issue two
may / june twenty-twelve
Megan Fox eastwell manor an east kent oasis of relaxation, tranquility and sophistication
on safari
jaillan yehia goes on the lookout in big game country
albarino
A glorious touch of Spain on the east kent coast
PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE CORNER Private Medical Insurance: A buyer’s guide From life cover to protect to your family, to an extended warranty to cover your car, insurance is there to take care of unexpected costs. Private Medical Insurance is just the same, while also giving you fast and easy access to the best medical care – right when it’s needed. Here we answer a few of your questions. Q. What is Private Medical Insurance (PMI) A. It’s insurance designed to make sure that if you need expert medical care in future, you can relax when it comes to the main costs of treatment. Q. What are the main benefits? A. Firstly, you know that you and your family are entitled to immediate and expert treatment if its needed. Secondly, you can choose to have your treatment at a time and place to suit you and on most occasions will have the privacy of an ensuite room with TV and other home comforts. Q. What does it cover? A. In general, PMI covers ‘acute’ conditions. That is; diseases, illnesses or injuries that are likely to respond to treatment and return you to the state of health you enjoyed before the condition occurred. Q. What isn’t PMI designed for? A. All policies are different, but in general PMI is designed to cover treatment for curable, short-term illness or injury. It isn’t for ‘chronic’ illnesses that are expected to need treatment over a long period. It also doesn’t cover (amongst others) conditions such as normal pregnancy, drug abuse, organ transplants, dentistry, cosmetic treatments, infertility, mobility aids, HIV/AIDS, kidney dialysis or A&E. Q. How do I cover my family? A. You can tailor your PMI to your exact circumstances. So whether you’re single or married, with or without children, you can cover the people who are important to you. In fact it’s so flexible you can cover your children alone, if that suits you.
Q. How do I buy my policy? A. If you don’t know where to look, you could start by typing ‘health insurance’ and ‘medical insurance’ into a search engine on the internet. This will put you in touch with the leading insurers. If you choose to buy directly, or from an agent such as a bank or supermarket, remember that they can only offer you advice about their own policies. If you choose to use an independent adviser, he or she can look at a wide range of insurers and base a recommendation on your particular circumstances. Applying for your policy Once you have chosen the right product for you, you’ll need to complete an application. In it, your insurer will ask you some fairly detailed questions about your health. They may ask your permission to write to your doctor. Do make sure you complete the application truthfully and fully. If you’re not sure whether to mention something, it’s best to do so just in case. Remember, if the insurer feels you’ve left out or concealed something, you may find they refuse a claim in the future – and even cancel your policy. Q. So how does private medical treatment work? A. Usually, the process starts with your GP. Remember to tell your GP if you have PMI. He or she will assess you and if appropriate, refer you to a private specialist. At this point, it’s important to call your insurer and ask them to confirm that you are covered for the possible treatment you are about to receive. They will then confirm that you can go ahead. Throughout your treatment, continue to get their go-ahead first before you commit to any treatment and costs. BMI The Chaucer and BMI The Somerfield Hospitals offers fast private treatment and we welcome patients from all major medical insurance companies. You’ll have access to leading consultants, excellent nursing care and state of the art facilities, in a clean, caring and comfortable environment. If you don’t have private medical insurance, you can choose to pay for yourself – it may be more affordable than you think. For more information please call 0800
015 2323.
BMI HEALTHCARE IS THE UK’S NO.1 PRIVATE HOSPITAL GROUP
DON’T FORGET... Visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk for more information. BMI The Chaucer Hospital Nackington Road, Canterbury, Kent CT4 7AR BMI The Somerfield Hospital 63 – 77 London Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 0DU Your local BMI hospitals on your door step. CONSULTANT CARE n NO WAITING LIST n CLEAR PRICING n PRIVATE ROOMS CDS03372
[welcome ]
may/june twenty-twelve
ISSUE TWO
H
i, and a very warm welcome to the second edition of East Kent Lifestyle. Firstly a big thank you to all those who have complimented us on issue 1 – we’re all very proud of it and glad you liked it too, it means a lot to us!
I hope you all enjoy our latest instalment. As we move through spring towards summer we have been out and about exploring the flora, fauna, seaside, sunshine and fresh air of East Kent to give you food for thought on the best places to enjoy your precious days off in our part of the world. Check out our features on Canterbury in Bloom (page 22), explore the gardens at Quex Park (page 24), make a date to devour Deal (page 20) or roam the gardens of Eastwell Manor before pampering yourself in their luxurious spa (page 16). It’s all on your doorstep so read up on it, book it up and get out there! John Sanson gets his sunshades on and takes a spin in the new Abarth convertible, we discover a sublime slice of Spain at Albarino in Broadstairs and enjoy rustic fayre at the Bay Restaurant in St Margarets. We also give you the low down to all the great music festivals Kent has to offer this summer and with our regular features on travel, beauty, health, fitness, home, fashion, sport and a round-up of local news there’s plenty to get your teeth into. See you next time! Pete Nichols Publishing Director 4
EAST KENT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
GET SET FOR SUMMER a t We s t w o o d C r o s s S h o p p i n g C e n t r e
Friday 11th and Saturday 12th May from 10.30am Summer fashion . Free beauty tips & treatments . Styling demonstrations from ITV’s Wendy Elsmore . Hair & skincare advice . Competitions Shop with a swing to summertime Jazz and seaside treats for a weekend of summer style.
www.westwoodx.co.uk
[contents ]
16
20
eastwell manor spa review
delightful deal
what’s inside... food and drink 12 Biddenden Vineyards 48 Bay Restaurant 51 Café Mauresque Recipe 53 Richard Phillips Recipe 55 Cupcake Café 57 Albarino
travel 61 Middlethorpe Hall Spa 62 The Art of Controversy 64 South African Safari
music 42 Kent Summer Music Festivals
home 28 New Show Gardens 32 The Bathroom Shop
44 6
megan fox
[contents ]
[fashion ]
[fashion ]
health and fitness 89 90 95 96
Renee's Raw Food Tips Lemon Detox Janine's Beauty Tips Being Holiday Safe
Gant Washed Pinpoint Oxford Shirt £70 Linen Blazer £325 Maine Super Chinos £115
Lepel Bikini Swimsuit £40
education 95 Education Matters
72 poolside fashion
81
FashionPages.indd 81
17/04/2012 11:31
regulars & features 74
onPages.indd 74
10 News 16 Fabulous Finds 40 The Integration Generation 44 Megan Fox 67 Abarth's a Beauty 70 Motor Sport Review 88 Sustainable Living in East Kent 92 An Evening of Burlesque 96 What's Occuring?
17/04/2012 11:31
92
an evening of burlesque
days out 16 18 20 22 24
Eastwell Manor Spa Review Pilgrims Cycle Trail Delightful Deal Blooming Marvellous Quex Park
fashion 72 Poolside Fashion 82 Trends & Fashion 84 Father's Day Gift Guide
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summer music fetivals 7
between the bottom of the hill and the deep blue sea psapublishing East Kent Lifestyle magazine published by PSA Publishing The Joiners Shop, Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZ tel: 01707 878026 email: sales@paspublishing.co.uk www.psapublishing.co.uk
Publishing Director
Creative Director
Pete Nichols pete@psapublishing.co.uk
Stuart Bennett stuart@bainesdesign.co.uk
Sales Executive
Managing Director
Jo Costello sales@psapublishing.co.uk
Andrew Bennett andrew@bainesdesign.co.uk
Travel Editor
Distribution
Jaillan Yehia hello@savoirthere.com
Sam Holliday
Contributors Peter Nichols, Jaillan Yehia, Caroline Wilson, Karen Botha, Peter DaSilva, Amy McManus, Bradley McManus, Renee Maguire, Janine Knell, John Sanson, Rachael Hook, Mark Aitken, Diane Martin, Xavier German, Richard Phillips, Lorna Morris, Anne Nielsen, Deborah Eastlake, Martyn Barr, Jo Scott
Contributing Photographers Jo Scott, Jaillan Yehia, Rachael Hook, Lorna Morris, Clare Saunders, Amy McManus. For all advertising enquiries please contact sales on 01707 878 026
© Copyright 2012. No part of East Kent Lifestyle can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the prior written consent of the publishers. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.
The Coastguard pub & Restaurant isn’t hard to find. Head for the sound of the waves lapping against the white cliffs of Dover, follow the delicious aroma of local produce cooking in a busy kitchen, search out the glint of freshly-poured ale. When the English Channel is about to wet your toes, you’ll be there. Admittedly, it’s a location hard to beat. A pub with its own beach and views across to France when the weather’s clear. Couples say it’s decidedly romantic; families say it’s great fun. It’s true that when you get to us your mobile might think you’re already in France (it is only 23 miles away) but The Coastguard prides itself on being an entirely Britishorientated seaside “home from home.” We’d love to see you soon. The Coastguard – your home by the sea. 50 minutes from London 40 minutes from Calais 2 seconds from the sea
St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover www.thecoastguard.co.uk Tel: 01304 853176 9
[news ]
east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east ken
Bullish Investment at The Bull Hotel VIPs and Kent journalists recently headed for an evening reception of canapés, wine and music to celebrate the major refurbishment and rebranding at The Bull Hotel in Wrotham. The refurbishment has seen a radical overhaul and individual styling for the 11 guest rooms to give each its own unique character – from boutique country chic, to traditional beamed rural retreat. The refurbishment has preserved (and in some cases unearthed) many more of the original features of the 14th century former inn, and been married with every modern facility, to create the ultimate 21st century country hotel and gourmet dining destination in the heart of Kent.
The restaurant received the coveted AA Rosette in 2011 for “culinary excellence” and the culinary vision of head chefs James Hawkes and David Evans has seen The Bull Hotel’s restaurant evolve into one of Kent’s “dining destinations”. The Bull have an introductory summer 2012 offer starting from 1st May 2012 comprising of a one night break for two people starting from £99 including a three course dinner in the restaurant and a full English breakfast. Visit www.thebullhotel.com for more information.
