Spring 2017 FREE

Raise money by WALKING IN THE WOODS

Over the BEESOTTED! garden fence with Turning honey BBC Radio ’s into a hobby Andy Garland

Theatre • Homes & Gardens • Walks • Good Food

Contents LivingMid Kent

14 24 Covering the Mid Kent area Mid Kent Living is published every three months with a free circulation in Maidstone, , Tunbridge Wells, and Malling, Ashford and Sittingbourne. It is available at selected pick-up points throughout the area including major 18 supermarkets. Subscription copies are posted (£8 annually).

32 The team Mid Kent Living is published by Mail Publications Ltd (which also publishes the Downs Mail newspaper), 20 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4DT. Tel: 01622 630330 email [email protected] www.downsmail.co.uk

Interview Leisure & Tourism Lifestyle

7-9 Personality Profile - 20-21 Tourist Profile - 32-35 Good Food BBC Radio Kent’s Andy Garland Across the border into 1066 36-37 Mind, body & soul Country 38-41 Senior living Editor's Choice 24 Gardens to Visit - Goodnestone Park Gardens 42-53 Property, homes & gardens 11-18 A selection of hand-picked events and great days out 27 Walks - 54-59 Sales & Services around the county throughout Walking for Charity the spring months 60-61 Motoring 28 Hobby Focus - Beekeeping 62 Competitions

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4 Mid Kent Living Editor’s Letter

The snowdrops, which carpeted Robin Hood-themed walking performances at this the highways, by-ways, gardens Easter or a modern take on the classic tale, Cinderella, at the and parks of Kent, have long Hazlitt Theatre. faded and given way to glorious daffodils and crocuses – heralding Both are on the doorstep and well worth the effort to go and see. the new season. We hop across the Kent border into 1066 country, where history- By mid-May, when the trees are covered in leaves once more, lovers will find themselves steeped in the Battle of Hastings story. bursting with life and vitality, winter will be a dim and distant Former police officer Dave West gives us an insight into how to memory. stay healthy and fulfilled in “retirement” – in his case, long walks At this time, I am always reminded of the first line of The Trees on the golf course and working by Philip Larkin: “The trees are coming into leaf, like something as a handyman. almost being said.” Getting active and supporting It’s time to throw open the doors and windows, tidy up the a good cause is also the theme garden and make plans for the longer days and warmer weather. of our feature on this year’s As ever, Mid Kent Living is brim-full of ideas to get spring going. walks for charity. In this issue, we get a peek into the world of Andy Garland, BBC Radio Kent’s popular gardening presenter. Writer Dawn Kingsford All the best. learns about his love of surfing and troubles in growing pumpkins. Now that spring has arrived, our local theatres have also sprung into action, with some amazing acts on offer, not least open-air Simon

Simon Finlay, Editor

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6 Mid Kent Living Personality profile

GARDENING – It’s the circle of life that I love

Dawn Kingsford grabbed some “off-air” time with BBC garden show host Andy Garland ahead of the start of the show’s busiest season...

Few of us share our Sunday morning He took the programme on as a in spite of his much-loved mum, Ruth, with a bacon butty and an audience of complete garden novice, but like many asking if he’s ever going to get a proper 70,000 people – but it’s all in a day’s newcomers he has been hooked by job. work for Radio Kent’s Andy Garland. horticulture and has just completed two That awakening was enough for him RHS-accredited training courses at Along with his garden gurus, Jean to make the move to Kent to study Hadlow College. Griffin and Steve Bradley, he has been radio, film and TV with sports science at in the horticultural hot seat answering It’s a far cry from his childhood in Christ Church College, where he earned our questions from 8am every Sunday Plymouth, where he was the youngest a first class BA (hons). He remembers for the last 10 years. by far of four children, with a love of the arriving in and seeing the While he has been a part of the Radio coast. His father, who died of a team for nearly 21 years, during attack when Andy was eight, was in the which time he has hosted every slot Navy, and his uncles beguiled him with from Breakfast to Drive Time, he war-time tales. However, a term with confesses that at just 45 he is one of Radio Devon’s youth posse was enough the “old hands” at the station and to turn his fancy from the sea to the delights in having propagated many a airwaves. new talent. He remembers: “It was one Sunday In fact it’s his second stint hosting the night and the red light was on and we station’s most-listened-to garden show, were playing some great records and I having taken the helm for two years in realised that it made me feel so happy the 1990s, when, he remembers, his and energised. It was an epiphany for first show was shelved, owing to the me.” death of Princess Diana. And it is a feeling that has endured –

Mid Kent Living 7 ornate gate to Kings School and its cathedral and proclaiming: “I could spend the next three years of my life here.” And while he misses his friends – and his surfing – he has never wanted to leave. It was at college that he met Lucy, his wife of 12 years, who also works for the BBC, and they moved in together in . The couple now have two beautiful “ballet- mad” daughters, Martha (10) and Isabelle (seven) with whom they share what they believe will be their “forever home” in . Andy says: “It has a big garden and a giant oak, which often features in the show because it has 800,000 leaves – every one of which I’ve raked up over the years.” It is this humour that he brings to his show, with the thrifty team of three full of ideas on how to save money by propagating, gifting and throwing a life-line to plants stranded on the discount shelves. Andy adds: “Jean and Steve are the experts and I try to present the show as a family affair. In fact, we’ve proved very able at solving marital disputes between “head gardeners” and “under gardeners” (usually the men) who call in!” In a typical show, the trio tackle questions from FACT FILE more than three dozen 1971: Born, Plymouth callers, with texts from as 1982: Debuts as DJ at youth club The Cellar far afield as France and Club in hometown of Holsworthy, Devon, America, courtesy of the web. playing mainly Two Tone records However, the gift of radio 1986: Starts surfing at Widemouth Bay, Bude, Cornwall – his favourite hobby means he can lead a very 1989: Sets up mobile disco business The Surf Style Roadshow normal existence, socialising 1993-1996: Studies Radio, Film, Television and Sport Science at Canterbury Christ in West Malling, surfing in Church University Cornwall and enjoying 1994: Joins Radio Kent as a Broadcast Assistant, working with the sports team on regular family holidays in Saturdays Norfolk. 1995: Presents youth show The Alternative He does, however, use his 1997: First gardening show on Radio Kent is shelved as Diana, Princess of Wales, dies in notoriety to promote good Paris causes which, for him, 1999-2003: Studies for a Masters in Media Management at the University of Leeds include encouraging children 1999: Becomes Broadcast Journalist at Radio Kent, hosting the afternoon show to read and gardening 2004: Promoted to Senior Broadcast Journalist projects at schools and 2007: Returns to the gardening show health centres, like that at 2010: Show named Gardening World’s Favourite Local Radio Gardening Programme Charing GP surgery where 2014: Becomes a trustee of Great Comp Garden, St Mary’s Platt near Borough Green gardening is being used to

8 Mid Kent Living Favourite guest: John Cleese. Hosted an Audience With at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury in 2015. “I performed a sketch with my comedy hero on stage in front of 1,000 people. It doesn’t get better than that.” Least successful interview: Wilko Johnson from Dr Feelgood. “It was a Saturday morning and probably too early for him. He was monosyllabic so I asked if he wanted to be here and he replied in the negative and put the phone down.” Broadcasting hero: Eddie Mair from Radio 4. “He is razor sharp, every word counts and uses audio brilliantly.” Biggest influence on career: “Paul Hopper gave me my first break. He was on Radio Devon and I was helping on the show. When he went on paternity leave, I hosted two treat loneliness and depression. He is hand on heart, love coming to work; of his weekly shows and I knew then also a trustee of Great Comp at Borough and as long as that remains the case I that this was what I wanted to do.” Green and is passionate about water will be more than happy to continue.” Most embarrassing moment on air: safety, after his elder sister died at 17 on He adds: “My time on the gardening “I had a Brian Johnson moment and a family outing to the coast that went programme has introduced me to so got an attack of the giggles when tragically wrong. many different issues and wonderful Steve Bradley on the gardening Andy says: “I suppose I’ve learned that people. Gardeners are extremely show gave the Latin name for life is short and it’s important to have sociable people, always ready to give varieties of ghost brambles. They fun, and that’s why I love my job you a cutting, their overspill of tomatoes end in “anus”. because it opens doors, allows you to and are so keen to share their Time when you’ve been star-struck: learn and you meet fantastic people.” knowledge, which I’m now passing on to “Interviewing former Army chief Sir The day we met at the BBC Radio Kent my daughters as my dad and grandad Peter de la Billière at the studios in Tunbridge Wells he was did to me … it’s like the circle of life.” Literary Festival was interesting, fascinating and challenging.” sporting a spray tan (research for a Some of his new-found friends in Kent report on the changing habits of men’s include head gardeners from some of Person you’d most like to interview grooming, he tells me) and said: “I pinch the grandest estates, including Tom Hart on air: “I am a big Monty Python fan myself every day that I have a job in Dyke at Lullingstone Castle, and Paul and have interviewed John Cleese radio. It’s something many people dream Bradshaw, who is featured in our and Terry Jones. I would love to chat of and I realise how lucky I am. gardening article in this issue. with Eric Idle and Michael Palin.” Flowers, vegetables or fruit?: “There can be very few people who, Andy says: “Gardeners in Kent are so “Fruit. I have a mini-orchard with lucky that they have so the apple and pear trees trained to many fantastic gardens to a fence. I learned from John Easton visit, and we get calls from who runs short courses at East amateurs to professionals Malling Horticultural Trust.” all offering fantastic advice Worst thing about gardening: and suggestions for places “Growing pumpkins. I just can’t do to visit and ideas to try, it and my girls would love me to but which is great at this time they only come up the size of tennis of the year as the season balls.” really gets underway. Your Number one tip: “Do with “Although it’s an all-year- your garden what you want to do round preoccupation for with it. If it’s growing fruit, having most of us, as the spring gnomes, 50 hanging baskets or just approaches the volume of lots of dahlias then fine. It’s your calls we receive physically space – enjoy it.” Leeds Castle Festival of Flowers grows and grows.”

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

supersonic age of Concorde. Build your own steam locomotive in a workshop. Entry is free with the purchase of a TravelCard. Fares also include free entry into the award-winning Colonel Stephens Railway Museum, which tells the story of Colonel Stephens and the 10% DISCOUNT FOR ONLINE BOOKING APRIL April 1 – 16 Alice’s Circus Adventures April 1 – 23 Groombridge Place, near Tunbridge Wells A Castle in All the family can meet the Mad Hatter, Alice, The Queen of Hearts, Cheshire Cat and the forgetful White Rabbit in this Scotney Castle, Kent & East Sussex Railway. fun-filled Easter event. Lamberhurst Fares: Adults £18, Child (3- The characters will thrill audiences with their circus tricks Scotney’s writer in residence, 15) £12 and a family (1+3 or high up on the aerial hoop and aerial trapeze in the forest. Jamie Rhodes, has studied 2+2) £38. There will be the Mad Hatter’s Show and the Hat Maker’s archive material to find visit www.kesr.org.uk/bricks Craft Workshop in the formal gardens. Queen’s croquet will unusual snippets about the 10% discount on tickets be on the lawn beside the maze and birds of prey displays. castle’s history to create five booked in advance online. short stories, illustrated by 10am - 5pm daily. Adults £10.95, Child (3-12)/Senior Citizens April 14 graphic artists to accompany £9.45, Family Tickets (two adults, two children) £35.95. this new exhibition, with The Great Easter www.groombridgeplace.com for information and booking. items not normally on display, Egg Hunt from the castle’s hidden Demelza Hospice, refreshments and pirate ship collection. Bobbing, Sittingbourne playground. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sc Join the search for Cotton Time slots from 10am- 3pm otney-castle 11am – 4pm Tail and his friends through £2 per child – register at Free exhibition, but normal the beautiful grounds and www.demelza.org.uk admission prices apply. April 15 April 1 – May 4 Faversham Hat Festival Bricks Britannia If you want to get ahead Kent and East Sussex – get a hat! The popular Hat Railway, Festival and Parade are back, FREE hat in a range The centre point of this new to encourage community EVENT of categories. exhibition is an impressive involvement in a fun, Judging at the model of the iconic Flying creative and interesting way. Alexander Centre. Scotsman – built entirely gardens at the children’s Activities include hat- Contact Rachel Thapa- from LEGO®. The exhibition hospice near Sittingbourne. making workshops and a Hat Chhetri at the Hat Shop on charts the history of Britain Find all 15 Easter bunnies to Parade, which starts at 11am 01795 227071 or visit from the Neolithic be rewarded with an egg-stra from the Hat Shop, West www.facebook.com/ Stonehenge through to the special chocolate prize! Stalls, Street. Prizes for the best FavershamHatFestival

April 14 – 17 set of Easter Bunny ears Easter Fun to wear and a yummy , chocolate egg! There’s also an Easter Steam and Heritage Diesel Bunny competition – tick the trains will be running over sheet when you spot one as the you travel through the High weekend Weald to Eridge. and all children Adults £12, Child £6, Seniors travelling £11, Family 2+2 or 1+3 £31. will www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk receive a 01892 537715

