insideKENT Issue 2 - Sep/Oct 2010

insideKENT SEP-OCT 2010

kent’s premier luxury lifestyle magazine

AUTUMN IN THE AIR

Prepping for winter, days out and the history of Halloween

KENT ART Creative talent abounds in the Garden of England

TEMPT YOUR TASTEBUDS

Michael Caines Restaurant at the ABode, Canterbury

FASHION REVOLUTION

watts

Luxe autumn styles, insipring accessories and sexy boots guaranteed to cause a stir

NAOMI

++

FINDING HARMONY IN WHAT SHE HAS

THE ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE // LOCAL NEWS // EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH BRITISH ACTOR ALFRED MOLINA // A FAMILY HOLIDAY AT EUROPA PARK // BUSINESS // THE BEST LUNCHES IN KENT // GETAWAY TO THORNBURY CASTLE // HOSTING A HALLOWEEN DINNER PARTY // GLAMOUROUS LAMPS TO WARM YOUR HOME // KENT EVENTS AND MUCH MORE

Creating beautiful landscaped gardens in Kent from design to construction

Chambers Wharf Landscapes has years of experience designing, building and maintaining stunning landscapes and conservations across the South of England and beyond.

We undertake projects nationwide in both the domestic and commercial sectors, for both private clients and developers. Our projects range in size from vast estate designs & builds to maintenance of beautiful natural Kentish grounds and lakes.

Our experienced design team aims to unlock the full potential of your project or landscape whatever the size, whatever the location, whilst imprinting the client’s requirements. Prior to any project, one of our design team will visit your home or premises to survey the work in question. We can also provide terrace, driveway or patio sketches, planting schemes, landscape design, irrigation and lighting design.

Our work includes: Landscaping & Design / Driveway & Patio Construction Fencing & Decking / Garden Maintenance / Horticulture Planting Schemes / Earthworks & Aggregates / Ornamental Barks Loams & Topsoils / Conservation Work / Lake & Pond Construction Woodland & Pond Management Please feel free to contact us to book an initial site visit.

WELCOME

WELCOME TO insideKENT – KENT’S PREMIER LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE. It seems the summer has gone with the wind and autumn is upon us with falling leaves, looming clouds and chilly breezes. But saying goodbye to summer isn’t all bad. Along with the changing weather comes cozy fashions, days out in the brisk air and of course, Halloween. Our autumn issue of insideKENT is filled to the brim with interesting articles, the hottest products, the best places for meals out and much more.

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending ‘A Day of Boys’ Toys Indulgence’ at Bentley, Sevenoaks, where I lusted after the many luxury cars, diamond jewellery and vintage wines they had on display. One of the most eye-catching motors to make an appearance was the Aston Martin Rapide, which you can read all about on p82.

Sticking to the subject of luxury, make sure you read about some fantastic getaways to Thornbury Castle (p74), K West Hotel (p76) and beautiful Barcelona (p78). If it’s fashion you’re after, check out some bang-on-trend autumn outfits on p36, and the best boots of the season on p38.

As many Kent residents know, our county boasts some of the most talented artists in England. In this issue we feature a small handful of this creative talent on p63. You can also read about Folkestone-based watercolour painter Phyllis McDowell on p62.

If you’re after some prizes, this issue has some fabulous ones – a Molton Brown spa treatment (p42), HuntFun Treasure Hunts (p69), two nights at the exquisite Hotel Verta, London (p45) and to get you in the Christmas spirit a bit early, a fair trade Christmas tree in your choice of size (p33).

To add some glitz and glamour to Kent’s premier luxury lifestyle magazine, sneak a peek into the life of the beautiful and talented Naomi Watts, plus read an insideKENT exclusive interview with British actor Alfred Molina.

We want to thank all of our readers for the incredible feedback and support we’ve received for insideKENT. The first issue was a huge success, as was our launch party held on 6th July at the ABode, Canterbury (p94). Keep the comments coming, and don’t forget you can subscribe to insideKENT for just £12 for 12 issues. For more info, visit www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/subscribe

Donna Martin // Editor donna@sidewaysmedia.co.uk www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

Don’t miss a beat. Follow insideKENT on Facebook & Twitter.

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CONTENTS 46

NAOMI WATTS

22

LISTED PROPERTIES

25

THE PERFECT SPACE

40

PREPPING FOR WINTER

54

MICHAEL CAINES RESTAURANT

59

GOTHIC SOIRﾃ右

63

LOCAL ART

WIN! A Fair Trade Christmas Tree - p33 A Molton Brown Spa Treatment - p42 2 Nights at Hotel Verta, London - p45 A HuntFun Treasure Hunt - p69 78

BARCELONA

82

THE ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE

10

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

56

CELEBRITY CHEF MICHAEL CAINES RECIPE Chocolate Tart with Coffee Anglaise and Crème Chantilly

15

YOUR BUSINESS WK Finn Kelsey’s Rob Reynolds gives advice on Property Capital Allowances

59

GOTHIC SOIRÉE Hosting a Halloween dinner party

16

LOCAL PROFILES insideKENT interviews local businesswoman Joyce Pearce of Josh Lingerie

60

A CRUNCHY BITE OF FRIGHTS Apple traditions and the history of Halloween

62

ARTIST PROFILE Watercolour artist Phyllis McDowell

63

LOCAL ART Extraordinary art from Kent's finest

18

PROPERTY The Final Phase at Bayeuxfields, ideal for first time buyers and young professionals

22

LISTED PROPERTIES The cornerstones of our heritage

66

ST EDMUND'S A first class educational opportunity for your children

25

THE PERFECT SPACE Creating your ideal kitchen and bathroom

70

THE GREAT OUTDOORS A day out in Meopham

27

CREATIVE VISIONS FOUNDATION Can one soul change our universe?

74

ESCAPE TO THORNBURY CASTLE Nineteenth century indulgence

28

LUXURIOUS LIGHT Glamourise your space with a gorgeous light

76

THE K WEST HOTEL, LONDON A seriously cool choice

30

COMPACT AUDIO LUXURY The M80 high-performance compact entertainment system

78

BARCELONA LUXURY Discover Barcelona's leading hotels

33

A FAIR TRADE CHRISTMAS Bring fair trade Christmas trees to the UK

80

EUROPA PARK A family holiday in Germany

34

SHOES, SIZES AND GROOMING FOR MEN Men's fashion guru Rachel Gold gives tips and tricks on how to look your best

82

THE ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE The world's most beautiful four-door sports car

35

AUTUMN FASHION Men's and women's styles for the changing weather

86

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

38

A BOOT REVOLUTION Boot season has arrived

88

THE WORLD'S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING Raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support

40

PREPPING FOR THE WINTER CHILLS The latest tips and essentials to keep you looking beautiful

89

DINNER AND A MOVIE The Quarterhouse, Folkestone

46

NAOMI WATTS Not just another pretty face

91

THE OPEN AIR CLASSICAL CONCERT A Leeds Castle summer extravaganza

50

CURRY PARTY Fresh homemade curries from The Chai Stop

92

KENT FESTIVALS A look inside Hevy and Hop Farm

51

GOOGIES ART CAFÉ In the 'art' of Folkestone

94

insideKENT LAUNCH PARTY A celebrations of Kent's premier luxury lifestyle magazine

52

7 HOTEL DINER An authentic American eatery

96

CELEBRITY EXCLUSIVE: ALFRED MOLINA insideKENT interviews the British film star

54

MICHAEL CAINES RESTAURANT Gourmet dining at the ABode, Canterbury

98

TOP 10 The 10 best gloves for chilly autumn days

insideKENT www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

Editor Donna Martin 07506 328883 donna@sidewaysmedia.co.uk Publishing Director Adam Ready 07824 882086 adam@sidewaysmedia.co.uk Design Director Dave Leo Yogore Fashion Editor Molly Neznanski Gil Motoring Editor Matthew Evans Finance Manager Charlotte Morrissey Account Manager Adel Ready Feature Writers Lizzy Cline Emma Bates Marilyn Whiston Luke Yates Contributors Rob Reynolds, Kelly Smith, Paul Batchelor, Rachel Gold, Gemma Morpurgo, Luke Yates, Sarah Orton, Alan Reynolds, Kelly Malyon, Tracy Burleigh, Peter da Silva Photographers Matthew Evans, Luke Yates, NV-ME Photography, Wendy Saunders, John Hurt, Dan Desborough Publisher

Ingles Manor Castle Hill Avenue Folkestone Kent CT20 2RD 01303 884660 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 2010. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. 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 photo © Henny Garfunkel / Retna USA / HEADPRESSPHOTO.COM

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NEWS

LONDON TO BRIGHTON 2010 On Sunday 20 June 2010, a group of brave Kent cyclists put into practice weeks of training and took part in the London to Brighton Bike Ride.

Matthew Ball, Managing Director of Ball Contractors, and Daniel Calnan, General Manager of Cole Construct Ltd put together a team of friends to take part in this annual event to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

The 7-strong team set off from Clapham Common at 7.30am, hoping to complete the 54-mile route in less than 5 hours.

The team’s family members travelled down to Brighton to be at the finish line when they rode in, but had to wait longer than planned to cheer them through due to some hold-ups along the way.

By 2.30pm, the team had become separated with half enjoying tea and cakes having cycled up Ditchling Beacon - a fantastic personal achievement for them - while the other half were held back at the bottom of the Beacon waiting for the route to re-open following an accident.

The team were reunited at the top of Ditchling Beacon and cruised the final few miles into Brighton to be greeted with huge cheers and

banners by their families waiting by the finish line on Brighton Seafront.

The team have raised several hundred pounds and are still collecting. Matthew Ball said, “It was a great experience and I’m looking forward to doing it again next year with more friends and family to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, as it is such a worthwhile charity.”

nicenstripy GOES WILD IN MALAWI

ROWHILL GRANGE LAUNCHES NEW RESTAURANT Following an extensive refurbishment and a newly formed kitchen team, Rowhill Grange is set to open the doors mid-September and unveil RG’s, its stunning new restaurant.

The arrival of Executive Chef, Luke Davies, who has worked at the likes of The Milestone, The Capital and with Novelli, Chervaux and the Queen Mother, marks a new era and pedigree at Rowhill Grange that is set to launch it amongst the most desirable dining destinations in Kent.

Bucking a tired trend of fancy for fancy’s sake, menus will showcase good honest seasonally inspired dishes with priority to source the very best local produce from local suppliers.

Traditional favourites will be complimented by the introduction of modern and imaginative cooking methods and stimulating combinations. Alongside a succulent grill menu, RG’s features timeless classics such as Rhug Estate lamb, dry aged steaks and daily seafood catches.

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nicenstripy, the Faversham based professional lawn care and garden maintenance business is proving its green credentials extend way beyond lawn care. They are recycling the company’s branded clothing to kit out the landscaping, construction and maintenance teams at the Lilongwe Wildlife Centre in Malawi, a 'People and Wildlife Centre' that rescues (and releases back to the wild) illegally held captive, orphaned and injured wildlife. The programme in Malawi represents a unique ‘People and Wildlife’ initiative, which combines a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, with an adult literacy programme to help improve the livelihoods of neighbouring poor communities.

Whilst elevating to a refreshing new status, RG’s was mindful of the property’s magical 18th century history. Calming pistachios, greens and creams transpire stylishly and unobtrusively through rich wall coverings and fabrics, enchanting table settings, inquisitive artwork and of course appropriate original features.

nicenstripy joined forces with the High Five Club, a registered charity which funds poverty alleviation projects in the developing world, to donate the clothing. Co-founder Dr Cheryl Mvula commented, “The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre does fantastic work but runs on a shoe string budget. Only the 'front of house' staff have uniforms so the nicenstripy kit was received by the construction, maintenance and landscaping staff with great enthusiasm.”

For more information, visit www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/rowhill

To find out more about the charity and its work, visit www.highfiveclub.co.uk

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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Venetian

It’s been called a mini Chelsea Flower Show in the heart of Kent...

Following a national competition for professional garden designers to create inspirational Show Gardens, the winning designs are now open to the public at Jacksons Fencing’s Jakstore display for a year.

For more info and opening times log on to: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/showgardens Jacksons Fencing Head Office 169 Stowting Common Ashford Kent TN25 6BN Also at Bath and Chester Tel 01233 750393 or buy online www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

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NEWS

CHISLEHURST'S VERY OWN BELLE BESTOWS THE INTERIOR EYE CANDY FOR THE 6TH SERIES OF BRITAIN'S NEXT TOP MODEL A rising supermodel must be kept acquainted with all things beautiful, and that was no exception when it came to keeping the model house fashionably furnished for the sixth series of Britain’s Next Top Model. Sonia Murton, founder of Belle Interiors in Chislehurst, worked with the series to ensure a selection of bang-on-trend products featured in the house.

The Mosaic Lady Sitting was the perfect piece to welcome the models into the glamorous house and looks so at home. The Comic Dollar Side Tables are utterly fabulous and accommodated the overflowing hair and beauty products, whilst the Tall Silver Renaissance Chair, Dressing Table and Mirror was a perfect place for the models to stop and reflect who is the fairest of them all.

The stunning Black and White Louis-Style Chest of Drawers and Large Swirl Mirror were a winning combination. The Large Louis-Style Leopard Print Chest of Drawers was a real showstopper, and as we know fashionistas can’t resist the wild trend, this was a must. Finally something has to upstage the egos in the house, so the Shatters Venetian Glass Console Table was a real stunner in the style stakes.

The series was particularly impressed with the beautiful range of uniquely designed pieces, quality and contemporary finishes, as well as the desired striking impact on camera. All products are available to order online or in the boutique, and Belle Interiors offers a full interior design service both privately and commercially. Britain's Next Top Model airs on Living TV Mondays 9pm & Tuesdays 8pm. www.belleinteriors.co.uk

NO. 1 SMITHERY: NATIONAL TREASURES INSPIRING CULTURE

– A BRAND NEW MUSEUM EXPERIENCE AND ALL-ROUND TREASURE HOUSE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

The launch of a major new £13m museum and cultural venue at The Historic Dockyard Chatham on 24 July holds promise of a very different kind of leisure time experience for visitors.

An all-round treasure house, No.1 Smithery: National Treasure Inspiring Culture is a joint project between Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, the National Maritime Museum and the Imperial War Museum. It showcases unique and previously unseen maritime artefacts, national and international touring art, and the kind of education areas and interactive family learning and entertainment spaces that inspire all age groups.

National Museums: Maritime Treasures is a brilliant new gallery displaying world-class maritime models, art and other objects from the collections

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of the National Maritime Museum and the Imperial War Museum as well as from The Historic Dockyard’s own collection. Families can treat their children to a “My Gallery Sticker Book” activity - an original idea that gives children the freedom to explore the collections and create their very own guide to these wonderful Treasures on display.

The Gallery is an exhibition space for national and international touring exhibitions. The programme launched with an exhibition called ‘Resonance and Renewal’ – a newly restored extraordinary collection of Stanley Spencer paintings called Shipbuilding on the Clyde, displayed alongside 28 drawings and Smithery tools.

Younger visitors especially will relish the opportunities on The Pipebending Floor – which was used to heat up metal pipes and bend them round pegs in the floor to make them the right shape for ships. Now it is an interactive area where visitors can discover how that was done.

All tickets to The Historic Dockyard are valid for 12 months and all galleries and attractions are included in the 12 month ticket giving fantastic value for money. There are also gardens and an adventure playground to explore. The Railway Workshop Picnic and Play indoor children’s play area is now open, plus a licensed restaurant.

For more information, visit www.thedockyard.co.uk

NEWS

stunning kent images wow londoners

THE PASSION, PLEASURE AND PRIDE THAT KENT’S 1.6 MILLION RESIDENTS FEEL FOR THEIR COUNTY IS BEING PRIMED TO FUEL A UNIQUE TOURISM CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED ON 5th JULY TO ATTRACT VISITORS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD.

Stunning new images of Kent are helping to reposition Kent – the Garden of England – as a must-visit destination for the 21st century.

Images have been displayed in London as part of a high-profile advertising campaign with worldclass agency M&C Saatchi, and features on huge 48 sheet posters, on London Underground cross track sites and in the Evening Standard as part of Visit Kent’s new Kent Contemporary campaign.

Kent Contemporary has received funding from Kent County Council, plus additional ongoing support from partners who wish to extend the reach of their own campaign activity.

‘My Kent – Real Faces, New Places’ will capture the inspirational stories – the motivation, commitment and emotion – of those who love living and working in Kent to explain to potential visitors why they too would enjoy the county.

For more information, visit www.mykent.co.uk

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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BUSINESS

PROPERTY CAPITAL ALLOWANCES CAPITAL ALLOWANCES ARE THE TAX EQUIVALENT OF DEPRECIATION. BUSINESSES CAN CLAIM THEM AT VARYING RATES OF UP TO 100%, AND THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROPERTY INVESTORS AND TRADERS AS WELL AS FOR THE OWNERS OF PREMISES GENERALLY. We look at the basics of how capital allowances work, and the major changes that the Finance Act 2008 brought in.

WHAT ARE CAPITAL ALLOWANCES?

They are a tax deduction that can be claimed by a business. The amount of the allowance varies depending on the nature of the asset in question.

Not all capital assets qualify for allowances.

As far as properties are concerned, following the overhaul of capital allowances by the Finance Act 2008, the main assets that will attract tax relief are: • Plant and machinery used in the business, such as air conditioning systems, furniture, etc.; the rate of relief is 20% on the reducing balance basis; and • Integral features, such as cold water systems and electrical systems; the rate of relief is an allowance of 10% a year on the reducing balance basis, and further details on these are given below.

Following the Finance Act 2008, industrial buildings allowance (IBAs) and its cousins the hotel allowance and agricultural buildings allowance are all being phased out by 2011. These used to allow for the cost of a qualifying building to be written off over 25 years.

Just to add a further layer of complexity, there is also an Annual Investment Allowance that allows the first £100,000 (increased from £50,000 with effect from 1 April 2010 for companies and 6 April 2010 for other businesses) of qualifying costs to be relieved at 100% and for a first year allowance of 40% to be claimed by businesses on assets bought in the 12 months to 31 March 2010 (5 April for unincorporated businesses) if that expenditure is on plant and machinery (i.e. not assets that count as integral features).

HOW ARE THEY CLAIMED?

The claim is made as part of the business’s tax computation, so is included in either a corporation tax return for incorporated businesses (such as companies) or in a self-assessment return for sole traders and partnerships.

Particular care needs to be taken when completing tax returns during the next few months for periods ending before 1 April 2010 for incorporated or 6 April 2010 for unincorporated businesses as the availability of the temporary First Year Allowance (FYA) for that year of 40% also needs to be taken into account.

If the AIA had been allocated against the general plant additions, the claim would be lower: • 10% on the cold water system: £5,000 • £50,000 on part of the central heating: £50,000 • 40% FYA on the £50,000 spent on the central heating not covered by the AIA claim: £20,000 Total allowances would then be £75,000, a reduction of £15,000.