During the refurbishment headed up by the owners, Martin Deadman and Lygia Fontanella, the couple became committed to restoring the building’s original beauty. Commenting on the refurbishment, Martin said: “We have invested bullishly in The Bull Hotel because we believe it’s a unique treasure in the heart of Kent. The refurbished rooms combined with the fabulous restaurant serving delicious regional food and drink provide guests with a true taste of warm, Kentish hospitality and affordable luxury comfort”
Tribute Dinner
Jonny Dunhill
Creation of Young Chef Bursary Awards Announced A fund-raising tribute dinner for Jonny Dunhill, owner of Ramsgate’s Eddie Gilbert’s restaurant and wet fish shop, who died in February, aged 49, is to host Janet Street-Porter as guest of honour. Janet is a big fan of Eddie Gilbert’s fish and chips and a regular visitor to the restaurant. The special 6-course dinner featuring Jonny’s favourite dishes will be served at Thanet College’s Bay View Restaurant in Broadstairs – which is sponsoring the event – on Monday 28th May. The dinner will raise funds for Pilgrims Hospice in Margate, where Jonny spent his final days. Monies will also be used for the creation of an annual bursary scheme, where students of Kent’s catering colleges will complete to win funding to allow them to train with a top international chef. A number of generous gifts worth thousands of pounds are being donated for the charity auction and raffles prizes. Tickets are available from Eddie Gilbert’s at 32 King Street in Ramsgate or online from Thanet College via www.thanet.ac.uk/ bookings. With numbers restricted to 70 diners, early booking is advisable. 10
nt NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS
Tracey Emin
comes home to Margate with an exhibition of new works at Turner Contemporary
Tracey Emin’s first exhibition in her home town will open at Turner Contemporary on 26 May 2012. She Lay Down Deep Beneath the Sea: Tracey Emin at Turner Contemporary is conceived specially for Margate, where Emin grew up and which has provided inspiration for many of her most famous art works. The exhibition will explore the themes of love, sex and romanticism in Emin’s oeuvre. It will feature new works, including drawings, monoprints, sculptures, tapestries, embroideries and neons and will be installed throughout Turner Contemporary’s suite of first-floor galleries. The exhibition’s central themes are continued in a group of sketches and paintings of erotic subjects by Tracey Emin, JMW Turner and Auguste Rodin, whose iconic sculpture The Kiss is on show in the Sunley Gallery at Turner Contemporary. Tracey Emin said: "I still can't really believe that I'm showing in Margate. Even in my wildest dreams I could never believe there would be a gallery like Turner Contemporary there. So on one level I'm really chuffed and excited but on another I am as nervous as hell. The brilliant thing about Margate is it's one hour from London on the train so I'm hoping lots of people will come and visit not just my show but the beautiful sunsets and sandy beaches." Victoria Pomery, Director, Turner Contemporary said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Tracey on this exhibition of new work, which considers Tracey’s extensive oeuvre in a new light.’
[news ]
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge Excels at Kent Business Awards
Canterbury Cathedral Lodge has this been named ‘Customer Service Excellence’ business of the year at the prestigious Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2012. The award is given annually to a business that demonstrates commercial success and strategies for growth whilst achieving excellence in looking after its customers. The Lodge was given the award in recognition of their exceptional commitment to customers, performance and innovative approaches to monitoring and maintaining standards. The judges in giving the award said: “Canterbury Cathedral Lodge stood out in a strong field. Their performance was well evidenced and the high level of commitment by all the staff to customers is clearly paying dividends. Canterbury Cathedral Lodge truly provides a first class service and thoroughly deserves the recognition the award brings.” Brigadier John Meardon, Receiver General of Canterbury Cathedral said: “This is a great tribute to everyone who works at the Lodge as they were up against competition from across the county, including very large organisations of great repute” Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is a 35 bedroom hotel and conference venue located within the grounds of Historic Canterbury Cathedral. 11
[food and drink ]
Taste The Best Of Produced In Kent Biddenden Vineyards will once again be hosting its annual food day, “Taste the Best of Produced in Kent”, on Sunday 10th June 2012 starting at 11am. The event, which is held in aid of the Kent Air Ambulance, gives visitors the chance to meet the producers of a wide range of local products, as well as being able to taste and buy direct from them. With over 30 producers taking part, there will be food and drink to suit every taste, ranging from jams, chutneys and honeys, to beers, pies and cheese, as well as fish, olives, game, liqueurs and more… Admission is FREE, with donations being taken for the Kent Air Ambulance. Ploughman’s lunches will be available throughout the day, as well as tea, coffee and cold drinks.
Biddenden Vineyards
The vineyard will be open as usual offering tastings of the award winning wines, ciders and juices, and also the chance to take a walk through the vineyards on a choice of routes. For more information, please visit www. biddendenvineyards.com or contact the vineyard direct on 01580 291726.
NEW INCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE FROM £75-£110 PER PERSON Enjoy both your ceremony and reception at this stunning Country House Hotel set within a 3000 acre estate with perfectly manicured lawns and beautiful grounds in the heart of the Kent countryside - A choice of three oak panelled Manor Rooms or the Walled Maids Garden and Victorian Gazebo for your ceremony - Award winning cuisine and new wedding breakfast menus designed by our Executive Head Chef
- Licensed for Weddings and Civil Ceremonies - 4 red star accommodation and 62 individually styled luxurious bedrooms and suites - Some of the finest Spa & Leisure facilities in England
Telephone 01233 213000 Email weddings@eastwellmanor.co.uk Applicable to weddings booked after 1st August 2011. Photographs supplied by Alfie & Trish Photography.
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Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees Ashford, Kent TN25 4HR www.eastwellmanor.co.uk
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[fabulous finds ]
Fabulous
Finds
East Kent Lifestyle Magazine’s hottest and most affordable buys at the moment, giving you all the reasons to treat yourself!
BIDDENDEN ORTEGA Having beaten off stiff competition in March’s Taste of Kent awards to win Best Kentish Wine 2012 this signature wine from Biddenden Vineyards is a firm favourite having previously won both South East Vineyard Association and UK Vineyard Association Awards. The Ortega is best served slightly chilled as an aperitif or with pasta, poultry, white meats, salads or cheese Buy direct from www.biddendenvineyards.com at £9.84 or from selected independent farm shops, pubs and restaurants across Kent, Sussex and London.
DINKY CHERRY BURST
CARTONS FROM CHERRYGOOD
Cherrygood, the UK’s leading (and most delicious) cherry juice drink, is now available in a smaller ready-to-go size, perfect for kids lunchboxes. Cherry Burst has launched in Morrisons stores across the country as a triple pack of 200ml cartons. Each carton counts as one of your Five-A-Day. The packs will sell at RRP £1.35. 14
[fabulous finds ]
MERIDIAN M6 LOUDSPEAKER Designed and assembled by hand at the company’s Cambridgeshire headquarters, the M6 uses Meridian’s unique DSP and active technologies to create a loudspeaker that performs like a conventional speaker with eight times the physical volume and at a size that fits easily into any home environment Quality comes at a price however and at £4,500 per pair these are by no means cheap – but boy are they good!
MONT BLANC BRAHMS FOUNTAIN PEN
Montblanc has unveiled the new Donation Johannes Brahms Special Edition fountain pen in tribute to the great virtuoso and classic music composer. Traditionalist, yet pioneering and inventive, just like Brahms, the writing instrument features a cap and barrel made of black precious resin enhanced with platinum-plated fittings. The clip is shaped like a tuning fork and five lines of a music staff decorate the cap.
NOKIA LUMIA 900 Nokia’s latest smartphone is available in the UK from May and is a beautiful looking piece of kit. The Windows platform may not be as popular as the Android or Apple versions but this is certainly the best Windows phone currently on the market. With its colourful design, easy to use software and superb camera this is the phone Nokia are hoping will restore some much needed market share. Free on contract from £36 per month
Purchase from Montblanc boutiques from May at a retail price of £510.00 including VAT.
REVLON COLORBURST™ LIP BUTTER
My top tip this Spring for luscious lips! The brand new lip butter from Revlon is everything a girl could need. A touch of colour with the moisture of a balm to help soothe those dry lips and look fabulous at the same time. You’d better be quick though as early indicators have seen sales go through the roof. Available in 14 different shades at Boots for £7.99 15
[days out ]
Eastwell Manor
Spa
review
As a reviewer and writer you always try to remain objective and fair. It is important not to be too ‘picky,’ but also expect a certain standard with regard to service and amenities. However, what happens if there are no disadvantages, imperfections or shortcomings? How can a writer compose a balanced view when there are no negatives to take into consideration while reflecting on the positive aspects? Positive aspect number one: my sat nav took me right to the front door. Let’s be honest, we have all had the feeling of dread in our stomachs as the TomTom happily proclaims ‘You have reached your destination!’ No, this is a field in the middle of nowhere and you my sat nav friend are utter rubbish. I have had this experience many a time with the luxury rural hotel and spa; beautiful location, stunning views and an address that a ‘modern day’ piece 16
Our resident health and beauty writer Amy McManus investigates why Eastwell Manor’s spa and leisure facilities have people flocking to their setting in the heart of Kent.
of technology couldn’t take me to if its life depended on it. Imagine my utter joy when I saw the sign ‘Eastwell Manor,’ no fuss and no mental breakdown on my part. However, this by no means detracts from the location that the Eastwell Manor and its leisure facilities have to offer. In what is a few minutes’ drive from the grounds’ entrance to reception it is hard to believe that you are only three short miles away from the busy town centre of Ashford. It is simply lovely. One minute I am driving along a busy A28 the next I am surrounded by nothing but greenery and cannot hear even a whisper of traffic. It’s kind of the definition of ‘getting away from it all’ wouldn’t you say? On arriving at Eastwell Manor my welcome was nothing but warm. I was kindly taken to The Pavilion, just a short stroll away from the
main hotel, which gave me a brief chance to soak up some of the clean air and garden views. Having been built in April 2000 The Pavilion and Dreams Spa recently celebrated their twelfth Birthday. The facilities however still look fresh; no worn carpets, or mould and dust in the corners. You may think me mad for mentioning that, but if you had seen some of the things I have you would understand! The attention to cleanliness and hygiene here is excellent and something I wish other establishments would duplicate. Another warm welcome greeted me at The Pavilion reception with each individual staff member looking up to say hello and smile. Often the simplest gestures like this are overlooked, yet make such a large impact. I was booked on the Spa Day 'Plus One' package which retails for £99. Starting at 9:30am
[days out ] each guest is treated to a selection of pastries with tea and coffee on arrival then can use of all the spa facilities for the day which includes a 20 metre heated pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and gymnasium. Also, for those of you feeling a little more adventurous, there is a heated outdoor pool which is open during the warmer months of the year. The package also includes a two course lunch plus one treatment from a broad list, to be taken at any point during the day. Now, you can’t honestly tell me that you could find all of that in any other spa in the
middle of beautiful countryside for £99? It really is a brilliant price for what you get.
want them to be. Whether you want to simply relax and read or workout in the gym, we cater to everyone’s needs.”