Images; Ightham Mote ©National Trust, Hannah Holohan; Mad Hatter ©Acting Moon Events Mid Kent Living 11 April 28 April 29 Coffee FREE Doggy Day morning EVENT Faversham Charter Ellenor, Market Coldharbour Is your dog a champion Road, Northfleet sausage dog? The best Ellenor Coffee Mornings are behaved? Or looks most like a perfect chance to catch up you, its owner? with friends and family over Register for this fun, charity a cuppa and a slice of dog show – or just come delicious cake. Browse along and join in the canine- through a range of stalls centric fun! April 16 and 17 including jewellery, new www.favershammarket.org/ Festival of Steam and Transport goods, children’s clothes, events Historic Dockyard, Chatham books and more. Free event April 29 and 30 A cultural spectacle for all ages, with a steam funfair, – donations welcome. Chequers Beer Festival 10am – noon steampunk, street entertainers, live music. A chance to see Chequers Inn, www.ellenor.org/events behind the scenes of “Call the Midwife” and enjoy steam Laddingford traction engines, road rollers and a traditional fun fair. April 29 The annual real ale festival, Adult day ticket from £16.50, first child from £12, Bird Walks with more than 20 craft additional children £8. , Sevenoaks beers, independent cheeses www.thedockyard.co.uk/steamandtransport and live music. From noon Saturday April 23 Maidstone for five days over through to Sunday evening. Kent’s All Ford Show the Bank Holiday weekend. www.chequersladdingford The Friars, Aylesford Live acts from all genres – .co.uk FREE EVENT Priory, near Maidstone rock, indie, pop, punk, soul, dance and folk. Many events April 29 – 30 free. Acts include The Extreme Festival – Scorchers, One Day Elliott, The Beast TV Smith, Molly’s Bar, Ben Groombridge Place, Mills, Funke & The 2 Tone Discover the birds of Knole Tunbridge Wells Park with Sevenoaks RSPB. The Beast, the world's Each walk lasts about an biggest inflatable obstacle hour. £2 donation. Normal course, is coming to admission prices apply. Groombridge Place for the All things Ford-related, Walks at 11.30am and 2pm. Extreme Festival — and including an auto-jumble. An www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ tickets are already on sale. opportunity for Ford owners knole Measuring a whopping to meet and display their FREE vehicles for all to see. EVENT 10am - 4pm. Entry £3, under 16’s free. 01732 840787 Baby. There will www.kentsallfordshow.co.uk also be the chance to hear Glenn Tilbrook – the April 27 – May 1 lead singer from Squeeze, Maidstone Fringe Festival New York artist and BBC Various venues around Radio 2 presenter Nell Maidstone Bryden, and Michelle Stodart Clubs and pubs will be from The Magic Numbers bursting with the sounds of with her new band. new and original music in www.maidstonefringe.com

April 29 – May 1 Sweeps Festival, Rochester Town Centre A colourful mix of music, dancing and entertainment with more than 60 Morris sides and entertainers celebrating throughout the four-day festival. This annual festival recreates the joy and laughter enjoyed by the chimney sweeps at the one time of the year they could leave the soot behind and have some fun. Funfair, crafts, music and entertainment for all, headed by Jack-in-the-Green, who rises at dawn on Blue Bell Hill, on May Day. 01634 338141 www.medway.gov.uk

12 Mid Kent Living Image: Knole ©National Trust, Robert Morris Hand-picked events from the editor

893ft, made up of 32 include former hostage Terry inflatables and has been Waite, political biographer designed to give adults the Antony Seldon and children’s chance to be a kid again, authors Piers Torday and with inflatable walls, rings Christopher Lloyd. and huge bouncy balls. Adults £12, children £5 The course is aimed at includes entry to the Castle. people over the age of 12. Online booking at Children under the age of 12 www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk can also take part, though they may need assistance in some sections. Those aged April 30 – May 2 MAY eight and under get their Chiddingstone Castle May 1 own “Baby beast” course. Literary Festival May Day Festival Early bird tickets £18 from Now in its second year, this Whitstable Castle www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/extre event will again feature Stalls, circus skills, children’s me-festival-2017-tickets celebrated and established entertainment, Punch and include unlimited entry to authors, poets and theatre Judy, Morris dancing, the course. groups, bringing talks, Maypole dancing and music Admission free / by donation Further information at readings and performances and merriment to welcome in www.whitstablelionsclub. www.extremefestival.co.uk over three days. Authors the month of May. From 11am. org.uk

April 29 – May 1 Weald of Kent Handmade Fair Penshurst Place, near Tonbridge Discover beautifully-crafted British products, with over 250 stands and activities to experience while enjoying workshops, demonstrations and live music. Adults £8, seniors £7. Open from 10am – 5pm each day. www.thecraftshows.co.uk/kent

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Images; Bluebells at Knole ©National Trust, Jonathan Buckley; ©National Trust, John Miller; Mid Kent Living 13 Terry Waite ©Gemma Levine May 13 and 14 Faversham Transport Festival A delight for all the family – a celebration of the big and beautiful on Saturday, showcasing buses with free vintage bus rides and majestic commercial vehicles lining the historical streets of Faversham, a vibrant market, independent shops, cafes and entertainment for the children. May 27 – June 4 Half-term crafts, Smallhythe Place, Kent Sit out in the garden and May 6 join in arts and crafts. Spring Walk Decorate a special memory Knole Park, Sevenoaks with a handmade photo Guided walk – spring frame or fashion a kite to have fun with in the spring On Sunday, the town plays breeze. Events run daily (except Tuesday), 11am to 1pm. and bluebells hosts to over 350 cars and Price £2 per child, normal admission charges apply. Discover the joys of spring motorcycles through the with beautiful views during ages. The vehicles fill the this six-mile family walk from town centre and offer an May 20 and 21 dress in period costume and 2-5pm. £2 donation. interesting insight into travel Vintage 1940s weekend take the steam train from www.nationaltrust.org.uk through time. Take a Kent and East Sussex Tenterden to Bodiam and /knole nostalgic stroll around the Railway back. May 6 – 7 town, talk to the proud Tenterden Town Station Book tickets online and save Motors by the Moat, owners and share stories Step back in time to WWII; 10% on fares, Adult return while enjoying the sights Leeds Castle, Leeds, from £16.20. Family and and sounds of this wonderful child discounts available. near Maidstone event. 01795 539339 10% www.kesr.org.uk The ultimate weekend for www.faversham.org DISCOUNT anyone with a passion for FOR ONLINE BOOKING May 21 cars. Get up close to May 20 Far from the Madding It’s a Knockout hundreds of vintage, high Mote Park, Maidstone performance and classic Crowd Join other zany contestants cars from around the world, Smallhythe Place, including a WWII-themed Tenterden in this fun event to raise funds for the Heart of Kent section. A dramatic adaptation of The cars will be displayed Thomas Hardy’s classic Hospice. on the castle lawns, with romantic novel, in the Wet and wild games, giant plenty of other wonderful setting of inflatables - all from 1-5pm. entertainment for the whole Smallhythe Place, Ellen Max of 10 people per team, family to enjoy. Included in Terry’s picturesque early 16th nine teams per game, games normal admission price. century house and garden. at 10am, 1pm and 3pm (£13.50-£24.50) 7.30pm, £12 To book, call Over 16 only, £250 per www.leeds-castle.com 0344 249 1895 team. www.hokh.org/events

May 28 and 29 Napoleonic Re-enactment weekend Hole Park Estate, Rolvenden One of the most memorable ways to experience history first hand is to attend a living history event. Thrilling and skilfully re-enacted battles, a period tented camp, horses, guides and even recruitment and training sessions for children. Stalls, including a hog roast and real ale tent, in keeping with the historic period (1793-1815), will add to the authentic atmosphere. Napoleon himself will appear on both days to lead skirmishes and re-enact scenes from this key period leading to the Battle of Waterloo. Weekend admission, including entry into the gardens: Adults £7, children £1. Open from 10am – 5pm. www.holepark.com Tel: 01580 241344 / 241386

14 Mid Kent Living Image: Knole ©National Trust, Leo Mason; Smallhythe ©National Trust, John Millar; Smallhythe ©National Trust, Chris Lacey Hand-picked events from the editor

May 27 exhibition ‘Japan: Medway was engulfed A Floating World in Print‘ in flames. Pooches on the Prom guaranteed to keep the For full details visit The Leas, Folkestone children entertained. www.visitmedway.org Take your furry friend on a Tuesday: Japanese Fish June 10 – 11 three-mile sponsored walk Kites – make a Japanese- The Dutch are coming! along the seafront, then inspired fish kite participate in one of 10 fun , High Wednesday: Japanese dolls Children. Entry from £5 - dog show classes on The Street, Upnor, Rochester – make a Japanese-inspired £35, to include a medal upon Leas, where there will also Part of the Medway figure completion. 01795 845191 be a funfair for children celebrations, this family- Thursday: Samurai Helmets www.demelza.org.uk and entertainment for all – make a Samurai helmet to friendly event depicts the the family. Proceeds to wear home June 8 – 17 brave but ineffective battle Friday: Japanese Fans – Battle of Medway in 1667, when the Dutch make and decorate a Commemorations sailed up the Medway to Japanese-inspired fan £3 Throughout June, Medway attack the English fleet. per child or two for £5. is commemorating the 350th Learn the tactics which Suitable for ages 4+. Max anniversary of the Battle of resulted in the capture of 20 children per session. Medway, with spectacular HMS Royal Charles and other river events and series of ships moored at Chatham. Demelza Hospice Care for JUNE exhibitions and activities. Living history activities Children. Registration This commemorates one of with cannon displays, drill June 4 from 10.30am, dog walk at England’s greatest Naval displays, a blacksmith and 11am and fun classes from Pedal for a Purpose disasters when the River weaving. www.medway.gov.uk 12.30pm. Central Park Stadium, Walk £5, classes £2 each. Sittingbourne www.demelza.org.uk Join this cycle ride suitable for all abilities — choose a May 30 – June 2 route from 10 — 103 miles, Half Term Week Make-It starting and finishing at the Workshops stadium. An opportunity to Maidstone Museum see the Kent countryside Fun-filled craft activities while raising money for inspired by the current Demelza Hospice Care for

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EASTER ACTIVITIES 1ST – 17TH APRIL Bottle feed the lambs Indoor cuddle corner Take a trip on the land train Water zorbing Donkey rides ([SORUHRXU([S[SORUH RXU Indoor & outdoor play Visit the Vintage Village ZRQGHUIXOO\TXLUN\ZRQGHUIXIXOO\TXTXLUN\N\ Tractor rides JDUGHQVKRZFDVLQJJDUUGHQ VKRZFDVLQJ And much more! BIG TOP ENTERTAINMENT VHYHQDFUHVRIEHDXWLIXOVHYHQQ DFUHV RI EHDXDXWLIXIXO  There is a fabulous range of live entertainment in our indoor DQGUDUHSODQWVDDQG UDUH SODQWV  Big Top throughout the Easter holidays – all at no extra charge! Enjoy traditional Punch & Judy shows VXUURXQGLQJDWKVXUUURXQGLQJ D WK  NEW FOR 2017 New! See Mr Moo at the circus FHQWXU\PDQRUFFHQWXU\U\PDQRU Marvel at BubbleJo’s Bubble show Daily Owl Flying KRXVH Fun with Flip the Clown demonstrations throughou Learn in our NEW! Animal show t the Easter holidays! For show dates & times, please visit www.kentlife.org.uk *$5'(1_1856(5<_7($5220  BOOK ONLINE IN ADVANCE & SAVE 15%! www.kentlife.org.uk *UHDW&RPS*DUGHQ&RPS/DQH3ODWW1U6HYHQRDNV.HQW71*UHDW &RPSPS *DUGHQ  &RPSPS /DQH 3ODWW 1U 6HYHQRDNV  .HQW 71 464466 3AU. Just off Jct 6 of the M20. k Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 Kent Life, Loc Tel: 01622 763936 :::*5($7&203*$5'(1&28._:::::::*5($7&203*$5''(1&28. _   

Mid Kent Living 15 Hand-picked events from the editor

June 17 and 18 Weekend Wipeout plus Sausage and Cider Festival Yaugher Lane, Hartlip Take on this giant inflatable obstacle course in the style of the popular TV show - activities include The Big June 11 Red Balls and the Sucker Biddenden Vineyards’ Punch Wall... race head to Annual Food Day head with a friend or take on a stranger! Open to Your chance to taste the everyone aged seven and best of Produced in Kent, above. while raising funds for the June 16 – 18 Entry fee from £20. Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Open Quarter, Folkestone Sponsorship for Demelza An annual celebration of Ambulance. Hospice Care for Children. Meet, taste and buy from Folkestone’s thriving creative www.demelza.org.uk/ community where you can Kentish producers and buy support-us meet local artists and delicious wines and ciders explore their studios, see from the award-winning work in progress and take vineyard. Ploughman’s part in workshops. Listen to music, discover the myriad of lunches and refreshments independent shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars. available. Open Quarter begins on Friday, June 16, at Folkestone Cheese, preserves, sauce Quarterhouse with Connecting Creatives at 5.30pm. and chutneys, pies, fudge, This networking event invites local business owners, beers and liqueurs, honey artists and start-ups to meet, make contacts and discuss and ice cream, meat, crisps their future plans. It is a great opportunity to share — more than 40 stalls with knowledge of working in the creative industries and forge something for all tastes. bonds with like-minded individuals. www.biddendenvineyards. www.creativequarterfolkestone.org.uk/open-quarter com

16 Mid Kent Living Advertisement feature

Mid Kent Living 17 Hand-picked events from the editor

June 17 Medway in Flames Rochester waterfront Water screens, digital projection, characters from history, pyrotechnics, special effects and fireworks will bring the Battle of Medway to life. This spectacular finale to the Battle of Medway Festival will depict the events leading to the raid on the Royal Dockyard at Chatham, Upnor Castle and the ships of the English Royal Navy anchored on the . www.medway.gov.uk June 24 – 25 Hever Home Front, Hever Castle Discover what life and work was like during WWII. Look out for demonstrations from Home Guard re-enactors, visit the tea dance tent, explore vintage stalls and learn to swing- dance. Come in 1940s dress and round the day off with a traditional afternoon tea. Normal admission prices apply. www.hevercastle.co.uk

June 17 – 23 FREE Dickens Week, EVENT Dickensian delights for all the family — talks performances, fairs, walks, and a chance to step back in time to the Victorian era. Highlights include a country fair and Dickensian beach party. www.broadstairsdickensfestival.co.uk

Bradbourne House is a breathtakingly beautiful venue, The Grade I listed house was originally built in Tudor times, a available for Weddings, Private Functions and historic venue for a day of elegance and splendour. Corporate Events. A venue with charm and elegance, Every event is uniquely special and the service received at exquisite cuisine, true quality of service and attention to Bradbourne House reflects this. We pride ourselves on being flexible detail. and offering a variety of packages to ensure every event is unique. Our stunning venue in East Malling, is set in 20 acres of beautiful parkland complete with a lake, waterfalls Please enquire about late availability offers for Weddings in and ancient trees, a perfect backdrop for photographs. 2017, venue hire from just £3,000. A venue with charm and elegance, exquisite cuisine, true quality of service and attention to detail.

