Winter 2017 FREE

Find out why Kent is WONDERFUL IN WINTER

HEALTH BENEFITS of a midnight bake-off

In Westminster to meet Rising Tory star WIN Helen Whately MP A Gym membership for 2 people Theatre • Homes & Gardens • Walks • Good Food

Contents LivingMid Kent

720Covering the Mid Kent area Mid Kent Living is published every three months with a free circulation in Maidstone, Medway, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling, Ashford and Sittingbourne. It is available at selected pick-up points throughout the area including major supermarkets. Subscription copies are posted 12 (£8 annually).

The team Mid Kent Living is published by Mail Publications Ltd (which also publishes the 24 Downs Mail newspaper), Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4DT. Tel: 01622 630330 email [email protected] 45 www.downsmail.co.uk

Interview Leisure & Tourism

7-9 Personality Profile - 24-25 Walks - Conservative MP Helen Whately Margate to Broadstairs Editor's Choice 31 Hobby Focus - Cake Decoratinng Lifestyle 11-18 A selection of hand-picked events and great days out around the county throughout 28-29 Good Food the winter months 32-35 Mind, body & soul Leisure & Tourism 36-39 Senior living 40-52 Property, homes & gardens Chairman: Claire Procter 20-21 Tourist Profile - Editor: Simon Finlay 53-58 Sales & Services The Big Kent Weekend Publishing Manager: Jo-Anne Brown Motoring Sales Manager: Bill Brett 20 Kids - 59-61 Advertising Sales: The magic of music 62 Competitions Tel 01622 630330 TAKE ON A NEW CHALLENGE IN 2017

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4 Mid Kent Living Editor’s Letter

So where did 2016 go? In a haze In each edition of Mid Kent Living, we try to reflect some of the of Brexit, May and Trump, the above. pace of public and political life This time, we meet the Conservative MP for Faversham and Mid went on at a dizzying rate with so much change in such a short Kent Helen Whately, a bright and rising star of the political space of time. firmament and discover what drives this ambitious mother of It is at these times of momentous change, that we look to the three to do what she does. stability and calm of family life, the familiarity of the things we Writer Dawn Kingsford finds out how music is the way cherish and hold onto. to educate our children while Di Nicholls meets the woman Kent is a very vibrant and modern county in so many ways. who found a midnight bake-off the way to cope with chronic We are the gateway to Continental Europe with the M20 back pain. and M2 representing what is sometimes called “UK Plc on And the stalwart of all things the move”. Bearsted, Barbara Dunford, Many large firms choose to be based here, enjoying a proximity to reveals the health secrets of London and a well-educated, settled workforce how she never stops being at to choose from. the centre of everything in her Kent produces great artists, musicians, politicians, sportspeople, community. business-folk, entrepreneurs, thinkers and achievers. All the best. It also sets the bar very high when it comes to acts of selfless kindness, volunteering, unrewarded and sometimes thankless community work or unsung charitable causes. Simon For all its modernity, Kent remains resolutely rooted in its past. And rightly so. Simon Finlay, Editor

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6 Mid Kent Living Personality profile

‘I wasn’t head girl material’

Outspoken and ambitious, MP Helen Whately is a rising star at Westminster. Simon Helen Whately looks tired. It is her own With three children – a son and two fault, really. daughters aged between four and eight Finlay went to meet her… The previous night, in an effort to stop – managing everything that needs to be her youngest daughter, aged four, done at home as well as the duties and sucking her thumb, she crept into her demands placed on her at work, surely woman with three young children. That bedroom while she slept and applied must seem a struggle at times. really annoys me. Stop’n Grow to her nail. “It really annoys me that “They don’t ask a male MP with a All seemed to have gone well until young family the same question, so why about 1am when a wail from the people ask how I do the job do they ask me?” bedroom signalled the plan had not of an MP as a woman with It’s a fair point. As this remark clearly quite worked and mum spent three three young children.” displays, the Conservative MP for the hours cuddling and reassuring the child. Faversham and Mid-Kent constituency A couple of hours later, she would be There are about 190 female MPs in the has developed something of a up with the rest of the family and facing House of Commons – the highest reputation for plain speaking on issues a long day at the House of Commons, number ever – but this still represents she cares about. tearing from meeting to meeting. fewer than 30% of the 650 who sit Whether it is illegal parking by lorries, Her recent appointment as a there. another school for Bearsted, housing or parliamentary private secretary to the The question that will inevitably be roads, Mrs Whately tends to get to the minister of state for international trade, asked is, how does she cope? point. Quickly. Greg Hands, simply puts extra pressure She once told this observer: “People (In fairness, she is just as fast to wax on her precious commodity – time. ask me how I do the job of an MP as a lyrical about the Kentish countryside,

Mid Kent Living 7 Personality profile

her local farm shop or Leeds Castle.) Mrs Whately “does” the mornings in their weekday London home and 39-year- old husband Marcus, who works in the renewable energy development business, takes care of the evening shift. Weekends are spent at their constituency home outside Faversham, a place she clearly loves. Mrs Whately describes herself as stubborn and liable to answer back as a child.

There is supplementary “child care”, but it is a point she prefers not to elaborate on. Born in Norwich in 1976 to doctor parents – father Robin was a surgeon and mother Andrea an NHS staffer –the family left Norfolk for Berkshire before settling near Redhill, Surrey, when she was seven and where she attended primary school. Mrs Whately describes herself as stubborn and liable to answer back as a child. “I was skinny with straggly hair and probably a bit tricky,” she says with a laugh in an upstairs restaurant at the Houses of Parliament. “There was a stubborn element to my character, being told not to answer back. Mrs Whately’s father definitely instilled the “ethic of hard work” in the young Helen.

“I was quite good at occupying myself and as I became older, being motivated.” Her “very hard-working” father definitely instilled the “ethic of hard work” in the young Helen and her older brother, Robert. “My father was quite firm. He worked very hard – leaving early, coming back late and working weekends.

8 Mid Kent Living My mother is an extremely kind and I was good at physics and that I generous person. certainly could get a C grade. They “It was before there were many female didn’t understand that I wanted an A.” doctors and she made great To have any chance of following her compromises in her career for me and father to Oxford, she took the decision my brother. She took herself off the to leave and enrolled as a weekly career path that she could have had.” boarder in the sixth form at the There were debates around the dinner Westminster school. table about politics, although her “I wanted a more academic education. parents were not overtly party political I would rather do more than miss out on animals. opportunities, if it’s possible. I would At primary school, Mrs Whately found rather work a bit harder,” she discloses. another outlet for a fiercely competitive She emerged with three As (chemistry, edge and tried desperately to beat maths and biology) and a B in history another “really clever” pupil to be top and secured a place at Lady Margaret of the class. At this point, she makes a Hall college at Oxford. She switched rolling punch motion to illustrate the from human sciences to a philosophy, point. politics and economics degree after the “I wasn’t always very well-behaved,” first year. she sniggers. “I wasn’t head girl “I realised I was more interested in material.” political systems and philosophy than Like a million little girls before her, she human sciences.” had developed a love of ponies. After Although she became a member of the relentless pestering, she was allowed Oxford Union, the world’s most famous riding lessons and excelled. debating society, she elected to speak After her primary school, she went only when she had something to say, on to an all-girls Roman Catholic school, rather than the “grandstanding” of her a place she damns with a hint of faint more ostentatious peers. Her political awakening had happened praise. Nor did student politics have much during the tenure of Margaret Thatcher and the once-unlikely notion of a female “By that time, I was getting regular appeal. Mrs Whately adds a little Prime Minister was a glass ceiling riding lessons and was talent-spotted to wearily: “University politics did not already smashed. There is little doubt she is ambitious – Mrs Whately switched from human sciences to a philosophy, fiercely so – and with an unquenchable politics and economics degree after the first year. thirst for hard work. Even the prospect of her constituency being gobbled up by “I realised I was more interested in political systems and neighbouring MPs in boundary changes philosophy than human sciences.” due in about 2020 (although not seen as likely by some in Westminster) does ride other people’s horses. It became seem to be about getting stuff done. I little to dim the vim. quite a big part of my life and this was a was a member of the Oxford Union, And as Mrs Whately will admit, she has school where it was possible for me to which just seemed to be a lot of a tendency to want to take on more do that. grandstanding. challenges rather than shed any to “My frustration with the school was “I haven’t had a calculating approach make life easier. that it wasn’t very intellectually to politics and being noticed (at the As one seasoned parliamentary stimulating. I remember being told that Oxford Union) wasn’t something that colleague noted wryly: “Helen is ever crossed my mind. I said something talented, incredibly hard-working and when I had something to say.” bright. She joined Price Waterhouse Cooper “Perhaps all new MPs need to learn after university before joining AOL Time this place (the Houses of Parliament) is Warner, negotiating deals for six years. built on committee work. She is the sort Mrs Whately joined the shadow culture of person who likes committees to have secretary Hugo Swire to develop policy odd numbers – preferably under three.” on the media and, with a taste for the Asked if she is ambitious, Mrs Whately political fray, soon started applying for reverts to the book of stock answers, seats to fight for a place in the House of offering platitudes about making the Commons. country “better for people” and Mrs Whately campaigned and improving the NHS. performed well (whilst five months In plain English, she is asked: “How far pregnant) against the Liberal Democrat do you want to go?” Ed Davey in Kingston, south west There is a pause, then a smile, before London, something which gave her she says: “I seize opportunities when invaluable experience in securing the they come my way. There could be some candidacy to succeed Sir Hugh pretty significant boundary changes on Robertson in Kent. She won the seat by the way so I intend to make good use of a handsome margin in 2015. the time I might have.”

