insideKENT Issue 13 - July/Aug 2012

As I write this on a blustery day in June, I’m gazing out my office window watching the sun peek in and out from behind the clouds, wondering if we’ll get a stretch of good weather this summer. This summer is overflowing with incredible outdoor events - wouldn’t it be nice if the weather behaved for all of them (or even just two or three)?

I’m particularly looking forward to the Leeds Castle Open Air Classical Concert in July. This will be my fourth time attending, and each year it gets better and better. Beautiful music, great food, good friends and a friendly crowd of people, all there to enjoy life. If you haven’t yet been to this annual event, I highly recommend it.

If classical music isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other music festivals in Kent this summer - one of our favourites being Lounge on the Farm.

We’re looking forward to camping on Merton Farm over the weekend, enjoying the sounds of Emeli Sandé, The Charlatans, The Wombats, Goldie, Mystery Jets and many more. Hope to see you there!

Will you be attending any Olympic events this summer? I’ve decided to steer clear of London during the Games (just a bit too hectic for me), but I’ll be checking out my favourite events from my front-row seat in my living room. To see when and where your favourites will be taking place, have a look at our Guide to Olympic and Paralympic events on page 110.

Though the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has come and gone, there’s still plenty of time to throw a patriotic party. We’ve got you covered for all things summer entertainment, including patriotic party products (p29), BBQ accessories (p30) and refreshing food and drink recipes (p64). If you’re throwing your own patriotic party, post your pics to our Facebook page - we’d love to see what you’re up to!

All of us at insideKENT hope you have a summer to remember. As always, we love hearing from our readers, so feel free to get in touch with comments, questions or ideas at insidekent@sidewaysmedia.co.uk.

Later in the summer, the insideKENT crew is planning to attend a unique event for the first time: Combined Ops 2012. This military show and vintage aircraft weekend promises to be a fantastic family event, with air shows, military vehicles in action, 40s dance lessons, a beer tent, plenty of food and even tank rides!

Are there any events you’re looking forward to this summer? Share them with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/insidekent - we’d love to know of any and all events going on in Kent this season.

July also marks the second birthday of insideKENT Magazine - happy birthday to us! Though we’ve been showcasing the best of Kent for 13 issues, there’s still so much more we can’t wait to feature in future issues; we’ll never run out of Kent fabulousness to include in insideKENT!

Donna Martin / Editor Don’t miss a beat. Follow insideKENT on Facebook & Twitter. www.facebook.com/insidekent www.twitter.com/insidekent

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C O N T E 74

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KENT NEWS What's going on in the Garden of England

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MEN'S FASHION Summer is here again

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BUSINESS Wilkins Kennedy's Robert Reynolds talks Business Improvement Facilitation

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BECOME A NEW YOU with Christine Elvin

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LOCAL BUSINESS The Woolpack Inn

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SUMMER BEAUTY with Gemma Morpurgo

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BUSINESS Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce

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A LITTLE BIT OF PARADISE at Knowle Grange Health Spa

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CHARITY Charity news from around Kent

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ANTI GRAVITY YOGA at Heavenly Fitness in Maidstone

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PRACTICAL TIPS FROM RIPPLES Using water wisely in your bathroom

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A SHIMMERING SUMMER with Lily Cole Cosmetics

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PATRIOTIC PRODUCTS Throw the perfect patriotic party

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COVER STORY The rise of the enigmatic Mr Bale

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BBQ SEASON IS HERE Grilling bliss with BBQ accessories

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'COVER OF KENT' COMPETITION Enter to win your photo on the cover of our next issue!

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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN Tips and tricks from Dobbies

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RECIPE FROM MICHAEL CAINES MBE Pan-fried Scallops with Pea PurĂŠe and a Shallot and Smoked Bacon Veloute

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WOMEN'S FASHION Your summer accessory guide

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FRESH FLAVOURS & DRINKS for summer 2012

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WIN! A Composable Link Bracelet

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THE BEST OF CASUAL GOURMET The Old Brewery Tavern

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NEW PANDORA CHARMS The Best of British

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THE BAY RESTAURANT at The White Cliffs Hotel

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N T S

56 88 64 74 110 82 102

COVER STORY: CHRISTIAN BALE KENT'S COASTAL ACTIVITIES REFRESHING FOOD & DRINK FOR SUMMER THE SWAN ENGLISH RESTAURANT GUIDE TO LONDON2012 SPORTS SUMMER NIGHTS IN KENT THE BMW 6 SERIES GRAN COUPÉ

WIN!

WIN!

WIN!

WIN!

A SILVERSHINE COMPOSABLE LINK BRACELET - 42

SEE YOUR KENT PHOTO ON THE COVER OF OUR NEXT ISSUE - 61

A DOG HOUSE 2-MAN TENT - 108

DINNER & A MOVIE FOR 2 - 124

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THE SWAN ENGLISH RESTAURANT at Chapel Down Winery

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GETAWAYS A short break to Devon

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CAPTURING EVERY SPECIAL MOMENT Vadukul & Khalique Studios

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TRAVEL Escape to Lanzarote

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OUTDOOR ART in Folkestone and Kings Hill

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MOTORS The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé

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APPLAUSE OUTDOORS Free outdoor events in Kent

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MOTORS The Fiat Panda

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SUMMER NIGHTS Some of Kent's best summer evening venues

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GADGETS The hottest gadgets from HOTcraze

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BILLY CHILDISH at the Historic Dockyard Chatham

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LONDON2012 Guide to the Olympics and Paralympics

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COASTAL ACTIVITIES Exploring Kent's beautiful coast

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SPORTS INTERVIEW insideKENT interviews Steve Backley

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TOWN SPOTLIGHT Spotlight on Maidstone

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LOUNGE ON THE FARM Merton Farm, Canterbury

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FAMILY DAY OUT at Cyclopark

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SUMMER FESTIVALS The best in Kent

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TRAVEL BACK IN TIME on the British Pullman

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LONDON EVENTS View London's top picks for springtime fun in the capital

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A DAY OUT FOR THE KIDS at Buckmore Park

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KENT EVENTS What's happening in your neck of the woods

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THE RARE BREEDS CENTRE for fun this summer

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10 BEST 10 best everyday superfoods

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GETAWAYS Hintlesham Hall

insideKENT The Oast, Stone Green Farm Mersham, Nr Ashford, Kent TN25 7HE 01233 226240 insidekent@sidewaysmedia.co.uk www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

Editor Donna Martin donna@sidewaysmedia.co.uk Publishing Director Adam Ready adam@sidewaysmedia.co.uk Design Manager Dave Leo Yogore Project Assistant Alex Perseval Fashion Editor Molly Neznanski Gil Finance Manager Charlotte Ready Account Managers Greg Bettles Paul Martin Terry Crawford Contributors Emma Batchelor, Luke Yates, Gemma Morpurgo, Gemma Dunn, Sarah-Jane Stenson, View London, Explore Kent, Robert Reynolds, Rachel Gold, Charlie O’Brien, Jill Tipping, Caroline Elvin Photographers Luke Yates, Joanne Collins Publisher

hello@sidewaysmedia.co.uk www.sidewaysmedia.co.uk

For all advertising enquiries, contact Adam Ready on 07824 882086 or adam@sidewaysmedia.co.uk

When you have finished with this magazine, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it.

© Copyright 2012. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees, warranties or claims as to the accuracy, currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine. No part of this magazine may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher’s written consent. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial, images or photographs published. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes.

Cover image © Armando Gallo / Arga Images, Camera Press London

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NEWS

©The Aspinall Foundation

KENT OVERNIGHT SAFARI EXPERIENCE VOTED BEST IN ENGLAND Livingstone Lodge, the overnight African safari experience located at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent has scooped a gold award for the Best Tourism Experience in England at the VisitEngland Awards held in May. Commenting on the award, James Beresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive said, “This year we received a record of 392 applications of extremely high quality. It is a tremendous achievement for Livingstone Lodge to win a gold award – the highest accolade for Excellence in Tourism which VisitEngland can bestow. They

have raised the bar for excellence which others can aspire to. I warmly congratulate them.”

Judges were wowed by the experience, when they visited earlier in the year to assess the overnight safari experience for the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2012. This is not the first honour bestowed on the unique safari experience – Livingstone Lodge was also awarded gold for Best Tourism Experience in 2010.

wonderful staff who work so hard to make the experience excellent for every guest but it also highlights how unique and original Livingstone Lodge is for visitors who have not yet stayed. With these awards guests can be assured of a truly outstanding and authentic African experience with us.”

For further information and to book a stay at Livingstone Lodge, Livingstone Cottage or Elephant Lodge please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/shortbreaks

Bob O’Connor, Managing Director of Howletts and Port Lympne said, “This award is absolutely fantastic. Not only is it a testament to the

KENT COUNTY SHOW AND WOOLLY THE SHEEP JOIN FORCES TO SHOWCASE KENT’S FINEST Social Media Sheep, Woolly, is Kent County Show’s new mascot

Woolly the Sheep has been selected to represent the Kent County Show this year to help spread the word about what is on offer for the thousands of visitors who are expected on the 13th to 15th July 2012 at the Showground, Detling.

Woolly’s knowhow on the social media front made him the front runner for the top spot as Kent Show Mascot and his blogging and Twitter skills have already been engaging visitors and stall holders since his appointment in late April.

An Ashford garden centre has chosen Canterbury Oast Trust as its local charity of the year, pledging cash aid and helping adults with learning disabilities to learn more about growing plants.

Woolly said, “As a born and bred Kent sheep from Romney Marsh, I am proud to be involved in my County’s main event of the year. I am already enjoying myself immensely and have settled into my role ready to be out and about meeting people raising the profile of the show. I don’t do much talking, as I am a sheep, but I love to have my photo taken with people.”

Canterbury Oast Trust, which owns the Rare Breeds Centre at Woodchurch, near Ashford, provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

During the year, students will have the chance to assist the Dobbies team with various projects around the store, helping them gain experience of working in a different horticultural environment. They will also be making use of end-of-season plants, display materials and other obsolete items no longer needed by the garden centre.

Woolly’s first engagement to promote the show was a visit to The Best Western, Russell Hotel in Maidstone who are one of the show’s 2012 sponsors. He will be visiting other sponsors including Jackson’s Fencing, Dobbies, Hadlow College and Brachers as well as popping up in a variety of town centres across the County.

Kent Show Executive Manager Roger Moore said, “We are excited to have such a talented sheep on our team at the Kent Showground. Woolly has been a great help already promoting our pre-book ticket offers but he is finding mowing grass and not grazing it a bit of a challenge.”

Follow Woolly on Twitter @woollykent or on his blog site www.woollykent.blogspot.com

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GARDEN CENTRE NURTURES ASHFORD CHARITY

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Dobbies Garden World, in Rutherford Road on Ashford’s Eureka Leisure Park, aims to raise a minimum of £2,200 for the charity through till collection boxes and fund-raising events in the store between now and December.

The Rare Breeds Centre, celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be bringing some very special guests to entertain Dobbies customers, including farm animals and a rocking horse made by Stevenson Brothers of Bethersden which is being raffled for the charity.

Gill Gibb, chief executive of the trust, said, “This partnership with Dobbies helps us reach out to a new section of the community and show them some of the important work going on locally with adults with learning disabilities.

Gardening and horticulture play a vital part in our students’ development and a garden centre is the ideal place for them to learn more about plants in a different setting.”

NEWS

CHARLIE’S CHAT Well hello insideKENT readers – how lovely you’re looking in the Kentish sunshine.

In this column I’m going to tell you a bit about what I’ve been up to, where I’ve been and where I’m going!

Last time I was very excited to tell you that Heart Breakfast with James and Charlie had been nominated for a prestigious Sony Award. Sadly we didn’t win, but it was a great night in Park Lane, awash with celebrities! Gary Barlow and Jessie J performed and I felt very honoured to be part of the event along with my radio hubbie James, producer Matt, the boss Stuart, and producer Jack. My only issue was that whole set up with too much cutlery at dinner and not knowing what to use when (a bit like that scene from Pretty Woman). Thanks so much to the personal styling team at John Lewis Bluewater for my gorgeous outfit, Liza Smith at Bodylines in Sittingbourne for my sparkly nails, and Hobb Salons in London for my showbiz hair.

Here’s hoping we get nominated again next year!

This year’s Race for Life events in Kent are almost at an end, and as always have left me inspired and humbled. I hosted Tunbridge Wells and Gillingham this year, and the courage, team spirit and strength of the ladies taking part never ceases to amaze me. Well done if you took part, and thanks so much if you came along to support such a brilliant cause. All the photos can be found at www.heart.co.uk/kent Since we last spoke I’ve fallen in love…and I think it’s time I shared it with you. The objects of my desire are a bit hairy and their table manners leave a little to be desired, but it’s love all the same. I’m talking about the big cats at the Wildlife Heritage Foundation in Smarden, Ashford. I was lucky enough to visit and hand-feed a lion, a tiger and a snow leopard and it left me spellbound! Lynn and her team do such an amazing job there with conservation and breeding programmes, it’s thoroughly worth a visit.

On the subject of big animals I’ve been asked to co-host The Roaring Ball with wildlife legend Bill Oddie at the Port Lymne Mansion on 8th September. It’s to raise money for their overseas conservation projects and last year they raised an amazing £40,000! I’m hugely honoured to have been asked to be part of this and really can’t wait for what is going to be a wonderful night in one of my favourite places in Kent.

By the time this is published I will have also starred (sort of!) in Legally Blonde at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. I was lucky enough to appear in a couple of scenes with the brilliant cast. Thanks if you came along – and if you haven’t checked out the new Marlowe yet, you must. The view of the cathedral at night from upstairs is simply stunning.

Right, that’s me. I’m off for a quiet couple of months (as if). See you in the autumn, and thanks for joining us every weekday morning from 6.

Listen to Heart Breakfast with James and Charlie every weekday morning from 6am-10am, or online at heart.co.uk You can also become a Facebook fan – facebook.com/heartkent Follow Charlie on twitter @charlie_radio To contact or for event bookings find her at www.charlieobrien.co.uk

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BIDDENDEN ORTEGA SCOOPS GOLD AWARD Biddenden Vineyards off-dry white wine, Gribble Bridge Ortega 2010, has beaten off stiff competition in this year’s Sommelier Wine Awards, run by Imbibe Magazine, to be awarded a Gold Medal.

The awards, which are judged by selected sommeliers (wine waiters) saw over 1850 entries, of which only 176 were awarded a coveted Gold medal. Biddenden’s Gribble Bridge Ortega is the first and only English still wine to have been awarded Gold in the competition.

Biddenden Vineyard’s Marketing Manager, Vikki Wright, commented, “We are very pleased to have been awarded a Gold Medal at this year’s Sommelier wine awards – something which reflects the hard work and effort which has been put into ensuring that our wines are consistently of the highest quality. To stand out against such a wide selection of wines across an international stage is something we are very proud of”.

The award winning wine, Gribble Bridge Ortega 2010 is available direct from the vineyard shop, online at www.biddendenvineyards.com and from selected independent farm shops, pubs and restaurants across Kent, Sussex and London.

MULBERRY COTTAGES CELEBRATE THEIR ARRIVAL IN CANTERBURY

Sarah Wood, Nigel Maclean, Tina Yates

Mulberry Cottages, the holiday letting agency and affiliated estate agents FoxWood Maclean celebrated their arrival in Canterbury with a champagne reception at their new offices in St. Dunstan’s Street in May. Friends and clients mingled in the courtyard garden and took home party bags filled with Mulberry Cottages and FoxWood Maclean goodies.

Sarah Wood, owner of Mulberry Cottages and operational director of FoxWood Maclean, said, “We are delighted to be opening a new office in the heart of Canterbury. We look forward to adding more luxury holiday properties to our growing selection and welcoming visitors to our new office; the coffee machine is up and running!” www.mulberrycottages.com

NEWS

WHITEFRIARS ‘AMAZING’ MARKETING CAMPAIGN SCOOPS TOP INDUSTRY AWARD

Pictured (left to right) are Austin Healey, Martyn Barr, Jason Boyce (Henderson Global Investors, representing Whitefriars’ owners), Julie Holness and BCSC Chairman Peter Drummond.

Canterbury’s Whitefriars shopping centre has scooped a top industry award for its Christmas 2011 ‘Amazing Advent Calendar’ marketing campaign.

Whitefriars Marketing Manager Julie Holness and PR and creative consultant Martyn Barr from Impact PR & Design collected a coveted Purple Apple Merit at a glittering awards dinner held at The Brewery alongside London’s Barbican Centre. The annual awards, organised by the British Council of Shopping Centres, recognise marketing achievements by shopping centres across the UK. The 2012 awards were presented by former English rugby union player and Strictly Come Dancing quarter-finalist Austin Healey.

The Whitefriars Amazing Advent Calendar was a daily online competition to win prizes donated by retailers in the run-up to Christmas 2011. The competition attracted a record 6,463 entries. During the competition period, which was promoted with giveaways in the form of 2,500 bespoke chocolate advent calendars, posters and in the Whitefriars magazine, page views to the shopping centre’s website increased by 160% and footfall to the centre rose by 11.6% over the previous year.

Judges were highly complimentary of the Whitefriars entry, describing it as “an innovative and interesting approach to an event with fantastic results on a small budget”, a “good creative, modern with a traditional feel” and “a very clean simple idea providing great buy-in by retailers and great rewards for shoppers”.

INVESTMENT TRANSFORMS THE WHITE LION, SELLING A countryside pub has been transformed by a couple who fell in love with it while stopping off for a drink en route to France.

The White Lion, Selling has been extensively refurbished by new tenants Lisa and Anthony Chesterton in a joint Lisa and Anthony Chesterton outside the White Lion, Selling. project with brewer Shepherd Neame.

More than £40,000 has been spent on internal and external renovations, with two hand-painted inset panels featuring the pub’s namesake rampant lions as the crowning glory.

Lisa explains how the couple came across the pub: “Anthony and I used to split our time between the summer in County Clare in Ireland and the skiing season in France. We spent a night locally en route and the pub was recommended to us. After popping in for a drink we were totally bowled over. It’s everything we wanted: a great location; bags of potential; and lots of facilities – kitchen, dining room, function room and garden.

“On our way back to Ireland we visited the pub again, only to see it was temporarily closed. We contacted the brewery straight away and the rest is history.”

Qualified chef Anthony is overseeing the pub’s new kitchen and forgoing standardised menus in favour of focusing on fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce. He explains, “We’ll be serving whatever is available at its best, rather than being constrained by a menu. So today we’ve got monkfish wrapped in Parma ham, with a saffron risotto and beurre blanc sauce and 28-day dry-aged sirloin steak with a quail’s egg and truffle jus.”

100s of coursseusit you at a level to

01634 402020 www.midkent.ac.uk Find us on Facebook

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BUSINESS

BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT FACILITATION WILKINS KENNEDY’S ROBERT REYNOLDS EXAMINES THE CONCEPT OF BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT FACILITATION, WHY IT IS IMPORTANT AND HOW IT CAN OFFER NEW OPPORTUNITIES, BOOST GROWTH AND SHAPE THE FUTURE OF YOUR BUSINESS.

Businesses across the globe are talking about Business Improvement Facilitation and the positive impact it has had on finances, profitability, operations, morale, growth and attracting new business.

Whether you are a start-up or an established company, an extremely successful firm, or a firm looking for new direction, it is important to regularly assess business operations and direction impartially from an external prospective. To achieve business goals and remain competitive, it is important to resist complacency and to continually ask questions about new opportunities and improvements that can be made across the business.

The slow, self-propelling developmental journey taken by some businesses can be destructive – some business owners simply wait for new opportunities to appear, or circumstances to change. We realise that in the current fast-paced business environment it is difficult for business leaders, owners or managers to get the practical advice they need to fix their day-to-day issues.

It is true that inspiration for growth and change can often be found through reading, seminars and lectures, but all too often there is no practical advice and the subject can be left with an impersonal set of notes or a manual, confused and unsure of how to apply all the information directly to their own company.

So, what is the Business Improvement Facilitation service delivered

by Wilkins Kennedy? At Wilkins Kennedy, we know that every business is unique and needs personal and special attention. The facilitation process means we work with you supportively to make the improvements happen – we come directly into your business and use highly developed strategic tools to analyse and get right to the heart of your business, we can work with you to realise your goals and exceed expectations.

We are members of Mindshop which uses the power of its global network to draw on new ideas, business tools, approaches and opportunities, and can act as a filter to select the best ideas, tools and training to support clients in their implementation.

Our expertly trained professional chartered accountants and business advisers ensure business owners consistently have the tools and guidance

for growth and improvement. We offer support and guidance to all sizes of business in all sectors, offering many opportunities, including: • Increasing growth and profit • Sales growth • A plug-in strategic framework and implementation skill set for your business • Refinement of your business model • High level personal development for senior team members • Access to powerful strategic planning tools and methodologies • Experienced sounding board for key issues and opportunities • Fast-tracking the implementation of strategies • A common approach to strategy across the business • Saving time and resources • Problem solving and decision making tools The benefits of using the tools provided by Business Improvement Facilitation to draw out new opportunities, produce smoother operations and business profitability have longterm positive effects. Clients we work with view the process as an investment upon which they generate a return and not a cost, and we have seen some spectacular results from small owner managed businesses to large companies.

A mature and profitable organisation can benefit from the facilitation process – Wilkins Kennedy operates as a substantial and profitable business and we are constantly evolving, innovating and looking for new opportunities to be uncovered and explored. With support from Wilkins Kennedy, our clients have accelerated growth, cut costs, created jobs, streamlined operations, expanded into new geographical and business areas and have been able to achieve more professionally and personally than they imagined.

For more information about Business Improvement Facilitation or to arrange a meeting to find out more about it, please contact Robert Reynolds on 01233 629255 or robert.reynolds@wilkinskennedy.com

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LOCALBUSINESS

insideKENT INTERVIEWS OF

JULIAN MELLOR

THE WOOLPACK INN AT WAREHORNE

What attracted you to The Woolpack?

I have owned the pub for six months now, but I have been visiting the pub for over five years.

From the very first moment I walked in I knew that one day I would own it; I fell in love with it straight away. I’m in no way a spiritual person but there is just something about the location and the ambiance – it took my breath away. It’s a traditional English pub in a traditional English setting. It took me five years to become landlord but I have so much passion and hopefully that shines through when you visit the pub.

What is a typical day like for you?

Busy! I have yet to take a day off in six months, and I’ve become very good at multitasking.

Because all of our food is served fresh every day it means mornings involve ordering all of our ingredients. We only use suppliers within a 30mile radius, so we know that our food is fresh when it’s served to our customers. Once I have done the ‘prep work’ as I call it, my day then involves changing the barrels, looking at paperwork and making sure the restaurant and surrounding areas as a whole is looking clean and tidy. I believe first impressions are everything and I pride myself in how the restaurant and the surrounding area looks; we even employ a gardener who once a week makes sure the garden is always well kept. I arrange all of this before a customer has even set foot in the door.

My day will then usually finish around 1am to start it all again the next day, but I love it.

What is the most important part of your business?

Without a doubt it’s the team around me. They represent us as a business and it’s a team effort.

If one of my team are not keeping on top of things then standards drop, and if we let standards drop my customers will be the first to let me know. I must say though I have a fantastic team behind me and they are a pleasure to work with.

What does the Woolpack specialise in?

Our specialty is our steaks - You can order a steak from £16.95 however our best seller is our Friday Night Steak Night - for two people you can get a prime sirloin steak with a free bottle of wine for only £28.50. We do encourage booking a table as the nights do get ever so busy. I have had a lot of people congratulate me on the steaks with one guest describing it as the “best fillet steak he had ever tasted.” As the menu has expanded we have also introduced specials on various days: on Tuesdays and Thursdays we offer a two-course meal for just £12.95 or a three-course meal from £15.95; on a Wednesday it’s our Pie & a Pint night which is £9.95 and our customers always get a selection of pies from which to choose from. All day every day we also have our light bites menu for our lunch time trade.

In addition to this at the end of the month, usually on the last Friday of the month, we have live music at The Woolpack. This is proving very popular, so we like to think there is something for everyone.

What is the best part of running your business?

For me it’s the achievement of building the pub and restaurant up from nothing and seeing customers enjoy our ales, our steak or our Pie & Pint nights – seeing the restaurant full of people enjoying themselves is a great buzz. When

customers thank me for what a wonderful time they’ve had it means a lot. I like to think I add that personal touch and if my customers are happy, I’m happy.

What has been your best decision in business?

Buying the Woolpack. There have been a lot of ups and downs in the first six months and I had a successful business in London before this, but selling that and becoming landlord has been wonderful. I said to my wife at the beginning of 2011 that I would own a pub, and here I am in 2012 with that as a reality. I am very proud.

Where do you see your business in five years’ time?

I would like to see The Woolpack renowned for being one of the best restaurants in the country.

Eventually I would also like to buy a few more failing pubs and turn them into a success. I have a vision of expanding and creating a brand; you have to be ambitious.

The Woolpack Inn Church Lane Warehorne Ashford TN26 2LL 01233 733888 www.woolpackinnwarehorne.co.uk

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BUSINESS

KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONFERENCE FACILITIES:

MEETING YOUR REQUIREMENTS

IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO IMPRESS A NEW CLIENT OR NEED EXTRA CAPACITY FOR A LARGE BUSINESS MEETING, THE KENT INVICTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONFERENCE AND MEETING ROOM FACILITIES PROVIDE THE IDEAL VENUE. This superb purpose built facility, designed with your needs in mind, is the perfect location for all your business events, both large and small. The facility enjoys a prime location, just south of the M20 Junction 10 and only two miles from Ashford International Station. Our various meeting rooms can accommodate from two to 150 delegates.

THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR BUSINESS MEETINGS, EXHIBITIONS, AND CONFERENCES Offering fantastic flexibility, the facilities include conference, reception and meeting rooms that can accommodate from two to 150 people, a comprehensive catering and refreshment service,

ample free car parking, and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

EQUIPMENT HIRE To ensure that your meeting/conference/seminar runs as smoothly as possible, the Chamber provides a selection of equipment, which you can hire for the duration, including TV monitors with video/DVD players and digital projectors.

Complimentary equipment to take advantage of includes display boards, lecterns and flipcharts as well as an OHP with screen.

CATERING FACILITIES You will find a wide selection of refreshments is available, from simple teas, coffee and biscuits to a sandwich lunch or a hot meal.

WHERE TO FIND US From the M20 at Junction 10, take the A2070 (Bad Munstereifel Road), which is a dual carriageway. Drive for approximately one mile until you reach the next roundabout. Take the first exit left, (Waterbrook Avenue) then the first right, signposted Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

www.kentinvictachamber.co.uk/ conferencing-facilities 01233 503838 facilities@kentinvicachamber.co.uk

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21

CHARITY

FUNDRAISER TO CARRY OLYMPIC TORCH

RAISING AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR CHILDREN’S BRAIN TUMOUR RESEARCH Kent-based organisation, Abbie’s Army, is making it their mission to raise much-needed awareness and donations for children’s brain tumour research.

On 13th April 2011, 6-year-old Abbie Mifsud was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive, incurable and inoperable brain tumour, and tragically passed away just five months later. Abbie’s parents, Ray Mifsud and Mandy Walker, have since been relentlessly raising awareness and financial contributions for paediatric brain cancers through their website www.AbbiesArmy.co.uk.

They support two charities: The Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity via the Marsden March.

This spring, Ashford-based Wilkins Kennedy Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors, have selected Abbie’s Army as their charity of the year, and are planning many fundraising activities which will contribute greatly to the charities’ causes.

For more information on Abbie’s Army or to donate, visit www.abbiesarmy.co.uk

GO DOTTY FOR DEMELZA

Organisations across the county proudly showed off their spots to go dotty for Demelza this spring.

Go Dotty for Demelza encourages groups or individuals to sport polka dot or enter dotty activities during Children’s Hospice Week, from 18-25 May, and raise vital funds for Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

More than 180 organisations took part in this year’s fundraising week.

Staff at Demelza’s hospice in Sittingbourne led the way with staff coming into work in dotty pyjamas on May 23rd and having a dotty tea party in the hospice with games and entertainment from a cheerleading squad.

And although it is a fun campaign the reason behind it is a serious one. Mum Karen, whose son Alec uses Demelza explains why they rely on the hospice: “At times when we feel alone

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and when things start to get on top of us we have a vital support network in the staff and volunteers at Demelza and that makes every day easier to live to the max and to enjoy making memories together. Our life as a family has changed, priorities are different and we appreciate the simple things like cuddles and laughter so much more.”

Natalie Tegg, Head of Partnerships said, “It is so great not only to see how many groups and companies have got behind Go Dotty this year but also how imaginative they have been.

It is a fun way to support Demelza and it really does make such a difference to the work we can do with families like Alec’s.” www.demelza.org.uk

A keen sportsman who has helped raised almost £200,000 for local charities has been chosen as an Olympic torch bearer in recognition of his fundraising efforts.

Medical student Jerome Condry’s latest challenge is a 1,500-mile bike ride from the birthplace of the Olympics to the London 2012 stadium in aid of Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance.

The 21-year-old will be joined by his father Canon Edward Condry and a dozen other cyclists as they pedal through Italy, Switzerland and France before they arrive in Stratford on July 15th.

On July 20th, he will then carry the Olympic torch through Chatham to herald the start of the eagerly-awaited games.

He said, “It was really amazing and unexpected to be nominated, and it’s a real privilege. I’ve always done this sort of thing since helping out at church fetes.

“When I was nine I washed lots of cars and sold teas and coffees to raise £1,000 for a walk we did in Morocco.”

Although not particularly sporty in his childhood, Jerome caught the bug during a climbing trip in the Atlas Mountains sponsored in aid of a local hospice.

In 2007, he cycled from Canterbury to Rome in 16 days and raised £145,000 for 10 local charities. He has also rowed the English Channel and the length of the Thames, raising more than £40,000 for charity.

He now rows at Oxford where he is currently sitting his final exams at Corpus Christi but has still found time for his Olympic challenge.

The group will cycle an average of 100 miles a day and will be monitored as part of a scientific study by Dr Damian Coleman of Canterbury Christ Church University.

He will be testing all the riders and giving them individually-tailored training programmes to maximize their fitness.

His findings will be used as part of a university research project on the effect of extreme exercise on the human body. The most gruelling part of the ride will be a 6,909ft climb at Gotthard Pass over the Alps in Switzerland.

To sponsor their 2012 challenge visit www.kent.fundraiseairambulance.co.uk/o2 o_2012 or text AIR OLYMPICS to 70300.

To visit their website go to www.o2o2012.org

HOME+GARDEN

Practical Tips for Using Water Wisely in Your Bathroom

Despite one of the wettest springs on record, we are still living with a hosepipe ban in our region, with threats of further restrictions next year if we have another dry winter. Although the current ban relates mainly to the use of hosepipes, a shortfall in water provision is likely to be a recurring issue in the future, especially as our population continues to increase.

