won a Royal Television Society ‘Best Regional Personality’ Award. Was it your first award, and how did it feel?

Yes, it was my first award, and I never expected to win. The award was presented at the end of the night - dare I say quite a ‘celebratory’ night – and I never imagined I’d have to make a speech.

When they announced my name, having to get up and make a speech on being a ‘personality’ didn’t help my case, but honestly I was really thrilled to win.

You’ve filmed all over Kent for Inside Out; what has been your favourite location?

Easily, my favourite location was Goodwin Sands.

We filmed there recently which is a place that you can only go to at certain times during certain tides. To be helicoptered in and then be left alone with just the cameraman and a load of seals was one of the top ten moments of my life.

What has been the most interesting story you’ve covered on Inside Out? There are so many, but probably our story on rare orchids in Kent. They’re really weird! You look at them up close and they really do look like their names. The monkey orchid looks like there are hundreds of little monkeys hanging from the stem. It was fascinating.

With summer right around the corner, what is your favourite coastal area of Kent?

I love Thanet. There are beaches and coves and rocky areas that most people really don’t know about – it’s gorgeous.

So…wing-walking [Kaddy gasps]. Tell us about that experience.

It was absolutely terrifying, but it was one of those things – if you get offered to do a once in a lifetime adventure, if you turn it down you’ll kick yourself forever, no matter how much you know you’re going to hate it. It was terrifying, but brilliantly funny to look back on. The scariest thing was that I couldn’t communicate with the pilot, so if when he wanted to play a few tricks

and turn the engine off dive down towards the ground, I seriously thought I was going to die.

How do you stay in shape?

I do a lot of cycling challenges for charity, but at the moment I’m really into walking. I think ever since the invention of the iPod you can just walk for miles and not even realise. I try to walk at least five miles a day.

How do you relax after a long day?

A pint of beer. I’m into my local ales, especially Shepherd Neame – there are some really good Shepherd Neame ales out there. I also like listening to very loud music at home and dancing around the house like a banchee.

In the future, would you like to continue TV presenting, or perhaps try something different?

I would love to stay in telly, it is truly brilliant.

Forecasting and doing Inside Out is such a great mix, but I’m always trying to do something more with science; I’m always trying to think of new program ideas and chatting to BBC Science to see if they’d take me up on anything.

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MUSIC FESTIVALS

KENT MUSIC FESTIVALS 2010 KENT IS A FABULOUS PLACE TO LIVE, WITH ITS BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE, PROXIMITY TO EUROPE AND LONDON, AND ITS ARRAY OF MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES. KENT RESIDENTS ARE SOME OF THE LUCKIEST BRITS WHEN IT COMES TO SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS, WITH FOUR OF THE BIGGEST AND BEST RIGHT IN OUR BACKYARDS.

LOUNGE ON THE FARM / 9-11 July

With a host of heavyweight acts including Martha & The Vandellas, Toots & The Maytals, Courtney Pine & Fionn Regan already announced, Lounge On The Farm (LOTF) winner of the UK Festival Awards’ Best Line Up in 2009 is set to add some truly cutting edge trailblazers who will be joining the party at Merton Farm, Canterbury on the weekend of July 9th-11th.

Once again forging their own path, LOTF are proud to announce some very special guests for Saturday July 10th. Revered indie label Moshi Moshi Records, which has been responsible for helping to launch the careers of Hot Chip, Bloc Party and Florence & The Machine, will be making their way to the heart of Kent to host all day Saturday in the Sheepdip in conjunction with Wichita Records who this year celebrate their tenth anniversary of releasing records from Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bright Eyes, Bloc Party, The Cribs and many more.

The two labels will be showcasing the wealth of new blood on their respective rosters and such is their collective reputation for sniffing out the next big thing, you can guarantee that the day will be littered with soon-to-be stadium fillers including; alt.folk aficionados Slow Club, the enigmatic Silver Columns, skeewiff punk-popsters Hot Club De Paris, woozy romantics The Wave Pictures, folktronic purveyor James Yuill, new wave musique concrete genius Gold Panda, Swedish close-vocal harmonisers First Aid Kit, ramshackle nu-C86-ers Veronica Falls, lo-fi electro kingpin Dam Mantle, wall of sound worshippers Spectrals and drooladelic chillwavers Summer Camp.

