Spring 2016 FREE

Ben Towers Teenage entrepreneur tastes fame

SPRING DAYS OUT for all the family Explore Kent’s award-winning gardens

Theatre • Homes & Gardens • Walks • Good Food

Contents Leisure & Tourism

20-21 Gardens - Visit the counties top gardens 26-31 Good Food - Fine food from around the county 32-33 Walks - Explore Hamstreet woods 40-41 Charity Profile - Supporting Kent based charities

Interview

7-9 Personality Profile - Ben Towers teenage entrepreneur tastes fame Lifestyle

Editor's Choice 34-35 Mind, body & soul 36-39 Senior living 11-18 A selection of hand-picked events and great days out 42-53 Property, Homes & gardens around the county through the spring months 60-61 Motoring 62 Competitions

Chairman: Claire Procter Covering the Mid Kent towns Editor: Stephen Eighteen Mid Kent Living is published every three months with a free circulation in Maidstone, Publishing Manager: Jo-Anne Brown Medway, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling, Ashford and Sittingbourne. It is Sales Manager: Bill Brett available at selected pick-up points throughout the area including major supermarkets. Subscription copies are posted (£8 annually). Advertising Sales: Tel 01622 630330 The team Mid Kent Living is published by Mail Publications Ltd (which also publishes the Downs Mail newspaper), Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4DT. Tel: 01622 630330 Fax 01622 631131 email [email protected] www.downsmail.co.uk

Images: Vintage Fire engine courtesy of Chatham Dockyards; Sissinghurst Castle ©National Trust Images/Amhel de Serra Front cover image: Hole Park Gardens Mid Kent Living 3 e: [email protected] Willington Homes t: 07971720242 Willington Homes – specialists in subdivide partnerships

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4 Mid Kent Living Season to be cheerful

Spring is nature’s coming-of-age time, so there was no one better to feature in this edition than a teenager from Gillingham who is approaching adulthood in remarkable fashion. At 17, Ben Towers is a local phenomenon. At 11 he founded his own company and now, despite being too young to vote in June’s EU referendum, is a multi-award winning entrepreneur with his own web design agency employing 15 people and serving more than 700 customers. Even better, Rainham Mark Grammar School graduate Ben is operating and employing locally, with Towers Design headquartered in Maidstone’s new Business Terrace and the youngster hoping to fly the nest and move to the county town. The feel-good interview on pages seven to nine sets the scene for our celebration of a season during which warmth, light and colour increase by the day. Whether it is getting out in the garden or booking a barmy night out, we have plenty of suggestions to get you shaking off those dark days of winter. See our double-page feature on gardens to visit in Kent on pages 20-21 and our theatre previews on page 24 to get you in the mood. Our Editor’s Choice on pages 11-18 offers plenty of ideas to keep the children entertained during the Easter holidays at events across the county. If you are planning to get stuck into a project at home, don’t feel left out; bag yourself a treat from the county – without even leaving your home – with our feature on the rising popularity of online shopping in Kent on page 28-29 So, if the cold has been your excuse, let the new season be your reason to spring back into life. Editor

Mid Kent Living 5 Making Maidstone the place to start a business with a new generation of workspace and a buzzing entrepreneurial community.

The Business Terrace was only opened by Maidstone Borough Council six months ago but already has 23 entrepreneurs working from its 11 offices and co-working desks which are creating a real buzz and dynamic working environment. With unlimited fast internet (providing 100mb up and down speeds) included in highly flexible rental and desk tariffs, the facility is providing an inspiring and highly supportive environment for Maidstone’s entrepreneurs, home-based businesses and remote workers. At the heart of Maidstone The Business Terrace is in the centre of town opposite King Street surface level car park; next to the Bus Station (with Photograph courtesy of John Hall Photography Park & Ride) and The Mall Business Secretary Sajid Javid met with entrepreneurs at the Shopping Centre; a few steps Business Terrace in Maidstone on 29 February in a meeting from the town's main taxi rank; arranged by the county’s branch of the Federation of Small five minutes’ walk to Maidstone Businesses. He heard how The Terrace is “much valued by those east Railway Station and ten who use it”. Mr Javid (standing right) chats with Liam Behn minutes to Maidstone West with from The Kent Foundation for Young Entrepreneurs who High Speed links to St. Pancras. specialise in helping people aged up to 30 years old. With Mr Even if you have a good home Javid are (left) entrepreneur Ben Towers and (centre), Matthew office set-up, isolation can be a Scott, Conservative candidate for Kent Police and Crime challenge. A little time spent Commissioner). each week working around others is not only inspiring and energising; it can also facilitate informal business collaboration and networking. Exchanging ideas, contracts and services are all part of the culture at The Business Terrace. “The office in Maidstone is great. It’s right at the centre of things and close to shops, restaurants – and coffee shops! Serial teenage entrepreneur and latest “Terrace Tenant” Ben Towers: See Page 7

Break out and meeting spaces The Business Terrace has various break out areas including an outside decked terrace and inside glazed Link Bridge for relaxed chats and informal meetings or to work while enjoying a great cup of coffee. There is also a private meeting room for up to four; two less formal meeting spaces for up to eight and a 40-seat seminar room with cabled lectern for up to two laptops: HDMI / VGA and MAC compatible; Large screen; speakers and ceiling-mounted 3D data projector. Flexible, affordable and ready to move into The Business Terrace has eleven lockable office units -fully furnished, serviced and ready to move into – with 'easy-in, easy-out' terms and no long term contracts. - The facility has onsite advisers five days a week: no appointment needed. Or just pop in for a chat with like-minded people over a cup of coffee. We also have a direct link to the Government's Start Up Loans Company. Drop in between 9am and 4.30pm (other times by arrangement) Call us on 01622 239 300 or Email [email protected] www.businessinmaidstone.co.uk Personality profile

Ben Towers above the rest

MOST 11-year old boys are likely to be found playing on the It’s hard to believe that this X-Box, kicking a ball about with their mates or busy personable young chap, who has more than 63,000 followers on Twitter, was messaging their friends on Facebook or Instagram. By the sitting his GCSEs less than a year ago. time they reach 17, you can probably add ‘dating’ to the list. Ben seems surprised that he notched up a string of 15 or so A and B grades – Not so Ben Towers from Gillingham who, at 11, founded his although when you realise how many first company and now, still six months shy of 18, is a multi- balls he was juggling, you start to see award winning entrepreneur – even though he’s not yet old why. “I’d do an exam in the morning, jump enough to vote and has only just started learning to drive, on a train to the Midlands to play with writes Jane Shotliff. Soccer 6, head back to do another exam from 9am – 10.30am the next day then go to a business show at ExCel in the afternoon. While his school chums were busy In between being a business mogul “When I got my results, I thought sparring in the street, the young Ben, and motivational speaker, Ben still finds ‘Wow – how did that happen?’” recognising the advent of the digital the time to play for Chatham Table age, was setting up Towers Design, a Tennis Club, of which his dad Trevor is Staff at Rainham Mark Grammar digital media and web design agency. chairman, and to play football for the School could see Ben was destined for Today, it keeps 15 people busy and has celebrity team Soccer 6. great things and had him earmarked more than 700 customers. for sixth-form and a place at university. Ben had other ideas. From his offices in the Maidstone The careers teacher Business Terrace, Ben is also the brains “There was no way I could do four behind the social media management was very patient – or even three - A-levels and keep my company Social Marley – named business going at the same time. ironically after his ‘antisocial’ dog “It’s the only time I really switch off,” “To be fair, the careers teacher was Marley. A third company, NGBT, is busy admits Ben. “Even at the cinema, my very patient and we looked at all sorts devising a social media management brain is still whirring away, whereas with of options, including going to college platform which he hopes will rival sport, I 100% concentrate and it takes one day a week for something like Hootsuite. my mind off work.” accountancy.

Mid Kent Living 7 Personality profile

Lloyds bank queried the 200+ transactions

“Then I had a brainwave. I called Canterbury College and asked if I could be an apprentice in my own company. After a lot of phone calls and admin, I started working for myself on December 14 last year.” Ben needed an “adult” director on board to act as his mentor and brought in Neville Gaunt, the North Kent chairman for the Federation of Small Businesses. Their initials – NGBT – led to the formation of Ben’s latest company whose initials fortuitously interpret as “Next Gen Business Team”. Filling in his tax return is just one of the first of many hurdles placed in This company will help young people many obstacles Ben has encountered Ben’s way. But he battles on, nudging become ‘work ready’ by opening their during his short time in business – his way ever closer to the magic date eyes to the facts about business and chiefly because of his age. in September when he turns 18 and life employment – lessons Ben had to learn It started when he was 14 and Lloyds should, in theory, get much simpler. the hard way. bank queried the 200+ transactions Although he will need to take out which had passed through his child’s public liability insurance then. “Under bank account in just one month. 18, you can’t be liable.” “When I said I was running a business, He’s clearly done more than his they immediately froze my account. homework.

For two months, I had people stuffing bundles of cash through my door because there was no other way they could pay me

It was a nightmare. For two months, If you haven’t already come across I had people stuffing bundles of cash Ben in action online or on TV, he can through my door because there was no currently be seen as the youngest other way they could pay me. Even now, mentor in the series “Pocket Money we struggle with taking online payments Pitch” – a kind-of cross between because you have to be 18 to use things Dragon’s Den and The Voice – seeking like Paypal and Worldpay.” out young entrepreneurs of tomorrow Then there was the question of his on CBBC. national insurance number. The 10-week series, screened on “I spent four hours on the phone to Mondays at 5.30pm, was filmed at HMRC trying to register to be self- Media City in Salford and Ben is now employed when I was 15. But they proud to count BBC Breakfast’s needed my NI number – and you don’t business presenter and series host He said: “We spent a whole year at get that until you are 16. We were just Steph McGovern among his closest school learning about drugs. I’m not going round and round in circles, form chums. saying it’s not important, but as 80% after form asking for the same thing. The affable chap seems genuinely of my classmates will at some point “Eventually, they realised they had the blown away by his sudden rise to fame have to complete a self-assessment tax number all the time - it just hadn’t been and to be receiving accolades from return, I think that would have been activated.” the likes of Richard Branson who has a far more valuable lesson.” Lesser mortals would have fallen at famously described Ben as “one of

As a child, Ben was bullied by his classmates for trying to do individuals, schools, the workplace, youth and the community something different - so he genuinely understands and cares about bullying and how it can be prevented. The role has about the problems encountered by young people in schools brought Ben face to face with some of the UK's most powerful today. politicians, including former Labour leader Ed Milliband. As Celebrity Ambassador for the anti-bullying charity Ben said: " I was bullied for trying to do something different BulliesOut, he mentors those that have experienced bullying and run my own business. I am so pleased to be an and other hardships in their lives. Ambassador of BulliesOut and to promote the excellent work BulliesOut provides help, support and information to they deliver".