With the pressure to conserve water, comes the hike in water prices to consumers. Ofwat, the water industry regulator announced in February this year that water bills are likely to increase by an average of 4.6%, with some seeing increases as large as 8%.

Most of us who are supplied by the major water companies will see a rise in our annual water bill of about £16, bringing the total annual £356, but metered properties with more than the average 2.4 occupants, or with large gardens to water, will pay far more, with some breaking the £500 barrier for the first time.

According to Waterwise, a leading authority on water efficiency in the UK, almost two thirds (63%) of our water usage is made up from using toilets, baths, taps and showers.

There are, however, steps that we can all take to help conserve water and even reduce our water and energy bills in the process – without living like a hermit in a mud hut.

Dean Chesterton, co-owner and director of luxury bathroom business, Ripples Canterbury, gives his advice on how to use water wisely in your bathroom.

“Many of our clients are concerned about their water consumption, but don’t want to compromise on style,” says Chesterton.

“Fortunately, the new generation of sanitary and brassware means you can do both: achieve the bathroom you want whilst also reducing the amount of water you use in it.”

But Chesterton believes that the best and most sustainable solution for reducing the amount of water you use is to combine modern

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technology with simply spending less time using water. His top tips for reducing water are:

• Shorten your daily shower – reducing your shower by even a minute a day can save between £5 and £10 off your energy bill over the year (according to Waterwise).

• Fix leaky taps as soon as possible – or replace them with new, reduced flow taps. This is especially important for hot taps, which use energy to heat the water.

flush. Although they still won’t make your toilet as efficient as a new model, they are available for free from most water companies and are very easy to fit.

“Whatever the size and scope of your bathroom,” adds Chesterton, “it is important to realise that making small changes to the way you view and use water can make a big difference to our water supplies, and also go some way to helping our bank balances.”

• Check the water flow rates of new taps and showers before buying them – most quality

manufacturers have products in a range of styles and sizes.

European directives on Eco Design have helped push manufacturers towards the production of more energy and water efficient products and shower systems. Some modern taps, for example, reduce water flow by 65%.

Toilets account for almost a third (30%) of our water usage, driven partly by those people who still use traditional toilets, which use around nine litres of water for every flush. When you compare this to some of the new toilets available, which use as little as three litres of water for a short flush, changing your toilet can make financial sense as well as ecological sense over time.

If you want to delay buying a new toilet, you can reduce the amount of water you use by installing a cistern displacement device (CDD), which displaces around a litre of water in each

1-3 Iron Bar Lane Off Burgate Canterbury CT1 2HN 01227 459525 www.ripples.ltd.uk Ripples nominated charity:

Wherever the Need www.wherevertheneed.org.uk

HOME+GARDEN

A Patriotic Party Although the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee parties have come and gone, there’s still plenty to celebrate this summer with the Olympics happening in July and August. Join us in celebrating this unforgettable British summer by hosting a patriotic party with some of these red, white and blue products.

Union Jack Umbrella Picks (20) £1.99, www.drinkstuff.com

Union Jack Wooden Pegs (20) £4.99, www.tch.net

Union Jack Bunting String Lights £24.95, www.glow.co.uk

Union Jack Gazebo £49.99, www.gardensandhomesdirect.co.uk

Union Jack Fair Trade Cotton Tablecloth £47.99, www.thepeasknees.co.uk

Union Jack Candle Bags £5.99, www.bunkerbound.com

Union Jack Cone Poppers £2.99, www.peeks.co.uk

Union Jack Limited Edition Yankee Candle £19.99, www.yankeecandle.co.uk

Union Jack Cupcake Cases (72) £1.50, www.squeakgiftandparty.co.uk

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HOME+GARDEN

Grilling Grilling Perfection Perfection SUMMER GET-TOGETHERS JUST WOULDN’T BE THE SAME WITHOUT FIRING UP THE BBQ FOR SOME TASTY TREATS. GET YOUR GRILL ON THIS YEAR WITH ANY OF THESE FANTASTIC ACCESSORIES. Stainless Steel BBQ Set £14.99, www.gelert.com Weber BBQ Mitt £9.99, www.alton-gardencentre.co.uk

Weber Style Basting Brush £7.19, www.hayesgardenworld.co.uk

Weber Style Spring Green BBQ Tool Set £26.99, www.hayesgardenworld.co.uk

Antony Worrall Thompson Delux BBQ Tool Set £29.99, www.gardenfurnitureworld.com

Weber Style 3 Tool Set £35.99, www.worldofpower.co.uk

BBQ Tool Set £24.99, www.menkind.co.uk

Tool Set and Apron Roll £19.95, www.gardenstyledirect.co.uk

BBQ Branding Iron £12.99, www.menkind.co.uk

Asado Flameboy BBQ Multitool £7.95, www.prezzybox.com

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HOME+GARDEN

pond

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR GARDEN:

how to create a

CREATING A POND IS ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING THINGS YOU CAN DO IN YOUR GARDEN. IT WILL MAKE A MASSIVE DIFFERENCE TO WILDLIFE, ATTRACTING EVERYTHING FROM BIRDS AND FROGS TO BENEFICIAL INSECTS.

After you’ve followed the 5 easy steps below, all you’ll need to do is position some plants and oxygenators around the perimeter. Then sit back, enjoy your pond and watch the wildlife take up residence. It's as easy as that!

Oliver Locke, Plant Manager at Dobbies Ashford says, “Once you have decided what type of pond suits your garden there are a few other things you need to consider:

• Dobbies Essentials digging spade, from £12 • Pond Liner • Hose - for marking out shape • Paving or turf - for edges • Soft building sand

5 SIMPLE STEPS TO PERFECT POND LIFE

FIVE THINGS TO ADD TO YOUR POND:

1. Choose an area not too close to trees or too shady and define the perimeter of your pond using a hosepipe.

Plants – It’s important to have a mixture of pond plants – oxygenators, floaters, deep water aquatics and marginals.

2. Using a spade, dig out the pond area to the depth of the first shelf, then dig out the centre of the pond.

Fish – If you want to add fish, wait six weeks until the plants are established.

Water feature – For added appeal, this will bring the gentle sound of falling water into your garden.

3. Spread a 3cm layer of soft builders' sand over the area, then get someone to help you spread the pond liner evenly over the hole.

4. Start filling the pond with water and as you do this; pull the edges of the liner so that it fits neatly over the contours of the pond.

5. Trim loose line edges, then bury the pond liner down into the soil and lay turf or slabs up to the water’s edge.

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Decorative rocks or pebbles – Place around the edge and this will stop dirt washing into your pond Water Lilly – Known as a deep water aquatic plant, this gives a stunning finish to any garden pond.

And remember: Don't forget ponds can be dangerous for young children.

For safety you can position a rigid steel mesh frame over the pond.

inspire young green fingers to dig in!

DOBBIES HOLDS FREE MONTHLY WORKSHOPS CALLED THE LITTLE SEEDLINGS CLUB AIMED AT GROOVY YOUNG GARDENERS.

Dobbies Little Seedlings Club is a free-to-join club for children aged 4 to 10 years where young gardening gurus learn about plants, wildlife and the environment.

Encourage kids to keep a note of their summergardening journey – it’s good to track how quickly things grow and will be something to show in school.

Talking about The Little Seedlings Club, Philip Lawler, community champion at Dobbies Garden World Ashford, said: “The garden is a great place to introduce curious little minds to the wonders of the natural world in a way that's fun and likely to spark an interest that will last a lifetime. Children are also much more likely to eat fresh fruit and veg they’ve grown. The Little Seedlings Club is a perfect way to inspire children to get out into the garden and allow them to get their hands dirty without getting in trouble!”

1. Mini garden – Create a miniature garden in a seed tray using items foraged from your back garden. Start by adding a layer of soil to the bottom of the tray, creating dips and mounds to add interest. Create trees by adding prunings from bushes, and a pond by burying a small plastic container in the soil and filling it with water. Sow a seed of your choice in the bare soil (simple grass seed often works best) and watch it grow over the holidays. Replace the ‘pruned trees’ when they look past their best.

Children joining the Little Seedlings Club receive a welcome pack which includes a special meal deal, fun stickers and other information on the club.

Here are some tips to inspire them into gardening at home:

2. Salad bar – Grow ready-to eat salad leaves in a pot, reaping a harvest in just a couple of weeks after sowing seed. Fill your pot with compost and water it thoroughly. When the compost has settled sprinkle a cut-and-comeagain mix of salad seed over the surface. Choose a ‘speedy’ mix for quick results. Cover the seeds with a fine layer of compost and wait for them to grow. Cut the leaves with scissors when

they’re ready to eat and more will sprout in their place.

3. Insect hideout – Create a home for beneficial insects in a quiet, out-of-the-way spot. Start by making a pile of old logs and wood, and then push short pieces of bamboo cane into any gaps. Make a separate pile of stone or rock nearby. These simple structures, which can be a little unsightly, will give garden-friendly insects a place to hide out during the summer and hibernate in the winter.

4. Bulb gifts – This is a project for the last week of the holidays. Think ahead and plant prepared spring-flowering bulbs to give as gifts at Christmas – hyacinths are ideal for the job. Fill a pot with compost and add several bulbs so their top is just visible above the surface. Water them well and put them in a dark, frost-free place. Keep an eye on the bulbs, make sure the compost stays moist and bring them indoors when they shoot. Wrap them in pretty paper in time to give away for Christmas.

Dobbies Garden World Courtney Road Gillingham ME8 0FB 01634 224630

Dobbies Garden World Rutherford Road Eureka Leisure Park Ashford TN25 6PA 01233 619360

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FASHION

PUT A CHERRY ON TOP: insideKENT’s SUMMER ACCESSORY GUIDE ON HOT SUMMER DAYS, WHEN THE SUN BEATS DOWN AND THE TEMPERATURE RISES, SOMETIMES THE BEST WAY TO STAY STYLISH IS TO WEAR SIMPLE AND COMFORTABLE OUTFITS AND PLAY WITH ACCESSORIES. OUR SUMMER GUIDE IS LOADED WITH IDEAS ON EVERYTHING FROM HATS, HANDBAGS, SANDALS, SUNGLASSES, AND JEWELRY TO COLOURFUL SWIMWEAR - SO YOU CAN PUT JUST THE RIGHT CHERRY ON TOP AND LOOK FABULOUS ALL SUMMER LONG.

HATS WHAT’S A BETTER CHERRY ON TOP THAN A PERFECT SUMMER HAT? DON’T ASK US – WE ARE UTTERLY IN LOVE WITH HATS OF ALL TYPES AND STYLES! FROM ASYMMETRICAL AND GLAMOUROUS TO SPORTY AND CLASSIC, THESE HEAD-TOPPING PICKS WILL MAKE ANY OUTFIT LOOK EXTRA SPECIAL.

J by Jasper Conran Asymmetric Brim Hat £80, Debenhams Women’s Spot Trilby £18, Fat Face

Panama Hat £75, Febronie

J Jeans

by Jasper Conran Trilby £26, Debenhams

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FASHION SUMMERY SANDALS HAVE HOT AND HO-HUM FEET? TAKE A PEEK AT OUR EXCITING SANDAL PICKS - FROM RESORT-INSPIRED WEDGES AND BREEZY FLATS THAT SHINE WITH RICH DETAILS AND INTERESTING TWISTS. YELLOW BOWS AND BRAIDED TWISTS? CHECK. BUNCHES OF FLOWERS? GREEN TASSLES? MMMHMM, WE’VE GOT THOSE TOO. NOW JUST PICK YOUR FAVOURITE AND WATCH YOUR TOES WORSHIP THE SUN!

Brown Nubuck Wooden Heel Sandals £75, La Redoute

Green Wedge Sandals £55, La Redoute

Basket Weave Platform £18, Heatons

Pink Raffia Wedge £29.99, New Look

Jump £60, Dune Jaypore £60, Dune

Woven Sandal £22, Accessorize

Yellow Bow Front Sandal £9.99, Internacionale

Blue & White Striped Sandalettes £49, La Redoute

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HANDBAGS LOTS OF SUNSCREEN AND OTHER SUMMER MUST-HAVES TO CARRY? NEVER FEAR – WITH THESE GORGEOUS HANDBAG PICKS IN SUNNY SUMMER COLOURS FROM LEMON DROP TO JUICY ORANGE, EVERY DAY TOTING WILL NEVER BE BORING AGAIN. Sabrina Tach Tajos Lime Suede Leather Bag £119, Boticca

Patent Apple Green Tote Handbag £40, A-SHU.CO.UK

Quilted Coral Shoulder Bag £12.99, Internacionale

Evening Pochette Tangerine Python £105, Febronie

Eton Black Crossbody Bag £120, Modalu London

Santes Tote £65, Nica

LK Bennett Yellow Leather ‘Crocus’ Tote £245, House of Fraser

Ted Baker Striped ‘Ikon’ Tote With Matching Flip Flops £55, House of Fraser

Portland Clutch £50, Monsoon

E Massy £55, Dune

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FASHION SWIMSUITS ARE YOU A BATHING BEAUTY WITH A BORING SWIMSUIT? THEN IT’S HIGH TIME YOU SWITCH IT UP! CATCH SOME RAYS OR TAKE A DIP IN THESE SWIMSUITS WITH PATTERNS, COLOURS AND HEAD-TURNING SILHOUETTES THAT CAN’T HELP BUT MAKE A STATEMENT. Coral Embellished Monokini £26, M&Co

Raspberry Twist Swimsuit £13, Dunnes Stores

Printed Swim Suit, Ted Baker

Yellow Bathing Suit £199, MamaMaria Swimwear

Jacquard Bandeau Swimsuit £14, Dunnes Stores Fuchsia Waterfall Bikini £14.99, Internacionale

Ted Baker Striped ‘Seaside’ Bikini Top £39 and High Waist Brief £39, House of Fraser

Floozie by Frostfrench Butterfly Bikini Top £22, Pant £14, Debenhams

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One Shoulder Purple Bikini Top £31 and Bottoms £16.50, Simply Yours

Gingham Check Bandeau Bikini Top and Check Tai Bikini Bottoms £39, La Redoute

91x133 Run ad_Layout 1 14/06/2012 11:02 Page 1

SIGN UP FOR THE

MOTE PARK, MAIDSTONE, Sunday 16th Sept 2012 For further information or to book online, visit www.demelza.org.uk or call 01795 845 288

Reg. Charity No. 1039651

SUNGLASSES & JEWELRY ANNOUNCE YOUR PRESENCE EVERYWHERE YOU GO WITH STYLISH SUNGLASSES AND BOLD JEWELRY. THESE PICKS MAKE A STATEMENT BEFORE YOU CAN EVEN MAKE A SOUND. Sunglasses £14, Accessorize Jennifer Loiselle Clemence Woven Necklace in Pink & Orange £90, Boticca.com

Fair Trade Necklace, People Tree

Gold Aztec Drop Earrings £2.99, Internacionale

Printed Square Sunglasses £15, Marks & Spencer

Lamprini Kaleidoscope necklace £171, Boticca.com

Circle Earrings £7.50, Marks & Spencer

True Cat Eye Sunglasses £9.50, Marks & Spencer

Love it? Hate it? Thirsty for more? Follow insideKENT’s Fashion Editor Molly Neznanski Gil on Twitter @lolachiffon www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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FASHION

SHINE THIS SEASON WITH THE LATEST COMPOSABLE BRACELET COLLECTION FROM NOMINATION:

SilverShine

insideKENT IS DELIGHTED TO HAVE TEAMED UP WITH ITALIAN JEWELLERY BRAND, NOMINATION AND FITZGERALD JEWELLERS IN CANTERBURY, TO OFFER A SPECIAL SILVERSHINE BRACELET TO 10 LUCKY WINNERS. To celebrate 25 years of success, this year Nomination has launched a NEW COMPOSABLE COLLECTION – SILVERSHINE – made up of links decorated with sterling silver letters and symbols all sparkling with Cubic Zirconia.

Nomination is the original creator of the Composable Link Bracelet, a modern take on the traditional charm bracelet, with ‘charm’ links that clip together to create a unique and special bracelet.

Our love of personalised jewellery continues to endure and with this latest addition to Nomination's Composable Collection there are now even more ways to create your bracelet.

Choose from letters, symbols and stones to create a statement – literally – or a beautiful and precious bracelet which is strong and comfortable enough to wear everyday.

The bracelets also make great gifts as you can decide how much you want to spend and then personalise the bracelet with precious links for friends and loved ones. Links can be added or replaced at any time so you can collect links to update your bracelet season after season.

The SilverShine collection is based on the bestselling Composable bracelet and enables wearers to continue to create their own bracelet with a luxurious selection of exclusive new designs in sterling silver. The links are decorated with handcrafted details in sterling silver, before being decorated with Cubic Zirconia and hand-painted enamel. Designs range from romantic hearts to sparkling stars, horseshoes, flowers and glittering pavé links.

Florentine jewellery making traditions with modern and innovative design so you can create a unique bracelet to reflect your personality and style.

Nomination jewellery is designed and made in Italy at Nomination's atelier studios in and around the Renaissance city of Florence. Nomination uses only the highest quality stainless steel to ensure that each bracelet is hypoallergenic, will not tarnish and is resilient enough to be worn every day.

Nomination is a family business based just outside Florence in Italy and has combined the best of

WIN!

Nomination has teamed up with Fitzgerald Jewellers and is giving away 10 starter bracelets – each with a gorgeous red heart link worth £27.00 each. For your chance to win one of these fantastic prizes, and start your Composable Link Bracelet, enter online at www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/nomination

To find out more about Nomination, visit Fitzgerald Jewellers, 26 Burgate, (near Canterbury Cathedral), Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2HA or visit the Nomination website: www.nomination.com

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British B E S T

O F

CELEBRATE LONDON’S MOST EXCITING SUMMER WITH PANDORA IN 2012

2012 will be a summer to remember‌The Queens Diamond Jubliee and the Olympics hosted in our capital, London. For the patriotic collectors, Pandora has introduced some more hand finished sterling silver charms inspired by Great Britain.

The collection comprises of a London Double Decker bus charm, Murano glass charms in red, white and blue, and a drop charm engraved with 2012; a fantastic souvenir to commemorate history in the making.

Each piece has a special detail that celebrates quintessential Britain.

The Union Jack is created in enamel on the roof of the bus, while the flag has been engraved in the drop charm. The three different colours of the Murano are another nod to our flag.

WEAR YOUR CHARMS WITH PRIDE THIS SUMMER!

www.pandora.net

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SUMMER MEN’SFASHION

I S

H E R E

A G A I N

HELLO GUYS! WITH THE SUMMER UPON US ONCE AGAIN, IT’S TIME TO FRESHEN UP YOUR WARDROBE WITH SOME NEW PIECES AND DUST OFF SOME OF THE OLD ONES.

www.zara.com

www.baracuta-g9.com

This season, colour is really in and on trend; it’s this time of year that you’re allowed to wear some clashing and bright colours, if you feel the urge!

Check out Baracuta (www.baracuta-g9.com) - they have the most wonderful selection of polos and are the home of the original Harrington jacket, which is great to wear in the evenings for a smart casual look over a tee or a smart polo.

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The secret to wearing ‘clash’ successfully is to keep one part solid, so try stone, khaki or navy shorts and then a brightly coloured shirt; or a solid t-shirt and some sandals or shoes with a burst of colour. Another way to wear it is a bright t-shirt with another colour or patterned shirt open over the top.

There’s Something about Mary...

There’s Something about Dartford!

A worthy winning town A Mary Portas pilot town This is your opportunity to support a national initiative and help shape your town centre.

The Orchards Shopping Centre wants you to get involved; tell us what you want, tell us when you want it and together we will make it happen.

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter for forthcoming events.

- Sunday trading begins 22nd July Contact us about vacant units. info@orchardsdartford.co.uk 01322 289383

HEALTH+BEAUTY

new you HOW TO BECOME A

THIS SUMMER

LET'S FORGET THE DIET FADS AND THE AIRBRUSHED MODELS IN MAGAZINES, BECAUSE THIS ARTICLE IS GOING TO BE ABOUT YOU. FAT, THIN, SMALL, TALL, SPOTS OR WARTS; IT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE, BECAUSE WE'RE GOING TO WORK ON YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS AND HOW TO ACHIEVE A NEW YOU THROUGH CHANGING YOUR COGNITIVE THOUGHT PATTERN AS OPPOSED TO ENCOURAGING EXCESSIVE WEIGHT LOSS. After reading this article, next time you are out and about, look around at the other people that walk beside you. How many 'perfect' people do you see? In general, members of the public are diverse; some are size 10 some are size 22, but it doesn't matter – we spend far too much time obsessing over looking like celebrities, and not enough time concentrating on ourselves. The media have a strong influence over how and what we should look like; many of us like to feel good about ourselves but rarely do because of our unrealistic expectations.

In order to become a new you this summer we are going to look at the old you and what you would like to change. Write down all the things you would like to change, inside and out, and now ask yourself: Is this do-able?

When trying to become the you that you want to be, it's important to work to goals. The goals that you decide upon should not be unrealistic, but small and achievable. It's also important to invest in a notepad; keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings on your journey to the 'new you' will allow you to open up. It can also help you to find out if you have an unbalanced thought process.

Everyone’s journal will read differently, as we are not all the same. If the first point on your list reads 'diet', change that to 'healthier lifestyle'. ‘Diet’

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has such negative connotations, and all we really mean by diet is a healthier lifestyle! Each day, write five good points about yourself in your journal. If you are used to looking at yourself negatively, this may be a challenge, but dig deep; it will help you feel better about yourself. Each time you have a negative thought about the way you look, take a look in your journal and learn to focus on the good bits instead.

Instead of putting off the bits of you that you'd like to change, begin to make changes immediately. It may be that you'd like to invest in a new wardrobe or a regular manicure, perhaps you'd like to join the gym, start jogging, or take up golf; the list is endless. When you have picked the aspects you'd like to change and they are written on your goal list, write your thoughts around them, don't let yourself be negative, and if you're tempted to write, 'I can't change', change the 'can't' to 'can'.

you'd like to change your hairstyle? Becoming a new you does not mean you have to lose weight, it could just be that you'd like to change your image and your mindset. Change it for you and don’t let others influence you; this is about your thoughts and feelings and your new look.

Pick an activity that is achievable or volunteer with a local charity this will make you feel better about yourself and will give you a fantastic opportunity to meet new people; challenge your mindset, and don't be afraid to take the plunge.

It is good to make goals but don’t forget to enjoy yourself along the way, live in the moment, stop returning to the past, and have your goals for the future.

Are you the sort of person that procrastinates?

We all do to some degree, but don’t let this stop you from fulfilling your potential, recognise it and take control.

If you would like to change your appearance, get some ideas, go and have a shopping day just trying on clothes that you wouldn’t normally buy, move away from your comfort zone, and look at colours that you wouldn't usually pick. Perhaps

Christine Elvin, Life Coach www.christineelvin.com

HEALTH+BEAUTY

SUMMER GLOW WITH THE SUN AT ITS STRONGEST THIS TIME OF YEAR, YOUR SKIN IS NORMALLY THE FIRST TO FEEL THE EFFECT OF ITS RAYS. CLOGGED PORES, BREAKOUTS, GREASINESS, AND EVEN DRYNESS ARE JUST A HANDFUL OF THE PROBLEMS THAT CAN RESULT FROM THIS SO-CALLED GLORIOUS WEATHER. ALL IS NOT LOST, HOWEVER – SO BEFORE YOU RUN FOR COVER, HERE ARE A FEW TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN THIS SUMMER.

BY GEMMA MORPURGO

Hydrate Drinking plenty of fluids will help keep your skin looking radiant, glowing and flawless. Opt for still or water-based drinks over carbonated soft drinks and try to keep alcohol to a minimum (not always easy, especially with those beer gardens calling).

Quench the Skin Although your skin may seem less dry than usual this time of year, it is important to keep moisturising. Try swapping your usual, heavy moisturiser for a much lighter, water-based formula, and use a serum for your eye area.

Protect Don’t be fooled on cloudy days; those ultraviolet rays can still be pretty powerful, so it is important to always protect your skin with a good sun cream. As a rule of thumb, you should apply it liberally all over your face and body after swimming and reapply throughout the day.

If you don’t want to go without make-up, then you might want to check out MAC Cosmetics. The company has an extensive range of foundation, which contain sun protection factors (SPFs), to give maximum protection against harmful rays.

Alternatively, you can opt for a blot powder. I recommend using a pressed powder if you are carrying it around with you, as a loose powder is more likely to get everywhere and can be quite messy; so keep the loose powder for the dressing table.

After you have applied your powder with a sponge, avoid MAC Blot Film placing the sponge back on top of the product directly. The reason for this is that the oils from your skin can transfer onto the powder and cause a film to form. This can stop the powder from working so well the next time you go to use it.

If you are worried that this may have happened to any of your pressed powder make-up, don’t worry, (this can even occur with eye shadow when you use your finger to apply it). All you need to do is get a piece of sticky tape and stick it to the powder, then, as you gently peel the tape off the powder, it will remove the film, giving your makeup a new lease of life!

Bring on the Balm Even your lips are prone to sun damage. Keep that pout looking glossy and kissable by applying plenty of lip protecting balm. Do not choose anything that has an SPF less than 15.

Summer Makeup Heavy foundation can be a bit too thick for this time of year, so you may want to trade in your normal foundation for a tinted moisturiser. Tinted moisturisers are lightweight and work with the skin, whilst also adding a touch of cover to create a flawless, glossy complexion.

For those of us who require a slightly more matt effect on our skin, there are quite a few simple but effective options.

I recommend carrying MAC Blot film in your beach bag. This discreet film is fantastic for absorbing excess oils; simply press gently onto the oil prone areas of your face and watch that oil disappear!

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To book your own beauty session with Gemma, contact her at gemma@gemmamorpurgo.co.uk or visit www.gemmamorpurgo.co.uk Follow Gemma on Twitter @gemmamorpurgo or Facebook at www.facebook.com/gemma.morpurgo

HEALTH+BEAUTY

KNOWLE GRANGE

A LITTLE BIT OF PARADISE IN A BUSY WORLD

© LUKE YATES www.wayaheadphotography.com

AS A RAPIDLY-AGING MAN, LIVING IN A MODERN WORLD, I AM SURE I AM NOT ALONE IN FINDING THE IDEA OF GYMS AND SPAS A LITTLE DAUNTING. ALL THAT DECORUM, ETIQUETTE, SWEATING AND LACK OF PERSONAL SPACE... AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THOSE MEN IN THE CHANGING ROOMS WHO INSIST ON STRUTTING AROUND, BUT FORGET TO WEAR A TOWEL. BY LUKE YATES

So when insideKENT's own Donna Martin asked me, "How in touch with your feminine side are you?" and went on to ask if I'd like to attend a spa day, I could already feel my anxiety growing.

Fortunately my anxiety was totally misplaced!

A sunny Friday saw me and my lovely wife heading over to Knowle Grange, a health club and spa situated in the plush surroundings of historic Tunbridge Wells. As we drove into the grounds, we were greeting by a beautiful and spacious garden, a lovely pond with water features and statues, and an instant feeling of serenity and space.

As we entered the club, several guests immediately offered a smile and a friendly greeting, shortly before owner Sue Hutchins welcomed us with drinks and enthusiastic conversation.

Sue has been running Knowle Grange for 14 years, and she has the very likeable air of a person who is passionate and happy in what they do, something that is reflected throughout the entire complex in every little detail.

Left to our own devices after a very helpful guided tour from Sue, we headed straight for the outdoor swimming pool, which contains naturally heated spring water. An impressive structure in the winter when surrounded by a giant inflatable heat/weather cover it becomes a truely outdoor pool in the summer when the cover is removed. The water was refreshing and clear against the hot sunny day, and we instantly felt relaxed.

After our strenuous swim (I think I managed about 2 and a half lengths of the pool) we decided it was time to take advantage of the lovely weather, and grabbed a couple of sun loungers.

The gardens at Knowle Grange are stunningly pretty, and lying in the semi-shade of a beautiful old tree, all our worries and cares faded away. I

must admit I dozed off pretty quickly, it was fabulous!

Whilst guests enjoyed the facilities, Sue was busying herself attending to her guests, offering drinks and food, making sure everything was just perfect for them. This is where the real heart of the club lies – in Sue's untiring and superb customer care. Nothing seems to be too much trouble for her, and this means that Knowle Grange has a lovely homey feel, at the same time as being a very classy and elegant spa.

There is no stuffiness attached, and it's easy to feel at home, and hence relaxed.

A wander around the club revealed an impressive and well-kitted out gym, with lots of machines and even DVDs and TV facilities. This looked like far too much hard work on such a lazy day, so we headed instead for the spa, allowing the bubbles to sink us deeper into a feeling of relaxed bliss.

And therein I think, lies the secret to what makes Knowle Grange so relaxing and nonintimidating to us gymaphobic alpha-males. Whilst Sue was absolutely superb at catering to her guests' needs, and keeping them fed, watered and well-informed, she a nd her team never invaded our personal space, and we always felt a huge sense of freedom to do whatever we liked, whenever we liked. And that is a very relaxing feeling.

Next up, time for lunch, al fresco by the pool. The food Sue brought us challenged my mindset, as it was healthy but yet delicious, something I didn't realise was possible. And it looked absolutely beautiful, rivalling many restaurants!

Back to the sun loungers briefly before it was time to enjoy some of the treatments on offer. Another lady called Sue arrived and whisked me away for a masterclass in various types of massage. Starting with a very firm sporty massage

designed to straighten out my knots and bumps in my shouders and back – which worked superbly and left me feeling very limber afterwards – the massage slowly became gentler, culminating in a wonderful head massage which virtually sent me off once more, to the Land of Nod. A really wonderful experience, and I certainly felt all the better for it for days afterwards.

My wife enjoyed a manicure treatment, which left her hands looking and feeling beautiful, and a big smile on her face after such a welldeserved pampering. Sue is a master of all sorts of beauty treatments, not to mention a really professional and friendly lady, and she will certainly leave you feeling relaxed and happy, which much be a wonderful gift to be able to impart.

My wife came back from her massage to find me, once again, sprawled asleep in a sun lounger, and unfortuntely, it was time to leave this idyllic little bit of paradise behind, put some proper clothes on and go and collect our kids.

As we drove home, we realised that not only had the day allowed us to relax and enjoy some pampering and rest, it had been a wonderful time together, giving us a rare opportunity as parents, to get away from the crazy rock'n'roll world of kids and careers for the day, and just enjoy each other's company. We were very grateful to Knowle Grange, and especially Sue, for creating such a lovely enviroment to do this in, and hope we'll be going back soon.