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As previously announced Saturday will also see Camden’s famed gig-spot The Flowerpot on the farm to host the Farm Folk tent on Saturday which will be headlined by sublime sibling rock n rollers Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, more details on that soon plus LOTF’s championing of new music continues with You Say They Play which is back bigger and better in 2010. Now giving a whopping 36 local bands the chance to play at the festival, You Say The Play is a new band search spanning the whole of Kent – visit www.yousaytheyplaylotf.co.uk for more details. And don’t forget that there will also be the under 18s bands stage School Of Rock and a wealth of brilliant attractions including comedy, theatre, burlesque and vaudeville, the kids’ Little Lounge area and, of course, the award winning food and drink concessions that make Lounge on the Farm one of the festival calendar’s true gems.

With a final headliner, more amazing music, comedy and theatre lineups to announce keep checking www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk for all the latest details.

RAY DAVIES

FOY VANCE

BOB DYLAN

HOP FARM FESTIVAL / 3 July Ray Davies, The Magic Numbers and Foy Vance are the latest acts to be added to the amazing line-up at Vince Power’s Hop Farm Festival, which already includes an exclusive UK performance by Bob Dylan, Mumford & Sons, Seasick Steve, Peter Doherty and Laura Marling.

Vince is delighted to announce that the 3rd annual Hop Farm Festival will take place Saturday 3rd July with 2 nights of camping commencing on Friday night and closing with Dylan’s headline performance on Saturday. The festival is set in the grounds of the picturesque Hop Farm, Paddock Wood, Kent.

The Hop Farm Festival is truly a unique experience, exclusively themed as an event totally free of ticket registration, with No Sponsorship or Branding. This festival continues to offer an experience of boutique camping, top-notch food and traditional ales, with some of the best and legendary artists playing over the festival. It is an event for festival-goers, returning live music to its roots, where music lovers turn up and enjoy the same experience as every other ticket holder.

playing host to some of the greatest acts of our time as well as some the best talent coming up the ranks.

Visit www.hopfarmfestival.com for more information.

The Hop Farm Festival will offer something for everyone including 5-a-side celebrity football, fun fare and campsite entertainment. This year’s festival will define itself as an ‘un-missable event’

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MUSIC FESTIVALS

Photo by Tina-K www.tina-k.co.uk

QFEST / 19-20 June SPIT LIKE THIS

Qfest is Kent’s local festival of the year and will be taking place on the 19th and 20th June 2010 at Quex Park (Birchington). Acts include Eliza Doolittle, Alex Vargas (Vagabond), Spit Like This and over 40 more. With the main arena staged on the Waterloo bell tower field, it promises to be a fantastic local music event featuring the best of the East Kent music scene.

The festival will be featuring some of the hottest local acts selected from over 200 applicants, who will be showcasing their tunes across two stages. Also Qfest gives you the opportunity to see the industry’s hottest hopes for the future, which are already making a stir across the UK. The festival kicks off on the Saturday morning and is a weekend jam packed full of entertainment, including bands, camping, DJ’s, funfair, pampering, bars and helicopter rides.

© Valerie Phillips

For more information on Qfest and to purchase tickets, visit www.qfest.co.uk.

ELIZA DOOLITTLE

SELLINDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL / 11-13 June Building on the success of the past three years, Sellindge Music Festival is set to return to Kent with a bang this June, featuring main stage headline acts Reverend & The Makers, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and the Sugar Hill Gang, with support from Goldie Lookin’ Chain Soundsystem, The Rumble Strips and Johnny Foreigner.

Discreetly set within the idyllic surroundings of the North Downs, Sellindge Music Festival is an independent, family-friendly annual arts festival featuring an eclectic mix of music and live performance. Boasting five jam-packed music stages, a designated theatre and performing arts arena, an inspiring interactive children’s play area, live comedy, an outdoor cinema, a marvellous marketplace, an enticing European food court and a giant funfair, Sellindge Music Festival really does have something for everyone.

Visit www.sellindgemusicfestival.co.uk for more information.