8 Mid Kent Living “One of the UK’s most exciting young entrepreneurs” (Richard Branson)

the UK’s most exciting young minute journey each way from his home entrepreneurs.” in Gillingham. Ben added: “Because much of my He said: “The office in Maidstone is early work was done via the internet, great. It’s right at the centre of things people had no idea how old I was. and close to shops, restaurants – and There was no need to tell them. Since coffee shops. I’d like to buy a house here it all came out in the open, things have then I would be so much closer to work. gone crazy. When I sit back and think Like all towns, Maidstone has its bad what has happened, my mind starts to parts, but it’s a great place to be. I like it.” go fuzzy.” Ben’s business brain switched on when to con him out of cash. But he’s no fool – In December, Ben was named the a family friend asked the 11-year old and very wary of girls who are more Number One on The Times Magazine computer whizz to design a website. “l interested in money than the man. Superteen Power List. learned how to do it from You Tube.” He is busy campaigning for business He has also shot up the Richtopia “He paid me £50 and I thought, ‘hey – bank accounts to be made available for British Entrepreneurs Top 100 to be I can do with a bit more of that!’ I didn’t youngsters under the age of 18 and placed at number 34, along with know anything about business when I trying to influence the payment tycoons Richard Branson and Lord Alan started. Let’s face it, I was just leaving gateways and merchant accounts, which Sugar. primary school. But I set about learning also restrict the ability of U18s to be in He said: “It’s great to be recognised in how I could get more work in. The sweet business. a list that includes so many people I’ve shop must have loved me! By the age of “I want to be sure that if there are always looked up to. The next step is to 12, I had 25 customers – and money in budding young entrepreneurs out there break into the top 10.” the bank.” that they aren’t held back by their age.” Ben’s companies turn over a six-figure He was offered his first public Ben is an ambassador for Young Start- sum each year but his targets for 2016 speaking engagement at the age of 15 - Up Talent (YST), awards and for the are relatively modest - to pass his at the ExCel centre in London in front of National Entrepreneurship Challenge, a driving test and buy a house in 3,000 people. scheme set up to help teach and inspire Maidstone. But it hasn’t all been plain sailing. He enterprise for young people in schools. As he is still only learning to drive, has been on the receiving end of some He also works alongside the FSB to Ben gets to his office by bus – a 50 malicious blogs and tweets, even a scam inspire young people and said: “I hope I can provide valuable support which I wished I had known myself when I was starting out.”

Opposite: Ben is regularly called upon to speak at business conferences in the UK. Clockwise: Ben and the mentors on Pocket Money Pitch; addressing a group of students at the opening of the Medway University Technical College; meetimg Labour MP Chuka Umunna; and in discussion with former Labour party leader Ed Milliband and young entrepreneurs at the Federation of Small Businesses.

Mid Kent Living 9 10 Mid Kent Living Hand-picked events and great EDITOR’S Choice days out around the county.

March 25 - April 10 Chick and the egg Easter hunt, Chartwell, Westerham Discover Easter characters from the 1920s as they take you on a good old-fashioned adventure around Chartwell, Churchill’s much-loved home, near Westerham. The Easter Egg Hunt will wind through natural play GREAT areas and finish with a FAMILY delicious chocolate treat. FUN FOR MARCH 11am-4pm. March 27 and 28 ALL March - April 17 Normal admission charges Easter Festival of Steam and Transport The Historic Dockyard apply, egg hunt £2 per person. The Historic Dockyard Chatham Chatham March 26 A traditional fairground, street entertainment, transport The Historic Dockyard’s Bardolph’s Box displays, a farmers’ market, animals and petting – fun for brilliant but slightly eccentric The Stag Plaza, all the family at this popular annual event. Folk, roots resident professor, is pushing Sevenoaks and blues, tribute acts and vintage vehicles galore. the boundaries of scientific Join cheeky chappy Bardolph exploration and visiting both on his rollercoaster ride the North and South Poles via through Shakespeare's stories the shortest route possible — — perfect for children aged through the centre of the eight to 12 and their families. earth. Call 01732 450175 or visit His trusty assistant Bunsen www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk is trying to find ways to keep 2.30pm. the Doc safe from the Admission: £6 extremes of the subzero cold and needs the dockyard’s growing army of Techsplorers March 26 March 29 - April 10 to “chill out” in the Secret History of Mote Park Scotney Compass Lab and help with some cool walk Challenge, Scotney new research. Become a Take a guided walk in Mote Castle, Lamberhurst Techsplorer – or a “Sub-Zero Park with the chairman of Can your family find their Hero” and assist in hands-on the Mote Park Fellowship to way with a compass? family-friendly experiments. look at the fascinating Solve the clues to find Doc Yard’s Secret Lab runs history behind this well- the directions in this fun throughout the Easter known park. 11am-4pm. For compass challenge. holidays, from 10.30am until further information contact £1 per trail, Normal 3pm, until April 17. www.moteparkfellowship.org. admission fees apply. uk/events. £3. 10am-5pm.

March 25-28 Easter through the Looking Glass, Leeds Castle Join Alice in Wonderland and her friends as you explore the castle grounds. Interactive sketches across the grounds will introduce you to a chatty caterpillar, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, a tumultuous tea party and a giant game of croquet. SCHOOL You may even meet the Queen HOLIDAY of Hearts and Alice herself. Great photo opportunities and FUN fun for all ages. Normal TIMES admission charges apply.

Easter egg girl image: ©National Trust Images/John Millar; Steam festival courtesy of Chatham Mid Kent Living 11 Dockyard; Leeds Castle courtesy of Leeds Castle April 9 Selfies Maidstone Museum, St Faith’s Street, Maidstone It’s all about you! Draw selfies with artist Vicki Cooke, experiment with different drawing techniques and create a ‘Me Mosaic’ to April 21 take home. £8. Booking required. Under 14, 10.30am - The Upstairs Tour 12.30pm; over 14, 1.30 - Leeds Castle 3.30pm. 01622 602838 A rare opportunity to get April 16 a glimpse into the bedchambers of the famous. Dawn Chorus Walk March 31 Join this tour to find out Family Bushcraft Day Mote Park, Maidstone more about the State and Kent Wildlife Trust Explore the Dawn Chorus in Battlement Bedrooms at Tyland Barn, Mote Park! Enjoy the singing Leeds Castle, which are not Chatham Road, Sandling of a large number of birds generally open to the public. Suitable for adults and children aged seven and up, this is a before dawn each day during See the rooms preferred challenging day in the great outdoors, where you will learn the breeding season. A truly by King Edward VIII and Mrs basic survival skills, essential woodlore, wilderness and Simpson during their stays outdoor living skills, along with wild food foraging, tracking and, more recently, by and nature awareness. Pavarotti and Cliff Richard. Tickets £15 from 01622 662012. 10am-1pm. Price £5 per person in addition to entry fee. Tours start at 11.30am and APRIL Workshops suit both adults must be pre-booked online. and children but the latter Max 15 people per tour. April 2 must be accompanied by Forage & Feast Day one adult. The walk will take April 23 Betteshanger Country one to two hours and the The Summer Theatre Park, Deal remaining workshop will be Company: Celebrating used to prepare, cook and Shakespeare wonderful way to explore enjoy the foraged food with Smallhythe Place, the beautiful natural songs a communal lunch to finish. Tenterden Workshop costs £35 per of spring; well worth the early start. On the 450th anniversary of person. Pre-booking the Bard’s death, Celebrating essential on 07824 569181. Meet at the main car park at 5.30am. Repeated on Shakespeare explores the April 2 April 27. beauty of his language and Heritage Transport Show his work. Detling Showground April 20 7.30pm. Tickets priced £12 - Maidstone Remembering the Book on 0844 249 1895 Large displays of vintage Great War Meeting at the Visitor Centre April 23 - 24 at 10am, take a leisurely walk vehicles with a farmers’ Tunstall Village Hall, Beer Festival around Betteshanger with market, trade stands and near Sittingbourne FREE The Chequers The Wild Kitchen's Lucia autojumble section. This Share an evening of music EVENT Stuart, all with the sole year’s event will also and poetry with Swale Sings Inn, purpose of gathering edible featuring the South East Bus community choir to com- Laddingford wild food. Festival. Tickets £7 in memorate the centenary of The annual real ale Then cook up a feast using advance £10 on the gate. World War 1. Free admission, festival with more than 20 Lucia’s delicious and well Children under 14 free. 10am with donations to the Royal craft beers, independent tested recipes. - 4pm. British Legion. 7.30-9pm. cheeses and live music. April 2 Sherlock Holmes: Wealden Pullman Blackmailer Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Join Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson for dinner aboard the nostalgic Wealden Pullman, as they try to find the killer in your midst. Enjoy an aperitif prior to a delicious six-course meal, prepared on board and served by authentically dressed Pullman attendants, as you try to unravel the clues. Passengers can relax and enjoy their journey in two 1920s Pullman cars – ‘Barbara’ and ‘Theodora’ – or a First Class 1930s car ‘Maunsell’, built for the Southampton Ocean Liner traffic. In keeping with Pullman tradition, gentlemen are requested to wear a tie. Tickets cost £97.50 per person for Pullman Class and £92.50 for First Class.

12 Mid Kent Living Images courtesy of: Mote Park - Gary Neave; KESR - Lewis J Brockway Hand-picked events from the editor

April 23 children’s workshops, led by the castle ranger. schools on the Tuesday. St George’s Day FREE face-painting, street About 126 million bluebells In addition to author talks, celebrations EVENT performers and much will be in bloom, along with there will be drama, story- Various venues, more. dozens of other wonderful telling, children’s theatre, Maidstone April 30 and May 2 wild flowers. music, illustrations and Finish off the walk with a performance poetry. Join in with lots of Bluebell and cream tea in the restaurant. Writers and performers celebrations around the wildflower walks, Tickets £12.50 per person include Juliet Nicholson, town, including music and Sissinghurst Castle including cream tea, booking Janet dance in Jubilee Square, Garden essential on 0844 249 1895. Ellis, Market Buildings, Fremlin Enjoy the high scent and Erin Walk and the Museum. colour of the season with a Kelly, There will be live music, MAY guided walk of the woodland, Andrew May 1 - 3 Lownie, Literary Festival Francis Chiddingstone Castle Beckett, A new event for bookworms Lady of all ages, set in the glorious Antonia house and grounds of Fraser, Chiddingstone Castle. Sandy Gall, Major Richard The programme offers Streatfeild and Downton author events for adults and Abbey’s Robert Bathurst teenagers on the Sunday, (pictured). events Tickets for each event on for the Sunday and Monday are families priced at £12 for adults and and £5 for children, including April 24 children entry into the castle and its Kent’s All Ford Show, The Friars, Aylesford on Bank collections. An opportunity for all Ford car enthusiasts to meet and Holiday Online ticket booking is display their prides and joy – both cars and commercial. Monday available via the castle Refreshments available at the priory. Tickets £3. Children and a website. 16 and under free. 01622 717272 / 01732 840787. 10am-4pm. whole Tickets for the school day of events dedicated to events are £4 per student.

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Mid Kent Living 13 May 21 Orchestral Concert by Tonbridge Philharmonic Orchestra West Kent College, Tonbridge Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings Op.48, Richard Strauss's Serenade for Winds Op. 7 and Schubert's Symphony No. 4, The Tragic. 7.30pm. Tickets from www.tonphil.org.uk/tickets

May 1 May 19 Bluebell Walk for the Remembering the Heart of Kent Hospice. Great War Meet at Harrietsham St Peter’s Community Village Hall Hall, Halfway, Sheppey This is the 25th anniversary Share an evening of music May 22 of the Hospice and the and poetry with Swale Sings Meet Peppa Pig Bluebell Walk is in its 29th community choir to Kent Life year. Setting out from commemorate the Meet all the usual animal Harrietsham village hall, the centenary of World War 1. friends at Kent Life, with the sponsored six-mile walk Admission is free, with addition of children’s meanders through the North donations to the Royal favourite Peppa Pig who will Downs countryside when the British Legion. 7.30-9pm. be making an appearance at bluebells are at their finest. Adults £10, children £3. Family (two adults and three Mills in Kent which will be children) £25. 8.30am - 11pm. open include Willesborough 01622 790195 Mill, Ashford; Union Windmill, Cranbrook, Herne Windmill, Meopham Windmill, White Windmill, Sandwich,West Kingsdown Windmill, Stock’s Mill, Wittersham and Woodchurch windmill. Two watermills will be open – Crabble Corn Mill, Dover, and Chart Gunpowder Mills at Faversham. Details of all mills open are available on the National Mills Weekend website: www.nationalmillsweekend.co. uk

May 14 and 15 National Mills Weekend Britain has some of the richest milling heritage in the world, and this is a FREE chance to explore many May 28 EVENT amazing old mills and find Proms in the Park Riverstage, out how they work. Whatman Millennium River Park They offer something for All the usual pomp and ceremony of the last night everyone — those interested of the Proms, together with full orchestra and fireworks in heritage, fans of machines – all free. Bring your picnics and share in this extra and machinery, those special celebration to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s interested in food, and kids 90th birthday. 3pm-9pm who love clambering about.