For more information please see www.bradbournehouse.co.uk or contact us to book a viewing on 01732 897436 or email [email protected] @BradbourneHouse /BradbourneHouseKent

18 Mid Kent Living YOU WON‘T BELIEVE US, SO WE ARE NOT GOING TO TELL YOU ABOUT... An alternative solution to laser eye surgery, spectacles & contact lenses

LENSES IN LENSES OUT NATURAL VISION! Do you enjoy wearing your glasses? If no, would you be interested in a contact lens that: • You could put into your eyes just before you go to bed? • You could just remove first thing in the morning? • You can enjoy seeing WITHOUT the need for spectacles or contact lenses all day long?

• This sounds too good to be true right? Read a genuine review below from one of our recent patients. ADDED BONUS: Significantly cheaper

than laser eye surgery and some daily contact lenses.

As a regular contact lens wearer I spectacles so Mr Shoker suggested I tried the was suffering from some dryness in Eye Dream range of lenses. This involves putting my eyes and less than ideal vision a lens in overnight before sleeping and taking towards the end of the day when them out upon waking the following morning. “ wearing my daily lenses. This led me down the route of wanting laser eye surgery as this would I‘ve had numerous check-ups and haven‘t be the cure. looked back. Mr Shoker and his team have been exceptional in dealing with my case and I I went to see Mr Shoker with the view that he couldn‘t be happier with the lenses, the vision would confirm my eyes were healthy enough and the freedom from not having contact lenses to have surgery. Mr Shoker had other plans! He in all day every day. In short, I thought I knew found my vision did have room for improvement what I wanted, but Mr Shoker and his team at “and that the dryness was a result of ill-fitting Kings Hill Opticians took care of what I needed. lenses which were‚ digging into my eye as Thank you! they were simply too small. The provider had not mentioned this or even expressed any Mr Dyson concern! Due to my lifestyle I prefer not to wear 10th February 2017

Kings Hill Opticians t: 01732 875544 2 Liberty Square, Kings Hill, www.kingshillopticians.co.uk West Malling, Kent, ME19 4AU [email protected]

Mid Kent Living 19 1066 history across the border in Battle

Kent is awash with landmarks of great historical significance, but just across the county line in Sussex is a gem worth exploring, as Simon Finlay found out…

Ask anyone to name a famous battle, the response might be “Waterloo” or “Britain” but, arguably, it would just as likely be the Battle of Hastings. Today, an open stretch of Sussex farmland just over the Kent border in In a masterstroke of deception, as audio guides – there is also a children’s The Weald, with rural birdsong and William struggled to break the Anglo- version – will take you around the entire flowering grasses, is all that remains of Saxon lines, his men appeared to turn on site of the Battle of Hastings. Sound a theatre of conflict which would alter their heels and flee in panic. But it was a effects of battle conflict add realism the course of these islands’ history. rehearsed tactical ruse. They suddenly and stoke the imagination. Standing here, it is hard conceive that turned and confronted their pursuers. Many history lovers or the merely on October 14, 1066, thousands of Harold’s death – an image of an arrow curious will return in the autumn for soldiers from the armies of William, the in his eye famously, but perhaps not the battle’s re-enactment on October 14 Duke of Normandy, and English King historically accurately, captured forever and 15. Harold Godwinson, gathered close to the in the Bayeux Tapestry – led to retreat The scale of the mock conflict is present-day town of Battle and engaged and ultimate defeat and William’s nowhere near the many thousands who a fierce and bloody battle to the death. coronation on Christmas Day that year. engaged in bloody warfare on the day of Arrow showers sent high out of sight There was much bloodshed, many at 9am were the precursor to a barrage deaths and injury. No exact figures exist, of missiles, wielded axes and spears, but the death rate was estimated as hand-to-hand combat and cavalry somewhere around 50 per cent. charges which lasted until dusk. Thankfully, marvellously descriptive

LEADING TO THE BATTLE The prelude to the Battle of Hastings landing near York in mid-September, on October 14, 1066, was a turbulent Harold moved quickly north, decisively passage in British and European history. defeating his forces at the Battle of English King Edward the Confessor Stamford Bridge on September 25. had died on January 5. But a matter of days later, Duke But having left no heirs to the throne, William had landed at Pevensey in the kingdom was Sussex and in a immediately under series of forced threat from two rides, the English the battle itself. But the accurate period claimants, William army returned costumes and faithfully copied of Normandy and south. reproductions of the armour and King Harald of Then, pausing in weaponry certainly are. Norway. In those to gather The sounds, sights and smells of the times, a claim had fresh troops, they re-enactment go a long way to conjuring to backed up by headed directly to an evocative portrayal of what invasion. what is now the happened that day. In short, if all you Edward had entrusted the English town of Battle (about eight miles from know is what you’ve read in a Ladybird throne to Earl Harold (Godwinson) of the town of Hastings) on the evening book as a child or imagined in photos of Wessex, his brother-in-law and the of October 13. the Bayeux Tapestry, then this really commander of the royal army. By modern standards, the opposing does bring it to life. Although Harold was consecrated king forces were quite small, with estimates Not only is the engagement of in Westminster Abbey, London, on of 5-7,000 on each side. Historical hundreds of authentically-attired re- January 6, the day after Edward’s death, estimates of 100,000 plus are now enactors in staged battle mode a hugely he was soon under extreme pressure discredited, not least because the sensory experience, but there are also from his rivals. battlefield is unlikely to have been large the abbey ruins, discovery trails and Following news of Harald’s army enough to accommodate such numbers. dozens of stalls to sustain the day.

20 Mid Kent Living Bodiam images©National Trust, Caroline Irby Tourist Profile

BODIAM CASTLE On the edge of 1066 country lies the impressive National Trust-run Bodiam Castle near Robertsbridge in East Sussex.

Described as “a glimpse of Medieval splendour” it is a chance to see the original wooden portcullis and there is enough left of the ruins inside its imposing walls to paint a picture of The remains of Battle Abbey are, to life in the 14th century. some degree, the lasting monument to The trust’s website boasts: those who died and, according to 12th “Windows where arrows were once century sources, the high altar of the shot, a tower church marked the spot where Harold that was once was killed. a look-out It might seem like an appropriate and ruins gesture by the victor to his conquered that were foe, but records suggest that William once walked was actually under Papal pressure to upon by do so. knights; this is a place where you 1066 COUNTRY WALKING FESTIVAL can relive 1066 Country Marketing have announced the next walking festival will take place your childhood memories and let during May 13 – 21, 2017. This walking festival for 1066 Country will feature walks your imagination run riot.” to suit all ages and abilities over the 1066 area. There are activities right through The 1066 Walking Festival will show just how much fun walking can be alongside the year at Bodiam but why not try the healthy aspects. afternoon tea on Easter Sunday, Over the festival there will be long and short walks to suit all tastes and fitness April 16 at 3.30pm levels. Many of these will be free of charge, or by donation request. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ A festival of Morris and other traditional dance with visiting teams from all over bodiam-castle England and Europe. Procession on Bank Holiday Monday with music, dance, Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, singing and street entertainment. East Sussex, TN32 5UA www.visit1066country.com/whats-on/events/1066-walking-festival 01580 830196 Discover more at:

Something for everyone this Spring!

This spring come to Newnham Court Shopping Village and explore some of the fresh ideas they have for you, your home, garden and family. Something for the Notcutts privilege club - £10 a year Home and Garden · 10% off everything* · Two free teas/coffees every month You’ll find Notcutts Garden Centre at the heart of (worth up to £60 a year) the Shopping Village. It’s packed to the rafters with top quality plants and gardening equipment. · Beautiful seasonal magazine If you are looking to make some changes this · Exclusive 20% off events Spring then you will be sure to find some *Exclusions; delivery, postage stamps, gift vouchers and restaurants. inspiration from a whole host of reliable businesses Fineline Windows, Doors, Conservatories & Orangeries, Johnsons Garden Buildings and Log For the elderly and disabled AHM curtains, bedding, cushions throws cabins, Hammonds for Fitted Bedrooms and Trend Bathing specialise in walk-in baths and beautiful accessories for your Transformations for Granite, Quartz and Mosaic and showers whilst Charterwood home. From classic heritage to surfaces and cabinet refacing. Mobility has some great offers on trend-led signature pieces there is mobility scooters, rise and recline something to appeal to everyone. chairs, stair-lifts, walkers and much Notcutts Gift Shop if perfect for more. They also offer Shopmobility - adding the finishing touches to your a free loan service for visitors to the home from kitchen accessories and shopping village. To book a gifts, cushions, throws, pictures and wheelchair or powered scooter please candles to artificial flowers and vases. call 01622 631511. They also stock greetings cards and Opening soon is Julian Charles, gift wrap. offering an exquisite range of Something Be sure to leave enough for you and time to stop off at one of your family our friendly eateries. Coffee Corner is open for If it’s a little personal pampering or a Running enthusiasts should stop off at breakfast, coffee, lunch fresh new look then seek out Pure Sweatshop Sports Shop. Beauty Essentials and Pure and afternoon tea. Fresh If you are an animal lover, then be Hairdressing. sure not to miss Ark Pets & Aquatics barista-made coffee is Great choice and value ladies and or The Cats Protection homing and served in the courtyard at gents clothing can be found at information centre. Edinburgh Woollen Mill. Klass for Bricks Coffee House. Or Pennies Day Nursery at Newnham ladies clothing and accessories. For the Court Shopping Village offers “the very enjoy the best Cantonese more outdoor best in childcare learning and fun” for types there is and Peking cuisine at the youngest members of the family. Cotswold Trained and qualified staff offer Noble House Chinese Outdoor the nursery care and education plus a perfect place for Restaurant and Take Away. breakfast, after school and holiday clothing, footwear clubs. & equipment.

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 Gardens to visit

COUNTRY CHARM Dawn Kingsford trotted off to Goodnestone near Canterbury to explore a little about the park’s past, present and future and caught up with its head gardener...

One thing that fascinates me about politicians and author Jane Austen, it every year, taking inspiration from its historic homes is the people who would was requisitioned by the Army during gentle evolution under the family’s have walked their gardens, sharing the WWII. And, as staff moved out and the charge (The present Lord FitzWalter is same sounds and smells of an English military moved in, its grand 15-acre descended from Robert FitzWalter who summer as time marches on … and gardens would have been awash with led the barons against King John). Goodnestone is no exception. soldiers, struck by their tranquil location It now includes a tea room and the 12- A family home (albeit a grand one) for but focused on the war effort. bedroom mansion, which was renovated more than 300 years to the FitzWalters, So, by the time Brook and Margaret in 2016, is hired out for luxury special with guests including courtiers, FitzWalter moved back in 1955 - armed occasions, complete with its own with the family motto “Je Garderai” (I gardens and spectacular views will guard) - the work to return their overlooking cattle-grazed countryside home and gardens to their former glory near Canterbury. was paramount. Much of the work to restore the Grade II* listed 18th century manor and gardens began in earnest in the mid- 1960s, and what we see today is largely thanks to Margaret FitzWalter, who has created what many visitors now regard as one of the most outstanding country gardens in England. Its tranquillity, views, ancient sweet chestnut and amazing walled garden, continue to attract thousands of visitors Over the garden wall, with Paul Bagshaw As head gardener since 2006, how would you describe What are your favourite features in the garden? Goodnestone garden? “The Cercidiphyllum japonicum (katsura tree), because in “It has a very tranquil feel, where the loudest noise is the autumn its leaves turn yellow and have an aroma of from the birds and, of course, the odd lawn mower! toffee apples. My favourite plant is Tithonia rotundiflora “The gardens are horticulturally diverse. Visitors love Torch (Mexican sunflower), an annual cutting flower we the walled garden, which runs down to the 13th century grow in the kitchen garden because of its vibrant orange church, especially in May and June, when the fragrance flowers, loved by bees and hoverflies.” of roses greets you as you.” What time of the year do you enjoy most? So where are you most at home? “May, when the roses and herbaceous borders are starting “I seem to spend a lot of time in the kitchen garden to flower and look pristine, before they’ve been nibbled.” growing veggies and herbs for the tearoom and the house. What are the biggest challenges? But if I had to choose one place it would be walking through “Keeping the garden at its best when conditions make it the wildflower meadow in full bloom with bees and meadow difficult, and trying to balance projects like creating a new brown butterflies everywhere.” herb garden with routine work like ivy removal!” Visit www.goodnestoneparkgardens.co.uk

24 Mid Kent Living Images; courtesy of Goodnestone Park Mid Kent Living 25 Sponsored By: MAJORS LAKES A beautiful Lake set in a 5 acre woodland

Stocked with Carp th up to 25lb plus Sunday 30 April 2017 Tench, Roach, Perch, Barbel & Chub

FRESHLY

RESTOCKED WITH SILVER FISH END OF LAST YEAR!! Discounted early bird entry until 14th April 2017

Walk amongst the bluebells on the North Downs and through the Memberships start at just £85 per adult beautiful Kent countryside in support of Heart of Kent Hospice. (£65 for OAP’s) Starting at Harrietsham Village Hall | Dogs Welcome £40 for children under 16

Tel: 01795 880441 [email protected] Register Now! Visit: www.hokh.org Tel: 01622 790195 www.countrysports.co Email: [email protected] Heart of Kent Hospice @Heartofkenthosp RCN No. 298164

WWee are currently lookingng fofor volunteers to lend a much needed hand in our Maidstone Donation Centre & Charity Shop VVaariety of roles required from customer service, sorting stock, volunteer drivers,s,, drivers mates, warehouse activity ² moving stock, changing furniture roomset Please ntact us ffoor more details

26 Mid Kent Living Walks These routes were made for walking

A charity challenge is a fantastic way to support your favourite good cause while getting active and enjoying some stunning scenery. Thousands of people will be getting out and about in the Mid-Kent area this year to have fun, while raising vital funds for the charities that depend on their help. To help you to join them, here are some of the major events.