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January 14 and 15 Detling Antiques, Vintage and Collectors Fair, Kent County Showground, Detling, Maidstone You can find wonderful things at the Antiques and FREE Collectors Fair. If you are EVENT looking for the unusual then this is the place to go. JANUARY Dealers work hard to offer you a wide choice of items January 7 that you won't find on the Maidstone Museum High Street. 01622 630975 Coming Home: Conflict www.kenteventcentre.co.uk/ and Care in 1916 whats-on An exclusive tour of this WWI January 11 and 18 exhibition with museum Walled Garden Wednesdays curator Rebecca Arnott, and a Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst viewing of a book about Come and learn about winter rose pruning with the ambulance trains. National Trust gardening team. No booking, just turn up. Organised by the Kent Free workshop, but normal admission prices to Scotney Community Rail Partnership – Castle apply. 2 - 2.30pm. booking essential as places www.nationaltrust.org.uk are limited. 11am - noon. www.kentcrp.org.uk January 18 January 19 January 11 Kent Disasters Farmland Birds - Geoff Defending Thameside by January 14 to March 12 Local History Society, Orton. RSPB Maidstone Rob Poole 40 Years: Canterbury Wateringbury Village group, Grove Green Hall, Gravesend Visitor Centre, Archaeological Trust Hall Maidstone Gravesend Kent History and Library Former Maidstone police This talk by Geoff Orton, Rob Poole talks on Defending Centre, James Whatman superintendent Roy Ingleton organised by the RSPB Thameside – From the Way, Maidstone spent years dealing with Maidstone local group, Romans to the Soviets. Hear Canterbury Archaeological disaster. In 2010 he wrote a considers the changing how the area was protected Trust was founded in 1976 book about disasters of Kent landscape of farming over and defended, starting with and has since carried out from medieval times to the recent decades and how it the Battle of the Medway– thousands of projects in present day. Hear him talk has had a significant effect equal only to Hastings in its Canterbury, Kent and beyond. about the fires, explosions, on many of our traditional, consequences for Britain. This exhibition celebrates the epidemics, accidents at sea and previously abundant, Refreshments included. £3, achievements and discoveries and tragedies resulting from birds. Find out the outlook book as space is limited. of the last 40 years. 9am - enemy action and acts of for the future from Geoff. 01474 337660 6pm. 0300 041 3131 God. Visitors welcome. 7.30pm. Members £3.50, www.visitgravesend.co.uk www.kent.gov.uk 7.30 - 10pm. Admission £3 non-members £4.50

Maidstone Museum and Bentlif Art Gallery, St Faith's Street, Maidstone January 26 January 28 Bananas Arts Award 'Discover in a Day' remanded in Children aged 5+ can gain a Custardy – an Discover Arts Award. During the evening with day, with parental supervision, Graham Clarke they will investigate different art forms, find out about an artist or Come and enjoy FREE an evening in the collector and create a piece of art. Kent artist Graham Clarke will work company of Kent artist EVENT lunch (bring with the children, who will receive a Graham Clarke. Gain an your own or certificate on completion of the day insight into his work in an eat in the from the museum and another official evening of humour and anecdotes from café). Arts Award Certificate a few weeks his life. Booking essential as space is limited later. Suitable for ages 12+ 6.30pm to 9pm to 15 children. £20 01622 602838 All resources are provided but not www.museum.maidstone.gov.uk

Images; Walled Garden, Scotney Castle courtesy of The National Trust © John Miller. Mid Kent Living 11 January 28 orchestra. February 5 beneath a big top. Clowns, Make Your Voice Count Wednesday to Friday 7pm, Bolshoi Ballet perform acrobats and jugglers ply St Mildred’s Church, Saturday 1pm and 5pm Swan Lake their talents while fearless Tenterden Tickets £11.50 to £14 Trinity Theatre, Church daredevils brave the high Five hundred amateur www.parkwoodtheatres.co. Road, Tunbridge Wells wire. Treat the kids to a uk 01622 758611 spectacular show. voices, each donating £10, Possibly Tchaikovsky’s most Shows at 7pm on February will to take part in a night of February 4 famous work, choreographed 10, then 2pm and 5pm daily. musical mayhem. Sign up Blues Brothers’ Little by Yuri Grigorovich, and Tickets from £6 at featuring Svetlana Brother http://circus-zyair.co.uk/ Zakharova (Odette/Odile), Ditton Community 07775 958 800 Centre, Ditton Denis Rodkin (Prince Throw off the winter blues Siegfried), Artemy Belyakov February 12 and join this Blues Brothers’ (the Evil Genius) and Igor Darwin Day – The Big tribute band in a foot- Tsvirko (the Fool) Bug Experience! stomping evening to raise A recorded live Down House, Downe funds for Maidstone mental transmission. health charity mcch. Adults 7.30pm, tickets from £13 £12, children aged five to 16 call 01892 678678 or £8. Under fives go free. www.trinitytheatre.net Tickets from Katie on 01622 February 722487 / email Sittingbourne Music [email protected] Society - Le Page Jenkinson Duo Violin for the Big Sing and become & Cello a Make-Your-Voice-Counter Highsted Grammar in a bid to raise £5,000 for School, Highsted Road, Celebrate Charles Darwin’s Pilgrim’s Hospice during Sittingbourne birthday by going on a bug Tenterden’s Big Sing. David Le Page (originally hunt at his home. One song, one night, 500 from Guernsey) includes jazz Get hands-on, close-up live voices. with his classical and modern animal encounters with 7pm. Registration and composers. Richard insect species from around participation £10. Jenkinson is well known for the world including www.makeyourvoicecount.club his quartet and tarantulas and scorpions. February 5 commitments. Their FEBRUARY programme includes Bach, February 1 – 4 Lucy Porter ’Consequences’ Kodaly, Schulhoff and the Annie, Hazlitt Theatre, Servais Variations on “God Gulbenkian Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone save the King.” Canterbury The popular Tickets available on the A hilarious new show of musical, door or from Sandra Payne, heart-felt personal performed 22 Valenciennes Road, revelations and incisive by the Stage Theatre Society, Sittingbourne. ME10 1EN. cultural observations from telling the tale of 11-year-old 7.30pm, adults £13, under Find out about habitats, stand-up Lucy Porter, a orphan Annie and her 18s £1 camouflage and prey. regular guest on QI and friends, who dream of finding Free to English Heritage Mock the Week. February 10 – 19 their parents. members, family ticket Lucy will cover topics as Circus Zyair Featuring unforgettable £28.90, adults £11.10, diverse as theology and Hop Farm, Paddock songs including It’s A children 5-15 £6.70. home-brewing, Britpop and Wood Hardknock Life, Maybe and Bug experiences at 11am, Gary Wilmot. Suitable for A 90-minute high-energy Tomorrow, along with superb noon, 1pm and 2pm. ages 14+. Tickets £14 spectacle, with Circus Zyair dance routines and a live Limited spaces available. www.thegulbenkian.co.uk presenting its varied show www.english-heritage.org.uk

12 Mid Kent Living image: Annie © Tribune Media Services Hand-picked events from the editor

February 16 – 18 will take you on a musical Sleeping Beauty journey through the story of West Faversham one of Britain's most Community Centre, memorable, visual and fun Bysing Wood Road, bands. Complete with crazy costumes, comedy and chirpy Faversham banter, Complete Madness Up the Creek’s original invite you to their 'House of pantomime based on this Fun'. Featuring all the much-loved, classic fairy tale. favourites–Baggy Trousers, It Music, magic and laughter Must Be Love, Driving In My are guaranteed in this show Car.... which tells of fairies, derring- 7.30pm, Tickets £18 from do, princes and palaces, and www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk a dragon called Derek. All ages and whole families will February 17 February 18 enjoy this late season half- Wiggly Wild Show Build a bird box and make a pine cone feeder term panto. Kent Wildlife Trust, Samphire Hoe Education Shelter, Samphire Road, Thursday and Friday Tyland Barn Visitor Dover performances 7.45pm, Centre, Maidstone Help the birds by providing a nest box and seed feeders in Saturday 11.30am and 4pm. this 30-minute hands-on event for all ages. Volunteers Tickets £6. Concessions and help you complete your box to take home, with details on under 12s, £4. Under-twos go where best to site it. free. 01795 537310 Booking essential, time slots from 10.30am. Suggested February 17 donation £5. 01304 241806 www.samphirehoe.com Complete Madness Hazlitt Theatre, Earl An entertaining show by a a handling session where you Street, Maidstone qualified ranger about get the opportunity to hold Re-live the madness of unusual live exotic animals or touch lots of the exotic Madness in this sensational such as stick insects, beetles animals. 2pm and 3pm. theatre extravaganza and giant millipedes, with Tickets £6. featuring the amazing talents some crazy props for the 01622 662012 of this five-piece band. They volunteers. There will also be www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

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Mid Kent Living 13 support. Light refreshments available 10am - 5pm Admission: FREE Adults £6, children (10-16) EVENT £1, accompanied children under 10 free. 01959 523840 www.tonbridgemrc.com February 19 A Woman of the White Cliffs Samphire Hoe Education Shelter, Dover Join local naturalist Mel March 1 – 31 Wrigley, who has been Exhibition: Art of the working in science and White Cliffs nature conservation for over Samphire Hoe 30 years, on this 1.5-mile walk and talk. Mel will share Education Shelter, her enthusiasm for this Samphire Road, February 18 “cretaceous park” of plants, Dover Come and Sing St John animals, rocks, fossils and The iconic White Cliffs Passion dinosaurs; the making of the are a welcome sight to Invicta Girls’ Grammar iconic White Cliffs and the many visitors to our School, Huntsman Lane, English Channel. country but how do we see them? Come along to see Maidstone displays of copies of art work by the famous and not so famous to discover different meanings. Join singers from Maidstone 11.00am - 3pm daily from March 1 - 31. Choral Union in singing St www.samphirehoe.com John Passion with the composer Bob Chilcott. Accompanist Ian le Grice. its February concert with first “Angry Young Man”, Registration from 9am, Haydn’s Te Deum and end onto the stage. Jimmy singing from 10am - 4pm. with Beethoven’s Mass in browbeats his flatmate, £20 (under 18s £10) drinks C accompanied by The Keld terrorises his wife and is included . Please bring a Ensemble. In between, not above sleeping with her packed lunch. Anthony will play and best friend. For details and to register, conduct Beethoven’s Piano Still as shocking and email Concerto No 3. relevant today as when it [email protected] 7.30pm, tickets are £15 for first premiered in 1956, this http://maidstonechoralunio Dogs on leads welcome. adults and half-price for sizzling, passionate, darkly n.org.uk Meet at 2pm. 01304 241806 children. humorous play is a sharply www.samphirehoe.com 01892 870648, email February 18 funny, fiercely honest info@penshurstchoralsociety. Tonbridge MRC Model February 25 exploration of political co.uk Railway Exhibition Penshurst Choral Society disillusionment and basic The Angel Centre, February Concert February 28 – March 4 human yearning. Tonbridge Holmewood House Look Back in Anger Tickets from £10 Tonbridge Model Railway School, Langton Green Trinity Theatre, Church Performances at 7.30pm Club presents its annual Penshurst Choral Society, Road, Tunbridge Wells daily, matinees Wednesday exhibition with about 30 conducted from the piano by John Osborne’s iconic play and Saturday at 2.30pm working layouts plus trade Anthony Zerpa Falcon, opens catapulted Jimmy Porter, the www.trinitytheatre.net

March 3 Fort Amherst, Khartoum Road, Chatham Enjoy a lantern-lit tour around one of Kent’s most paranormally active locations and hear tales of strange occurrences in the 300-year history of Fort Amherst. Tours at 8pm and 9pm, tickets £10. Pre-booking recommended. Not suitable for children under eight. GREAT Free parking HISTORICAL 01634 847747 INTEREST www.fortamherst.com

14 Mid Kent Living Images: Come & Sing © John Bellars Hand-picked events from the editor

greatest dance music, the region. MARCH bringing a taste of the Ibizan Cruises, luxury travel, exotic March 10 summer to the Kent winter. holidays, short breaks, Simon Weston Nic and Mark Fanciulli hotels, castles and other Hazlitt Theatre, headline this popular festival. attractions. Maidstone Noon to midnight 10am – 4pm Tickets from £29.50 www.theholidayandleisures Falklands hero Simon www.thesocialfestival.com how.co.uk Weston CBE shares his incredible life story–from March 12 the darkest days where he 7.30pm, Tickets £19 from The Holiday and Leisure felt everything had gone, www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Show through his 30-year journey Dover Cruise Terminal 2, of recovery to today, where March 11 Western Docks, Dover he is a happy and contented The Winter Social Get some ideas for your next father, grandfather and a Kent County holiday as well as days out to national treasure, renowned Showground, Detling attractions throughout the for his support of charities Boutique music festival South East at the only across the country. showcasing the world’s tourism event on this scale in