Knowle Grange Health Spa Wadurst Road Frant Tunbridge Wells TN3 9EJ 01892 750761 www.knowlegrange.co.uk

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HEALTH+BEAUTY

UPSIDE DOWN YOGA CLASSES START AT HEAVENLY FITNESS IN MAIDSTONE

Anti Gravity Yoga is a fitness technique which has proved increasingly popular throughout the US, featured in pop videos and received high profile celebrity endorsement from the likes of Mariah Carey and Pink.

It is now available in Maidstone, at Heavenly Fitness, which also offers specialist classes in Yoga, Pilates, Pole, Zumba, Powerhoop and more.

Owner of Heavenly Fitness, Jane Salida said, “Anti Gravity Yoga is an exciting new way to keep fit because it incorporates strength, flexibility and cardio workouts together with the ability for everyone to achieve inversions (upside down poses) which are near impossible to most people.”

Anti Gravity Yoga uses soft hammocks which are suspended from the ceiling and so strong, they are capable of supporting the weight of a baby elephant. The hammock supports you as your instructor guides you into suspension techniques. Unlike similar circus acts though, you are just off the ground so there is no danger.

Jane Salida explained the benefits of Anti Gravity Yoga: “By suspending in the hammock, your body is fully supported but at the same time you are decompressing the spine and aligning the body from head to toe. More importantly though, it’s fun! Everyone in our classes enjoys the opportunity to fly in the “swoosh” pose or just hang around upside down without any strain on the neck or the back. Laughter plays a vital role in the classes and everyone leaves the class feeling like they have achieved a good workout and with a huge grin on their faces.”

Anti Gravity Yoga was founded by New Yorker, Christopher Harrison, who developed the technique as a fusion of yoga, Pilates, aerial acrobatics and gymnastics.

Heavenly Fitness is currently running taster classes but will shortly be commencing six-week sessions enabling students to develop their flips, tricks and inversions, fly like Peter Pan and achieve an all round body workout.

For more information, visit www.heavenlyfitness.co.uk or contact Jane on 07711 790101 or jane@heavenlyfitness.co.uk

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have a shimmering summer

HEALTH+BEAUTY

WITH LILY COLE LIMITED EDITION COSMETICS FROM THE BODY SHOP

www.thebodyshop.co.uk Shimmer Cubes – £16 A palette of four iridescent eyeshadows to mix and to match.

Shimmer Cubes don’t just look amazing – they also blend effortlessly and feel great on the skin.

Puff On Radiance – £16 These magical little beads deliver shimmering colour to face and décolletage. The supersoft integrated puff is made from manmade fibres.

Pearl Radiance Primer – £12 Perfect and illuminate you complexion with this pearlescent make-up base. It gets its shimmer from mineral mica.

Hi-Shine Lip Treatment – £4 You can never have too much lip gloss, especially when it’s as super-glossy and super-delicious as this. This wet-look gloss gives maximum shine and has a sweet flavour too.

Lip & Cheek Dome – £10 Cream-to-powder colour for lips and cheeks that’s easy to wear and easy to blend. Wear it just as it is or under lip gloss.

Liquid Eyeliner – £9 This liquid eyeliner goes violet. Easy to control, the felttipped applicator puts colour exactly where you want it.

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

55

COVERSTORY

THE RISE OF THE ENIGMATIC

Mr Bale

FROM THE WELSH VALLEYS TO THE HILLS OF HOLLYWOOD, THE ENIGMATIC, INTENSE AND VERY PRIVATE CHRISTIAN BALE IS ONE OF THE FEW CHILD ACTORS TO HAVE MADE THE TRANSITION TO HOLLYWOOD SUPERSTAR, AND FULFIL HIS EARLY ACTING PROMISE.

Although he is best known for his Hollywood films, Christian Charles Philip Bale was born in Haverfordwest, in South Wales on 30th January 1974. His parents were also of British descent, although his father, David Bale, a commercial pilot and then talent manager, was born in South Africa. His mother, Jenny (née James), was a circus performer.

Hailed as one of the most versatile actors of our time, Bale has played a range of characters, from comic heroes, such as Batman, and romantic leads in films like Little Women, to a narcissistic serial killer in American Psycho. He continues to pepper his acting career with both Hollywood Blockbuster films, such as Reign of Fire and the Batman trilogy, as well as art-house films, including Velvet Goldmine, Todd Haynes' tribute to glam rock, and Shakespearean plays such as Henry V and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

CHRISTIAN BALE PRESENTS AN AWARD ONSTAGE DURING THE 84TH ACADEMY AWARDS IN FEBRUARY 2012. © Mark J Terrill / AP / Press Association Images

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CHRISTIAN BALE AS BATMAN IN WARNER BROS PICTURES’ AND LEGENDARY PICTURES’ THE DARK KNIGHT RISES. © 2012 Warner Bros Entertainment Inc and Legendary Pictures Funding, LLC / Ron Phillips

The key to his versatility may lie, in part, to his early nomadic lifestyle and unusual upbringing, which saw him leaving Wales at two years old and then traveling around England, Portugal and, later, the US. His mother’s career, which included working as a clown and a dancer, riding elephants and introducing acts in the circus, also meant that Bale was surrounded by exotic and beautiful people and animals.

But his acting heritage doesn’t stop there, with both sides of his family having performed on film or stage, including his paternal grandfather, who had played John Wayne’s double in the 1962 film, Hatari. His mother’s father worked as a stand-up comedian, children’s entertainer and member of the Magic Circle.

It is little wonder then that Bale and one of his older sisters, Louise, followed in the family footsteps and also went into acting. By comparison, however, Bale’s early acting career was rather more conventional, with him appearing in television advertisements for a Pac-Man cereal and then Lenor fabric conditioner in the early 1980s.

But Bale has always had a knack for working with talented actors from a wide range of acting genres. In 1984, when he was just 10, for example, Bale made his stage debut playing alongside Rowan Atkinson in The Nerd.

He went on to make his film debut just two years later, when he was cast in the made-fortelevision film Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna, alongside established actors such as Omar Sharif, Claire Bloom and Amy Irving. This lead to a number of leading roles, including in the two-part

mini-series Heart of the Country, as well as his first role in a feature film, Mio in the Land of Faraway (1987), in which he appeared with Christopher Lee and Susannah York.

Bale’s first taste of acting success on a large scale came when he was just 12 and he landed the role of Jamie "Jim" Graham in the epic film, Empire of the Sun, which was directed by Amy Irving’s husband, Steven Spielberg. But the success of the film, which saw him earn the Best Juvenile Performance award from The National Board of Review (1987) as well as the Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, from the Young Artist Award (1988), proved to be a doubleedged sword. The high level of media attention, along with female admirers and jealousy from some of his peers, took its toll on the young Bale who told his parents he would never act again.

Fortunately for us, Kenneth Branagh managed to persuade him to participate in his version of Henry V just over a year later, which included a rich array of talented British actors, including Paul Schofield, Derek Jacobi and Judi Dench. Bale joined them as the young sidekick of Robbie Coltrane's Falstaff.

Perhaps a legacy of this early success and flirtation with the dark side of fame is Bale’s resolute determination to keep his private life away from the spotlight. Although he claims this is to stop his real life from impinging on his acting, or, as he put it, “I am not somebody pursuing some kind of ridiculous celebrity status, which I think actually destroys an actor’s ability to immerse themselves and be believable in roles,” one cannot help but think that his shyness of the public and interviewers hides a deeper fear.

One thing that is for sure, is that Bale is a hugely professional and committed method actor, who works hard on getting under the skin of his characters, giving powerful and believable performances every time. As Bale himself puts it, “I like taking things ridiculously seriously,” and he is well known for staying in character for the duration of filming.

This professionalism and dedication to his acting career is never more evident than in his portrayal of chronic insomniac, Trevor Reznik, in The Machinist (2004), where he lost a third of his body weight, of his own volition, to get in character.

Fortunately, Bale seems to be able to bulk up just as quickly as he can lose weight, which was a good thing for Christopher Nolan, who directed Bale in his next role as the conflicted, macho hero in Batman Begins (2005), which started filming just six months after The Machinist.

Bale is reported to have said that he felt more ridiculous than intimidating in the Batsuit, which he overcame by portraying the character as a savage beast. As part of his preparation for the role, Bale looked to the Batman comic books to gain insight into the character. He describes Batman as his character’s "hidden, demonic rage-filled side. The creature Batman creates is an absolutely sincere creature and one that he has to control but does so in a very haphazard way. He's capable of enacting violence — and to kill — so he's constantly having to rein himself in."

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57

COVERSTORY

CHRISTIAN BALE PICTURED IN THE FLOWERS OF WAR NANJING CITY, CHINA IN MARCH 2011. © Imaginechine / AP / Press Association Images

Despite finding the fame aspect of his job a little daunting, and attempting to avoid media interviews where possible, Bale is well known for pushing the boundaries of his acting ability and taking risks with the characters and films that he takes on. He seems to choose roles based on how interesting and challenging he thinks they will be to play, rather than simply because they will help further his career prospects.

This attitude has led him to take on a series of roles viewed by many of his contemporaries as unglamorous or undesirable. This includes his portrayal of Bobby Platt as a mentally slow young man who escapes an abusive, hateful stepfather who has killed his pets one by one in All the Little Animals, as well as the role of the serial killer, Patrick Bateman, in American Psycho; a film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' controversial novel. The film premiered at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival to much controversy, but with Bale’s depiction earning him even more credibility with critics and cinema audiences alike. Film critic, Roger Ebert initially condemned the film, but later gave it a good review, writing that "Christian Bale is heroic in the way he allows the character to leap joyfully into despicability; there is no instinct for self-preservation here, and that is one mark of a good actor."

The gamble paid off, however, as his success in American Psycho opened up a whole range of new roles, including a wealthy murderer, in John Singleton's Shaft (2000), which was a big box office success, as well as the role of

Mandras, a Greek fisherman who vied with Nicolas Cage's title character for the affections of Pelagia (Penelope Cruz) in Captain Corelli's Mandolin.

Surprisingly, one of the few roles that Bale seems reluctant to take on is the lead in a romantic comedy; a genre which he refers to as “an oxymoron”.

Although Bale has worked successfully as an actor since an early age, his reticence to thrust himself into the limelight outside of his acting roles has meant that he has not received as much recognition and media coverage as many of his contemporaries. At least, not until he took on the role of Batman.

But that does not mean that he doesn’t have a strong fan base. On the contrary, he was one of the first actors to harness the power and reach of the internet, when he agreed to let one of his Canadian fans set up an internet-based fan club. Known affectionately as the ‘baleheads’, his fans are a dedicated bunch, and have even helped turn some of his less successful endeavours, such as the Disney musical, Newsies (1992), into a commercial success in video, despite a disappointing return at the box office.

Since Bale’s success as Batman, he has continued to take on an eclectic mix of Hollywood action hero roles, such as sci-fi freedom fighter, John Connor, in the latest Terminator saga, Terminator Salvation; a stranded fighter pilot in Rescue Dawn; and Dicky Eklund, a former boxer whose peak of success was knocking Sugar Ray Leonard down in The Fighter, for which he won

, FILMED IN

the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2011 He flits seamlessly from art-house to sci-fi, Shakespeare to action thriller, and has the rare ability to bring depth, credibility and gravitas to each of his roles, whether he is playing a mentally impaired teenager, a fantasy hero or a recovering addict and ex-boxer.

Bale’s family life appears to be far more conventional than most of the characters he plays. He is married to Sibi Blazic, a former model, make-up artist and personal assistant to Bale’s friend, Winona Ryder, and together they have a seven-year old Daughter, Emmeline.

In addition to his love of theatre and the arts, Bale has also inherited a passion for the environment and animal rights and he supports a range of animal and children’s charities to this day.

With no sign of slowing down, Bale is set to reprise his role of Batman for the third time in The Dark Knight Rises, which will be released on 20 July 2012. He is also due to start filming two Terrence Malick directed films this year, Lawless and Knight of Cups, as well as feature in the upcoming Scott Cooper thriller, Out of the Furnace.

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COMPETITION

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE YOUR PHOTO OF KENT ON THE NEXT COVER OF insideKENT, AND SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE AT THE SAME TIME? HERE'S YOUR CHANCE! Professional or amateur photographer, young or old, everyone is invited to enter our 1st annual 'Cover of Kent' competition*.

We're helping to raise vital funds for Demelza Hospice Care for Children, with all proceeds from the 'Cover of Kent' competition going to this incredible charity.

Entry is just £5 per photo, and you can enter as many photos as you wish. The only requirement is that it's a scenic picture of Kent. It can be an outdoor scene, building, town or street - but it has to be quintessentially 'Kent'!

Photos will be judged on originality, visual appeal and how well it represents Kent, and the winner will get their photo on our next cover and a news story in the September/October issue of insideKENT. Enter and upload your photo online at www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/coverofkent or send by post (details in T&C below).

HOW TO ENTER

* TERMS & CONDITIONS The ‘Cover of Kent’ photo competition is open to all Kent-based photographers, aged 18 and older, both professional and amateur, except employees of Sideways Media Ltd and the immediate families of such employees. Entrants must reside in Kent.

We are looking for a striking digital photograph of Kent. Photographs can be of an outdoor scene, building or town/village/city. Please do not enter photographs of people.

All photographs should accurately reflect the subject matter and the scene as it appeared.

Photos that have been digitally altered beyond standard optimisation (removal of dust, cropping, reasonable adjustments to exposure, colour and contrast, etc) will be disqualified.

Photographs should be submitted in low-res format (1MB or less), but must be available at a size of at least 6MB if requested.

All images submitted must be the original work of the individual submitting them and must not have been published elsewhere or have won a prize in any other competition. It is the responsibility of the entrants to ensure that any images they submit have been taken with the permission of the subject and do not infringe the copyright of any third party or any laws.

Copyright on all entered images remains with the respective entrants. However, by entering a photograph, you agree to allow your photo to be printed within insideKENT Magazine’s September/October issue if selected as the winner or one of the ‘honourable mentions’.

Entries will be judged on visual appeal, originality and how well it represents Kent. The winner will be notified by phone or email within seven days of the closing date of the competition.

Photos must be submitted in one of two ways: Electronically Enter online at www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/coverofkent Please fill in the online form with your full name, phone number, email, photo caption/name, location taken and upload your photo (no more than 1MB). The £5 entry fee is payable by PayPal.

By Post Send your printed photograph along with a letter containing your full name, phone number, email, photo caption/name, location taken and £5 per photo (paid by cheque) to: insideKENT Magazine ‘Cover of Kent’ The Oast, Stone Green Farm Mersham, Nr Ashford Kent TN25 7HE

The closing date for the competition is Wednesday 8th August. www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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RECIPE

PAN-FRIED SCALLOPS with Pea Purée and a Shallot and Smoked Bacon Veloute

Ingredients

• • • • •

1) Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/ gas 6 2) First, make the shallot and bacon veloute.

Place the bacon trimmings and the milk together in a saucepan and bring to the boil.

Separately, sweat the shallots with butter and a pinch of salt and cook until soft and transparent. Then add the thyme and bay leaf and continue to sweat for a further 2 minutes.

Finally add the fish stock, cream and the infused milk with the bacon trimming and bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes. After this time, remove the bacon trimmings, thyme and bay leaf and pour the liquid and shallots into a blender and blend until very smooth, then pass through a fine sieve. Set aside until required.

8 large scallops Chopped chives Micro herbs Olive oil Lemon juice

Pea purée • 500g frozen peas • 50g butter • Salt and pepper Shallot and bacon veloute • 250g shallots, sliced • 300g fish stock • 200g smoked bacon trimmings • 50g cream • 250g milk • 70g butter • 1 bay leaf • 1 sprig of thyme (large) • Salt and pepper

3) Next, cook the peas in boiling salted water until soft, remove from the water using a holy spoon and refresh in iced water. Once cool, strain off the water and leave the peas to drain for a little while. Place 400g into a food processor and blend to a purée then pass the purée through a sieve to remove the outer skins and place the purée into a saucepan.

Warm and mix in the butter then season with

salt and pepper. Just before serving add the remaining peas.

4) Now cook the scallops. Season with salt and pepper on both sides, heat some olive oil in a non stick pan and place the scallops into the hot oil. Place into the pre-heated oven for 2 minutes and then flip over and continue to cook for a further 2 minutes, being careful not to over cook. Now remove from the oven and squeeze lemon juice over the fish.

5) Gently warm the veloute, season with salt and pepper and add a knob of butter, then using a hand blender create a cappuccino effect.

Place a tier of pea purée onto a plate and place the scallops onto the purée. Spoon the froth from the sauce around the fish, dress with some micro herbs and serve. Bon appetite!

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, Michael is an Operational Partner and Director of ABode Hotels and Michael Caines, in overall charge of all food and beverage operations throughout the fast-growing group.

He 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 - serving distinctive modern European cuisine utilising the finest local and regional produce and ingredients. In February 2009 he was also made Executive Chef at The Bath Priory, Bath, Gidleigh Park's sister establishment.

In 2000, he founded Michael Caines Restaurants and took over food and beverage operations at The Royal Clarence, Exeter. A chance encounter with Andrew Brownsword subsequently led to the creation of ABode Hotels.

Recent career highlights include cooking at 10 Downing Street for the Prime Minister and taking part in ‘The Great British Menu’, a competition broadcast on BBC2 television where contestants compete for the honour of cooking for the Queen’s 80th birthday.

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FOOD+DRINK

Fresh Flavours for SUMMER 2012 B Y

2012 IS A MOMENTOUS YEAR OF CELEBRATION FOR GREAT BRITAIN. IT IS THE YEAR OF THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE AND WITH THE OLYMPICS ONLY AROUND THE CORNER, IT’S TIME TO HEAD TO THE KITCHEN TO RUSTLE UP SOME REFRESHING SUMMER TREATS TO SERVE UP FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

S A R A H - J A N E

S T E N S O N

The essence of your kitchen behaviour over the coming months should focus on fresh and invigorating tastes to harmoniously compliment the (hopefully) glorious rays of summer. insideKENT have put together some tempting food and drink recipes to whet your appetite and tantalise your taste buds, perfect to enjoy in the Garden of England this summer.

Fresh Fruit Ice Lollies

In the warmer months of the year, children are obsessed with ice lollies.

To alleviate the worry of hidden sugars and nasties lurking in your children’s favourite summer refreshment, complete the steps of this simple recipe to create no nonsense, extra tasty fresh fruit ice lollies. Not only great for the little ones but appealing to adults alike! Exercise your creative freedom by mixing and matching different fruits.

Ingredients • 2 mangoes • Handful of strawberries • 5 Tbsp icing sugar • 40 ml cranberry juice (can substitute with other flavoured juice or water) • Ice lolly moulds

1. Peel the mangoes, remove the stone and chop into small chunks 2. Hull the strawberries and quarter 3. In a food processor, whizz your chosen fruit to a puree-like texture, whilst adding in the icing sugar and juice 4. Pulse until smooth 5. Pass the mixture through a sieve 6. Pour an equal amount of mixture into the ice lolly moulds and freeze

Minty Fresh Water As temperatures climb, it is essential to remain hydrated. Try out this twist on revitalising ice water, ideal for lazy days spent in your garden. This recipe can be adjusted according to personal taste.

Experiment with the ingredients to reach the perfect balance of citrus and minty flavours for you.

Ingredients • 1 bunch of fresh mint • 2 lemons • 1/2 cucumber • Ice

1. Fill a jug with ice 2. Top with mineral or tap water 3. Roughly slice lemons, gently squeezing some of the juice into the water before putting them in 4. Thickly slice and quarter the cucumber and add to the mixture 5. Finally tear and submerge the mint into the water 6. Stir and enjoy this thirst quenching drink!

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Prawn and Mango Open Sandwich In the summer, our bodies crave light yet tasty foods. This recipe is quick to prepare and will be a lunchtime winner for all. The cooling mango perfectly compliments the spice of the prawns, with notes of citrus to enhance the flavours.

Ingredients - Handful of king prawns - 1 fresh chilli (deseeded and chopped finely) - 1 lime - 1 mango (peeled and sliced) - Rocket leaves - Cucumber - Avocado - Pepper - Cherry tomatoes - Spring onions - Coriander leaves - Rustic loaf

1. Place the prawns into a bowl and marinate with a squeeze of half a lime, half of a deseeded chilli (add more or less for personal taste) and tear a few leaves of coriander 2. Set aside in the fridge whilst preparing rest of ingredients 3. Cut 2 thick slabs of rustic bread and place on the plate 4. Peel the mango, removing the stone and slice thickly 5. Cut thick rounds of cucumber and half, as well as halving a few cherry tomatoes 6. Peel the ripe avocado and chop into chunks 7. Finely slice a spring onion 8. To assemble, place a bed of rocket onto the sliced bread 9. Next, add the cucumber, avocado and spring onion to the top 10. Lay the mango on top across the bread in a circular manner 11. Place your prawn mixture in the middle and scatter the cherry tomatoes around 12. Season with pepper and squeeze the remaining juice of the lime over your open sandwich to complete

Gazpacho The thought of cold soup can often turn a few noses, however, gazpacho is nutritionally sound, flavoursome, and is ultimately cooling on a summer’s day. Embrace the Spanish way and try out gazpacho for a new addition to your summer menu.

Ingredients: • 1kg ripe tomatoes • 1 garlic clove (crushed) • 1/2 cucumber • 2 red peppers • 1/2 red onion • 25ml white wine vinegar • 1 Tbsp sugar • Sea salt and black pepper to season • 50ml extra virgin olive oil • Basil leaves • Croutons/bread (optional)

1. To prepare your ingredients, skin and deseed the tomatoes 2. Deseed and roughly chop the peppers 3. Peel and slice the cucumber 4. Quite simply, blend in a food processor the tomatoes, peppers, cucumber, garlic, onion, olive oil, vinegar and sugar until puréed.

5. Process for longer for a smoother finish or pulse the ingredients for a more rustic finish 6. Cover and chill in the fridge for a few hours until serving 7. Garnish with torn basil leaves and croutons

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A grand Victorian mansion set in private tree-lined gardens offering experienced staff, elegant rooms, exquisite menus and lavish accommodation. Oakwood House is simply the perfect venue for any occasion. t

Unforgettable and Romantic Weddings

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Exciting and Diverse Party Nights

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Professional and Tailored Conferencing

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Creative and Delicious Banqueting

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Contemporary and Comfortable Bedrooms

01622 620720 info@oakwoodhousehotel.co.uk www.oakwoodhousehotel.co.uk

FOOD+DRINK

Cool Down This Summer

WITH BIDDENDEN WINES, CIDERS AND JUICES Biddenden Vineyards is Kent’s oldest vineyard, established by the Barnes family in 1969. The farm was originally an orchard, but when apple prices began to drop the family started to look for alternatives. Whilst listening to the radio, Mrs Barnes heard a feature discussing the replanting of English vineyards, and suggested that they give this a try. An initial planting of 1/3 of an acre was trialled, and the first Biddenden wine was bottled around 1973.

Today, the vineyard has grown in size to 22 acres, and has 10 grape varieties which produce white, red, rosé and sparkling wines. Around half the vineyard is planted with Ortega, the variety for which the vineyard is best known and recent winner at Produced in Kent’s Taste of Kent Awards 2012. The remainder of the vines are mainly Germanic varieties such as Dornfelder, Huxelrebe and Scheurebe, as well as a number of French varieties including Gamay, as they are well suited to Kent’s climate and soil.

Between 50,000 – 70,000 bottles of wine are produced each year. Harvest takes place in late September and runs through to November. All vine work is carried out by hand, including picking and pruning. All of Biddenden’s wines are estate grown, and also pressed, bottled and packed on site at the vineyard.

The vineyard is also known for its range of strong Biddenden ciders, made using Kentish apples, which are pressed on site. The fermentation tanks may be seen lining the yard, where the cider is stored before being bottled.

Also produced at the vineyard are Biddenden juices, again made from the juice of Kentish fruit with no added sugar. The most recent addition to the offering at the vineyards is Biddenden Farm-pressed Pear Juice.

The vineyard is open throughout the year, and admission and tastings are FREE of charge.

Visitors have the chance to take a walk around the vineyard on one of the marked trails, watch the bottling taking place in the winery and taste and buy the award winning wines, ciders and apple juice in the vineyard shop.

Free tours are run on selected dates throughout the year – a chance to find out the history of the vineyard and take a tour of the vineyards and the winery followed by tastings of the awardwinning wines, ciders and juices. Group bookings are also taken, and a number of joint tours are run with selected local attractions, including Winterdale Cheesemakers, the Kent & East Sussex Railway, Shepherd Neame Brewery and more.

For further information on visiting the vineyard, special events, news and more please visit www.biddendenvineyards.com or contact the vineyard direct on 01580 291726

Cool down this summer with the best of Biddenden Gribble Bridge Rosé A full, well-balanced medium-dry rosé wine, produced from a blend of Dornfelder and Acolon grapes. The perfect summer drink, ideally served chilled on the patio!

Biddenden Medium Cider A refreshing, still cider produced from a blend of culinary and dessert apples to produce a smooth, wine-like cider. A delicious accompaniment to a sunny summer BBQ.

The full range of award-winning wines, ciders and juices are available direct from the vineyard shop, online at www.biddendenvineyards.com and from selected independent farm shops, pubs and restaurants throughout the South East.

Biddenden Pear Juice The newest addition to Biddenden’s range, farmpressed from a blend of comice and conference pears, with no added sugar. A must have in any summer picnic basket.

Biddenden Vineyards Gribble Bridge Lane Biddenden Kent TN27 8DF 01580 291726 www.biddendenvineyards.com www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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summer salads

IT’S THE TIME OF YEAR FOR FRESH, CRISP SALADS TO TAKE THE PLACE OF WINTER COMFORT FOOD, HELPING YOU KEEP THE POUNDS OFF FOR BIKINI SEASON. A BOWL FULL OF CRUNCHY AND COLOURFUL VEG – WITH ALL THE FIXINGS – IS JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED AFTER A HOT DAY. ENJOY ONE OF INSIDEKENT’S PICKS FOR EASY THROW-TOGETHER SALADS FOR THE WARM SUMMER MONTHS.

Sunflower Broccoli Salad

Mediterranean Salad

Fiesta Chopped Salad

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bitesize pieces) • 3/4 cups sunflower seeds • 3/4 cups shredded mature cheddar cheese • 8 rashers streaky bacon • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion • 1/2 cup mayonnaise • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 1 tbsp sugar • Garlic salt

• 1 large cucumber • 3 large tomatoes • 1 can pitted black olives (in brine) • 1 1/2 cups crumbled Feta cheese • 1/2 red onion, minced • 1/2 bunch torn basil leaves • 4 Tbsp olive oil • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar • Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 red pepper, chopped • 1 yellow pepper, chopped • 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped • 1 cucumber, chopped • 1 courgette, chopped • 3 spring onions, chopped • 3 Tbsp olive oil • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar • 1 tsp white sugar • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper • 2 large ripe avocados, peeled and chopped • 1 Tbsp lemon juice

1. In a bowl, combine the broccoli, seeds, cheese bacon and onion.

2. In another bowl, whisk the mayo, vinegar, sugar and garlic salt.

3. Pour mixture over broccoli and toss to coat.

Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.

1. Chop cucumber and tomatoes.

2. Toss cucumber and tomatoes in a bowl with olives, Feta, onion, basil leaves, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

1. In a large bowl, combine the peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, courgette and spring onions.

2. In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Drizzle over vegetable and toss.

3. Gently toss avocado in lemon juice and serve over salad.

Orange, Walnut and Gorgonzola Salad • 1 1/2 cups walnut halves • 2 large naval oranges, peeled, deseeded, sectioned and cut into bite-size pieces • 1/2 thinly sliced red onion • 3 Tbsp olive oil • 3 Tbsp orange juice • 4 Tbsp white sugar • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard • Ground black pepper to taste

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1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese 6 cups mixed greens 1. Coat the bottom of a skillet in a small amount of oil. Fry the walnuts over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until lightly browned.

2. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, walnuts, oranges and red onion.

3. In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together the oil, orange juice, sugar, vinegar, mustard and pepper.

4. Divide the greens mixture into individual servings. To serve, drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with Gorgonzola.

FOOD+DRINK

THIS SUMMER, IT’S ALL ABOUT THE

M O J I T O WE ALL LOVE SUMMER – FOR THE BARBEQUES, THE SUNSHINE AND THE REFRESHING AFTER-WORK DRINKS. THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS SUMMER MAKES US HAPPY, AND AT insideKENT, NOTHING MAKES US MORE HAPPY THAN AN ICY COLD MOJITO AFTER A LONG DAY.

CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE RENDITIONS OF THIS CLASSIC MINTY THIRST QUENCHER. FOR ALL OF THE MOJITOS BELOW, FOLLOW THE SAME PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Toss a few ice cubes into a glass and break the mint leaves up into the glass. Add the sliced limes and other fruit and pour in the simple syrup. Muddle the ingredients until the fruits are flat and the mint leaves are broken up. Pour in the rum and fill the rest of the glass with ice. Add soda water and garnish with fruit or mint leaves.

THE CLASSIC MOJITO 2oz white rum 10 fresh mint leaves 1 lime 2 Tbsp simple syrup Soda water Garnish with mint leaves

STRAWBERRY MOJITO 2oz white rum 3 fresh mint leaves 2 limes 1 Tbsp simple syrup 2oz strawberry purée 2 large fresh strawberries Soda water Garnish with a fresh strawberry

WATERMELON MOJITO 2oz white rum 6 mint leaves 1 lime 2 Tbsp simple syrup 4oz fresh watermelon, seeds removed, cubed Soda water Garnish with melon wedge

PEACH MOJITO 2oz white rum 6 mint leaves 2 limes 2 Tbsp simply syrup 3 cups coarsely chopped peeled fresh peaches Soda water Garnish with fresh peach wedges

COCONUT MOJITO 1oz white rum 1oz coconut rum 3 fresh mint leaves 1 lime 2 Tbsp simple syrup 2oz coconut milk Soda water www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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THE BEST OF CASUAL GOURMET:

THE OLD BREWERY TAVERN

MOST CITIES HAVE ‘HIDDEN GEMS’ – RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS WITH THAT LITTLE SOMETHING SPECIAL; THAT JE NE SAIS QUOI. THE OLD BREWERY TAVERN FITS PERFECTLY INTO CANTERBURY’S ‘GEM’ CATEGORY, WITH THEIR FABULOUS CHOICE OF MEALS, SNACKS AND DRINKS – NOT TO MENTION THE MODERN AMBIANCE AND ATMOSPHERE. BY DONNA MARTIN

Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Canterbury’s high street, the Old Brewery Tavern boasts an extensive newly designed menu prepared with locally sourced ingredients. From the grilled goats’ cheese salad with honey and five spice marinated beetroot, to the Alkham Valley chicken, leek and mushroom pie – you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.