April challenge. Registration is £25 per The route runs around the lake and Sunday, April 30. person and you are challenged to raise along the paths of this beautiful park. £10 per kilometre in sponsorship. All Bluebell Walk, start and finish at There are a few inclines to challenge you participants will receive a medal on and you will feel a sense of achievement Harrietsham Village Hall. completion and a glass of fizz. once you have finished. Dogs are Supporters, friends, volunteers and staff Online entries close at midnight on welcome at this event. of the Heart of Kent Hospice at Ayleford May 1 and there will be no entries on the Entry is £14.99 for women, £10 for will be pulling on their walking boots to day. www.demelza.org.uk. take part in the annual Bluebell Walk. boys and girls, and under sixes go free. The walk follows a stunningly-pretty June Visit raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org for more details. six-mile route among the bluebells on Sunday, June 25. the North Downs and through some of London Bridges Walk, starting September Kent’s most beautiful countryside. from Battersea Park. Begin your walk anytime between Sunday, September 17, Looking for a new challenge? Get 8.30am and 10.30am and make sure you Walk For Parkinson’s, Leeds Castle behind the Heart of Kent Hospice by grab a hot drink and check out the Join a sponsored 3- or 8-mile walk taking part in its first London Bridges scenery at the picnic pitstop three- through the glorious grounds of Leeds Walk on Sunday, June 25. quarters of the way along the route. Castle to raise money for Parkinson’s The walk starts at Battersea Park and Afterwards you can refuel with a tasty UK. winds across iconic bridges, including barbecue snack or purchase a sweet One person in every 500 has the London Bridge and Westminster Bridge, treat from the ever-popular cake stall, illness - that's about 127,000 people in finishing at Tower Bridge with many browse the selection of goods at the the UK. Your support will help find a famous landmarks to see on the way. mini Spring Fayre and enjoy some light cure and improve life for everyone The entrance fee of £25 includes entertainment around the village hall affected by this debilitating condition. return coach transport, so the where food and drink will be available. Registration opens at 9.30am and organisers are looking for participants Discounted early bird entry: £10 per includes a fundraising pack, T-shirt and to raise sponsorship – why not challenge adult, £3 per child and £25 per family medal at the end. For details, visit yourself to raise £100? (two adults, three children) until April 14, Keep an eye out for further details on www.leeds-castle.com after which prices will increase. www.hokh.org. Sunday, September 24. May Heart of Kent Hospice 25k walk, July Saturday, May 6. The walk will take you along clearly Sunday, July 2, Walk This Way, starting from waymarked footpaths, including parts of Sponsored Walkathon, starting Sittingbourne or Eltham. the Greensand Way and Medway Valley from Tower of London. Walk, through the beautiful countryside Join Demelza’s newest challenge and This walk will take you from the Tower of walk between its two hospices to raise around Yalding, East and West Peckham, London to ellenor Gravesend. The cost is funds for the children’s charity. Nettlestead Green and back along the £25 plus sponsorship, which is The 50km walk will take you either river to the start point at Teston Bridge encouraged. The event is in aid of the from Sittingbourne to Eltham or vice Country Park. Experienced walkers can charity, ellenor, which supports families versa, and you will pass fellow walkers walk at their leisure, and less facing terminal illness and helps children completing the opposite route as you go. experienced or individual walkers have with hospice care. Walkers will have their exclusive Walk the option of walking in a group led by a For more details Contact Hayley Brown This Way 50k breathable T-shirts to walk leader. at [email protected]. wear along the route, and full support There is an option to walk a reduced will be provided with back-up vehicles, Saturday, July 8. 15km distance and a hot lunch is basic first aid, snack and water stops, Race for Life, Mote Park, provided for all walkers at the half way rest stops and lunch. Maidstone. point. This event is heavily supported by Family and friends are welcome to Walk, jog or run around the 10k course in local Lions clubs, the WI and Kent cheer you on at the end of your aid of Cancer Research UK. Ramblers.

Mid Kent Living 27 Hobby Focus BESOTTED WITH BEES

With spring well on the way, Jo Pierce is looking forward to warmer days ahead spent with the thousands of busy little insects she calls ‘my girls’ Here she explains how she caught the bug for beekeeping.

“I had always been interested in beekeeping love. It’s for family and friends and people and there were various places that did taster who know me. The first year I was thrilled half-days. I just searched in Google for honey we had any honey at all. It’s such a precious bee lessons and found there was an expert in commodity. I do like baking so I make cakes the next village, Yalding, who offered these and biscuits with honey in and I give it as evening classes about honey bees. It was just Christmas presents.” 10 minutes up the road so I went along. Once Jo’s assistant beekeeper is her you start learning, you get sucked in.” husband, Chris, a gardener and Jo, who works as a children’s occupational groundsman, who helps with building therapist from her 1850s cottage in East the flat pack hives and maintaining them. Peckham, started the lessons by Chris Morris “He helps me spin the honey and helps in January six years ago and soon decided me eat it, “she says. “We don’t have beekeeping was fun, so she bought a hive and children but my nieces and nephews love a starter pack. The bees – a mated queen and the honey and are fascinated by the bees. about 1,000 bees – arrived during the May Children don’t have any fear.” bank holiday, and began to get busy. In fact, Jo says she has only had a few minor so busy that she now has four stings, mainly through bees hives providing homes for 50,000 getting stuck under her sleeve to 60,000 honey bees in each one when she is not wearing her in summer. protective white suit. Get the buzz She said: “It was a nice small “My bees are very friendly, If you are interested in number to start with. The queen although I did have one colony looking after honey bees started to lay and the eggs a couple of years who got as a hobby, contact your became bees. They were friendly “really, really feisty”, she says. local beekeeping bees. Each week I went, there “They were absolutely no association. By taking were more bees so it was a fun. I almost had to have two part in an introduction to gradual build-up as I was still bee suits on. We despatched beekeeping course, you learning. It was all very exciting.” the queen and that changed can find out what it Time spent contentedly the genetics and they have involves before you watching her bees revealed been friendly since then. decide whether to invest that not all pollen is yellow, “You need to be gentle and quiet. If in equipment and your with the dust on the you are trying to hurry the bees will know. honey bees. insects’ legs a signpost to where I do talk to my bees and tell them what I Contact Kent Bee- they have been in search of nectar. Jo said: am doing. They do know. They are very keepers’ Association on “It’s fascinating to see the bees fly in and out. clever. I feel very responsible for my girls. www.kentbee.com. I thought pollen was yellow, but it comes in a “On a warm sunny day they are busy and rainbow of colours. By watching the bees with there’s such a hum. They are contented – the different colours on their legs, you get to it’s lovely.” know what flowers they have visited so you can tell where they have been. I have found the bees made me much more Bee amazed aware of what plants are growing on the A colony of bees can contain 20,000 to 60,000 bees, but only one queen. farms around here and the hedgerows and in Worker bees, who are all female, are the only ones who sting, and only if people’s gardens. The bees can fly up to two they feel threatened - then they die. or three miles.” The queen bee will lay around 1,500 eggs a day. The hives start to buzz in March or April and In winter, honey bees feed on the honey they collected during the warmer need checking about once a week. months. They form a tight cluster in their hive to keep the queen and The amount of honey the bees produce themselves warm. depends on the weather as they don’t fly if it’s Bees are the only insect in the world that make food that people can eat. wet or if the temperature is below 8 degrees. Beekeepers only take the honey that the bees do not need. Jo, who doesn’t sell it commercially, said: Bees have been around for more than 30 million years. “The bees are my passion and that’s what I A third of all the plants we eat have been pollinated by bees.

28 Mid Kent Living Advertisement feature Swing into summer with`Jazz on the Lawn’

Imagine listening to live jazz on a were once a medieval deer park. summer’s day in beautiful Kent On the menu, will be Tudor Park’s countryside while savouring a five-star acclaimed Afternoon Tea — a three- Afternoon Tea. Tudor Park Marriott tiered feast of delicate sandwiches, Hotel & Country Club, in Bearsted, will cakes, sweet treats, and scones that defy turn that image into reality on Sunday, gravity. And, of course, lashings of July 9, when it holds is first `Jazz on the cream and replenished pots of tea. Lawn’ event. “It is the first time we have held jazz Popular Kent band, 5 In The Bar, will be on the lawn and we are very excited playing a vibrant mix of swing hits, from about the prospect — it’s what English Frank Sinatra to Michael Buble. With a summers should be about,” says Tudor huge repertoire that includes the most Park’s hotel manager Nick Hawkes. influential American popular songs and The event will bring back memories for jazz from the 1930s through to modern the musicians of 5 In The Bar too as summer is always magical and there is day, the band will have something for they first played on the site before the sure to be a great atmosphere. Dancing everyone. Tudor Park hotel was built 29 years ago. and singing will definitely be Enjoy the afternoon of easy listening “This hotel holds very special encouraged.” while sitting in the hotel gardens memories for us and although we have While good food and music is overlooking a fairy tale gazebo and played at functions here, this will be our guaranteed, the only thing that can’t be nature reserve. Take in the view across first jazz performance outside,” says predicted is the weather. If it rains, the the 18-hole championship golf course band member, Tony Ellingham. jazz afternoon will take place from the and the carefully-tended grounds which “Listening to live jazz outdoors in the hotel’s Bearsted Room and marquee.

Tickets are priced at £25 per person, which includes afternoon tea. Spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Call the Tudor Park Events Team on 01622 632006. Tudor Park is located on Ashford Road, just one minute’s drive from junction 8 of the M20. www.marriottudorpark.co.uk Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter @TudorPark ENJOY A YEAR OF EVENTS AT TUDOR PARK!

Whatever the occasion, we’ll make it special at Tudor Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club. We have some fantastic upcoming events available to book now, so treat that someone special to an amazing dinner or afternoon tea. Call the events team for more information or to book on 01622 632006.

EASTER SUNDAY 16th APRIL MASQUERADE BALL 21st OCTOBER Treat your family to our amazing carvery in the Adorn your most exquisite masks, dress in Conical Grill Restaurant for just £24.50 per your finest attire and be prepared for a night person. Book early to avoid disappointment. of decadence and luxury. Three course menu, Live band with carriages at 1am. Call now for JAZZ ON THE LAWN 9TH JULY more information! Join us for a Summer Afternoon Tea and Live Jazz on the Lawn. Enjoy a vibrant selection of CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS swing hits with 5 in the Bar; from Sinatra to Available to book from 3rd April Buble in our delightful grounds for just £19.50 per person. It’s sure to be a swinging success!

TUDOR PARK MARRIOTT HOTEL Tudor Park Marriott Hotel and Country Club Ashford Road, Bearsted, Kent, ME14 4NQ @TUDORPARK 01622 734334 / www.marriott.com

Mid Kent Living 29 Theatre Spring brings blossoming talent Outdoors or indoors, Spring is always a time when Kent’s performance venues really wake Mr Malaprop up after Christmas... swaps radio Easter at Leeds Castle for stage If you are heading to Leeds holiday weekend, try not to Radio 4 has been turning Castle this Easter bank miss the “walking theatre” in some spectacularly production featuring Robin funny and ground- Hoodie, Maid Marion and a breaking comedies in band of naughty outlaws. recent years. Described as an “adventure The diaries of serial of silliness and laughter” with malcontent and would-be a dash of villainy from the professional writer, Ed wicked Sheriff of Nottingham, Reardon’s Week, is a case in point, as was the spoof populist it is staged twice a day — radio show host Gary Bellamy in Down the Line. 11.30am and 1.30pm. It starts Reardon’s laugh-out-loud observations on modern life, as on the Pavilion Lawn, and he struggles to scrape a living at his keyboard, have visitors will then go on a become a firm favourite with men in their middle years, woodland walk as the story while Bellamy’s show was so convincing as a parody phone- unfolds. in programme that some R4 listeners took it seriously and complained about the BBC dumbing down. April 14 – 17, 1.30pm, Leeds Castle grounds, Leeds In the same bracket and occupying a berth between the www.leeds-castle.com end of the news and The Archers has been Count Arthur Strong — a show business legend in his own mind, but more famous for malapropisms and losing his train of thought Cinderella mid-sentence. A classic fairy tale and one of Strong’s creators Steve Delaney (who plays Arthur) and Graham Linehan (Father Ted writer) have a fine pedigree the best known, Cinderella and have pulled a stunt few have really succeeded at in the told through the medium of past, ie taking a brilliant radio format and converting it to ballet comes to the Hazlitt TV. Theatre, Maidstone on May 7. Now the Count takes to the boards in Tunbridge Wells and A family-orientated is probably not going to fail in this format either, with his production, the Vienna celebration of the musical called The Sound of Mucus. Festival Ballet is definitely The meaningless press blurb which accompanies the show one for the younger is written by the man himself: “Using stories and other audience, as well as mums things that are secret, Count Arthur Strong, showbiz and dads. dance element will lend more legend, pays tribute to one of the best musicals he can With choreography by Sheila than a touch of fantasy, but remember. Uniquely recreating the salient and poignant Styles, this afternoon adds a dash of comedy, too. moments for your enjoyment. Plus something else. Don’t performance tells the well- Set to Rossini’s operatic miss this amazing event. worn story of the down- score, the work has been “If you only buy one ticket for something this year buy a trodden servant girl, the two especially arranged for the ticket for this one twice and bring a friend. I promise you, ugly sisters, a glass slipper Vienna Festival Ballet. you won’t regret it. And if you do, there must be something and a handsome prince. Prices are reasonable too, wrong with you. No refunds.” While many of us have seen set at £20 and £17 for On stage with him will be Terry Kilkelly as Malcolm de this in pantomime form, the concessions. Tinsell, from the radio version, and Dave Plimmer, who features in the television series, as Allan Leslie. Sunday May 7, 2pm Hazlitt Theatre Don’t miss it. No refunds. www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/Hazlitt-Theatre June 2, 8pm, Assembly Hall Theatre, Royal Tunbridge Wells www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Reginald D Hunter Reginald D Hunter was 2005, and Brits fell for his issues or sprinkle the ‘n’ word already established on the dulcet, American charm into his material and returns comedy circuit when he delivered in a trademark slow, to the UK after a successful started to make appearances sardonic fashion. tour of Ireland and other on Have I Got News for You in He’s never been one to duck parts of Europe.