14 Mid Kent Living Images courtesy of: Windmills © R Cummings; Whatman Millennium Park - Maidstone Borough Council Hand-picked events from the editor intervals throughout the day. pit, a foam-filled labyrinth 4ft tall. Tickets and more Lots of other piggy activities and the world’s biggest information are available at to get your snouts stuck into bouncy inflatable, this is a www.begung-ho.co.uk. too! 10am - 7pm. unique chance to take part (Prices increase as the date Adults £9.50, concessions in the wacky world created approaches) £8.50, children 3-15 £7.50 by CBeebies presenter Alex June 4 www.kentlife.org.uk Winters. Dino Day The Total Wipeout-style Maidstone Museum JUNE course, suitable for adults Back by popular demand, June 4 and children, includes 10 the chance to come face to Gung-Ho! tricky obstacles and will face with a walking, roaring Brands Hatch, Fawkham certainly end on a high as baby T Rex, free of charge – Brands Hatch is the venue for participants take a trip down if you’re brave enough. the first ever Gung-Ho!’s the 200ft-long “Thriller” – Face painting £2, dino June 11 Seriously Fun 5K in Kent. a slide taller than three masks £1.50, dino dig and Featuring the tallest double decker buses. colouring sheets free. An Audience with Ann inflatable slide, a giant ball Participants must be over June 5 Widdecombe Dog Show The Hop Farm Bearsted Woodland Enjoy an evening of fun anecdotes and outspoken Trust opinions – plus a few Bearsted, Maidstone untold secrets – from the Enter your furry friend for former MP for Maidstone one of 10 fun categories. and the Weald, now Meet some of the mutts and turned novelist and star their minders from of Strictly Come Dancing, Battersea Dogs Home and while helping raise funds learn all about responsible for the Heart of Kent FOAM pet ownership from FUN Hospice. 7pm. FIRST FOR Maidstone Council. Pet- Tickets £25 to include a related stalls, crafts, food KENT welcome drink on arrival. and drink. Fun for all the 01622 790195 family.

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Mid Kent Living 15 Hand-picked events from the editor

June 16 show up on the Antiques Road Show FREE day clutching Ightham Mote EVENT your treasures. It’s time to dig out the Gates open at family heirlooms and find 9.30am and out if you are sitting on a everyone in the small fortune. queue by 4.30pm will The antiques roadshow definitely be seen by one of rolls into Kent and settles at the show’s experts. Ightham Mote, the charming In 2015 almost 35,000 medieval manor house and people attended an Antiques estate near Sevenoaks. Roadshow filming day. No tickets are needed. Just Now it’s your chance. Homewood Orchard Garden Centre “with our help... you can create the perfect garden” Garden Furniture • Tubs and Containers • Shrubs/Trees (Over 30 varieties of fruit trees) • Pots • Compost/Growbags Garden Ornaments • Bird Tables/Bird Feed• Bark & Aggregate • Turf • Fresh Grown Fruit & Vegetable Plants to buy

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16 Mid Kent Living ou only get one Y set of eyes

You use them every day, you take them for granted, you rarely think about the beautiful thing your sight is. When something goes wrong, it’s often too late. What should you be doing to look after your eyes? Alisdair Buchanan whose optician in Snodland was voted the UK’s Best Independent Practice 2015- 2016 explains: “When I started in optometry an eye test was very basic. However over the last few years, things have moved on a long way, but not all Not all A scan of the retina using opticians have the latest technology invested in the so at your next visit, we can see eyes. tiny changes to within 1/1000th of latest technology a millimetre. We can then detect opticians have invested in the and treat conditions much earlier. Passionate about latest technology. When most other This screening can often be sight- sight opticians look into your eyes, it is saving. very much like looking at the cover It amazes me what little value It is evident Alisdair is passionate of a book and no more. We are one people put on their sight; I became about your eyes. When you visit of only about 80 opticians in the an optometrist to save sight, and his multi-award winning practice UK to use a 4D scanner that can this is why we spend the time in Snodland, it is clear this is no see underneath your retina similar with you and have the very best regular opticians. You are made to to looking inside a book rather equipment to look after your eyes. feel special from the moment you than just at the cover - So we get An AA survey of a car running walk in. It is like a boutique hotel, the whole story and can, therefore, costs puts the standard parts and tranquil, calming and the decor is better detect eye disease and labour costs at £434 for a year. stunning. Each room is bursting monitor the health of your eyes. Without your eyes you couldn’t with equipment, and there are What is the 4th Dimension? drive - so it’s worth spending the some of the most beautiful frames Time - this is the only instrument money to make sure your eyes are adorning their displays from run- that allows us to monitor the health checked thoroughly.” RIWKHPLOO WR WKH GHVLJQHU WR ¿QH of your eyes accurately over time. It NASA are using the same jewellery frames from the likes uses TruTrack patented technology instrument on the space station to of Chopard. It is no wonder they to monitor the health of your eyes, monitor the health of astronauts rightly keep winning awards.

Look after your eyes, book your comprehensive eye test Call now on 01634 757307

56 Malling Road, Snodland, Kent, ME6 5NB As featured on

Mid Kent Living 17 June 18 - 19 ‘loveliest castle in the world’ Antiques & Collectors Fair, at the same time! Detling Showground Complete an open water If you are looking for the swim in the moat, road cycle unusual then this is the place and complete a cross country to go to. Dealers work hard to run around the estate. offer you a wide choice of Saturday sees the Spring items that you won't find on Triathlon – 750m, 26k and 5k – the High Street. and Junior Aquathlon, while June 25 and 26 Sunday is the Standard Leeds Castle Triathlon Triathlon of 1500m, 40k and Leeds Castle, Maidstone 10k. Swim, bike, run – and enjoy the Visit www.leeds-castle.com

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18 Mid Kent Living Advertisement feature downsmail.co.uk

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Mid Kent Living 19 BLOOMIN’ marvellous Set yourself a seasonal challenge and visit the county’s top gardens.

There’s never been a better time to explore the glorious gardens that open to the public in Kent — a county that has Godinton House and Gardens just been named the best place on the planet for green-fingered fans to visit. As international Garden Tourism for everyone. GODINTON HOUSE AND Destination of the Year, Kent joins other Visit Kent’s Sandra Matthews-Marsh horticultural heavyweights like said: “Kent truly is The Garden of GARDENS, ASHFORD Australia’s Royal Botanic Gardens in England, and we are extremely proud Twenty years after the death of Alan Cranbourne; China’s Chrysanthemum to have won this award. Not only do we Wyndham Green, the plans he made to Festival and South Korea’s Suncheon have some of the most famous and restore Godinton House and Gardens Bay National Garden, to earn an award beautiful gardens in the world — such are coming to fruition. from the International Garden Tourism as Sissinghurst and Hever Castle — In spring, the wild flower garden is Network. but we also have those producing wine, crammed with daffodils and narcissi, The accolade coincides with the Year cider, beer, and fruit for visitors wanting anemones, crocuses, snake-head of the English Garden, a VisitEngland a tour with a twist, as well as alternative fritillaries and orchids. initiative celebrating, among other coastal gardens, such as our desert at While in the main garden, mature things, the 300th anniversary of Dungeness.” shrubs and herbaceous planting, and ‘Capability’ Brown. So, with the whole of the season the revitalised walled garden — home to Add this to Kent’s unconventional stretching before us, how about setting the famous delphinium collection – landscapes, including Riverhill yourself the challenge of seeing as jostle amiably alongside flowers for Himalayan Gardens and Lullingstone many of the best open gardens in Kent? cutting, vegetables and fruit. World Garden; literary links to the likes Dawn Kingsford has a few suggestions, Its millennium-built greenhouse is of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, and offering the pick of the bunch, to get also a hive of activity, with a backdrop the county really can boast something you started: of peaches, exotic perfumes and semi- tropical climbers. The great formal yew hedge, lawns, SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDEN, CRANBROOK topiary, statues and gravel paths give a There’s plenty to keep your eye on formal contrast to borders, the rose as the National Trust uses its latest garden and climbers. The estate also research to develop the garden to showcases open air theatre, exhibitions, recapture the vision shared by its music nights and family events and, former, famous owners Vita Sackville- new this year, is a series of walks led by West and husband Harold Nicolson. estate manager Nick Sandford. His architectural planning of the garden Plants and refreshments are available. rooms and the exuberant, abundant For details visit planting by Vita reflect the romance www.godintonhouse.co.uk or and intimacy of her poems and writings. call 01233 643854. Famous for its roses, the old-fashioned climbers and shrub varieties were Godinton House among Vita’s favourite flowers and, and Gardens 80 years on, you will still find the first planted by the couple — a rose on the wall of the south cottage. There’s also the world-renowned white garden, which peaks in late June, and is home to rosa mulliganii, cascading thousands of single, white, scented blooms over the central arbour. Don’t miss the changes promised this year or the panoramic views from the top of the tower across the 450-acre estate. A garden shop with plant sales from the castle nursery is available. Sissinghurst Castle Gardens For details call 01580 710700 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst

20 Mid Kent Living ©National Trust Images/Amhel de Serra Gardens to visit

Everything’s HOLE PARK GARDENS, coming up roses ROLVENDEN Something to look forward to as the In early spring the gardens come alive season bursts into bloom: when swathes of narcissi and daffodils cover this 16-acre garden Smallhythe Place, Tenterden — home and in April, its 10-acre wood is of the famous Victorian actress Ellen transformed by an amazing display Terry, the garden reflects her passion of bluebells. Check out the park’s for the powder puff roses that bathe website for the best time to find the house and bask in the formal rose them using the Bluebell Barometer. garden. Look out for shrub, floribundas The camellia walk has also been and hybrid teas, including, of course, extended with winter and spring the pale yellow Ellen Terry. plants including epimediums, Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks — pulmonaria and brunnera. Then in this small, classic-style Edwardian rose garden features an abundance of pink May, enjoy swathes of dark purple blooms that has earned it the name of the ladies’ rose garden. Using photos from Queen of the Night tulips in the rose the 1900s, it was restored two years ago, with pink roses and pastel borders that garden and long borders. its creator, Frederic Lubbock, designed for his wife. Rhododendrons, azaleas and the Chartwell, Westerham — soft pink and white roses, including the heavily-scented flower meadow also show off in May, ‘Ice Cream’ and ‘Royal William’, sit alongside the dramatic climbing roses in the followed by the unusual standard cut walled garden – designed and planted by Lady Churchill and her head gardener. wisterias and the striking new allium The golden rose walk, featuring 32 varieties of yellow rose, was a wedding walk in the sundial garden. anniversary present to the couple from their children. There’s also the new border near It is possible to walk from here to the National Trust’s Emmetts Garden through the house featuring the Blue Moon the woods behind Chartwell. rose and fragrant lavenders Gros Bleu and Sussex. Hard paths mean visitors Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst – As well as providing a magnificent backdrop to the with disabilities can explore the garden, the castle’s inner courtyard is famous for its roses, clematis and geraniums, gardens and wheelchairs can be and the itea that clings to the walls. reserved free of charge. Light lunches, homemade cakes and Window box a plant stall are available. • Gardens are one of England’s greatest attractions for overseas and domestic For details visit www.holepark.com visitors. or call 01580 241344 / 241386. • Internationally, more than half of all holiday-makers will squeeze in a trip to a park or garden, second only to shopping as an activity, with about 300 million garden tourists worldwide. • Research shows one in five of us (18%) visited a garden on our last UK break.