Brown too, a definite plus.
One aspect I must also mention dear readers: there was conditioner in the showers! This is a key feature which is a constant irritation to me in my role as a reviewer. Countless times I have visited beautiful spas, wonderful reviews and several stars on the door. I go to take a shower and..........body wash and shampoo. What!? I do not know any women (or even men come to think of it) who do not use conditioner yet certain establishments seem to think that it is unnecessary to put it in their showers. Thank you Eastwell Manor for making my day! Molton
What I loved most about The Pavillion and its staff is the attention to detail and the clear thought that has gone into every aspect of its operation. For example, at the start of your day you are given a key for you own locker which already contains fresh slippers, towel and a bathrobe as well as a mini gift of facial care samples. You may choose your own two courses from a selection of the lunch menu on arrival which
As you can imagine, at this point I was thinking ‘can my day get any better?’ After a lovely lunch I visited Dreams for my treatment. I had been kindly upgraded and was booked in for the Clarins Tri-Active Facial. My therapist Kim started off by telling me I had flawless skin, I was completely sold. The facial itself lasted 70 minutes and usually retails for £70. This may seem slightly pricey, but I can tell you it is completely worth it. After your initial skin analysis a facial option is selected for you from six alternatives. The choice is therefore dependent on your skin type and consequently more personal to your individual needs.
is then noted down and presented to you at lunch without having to confirm your order. The staff are all experienced and caring and most importantly there is never any sense of self-importance or snobbery. It is clear that they make kindness and respect key aspects in their staff training. When speaking to Sue Cross of Eastwell Manor I could see that this is very much the case. “Our staff are very important, they must have a real sense of customer care in order to work here. We make the leisure and spa facilities anything that you
I have had hundreds of facials in spas all over the world, but I can honestly say that this was one of the best. Kim, as with all the staff members, was very caring and I left feeling relaxed, refreshed and most importantly looked after. What’s more, my skin was glowing. I would recommended the facilities here to anyoneand I hope to return again soon in a much less professional capacity. Finally, my only criticism....it rained in the afternoon. However I am sure that if Eastwell Manor and The Pavillion could control the weather, they would make that perfect too.
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[days out ]
Start: Rochester Finish: Canterbury, via Maidstone and Ashford Terrain: A mixture of on (56%) and off (44%) road. Some steep hills Distance: 47 miles (75.6km) OS Explorer Maps: 163, 148, 137, 150
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[days out ]
Pilgrims Cycle Trail This wonderful new signed cycle route follows much of the historic Pilgrims Way. It has been created to provide fantastic cycling for everyone from the mountain bike enthusiast to a family wishing to enjoy a sunny day cycling leisurely through the heart of Kent. Although the route as a whole can prove to be quite challenging, it can easily be broken down using many of the access points along the way, including Ashford and Maidstone where there are great public transport links and parking. Starting in the west travelling to the east of the county, our journey starts under the imposing structure of Rochester Cathedral and Castle. Leaving the Medway Towns you will join a relatively quiet road network towards Maidstone before cutting through off-road tracks alongside the Channel Tunnel Rail Link and up through shady woodland to Blue Bell Hill, passing by the Robin Hood Pub at the top. A charming Grade II listed pub, the Robin Hood is reported to be one of the oldest in England and was apparently once frequented by pilgrims on their journey to Canterbury. Continuing on, enjoy the quiet lanes and dedicated cycle track
before taking the safe route over Detling Hill on Jade’s Crossing. Here the route can be picked up from nearby Maidstone. Along the route there is much temptation in the way of some exceptional Kent country pubs, offering a welcome pit-stop for the thirsty traveller. On this section you will pass by the Black Horse Inn at Thurnham and the Dirty Habit at Hollingbourne. The views as you continue will open up in an overwhelming manner. A number of interpretation panels can be found as you cycle, describing this Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its wildlife and landscapes. Carrying on along a mixture of quiet lanes and off-road bridleways and byways you will pass through the villages of Charing and Westwell before reaching the outskirts of Ashford. Entering Ashford the route follows dedicated cycle routes, passes
through Eureka Leisure Park before meeting the River Stour and National Cycle route 18. At this point you could hop off the route and catch the train back from Ashford International train station or carry on to Canterbury. The last 17 mile stretch takes you through the valley of the Great Stour into the City of Canterbury. The first section follows quiet lanes through the pretty village of Wye and up the steep hills to Crundale before heading down the other side to Chartham. At Chartham the route joins onto the Great Stour Way, a newly created traffic-free riverside path towards Canterbury. This ride is available on the Explore Kent iPhone and Android app. Download it for free today. For more recreational cycle routes in Kent visit www.kent.gov.uk./ explorekent. You can also follow Explore Kent on Twitter, @explorekent.
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[days out ]
Delightful Deal
Words by Rachael Hook
The small, characterful town of Deal is steeped in history. What is now a quiet and peaceful seaside resort was once one of the busiest ports in England. Visitors today enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of the town, whilst appreciating its turbulent past. France is visible from Deal’s pebble beach and is within easy access as the port of Dover is only a tenminute drive away. Fishing boats line the shore next to Deal’s Tudor Castle, a must see for anyone coming to the town. There is a fantastic café at the end of the pier where you can enjoy a cooked breakfast and soak up the sun through the huge windows. Stepping away from the beach and the beautiful old houses that line the seafront one can explore the quaint little streets of the conservation area. Many of the houses in this part of Deal sit above the remains of old tunnels and secret hiding places left from the smuggling days of the town. Walking further inland you reach the northern end of the High Street, which is lined with little shops, and is a great place to buy interesting,
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unique gifts and one-off garments. There is also a very good patisserie and an excellent fish mongers, Jenkins and Son, where you can pick up top quality fresh fish and seafood, much of which is locally sourced from Deal. Deal is a town with no end of places to eat, with a variety of restaurants to satisfy a wide range of tastes. The Black Douglas Coffee House, Beach Street is a local favourite and offers delicious breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas in a friendly atmosphere. It is also open on Friday and Saturday evenings and serves up hand-made stone-baked pizzas. 81, situated next door to The Black Douglas is perfect for an evening meal or lunch and boasts a varied and vibrant menu. There are strong artistic and musical influences in the town and
as such there are often live bands performing. The Astor Theatre, a beautiful Edwardian building, is the setting for musical performances, live theatre and film showings. Evenings can also be enjoyed in the town’s pubs and bars. The Bohemian, Beach Street is a popular choice. This modern bar serves a wide range of real ales and beers from around the world. The Kings Head is an ideal pub to visit on a sunny afternoon with its seafront location and great pub grub. Whether you are visiting Deal for a just couple of hours or for a few days the town has lots to offer. Situated between Sandwich and Walmer, Deal is set in a perfect location to explore the rest of East Kent and to enjoy the White Cliffs Country.
[days out ]
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Visited by King William III in 1696, our beautiful informal gardens are available for visitors to explore, including lawns, herbaceous borders, a shrub border, exotic trees, ponds, statues, a woodland walk, monument, wildlife pond, croquet lawn and a Victorian Walled Garden. Quex Gardens are situated within the grounds of the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens in Birchington. The world-class natural history and ethnographical collections at the Museum support the study, understanding and simple enjoyment of the zoological, cultural and ecological diversity of Africa and the Indian sub-continent. Garden only entrance £2.00 per person £1.50 concessions General admittance (Museum, Quex House and Gardens) £7.00 per adult and £5.00 concessions ....Picnickers welcome
T. 01843 842168 E. enquiries@quexmuseum.org W. www.quexmuseum.org Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens, Quex Park, Birchington, Kent CT7 0BH 21
[days out ]
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[days out ]
TO BE A BEE A young person’s guide to the hardes t working creatures on the planet
MARTYN BARR
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kent’s best
title ] out ] [days
Quex Gardens are a worthy example of gardens which has for centuries been owned by people of some substance and status who have sought to enhance their surroundings in a way which pleased them and reflected their position in society. Quex has a family history dating back as far as the 15th Century. King William III (1689 – 1702) stayed at the original Quex Mansion whilst awaiting a favourable wind to take him across the Channel from Ramsgate. Edward Southwell (1671-1730) who accompanied the Royal party in 1696 recorded in his journal “tis very pleasantly situated, the house is old but has some good rooms in it. The prospect upon the River of Thames (sic), especially the little groves and ye avenues to it make it very agreeable, more especially because the Island lyes all open, and hath hardly a hedge or ditch upon it”. For generations, the landscaped gardens at Quex House have been enjoyed by the Powell-Cotton family, the estate’s owners, and their friends. The family’s love of outdoor spaces is evident today in the stunning Victorian layout and planting. The grounds are tended to ensure that this legacy will be enjoyed by generations to come. The family was well known for their hospitality and for opening their home and gardens to private 24
parties, village celebrations and charitable functions. Many events are still held within the gardens, most recently the I Love Vintage event at Easter which attracted over 4000 visitors in just one day. On May 26th and 27th, the inaugural Garden and Outdoor Living event takes place on Quex Park in the Front Meadow, and Quex Gardens will be open for visitors to explore.