May 11, 8pm, Assembly Hall Theatre, Royal Tunbridge Wells www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Edited by Simon Finlay 30 Mid Kent Living  Visit our friendly Café set in a unique +(. 1(.'-+.,- setting, nestled within 200 hectares of fruit orchards in East Malling, Kent.  '"&2,+#-#('%&#%1 Enjoy breakfast, lunch, including our grab and go .-" ++ '!+( + range, salad bar, soup station, popular hot bistro menu and speciality hot drinks with homemade (%%1,(.+ & -0"#"",'2-"-(-+/ % cake, all using local and seasonal produce. -"(.,',( &#% , (+ #-+ " ,1(.#

OPEN Monday–Friday, (+(.+%- ,-( +, (%%(0.,(' 8am–4pm Breakfast served #,- +.-" +, !%#,- + 8am–10:30am Hot Lunches served ' (+(.+.)-(- ' 0,'#' (+&-#(' 12pm–2pm )% , , (.+0 ,#-  The Orchards Café New Road, East Malling, Kent ME19 6BJ 000#% '"&$.-" +,#(#.$ T • 01732 523781 E • [email protected]  '( ** , **' !%#,- +%#/ #(& W • www.theorchardseastmalling.co.uk/cafe (." *.+ 0 '"&0#,-(' 0( *

e Woolpack In THE WALNUT TREE Th n Your traditional, family run, local pub. Kent's longest running comedy club - every Thursday Come and see the future stars of comedy live! Fine cask beers & lagers Live Music - every Friday Home cooked (visit website for details) meals & bar snacks Jam Night - First Monday of the month Bank Holiday Charity Quiz Nights Classic Car Event held 1st Sunday of Open Christmas Day – 12pm-2.30pm Every Month Dogs welcome on their leads Our opening hours are : Lovely beer garden and car park. Tues til Friday 11am ‘til 3pm, 5pm ‘til 10.30pm Varied bar menu served every day Saturday 11am ‘til 10.30pm 12noon-8.30pm. Sunday 12 noon ‘til 8pm Come try our famous ‘Build a Burger’ meals! Mondays closed except bank holidays Find us opposite the entrance to Oakwood Park Benover Road, Benover, Yalding, Kent ME18 6AS Tonbridge Road, Maidstone ME16 8SR Tel: 01892 730356 01622 727260 email : [email protected] [email protected] web : www.thewalnuttreemaidstone.com

Mid Kent Living 31 ICE AND A SLICE

ANYONE? Wild Spirits of Kent offers a gin flavoured with Kent’s distinguished history for beer home-grown raspberries production is well known, but few of us are In recent years gin-making has enjoyed familiar with our long association with distilling gin... a renaissance, with numerous new distilleries offering high-quality blends, such as Anno at Marden, Greensand While there was a small number of did this rather cleverly by claiming it Ridge at Shipbourne, near Tonbridge and distilleries in our county town in the would stop smuggling and increase duty the impressive Copper Rivet Distillery at early 1700s producing gin, much of it was to HM Revenue. (Who could resist?) Medway Maritime. of poor quality — with talk of turpentine By 1789 his distillery was in full flow, The Maiden Distillery is also producing used in place of juniper berries! producing 3,000 gallons each week of Maidstone Gin again, and promises to But by 1780 all this had changed, with nationally-acclaimed gin (also known as release its own Maidstone Hollands the return of George Bishop to Maidstone Genever). As well as Bishop’s genever-style spirit, true to recipes from Maidstone after years learning the craft the 1790s. While they delight in adding Malt Distillery in Bank Street, at a Dutch distillery, famous for their own twist (botanicals), other Kent Maidstone, there was Grant’s (Queen’s producing genever — the forerunner of companies flavour gin with Kent-grown gin. Distillery in Hart Street circa 1880), fruit and spices like Nip from the Hip and Once home, Bishop set about making Daniel Beckman’s distillery on the east Wild Spirits of Kent, both in Maidstone. Hollands Gin in the county town. But first side of Stone Street (circa 1648) and The result is a heady mix of pure and he had to petition Parliament for Argles Bishop’s rival distillery (circa flavoured gin offering something for permission to produce genever, and he 1806) in Medway. every taste. The Pepperbox Inn Windmill Hill, Harrietsham, ME17 1LP Visit our charming pub situated in beautiful countryside with outstanding views of the Weald of Kent Full á la carte menu and traditional pub food served Organic lunchtimes and evenings

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32 Mid Kent Living Good Food

Nips from the hips Gin was originally prescribed for In the mid-18th century so much kidney and stomach complaints, gin was drunk that it affected both lumbago, gallstones and gout. family life and the economy; men English soldiers in the 80 Years’ War became impotent and women sterile drank genever for its calming effects (supporting a drastic decline in birth and Dutch courage. rate). An old wives’ tale also The availability and low cost of gin recommended drinking a pint of gin caused the disastrous Gin Craze, and having a hot bath to induce a which, by the 1730s, saw miscarriage in 1950s Britain. consumption of poor quality gin by The gin sling — a mix of sweetened Londoners rise to two pints per week. spirits and water enjoyed since the It seems to have earned the name 1800s — was the forerunner of the Mother’s Ruin for several reasons. cocktail. Are you ready for Pimm’s o’clock? Fortunately, our fondness for You can rustle up gin is more refined today and your own version – probably at its height in or near enough – with: summer, thanks to the 250ml gin popularity of Pimm’s. There 250ml sweet vermouth used to be six kinds of Pimm’s – 125ml sweet sherry numbered according to their or port base liquor – but today’s gin- 125ml Cointreau or other based classic, Pimm’s No. 1, orange liqueur remains the best-seller - a taste enjoyed by The Queen, who Pour into a large jar and Anno at Marden adds 16 botanicals gave it a Royal Warrant in 2010. shake. That’s it – you’re done! to its super smooth Kent Dry Gin

More than just a Coffee Shop We offer… • Breakfast and Lunch • Cream Teas Available Menus Available Daily • Set By Beautiful Walks • Various Delicious Fresh Cakes • Dog Friendly • Ice Cream Sundaes • Child Friendly • Artisan Tea and Coffee • Afternoon Tea Packages Available • Free WIFI

Unit B, School Mews, School Lane, Iwade, Sittingbourne ME9 8UW • 01795 426520 • www.mewsbrewhouse.co.uk Open 7 days a week • Monday-Friday 9am-4.30pm • Saturday – Sunday 10am-4pm

Mid Kent Living 33 01795 873059

The Playa is well known for its extensive range of regular entertainment, here is a few examples of what we have The Playa is a traditional family run bar and restaurant near Sheerness. coming up: We are situated on The Leas at Minster On Sea with stunning views across 23rd April: St George’s Day. the Thames estuary. Live Music with Paul Cantara and his Legends Tribute Show between 5­8pm We want to give our customers a memorable At The Playa, we offer you great food, be it for experience from the moment they walk in the breakfasts, lunches or dinners, great service, 20th May: Live Music from the door. We will not let you down on quality, service great company in a beautiful location. We pride fabulous Millie Brown or price whether you are in for a drink after a ourselves on our fresh, home cooked food that walk along the Blue Flag beach opposite, or a consists of local high quality produce. 26th May: Soul and Reggae Night meal catering for intimate dining, families and with Male Vocalist Michael special occasions. 24th June is our Beer Festival! Please see our website for more details of all our forthcoming events, menus Local legends “Blighty” will be headlining and special offers. We look forward giving you a very warm welcome at on our outside stage, BBQ and beer The Playa very soon. Minster Leas, Kent ME12 2NL www.the-playa.com tents! One not to be missed! 2pm start.

La Villetta is an independent Mid May, June and July, we will be Italian restaurant in the heart organising a wine and food pairing * of Maidstone. night with Italian live music featuring each time a different region of Italy. We are offering a seasonal menu, with a large range of fresh fish and meat mostly sourced from Kent and surroundings. Most La Villetta OPENING TIMES of our dishes are cooked on order to give you the best experience each time. Tuesday to Friday So from a traditional pasta dish to fresh 12­3pm / 6­10pm whole sea bass, we can cater for every taste and every occasion. 8 Pudding Lane Saturday 12­10pm Our private room can welcome up to 20 Maidstone, ME14 1LN Sunday 12­4pm people. 01622 673 759 www.lavilletta.co.uk

Quote Mid Kent Living on your next visit to get a free Bellini for each members of your table. *Offer valid only on your first visit (registration details necessary when visitng us)

34 Mid Kent Living Good Food Surf and turf served with passion

Two superb venues are offering authentic, home-spun dishes designed to make each meal experience an occasion to remember

The Playa - Minster Leas Sheerness La Villetta The Playa is a popular family-friendly bar and restaurant La Villetta is an Italian situated in a beautiful location on the seafront at Minster cottage where diners Leas. can try authentic The Playa boasts attractive views of the beach with its dishes, most of the double-fronted façade and a pretty garden at the back. time executed by la The restaurant offers an extensive menu to suit all tastes nonna (grandma). It’s and budgets, including a comprehensive breakfast menu, in his Nonna’s kitchen lunch menu light bites and dinners from the a la carte that Angelo, the head chef, grew his passion for cooking. menu, all ingredients are sourced locally and are fresh The Puglia region hosts the most beautiful beaches and daily. seafronts of the country. Here you eat raw seafood directly Halibut, salmon, lamb rump and fillet steak dishes have from the boat. And diners soon realise that this is where the customers returning time and again. Angelo developed a particular passion for fish and During the week, special menus are offered. Tuesday night seafood. is quiz night, while Wednesday night offers homemade pies, In a little cottage in Maidstone, the traditional Italian a pint or glass of wine for only £9.95 cuisine is offered where everything is cooked from scratch Thursday is steak night, where two can dine for just without frills or pretention - but with all the Italian passion £29.95 and includes either rib-eye steak or sirloin steak and flavours that you would find in an Angelo’s homeland meals and a bottle of house wine. kitchen. Fish is reserved for Friday, naturally, with mixed platter La Villetta specialises in an a la carte menu but like all options. good Italian restaurants, a ‘fast lunch’ service is available Classic roasts are served at lunchtimes on Sundays and for those in a rush. There is also a very popular ‘share their is a three-course set menu from 5pm-7pm for just menu’ and a children’s menu. All wines are imported from £9.95. A senior citizens menu is offered Monday to Friday, France and Italy. with two courses priced at an affordable £9.95. Food is served on Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-3pm and 6pm- Afternoon teas are served between 3pm and 6pm, a 10pm, and Sunday 11am-4pm chance to relax outside in the garden or watch the beach scene at the front of the pub. A room for all types of functions is available for business, Weddings, parties, special occasions and corporate events social, committees or club meetings where a two course or can be catered for either in the restaurant or in the three course meal ca be pre-ordered. grounds and a marquee is available for hire. A bespoke The room can accommodate from four to 14 people. The service means all needs are met with precision. room is free of charge with free wi-fi available from There is a regular entertainment at The Playa to suit all 8.30am until 5pm. tastes, from tribute nights to reggae and full details of For full details of availability and menus, please refer to forthcoming events are available on www.the-playa.com www.lavilletta.co.uk

According to TripAdvisor… The Playa La Villetta “Great Lunch!” “What a great find in the middle “We were delighted to find The Playa still serving (and of Maidstone!” pleased to see us) just before the kitchen closed. We were La Villetta has recently opened and I was taken there made extremely welcome, offered table service in the bar, for lunch. Service (owner's wife Isabelle) was warm and including our drinks order, and were served excellent food friendly without being fussy. The menu is authentic at very reasonable prices. We were seated in a smart and Italian - quite simple, but at the same time you can tell comfortable environment, with a sea view, plus the tables were well spaced and not cramped together. We could not that Chef Angelo has a passion for good food. Linguine fault the quality of the food, nor the service, at any point. di Mare was excellent! We were checked upon for our needs, but otherwise left to This is an independent family-run taste of the enjoy our meals with no pressure, despite the kitchen Mediterranean in the heart of Maidstone. I really hope it having closed. We will definitely return! February 2017 gets the support it deserves. February 2017