NGS gardens open for charity in Kent An incredible 140 gardens will open in Kent as part of The National Gardens Scheme. It’s the county’s largest offering yet, and includes many private gardens, and dozens to see for the first time this year. They include: • The Old Bakehouse, Dover Road, Walmer, Deal. A delightful walled garden demonstrating what can be done with a small space and a lot of imagination. Sunday, April 3. • Yokes Court at Frinsted, near Sittingbourne. A three-acre private garden set in the Kent countryside. Sunday, June 12. Or maybe, head to Whitstable, where seven gardens — and others displaying balloons — will receive visitors on Sunday, June 12 (10am-5pm). From fishermen’s yards to formal gardens, this display is designed to encourage those new to gardening. Gardens in Kent raised £197,000 last year for NGS nursing charities.

Pick up a book for details of open gardens at libraries and Hole Park garden centres or visit www.ngs.org.uk. bluebells

Hole Park bluebells courtesy of Darryl Curcher Mid Kent Living 21 Discover more at: Be sure to visit this spring – there is something for everyone

Notcutts Garden Centre offer top quality plants and gardening equipment as well as everything you need to help you relax and enjoy your garden or patio. Consider joining the Notcutts Privilege Club where you can save money every time you shop at Notcutts. It costs just £10 a year and there are lots of benefits including 10% off your bill (some exclusions apply) each time you shop.

PETS AND AQUATICS From the most popular domestic to the exotic, Ark Pets & Aquatics stocks a wide range of equipment, food, accessories and toys for your pet. Their friendly staff have a great deal of expert knowledge so they can help and advise you on choosing a pet and how to care for this new member of your family. PENNIES DAY NURSERY Pennies Day Nursery offers 'the very best in childcare learning and fun' for children aged between three months and five years old plus Breakfast, After School and Holiday Clubs for primary age children.

CHARTERWOOD DISCOVER THE KLASS MOBILITY AND COLLECTION SHOPMOBILITY Klass have a stunning range of Get some great offers on a huge selection affordable women’s fashion in sizes 10 of mobility scooters, rise and recline chairs, to 22. Whether you are looking for stairlifts, walkers, bathing aids and much ladies evening wear or casual daywear more. The largest choice in the south east at outfits you can be sure to get the perfect unbeatable prices. outfit. Shopmobility is a free service to visitors to Shop the latest dresses, tops and blouses, Newnham Court Shopping Village who are knitwear, jackets, trousers and skirts plus a mobility impaired. To book a wheelchair or coordinated range of accessories. powered scooter, call us on 01622 631511.

FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY If it’s a bit of personal pampering you seek then look no further than Pure Hairdressing and Pure Beauty Essentials. You are sure to receive personal attention plus the latest hair care and beauty advice. Pure Beauty Essentials which sits alongside the hair salon offers a range of must have beauty treatments.. Other shops to tempt you along the way include Edinburgh Woollen Mill with a wide range of clothing for ladies and men plus many accessories including Hotter Shoes. Cotton Traders offers a further range of quality clothing at great value in a wide range of sizes. Cotswold Outdoor are suppliers of equipment for outdoor activities such as camping, walking and mountaineering. Then there is sports clothing and equipment at Sweatshop Sports Shop, specialists in running. FOR THE HOME Fineline Windows, Doors & Conservatories offer a complete range of windows, doors, conservatories and orangeries of the highest quality. Log cabins and chalets from Johnsons Garden Buildings, perfect for creating extra space for a home office, gym or a playroom. Is your kitchen looking tired or in need of sprucing up? If you want stylish, functional and comfortable without the mess then pay Granite Transformations a visit. Their unique, maintenance free worktops are available in 55 colours. AHM Bathing specialise in walk-in baths and walk-in showers for the elderly and disabled. Plus there is a great range for those wanting non mobility bathrooms with a contemporary look. If you are looking for the perfect gift or something special for the home then Notcutts Gift Shop is the place for you. From kitchen accessories and gifts to artificial flowers and vases to display them in plus there is a great range of greetings cards and gift wrap too. Hammonds fitted bedrooms are a popular choice with those looking to refurbish their bedroom space this spring. They offer the largest range of fitted bedrooms in the UK.

RELAX AND TAKE A BREAK Be sure to leave enough time to meet up with friends in one of our friendly eateries. Coffee Corner is open for breakfast, morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. Whether you want a full meal, a snack or just a cup of tea or coffee, you are sure of a warm welcome. Alternatively enjoy fresh barista made coffee in Bricks Coffee House in the courtyard. It is open every day, offering a relaxed atmosphere in comfortable surroundings. Noble House is a magnificent Chinese restaurant specialising in oriental cuisine where customers savour all the specialities of classic Cantonese and Peking dishes. The popular restaurant is known for prompt and friendly service and also offers a quality takeaway service. To book call 01622 637268

Visit our website www.newnhamcourt.co.uk

Find us on: JUST OFF JUNCTION 7 OF THE M20 AT MAIDSTONE • MONDAY TO SATURDAY – 9:00AM TO 6:00PM • SUNDAY 10:30AM TO 4:30PM Free Parking SHOPMOBILITY: 01622 631511 Stage is set for class acts to sprinkle some stardust in Kent

Want to have a good laugh or fancy something a little more serious? Look no further than your local theatres.

Gyles Brandreth – Outside the Box Word Power! Live comedy is an experience like no other. Every live event will have a one-off specialness about it that will only happen in that moment. It could be one of the numerous unannounced special guests trying something out for a TV Omid Djalili – Live 2016 After taking 2015’s show, or a perfect Award-winning comedian and actor Omid Djalili has Edinburgh Fringe Festival by collaboration between the announced a new 41-date UK tour in 2016. After recent storm, Gyles Brandreth is audience and the performer coming to Maidstone as part events this will be Omid's most relevant show to date. who would be unique and of a 40-date UK tour of his As a stand-up and acclaimed actor, Omid’s credits range only privy to those who brand new show Word Power! from Hollywood movies and television to live productions were there. You don't get Gyles is a word fanatic. on the West End stage. Intelligent, sometimes provocative that watching old re-runs on Founder of the National and always entertaining, his stand-up is a hugely energetic Scrabble Championships and TV. and captivating comedy masterclass. president of the Association Come and see stand-up Earning praise across the world for his performances, of British Scrabble Players, comedy how it's meant to be Omid has appeared on UK and US TV, and starred in films Gyles has appeared on every and you can say "I was there such as the Golden Globe-nominated Shaun the Sheep word-based radio and TV when..." Movie, Mr Nice, Gladiator, Sex And The City 2, The Mummy game show and is a regular Stag Plaza, Sevenoaks; and The Infidel. In 2015 he was also executive producer of visitor to Countdown’s April 7 the acclaimed documentary We Are Many, about the global Dictionary Corner. anti-war demonstrations that took place in 800 cities on Gyles is one of Britain’s Banff Film Festival February 15 2003, to date the largest mobilisation of human busiest after-dinner speakers Experience an evening of beings in the history of the earth. and award-ceremony hosts. extraordinary short films Horsebridge Centre, Whitstable; March 30-31 He has won and been from the world's most Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone; April 22 nominated for awards, as a prestigious mountain film public speaker, novelist, festival. children’s writer, broadcaster Follow the expeditions of Bugsy Malone into this terrifying story, (Sony and Royal Television some of today's most New York 1929. A war rages flavouring it with the touch of anarchic comic energy Society), political diarist incredible adventurers, see between two rival gangsters, that this group have become (Channel Four), journalist amazing footage of Fat Sam and Dandy Dan. Dan known for. (British Press Awards), adrenaline packed action is in possession of a new and But this is no parody. This is theatre producer (Olivier), sports and be inspired by deadly weapon: the dreaded Dracula in its raw, terrifying and businessman (British thought-provoking pieces 'splurge gun'. Tourist Authority Come to and spine-tingling form. This shot from the far flung As the custard pies fly Britain Trophy). He has adaptation of Stoker’s corners of the globe. around, cue great musical featured on This Is Your Life numbers and fun for all the famous tale is written and Ignite your passion for and Desert Island Discs and family in this fabulous directed by professional adventure, action and travel is a former chairman and musical extravaganza by actor/director/ playwright through an exhilarating now vice-president of the Rare Productions. Martin Gibbons (The collection of the latest films National Playing Fields Central Theatre, Chatham; Pantaloons). His plays have Association. from the most talented April 14-16 been growing in popularity The show is described by adventure film makers of throughout the country, and Chortle as ‘A beautifully today. An exciting event not Dracula this is your chance to catch enunciated love letter to the to be missed with free prize Bram Stoker’s dark tale is this brand new adaptation English Language’. giveaways. brought to life by the before anyone else. Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone; Assembly Hall Theatre, incredible youth theatre Theatre Royal Margate; April 4 Tunbridge Wells; April 7 members, who dive head first April 14-16

24 Mid Kent Living Good Food Advertisement feature

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Located in Earl Street, Maidstone's Christmas, so if you are keen to take a The hall can seat up to 200 people restaurant quarter, Corpus Christi Hall is look around, get in touch to arrange to and there is easily accessible parking elegance by 12th-century design, with view Corpus Christi Hall and get some opposite in Fremlin Walk. The friendly immense vaulted ceilings, beautiful ideas to make your party one to staff are looking forward to planning architecture and the extra something remember. your event to ensure a spectacular that would make your event the talk of The hall's website has details on some moment in time to remember. the county town. It has a fully licensed So if you would like to stand out from bar, fully functioning catering kitchen fantastic events coming soon, from Hog the crowd, show your friends and family and suppliers at hand to make your Roast nights, Halloween Ball, a an exclusive experience without blowing event amazing, whether a winter Hogwarts supper night, New Year's Eve wonderland, medieval banquet or even party and pop-up Sunday roasts. your budget, choose Corpus Christi Hall a full-on gothic masquerade ball. From November this year it will also in the heart of Maidstone. It’s never too soon to plan for be possible to get married in the hall. Editorial supplied by Corpus Christi Hall CORPUS CHRISTI HALL ELEGANCE BY 12TH CENTURY DESIGN The most beautiful venue for any type of event • Signature Wedding Receptions • Stylish Events & Celebrations • Corporate Delegate Days

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Mid Kent Living 25 the fancy goat The George Inn LEEDS Traditional English Pub

Comfort and a warm welcome awaits you. Serving fresh homemade food cooked in house and quality ales. Now serving our NEW Spring Menu Choose from the traditional favourites plus many new dishes too including • Fajitas • Sharing Platters NEW • Sharing Chocolate Sundaes BREAKFAST Easter Weekend Serving food all day. Booking is advisable Mon-Sat 8.30 – 12 Find us at:- 01622 Sun 9-11.30 4 Lower Street, Leeds Village, Maidstone, Kent ME17 1RN 861314 LUNCH www.the-george-inn.com [email protected] Heart of Kent Hospice Charity Lunches Mon-Sat 2 courses £15 • 3 courses £17 The Pepperbox Inn Sunday Roast 2 courses Windmill Hill, Harrietsham, ME17 1LP Visit our charming pub situated plus a glass of bubbles – £18 in beautiful countryside with outstanding views of the DINNER Weald of Kent Full á la carte menu and Mon-Sat A La Carte traditional pub food served Wed only Wine & lunchtimes and evenings Dine 3 courses, plus unlimited wine with meal - £27.50 Sunday Lunches £11 per person Thurs Chef Special 2 courses, plus Served 12noon – 3pm glass of wine - £19.95 or 3 courses £23

COCKTAIL BAR • Outside terrace • Ample parking Last orders 12 Midnight, Closed • Walkers & Riders welcome Sunday Evening • Warm & welcoming open log fires. Book online: Opening Times: Daily from 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11.30pm www.thefancygoat.com/reservations Food Served: Lunch 12noon – 2pm Evening 7pm – 9.30pm or call 01732 871222 Sunday Lunches: 12noon –3pm Closed Sunday Evenings 40 High Street, West Malling ME19 6QR 01622 842558 www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk

26 Mid Kent Living Good Food A little of what takes your fancy

Spring is in the air and, with it, the urge to get out and about now the lighter nights are finally with us. Whether you’re on foot or out in the car, Kent is blessed with an abundance of country pubs and restaurants serving up excellent fare to suit all tastes. If you’re a party animal, The Fancy Goat in West Malling has a cocktail bar whipping up everything from mouthwatering Mojitos to smashing Harvey Wallbangers. A favourite with ramblers is the Pepperbox Inn at Windmill Inn, Harrietsham. Leave muddy boots at the door and pop in for a warm welcome, fine food and tasty ales. Down the road in Leeds village, regulars at The George Inn recommend the pub classics. If it’s warm enough, you might even want to dine outdoors.