The photographic opportunities offered within our gardens provide a selection of unique backdrops which are both fascinating and dramatic. In particular the Victorian Walled Gardens feature a number of original glasshouses including a Fernery (1896), two Orchid Houses, a Winter Garden, a Cucumber pit and frame yard and a glasshouse filled with stunning cacti.
Today, 15 acres of beautiful informal gardens are available for visitors to explore, including lawns, herbaceous borders, a shrub border, exotic trees, ponds, statues, a woodland walk, monument, wildlife pond, croquet lawn and a Victorian Walled Garden.
From 1883 James Cornford was Head Gardener at Quex and by 1902 about twenty gardeners were employed. Cornford was a successful exhibitor both locally and at the RHS in London, specialising in chrysanthemums. Following the retirement of James Cornford in 1923, the costs of the upkeep of the garden had become a concern and it was at this time that the level of staffing was reduced to what we have today.
A Jubilee Street Party has been arranged for June 4th and it is expected that many families will attend along with a number of Scouts and Beavers. To mark the celebrations the Powell-Cotton Museum is symbolically reinstating an 8 metre flagpole and Union flag which was originally housed on the lawn in front of the Mansion but at some point many years ago had been taken down.
Our current Head Gardener Steve Borowiec and one assistant gardener now attend the gardens along with a few appreciated volunteers. The gardens are an enormous asset to Quex Park and the Powell-Cotton Museum but in recent years the
kept secret out ] [days [title
gardens have suffered from a lack of investment and manpower, in particular the Walled Garden’s beautiful glasshouses are in need of refurbishment. It has been decided that the gardens should now enjoy a 3 year period of reinvestment and restoration in order to bring them back up to a standard that is comparable to other stately home gardens and we are very excited about the prospect of putting the gardens back on the garden tourist map. It is a huge undertaking, especially in view of the economic situation, however, there is a lot of goodwill and determination from the team at Quex Park as well as the owners. Our volunteers are an enormous asset and hugely appreciated resource, especially at this time of the year when the greenery is springing to life again before our very eyes. Quex Gardens are actively trying to recruit new volunteers for the gardens and would appreciate any interest at all, whether as a one off day or a longer term commitment.
Quex Gardens are situated within the grounds of the Powell-Cotton Museum and Quex House in Birchington. The world-class natural history and ethnographical collections at the Museum support the study, understanding and simple enjoyment of the zoological, cultural and ecological diversity of Africa and the Indian sub-continent. This appreciation of the natural world is also reflected within the stunning interiors at Quex House and, not forgetting, the longstanding tradition of choice ‘home grown’ floral displays in most of the rooms. We are proud to be launching our new exhibition for 2012 opening on May 12th - TALA! Visions of Angola. This fascinating exhibition, in partnership with the Angolan Cultural Foundation and with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, offers a unique perspective on a country and community through a dynamic presentation of never-seen before cultural artefacts, photographs and filmfootage amassed in 1930s by Diana and Antoinette Powell Cotton during their travels in Angola. The
exhibition curators worked closely with the UK's Angolan Community in making their selection from the museum's vast collection and the resulting display is rooted in the personal histories of the community to which the works on display belong. Garden only entrance £ 2.00 per person £ 1.50 concessions General admittance (Museum, Quex House and Gardens) £ 7.00 per adult and £ 5.00 concessions Picnickers welcome T. 01843 842168 E. enquiries@quexmuseum.org W. www.quexmuseum.org Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens Quex Park, Birchington Kent CT7 0BH
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[home ]
Up to
50% off
from
£99pp
balloon rides See Great Britain in all its glory from a Virgin hot air balloon or make someone’s day with a ticket to the sky… Virgin Balloon Flights are offering 50% off Celebration Package flight vouchers (RRP £279pp) for just £139pp including • An unforgettable 3-4 hour experience with around an hour in the air • Choice of 100+ locations across mainland UK Including Mote Park and Mercure Maidstone (nr Leeds Castle), Wadhurst, Headcorn, Sutton Valence & Bateman’s at Burwash• • Traditional Champagne toast • Certificate endorsed by Sir Richard Branson • Virgin Balloon Flights Merchandise pack You can also save over 20% on Weekday Anytime vouchers for just £99pp (RRP £129).
Offer ends 31st July.
Call 0844 844 0870 or visit virginballoonflights.co.uk & quote ‘East Kent Lifestyle’
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Don’t forget Father’s Day June 17th
Terms & conditions Offer valid until July 31st 2012 - subject to availability. Price is for one person including VAT at the applicable rate, additional standard postage cost of £2.50 per order. Voucher is valid for 18 months on gift packs, 12 months on weekday vouchers. Passengers must be aged 7 or over and at least 4’6” in height. Children aged under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers who are pregnant or have recently undergone major surgery are unable to fly. Full terms & conditions at www.virginballoonflights.co.uk/legalstuff
[home ]
At Sawmills Bespoke Furniture we specialise in designing and manufacturing contemporary and traditional custom made furniture of different styles and periods for every part of your home. Visit our showroom at Units 4 & 5 Colt Works, Pluckley Road, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent. TN26 3DD Tel: 01233 822276 www.sawmillsbespokefurniture.co.uk
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[home ]
New Show Gardens
[OPENING IN MAY] The five other gardens will be refurbed to give them a new look, and if the last two years are anything to go by, this means there will be a stunning selection of show gardens to view from the opening on the 19th May, onwards.
was the brainchild of Jacksons’ marketing manager Louise Tomlin: “We wanted to create more than just a fencing display. By running the national competition for garden designers to create show gardens that used Jacksons and other high quality suppliers’ products, we have provided something for people to visit to get inspiration for their own garden projects. What’s more, the gardens are available for people to visit all year round, rather than the few days that show gardens can be seen at the large flower shows. I am excited about the two new gardens we are building this year, as in the previous years the quality of the entries we had, made it very
“We wanted to create more than just a fencing display”
Visitors have flocked to see the Jacksons Show gardens over the past two years as news has got around about these inspirational displays. In the first year the project was hailed as a “mini Chelsea Flower Show” as people in the Kent area were treated to visions of loveliness more associated with the big RHS flower shows, rather than something you would expect to see in a local fencing centre. The idea 28
difficult to choose the winners, but we got there and now I can’t wait to see them built.” Certain to feature in the new gardens will be the amazing new Woven panel by Jacksons, there is a clue is in the name of Kari Beardsell’s ‘Within the Weave’. The Woven panels are catching on fast and have been an instant success with almost everyone who has seen them. So don’t miss out - On Saturday 19th May at 10.00am the show gardens will officially open for anyone to visit. Most of the designers will be in their gardens available to talk to visitors. Cream teas and other refreshments will be on sale, with the proceeds going to charity. From then on the gardens will be open to visitors during Jacksons usual business hours.
[home ]
The winners of Jacksons third annual show gardens design competition were announced at the end of March. Two of the existing gardens in the display at Stowting will be replaced with brand new designs: Natural Reflections by Jacksons fencing - 1-2pg eastkent Lifestyle_Layout 11:16 Page 1 Kari Beardsell. Alison Coxhead and Within1 17/04/2012 the Weave by
The finest fencing for the spaces you love At Jacksons, we believe in the importance of helping you create your ideal environment. Our family has been crafting fencing and gates of the highest quality and beauty for over three generations.
DESIGNED AROUND
YOU
Every single one of our unique products is guaranteed for 25 years, and designed around you, whatever your lifestyle. Come and see our inspirational NEW Show Gardens . . . Open from the 19th May, at our Head Office in Ashford. Visit jacksons-fencing.co.uk/showgardens for more details. Please call 0800 41 43 43 for a copy of our FREE brochure showing you the complete range of fencing, gates, decking, pergolas, agricultural and security products and much more . . . or to buy online visit jacksons-fencing.co.uk Jacksons Fencing Head Office 586 Stowting Common Ashford Kent TN25 6BN Tel 01233 750 393 sales@jacksons-fencing.co.uk
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Kitchen showroom open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday Unit 15, Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH Telephone 01233 645530 Walderslade Shopping Centre (Opposite Co-op) Walderslade Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 9LR Telephone 01634 868721
Website www.roma-interiors.co.uk
OAM A R ORM K I KT ICTHCEHNESN S A SAHSFHOFRODR D & & W AWA L DLEDRESRL SALDAED E
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FIRE STATION
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Be av er Rd
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[home ]
the
Bathroom Shop By Philippa Wiggins
IMAGE: BEXLEY ROLL TOP BATH, CLAW FOOT
The Bathroom Shop at Tenterden, Kent a family business was established in 1987 but our family has been trading from these premises since 1928 so I am the fourth generation!
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The Bathroom Shop at Tenterden, Kent a family business was established in 1987 but our family has been trading from these premises since 1928 so I am the fourth generation! My Great Grandfather had moved to Tenterden and purchased an existing business of Builders and Undertakers. He disposed of the undertaking side which is now T W Fuggle & Sons (ironically I have since married one of the Fuggles) to concentrate on the building business in the name of H W Wiggins & Sons. In 1987 my Father sold the building business and set up The Bathroom Shop, initially concentrating on selling and installing bathrooms, but my Mother, who had worked for a prominent London interior designer, accessorised the displays so well that customers were wanting to purchase ‘the props’. So, as time went by we got more involved with accessories and all the other
paraphernalia of bathrooms. I came ‘on board’ in 2001 when my parents were considering retirement (so far they have not!) and realised early on that an independent trader has to provide an enhanced level of service in order to compete with the large well capitalised company owned businesses. Such businesses and in particular the national chains have set an unwelcome precedent by discounting the recommended prices whilst continuing in general to provide a poor level of service. To add to this, whilst there is no denying that the internet provides an unrivalled way of promoting a company, it is doing untold damage to the retailer who has to maintain a showroom full of displays for the benefit of the public, who can inspect the quality before purchasing, at virtually trade prices - via the internet – until something goes wrong when they then return to the independent high street retailer! Our aim is to
provide quality, value and above all service, both before and after sales and what sets us apart from other businesses is our possession of so many years of knowledge and experience not only of the products we currently sell but of products from the past. We endeavour to help our customers find their perfect bathroom appliance or accessory, and help them to avoid pitfalls in the installation. Furthermore our expertise stretches to covering obscure spare parts and even discontinued lines or colours. We have formed relationships over many years with well-established distributors, whom we rely upon to provide ‘our’ sort of service and it is very rare that we cannot help with ‘any’ enquiry even if sometimes it takes a while! Sadly, in these internet and computer dominated times, everyone expects it all ‘instantly’ but to provide a bespoke service sometimes takes a little longer!