March 5 Winter Welly and Waterproof Day Buttercups Sanctuary for Goats, Wierton Road, Boughton See the sanctuary at work with volunteers cleaning, looking after goats’ welfare, grooming and perhaps giving the occasional bath. Members of staff and volunteers will be on hand to show FREE you around the stables introduce you to some of EVENT the goats and tell you about Buttercups Sanctuary. DONATIONS 10am – 3pm 01622 746420 WELCOME www.buttercups.org.uk

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Mid Kent Living 15 Hand-picked events from the editor

death and burial in the Heart while the Shades trio churchyard, following a swing through a decade of parade from the hits by Cilla’s friends and co- Riverside. stars such as I Only Want to The events linked to Be With You and River Deep Pocahontas 400 focus on Mountain High. the timeless themes of Tickets £17.50-£19.50 from peace and reconciliation, the box office or via and the service of www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk commemoration brings FREE together friends and visitors EVENT old and new from both sides March 19 of the Atlantic. The preacher Carano Arts will be the Bishop of and Crafts Fair Rochester. Ashford International Details from Gravesend Visitor Information Centre, Hotel, Ashford [email protected] Craft fair showcasing local 01474 337600 talent, with all goods made by the stallholders. March 22 In support of the Pilgrims Cilla and the Shades of Hospice. the 60s 10am - 4pm Hazlitt Theatre, Earl March 21 Street, Maidstone St George’s Church and Music from one of music’s the Riverside most defining eras, starring Gravesend Liverpool-born singer A commemorative church Victoria Jones as Cilla. She service at St George’s sings Cilla’s best-known hits Church to mark the 400th including You’re My World anniversary of Pocahontas’ and Anyone Who Had a

16 Mid Kent Living Images: Cilla courtesy of Hazlitt Theatre Advertisement feature

Mid Kent Living 17 Hand-picked events from the editor

March 24 maintained and managed by Reflections - Live in APRIL the Medway Industrial FREE TRACTOR Concert, Avenue Theatre, April 1 Archaeology Group (MIAG). It RIDES Sittingbourne Old Brook Pumping opens to the public on the tractor Herne Bay singer and Station first Saturday of each month. rides, 01634 842059 entertainer Martin Solomons Road, Chatham miniature Farbrother makes a welcome www.oldbrookpumping.co.uk railway, model displays, trade Built in 1929, the Old Brook return to the Avenue Theatre stands and an “autojumble” Pumping Station has been April 1 with local vocalist Sue Heritage Transport Show, section. Returning for 2017 open as a museum since the will be the Classic for the Barnes. Under the name of featuring the South East ‘Reflections’ they will early 80s. The preserved Future area and the farmers’ demonstrate their joint station now serves a dual Bus Festival market. passion for entertaining with role as an interesting public Kent Showground An event for anyone with an a show packed with fun, and utility and to house a Detling, Maidstone interest in vintage vehicles. songs made famous by some collection of exhibits relating A huge display of vintage Refreshments available. Free of the world’s greatest to the industrial history of vehicles including cars, parking. singers. the Medway Towns and its buses, tractors, commercials, 10am to 4pm 7.30pm, tickets £12 (£10 surrounding area. motorcycles and stationary 01622 630975 concessions) 01795 471140 The station is owned by engines. www.kentshowground.co.uk/ www.avenuetheatre.co.uk Medway Council but Attractions include free heritage-transport-show/

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18 Mid Kent Living Advertisement feature SEEING beyond the offers Staying focused isn’t just about keeping from spectacles or contacts for the your eye on the ball . . . caring for your whole day. sight is so much more – it’s the window Mr Shoker said: “For many new to your inner health. patients it is a real eye-opener to learn That’s the message from the team at that there are many more solutions Kings Hill Opticians, whose two full-time than those offered on the high street, optometrists pride themselves on which may better fit their particular providing a thorough investigation with visual needs. So often, patients will say a bespoke optical solution for all your they have struggled with varifocals or visual needs. services offered at this practice, but not don’t want to try them. Most of the The practice is led by Mr Satvinder on the high street. time, this is because they have only Shoker, who is also the lead optometrist Mr Shoker said: “All clients are given been offered at Maidstone Hospital, where he works a 40-minute examination with our a limited ‘own brand’ choice of lenses, alongside ophthalmologists in optometrists who will monitor the when, in fact, there are over 100 types glaucoma, diabetes and wet macula health of their eyes and take the time to of varifocals to choose from. degeneration services. Mr Shoker also discuss an individual’s needs, ensuring “Here, patients don’t see a different specialises in fitting complex contact they receive the best solution to correct optometrist every time, but a qualified lenses, helping partially sighted their vision.” optometrist who will monitor their patients with alternative ways of As an independent – or “freehold” - vision and visual health each time they seeing, and looking after young one’s practice that includes access to any visit. This continuity ensures accuracy, visual requirements. make of spectacle lens, frame or which can help in the early detection of Now in practice for over 10 years – at contact lens from around the globe. conditions and treatment.” purpose-built premises in Liberty Staff are also happy to advise on the Square, Kings Hill – his practice is one implications and benefits of refractive The practice offers free sight tests to of just four in Kent capable of laser surgery and other sight solutions the over-60s, under-16s and those on monitoring treated wet macula you may not have heard about, such as benefits. degeneration, which once robbed EyeDream contact lenses: these are For details visit patients of their sight. This is just one lenses that you wear overnight and www.kingshillopticians.co.uk, or to make of the cutting-edge, hospital-standard remove in the morning, leaving you free an eye appointment call 01732 875544. CoCopperpper MMeshesh SpectaSpectaclecle LLensesenses toto help eliminateeliminate glareglare andand eyeyestrainestrain Help with: • Multiple SclerosisSclerosis • ChronicChronic FatigueFatigue SSyndromeyndro • FloatersFloaters • MyalgiaMyalgia • MigraineMigraine • FatigueFatigue • HeavyHeavy ComputerComputer UseUse • SupermarketSupermarket Flicker • Night Driving

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Mid Kent Living 19 Are you ready for the Big Weekend?

The weekend is a time to kick back and relax, and April 1 and 2 this year looks set to be one to remember in Kent…

The annual Big Weekend event - organised by Visit Kent to celebrate the county’s tourism, leisure and hospitality industry - returns for its 11th year on April 1 and 2, when thousands of free tickets will be featured on its exciting new website, www.kentbigweekend.co.uk From February 9 to March 3, Kent residents will be able to apply for free tickets via the Big Weekend website, limited to two applications per household for any participating attraction. Tickets for the weekend will then be allocated on a ballot system after registrations close. Visit Kent chief executive, Sandra Matthews-Marsh MBE, said: “Kent Big Weekend is the biggest party of the year for us, as we get to see thousands of people out and about and falling in love Kent’s Big Weekend falls over the final with their county all over again. weekend of 2017’s English Tourism “The fact that last year’s Big Weekend Week, providing Kent residents with the broke all previous records for ideal opportunity to encourage people to participation, tickets offered and explore some of the fantastic attractions applications was the best 10th birthday and activities that are right on their present we could have asked for, but we’re hoping that this year will be even doorstep. bigger and better. English Tourism Week 2017 is the “We’re really looking forward to seeing national celebration of the country’s what year 11 has in store for us. We have tourism industry, organised by a brand new website platform, and as VisitEngland. Kent’s Big Weekend plays a ever, we’ve been overwhelmed by the leading role in the national celebrations, Sandra added: “Over the last support we’ve received from tourism and is designed to draw attention to the decade, Kent’s Big Weekend has given attractions across Kent so far and have importance of tourism, which Kent residents some brilliant a wide range of exciting visitor contributes more than £97 billion to the opportunities to discover what’s experiences to offer.” country’s economy every year. available to them in their home county. From our rich heritage and stunning castles, to family days out and sporting facilities, Kent has so much to offer.

LAST YEAR’S BIG FACTS Last year marked Kent Big Weekend’s 10th birthday Over 122,000 people applied for tickets 26,000 tickets were given away 116 attractions across Kent took part in the giveaway

20 Mid Kent Living Images top Leeds Castle; middle Biddenden Vineyards; bottom Dreamland Margate © Kallaway PR. Opposite page Copper Rivet Distillery; Port Lympne Wild Animal Park; courtesy of Kent Big Weekend; Ightham Mote © National Trust “Particularly this year, when we’re seeing a really strong pull towards staycations in the UK, it’s important that events like the Big Weekend exist to highlight the UK’s thriving and diverse tourism industry. If the people of Kent are well informed about our visitor experiences and offers, they are more likely to act as ambassadors for visiting friends and relatives during their stays.”

To be in with the chance of getting tickets, don’t forget to visit www.kentbigweekend.co.uk and register between February 9 and March 3.

WHICH ATTRACTIONS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S BIG WEEKEND? From animal antics to victorious 1. Diggerland, Strood 8. Ightham Mote (National Trust) vineyards, and family fun to 2. Howletts Wild Animal Park 9. Ashford Designer Outlet glorious gardens, some of Kent’s 3. Port Lympne Wild Animal Park 10.Betteshanger Sustainable Park biggest attractions have supplied 4. Wildwood Trust 11. Biddenden Vineyards tickets for this year’s Big Weekend event, including: 5. Spa Valley Railway 12.Dreamland Margate 6. Old Dairy Brewery 13. Leeds Castle, Maidstone 7. Hush Heath Winery 14. Copper Rivet Distillery, Chatham Oustanding music classes BOOK A FREE IURPELUWKWRVFKRRO¬¬ TRIAL CLA SS Classes in Mid Kent

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22 Mid Kent Living Kids THE MAGIC OF MUSIC

Mid Kent Living’s Dawn Kingsford has been listening to the growing band of supporters singing the praises of music as a way to educate our kids...