The George Inn The Fancy Goat The Pepperbox Inn The George Inn can be The Fancy Goat is a small, independent restaurant and A warm welcome awaits in found at the heart of the cocktail bar situated in the heart of West Malling. Famous this traditional pub in the quaint village of Leeds, for its electrifying nightlife, this small establishment offers Kent countryside. close to Leeds Castle on both elegant cocktails from a team of mixologists and Specialising in well-kept the outskirts of Maidstone. bespoke British and modern European cuisine, from its Shepherd Neame ales, The cosy pubs offers a talented team of chefs. lagers and wines and run warm welcome to all and The menus are created by Michelin-star trained head by the same family since prides itself on its great chef Robert George, who has a great passion for food and 1958 they offer a warm community spirit. As well locally sourced produce. experienced welcome to as a great pint, delicious The restaurant has a wealth of choice, with best-quality customers old and new. and traditional meals are meats and daily supply of fresh fish across all of its menus. Their menus use fresh served. There is a new Choose from one of three dining areas. On entering The seasonal food sourced menu for the Spring Fancy Goat you are welcomed by the Eley Kishimoto from a wide range of featuring all of the Lounge, a stylish brassiere restaurant. During the Kentish suppliers. A full traditional favourites plus weekdays this is a place to dine informally but come the a la carte menu and some new exciting weekend this vibrant area comes alive and becomes an traditional pub food is additions too including extension of the cocktail bar, providing a comfortable served lunchtime and sharing platters and fajitas. seating area to enjoy drinks with friends. evenings. Be sure to save room for dessert – delicious sharing Situated at the rear of the ground floor, the Skylight Located a short distance chocolate sundaes are also Room is light and airy and becomes one with the outdoor from Leeds Castle, The now on offer. If the courtyard during summer months. Pepperbox Inn is in an weather is fine over Easter The Assembly Rooms is a second-floor fine-dining ideal stopping off point for weekend perhaps plan to restaurant. Come the evening this softly candle lit area walkers and riders. spend time in the pubs becomes an intimate setting for the perfect meal. There are outstanding large beer garden. Breakfast is served daily from 8:30am to 12noon Monday views of the Weald of Kent Booking is advisable so to Saturday and 9am to 11.30am on Sundays. The all-day from the large hop covered call today. menu is served Monday to Saturday from 12noon to late. terrace. www.the-george-inn.com www.thefancygoat.com www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk

According to TripAdvisor… The George Inn The Pepperbox Inn ‘Welcoming and Cosy’ ‘Never lets you down’ “Another very enjoyable Sunday lunch at The George. As “I regularly visit this restaurant with friends or family and always, the food was excellent, the atmosphere great and always leave having had an excellent meal in a friendly, the staff friendly and efficient. What else can we say about warm environment. All staff make you feel very welcome this lovely old rural village pub other than to recommend it and are there to make you visit a time to remember. The for anyone who loves good pub food in a pretty Kentish food and hospitality is close to perfection.” village.” February 2016 November 2015 The Fancy Goat The Fancy Goat “Birthday celebration” “Lunchtime meal !” Lovely tasting food, very well presented. Attentive staff, and We recently had a lunchtime meal at the Fancy Goat, the nice open fire. Nice décor and comfortable seating. food was excellent, the staff were very attentive and polite February 2016 and the surroundings were superb. February 2016

Mid Kent Living 27 Net yourself a tasty treat by going online

Kent produce suppliers say going online means food fans can Food that’s fresh treat themselves to all the county has to offer without from the farm turning a wheel. More and more farmers in Kent are making use of the internet to deliver food from farm When it comes to food crazes, buying Indeed, the value of online sales rose to plate. online is definitely in fashion — and again in January by 10.4% — building on They include there’s no sign of that slowing. a 2.7% rise in December. And it’s not the likes of In fact, the communications’ regulator just youngsters with smart phones Harvest4u at now reckons UK adults spend more time making the orders, according to the Sutton Valence and 28-year-old market on their computer than in bed, spending Office for National Statistics, which gardener Jack Boggia, who is selling an average eight hours and 41 minutes a notes that people of pension age have everything he produces on his day on media devices. increased their online shopping smallholding near Whitstable direct to The internet means we can now access activities, with some 40% buying online discerning customers that appreciate niche food and drink from across the in 2014 — more than twice the 2008 seasonality, county – and take advantage of to-the- estimate of 16%. sustainability and door delivery. It’s a temptation few can So, whether it’s for ease, to beat the super fresh food. resist, especially if you’re pushing the traffic, to bag the best deal, or to help Weekly orders of boat out for a dinner party or you need you out of a hole, more of Kent’s traders Jack’s Veg, which to get a gift delivered. are now just a click away. include fruit, veg,

Second Open Sunday 9.00am - every 1.00pm month FORTHCOMING MARKETS Sunday 10th April, 8th May, 12th June Spuds & Best quality local produce variety of stalls including: Buds • Fruit • Vegetables • Fish & Meat • Game • Eggs • Local crafts Offering local fruit, vegetables • Garden plants & trees and fresh baked bread • Conserves & pickles • French delicatessen • Jewellery • Gifts & cards • Art 01580 892553 • Ceramics and much much more Unit 2, Rathbond House High Street, Enquiries Tel: 01622 679709 Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0AD

28 Mid Kent Living Good Food herbs, edible flowers and eggs are delivered free of charge within a 15-mile radius of the business. Jack says: “With flavours that will blow your socks off, this really is the simplest way to get your groceries direct from the farm, which we feel is the only way food should be bought.” Jack’s sustainable production methods have already been recognised in this year’s Taste of Kent Awards. There’s no need to stay hush hush about this! Find out more by visiting Treat yourself to a Kent wine that’s enjoyed by high-flying www.jacksveg.co.uk passengers on BA flights around the world, by ordering a bottle of Balfour Brut Rose. The drink, which is also served on the Orient Express, is from the Hush Heath Estate in Staplehurst. Owner Richard Balfour-Lynn and his family produce world-class English sparkling wines under the meticulous eye of one of England’s leading Masters of Wine. Its still wines are named after family members, highlighting the provenance and the family dynamic at Hush Heath. All fruit is estate grown and handpicked, including apples used in its cider, which came on stream in 2012. The Hush Heath winery and shop in Five Oak Lane is open 11- 5pm, seven days a week, for tours and tastings, or you can order a case, with free delivery, at www.hushheath.com.

GB LISTER Lenham’s Traditional Family Butcher & Greengrocer

We take orders via phone or email & are happy to deliver We deliver fresh local & organic Please contact us on 01622 858220 or at [email protected] produce to your door with our VEGBOX DELIVERY SCHEME • All our produce is sourced from local farms, supporting local producers. • We pride ourselves on being a local conscientious family company SPRING OFFER Buy 3 and get 1 FREE Order 3 consecutive deliveries and get your fourth box free Follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest Find us on Order online at: for special offers, news, events and recipes harvest4u.co.uk www.lenham-butchers.co.uk Find us at 13 The Square, Lenham, Maidstone ME17 2PQ HAVEN North Street, Local and Organic Sutton Valence ME17 3HS farm shop (Opposite the village Hall) Produce you can trust Call 01622 844789 Try our Award Winning sausages

Mid Kent Living 29 KENT’S ONLY FLOATING BAR & RESTAURANT MAIDSTONE

MENUS Come try our delicious new menus A la carte menu Party 3 course menu from £21 pp All of our menus are available online at www.embankments.co.uk

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30 Mid Kent Living Good Food Advertisement feature Savour magic March moments at Tudor Park `M’ is for March, muffins, mojitos and magical moments at Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, in Bearsted.

Every day this month will see a different this traditional dish featuring as part of Guinness stew with dumplings or roast food or drink offer, in addition to the a British-themed buffet in the Conical gammon with Irish whiskey sauce hotel’s a la carte and set menus Restaurant for £12.50 per head. (£12.50 each) available in its Conical Restaurant or Still feeling hungry? Then pop back on Tudor Park will also be launching the Zest and Mezzanine bars. Thursdays for a muffin moment. Fluffy first of its monthly themed afternoon Tuesday evenings from 6pm is the muffins with various flavours will be teas on Saturday, March 26. The theme time for tapas in the Mezz bar with a tempting guests in the Mezz bar. for this one will be `Shamrocks and pie’. changing menu of three dishes for £10. In honour of St Patrick’s Day (March And finally, any day of the month will From homemade Spanish omelette to 17), three traditional Irish dishes will be be perfect for a mojito or two. Tudor tiny fish croquettes or steak stuffed available every Wednesday in March, Park has designated March as `Mojito with spicy salami, Tapas Tuesday is either in the Zest bar, overlooking the Month’ and will be offering this classic already proving popular with regulars. golf course, or in the Mezz. Choose from cocktail or a strawberry or raspberry Wednesday is Shepherd’s Pie Day, with bangers and colcannon mash, beef and version for just £8. “It’s great to have the chance to create some food and drink theatre for our guests,” says Tudor Park’s restaurant manager Robin van Leperen. “We can officially say that no two days will be the WIN same here at Tudor AFTERNOON Park this month.” TEA SEE PAGE 62

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Mid Kent Living 31 HAMSTREET WOODS Walk Hamstreet has been described as the “gateway to Romney Marsh”. It was one of the first areas in the country to be mapped by the Ordnance Survey. Hamstreet Woods was one of the first sites in the country to be designated a National Nature Reserve.