Mid Kent Living 35 orchard YYMCAMCA MAIDSTMAIDSTONEONE o dental practice The body achieachievesves what the mind believesbelieves Emergency Appointments Free Parking

Join foforfor as little as £21 per monthmonth Classes here FREE ParkingParking Pay Less FREE CrecheCreche & Dental Care Examination Introducing £20.60 No Joining FeFeesFees Maidstone YMCA,YMCA, MelroseMelrose Close, Late evening & Loose,Loose, Maidstone, KentKent ME15 6BD Independent Tel:Tel: 01622 749404 Saturday appointments www.maidstoneymca.org.ukwww.maidstoneymca.org.uk Dentistry To see how we can help call Our prices are based FindFind us on CharityCharity Number: 1110087 on NHS charges 01622 741817

YYMCAMCA enables people to developdevelop their fullfull potentialpotential in mind, body and spirit. InspiredInspired by,by, and faithfulfaithful to, our Christian vvalues,alues, wewe createcreate supportivsupportive,e, inclusivinclusivee and energisingenergising communities, wherewhere youngyoung people www.paylessdental.co.uk ccanan truly belong, contributecontribute and thrive.thrive. 146 Heath Road, Coxheath, Maidstone, ME17 4PL SUPPORSUPPORTT & ADADVICEVICE AACCOMMODATIONCCOMMODATION FFAMILYAMILY WORKWORK HEALHEALTHTH & WELLBEING TRAINING & EDUCAEDUCATIONTION

live happy! with Slimming World ALLINGTON MAIDSTONE - TOWN SNODLAND LOOSE Allington Community Association, St. Luke’s Church Hall Ham Hill Working Mens Club KING George V Playing field MONDAY Castle Road Foley St 259-261 Malling Road Walnut Tree Lane BARMING 5.30pm & 7.30pm 5.30pm & 7.30pm 5.30pm 7.30pm St Andrews Church Hall Vanessa 07712 647797 Toni 07834 438422 Tracey 01634 240429 Caroline 07539 175355 St Andrews Road AYLESFORD STAPLEHURST VINTERS PARK 5.30pm & 7.30pm K Sports Cobdown WEDNESDAY Staplehurst School Vinters Park Community Centre Nathan 07814 528158 Station Road AYLESFORD Gybbon Rise Hampton Road COXHEATH 7.30pm K Sports Cobdown, Station Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm 5.30pm Coxheath Village Hall Bev 01622 750701 9.00am Ray 07747 114511 Julie 07770 937425 Bev 01622 750701 Stockett Lane HARRIETSHAM TOVIL 7.30pm Mercure Great Danes Hotel TOVIL Cornwallis Suite, Masonic Centre, FRIDAY Bev 01622 750701 Ashford Road,Hollingbourne Cornwallis Suite, Masonic Centre, Courtney Road MAIDSTONE TOWN DITTON 5.30 pm & 7.30pm Courtney Road 5.30pm & 7.30pm St. Luke’s Church Hall K Sports Cobdown Ray 07747 114511 9.30am & 11.30am Sue 07724 185071 Foley St Sue 07724 185071 9.30am Station Road LARKFIELD Vanessa 07712 647797 3.30pm & 5.30pm & 7.30pm Larkfield Priory Hotel EAST MALLING THURSDAY Toni 07834 438422 802 London Road (A20) Larkfield Priory Hotel MAIDSTONE 3.30pm & 5.30pm & 7.30pm 802 London Road (A20) The Salvation Army SATURDAY TUESDAY Hayley 07590276546 7.30pm Union St MAIDSTONE RINGLESTONE Michelle 07756 094323 9.30am St Faiths Village Hall ALLINGTON MAIDSTONE Nathan 07814 528158 Moncktons Lane St Nicholas Church Hall (Back Hall) St. Martin’s Church Hall GROVE GREEN 8.30am & 10.30am Poplar Grove Northumberland Road St John’s CEP School Lindsey 07914 842597 10am 3.30pm & 5.30pm & 7.30pm Provender Way SNODLAND Emma 07931 747183 Sue 07724 185071 5.30pm & 7.30pm Ham Hill Working Mens Club Julie 07770 937425 259-261 Malling Road 9.30am & 11.30am LENHAM Tracey 01634 240429 Lenham Primary School Ham lane LARKFIELD slimmingworld.co.uk 7.30pm Larkfield Church farms Sammie 07979 692389 New Hythe Lane 0344 897 8000 7.00pm Bev 01622 750701

36 Mid Kent Living Mind, body & soul Ex-copper whose LIFE IS ALL ABOUT BALANCE

Retired police officer, Dave West, stays out of trouble these days on the golf course or working as a handyman. Here he tries to explain why he’s managed to be flu-free since 1993….

Tell us a little about yourself… nature of my work, and playing sports I live between Leeds and Langley such as football and squash. I am just villages with my wife Beth, who is 43, getting over a recent injury where I fell and two sons who are aged eight and down the stairs at home and severely six. ruptured two tendons in my knee (unfortunately, no alcohol was involved How are you? to ease the pain!). I found losing the Having recently retired after 40 years ability to walk and not being mobile for with the police, I generally feel very well. three months quite depressing. Having I am adjusting to retirement and looking started exercising again, I now feel very got worse and I could hardly move. forward to pursuing different interests uplifted and much more positive. I decided then to go to a chiropractor and, in particular, improving my fitness I believe regular exercise, in any form, who, after a few sessions and stretching and golf handicap. I am continuing to is good for your general well-being. exercises, sorted the whole problem out work two or three days per week as a and I have not had a back problem since. handyman around Bearsted and the Do you take any medicines? What exercise do you take, if any? surrounding area to keep my edge No, I try to avoid taking medication; socially and to help local people. I believe this improves my own immune I enjoy running, particularly around the system, particularly against colds and local Bearsted countryside. I have run How is your health generally? coughs etc (flu-free since ‘93...touch marathons and half marathons and aim I believe my health and fitness is wood). to do another one, perhaps abroad. Any reasonably good for my age. I have just training partner applicants are welcome. started running again after a long-term Have you ever considered herbal I have recently joined the senior golf injury. I used to run along the North remedies? section at Tudor Park. The people there Downs and around the village, which I am slightly sceptical of herbal remedies are extremely friendly and welcoming, I found very therapeutic and relaxing, and wouldn’t personally use them. and I am now trying to play at least particularly during stressful times at I don’t know if they actually do anything once a week. I am also looking to take work. Since retirement, I am now playing or whether people believe in them so up tennis and hoping to join Bearsted more golf, which I find very sociable as much that they feel better regardless. Tennis Club. well as challenging. Ever needed an osteopath or What are your vices? Have you ever had any major chiropractor? I have been known to enjoy a beer illnesses? Many years ago I suffered from severe or two. I have been a member of the I have been very fortunate to avoid back pain and was advised by a doctor Bearsted and Thurnham Club on the major illnesses in both my childhood (who has since retired) to go to bed and Green for over 25 years and enjoy and adult life. I have had a few physical rest for a week. This was totally the visiting the premises on regular injuries during my time, due to the wrong advice, and after a week the pain occasions… just to make sure everything is in order of course. What is the best piece of health advice anyone has ever given you? I believe life is all about balance. A stable diet and regular exercise has always helped me maintain a good general level of fitness and mental well-being. Would you like to live forever? No. I could not inflict that on my children or grandchildren.

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38 Mid Kent Living Senior Living Make tasks easier around the home

We all want to stay in our own homes for as long as possible. It’s a big part of retaining our independence. But sometimes, as we get older, it can be harder to manage, perhaps because of health problems, disability or bereavement. The good news is that by making some simple changes to our homes and the way we live in them, we can stay independent for longer. There are many different types of equipment and adaptations available, depending on what you may need help with.

Examples of home adaptations include: Access to your home Repositioning or widening A one-handed chopping A ramp or hand rails for the doors for wheelchair access. board front door Bathing A wheelchair accessible sink Outdoor lights for better A shower seat or bath lift For safety visibility A walk-in bath Personal alarm Moving around your home Using the kitchen Pressure sensors A stair lift A kettle tipper Gas and carbon monoxide detectors Grab rails or a second Cupboards with pull-out bannister shelves for easy access Editorial courtesy of Age UK (www.ageuk.org.uk)

                                  

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40 Mid Kent Living Senior Living Advertisement feature Quality advice at affordable prices

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Mid Kent Living 41 Keep track of your pension

A recent study has revealed the worrying statistic that over a worker today will hold eleven different jobs throughout their fifth of all people with multiple pensions have lost track of at career, which could potentially mean opting into the same least one, with some admitting to have forgotten the details number of pensions through as many different providers. The of all of them. With around two thirds of UK residents having new legal requirement for all employers to offer a pension more than one pension, this amounts to approximately 6.6 scheme through auto-enrolment is likely to add further million people with no idea how much they’ve put away for complexities. their retirement. Double the amount of people admit to not As a result, the Pensions Dashboard is set to launch in 2019 in knowing how much their pensions are worth. the hope that it will make it easier for savers to keep track of It’s an undesirable side effect of the modern working world. their pensions in one place. Until then, however, there are Whereas in previous generations someone might stay at a four relatively simple steps to help you track down single employer for their entire working life, the typical information on any pensions you’ve forgotten about:

1. Find your pension using the DWP be required to give your name, email 4. Finally, and most importantly, once Pensions tracing service at address and any relevant information you’ve managed to track down all of www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact- to help track down your pension your pension information, get some details. Start by entering the name of details. This could include your advice. Consolidating your pensions your former employer to discover the national insurance number and the might be tempting to make managing current contact address for them. dates you worked for the company. your savings easier, but you also You’ll then need to write to them want to make 3. You can also get a forecast of your providing your name (plus any sure you don’t previous names), your current and state pension either online or in paper lose out. Before previous addresses and your National format by going to www.gov.uk/check- you make any Insurance number. state-pension. After entering a few decisions 2. In the case of a pension scheme details to confirm your identity, you’ll regarding your which hasn’t been updated for a while, be told the date you can access your pensions, seek you’ll be required to fill out an online State pension and how much you’ll advice on what form to receive contact details. You’ll receive. to do next.

Editorial courtesy of James Etheridge DipFA ACSI CertPFS - Focused Financial MONEY: DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH OF IT TO LAST YOU THE REST OF YOUR LIFE?

Our free guide explains how you can take control of your savings? and investments and have a clearer view of what your financial future holds. For your copy, please visit www.focusedfinancial.co.uk/midkentliving, call 01622 804504 or e-mail info@focusedfinancial.co.uk. T: 01622 804504 E: info@focusedfinancial.co.uk Sterling House 7 Ashford Road Maidstone Kent ME14 5BJ Focused Financial Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are entered on the FCA’s financial services register under reference 631108. Registered office: Steppe House, Howland Road, Marden, Tonbridge, Kent TN12 9HD. Company No. 09121946

42 Mid Kent Living Financial Advertisement feature NEVER TOO OLD FOR A MORTGAGE! The mortgage Retirement mortgages or equity release can purchase, a re-mortgage or retirement lending. market has changed provide a safe and very welcome solution to “If somebody is considering raising a mortgage, considerably in many people who just don’t know that this for whatever reason then I would strongly recent years and no may be an option. recommend a conversation. I take great care in one has noticed this Sarah says: “I find that lots of people who searching for the most suitable option for my more than local could benefit from raising money at clients and I get great satisfaction from being adviser Sarah Ferrell. retirement are put off by bad press and other able to help,” she says. “I am finding that I people saying it is a bad idea, when in truth Sarah is happy to visit your home and, unlike speak increasingly to there are so many different options that there many banks, she is not just available from 9 to 5, people who are retired, or approaching is bound to be a solution. What is important is but will offer flexible times to suit her clients. retirement, and they need to raise mortgage getting the right scheme for the individual.” Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep finance for a whole variety of different Sarah explains that there are many different up repayments on your mortgage. reasons but the high street is unable to help”, ways in which retirement mortgages can be she says. set up so it is definitely not a “one size fits all” With over 20 years’ experience in the scenario. She stresses that there is so much For free initial consultation mortgage market Sarah continues to deal with regulation and protection in place nowadays please call Sarah on all manner of mortgage enquiries and is one that the schemes of the past are of the few advisers fully qualified and licensed unrecognisable to the wealth of options to handle “traditional” as well as retirement available today. M: 07789007447 lending. “My role is to fully understand why somebody Whether you need to repay a mortgage, is looking to raise the money, what their plans T: 01622 631372 finance some unexpected expenditure or just for the future are and then find the scheme make your retirement more comfortable, there that is right for them. This is the case for all E:[email protected] are many options available. clients, be it a first time buyer, an investment

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Mid Kent Living 43 Established in 1946

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Bray & Son Checkatrade review: A fourth generation, “The whole team have been family run company exceptionally helpful throughout a traumatic move with over 70 years B012 B.A.R Trained Staff out in May and moving in to a experience of new bungalow in November. I moving homes. can’t recommend them highly Why trust your Call 01622 enough. They also had the possessions to contents stored for a period of 6 months and again, were very anyone else! 670562/663350 helpful. “Chippenham 2016 [email protected] www.brayandson.com Unit 15 Heronden Road, Parkwood, Maidstone ME15 9YR

44 Mid Kent Living Homes Gardens&

Ideas for home improvements

Spring in Sales & the garden services LivingMid Kent Introducing to you, our interior and exterior ranges of porcelain exclusively available and ready to provide you with a seamless continuation of flooring from inside to out. Not forgetting our extensive range of natural stone flooring that can also provide you with that inside to outside flooring you desire. The Stone Tile Warehouse thestonetilewarehouse @stonetileware Visit our warehouse/showroom - Unit 10, Integra ME, Bircholt Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9GQ 01622 679157 Visit us today www.thestonetilewarehouse.co.uk Stone Flooring Specialists