INTEGRAL FEATURES – SPECIAL RATE POOL (10% WRITING DOWN ALLOWANCE)

This was introduced in the Finance Act 2008 and provides opportunities to claim tax relief on assets that previously have not qualified for capital allowances. The items shown in bold below highlight these new areas.

• Electrical systems (including lighting systems) • Cold water systems • Lifts, escalators and moving walkways • Space or water heating systems, powered systems of ventilation, air cooling or air purification, and any floor or ceiling comprised in such systems, • External solar shading • Active facades (subsequently omitted in Finance Bill 2008 – the exterior wall is not allowable and the interior wall is part of the air conditioning system so attracts 10% rate) The potential to claim for electrical systems is also in part new. Historically, claims for wiring, distribution boards, etc. have been limited to specialist installations that were needed for particular pieces of plant, such as heavy industrial equipment. Normal 240v/13 amp wiring was excluded, so the new definition gives additional scope for claims.

Where the whole or more than 50% of an integral feature is replaced in a 12 month period, this expenditure will also be treated as a 10% integral feature and a repairs deduction will be denied. Careful management of repairs and refurbishment works is therefore essential to ensure that maximum tax relief will be available.

Thermal insulation installed in an existing building will attract 10% rate.

This was previously only available to industrial buildings, but is still denied in respect of private dwellings, so residential landlords will not benefit from any relief.

EXAMPLE

A company running a nursing home spends £100,000 on a new central heating system and £50,000 upgrading the cold water system in the year to 31 March 2010.

Because the AIA can be used to cover costs that qualify for both general plant and machinery allowances and integral features, it is best to allocate this against the cold water system, so 100% of that cost is deductible.

As the expenditure was incurred before 1 April 2010 the £100,000 spent on the central heating system qualifies for the temporary 40% FYA. The tax relief is therefore £40,000, and the balance of £60,000 is then carried forward so in 2011, a writing down allowance of 20% will be claimed.

In the year to 31 March 2010, the company can claim total allowances of (£50,000 + £40,000) against tax – in essence, it has claimed 60% of the total costs of those assets against its tax liability.

Rob Reynolds 01233 629255 rob.reynolds@wilkinskennedy.com

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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LOCALPROFILES

insideKENT interviews West Malling-based business owner Joyce Pearce of Josh Lingerie

How long have you been in business?

15 years What made you want to start your business?

At the time I was finding it rather difficult to buy pretty lingerie to suit my figure, so I though the area needed something new.

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

The best decision was moving to West Malling; the worst is always taking on new ranges that don't sell.

What's the hardest part about owning your own business?

It’s a 24-hour commitment and the final decisions are mine, so I need to be careful not to make mistakes.

What does an average day entail for you?

A lot of people think that it is just serving customers, but there is a lot more to it than that, including ordering new stock, checking in new stock, accounts, answering the telephone, marketing etc., and of course serving our very valued customers (this is a very time consuming thing as we like to give our customers the service they deserve).

What makes you stand out from your competition?

Personal service, product expertise, friendly staff and a variety of products.

What is your most popular product?

We have just introduced a new range from Passonata to stand alongside our popular brands such as Chantelle, Prima Donna, Marie Jo,

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Fantasie and Freya. We also stock swimsuits and beach wear all year round, so they are very popular during the summer months.

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

It is important to do your homework. Make sure you are passionate about what you are going to do – it is no good saying, ‘I think I will give it a try.’ You will need 110% commitment. Research the competition and try to offer what other people don't. Try not to be undercapitalised and get the support of your bank as they will want to see your business plan and forecasts.

What is the most interesting item you've ever carried in your shop?

A Swarovski-encrusted bustier by Christies. This made quite a statement when it was in the window.

What is your favourite part of owning a lingerie shop?

The enjoyment of fitting a woman who comes into the shop with an uncomfortable bra on and sending her out with a smile on her face. It’s always the most rewarding when I hear comments like, ‘Fabulous service; Josh Lingerie helped me to feel glamorous again.’

Josh Lingerie 41 High Street West Malling ME19 6QH 01732 668184 www.joshlingerie.com

Club from Kentish Hamlet Celebrates its 80th Birthday Most football followers across the county will be familiar with the name of Ashford-based Bromley Green FC but perhaps not so aware of its roots and fascinating history. Bromley Green is in fact barely a hamlet, situated four miles south of Ashford, consisting of a single road, with the few shops and post office that once thrived now long gone.

Early days saw the chaps playing on farmland (a cow field to be precise!) but by the 1970s things had progressed to the sheep-grazing plot known as Carters Field. This quickly became a spiritual home for club members and a haven for many local football lovers where sport, fun and socialising mixed happily. Indeed the 5-a-side tournaments held annually for many years attracted huge crowds of all ages from a vast area.

A successful youth policy provided the playing resources for the ‘The Green’ to rise from obscurity and become Kent Cup winners in 1984 (still the only team from Ashford to achieve the accolade). Many lads have gone on to play professionally but still see Bromley Green as their ‘football home’. As the modern game demanded better facilities and playing surfaces, a move into Ashford itself became necessary; in essence Carters Field had become outgrown. Now based at the Swan Ground,South Willesborough, and fielding five sides competing in the Kent County League as well as the local Saturday and Sunday Leagues, the club is keen to mark its 80th celebrations by forming trusting partnerships with Kent companies and individuals.

Bromley Green Football Club: Proud to have a ‘social conscience’ Open to all sections of the community and run solely by volunteers (even though many of the staff are highly qualified) Bromley Green FC is a family club that believes its ‘social conscience’ ethos sits comfortably with firms and individuals seeking fresh opportunities as the recession slowly recedes.

A safe investment with long-serving officers that are committed to providing a disciplined yet enjoyable experience for both the current influx of youngsters and the more established players, Bromley Green would like to invite enquiries from persons interested in helping to promote the progression of a genuine community club.

In return for support, whether it is through offering time, expertise or finance, there are various attractive options ranging from a running advert in the match programme, sponsor names on kits and/or tracksuits, complimentary tickets to major events such as the annual awards dinner, or individual player sponsorship which is proving very popular this year. With permission from members, the possibility of access to the database offers a great chance to target different age groups for a number of purposes.

Another avenue of possible interest to potential partners is the club’s website which is widely regarded as the most informative and up to date in Kent. In addition to publishing a logo and editorial, there is also the attraction of a direct link to a company’s site.

The club’s motto ‘Friendship in distress is the essence of virtue’ speaks volumes for what Bromley Green FC is about. They believe people come first. Having reached 80 years of age, there is now great enthusiasm within the club to move on, and they are keen to discuss partnership/sponsorship possibilities with like-minded individuals or companies. Bromley Green FC looks forward to having the opportunity to convince you!

Please contact the club’s Patron, Dave Homewood, by email at dhomewood@yahoo.com or on 07761101988, or visit The Green’s website at www.bromleygreen.co.uk

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

17

PROPERTY

bayeuxfields F I N A L

P H A S E

A T

IDEAL FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Pentland Homes is currently marketing its final phase at Bayeuxfields, Hawkinge, which includes two bedroom homes priced from £170,000 and three bedroom homes priced from £195,000 – ideal for first time buyers or young professional families.

The final phase incorporates a range of two, three and four bedroom homes, all of which offer high quality interiors in a lovely village setting. The two bedroom homes include a kitchen, cloakroom and living/dining area that leads out to the garden on the ground floor, and two bedrooms - both with fitted wardrobes - on the first floor, together with a fully fitted bathroom.

Janet Burnell, sales and marketing director of Pentland Homes, comments, “The two and three bedroom properties are excellent starter homes for young professionals. With high quality fixtures and finishings as standard, and low maintenance, turfed gardens, the homes are ‘turn-key’ ready,

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which is ideal for those purchasing their first home, whether buying alone or as a young family.”

Hawkinge is located on the crest of the North Downs, just three miles from the coastal resort of Folkestone which benefits from the new high speed link to London’s St Pancras International with journey times taking approximately one hour.

The M20 is just two miles away and provides access to London to the north, and the port of Dover to the south.

Prices of the two bedroom homes at Bayeuxfields start from £170,000. The sales office is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. For further information, please contact the sales office on Tel: 01303 893080 or visit the website www.pentlandhomes.co.uk

canterbur y.fineandcountr y.co.uk Fine & Countr y 32 St Mar garets Street, Canterbur y, Kent CT1 2TG

‘Fine & Country – a new era for the premium property market in Kent.’ presence for unique and quality homes in the towns and villages around Hythe, Deal, Broadstairs and Whitstable.

A picture can say a thousand words! Professional photography comes standard and we can capture your home in its best light.

widen our ability to register a higher quantity of quality buyers on a local level.

This complements our powerful ability to successfully market properties on a regional, national and international level through the Fine & Country network

Nigel Mowat, of Fine & Country,

Fine & Country is the UK’s largest and fastestgrowing network of estate agents specialising in the marketing of prestige residential property, with across the country.

St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury, just off the busy high street we offer prestigious homes for sale throughout east Kent. Our specialist expertise extends well beyond Canterbury and the surrounding villages.

Canterbury is supported by an equally prominent established showroom

country sourcing enquiries for exclusive homes in this locality.

The impressive Fine & County Park Lane showrooms, opposite Hyde Park, London access the lucrative London and international buyers markets for homes in Kent.

Naturally, we do everything you would expect from an agency specialising in premium property sales. This includes: • Professional photography.

• Superb full-colour glossy brochures and other marketing materials.

• An exclusive monthly property magazine.

•

titles such as The Sunday Times and Country Life.

• Specialised publicity support from top property journalists, which results in

properties being featured in the national press.

• A highly-rated website, dedicated to prestige properties.

However, two things really set Fine & Country apart from the crowd.

Firstly, unlike traditional “stately home” agents, we offer the best of both worlds – all the traditional advantages of using unrivalled local market knowledge and genuine personal service, combined with the strength and marketing resources is Fine & Country’s trademark lifestyle

marketing. In a radical departure from the favoured by others, we utilise the personal testimony and reminiscences of current homeowners to paint an alluring picture of the character, location, setting and “feel” of a property.

Now, at long last, this unique blend of intelligent and creative marketing is making use of an award-winning formula that is turning the heads of both buyers and sellers.

Contact Nigel Mowat and his team in Canterbury on 01227 479317 today – and experience the Fine & Country difference for yourself.

ETCHINGHILL Price £500,000 A unique family home of unparalleled character, its imposing presence being a prominent and historic landmark within this pretty village. Situated in an area of spectacularly picturesque, undulating countryside. Conversion of the chapel was completed in

Canterbur y Office: 01227 479317

PROPERTY

LISTED BUILDINGS:

THE CORNERSTONES OF OUR HERITAGE

THEIR FABRIC IS BOTH A PART OF OUR LANDSCAPE AND THROUGH ITS CONNECTION WITH THE EVENTS, INNOVATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE SHAPED OUR HISTORY - A TANGIBLE LEGACY OF OUR PAST.

LISTED PROPERTIES IN KENT The County of Kent has the highest number of listed buildings in England with over 17,600 listed properties. Some of the most iconic Kent listed properties are Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover Castle.

hop farms there are also a lot of Oasts, many of which have now been converted into dwellings.

Leeds Castle is a mid-early 12th century castle based just outside Maidstone in the village of Leeds. It is a Grade I listed property making it among the top 4% of Listed Properties.

Canterbury (Christchurch) Cathedral is also Grade I Listed. The original church on the site was one built for Roman Christians. St Augustine deconsecrated this church in 602 AD. The Present building is a mixture of building styles from the C11 to the present day.

Another grade I listed property, Dover Castle, is a Norman keep of ragstone ashlar blocks picked out of flints with Caen stone dressings.

Kent is known as the “Garden of England”, the soil is very fertile with an abundance of orchards, market gardens, fields of vegetables and some

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hop fields. Many of the Listed Properties in Kent, particularly those open to the public, have large lavish gardens.

Kent has a very high concentration of medieval timber framed buildings including Wealden Houses (hence "Wealden" for the once denselyforested Weald). Due to the high abundance of

Whatever the grade of a listed building, its listed status marks it out as a property of national importance or interest. This inheritance is what gives a building ‘character’, and keeping that character alive is what draws people to own, maintain and live in a listed property. Living with an historical character, however, has its particular consequences and responsibilities. For instance, installing maintenance-free uPVC windows isn’t an option in a listed building – if your windows are timber-framed they’ll require regular care and attention. Similarly, repairing traditional lime mortars with modern cement pointing or rendering will damage your building’s brickwork, while adding a damp-proof course is probably not workable. And where the duty to keep the building in good repair extends to maintenance of its important features or historic fabric - such as interior paneling or roofing timbers - you may have to seek Listed Building Consent before making any changes.

HOW ARE LISTED BUILDINGS CHOSEN? All buildings built before 1700 which have survived in anything like their original condition are listed. Buildings dating from between 1700 and 1840 are listed, although some selectivity is applied, while buildings from 1840 to 1914 are selected on the basis of their demonstrating technological advances, being the work of notable architects, or possessing some notable feature. More recent post-war buildings are now being considered for listing, and the very wide definition of ‘building’ in The Town and Country Planning Act (1990) - ‘Any structure or erection, and any part of a building, as so defined’ - allows any man-made structure, from barns to bridges and telephone boxes to grave stones, to be included on the list.

Historic houses which have survived to become listed are a reflection of the changes which have shaped the country. Their evolution from the communal living of aisled halls to communities of suburban villas, for example, parallels not only the wealth of the nation and its transition from a predominantly agrarian economy to an industrial one, but also reflects the extent to which that development varied from region to region. And while this reflection is distorted by the fact that in the main it’s the better quality buildings of the wealthier members of the population at any particular time which have tended to survive (housing was a fairly makeshift affair for the majority of people up until end of 15th century), they nonetheless offer a measure of the changes in society over the centuries.

LISTED PROPERTIES FOR SALE Belmont Road, Whitstable £220,000 This property has retained all the charm and delights you may expect from a building of this age and location.

Sensitively restored, it is a grade II listed cottage with many original features including open fireplaces, stripped wooden floors, original Kent peg roof tiles and a courtyard garden. The layout is typical of properties in the area, two reception rooms, two bedrooms, a kitchen and bathroom. A short walk connects you with many local amenities including the train station, high street and Whitstable’s famous beaches.

Metropole Road East, Folkestone £275,000 (Guide Price) The property is a minute walk to the beach and situated just behing the folkestone Leas with steps leading directly to the seashore. The boiler house of a former Grand Victorian Hotel, the property offers a wealth of period features, and has been cleverly redesigned to offer superb modern accommodation.

One of a collection of four houses with their own very distinct and lovely character.

London Road, Newington £475,000 (Offers in Excess of) A charming Grade II listed 4/5 detached home. The property retains many original features such as exposed beams, wooden floors and inglenook fireplaces.

Partly renovated, with some undeveloped rooms. Incredibly spacious with 4/5 reception rooms, a kitchen and cloakroom to the ground floor, 4/5 bedrooms to the upper floors , a loft room and a basement. The garden is approx 1/3 acre and a private drive to the side leads to a large part shingle part block paved drive for numerous cars to the rear.

Blackheath Park, London £3,250,000 A most beautiful Georgian Villa, Grade II listed and situated in the sought after and private Cator Estate on Blackheath Park. The Property enjoys excellent access to extensive facilities offered by Blackheath Village. Only about 10 miles from Kent and with convenient links to the vibrant city of London. internally this substantial property, in excess of 4,000 square feet and boasting an abundance of original features, includes 6 bedrooms, 3 play rooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 impressive formal reception rooms. Outside the landscaped walled rear garden extends to 112ft, whilst the attractive frontage provides parking for several cars.

THE LISTED PROPERTY OWNERS CLUB was established in 1993 by a group of enthusiastic owners to provide advice and information gained from personal experience. It is now Britain's only advice service dedicated to keeping listed building owners informed of their obligations, rights, privileges and responsibilities.

They provide practical information on property maintenance, guidance on grants, loans, VAT, insurance etc. We also act as a pressure group to change views and laws that affect ownership.

For further information on the Listed Property Owners Club, please visit www.lpoc.co.uk or call 01795 844939.

The Listed Property Show returns for a 5th year, after it's success of the first 4 years, to help listed property owners recapture the dream that is your home. They have bought together every kind of skill & service that you might need for maintenance, restoration & refurbishment under one glorious roof in London's Olympia.

For more info on the Listed Property Show, visit www.listedpropertyshow.co.uk

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

23

THE LATEST GADGET FROM HOTCRAZE

HOTcraze.co.uk is excited to offer the latest generation smart watch and phone, the Signature. This stylish wristwatch provides mobile communications via an unlocked Quad-Band connection. Users simply slot their own SIM card in and begin making and receiving calls as it operates with all networks, ‘3’ being the only exception.

The Signature’s attractive, handcrafted Stainless Steel design includes a supple, perforated leather strap and belies its wide ranging functionality. The watch phone connects to any Bluetooth device, and is supplied with a quality Bluetooth headset to make and receive brilliantly clear calls. However should you leave the Bluetooth headset behind, the Signature does incorporate a high quality loudspeaker and sensitive microphone for hands free and personal use.

With the 350mAh battery, users have up to 180 minutes of talk time and 100 hours standby time. The 1.5” TFT touch screen and new 3D style rotating menu system make the Signature extremely convenient to use. There is a mini stylus neatly contained within the watch structure to assist with dialing and texting. The Signature also includes a whopping 2GB Micro SD card supplied as standard (expandable to 8GB) this enables the user to store their favourite music, videos, contacts and much more.

There are a number of exciting bonus features, such as incorporated camera which can also record videos with sound. A comprehensive media suite allows users to enjoy their music and video clips whilst on the move. The day-to-day functions, such as a calendar, calculator, to-do list and WAP connection, FM Radio and Voice Activation Function.

RRP: £349.99 (www.HOTcraze.co.uk) *With FREE Delivery

HOME+GARDEN

KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR HOME

BY PAUL BATCHELOR, DIRECTOR AND HEAD DESIGNER AT KEYSPACES KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS

When you are looking to buy a house, most people’s attention is drawn to the kitchen and bathrooms. This is partly because other rooms, such as the bedrooms and living areas, can be easily adapted to suit your personal taste with your own furniture and a lick of paint. It is also because bathrooms are often viewed as a sanctuary of calm and even luxury, and the kitchen is, for many, the heart of the home; we cook here, we eat here, we row here, we laugh here, we entertain here, we cry here (onions mostly) – we live here.

In the current economic climate, where fewer people are choosing to move, many homeowners who decide to stay put but still want to change their living environment, have tended to look at improving their current house instead.

Interestingly, however, with respect to kitchens, we are seeing a lot less people with an ‘out with the old – in with the new’ strategy, as savvy homeowners take a broader view of their situation.

As a result, more people are tending to consider the entire space within their property and look at how this can be best adapted or extended to suit their lifestyle.