With three pubs, lovely independent boutiques and antique shops, and great little eateries Hamstreet is a haven for lovers of the outdoors. Every third Saturday a country market is held in the Victory Hall between 10am and 12noon which is well worth a stop. Hamstreet Wood Walk – A natural haven Hamstreet Woods is a remnant of the great Forest of Anderida which once ! covered the whole of the Weald of Kent. This peaceful circular walk starts and ! Start/Finish finishes at Hamstreet railway station so 2miles (3.2km) why not leave the car at home and let j the train take the strain? Passing Stile through Hamstreet Woods National Gate Nature Reserve the route traces the © Crown Copyright and database right 2015 Ordnance Survey 100019238 ancient cliff line above Romney Marsh 0 0.25 0.5 Km and joins the start of another popular 0 Miles long distance walking route – The 00.25 Greensand Way. Hamstreet Woods is a famous bluebell — this is the time to see the carpets in birch and hornbeam. This type of site in the spring; featured in many full bloom. This walk is a great length woodland flourished after the Ice Age walking guides and known well by locals for the whole family so go on, get and once covered the whole of the outdoors and let the bluebells put a Weald. The woodland glades are Location: Hamstreet (TN26 2DX) spring in your step. carpeted with bluebells and wood Distance: 2 miles (3.22km) Walking directions: anemones in spring. Nightingales are heard in spring so Time: allow 1 hour 15 minutes From the station, take the footpath to the entrance of Hamstreet Woods. watch out for those; other birds OS Explorer Map: 125 Follow the broad path uphill through regularly seen include treecreeper, Terrain: Well-defined tracks the nature reserve along the former hawfinch and spotted flycatcher. Parking: At start of walk or on road coastline. Turn south and join the Greensand Refreshments English Nature uses traditional Way for a short distance before & facilities: The Dukes Head Public woodland management methods, such following the route back towards House in the village and as coppicing, to encourage wildlife to Hamstreet village. The Greensand Way local shops flourish. Wild service (chequer) trees starts in Hamstreet, the popular can be found among the oak, silver walking route runs 105 miles (169km)

32 Mid Kent Living Information and images supplied by Explore Kent For more information on bluebell walks, spring events and outdoor ideas please visit Explore Kent for inspiration on enjoying the great Kentish outdoors or follow Explore Kent on social media @explorekent on Twitter & Facebook

to Haslemere, Surrey, along a sandstone ridge through the Kent Downs and the Surrey Hills. Take time to enjoy stunning views across the marshes and rich farmland to the Royal Military Canal and beyond. What else to do in Hamstreet Of course your day doesn’t need to end following the walk. Explore the rest of what Hamstreet has to offer and perhaps stop off for a little refreshment in one of the pubs of cafes.

Mid Kent Living 33 MONDAY Barming Maidstone Lenham Vinters Park St. Andrew’s Church Hall St. Martin’s Church Hall Lenham Primary School Vinters Park Community Centre St Andrews Road Northumberland Road Ham Lane, 7.30pm Hampton Road, 5.30pm 5.30 & 7.30pm 3.30 & 5.30 & 7.30pm Sammie 07979 692389 Lorraine 01622 631982 Julie 07770 937425 Sue 07724 185071 Snodland Ditton Maidstone – Town Ham Hill Working Mens Club, FRIDAY Ditton Community Centre St. Luke’s Church Hall Function room Maidstone Kiln Barn Road, 5.30 & 7.30pm Foley St, 5.30 & 7.30pm 259-261 Malling Road, 5.30pm St Lukes Church Hall Toni 07834 438422 Toni 07834 438422 Tracey 01634 240429 33-35 Foley Street, 9.30am Katie 07717454787 Staplehurst TUESDAY WEDNESDAY Staplehurst School, Gybbon Rise Allington Aylesford Bulls RFC 5.30pm & 7.30pm SATURDAY St Nicholas Church Hall (Back Jack Williams Memorial Ray 07747 114511 Lordswood Hall), Poplar Grove, 10am Ground Hall Road, 9.00am Lordswood Leisure Centre Tovil Emma 07931 747183 Bev 01622 750701 Northdane Way, 8.30 & 10.30am Cornwallis Suite, Masonic Centre Emma 01795 472747 Allington Tovil Courtney Road, 7.30pm Allington Community Cornwallis Suite, Masonic Centre, Sue 07724 185071 NEW GROUP Association,Castle Road, 7.30pm Courtney Road, 9.30 & 11.30am OPENING SATURDAY Vanessa 07712 647797 Sue 07724 185071 THURSDAY APRIL 9th 2016 Aylesford Allington Snodland Aylesford Community Centre Palace Wood Infants Ham Hill Working Mens Club, Maidstone - Ringlestone St Faiths Village Hall 25 Forstal Road, 7.30pm Talbot Road, 5.30pm Function room Moncktons Lane, 8.30am Bev 01622 750701 Lorraine 01622 631982 259-261 Malling Road Lindsey 07914 842597 9.30am & 11.30am Harrietsham Grove Green Tracey 01634 240429 Harrietsham C of E Primary St John’s CEP School School, West Street, 7.30pm Provender Way, 5.30 & 7.30pm Larkfield Ray 07747 114511 Julie 01622 734283 Larkfield Church farms, New Hythe Lane Larkfield Kings Hill 7.00pm Larkfield Priory Hotel Kings Hill Community Centre Bev 01622 750701 802 London Road (A20) 70 Gibson Drive, 5.30 & 7.30pm 3.30 & 5.30 & 7.30pm Lindsey 07914 842597 Hayley 07590276546

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34 Mid Kent Living Mind, body & soul

Agnese’s top tips for Cutting back cutting back on your sugar intake:

Compare the sugar content of on SUGAR different foods and drinks and Agnese Kuci choose the lower sugar and calorie option. Use the traffic Most adults and children in the UK eat hydrated will provide you with sufficient light system to help you (high too much sugar. High levels of sugar energy throughout the day. The body = more than 22.5g per 100g; consumption are associated with greater generates energy from carbohydrates medium = 5.1-22.5g per 100g; risk of weight gain and obesity, Type 2 which can be found in fruit and low = 5g or less per 100g). Diabetes, high cholesterol, non-alcoholic vegetables (fructose), dairy products liver disease and tooth decay, especially (lactose) and wholegrain cereals and we Be aware of hidden sugars in in children. Even if you are at a healthy should not therefore rely on free sugars sauces and condiments such weight, consuming too to help sustain our energy as ketchup, sweet chilli sauce much sugar can still have levels. It is also important and mayonnaise. Again, switch serious effects on your to remember that naturally to low-sugar/sugar-free health, which may only occurring sugars provide a alternatives. become apparent later in good level of beneficial Try sweetening your cereal life. vitamins, minerals and with fresh or dried fruit such However, sugar isn’t all fibre, essential for healthy as sliced banana, fresh/frozen bad as it’s also a major diet and digestion, whereas berries, dried dates or energy source for the free sugars have very little apricots. body. Each time we or no nutritional value. consume a simple (fruit The Scientific Advisory Swap sweetened yoghurt juice) or complex Committee on Nutrition varieties for natural, plain carbohydrate (pasta/rice), has recently issued yoghurts and add fresh/dried it is then broken down to recommendations for fruit as needed. molecules of fructose, maximum sugars intake, In baking, try to cut the sugar glucose and other simple which advises that sugar in your recipe by one-third to sugars that are intakes should be reduced one-half. Try adding almond, used for to around 5% of daily vanilla or lemon extracts for providing the energy - around 30g or naturally sweet taste. body sufficient seven teaspoons/cubes for energy. Steering away an average adult. This is Select healthy, non-sugary from carbohydrates completely the equivalent of a small glass snacks such as plain nuts and such as in low carbohydrate diets can of fruit juice and flavoured dried fruit; oatcakes with low- deplete your body of energy and possibly yoghurt per day. fat cheese or avocado; leave you feeling weak and lethargic. The recommendation for children is of hummus with fresh carrot Eating regular meals, choosing a 24g/day for ages 5-11 and of 19g/day for sticks; sliced apple with healthy, balanced diet and keeping well ages 4-6. tablespoon of non-added sugar almond/peanut butter. Editorial supplied by Agnese Kuci, Specialist Dietitian, Sevenoaks Medical Centre

Mid Kent Living 35 Advertisement feature Are you a couple with your own home?

For couples who own their home there are two very different ways that you can be joint owners. ‘Beneficial joint tenants’ or ‘Tenants in common’. There are important pros and cons to both. Beneficial joint tenants Tenants in common (usually referred to as joint owners) • you can own different shares of the property (most • you have equal rights to the whole property people own 50% each) • the property automatically goes to the other owner • the property does not automatically go to the other if you die owner if you die • you cannot pass on your ownership of the property • you can pass on your share of the property in your will in your will until second death

Most of us are joint owners because that was but, on their death, your share goes to your recommended when we first bought. However, children. as we move through life and circumstances • We offer help There is one other big issue with home change, there can be significant benefits of ownership of either type. What happens if one & advice • changing to tenants in common. of you loses mental capacity and the other needs Second marriages, long term care, inheritance to sell the house? If capacity is lost through tax and protecting your share of the home to • Home visits • dementia, a stroke or a coma following an pass on to your children are the main issues. The fact that you can pass on your share of the home accident, the other person can only sell after • All fees agreed in the will does not mean your other half becomes applying to the Court of Protection for homeless when you die. Having the right trust in permission. This is an expensive and long winded before you proceed • a will allows you to have best of both worlds so process. However, it can be avoided if you have your other half has the house for their lifetime powers of attorney in place.

For help with Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate & Funeral Plans Contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS Aff.SWW Call: 01622 720985 or go online: www.camrasswills.co.uk

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

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The E-scoop loupe lens has a special curve, thickness, prism, colour and coating. These qualities together will project the light onto a Cross-section of the working of the different part of the retina E-scoop loupe lens in front of the eye. ® and can improve your vision E-scoop dramatically. E-scoop lenses can offer: Improved vision for • Partial recovery of a part of the central vision Macular Degeneration patients • Reduction of the sensitivity for daylight & sunlight • Better recognition of details, contrast and depth BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY Please visit our website for more details 2 Liberty Square, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4AU www.kingshillopticians.co.uk t: 01732 875544

Mid Kent Living 37 Maidstone What we have to offer you

The Goodman Centre is a fully equipped, safe and homely day care facility for those diagnosed with dementia at any stage Clients can enjoy: Entertainment Home cooked hot meal for lunch Tai Chi sessions Games and quizzes The spacious and safe garden Special date celebrations Resident pet rabbits For More Information Contact: The Goodman Centre, 6 Egremont Road, Madginford ME15 8LH Tel:01622 736966 Open Hours: 8am - 5pm (Mon-Fri) Call Age UK Maidstone 01622 753618 for other services

Maidstone Volunteers needed We are always looking for volunteers To volunteer and help us run our services that we have on offer for the elderly citizens in the Maidstone Borough. We are always in need of people who can spare a few hours.

Volunteering opportunities we have are; Day Centre Helpers Mini - bus Escorts Fundraisers Befrienders

Call us on 01622 753618 or drop in for a chat at 7, Mill Street, Maidstone, Kent. ME15 6XW www.ageuk.org.uk/maidstone

38 Mid Kent Living Senior Living KEEP ACTIVE and reduce your risk of falling

As you get older it’s important to be as home, why not listen to fitness guru active as you can. Taking regular Diana Moran on the Age UK website exercise is especially important as we running through exercises to help you age, as our metabolism slows down. strengthen your arms and maintain Regular physical activity will help you physical independence. Or how about maintain strength, flexibility and energy joining a healthy walk in your area. They levels, so that you carry on doing the offer graded walks from a gentle stroll things you enjoy and stay independent. over a short distance to a fast-paced The Government advises older people longer distance walk. For more to aim to be active every day and to: information, you can contact the health • Limit or break up the time we spend walks team on 0300 123 1220 and select sitting still option 2. Your local active retirement • Build up to two-and-a-half hours per association will offer a wide range of week of moderate intense activity activities both social and physical. (activities that get you breathing harder “If exercise were a pill, it would be one and your heart pumping faster) in bouts of the most cost-effective drugs ever of 10 minutes or more invented,” says Dr Nick Cavill, a health • Do activities that improve muscle promotion consultant. Given the strength at least twice a week overwhelming evidence, it seems • Do some activities that improve obvious that we should all be physically balance and co-ordination twice a week active. It's essential if you want to live a If you are looking to start exercising at healthy and fulfilling life in old age.

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Mid Kent Living 39 MAKING A DIFFERENCE From small voluntary groups to large organisations with big budgets, Kent has a wide variety of good causes who constantly need help and support to continue their vital work. Here we look at some of the local charities who are going the extra mile to make a difference in their community.