As soon as you’re seated in the OBT, you’ll know you’re not in for a typical ‘pub grub’ type of meal; this is definitely not your run-of-the-mill pie and mash kind of place – this is the best of casual gourmet.

Don’t get me wrong – the menu does include some good ol’ fashioned favourites such as local ale-battered haddock, rump steak and a classic juicy beefburger, but also includes some more adventurous and original dishes such as Canterbury free range scotch duck egg with fresh watercress, homemade thyme and rosemary mustard dressing. My guest chose this for his starter, and yes, it tasted as good as it looked!

I chose the grilled goats’ cheese salad for my starter, which was served with these delectable candied walnuts that I could have eaten as a starter on their own – yum.

For my main, I was torn between two classic dishes – a traditional ploughman’s with Kentish blue and Winterdale cheddar, Alkham Valley honey roasted gammon, grapes, apple, celery, homemade piccalilli and ale chutney with fresh rustic bread; or something from the grill – the grilled salmon fillet.

In the end, I decided on the salmon, and after the first bite, was glad I did. Not only did I get served one gorgeous melt-in-the-mouth salmon fillet, but there were two fillets on my plate, alongside a heaped basket of fat, crispy chips.

My dining companion went for the classic of all classics – the beefburger, which was cooked perfectly and full of flavour.

If you fancy some fresh air, you can enjoy your meal outdoors, whatever the weather, under

the OBT’s heated ‘jumbrella’, and if you find yourself in the area after dark, you can enjoy a complete change of atmosphere with creative lighting, live music and DJs. It’s definitely one of our top night-spot venues in Canterbury.

So next time you’re in Canterbury, go off the beaten path just a bit and check out this ‘gem’ for a fantastic meal, contemporary surroundings and incredible nightlife.

The Old Brewery Tavern High Street Canterbury CT1 2RX 01227 826682 www.michaelcaines.com/taverns/canterbury

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FOOD+DRINK

THE ESSENCE OF LIFE IN COASTAL ENGLAND:

The Bay Restaurant at The White Cliffs Hotel

SET IN THE HEART OF THE PICTURESQUE VILLAGE OF ST MARGARET'S-AT-CLIFFE, JUST UNDER A MILE FROM THE BEAUTIFUL BEACH AT ST MARGARET'S BAY, SITS THE WHITE CLIFFS HOTEL AND THE BAY RESTAURANT – SISTER HOTEL TO INSIDEKENT’S HIGHLY RATED AWARD-WINNING WALLETT’S COURT HOTEL AND SPA JUST A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY. by Adam Ready We stopped by The Bay Restaurant, which opened back in 2008, on a sunny Saturday evening and entered to the sounds of laughter and chatter from delighted diners. Not long after being seated our nibbles arrived: fresh homebaked warm bread rolls with hand-churned butter, dipping balsamic vinegar and oil, plus a ramekin of marinated green olives; perfect to get us under way.

The classic Kentish menu had a nice array of locally inspired dishes to choose from including golden goat’s cheese salad, pressed ham hock and pan-fried seabass. From the starters I ordered the crispy chilli squid and deep fried chilli pepper with a Cajun marmalade; perfectly presented and delicious. My guest went for the Rye-caught

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scallops from the specials board, which had a pea and horseradish purée as a decorative touch.

Both starters were nice and light, leaving room for our mains which were to follow.

Being a very busy restaurant meant some dishes had sold out throughout the day, and had I just missed out on the fillet steak, but very much enjoyed from the grill the chargrilled 8oz sirloin steak of 28-day matured Alkham Valley beef with Béarnaise, watercress salad and hand-cut chips which reminded me of the fat chips my granddad used to cook for me as a kid. Across the table sat my guest’s grilled double chop of new season’s Romney Marsh lamb with mint, basil and rosemary salsa verde and buttered new potatoes. I couldn’t help myself but try the lamb

– the salsa verde was a perfect compliment and a must try!

To accompany our meal we ordered a bottle of Skillogalee basket pressed The Cabernets, Clare Valley Australian red wine. This went down a treat and was a good choice for both meals. As the evening went on and the sun set, the table candles gave a relaxed ambience and set the mood for dessert. We order the dessert plate which included the crème brulee, delightful warm Montezuma’s chocolate & raspberry brownie with peanut butter ice cream and Wimbledonesque strawberries and cream which rounded off the evening’s meal.

An interesting fact I picked up is that The White Cliffs is the closest hotel in England to the coast of France at Calais 21 miles away and is just seven minutes’ drive from the port and cruise terminal at Dover. There are nine rooms in the mews overlooking the walled garden, including two family suites that sleep up to five. The Mews rooms are decorated with a simple, light touch and reflect the coastal theme of the New England style clapper-boarded cottages. There are single, double, twin and triple rooms in the Mews. If seclusion and a little peace are paramount to your stay ask for the 'Lighthouse' (room 12), which opens out onto the walled garden out back.

Hotelier Gavin Oakley and his team have a great venue which offers great food and superb accommodation. If you find yourself on a coastal drive this summer, then why not stop off at The White Cliffs Hotel and The Bay Restaurant along the route for a bite to eat, glass of Pimms or a mini stay break.

The White Cliffs Hotel and The Bay Restaurant High Street St Margaret's-at-Cliffe Dover CT15 6AT 01304 852 229 mail@thewhitecliffs.com www.thewhitecliffs.com

New England Dream The Bay Restaurant

at The White Cliffs Hotel

Arrive at The Bay Restaurant in the heart of the delightful seaside village of St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe and discover somewhere quite special. The handsome weather-boarded buildings of The White Cliffs Hotel in which The Bay Restaurant nestles may remind you of those found in coastal New England and on stepping through into the beautiful interior with it’s refreshing and quite unique décor you'll find this is indeed a place with a soul.

The Bay Restaurant sits in the hub of the buzzing hotel, the fresh coastal feel extending throughout the fantastically quirky bar into the cool restaurant and out back into the gorgeous sun-trap “beach garden” complete with pebble beach, wooden groynes and stripy deck chairs.

Experience the enjoyable dilemma of being challenged in terms of choice - what to order when you want it all?

A starter of home-made salt cod fish fingers in saffron batter with sorrel mayonnaise, sublime goat’s cheese fritters with a fig jampote to die for , pigeon breast with broad beans and black pig pancetta, or mussels steamed in Weston’s cider, thyme and cream. Mains of sea-bass with fennel, garlic and herb chips or Romney Marsh lamb with aubergine and red onion, minted yoghurt and grilled flatbread or free-range chicken breast with clams and chorizo in a tarragon sauce with new potatoes, Alkham Valley beef with summer truffle butter, woodland mushrooms and ‘real proper chips’.

Then for dessert how about blackcurrant mousse with (heavenly) liquorice ice cream or double chocolate brownie with Kentish cherry ripple ice cream or a lemon crème brulée with a fabulous raspberry sorbet, dressed with mint ?

In this simply yet elegantly styled space, with its wooden floors, stone walls, cheery staff and happy vibes. It’s easy to see why the place is buzzing, The Bay Restaurant is on to a winning formula!

The Bay Restaurant

at The White Cliffs Hotel Find on the High Street in St Margaret’s-At-Cliffe near Dover, Kent, CT15 6AT Featured in The Which Good Food Guide and AA Best Restaurants 2012 Open every day from 7am until 11pm for Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner

Call reservations on 01304 852229

o r e m a i l m a i l @ t h e w h i t e c l i f f s . c o m www.thewhitecliffs.com

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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ENGLISH CUISINE AT ITS BEST AT

The Swan W O R D S

B Y

G R E G

B E T T L E S /

P H O T O S

B Y

AT CHAPEL DOWN

J O A N N E

C O L L I N S

KENT, OR THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND, AS IT IS AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN TO MANY, HAS BECOME HOME TO A HOST OF GREAT BRITISH VINEYARDS IN RECENT YEARS. HOWEVER, THERE IS ONE SMALL TOWN WHICH CAN LAY CLAIM TO BEING THE CAPITAL OF KENTISH WINE, AND THAT IS TENTERDEN; HOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING OF CHAPEL DOWN VINEYARD AND THE SWAN RESTAURANT.

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The Swan opened its doors to customers in May this year, picking up the mantel of serving good food from the eponymous Richard Philips restaurant, which was previously resident there.

As you may expect from the name, The Swan English Restaurant prides itself on serving great British food that is locally sourced. The Chapel Down restaurant is the third in the Swan empire, with its opening following in the footsteps of its successful sister restaurants in West Malling and at The Globe on London’s Southbank.

The ambience at the Swan oozes sophistication, with very low level lighting in the evening and a beautifully crafted lounge area for guests to sample the award-winning Chapel Down wines before taking their seats in the restaurant. The lounge, with its open plan view of the kitchen, also affords guests the opportunity to see their food being created. It also boasts a fantastic terrace where you can sit and drink in the beautiful scenery, as well as your beverage.

Once seated, my guests and I were presented with delicious homemade rustic bread, served with an impressive assortment of dipping oils, which we soon devoured. For our starters, we were presented with a fantastic selection from the lunchtime menu, which included mixed olives, garlic crusty bread and pink fir crisps. The mixed olives were soft and juicy, and the garlic bread was delicious; cut finely and not too overpowering.

The fir crisps were also very delicate and melted in your mouth. All in all, we agreed it was a sublime way to start any meal!

For our main course, we were served with a selection of Park Farm chicken breast with a fennel and bacon sauce, as well as rib of beef with foraged mushrooms and Kentish cheese potato layers. The combination of the flavours resulted in a taste sensation: the Kentish cheese was deliciously creamy and rested beautifully over a soft layer of potato, which melted in your mouth once you had broken through the crispy top layer of cheese. This complimented the beef expertly; the beef (which we asked to be cooked as medium), was beautifully soft and tender and was served on a wooden slab that perfectly presented the meat, and it tasted divine!

The chocolate tart was in no way heavy, as some pastry-based desserts can be. It was very light, and when you cut it with your knife, it didn’t break into a thousand pieces, but came away cleanly and was a joy to consume. The bitter chocolate fondant is a must for the chocolate lover; slightly heavier than the lemon tart, this fondant was exceptionally powerful and proved a delight when combined with the goats’ milk ice cream, something I had never tasted before, but which was exceptional!

As we were at Chapel Down, we thought it would have been rude not to partake in a little of the famous wine, so we drank a Chapel Down ‘dessert’ wine. For me, who has a sweet tooth, it was wonderful; so fruity and sweet – it was the perfect way to round off a perfect meal.

The chicken, which was my personal favourite, comprised a succulent breast of chicken that was as juicy and fresh as the beef. The fennel and bacon sauce, which accompanied the chicken, was a perfect partner for the delicious poultry. I think it was a truly remarkable dish and one that I would recommend to any chicken lover, such as myself.

In summary, I cannot praise The Swan at Chapel Down highly enough; the food that we were served was of the highest quality and with the restaurant sourcing all of its prime ingredients from within a 25-mile radius, you can really taste Kent in their cuisine. The Swan at Chapel Down is a must visit this summer!

With my taste buds tingling at the thought of dessert, I knew I was in for a treat. I chose the lemon tart with lemon sherbet, and my guests selected the bitter chocolate fondant with goats’ milk ice cream. The lemon tart was not only refreshing but also beautifully hand crafted; the sharpness of the lemon provided a refreshing zing in my mouth.

Swan English Restaurant Chapel Down Winery Small Hythe Road Tenterden TN30 7NG 01580 761616 www.loveswan.co.uk/chapeldown

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ARTS

CAPTURING EVERY

special moment THE WEDDING DAY IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS FOR EVERY COUPLE; SO MUCH TIME, ENERGY AND DETAIL GOES INTO CREATING THAT PERFECT DAY. WHAT PEOPLE TEND TO FORGET IS HAVING THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER TO CAPTURE ALL THE TINY DETAILS, THOSE ROMANTIC UNSEEN MOMENTS AND THE NATURAL LAUGHTER OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

After visiting a number of wedding exhibitions it's hard to find a photographer who you don’t like. They are all friendly, professional and come with a portfolio of images that take your breath away. So looking for a wedding photographer for my own wedding was proving to be a challenge. However, seeing an advert in insideKENT Magazine, I decided to contact Vadukul & Khalique Studios, who according to their beautiful website focus on "creating images that narrate a story or even leave you wondering... evoking feelings and emotions long after the event..."

After a brief conversation, my fiancé and I were lucky enough to be invited to spend an afternoon with Manish & Seema (the photographers) for a complementary pre-wedding shoot. My fiancé and I decided we wanted have our shoot on the grounds of Rock Edge in Sussex were we got engaged.

Seema and Manish spent the afternoon capturing our romantic strolls through the woodland settings

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of the High Rocks. They made us feel relaxed throughout the shoot, engaging and laughing with us whilst capturing those moments. Being photographed by them both was a delight and an enjoyable experience. They very quickly became aware of the images we had hoped to capture and directed us with ease and the posed shots were fluid. It filled us with a sense of confidence that they will capture not only the allimportant moments at our wedding but also the natural candid shots of our guests.

It's hard to judge individuals when meeting them together and speaking about something that they both share a vested interest in, however they both complement each other and leave you feeling a warm sense of trust, and for us this is what makes choosing a photographer for our special day so much more important.

The consultation with Seema and Manish was an experience itself – so informal and relaxed, it was like meeting up with two friends and talking about our wedding day. We had the opportunity

to view their sample albums (storybooks as they’re referred to). What captured us was that these guys can be as creative and as artistic as you allow. The layouts were clean, elegant and beautifully composed. The unique aspect was that it was our wedding, our storybook and it had a very individual and creativity touch.

Every special moment was captured perfectly by the wonderful and talented Vadukul and Khalique photographers who went the extra mile to meet our every need. This duo are true to their words as stated in their website – they certainly do create images that narrate a story, their images will certainly evoke feelings and emotions long after the event.

Vadukul & Khalique Studios Bexley 0208 304 8888 www.vadukulkhalique.com

The Bull Hotel IN WROTHAM CONSOLIDATES AA

ROSETTE STATUS FOR “CULINARY EXCELLENCE”

Following a major refurbishment and rebranding of The Bull Hotel in Wrotham, between Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells, and a highly anticipated anonymous AA inspection, the boutique country hotel has has just been awarded four AA star rating whilst the popular gourmet restaurant has retained its prestigious one rosette status for its outstanding “culinary excellence”.

The charming 14th century former inn has transformed itself into a dining destination in Kent under the dynamic and visionary proprietorship of Martin Deadman.

Martin Deadman and chefs James Hawkes and David Evans have transformed the dining experience at The Bull through their innovative menu collaboration. Proprietor Martin Deadman

said, “James, David and I have played to our strengths and put the award-winning menu together which takes diners on a delicious gastronomic journey through Kentish, British and European cuisine. If you use quality ingredients, local seasonal produce, creativity and the ambiance of a 14th century inn with competitive prices and great service, then it’s clearly a winning combination! We are thrilled to have retained an AA Rosette – it’s a great accolade.”

The metamorphosis of The Bull Hotel has seen the tired and dated 11 rooms transformed into a beautiful modern country hotel. The 14th century inn’s original features has been lovingly restored with oak floors, beamed walls and original fireplaces exposed and matched with rich and retro Laura Ashley furnishings and state-of-theart contemporary bathrooms.

Situated between M20 and M26 junction, The Bull Hotel is a gourmet bolt hole ideal for a mini break. The Bull Hotel has designed a special Gourmet Break package (for two people). The introductory summer 2012 offer sees the luxury/yet value for money one-night break for two people starting from just £99. The Gourmet Break includes an overnight stay in a refurbished room, a three-course dinner in the AA Rosette restaurant and a full English breakfast, and is also available for the Christmas season.

The Bull Hotel Bull Lane Wrotham, Sevenoaks TN15 7RF 01732 789 800 infor@thebullhotel.com www.thebullhotel.com

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ar

M em

or ia

l

ARTS

Outdoor Art I N

F O L K E S T O N E

&

K I N G S

H I L L

RENOWNED AS ONE OF THE MOST VIBRANT COUNTIES, KENT IS BOTH BOUNTIFUL IN CULTURE AND RESONANT IN ARTISTIC INSPIRATION. AS THE SUMMER WEATHER KICKS IN, WHAT BETTER TIME TO LEAVE BEHIND THE INDOOR EXHIBITIONS AND VENTURE INSTEAD TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS TO DISCOVER TWO OF KENT’S MOST ART-PACKED LOCATIONS. OVERFLOWING WITH OUTDOOR ARTWORK, FOLKESTONE AND KINGS HILL ARE MORE EAGER THAN EVER TO EXERCISE THEIR OWN CREATIVITY VIA THEIR ARTISTIC FINERY. BY GEMMA DUNN

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Outdoor artwork is often celebrated as a platform of recognition for local talent, but more so it generates a sense of community in each. Despite the form it takes, be it a sculpture, mural or other, the purpose behind the artwork is often the factor that continues to generate artist appeal, as well as providing a distinct point of local and national interest.

On the trail you will find an array of art forms, from the historic bronze ‘William Harvey’ statue to the poignant ‘War Memorial’ commemoration on the Avenue of Remembrance. Meanwhile, Kings Hill commits to a number of cultural pieces, with the ‘‘L’ Ambiente’ sculpture the first sight on the main entrance into town.

With outdoor artwork currently a focal point in Kent’s cultural strategy, it appears more pertinent than ever that ‘al-fresco’ art is sanctioned a permanent place in the public arena so that it is accessible to all. Folkestone and Kings Hill support this ethos and ensure for any visitor, the art is easily reachable and recognisable. Folkestone have even mapped a route for the consumer, subsequently named ‘The Folkestone Art Trail’.

So the next time you find yourself asking that reoccurring question, ‘What shall we do today?’, why not invest in Kent’s culture by immersing yourself in the outdoor art scene at one or both of these aesthetic destinations?

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Standing Lady-Hare with Dog

Guardian Figure

L’Ambiente

FOLKESTONE

KINGS HILL

‘William Harvey’ by Albert Bruce-Joy Found on the seafront promenade, this bronze William Harvey statue stands in memory of the great scientist in his native town of Folkestone.

Sculpted by Albert Bruce-Joy in 1878, this artwork can be located on the Folkestone Art Trail.

’L’Ambiente’ by Enzo Torcoletti At the entrance to Kings Hill stands this dramatic column sculpture made up of 6 blocks of granite.

At 45ft tall, sculptor Torcoletti built it to symbolise strength and permanence in the village. Since it was erected in 1993, L’Ambiente has remained a distinctive feature in the Kings Hill community as it is located on the A228 roundabout into town.

‘War Memorial’

by Ferdinand Victor Blundstone This historic bronze sculpture was built in 1922

by F.V Blundstone to honour the men of Folkestone who gave their lives in WW1. Wall plaques were later added with the inscription ‘may their deeds be held in reverence’ to commemorate the sacrifices made in the community. ‘War Memorial’ can be located on the Folkestone Art Trail at the junction of The Leas, West Terrace, and the Avenue of Remembrance.

‘Standing Lady-Hare with Dog’ and ‘Minotaur’s Head’ by Sophie Ryder Both of the above are bronze sculptures by artist Sophie Ryder. The ‘Standing Lady-Hare with Dog’ (2000) sits in the developed creative quarter in Folkestone, as does the ‘Minotaur’s head’, for which the latter was developed as a partner.

Ryder’s work is distinctive in that it adapts a mystique-like figure, often playing on folklore building a hybrid between the human and animal form.

‘A Different Ball Game’ by Kevin Atherton This unique sculpture was unveiled in 1993 by Kevin Atherton. Claimed to reflect the human energy on the Kings Hill roundabout on which it is placed, this 10ft diameter reflective ball is designed to look as though it is being pushed in different directions by three life-size bronze figures.

These figures represent local models of the businessman, the mother and the student.

‘Tug of War’ by W Stanley Proctor This 20ft long installation was designed and unveiled in 2002 by W Stanley Proctor. This bronze sculpture located at Kings Hill features six children and a dog pulling at a rope in a game of tug of war.

‘Running Airman’ commissioned by West Malling Airfield Memorial Group, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Liberty Property Trust UK

In commemoration of Kings Hills’ aviation past, this Running Airman sculpture was installed in 2002 featuring a life size bronze sculpture of a running airman surrounded by granite panels.

‘When the sky’s the limit the spirits soar’

by Rick Kirby Jointly commissioned by Liberty Property Trust UK and Kent County Council in 2005, this stainless steel sculpture was erected in memory of Bill Rouse III. The sculpture, featuring three figures soaring towards the sky, is designed to represent the positivity and dynamism of the community.

‘Guardian Figure’ by Greg Johns International sculptor Greg Johns contributed this geometric steel shape to Kings Hill in 2010.

After being shipped 12,000 miles from Australia the sculpture now sits on the roundabout between Discovery Drive and Beacon Avenue, Kings Hill.

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Kent’s Big Night Out SITTINGBOURNE GREYHOUNDS

Positioned on the Eurolink Industrial Estate Sittingbourne, Central Park stadium is the home of Sittingbourne Greyhounds. Racing takes place every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the year with a couple of additional meetings on Fridays in December to cater for the Christmas party season.

Wine and dine in the 200-seater Eurosuite restaurant where once seated, the table overlooking the track is yours for the evening, with waiter/waitress service as well as tote runners facilitating your bets.

Suites are available for hire for the evening, three of which overlook the track. A range of options from hot meals to cold buffets can be served to cater for individual parties from 30-50.

This is an ideal environment for ‘stag/hen’ parties, family celebrations or work functions whereby your party has a base for the duration of the evening.

Alternatively you may just like to come along and pay on the door, or take up the option of ‘the family pack’ with two adults and two children being admitted at a discounted rate, with each child receiving a snack box.

With three bars, as well as a ‘fast food’ outlet there are various options available for all with costs for all pockets. Coming shortly to the stadium will be the introduction of a range of pizza’s made in-house that will enhance further the catering options for visiting patrons.

There are two very significant dates over the next couple of months including ‘The Bigger Dog Tour’ that has been visiting all the greyhound race courses throughout the country over the last few months. This has to be seen to be believed, a stretch limo with a specifically designed and built model greyhound perched on its roof. The tour comes to Sittingbourne and surrounding area between 4-8th July.

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TUESDAY 21st AUGUST Sittingbourne Greyhounds host SKY SPORTS TV for the finals of The Kent Derby and The Grand National.

SKY SPORTS will broadcast eight races on the Sky Sports channel live from the stadium that evening including The Kent Derby and Grand National Finals as well as other supporting races over various distances featuring many of the top class greyhounds in the country.

Looking forward to later in the year there is the Christmas party season, whereby the Christmas menu runs every Saturday night in December up until 22nd as well as two Friday dates: 14th and 21st December. A disco immediately after racing has concluded enables the party to continue on until midnight.

Boxing Day, one of the busiest days of the year sees a matinee card commencing at 11.00am with a brunch served in the restaurant.

Corporate hospitality catered for, assistance given for your charity nights, email promotions@sittingbournegreyhounds.co.uk.

There is always something going on at the stadium, keep up to date by visiting the website @ www.sittingbournegreyhounds.co.uk.

For booking the restaurant tel. 01795 475547 (Monday – Friday 9.30am-5.00pm and Saturday 10.00am-2.00pm).

It‘s certainly worth a look to visit the stadium for Kent’s Big Night Out.

ARTS

Local Events Champion Outdoor Arts THIS SUMMER, VILLAGES AND TOWNS ACROSS KENT AND EAST SUSSEX ARE PUTTING ON FETES, COMMUNITY PICNICS, FAYRES AND FESTIVALS TO CELEBRATE THE DIAMOND JUBILEE, THE OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY OR TO JUST GET PEOPLE TOGETHER.

Applause Outdoors 212 (a project from Applause Rural Touring, based in Tunbridge Wells; and Performing Arts Network Kent, based in Faversham) is providing these free outdoor events with fun, interactive, street-style entertainment which will appeal to children and adults alike.

You might find a group of fisherwomen, clad in wellies, and sou’westers, singing beautiful sea shanties and folk songs at your local village fete.

Or a mysterious duo wearing bowler hats could pop up, searching for each other in amongst the tables at a street party. A clown-like member of a brass band will play you a tune on his troublesome trombone whilst leading the village parade, and characters in heart-shaped hats will give out gifts.

A couple of con artists may make up imaginary ailments and cures for passersby at a festival, or an amazing, magical machine could appear at your school fair. Two robotic life-size puppets from a galaxy far, far away will land at Olympic Torch relay celebrations and share stories through their inbuilt touch-

screen technology. These professional arts performances compliment traditional fetes and celebrations and add something special to outdoor events.

Applause Outdoors 212 performances are happening at 86 events across Kent and East Sussex this summer. Having received support from Kent County Council, Arts Council England and East Sussex Arts Partnership, Applause Outdoors 212 is designed to give communities throughout the two counties excellent arts experiences at little or no cost to them, to enhance and help promote local events and to highlight the calibre of outdoor arts in Kent.

KCC Cabinet member for Customer and Communities said of arts organisations in receipt of Arts Investment funding: “The arts can provide significant benefits, not only to people's enjoyment, but also to helping the Kent economy through employment and attracting inward investment.”

“The performance fitted into our event perfectly – just what was needed.”

Robertsbridge Fete Organiser

“Very well received. People were intrigued. The performance was even better than we expected.”

Goodnestone Fete Organiser

“Perfect. Engaged children and adults and made a complete change from the rest of the fete activities.”

Horton Kirby Fete Organiser

For full details of the events and performances visit www.applauseoutdoors.org.uk

Now in its third year, Applause Outdoors is reaching more communities than ever before and the performances continue to intrigue and entertain. 2011 fete organisers commented:

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summer nights I

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words and photos by Luke Yates

Now summer is well and truly here (as I write this, the rain is pouring outside, but we'll ignore that fact). You will probably be tiring of sitting watching talent shows, and wondering about turning off your TV sets and going outside and doing something less boring instead. So, why don't you?

One of the big advantages I have always felt about living in Kent is its immense diversity as a county. One minute you are on the coast, the next, in the centre of a bustling town, and then after a short drive, you can be in out the wonderful countryside, enjoying peace, quiet and stunning views from the South Downs. We also enjoy a rich culture of artists, painters, sculptors and of course, some brilliant musicians. In short I have

always considered myself extremely lucky to be born in Kent, and extremely happy to continue living here, enjoying all it has to offer.

over a drink, the smell of the sea air, or the chirrup of the crickets as the sun sets, there is somewhere close by just for you!

The plethora of different locations means that the long, warm, sunshiney evenings can be spent in a variety of totally different environments, as you eat drink and be merry. Whether you fancy a lively night out, or a quiet chat with close friends

So here, in no particular order, I have compiled a list of places I think you will enjoy spending your evenings in summer 2012.

The Tickled Trout, Wye

Long ago, when I worked in Ashford, I came to a point in my life where pub lunches became the thing to hanker after. And because I worked in a bustling, noisy town, it became important to get out of the built up area, and out to somewhere where I could unwind and relax for a small part of the day. And that was about the time I discovered a wonderful little pub called The Tickled Trout.

Pub gardens seldom come more beautiful than the one found at The Tickled Trout in the beautiful village of Wye. Situated absolutely slap-bang next to the river Stour, and with a picturesque stone bridge nestling nearby, it's the perfect place to sup a pint of ale, talk with friends and enjoy a memorable

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sunset. Those preferring not to drive will be pleased to hear it's close to a train station, or for the rambling hikers amongst you, it is located right on the Stour Valley Walk, allowing you a chance to whet your whistle after taking in some of the breathtaking local scenery.

What I love about The Tickled Trout is the feeling of space – you don't feel hemmed in like in some pub gardens, and there is plenty of room to stretch out and have your conversations, without the sense you are imposing on the other customers. The staff there are friendly and helpful, and the menu has a good range of locally-sourced dishes.

Hythe Bay Restaurant and Bar

of local artists, and the evenings are enriched with the sounds of local bands and artists. Googies really is a local place for local people.

Music lovers will be pleased to read that artists who have previously played at Googies include Abdoujarapov, Cocos Lovers, The Indelicates, Chutes, Blaise Paisal, Will Varley, King Bees, Diane Dunn, Deferred Success, Unlucky Fried Kitten, The Higher State, and Yes We Canada. As well as live bands and solo artists, DJ nights are regularly held, meaning that there is bound to be something on at some point guaranteed to get you dancing.

Googies have a very active Facebook presence, where you can find out all about what is going on this summer. Find them by searching for ‘Googies Art Café’ on Facebook.

The Windmill Inn, Ashford Whilst it's very nice to sit and relax in peaceful surroundings on a warm summer's night, sometimes the urge arises to head out to somewhere a bit livelier, noisier and with a real pulse. There are few things more pleasurable, in my humble opinion, than a night in a pub, enjoying a really good local live band.

If you fancy getting out of the countryside to enjoy another equally pleasant facet of Kent life, then you could head for the coast for your summer night out.

Prior to being a fantastic fish restaurant and bar, the Hythe Bay, if I recall correctly, was a series of rather dodgy clubs and bars, ones that in my youth, I tended to patronise. In the case of all of them it wasn't the cheap drink prices, the super-cool décor or the friendly staff that attracted me and my peers. It wasn't even girls. It was, as they say, location, location, location. Being literally a stone's throw from the beach, and with a clear view of the coast all the way from Folkestone to Dungeness, and even France if it's really clear, it meant that on a summer night it was the perfect place to be with your friends.

Many, many years later the Hythe Bay builds on this solid foundation by being a really nice place to spend an evening, inside and out. Known for its excellent seafood, it's a great place to enjoy a fantastic locally-caught and very fresh meal. But there is also a great deal to be said for sitting out back just above the promenade, enjoying a pint of something cold (there is a great selection of draught Kentish ales available) and watching the boats that probably catch most of the restaurant's stock go sailing by. The smell of the sea air, the cry of the gulls and the lapping of the waves are just magical – and if all those sights sounds and smells aren't enough to interest you, there are also live bands on Saturday nights.

Hythe Bay also have a restaurant and bar in Dover, and you can find out more from their website: www.hythebay.co.uk

Googies Art Café, Folkestone One area of Folkestone really worth a visit is the Creative Quarter. In these tough times of austerity and recession, this exciting development has been thriving, and has placed the emphasis back on what a huge part the arts play on this part of the country, showcasing local talent as it deserves.

Sitting right in the heart of town, just next to the Creative Quarter is Googies Art Café, a brilliant little place full of atmosphere, friendly staff, and really, really good coffee. The menu proudly boasts dishes made from local supplies, the walls are adorned with the creative works

A few years ago the live music scene was in very real danger of being swallowed up by the emergence of gastro pubs and the evil machinations of the ridiculous PRS licensing laws (in my opinion) meant that for some places, it was simply not cost-effective to hire live bands. Fortunately, perhaps partly due to the ability of bands to generate interest and to promote themselves through the likes of Facebook, they have once again become popular, and a viable option for getting people into pubs.