They may choose to convert two rooms into one, larger space, for example, or add a conservatory

or orangery to create a breakfast area with additional seating for relaxed coffee mornings.

Alternatively, they may decide to extend the whole property to cater for impending children or growing teenagers. Reasons abound, but in general we all want more - if not more userfriendly - space.

their vision. Often this option leaves the homeowner with their ‘dream’ constrained.

However, by involving a designer at the beginning of the project they, along with the architect, builder and the other specialists, are able to work as a cohesive team from the outset, with the common aim of building the ‘dream’.

With this is in mind, it is important to consider the project as a whole and get all the necessary elements working in harmony. So where better to start than at the end? By spending more time upfront exploring, visualising and determining your desired end state, you are more likely to achieve your dream home.

A tailored dress or suit is exactly that; a tailored combination of form and function. A beautiful garment created individually for you. It should fit perfectly while stationary, but also be created with comfort and ease of movement in mind. At KeySpaces, we don’t think it’s too much to ask that your house should be created to have the same effect.

You need to ask yourself fundamental questions such as ‘What do you want the space for?’, ‘Do you eat al fresco as much as possible?’, ‘Does the inside need to flow seamlessly with the outside?’, ‘Does your kitchen face north and you need more light?’. The list of questions may seem endless, but it can be a powerful tool for helping you understand what you really want.

All too often we have seen the process tackled the other way round, where the space has been pre-determined and only then does the homeowner go in search of the designer to create

KeySpaces Kitchens and Bathrooms Evegate Business Centre Station Road Smeeth Nr Ashford, Kent TN25 6SX 01303 812985 info@keyspaces.co.uk www.keyspaces.co.uk

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25

hello. we’re sideways.

Sideways Media specialises in designing and managing publication, print and digital projects to help you communicate with your clients in a dynamic and engaging way - to increase your brand value, grow your audience and retain your customer base.

We offer a smorgasbord of creative services including graphic design, logo design, brand creation and rebranding, advertising, website design and digital communications, contract publishing, and magazine management and design.

publishing design digital 01303 884660 hello@sidewaysmedia.co.uk

// sidewaysmedia.co.uk

CHARITY

creative visions foundation

Can one soul change our universe? There are individuals that roam or have graced our planet, the light of which they omit will forever gleam with the hope of tomorrow for the human race. Dan Eldon was one of these individuals; a young candle in the darkness that this world so badly needs.

by Lizzy Cline

Creative Visions Foundation (CVF) supports ‘creative activists’, individuals who use the power of media and the arts to create positive change in the world. The Foundation is inspired by the life of Dan – an artist, adventurer and activist killed in Somalia in 1993 while covering the conflict as a photojournalist for Reuters News Agency. He was only 22.

Launched by his mother – Kathy Eldon, a former journalist and filmmaker, and his sister, Amy Eldon Turteltaub, a documentary producer – CVF is a publicly supported 501(c)3 organization that supports creative activists like Dan who use thought and imagination to catalyze positive change in our world.

television series, specials and feature films to inspire creative activists. CVF provides fiscal sponsorship, mentoring and grants to empower grassroots creative activists with innovative projects and productions that can positively impact the world.

CVF has helped more than 45 innovative projects and productions on four continents including award-winning documentaries.

For more information on Creative Visions Foundation, visit www.creativevisions.org Also visit www.daneldon.org for more info on this remarkable young man and how you can get involved.

The three-fold mission of CVF is to educate, inspire and empower through its three main programs: Education, Production and Sponsorship. Through its educational outreach program CVF uses media and the arts to inform aspiring creative activists about how they can initiate and implement ideas that can positively impact their homes, schools, communities and the world. In association with for-profit organization, Creative Visions Productions, CVF produces

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27

HOME+GARDEN

COMPACT AUDIO LUXURY MERIDIAN AUDIO, BRITAIN’S LEADING SPECIALIST MANUFACTURER OF HIGH-END AUDIO AND VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT EQUIPMENT, HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED THE NEW M80 HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPACT ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM. THE M80 OFFERS AN UNRIVALLED LISTENING EXPERIENCE AND ELEGANT DESIGN – THE PERFECT ADDITION TO ANY HOME. The M80 features the same award-winning Meridian technologies as the company’s larger systems, extracting every detail from a recording. The beautifully sculpted elliptical cabinet, crafted of custom mineral composite, gives the system a discreet, yet stylish presence. It houses a powerful 80watt 2.1 Digital Signal Processing (DSP) stereo system with a rear-mounted subwoofer, slot-loading CD/DVD drive and AM/FM/DAB* Digital Radio, in addition to multiple analogue and digital inputs that combine to deliver a versatile and powerful audio package. Meridian’s advanced DSP capability, coupled with location compensation controls, ensure the same superior acoustic performance at any volume, regardless of the size of the room and where the M80 is situated within it.

In keeping with Meridian’s passion for quality, exceptional craftsmanship flows through the heart of the product. The finest British leather, available in three colours – Obsidian Black, Chestnut, and Ivory – graces the distinctly modern outer case, hand stitched in Northampton by IM Kelly, an artisan business renowned for their work with some of the world’s most prestigious luxury automotive and marine marques.

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Every M80 compact entertainment system comes complete with a glossblack i80 dock for the iPod®, allowing users to effortlessly access their digital music collection and charge their mobile device. Tracks from the iPod® can either be selected on the M80’s display panel or at a distance using the slimline handheld magnetic-backed remote control.

The M80 compact audio system is on sale at various retailers at a price (inc. VAT) of £1,500.00. For more information or to find the nearest Meridian retailer, visit www.meridian-audio.com

Soundcraft Hifi 40 High Street Ashford, TN24 8TE 01233 624441 sales@soundcrafthifi.com www.soundcrafthifi.com

Swimming Pool & Hot Tubs Showroom open 7 days a week Find us at Willesborough Garden Centre, Hythe Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 0NE Just off J10 of the M20, follow the A20 towards Hythe

• Pool & Hot Tub repairs & servicing • Indoor and outdoor pool construction • Hot tub & swimming pool chemicals • Wooden above ground pool on display • Wide range of hot tubs on display

CALL 01233 502836 www.rclpools.co.uk

a FAIR TRADE

CHRISTMAS

UK ONLINE SHOP FAIRWINDS HAS TEAMED UP WITH DANISH CHRISTMAS TREE GROWER BOLS FORSTPLANTESKOLE TO BRING THE FIRST-EVER FAIR TRADE REAL CHRISTMAS TREES TO BRITAIN. About 5 million Nordmann Fir Christmas trees are sold in the UK each year. But until now, very few people in the UK have been aware of the serious ethical issues behind buying these trees at Christmas. Although they are farmed in a responsible way the seeds for Nordmann Firs are sourced from natural forests, mainly in Georgia.

Harvesting of the seeds in Georgia is carried out by hand under remarkably primitive conditions.

The Georgian cone pickers climb up 30 metre high fir trees in order to reach the seeds. They work entirely without safety equipment and in 2004 two workers fell to their deaths during the harvest. Several accidents happen each year, but despite working in such dangerous conditions the cone pickers are usually paid such low wages that it is difficult for them to support their families.

There is only one grower of fair trade trees and supplier of fairly traded seeds in the world - Bols Forstplanteskole, a successful Danish Christmas tree grower that achieved Danish fair trade accreditation in 2007.

Fairwind, an online fair trade gift and accessory shop, is working with Bols to bring real fair trade Christmas trees to the UK. For the first time, you can enjoy your real Christmas tree with a clear conscience. Four-, five- and six-foot Fair Trees速 will be available to order online at www.fairwindonline.com this autumn and will be delivered to your door in early December, ready to put in your stand.

To support the Fair Trees速 cause or for more information, visit www.fairtrees.com or www.fairwindonline.com.

insideKENT READER OFFER 速

WIN A FAIR TREE CHRISTMAS TREE! One insideKENT reader will enjoy the festive season with their own Fair Tree速 Christmas tree. Win your choice of a 4ft, 5ft or 6ft tree, delivered to your door in early December. To enter, visit www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/fairtree Only one entry per person. To be eligible to win, entries must be received by 31 October. Winner will be drawn at random by 12 November and will be notified by email or phone.

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STYLE

SHOES, SIZES & GROOMING FOR MEN

RACHEL GOLD, ONE OF LONDON’S TOP MEN’S PERSONAL STYLISTS AND FOUNDER OF WARDROBE JUNKIES, A MEN’S STYLING AND GROOMING CONSULTANCY, OFFERS INSIGHT INTO HOW TO LOOK FANTASTIC FROM HEAD TO TOE.

KEVIN SPACEY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOAKE

SHOES AND YOU

SIZE MATTERS!

Don’t remember? Well, that probably means you’re one of the younger readers. Let me be the first to tell you: In the ladies rooms where we girls have a chat, a man’s shoes are of utmost importance; not only the brand and style, but the condition, too. Obviously I am not talking about trainers; today I’m talking about formal brown shoes.

Garment Size

Small

Medium

Large

X-Large

XX-Large

Jacket Chest size Trousers Waist Size Shirt Neck Size Arm Length from CB*

36 30 14 1/2” 33”

38 40 32 34 15”-15 1/2” 33 1/2”-34”

42 44 36 38 16”-16 1/2” 34 1/2”-35”

46 48 40 42 17”-17 1/2” 35 1/2”-36”

50 52 44 46 18”-18 1/2” 36 1/2”-37”

THE BEST BROWNS IN TOWN

ARE YOU GROOMED OR DOOMED?

Do you remember being at school when the Head Mistress or Master would say you must always polish your shoes? I can hear him now, “You can tell a man by his shoes…”

Belstaff www.matchesfashion.com Gucci lace up shoes, very stylish and sophisticated.

Frattelli Rossetti www.frattellirossetti.com The Wilson Derby in polished chestnut calfskin, they make me want to wear men’s shoes!

Oliver Sweeney www.oliversweeney.com Check out their Serpentine Brogue, their modern updated take on the Traditional English Brogue.

H by Hudson www.selfridges.com A well made, smart, good value for money shoe.

Loake Shoes www.loake.co.uk Knightsbridge is a rich chocolate brown beautifully made shoe. Many celebrities are queing for Loake shoes.

It seems like a silly subject, but many men don’t know what garment size they should wear, so here is a simple chart that may help (information taken from www.orvis.co.uk).

When you watch TV shows like Mad Men and Shark, how is it that all those guys look so good? Could it be the entourage of stylists, groomers and pluckers that follow them from one set to another? Could be!

Doomed 1. Stray grey bushy rogue eyebrow hairs 2. Long nasal hair 3. Curly flecked ear hairs 4. Dirty teeth 5. Long finger and toe nails with dirt underneath If any of the above apply to you READ ON to be saved: Groomed 1. Regular visits to your barber he will take care of Notes 1-3 2. Book that appointment to the dental hygienist (I don’t care if it hurts) No pain no gain) 3. Pop into the nail bar it’s a great way to be amongst lots of women and be pampered, it’s a double reward!

4. Buy a good quality exfoliator and moisturiser Looking groomed can enhance everything in both the professional and private departments of your lives. Simple changes can attract attention for all the right reasons.

For more information, a wardrobe detox or shopping session contact Rachel at Wardrobe Junkies 07766 838731 www.wardrobejunkies.com

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STYLE

HOT AUTUMN LOOKS FOR MEN TEXTURED LAYERS, STYLISH HATS AND FITTED JACKETS FROM NEXT WILL HAVE YOU LOOKING ON-TREND AND FASHIONABLE THIS SEASON.

Tweed Jacket £75, Crew Neck Gilet £45, Crew Neck T-Shirt £15, Train Driver Hat £10, Rib Shawl T-Shirt £15, Grandad Top £16, Trilby £12, Grandad Top £15, Beanie £7, Mid Wash Cardigan £42, Check Shirt £32, Jeans £40, Coated Jeans £35 Vintage Jeans £40, Boots £75, Watch £35 Stud High Boots £75

Striped Trilby £12, Knitted Duffle Jacket £60, Stripe T-Shirt £12, Mid Wash Vintage Jeans £40

DE BRADELEI WHARF • DOVER

THE SMARTER WAY TO SHOP

New Autumn Fashions NOW IN STOCK

from Joules, Esprit, French Connection, Great Plains, Jackpot, Weird Fish, SeaSalt, Tog 24, Jacques Vert, Windsmoor, Planet, Precis Petite, Alex & Co, Kaliko, Eastex, Minuet Petite, Ann Harvey, Dash and many more.

Womenswear, Lingerie, Menswear, Leisurewear, Shoes, Soft Furnishings, Gifts, China & Glass, Books and Kitchenware.

Waves Coffee Bar & Coast Coffee Shop OPENING HOURS Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30 Sat 9.30-6.00 Sun & Bank Holidays 10.30-4.30 FIND US AT Cambridge Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BY T. 01304 226616

www.debradelei.com www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

35

HEALTH+BEAUTY

PREPPING FOR

the winter chills It’s apparent that summer 2010 is just about over. As short-lived as it was, we saw some amazing trends and awesome products appear. Beauty Expert Gemma Morpurgo shares the latest tips and essentials to keep you looking and feeling beautiful well into the autumn and winter months.

The transition between summer and autumn brings with it unpredictable and damaging conditions. Colder weather causes our skin to retain less moisture whilst central heating doubles the problem by drying out the air and sucking moisture from the body. Common symptoms include dryness, fine lines and sallow skin tone. These problems can be easily avoided with a little TLC and use of the correct products.

PHOTOS: Š NV-ME PHOTOGRAPHY

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radiant skin

striking lips

Banish the chilly feel of autumn by creating a feline inspired smokey eye, tried and tested, and guaranteed to make you look and feel hot hot hot.

Turn it down To avoid skin drying out, turn the central heating down and open a window to allow moisture into the room. If it's too cold for some fresh air, try putting a bowl of water by the radiator. This ensures that moisture is drawn from the bowl and not from your skin.

As a makeup artist I am always asked how to create a smokey eye. Below is my step-by-step guide for all of you budding beauty experts to try out.

Stay hydrated Drink lots of water and avoid caffeine, such as tea and coffee (herbal teas are fine) - it will only dehydrate the skin further.

Say no to soap Don't use everyday bar soap, it strips the skin of essential moisture and leaves the skin vulnerable to dehydration, itching and flaking.

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser (£13.50) is an amazing alternative. As gentle as cleansing milk and as effective as soap, this cleanser has been created to meet the needs of all skin types.

Its lightweight, refreshing lather rinses easily with water and protects skin from the drying effects of hard water. Plus it has an added bonus of Shea butter, making it extra luxurious on the skin.

Soften your bath Bath water can strip the skin of its natural oils.

Soften your bath water by pouring in a capful of oil, such as almond or olive. Or even indulge your senses with Molton Brown’s Heavenly Gingerlily Moisture Bath & Shower (£17 for 300ml). Allow the gel's unique aromas of tuberose, ginger and cardamom lift your mood and leave you wanting more.

Moisturise Skin has different seasonal needs, so a suitable moisturiser is a must have. An ideal product for this season (and one I have fallen in love with) is Laura Mercier’s Mega-Moisturiser Cream SPF15 (£36). If your autumn beauty regime is limited to a budget, why not try Olay Total Effects Day Cream (£16.99), which you will find in all good high street stores.

smokey eyes

Autumn would not be the same without bold lips making an appearance, so may I introduce to you the Red Lip. It’s back and here to well-andtruly make its mark on this chilly season. Whatever your skin tone, or adversity to colour, there is a red shade tailored to you.

Red lips don’t need to be pillar box or Ferrari red, they can be in the form of a balm, gloss or lip stain. However, for those of you who are more outrageous and not afraid of colour, then opt for something such as MAC Ruby Woo (£12.50), or alternatively, MAC Viva Glam Cyndi (£12.50).

This coral red shade is a limited edition, and each sale of MAC Viva Glam Lipstick and Lipgloss goes towards helping women, men and kids everywhere affected by HIV and Aids.

With this bold lip trend, it’s important to keep the look balanced, so I would recommend an almost naked makeup look on the eyes by simply applying a fine winged out liner and plenty of mascara.

1. Cover the eyelid with a cream eyeshadow such as Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow (£14.00) in the shade "Busy Signal". Gently blend using a fluffy brush, ensuring you do not blend too close to the brow bone.

2. Apply Bobbi Brown, Rich Brown Eyeshadow (£14.50) over the cream eyeshadow. The cream shadow prevents creasing, and ensures the staying power of the shadow applied on top. Again blend using a fluffy brush, paying extra attention to the socket line, and wing the outer corners out ever so slightly.

3. Using MAC Shroom Eyeshadow (£11.00), blend a small amount along the brow bone and blend into the seam of the darker eye colour. This will create the illusion of the two shadows merging and gently melting into the skin.

4. With a waterproof eye pencil such as GOSH, Truly Brown (£4.75), draw along the waterline and both the top and bottom lash line. The "waterproof velvet touch formula is soft and easy to apply. It contains Vitamin E and Jojoba Oils to care for delicate skin."

5. Add a little Rich Brown Shadow to a pencil brush and smudge along the pencil liner (this must be done before the pencil dries) VOILA! Instant Smokiness.

Now apply a generous amount of mascara, my favourite has to be Lancome, Hypnose CustomWear Volume Mascara (£20). This product thickens your lashes by up to 6 times - it truly is phenomenal.

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41

HEALTH+BEAUTY

THIS AUTUMN, DISCOVER YOUR PARADISE AT DAY SPA, BLUEWATER...

ENJOY A COMPLIMENTARY PARADISIAC PINK PEPPERPOD FULL-SIZE BODY LOTION WORTH £17 WHEN YOU BOOK A NEW LIMITED EDITION PINK PEPPERPOD SOOTHING PARADISE TREATMENT BETWEEN 2ND SEPTEMBER – 3RD NOVEMBER.* *Offer subject to terms & conditions, please contact Bluewater day spa for more details.

Pink pepperpod soothing paradise 75 minutes

£75

Enter the gateway to paradise. Take a journey along the spice route to the humid Gulf of Guinea with a Molton Brown uplifting full body polish and massage therapy. Relax as you’re treated to a blissful foot bathing ritual, followed by a warming all-over body exfoliation to brighten and energise your skin tone. Then drift away with a deeply reviving hot volcanic pebble massage to melt any tensions, before your body is drenched with moisturising extracts of pink pepperpod. Paradise found…you’ll leave feeling deeply destressed with relaxed muscles; brighter, smoother, hydrated skin and with re-charged energy levels.

Continue the indulgence at home with a new paradisiac pink pepperpod body lotion. This warm and deeply spiced fusion with Gulf of Guinea pink pepperpod extract and essential oil of Brazilian peppertree will help energise your senses, whilst leaving your skin moisturised and fragrant. Perfect for today’s modern woman!

WIN A MOLTON BROWN SPA TREATMENT!

TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW LIMITED EDITION PINK PEPPERPOD SOOTHING PARADISE TREATMENT, MOLTON BROWN IS OFFERING insideKENT READERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THE NEW SPA TREATMENT FOR FREE. SIMPLY FILL IN THE DETAILS BELOW AND POST TO THE DAY SPA FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN.** **No purchase necessary. One entry per customer. Entries must be on an official entry form. Closing date for entries is 30th September 2010. There is one prize consisting of a Molton Brown pink pepperpod soothing paradise spa treatment. There is no cash alternative to this prize. Employees of Molton Brown and Sideways Media and their immediate families are restricted from entering. No third party or bulk entries will be accepted. The draw will be independently supervised and will take place on 3rd October 2010. The winner will be notified by 4th October 2010. Winner’s details will be available by writing to Marketing, The Terrace, 28 Jamestown Road, London, NW1 7AP. The promoter is Molton Brown Ltd, The Terrace, 28 Jamestown Terrace, London, NW1 7AP.

Name Address

Postcode Email Telephone Please tick here if you would not like to receive information about new Molton Brown products, invitations to exclusive spa events and be added to our mailing list. Your details will not be shared with any other organisation.

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Molton Brown day spa Upper Floor, The Village Bluewater Kent DA9 9SE call us on: 01322 383382 email us on: bluewater.spa@moltonbrown.com

50% OFF COLOUR

First visit only.

Quote “insideKENT” when booking.

Offer valid until 30th October 2010.

3 Palace Street | Canterbury | CT1 2DY | 01227 762332 | www.macsalons.co.uk |

READEROFFER

EXCLUSIVE insideKENT COMPETITION

WIN A WEEKEND GETAWAY TO LONDON’S LATEST LUXURY HOTEL! DIVERT TO LONDON FOR A STAY AT HOTEL VERTA ON THE THAMES, ONE OF LONDON’S NEWEST HOTELS WITH A UNIQUE POSITION ADJOINED TO THE LONDON HELIPORT.

The luxury hotel, part of von Essen hotels, offers 70 bedrooms, a subterranean two-level spa featuring Anne Semonin treatments, a restaurant serving modern British and European cuisine and a bar with fantastic views of the river. Hotel Verta also offers all manner of business meeting spaces and function spaces including a rooftop event space with spectacular views of London landmarks.

If you’re planning a weekend shopping break, indulge in the ‘Stylist Shopping’ packages with the hotel’s very own fashion ambassador Rachel Gold, who can find you some of London’s best hidden shopping gems.

Hotel Verta is offering one lucky insideKENT reader a 2-night stay at the hotel to include a stay in a luxury bedroom, dinner on the first night, breakfast both days and an Anne Semonin spa treatment each along with use of the spa facilities throughout the stay.

If you don’t win, fear not. Hotel Verta is offering all insideKENT readers a very special overnight rate of £155.00 ex VAT, room only, for September & October*. Simply call and quote insideKENT Verta offer.

For your chance to win**, visit www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/hotelverta For more information on Hotel Verta visit www.hotelverta.co.uk or call 020 7801 3500 *Subject to availability, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, non transferable and no alternative available. **Only one entry per person. Entries must be received by 31 October 2010 to be eligible.

Winner will be chosen at random and contacted by email and/or phone by 12 November.

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© Keystone USA - ZUMA / Rex Features

COVERSTORY

alluring beauty

BY LIZZY CLINE

A STATUESQUE BEAUTY STANDING LEAN WITH BLONDE WISPS FLOWING DOWN INTO HER EYES, NAOMI WATTS BRINGS ABOUT A BIT OF HUMOURISTIC INNOCENCE WHEREVER SHE ROAMS. BORN NEAR SEVENOAKS, KENT, WATTS SPENT MOST OF HER YOUNG LIFE LIVING IN AUSTRALIA. HER PASSION FOR ACTING CAME ABOUT AFTER SEEING THE MOVIE FAME IN 1980, AND SHE HAS NEVER LOOKED BACK. 46

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© Picture Perfect / Rex Features

NAOMI WATTS AND PARTNER LIEV SCHREIBER

When Watts was 18, after landing a few bit parts in commercials, she landed her first ‘big’ role in For Love Alone (1986). Though holding a job as Assistant Editor at Follow Me magazine in Australia, a friend convinced her to try acting full time, and so her journey began.

Watts met her best friend, Nicole Kidman, when they both auditioned for a bikini commercial and shared a taxi ride home. In 1991, Watts starred alongside Kidman in the sleeper-hit Flirting (1991), and continued her career by starring in the Australian Brides of Christ (1991) co-starring Oscarwinners Russell Crowe and Brenda Fricker. After gaining some acting momentum, she moved to Hollywood and began to work regularly, even though some projects were less alluring than others. While trying to gain a more permanent foothold, she worked as a nanny for Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise. With an unparalleled glow and energy that enamored her to directors and audiences alike, Watts began to break out of her shell as a performer.

Her big break came when she won a coveted spot in David Lynch's Mulholland Drive (2001). Her inspiring performance in the dual role of Betty Elms/Diane Selwyn proved her strong acting ability and earned her welldeserved respect by many far reaching directors and producers. Although she was overlooked for an Oscar nomination that year, she had gained the street credit she so desperately wanted to choose more widely known roles and projects. She gained more notoriety in The Ring, a cult hit that became her claim to fame in the mainstream film audience. In 2003, she starred in Alejandro González Iñárritu's 21 Grams, which earned her a much overdue Oscar nomination.

Just as the press and critics began to put a tag on her acting, Watts mixed it up with her role as Ann Darrow in Peter Jackson’s King Kong. Soon after she chose to take on her first comedic role in I Heart Huckabee’s. No two roles could have been more different, and Watts proved, yet again, that she was the essence of what acting should be.

Balancing her genre work with potentially headier fare guided by notable directors, Watts' creative acting abilities have continued to grow and deepen.

She has been cast in an array of films with some of the most talented directors and actors in the world, and continues to surprise the critics. Her versatility and range have now reached to her producing talent in which her independent movie, Ellie Parker, was showcased and re-released at the Sundance Film Festival in 2005. The film, produced by Watts, also has her starring in the feature role and displays an exaggerated take on the life of a young actress who struggles through the trials of moving to Hollywood to obtain her dream. The film became a cult classic and Watts has since produced five other films. When asked how she feels about producing, she says, “To be a producer is not something that I look at as a position of power. I just think that I have these great connections, let's use them. I believe in it. You believe in it. Let's do it.” A strong believer that a woman can do anything she sets her mind to, Watts uses her abilities to help display this fact, “If I have to produce movies, direct movies, whatever, to change the way Hollywood treats older women, I'll do it. If I have to bend the rules, I will. If I have to break them, I will.”

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Call it a lightweight.

I dare you.

Lighter: 70 kg less than standard car Faster acceleration: 0-62 mph in 3.4 seconds Top speed: 202 mph More power: 570 hp at 8,000 rpm Uncompromising on road and track

Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera LP 570-4.

Lamborghini Sevenoaks 92 London Road Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1BA Tel 01732 430 041 www.lamborghini-sevenoaks.com Part of Jardine Motors Group.

EU fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100 km) for the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera with e-gear: urban 13.8 (20.4); extra-urban 30 (9.4); combined 20.9 (13.5). CO2 emissions: 319 g/km.

COVERSTORY © Sony Pics / Everett / Rex Features

ON THE SET OF YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER; FROM LEFT: ANTONIO BANDERAS, NAOMI WATTS, ANNA FRIEL

The year 2006 was a turning point for Watts as the public began to take notice of not only her talent on screen, but also her beauty offscreen as she climbed the ‘celebrity lists’. She was ranked #2 in the UK FHM's most eligible women; she was voted #29 on AskMen.com's Most Desirable Women and named in FHM magazine's "100 Sexiest Women in the World 2006" supplement. Sorry guys, since then Watts has been swept off her feet by actor Liev Schreiber, with whom she has two children, Alexander Pete and Samuel Kai. Watts considers herself to be both British and Australian and is adamant when she states, “For the record, I am actually British as well as Australian. People always think I'm Australian but I'm happy for the Brits to claim me back. I'm offering myself up.”

Just as her favorite actresses, Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster and Julianne Moore, Watts brings about the strength of the female persuasion and embodies the character she portrays. A vegetarian, she enjoys martial arts and yoga.

She participated in amateur Judo championships throughout the early 90s, and now trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

This year has brought some more huge roles to Watts’ career, as she has signed on to be a part of five new projects. One of the most exciting is the new Woody Allen film You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, with Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Gemma Jones and Antonio Banderas. The plot follows a pair of married couples, Alfie (Hopkins) and Helena (Jones), and their daughter Sally (Watts) and husband Roy (Brolin), as their passions, ambitions, and

anxieties lead them into trouble and out of their minds.

Watts has recently completed the movie A Fair Game with Sean Penn. Her second project with Penn after 21 grams, her character is opposite that of her last role with Penn. "I've had people who've seen 21 Grams say, 'Wow, you're so brave to be looking like that'. This shocks me. I think that's what an actor's job is, to lose yourself in a role". Proving once again her versatility, she is able to hold her own next to one of the heaviest hitters in cinema today. But Naomi enjoys every minute with Penn, “Even during my most intense scenes with Sean Penn, we found ways to have fun. Sure, I have my dark moments, but I'm the girl you'll see driving down the highway singing to Blondie.”

Speaking of blondes, the biggest controversy at the moment in Watts’ career is the new role she will take on in the film Blonde. Naomi will portray the icon Marilyn Monroe in an upcoming biopic based on author Joyce Carol Oates' fictionalised 2000 memoir. There were many different actresses considered for the role before the final decision was made, but Watts believes that she can understand the inner workings of Monroe, "The tragedy, I think, is the big thing," Watts says. "She was able to manipulate the press I think, but she was a wounded soul, and that couldn't be hidden so well." She also believes strongly in director Andrew Dominik’s ability to convert the story into one that can be well expressed onscreen.

“He's going to want to get into the nitty gritty of it. It's beyond the sort of sexual goddess.

He wants to get into many different characters in her life, her family story…it covers a lot," says Watts.

Not allowing the glitz and craziness of Hollywood and the career she has chosen to overwhelm her, she looks at life in a more simplistic form. As she explains her views on her chosen field, “On set is where I feel comfortable. The red carpet stuff, talking about the film, explaining your own life, it doesn't come naturally. It's all necessary stuff I suppose but it's not my strength. There's a set of rules out there somewhere that says it all ends by 40. I hope to be able to defy that because I truly love my work.”

The 41-year-old beauty, who was recently named as the new face of the Ann Taylor clothing range, admits a preference for fashion which requires putting more clothes on rather than taking them off. She will star in their fall advertising campaign, alongside stars like Milla Jovovich and Heidi Klum. "Ann Taylor's new fall collection makes getting dressed fun again, I just melt into the cardigans," she tells Us. “To me the Ann Taylor woman feels like every woman. She is someone who has confidence, she’s smart, and she’s sexy. She’s someone who cares about how she looks and doesn’t have hours to spend creating some look that’s possibly going to overwhelm her. She wants to be comfortable, you can wear them all day and feel cozy.”

Her alluring beauty, apparent vulnerability and innocence, in combination with her innate sensuality, have endeared her to her audiences.

Her self-respect and confidence radiate through her roles as she balances her profession and everyday life with grace. Watts says, “You have to make peace with yourself.

The key is to find the harmony in what you have," and she accomplishes this feat with perfection.

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FOOD+DRINK

curry party!

KENT’S AWARD-WINNING CHAI STOP IS THE PERFECT CULINARY DELIGHT TO OFFER WHEN HOSTING A DINNER PARTY OR SOCIAL EVENT. THEY OFFER FRESH AND FLAVOURFUL DISHES THAT ARE DELIVERED FROZEN TO YOUR DOOR, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS POP THEM IN THE OVEN AND VOILA! YOU HAVE AN INSTANT PARTY. Tina Cesbron and Isobel Moore, who share a long-standing interest in holistic health from the ayurvedic properties of herbs and spices, run the Chai Stop in Minster, Kent. They source as much local produce as they can, and all its meat is reared outdoors and the vegetables, lentils and pulses are organic wherever possible. All dishes are what and gluten free.

Invigorated by their recent Taste of Kent Award, the Chai Stop is making its frozen curries available nationwide, thanks to the innovative use of sheep’s wool as an eco-friendly insulating material. A recent trial order successfully completed the 250-mile overnight trip to Bath. The dishes arrived still completely frozen and the customer was so delighted that she has set up a weekly “curry club” for her friends.

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

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FOOD+DRINK

in the 'art' of folkestone

Walking into GOOGIES ART CAFÉ on Folkestone’s Rendezvous Street is like a breath of fresh air. Eclectic décor (none of that typical too-trendy coffee house stuff), a variety of seating, a gourmet menu and killer coffee are what make this place one of Southeast Kent’s best kept secrets.

Keith Holland, Googies’ owner, opened the café in August 2009 to follow his dream of owning a unique business; not only for his personal satisfaction, but to provide a setting for locals to eat, meet and hang out.

Over the past year, Googies has cooked up some smashing food, hosted some fantastic events and has carved itself a reputation for being the creative hub for artists, musicians and local businesspeople in Folkestone.

With an ever-changing gallery of local art, a rotating specials menu including scrumptious vegetarian and vegan options and a full events schedule, Googies has a little something for everyone.

Donna’s Review I’m no stranger to Googies – I’ve spent many a morning in the café (with its free wi-fi), using it as my makeshift office quite a few times.

I usually order a diet Coke or a latte while I work, but almost always leave before lunch.

I’d had a few simple snacks from the Googies menu in the past, but now I was finally able to try a variety of ‘real’ Googies specialties.

Having lived in America most of my life with an abundance of authentic Mexican restaurants around every corner, I might call myself a sort of nachos connoisseur (maybe more like a nachos snob). I’m picky about my nachos. There is an art to nacho making – one layer of tortilla chips to one (thick) layer of cheese, accompanied by fresh guac, soured cream and salsa. Googies knows about this art. After sharing two orders of nachos with my dining companions, I can genuinely say they’re the best nachos I’ve had yet in England.

After my deliciously naughty starter, I opted for a more sensible main – the fresh Chicken Caesar Salad. The portion was larger than most lunch-sized salads, the chicken was tender and juicy and the homemade croutons added a unique spicy kick. My guest enjoyed the day’s special – homemade warm Goat’s Cheese and Red Pepper Quiche. Both dishes were more than we expected from a local café.

Adam’s Review I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of home-cooked starters and mains that were on the Googies menu. If there’s anything on the menu with cheese, I’m there. Seeing a large plate of nachos wandering past to another table, I knew that would be choice number one for me.

The nachos had layer upon layer of crispy tortillas and cheese, and had freshly made sweet tomato salsa, soured cream and homemade guacamole on the side. If you ever have a hankering for nachos, Googies won’t leave you disappointed.

I had heard through the grapevine that the Googies Burger Wraps were an instant hit in Folkestone, and that the secret recipe (created by owner Keith) was divine. With over 6 different variations I went for the ‘Italian’ with melty mozzarella cheese and pesto wrapped in a soft warm tortilla, with a fresh balsamic salad and creamy chunky coleslaw. Keith’s recipe is certainly something to talk about; the burger was lean, well seasoned and big enough even for me.

My guest chose the Goat’s Cheese and Red Pepper Salad, which was, for lack of a better word, huge. The massive round of goat’s cheese was the crowning glory of this delectable mixed green salad, which my guest absolutely loved.

Though I was almost bursting at the seams after lunch, I managed to make room for a latte while I enjoyed the gallery of art and photography adorning the walls. Whether you want a quick coffee, a hearty meal or a chat with like-minded creative locals, Googies is the place to be.

Googies Art Café 15 Rendezvous Street Folkestone CT20 1EY 01303 246188 www.googies.co.uk

All in all, Googies is a great place for a coffee, a chat, live music and fabulous food. www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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FOOD+DRINK

7 HOTEL & DINER

BY ADAM READY

HAVE YOU EVER SAT BACK AND WATCHED CLASSIC MOVIES SUCH AS GREASE OR BACK TO THE FUTURE AND DREAMT ABOUT HOW COOL IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TO HANG OUT IN 50’S AMERICA, THE GENERATION OF ROCK N’ ROLL, PASTEL COLOURS AND OF COURSE AMERICAN DINERS? WELL, THAT DAY HAS NOW ARRIVED AT THE NEWLY OPENED AUTHENTIC AMERICAN DINER 7 HOTEL & DINER IN HALSTEAD, KENT.

The diner comes into sight with a 12-foot road sign and vintage car by the front doors. As you enter the doors you get a real sense of fun with black and white square floor tiles, open kitchen area and props such as the juke box. We sat down in our totally retro booth with menus in hand, and even our waitress Billie Jo was in character with lots of helpful recommendations.

As I sat reading the menu I couldn’t help but think back to the movies with shakes sliding across the bar or being thrown over the wise guy, so we ordered the milkshake of the week, Banoffee, and the Chocolate Shake to get us going. Both were thick and tasty but not overly sweet. If you fancy a proper drink why not try the Hard Spiked Shakes with alcohol?

The diner was full of atmosphere and I found myself clicking my fingers to the jukebox which pumped out classic 50’s hits as well as modern day songs with a twist from the likes of Robbie Williams and The Scissor Sisters, all recorded in an Elvis rock n’ roll style fit for any jive.

With a full choice of appetisers from ribs, prawns and chilli bowls, you will definitely need a bit of

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time to decide what to try. The spicy Buffalo Wings had a nice sharp kick, perfect served with sour cream, and the chunky Potato Skins were fully loaded with cheese and bacon. Generous portions make the appetisers great for sharing, perfect for a lively, sociable meal with friends and family.

In true American style I ordered (the now insideKENT favourite) Kentish Blue One; an 8oz 100% Angus British beef burger, covered with melted Kentish blue cheese, mushrooms, gherkins, tomatoes and onions with a generous American-sized portion of fries. My guest had the Char-grilled Chicken Burger with added cheese, bacon and BBQ sauce which we both raved was the nicest BBQ sauce we had ever tasted. For the ultimate diner lovers, why not try a Big Plate Dish, including pork ribs, breaded prawns and an 8oz rump steak. Or for something a bit different try a traditional deep south dish like Prawn Gumbo and Louisiana Cajan Crayfish Salad.

After tucking away our mains, Billie Jo offered us some fab desserts including the childhood favourite: the banana split. All the desserts were

enticing, but to be perfectly honest we were both full and had to order 2 spoons to attempt to eat The Knickerbocker, filled with everything.

Homemade vanilla and strawberry ice cream, meringue, fruit, jelly, cherries and whipped cream complete with a flake and Maltesers on top.

If you’re too full to cruise home in the car, you can book one of the newly refurbished bedrooms upstairs – all en-suite with LCD TVs. The following morning, head back to the diner for a full-on American-style pancake breakfast or stick with a traditional full English.

7 Hotel & Diner welcomes guests of all ages for what is guaranteed to be a blast from the past filled with nostalgic fun and great food.