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ENTER TO WIN THE ULTIMATE SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL COMPETITION ONE LUCKY READER WILL WIN THE PRIZE OF ALL PRIZES FOR SUMMER 2010 – TWO TICKETS TO LOUNGE ON THE FARM, HOP FARM FESTIVAL, SELLINDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL AND QFEST!

To enter*, email win@thanet-publishing.co.uk with your name, phone number and answer to the following question: Hop Farm Festival’s headliner Bob Dylan was born in: a) USA b) Britain c) Japan *No purchase necessary to enter. Entries must be received by Friday 4th June. Winner will be notified via email by Monday 7th June and will be announced on Facebook and Twitter.

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WHAT’S ON

7 May

28-31 May

Heavenly at Howfield

Stand Up! Comedy Festival centralphotography.com

The annual comedy festival is back over Bank Holiday 2831 May, featuring Chris Addison, star of The Thick of It, In The Loop, Skins and Lab Rats. “Downright hilarious. His stories reduced a packed crowd to tears of helpless laughter” The Sunday Times.

Celebrated broadcaster, writer and cook Hardeep Singh Kohli presents “The Nearly Naked Chef”; there is late night comedy with Dave Fulton, a newcomers comedy event and a night with spoof DJ Ivan Brackenbury.

• Chris Addison, 28 May 7.30pm doors, 8pm start, £15 • Young Guns Newcomer Competition, 28 May, 10pm £8/£5* • Hardeep Singh Kohli, 29 May, doors 7pm, 7.30pm start, £14/12conc • Late Night Laughing Boy Comedy Club with Dave Fulton 29 May 10pm, £8/£5* • Hospital Radio Remix with DJ Ivan Brackenbury, 30 May, 8pm start, £10/£8 concessions • Kent Circus School, free performances around Folkestone, 31 May

You are invited to a special evening of shopping, pampering and pure indulgence. Treat yourself to all three at this special Ladies' Night at Howfield Manor Hotel. Entrance is free, but once inside, be prepared to shop till you drop, indulge in relaxing treatments, and sample some of the finer things in life - flowers, chocolates, champagne, and simply delicious food. It will be a night to remember, so make sure you bring your best friends, and of course your purse!

To book your tickets, contact events@howfield.net, 01227 733892 or visit www.howfield.net.

18 May Scouting for Girls The trio arrived with a clutch of contagious hits two years ago ('She's So Lovely', 'Heartbeat', 'It's Not About You', 'Elvis Ain't Dead') and one of the most successful #1 debut albums in years, to become the biggestselling new Brit band of the year.

Chronicling lost youth and broken hearts, Scouting For Girls exploded onto the scene in 2008 with their No.1 triple platinum album. They spawned the single of the summer; She's So Lovely, were nominated for Best New Act at the MTV Awards and also racked up three BRIT Award nominations.

The indie popsters return with their unforgettable melodies and weaving lyricism.

Performance at 7.30pm, Tickets £22.50 Winter Gardens, Fort Crescent, Margate CT9 1HX 01843 296111 www.margatewintergardens.co.uk

22-23 May Home and Garden Weekend An eclectic mix of ideas to enhance your home, whet your appetite, add colour to the garden and even refresh your wardrobe. All presented in the beautiful castle grounds with characteristic Leeds Castle style and quality.

Over 150 stalls including plant sales, outdoor furniture and water features.

Marquee also includes a food court, bar, live music and the return of popular ITV/Daily Mail Garden Road Show. www.leeds-castle.com

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The Quarterhouse 45 Tontine Street, Folkestone, 01303 858500 www.quarterhouse.co.uk

28-29 May Crabble Corn Mill Beer Festival Come and support the popular real ale festival at Crabble Corn Mill. All the proceeds of this beer festival go towards the upkeep of the historic Crabble Corn Mill that is an icon of the village of River, near Dover. Over 40 real ales and 12 ciders with an emphasis on beers from Kent plus live music.

3-9pm, tickets available at the Mill from 1st May Crabble Corn Mill, Lower Road, River, Dover, CT17, Dover 01304 823292 or beerfest@crabblecornmill.org.uk

29-30 May Operation Dynamo: Dunkirk Anniversary Weekend To mark the 70th anniversary of the evacuation of troops from France, Dover Castle hosts a weekend commemorating the "Miracle of Dunkirk". Take part in WWII events, experience living history and tour the tunnels where Operation Dynamo was actually masterminded (tunnel tours subject to availability).