46 Mid Kent Living Homes & gardens

Spring is nature’s way of saying, "LET’S PARTY”- Robin Williams

A lot of gardeners will have spent some watering and watching the baby doorways. Check that containers have of the grimmer winter days ‘planning’ vegetables grow can change all that. sufficiently large drainage holes. Place the changes and improvements they Help them to select trouble-free some ‘crocks’ – broken pieces of intended making to the garden in the vegetables. Even better, take them along terracotta, for instance – over the holes spring. to the local garden centre and allow to prevent them becoming blocked by Suddenly spring has arrived upon us them to ask for help and advice. Staff in compost. Fill containers with good and already the time available (most Hadlow College’s Broadview Garden quality, peat-free multi-purpose gardeners have to fit gardening Centre are brilliant at helping people of compost. (Remember that acid-loving in around work, family and other commitments) is being taken up with essential maintenance jobs. Nil desperandum – instead, enjoy putting more limited plans into effect. Neither Rome nor the Garden of Eden were built in a day. Consider good intentions such as making a space for the youngest members of the family to garden – not a dim corner that lacks light and will discourage them from day one. Choose a plot full of promise – better to start with ‘small and select’ rather than ‘large and disappointing’. Weeding and preparing the bed ready for planting isn’t providing the would-be junior gardener with a cop-out – it’s a case of all ages – including children. plants will require ericaceous compost.) looking back to childhood and recalling Hedges and shrubs can begin to look Mix a few water-retaining crystals into how dull chores almost destroyed an very untidy at this time of year, but the compost. Facilitate drainage by embryo love of gardening. remember that nesting birds take placing containers on specially designed Grow-your-own has been flourishing priority. Avoid trimming and cutting feet available in garden centres – in popularity for many years and – hedges close to nests – above all, keep alternatively, use bricks. threatened by Brexit and the rising price noisy hedge cutters and other Remember that canny gardeners don’t of fruit and vegetables – we can expect machinery well out of range. allow a couple of warm days to an upward spiral. Very few children like Pots, tubs and other containers are persuade them to pot bedding while green vegetables and salads, but sowing wonderful for providing colour and there is still risk of late frosts! seeds or planting from plugs, nurturing, scent in seating areas and around Editorial supplied by Pat Crawford for Hadlow College

Mid Kent Living 47 Homes & gardens Over 50

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48 Mid Kent Living Homes & gardens

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Mid Kent Living 49 soft furnishings Family firm based in Coxheath, offering all aspects of soft furnishing from curtains and blinds to knitting wool and haberdashery Personal 1-1 service Nearly 40 years of experience Available to every budget A RANGE OF CANOPIES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY Knitting wool and TO ADD STYLE AND PRACTICALITY TO YOUR HOME. Durable and attractive aluminium structures are available with haberdashery a range of glazing or fabric covers, allowing you to choose the perfect structure for your setting and budget.

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50 Mid Kent Living Homes & gardens Bring the outdoors in with awnings and canopies With Spring just around the corner our thoughts are turning to outdoor living and how to get the most from our gardens. As many people consider how to add value and comfort to their homes awnings and canopies are now proving to be a popular home improvement. Patio awnings bring the outside world into your home and and a large variety of colours and designs to choose from. add a continental feel to your garden. Canopies and awnings Awnings require a minimal amount of maintenance and once keep patios shaded in warm weather and provide protection installed offer trouble-free operation. from light showers when the weather is not at its best. A made-to-measure awning Benefits of Awnings will provide an attractive 1. Extend your outdoor living space: Awnings and sun feature in your garden, shades give you the chance to expand your outdoor living transforming your patio space and can even add value to your home. area into an outdoor room 2. Awnings offer great protection from rain: So you can that is perfect for enjoying enjoy your garden throughout the year. al fresco dining in the shade 3. They look great: The combination of the right colour or relaxing away from pattern and awning design can add a particular elegance damaging effects of the sun. to your home, while also providing a practical purpose. Alternatively, extend your 4. Cool your home: If you choose the right fabric for your evenings with integrated awning or sunshade you may be able to significantly lighting and heating as an reduce the amount of heat inside your home. additional feature to your awning. 5. Good value for money: Another benefit of awnings and Awnings are relatively simple to install with no major fuss or sunshades is their durability. Most awnings will last for disruption. You can opt for manual, electric or remote– approximately 10 years. controlled operation with many different models available

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Mid Kent Living 51 e: [email protected] Willington Homes t: 07971720242 Willington Homes – specialists in subdivide partnerships

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How does it work? Step 1 – We evaluate the potential of subdividing your garden Step 2 – We provide some build options for your consideration Step 3 – You seek independent advice on the value of the proposed build options Step 4 – We agree a land purchase price, based on achieving planning permission Step 5 – If we beat the upper valuation at sale we share the benefits To find out more, please call us on 07971720242 or email us at [email protected] For all your bathroom needs www.tdlonline.co.uk Please quote DM30 to receive a 30% discount on new quotes and orders placed. Not to be used in conjunction with other offers. Valid until end June 2017.

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52 Mid Kent Living Homes & gardens Advertisement feature Pay a visit to Exotic Palms and Spas showroom

ƚƵďƐĨŽƌƚŚĞƉĂƐƚϭϳLJĞĂƌƐ͕ĂŶĚĂƌĞ ĐĐŽƌĚŝŶŐƚŽ ƚŚĞŝƌŶƵŵďĞƌϭĚĞĂůĞƌŝŶƚŚĞh<͘ ƚŚĞĂůŝĨŽƌŶŝĂŶ dŚĞLJǁŽƵůĚůŝŬĞƚŚĞŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJƚŽ ŶĞƌŐLJ ƐŚĂƌĞǁŝƚŚLJŽƵŚŽǁƚŚĞĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶ ŽĨŽǁŶŝŶŐĂŚŽƚƚƵďĐĂŶŵĂŬĞĂ ǁŚŝĐŚĐĂƌƌŝĞĚ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶĐĞƚŽLJŽƵƌůŝĨĞ͖ůĞĂǀŝŶŐLJŽƵ ŽƵƚĂƐƚƵĚLJ ĨĞĞůŝŶŐƌĞůĂdžĞĚĂŶĚƌĞũƵǀĞŶĂƚĞĚ͘ ŽĨĂůůŚŽƚƚƵď ŚƌŝƐƐĂLJƐ͞tĞŚĂǀĞϭϰ ŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌĞƌƐ ĞĂĐŚĐŽŵďĞƌŵŽĚĞůƐŽŶŽīĞƌ͘ ǁŝƚŚƌĞŐĂƌĚƚŽĞŶĞƌŐLJĞĸĐŝĞŶĐLJ͕ ůĞǀĞŶŚĂǀĞƌĞŇĞdžĨŽŽƚŵĂƐƐĂŐĞĂŶĚ ĞĂĐŚĐŽŵďĞƌĐĂŵĞŽƵƚŝŶĨƌŽŶƚďLJ ĂůůĐŽŵĞǁŝƚŚƵŶĚĞƌǁĂƚĞƌŵŽŽĚ ϱϳй͕ǁŚŝĐŚŵĂŬĞƐŝƚŝŶĞdžƉĞŶƐŝǀĞƚŽ ƌƵŶĂƚĂƌŽƵŶĚϱϰƉƉĞƌĚĂLJ͘ ŶƚƌĞƉƌĞŶĞƵƌŚƌŝƐtŚŝƩŽŶ͕ ůŝŐŚƟŶŐͲĂŶĚŝŶƐŽŵĞĐĂƐĞƐƚŽƉ džŽƟĐWĂůŵƐΘ^ƉĂƐŽīĞƌĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞ DĂŶĂŐŝŶŐŝƌĞĐƚŽƌŽĨdžŽƟĐWĂůŵƐ ůŝŐŚƟŶŐĂŶĚĂďĂĐŬůŝƚǁĂƚĞƌĨĂůů͘dŚĞ ǁĂƚĞƌƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐĂŶĚǁƌŝƚĞƵƉĂĚŝĂƌLJ ĂŶĚ^ƉĂƐďĂƐĞĚŝŶ'ŝůůŝŶŐŚĂŵ, ƚŽƉŽĨƚŚĞƌĂŶŐĞŵŽĚĞůƐĐŽŵĞǁŝƚŚ invites you to visit his showroom ĂŶŝWŽĚĚŽĐŬŝŶŐƐƚĂƟŽŶ͕ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞĨŽƌ ŝŶĞǀĞƌLJĐĂƐĞĨŽƌƚŚƌĞĞŵŽŶƚŚƐĨŽƌ ĞĂĐŚĐůŝĞŶƚ͕ĂƐǁĞůůĂƐƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ ƚŽĮŶĚŽƵƚĂďŽƵƚĞĂĐŚĐŽŵďĞƌ ƚŚĞŝWŚŽŶĞϲĂŶĚϳ͕ǁŝƚŚǁŝƌĞůĞƐƐ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐĂŶĚƐĞƌǀŝĐŝŶŐ͘ ŚŽƚƚƵďƐǁŚŝĐŚŚĂǀĞďĞĞŶŚĂŶĚͲ ĐŽŶƚƌŽůƐƚŽƐĞůĞĐƚLJŽƵƌŵƵƐŝĐ͘͟ ŵĂĚĞŝŶsĂŶĐŽƵǀĞƌ͕ĂŶĂĚĂƐŝŶĐĞ ĂĐŚŚĂŶĚĐƌĂŌĞĚĞĂĐŽŵďĞƌŚŽƚ ^ŽǁŚLJŶŽƚŐŝǀĞŚƌŝƐĂĐĂůůŶŽǁŽŶ ϭϵϳϴ͘džŽƟĐWĂůŵƐĂŶĚ^ƉĂƐŚĂǀĞ ƚƵďĐŽŵĞƐǁŝƚŚĂϯϬͲLJĞĂƌůŝĨĞƟŵĞ ŚŝƐŵŽďŝůĞƚŽĂƌƌĂŶŐĞĂǀŝĞǁŝŶŐ͘ ďĞĞŶƐĞůůŝŶŐĞĂĐŚĐŽŵďĞƌŚŽƚ ŐƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞŽŶƚŚĞĐŽŶƐƚƌƵĐƟŽŶ͘ dĞů͗ϬϳϴϯϭϴϰϬϲϬϲ͘

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

P.BROWN BUILDING & ROOFING Marchant Garden Services Extensions, renovations, roofing, Adrian Marchant loft conversions & alterations - Tree Surgeon Call Paul on 01634 865213 N.P.T.C. Qualified • Fully Insured 07748185920 • Hedgecutting & Fencing All work carries an Insurance Backed Guarantee E: [email protected] Offham Nr West Malling W: pbrownbuildingroofing.co.uk 07932 492897 01732 841041 2 Warren Road, Bluebell Hill Chatham, Kent ME5 9RD

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

upgrades including boiler replacements. Gas safe www.plumbusters.co.uk No 521635

PAUL BEST Brickwork Extensions General Builder 25 years Experience 01622 891960 07748 630747

Maidstone͛s Unique Tree Care Fully qualified, with 11 years͛ experience and £5 Million Insurance. We cover all aspects of tree care.

Tree Removals Dead-wooding Topping Reductions Shaping Hedge Trimming Crown lifting Thinning Pruning Pollarding Trimming Stump Removal

(01622)910022 07871501255 [email protected]

Kent & Sussex Drives Specialists in Block Paving, Resin bonded surfaces. Also red or black tarmac. Hot tar chippings. Pea Shingle. Free Estimates. All new work guaranteed for 10 years.

Tel: 01622 809105 / 01580 891668 01622 919122 Mobile: 07789 360748 www.kentandsussexdrives.com

Mid Kent Living 55 Sales Services& The complete Bathroom Maintenance Company NO CALL OUT FEE & FREE QUOTES Supply • Install • Repair • Floor & Wall Tiling • Full Plumbing Services

Call Gary 07738 902116 • 01622 736266 ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Fence me in & alot more All types of Fencing & Gates Installed & Repairs H & G Chimney Services All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Chimney sweeping service • Long established • ICS registered Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving. All types of flu • All pots-cowls supplied & fitted • Complete Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting etc. re-builds • Re-pointing • Guttering, roof & valley repairs [email protected] Call Colin on 07521 377306 01622 739439 07860 318166 or 01622 853978

EPIC NO JOB TOO 01233 840624 LANDSCAPES BIG OR SMALL [email protected]

? Blocked drain clearance ? CCTV drain & sewer surveys • Fencing • Treework • Turfing • Decking• Levelling Ground The largest ? Drain & sewer cleaning ? Cesspool & septic tank services • Patios • Jet Washing Service • Astroturf • Water Features independently owned liquid waste ? Tankering including ADR (hazchem) • Clearance • Driveways management ? Pollution & flooding solutions company in the UK ? Waste disposal & recycling For a free site survey call: 01622 527106 07788 532926 www.mtscleansing.co.uk D. BODY LTD Waste Collection

Cesspool Emptying Septic Tanks Drain Clearing Sludge Removal Treatment Plants Gulleys & Forecourts High Pressure Jetting

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

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

Qualitree ServicesServices Complete TreeTree Care Garage Door Free Quotation GDS Specialists Site Survey tTSFF 4VSHFry 'FMMJOH  3FNPWBM • Kent based business and specialize in the • At GDS we offer a range of designs, colours and t)FEHF $VUUJOH  TSJNNJOH Call Installation, supply and repair of garage doors accessories to personalise your garage door. t5SFF 1MBOUJOH 4UVNQ (SJOEJOH  -PH 4BMFT TTooday for across the South East of England. • Not only do we supply and install garage doors, t'VMMZ *OTVSFE  VBMVF GPS .POFZ YYoour Free • Years of experience in the garage door industry we can also repair any door from any t2VBMJGJFE &YQFSJFODFE  3FMJBCMF and we are proud to have received many glowing manufacturer to a top standard. Quotation customer recommendations for us. t'VMMZ *OTVSFE  VBMVF GPS .POFZ 6pm 24 01634 786129onwards 07540 224938 hour 0162201622 208426 www.qualitree-services.co.ukwwwwww..qualitree-services.co.uk www.garagedoorspecialistskent.co.uk [email protected]

Don’t suffer with mould problems this winter. Let us help you get rid of it, FOREVER!