7 Hotel & Diner London Road Polhill, Halstead TN14 7AA 01959 535 890 www.7hoteldiner.co.uk

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FOOD+DRINK

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in canterbury

by Donna Martin

MICHAEL CAINES RESTAURANT AT ABODE CANTERBURY IS MORE THAN JUST YOUR AVERAGE NIGHT-ON-THE-TOWN EATERY. IT’S PURE CLASS. IT’S RELAXED DINING WRAPPED IN A BLANKET OF GOURMET BLISS. AND IT’S IN OUR LOVELY LITTLE CORNER OF KENT.

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From Canterbury’s High Street, the ABode calls out like a modern beacon amongst the ancient buildings; but once inside, you can see how perfectly they have fused the old and new.

Contemporary glass walls and gorgeous lighting work in sublime harmony with the original exposed beams and arched doorways.

The ABode Canterbury offers three choices for dining: The Old Brewery Tavern serving delicious gastropub specialties; The Champagne and Cocktail Bar offering light bites, sandwiches and snacks; and our choice for the evening, Michael Caines Restaurant.

One of Canterbury’s finest dining establishments, Michael Caines Restaurant welcomes you in with its crisp white table linen, neutral minimalistic décor and orange gerbera daisies on each table.

After enjoying a drink and some canapés in the lounge, we were escorted to our seats.

From my first peek at the menu, I knew we were in for something special. The à la carte menu boasts specialties such as Roasted Saddle of Godmersham Rabbit with Hazelnut & Green Bean Salad and Roasted Almond Purée; and Wild Line Caught Sea Bass with Chorizo and Red Pepper Purée, Stuffed Baby Mediterranean Vegetables and Gazpacho Sauce. My guests and I all decided to order the Tasting Menu – a 7-course sampling of many of the à la carte dishes.

First up came the Roasted Hythe Scallops with Vanilla Parsnip Purée and Chicken Ginger Jus. The large fresh scallop was presented beautifully on a clear glass plate, and tasted just as good as it looked. My guests glanced at each other

with looks of complete and utter enjoyment on their faces – usually a good sign at the beginning of a meal.

For our second course we enjoyed Pan-fried Veal Sweetbread with Kentish Asparagus, Morel Mushrooms and Gewürztraminer sauce. The combination of textures and flavours were divine.

Next on the menu was our first of two mains Monkfish Wrapped in Parma Ham with Creamed Leeks, Tomato Fondue, Mussels and Saffron Velouté. Again, another fantastic presentation of colours and shapes, and another incredible combination of tastes. The monkfish was succulent and was a perfect match with the salty Parma ham.

Our second main was the unanimous favourite of the evening - Roast Sirloin of Kentish Beef with Truffle Potato Purée, Roasted Shallots and Madeira Jus. All conversation stopped while we ate the perfectly cooked strips of tender beef.

Every last morsel of shallot, every ounce of potato purée and even every last bit of garnish disappeared from each plate.

At this point of dining out (after a traditional starter and main), I usually get uncomfortably full and don’t entirely enjoy my pudding. The beauty of the Tasting Menu is the portion sizes, giving you enough to enjoy but being small enough to keep you from rolling out onto the pavement when you’re finished with seven courses. It was a good thing I still had some room as there were still three courses to go.

After our gorgeous second main, we were left to chat and enjoy our drinks for a few minutes

before our cheese course. If I haven’t said it enough about Michael Caines Restaurant, the presentation is always beautiful. The fifth course came out on rustic wooden boards, displaying three types of cheese, celery, grapes and chutney.

All three cheeses were heavenly.

Still not feeling overfull, we moved onto our pre dessert - light and fluffy Pistachio Mousse topped with a warm meringue. One of my guests mentioned her normal dislike for all things pistachio, but I can confirm there was none left in her dish after ten minutes. The cold pistachio mousse with the warm sweet meringue made for a unique and enjoyable tasting experience.

Last on the night’s menu, and the grand finale - Raspberry Soufflé with Vanilla Poached Peach, Almond & Amaretto Ice Cream and Raspberry Jus. Perfectly sweet and delicious, our seventh course left us feeling just the right amount of full and utterly content.

There are only a few restaurants in East Kent that I would recommend whole-heartedly to friends and family, and Michael Caines at ABode is the newest on my list. The atmosphere is stunning, the menu is full of delicious (and beautiful) surprises and the food is 100% gourmet bliss.

Michael Caines at ABode 30-33 High Street Canterbury CT1 2RX 02032 864256

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RECIPE

Chocolate Tart with Coffee Anglaise and Crème Chantilly

Serves 12

• Prepare the pastry at least 30 minutes in advance of use. Firstly, in a mixing bowl cream together the butter and icing sugar until white.

Then add the flour, orange zest and salt and rub together until it resembles a sandy crumble.

Finally, add the eggs and bring the mixture together carefully. Do not over mix. Remove the pastry from the bowl then wrap in cling film and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before use.

Sugar pastry 175gr unsalted butter 90gr icing sugar 250gr plain flour, sieved Zest of 1/2 orange Pinch of salt 2 eggs Baking beans Chocolate tart mixture 400gr dark chocolate (40%) 160gr milk 400gr cream 2 eggs Coffee Anglaise 175gr caster sugar 5 egg yolks 25gr roasted coffee beans 500ml milk 25gr milk powder 100ml whipping or double cream Crème Chantilly 300gr whipping cream 25gr icing sugar

• Pre-heat the oven to 160°C / gas 3. Place a 26cm, with a depth of 2.5cm, tart ring on to a flat bottomed baking tray. Roll the pastry out evenly and then line the tart ring with it. Cut out a large circle of parchment paper and place it lightly on top of the pastry. Then fill with baking beans and make sure they are pushed into the sides of the ring. Place in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. After this time, remove the parchment paper and beans and place back in the oven and bake for a further 5 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. Allow to cool.

• Put the chocolate into a bowl and place over a bain-marie to melt. Place the milk a cream into a pan and bring to the boil, meanwhile place the eggs into a blender. Once the milk and cream has come to the boil start to blend

the eggs and then pour the hot liquid on to the eggs very carefully and mix together. Then gradually add the contents of the blender to the melted chocolate, stirring continually. Pour the mixture into the pre-baked tart case and leave to set for 2 hours.

• While the chocolate tart is setting prepare the coffee Anglaise. Place the coffee beans in a tea towel, crush them with a rolling pin then put them in a pan along with the milk, milk powder and cream and bring to the boil. Put the sugar and egg yolks in a bowl and cream together, then add a third of the hot liquid and mix well. Pour the mixture back into the remaining liquid in the saucepan and mix together, then stirring continuously, cook until the temperature reaches 85°c. Use a thermometer to ensure the correct temperature is reached. When done, pass the mixture through a sieve and allow it to cool.

• To make the crème Chantilly, sift the icing sugar into the cream and whip to a peak.

• To serve, simply cut the tart into 12 pieces, or desired portions, then serve with some coffee anglaise and a scoop of crème Chantilly.

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. Since February 2009, he is also 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, Britain's first hotel. A chance encounter with Andrew Brownsword led to the creation of ABode Hotels. Amongst numerous other recent accolades, Michael has cooked in 10 Downing Street for the Prime Minister, and he took part in ‘The Great British Menu' chef's competition broadcast on BBC2 television for the honour of cooking for the Queen's 80th birthday.

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CHRISTMAS at ABode WHETHER YOU ARE CELEBRATING WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS OR WORK COLLEAGUES, ABODE CANTERBURY PRIDES ITSELF ON EXCELLENT SERVICE, FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT. From exciting Christmas parties in the Old Brewery Tavern to the fine dine festivities of dinner in the Michael Caines restaurant, there is something for everyone. The ABode’s dedicated team are on hand to take care of your every wish.

RELAX, IT’S CHRISTMAS! Christmas day should be a time for everyone to enjoy, and ABode Canterbury has the perfect recipe for keeping the whole family happy. With sittings at 12.30pm and 3.30pm, enjoy a truly memorable day with a sumptuous five course menu, followed by coffee and mince pies in the beautiful surroundings of the fine dining restaurant.

Christmas Parties at Old Brewery Tavern Lunch £19.50 per person Dinner £27.50 per person DJ Thursday, Friday & Saturday New Year’s at Michael Caines Restaurant £85.00 per person, 8.00pm for 8.30pm New Year’s in the County Room £65.00 per person, 7.30pm for 8.00pm To book your festive dinner please contact 01227 826676 and don’t forget to quote ‘insideKENT Magazine’

Michael Caines Restaurant £75.00 per person, 12.30pm & 3.30pm Old Brewery Tavern £47.50 per person, 12.00pm and 3.30pm

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GOTHIC SOIRÉE Hosing a Halloween Dinner Party

by Emma Bates

created by creepy music and a fog machine.

You can hire these from as little as £15 and it really does help set the mood.

The dish satisfyingly harks back to school days but becomes perfectly grown-up when presented correctly.

Start your meal with some beautifully vibrant green pea and bacon soup. Serve in black bowls to set off the colour further and for a ‘cauldron’ effect. The shocking green against the smoky reds of the bacon give this dish a real witchy effect, but it stays elegant nonetheless.

Whatever your menu, make sure that it’s not too challenging and that you don’t have to cook it all in one go. After all, you’re not taking part in MasterChef and your guests will much prefer to spend time with a calm, happy host or hostess than a cooking wine glugging, stress-head.

If you’d like to remain sane on the night, planning the menu in advance is a must. If you can, cook ahead too. You’ll save yourself an awful lot of rushing, and not to mention washing up.

Normally, I’m up for a super tacky Halloween, but it’s just as entertaining to shock your guests with good taste. For the main, serve an autumnal slow-roasted pork belly with braised red cabbage and roast potatoes. Roast the pork for at least 2.5 hours in a moderate oven, leaving the meat meltingly good. The perfect accompaniment to the saltiness is the tender sweetness of the braised red cabbage cooked with apple, bacon and fennel.

If you’ve left the tray on the roast chicken and the melting plastic has been marinating the roast potatoes for the last hour or you’ve just discovered that the cat’s stolen the finger food and is happily munching the remains outside on the lawn, your dinner party will still be a success if you can have fun.

My theme of choice for 2010 is a Gothic Soirée.

Black table linen and silver candelabras are the order of the day. But the real ambience can be

Even after all that goodness, who could resist roasted rhubarb with stem ginger ice cream finished with a shortbread pumpkin for dessert?

As dinner parties go, one of the most fun to organise and take part in has to be the annual Halloween get-together. What other time of the year can you have a dinner playlist that includes Marilyn Manson and the theme from Hellraiser?

A Halloween lover from childhood (my mother having been born on 31st October) I have been counting the days until I can serve my guests something nasty with their aperitifs.

To plan a first class evening with friends, you first need to consider your theme. Are you planning an all out Halloween gore fest or opting for something more sedate? Your theme should of course dictate your table design and menu.

Have a great time!

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halloween night A CRUNCHY BITE OF FRIGHTS ON

KENT IS WELL KNOWN FOR ITS REPUTATION AS THE ‘GARDEN OF ENGLAND’ DUE IN PART TO ITS GREAT APPLE GROWING TRADITION. SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER SEES THE HARVESTING OF THE APPLE CROP IN KENT WHICH IS WIDELY VIEWED AS THE APPLE GROWING CAPITAL OF ENGLAND. IT HAS BEEN WELL PUBLICISED THAT THE INDUSTRY GRUBBED MANY ORCHARDS BUT NOW, HAPPILY THE INDUSTRY IS GROWING LARGER AGAIN. SIX YEARS AGO THE POPULAR RUBENS APPLE WAS INTRODUCED TO KENT GROWERS AND FOLLOWING THE COMMERCIAL PLANTING OF AROUND 140,000 TREES ACROSS THE COUNTY THIS DELICIOUS APPLE WAS MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC THREE YEARS AGO. WITH RUBENS AT THEIR BEST AROUND HALLOWEEN, WE LIFT THE GHOULISH MASK ON THESE STRANGE PARTNERS IN CRIME.

HALLOWEEN PHOTOS BY WENDY SAUNDERS

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On 31 October children across the county will emerge from their homes dressed as ghosts and witches, and goblins and demons to celebrate our calendar’s spookiest celebration of all...

Halloween. There’ll be knocks on the door to the cry of ‘trick or treat’, haunted house parties, bobbing apples, toffee apples and pumpkin carving. But where did it all begin?

We have to scroll back 2,000 years and the ancient Celts to find the roots of the modern day Halloween celebration in England. Samhain, which quite literally means ‘summer’s end’ is widely accepted as the Celtic precursor to Halloween. The Celts believed that summer came to an end on 31 October and the New Year began on 1 November with the start of winter and the pagan celebration of Samhain.

During the day on 31 October, the fires within the home were extinguished. At sunset, clans or local villages began the formal ceremonies of Samhain by lighting a giant bonfire.

The people would gather around the fire to burn grain and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. The Celts believed that souls were set free from the land of the dead during the eve of Samhain. Those that had been trapped in the bodies of animals were released by the Lord of the Dead and sent to their new incarnations.

Rubens apples – the little red devils of Kent

Not all of these souls were honoured and respected. Some were also feared as they would return to the physical world and destroy crops, hide livestock or 'haunt' the living who may have wronged them. It was also an opportunity to honour the Celtic Gods and Goddesses of the harvest, fields and flocks, giving thanks and homage to those deities who assisted the village or clan through the trials and tribulations of the previous year.

When the community celebration was over, each family would take a burning ember from the sacred bonfire and return home, to re-light their home fires. These fires were kept burning night and day during the winter and families placed food and drink outside their doors to appease the roaming spirits who might play tricks on the family.

Bobbing apples

By AD43 the Romans had succeeded in claiming the majority of the Celtic lands in England. They ruled for approximately four hundred years combining or influencing many Celtic traditional celebrations with their own. Two Roman holidays were merged with Samhain including Pomona's Day of Honouring, the Roman goddess of fruit and fruit trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of ‘bobbing’ for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.

The Celts believed the pentagram shape was a fertility symbol and as the seeds of an apple (when sliced in two) formed a pentagram – the apple became a powerful symbol at a magical time of year for determining who would be the next to wed. Whilst we no longer believe the first to bite into an apple will get married imminently, bobbing apples remains a popular game synonymous with Halloween.

With the coming of Christianity in the 9th century, the early Church in England tried to Christianise the old Celtic festivals. Pope Boniface IV designated the 1 November as ‘All Saints Day’, honoring saints and martyrs. He also decreed 31 October as ‘All Hallows Eve’ which eventually became Hallow'een.

Best bobbers The best bobbing varieties are Gala, Jonagold and Rubens. Traditional versions of the game require a tub or large basin of water, filled with around 20cm of water and with a few apples floating on top (but not too tightly packed).

Sarah Calcutt, business development manager at Norman Collett, the English fruit marketing group based in Paddock Wood, in Kent, explained: “You will get very wet indeed if you choose the wrong variety of apple for this game. During research carried out with Tesco last year, our researchers found that rounder apples with short stems are hard to chase around the bowl so it’s best to go for a Gala, Jonagold or Rubens.”

One by one children and adults either hold their hands behind their backs or have their hands loosely tied with a scarf and try to retrieve an apple by biting into it. Picking it up by the stem with your teeth or pressing the apple against the side of the bowl with your teeth are all legitimate tactics of the game and it’s a good idea to have a towel handy and some hair ties for girls, or boys, with long hair.

Bobbing alternatives Not everybody likes to get wet – particularly on a chilly, English, Autumn night so we’ve got some great alternatives for children and grown ups to the traditional bobbing apples.

Hanging apples This version of the original wet game is becoming increasingly popular. Simply suspend a clothesline across the party area and use a de-corer to take out the apple core. Thread string through the hole and tie in a secure knot around the apple – then tie the other end to the line. Holding your hands behind your back, the winner needs to be the first one to either successfully take a bite, or more challengingly, eat the apple swinging on the string.

Ghostly apples Fill a bowl with apples and then cover with flour or icing sugar. As the competitors try to retrieve an apple with their mouth, keeping their hands firmly clasped behind their back, they really will look as white as a ghost!

2000 years after the collapse of the Roman Empire, the modern day ancestors of the Romans in Italy have given Kent another great new variety of apple – thanks to an exclusive deal signed with Norman Collett in Paddock Wood. The fine lineage of the striking Rubens red eating apple has the sweet taste of its mother, the Gala apple, but with a more aromatic side-kick; and the crisp, solid, crunchy texture of its father – the Elstar apple.

And whilst the old adage ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ might have held good over centuries newly published research this summer has suggested that two apples a day is even better for your health.

This is one of the major findings of ISAFRUIT, a research project co-financed by the European Commission. The initial nutritional studies show that two apples a day (300g of apple) helps reduce cholesterol by 10 per cent.

That’s music to the ears of Norman Collett, the English Fruit Marketing Group, who exclusively introduced the popular Rubens apple to English apple growers in 2004 from Italy. The new star of commercial English orchards has seen tree planting quadruple in the last three years as consumer demand for the fiesty red apple has grown beyond all expectations.

With just 66 calories in a typical 133g Rubens apple, the new variety offers particularly high levels of Vitamin C, antioxidants and calcium. Rubens apples are available from all Tesco stores in Kent (except Tesco Express), Co-op and Morrisons.

Toffee apples with a twist Toffee apples are traditionally associated with bonfire night and Halloween, but not everybody likes to crack their teeth through the hard toffee layer or eat a whole apple. So here’s a lovely alternative. The Rubens make ideal apple wedges, as they are slower to turn brown than other varieties.

Rubens Apple Wedges Dipped in Butterscotch Sauce 50g unsalted butter 100g light muscovado sugar 284ml double cream 1/2 tsp cinnamon 6 red skinned Rubens apples Juice of 1/2 lemon Wooden skewers

Method: Melt the butter in a pan and tip in the sugar. Stir until dissolved, then leave to bubble for 30 seconds.

Take off the heat and pour in the cream and cinnamon. Slowly bring to the boil and whisk until smooth. Set aside until warm.

Meanwhile, de-core the Rubens apples and cut each one into six wedges. Toss the fruit in the lemon juice, though Rubens will stay whiter for longer, if you find you’ve run out of lemon. Thread the apple wedges onto the skewers and enjoy plunging your apple skewers into the warm butterscotch sauce.

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ART

artist profile: PHYLLIS McDOWELL

PHYLLIS MCDOWELL'S PAINTINGS REFLECT THE RICH VARIETY OF HER WORKING EXPERIENCE ABROAD AND AT HOME. AFTER QUALIFYING AT BROMLEY COLLEGE OF ART AND BRIGHTON TEACHERS TRAINING COLLEGE, PHYLLIS MOVED TO GHANA WHERE SHE LECTURED IN FINE ART AT KUMASI UNIVERSITY. SHE CONTINUED HER PAINTING AND TEACHING CAREER WITH APPOINTMENTS IN LOS ANGELES, AND SUBSEQUENTLY IN ZAMBIA, PARTICIPATING IN SOLO AND MIXED EXHIBITIONS.