10am - 6pm, admission prices: Adults £15.90, Concessions £13.80, Children £8.00, Family Ticket £39.80. Reduced entry prices for English Heritage members.

Purchase tickets in advance by calling the dedicated Ticket Sales Team on 0870 333 1183 (Mon – Fri 8.30am – 5.30, Sat 9am – 5pm). Tickets will also be available to purchase at the event site on the day.

2 June

23 June

Sex and the City Pamper and Shopping Evening

Wheatus

Celebrate the release of Sex and the City 2 with an evening of pampering and shopping! Lots of goodies to try and buy, from shoes and handbags to massages and manicures, plus a DJ all night. Make a night of it and book in for a meal, two courses and a fabulous cosmopolitan cocktail just £15pp (£5pp deposit required at time of booking). Charity raffle with proceeds going to Marie Curie, fantastic prizes to be won. £2 a strip or three strips £5.

Free entry.

To book or for more info contact Sherrill on 01843 579999/579361 or sm_gc-thanet@rank.com

American band Wheatus bring their tenth anniversary tour to Quarterhouse celebrating a decade since the release of their huge hit Teenage Dirtbag!

Doors 7pm, tickets £10 advance.

The Quarterhouse 45 Tontine Street, Folkestone, 01303 858500 www.quarterhouse.co.uk

30 June Supper Club at Michael Caines Restaurant

1-6 June Jousting at the Field of the Cloth of Gold Medieval activity and entertainment features thrilling jousting tournaments with knights on horseback, archery, activities for children and the exciting new "World of Wings" free-flying bird displays. www.leeds-castle.com

8 June

Enjoy a glass of sparkling champagne at 7.30pm, followed by a three course sumptuous tasting menu in our Michael Caines restaurant at 8pm. The courses are accompanied by a selection of tasting wines chosen by our sommelier Lisa Gillam. Our pianist plays delicately in background throughout the evening. If you are interested in booking this event, please contact Kayleigh Wild on 01227 826676.

29-30 May Weekend @ Willow

Chilham Castle Open Day Chilham Castle gardens are open for this one day in June. Come and enjoy the stunning landscape in the heart of the Kent countryside. Picnics and dogs welcome (as long as they are kept on a lead), and there will be a small selection of plants for sale.

Open 10am-3pm (last entry 2.30pm) Admission £4 adult, £3 concessions and children over 5, under 5yrs free www.chilham-castle.co.uk

12 June Jools Holland Jools Holland returns with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra with the party that never stops, with guest vocalist, Alison Moyet. Promising the ultimate party atmosphere, Jools Holland has performed to a staggering 4 million people in recent years, with the show becoming an annual must-see event for fans around the country. Celebrate, party and boogie down with Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra - a show that you'll want to experience again and again.

This May bank holiday weekend is going to see a huge change to the Kent countryside as music’s finest arrive for the first ever Weekend at Willow Music Festival (WAW2010). A two-day festival that the whole family can enjoy from start to finish, WAW2010’s line-up boasts a perfect mix of current chart topping acts and classic groups from the iconic 80s and 90s.

Faversham will play host to the hottest acts including Chesney Hawkes, East 17, N-Dubz Modern Romance and Wiley with on site entertainment including a funfair, themed bars and pop-up stores. There is nowhere else to be this May bank holiday weekend!

For prices and to purchase tickets, visit www.weekendatwillow.co.uk

Performance at 8pm, Tickets £32.50 Winter Gardens, Fort Crescent, Margate CT9 1HX 01843 296111 www.margatewintergardens.co.uk

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Hythe Beach

Ruins at Dungeness

FOLKESTONE-BASED PHOTOGRAPHER DAN DESBOROUGH TAKES US ON A VISUAL JOURNEY OF EAST KENT.

AROUND TOWN

The Quarterhouse, Folkestone

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO CONTACT DAN, VISIT WWW.DANDESBOROUGH.CO.UK The White Cliffs

Balloons Over Ashford

Port Lympne Zoo

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To ensure every issue of EK One is delivered to your door, subscribe online at www.ek-one.co.uk/subscribe, call 07824 882086 or email subscriptions@thanet-publishing.co.uk Back issues still available.