Recent research shows that handing your child an instrument at an early age can help parents hit the right note when it comes to orchestrating their healthy development. Music to the ears of many youngsters, as playing an instrument also gives them a great chance to be creative, responses to speech and make friends, and socialise. other sounds later in life.” It is possible for Learning to play a musical instrument children to start playing uses all the senses, exercising regions of an instrument from as the brain associated with auditory and young as two, motor skills, which benefits other particularly simple cognitive and behavioural tasks. woodwind instruments, A Kent-based maker of tin whistles, and there are many options made used by many as an introduction to specifically improvisation skills, due to music, is based at Five Oak Green, near for small hands. functional and structural brain changes Paddock Wood. Clarke Tinwhistle’s Sasha adds: “Studies have found that associated with learning to play music.” Sasha Davison agrees: “The earlier a children who play an instrument find it In addition to academic benefits, by child starts to learn to play an easier to read symbols and have a joining a band, music group, or taking instrument, the larger the changes in greater awareness of phonological lessons, children will meet other their brain will be. Even short periods of structure than those who don’t - both of creative individuals, and can improve learning have been found to have a which can enhance reading skills. They their team-building and leadership skills lasting effect, with people who played a are also likely to have more precise – as well as having fun. musical instrument for between four motor skills, find it easier to remember For more on tin whistles visit and 14 years benefiting from faster and recall facts, and have strong www.clarketinwhistle.com. STRIKE UP THE BAND WITH KENT MUSIC SECOND Join a choir suitable for all talents and February 17. Open to anyone, LANGUAGE Kent Music has music centres take in everything from jazz eight to 18, who can play at Teachers from Kent were at Ashford, Gravesham, to rock. This year’s summer least three notes. told at a recent seminar Sheppey, Maidstone, Medway, school runs from July 13-31. that music can be used as Hire an instrument a “proxy language” to aid Rochester, Romney Marsh, Perform your own music Why not hire an instrument Sevenoaks, Thanet, expression, particularly Youngsters get a chance to first, to see how you get on? among those with special Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells write and perform their own Various string, woodwind needs. and Whitstable, hosting music with Orchestra One. All and brass instruments are The Breaking the weekly ensembles for pre- are welcome, without available at competitive Bubble seminar, attended school children, and audition, and taking part is rates from Kent Music. by music lecturers from individual tuition for all ages. free. Orchestra One courses For details of any of the some of the UK’s top The centres run for three are generally held three Kent Music courses and universities, explained terms of 10 or 11 weeks, times a year. services visit how music makes sense concluding with a concert. www.kent-music.com. Play along with to youngsters, Try out band camp FRED brings consistency to a complicated Apply for a place at this Join a Fun world and is year’s Summer School, where Recorder perfect for more than 1,000 youngsters Ensemble Day generating will share supervised meals, (FRED) at interaction, accommodation and music Rochester humour and classes at Benenden School Grammar School empathy where in Cranbrook. Sessions are on Friday, words fail.

Mid Kent Living 23 A literary landscape of timeless beauty English landscape artist JMW Turner and one of the world’s best known fiction writers, Charles Dickens, loved this area so much it inspired much of their work. Your walk begins near the Turner Contemporary art gallery in Margate and ends in Broadstairs at the Dickens House Museum – both testament to the influence Turner and Dickens had in this area. Taste history through the eyes of our contemporaries and leave inspired at the very least by some of Kent’s most beautiful coastline.

This is a family friendly walk suitable for buggies and wheelchairs and is a great way for everyone to get together to take in a little history, do some exploring and ! perhaps catch a brilliant new year bargain in some of the pretty little shops !& in Margate or Broadstairs. The route is well signed throughout so you can be sure you’ll keep on track throughout the walk. Making your way to Margate seafront, you’ll soon discover the Turner Contemporary art gallery built on the same site as a guesthouse where Turner !& once stayed. Entrance to the gallery is free. Once you’ve had a good look ! Start/Finish ! around, an easy stroll across the pier will 4 miles (6.4km) take you to the tourist information !& Train Station centre known as The Droit House which © Crown Copyright and database right 2016 Ordnance Survey 100019238 !& is where your walk officially starts. From here, you’ll make your way to shortly come across St John’s Church children and local residents to create Margate Old Town through pretty first built in 1050 but destroyed by fire the panels which depict some of parkland. Take some time to explore this 200 years later. In the middle ages Turner’s most famous paintings and quirky area of Margate. It has so much peasants were buried outside with local imagined scenes from his life. character and history which define this dignitaries buried under the church After admiring this fascinating seaside town. Cecil Square is laid out in floor. collection of mosaics, you’ll soon come a traditional Georgian style, which was The Margate mosaics are an across one of only two surviving when Margate first became a unmissable treat for Turner fans, and windmills in Thanet known as Draper’s fashionable seaside town. A little further you’ll find them outside the Holy Trinity Mill. An old smock mill saved from along and you’ll see Hawley Square, set and St John’s CEP School. Broadstairs demolition in the 1960s, it has been out in much the same style. You’ll mosaic artist Martin Cheek worked with restored to full working order and opens

Location: Margate, CT9 1JD Distance: 4 miles (6.44 km) Linear OS Explorer Map: 150 Terrain: Hard surfacing along the entire route - accessible to all including wheelchairs and pushchairs. Parking: Margate Harbour Arm is the nearest public car park, there are several more pay and display car parks in Margate. Refreshments & facilities: There are a variety of cafes in Margate – Margate Old Town has a great selection to choose from.

24 Mid Kent Living Images supplied by Explore Kent Walks

over weekends during the summer. Shortly, you’ll come across a footbridge which crosses the Broadstairs to Margate railway. As you cross the bridge, check out the spray can mural depicting Dickens characters against a Turner-inspired background. The mural was created by local young people in partnership with Network Rail and the Thanet Community Safety Partnership. You are now walking along the St Peter’s footpath, a very pleasant piece of open land. It was once owned by the churchwardens of St Peter’s Church who sold the land for 10 shillings (50p) to Stephen Shallows, a local Baptist. He used the land to hold open air Baptist worship as Baptists were persecuted in England during the 17th century. The footpath crosses ‘Shallows Road’ which apparently derives its name from an underground stream that surfaced here. Look out for St Peter’s Church built in the late Norman Style in the 1070s. It has a wooden roof dating from the 1600s. In the reign of King Henry VIII, archery practice was compulsory and took place near to the church. The church tower was used as a signalling tower during the Napoleonic war when four men kept watch from it, the church has the right to fly the White Ensign as a To find out result of this involvement. The about other churchyard is possibly the longest in the walks in Kent country and in 1966 heavy rain caused including our #GoOutside graves to sink a whole 18 inches. campaign, please visit the Entering the High Street of the pretty village of St Peter’s, the birthplace of Explore Kent website Edward Heath, Prime Minister from www.explorekent.org. Follow 1970-1974, the village is more well- @explorekent on Twitter and known nowadays for its costumed tours Facebook and share your which run through the summer months. experiences with us! As you pass through St Peter’s look out for more Dickens inspired mosaics. There are 24 mosaic panels set within a landscaped area. There is one that features Turner and Dickens face to face appearing to be of similar age, but in You are almost at the end of your walk novel, Betsey Trotwood in David reality Turner was already in his 30s now; look out for Pierremont Hall, an Copperfield, on her. The house was when Dickens was born in 1812. The impressive white building that was built named Dickens House at the end of the mosaics were made by children from in 1785. Queen Victoria stayed here 19th century and opened as a museum Upton Junior School alongside members when she was eight years old and had in 1973. It houses Dickens memorabilia of the local community. her own white donkey, called Dicky, including his writing slope! Three and a half miles into your walk which she took to the beach for rides. From here, you can either retrace your and heading towards Broadstairs, you’ll Pierremont means St Peter’s Mount in steps or take the bus or train back to pass Crampton Tower Museum. The French and once stood in grounds in Margate. It’s another way to take in this artefacts, housed in the tower itself excess of 30 acres. It was sold to the quintessential Kentish seaside area and commemorate the work of Thomas local council in 1927 for £5,500 and still admire the coastal views. You can also Russell Crampton who was a much houses council offices today. begin your walk here in Broadstairs and respected engineer during the 19th Your walk ends at the Dickens House walk to Margate. century. He designed the Crampton Museum in Broadstairs. A Tudor Defining the works of a lifetime this Water Tower for his own water company building, it was extended in Victorian inspiring corner of Kent has left a known as the Broadstairs Water times and owned by a Miss Mary cultural imprint on the world – whether Company. As you pass by, stop to Pearson during the time when Dickens you are a Dickens or Turner fan, this admire this flint built tower – it’s located was a frequent visitor to Broadstairs. walk gives you a unique insight into an adjacent to Broadstairs railway station. Dickens later based a character in his inspiring history.

Mid Kent Living 25 Theatre Stand-up stars, racy romps... and jungle fun

Post-panto can mean lean times for provincial theatres, but not in Kent as we discover four gems in the schedules…

Danny Baker: Cradle to the Stage If, in your world, a love for interest, if a little faded and popular music collides with forgotten) would be football (likely to be the interviewed gently with awe perennially mediocre, lower and respect. division variety), old friends It has been one of the best Pride and Prejudice and a sense of mischief, then things on radio, and one you probably discovered The fancies the script and There are quite a few theatres across the country which Danny Baker Radio Show on running order for the show might struggle to survive without packing out its schedules Radio 5 Live long ago. could be condensed into half with the increasingly popular–bewilderingly so–tribute act. Over the years, listeners a bus ticket with room to Abba, Bee Gees, Rolling Stones, Beatles and even Simon have been encouraged to spare. and Garfunkel sound-alikes (if not entirely convincing in the take part in discussion His life story was recently lookalike stakes) are all currently hogging the spotlight threads like “bands you’ve televised on BBC2 as a somewhere. pretended to have seen”, sitcom, Cradle to Grave, and What a nice surprise to find a “complicated addresses” it was this critically- Jane Austen play which still and “sensational entrances acclaimed show that helps to shines as brightly today as when and exits”. It’s all total give Baker the title of his first it was written. nonsense, of course, but one-man foray onstage. This adaptation by Simon fuel to the superfast Baker There won’t, methinks, be a Reade depicts the Bennet sisters brain and machine-gun script or a running order for looking for love but, as we all mouth. this either but there’ll be know, it is the dashing Mr Darcy At some point in the two- anecdotes, gags, audience who finds his match. hour Saturday morning participation and a dash of This staged version comes to romp, someone famous (no jungle fun thrown in, for sure. Canterbury after sell-out one on the “circuit” but This is probably not one to performances at the Regent’s somebody of genuine miss. Park Theatre. It stars the ever- versatile Matthew Kelly, whose March 18, Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone CV includes Cold Blood, www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/Hazlitt-Theatre Benidorm and, of course, Stars In Their Eyes. He plays Mr Bennet while Felicity Montagu fits into Mrs Bennet Rob Brydon - equally well. I Am Standing Up This production is a timely reminder of Austen’s story- telling brilliance as the world approaches the 200th Actor and comedian Rob than one anniversary of her death in July. Brydon cemented a place in hit series the hearts of Britons when he as The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury portrayed Uncle Bryn in the Trip, January 31 – February 4 www.marlowetheatre.com multi award-winning TV Marion comedy, Gavin and Stacey. and Geoff, His sexually ambiguous, Best of Men and QI testify to. Seriously Dead - Comedy Play bachelor character was a His films include The Old hands Crissy Rock (of little town of Olwinskirk, favourite of the legion of Huntsman and Lock, Stock Benidorm fame) and Frazer follows events bringing the disciples of the BBC show, and Two Smoking Barrels. Hines (Emmerdale) are the lives of Betty, Albert, Billy written by Ruth Jones and This is Brydon’s first stand- leads in this brand new and the local undertaker, James Corden. up show since his sell out musical comedy at the Tristan de Winter, to “an But his back catalogue of national tour and West End Assembly Hall Theatre. uncomfortable crossroads”. work contains much more run of 2009. The plot, set in the quiet March 2, Assembly Hall Theatre February 2, Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Edited by Simon Finlay

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Mid Kent Living 27 TRY COMFORT EATING this winter

Forgive yourself the excesses of winter – you’ve earned it – and as the weather remains cold and the nights long, it is little wonder we crave comfort food...