Since establishing her base in Folkestone in 1977, Phyllis has taught in Adult Education, demonstrates regularly at local art societies, arranges painting workshops in her own studio, and takes groups out on location at home and abroad. In previous years groups have painted with her in India, Portugal and Spain; last year a group painted in Ireland and she will be returning to Ghana in August.

In 2005 Phyllis contributed to a travelling exhibition on the KCC Arts Bus called 'Sights and Sounds of Africa' that contributed towards Africa'05 which was the biggest celebration of African culture ever organised in Britain showcasing art, literature and music.

A GRAND EXHIBITION WITH PHYLLIS Phyllis' paintings have also been shown at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour, Mail Gallery, the Society of Botanical Painters, Westminster Gallery and the Laing Collection.

She has also produced several commercial DVD's on watercolour painting and loves taking on commissioned work.

Phyllis will be exhibiting with artist Christopher Bone from Saturday 4th September till Wednesday 15th September at The Grand (The Ballroom), The Leas, Folkestone CT20 2XL. The exhibition will be open daily from 11am-6pm. Free admission & ample parking.

For more information on Phyllis or to get in touch, visit www.phyllismcdowell.com

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LocalArt

ART

KENT IS FULL OF CREATIVE TALENT, ESPECIALLY IN THE FORM OF FINE ART. FROM PAINTING TO SCULPTURE TO PHOTOGRAPHY, THE GARDEN OF ENGLAND BOASTS SOME OF THE COUNTRY’S BEST ARTISTS. HERE, INSIDEKENT SHOWCASES JUST A SMALL EXAMPLE OF SOME EXTRAORDINARY PIECES BY KENT’S FINEST. ARTWORK PROVIDED BY THE KENT ARTISTS GROUP

She Mark Thompsett marktompsett4@hotmail.com 01634 260786

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ART

Reculver Lastlight Anthony Giles 07813 159685 tonyart@tiscali.co.uk www.acolartgroup.org

Cyprus Fisherman Maureen Carter 01732 463374 mail@maureencarter.com www.maureencarter.com

Seaside Fun Sarah Dickinson 07738 956626 sarah.dickinson@hotmail.co.uk

Untitled Photograph Selina Goss 07904 958526 selinagoss@yahoo.co.uk

Stodmarsh John Hawke 01843 601536 john-hawke@live.co.uk

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Alone Herjinder Neigah 07944 051517 hneigah@hotmail.com www.herjinderneigah.com

Rochester upon Medway Kevin Clarkson 07902 255606 kevinclarkson@hotmail.com www.kevinclarkson.co.uk

Kiln-formed art glass John Stamford stamfordglass@btinternet.com www.freewebs.com/stamfordglass

Untitled Robbie Kingsnorth 07690 410081 robbiekinsnorth@hotmail.co.uk

Barges at Sail Nigel Wallace nw@nwfineart.co.uk www.nwfineart.co.uk

Sarre Trevor Hartley 07803 293369 trevorhartley1@yahoo.co.uk www.trevorhartleyartist.com

A MESSAGE FROM THE KENT ARTISTS GROUP FOUNDER, ALAN REYNOLDS: I come from a creative family with four sisters, all of which are artists of some kind. As creativity runs through my family, producing artwork in painting & drawing, textiles, pottery, illustrations and live music, I decided to start the Kent Artists Group in October 2006.

Above left: Bossington Caromin Louw 07835 117358 caromin@hotmail.com www.carominlouw.com

Since then we have grown to over 80 artists in 14 different categories, with new members joining us weekly. All listings include an image of the artist's artwork, contact details and a web link.

Above right: Greene Man Jeannie Vickery 07552 194424 jeannie@kent-arts.co.uk

For more information or to become a member, visit www.kent-arts.co.uk

Untitled Photograph Liz Garnett liz@lizgarnett.com www.lizgarnett.com

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EDUCATION

ST EDMUND’S

A FIRST CLASS EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR CHILDREN St Edmund’s School Canterbury offers an exceptional education for children between the ages of three and eighteen; the Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior Schools all share the same delightful grounds overlooking the city of Canterbury, thereby ensuring that pupils enjoy a strong experience of community throughout their career with the school.

The school’s aim is to deliver excellence for all pupils, and the recent ISI inspection confirms its success in this, with St Edmund’s achieving first class results. Pupils were seen to enjoy their education, demonstrating collaborative learning.

Teachers were found to be inspiring, showing considerable skill in nurturing the special talents of all children. Year on year, the school achieves excellent academic results and a very high position nationally on Value Added, a comparative measure showing the progress children have made.

Whilst teaching and learning is of course important, the St Edmund’s environment is about much, much more. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the children in the school’s care is highly valued, and St Edmund’s has an outstanding system of pastoral care. The school accommodates day pupils as well as weekly and full-time boarders, and the ISI reports concluded that boarders were happy and lived in a friendly, secure and well-cared-for environment, a ringing endorsement of the strenuous efforts St Edmund’s makes to create a home-from-home for its pupils.

The School has a varied enrichment programme, with options available allowing every pupil to explore their interests widely, including

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activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and adventure training as well as more gentle pursuits such as the young engineers and chess clubs. There is also an emphasis on pupils working with charities and helping in the community.

St Edmund’s places an importance on the role of parents within the school, again something highlighted in the ISI inspection. Parental support contributes significantly to the outstanding education provided for children, and the school has a strong track record in both involving parents and dealing with their concerns.

As with any school, the quality of the school leadership is paramount, and at St Edmund’s this has been found to be outstanding. The school’s governors bring their own expertise to assist in the effective running of the school, and the management teams within each of the Pre-Prep, Junior and Senior schools demonstrate effective skill and judgment in performing their complex roles.

St Edmund’s is proud to punch above its weight in its sporting achievements, and for a small school, pupils do extraordinarily well against larger rivals. Particular strengths are cricket,

football, and hockey. The school’s prowess is supported by a general site plan for sport, the immediate goal being an all-weather, floodlit, multi-purpose sports facility.

Music and drama are also woven into the fabric of school life. Children’s talents are nurtured in all aspects of the performing arts; pupils consistently achieve excellent exam results in their chosen areas and all ages have the opportunity to participate in exciting productions and public performances. Events range from the splendid, annual gala concert in Canterbury Cathedral to the St Edmund’s musical pantomime.

More information about the school can be found on its website, but of course, the best way to discover its unique qualities is to pay St Edmund’s a visit – either at the Open Day on October 9th, or by arranging a personal visit. The Headmaster, Mr Jeremy Gladwin; the Master of the Junior School, Mr Robert Bacon; and the Head of the Pre-Prep School, Mrs Janet Frampton-Fell, are all pleased to meet prospective parents, and consider it a privilege to welcome them to the school.

St Edmund’s School Canterbury St Thomas Hill, Canterbury Kent CT2 8HU Tel: 01227 475600 info@stedmunds.org.uk www.stedmunds.org.uk

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OUT

treasure hunting I

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A TREASURE HUNT IS A GREAT WAY OF GETTING THE WHOLE FAMILY OUT AND ABOUT IN THE FRESH AIR DOING SOMETHING A BIT DIFFERENT AT THE WEEKEND OR DURING THE HOLIDAYS. WITH OVER 200 TREASURE HUNTS BASED IN TOWNS AND CITIES AROUND THE UK AND OVERSEAS, HUNTFUN IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO START YOUR EXCITING TREASURE HUNTING ADVENTURE.

Treasure hunts are a great way to explore your own town or when visiting somewhere new. By following the directions and solving the clues along the way you will have unforgettable fun exploring the streets, hunting out interesting facts and things you would ordinarily walk straight past. You don’t need any prior knowledge of the area as all clues are solved by observation.

Huntfun hunts are pre-written, so all you need to do is purchase a hunt and you're set with everything you need - directions, clues a map and the answers – for a great day out.

You can order a printed hunt booklet or you can purchase a downloadable hunt to print yourself – ideal if you are looking for something to do today. If you are already out and about, you can also download hunts suitable for web browsing mobile phones.

Hunts normally take about two hours to complete; however, they can easily take a half or even a full day if stops are made along the way to visit museums, shops and to have café breaks and lunch.

To learn more about Huntfun treasure hunts and to plan your own treasure hunting day out, visit www.hunfun.co.uk

WIN A HUNTFUN TREASURE HUNT! Five readers of insideKENT will win a Family & Friends Huntfun Treasure Hunt in your choice of the following locations: Canterbury, Ashford, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Rochester or Sevenoaks.

To enter, visit www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk/huntfun Only one entry per person. Entries must be received by 31 October to be eligible to win.

Winners will be chosen at random and notified by email or phone by 12 November 2010.

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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OUT

T H E

G R E A T

O U T D O O R S :

Meopham

A GREAT DAY OUT DOESN’T HAVE TO COST THE EARTH. EXPLORE KENT OFFERS A FANTASTIC RANGE OF IDEAS TO HELP YOU DISCOVER OUR EXCEPTIONAL COUNTRYSIDE AND COAST. BY KELLY MALYON

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Location: Meopham Distance: 4.7 miles (7.5km) Time: Allow 2 hours Steps: Approx 9,500 Gates: 16 Refreshments and facilities: Camer Park, Meopham Parking: Parking available at Camer Park This 4.7 mile (7.5km) circular walk starts at Camer Park, a 45 acre site of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The route gives you a chance to enjoy some spectacular views across rolling landscapes, as well as the opportunity to explore Meopham village, known as the longest village in Kent.

Following the passing away of its last resident, Kate Smith-Masters, the Camer Estate was sold to Strood Rural District Council in 1967 for £9,750 and converted to a public park in 1971. Camer Park now delights visitors daily who choose to take time out in its beautiful mature parkland. It also provides us with an ideal starting point for this idyllic afternoon walk.

The cultivation of vines to produce wine in Kent dates back to Roman times. It is understood that in the 13th century the Archbishop of Canterbury owned one of the biggest wine making operations of the Middle Ages. Meopham Valley Vineyard – close to our route – is a 2 hectare site growing a substantial range of grapes that produce English white, red, rosé and sparkling wines.

As you head towards the village of Meopham, there are spectacular views across the rolling landscape of the Downs. Take time to explore the village, which has earned a reputation as the longest village in Kent as a result of its distinctive linear development.

While in the village, why not stop and take on well earned refreshments before continuing on your walk? The Long Hop is a well known public house in the area that overlooks the village green.

This is a great place to while away an hour or so enjoying a rest and maybe watching a game of cricket on the green.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS If you want to make a day of it, why not plan your day in advance? Book a tour of the Meopham Valley Vineyard and sample the excellent wines. Meopham wines have done extremely well in local and national competitions and have won numerous awards.

Meopham Windmilll is another lovely landmark in the area, close to the idyllic village green. This smock mill was built as a 'model' mill to demonstrate milling and was consequently very well constructed. It is a Grade II listed building and is looked after by the Meopham Mill Trust.

Originally built in 1821 by the Killick brothers – a well known Kentish milling family – it is the last in a line of mills serving Meopham. John Norton and his nephew took over the mill from Thomas Killick in 1889 and in1959 the Nortons transferred the mill to Kent County Council. Visits to the Windmill can be made in the summer months by arrangement with the Parish Council.

WITHIN FIVE MILES: • Owletts – A typical Kentish Charles II Yeoman family home administered by the National Trust. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.

• Cobham Hall – Set in 150 acres of parkland this private school is open to the public on specific dates for pre-booked tours. Visit www.cobhamhall.com for more info.

• Shorne Woods Country Park – A large ancient woodland site, with an eco-friendly visitor centre, café and 288 acres of woodland to explore.

For more walks and days out in Kent, visit www.kent.gov/uk/explorekent www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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GETAWAYS

THORNBURY

C A S T L E

WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THORNBURY CASTLE AND DRIVE THROUGH THE NINETEENTH CENTURY GATEWAY YOU ARE STRUCK BY THE OVERWHELMING SENSE OF HISTORY AND GRANDEUR OF THE HOTEL AND ITS GROUNDS. STAYING HERE IS NOT ONLY A WONDERFULLY RELAXING AND INDULGENT TREAT, BUT ALSO A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE AS THIS IS THE ONLY REAL TUDOR CASTLE IN ENGLAND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AS A HOTEL.

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As you enter the castle and are greeted by the friendly reception staff (who promptly take care of your luggage and park your car) you are met with an interior fit for royalty. Sumptuous heavy

fabrics, tapestries, dark wood panelling and the odd suit of armour make an atmospheric but cosy ambience which is repeated in the hotel’s 27 bedchambers.

Arriving at the castle on a cold November day to be greeted by a roaring open fire and fourposter bed felt like pure indulgence. The bedchamber was spacious with stone walls and great views of the grounds but still felt warm and cosy thanks to the glowing, crackling fire. With the help of a glass of sherry from the complimentary decanter I soon began to feel very lazy and wondered whether I would be able to drag myself away. Luckily if you stay at the hotel you won’t have to as there is an excellent room service menu.

However it would be a shame not to make it to dinner to enjoy an intimate dining experience in one of the characteristic dining rooms. Whilst you’re there be sure to sample the castle’s excellent wine produced from its own 500-yearold vineyard within the grounds. Enjoy traditional English dishes and modern cuisine, all including herbs and vegetables grown in the castle’s gardens.

Thornbury Castle is in an excellent location with lots of attractions nearby. But first, follow in the footsteps of Henry VIII and Ann Boleyn and enjoy a walk around the castle’s grounds and oldest Tudor gardens in England. Take the castle’s guidebook with you to really appreciate the history

and architecture. The castle resonates with history making it a perfect romantic weekend break experience that couldn’t be repeated anywhere else; wander around the ancient yew-hedged gardens or find a secluded spot to enjoy before heading back to the castle’s cosy lounges and roaring fires.

Alternatively the castle is in a great position just off the M5, perfect for a visit to nearby Bristol or exploring the West Country, Welsh borders and the Cotswolds. The friendly hotel staff are always on hand for advice on the local area and will go to great lengths to ensure you make the most of your break – the hotel manager even drove some guests to a nearby restaurant he had recommended!

With rooms on a bed and breakfast basis starting from around £230 per room per night there’s no need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this special break.

C.R. For more information visit www.thornburycastle.co.uk

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GETAWAYS

K WEST HOTEL & SPA

BY LUKE YATES

SITUATED IN A QUIET BACKSTREET IN SHEPHERD’S BUSH WELL OUTSIDE LONDON’S CONGESTION ZONE, LESS THAN A 5 MINUTE WALK FROM ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST STYLISH SHOPPING CENTRES IN THE UK, AND WITHIN EASY REACH OF SEVERAL TUBE AND OVERGROUND STATIONS, IT’S NOT DIFFICULT TO SEE WHY THE K WEST HOTEL & SPA HAS BEEN SO POPULAR FOR THE BEST PART OF THE LAST DECADE WITH SHOPPING TOURISTS, TRAVELLING BUSINESSMEN, AND EVEN THE ODD ROCK STAR OR THREE.

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Minimalist in design yet highly modern, the K West building comprises of a beautifully sculpted metal framework full of glass lit at night by primary coloured blocks of lighting, and its innards shrouded with giant curtains, making it seem welcoming and homely, but yet discrete. As you enter the revolving doors, you are treated to a stunning lobby and bar area, and left with quite an amazing first impression of classiness and comfort.

But despite all this wonderment-inducing finery, K West does not give a first-time visitor the impression of stuffiness or exclusivity, as is often found with 5-star London hotels. This is mainly due to the warm welcome received from all the staff, making it clear that K West holds to an intrinsic culture of customer care. From the receptionist, to the spa staff, to the cleaners - all display a genuine willingness to help you, the customer, any way they can.

Once you have been quickly and efficiently checked in by reception, you find yourself walking down a corridor that looks as if it was designed no more than a few days ago - purple metallic floral wallpaper sits comfortably with panels of wood, all lit by an array of coloured beams of light. At regular intervals, small TV screens display the news of the day.

Almost too soon you are at your room door, but once again these rooms are extremely stylish, and very non-stereotypical hotel rooms. The six different rooms available are priced on space, rather than features - you pay for square footage.

The smallest room is the junior double at 23 square metres, and the largest is the sumptuous K-Suite at 55 square metres.

Across the range, the rooms come with flatscreen TVs (the larger the room - the larger the TV), a luxurious bathroom (the K Suite’s of course being the most impressive with a Philippe Starck free-standing bath and twin hand basins, not to mention a vast shower). Provision has also been made for docking iPods in the form of integrated

Bose equipment, and Playstation 2 gaming equipment is either standard, or available on request (depending on which room you have) reinforcing the very up-to-date image of K West.

The guest information guide in every room details a vast range of services and options that are available to every visitor, one of these being room service. Unlike some hotels that claim “24 hour room service” and then offer you a sandwich and a can of Coke after 11am, K West employs a full compliment of catering staff to provide customers with pretty much whatever they want, whenever they want it.

The same ethos applies to the misleadinglynamed Kanteen, which does not feature any self service, tomato-shaped ketchup bottles or red and white spotty table cloths. Instead it sports some cutting-edge artwork, courtesy of Laura McNamara, and some first class food from around the world. In theory, you could order just about anything, and the Kanteen staff would be more than happy to cook it for you. Even steak and chips!

All of this luxury does not detract from K West’s commitment to minimising its impact on the environment. The hotel boasts an impressively detailed environmental policy, which includes practices such as monthly assessments and staff training, and attention to detail such as using water-based paints and all furniture and soft furnishings are constructed from natural products wherever possible. Additionally customers are gently reminded to do their part as well. The policy leaves the reader with the impression that the hotel isn’t just going through the motions, but genuinely believes in the necessity of such a policy, something that really does it credit.

Now comfortably settled in, it’s time to check out K West’s incredible spa facility, K Spa, which has just enjoyed a £2 million upgrade. The spa area includes a hydrotherapy pool delightfully reminiscent of an enormous, luxurious bathtub - complete with a giant over-sized tap which acts as a shower.

For those that enjoy sweating out their impurities, there is a traditional Scandinavian-style sauna, with pine benches and the standard sand-timer which acts as a challenge to the weak to endure as much sweating and gasping for air as possible.

Once you have lasted as long as you dare in the sauna, you can emulate the full Finnish experience and perform a mad dash for the Snow Paradise - a brick-built sub-zero room containing enough snow and coldness for a rapid cool-down, or if you prefer - a good snowball fight in your swimming costume.

K Spa also offers a huge range of treatments, guaranteed to pamper and revitalise, including the Ultimate Back Relief treatment - which is new and entirely exclusive to K Spa. The treatment starts with a deep back cleanse and exfoliation, followed by a hot stone back massage, and the application of a thermal warm bubble mask along the spine, shoulders and feet. Not only a treat for your back, this treatment also includes a relaxing cranial massage.

If you manage to drag yourself away from the spa, and out of the luxurious hotel premises you are only a few minutes walk from a plethora of designer shops and restaurants with a strong Italian theme, including a brand new Jamie Oliver restaurant.