[home ]
Country Warmth Top quality fireplaces from a top quality company
Traditional to ultra modern • Established 30 years Full design & installation service througout the south east 1-3 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Kent • 01303 240300 www.countrywarmth.com • GAS SAFE, HETAS
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Quality and Service
Interior & exterior blinds www.sbiproducts.co.uk Interior & exterior blinds www.sbiproducts.co.uk
11 east cross, tenterden, kent tn30 6ad
Telephone: 01580 763207
www.the-bathroomshop.co.uk BathroomShopWT116.indd 1
08/09/2011 09:53
Call 0800 0742 721 today
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[title ]
Integrate Your Home Link up your audio and visual sources around your home and operate them all from a single intuitive remote control solution, which can also take care of your climate control, lighting, curtains, blinds and security – with a Smart Home system from Sound Integration. Sound Integration works with the leading brands in control systems and home automation to provide you with solutions that offer total integration, intuitive control and excellent performance.
Our bespoke services include: Audio – Multi-room and high end audio, providing breath-taking performance in key locations. Video – From stand-alone televisions right through to large multi-room installations, with sources located both centrally and locally. Home & Commercial Cinema – From modest occasional use through to true theatre systems, taking in 3D projection systems and the very latest technologies. Lighting – From scene-setting lighting to instant change and preset lighting scenes, all operated from one single source keypad or touch screen.
Sound Integration, 16a Burgate, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2HG T: 01227 760044 E: sales@soundintegration.co.uk W: www.soundintegration.co.uk
34 u Audio
visual design & installation
u Multi-media sales & integration
u Complete control of home & business environments
[car review ]
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[car review ]
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[car review ]
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[feature ]
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[feature ]
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[feature ]
THE INTEGRATION
For the last 15 years, Bang & Olufsen of Canterbury has maintained a pedigree of installing top quality audio-visual products across not only the South-East, but as far afield as Europe and even the United States. During that time the company has utilised their combined knowledge into a specialist team of experts working across a number of fields including IT networks, lighting control security and HVAC integration as well as home cinema and audiovisual design and installation, under the Sound Integration brand. It is this expertise that the team at Canterbury brings to all its installations to transform these diverse systems into a fully integrated solution for customers. Fans of the TV comedy “Peep Show” may remember an episode in which the protagonists discuss the virtues of their self-assembled “megatron” – a crudely constructed multipurpose remote control consisting of their TV, DVD, VCR and Satellite remote controls bound together with electrical tape into one, four sided behemoth of buttons. This was just the way it was a few short years ago. The proliferation of available audio visual products, from the supermarket aisles to the 40
high end manufacturers meant that to control all the technology you needed an abundance of different controls. While this may well still be the case for many of us, those who have the means or the desire to embrace the cutting edge of technological advances in AV over the past 5-6 years now have an altogether more satisfying solution available. I met up with Cullum Mackenzie at Bang & Olufsen of Canterbury/Sound Integration at their showroom in Canterbury to find out more about the wonders of Integrated AV solutions. Cullum told me, “When I started in this business 10 years ago we were basically all about selling tailored Bang & Olufsen audio and Video products, nowadays the technology available has meant that we offer complete, bespoke solutions that go way beyond buying a fantastic Bang & Olufsen system. The service available is quite staggering. We are not just talking TV & Video here – some of these
solutions encompass home cinema, lighting control, multi-room audio and video solutions, automated blinds for the windows, managed IT networks and telephone networks, climate control and even CCTV, alarm and entry systems to the home - and all managed from one bespoke, simple to use interface. The demonstration model or “hub” I was shown was operated from an iPad, which you could use before slotting discreetly onto a charging portal on the wall. You could just as easily use your iPhone or smartphone to control every aspect of the aforementioned set up via intuitive GUI’s (graphical user interface). In every installation carried out by Sound Integration, the interface is programmed to suit the requirements of the individual – as I said, this is not about shifting products; it’s about a completely tailored solution. Bang & Olufsen of Canterbury/Sound Integration work with numerous high end manufacturers including Lutron for lighting control and window
N
[feature ]
WORDS BY PETE NICHOLS
treatments, Crestron for home automation and control, Kaleidescape for high end movie/music servers, and Sonance, who specialise in “audio architectures” to make in-wall or in ceiling speakers “invisible” and of course Bang & Olufsen themselves, who, as we all know, provide incredible audio visual equipment. Of course a bespoke service incorporating some or all of the above features will vary in price and isn’t restricted to the affluent, but those willing to invest can be assured of something very, very special. As Cullum tells me, “A Bang & Olufsen customer tends to be a customer for life. It’s an investment for sure but we are talking about products which are built to last and the quality is unsurpassed”. Personally I recall the (relatively recent) wonder of being able to watch two different channels on my satellite service in two different rooms. The integration solutions available today not only allow you to watch a different channel but each family member can store incredible amounts of personalised content from all manner of devices (satellite/ Apple TV/ipod/blu-ray, etc) to watch or listen to in any room, at any time,
at the press of a button. One recent customer using a Kaleidescape server had 28 terabytes of storage for his collection of Blu-ray discs. In addition to the provision of these solutions, Bang & Olufsen of Canterbury/Sound Integration also have teams who will design and install solutions – often working as an integral part of the entire building team on a project. They are also experts in period properties. From a shop just selling products (albeit exceptional products) less than a decade ago, the advances in highend AV solutions has redefined the level of service high-end customers expect these days and at Bang & Olufsen of Canterbury/Sound Integration in Canterbury they really are at the cutting edge of customer service and delivery. You really have to see to believe the capabilities of integrated systems. If you have the means then I would seriously suggest going down and seeing for yourself. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. For more information or to arrange a meeting please contact Bang & Olufsen/Sound Integration on 01227 452 451. 41
[ music ]
the
Kent Summer
Festivals BY BRADLEY
MCMANUS Again we can expect exciting things from all three festivals on completely different levels and somehow these events are generally even sharing genres! Of course, even those with the deepest pockets probably can’t afford to go to all three so I’m here to help you decide which is best for you.
+ Lounge On The Farm + The Hop Farm Festival + Hevy Festival Once again Summer is around the corner and with it comes a veritable feast of musical entertainment. In Kent we are rather spoilt to have a huge variety to choose from which caters to (nearly) every budget. Whether you are into pop, rock or even metal Kent has something for everyone!
over
incredible
Hevy festival 3RD-6TH AUGUST 2012 PORT LYMPNE WILD ANIMAL PARK, HYTHE, KENT. FULL WEEKEND TICKET £96
80
bands across
4 stages, with a ferocious
line-up covering
all corners of
Hardcore, Punk, Metal
and Rock”
I’ll start from the bottom because it’s probably easiest to work out if you’re in
Hevy Festival’s core market! This festival is not for the feint hearted or those of you who just want to chill out in the sun with a beer. Hevy has some of the world’s biggest and best hardcore bands playing to committed crowds of fans who will probably not sleep all weekend and will always, always be literally screaming for more. Hevy is a real festival for people who want to open their mind to more than just what’s in the top 40. You will experience true talent from a complex variety of bands ranging from a Hip-Hop Grime team to a Death Metal screaming contest! If you are looking for something different then this is it.
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[music ]
29TH JUNE – 1ST JULY 2012 THE HOP FARM, PADDOCK WOOD, KENT. FULL WEEKEND TICKET £150
I went to the festival last year and there certainly was a VIP area and there certainly was a degree of sponsoring. I appreciate what the guys are doing but it really is irrelevant, just go and see some acts who were probably famous 20 years ago who still certainly rock!
Lounge
On The
Farm 6TH-8TH JULY 2012 MERTON FARM, CANTERBURY, KENT. FULL WEEKEND TICKET £121.50
Regardless of what is says, Lounge On The Farm is certainly the most mainstream festival in our area. Taking place just outside of Canterbury the festival has had a few issues in recent years but has been granted a repetition of its license for 2012. Last year headlined by Ellie Goulding and Example – this year is set to hit the same level with Emile Sande and The Wombats among others being lined up for this year’s event. It is all about the environment at Lounge and though traffic management is
Next on the list is The Hop Farm Festival. In its fourth year (2011) the festival had the financial backing to secure Prince as it’s headline act for Sunday. An incredible artist who could demand nearly any fee the world over played a field in Kent! This shows you the lengths this festival will hit to make sure you get a powerful experience. Already announced this year is the fantastic Bob Dylan and even a special performance by Bruce Forsythe (seriously). More acts will be announced soon covering a slightly skewed vision of mainstream music which was originally based around folk and independent labels. The festival is billed as:
No Sponsorship,
Novip
Branding,
a nightmare, everything else is beautiful. From bales of hay arm chairs, to gigs in a cow shed, to independent breweries and one of food stalls this event is something to behold even if you don’t come for the music. If you’re new to festivals or you’re looking to chill with your mates and family then I would suggest this is your best option. You can be as involved as you want to be, the hardcore raver to the family man – all are welcome here. The festival has separate areas for different camping requirements so you don’t need to worry about party animals keeping you up if you wanted to get a good nights rest!
I know, I know.