In fact the Windmill Inn's landlord Neal appears to be very aware of the powers of social networking in this respect, something he himself has utilised for promoting entertainment at the Windmill Inn, now self-dubbed as ‘The home of live music.’ This bold statement is physically tattooed onto the side of the pub, and shows the sincerity and passion at the Windmill to promote and employ local acts, something I as a local musician greatly admire and appreciate.

The Windmill Inn is a very friendly pub, situated on the main road into Ashford. It is well equipped for live music, the acoustics are good, resulting in a clear sound, but not deafeningly loud, and there is plenty of room for sitting or standing. And the food available at the Windmill is pretty good pub grub too, so you can enjoy a very good meal whilst listening to some great tunes.

There are a wide range of bands playing, from covers bands to artists performing their own music. Information about who is playing and when can be found on the Windmill's Facebook page.

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SUMMER NIGHTS IN KENT cont.

The Plough Inn, Brabourne Lees

The Bowl Inn, Hastingleigh Another historic old pub with modern flourishes, The Bowl Inn has been awarded CAMRA ‘Pub Of The Year’ for 2012.

Boasting locally sourced ale including offerings from Hopdaemon, Gadds and Wantsum breweries, live local music and a truly enormous beer garden, The Bowl Inn is a pub that will have doubtless appeal to all sorts of people.

Additionally, The Bowl Inn has what I can only describe as a fabulously funky website, well worth a look for more information – you can visit it here: www.thebowlonline.co.uk

If you like the occasional live band, but also enjoy the idea of a beer garden on a warm evening, then the Plough Inn in Brabourne might be perfect for you.

Outdoor Cinema

The Plough Inn is a pub steeped in history, having been built in 1750 ,and was an officer's mess in the Napoleonic wars. The locals are friendly and the pub has a lovely atmosphere, complimented by regular and very good live entertainment.

Live bands are great and make for one of my personal favourite nights out, but there is also something to be said for the amazing atmosphere of joining with other people to experience some large screen, outdoor cinema, especially on a lovely summer night. And thanks to the Festival Theatre at Hever Castle, you have a chance to find out what I mean!

However, it also has a huge beer garden, perfect for sitting with your friends and enjoying a cold pint of cider. It also has a ‘bat and trap’ pitch, which for the uninitiated is a traditional English game, rarely played these days anywhere other than Kent, and well worth a go (providing you have about 15 friends with you!).

Food at the Plough is very good indeed, and the pub has been listed in the Good Food Guide. For more information you can telephone 01303 812169.

Castle Hotel, Saltwood For those of you who enjoy atmosphere, friendly banter and good conversation, the beautiful village of Saltwood has just the place for you to spend a summer night out – the Castle Hotel. The service is fantastic, the staff are extremely friendly and entertaining to talk to, and the food and drink is first-rate!

The Castle boasts a lovely garden, and is also very close to the beautiful Brockhill Park, or indeed the seaside, if you fancy an evening stroll after eating or drinking.

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And now for something completely different...

From 28th August there is a film festival on, giving you the opportunity to enjoy those summer nights with the cast of Grease, Notting Hill, The Blues Brothers and Rocky Horror Picture Show. At least three of these give rise to the opportunity to dress up as your favourite cast member (though I imagine some people would find dressing up as Hugh Grant or Julia Roberts fun as well).

Films start at 8.30pm and details are available from the website: www.heverfestival.co.uk Similarly on Friday 16th July you can dress up as Bond and watch Casino Royale outdoors at the Kent Cricket Ground (www.kentcricket.co.uk).

I also noted that Kent Cricket Ground is, like Hever Castle, showing Grease, this time on 17th July, again with the option of fancy dress for all your Tbirds and Pink Ladies. Well I guess Grease had to feature at least once in an article about ‘summer nights’, didn't it?

Whatever you do this summer, have a fantastic time!

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Marina at Dickens World.

Tickets: From £18

La Boheme Opera

Miriam Margoyles

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Join us aboard a restored 86ft Thames Barge and enjoy sailing the River Medway, boarding from the

Fri 29th June 2012 Tickets from £10.80 Doors Open 7:30pm, Show 8:30pm Strictly Over 18s Only

DAYSOUT

KENT’S coastal From sandy beaches and shingle shorelines to towering

activities

and unspoilt marshes, the variety of the Kent

Add picturesque small harbours, international ports, traditional holiday resorts, miles of sandy beaches, heritage sites and wildlife areas, it’s obvious why the county’s coast is such an attraction.

Kent is full of uplifting landscapes, townscapes, gently rolling chalk downs and vast beaches. It is home to the medieval Cinque Ports and gracious old Victorian resorts where Dickens and Turner found inspiration.

Kent is also a foodie’s heaven of the country’s finest fruit, succulent Romney Marsh lamb, slopes of sun-sweetened grapes, wire-framed fields of hops and world famous oysters. Welcome to Kent – the Garden of England.

Coastal Highlights Dover Castle, high above the famous port, has stood watching over the Channel since Roman times situated on the famous White Cliffs – one of Britain’s most iconic sights. Nearby Deal is a discreet seaside town with a sweeping seafront, picturesque fishers’ cottages and a mid- 20th-century pier. Neighbouring Sandwich is a former Cinque Port and a charmingly historical place of crooked streets, churches and fragments of the glorious maritime past.

Further north, the Isle of Thanet hasn’t been an island for centuries, but an ideal bucket-and-spade retreat boasting sandy bays sloping into a shallow sea and more Blue Flag beaches than any other area in England.

The beautiful skylines in Margate were an inspiration to numerous artists including JMW Turner, many of whose works have been inspired by his time here and are immortalised in the cutting-edge Turner Contemporary.

Tracey Emin also, who grow up in Margate, was inspired by hometowns’ scenery and based a number of her works on her childhood in Kent. Along

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with the Turner Contemporary, creative arts projects further south of the coastline such as Folkestone’s Creative Quarter and the Folkestone Triennial arts festival are attracting worldwide recognition to the Kent Coast. Meanwhile in Thanet, Charles Dickens wrote studiously in Broadstairs, a town boasting the curving Blue Flag beach of Viking Bay. Secret escapes of uncommercial coastal towns run all along the seaboard, from the shingle beach of Dungeness, to the evocative landscapes of Romney Marsh, and up past the wide arc of bay at Hythe. Further north lies Whitstable, perhaps the most charming of them all. Known for its pretty artisanal boutiques and shop fronts, Whitstable is a popular ambling destination, where the window shopping's good, the delis top-notch, and buildings retain a special charm. It is home to beautiful sunsets, pebbled beaches, a historic harbour, fish markets, net-fresh seafood and of course its world famous oysters!

Active Coast Kent’s coast is home to an exciting watersports scene where you can take part in high energy activities including jet skiing, wakeboarding surfing, kayaking and kitesurfing. Or why not try surfing at the beautiful Joss Bay, Broadstairs? If you

prefer to be on the watch rather than take part, boat trips from Ramsgate give great views of seal colonies and a cycle along the Viking Coastal and Oyster Bay trails is a great way of exploring the county’s glorious coast. Because the county’s magnificent coastline and coastal paths extend an astounding 350 miles and are one of the longest and most diverse coastlines in the UK, Kent really is the perfect location for walking and cycling.

If you want to get into the swing then Kent’s coast has some of the finest golf courses to be found anywhere in the country. Royal St George’s has not only hosted the British Open but it also saw one of the most famous games ever played – even though it only took place in a book and on film. James Bond achieved a narrow win – invoking the “strict rules of golf” and a subtle change of ball over a cheating Goldfinger. The course was a real life favourite of 007’s creator Ian Fleming.

Royal Cinque Ports at Deal; Prince’s with its new accommodation; Thanet’s North Foreland; and Littlestone all make the area a golfer’s paradise.

Heritage Coast Kent's coast has an extraordinary past. Discover a vivid historic narrative, stretching across the ages, from Bronze Age man (visit the Bronze Age Boat Gallery at Dover Museum) through to the Romans at Richborough and the medieval streets of Sandwich. Explore Margate’s's Georgian old town, the Regency townscapes of Ramsgate, the Victorian cosiness of Broadstairs,

and the Edwardian expansiveness of Cliftonville.

The towering presence of Dover Castle and the Tudor fortresses of Deal and Walmer form part of a coastal defence network stretching around the English coastline. The Kent Coast provides such a strong and visual historical narrative, embodied in places conveniently close to one another.

Kent’s role in British maritime history has been huge and evidence is everywhere of the part the county played in ensuring Britannia ruled the waves. From wooden warships that made up Nelson’s navy to the lonely undersea patrols of the Cold War, Kent has proudly preserved its maritime heritage.

Gravesend occupies a historic position on the River Thames and was of great strategic importance in protecting the Port of London.

Now a free audio walking tour of the riverside gives new insights into its role in history. The Historic Dockyard Chatham traces the history of the Royal Navy from the Wooden Walls of the Napoleonic Wars to the Victorian Age of Empire.

Protecting the Dockyard are the imposing stone foundations of Upnor Castle.

but also from the unique quality of light. His association has led to the opening of the Turner Contemporary gallery and the town’s programme of regeneration, which includes the reopening of Dreamland as a heritage theme park in 2013 which will be a great addition to the creative buzz that already exists in the coastal towns and resorts.

Coastal Dining With 350 miles of coastline, there are plenty of opportunities to try the very best the sea has to offer. Tucked below the White Cliffs of Dover is the Coastguard in St Margaret’s Bay where the finest local ingredients are used and the menu changed according to the tides, the weather and the seasons.

Just a short distance from the waterfront and in amongst the rolling green hills lies Wallett’s Court at St Margaret’s near Dover. You can experience the creative cuisine of the restaurant at the ancient country house hotel nestled in the heart of the White Cliffs countryside, which has appeared consistently in the ‘Which? Good Food Guide’.

Creative Coast Increasingly, Kent's Coast is becoming known as ‘Kent's Creative Coast' as more and more visitors are discovering the creativity in and near every coastal town, alongside the beautiful beaches, working harbours and stunning sunsets.

Creativity can be found in wonderful art galleries and in vibrant music, art and theatrical venues all along the coast. It is evident in the numerous thriving independent shops selling interesting locally made arts and crafts and in hotels and restaurants displaying original art produced by local people.

There are also numerous opportunities to actively participate in creative activities organised by local artists, crafters and performers. Through these activities you'll discover hidden treasures and secrets not yet found in popular guidebooks and destination websites. On Kent's Creative Coast you have the opportunity to learn a new creative skill with like-minded people in distinctive and unusual settings, and you'll take home a unique souvenir as well as some fantastic memories.

Britain's best known artist, JMW Turner, was a regular visitor to the Kentish coast and in particular to Margate, on the Isle of Thanet, where he drew inspiration, not only from the coastline

Further along the coast is Whitstable with its plethora of boutique shops and fish restaurants, including Wheeler’s Bar, just yards from the harbour with its freshly-caught oysters. With so much fresh seafood around, they Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant has been touted as an up and coming gem. You can enjoy stunning daytime views across the English Channel or even the magical romance of the waterside by night as you dine on the finest Kentish fish such as Dover sole in a wholly relaxed atmosphere.

For more information on all of Kent’s coastal activities, visit www.visitkent.co.uk

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TOWNSPOTLIGHT

MAIDSTONE

Situated in the heart of Kent, the county town of Maidstone is rich in heritage and plenteous in culture. Just 32 miles south of London and with a population of approximately 140,000, Maidstone remains one of the largest towns in Kent, and perhaps one of the more vibrant townships that is still representative of Kent’s true legacy today.

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With evidence dating back to a Neolithic settlement, Maidstone has an intriguing past spanning over the past 11 centuries. After the Romans’ departure and having been inhabited by the Saxons, the town was initially named ‘De Maeides Stana’ or ‘Maegdan Stane’, meaning ‘stone of the maidens’ or ‘stone of the people’.

It wasn’t until the 17th century that the town’s charter was confirmed and the title of ‘Maidstone’ given. It has since been suggested that the name itself derives from an early process by which stones were deposited into the river to allow clothes to be washed in the cleaner water away from the banks.

After developing into a popular market town in the early 1600s, Maidstone’s early industry soon materialised around the River Medway – a prized resource that still lies in the very heart of the town centre today. From providing Maidstone’s primary source of economic income during the industrial revolution to housing river boat trips and festivals up until the current day, the town has ensured the River Medway has remained and will continue to remain at the forefront of the community.

Prior to improved infrastructure on the roads and railways, the River Medway – which links Maidstone’s town centre with the Thames Estuary – historically provided the main channel by which to transport produce in and out of the town. The middle link between London and Dover,

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Maidstone’s trade in the early 1700s was in abundance with the cloth and brewing industries thriving. In 1879, the medieval stone bridge was erected and later St Peters bridge in 1977, both permitting extra clearance for commerce and in turn establishing the town as the agricultural county of Kent.

Today the River Medway is just as significant, yet of course somewhat more idyllic, with pleasure-seekers, house-boat residents, fishing enthusiasts and visitor trips its main vice.

Board the Allington Belle or the Kentish Lady River Boat to enjoy a riverside cruise of the Maidstone Millennium River Park or take in the picturesque views on a relaxing trip to Allington Lock. If you choose the latter, the tour can be merged with a trip to the award-winning Kent Life – an open-air regional museum with a number of exhibitions which impart life in Kent over the past 150 years.

A town profuse in art and culture, Maidstone boasts several unique museums to suit a variety of tastes. The Tyrwhitt-Drake Museum of Carriages is considered the best of its kind in Europe and features Britain’s first collection of horse-drawn vehicles, whilst the highly commended Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery is unmatched in its Elizabethan manor setting. Another point of interest is the Lashenden Air Warfare Museum in nearby Headcorn, featuring aviation exhibitions with fascinating memorabilia from WW1 and 2.

However, if museums aren’t your cultural muse, then why not head to one of Maidstone’s theatre houses? Choose between the Exchange, the Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre or the Hazlitt Arts Theatre (named after William Hazlitt, the famous essayist born in Maidstone in 1778).

From live bands at the Hazlitt to outdoor dramatics at the Amphitheatre, there are productions throughout the calendar year for all.

If it is the ambience of the old Maidstone you are hoping to capture, you are in luck! As although the change over the past few centuries is evident, it does little to secrete the towns historic haunts. Once a medieval market town, dominated by archbishops, Maidstone’s compelling past is reflected in the many notable sights which still remain today. Visit the Archbishop’s Palace, formerly part of the Manor of Maidstone or look out for All Saints Church, the parish church of the county and one of the finest perpendicular churches in England. Built in the late 14th century by Archbishop Courtenay, both sites tell a thousand stories of a town once shaped by civil war and rebellion.

Looking for some light relief instead? Why not head to Maidstone for some retail therapy in the town’s wealth of shops. Hundreds of renowned high street retailers are easily located along Fremlin Walk and Week Street, or perhaps head to Pudding Lane or Union Street to discover an array of independent boutiques to nab some unique finds.

As we all know shopping is tiring work, so make an escape to the town’s own green pastures at Mote Park to relax around the lake, or why not stop off at one of Maidstone’s many cafés to recuperate. Better still – dine al fresco at one of Maidstone’s riverside locations if the English weather permits!

From fine dining restaurants to traditional English pubs, Maidstone is not short of eateries that will see you through from day to night. Whether you are seeking a more refined cuisine for that special event, or you simply just don’t fancy cooking for the evening, there is a fantastic range to suit every occasion. Sample the local produce at the awardwinning Mulberry Tree pub or visit one of the local markets such as Headcorn’s farmers’ market every second Saturday of the month to shop for your own supplies.

However, if the hustle and bustle of the town centre isn’t for you, nearby Leeds Castle is a must. Recently Said to be ‘the loveliest castle in the world’, this historic splendour set in 500 acres of rural parkland is the perfect attraction for the whole family. Whether you simply want to enjoy the backdrop whilst dining with afternoon tea, or you are feeling brave and want to visit the high-wire forest trail at Go Ape, there is an experience for all. Other places of interest include Stoneacre, a historic yeomen’s house owned by the National Trust; Brenchley Gardens; and the Friars, a working priory with tranquil and ornate gardens open to the public.

As you can see, Maidstone is notably a town brimming with culture and personality, with an appeal for all ages. Whilst many elements of the town still epitomise a traditional Kent waiting to be explored, the modern remains palpable in every sense. Most admirably, as Maidstone continues to champion its own heritage, it also endeavors to move on and continue its transition into a thriving town to rival any other. With so much to offer on your Kent doorstep, why not pay Maidstone a visit and see what it’s all about?

A touring exhibition from the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry

at Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery

Saturday 30 June until Monday 3 September 2012 Admission Charge Adults £3, Concessions £2, Children £1 Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £6 An interactive exhibition for all ages!

www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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DAYSOUT

cyclopark

A GREAT DAY OUT FOR ALL THE FAMILY

O n l y fi v e m i n u t e s d r i v e f r o m E b b s fl e e t I n t e r n a t i o n a l s t a t i o n , C y c l o p a r k i s a b r a n d n e w multi sports facility set in 43 hectares of regenerated/restored parkland, just south of Gravesend, o ring a comprehensive range of cycle sports disciplines and related sports. This fantastic new attraction o rs something for everyone – from dedicated cyclists and athletes to families looking for a great day out.

GETTING READY TO ROLL AT THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF CYCLOPARK

Europe’s largest cycling park, Cyclopark has been hailed by Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson MP, as a world-class facility and fantastic legacy for the 2012 Games. This new state of the art attraction offers excellent facilities for people of all abilities to take up sport.

Careful development of the site includes a wide range of exciting facilities.

In addition to the world-class track, mountain bike and BMX cycling facilities, there is also a skate park that was designed and built by well known specialists, a football/basketball pitch area, a children’s adventure playground and an attractive café providing great refreshments.

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CYCLOPARK, EUROPE'S LARGEST CYCLING PARK OPENED ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC ON SUNDAY MAY 27

CYCLOPARK INCLUDES: • CycloBMX: National standard 340m racetrack designed and built by the UK’s premier track builder, Clarke and Kent Contractors. The Southern Regional Finals was the first test event held on the track, in October 2011.

• Cyclocircuit: Smooth, tarmac road circuit 2.9km long and 6m wide for cycling, skating and running.

• Cycloplay: 600 sq m multi-use games area for a variety of sports.

• Cyclotriathlon: Circuit training and venue for regional and national events.

• Cyclocountry: Some 43 hectares of landscaped parkland providing a starting point to explore Kent countryside by bike or on foot.

• Cyclorun: Using the 43 hectares connecting the countryside as well 3km of running track.

• Cyclofest: Venue for multi-sport festivals and arts and culture events.

• Cyclokids: Playground of 3,000 sq m for young visitors.

• Cycloterrain: Mountain bike trails 6 km wide throughout the park designed by World Cup trail designer Hugh Clixby. Three levels of difficult, ranging from Blue, which is easy, up to the very challenging Black route.

• Cycloskate: 1,400 sq m planned by local skaters and leading skate park designers ‘Gravity’.

• Cycloability: Fully accessible facility providing a range of activities to suit individual needs, including a fleet of adapted bikes available to hire and fully accessible changing rooms.

• Club Cyclopark: A new Go-Ride club based at the park, providing coaching sessions and events for children of all ages and abilities.

British Cycling’s Chief Executive, Ian Drake, said: “We know that state of the art multi-disciplined traffic-free cycle sport facilities provide the best environments for potential cyclists of all ages and abilities to give the sport a try. Cyclopark will benefit hundreds of thousands of people in Kent for years to come and is a key part of a lasting legacy from Britain hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

For more information on Cyclopark, all of its attractions and the calendar of opening events, please visit www.cyclopark.com.

If you want to enjoy more great days out by bike this summer you can take part in a free local ‘Sky Ride’. Sky Rides are free guided bike rides that are taking place in Kent throughout the summer and aim to encourage people to take up cycling.

To find about more information about your local Sky Ride, visit www.goskyride.com.

• Cyclofriends: Offers residents and businesses the chance to give something back to the community and get involved with the project.

For free maps and guides of traffic-free and off-road cycle routes across Kent to enjoy at your leisure, visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent. www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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DAYSOUT

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME ON THE

British Pullman

Arriving at the Orient Express lounge on platform one at London Victoria, there was a great feeling of excitement and nostalgia as I saw the British Pullman – sister train to the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – sitting waiting for its guests to step on board. Transported back to the golden old age of rail travel, this was going to be much more than a modern day train journey; something Hercule Poirot would have thoroughly enjoyed, but without the hassle of another murder to solve! BY ADAM READY

Greeted by the staff (all fantastic during the entire journey), we were shown to a private first-class compartment with seating for up to four guests. The carriage, named ‘Minerva’, was decorated in an Edwardian style with silken lampshades and comfy armchairs. A first-class parlour car with 26 seats, it was built in 1927 by Midland Railway Carriage and Wagon Co. Champagne and canapés were served before leaving the station on a 6-hour circular tour travelling through Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex before returning via the Brighton line to London Victoria.

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topped with Cornish crab accompanied by vegetables and new potatoes.

After the cheese course and about two thirds into the journey we stopped at Hove station for a 15 minute break to take in some fresh sea air and enjoy another glass of bubbly whilst being entertained by a four-piece brass band. With a stick of rock in hand we re-boarded the train to begin the last leg of the journey back to London, enjoying desserts and coffees along the way and indulging in some shopping from the souvenir trolley.

Our table was beautifully set with gleaming crystal and silver cutlery. The Table d’hote menu on offer looked amazing and not long into our journey warm bread rolls and the first course, tian of smoked chicken and celeriac remoulade with a tangy mango and coriander salsa were served. Luckily we had some time between courses, as the portion sizes were very generous and terribly filling. With an impressive wine list on offer we choose the Chanti Classicico on the advice of our knowledgeable waiter and were not disappointed – a perfect match for the meal.

Arriving back at London Victoria I was already looking forward to booking the next adventure seated in vintage carriages that once ran on legendary 1920s services such as the Brighton Belle and Golden Arrow.

Glide through stunning scenery to destinations all over Britain as champagne flows and gourmet cuisine is served. Orient-Express' luxurious day trains, the Northern Belle and British Pullman, depart throughout the year from over 60 regional stations across Kent and the UK, offering a host of journeys to some of Britain's most famous historic cities, castles, country houses and sporting events.

As we made our way round to the south coast near Southampton and Portsmouth, we enjoyed more of the menu including minted pea soup with chive crème fraiche followed by a main course of supreme Scottish salmon

Prices start from £195 per person.

For more information and reservations call Orient-Express on 0845 077 2222 or visit www.orient-express.com/uktrains

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DAYSOUT

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF LEWIS HAMILTON AND JENSON BUTTON

kids’ karting FOR AGES 4 -16 AT BUCKMORE PARK (AND ADULTS TOO)

For fun that is fast and furious you cannot beat karting. To experience the thrill of real outdoor karting, why not head for Chatham's awardwinning Buckmore Park 1000m International Outdoor Kart Circuit, just off junction 3 of the M2 where British world champions Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button learnt their trade. A session at Buckmore, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, will be a day to remember.

The ever popular exclusive kids’ karting parties for ages 4-16 (either 30 minutes or one hour) are available for up to 12 drivers, and parties can incorporate a celebration meal, and also can be combined with Laser Warfare games in the woodlands (ages 8-16).

The award-winning floodlit venue is organising Turn Up ‘n’ Drive sessions for ages 4 to 16 on selected dates throughout the summer holidays.

For ages 4-7, sessions are available on 5mph electric karts on the 120m mini GP Circuit; whilst

children aged between 8 and 11 (and at least 4'2" tall) can experience the 20mph user-friendly petrol karts on the longer 300m Club Circuit. For youngsters aged 12 to 16, our state of the art 40mph petrol karts are available on the more complex 600m National Circuit. Prices start from £15 per session (ages 4-7).

Also on offer are two special family days on Sunday 5th August and Bank Holiday Monday 27th August when all ages from 4-84 are welcome. Separate sessions will be available for Mums and Dads (ages 16+) on the 600m national circuit.

High speed 40mph passenger rides (minimum age five) are also available on twin seat karts during Turn Up ‘n’ Drive days that feature karting on the 300m Club Circuit.

year olds has welcomed over 800 kids since its introduction in 2009 and Bambino Schools and Clubs are available throughout the spring as well as a Kart School and Junior Club for ages 8-16.

The popular under 17 Go Driver Road Training Scheme operates on selected dates using one of our large tarmac areas featuring one to one tuition by an ADI instructor in road legal dual control cars. Children ages 10 to 16 are welcome (minimum height 4’10”).

The circuit operates seven days and evenings a week, all year round, and the sales office is open between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5.30pm at weekends. For more details, up to date information and last minute circuit availability please telephone 01634 201562, visit the website www.buckmore4kids.co.uk or email sales@buckmore.co.uk.

Is your youngster the next Lewis Hamilton or Jenson Button? The Bambino School for 6-7

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DAYSOUT

A Rare Treat For The Whole Family SITUATED A LITTLE OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN THE HEART OF THE KENT COUNTRYSIDE, THE RARE BREEDS CENTRE IS A HIDDEN GEM OF A DESTINATION FOR FAMILIES LOOKING FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND FUN THIS SUMMER. by Emma Batchelor

With over 20 things to see and do on the 100 acres of farmland that the Centre encompasses, it is a great way to spend the day.

One of the big attractions is, of course, the animals; many of whom you can meet and pet in the stables and Children’s Barn near the entrance any time between 11am-4pm. When we visited, we petted the piglets, who like a good scratch on their tummy; we stroked the softest rabbit; met JarJar and Binks, the goats that look like their name sake and watched the little (goat) kids play with their mum.

In addition to the animals that you can play with, there are plenty more to see and admire, including the curly haired pigs, Si and Dave, named after the Hairy Biker chefs, Simon the Alpaca and a whole menagerie of beautiful birds of prey. And that is just the tip of the iceberg!

There are also plenty of insects and other animals to discover in Creepy Crawly World, as well as a slice of paradise in the butterfly tunnel, where we counted at least 10 different varieties of butterfly amongst the beautiful flowers. One or two even landed on us while we were there, standing very still.

Next to the butterfly tunnel are the discovery and wildlife gardens, which put my humble vegetable patch to shame. This includes toys and games for younger children to amuse themselves with, as well as a Wishing Tree.

There are two great outdoor play areas for younger and slightly older children. The first one you come to is Sammy’s playpen, which is the

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smaller of the two, but still has plenty to climb on and do, especially for the younger children.

The second playground is on a larger scale and takes in a hill fort and assault course, a zip wire and a tube maze.

The hill fort play area is situated very near the Rainbow Nursery life skills garden, which is owned and run by the Canterbury Oast Trust, which also owns the Rare Breeds Centre. The Trust is a charity that provides homes, care and training for people with learning and physical disabilities, many of whom live and work on the farm and Rare Breeds Centre.

Beyond the fort and nursery lies a series of woodland walks, a mysterious marsh venture trail, giant’s chairs and even a secret lake.

The Centre also holds falconry displays and pig races at the weekends and during the summer holidays (subject to the weather), as well as trailer rides around the farm for those whose feet are getting a little tired.

There are also a series of special events throughout the year at the Centre. On 8th July, the Canterbury Oast Trust (COT) is holding a family dog show at the Centre, which is open for everyone to enter. There are 16 classes, including the ‘dog most like its owner’, ‘quickest sausage eater’ and ‘most appealing eyes’. There are also some more serious categories, including a prize for the best junior handler and the dog in the best condition.

The August event is a family fun day and show, which includes a mini-livestock show,

entertainment and fancy dress and takes place on 8th August.

There are also a few places to eat at the Centre, including the Granary Restaurant, which is situated just before the entrance to the Centre, so you don’t need to go into the Centre to enjoy a meal.

In addition to hot food, including sausages from the farm, there is a range of sandwiches and icecreams and the kids’ menu is very reasonably priced, with most hot dishes around £3 for children. There are also a couple of food kiosks around the park, and picnic benches for those who prefer to bring their own food.

Although the Rare Breeds Centre is in the Kent countryside, it is very accessible, and only about 10 minutes from Junction 10 of the M20. It is best to check out the map on their website, as some Sat Navs don’t lead you directly to the main entrance.

Tickets to the Rare Breeds Centre can be bought online or at the entrance to the park. Prices range from £7.27 for a child, to £9 for an adult. Family passes and annual membership are also available.

Rare Breeds Centre Highlands Farm Woodchurch Ashford TN26 3RJ www.rarebreeds.org.uk

Opening times April to 31st October 10.30am - 5.30pm

GETAWAYS

Hintlesham Hall Just over a two hour drive from insideKENT HQ stands the grand Hintlesham Hall, a beautiful 21st century haven of comfort and friendly professionalism within a 16th century Grade I listed Elizabethan manor house. The Hall is found nestling in 175 acres of rolling Suffolk countryside located four miles west of Ipswich. The 16th century building is distinguished by its Georgian additions, most notably the famous façade, and by earlier Stuart interior embellishments. by Adam Ready Widely recognised as being one of the loveliest amongst the UK and Ireland's highest rated hotels, the Hall has 33 bedrooms and suites of varying shapes, sizes and styles enhanced by fine fabrics, works of art and antiques which abound throughout the hotel.

We were pleasantly greeted upon arrival and taken to our room, walking through a long, bright gallery which served as a hospital ward in World War II overlooking the front entrance and grounds.

As we entered our suite, we were astonished by the scale of the lounge area, fit for any private drinks reception and all very in character with the original 16th century design. On the coffee table rested an array of fresh fruits and a chilled bottle of champagne. The large room with open fireplace and oil paintings situated on every wall made us feel as though we had stepped back in time.

Between the lounge and bedroom we walked through a dressing area with a giant wardrobe and dressing table, well lit from the tall window which ran from the front door right though into the bedroom and around to the front. The

bedroom was a fantastic size and decorated to a very high spec fit for royalty. Two armchairs were situated in the open space in front of the window perfect for relaxing with a book overlooking the green lawn.

Off the bedroom was a modern bathroom which had the most amazing walk-in double shower and luxury stand-alone bath, where you could take a soak while catching up on some TV (or in my case the football).

Next to the Hall’s very own herb garden sits the Health & Beauty Club with specialist treatments and a fully equipped gym and pool (open in season) which is small but perfectly formed. Whist on my relaxing visit I decide to undergo the Aromatherapy Body Massage and left feeling revitalised and ready for dinner. Adjacent is the associated championship size PGA golf course for all golf lovers looking for a getaway.

Dinner was served in the very atmospheric main dining hall. My guest and I enjoyed three courses including melt-in-the-mouth beef and Suffolk pork

cooked in three ways with Aspall cider jus. After dessert we ordered the cheese board, which was easily enough for two to share, before retiring with coffee in one of the comfortable lounges.