Indeed the area the K West is located in, coupled with the way this hotel is run, makes it very appealing to a wide range of clientele, and a fantastic place to stay, regardless of your reason.

You will definitely want to come again.

K West Hotel & Spa Richmond Way, London W14 0AX 02080 086600 info@k-west.co.uk www.k-west.co.uk

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TRAVEL

BARCELONALUXURY

DISCOVER BARCELONA’S LEADING HOTELS – GRAN HOTEL LA FLORIDA AND HOTEL ARTS WORDS BY PETER DA SILVA

With the ongoing obsession for all things new and modern, it’s easy to forget that simplicity can be quite rewarding. The Gran Hotel La Florida applies a simplistic approach to its operations – everything at the hotel is rewardingly effective.

You’ll fall in love with the hotel before you even arrive as you look up into the mountains and see a hotel with the most outstanding location in the city. With only 70 bedrooms you are guaranteed a 5-star experience throughout. The rooms are all individually designed and spacious; many have balconies with the best views in Barcelona.

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As you draw yourself away from the luxury of the bedrooms, the 37-metre L-shaped swimming pool beckons with breathtaking views of the city – a perfect place to relax and enjoy the Barcelona sunshine. The bar/restaurant adjoined to the pool offers light meals served either around the pool or within your relaxing sun bed area. If you’re missing your health regime, head to the hotel’s spacious gym with a selection of equipment and weights.

For that extra special occasion, stay in one of the ‘Design Suites’ which further enhance the unique feeling you have when in the hotel. Eight of the suites have been specially designed and are themed to include a Japanese suite, with both spectacular design and views.

When you’re ready to explore, the hotel provides a shuttle to downtown Barcelona. The architecture around the city is beyond stylish and it offers a dated yet exciting feel. Visit areas including Las Ramblas, a promenade worthy of a visit if only to see what everyone is talking about. Here you can walk the small streets and lose yourself amongst old buildings with plenty of personality.

When it comes to eating in Barcelona, you either have the vastly expensive Michelin-starred places, which are great when you want to splurge, or the day-to-day restaurants which can sometimes lack care and passion. Tapas quite new to the region is generally poor, so be warned. The options between new-wave and traditional Catalan cuisine are better.

been inspired by the city. With the likes of Dali, Picasso and Miro all having drawn from the city, this is a place with plenty of charm – both medieval in the Old City and contemporary all around the city with new buildings and hotels always springing up. And the next best reason to go to Barcelona? The Gran Hotel La Florida: surely one of the greatest hotels in the world.

Nightlife is alive and kicking with bars and clubs open until very late. People go out late here, late for dinner, later for drinks and super late clubbingso get your beauty sleep before you go.

Rates start from €400.00 per night in a Deluxe Room, visit www.hotellaflorida.com for more information.

Ultimately, you go to Barcelona for the architecture and art. You can see why so many artists have

HOTEL ARTS A dominant player on both the business and leisure front, the Hotel Arts has an exclusive vibe. The Six Senses Spa is probably the best in Barcelona with the finest views of the Mediterranean after indulging in a spa treatment.

The pool area – whilst busy – is spacious and well maintained and the attentive staff are always on hand.

Part of the fantastic Ritz-Carlton group, you can expect the best. The Arola Restaurant within the hotel offers some of the best meals in Barcelona – definitely a restaurant to impress and be impressed in.

For an exceptional experience and view of the city, try one of the apartments at the top of the hotel. These are nothing short of heavenly. The exceptional beauty of the 28 luxurious apartments that crown the building comes from the powerful architecture of Bruce Graham and the warm and elegant interior décor designed by Antoni Puig and José Juanpere, and created by Jaume Tresserra.

The apartments reflect the purest Ritz-Carlton philosophy of service and innovation. Their unique and exclusive location means they boast spectacular panoramic views, impeccable design and the attention of a team of butlers who provide personalised service for guests.

All in all, the Hotel Arts remains a super power in Barcelona and is a must for a truly luxurious experience.

Rates start from €385.00 per night in a Deluxe Room, visit www.hotelartsbarcelona.com for more information.

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TRAVEL

europapark

BY MARILYN WHISTON

AFTER WATCHING GERMANY BEAT US IN THE WORLD CUP, I DECIDED TO LEAVE MY ENGLAND SHIRT SAFELY AT THE BOTTOM OF MY LAUNDRY BASKET AS I SET OFF FOR GERMANY’S LARGEST THEME PARK. I WONDERED WHAT IT COULD BE THAT MADE THEM SO MUCH BETTER AT FOOTBALL?

©DAN DESBOROUGH

Built in 1975, Europa Park is currently celebrating its 35th birthday and is situated in Rust, Baden on the border triangle of Germany, France & Switzerland. Covering an area of 85 hectares, it has over 100 attractions and shows themed over 13 European ‘countries’, 46 eateries, over 3100 staff, and boasts and expected 4 million visitors for 2010.

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My visit to Europa Park began at the Colosseo Hotel, a four-star superior venue offering themed suites, spa, pool (with a separate pool for kids), and even its own replica Roman Coliseum. The 350 rooms, including 22 exclusive themed suites, have elegant furniture and sumptuous bathrooms.

Like the rest of the hotel they are authentically Roman in style down to the very last detail.

For some Italian indulgence, bask in the luxury of pure wellness in the Aqua Romana spa in the Colosseo arch. Try out the sauna, cleanse in the steam room or have a dip in the pool. To curb your appetite, there are two à la carte restaurants and one buffet restaurant to choose from. On top of wowing your senses, the Colosseo will also wow your wallet at around ¤58 per person per night, including breakfast.

Rather than a traditional hotel, you can also stay in a cosy log cabin, a real tepee or a covered wagon for around ¤20 per person per night. The tepees can hold up to twelve people, the log cabins up to sixteen, or the covered wagons are just right for four.

Stepping into the park from Hotel Colosseo, we arrived in the park’s first theme country: Spain. It instantly oozed with Spanish charm with its large castle-style gate, traditional tiling, and yellow and white painted buildings. The rides in Spain are mainly fun-fair style rides, and you may find a Spanish band playing their guitars to diners in one of the restaurants.

A fast and modern monorail runs through Europa Park, which takes you from attraction to attraction quickly and comfortably. It even has a lovely citrus smell, making for an even more pleasant ride. These Germans certainly seem to know how to do things properly. You can also hop on a miniature railway which stops at every country. Either mode of transport is a great way to get around the park.

After Spain we headed to Austria where I checked out the Tirrol Log Flume and the Alpine Coaster, and dropped into the magical World of Diamonds. The rides were world-class thrillers, and the beautiful mosaic floors and sparkling gems of the World of Diamonds had me mesmerised.

I was itching to visit Iceland, specifically to queue up for the mega coaster Blue Fire. I had been eyeing up this ride on the map ever since before my trip. Hurdling from 0-100 km/h in 2.5 seconds with the highest loop in Europe is my idea of fun. For a video clip worthy of YouTube, a DVD of your ride can be purchased after the event showing you enduring 4G forces. To regain my composure after the coaster, I watched the children in envy as they threw water bombs at their brothers and sisters in the Litill Island Hansgrohe Water Playground, and wondered if they might spare a bomb or two to cool me off in the 35-degree sun.

After Blue Fire, I was ready for some more thrills in France. The first nail-biting coaster I tested was the Eurosat; an indoor roller coaster that blew me away with its lasers, dance music and strobe lights. Then the ‘pièce de résistance’, the ride of all rides – the Silver Star. This 36-seat train takes you slowly up seventy five meters of track, and when you reach the top, get ready for an adrenalin-pumping ride around the rest of its twists and turns at a whopping 130 km/h. This hyper coaster is the longest and tallest in Europe at 5,315 feet in length and lasting 2 1/2 minutes.

If you’re over 140cm, this is a ride that can’t be missed.

For the younger visitors there are suitable attractions in almost every country, as well as Children’s World & Adventure Land. Little ones can go on a Viking boat, take the Giant Slide Labyrinth, and ride on a raft through the jungle

where they might find talking frogs and mushrooms hidden amongst the trees. Let them get soaked in the water playground or try dodging the interactive fountains.

With food and snacks encompassing flavours of thirteen countries, there is something for every taste. The park uses locally sourced foods for their restaurants as much as possible, as well as ordering in authentic foods for the country’s themed restaurants.

One of my favourite eateries was the recently opened Western Saloon in the log cabin camping area of the resort. The tex-mex style food is delicious. For the first time in my life, I was served a burger that actually looked like one you would see in a photo or on TV. The décor was equally impressive with authentic swinging saloon doors, a wooden balcony around the upper floor and long red velvet curtains at the back of the stage.

Admission to Europa Park is free for children under 4 years, day tickets are ¤35 for adults and ¤31 for children 4-11 years. It’s also free for children on their birthdays, and there are special deals on 2-day and annual tickets.

If you fancy a fantastic jam-packed adventure in a top-class theme park with some of the most thrilling rides in Europe, excellent hotels, great camping, fabulous food, shows & events, this is the place for you. The Germans aren’t just better at football!

For more information, visit www.europapark.de

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MOTORING

FAMILYGUY NATIONAL ICONS ARE TRICKY THINGS, AND YOU MESS WITH THEM AT YOUR PERIL. SO IS IT POSSIBLE TO TAKE A MARQUE THAT’S SYNONYMOUS WITH ALPHA-MASCULINITY AND REINVENT IT AS THE ULTIMATE FAMILY FOUR-SEATER? ASTON MARTIN THINKS IT IS. WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY MATTHEW EVANS

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THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL FOUR-DOOR SPORTS CAR. That’s the bold statement that greets you when you open the brochure for the Aston Martin Rapide, and for once it’s a manufacturer’s claim that I find it difficult to take issue with. Given that its obvious competitors seem to have shot themselves in the foot – I’m prepared to be generous and call the Maserati Quattroporte quirky but when it comes to the Porsche Panamera, well, there are limits to my generosity – one might think that Aston Martin is aiming at an open goal, so I’m prepared to indulge in even further hyperbole by saying that the Rapide is one of the most stunning new cars you’ll clap eyes on, period.

In many ways it was an obvious notion to try and stop owners migrating towards the likes of Bentley as they felt the need to become domesticated. But when rumours of the Rapide first emerged a few years ago there were numerous enthusiasts and aficionados who baulked at the idea of a four seater – never mind four door – Aston Martin. It’s just not how an Aston should be, they opined, and pointed to the 1970s and the Lagonda as proof positive. Fortunately, someone at the firm felt that rules were there to be broken, and was confident enough to back Design Director Marek Reichman and his in-house design team as the men to break them. A brave call but a good one, and one that has silenced all but the most blinkered of the nay-sayers.

The Rapide might not display the brutal good looks of the DB9 with which it shares many of its underpinnings, but there’s no denying that it shapes up like a purebred Aston Martin. Flowing elegance and neatly incorporated design details are the order of the day, with the distinctive Aston grille lending enough aggression for the die-hards.

Settle into the cabin and you’re surrounded by a perfect balance of in-your-face and understated, probably best summed up by the Bang & Olufsen audio system. Select your chosen sound source and a pair of tweeters rise automatically like hi-tech mushrooms from the dashboard, adding a sense of occasion to something as apparently mundane as switching on Radio Two. It’s not exactly subtle, in fact it’s kind of flashy, but that matters not a jot because it’s so perfectly executed. Oh, and it sounds darned good too.

Hop in the rear chairs and, well, it’s a bit like being in the front.

Legroom is pretty useful, thanks to slimline front-seat backrests, and occupants sit in wonderfully supportive sports seats separated by the high console that covers the mid-rear mounted gearbox. It also provides a handy location for the rear ventilation system controls and a pair of cupholders (leather lined of course). Headrest mounted screens and wireless headphones mean all can choose their entertainment independently, but if you’re going for a shared aural experience the B&O system adjusts itself to take account of whether or not there are bums in the back.

Boot space is surprisingly generous, and you can even fold down the rear seats if you wish. Not that I’d advocate loading up with your Homebase purchases, because the backs of those seats are so beautifully designed and finished that you really wouldn’t want to be stacking sheets of MDF on top of them.

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MOTORING

ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE PRICE AS TESTED: £147,000 ENGINE: 5935CC V12 PETROL POWER: 470BHP TOP SPEED: 184MPH 0-60MPH: 5.0 SEC COMBINED ECONOMY: 19.0MPG CO2 EMISSIONS: 355G/KM Much of what I’ve just described can be seen from our photographs, but what might not be so obvious is the meticulous attention with which the car is put together. Now it might sound like a given that a £140k plus vehicle is going to exude quality, but even by the rarified standards of its piers the Rapide is quite simply immaculate.

There isn’t a crease to be found in the leather, an uneven gap or piece of stitching, or an illcrafted piece of trim anywhere, and even the engine bay is a masterclass of fit and finish.

THANKS TO...

The Historic Dockyard Chatham has launched No.1 Smithery: National Treasures Inspiring Culture - a joint project between Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, the National Maritime Museum and the Imperial War Museum. It showcases unique and previously unseen maritime treasures, national and international touring art, and the kind of education areas and interactive family learning and entertainment spaces that inspire all age groups. www.thedockyard.co.uk

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And what you definitely won’t see, of course, is the driving experience. If firing up the 6-litre V12 and watching passers by swivel their heads towards the taught, burbling rasp from the Rapide’s exhaust isn’t enough to dispel any lingering doubts you may have about whether this is a ‘real’ Aston, then burying your foot in the carpet will be. Acceleration is turbine smooth, seamless, and very, very rapid – oddly akin to the sensation of irresistibly building speed you experience in an airliner on take-off – and the car feels as if it’s only just getting into its stride as you enter license-shredding territory. And with a top speed of 184mph, I guess it probably is.

There’s fun to be had without getting too illegal though; use the F1-style paddle shift to hold a low gear as you exit a bend, and just enjoy the soundtrack as a set of baffles in the exhaust opens to let the world know what 470bhp sounds like, and 443lb/ft of torque fires you down the road. Better still, find a tunnel, wind the windows down, and rip that throttle – it’s not big, it’s not clever, but it sure is fun.

During our shoot at Chatham Historic Dockyard, small boys aged seven to 77 seemed to agree, and couldn’t help but smile at those gorgeous curves and gasp at that glorious exhaust note as we rumbled between set-ups. And that, surely, is the essence of Aston Martin: achingly beautiful,

sublimely built, and for most people sadly unaffordable; yet still managing to appeal to the inner child within all of us.

Lancaster Sevenoaks Aston Martin 114-115 London Road Riverhead Sevenoaks TN13 2DN Tel: 01732 456777 astonmartin@sevenoaks.jardinemotors.co.uk www.jardinemotors.co.uk/astonmartin

EVENTS

JULIAN CLARY – LORD OF THE MINCE // 1 & 2 SEPTEMBER Tickets available with meal deal at Quarterhouse Bar at Restaurant.

8pm, £16 (16+) www.quarterhouse.co.uk, 01303 858500 Quarterhouse, Folkestone (SAT NAV: CT20 1JT)

FOLKESTONE SKABOUR FESTIVAL // 3-4-5 SEPTEMBER

Folkestone welcomes The Beat and many other ska bands to the Folkestone Skabour Festival 2010. Skatonics, Special Brew, Orange Street, Tootnskamen, Arthur Kay & the Originals, Intensified and many more will play during the three-day festival. Many acts are free throughout various venues in Folkestone, with the headliners playing at the Quarterhouse.

Fore more info and tickets, visit www.folkestoneskabourfestival.co.uk

THE COMEDY CLUB AT TUDOR PARK // 10 SEPTEMBER & 15 OCTOBER Treat your self to an evening of fun and laughs in the stylish surroundings of Maidstone’s new premier comedy venue. 3 top comedians, different each show. £10 basket meals promotion available. Doors: 7pm, Tickets: £14, Comedy Club Members: £12.

For more info and bookings call 01622 735360 Tudor Park Hotel, Bearstead (SAT NAV: ME13 4NQ)

MAIDSTONE’S ORIGINAL BEER & HOP FESTIVAL // 11 & 12 SEPTEMBER FREE pint of beer for every full paying adult!

Try a large variety of rare and more commonly seen real ales and ciders and lagers on tap and bottled. There will be Pimm's, wine and spirits available too. Join the 'festini' atmosphere with a variety of live and local music playing all day long. Rock out in the main stage area or chill out by the acoustic lounge on both days.

Sunday's tunes will be varied and a bit more mellow.

Saturday: 10am-8pm, Sunday: 10am-6pm.

Adults: £8 including free pint of beer, Conc: £7 including free pint of beer, Children 4-16: £6, Under 4s: Free.

For more info visit www.kentlife.org.uk Kent Life, Maidstone (SAT NAV: ME14 3AU)

JOUSTING WITH ROBIN HOOD // 18 & 19 SEPTEMBER

Another chance to catch the Jousting Tournament with characters from the tales of Robin Hood combined with our many attractions for the whole family to enjoy. Archery and children's craft acitivities in a marquee add to the fun, while Rotary Clubs from across Kent will set up stands on the Cedar Lawn where visitors can enjoy extra games and interests, many aimed at children.

Leeds Castle (SAT NAV: ME17 1RG)

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CANTERBURY EUROFAIR // 24-26 SEPTEMBER

As well as fine food and drink from around the county, visitors will be able to enjoy goodies from all over Europe. There will be even more food and drink stalls than in previous years, and local restaurants and retailers are being encouraged to enter into the spirit of the event and take the opportunity to showcase what the city has to offer. The event is staged by Canterbury City Council working in partnership with Produced in Kent, an organisation which promotes Kent producers and raises the profile of food and drink originating from the area. FREE entry.

Dane John Gardens, Canterbury (SAT NAV: CT1 2RN)

TUNBRIDGE WELLS FASHION WEEK & GALA DINNER // 29 & 30 SEPTEMBER, 1 OCTOBER

Showcasing the extensive fashions that Tunbridge Wells has to offer along with fashion shows and great entertainment on 29th and 30th September, and a fabulous Gala dinner on 1st October, TWFW is set to be huge.

For more info visit www.tunbridgewellsfashionweek.com

ACCENTS DU SUD OUEST WINE DINNER AT ABODE CANTERBURY // 7 OCTOBER

Michael Caines at ABode Canterbury will be hosting a wine dinner event on Thursday 7th October.

The evening will be hosted

by Tim Wildman MW and Pierre Chollet, with canapés and a glass of Cotes de Gascogne, followed by dinner in the Restaurant for a superbly matched menu. Guests will enjoy a range of different wine styles from the South West of France.

For those who wish to stay overnight an accommodation package is available. £60.00 per person, Dining Club members and their guests £54.00 per person.

To reserve a space please call the events team on 01227 826676.