This time of year is all about positive So if it memories, re-charging our batteries allows you and the foods that make us happy – to enjoy a crammed with carbohydrates that get steaming us producing chemicals like serotonin, bowl of comfort food in a pub or restaurant more of us devoting time to our careers, which also make us feel calm and sleepy after a brisk walk … or to prepare and feeding families of four or more with - the perfect cosy blanket for freeze meals in advance, who can expensive steaks or chops is not a very hibernation. resist. practical proposition. Stews, on the other It’s a time of simple-to-prepare The stew or casserole has, indeed, hand, can be prepared and cooked ahead servings and slow-cooked soups, stews become one of the cornerstones of and have satisfied the appetites of the and casseroles … ahhhh! British family cooking. With more and best through the ages. The Pepperbox Inn Windmill Hill, Fairbourne Heath, Nr. Harrietsham

Visit our charming pub situated in beautiful countryside with outstanding views of the Weald of Kent TRADITIONAL SUNDAY MENU from £11 per person - 1 course Full á la carte STARTERS menu and Roasted Tomato & Garlic Soup £4.80 traditional pub Crumbled goats cheese & pickled beetroot salad with honey & mustard dressing £6.50 Chicken liver & bacon salad with sherry glaze £6.00 food served Crab & Avocado cocktail, crisp lettuce & Marie Rose £6.75 lunchtimes and Smoked mackerel & horseradish gratin with wholemeal toast £6.00 evenings MAIN COURSES all at £11.00 Roast Topside of Beef Rosemary & Garlic Leg of Lamb Herb Roasted Chicken • Ample parking Roast Pork with Crackling & Apple & Sage Stuffing • Walkers & Riders All served with potatoes roasted in duck fat,Yorkshire pudding, gravy & vegetables welcome DESSERTS all at £5.50 • Warm & welcoming Creme Brulee of the Day, Shortbread Biscuits, Summer Pudding & Vanilla Mascapone open log fires Salted Caramel & Chocolate Tart, Honeycomb Ice Cream, Lemon Tart & Mascapone Cream, Baked White Chocolate & Baileys Cheesecake • Outside Terrace Ice Creams £4.95 *PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN EXAMPLE MENU ONLY AND MAY DIFFER ON THE DAY*

Opening Times: Daily from 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11.30pm Food Served: Lunch 12noon – 2pm Evening 7pm – 9.30pm Sunday Lunches: 12noon –3pm Closed Sunday Evenings 01622 842558 www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk

28 Mid Kent Living Good Food

Biblical offering The first written record of stew being cooked can be found in the Old Testament, which refers to Esau and Jacob sharing a stew of meat. Some Roman writings also mention stews, most made with lamb and fish. In the 14th century, French epicure Taillevent alluded to beef stew in a recipe for the first time. The recipe was called ragout, a braised dish where beef was the main ingredient. The word also had a brief and dark period when the word stew was widely associated with steam rooms and brothels! Soup also has a long - but not so steamy - past, originating from a German word meaning to consume something liquid. It was picked up in Latin at some point before the 6th century to mean, specifically, a piece of adopted by the French, where it started vegetables and frugal on calories. bread eaten in a broth, a suppa. This was to mean both the broth-soaked bread Either way, these two delightful and the broth itself. winter dishes are perfect eaten alone After a linguistic long jump over the or shared; on your lap or around a Channel in the 17th century, coinciding dining table. with a fashion for breadless broths, we So take a walk and work up an Brits began making "soups" instead of appetite while your food is slowly "pottages" or "broths". cooking – be that at home or by your The good thing about soups and chosen chef of the day… and enjoy stews is that the contents of either is these guilt-free winter warmers, with a down to you – allowing them to be naughty slice of bread and butter or a either heavy and rich, laced with wine bowl of doughy dumplings, washed or clear stock, or packed with down with a hearty ale.

Mid Kent Living 29 The Kent College of Hypnotherapy Yoga and Providing Accredited Training in Hypnotherapy Pilates Studio Have you thought about CLASSES Mornings, Daytime and becoming a Hypnotherapist? Evenings for Beginners to Advanced Train for a New Career in 2017 We have an INJURY CLINIC providing – find out more. Sports Massage, Osteopathy and Physiotherapy. An Introductory Training in Clinical Hypnosis, N.L.P. and Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy SPECIAL YOGA AND PILATES Including Psychology of Inner Selves and Life Coaching. CLASSES for those suffering from Injuries, Lower Back Pain and Followed by an Osteoporosis. Accredited Diploma Course in Clinical Hypnotherapy January Offer 1 FREE TASTER accredited by the Hypnotherapy Association CLASS throughout January PLUS 10% OFF all treatments You may call 01732 846374 Book Online Now! or email [email protected] to discuss and find out more about the training www.inlinehealth.co.uk Or visit website www.kentcollegeofhypnotherapy.co.uk [email protected] 01622 410160 07545 187885 One to One sessions also available with Pat Whitson 75 Campbell Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PY Free Parking Available

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30 Mid Kent Living Hobby Focus Making new friends is the icing on the cake

When Fran Turner’s chronic pain kept her awake at night, little did she know it would open up a new world of friendships and a pastime to last a lifetime. Here, she tells how she discovered a talent for making show-stopping cakes…

“It’s been a huge learning curve – I can’t describe how and making fairy satisfying it is”, said Fran, whose sugary works of art look just too good to eat. But although they may take days, weeks or even months to complete, she says she doesn’t mind when someone takes a cake knife to her handiwork. “I am thrilled when they are cut,” she says. “If you have spent four days decorating a cake, you have done your work and are delighted to see people enjoy it.” Looking at the intricate flowers, leaves and tiny pearls that she loves to concoct from sugar paste, it’s amazing that Fran never thought of herself as artistic. “When I was at school, they all said I would never do anything creative,” she says. But when the mum-of- two began to suffer sleepless nights through severe arthritis in her back and neck, she found that cooking in the early hours gave her something else to concentrate on and helped to take her mind off the chronic pain. and cakes for school fairs, but her love of all things icing really took off After training as a nurse, after she decided she could do better, and Fran–who lives in enrolled at the Annabelle Jane Cake Willesborough, near School 18 months ago. Ashford, with husband Martin– became a medical Her creations, which are always just for rep, but had to give up family and friends, have included a Hot work because of her Wheels cake decorated with cars for illness. grandson Finlay, aged five, and a baby shower cake for her daughter, Naomi. Now she is working on her most ambitious project so far – a cake for her son Matthew’s wedding next October. The exact details are a secret, but without giving too much away, there will be an equestrian “Having an arthritic theme to reflect the happy couple’s interests, and of course, condition in my back, the lots of flowers. Each exquisite bloom is crafted individually pain gets worse when you by hand. lie down at night. I started “Cakey people are lovely. I have getting up and going to the kitchen to find something made some fantastic friends.” to do to take my mind off it. In the middle of the night, I Fran, who has six grandchildren, aged five to 11, said: “I get a might get up and fiddle bit obsessed with flowers. It’s a lovely hobby to have. It just around with a bit of sugar makes me feel I can do something. I never thought you could paste. I am so tired by then cook and be artistic at the same time. Someone that I can get to sleep.” recommended Annabelle’s cake school, which Fran had always enjoyed is in Bearsted. It’s a big mix of people and I have loved it. baking for children’s parties Cakey people are lovely. I have made some fantastic friends.” Interview by Diane Nicholls

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32 Mid Kent Living Mind, body & soul Don’t panic at the pledge

New year is traditionally the time to set our aims and expectations much when, after the excesses of Christmas, higher than we can reasonably meet. we wince at the reflection in the mirror In fact, according to the NHS, only and decide that something must be ten per cent of people will achieve done. what they set out to do. In other words, Pack in the fags. Cut down on the booze. Join the gym. Lose a stone or nine out of ten of fail. That is sobering. two. According to the NHS there are ten Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? handy ways to honour the pledge to But research has shown that we tend yourself in 2017.

1. Make only one resolution. Your chances of success are avoid failure when you tell others. Friends should want to greater when you channel energy into changing just one help, not lead you astray. aspect of your behaviour. 7. Regular reminders. Remind yourself of the benefits 2. Don’t wait until New Year’s Eve. Give yourself time to associated with achieving your goals by creating a think about your resolution and take some time out to checklist of how life would be better once you obtain your reflect upon what you really want to achieve. aim. 3. Avoid previous resolutions. Deciding to revisit a past 8. Reward yourself. Whenever you achieve a sub-goal, give resolution sets you up for frustration and, probably, yourself a small treat, thus maintaining motivation and a disappointment. sense of progress. 4. Don’t run with the crowd. Avoid what everyone else is 9. Keep a record. Make your plans and progress concrete by doing. Instead, think about what you really want out of life. keeping a handwritten journal, completing a computer 5. Step by step. Turn the resolution into a series of steps, spreadsheet or covering a notice board with graphs or focusing on creating sub-goals that are concrete, pictures. measurable and time-based. 10. Expect to go backwards. You will revert to your old 6. Tell your friends and family. You're more likely to get habits from time to time. Treat any failure as a temporary support from friends and family - and you will want to setback rather than a reason to give up altogether.

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34 Mid Kent Living Mind, body & soul Why Barbara Dunford is proof of ‘CRADLE to BRAVE’

Barbara Dunford is at the heart of all things Bearsted, where she lives with husband Tony. There is little in the village the former top-level sales and marketing professional is not involved in. Added to that, she helps with local charities and acts as a volunteer befriender. Here she explains how she stays on top of it all…

How are you? working up in London, I woke up one What, if any, exercise do you take? Considering my advancing age, very morning with a terrific pain in my side. I Up until recently, I walked at least 45 well! I was 60 last June and celebrated it struggled into work, but I felt very minutes a day with my dog. Sadly, she’s with the Picnic on the (Bearsted) Green, unwell and ended up in University no longer with us, so I really need to get so I shared my big birthday with the College Hospital, where an ovarian cyst back into walking again. I also try to play Queen. the size of a grapefruit was removed. golf, if I have the time, although I am a How is your health generally? The next day, when I was still feeling mere novice and very much a fair – pretty ropey, there was an evacuation of I’m rarely ill, and, if I am, I tend to weather golfer! I mostly play at places the hospital because of flooding. struggle through. I’m not often laid low like the Leeds Castle pay-and-play nine- Terrified the building would explode if it by illness. A common phrase in our hole course. I can drive a ball reasonably got into the electrics, they decided to house when we were growing up was straight, but not very far. My short game get everyone out. But, for some reason, “You’ll live dear, off you go to school”. –chipping, pitching and putting–is pretty I was one of the very last to leave the My children, now grown-up, were rubbish. On a scale of one to 10, 10 being brought up within the same regime, building. So I had to be taken as a awful, I suppose I would be a seven. On poor things! patient transfer by some old bloke in a and off, I take up a gym membership, Volvo to another hospital. The worst bit but I tend to be so busy all the time or I Have you ever had any major was that I had to get out of my lose interest in it. I have no interest in illnesses? wheelchair and struggle to the car in a gyms, if I’m honest. I also hate I nearly died as a baby – I had pyloric hospital gown with no back to it in full swimming because it reminds me of stenosis. It’s a condition where the view of a passing London bus. those awful pools of my childhood and pyloric sphincter, which lets the food out because I’m not that good at it. of the stomach, becomes over- Do you take any medicines? developed and constricted. Nothing can Just the occasional pain-killer for a What are your vices? get through, the pressure builds up and headache, but I try not to if I can avoid Too much eating out. A bit too ready to any food or drink is ejected with force. it. say yes to a decent glass of wine or One of the main symptoms is projectile Have you ever considered herbal prosecco. I used to smoke in my late vomiting–very impressive from remedies? teens and early 20s. I gave up for health something so small! It’s now easily reasons once and for all years and years No. I worked in the medical field for identified and treated. Both my children ago. some time and, although I am not had the same condition. It is not medically qualified, I have seen enough What is the best piece of health hereditary, as such, and it’s very rare for along the way to be unconvinced of advice anyone has ever given you? girls to get it, so when both my sons– their value. “Everything in moderation”. Not that I who are now in their 30s–ended up with always abide by it, but I try to! the same condition, I became something Ever needed an osteopath or of a curiosity to the medical profession chiropractor? Would you like to live forever? for a while. Not yet, thankfully, but I would go to one Absolutely not. Let’s save space on the About 15 years ago, when I was still if I thought it necessary. planet for the next generation.