Hintlesham Hall really is an amazing place to relax and get away from day to day life. All rooms are furnished with comfortable beds and modern bathrooms. In-room services include free Wi-Fi access, flat LED TV with integrated DVD player, telephones, bath robes, complimentary toiletries and mineral water. Prices start from £165 for a standard room up to £459 for a master suite.

Hintlesham Hall Hotel Hintlesham Ipswich Suffolk IP8 3NS 01473 652334 www.hintleshamhall.co.uk

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GETAWAYS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Devon A GLORIOUS GETAWAY TO

SOMETIMES I JUST WANT TO GET AWAY FROM IT ALL, BUT THE THOUGHT OF AIRPORTS, QUEUES, PASSPORT CONTROL AND LOST LUGGAGE DON’T SOUND LIKE MUSIC TO MY HOLIDAY-DESIRING EARS. A ‘STAYCATION’ MIGHT BE APPEALING TO SOME, BUT FOR ME, WHEN I GO ON HOLIDAY, I WANT TO MAKE SURE I’M TRULY AWAY FROM IT ALL, WITHOUT THE HASSLE OF AIRPORTS AND ALL OF THE ABOVE. SO FOR MY LAST SHORT BREAK, I DECIDED I NEEDED TO CHECK OUT WHAT DEVON WAS ALL ABOUT. by Donna Martin

I’ve only heard spectacular things about Devon – the sandy beaches, the rolling hills, the peace, quiet and beauty. On a sunny weekend this summer, I was able to experience the glory that is Devon, including the icing on the cake, our accommodation at Redland House, Instow.

When first arriving in Instow, North Devon, you can’t help but feel immediate relaxation. Instow is a village after my own heart – halfway between the bustling towns of Bideford and Barnstaple, close to lovely Appledore and plenty of beaches, and boasting a commanding view of the sea and rivers Taw and Torridge, Instow is a village as close to holiday relaxation nirvana as one can get.

When first entering the village, I noticed a scattered string of beautiful houses perched high atop a hill, of which I thought, ‘Wow, imagine living up there.’

Lucky me – that’s where we were headed! Redland House is one of those houses, and what a house it is. Upon arrival (up the almost scarily steep drive), Redland house looks big, and rightly so. With 11 bedrooms spread out over three floors, each room is uniquely decorated and many overlook the spectacular sights of the village below, the river beyond and Appledore and the rolling waves of the Atlantic in the distance.

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Though renovations aren’t 100% complete, and certain rooms and features are in need of updating (most noticeably the kitchen, which I’m told is due to have a complete refurbishment in the near future), the house is still highly impressive. The main living area has been finished with great attention to detail, with large comfortable sofas, beautifully finished original floors and the best feature: the view.

Perfect for large parties, Redland House actually boasts two private living areas in addition to the entry lounge – both living areas with exceptional views. The ground floor also has a massive dining room, which was originally used as a ballroom and includes the original arts and crafts fireplace. The massive oak dining table can comfortably seat up to 22 guests.

Without a doubt the most impressive area of the house is the top floor luxury bedroom suite, which has arguably one of the best views in North Devon. The room is incredibly large and includes a sitting area with sofa, a super king size bed and its own private balcony. Though we weren’t able to experience it at the time of our visit, there is an en suite bathroom that is currently being refurbished and will include top-quality fixtures and yet another private balcony offering breathtaking views.

GETAWAYS IN ASSOCIATION WITH

“WE DECIDED TO POSTPONE OUR DRIVE HOME AND VENTURE TO WESTWARD HO! BEACH FOR A BIT OF FUN IN THE SUN AND SAND. WE ARRIVED AT THE PERFECT TIME, WITH THE TIDE OUT AND HUNDREDS OF ROCK POOLS TO EXPLORE”

I would have been perfectly happy lounging around at Redland House for the entirety of my holiday, but my 8-year-old son had other ideas.

Beaches! Attractions! Restaurants! We arrived in Devon quite late our first night, and were tired and hungry, so I took a chance, closed my eyes and picked a random restaurant from my ‘Around Me’ iPhone app. The mystery restaurant was called The Pig on the Hill, a short drive from Instow in Westward Ho!.

Without reading any reviews, we weren’t expecting anything spectacular for dinner, but we were pleasantly surprised with the food, the venue and especially the warm and accommodating landlord. With gorgeous views, home-cooked meals and great beer on tap (my favourite being Proper Job), The Pig on the Hill is definitely a place I’d recommend.

After a peaceful night’s sleep at Redland House and a quick breakfast, we ventured to my son’s pick for the day: The Milky Way Adventure Park.

This place has it all, and is any kid’s dream – including a roller coaster, indoor adventure play area with assault courses and slides, live shows, fantastic displays from the North Devon Bird of

Prey Centre, dodgems, archery and more. With over 85,000 sq ft of indoor fun, it didn’t matter about the drizzly day outside – we spent hours exploring every inch of The Milky Way and were never bored. If you have kids, it’s definitely worth a spot on your Devon holiday itinerary.

The majority of the remaining part of our short break was spent relaxing (what mum says goes), though we did venture into Bideford for a look around. We stumbled upon Atlantic Village, a shopping centre with over 35 outlet stores including M&S, Nike, GAP and my personal favourite, Cadbury (I love those bags of Misshapes!). There is also a family attraction at Atlantic Village called Atlantis Adventure Park which includes a giant pirate ship for kids to explore, panning for gold, crazy golf and a café.

On the morning of our departure, which happened to be a warm and sunny day, we decided to postpone our drive home and venture to Westward Ho! Beach for a bit of fun in the sun and sand. We arrived at the perfect time, with the tide out and hundreds of rock pools to explore; now this was an attraction we could all agree on!

We spent hours on the beach, and took time for

a leisurely lunch at a seaside café before heading home.

With the combination of beautiful accommodation at Redland House and great days out, North Devon, in-particular, the lovely village of Instow, might just be the perfect close-to-home holiday.

Though our break was short, we all agreed that Devon is a place not only worth visiting, but worth visiting again and again. There is so much more to see and do in Devon, and we can’t wait for our next trip back.

For more information on Redland House, visit www.redlandhouse.co.uk or browse hundreds of luxury self-catering holiday rentals at the UK’s no. 1 site for apartment, cottage and villa rentals at www.HomeAway.co.uk

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TRAVEL

ESCAPE THE ‘GREAT BRITISH WEATHER’ TO

LANZAROTE

THE GREAT BRITISH WEATHER CAN SOMETIMES DAMPEN THE SPIRITS SOMEWHAT, THUS THE ALLURE OF SUNSHINE IN FARAWAY LANDS CAN PROVE MORE THAN TEMPTING FOR AN ANNUAL GETAWAY. FOR A DESTINATION THAT PROMISES ALL YEAR ROUND GOOD WEATHER, IS RICH IN CULTURE, SERVES UP DELICIOUS LOCAL CUISINE, AND ALL ONLY FOUR HOURS AWAY, HEAD TO LANZAROTE. THIS CANARY ISLAND, A UNESCO BIOSPHERE RESERVE, IS CHARACTERISED BY ITS UNIQUE TERRAIN, STUNNING COASTLINES AND TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURE. BY SARAH-JANE STENSON

A notable inhabitant of the island was César Manrique, a famous artist and architect. His influence on the island is crucial even to this day, as he triumphed the beauty of Lanzarote, recognising its potential for tourism success, therefore he enforced planning regulations to protect his island.

The rules exercise a sympathetic spirit with the surroundings meaning no high-rise buildings and the island’s colours are standardised to maintain the integrity of the Lanzarote’s architecture.

For my own Lanzarote experience, I had the great pleasure of staying at the Hotel Hesperia Lanzarote where I was introduced to the island’s culture with complete rigour. Yet before I launch into complimentary discourse about this five-star hotel, I will retrace my steps back to where my holiday began, London Gatwick.

My travelling companions and I had an extremely comfortable and hospitable flight with Monarch. From the moment of the smooth take-off, relaxation ensued in the convenience of our extra legroom seats. Airplane food has a notoriously bad reputation, served up on a drab tray with bland being the mandatory flavour with a side of plastic. However, much to my surprise, Monarch have rejuvenated this dreaded experience and have created a flavoursome airborne meal, even ridding of the school dinners tray and replacing it with a minimalistic brightly coloured recyclable box.

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I enjoyed a main course of chicken in cream sauce complete with roast parsnips and potatoes and green beans followed by divine chocolate profiteroles and a selection of cheeses paired with a delightful fig chutney.

My Monarch experience eased me into holiday spirit with fine dining, thousands of feet up.

We landed in Lanzarote as the sun was beginning to set and the dazzling vista exposed the wonderful landscape of the island. We were greeted by our friendly hosts that were to take care of us for our trip and were promptly whisked off in the direction of our hotel. Some say that first impressions are cast in the first nine seconds, and the approach of the hotel certainly left an impression on me with the entrance exuding notions of grandeur.

The foyer of the hotel boasts high ceilings and is spacious in design. An air of quiet hospitality and effortless service is palpable.

After checking in, we were given a brief amount of time to acquaint ourselves with our room before heading off to a late dinner. Not knowing what to expect from my room, and rather bleary-eyed from travelling, I entered my new abode for the weekend completely underprepared. As I cast open the solid wooden door, I was not confronted with a double bed as expected, rather a large L-shaped sofa, proving to be just one of the amazing rooms in my suite!

My mouth literally was fixed in a permanent O shape as I absorbed the luxurious surroundings.

As I passed through the lounge, I found my way to the bedroom. The room was dominated by a huge bed, or rather, two double beds forming one gigantic bed. As I navigated myself into the next room, I found the bathroom and walk-in wardrobe. The suite is immensely spacious, however, each room is fitted with a large wooden sliding door to create some privacy. When this couldn’t seem to get any better, I found the Jacuzzi – all in all, I couldn’t ever imagine leaving this room.

Reluctantly, I tore myself away from my suite to join my travelling companions at dinner. For our first meal, we ate in Botavara, a high-quality buffet-style restaurant, which dedicates each night to another culture’s cuisine. There are endless choices and offers something to suit all palates.

After a much needed rest, I awoke eager to see Lanzarote in the daylight. I peeled back my curtains, which revealed a beautiful sea view, the pièce de résistance of this suite. For breakfast, I headed back to Botavara which serves up an array of choices to set yourself up perfectly for the day. The choices included pastries, fruit, eggs, bacon, pancakes, tailor made omelettes and yet more. I’m not ashamed to admit I probably had at least five courses at breakfast alone!

Following breakfast, the other hotel guests and I were delighted in a tour of the hotel and spa.

A recent addition to the hotel are the new family rooms, which are a wonder to behold. It was a joy to see an environment that caters for the family so thoroughly. The room is an absolute sea of colour complete with bunk beds, teddies and games. Children receive a surprise everyday and the hotel has a list of books and films for all languages and ages to be requested free of charge.

If relaxation is what you crave, the spa at Hotel Hesperia Lanzarote is quite simply paradisiacal.

The environment is instantly soothing and there is a plethora of expertly crafted spa treatments to choose from, all incorporating natural products of Lanzarote. However, the real speciality of this spa is their Tibetan bowl treatment. Dolores, the spa manager, emotionally explained to our group her passionate belief in the treatment and how they are in fact the first hotel in Spain to do it. I enjoyed a facial in one of the intoxicatingly relaxing

treatments rooms, guaranteed to propel you into a trance of heavenly calm with aromas of bamboo punctuating the room. The spa facilities are high end complete with Finnish sauna, Turkish baths, and a dynamic hydrotherapy pool.

The actual land of Lanzarote serves as a living history and there is much to be explored for those wanting to inject some culture into their getaway. We visited La Cueva de los Verdes, a cave constructed from the lava of the volcano, La Corona, which erupted 3000 years ago. The cave even became a hiding place for inhabitants of the island during the 16th and 17th centuries when pirates invaded. Close by, there is also Jameos del Agua, which is similarly formed from the eruption of La Corona, but instead unusually has an internal lake. This was opened to the public by César Manrique in 1966.

After a busy day of sightseeing, I was looking forward to a lovely meal at one of the other restaurants in the hotel. La Caleta is situated by the sea and has a very premium vibe. The chef exercises creative flair and imagination with the Mediterranean influenced food, guaranteed to impress all discerning tastes. To begin with, we sampled a selection of typical Canarian starters, followed by beef fillet on a bed of asparagus with Dauphinoise potatoes. The beef was truly sublime and melt in the mouth. La Caleta is opulent in design, comes with the promise of fine dining and is the ideal location for a special meal.

The following day, we were treated to one of Lanzarote’s greatest historical landmarks, Timanfaya. Timanfaya is a volcanic landscape, which was affected by the eruptions that struck the island between 1730 and 1736, leaving almost a quarter of it buried under a thick layer of lava and ash. A coach steers you around this barren wasteland where the landscape resembles that of Mars. If you’re afraid of heights, this trip definitely isn’t advisable, however, it is an amazing geological demonstration of the power of nature.

One of the most striking things about Lanzarote is the land itself and is extremely unusual in its formation. Head to El Golfo and Papagayo Beach to sample the rugged coastline of this Canarian island.

A trip to Lanzarote can be a holiday of two halves.

It is important to embrace the culture, yet it is also great to blend this with ultimate relaxation, something that is easily achieved at Hotel Hesperia Lanzarote. After a morning of exploring the scenery, my companions and I had the

pleasure of watching paella being made for us, outside in the pool bar. The paella was made entirely from scratch, containing a selection of fresh seafood and it was utterly mouth-watering.

After a leisurely lunch, luckily all we had planned was a lazy walk into nearby Puerto Calero. This exclusive marina is just a five-minute walk away from the hotel and is home to a number of chic bars and restaurants, as well as a range of designer shops.

Our final dinner was spent at the lovely El Risco, another example of the hotel’s mastering of fine dining. The restaurant serves Italian cuisine and it is ideal for a family meal. The first course is an antipasti buffet and for main, there is a choice of pastas, meat and fish, all with traditional Italian influences.

To end our break to Lanzarote, we visited Teguise Market the following day. Here you can pick up some traditional souvenirs and it offers a wide selection of goods to peruse. The surroundings are traditional and it is situated in a typical town of Lanzarote. Before we had to make our final journey back to the airport, we made time to visit Lagomar, the famous house of Omar Sharif. This stunning house was built into the volcanic rock and legend has it that this well-known actor lost his house in a game of bridge and never returned.

This is well worth a visit and is a truly fantastic property.

Before visiting Lanzarote, I had no idea how much this island would have to offer. I quite simply cannot fault my experience at Hotel Hesperia Lanzarote as this is an idyllic place to spend your holiday. The service was truly impeccable and the standard of the accommodation was unbeatable. As I write this, looking out at the raindrops falling fast and heavy in dreary England, all I can think is, take me back!

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MOTORS

THE BMW 640D GRAN COUPÉ WORDS AND PHOTOS BY LUKE YATES

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M SPORT

I'VE ALWAYS LOVED BMWS, HAVING SPENT MANY JOYOUS HOURS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF MY DAD-IN-LAW'S 540I SPORT – A CAR I CONSIDER TO BE ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL EVER MADE. EVERYTHING ABOUT THAT CAR WAS STYLISH, BUT IT WAS ALWAYS ABOUT FUNCTION FIRST, AND FORM SECOND. DESPITE BEING ABOUT FOUR TIMES THE SIZE OF MY THEN-OWN 1980S MINI MAYFAIR, I HAD NO TROUBLE DRIVING THE RELATIVE GIANTNESS OF THE 540, AND I ALWAYS CONSIDERED IT A MASSIVE TREAT, AND NEVER WANTED TO HAND IT BACK.

We went on several massive road trips in the ‘Old Girl’ (as she was known) and that amazing car never let us down, or even failed to deliver an amazing experience on every journey. By the time we came to (sadly) get rid of her, she was showing her age, being equipped with a cassette player instead of a CD, and very Knight-Rideresque LED computer panels instead of the modern equivalent.

But despite looking a bit dated in this respect, anyone with half an eye for a decent car could tell that this was a very special car, and a timeless classic. Eventually we sold her to a BMW enthusiast who lovingly restored her to full glory, and as far as I know, is still enjoying her to this very day.

With the latest 6-Series 4-seater offering, from the moment I sat down in the perfectly-sculpted black leather seats, it felt like a natural extension of this. The evolution process had been allowed to update technology, engineering and looks, but that old BMW heart of old was still beating loudly under the surface for all to see and hear.

The car also had that trait of professional models that I love so much as a photographer – I could have taken any photo from any angle and it would have looked like a work of art. As with the likes of Gemma Ward, Travis Fimmel and Derek Zoolander, it is impossible to take a bad photo of the 6 Series. And the M sporty bits on the model we tested make it even more stunning.

BMW have stretched the design by 4.4 inches in width, allowing it to be a proper 4-seater with plenty of space. And of course added a couple of doors over the back wheel. Some aficionados

of the 6-Series series may sneer derisively at this change of game plan, but in fact in my opinion, the 2-door Coupé doesn't make as much sense as the 4-door in terms of size and shape; it just feels right – and more in keeping with the BMW ethos of good function, from good design.

And rest assured it does nothing to harm the looks or feel of this beastie – with its sleek lines and lovely lowness, it sits on the road with the menacing air of a crouched predator, about to rush forward and devour anything that dares to get in its way. Sporty but totally elegant.

Inside the car, driver and passengers alike will appreciate the ergonomically precise German engineering that has gone into the leather seats, panels, compartments and handles, as well as the ample provision for space. It is clearly a BMW in every respect, and old fans will find themselves right at home from the start. Every button, dial and panel is where you'd almost intuitively expect to find it, and the result is an interior that oozes luxury, without being overtly showy and ostentatious. “Everything in its right place” as Radiohead once sang and Benjamin Franklin sort-of remarked...

The boot is also in the right place, and more importantly and less obviously, has the right space – it is enormous! Plenty of room for all manner of stuff, making this a perfect car for those memorable road trips like we used to enjoy in the ‘Old Girl’.

The Gran Coupé has plenty of gadgets and entertainment to make sure you don't completely nod off though. The car never seems cumbersome and difficult to manoeuvre, equipped

as it is with enough cameras to run a TV studio.

These cameras are mounted on the front of the car, on the sides over each wheel arch, and best of all – when reversing, the BMW badge on the boot lifts up and a little camera pops out, like some miniature James Bond machine gun. So enamoured with this was I, that I was almost run over by Adam several times whilst trying to photograph it, having asked him to stick the car in reverse.

Once you get bored of using the camera for three point turns and reversing, and actually take the car for a proper cruise, you start to discover just how magnificent this car really is.

With the 3-litre 640d diesel turbocharged engine and eight-speed auto gearbox on the model I drove, the Gran Coupé was fast. Fast being the biggest understatement since Michael Fish said, "It's going to be a bit breezy tonight" in 1986. It is mind-numbingly quick – screaming from 0-60 so fast it's hardly worth timing it (around 5 seconds), generating 313bhp and with a sound that can only be described as magnificent. A more enthusiastic effort on the accelerator results in the engine purring at you, like a contented Siberian tiger, whilst a good hard step down results in you being pushed back into your seat, a triumphant roar from the engine, and a massive grin mixed with a look of surprise on the face of anyone fortunate enough to be inside the car.

But the 6-Series isn't just about sporty fun; there is a time and a place for relaxing too, especially if you work hard and drive far.

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BMW 640D M SPORT GRAN COUPE 640D PRICE/ON SALE: £74,045 ON THE ROAD TOP SPEED: 155MPH (ELECTRONICALLY LIMITED) 0-62MPH: 5.4SEC ECONOMY: COMBINED 49.6MPG ENGINE: 2,993CC SIX-CYLINDER, TWIN-TURBODIESEL, EIGHT-SPEED AUTO, REAR-WHEEL DRIVE TORQUE: 309BHP @ 4,400RPM/465LB FT @ 1,500RPM CO2: 148G/KM There was a memorable scene in the classic hit or miss movie Timecop, where Jean Claude van Damme drags his weary mullet into a high-tech car of the future. The car, equipped with the standard-issue voice activation system and autopilot (what a horrible thought!) asks its owner where to.

He places his fingers over his tired eyes, slumps back in his seat and simply responds, "Home." And the car takes the tired hero home, as requested, without any further fuss.

And there is an element of this with the BMW. Whilst it's very much able to provide a driving enthusiast with some fun and games, and allow them to really control every nuance of their driving experience, it is also able to ferry home the weary traveller, and a long drive becomes a time to relax and unwind. This gigantic missile of a car, despite its awesome power, is an absolute cinch to drive, the steering wheel moves effortlessly, the car accelerates gently with the slightest touch, and cruises gracefully and majestically across even the naffest of road surfaces.

The in-car cameras proved especially handy in our road test because as we photographed on the beach, a troupe of several dozen eco-cyclists came along and got in the way. The amusing thing was seeing the look of disgust on their tree-hugging faces melt into a look of almost-wistfulness as the curves and contours of the car worked their heart-melting magic.

When not warning you of incoming bicycles, a quick press of the camera button whilst negotiating a narrow or busy lane, a high street or a car park, will result in you being presented with an incredible 360 degree computer rendered real time view of what is going on outside the car, complete with pedestrians, bollards and seagulls. And these are complimented by a massive digital screen on the dashboard, above the central console, which provides feedback from the cameras, as well as all the other usual modern in-car essentials. The technology in this new car really does back up its incredible modern design in every way and this visibility enhancement in particular left me gob-smacked, not to mention making this relative behemoth of a car an absolute cinch to manoeuvre.

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Other somewhat more hidden toys include the Dynamic Damper Control system – to continually adjust the chassis for every type of road and driving style; Active Drive – which reduces any roll that would otherwise occur when cornering with the sort of enthusiasm that the 6 Series may inspire; and Integral Active Steering – which according to BMW “allows the rear wheels to turn up to a maximum of three degrees and makes every driving situation easier.” All of these things make the car safer, but yet simultaneous offer the driving enthusiast a car that is even more exciting to drive, which when you think about it, is a very impressive feat.

Additionally, BMW offer the now familiar mode options, but whereas the old 540 had ‘Sport’ on or off, the 6 Series has Eco Pro (enabling it to attain something like 50mpg in the right hands) as well as Comfort and the classic Sport mode. These options enable the driver to pick between a softer, more gentle ride, easier steering and more chilled out gear shift points, or much more robust damping, a heavier helm and more enthusiastic gearbox tuning, ensuring the car responds appropriately to your requirements, whatever your mood.

It's always nice to road test cars for insideKENT Magazine, and every car I get to drive is an experience. But the 6 Series this time round is definitely going to remain one of my very favourites for a long time to come. Not only is it a fabulous modern car, it's a wonderful personal memory-jerker for me, and a perfect testimony to the excellence of BMW engineering. Newcomers to BMW cars will be blown away by it, old fans will be reassured to learn that the legendary motor company is still coming up with the goods, and some!

Broad Oak BMW Ashford The Boulevard, Orbital Park Ashford TN24 0GA 01233 500555 www.kentbmw.co.uk

MOTORS

BRILLIANTLY DESIGNED: T

H

E

F

I

A

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P

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I HAVE HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF DRIVING TWO AMAZING FIATS LATELY. ONE WAS THE 500 ABARTH, WHICH I ROADTESTED A FEW ISSUES AGO. IT WAS, WITHOUT DOUBT, A GREAT CAR, VERY ENTERTAINING TO DRIVE AND DEFINITELY CRAFTED WITH ARTISTIC BRILLIANCE. I LOVED IT. THE LATEST FIAT I HAVE MANAGED TO GET MY STRING-BACKED PARTRIDGEESQUE DRIVING GLOVES ON WAS A FIAT PANDA. AND IT COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE DIFFERENT TO THE 500; BUT NOT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING NEGATIVE – QUITE THE OPPOSITE. AND JUST LIKE THE 500, IT IS A BRILLIANTLY DESIGNED CAR. WORDS AND PHOTOS BY LUKE YATES

From first glance it was clearly a well put together little machine. Fiat have been very bold and clever with design and space, courageously breaking away from the classic boxy look the Panda was famous, and loved, for. The latest incarnation is curvy and cute (apparently to help with aerodrag), and with its great looking raised bonnet, side panel trim and chunky wide-eyed front headlights, it's bound to win a few hearts, as well as minds. Fiat have really gone to town with the Panda branding too – the new space-age logo is festoon all over the car with pride.

Particularly noticeable design-wise were the two extra windows embedded into the rear pillars, which Fiat have included to increase visibility and remove a nasty blind spot found in many cars. It works very well indeed. And the boot space, for a supermini-level car, was impressively bounteous, with plenty of room for a Les Paul guitar and an amp (I know this, I tried it!). You get the feeling this car can cope with any sort of lifestyle.

So after checking out its good looks, I got in and I drove away.

Despite having just a 900cc engine, the lightness of the Panda meant it was surprisingly gutsy, and the engine noise was remarkably fun and aggressive when pushed. Yet the car does not in any way feel cheap and nasty – it feels very robust, and the interior has an air of the same designer feel that the 500 does. The steering wheel is gorgeously chunky and feels very manly as well as ergonomic, and the interior and exceedingly comfortable seats are brightly

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festooned with colour and texture. And I loved the forward, higher-up positioning of the gearbox – it just worked brilliantly! There is plenty of headroom, everything is easily reachable and easy to find, and don't get me started on the amazing array of on-board storage spaces the Panda sports (fourteen of them!).

Before I'd even got to the main road, I felt totally comfortable and in control of this ‘new’ car. It was like putting on a favourite jumper when it gets a bit chilly. Everything in the car was intuitive and before long I was whizzing along the motorway quite happily listening to Jeremy Vine (and occasionally shouting at the stupid callers).

The in-car noise was very low, and the ride at 70mph was reassuringly bump and wobble free; the Panda feels like a much bigger car when doing motorway speed, and shows no signs of struggling.

Out on the windy lanes, the Panda handles nicely, hugging the corners and feeling satisfyingly nippy. The ride, like my old school history teacher, is firm but fair, and coupled with the plush seats, it is a comfortable car to travel in.

The Panda is outrageously efficient, boasting an amazing 70mpg, meaning it’s cheap to run, as well as to buy. But again, cheapness does not equate to nastiness with the Panda, you get a really lovely stylish car for your money. Frugality and fashion, in perfect harmony, you might say (but probably not out loud, people would stare).

Interestingly, Fiat are also offering four wheel drive versions of the Panda, which in my case triggered fond memories years ago of the boxy

ancestors of the little car, souped up and snow chained, and driven by only the coolest ski-reps up in the Alps! The new off-the-shelf four wheel drives will no doubt appeal to a wider group of people than snow board dudes.

The Fiat Panda, as Jim the sales rep said, is not a Ferrari. But that's the point. It is an ‘essential’ car – an every day, practical, affordable but well-engineered car. A car for actually going somewhere, rather than trying to tell people you are going places. Or as the chairman of Fiat famously put it so brilliantly, “the official car for doing whatever the hell you like.”

Lipscomb Maidstone Performance House Forstal Road Aylesford Maidstone ME20 7XA 08430 225552 Lipscomb Ashford Bridge House Chart Road Ashford TN23 3HZ 08430 225932 www.lipscomb.co.uk

A

Book a Look Complimentary offer to get the best from your Ferrari.

Barkaways are offering a complimentary consultation on Saturday mornings. Bring in your Ferrari and Ian will put your car on the hoist and you will be able to see in, around and under your car to receive invaluable advice and ideas to get the best out of your Ferrari.

Ian will work with you to manage the needs of the car and ways of balancing your budget. To book in for this complimentary consultation contact us on 01622 872100 or email info@barkaways.com.

At Barkaways we deliver aspirational work at reasonable prices.

Come and talk to us about: • Restoration and bodywork • Engine and gearbox rebuilds • Routine service and maintenance Come and meet Ian and the team to discuss what we can do for your Ferrari.

Barkaways, Unit 6, Arnold Business Park, Branbridges Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN12 5LG T: 01622 872100 M: 07738 956 354

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New Panda with TwinAir. No road tax and chuffed drivers as standard.

Eco Warriors, Frugal Folk and Thrill Seekers unite.

New Panda with TwinAir engine is here. With fewer V emissions, fewer trips to the pump and no road tax .

Not to mention a carload of fab features.

So whatever floats your boat, you’ll find it on board the new Panda.

for

people

P ER F O R M A N C E H O U S E , FO R S TA L R OA D, AYL E S F O R D, M A I D S TO N E , K E N T M E 2 0 7 X A. TEL : 0 8 4 3 0 2 2 5 5 5 2

B R I D G E H O U S E , C H A RT ROAD, A S H F O R D, K E N T T N 2 3 3H Z .

T E L: 0 8 4 3 0 2 2 5 9 3 2

Fiat. The car brand with the lowest average CO2 emissions in Europe†. Fuel consumption figures for the Fiat Panda TwinAir range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 56.5 (5.0) - 58.9 (4.8); Extra Urban 74.3 (3.8) - 76.3 (3.7); Combined 67.3 (4.2) - 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions 99 - 95 g/km. VUnder current DVLA regulations

there is no charge for vehicle excise duty in the first year of registration and every subsequent year. Vehicle Excise Duty rates are reviewed annually by the government and are subject to change.

Source: JATO Dynamics. Based on volume-weighted average CO2 emissions (g/km) of the best selling brands in Europe, full year 2011.

†

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Simply insert one AA battery to power the clock and one 9v battery to power the smoke alarm, affix the clock to the wall and you’re simultaneously covered for smoke detection and keeping track of the time.

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LED Sound Sensitive Stool This might seem at first an ordinary white square stool, but make no mistake. Get a little closer and you’ll see that there is a lot more to this piece of furniture than meets the eye. Fitted discreetly within the simply-styled cube is a series of LEDs showcasing 16 colour combinations and four separate lighting effects.

The LED Sound Sensitive Stool comes with a slim-line infrared remote control so you can switch from one light setting to another at the push of a button. From chilled out phasing glow to at-home strobe disco or solid static colour, it’s totally up to you. Hosting a party? Set the cube to ‘sound sensitive’ mode and the show starts. Watch a kaleidoscope of colour patterns move in synchrony to the beats you’re playing. It’s undeniably a cool way to set the party mood going.

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Dog House 2-Man Tent HOTcraze Price: £49.99 (RRP: £59.99) from www.HOTcraze.co.uk For your chance to win, answer the following question and enter online at www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/ doghouse: What is the price of standard UK delivery on the HOTcraze website?

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SPORTS

It’s finally here…

LONDON 2012 Renowned as one of the most prestigious events on the sporting calendar, the Olympic Games have continued to develop into a multi-sport event that unites the nations and exudes patriotic spirit.