Tel 0800 622 6227 or 07814 500 400 Email [email protected] www.moulddoctor.co.uk

ULTIMATE • Waste Disposal ALBUM • Pumps & Accessories • Service & Maintenance • Process Solutions MUSIC • Emergency 24/7 Call Out • Fast & Reliable 5 decades of album music

24 hours a day also available on tune in - Ultimate Album Music 01622 882400 www.ultimatealbummusic.co.uk Units 1 & 2 Shingle Barn, Smiths Hill, Maidstone ME15 0PH www.atacsolutions.com

Mid Kent Living 57 Sales Services&

Sky Vac Gutter Cleaning/ Professional jet Sucks Your Gutters Clean washing services at B.T. ENVIRONMENTAL LTD • Saves using expensive access equipment affordable prices: Tel. 01622 200333/07875 579692 • Reaches up to five storey’s high • Driveways & Paths • Reaches those awkward places • Block paving [email protected] • Camera and video footage • Patios • Walls Free no obligation www.bt-environmental.com • Prices from £30 • Graffiti removal quotations

Plumbing & Tiling Bathroom Installation Dr. Tiles & refurbishment, Tiling & Building Maintenance DAVID COX FREE •Plastering •Friendly, reliable, Mobile: 07701024078 NO OBLIGATION •Painting & Decorating clean & tidy worker. Home: 01622 730960 QUOTE •Laminate Flooring •City & Guilds 07804 •Home Improvements qualified E: [email protected] 927680 •Tiling •Fully insured FREE ESTIMATES Call Danny on 07450 876363 or email: [email protected]

GARDEN & www.wrightsfencing.co.uk AGRIC ULTURAL Redwall Farm, Redwall Lane, MAC HINERY Linton, Maidstone, ME17 4AX Stihl Chainsaws, Brushcutters, Hedgetrimmers, Strimmers T: 01622 749819 Viking Lawn Mowers and F: 01622 749829 Ride-On Mowers by Stihl Mountfield Lawnmowers No1 Locally Also at Lydden Road, Swingfield, and Garden Machinery Since 1996 CT15 7HF Stiga Multiclip and Ride-On Mowers

Rathbone Decorating Services Flat Roof Specialists | Felt & Single Ply Fibre glass and Liquid Roofs Painting & Decorating No job too small dunn & cole Interior & Exterior with special rates Works Undertaken for pensioners • Free Estimates • Friendly Personal Services 07957903638 property maintenance services • Domestic and Commercial • Qualified Tradesman 01622 891512 Tel 01622 721491 or Mobile: 07753 487796 South East London & Kent areas

Call 07534 863994 us on 01634 320604 •Driveways •Tar & Grit •Tarmacadam •Footpaths •Block Paving•Car Parks Discreet and reliable pest control serving homes and businesses in Kent Council Approved Drop Kerbs Free Estimates and the surrounding areas. Effective and tailor-made solutions to all of WE BEAT ANY GENUINE QUOTES your pest control needs including rats, mice, wasps, moles, squirrels, fleas, bed bugs etc. Non-toxic methods used where possible and advice 01622 741183 provided on preventative measures. 01622 862035 / 07771 523799 Local, family run business, fully qualified and insured. www.rssurfacing.com

HALLFORD DECORATING BMP SKIP HIRE Painting & Decorating Services Call for free estimate 2/3/4 & 6 YARD • Plastering • Carpentry • Property Maintenance • SAME DAY SERVICE • Ceramic Tiling, Floor Tiling, Laminate Flooring E.A. REG • FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE Call Martin Hallford on 01622 730418 or 07956 234273 • WE RECYCLE YOUR WASTE Your friendly local service - Bearsted 01622 858887 07870 680 979

58 Mid Kent Living Sales Services&

All servicing work undertaken, Ltd diagnostics, mechanical and bodywork repairs, MOT preparation “At your service” and winter checks. BMW & BMW Cherry Tree Business Estate, Plough Wents Road, Chart Sutton, Maidstone, ME17 3RY Over 25 years experience. Mini Specialist

C Prompt ollection Freephone 0800 6942024 ery D.T Fastv HOMEFRESH Throughout the South East eli D SKIP HIRE Carpets (Average) Normal rate Special rate CARPET & Single Room (12’ x 12’) £42 £21 Through Room (12’ x 18’) £56 £28 Over 20 Years Experience UPHOLSTERY Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 Hall, Stairs & Landing £56 £28 Prices from £110+VAT & 12 Yard Bins Covering Maidstone CLEANING Upholstery & The Weald 3 piece suite £84 £42 01622 843511 OFFER 50% Leather 3 piece suite £146 £73 EA Registered Discount 01233 623721 Fast & Prompt Service No hidden extras - All Curtains Sunnybridge Farm, Watery Lane, Commercial prices inclusive of VAT Full length £74 £37 West Well, Ashford, Kent TN25 4JJ & Domestic Half Length £42 £21

01474 Southeastgroundworks Driveways, patios, council approved 812005 for drop crossings, all types ALL MAKES OF WATER SOFTENERS of ground works SERVICED • SALES • SERVICE • FILTERS & REVERSE OSMOSIS undertaken • FREE SURVEY PROMPT INSTALLATIONS

BARNSIDE, WROTHAM ROAD, MEOPHAM 01580 890624 k www.softwaterservices.co.uk BLOCK SALT SOFTENER [email protected] 07712 163167 www.southeastgroundworks.co.uk

FOR ALL ASPECTS OF MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING Turf Laying Specialists One-off or Ongoing Maintenance Planting Commercial & Domestic Fencing Grass Cutting & Treatments Paving & Patios Hedge Cutting & Reductions Fully Insured & Qualified Raised Beds Paddock Maintenance Tel: 01580 438004 Garden & Site Clearance Pressure Washing e: [email protected] www.lucaslandscapemaintenance.co.uk

MD Building & Services Specialists in • Extensions • Plastering (All aspects) • Refurbishments • Electrics • Modernisations • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations • Driveways, Patios & Repointing • Fencing & Blockpaving FULLY INSURED Tel: Mark 07841 409061 email: [email protected] www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk

Rolin Cleaning Services • Wood Floor Sanding and Oiling services • Family run business 01732 872199 • Fully insured • Trained Technicians 07860 100295 by Pallmann [email protected] rolincleaningservices.co.uk

Mid Kent Living 59 Autospray SOLUTIONS

HH && CC MotorsMotors Ltd.Ltd. Independent BMW & Mercedes Vehicle Specialists

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

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

60 Mid Kent Living Motoring news

Award winner The world’s fastest The all-new BMW 5 Series Saloon has four-seat car been honoured with one of the A top speed of 209 mph (336 km/h) and motoring industry’s highest accolades: a 0-60 mph time of 3.4 seconds (0-100 the What Car? Car of the Year Award for km/h in 3.5 seconds) make the new 2017. The newcomer took the top Continental Supersports the world’s honour, along with the Best Luxury Car fastest and most powerful luxury four- award, at the magazine’s annual seat car. presentation event in London. Its soft-top sibling, the Continental At the awards, editorial director at Biggest Mini ever Supersports Convertible, is the fastest What Car?, Jim Holder, said: “It’s hard to With its larger external dimensions, and four-seat convertible in the world, recall another year with so many increases in space throughout the cabin despatching the sprint to 60 mph in 3.7 exceptional new models vying for our seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 secs) on way and luggage area, the new MINI overall Car of the Year award, which to a 205 mph (330 km/h) top speed. Countryman offers occupants even makes the BMW 5 Series’ victory all the Bentley’s mighty W12 engine, more impressive.” greater comfort and a genuinely premium ambience. Useful new features redeveloped for the Supersports with The BMW 5 Series has also been new high-performance turbos and such as electric tailgate control with awarded the title of Best Luxury Car, engine hardware, and a torque vectoring touch-free opening and unique options, with the judges praising its semi- system, create a Continental including a fold-down picnic bench at autonomous drive capability, driving Supersports as agile as it is powerful, the rear, add to the ownership dynamics and high level of standard with no compromise in ride quality. experience. equipment. Unique styling inside and out give the The latest BMW 5 Series Saloon is The Countryman’s on- and off-road new model a sharpened athletic more refined than ever, significantly ability is readily apparent with the tough appearance, highlighting its lighter, safer, and more fuel-efficient. look of a crossover, extended ground performance potential. The new generation family of clearance, large wheel arches and short TwinPower Turbo engines provides overhangs. impressive performance gains, but also For the first time MINI is offering a show major advances in reducing fuel plug-in hybrid model with the new MINI consumption and emissions. An Cooper S E Countryman ALL4. This extensive suite of driver assistance new turbocharged hybrid reduces fuel takes a notable step towards fully consumption to 134.5 mpg and enables autonomous driving. a 0-62 mph time of 6.9 seconds.

New Spec Hot to Hatch The new generation Hyundai i30 offers The first hot hatch from Hyundai is a high level of standard safety expected later this year. Expected to equipment, with lane departure warning have a top speed of around 155mph it system, forward collision warning will also be offered with a track based system, lane keep assist, autonomous performance package, which will further emergency braking and hill start assist boost engine performance. Price is likely control featuring on all models. to be under £30,000. To hear the engine Standard technology and connectivity with steering wheel controls, electric put through its paces visit youtube.com equipment also feature, with all new front and rear windows and driver seat generation i30s benefitting from DAB height adjustment. and Bluetooth, regardless of trim level. The top of the range Premium SE Prices will start from £16,995 for the starts at £23,495 for the 1.4 T-GDi i30 S 1.0 T-GDi 120PS six-speed manual, 140PS Manual, adding panoramic which offers 15” alloy wheels, LED sunroof, leather seat facings and a daytime running lights, DAB radio with heated steering wheel to the Premium USB and aux connections, Bluetooth specification.

Mid Kent Living 61 Competitions Enjoy a Family WIN Day at The Kent Family Tickets County Show for the Kent The Kent County Show is the region's showcase County Show event for farming, countryside and rural life. The Valid for 2 adults and three day show brings together the very best of Kent with animals, food, fun and excitement 2 children on any one day giving a true feel of what ’The Garden of England’ has to offer. Experience the multiple Food Halls, Countryside area, Flower Show, show jumping, vintage Worth £50 each vehicles and hundreds of cattle, sheep and goats. Meet Titan the Robot, Mr & Mrs Flora, the Mole Man and our new addition, the friendly dinosaurs. Watch the Name: Shetland Pony Grand National, dancing sheep, birds of prey and pole climbing. Address: For our younger visitors; have a go in the Tractor Ted area, ride on a pony, get involved in our Punch and Judy show or listen to a magical tale in our new woodland story telling area. If you prefer, sit back and listen to a variety of live music, judge the floral art competition, see the skill of the farriers or watch the Kent Spitfire flying overhead.

Tel: We are offering 2 lucky readers the chance to win a family ticket Email: to enjoy The Kent County Show on 7th, 8th or 9th July 2017. Send your entry to Kent County Show Competition The Ke nt County Show, Ke nt Showground, Maidstone ME14 3JF Mail Publications Ltd, 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT. Ticket Hotline: 01622 633060

Closing date: 31st May 2017 www.kentshowground.co.uk To opt out of receiving information about special offers please tick box. WIN Discover Kent Life a Family Annual Membership Pass this Spring Discover Kent Life, where history and family fun sit worth £95 side by side. A real working farm, the many animals, Owl Academy and hands-on cuddle corner are always valid for 2 adults popular with visitors. and 2 children for 12 months from date of issue Explore period homes and historic buildings in the Vintage Village, including a Name: coal-fired Oast House, then Address: relax in Dotty’s with a homemade cake. Children will enjoy an array of family fun, including indoor and outdoor play areas, bouncy castle, Tel: tractor and land train Email: rides, paint-a-pot studio and more! Send your entry to Kent Life competition Mail Publications Ltd, 2 Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT. Closing date: 31st May 2017

To opt out of receiving information Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, ME14 3AU. Just Tel:Off Jct 01622 6 Of The 763936 M20. about special offers please tick box.

62 Mid Kent Living 01233 840624 [email protected] G&I Streeter Est. - 1971 Local family plumbers The largest independently owned liquid waste management Call Ian company in the UK 07860 293732

Blocked drain clearance All plumbing and Heating Work Undertaken CCTV drain & sewer surveys All Work Guaranteed Drain & sewer cleaning Gas Safe Approved Cesspool & septic tank services Engineer Tankering including ADR (hazchem) Professional, Reliable Service Pollution & flooding solutions Waste disposal & recycling 01622 737803 www.mtscleansing.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Operations [email protected] 07795 272766 We now offer a Completely Bespoke Property Development Service from initial planning through to the completed unit

For all your garden design and regular maintenance needs, from lawn mowing to a complete garden makeover in a professional, courteous and reliable manner. We also undertake civil and drainage works. Approved by the Federation of Master Builders and Checkatrade.

www.elliottlandscapes.com

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

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

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

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

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