None of them are cheap and if you are going with a partner then you’re looking at at least £200 just to get through the door. Remember this is not like going to a gig. This is going on a weekend away, a holiday that just happens to be down the road. You will learn the site plan as well as you know your home and will feel weird when you do get back to reality on the Monday after. Of course there are many more you can go to for a lot cheaper but these are the main events. They are not for everyone but if you are willing to get your hands a bit dirty and camp out in a crowded field with like minded individuals I can promise you a good time. Some things are guaranteed: the food will be great, the toilets won’t be, the music will be loud, the sun WILL be shining, you will find new music, you will probably have a few too many drinks and you will bring back permanent memories to treasure.
Make your choice, even if it is just a day ticket – get involved! 43
[feature ]
44
[feature ]
Megan fox
Words by Caroline Wilson
You know you’re officially a world-wide star when you’re asked to appear as yourself in the next big movie by Sacha Baron Cohen. Hollywood beauty Megan Fox will feature in The Dictator alongside Baron Cohen who has previously written and starred in the hugely popular films Ali G Indahouse, Borat and Bruno.
Fox’s most famous performance to date was her breakout role in the Steven Spielberg-produced blockbuster Transformers and in the sequel Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Fox has struggled since to be taken seriously as an actress in the film industry, so critics could suggest a role where she plays herself bedding a Middle Eastern dictator in exchange for jewels may not be the best way to change opinions... However, at just 25 the actress/model is estimated to be worth around $15 million, so she must be doing something right. Megan Denise Fox was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1986. She and her older sister Kristi were brought up by their mother and step father as Roman Catholics and had a strict home life. From as early as she can remember Fox had always wanted to be an actress and at just five she began training in drama and dance. In a recent interview Fox says she was not the easiest of girls to bring up. She says according to her Mother she was born ‘ballsy’ and was grounded a lot. With her stunning looks it’s no surprise that Fox also began modelling at an early age and won several awards at an American Modelling and Talent
Convention in South Carolina, aged just thirteen. During her school years, Fox has said she was never a popular girl. She admits to having a very aggressive personality and that other girls didn’t like her for that reason. She said that she had always preferred the company of boys over girls and has only ever had one real (girl) friend. The star was voted ‘Sexiest woman in the world’ by readers of FHM magazine in 2008’ but has admitted to ‘acting up’ in interviews in the past with regards to her status as a sex symbol. She once told GQ magazine that she was bisexual and when she was 18 fell in love with a female stripper. She later told a different magazine that she enjoyed giving male writers an ‘amped-up’ version of stories admitting that she had them ‘eating out the palm of her hand’ and that most of the stories weren’t even true. She said, “Sometimes I say things that I think are obviously sarcastic and people take them quite literally.” She was once quoted as saying, “I’m just really confident sexually and I think that sort of oozes out of my pores?” Yet the star claims to have the same hang ups and insecurities regarding her looks as any other young girl.
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[feature ]
Early acting roles included guest appearances on the two American TV series’ What I like about you and Two and a Half Men. Fox was also cast in a regular role in the series Hope and Faith appearing in two seasons of the show. The actress’ first real film role was in 2001 when she played a spoilt heiress in Holiday in the Sun alongside Ashley Olsen. She then appeared in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen with Lindsay Lohan. But it was her role in the Transformers films which really shot Fox into overnight worldwide fame. She played Mikaela Banes, the love interest of the main character in the first two films in 2007 to 2009. But Fox failed to appear in the third instalment Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen over rumoured disputes with the film’s director Michael Bay. Fox was apparently quoted as saying that working under Bay’s instruction was ‘like working for Hitler’. The third film saw English actress Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as the film’s female star. After the success of the two Transformers films Fox was nominated for an MTV Movie Award in the category of ‘Breakthrough Performance’ and was also nominated for three Teen Choice awards. With regards to going from being relatively unknown to her sudden celebrity status, Fox has said, “I definitely felt ill-prepared, I mean, I don’t know if anyone ever sits back and goes, ‘Now is the moment that I think I should be a famous celebrity.’ But I definitely feel it’s premature. I mean, I was in one movie that people have seen.”
Megan Fox at the Los Angeles premiere of her new movie "Jonah Hex" at the Cinerama Dome, Hollywood. June 17, 2010 46
Since the Transformer films, Fox went on to play the lead part in the 2009 film Jennifer’s Body which received mixed reviews. The black comedy is about a demonic cheerleader (Fox) who devours her high-school classmates and co-stars Amanda Seyfried. Fox then appeared in the films Jonah Hex and Passion Play but again neither proved to be a great success at the box office. Fox‘s long term partner is actor Brian Austin Green, 38. Green is best known for appearing in the TV series Beverly Hills 90210 from 1990 to 2000. Fox admits she was too young to remember the show but says that when they first met she knew she was instantly in love. This first encounter happened on the set of Hope & Faith in 2004 when Fox was 18 and he was 30. They were engaged in 2006 and in 2010 they married at a private ceremony in Hawaii. It seems Fox is holding out for that great role that will finally gain her the recognition she craves. She has said, “I’m definitely labelled in the pin-up category and I haven’t given people a reason to take my work seriously yet.” We will watch this space.
Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox and Michael Bay attend the German premiere of 'Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen' at the Sony Center CineStar on June 14, 2009 in Berlin, Germany
[feature ]
Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf attend the German premiere of 'Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen' at the Sony Center CineStar on June 14, 2009 in Berlin
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[food and drink ]
t n a r u a t s e Bay R at The White Cliffs Hotel the
ms Having of late enjoyed the char spa and four (not to mention the food, drink, in the delightful poster beds) of Walletts Court would be prudent St Margaret’s at Cliffe I felt it “Bay Restaurant” to try out the highly regarded of the Oakley situated within the four walls he White Cliffs”. families “baby sister” Hotel “T 48
Words by Peter Nichols
of The White Cliffs is just a couple rt Cou minutes’ drive from Walletts s and a little closer to St Margaret’ bay itself (hence the restaurant ters name) and for all you trivia hun tel Ho rest nea out there it is also the (21 nce Fra of in England to the coast lf itse el miles to be precise). The hot , lish however couldn’t be more Eng centred around an archetypal t Kentish weather-boarded inn tha y. tur Cen h 16t dates back to the
[food and drink ] The hotel itself boasts eighteen rooms, nine within the main building and others within the surrounding outhouses. The accommodation includes singles, standard doubles, superior doubles, family apartments, and the “loft” apartment comprising three double rooms and sizeable living area. All rooms are tastefully decorated and enjoy crisp white linen, goose down quilts, DVD players and wi-fi. Having been offered a room for the night as the hotels guests and been further informed that the four poster room was free (it was a Monday night) it was with a heavy heart that we had to turn down the offer, fairly confident that the babysitter wouldn’t appreciate a call to say that we had decided not to come home after all! As with Walletts Court the restaurant within the Hotel is, as they put it themselves, the “beating heart of the hotel”, and with good reason. Since its opening in May 2008 the Bay Restaurant has been serving up delicious rustic food good enough to gain entry into both the “Which Good Food Guide” and “AA Best Restaurants”. The seasonal menu is packed with mouth watering dishes, using as many locally sourced organic, free range and sustainable ingredients as possible (with vegetables from the hotel’s own allotment) and dishes are prepared, cooked and presented expertly. It’s little wonder that The Bay Restaurant gains a lot of repeat business and has a great reputation it richly deserves. As with Walletts Court, a lot of the praise for the success of the restaurant must go to Gavin Oakley whose culinary reputation is in high standing, but also to the head chef Andrew Butcher Upon entering the Hotel on a somewhat foggy and cold evening we took aperitifs in the confines of the cosy back bar which adjoins the restaurants and sunk into the deep, comfortable leather sofas in front of the roaring log fire. After enjoying a gin and tonic and a bowl of olives (in herbs and garlic) whilst pouring over the evening menu we were suitably
“warmed” and headed to our table to await our chosen dishes. The starters were all tempting and it was a genuinely tough choice to make for me as I more often than not will partake of a squid dish if one is available and indeed a very tempting crispy chilli squid & deep fried pickled peppers (always nice to have a tongue twister on the menu!) with cajun marmalade and thousand island dip was my first instinct. However, as I had already decided I would opt for one of the many fish dishes for my main I felt inclined to plump for a meat dish. I toyed with the idea of the home-salted beef, potted with pickles and melba toast but as a recent convert to wood pigeon I had to go for the highly seasonal and highly local roasted “Bere Wood” pigeon breast with garlic buttered woodland mushrooms on toast. My partner had a much easier choice as she is completely in love with goats cheese so had no hesitation in ordering the golden cross goat’s cheese and Kentish cobnut fritter (with roasted baby beet salad) as her entrée. The pigeon really was melt in the mouth good – cooked rare to ensure the fullest possible flavour I enjoyed a generous portion and combined with the superb garlic buttered mushrooms the dish was an earthy, gamey delight. This was the perfect starter to eat on a slightly gloomy, cold evening – warming, tasty and full of local, rustic charm. My partner’s fritters didn’t stay on the plate long enough for me to sample them unfortunately but she assures me that the alliteration of a fellow reviewer who described The Bay’s Goats Cheese fritters as “delicious discs of divinity” was a fair description. For the main event I wandered “off piste” from the standard menu an opted for one of the Spring Specials and chose the Sea Bass served with spring greens, new potatoes and salsa verde while my dining companion, having dined here previously, wanted something she could enjoy with a side of “real proper chips” so ordered the chargrilled 8oz sirloin steak of 28