However the Olympics were not always on a global scale – the name ‘Olympic’ derives from the Greek City of Olympia, the original location in which the games were held. Both the modern Games and the Games of ancient Greece took place every four years during the months of August and September in order to coincide with the ‘Olympiad’ calendar. BY GEMMA DUNN In 776 BC, the first Olympic result was documented after athlete Coroebus won the only sprint race at the one-day event, although many believe the games existed 500 years prior to this date. In the years to follow, more events were added to the programme and in 1896, the inspirational modern Olympic Games were born. The summer games of 1896 saw 241 athletes compete in nine different sports – a huge contrast to this year in which 10,500 athletes will compete in 36 different sports at London 2012. The 2012 Summer Olympic Games, officially the Games of the XXX Olympiad, will run from 27th July – 12th August, taking precedence in the newly built London venues. The increasingly popular Paralympics will run run shortly shortly after. after.

The prospect of a Paralympic movement first came about at the 1948 London Olympic Games after a sporting event was organised for participants with a disability. Twelve Twelve years years later later and and directly directly after the 1960 Rome Olympic Games, the first inaugural Paralympics took place during which a total of 400 wheelchair-only disabled athletes from 23 different countries participated in organised Olympic-style games for the first time.

42 years on and governed by the IPC (International Paralympic Committee), the Paralympic Games has evolved into a major multi-sport event. This year, a record-breaking 4,200 athletes from 165 countries (16 of which are

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making their Paralympic debut), will compete in the 12-day event. Designed to encourage achievement over disability, the Paralympics continues to provide an undisputable platform for those athletes who otherwise may not have the opportunity to compete at an international level.

Held alongside the Olympic Games, the London 2012 Paralympics will run respectively from 29th August until 9th September 2012. Although this year marks the official Paralympics first time in London, it is in fact the 14th ceremony since its 1960 appointment. The 2012 Paralympic venues will differ dependent on the event – the Olympic Park, ExCeL Centre and the Royal Artillery Barracks are among the locations of choice.

This year, ‘Inspire a Generation’ is the Olympic motto, a dictum that could not be truer of the Olympic purpose. Since its initial recognition in 776 BC, the event has continued to remain at the forefront of the nation’s nation’s mind mind as as a sporting phenomenon outstanding in both spectacle and as a means of nurturing talent.

Don’t miss out this summer on the Olympic goings-on – use the guide below to find out when and where your favourite events will be.

Olympic Events

Archery Venue: Lords Cricket Ground Dates: 27 July – 3 August Held at one of London’s most prestigious venues, this year Archery celebrates 40 years on the Olympic programme. Archery first made its Olympic debut in Paris 1900, before being dropped after the London 1908 games. The sport only once resurfaced in 1920 before being reintroduced at Munich 1972 as a permanent feature. This year, 128 athletes will compete (64 men and 64 women) in a bid to win one of the following four medals: Men’s Individual, Women’s Individual, Men’s Team and Women’s Team.

Basketball Venue: Olympic Park, Basketball Arena: Group phase/women’s quarter finals North Greenwich Arena: Men’s quarter finals/all semi-finals and finals Dates: 28 July – 12 August Since its Berlin debut as a men’s team sport in 1936, Basketball has come a long way in the Olympic calendar. After the women’s event was introduced at Montreal 1976, the sport has become ever more popular – with professional players competing in five Olympic Games over the past 20 years. Today, 144 men and 144 women will compete, with 12 teams in each.

Athletics Venue: Olympic Stadium: Field/Track The Mall: Marathon/Race Walk Dates: 3 August – 12 August With 2000 athletes competing in 47 events across the board, Athletics remains the single largest sport at the Olympic Games. Each country has a total of three athletes in each individual event, and one team of six for each relay event. Athletics can be traced back as far as the ancient Olympics, whilst winners have been recorded as far back as 776 BC.

Beach Volleyball Venue: Horse Guards Parade Dates: 28 July – 9 August Originating from the sunny beaches of California, over the last three decades Volleyball has developed into a globally recognised sport. Since its debut at the Atlanta games in 1996, Beach Volleyball has become one of the more widely watched spectator team events. At London 2012, 24 teams will compete in both the men’s and women’s competition at the temporary arena on the Horse Guard’s Parade.

Badminton Venue: Wembley Arena Dates: 28 July – 5 August Still one of the Olympic’s most dynamic sports, Badminton celebrates its 20th year in the games since its debut in Barcelona in 1992. Today, 172 athletes take part, with each country submitting three athletes in each singles event and four athletes (two pairs) in each doubles. There are five medals up for grabs: Men’s Single, Women’s Single, Men’s Double, Women’s Double and Mixed Doubles.

Boxing Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 28 July – 12 August For the first time since Boxing had its Olympic debut in 1904, a women’s event has joined the programme for 2012. Since being featured at the original games in the 7th Century, Boxing has remained an integral part of the Olympic calendar, with many of the sports biggest names taking Olympic Gold in their career. Each country is permitted one athlete in each of the 13 weight categories: ten men’s and three women’s.

Canoe Slalom Venue: Lee Valley White Water Centre, Hertfordshire Dates: 29 July – 2 August Canoe Slalom first made its debut at the Munich 1972 Olympic Games, but it didn’t become a permanent fixture of the Olympic programme until Barcelona 1992. Each participating country is restricted to one boat per event, with four events to compete in. 61 men and 21 women will compete for medals in the following events: Men’s Canoe Single, Canoe Double, Kayak Single and Women’s Kayak Single.

Canoe Sprint Venue: Eton Dorney, Buckinghamshire Dates: 6 August – 11 August The Canoe Sprint first became a fully registered Olympic sport in 1936, with races distancing over 1000m and 10,000m. Over the years, the races have shortened, with the first 200m race making its debut at London 2012. A total of 246 athletes will take part, with each country entitled to one boat per event covering distances of 200m, 500m and 1000m.

Cycling – BMX Venue: Olympic Park, BMX Track Dates: 8 August – 10 August After making its debut at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, BMX Cycling stands as the newest addition, making only its second appearance in 2012. Originating from California in the 1960s, the pedal-powered sport has since become popular on a global scale. This year, each country is limited to three men and two women who will each take part individually in a bid to take home Gold in their category.

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Cycling – Mountain Bike Venue: Hadleigh Farm, Essex Dates: 11 August – 12 August Much like the BMX, Mountain Biking is one of the more recent additions to the Olympic Games.

Following the first official Mountain Bike World Championships in 1990, it was decided Mountain Biking would make an Olympic debut at Atlanta 1996. Each country is limited to three men and two women, competing only for one title per sex.

Cycling – Road Venue: The Mall/ Box Hill/ Hampton Court Palace Dates: 28 July – 1 August Road Cycling will see four Olympic medal events at London 2012, resulting in one of the largest road cycling events of all time. Road Cycling first appeared at the Olympic Games in 1896, before becoming a permanent fixture in 1912.

Competitors are limited to 5 men and 4 women per country with 4 events to compete in: Men’s and Women’s Road Race and Men’s and Women’s Time Trial.

Cylcling – Track Venue: Olympic Park, Velodrome Dates: 2 August – 7 August Track Cycling has featured in every Olympics since 1896, bar one, with women only joining the event in 1988. At the London 2012 Olympic Games, there are ten Gold medals in nine sessions up for grabs over six action-packed days. 188 competitors will compete in the men’s and women’s Keirin, Sprint, Omnium, Team Pursuit and Team Sprint in the Olympic Park’s newly built Veledrome.

Diving Venue: Olympic Park, Aquatics Centre Dates: 29 July – 11 August Diving made its first Olympic debut in 1904, eight years prior to Women’s Diving introduction in 1912. This sport still remains popular today, perhaps more so since Synchronised Diving

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emerged in 2000. This year each country will admit two athletes in each individual event and one pair in each synchronised event. The events which will feature for 2012 are: 3m Springboard, 10m Platform, Synchronised 3m Springboard and Synchronised 10m Platform.

Equestrian Venue: Greenwich Park Dates: Dressage: 2 August – 9 August.

Eventing: 28 July – 31 July. Jumping: 4 August – 8 August The Olympics Equestrian event is made up of three disciplines: Dressage, Eventing and Jumping. This year, 200 athletes will compete against each other in all three disciplines in what is the only Olympic sport that allows men and women to compete as equals.

Fencing Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 28 July – 5 August As one of the few sports to feature at every one of the games since the modern Olympics, Fencing has continued to grow in popularity. At London 2012, 102 men and 102 women will compete, with each country limited to eight men and eight women across all ten events. Events include: Men’s and Women’s Individual Epée Foil and Sabre, Men’s Team Foil and Team Sabre, Women’s Team Epée and Team Foil.

Football Venue: City of Coventry Stadium, Hampden Park, Millennium Stadium, Old Trafford, St James Park, Wembley Stadium Dates: 25 July – 11 August Football made its initial debut at the Paris games in 1900, during which Britain took home the Gold medal. Football has since featured in every Olympics, with a women’s event only introduced in 1996. Today, each country is limited to one men’s and one women’s team, with 18 athletes per team.

Gymnastics – Artistic Venue: Greenwich Arena Dates: 28 July – 7 August This year a total of 324 gymnasts will compete in the ever-popular Gymnastics event across a total of three disciplines: Artistic, Rhythmic and Trampoline. The men’s individual apparatus and Team competitions first appeared at the Paris 1924 Games, before a women’s team event was introduced in 1928.

Gymnastics – Rhythmic Venue: Wembley Arena Dates: 9 August – 12 August The graceful sport of Rhythmic Gymnastics made its Olympic debut at the LA 1984 Games. A Group event was added to the programme at Atlanta 1996. For 2012, each country will submit eight athletes, all women, two of which will compete individually and six who will work in group events.

Handball Venue: Olympic Park, Copper Box – Preliminary rounds/women’s quarter finals Olympic Park, Basketball Arena – Men’s quarter finals/all semi-finals and finals Dates: 28 July – 12 August Originating from Denmark, Sweden and Germany in the late 19th century, Handball was originally an outdoor sport before making its debut at the Berlin Olympics in 1936. At London 2012, 168 men and 169 women will compete with 12 teams in each hoping to take the title.

Hockey Venue: Olympic Park, Riverbank Arena Dates: 29 July – 11 August London 2012’s brand new Riverbank venue will house this year’s Hockey events, with a pitch that is coloured blue for the first time in history.

Men’s Hockey has remained popular since its debut in the London 1908 Games, with women following the same suit after being introduced at the Moscow 1980 Olympics. For London 2012, 192 men and 192 women will compete in teams of 16.

Trampoline Venue: North Greenwich Arena Dates: 3 August – 4 August The most recent of the gymnastic disciplines to be introduced to the Olympics, trampolining has only been actively a part of the programme since its debut at Sydney 2000. With only two events, one for each men and women, 32 competitors will compete this year to take the title.

Judo Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 28 July – 3 August Judo made its first appearance at the Tokyo 1964 Games 48 years ago. The women’s event was added 28 years later in Barcelona in 1992.

This year, each country will be limited to one athlete per event, with 14 weight categories in total: seven for men and seven for women.

Modern Pentathlon Venue: Copper Box: Fencing Aquatics Centre: Swimming Greenwich Park: Riding Dates: 11 – 12 August London 2012 will see the Modern Pentathlon’s 100 year Olympic anniversary. Although, this event made its first appearance in Stockholm in 1912, it wasn’t until the more recent Sydney 2000 games that women made their debut. This year, four athletes per country (two men and two women) will compete.

Rowing Venue: Eton Dorney, Buckinghamshire Dates: 28 July – 4 August Only evolving as a competitive sport in the last 200 years, rowing has been a permanent fixture since its debut at the Paris games in 1900, with women’s Rowing joining the programme at Montreal 1976. Today, there are 14 men’s and women’s events from single rowers to eight per team.

Sailing Venue: Weymouth and Portland, Dorset Dates: 29 July – 11 August Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will this year play host to ten sailing events: six men’s and four women’s. Since making its Olympic debut at Paris 1900, the sport has become a permanent feature at each game with events ranging from dinghies to windsurfing. 380 athletes will compete in total for the ten medals, with each country limited to one boat per event.

Shooting Venue: Royal Artillery Barracks Dates: 28 July – 6 August With the exception of two Olympic Games at the early part of the century, the popular art of Shooting has featured in every game since the Modern Olympics in 1896. London 2012 will see 28 athletes per country compete across 15 events including Men’s and Women’s Rifle, Pistol and Shotgun.

Swimming Venue: Olympic Park, Aquatic Centre Hyde Park: Marathon Swimming Dates: 28 July – 4 August One of the Olympics’ most popular sports, swimming has featured at every Olympic Games.

Previously held in open water, it wasn’t until 1908 that London hosted the first Swimming event to be held in a pool. With 34 medal events at London 2012, a massive 950 competitors will compete for Gold.

Synchronised Swimming Venue: Olympic Park, Aquatics Centre Dates: 5 August – 10 August This female-only event made its debut at the Olympic Games in LA in 1984, before developing into a much-loved spectator event. Taking place this year in the new Aquatics Centre, 104 competitors will compete in two medal events: the Duet and the Team competition.

Table Tennis Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 28 July – 8 August Table Tennis has come a long way since joining the Olympic agenda in 1988. Each country is limited to three men and women across all four events and two athletes in each singles match.

This year, 172 competitors will fight it out at London 2012 to win the titles for Men’s and Women’s Singles and Men’s and Women’s Team.

Taekwondo Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 8 August – 11 August Translated to mean ‘the way of the foot and fist’, Taekwondo made its first debut only 12 years ago at the Sydney 2000 games. In the present day, the competition is broken down into eight weight categories, four each for men and women, with only one athlete per country allowed to compete in each.

Tennis Venue: Wimbledon Dates: 28 July – 5 August This year’s Tennis event will be held at Wimbledon three weeks after the annual grand slam tournament. Tennis made its debut at the first Modern Olympic Games in 1896 before being dropped in 1924. It was not reintroduced until Seoul 1988, 64 years later. Today, the sport attracts the best of the best to compete in the five medal events: Men’s and Women’s Singles, Men’s and Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

Triathlon Venue: Hyde Park Dates: 4 August – 7 August The first ever Triathlon took place only 12 years ago at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. This year, Hyde Park will welcome 110 of the best triathletes in a bid to compete in two medal events: one for men’s and one for women’s.

Volleyball Venue: Earls Court Dates: 28 July – 12 August Since making its debut at the Tokyo 1964 Games, Volleyball is much more fast-paced and competitive than originally perceived. At London 2012, each country will submit one men’s and one women’s team to make up the 24 teams nationwide.

Water Polo Venue: Olympic Park, Water Polo Arena Dates: 29 July – 12 August Having featured in every Olympic Games since Paris 1900, Water Polo has developed into a popular sport – with a women’s event introduced in 2000 as a result. This year 12 teams will compete, with each qualifying country allocated one team in both the men’s and women’s event.

Weightlifting Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 28 July – 7 August Considered the ultimate test of strength, Weightlifting still remains the most basic form of physical competition. Men’s weightlifting spans back to the first modern Olympics in 1896, whilst a women’s event was only introduced in 2000.

Now bigger than ever, London 2012 will see 260 athletes (156 men and 104 women) compete ten per country to win one of 15 medals in eight men’s and seven women’s categories.

Wrestling Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 5 August – 12 August Recognised today as one of the world’s oldest sports, Wrestling dates back as far as the Ancient Olympics in 708 BC. However, despite such recognition, wrestling only joined the Olympic programme at Athens in 2004. In London 2012, Olympic Wrestling will consist of two disciplines: Greco-Roman (upper body/arm use only) and Freestyle (any body part). A huge 344 athletes will compete for the 18 medals on offer.

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Paralympic Events

Archery Venue: The Royal Artillery Barracks Dates: 30 August – 5 September Archery holds the greatest Paralympic history of all, since featuring on every programme since the inaugural competition in 1960. With rules nearly identical to that of Olympic archery, this year 140 competitors will battle it out over nine medal events.

Athletics Venue: Olympic Stadium: Track/Field The Mall: Marathon Dates: 31 August – 9 September The largest sport by far in the Paralympics, Athletics will see 1,100 athletes compete across a variety of events. Disabilities in these events will range from those athletes in a wheelchair, to the visually impaired. Part of the Paralympic programme since the first Games in Rome in 1960, Paralympic Athletic greats have left their mark.

Boccia Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 2 – 8 September Ball game Boccia, similar to petanque, made its debut at the Paralympics in the New York Games in 1984. Increasingly more popular, the sport is now played in 50 countries and plays an important part in the Paralympic events. A total of 104 athletes will compete in 2012, with each country limited to one team of three athletes in each event.

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Cycling – Road Venue: Brands Hatch, Kent Dates: 5 September – 8 September Originally developed as a sport for the visually impaired athletes, Paralympic Cycling first used tandem bicycles to compete. Now the third largest sport on the programme, 225 competitors, men and women, will take part in 2012 across both road and track. With 32 medal events taking place, including Road Races and Time Trials, Cycling has hugely developed since its introduction to the games in 1984.

Cycling – Track Venue: Olympic Park, Velodrome Dates: 30 August – 2 September London’s 2012 Track Cycling programme will feature more medal events at 18, than any previous Paralympic Games. Since the Paralympic Track Cycling debut at Atlanta 1996, the sport has highly evolved, now with 225 competitors, 14 men’s and seven women’s across both disciplines.

Equestrian Venue: Greenwich Park Dates: 30 August – 4 September This sport actively supports multi-disability, with athletes around the world competing on a regular basis. Equestrian events have been a permanent feature on the Paralympic calendar since 1996.

This year, a total of 78 competitors will compete together in a bid to collect 11 medals, including Individual Champion, Freestyle Tests as well as team events.

Football 5-a-side Venue: Olympic Park, Riverbank Arena Dates: 31 August – 8 September With its debut only eight years earlier, 5-a-side Football is fairly new to the Paralympic programme. This year, eight all-male teams will compete against each other in the brand new Riverbank Arena in a bid to take home the gold medal.

Football 7-a-side Venue: Olympic Park, Riverbank Arena Dates: 1 September – 9 September Governed by the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association, this 7-a-side Football event will see eight men’s teams thrash it out in a 20-match tournament. 7-a-side Football has been part of the Paralympic programme since the New York and Stoke Mandeville 1984 Games.

Goalball Venue: Olympic Park, Copper Box Dates: 30 August – 7 September Now a competitive sport in more than 100 countries, Goalball is one of the most popular sports on the Paralympic programme. Originally a rehabilitation activity for injured soldiers returning from World War II, Goalball has taken off as a sport played by visually impaired athletes using a ball with bells inside. Introduced to the Paralympics in 1980, it continues to remain popular in the present day. In 2012, 132 athletes will compete in 12 men’s and ten women’s teams.

Judo Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 30 August – 1 September Contested by visually impaired athletes, Judo remains the only martial art on the Paralympic programme. Since its debut at Seoul 1988, and later women’s in 2004, the athletes still compete in weight categories. Each country is permitted six men and five women, apart from host country Great Britain, who is authorised seven men and six women.

Powerlifting Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 30 August – 5 September Powerlifting tests the strength of the upper body using a bench press. Competitors are classified in bodyweight, and compete for 20 medals; ten men’s and ten women’s in weight categories.

After its initial debut at Tokyo 1964, ‘weightlifting’ was transformed to ‘powerlifting’ in order to include those athletes with Cerebral Palsy, etc.

Rowing Venue: Eton Dorney, Buckinghamshire Dates: 31 August – 2 September London 2012 will only be the second time Rowing has featured at the Paralympic games. The sport made its Paralympic debut in Beijing 2008 with Great Britain topping the medal table. This year each country will compete with eight athletes and one boat per event. In total, 96 competitors will compete in the Paralympics newest event for 2012.

Sailing Venue: Weymouth and Portland, Dorset Dates: 1 September – 6 September Sailing only became a full medal sport 12 years ago at the Sydney Games in 2000. With just three Paralympic games under its belt, this year a total of 80 athletes will be sailing in the hope of bagging one of three medals: Single Person Keelboat, Two-Person Keelboat and ThreePerson Keelboat.

Shooting Venue: The Royal Artillery Barracks Dates: 30 August – 6 September Held in the historic Royal Artillery Barracks for 2012, the number of competitors this year stands at 140, with three athletes per country, per event.

A fixture in the Paralympics since Toronto 1976, Shooting now showcases 12 events across men’s and women’s.

Swimming Venue: Olympic Park, Aquatics Centre Dates: 30 August – 8 September With 600 competitors, Swimming is the second largest event at the Paralympics and quite possibly the most popular as one of the only sports to remain on the Paralympic calendar since 1960.

For 2012, all swimmers will compete in 150 medal events in the Olympic Park’s new Aquatics Centre.

Table Tennis Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 30 August – 8 September Wheelchair Table Tennis is another of the original Paralympic events, as it has remained on the programme since Rome 1960. London 2012 will see 276 compete in 29 medal events this summer across a range of classifications, both standing and wheelchair.

Sitting Volleyball Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 30 August – 8 September As one of the most fast-paced Paralympic sports, Sitting Volleyball has increased in popularity since its debut in the 1980 Arnhem Games and women’s addition in 2004. This year, ten teams will compete in the men’s and eight in the women’s.

Wheelchair Basketball Venue: Olympic Park, Basketball Arena: Official Group Phase North Greenwich Arena: Initial Group Phase/all quarter finals/semi-finals and finals Dates: 30 August – 8 September Basketball is one of the most popular sports at the Paralympics. Aided with the use of a Wheelchair and now played in over 80 countries, it takes the title of the most dynamic event on the Paralympic programme. Since its debut at Rome 1960, the game has grown more and more popular with 264 competing in 2012.

Wheelchair Fencing Venue: ExCeL Centre Dates: 4 September – 8 September Requiring such precision, Wheelchair Fencing is the only Paralympic sport to feature three different weapons. London 2012 will see 100 athletes fight it out in the ExCeL Centre to win one or more of 12 medals.

Wheelchair Rugby Venue: Olympic Park, Basketball Arena Dates: 5 September – 9 September The Paralympics sport with a fierce side, Wheelchair Rugby first appeared in the Paralympics in 1996 before later being awarded a full medal fixture in 2000. Each country is limited to one team, with 96 competitors in total making up the eight mixed athlete teams.

Wheelchair Tennis Venue: Olympic Park, Eton Manor Dates: 1 September – 8 September Wheelchair Tennis began as an exhibition sport at the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Games, before being introduced as a full medal event at the Barcelona 1992 Games. Since, Wheelchair Tennis has featured at every Game and is more popular than ever. London 2012 will see 112 athletes compete in six medal events: Men’s and Women’s Singles, Quad Singles, Men’s and Women’s Doubles and Quad Doubles.

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insideKENT interviews Kent-based Olympic medallist

STEVE BACKLEY interview by Jill Tipping

STEVE BACKLEY HAS BEEN ONE OF BRITAIN'S MOST CONSISTENT AND POPULAR ATHLETES FOR OVER A DECADE. STEVE ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS ONE OF THE ALL-TIME GREATS OF HIS SPORT HAVING BEEN RANKED IN THE WORLD'S TOP TEN EVERY YEAR BETWEEN 1989 AND 2002.

Steve is the only British track and field competitor to win medals at three different Olympic Games.

He broke the World Record three times and was crowned 'World Athlete of the Year' by the IAAF in 1990.

Steve has now partnered with fellow Olympian Roger Black to form Backley Black, through which they take Olympic performance into the workplace.

Steve has recently published his 12 Rules for Success book, The Champion in all of Us. What was your training schedule like in the run up to the Games? Also, what kind of diet did you have to maintain to keep you fighting fit?

To be honest, at this stage you have done most of the hard work and the run up in the summer is all about getting yourself into competition mode.

So you tend to get involved in preliminary competitions to get your mindset right.

During the winter prior to the games, the hard physical work is done – the sprinting, weights and circuit training. That’s when you eat the right foods to build your strength. Then as April/ May arrives you have to be a bit careful about what you eat as the physical side reduces. It can be easy to put on half a stone and not realise it, so that’s where the low carbs and salads come in, which is quite easy to do in the summer months.

In 1990 and 1992 you had the season’s best distance throw and are still the only GB athlete to hold a spot in the top ten distances for men's best throwers of all time with a mark of 91.46m. Do you have your eye on any current or potential young Olympians who you think will be able to steal your current spot of 8th in the world (or better)?

I’m not sure if there is anyone obvious out there at the moment, but there are definitely a couple of young hopefuls who are currently being nurtured. We will see over the next couple of years if they have what it takes. They are still very young but showing great promise; worth keeping an eye on.

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“Success is a decision, not a gift” is a term that you are very familiar with. Your motivational speeches are proven to do the job. What took you in that direction of work after your own success?

I have always been fascinated in this area. I love to work out what makes people tick and how their minds work. As a young athlete I was always studying other athletes to see how they mentally prepared for their sport. They had specific clarity of thought and a certain frame of mind which allowed them to perform at their best. I then applied it to my training and performances – and it worked. When I finished competing, I realised that I had all of these great messages and I wanted to share them. I wasn’t sure how to at first. I thought, well, do I write a book, do I become a coach, or a speaker? I then went to an event where I saw Roger Black speak and it gave me the idea for the way forward. Five years ago we formed Backley Black and we are now delivering two or three events a week. It’s a great way to share our experiences and to hopefully inspire others.

What was it like to be awarded an MBE in the 1995 New Year’s Honours list and then an OBE in 2003?

There are very few awards that you receive during a sporting career that encapsulates your work as a whole. The MBE and then the OBE really did that for me. For me, it pulled everything I had done over the years together. It is a great honour to receive it and was a fantastic experience to go to Buckingham Palace and meet the Queen.

Definitely an experience like no other and one I will cherish for all time.

What does having the Olympic and Paralympic Games in London mean to you?

When I was competing I was very focussed on the task at hand. As a competitor you really don’t know much about what is going on elsewhere in the Games, so it is a unique experience. Truth is, I will enjoy the games this year more than when I was competing. I will be on the outside looking in, rather than right in the middle. I get

to see the swimming, all the athletics and any other events, so I am really looking forward to it.

I’m looking forward to feeling part of the enormity.

I am privileged to be part of the media and sponsorship team for GB Athletics and I am also one of the Team GB Ambassadors, so I’m still deeply involved, but from a different angle.

In the countdown to the Olympic Games, do you feel this is the year as Great Britain is the host nation that we can shine in the Olympics?

Undoubtedly! Great Britain will shine as a host, as well as on the field. Last Olympics Team GB achieved 19 Gold medals and 47 medals in total – and came 4th in the medal table overall. There is a big gap between 4th and 3rd place (China, USA and Russia tend to sweep the medals there) so 4th is pretty amazing. It’s a great platform for GB to build from.

Not only are you one of Kent’s most prestigious Olympians, you are also one of Great Britain’s. Do you have a favourite area of Kent or something you love to do in your home county?

I have to say that probably my favourite place is where I live in Chislehurst. It has all the attributes of the beautiful Kent countryside but is just 20 minutes away form London Bridge. As a lot of my work is in London, that really is the best of both worlds.

As a kid my favourite place was Broadstairs – the beach at Joss Bay. But out of everywhere, my very favourite place in Kent has to be Royal St George’s Golf Course at Sandwich Bay. I’m a keen amateur golfer and I simply love it down there. And of course, it never rains on the golf course!

For more info on Backley Black, visit www.backleyblack.com For more info on Steve’s book The Champion in all of Us, visit www.stevebackley.com/thechampion-in-all-of-us You can also follow Steve on Twitter @steve_backley

Detling International Antiques & Collectors Fair Kent County Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF

Up to 500 exhibitors in two buildings, shopping arcades, marquees & outside offering a wide range of items from ceramics, glass, vintage clothing, furniture, books, metalware, kitchenalia, postcards, pictures & much more.

Sat 21st - Sun 22nd July Sat 1st - Sun 2nd Sept Sat: Early Entry 8.30am -10am - £6 Sat: Public 10am - 5pm - £4 Sun: 10am - 3.30pm - £4

Tel: 01636 676531 www.b2bevents.info

OPENING WEEKEND 8 to 9 September High Street, Canterbury thebeaney.co.uk facebook.com/thebeaney

The Beaney, House of Art & Knowledge is a partnership between Canterbury City Council and Kent County Council

Combined Ops The Military Show and Vintage Aircraft Weekend 11th/12th August 2012 A Great Family Weekend!

Headcorn Aerodrome

Near Ashford

Pleasure Flights

Military Vehicles in Action

Model Tank and Aircraft Displays

Vintage Military and Classic Aircraft Displays

Tank Rides

s m te 0 a Ga n 1 e Op

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Kent

Militaria Stalls, Food Stalls

Living History Displays

Beer Tent

Battle Re-enactments

40’s Dance Lessons

PRICES

For more information, and online bookings, visit: www.combinedops.co.uk or www.headcornaerodrome.co.uk Entrance fee on the day: Adults £9, Seniors £6, Children (under 18 months) Free (up to 14) £6, Family Ticket £25.

Book online for discount prices: Adults £7 Seniors £5, Children (under 18 months) Free (up to 14) £5, Family Ticket £20.

Online bookings close on 5th August 2012

Aircraft flights subject to weather and operational constraints

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ENTERTAINMENT

LOUNGE ON THE FARM “Enjoy the quaint setting, laidback beats, locally sourced food.” Guardian Guide

“Lounge on the Farm is an expert as showcasing superb new talent set to blow up.”

Clash

© Neil French

The Wombats

6TH – 8TH JULY 2012 / MERTON FARM, CANTERBURY

“With sumptuous weather every year, Lounge on the Farm has created a niche for itself as a gorgeous countryside getaway.”

Drowned In Sound

“A perfect weekend.”

Daily Star

© Neil French

Emeli Sandé

The Charlatans

After 6 successful years, boutique festival Lounge on the Farm will be returning to Canterbury in Kent once again. Armed with its winning combination of unique location on a real, working farm, delicious locally sourced food and familyfriendly atmosphere, Lounge on the Farm – which has previously won ‘Best Line Up’ at the UK Festival Awards – is set to once again present a diverse and reputable line up that represents a mixture of chart-topping acts, hot new bands, DJs and local talent.

Lounge on the Farm was born in 2006 out of the desire to bring a unique slant to the UK summer festival market, and provide an event that promoted Kent and its many performers, musicians, traders and creative talents.

It has been going from strength to strength ever since, winning Best Line Up at the 2009 UK Festival Awards and the Sustainability Award in both 2008 and again in 2011 at the Greener Festival Awards. The gorgeous landscape of Merton Farm on which the festival is situated combines the very best elements for the ultimate British Summertime.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2012?

Lounge on the Farm prides itself on having a carefully selected array of food and drink options that go above and beyond the usual culinary offerings found at festivals. All food and drink on site is 100% locally sourced: the cows are raised

all year on Merton Farm to become the superb burgers and steaks served on site and all the traditional ciders and ales served at the Meadows Bar are locally brewed. The award-winning food market is set to return, featuring staple Lounge classics such as Al’s Hog Roast, Easy Nuh Caribbean Cuisine, MUU sushi, plus the acclaimed Farmhouse Restaurant will once again be relocating from its Canterbury HQ over to Merton Farm especially for the occasion.