ABode Canterbury (SAT NAV: CT1 2RX)

FRIENDS OF THE MARLOWE MAGIC EVENING // 9 OCTOBER Etienne Pradier is an award winning magician who has enthralled audiences from Los Angeles to London including members of the Royal family. Paul Martin is an amazing mind reader and magician. Paul and Etienne have a great rapport and while Etienne makes a wine bottle disappear through a solid oak table (without spilling a drop!), Paul’s dexterity with figures would make Carol Vorderman blush.

7.45pm, £17.50 www.quarterhouse.co.uk, 01303 858500 Quarterhouse, Folkestone (SAT NAV: CT20 1JT)

SWAN LAKE // 23 OCTOBER The Premiere of Swan Lake transforms the classical ballet into a fairy-tale.

Featuring a timeless score from incredible composer Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake is a certified classic, replete with evocative music and beautiful dance. Performed by the Russian Classical Ballet, Swan Lake has captured the imagination of many generations over the years and continues to attract audiences worldwide, full of mystery and romance.

Tickets: £20, £18 (front stalls only), Conc: £2 off For more info or to buy tickets visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells (SAT NAV: TN1 2LU)

Halloween Fear & Fun // 25-31 October Daytimes: Monday 25th – Sunday 31st. Scary fun for the little ones, with a fancy dress competition and the Devil’s Pig race.

Evenings: Thursday 28th – Sunday 31st. Night-time frights with woodland walks, terror trailer rides, the ‘Boo Tunnel’ and much more for those who are prepared to be scared.

Fore more information visit www.rarebreeds.org.uk or call 01233 861493 ext 221 Rare Breeds Centre, Ashford (SAT NAV: TN26 3RJ)

Mysterious Mummies at Chiddingstone Castle // 25 October

HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN KENT Halloween at the Castle // 23-29 October Entertain the children with a visit to the castle at half term. Mask making and spooky Halloween-themed activities in a marquee. There is a small additional £1.50 charge for the children's craft activities.

Leeds Castle (SAT NAV: ME17 1RG)

Pumpkin Day // 24 October Great fun for the whole family. Collect your entry forms to take part in this highly competitive pumpkin carving event! Refreshments available. Free entry.For more info visit www.thesecretgardenquex.com The Secret Garden at Quex Park, Birchington (SAT NAV: CT7 0BH)

The Haunted Castle at Dover Castle // 25-31 October For Halloween, Chiddingstone Castle unwinds the secrets behind the Egyptian afterlife where you can encounter their very own Egyptian mummy.

For more info and ticket prices visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk Chiddingstone Castle (SAT NAV: TN8 7AD)

Ghost Tours at Hever Castle // 30 October Prepare to be spooked at Hever Castle this autumn with a ghostly guided tour in the rooms of the castle if you dare. Your guide will take you back in time as you walk along the eerie shadows of topiary walk to the deserted castle. Experience the darker side of the castle with new and old chilling tales of its mysterious past.

6.30-8.30pm, recommended age: 12+, £15 per person, advanced bookings required.

Hever Castle, Nr Edenbridge (SAT NAV: TN8 7NG)

Halloween Murder Mystery at Tudor Park // 30 October Be afraid; be very afraid at our Murder Mystery evening to celebrate Halloween. Entertainment and 3 course meal from £35 per person.

For more info and bookings call 01622 735360 Tudor Park, Bearstead (SAT NAV: ME13 4NQ)

Spooktacular Fun with Scooby Doo // 30 & 31 October Be prepared to be scared this autumn half-term as a frighteningly great day out awaits. With over nine ghosts reported to have been seen and heard at Dover Castle, you better keep your wits about you, as spooky characters lead you through one of England's most haunted castles. Beware of the horrible hag! Dare you walk through the tunnel of terror? Enjoy a chillingly fun day out and see if you can unnerve and scare us enough to win a prize for the best children's Halloween costume, bestowed on the most bloodcurdling attire each day.

Adults: £13.90, Conc: £11.80, Children: £7.00, Family: £34.80, Members Free For more info visit www.english-heritage.org.uk or ring 01304 211067 Dover Castle (SAT NAV: CT16 1HU)

Join Scooby Doo on 30 & 31 October and the screams you hear at Kent Life will be of delight and not fright. Go trick-or-treating, knock on the doors of our historic homes and see who is lurking behind them...only if you dare…ha ha ha! Be grossed out in the 'Creepy Crawley Cuddle Corner' workshops, where you can be hands-on with spine-chilling spiders and hair-raising rodents. Join the hunt for 13 wooden ghosts hidden around the grounds, find them all and win a yummy treat! Have your face painted* as an ugly witch, scary skeleton or a gruesome monster, and much, much more.* Additional fees apply.

Adults: £8.50, Conc: £7.50, Children 4-16: £6, Under 4s: Free.

For more info visit www.kentlife.org.uk Kent Life, Maidstone (SAT NAV: ME14 3AU)

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EVENTS

THE WORLD’S BIGGEST

coffee morning

A leading cancer charity is urging people in Kent to raise £215,000 - by taking part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning. Macmillan Cancer Support wants people across Kent to take part in the event to help raise millions of pounds to fund local cancer services.

acquire the money they are entitled to. Macmillan will even provide grants to people with cancer who are struggling financially. All the services we offer are essential, and we rely on the money raised from events like the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning to fund them.”

In 2009 there were almost 1100 Macmillan coffee mornings held across Kent raising a fantastic £185,000. But this year the charity is hoping over 1200 people in Kent will hold a coffee morning to raise £215,000 to help fund local cancer services and support those living with cancer, like Tom.

Marilyn Ferris from Smarden is preparing to host her seventh coffee morning at Smarden Charter Hall, on Friday 10th September between 10am and 1pm, to add to the £8,000 she has raised in previous years through her coffee mornings.

Tom says, “The world stopped when they broke the news that I’d got a rare bone cancer. My mum and I were in shock and we both wept together but the Macmillan nurse gave us comfort.

She explained that it was treatable and calmed our fears. She was there for me all through the treatment, and answered all my questions.”

Macmillan’s fundraising manager for East Kent, Laura Kennedy, said, “Macmillan is there to help from the moment someone is diagnosed with cancer and the support we provide is vital. Our nurses and other health professionals offer specialist medical care and emotional support, while our campaigners help cancer patients

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Marilyn, who had breast cancer seven years ago, personally experienced the work Macmillan does when her mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer. Last year Marilyn raised over £2,500, which funded one hundred hours of support from a Macmillan Nurse, and is determined to raise even more this year to help celebrate the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’s 20th birthday.

Marilyn says, “My mother was helped by Macmillan Nurses and was touched by the understanding they showed her. Macmillan is a wonderful charity to support because so many people have been touched by cancer in some way. I am always overwhelmed by the number of people who are eager to participate at these events.”

The World’s Biggest Coffee Morning can take many different shapes and sizes - from the most traditional tea and cake in the living room to hosting at work or school, to karaoke nights, fashion shows and black tie events. But no matter what you do or how much it raises, all the money helps change lives. By simply getting together with friends and family over a coffee or a cocktail, you will help fund more vital support services for people living with cancer.

Liz Corbyn, World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’s intern for Kent said, “All that matters is that you take part and help us raise more from this year’s coffee morning than ever before – this year is going to be the Best World’s Biggest Coffee Morning ever!”

To host your own Coffee Morning or to find one near you, visit www.macmillan.org.uk/coffee or call 0845 070 1315.

a great night out

@ the quarterhouse

by Donna Martin

Fabulous food, a contemporary atmosphere, first class entertainment.

These are the ingredients for a great night out, all of which you can find at the Quarterhouse, Folkestone.

Sometimes, you just want dinner and a movie without having to battle the crowds, eat second-rate food, and pay through the nose for a Coke. If you fancy a delicious meal and a great flick, you’ll want to head to the Quarterhouse, Folkestone.

fennel, chilli and lemon olive oil served with sauté potatoes, courgettes and sugar snap peas. We were both more than satisfied with the flavours and portion sizes, and couldn’t have asked for a better highlight to our three courses.

The Quarterhouse hosts a variety of events, from live music to comedy to children’s show, and of course, films. The great thing about the Quarterhouse is you can have a fabulous 3-course meal before any of the events in their first-floor modern restaurant. All of the dishes are prepared fresh daily and locally sourced wherever possible.

For those with a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed with the pudding selection. From classics such as Sticky Toffee Pudding, to more original concoctions like Raspberry and Ricotta Gateau, the dessert menu leaves you spoiled for choice.

I headed down to the Quarterhouse for a Thursday night film showing and enjoyed one of the best meals I’d ever had in Folkestone.

I was surprised at the large selection of starters, mains and desserts on the Quarterhouse menu. With an extensive daily specials board, there’s sure to be something for everyone. I chose the Baked Fresh Crab Tartlets for my starter, and my guest chose the Homemade Chicken Orange and Tarragon Pâté. Both came out beautifully presented, and we could taste the fresh ingredients in both dishes.

Before I go any further into our meal, I must mention the Ciabatta. Our server came out with a healthy portion of piping hot, freshly baked homemade Ciabatta, with a few lashings of butter on the side. It was so good, I would consider going back to the Quarterhouse just for the bread. Yes, it was that good.

To finish off my meal, I decided on one of the day’s specials for dessert Fresh Blueberry and Lime Cheesecake Gateau. The layers of dense cake sandwiched with light cheesecake and fresh blueberries was a divine ending to my dinner.

After a quick coffee, my guest and I grabbed a drink from the bar and headed into the theatre for the film. No crowds, no overly expensive Cokes - just a great atmosphere and a fine film after a delectable dinner.

The Quarterhouse Tontine Street, Folkestone CT20 1JR 01303 858500 info@quarterhouse.co.uk www.quarterhouse.co.uk

Loving all things Italian, my decision for my main was easy - the Butterfly Chicken Breast Italiano, with buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, sun-dried tomato sauce, garlic and white wine. Everything about my meal was delicious. My guest chose the Pan Roasted Monkfish Tail with

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MUSIC

>>SUMMER HOP FARM FESTIVAL 2010

The Hop Farm Festival organisers make no apologies for the fact that it tries to be a little bit different to other music festivals. In fact they see it as a unique selling point; an attempt to bring it back to being all about the music, and those buying the tickets.

This year the festival ran on the Friday and Saturday, and saw a rather ‘old school’ lineup as well, with some truly incredible names on the bill.

Boogie-woogie blues-jazz legend, Dr John, took to the stage on the Friday with a dazzling display of his usual style and flamboyance, and charmed the crowd with some quality playing whilst his trademark voodoo skull sat on his piano and grinned.

In stark contrast, with a blistering performance American pop-rockers Blondie stormed onto the stage and proved that age does not weary them.

From the moment they played “Hanging On The Telephone”, till the very end of their set, they held the audience in the palm of their hand. Singer Deborah Harry leapt around the stage with the energy and exuberance of a teenager, the day before her 60th birthday. This was the last UK date for Blondie, and they went out on a massive high.

Initially somewhat of an anti-climax after Blondie, a surly Van Morrison played some of his greatest and well-loved tunes. Sitting at the piano, wearing a white suit and cowboy hat, and crooning into a gold-initialled microphone, he sometimes gave the impression of just going through the motions, but was nonetheless received well by the crowd.

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Fans were pleased to see Pete Doherty restored on Saturday, delivering a solid performance and looking far healthier than at previous gigs.

Ray Davies always manages to charm a crowd, most of whom remember him fondly from the Kinks. He built on this on Saturday, with a solid set of acoustic versions of some of his classics such as “You Really Got Me” and “Sunny Afternoon”. It all seemed to go down very well with the audience, climaxing in a truly beautiful rendition of “Days”.

Mumford and Sons brought things right up to date with their modern folk sound. They demonstrated an uncanny ability to win over the audience, made even more impressive as most people were clearly there to see the main act.

After a slow start, Saturday headliner (and main crowd-puller) Bob Dylan managed to capture the energy of the now full capacity crowd with classics such as “Forever Young” and “Like A Rolling Stone”. Die-hard fans claimed it a triumph. Many others claimed disappointment. The jury is still out, but nonetheless Bob Dylan is an impressive name to have at a festival.

Overall, the weekend was well-run and the weather was great. However, the organisers did perhaps make one mistake - Blondie should have been the headlining act!

FESTIVALS WORDS AND PICTURES BY LUKE YATES

HEVY FESTIVAL 2010

Hevy had a very successful 2009 Festival in Folkestone. Acts such as Gary Numan and Feeder did them proud, leaving much anticipation for the 2010 sequel. However, rather than rely on the previous formula, they bravely devised a festival for young people, with the best of cuttingedge rock whilst at the same time relocating from the seaside to Port Lympne Wild Animal Park.

Being a Hevy event, this was to be a festival showcasing local bands. The ‘Local Heroes’ stage was placed next to the main stage, and performances were carefully alternated, providing the majority of the audience with a glimpse of Kent's finest local talent. Two other tents, the ‘Red Bull Bedroom Jam’, and the ‘Rock Sound Stage’, gave the opportunity for many fine acts to be crammed into the two days, including legends such as Napalm Death and Sepultura.

Friday night, as campers arrived on site, there were no bands playing, but entertainment was

provided by some DJs and a girl with not many clothes on. Some people, predominantly men, seemed to find this entertaining.

Saturday was overcast and rainy, and as the afternoon progressed, the bands got heavier on the main stage, the weather got less friendly, and the crowd got edgy. It wasn't going to take a lot for something to kick off, and that something came in the form of wholly unpleasant American hardcore band, Trash Talk, who seemed to find it necessary to injure photographers and security guards, and incite the audience to start fights.

the day, including a memorable set from frenetic Brit alternative rockers The Subways, the furibund antics of local heroes, The James Cleaver Quintet, and an awesome finale in the form of Glassjaw.

A fine evening was had by all, and the festival finished early enough to ensure that the locals got their beauty sleep.

Hevy are clearly very good at putting on realistically-sized, well organised events. The turnout was great, and after all their hard efforts, hopefully Hevy are considering it a success and are already planning for 2011.

Fortunately Comeback Kid did an excellent job raising spirits, followed up by an excellent performance by Watford's finest, Gallows who managed to instigate what has to be one of the largest circle mosh pits in the history of rock!

On Sunday the weather was far less inclement, and the festival goers, seemed more laid-back and content. Fabulous acts performed throughout

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LAUNCH PARTY insideKENT @ ABode photos by Dan Desborough

Everything was perfect for the launch of insideKENT Magazine on Tuesday, 6th July 2010 at the trendy ABode Hotel, Canterbury.

From the food to the music to the gift bags, 125 guests enjoyed a fantastic evening in celebration of Kent’s premier luxury lifestyle magazine.

As guests arrived into the beautiful County Room, they were greeted with a welcome drink and the sounds of Roger Lewin and his group of musicians. The fantastic 5-piece jazz group played a variety of classics and modern pieces throughout the evening.

After grabbing a glass of bubbly, guests were invited to peruse through a copy of the launch issue of insideKENT, showcasing the best of Kent food and drink, events, days out, news and fashion, as well as an inside look into 5-star travel destinations, luxury motors and international film and theatre star, Jude Law.

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Not only were guests entertained by the talented jazz band, they were treated to an exclusive private performance from awardwinning close up magician, Etienne Pradier.

Etienne wowed each and every guest with jaw-dropping magic.

After some important ‘thank yous’ from Editor, Donna Martin, and Publishing Director, Adam Ready, the ABode served a fantastic buffet complete with gourmet ice cream provided by Simply Ice Cream.

Guests enjoyed drinks and jazz late into the evening and left with luxury gift bags filled to the brim with products from Molton Brown, Head in the Clouds Meringues, HOTcraze Gadgets and Gifts, Chocolate Deli and Biddenden Vineyards.

6th July 2010

© Startraks Photo / Rex Features

ENTERTAINMENT

a l fre d M OL IN A C E L E B R I T Y

E X C L U S I V E

ALFRED MOLINA’S IMPRESSIVE BACKGROUND HAS ALLOWED HIM TO PLAY CHARACTERS OF ALMOST ANY HERITAGE, AND HE IS KNOWN FOR HIS WONDERFUL ABILITY TO PORTRAY CHARACTERS WITH DIFFERENT ACCENTS AND NATIONALITIES. ALTHOUGH HE CONSIDERS HIMSELF INSPIRED BY SUCH ACTORS AS SPENCER TRACY AND CAREY GRANT, MOLINA’S ABILITY GOES FAR BEYOND THE MERE SCREEN. HIS STAGE WORK INCLUDES PERFORMANCES AT THE ROYAL NATIONAL THEATRE AND IN THE UNITED STATES ON BROADWAY FOR WHICH HE HAS BEEN AWARDED THREE TONY NOMINATIONS. HE HAS BEEN A PART OF OVER ONE HUNDRED PROJECTS AND HAS PLAYED MEMORABLE ROLES SUCH AS DR OCTOPUS IN SPIDERMAN2 AND BISHOP MANUEL ARINGAROSA IN THE DAVINCI CODE. INSIDEKENT FEATURE WRITER LIZZY CLINE SPOKE TO MOLINA AT THE PREMIER OF THIS YEAR’S DISNEY BLOCKBUSTER THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE. IK: We just saw you as the two-sided Sheik Amar in Prince of Persia and now we see you here in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice as the evil Maxim Horvath.

What draws you to these unique, usually eccentric and sometimes evil characters?

AM: Well, the paycheck kind of helps, but they are great characters to play. I mean, you can be a little bit outrageous - you can just be out there, you know? It’s great fun being the bad guy and I belong to a very honourable tradition of British actors who have come to Hollywood to play the villain.

IK: But they are still likeable characters they aren’t always so scary. The children love you, and during the Prince of Persia they laughed many times at your antics.

AM: What is scary? I think Alan Rickman was pretty scary in die hard, don’t you think? And would you have slept with him? (chuckling) IK: (laughing) I don’t think I should answer that. So here we are at the Creative

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Visions Foundation charity premiere. Can you tell us something positive that you feel you would like to see change in society, or the world as a whole today?

AM: Oh, that’s a huge one. Well of course there are a lot of things I would like to see change. I’d like to see more women running our governments. I’d like to see an end to conflict. That’s such a big question, we could be here discussing it for hours. I believe it would be nice to see more money spent on the basic things like decent housing, decent medicine and universal healthcare. I mean is that too much to ask?

IK: Are there any charities that you personally support right now?

AM: Not one in particular. I don’t actually work in conjunction with any charities, I’ve never gotten myself organised enough to do that (laughs), but we donate to different causes.

This is actually the first time I’ve been able to come out to do something like this, it’s a great cause and one we should support.

IK: What are you working on next?

AM: Well of course I have many things going on. The new film The Tempest and about four or five other projects.

You can see Alfred next portraying Stephano in The Tempest with Russell Brand and Helen Mirren (premier date still TBC). This is the third on screen adaptation on the Shakespeare piece, but unlike any others the main character’s gender has been altered along with some others in the storyline for a very unique approach. Alfred also lends a voice to the new Gore Verbinski animated film Rango starring Johnny Depp, scheduled to be released in the spring of 2011.

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for chilly autumn days 1

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