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36 Mid Kent Living Senior living

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38 Mid Kent Living Senior living WINTER WARMING - top tips for your home Winter can be a difficult time of the year for many of us. Dark evenings and icy pavements can make it hard to get out, while cold weather can make us vulnerable to illness. It’s not just severe weather that can make us unwell – even average winter temperatures can affect our health. Thankfully, by being prepared and following these suggestions you can stay as healthy and warm this winter. Tips for keeping your home warm Check the thermostat window closed at night when it’s cold – Apply for a grant to make your Being cold isn’t just uncomfortable – it low temperatures can raise your blood home warmer can also be very bad for your health. pressure and put you at risk of a stroke There are grants available to make your or heart attack. Low temperatures increase the risk of home more energy efficient, which will Use simple tips to keep your home warm flu as well as a heart attack, stroke or make it feel warmer and reduce your Draw your curtains before it gets dark to hypothermia. Your living room should be fuel bills too. You could be eligible for keep the heat in (and consider getting the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) around 70°F (21°C) and your other thermal or heavy ones to keep your scheme if you get certain benefits – rooms should be at least 64°F (18°C). room warmer). Don’t block your including pension credit – and own or Keep warm at night radiators with furniture – keep them privately rent your home. You may get A hot water bottle or electric blanket clear so heat can circulate. Put draught help with insulating your home, (but never both together) can warm up excluders round doors and windows. replacing your boiler or upgrading your your bed. Check whether you can keep Get your home insulated heating. Contact the Energy Saving your blanket on all night or should Insulating your loft and cavity walls and Advice Service to find out if you’re switch it off before you get in. fitting a jacket to your hot water eligible (energysavingtrust.org.uk). Get your blanket checked every three cylinder can make your home much Editorial courtesy of Independent age years by an expert. Keep your bedroom warmer and save money on your bills. (www.independentage.org)

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40 Mid Kent Living Property

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44 Mid Kent Living Homes & gardens

Winter is a time to get creative DESIGNS ON YOUR GARDEN While you are sitting in a deep armchair by a log fire, glass in hand, it is the perfect time to be make plans for your spring garden.

Inevitably, some areas of the garden will have become a little staid and the ways the garden is used may have changed. Older children may need space to “grow their own”, little ones might like a sandpit, or adults enjoying their retirement might prefer more sitting- out areas or a place to attract wildlife. Others might want to produce more of the family’s five-a-day or perhaps grow more flowers for cutting. The best gardens evolve, enhancing, adapting and making changes that will enjoyment and inspiration, and what lunch and afternoon tea. suit every member of the family. better way to pick up ideas than to visit The majority of gardeners grab any However small the garden area, with some of the gardens open to the public. opportunities to learn, and gardening thought and planning it’s possible to The National Trust has any number of clubs and grower groups are rarely redesign the space to full advantage – gardens that are particularly wonderful short of members. Gardening and a great deal can be achieved on a in the spring. Try Emmetts at Ide Hill, programmes are amongst the most small budget. near Sevenoaks – the very best time is popular on television, books about It isn’t necessary to prepare the sort when the bluebells are in flower. gardening sell well and talks are of plans drawn up by a graduate garden Sissinghurst is a delight and the Lime generally well attended. Guided garden designer, but it would be a good idea to Walk is a very special part of the visits are generally full to capacity. sketch ideas on paper with a clear garden. Harold Nicholson was Hadlow College’s Short Courses (at the indication of what goes where. responsible for much of the design and main campus in Hadlow and the out- Now is the time to investigate planting in this part of the garden and centre at Canterbury) are perfect for summer-flowering bulbs. Like their the long beds of tulips, hyacinths and people who enjoy the opportunity to spring counterparts, most summer fritillaries deserve particular attention. improve practical skills. Courses include bulbs are easy to grow, they multiply Hever Castle gardens are always plant propagation, garden design, and represent remarkably good value. stunning, with a great display of computer-aided design (CAD), plant Go for the old favourites, but be daring chinodoxia, tulips, daffodils, scillas, health, introduction to hydroponics, – select some new ones too. And don’t camellias trained against the walls of introduction to garden history and forget that some bulbs – lilies for the Italian garden and much more. many more. example – are deliciously scented. Plant Hadlow College’s Broadview Gardens For further information telephone them in tubs, near doors and windows burst with colour in the spring and the 0500 550434 or send an A4 and on sitting-out areas, where you will 10 acres are free to visit. The adjoining envelope to Patricia Crawford, be able to enjoy them. award-winning Broadview Tearoom is Barham Court, Teston ME18 5BZ Gardeners deserve some time out for open seven days a week for coffee,

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46 Mid Kent Living Homes & gardens Why not come home to a real fire?

There is nothing as warm and welcoming as a real fire burning on the hearth on a cold winter evening. The living flame becomes the focus of the room and creates a cosy sense of wellbeing. These days more and more people are opening up their fireplaces to enjoy the warmth and comfort of an open fire or wood burner. Everyone warms to the cosy glow and flickering flames that only a real fire can offer but solid fuel heating brings with it many other advantages too.

Low running costs – solid fuel is an efficient and Convenient and easy economical method of heating your home 24 hours a day. to use – modern control Healthy – Solid fuel heating can greatly reduce systems enable you to condensation, eliminating household mould often associated keep your home at the with ‘on/off’ fires. Medical research has also shown that solid desired temperature fuel heating can reduce the risk of hay fever, asthma and throughout the day. eczema. Plus, homes with solid fuel heating are better Guaranteed heat – with solid fuel heating you can hold ventilated than those with other forms of heating; the very stock, ensuring that your home will be warm even in the most use of a chimney will induce ventilation into a home drawing adverse weather conditions. There are nearly 1000 Coal in fresh air and removing the ‘polluted’ air. merchants in the UK and supplies of wood and coal are also Wide range of fuels – From coal to smokeless, there’s a available from supermarkets, local farmers co-operatives and solid fuel to suit whichever appliance you have. Most solid fuel garage forecourts. appliances are multi-fuel meaning you can burn both wood Whether practical or for comfort a fireplace is a beautiful and coal. addition to any room of your home.

Over 50 THE FIREPLACE

Offers available 01795 599234 www.the-fireplace.net on ex-display • Multifuel, woodburning models 2 Castle Court Castle Road and gas stoves Eurolink Industrial Estate • Electric, gas & solid Sittingbourne fuel fires ME10 3TD • Marble, wood & stone Mon-Fri surrounds 9.30am - 4pm Sat 10am - 4pm • Fitting service available *Terms & conditions apply

Bringing you more than just fireplaces

Mid Kent Living 47 Designer Touch Curtains CURTAINS, BLINDS & A STEP IN TIME SOFT FURNISHINGS WWW.DESIGNERTOUCHCURTAINS.CO.UK Stove installations & Curtains, Blinds & Soft Furnishings Chimney Sweep Services With the “Designer Touch” We offer a wide range of Chimney Sweep • Made-to-measure curtains/blinds • Cushions & soft furnishings services, including: • Wide range of fabrics • Chimneys Swept and Vacuumed With No Dust Or Mess Left Behind eep your • Chimney Lining K house cosy wit warm and • Bird Guards/Cowls, Supplied and Fitted h new curtains! • Fully Trained, ICS Registered Member • All Sweeps Are Certificated • Free measuring service, quotes & fabric samples • Friendly Reliable Service • Fully compliant with new British • Fully Insured Safety standard BS EN13120 LEE GOODYER Call Ann for details to visit our M: 07944510742 studio at Unit 2, The Old Forge, Bearsted Green. T: 01622 432597 Booking an appointment is highly ANNIE BAILEY / STUDIO www.astepintime.co.uk recommended or book a home visit. 01622 296060 E: [email protected]

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48 Mid Kent Living Homes & gardens

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Thinking of a new bedroom? Then think of us.

We are a friendly, family run bedroom company and have a wide range of designs which includes everything from bespoke bedrooms to hardworking home offices, So whatever your dream bedroom may be our bedroom www.bedroomflair.co.uk 01622 729855 designer can help – AWARD WINNING FAMILY BUSINESS – you achieve it. Visit our showroom, Opening Times Mon- Fri 8.00-4.00 | Sat 10.00 - 4.00 169 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8NA Find us on

Mid Kent Living 49 “When our new fence looks this good, www.collins-windows.com is maintenance free and guaranteed GREAT SAVINGS ON WINDOWS, for 25 years, it’s a no-brainer” DOORS AND CONSERVATORIES

Our customers tell us they’re glad they chose Colourfence, and were delighted with our range of colours. They love that our fences are tested to withstand merciless weather – even wind gusts of up to 130mph. They enjoy how it 25yr is maintenance free, and they love the peace of GUARANTEE mind provided by its 25-year guarantee*. For a lifetime of trouble-free garden enjoyment, make yours a Colourfence garden.

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Enhance your property with a bespoke gateway or automatic entry system. We design, manufacture and install all types of quality architectural metalwork. Gate servicing and repairs also provided.

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50 Mid Kent Living Homes & gardens Step up your home security UK householders are being urged to step up home security and remain vigilant this winter as dark evenings provide easy cover for opportunist burglars.