Farm friends Sharing the Healing conversations A dog named Rex was responsible for sparkle Perhaps you know of someone – a the birth of Foal Farm. Jessica Taylor, family member or friend – who has A large German Shepherd dog who has spent encountered an often sudden change chained to an old van in a yard, Rex years bedridden in their circumstances caused by the was a pitiful sight with a broken and with severe onset and diagnosis of a disability or bleeding ear, fur coated in grease and Chronic Fatigue other long-term condition. his pads raw. His owner occasionally System, also It could be a parent whose child is threw him scraps of food but nobody known as Myalgic diagnosed with autism or Attention ever went near or touched him, until Encephalitis (ME) has set up a charity Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Carl Baker spotted him one day in the to bring back the sparkle into the or someone in middle age diagnosed 1950s. lives of severely unwell children and with diabetes. Too often, Carl, a business director, persuaded teenagers. psychological support for the Rex’s owner to part with him and took individual and their family is not the dog home. Rex snarled once as he offered or is beyond their financial walked towards him but seemed to means. realise that Carl was there to help, Based in and allowed himself to be taken off Maidstone, the the chain and put in the car without Hearsay a murmur. Charitable Trust Soon after, Carl and his wife Penny is a registered took in another neglected dog, Bess, charity which and began to spend more Since starting Share a Star from provides rehabilitation counselling, and more time combating her bed in 2010, Jessica, who lives therapy and support for children and animal cruelty and at Cliffe Woods, Medway, has helped families, whose lives have been distress. They set up a more than 500 sick youngsters and affected in physical, psychological or rescue centre called siblings by organising day trips, emotional ways, maybe through Friends of Animals League sending personalised gift packs illness, accident or trauma. (FOAL), with the aim of with positive messages of hope and Founded by Dr Kitty Morgan-Jones, saving as many animals as providing bereavement support. the trust now has its own office and possible and re-homing them. She aims to make each youngster counselling room at 12 Mill Street, More space was needed as animals feel special by sending them unique thanks to Gullands Solicitors who continued to arrive, and in 1962, the handmade stars featuring their have provided the space free of Bakers sold their home and moved to favourite things charge. The counselling is supported Foal Farm in Jail Lane, Biggin Hill. The charity’s new venture, Oakley’s financially by the trust, although Now a registered charity, Foal Farm Outings, also enables seriously ill some clients make donations towards Animal Rescue Centre accommodates youngsters with complex needs to the cost. 400 animals who are neutered, go on a wish day with their family. The charity also provides training microchipped, vaccinated and given Jessica was a happy active teenager through workshops and courses for medical treatment. before she became ill, but spent four those who encounter people with Horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, years in hospital with severe ME as disabilities, specifically people at goats, chickens, ducks and geese well as other painful illnesses. For work, teachers, health professionals spend their natural lives there if no two years she had to be fed through and social workers. permanent home can be found, and a tube and for 18 months was unable Dr Morgan-Jones is a British no healthy animal is ever destroyed. to speak. Association of Counselling and Volunteers and visitors are She works closely with a number of Psychotherapy senior practitioner welcome. The centre is open daily hospitals and local charities and has whose specialist work is with people except Tuesday and forthcoming been honoured with a Points of Light with hearing loss and more general events include Bunny Sunday, award from Prime Minister David disability. complete with Easter Egg hunt on Cameron, which recognises For more information, visit March 27, and a sponsored dog day outstanding individual volunteers. www.hearsay-trust.org.uk. out on Sunday, April 17.

40 Mid Kent Living Charity profile The perfect place to get BACK TO NATURE Serene, green and packed with wildlife, Kent’s nature reserves are great for getting a spring in your step.

The nights are getting lighter, which means Kent Wildlife Trust spring is here. So after Covering Kent and some parts of you’ve spent the winter London, Kent Wildlife Trust is one hunkered down indoors, of the largest of the 47 Wildlife it’s time to recharge, Trust organisations in the UK and retune and reconnect with has more than 31,000 members. the great outdoors. It’s a Gardening Volunteers Founded in 1958 the Kent trust great time to get outside, manages nature reserves covering stretch your legs and and all are worth a visit. stunning views of the more than 8,000 acres of land for enjoy a family day out in A good place to start is Medway valley. wildlife, including 50-odd miles of the fresh air. the trust’s headquarters The trust has four other roadside nature reserve. Kent is the perfect place at Tyland Barn, Sandling, visitor centres in the to get back to nature — the which is reached by a slip county – Reculver, near county boasts 11 of the 37 road off the A229 Blue Herne Bay; Romney National Nature Reserves Bell Hill, near Maidstone. Marsh; Sevenoaks and (NNRs) in south east Bough Beech (Ide Hill). England, which are places Housed in a beautifully At Sevenoaks, the trust recognised as having the restored 17th century manages a pioneering finest habitats, geology barn, the visitor centre nature reserve with and wildlife. has a large exhibition of roughly equal proportions wildlife and conservation. On the Isle of Sheppey, of water and land. It There is a gift shop with the mudflats, salt marshes includes five lakes and animal homes, bird seed and beaches of the Swale a mixed habitat of ponds, and feeders, maps and reserve support rare seasonal flooded pools, plants, waterfowl, short- nature books and a café reedbed and woodlands eared owls, avocets and serving drinks, sandwiches all providing homes for brilliantly-coloured and hot snacks. a mix of species. butterflies. Outside, you can explore These include lapwing, Tyland Barn moorhen, coot, greylag and Canada goose. There Can you help? is a cafe, gift shop and picnic facilities. However, Each of the trust’s five visitor there is deep water in centres has different garden- places so under 16s must based activities. Green fingers are be with an adult, and no not essential, just a willingness to help with the wide variety of Bough Beech dogs (except guide dogs) or cycles are allowed. activities which include mowing, digging and weeding. At neighbouring Elmey, a microcosm of Kent’s Five miles away is Bough Volunteers also help to serve in marshes swarm with bird diverse habitats. A stroll Beech visitor centre at the shops and cafes and give life, while nearby Oare, here takes in pond, Winkhurst Green, Ide Hill, visitors information about the near Faversham, is meadow, chalk bank, in a reserve and wildlife trust and its reserves. Different another haven for hedge, scrub and even a haven at the north end of opportunities arise from time to birdwatchers. shingle beach. There are Bough Beech reservoir. time at the various locations. The wide horizons of numerous mini-beast This is a great place for a If you would like to help, contact Romney Marsh are home homes, a bird-watching family day out where you Sue Morris on 01622 662012. to the Dungeness reserve, hide, composting displays can enjoy birdwatching, where beach, shingle, and a “green” picnic butterflies, ancient trees wetlands and grazing shelter. and wild flowers. marsh provide shelter Close to Tyland Barn, If you would like to many species including but on the opposite side support the important gulls, terns and swans. of Blue Bell Hill, the trust work of Kent Wildlife The Kent Wildlife Trust manages a nature reserve Trust, there are many looks after an impressive which includes part of the ways, including donations 65 nature reserves dotted North Downs Way long and volunteering. Visit throughout the county distance route and www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk

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42 Mid Kent Living Property

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Mid Kent Living 43 We are an independent garden centre run by a team of people with a passion for plants and an enthusiasm to share it. Whether you’re a fair weather gardener or a plant lover and collector, we have plenty to offer with an incredible selection of seasonal bedding and an extraordinary choice of hardy plants from alpines to climbers and roses to fruit trees, to name just some. So if you’re looking for something special or are preparing for a summer in the garden, we know we’ve got something to suit you, but don’t take our word for it, please come and see us. e are We look forward to seeing you soon! W open 7 days a m – 5.30pm week 9a including Sundays We stock the free 2016 nk Holidays 01622 737801 & Ba Yellow Book for Kent www.thepottedgarden.co.uk Ashford Road (A20), Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4NH

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44 Mid Kent Living Homes & gardens

SPRING IN THE GARDEN with Hadlow College

Gardeners probably know that spring for their scent and plant them in tubs has two official start dates. The and pots near doors, windows and in astronomical seasons vary in length and sitting-out areas. Choose them for their so the start date of spring varies from colours to brighten dull areas. Choose year to year. This year it begins on them for their height and other March 20 and ends on June 10, whereas attributes to fill in gaps in beds and the meteorological first day of spring borders. Wonderful value, they will commences on March 1. No doubt there multiply and give pleasure this year and is a third date that relates to the for many years to come. individual gardener’s gut feeling. A couple of warm days and a shower or two encourages a spurt of growth – especially weeds. Don’t let them get the upper hand – take control now; that old containers to ensure they are clean and fashioned tool, a hoe, comes into its located where they will harvest the own. maximum amount of water. This will It is less expensive to establish a new make a contribution in environmental lawn from seed than laying turf. Mid- terms – and also save money. spring or October are the best times for • “Grow your own” has really taken off this job. Make sure you choose a seed in all age groups. Children who grow and mix to suit location and usage. Desiring pick their own greens are far more likely a fine carpet-type lawn that gets little to eat and enjoy them than those who use is very different from establishing a are presented with the “same old” day grass area that will mostly be used for after day. Enthusiasts have probably children’s games and fun for the family dog. Consider the conditions - is the invested in a greenhouse or are using an Jeremiah Colman made a lot of money area shady, partly under trees or in an existing conservatory to give their seeds as a result of unused mustard being exposed area that dries out quickly? a good start – but there’s not much thrown away; nurseries and garden Also, the seed bed must be prepared wrong with a window sill. Anyway, many centres make money from summer thoroughly. Take time to make a note of experienced gardeners swear they bedding that suffers frost damage. Two these, and other considerations, and achieve brilliant results by sowing swallows never a summer make, so play visit a garden centre to ask for directly into the ground. And shortage safe and don’t plant bedding until the information and advice. of space is no excuse; seed processors very end of May. All gardens need water - some more such as Suttons offer ranges Something that can be planted now – than others, depending on location, soil particularly suitable for small gardens – summer-flowering bulbs. Choose bulbs and design. Check water butts and other even in pots, tubs and hanging baskets. Editorial supplied by Pat Crawford

Mid Kent Living 45 Sweet Sweeps Stove, Fireplace and Chimney Specialists

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48 Mid Kent Living Homes & gardens

Top tips for avoiding property REFURBISHMENT PITFALLS Renovating a home can be a tricky business. Whether you’re looking to modernise a whole property or simply want to update a single room, there are a number of potential pitfalls to be aware of when embarking on a property refurbishment.

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Choose stone flooring for style and elegance Choosing stone flooring can be one of the most versatile options you ever make for your home or living space.