If you would like copies of EK One for your business or clients, please email info@thanet-publishing.co.uk Advertising deadline for issue 7 is 15th June. For more information on advertising in EK One, please contact Publishing Director Adam Ready on 01843 282500 or email adam.ready@thanet-publishing.co.uk

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The Grand Leas Cliff Hall Quarterhouse Folkestone Garden Centre GREAT CHART Great Chart Golf Club HIGH HALDEN Restoration Direct HYTHE Foreman & Jones The Hythe Imperial Chocolate Deli The Nugmeg Cafe

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Carole Ridley Complete Bathrooms Pure Indulgence WYE Crown Coffee & Gifts Calcutt Maclean Wood EK One is also distributed to many more hotels, cafés, motor dealers, restaurants, salons, social venues and more across East Kent

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TOP TEN

top10 WEBSITES

BOREDOM-BUSTING

1 Cameroid www.cameroid.com

Have a webcam? Cameroid will provide hours (or in many cases, days) of fun. Cameroid is a smart little program that connects to your webcam and gives you oodles of funky options to distort, enhance, and position your smiling face in lots of different scenes. You can even snap the photos to print out or email.

2 Urlesque www.urlesque.com

Keep up-to-date with the best of the internet on Urlesque, a blog-style website showing you the funniest, craziest and most talked about content on the world wide web. Boredom will be a thing of the past as you spend your day looking through the best videos, photos and new trends from all over the world.

3 Monoface www.mono-1.com/monoface

This website is so simple, and so addictive. Displaying the facial features of 15 different individuals, you can change the eyes, nose, mouth and head/shoulders into any configuration. Some are hilarious, others quite disturbing. If only this website could be custom built around your own friends.

7 Wonder How To www.wonderhowto.com

Ever wondered how to hand hop like a true BBoy? Make a homemade fire extinguisher? Party like a rock star without blowing your diet? You can learn all this plus much more at Wonder How To, a website dedicated to finding the best how-to tutorials and videos across the web.

8 The Eternal Moonwalk www.eternalmoonwalk.com

The legend that is Michael Jackson will never die; especially now that there’s The Eternal Moonwalk. This simple website rolls a constant stream of moonwalk videos submitted from viewers around the world. Pointless?

Yes. Entertaining? Shamelessly so.

9 Apple Trailers www.apple.com/trailers

For all the latest film trailers, there’s no better place to look than Apple Trailers. With a clean and easy-to-navigate layout, you could easily waste an entire day watching the hundreds of movie previews available.

10 JibJab www.jibjab.com

4 GoogleFight www.googlefight.com

The infamous debate of Chocolate vs Vanilla – which is better? According to GoogleFight, chocolate is the clear winner. All you have to do is type in two keywords, subjects or phrases and GoogleFight will tally up the number of search engine results for both entries. Apple vs PC, Cheddar vs Red Leicester, Marilyn Monroe vs Marilyn Manson – the fight possibilities are endless.

5 Song Facts www.songfacts.com

Learn the meaning behind all of your favourite songs at Song Facts. Not only does Song Facts list songs meanings, but also other random facts including guest appearances, album information and more.

6 Quibblo www.quibblo.com

C’mon, fess up. You know you’ve done at least one or two stupid quizzes on Facebook or MySpace. I mean, really, they’re just so entertaining. For an everlasting fix of pointless quizzes, Quibblo is the place to be.

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The ultimate time waster and laugh generator, JibJab lets you input your own face (and the faces of friends/family/coworkers) into hilarious videos such as the Chippendales Dance, the Can-Can or a variety of movie spoofs.

Send the completed videos as e-cards or post them to Facebook or your blog.

Join us on Facebook to see One Magazines' JibJab videos! www.facebook.com/onemagazines

TRADITIONAL

Fish & Chips

Enjoy the region's finest fish and chips at

Award Winning restaurant and take-away in Folkestone.

We take pride in serving quality food cooked using the freshest local produce.

110 Sangate Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 2BW. Open All Day-Monday to Saturday. Tel: 01303 242578. www.papasfishrestaurant.co.uk