day matured Alkham Valley Beef. The Sea Bass is one of my favourite fish and its delicate flavour and light texture was the perfect second course as a second rich meat dish may have been a little too much rustic charm for me on this occasion. The milky white flesh was cooked as it should be with moist flakes of fish combining well with the accompanying salsa verde – a satisfying combination of flavours. I also felt it rude not to share my partners “real proper chips” given the side dish was easily enough for two and thoroughly enjoyed my posh fish and chips! My partner likes her meat rare and was served a delicious cut of locally farmed Alkham Valley sirloin alongside truffled Macaroni cheese, roasted marzano tomatoes & port sauce. The truffled macaroni cheese offered a sophisticated twist on an old favourite and once again the side order of “real proper chips” completed the meal and sated the appetite of my ravenous companion. Stuffed as we both were by this point it seemed rude to not take a cursory glance at the dessert menu and of course after a little perusing we both miraculously found a little space for a little something extra. My milk chocolate mousse with crushed meringue and lemon zest was oh so delicious and I courageously battled my way through the entire, more than generous portion. No good for the waistline but a great way to end a superb meal. My partner enjoyed the Twinings tea crème brulee with gingernut ice cream and as we both polished off the remainders of our desserts we once again mused over how appealing the idea of a short commute up the stairs to enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep in the four poster room would be. As it is we thanked the delightfully attentive waiting staff, passed our regards to the chef and dragged our weary but wonderfully full bodies to the car in time to relieve the baby sitter of their duties before sleeping off a fantastic night at the Bay Restaurant. 49
[food and drink ]
Albariño
Tapas Restaurant & Bar 01843600991 www.albarinorestaurant.co.uk
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“Brings a taste of Spain to Broadstairs” Enjoy stunning views over Viking bay whilst sharing delicious authentic Spanish tapas
Sunday June 10th - 7pm mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm AN EVENING OF MURDER & MYSTERY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY Ym Ymmm YYYYY YYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY jm@YmmmmmmmmmmYmmmYmmYYmm.mmY.YY
Andalucian Arabic Cuisine
www.cafemauresque.com 8 Butchery Ln Canterbury CT1 2JR 01227 464 300 50
Lamb
[food and drink ]
meatballs
Courtesy of Xavier German at Café Mauresque 8 Butchery Lane, Canterbury 01227 464300
Ingredients for the meatballs: (Makes 20 balls) 500grams finely diced lamb 15ml ground cumin 15ml smoked sweet paprika 15ml ground coriander 5ml cayenne pepper 1 red onion finely diced 1 bunch fresh coriander 1 small bunch of mint 1 small bunch parsley 1 egg, beaten ½ cup of breadcrumbs. A good pinch of salt
For the sauce: 1 glass of red wine 750ml of a good tomato sauce 10ml ras el hanout (North African spice mix) 400ml chicken stock
Method • Wash and finely chop all the fresh herbs. • Mix all the dry ingredients together and then mix in the lamb • Once all the ingredient are mixed together put into a food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth. Remove the mixture and place into a bowl • Scrunch the beaten egg and breadcrumbs into the mixture. • Let the mixture rest in the fridge for ideally 24 hours, or at least 2 hours. • Once you have let the mixture rest you can then roll into balls, about the size of a walnut. • Fry in a large pan with a little olive oil, warm the pan first to stop the balls sticking. Turn the meatballs until they are browned all over. • Add the red wine and reduce by half. • Then add the tomato sauce chicken stock, ras el hanout bring to the boil and simmer for around 10 mins until the meatballs are cooked • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Hummus Ingredients:
375grams Tinned chick peas, washed & well drained 15ml garlic puree Juice of 2 lemons 100ml Tahini paste 175ml Extra virgin olive oil Pinch of salt and pepper • Blend the chick peas to a smooth paste in a food processor using the lemon juice and a little water if needed. • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly • season to taste with the salt and pepper.
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[food and drink ]
CafĂŠ du Soleil, 4-5 Pound Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2BZ.
CAFÉ
Cafe du Soleil is a modern Mediterranean restaurant, occupying the historic wool store on the banks of the river Stour in Canterbury. Drawing influences from Southern France and Italy, much of the food is cooked in a traditional wood burning oven. The menu offers two distinct dining experiences.
For a casual and very inexpensive meal, you can choose one of our superb wood fired pizzas made with the finest Italian ingredients. Alternatively, experience our healthy sun drenched cuisine offering modern interpretations of Mediterranean classics. Favourites include Chargrilled Kentish Lamb with wood-roast ratatouille and rosemary aioli or Wood-roast Local Cod with crab gratin, noodles and ginger butter sauce. We can also cater for weddings, corporate functions or parties of up to 60 in our beautiful oak beamed function room.
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DU
SOLEIL
Tel 44(0)1227 479999 www.cafedusoleil.co.uk
[food and drink ]
Pan Fried
John Dory braised peas pancetta Fillets of
&
with
Ingredients (Serves 4)
2 x med sized John Dory (whole) 200g fresh peas 200g broad beans Pea Cress and micro amerinth leaves to garnish
To Serve
Place the Peas in the centre of a bowl, the Fish on top, spoon over the sauce and garnish with Pea cress leaves and crisp pancetta.
Sauce
1 x banana shallot, finely chopped 150ml Dry white wine 100g morel mushrooms Good pinch of chopped chervil (to finish) 25ml white wine vinegar 100ml double cream ½ a lemon
Method
• Fillet and skin the John Dory • In a small sautés pan, warm up a little olive oil, add the diced shallot, cook with a little colour until tender, add the morels and cook for 1 min, deglaze with the white wine, and vinegar reduce by 2/3 rds, add the peas, cook for 1-2 minutes, add the stock and cook for a further 5min, then add the double cream and continue cooking until a sauce consistency is achieved (2-3min) season add a squeeze of lemon juice and then add chopped chervil. • Place the lightly floured Dory fillets into a pre heated non-stick pan, colour slightly then add a knob of butter, cook on both sides for 2-3min until golden brown.
Equipment needed Fish chopping board 2 x non stick frying pans Serving Plates TBC Knives
Meat chopping board Palette knife Fish scissors
Prep to be done before demo’s All ingredients weighed out
Richard Phillips With an early restaurant career starting off at London's famous Savoy Hotel, going on to work alongside the likes of the Roux Brothers at Le Gavroche and then becoming Head Chef for Marco Pierre White at The Criterion, Mirabelle and Les Saveurs, it's no wonder Richard Phillips had his own Michelin starred restaurant by the age of 29. Richard had excellent grounding to prepare him for creating his own restaurant, having come from two years with the Schrager Hotel Group, putting together and directing teams in both the Sanderson Hotel and St Martin's Lane, the first hotels owned by this group outside United States. Richard has gone on to enjoy tremendous success with his restaurants Thackeray’s in Tunbridge Wills, Hengist in Aylesford and his most recent acquisition, Pearson’s Arms by Richard Phillips in Whitstable At the same time as being at the helm of three thriving restaurants, Richard is now a recognised television personality, regularly appearing on popular shows including 'Ready Steady Cook', 'Saturday Kitchen' and 'Daily Cooks Challenge' 53
LA TRAPPISTE The home of Belgian beer in Canterbury
Coffee Roasted on premises Breads baked on premises Fresh Fish & Fine Dining Over 100 Belgian Beers
1 and 2 Sun Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2HX For Bookings Telephone: 01227 479 111
Open 7 days a week 7.30am – 11pm (midnight on Fridays & Saturdays)
[food and drink ]
The Cupcake Café’s - margate Lisa Hemingway utilitarian feel. The shop has two distinct entrances (high street and promenade) and the café will have a different feel depending on where you enter. Check us out soon!
Business is booming Yes, we’ve worked hard to get here and are lucky to have had lots of positive PR which enabling us to grow to the stage that we’ve had to move premises and are now opening another business around the corner.. A similar business? It’s a catering enterprise but a different concept – The bakery café. We’ll be offering freshly baked takeaway food, ideal for lunches. The style will have a more
You formerly worked in fashion in London – what brought on the move to Kent? The industry was suffering with the influx of cheap stuff from the Far East, also we were thinking of starting a family and wanted to be near family and to improve our standard of living. As long as my job or business was creative I didn’t mind changing careers. Is family is important to you? Yes, we really are a family business. My sister makes the cupcakes, my dad makes our soups and my mum does the bread puddings . I also have my other sister, my nieces and my daughter involved. So yes, you could say family is important to me!
Where do you eat out? Well, having only had one weekend off in a year we don’t really get out much! However, I would say that Mullins (Margate Old Town) serve the best steak I’ve ever tasted! Has the opening of the nearby Turner Centre had a positive effect on sales? Not especially, we’re nearby but are still a little off the beaten track so rely heavily on local and repeat trade – which we luckily have a lot of! What has made you a success? Hard work, first and foremost. Also, we offer simple food presented well in a welcoming environment. It’s been a labour of love for a couple of years and it’s now paying dividends – we also offer a little extra with the stickers, bags, mugs, and gifts. It’s just a nice place to be!
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[food and drink ]
The Cupcake Café, Old Town Margate, CT9 1ER 01843 231300 / 0798574 7936 / lisa@thecupcake.biz
www.thecupcake.biz
Cupcakes for all occasions – weddings/parties. Café shop selling gifts and refreshments/food
at The White Cliffs Hotel
on the High Street in St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe
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Lucky 7
7 Days 7 Specials 7 Pounds
Monday is...
Enjoy Tea for Two & four scones with jam and cream for just £7 - All Day ‘til 6pm £7th Heaven!
Tuesday is...
Sausage Fest @ Lunchtime
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£7 - Hot Diggedy Dog!
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7
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Kentish Wild Boar Bangers, Black Pig Chorizo or Monkshill Farm Fatboys with Mash for £7
Wednesday is...
7oz of pure-bred Hereford Steer minute steak with béarnaise sauce & big fat chips - Unbelievably only £7!
Friday is...
at The White Cliffs Hotel
Lucky 7 Special
Come along to enjoy a in the heart of a beautiful village inn with one of our fabulous special offers every day of the week... Our Full Menu is Also Available Every Lunch & Dinner
Book on 01304 852229 at The White Cliffs Hotel
High Street, St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe, Dover, Kent CT15 6AT
www.thewhitecliffs.com
Fish & Chips @ Lunchtime
Super-fresh, locally landed cod in beer batter with chips - Eat in for £7 or Take Away for £5.95!
Saturday is...