According to Halifax Home Insurance, the average cost of a darkness can make life easier for unwelcome house burglary claim last year was £1,125* to replace stolen items visitors. and repair damage. Senior claims manager for Halifax “We know most burglars look for the path of least resistance, Home Insurance, Martyn Foulds said: “A break-in can be but the good news is there are some simple cost effective an upsetting and costly experience, and the cover of steps you can take to avoid becoming a victim.” Halifax Home Insurance recommends the following tips to ensure your property is protected from burglary this winter: Keep doors and windows locked, even harder to get away if burglars are or etching your postcode on metal when at home disturbed items such as bikes and tools means Have a British standard approved Keep tools and ladders that can be that if it is stolen, there is a greater burglar alarm installed, and always set used to break in to the home locked chance of it being recovered by police it when leaving your home away Don’t leave keys hidden under door unoccupied, and also at night When going on holiday, timer switches mats, in flower pots or in other ‘safe’ Security lights can alert you to people on lights can make it less obvious that places – burglars know where to look approaching the house, and gravel the house is empty Check your home insurance policy is driveways make it possible to hear Consider asking a trusted friend or up to date, and includes all the right them coming too neighbour to check in and collect any cover for your needs High walls, spiky railings and prickly mail, as piles of letters can be a clue Editorial courtesy of bushes around a property can make it that there is nobody around Halifax Home Insurance more difficult to break in, and also Marking your property with a UV pen www.halifax.co.uk/insurance Peace of mind Better safe for you & your family than sorry… from your Local Alarm & Security Specialists

In the UK today a Residential, commercial & industrial installations domestic or commercial property is burgled Wireless options available every 40 seconds. System maintenance & servicing contracts Brook Security has been for new & existing systems protecting homes and businesses for over 20 years. CCTV & Access Control Systems We are NACOSS Gold accredited and can provide the very best standards For more information or to arrange of security. a free consultation, call: 01622 880751 [email protected]

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Mid Kent Living 51 Property T.01622 201078 J.L.B Maintenance [email protected] M.07854 529434 Quality Roofing at Affordable Prices New Tiled Roofs UPVC Fascias, General Roofing Soffits & Repairs Guttering Moss Removal Felt Flat Roofing

Annual Gutter Cleaning Service Gutters & Fascia Cleaned To A High Standard Inside And Out All Repairs Broken Brackets Undertaken..... Leaking Gutter Joints Down Pipes Prices Start So To Ensure Your Gutters Are Flowing From As Little As £20 Blockage Free This Winter Call Our Team For A Free & Friendly Quote

Stone Flooring Specialists Here at The Stone Tile Warehouse our comprehensive range of wall and floor tiles are especialy sourced to offer excellent value. PORCELAIN & CERAMIC RANGES ON DISPLAY Expert advice and installation services available. We have 100s of meters of stock available, reduced prices plus savings to be had on all stone, porcelain and ceramic tiles.

thestonetilewarehouse @stonetileware The Stone Tile Warehouse Visit our warehouse/showroom Unit 10, Integra ME, 01622 679157 Bircholt Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9GQ www.thestonetilewarehouse.co.uk

52 Mid Kent Living Sales & Services

07808 414965 or 01622 853601 for a free, no obligation quote Don’t suffer with mould problems this COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE winter. Let us help you get rid of it, • Full Roof Installation • Tiling & Slate Roofing FOREVER! • uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Chimney Repointing or Removal • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance Tel 0800 622 6227 or 07814 500 400 Email [email protected] www.apolloroofing.co.uk www.moulddoctor.co.uk

We specialising in traditional and modern Allen Plastering Contractors kinds of plastering/rendering All plastering work undertaken & We are fully qualified & insured, carried out to the highest standard based in Maidstone We cover Kent & south east of London. Domestic & Commercial Skimming • Dry Lining • Rendering • Screeding 01622 910 002 | 07460 665 055 • Coving • Repairs • Decorating HERITAGE PLASTERING AND CONVERSIONS LTD Free Estimate & Advice - Call Wayne 50A Clifford Way, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8GD 01622 710859 07748 474957 14 Varnes Street, Eccles, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7HH G&I Streeter

Est. - 1971 Local family plumbers Call Ian 07860 293732

All plumbing and Heating Work Undertaken All Work Guaranteed Gas Safe Approved Engineer Professional, Reliable Service

01622 737803 Email: [email protected]

Mid Kent Living 53 Maidstone Exhaust Centre Covering most aspects & Bower Lane Tyres of car repairs Bower Lane, Maidstone, Kent

Exhausts: 01622 672798 TYRES - EXHAUSTS - BRAKES Tyres: 01622 687466 SUSPENSION - TRACKING & MORE www.maidstone-exhaustcentre.co.uk

Garage Door Free Quotation GDS Specialists Site Survey • Kent based business and specialize in the • At GDS we offer a range of designs, colours and Trailer Hire-Sales-Repair Installation, supply and repair of garage doors accessories to personalise your garage door. Kent Trailers across the South East of England. • Not only do we supply and install garage doors, Indespension Agent • Years of experience in the garage door industry we can also repair any door from any Livestock, Plant, Recovery, Van, General Purpose and we are proud to have received many glowing manufacturer to a top standard. Trailers in stock, New & Used customer recommendations for us. 6pm 24 Detling 01634 786129onwards 07540 224938 hour 01622 730063 [email protected] 07860 318166 www.garagedoorspecialistskent.co.uk [email protected]

www.wrightsfencing.co.uk

UPHOLSTERY & CARPET CLEANING (homes and cars) POND (maintenance and clearance) HOUSE & COMMERCIAL CLEARANCE (clean ups, probate, end of tenancy) all at very reasonable prices. No1 Locally Call us Now: 01622 686 189 Mobile: 07943 953 412 Email· [email protected] www.kentclear.com 24hrs Since 1996

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• Blocked drain clearance • CCTV drain & sewer surveys The largest • • independently owned Drain & sewer cleaning Cesspool & septic tank services • liquid waste Tankering including ADR (hazchem) management • Pollution & flooding solutions company in the UK • Waste disposal & recycling www.mtscleansing.co.uk

Fence me in & alot more All types of Fencing & Gates Installed & Repairs All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting etc. Call Colin on 07521 377306 or 01622 853978

54 Mid Kent Living Sales and Services The complete Bathroom Maintenance Company NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES Supply • Install • Repair • Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services

Call Gary 07738 902116 • 01622 736266 ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Qualitree SeServicesrvices Complete TreeTree Care

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H²0 Plumbusters Please call for winter special PAUL BEST Brickwork PLUMBING & HEATING SPECIALISTS price and a We are a well established family run company FREE quote Extensions Tel: with over 25 years experience based in Maidstone General Builder 01622 672743 covering Kent, we can help you with your 25 years Experience bathroom or kitchen design and install, we Mobile specialise in central heating repairs and 07703 442025

upgrades including boiler replacements. Gas safe www.plumbusters.co.uk 01622 891960 07748 630747 No 521635

P Collectionrompt astery D.T MAIDSTONE SPRINGERS & CO F v D.T eli SKIP HIRE All Breeds Dog Boarding – Not Kennels D Pet Sitting and Walking Services Over 20 Years Experience Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 Fully Insured Prices from £110+VAT & 12 Yard Bins NARP Member No. 1618 Covering Maidstone 01622 843511 & The Weald EA Registered 01622 679052 07720264678 01233 623721 Fast & Prompt Service [email protected] Sunnybridge Farm, Watery Lane, Commercial www.maidstonespringers.co.uk West Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ & Domestic

Monumental Stonemasons Kent & Sussex Drives Est. 1973 Specialists in Block Paving, Resin bonded surfaces. NAMM, BRAMM & NAMLC Registered Also red or black tarmac. Hot tar chippings. Pea Shingle. New Memorials Tablets, Free Estimates. All new work guaranteed for 10 years. Plaques & Vases Cleaning, Tel: 01622 809105 / 01580 891668 Renovation & Restoration Mobile: 07789 360748 Safety Inspections www.kentandsussexdrives.com Memorial Insurance Arranged Free Brochures Telephone 01622 762482 01233 636500 01795 436178 2 Sutton Road Maidstone Kent ME15 9AH 68 Kent Avenue Ashford Kent TN24 8NQ Howt Green Bobbing Sittingbourne Kent ME9 8QP

Mid Kent Living 55 MoT Testing All MOT’s Free re-test and minor adjustments £45.00 Service & repairs carried out to all makes & models TilyardAuto’s Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking Tel: 01622 663662 Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, Wharf Road, FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS

Plumbing & Tiling Bathroom Installation & refurbishment, DAVID COX H & G Chimney Services Mobile: 07701024078 Chimney sweeping service • Long established • ICS registered Home: 01622 730960 All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted • Complete re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs E: [email protected] [email protected] FREE ESTIMATES 01622 739439 07860 318166

Double Glazing Repairs SAVESAVE £££s ON SKIPSKIP HIRE ACROSS KENT & Locksmith Services 4, 6, 8 & 12yd Skips • Locks repaired or replaced • Letterboxes DomesDomestictic & CommerCommercialcial • Hinges & window handles Fully rrecycledecycled aatt our oownwn ffacilitiesacilities • Broken glass & misted units Access PPermitsermits ArrArrangedanged CompeCompetitivetitive RatesRates • Lost key replaced & doors opened Book and papayy online on our wwebsiteebsite • Patio doors, runners & rollers Denied • Doors that are difficult to close and lock CONTACTCONTTAACT US TODAYTODAY 01622 8045498 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 TO FIND OUT MORE countrystylerecycling.co.ukcountrystylerecycling.co.uk D. BODY LTD Waste Collection

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Domestic & Commercial ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS 24Hr - 7 Days A Week 01622 631688 Prompt & Friendly Service www.dbody.co.uk The Paddock, Detling Hill, Maidstone, Kent

56 Mid Kent Living Sales and Services ACE M.O.T. and Clutch Centre Open Vehicle • Cam belt kits supplied & fitted Mon – Fri 8:00 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 – 12:00 Maintenance, • Broken belt damaged repaired (M.O.T. only Sun 9:00 – 12:00) Service & M.O.T. • All makes, petrol & diesel 736 London Road, Larkfield, Kent ME20 6BG Tel: 01732 870368

P.BROWN BUILDING & ROOFING Extensions, renovations, roofing, WANTED loft conversions & alterations MODEL RAILWAYS Call Paul on Any age or condition 01634 865213 07748185920 Richard 07780 681405 All work carries an Insurance Backed Guarantee Private collector E: [email protected] [email protected] W: pbrownbuildingroofing.co.uk 2 Warren Road, Bluebell Hill Chatham, Kent ME5 9RD

HEDGE TRIMMING PRUNING ReynoldsTREE SURGERY Kingswood Fencing STUMP REMOVAL Est 1978 TREE REMOVAL SERVICE Domestic • Industrial • Security ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN All fencing supplied and erected QUALITY WORK AT THE RIGHT PRICE Chris Wallace t: 01622 817664 m: 07960 455001 01622 842857 07711 795582 www.kingswoodfencing.co.uk www.reynoldstreesurgery.co.uk The Oaks, Lenham Road, Kingswood, Maidstone, Kent

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For a free site survey call: Local, Experienced, 01622 527106 07788 532926 Gas Safe Engineers. Gas Boiler Servicing •Plastering Specialised Warm Air Servicing •Painting & Decorating •Laminate Flooring Landlord Safety Certification FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE •Home Improvements Breakdown Repairs 07804 927680 New Installations