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MoT Testing All MOT’s Free re-test and minor adjustments £40.00 Service & repairs carried out to all makes & models TilyardAuto’s Local recovery service available Tel: 01622 663662 Tyres • Exhausts • Tracking Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, Wharf Road, FREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERY Tovil, Maidstone ME15 6RR SERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS

Double Glazing Repairs For a free site survey call: & Locksmith Services 01622 527106 • Locks repaired or replaced • Letterboxes EPIC 07788 532926 • Hinges & window handles LANDSCAPES No job too big or small • Broken glass & misted units Access • Lost key replaced & doors opened • Fencing • Treework • Turfing • Decking • Patio doors, runners & rollers Denied • Levelling Ground • Jet Washing Service • Doors that are difficult to close and lock • Water Features • Astroturf • Patios 01622 611107 / 07967 625 447 • Clearance • Driveways

J Norris Electrical Contractor PILATES at Langley & Staplehurst All aspects of domestic electrical • Part P certification work undertaken by a trusted provided Benefits:•Alignment•Strength•Flexibility and qualified electrician with • All work NIC approved •Endurance•Stress relief 20 years experience. and certified Mondays at 1.30pm Langley & Thursdays 1.30pm Staplehurst - Free no obligation quotes 6 weeks course £42 - No job too large or small Look after your body and it will allow you to enjoy your life more! 07966 511408 E-mail: [email protected] Call Gina on 07864 914056 or email: [email protected]

TOM THE OFFICE MANAGER Flexible Office Administration MOBILE BODY REPAIRS Tailored to suit your needs to • BUMPER SCUFFS • KEY SCRATCHES • ALLOY REFURB assist your business to run smoothly • VANDOLISM DAMAGE TO PAINTWORK • DENTS • MACHINE POLISHING • FULLY GUARANTEED TO MAIN DEALER STANDARD • FULLY INSURED TOM offers you FREE ESTIMATES • Time to Focus on your core business • Freedom from employment contracts, salary or taxes. • Flexible payments based on hourly ad hoc basis or a regular service • Personal, experienced professional attention to the task. Efficient, effective, confidential virtual or in-house Office Management Services that include any of the following activities tailored to suit your requirements; • Invoicing / Expenses / Timesheets / Filing / Basic Bookkeeping • Liaison with Clients / Aged Debtors / Suppliers / Utilities / Insurance / Recruitment • Presentation of Tenders / Quotations / Before Before Pre-Qualification Questionnaires / Purchase Orders • Diary Management / Arranging Meetings / Events / Travel / Research / Training Courses • Database Management / Job files / Client Correspondence / Archiving • Emergency Office cover on part time basis for sickness / holidays If TOM is of interest to you, then call or email and After After we can discuss what works for you. • 27 years experience Proud • 6 day operation Susan Parnham is sponsors of Bearsted • Around 1/4 of body shop price TOM THE OFFICE MANAGER Cricket Club • Reliable, professional and flexible [email protected] Call: 07771 621 769 +44 (0)7762 910137 [email protected] www.touchupsltd.co.uk

Mid Kent Living 57 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

AARON KING GARDEN MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING PAUL BEST Brickwork Extensions • Garden tidy ups • Hedge cutting • Soft Landscaping • Tree Care • Plant/Shrubbery General Builder Tel: 07593 514740 25 years Experience [email protected] www.aaronkinggardening.co.uk 01622 891960 07748 630747

SAVESAVE £££s ON SKIPSKIP HIRE ACROSS KENT 4, 6, 8 & 12yd Skips DomesDomestictic & CommerCommercialcial Fully rrecycledecycled aatt our oownwn ffacilitiesacilities H & G Chimney Services PPermitsermits ArrArrangedanged Chimney sweeping service • Long established • ICS registered CompeCompetitivetitive RaRatestes All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted • Complete Book and papayy online on our wwebsiteebsite re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs CONTACTCONTTAACT US TODAYTODAY 01622 8045498 [email protected] TO FIND OUT MORE countrystylerecycling.co.ukcountrystylerecycling.co.uk 01622 739439 07860 318166

MAIDSTONE TREE SERVICES Tree Specialists | Fully Insured | 10 Years Experience 0800 567 7175

Pollarding Stump grinding Firewood Crown reduction Coppicing Hedge cutting & shaping Crown Lifting Forestry work Thinning & deadwooding Tree Removal Landscaping Grass cutting & strimming

Email: [email protected] www.maidstonetreeservices.co.uk

58 Mid Kent Living 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

01233 840624 www.wrightsfencing.co.uk [email protected]

● Blocked drain clearance ● CCTV drain & sewer surveys The largest ● Drain & sewer cleaning ● Cesspool & septic tank services independently owned ● liquid waste Tankering including ADR (hazchem) management ● Pollution & flooding solutions company in the UK ● Waste disposal & recycling No1 Locally www.mtscleansing.co.uk Since 1996

MD Building & Services Specialists in •Driveways •Tar & Grit •Tarmacadam • Extensions • Plastering (All aspects) •Footpaths •Block Paving•Car Parks • Refurbishments • Electrics • Modernisations Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations • Driveways, Patios & Repointing • Fencing & Blockpaving WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES FULLY INSURED 01622 743037 Tel: Mark 07841 409061 07729 862518 / 07771 523799 email: [email protected] www.rssurfacing.com www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk

P.BROWN BUILDING & ROOFING Extensions, renovations, roofing, loft conversions & alterations Call Paul on 01634 865213 07748185920 E: [email protected] W: pbrownbuildingroofing.co.uk 2 Warren Road, Bluebell Hill Chatham, Kent ME5 9RD [email protected] D.T CollectionPrompt 07545 705957 Fast D.T

Delivery SKIP HIRE Elliott Landscapes for all your garden Over 20 Years Experience Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 Prices from £110+VAT & 12 Yard Bins Covering Maidstone design and regular maintenance 01622 & The Weald EA Registered needs, from lawn mowing to a 843511 Fast & Prompt Service South Belringham Yard, South Lane, Commercial complete garden makeover in a Sutton Valance, Kent ME17 3BD & Domestic professional, courteous and reliable manner. We also undertake civil and Marchant Garden Services drainage works. Adrian Marchant Approved by the Federation of - Tree Surgeon N.P.T.C. Qualified • Fully Insured Master Builders and Checkatrade. • Hedgecutting & Fencing Offham Nr West Malling 07932 492897 01732 841041 www.elliottlandscapes.com

Mid Kent Living 59 West Malling Garage Limited

Air BUY ONE Conditioning MOT GET Services 1 FREE from Only valid when booking made via email £40 Terms and Conditions apply Quote + VAT 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 Specialists Servicing & Repairs while you wait, close to town centre Dealer Level Diagnostics MOTs by appointment Free Courtesy Car by Appointment Air Conditioning Specialists Why pay main dealer prices? Convertible Hood Specialists Affordable, advanced technology servicing Over 70 years’ of combined experience and accredited training with local main dealers 01622 752364 We service all makes & models www.handcmotors.co.uk 19-25 Rawdon Road, Maidstone, ME15 6PT Approved by Trading Standards

60 Mid Kent Living Motoring news

Audi A4 - What Car’s capacity also remains highly versatile, regardless of the roof's Car of the Year position. The Audi A4 Sedan 3.0 TDI*, with 160 The reinvention of the MINI brand kW/218 hp, has taken home the most continues apace with the launch of prestigious automotive prize in the the all-new MINI Convertible. The United Kingdom for this year. The range features a striking new expert jury panel for the consumer design and significant magazine “What Car?” designated enhancements to make open- the midsize sedan as the best car in topped MINI motoring even more its class. The Audi A4 was also the dynamic, stylish and practical. overall winner among all candidates Here comes the sun • Four-car line-up: MINI Cooper in 19 categories. The Range Rover Evoque Convertible is convertible, MINI Cooper D convertible, According to What Car, choosing this the first ever convertible production MINI Cooper S convertible, MINI John year’s winner was anything but easy. Range Rover. Cooper Works convertible “The brilliant Skoda Superb came The new convertible enhances the • On sale now, priced from £18,475 OTR mighty close and Mazda’s latest MX-5 desirability of the Evoque family, taking also made the final round of voting.” the Land Rover brand to a new audience • Electric roof retracts fully in 18 seconds “However, when we considered the of customers looking for a unique • Boot volume increased by 25% and strength of the competition the A4 combination of roof-down luxury and more space for rear seat passengers had to overcome just to top its class, refinement. • Standard equipment: MINI Visual Boost it simply had to win.” Available in two luxurious Radio, MINI Connected, bluetooth, rear “It brings new standards of specifications; HSE Dynamic and HSE parking distance control and rear refinement, interior quality and Dynamic LUX, Evoque Convertible reversing camera. technology to the compact executive provides a four-seat interior, Jaguar class.” Land Rover's next-generation “The Audi A4 offers whisper-quiet infotainment system, InControl Touch driving characteristics that would put Pro and unrivalled all-terrain some luxury sedans to shame. Simply convertible capability. put, it feels more like a small Audi A8 Evoque Convertible retains the than like a competitor from its class,” elegant design proportions of the five- the jury said. door and coupé derivatives with its For all the 2015 category winners acoustically-lined fabric hood open or visit: www.awards.whatcar.com closed. Interior volume and luggage

New BALENO – Suzuki's compact hatchback The all-new Baleno — which made its world premiere at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September — is set to raise the bar for compact hatchbacks. Since manufacturing the Suzulight in 1955, Suzuki has produced a variety of compact cars that deliver value much greater than their sizes. Developed using the company's compact-car expertise, the Baleno has an elegant and powerful design, a spacious cabin and luggage space, and a host of new technologies. They include a rigid, lightweight new-generation platform, highly responsive 1.0-litre direct-injection turbo BOOSTERJET engine, and SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) featuring engine assist by an integrated starter generator. All of these contribute to a fun, yet efficient, driving experience, giving the Baleno much more than just good looks and convenience. You can learn more at: www.globalsuzuki.com/iaa2015/

Mid Kent Living 61 Competitions WIN A 3 Course Meal For 4 adults Worth Come & Celebrate over £110 Name: Our 30th Anniversary Address: on Saturday 3rd September

We would like to offer a restaurant table for 4 adults overlooking the Greyhound Tel: track with 12 races on the evening. The winner will have the table for the duration of the evening with tote messenger service for the bets and waiter/ess Email: service for their food and drink. The table includes entrance into the stadium and a race card along with a 3 course dinner (Starter, Mains and Dessert).

Send your entry to We will be opening the restaurant at 6.15pm with Diners to be seated no later Crayford Dogs Competition than 7pm ready for the racing to commence at 7.31pm. ALL drinks and betting Mail Publications Ltd, 2 Forge House, would need to be paid for on the evening but NO cost for the meals. Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT.

Closing date: 30th June 2016

To opt out of receiving information about special offers please tick box.

Afternoon Tea at Tudor Park There is something about the thought of an WIN afternoon cream tea that is hard to resist - no wonder it has never been more popular. Afternoon Tea This spring, the talented team at the Tudor Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club have raised for 4 people afternoon tea to a higher level or cake tier! They have put together a menu of afternoon Worth £60 teas to suit every occasion. Pop into Tudor Park, maybe after enjoying a walk around the nearby Bearsted Woodland Trust land, and order a beautifully crafted cream tea. It comes with scones that defy gravity and lashings of cream. If you are an afternoon tea connoisseur, you Name: won’t be disappointed. Tudor Park has recently brought in British tea specialist Simpsons Tea Address: and has also teamed up with Kent’s leading wine producer Chapel Down to offer its award winning sparkling wine as part of a Royal Afternoon Tea package. And if bubbly isn’t your tipple, enjoy a long, cool glass of Hendricks’s gin over ice and lemonade perfect with classic cucumber finger sandwiches. Tel: Cream Tea £7.50pp, Afternoon Tea £15pp and Royal Afternoon Tea £22pp.. Email: Send your entry to Tudor Park competition Mail Publications Ltd, 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT. TUDOR PARK, A MARRIOTT HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB, Closing date: 31st May 2016 Ashford Road, Bearsted, Kent, ME14 4NQ To opt out of receiving information 01622 734334 MarriottTudorPark.co.uk about special offers please tick box.

62 Mid Kent Living G&I Streeter

Est. - 1971 Local family plumbers Call Ian 07860 293732

All plumbing and Heating Work Undertaken INTRUDER ALARMS All Work Guaranteed t CCTV SYSTEMS Gas Safe Approved t ACCESSACCESS CONTROL Engineer t Professional, Reliable Service

01622 737803 Email: [email protected] SecuritySecurity.Improved.Improved

      

                       

    10% discount off your next clean for recommendations          

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

To find out more about Southern Glass contact us on T: 01622 686732 or 01622 692217 www.southernglassmaidstone.co.uk

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

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: Stephen Eighteen). Printed by Warners Midlands Plc Tel: 01622 630330 email: [email protected] website: www.downsmail.co.uk