The much loved Meadows Area will once again be transformed into a magical wonderland of pop up stalls, pieces and features from local students and Kent creatives, and a new forest pathway between the Main Arena and The Meadows will be constructed. Exciting plans are already in place for large scale art installations – more details of which to come.

Bigger for 2012, the Boutique on the Farm premiere camping area is set to include more pitches for Yurts, Bell Tents and Teepee’s, luxury toilets and showers, plus an appointed Boutique area manager to personally deal with all campers. Suppliers Sleeping Bells, Camping Under the Stars and Tommy’s Teepees will all be providing their beautiful structures to the farm – all of which will be located in a totally new space on the site that is closer to the main action.

Prices start at £395 for a 4 person Bell Tent.

Lounge on the Farm is also excited to announce new additions to the 2012 line-up, including legendary British 80s pop super group C O M P L E T E

L I N E

Dexys, who will be making only one other festival appearance this summer. The band will be playing new hits from their highly anticipated fourth studio album One Day I’m Going to Soar which is the first set for release on 4th June as well as old classics such as ‘Come On Eileen’.

Indie alt-pop duo Summer Camp will be coming down to the farm armed with tunes from their critically acclaimed debut album Welcome To Condale. Fellow Moshi Moshi signing Slow Club and London four-piece Theme Park have also been added to the bill. Mercury Prize nominee Ghostpoet will be bringing his eclectic sound to the farm along with electronic hip hop act Sam Sure & Giacomo and multi-instrument playing siblings Kitty, Daisy & Lewis.

Other new additions to the line-up include solo guitarist Beans On Toast, The Wildes, Rae Morris, Karima Francis, Fountains, Murray James, Kito, yOb, Syd Arthur, The Pantomime Villians, Greater Varsa, Vadoinmessico and Scott McFarnon.

These exciting new additions join previously announced headliners The Charlatans, Brits Critics Choice award winner Emeli Sandé and pop rockers The Wombats.

Lounge on the Farm is also thrilled to announce the initial line up for the Playhouse Comedy Stage which includes Andrew Maxwell, Paul Ince, Phil Kay and Terry Alderton. More names to follow soon.

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Aluna George / Bastille / Beans On Toast / Caspa / Cave Painting / Charli XCX / Chic / Clean Bandit / Dani Groombridge David Rodigan / Dexys / Disclosure / Dismantle / Dub Pistols / Emeli Sandé / Escapist / Fake Blood / Fountains Gemini / Ghostpoet / Goldie / Greater Varsa / Herve / Jagga / Jake Bugg / Jaymo and Andy George / Jess Mills / Karima Francis Kito / Kitty, Daisy & Lewis / Man Like Me / Murray James / Mystery Jets / Niki and the Dove / Pale Seas Pantomime Villains / Peace / Rae Morris / Roni Size / Roots Manuva / Roska and Jamie George / Rudimental / Sam Sure & Giacomo Scott McFarnon / Scratch Perverts / Seye / Slow Club / Sound of Guns / Spector / Stay+ / Swiss Lips / Syd Arthur / The Charlatans The Good Natured / The Heatwave / The Jacobs / The Milk / The Other Tribe / The Wombats / The Wildes / Theme Park Toddla T / Troumaca / Vadoinmessico / Various Cruelties / yOB / Zinc www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk // www.facebook.com/loungeonthefarm // www.twitter.com/loungeonthefarm www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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ENTERTAINMENT

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festival SEASON!

Break out the wellies, don those psychedelic wristbands and get ready to queue for those portaloos – festival season is upon us once more! It’s been a few years since we saw the emergence of festivals on a grand scale, and here in Kent, we are fortunate enough to have seen some really excellent organically grown local events bud and blossom. Here is a selection of some of the best. WORDS AND PHOTOS BY LUKE YATES

HOP FARM FESTIVAL 29 June – 1 July www.hopfarmfestival.co.uk The Hop Farm Festival has been running for five years, and each time has seen it get bigger and better, with an increasingly impressive lineup each time.

With previous headliners including Bob Dylan, Prince and Paul Weller, The Hop Farm manages to mix the old with the new, combining current acts such as Mumford and Sons and Florence and the Machine with classic old artists such as Blondie and Ray Davies, resulting in a festival for all ages, set in beautiful surroundings, catering for all the family. One of the most impressive features of the Hop Farm festival is the welcome and provision made for those bringing children – with funfair activities, friendly staff and a wide range of food and drink, it is truly a family festival in every sense.

This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with some impressively huge names on the bill, including Bob Dylan for his second year, Billy Ocean, Suede, Richard Ashcroft, Peter Gabriel and Damien Rice. Oh and Sir Bruce Forsyth will be tap-dancing, Atlas-posing, singing, dancing and generally pleasing the crowds too - marvellous!

LOUNGE ON THE FARM 6 – 8 July www.loungeonthefarm.co.uk Traditionally, festivals have been all about the music, and such other essentials as food and drink have often been something of a grisly afterthought. Not so at Lounge On The Farm, where the delicious range of mouthwatering and locally grown goodies available are a major selling point, and are given an almost equal billing to the music.

Lounge has been running since 2006, and very rightly won an award for Best Lineup at the 2009 Festival Awards. The event takes place on a real working farm, complete with straw and music loving animals, and is another fine example of a festival designed to be fun for all the family. Into its sixth year of running, the folks at Lounge really have got things down to a fine art, resulting in an experience that leaves you feeling that wonderful

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old-fashioned concept – that you are a valued customer, and that nothing is too much trouble for you.

The music on offer is pretty impressive too – with a truly diverse array of acts on offer including Emeli Sandé, The Charlatans, Dexys (of the Midnight Runners variety no less!), Goldie, Mystery Jets and The Wombats.

HEVY FESTIVAL 3 – 6 August www.hevy.co.uk/2012 If you enjoy a bit of circle-moshing, stage diving and generally prefer your music full-fat and heavily caffeinated, Hevy may well be the festival for you.

Pulling no punches with its lineup, it is one of the finest run festivals in Kent, and is now into its fourth year, and staged at the Port Lympne Zoo, where only the animals are perhaps scarier than some of the bands.

Some huge names on the heavy metal scene will be appearing at this safari-tastic event. Andrew WK will be partying hard with the monkeys, the frankly terrifying Glassjaw might well be inflicting a Siberian Kiss on the tigers... and... well I can’t think of any more clever song title/zoo related quips, but rest assured with the likes of Hundred Reasons, H2O and local heroes the magnificent James Cleaver Quintet (of the truly fabulous ‘riding down a hill on karts playing Buck Rogers’ Lucozade commercial), this is going to be a epically loud, and immensely enjoyable event.

Parents of metal-headed teens wanting to attend the festival will be interested and reassured to note that in keeping with the very sensible way the organisers of Hevy run the event generally, your little rock gods will be kept safe and sound on site and won’t be able to wander off into the local countryside – something that probably also sets the minds of the local residents at rest too!

FOLKESTONE SKABOUR 10 – 12 August www.folkestoneskabourfestival.co.uk Two years ago, designer John Sims thought it would be a bit of fun to have some bands playing in Folkestone Harbour. From there, and with the help

of a few friends, it has become a full blown and much respected local festival, attracting visitors from all over the world to sample its fishy charms, and pulling an estimated total of around fifteen thousand people.

The festival is somewhat distributed across town, utilising some brilliant local venues, such as the Leas Cliff Hall, the Quarterhouse and the True Briton ‘Nite Klub.’

Skabour is a living, breathing, dare I say skanking testimony to what happens when a community pulls together, and shows what can be achieved by just a few people.

The combination of great music with visual splendidness means the harbour really comes alive, and even if you aren’t interested in the music (and if not, what’s wrong with you?) it’s still worth going along to have a look, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Currently boasting the magnificent Bad Manners (there’s a name that takes me back to my childhood!) this year’s festival promises to be bigger and ruder than ever, and all the latest news and gossip can be found on the Folkestone Skabour website, or on their very active Facebook and Twitter pages.

SOUND ISLAND FESTIVAL AT QUEX PARK

taking their children along, providing them with a safe introductory foray into the realm of the music festival. The event is day-ticket only, so there’s no need to sleep in a tent and end up smelling damp and looking muddy.

ONE LOVE FESTIVAL 10 – 12 August www.onelovefestival.co.uk Another successful and thoroughly enjoyable festival at the Hop Farm I hear you cry? Surely not? Well, yes in fact, as the One Love festival comes to Kent!

Created in 2008 as the UK’s 30th anniversary of Bob Marley’s famous concert of the same name and hailed as “The UK’s number one reggae and dub camping event”, One Love has for the past four years seen music lovers soaking up the summer sun whilst listening to some excellent music.

This year the event will be including the likes of Freddie McGregor, Frankie Paul, Cornel Campbell, Dub Syndicate, Michigan and Smiley, Tapper Zukie, Kevin Issacs and many more.

In the words of the great man himself, let’s get together and feel alright!

28 – 29 July www.soundfestivalsuk.com/

Echo and the Bunnymen

At the very opposite end of the festival spectrum to events like Skabour, comes the Sound Festivals – a banner for various festivals run all over the country, enjoying some well known artists on their lineup.

The Sound Island Festival in Thanet is no exception, providing festivalgoers with the opportunity to see the likes of current faves such as Olly Murs and Rizzle Kicks as well as ‘heritage’ (as the Sound Festivals website so tactfully puts it) artists such as Echo and the Bunnymen, James and Inspiral Carpets.

A well run event with a familiar branding is likely to appeal to parents

CASTLE CONCERT ROCHESTER 18 – 21 July A series of concerts perhaps rather than a festival, for those who prefer Pimms to Fosters, and sandwiches to burgers, this is an altogether more refined event, free of tents, mud fights and strangely patterned wellington boots, situated in the somewhat more classic setting of Rochester castle, over four nights this summer.

Previous years have seen an impressively diverse range of artists performing, including the likes of Status Quo, McFly, Will Young, The Wanted, Squeeze, N-Dubz and Peter Andre.

This year’s event promises to deliver once more with the ever-youthful Steps, soul man Alexander O’Neal, Jools Holland and his unfeasibly long fingers, and the ever-hirsute and funky Billy Ocean providing great music before the event climaxes on the 21st with The Royal Philharmonic Concerts Orchestra.

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LONDON IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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G O I N G

Designing 007 – Fifty Years of Bond Style

Summer Holidays

6 July – 5 September

Various dates

007 fans will be in seventh heaven this summer when The Barbican celebrates the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise with an exhibition of movie memorabilia. The show takes over some of The Barbican’s major spaces and charts the evolution of the secret agent’s style over the past five decades.

Need some inspiration for how to spend the school holidays? Venues across London are putting on a rich and varied programme of special events to keep all ages happy this summer.

Exhibits on show include costumes worn by the six actors to have played Bond since Dr. No in 1962, as well as some of the gadgets and weapons used by 007 and his foes. The multi-sensory exhibition also explores the behind the scenes craftsmanship that has gone into creating the timeless screen icon, from set design to poster art. Tickets cost £8.00 - £12.00. http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/james-bond-exhibition-londonarticle-11474.html

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Kids can live the big top dream courtesy of the Gorilla Circus flying trapeze classes, or head to the Museum of Childhood for free puppet shows, outdoor games and art workshops.

There’s also the Innocent Fruit Sports Day at Regent’s Park, which features contests such as the squash-put and marrow-thon. Other events taking place include IMAX film screenings, carnival processions, a family roller disco and plenty of child-friendly exhibitions across London. http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/summer-holiday-london-featureroundup-4052.html

London 2012 Olympic Games 27 July – 12 August

Lovers of Spanish cuisine and culture can enjoy a weekend of festivities at Potters Fields by Tower Bridge when the Tapas Fantasticas festival makes a welcome return to London.

This free festival celebrates the very best in Spanish food and drink, with some of London’s finest restaurants setting up camp in the park to offer a selection of specialist regional dishes. There are also cookery demonstrations, wine workshops, live music and a dedicated arts and crafts area for children.

Admission is free. http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/tapas-fantasticas-wine-festivalarticle-6934.html

Olympic fever finally reaches its peak on 27th July, when the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games starts a fortnight of sporting endeavour. Regardless of whether or not you’ve managed to get tickets, there are plenty of events taking place across the city where you can feel a part of all the action.

The centre for the events will be the 2.5 square kilometre Olympic Park in east London, which houses the Olympic Stadium as well as venues such as the Aquatics Centre and the Velodrome. There are also Live Sites set up across the city, where you can cheer on the action broadcast on big screens, while Hyde Park and Victoria Park are hosting concerts and more once-in-a-lifetime events to tie into the Olympics. http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/london-2012-olympics

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LONDON IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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LolliBop Festival 17 – 19 August Aimed at children under the age of 10 but with plenty to entice and entertain older children too, the LolliBop Festival returns to London for three days of music, theatre, workshops and more interactive fun.

Highlights include special appearances from the Zingzillas and the cast of Shrek the Musical. There are also Horrible Histories workshops, the Mr Men and Little Miss Party Road Show, fairground rides and the chance to meet Dick and Dom, as well as many more beloved children’s characters from the worlds of books and television. Tickets cost £25.00 - £33.00. http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/lollibop-kids-festival-londonarticle-9949.html

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series of concerts has garnered an impressive reputation not only for the music but for the fun-filled atmosphere too, with balmy evenings the icing on the cake. This year sees the likes of Status Quo, M People, Will Young, James Morrison and the Gypsy Kings performing live, with plenty of special guests and surprises lined up too.

And if you fancy doing it in real style, you can give yourself the VIP treatment, with indulgent picnic hampers, champagne, a complimentary bar and your own private garden in which to settle in and let all that fine music make its way into your grateful ears. http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/tickets/kew-the-music-tickets-feature3956.html

Wireless Festival 6 – 8 July

Wimbledon Tennis Championships 25 June – 8 July The eyes of the world won’t only be on London for the Olympics, they’ll also be sweeping over Centre Court and its very pleasant surroundings as the oldest tennis championships in the world return to the All England Club in Wimbledon. It’s the most prestigious tournament on the tennis calendar so expect to see all the big guns slugging it out on the grass, with the likes of Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Sharapova, the Williams sisters and of course our very own Andy Murray vying to do a bow or curtsey in front of the royal box.

Although tickets to the big matches sell out pretty fast, many fans either plump for the earlier rounds or simply take to Murray’s Mound to watch the action on the big screen, with a punnet of strawberries, a jug of cream and something cold and fizzy on the side. All three are obligatory, according to officials. http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/wimbledon-tennischampionships-feature-event-4034.html

The huge party in Hyde Park survives possible postponement in style, saying boo hiss to the Olympics by putting on one of their strongest line-ups to date. Headline act Rihanna is joined by Jessie J, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Calvin Harris, Deadmau5, The Roots, Example and a whole host more for what should once again be one of the definitive highlights of London’s live music calendar. Tickets are selling out fast though, so if you want to be tapping your toes in the summer sun, whilst supping on an ice cold drink with the splendour of Hyde Park all around, you better move fast.

http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/wireless-festival-tickets.aspx

Film 4 Summer Screens 16 – 27 August Somerset House is the sumptuous backdrop to another series of al fresco

South West Four 25 – 26 August Clapham Common once again gets ready for a right royal knees-up in the summer sun as some of the world’s finest turntable technicians do their thing in SW4. South West Four will once again be extending itself into a two day affair, so you’ll be able to party like there’s no tomorrow, only to find out there will be. And when there are the likes of Diplo, Erick Morillo, Carl Cox, Skrillex, Chase and Status and Eric Prydz on the ones and twos, plus a headline slot from Public Enemy, you can expect it to be pretty darn good fun. http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/south-west-four-weekender-tickets

Kew The Music 3 – 8 July Kew Gardens once again welcome a fascinating selection of live music, all served up in one of the most captivating spots the country has to offer.

Taking place over the best part of a week in the height of summer, this

film screenings as the famous London landmark once again creates an intimate cinema experience, playing host to film fans and a selection of marvellous movies. There’s a good range of flicks on offer too, with UK premieres (On the Road and Lawless), classics (The Birds, Apocalypse Now and The Temple of Doom) and cracking combinations such as Enter the Void alongside Chemical Brothers: Don’t Think, and Sexy Beast screened alongside the smash hit, Drive.

And if you’re really keen and arrive a little early you can enjoy a DJ set or two, talks from leading lights from the industry, fine food and of course, the best chance of nabbing a prime spot. http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/film-4-summer-screen-article3411.html

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KentEvents EVENTS

SEVENOAKS SUMMER FESTIVAL // 23 JUNE – 8 JULY

As always, Festival Fair opens proceedings this year on Saturday 23rd June and will feature continuous jazz, rock and blues music, the everpopular Longnose Puppets, Bobbo the Clown, and the Schools Music Stage, as well as exciting innovations, including (in the Vine Gardens) the first-ever appearance in Sevenoaks of Colourscape, an amazing visual and auditory experience. Special thanks are due to the Town Council and local firms for their generous support, without which there'd be no Festival.

For more information visit www.sevenoaksfestival.org.uk or email rayrussell@sevenoaksfestival.org.uk

OPEN AIR SHAKESPEARE: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – CHARLTON PARK // 3 JULY

Gardens open from 6pm. Show at 7pm. Please bring chairs, rugs and picnics. Bar, hot drinks and ice cream available.

Tickets £12 Adults, £7 Children/Students, £32 Family (2+2) For more information visit www.charlton-park.org

DOVER FESTIVAL PROM CONCERT // 6 JULY

A selection from the musical Oliver, Hubert Parry’s “I was glad” and Handel’s “Zadok The Priest”. And all the usual Last Night of the Proms items: “Jerusalem”, “Land of Hope and Glory”, “Rule Britannia” etc. and a visit from Britannia herself!

This year’s designated charity is The Pilgrim’s Hospice, and the choice of music is influenced by The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Dickens. Tickets are £7 (£3.50 for promenaders). 7.30pm.

For more information visit www.doverchoralsociety.org.uk or email info@doverchoralsociety.org.uk

THE KENT COUNTY SHOW // 13-15 JULY

LEEDS CASTLE OPEN AIR CLASSICAL CONCERT // 14 JULY

The inspiring outdoor programme welcomes back John Rigby as conductor and includes performances by leading tenor Wynne Evans and the Capital Voices, returning to perform songs from the iconic band, Queen to entertain the audience. The dynamic conductor / orchestra partnership promises to provide an exceptional and diverse musical repertoire, accompanied by spectacles such as air display by nostalgic aircraft such as the Spitfire. The Military Wives Choir, the product of the BBC Two reality show The Choir, is also appearing.

Tickets are held at last year’s prices at £34 each for picnic style and only £44 each in the seated areas.

For more information visit www.heritageevents.co.uk or email enquiry@heritage-events.co.uk

NEIL BUCHANAN’S BACK STREET GAMES // 17 JULY – 9 SEPTEMBER

As the real Olympic torch passes through Tunbridge Well on Tuesday 17TH July to celebrate the largest sporting event of the year, Woods Restaurant in the elegant and historic Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells, will be hosting an art exhibition of Neil Buchanan’s Back Street Games to celebrate what Neil Buchanan describes as the ‘smallest’ sporting event of the year – his Back Street Games. Added to this fans of ‘the Art Attack Man’ will have a chance to meet and talk to the fine artist about his new collection during a ‘Meet the Artist’ evening at Woods on Wednesday 18th July from 6-8pm, where Woods will serve a beautiful selection of canapés and a free glass of wine per person. www.woodsrestaurant.co.uk / www.neilbuchanan.co.uk Wood’s Restaurant, 62 The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TN

THE HOP FARM – WAR AND PEACE SHOW // 18-22 JULY

A huge show itinerary includes a variety of displays, equine events, livestock exhibits, countryside competitions and displays including gundogs, birds of prey and donkeys, and entertainment at the village green with brass bands, acoustic music, Morris dancers and others.

For more information visit www.kentshowground.co.uk or email info@kentshowground.co.uk The Kent County Show, Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF

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Now in its 30th year, The War and Peace Show offers a diverse fun-packed programme to keep you entertained for a whole day or even a week! Bring your friends and family for thIS ultimate day out – experience thrilling tank action in the arena, authentic living history camps and breathtaking battle re-enactments to really bring history to life.

Adults £19.30, Children £17.20, Seniors £17.20, Family (2+2) £63.30.

Discount of 10% if booked online the day before you visit.

For more information visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk or email info@thehopfarm.co.uk The Hop Farm Family Park, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge TN12 6PY

KENT CAMRA BEER FESTIVAL // 19-21 JULY

This three day event is the second oldest Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) beer festival in England. It is organised and staffed by CAMRA members.

“Beer on the farm” is the unofficial motto of the Kent Beer Festival, which is held in a large barn on a working farm just outside the city of Canterbury.

Kent has a rich brewing heritage and you’ll find beers from nearly all 26 Kent breweries grouped together on the left-hand side of the barn. Other British beers are on offer at the other two bars. As well as real ale, the Kent Beer Festival also sells real cider and a wide range of mainly bottled foreign beers. www.kentbeerfestival.com or email gillandgerrykeay@btinternet.com Merton Farm, Merton Lane South, Off Nackington Lane, Canterbury CT4 7BA

NEW ROMNEY COUNTRY FAYRE AT ROMNEY MARSH // 21 JULY

The New Romney Country Fayre is held on St Martin's Field and the Fairfield Road Recreation Ground in New Romney, which is just off the High Street.

It is the largest free event on Romney Marsh, attracting over 7,000 visitors from all over the south east of England. Since it began in 1994, the Fayre has grown into a massive event and has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for local organisations and charities who take part in the event.

For more information visit www.newromneycountryfayre.co.uk or email info@newromneycountryfayre.co.uk

A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS AT KENT AND EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY // 21-23 JULY

Families are invited to come along to The Kent & East Sussex Railway in Tenterden between 21 and 23 July 2012 to meet everyone’s favourite steam engine Thomas the Tank Engine. Thomas will be making exclusive appearances at Tenterden station with some of his friends including 'Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller'. Tickets cost from £13.50 per adult and £10.50 per child and include a one-hour train ride behind one of the Railway’s engines, the chance to enjoy ‘Thomas & Friends’ station scenarios as well as a daily fun-packed programme of children’s events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown.

For more information visit www.kesr.org.uk

WHISTABLE OYSTER FESTIVAL // 23-29 JULY

The Whitstable Oyster Festival is all about Whitstable, old and new. It's a whole week of festivity celebrating Whitstable's fascinating history and unique heritage alongside its contemporary talent and enthusiasm for fun.

Enjoy an eclectic and entertaining mix of outdoor and indoor events including family, heritage, arts and food and drink. All are affordable, many are free and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Visit www.whistableoysterfestival.com for the full programme of events and locations.

BECOME A FARMER FOR THE DAY AT THE HOP FARM FAMILY PARK – 3 SEPTEMBER 2012

Get your wellies at the ready as The Hop Farm Family Park, one of Kent’s largest children’s attractions, is promising six weeks of summer holiday entertainment with Farmer Tom and the Hop Squad. If your children are animal crazy or love getting stuck in, The Hop Farm is the summer holiday destination for them.

The Hop Farm is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm. Tickets cost from just £10.35 for children. For more information and to book tickets visit www.thehopfarm.co.uk or call 01622 872 068.

CLARKSON'S VINTAGE MUSIC HALL AT TOM THUMB THEATRE // 25 JULY

Traditional Olde Tyme Music Hall Show featuring song, dance, drama and laughter! Resident company in beautifully costumed medleys and their own acts plus speciality guest artistes in six different programmes.

2:30-7:30pm. £8.

For more information visit www.tomthumbtheatre.co.uk

GRUESOME QUEST AT DOVER CASTLE // 1-7 AUGUST

Follow the gruesome clues around the castle. Find them all and receive your prize. Tickets will be available to purchase at the event site on the day and are not available to book in advance.

Adults £16.50, Concessions £14.90, Children £9.90, Family ticket £42.90, English Heritage Members FREE. 10am to 5pm For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/dovercastle or email customers@english-heritage.org.uk

TUDOR FALCONRY AT HEVER CASTLE & GARDENS // 4-5 & 26-27 AUGUST

Breathtaking displays of Tudor Falconry are planned for August 4th – 5th and the Bank Holiday weekend August 26th – 27th. Marvel as magnificent birds of prey soar overhead, before returning to their costumed historic falconers. The archers will be leaving the castle forecourt for the Events Field at 12.45pm and 2.45pm. Falconry display 1pm and 3pm.

For more information visit www.hevercastle.co.uk or phone 01732 865224

HERNE BAY CARNIVAL AT HERNE BAY // 11 AUGUST

Herne Bay Carnival is one of East Kent's largest Carnivals. It is always well supported by the community and many visitors flock to the town for Carnival day.

For more information visit http://tiny.cc/hernebaycarnival2012 or phone 01227 364836

COMBINED OPS 2012 // 11-12 AUGUST

Headcorn Special Events and Invicta Military Vehicle Presentation Society (IMPS) is organising this military spectacular. The family show at Headcorn Aerodrome has a variety of vintage aircraft taking off and landing, and has some of the most amazing displays of military hardware which includes static military vehicles, flying displays, living history and re-enactment groups, arena events, military stalls and much much more.

For more information visit www.combinedops.co.uk or phone 01883 740276

KENT PARALYMPIC ROADSHOW // 14-23 AUGUST

In the 17 day gap between the end of the London 2012 Olympic Games and the beginning of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Kent will be running a Paralympic Roadshow with a range of Paralympic sports to try and maybe get the chance to meet a potential Paralympian from Kent.

The roadshow will travel around the county in the form of a double decker bus packed with Paralympic sports equipment and sports wheelchairs as well as information leaflets about Kent Paralympic athletes (so that you know who to look out for during the London 2012 Paralympic Games).

Various dates and times. Visit http://tiny.cc/kentparalympicroadshow for more information.

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EVENTS HOCKEY MASTERS WORLD CUP // 14-24 AUGUST

In this Olympic/Paralympic year, the inaugural FIH Masters World Cup takes place in England from 14-24 August 2012. The tournament will be held at Polo Farm, Canterbury Hockey Club. The tournament will involve teams from all over the world including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and the USA as well as a strong representation from European countries including all the home nations. The Masters World Cup will encompass the ladies age groups Over 35, Over 40, Over 45 and Over 50 and the men's age groups Over 40, Over 45, Over 50 and Over 55. www.hockeymastersworldcup.org Littlebourne Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT3 4AF

WHITSTABLE 219TH ANNIVERSARY REGATTA AT TANKERTON SLOPES // 18-19 AUGUST

This year there will be two flying displays, Saturday by a Hurricane and a Spitfire from the memorial flight; Sunday an air sea rescue demonstration featuring an air/sea rescue Sea King helicopter and Whitstable RNLI. Fireworks Saturday evening over the bay, EKHO re-enactment group, a fairground, stalls of all types, a dog show on Saturday and children's races on Sunday, plus live entertainment, Punch & Judy, magic shows and children's entertainers. New cars to dream over and motorbikes of yester year. Hot and cold food, ice cream and lots more. Not forgetting the Greasy Pole and Whistable’s very own fantastic Quadriplegic Sailor Hilary Lister who sailed single hand around Britain and did it all by blowing or sucking on 3 straws.

For more information visit www.whitstablelionsclub.org.uk

HERNE BAY FESTIVAL // 18-26 AUGUST

A SUMMER SQUALL // 25-27 AUGUST The third Summer Squall arts festival in Ramsgate!

This year's Squall runs between Saturday 25th – Monday 27th August and presents around 70 events and activities taking place both in and outdoors.

Theatre, music, film, comedy, dance, workshops, a craft market, activities and performances at the harbour and around Ramsgate, with something to entertain and inspire, whatever your age.

Professional artists from Kent and around the UK take part.

Most events free of charge, a ticket needed for some evening performances.

Ramsgate Royal Harbour CT11 8LS

CANTERBURY’S BEANEY ART MUSEUM AND LIBRARY CELEBRATES ITS REOPENING WITH A WEEKEND OF CELEBRATION // 8-9 SEPTEMBER

Join in on a highlights tour for adults or families or stroll through the galleries and library at your own leisure. Visit the learning lab and create a piece of art inspired by sculptures and artefacts and enjoy the opening exhibition of drawings and small sculptures by Henry Moore.

Free admission The Beaney Art Museum & Library, High Street, Canterbury 01227 378100 / www.thebeaney.co.uk / www.facebook.com/thebeaney

As well as rock and roll bands, lindyhopper dance displays, a vintage market and street theatre, for the first time an airshow will be taking place throughout the afternoon.

There will be a number of performances from some of the best air display teams in the UK including a Mustang P-51D, Spitfire Mk IXB and Breiting Wingwalkers! The day is set to be packed full of free events for all the family, so make sure you don't miss out.

For more information visit www.hernebayfestival.com or phone 01227 862 000

THE GRUFFALO LIVE AT THE MARLOWE THEATRE // 22-25 AUGUST

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical and musical adaptation of the award-winning picture book by Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.

10.30am (not Wed) and 1.30pm.

Tickets: £12, Groups: All tickets £10 for groups of 10+ and one free ticket for every ten booked.

Children Eat For Free! Children seeing this show eat for free in the Marlowe’s Riverside Restaurant (one free meal for every equivalent adult meal). For bookings made via the internet a booking fee of £2.50 applies. A charge of £1 applies if you would also like your tickets posted.

For more information visit www.marlowetheatre.com or email marlowetheatre@canterbury.gov.uk The Marlowe Theatre, The Friars, Canterbury, CT1 2AS

LOOKING FOR SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS? CHECK OUT PAGE 120 FOR SOME OF KENT’S BEST!

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10BEST

T H E

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B E S T

Everyday Superfoods ALMONDS • Can speed up weight loss • Vitamin E for skin health • Can lower blood pressure

TOMATOES • Packed full of Lycopene, which is essential in helping prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, not to mention cancer

WILD SALMON • Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids • Can lower risk of heart disease • Can help with memory loss and Alzheimer’s

AVOCADO • Contains 14 minerals • Great source of antioxidants • Slow-burning fuel

BROCCOLI • Rich in cholesterol-reducing fiber • Good source of calcium • Can help prevent cancer

BLUEBERRIES • Can lower the risk of heart disease • Helps maintain healthy skin • Can lower the risk of cancer

DARK CHOCOLATE (60%+) • Can contribute to improved cardiovascular health • Packed with natural antioxidants • Low glycemic index (doesn’t raise blood sugar levels) EGGS • Source of high-quality protein • Contains antioxidants for eye health • Contains lutein to help shield your skin from UV damage

LENTILS • High in protein and iron • Provides long-lasting energy • Can help lower cholesterol

SPINACH • Filled with vitamins A, C and K • Good source of folate, plus calcium, fiber, iron, potassium and vitamin E

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