Gas, Oil & LPG Boilers CLEAR & CLEAN SERVICES Tel: 07850 070900 Call Roxanne now on One off house cleans in Mid Kent & Surrounding Areas CARPET CLEANS 10% Discount for Senior Citizen 01622 720888 Have 1 carpet cleaned & get the 2nd half price. The choice of steam or extractor clean Fully Insured, No Job Too Small So why not call today for more info. www.advancefm.net E: [email protected]

Mid Kent Living 57 DETLING Highland Garage, Detling Maidstone, Kent ME14 3HT

BEARSTED The Willows,The Street, Bearsted Maidstone, Kent ME14 4HH All Makes & Models

Caroline Album Gold MALCOLM ROBERTS Over 25 years’ experience of maintaining people’s homes. A friendly, reliable service. 60’s, 70’s & 80’s Painting & decorating, Wall Papering, Tiling and all aspects of DIY. Album tacks CALL MALCOLM - FOR A FREE QUOTATION www.carolinealbumgold.co.uk ON 01634 308067 Mob: 07788 142576

For all of your Dog Walking/Sitting needs get in touch today! We give your dog the exercise and socialisation they need to be healthy, fit and happy Call today on and you can go to work guilt free! 07731978002 Friendly, reliable, affordable Fully insured

58 Mid Kent Living Motoring SAPPHIRE CARS 01622 663000 Maidstones Local Private Hire Company www.sapphire-cars.com For All Your Local Journeys Airports 6 Seater Vehicles Ferryports 8 Seater Mini Buses Stations VIP Chauffeured Available 24-7 Mercedes DRIVERS All Drivers are No Extra Charge URGENTLY CRB checked After Midnight REQUIRED Luxurious, Executive Business Travel

Sapphire Cars provides a 24-hour V.I.P. & Executive luxury chauffeured car service for corporate clients. We guarantee discretion, reliability and professionalism providing an impeccable standard of service to companies and private individuals throughout Maidstone and Kent. Experience first-class travel, allow us to greet you at a location of your choosing and whisk you away in style, comfort and total safety.

01622 919122 All our drivers have been vetted and, licensed by Maidstone Borough Council and have passed a council test of their knowledge of the local and surrounding area. All our drivers are also issued with a unique ID number, so that we know who is driving our vehicles at all times.

Autospray SOLUTIONS

Mid Kent Living 59 West Malling Garage Limited WINTER £20 TYRES OFF MOT * When booking Now made via email * Not to be used in conjunction Available with any other offer. Quote Call for details MID KENT LIVING for discounted offer

FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY within 10 miles

West Malling Garage have a fully qualified Fixed Price team of technicians, who can service, Servicing repair and MOT all makes of car. from £95 [email protected] 01732 874350 www.westmallinggarage.co.uk High Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6QN HH && CC MotorsMotors Ltd.Ltd. Independent BMW & Mercedes Vehicle Specialists

Servicing & Repairs while you wait, close to town centre Dealer Level Diagnostics MOTs by appointment Free Courtesy Car by Appointment Why pay main dealer prices? Air Conditioning Specialists Convertible Hood Specialists Affordable, advanced technology servicing Over 70 years’ of combined experience and accredited 01622 752364 training with local main dealers www.handcmotors.co.uk We service all makes & models

19-25 Rawdon Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PT Approved by Trading Standards

60 Mid Kent Living Motoring news

Effortless driving, Winning power, head- peerless luxury turning dynamics The Bentley Bentayga Diesel is The Auto Express Car of the Year 2016 the first diesel model in the iconic is inspired by F-TYPE Jaguar. The British brand’s history. Jaguar F-PACE is a performance SUV At its heart is an all-new, triple- that has the DNA of a sports car. The charged, 4.0-litre, 32-valve V8 bonnet bulge and pronounced rear engine developing 429 bhp and haunches give it a powerful distinctive look. 664 lb ft of torque. The Bentayga Electric performance, Diesel hits a top speed of 168 mph and The range of engines includes the 3.0 can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.6 zero emissions litre V6 380 PS supercharged petrol and seconds. Tesla Model X is safe, quick and offers the 2.0 litre 4 cylinder 180PS New, clean technology gives the performance and utility with unique turbocharged diesel Ingenium engine, lowest CO2 emissions of any Bentley. features including seven-seats. which can achieve 57.7mpg and CO2 The Bentayga Diesel can be specified Built on the Tesla platform, the emissions as low as 129g/km. with Bentley Dynamic Ride, which helps battery’s floor location gives Model X an The F-PACE offers the choice of either to maximise cabin stability, ride comfort extremely low centre of gravity, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. and handling. reducing the risk of rolling over. Without Capabilities are enhanced with All The Bentayga is available with an an engine, Model X has a crumple zone Surface Progress Control, a low-speed integrated Mulliner Hamper Set, to absorb front impact. cruise control that helps cope with low complete with refrigerator, bespoke fine Falcon wing doors offer convenience, traction situations. Linley china cutlery, crockery and and manoeuvrability, with less space Race to www. jaguar.co.uk crystal glass, and a storage area for dry needed to open them than a mini-van’s goods. Sections of the hamper can be sliding doors. Three rows of seats, a removed and used as seats. front and rear trunk, room under the Customers have a choice of three second row seats, side pockets and a sound systems, with the top of the blind holster for your iPhone, there’s a range providing a network of 18 place to store it. A 5,000lb towing speakers and super-tweeters for capacity provides for even heavier unrivalled recreation of the highest cargo. Model X hits 0-60 mph in a audio frequencies. staggering 3.2 seconds, getting to a top To explore the Bentayga in detail, visit speed of 155 mph. www.bentleyconfigurator.com Plug in at www. tesla.com

Perfectly practical, SE models and above), allowing families 2,406 litres of load capacity and the off-road heritage to put child seats in the most new dual-purpose powered inner The new Discovery - a do anything, go appropriate seat for any journey. tailgate provides optimum storage anywhere vehicle that continues the A host of convenient interior storage versatility. spirit of adventure building on 27 years solutions for modern families, up to The new Discovery is powered by of heritage and practical DNA. Jaguar Land Rover’s range of four and The stepped roofline provides an six cylinder petrol and diesel engines, all elegant solution to a practical need, paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic optimising headroom for passengers in gearbox. They include the award- the third row of seats. It also winning twin-turbo Sd4 Ingenium four- accommodates the stadium seating cylinder diesel, which produces 240PS configuration, which sees each row of with 500Nm of torque, fuel economy of seats positioned higher than the one in 43.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 171g/km. front, ensuring every seat has the best The limited-run of 600 First Edition possible view. models will be available in the UK with Both third-row seats incorporate exclusive features. Discover more at ISOFIX mounting points (five in total in www.landrover.co.uk

Mid Kent Living 61 Competitions WIN A Course of Beauty is Skin deep 2 areas of You only get one body in this life, so you need to look after it. Many people often find information can be confusing and Fat Freezing conflicting. The journey starts with providing sound advice that will get results. Worth £660 At Miss Chiqué, a Maidstone based company, we pride ourselves in listening to clients and help achieve the results they want. Knowledge is important and our Name: staff are certified through industry-recognised qualifications. We offer the latest in facelift procedures without surgery - proven results. There Address: are five treatments available: Laser Lipo, Ultrasound Cavitation, Cryolipolysis, Facelift Freeze and Radio Frequency Skin Tightening. We have a simple mission statement. “Our aim was simple, when we started out five years ago we wanted to make a difference to help people achieve their goals and understand their needs, and we work with our clients on a one-to-one basis Tel: to customise a personal plan. However, over the last few years things have Email: moved along with technology and we felt there was a need to give clients access to the latest technological advances, so we invested heavily in this area” Send your entry to Miss Chiqué competition Mail Publications Ltd, 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT. We offer a Mobile Service and are happy to come to you. Closing date: 28th February 2017 www.misschique.com No 1 St Peters Mews, Sommerfield Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8JJ To opt out of receiving information about special offers please tick box. Call us on 01622 685554

Raise your pulse or relax at the Mercure WIN Maidstone Great Danes Hotel Health Club The newly refurbished gym at 3 Month Gym the Mercure Maidstone Grea t membership Danes Hote l offe rs you a wide choice of cardio and resistance for 2 people gym machines to help you keep on track with your fitness Worth £240 regime in 2017. (3 month full membership from 1st April - 30 th june) Th ere’s a great choice of exercise machines from treadmills, rowing machines and bikes plus power plates, resistance and a free we ights Name: room to round off your workout.

Address: Af ter hitting the gym relax tired limbs in the heated indoor pool. You don't need to move a muscle in the Feel Good Health Club - just laze in the sauna, steam room or spa bath. Or arrange a beauty treatment to pamper yourself.

One lucky reader will have the opportunity to try out the facilities for themselves Tel: by ente ring our compet ition to win a 3 month membership fo r 2 people between 1st April – 30th June. Email: Th is fa ntastic prize is wo rt h £240. Send your entry to Mercure Hotel competition Mail Publications Ltd, 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green MERCURE MAIDSTONE GREAT DANES HOTEL Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Ke nt ME14 4DT. Ashford Road, Hollingbourne, Maidstone, ME17 1RE Closing date: 28th Fe bruary 2017 0844 815 9074 [email protected] To opt out of receiving information www.mercuremaidstone.co.uk about special offers please tick box.

62 Mid Kent Living Welcome to

Here at Rapid Mix Kent, we are proud to be a leading provider of readymix concrete for customers in the Kent, Ashford, Maidstone and Canterbury areas. Using a combination of expertise, state-of-the-art equipment and a commitment to quality, we can provide a first class service for all our customers, regardless of the size of the project. Whether you need concrete for flooring or screeding, or for domestic or commercial use, we have the skills, equipment and service INTRUDER ALARMS necessary to provide you with everything you need to help your project t go as smoothly as possible. CCTV SYSTEMS t If you would like to know more about what it is that we tACCESSACCESS CONTROL do, please feel free to get in touch with us today and our team will be more than happy to help you Call us today for a free no obligation quote: 0800 8595 375

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01233 840624 [email protected]

The largest independently owned liquid waste management company in the UK

Blocked drain clearance CCTV drain & sewer surveys Drain & sewer cleaning Cesspool & septic tank services Tankering including ADR (hazchem) Pollution & flooding solutions Waste disposal & recycling

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Mid Kent Living 63 OUR REPUTATION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF windows : doors : conservatories

Sorry no buy one get one free. No 70% off list price Just the keenest prices around www.southernglassmaidstone.co.uk

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 1pm 1a Brunswick Street East Maidstone ME15 7UX 01622 686732

WE DO NOT employ pushy salesmen on commission. WE DO employ our own fitters. WE DO insure all our guarantees for peace of mind. WE DO give prices over the phone.

Mid-Kent Living is published by Mail Publications Ltd, Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4DT. (Chairman: Claire Procter, Sales Manager: Bill Brett, Editor: Simon Finlay). Printed by Cliffe Enterprise Ltd Tel: 01622 630330 email: [email protected] website: www.downsmail.co.uk