Twin Pimm’s ‘til Sundown
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Two glasses (50ml Pimm’s) of the fabulous Summer Cocktail for just £7 until 6pm - Happy Days!
Sunday is...
Double-up Dessert @ Dinner
Double-size desserts for £7 available Evenings only - Life really is Sweet!
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Lucky this Summer with a £7 special in The Bay Restaurant
Get
The Bay Restaurant
Thursday is...
Steak & Chips @ Lunchtime
All for just £7! Book on 01304 852229
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A pint of North Atlantic beauties with pink sauce & braaan bread - £7 All Day Long!
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Pint-Sized Prawns @ Lunch & Dinner
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The Bay Restaurant
Cream Tea for Two for £7
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Nom inat Whic ed f or h Go od F ood Sou Rest Guid t h Ea aura e s t nt o f Th e Ye ar 2 012 The
7
The Bay Restaurant
Please quote ‘Lucky Seven’ on booking.
Terms & Conditions Lucky 7 promotion runs from 1st April until 30th September 2012 . Lunch 12-2pm (3pm Sundays) & Dinner 6.30pm-9pm Booking in advance is advisable to avoid disappointment - Please Mention Lucky 7 on booking. All specials are subject to availability. Please see our website for full Terms and Conditions.
[food and drink ]
Albion Street in Broadstairs is fast becoming a magnet for foodies in East Kent with almost every other building home to a restaurant, bar or café –and there are three more waiting in the wings for the new season.
Albariño BROADSTAIRS
WORDS BY JO SCOTT
MatthewWaltersImages
Thai, Indian, Italian, Nepalese, Mediterranean, Turkish – and of course, good old English fish and chips – they are all there for the choosing. New kid on the block is Albariño, the brain child of Steven and Stephanie Dray. Opened in the chill of winter, this little pocket of Spain offers a selective menu of generously sized tapas, all freshly prepared and cooked by Steven. Steven and Stephanie’s previous venture was a restaurant in the Cayman Islands. Mmm – Cayman Islands versus Broadstairs? Much
as I love Broadstairs, I am not sure I would have made the swap. ‘I trained at Thanet College, more years ago than I care to remember’ says Steven, ‘and like most newly qualified chefs, went off to London and beyond to establish myself– but it’s good to be back amongst friends and family.’ ‘The idea for Albariño came to us after a trip to Cal-Pep in Barcelona, where we found an inspired menu, with great wines, served on a long narrow bar with only 20 seats. We had plates of the freshest tapas
cooked to order in full view, served as and when they were ready. On the way out, we were not surprised to find a long queue of people waiting to be fed. That’s when we knew what we would do next.’ Albariño is a tiny bit bigger with tables as well as well as bar stools, in keeping with the informal nature of a tapas bar. The decoration is low key with sepia images of Broadstairs, Spanish porcelain and olive patterned oilcloth tablecloths.
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[food and drink ]
The tapas are divided into three price bands to simplify ordering. Plus there is a Chef’s Selection to share, and a range of specials which offers a few surprises: seared local scallops, pot roast rabbit with ceps or - fancy fried pigs ears anyone? We started with a dish of plump salted olives and chickpea and fennel chips – chips that you can eat without feeling guilty. The langoustine sandwich was beautifully presented as twin triangles topped with a seafresh langoustine. The crumbed coating was as crisp as the puree was creamy – what a luscious combination. Our fishy theme continued with salt cod fritters and a paella, thick with prawns and mussels snuggled in with the chorizo and pork.
meatballs in a tomato sauce before ordering the unusual, but amazingly unctuous, liquorish oxcheeks, which arrived on a bed of butternut squash. Although, at first glance, the choice for vegetarians seems less varied – Steven will amend dishes and create new choices on request.
“I am a great believer in sourcing locally...”
My dining partner is less of a fish-fiend so worked his way through meatier options, starting with plump coriander-speckled 58
There are no surprises on the wine list but the range is fine for a tapas bar, and reasonably priced: from £14.00 £30.00. The bar takes its name from the Albariño grape, from the Galician region of north-west Spain so it is no surprise to find this on the wine list – and lovely it is too, my partner assured me. I sampled the Rioja Reserve, as rich and as oaky as you might hope. Most of the wines are available by the glass which is a pleasant surprise. We had no space for the platter of serrano, pork loin and chorizo but we did work our way through a cheese board of manchengo,
garottxa (a goat’s cheese from Catalonia) and a tangy picos blue from Leon. Perfect! Neither of us was feeling pudding’y but there is a luscious homemade ice cream on the menu alongside the inevitable Crema Catalana. Steven says, ‘I am a great believer in sourcing locally and we are proud to include that providence on our website. Jason at Fruits de Mer in Broadstairs supplies us with fresh fish daily, our meat is from Rooks, and our vegetables from Prentis, both in my local High Street. Cheeses and wine come from Turners. I have used Richard now for over ten years and in that time he’s gone from selling cheese out the back of a van to being one of largest suppliers of fine foods in the south east of England. That’s what buying local can do.’ Come the summer months, Steven has plans for a couple of street side tables so – notwithstanding the vagaries of an English summer get ready to dust off your mantillas and enjoy a touch of España on sea. Fabulós!
[food and drink ]
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[food and drink ]
…...a naturally inspiring wedding venue on the East Coast of Kent
Award winning wedding venue Licensed for ceremonies Panoramic natural daylight throughout Stunning seaside location Surrounded by a glorious garden Backdrop of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover
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Call: 01304 851 737 Visit: www.pinescalyx.co.uk The Pines Calyx, The Pines Garden St. Margaret’s Bay, Kent CT15 6DZ
Spa Hall&
Celebrate at York’s Finest Middlethorpe
[travel ]
Words by Peter DaSilva
The 9th July 2012 marks the 800th anniversary of York becoming a self-governing city. In 1212 King John signed a charter allowing York’s citizens, rather than the sheriff, to collect and pay the annual tax to the Crown, to hold their own courts and to appoint a mayor. York is marking the anniversary with York 800, a year-long programme of events for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • The legendary York Cycle of Mystery Plays in August, performed outdoors in the Museum Gardens for the first time since the 1980s •A special weekend of events in July to mark the exact anniversary of the granting of the Charter on 9 July 1212, including the climax of the Choral Ebor Vox project •T he creation of a new Youth Charter for the city •Y ork Stories, when residents will be able to record their own personal stories about the city for posterity • A Medieval Summer of events •A specially commissioned Big City Read, featuring a medieval murder mystery set in The Minster, by Susanna Gregory •T he Festival of Ideas and Innovation, on the theme of Metamorphosis and Transformation The first weekend in July - Charter Weekend - will include the opening of the 2012 Festival of the Rivers. A flotilla of hundreds of boats will progress along the River Ouse, and dozens of York choirs and other singers will come together as the climax of the Ebor Vox project to perform a specially commissioned work around the city by Benjamin Till, composer of the Symphony for Yorkshire. In addition, other major events will be taking place
Celebrating the
800th
anniversary since becoming a selfgoverning city
www.middlethorpe.com Middlethorpe Hall, York, Yorkshire, YO23 2GB, Tel: +44 (1904) 641241
in the city, including the return of Railfest to the National Railway Museum, celebrating York's links to the railways over the centuries; the Olympic torch coming to York; a Chocolate Festival in the spring, when the city will celebrate its historic links to another of its major industries; and Illuminating York 2012, with a special theme. www.york800.com York is rich in 18th century houses of superlative quality, not least Middlethorpe Hall & Spa which was built for Thomas Barlow c.16991701. Today the 29 bedroom hotel showcases decoration in the manner of the 18th Century and is furnished with antiques and fine paintings whilst also looking out on 20 acres of stunning manicured gardens and parkland. To enjoy time at Middlethorpe Hall & Spa is to enjoy life. Guests are invited to sit back in one of large entrance halls featuring a stunning oak staircase and chequered marble floors and to later enjoy a meal in the panelled dining rooms where history is reflected all around and finally enjoy the elegance in the sumptuous bedrooms and suites. This all takes place inside whilst a beautiful 20 acres of gardens awaits
Accommodation & Breakfast priced £199.00 per room inclusive of VAT based on two sharing and includes use of Health Club facilities exploration outside including a fragrant rose garden, walled garden and a romantic meadow which leads to a lake surrounded by beautiful specimen trees. Dining at Middlethorpe Hall is an experience in itself and head chef Nicholas Evans has created a selection of traditional British menus that have seen the restaurant receive 2 AA Rosettes. Luncheon is priced from £19.50 for 2 courses. A further opportunity to relax is available at the Spa at Middlethorpe Hall which has been built behind the façade of a pair of listed Grade II Edwardian cottages. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, a steam room, sauna and a whirlpool bath. Using a selection of leading spa brands, therapists offer treatments for women and men in the three spa treatment rooms. A gymnasium is also available. Make York your next destination and stay at Middlethorpe Hall, York’s highest rated hotel and celebrate a unique anniversary in true style. 61
[travel ]
A shiny new minimalist art space surrounded on all sides by signs and graffiti deploring its very existence? Who knew an East Sussex gallery could cause such a furore? See what all the fuss is about on a visit to Hastings' new Jerwood Gallery.
I'm going to do tell you what I think of Hastings’ new Jerwood Gallery. Not because you should care what I personally think about East Sussex’s latest artistic venture, but because talking about the new space, which is being mentioned in the same hushed tones as the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill and Margate’s own Turner Contemporary, is all about personal perspective and involves taking sides - either for or against the gallery's presence. At first I thought I knew which side I was on: a new modern art gallery opens up in a local British seaside town with a historic past, a quirky and artistic reputation, but an uncertain future, in need of regeneration and hardly first in the queue for investment. It seems like a positive step. I also have a real soft spot for a day out in Hastings, enjoying fish and chips on the shingle beach, blustery 62
walks on the hill above town and afternoon tea and antique trawling in Hastings' old town with George Street’s quirky and artistic shops always offering a diversion, so I was happy to add yet another reason to visit to the list. But it turned out that the only thing that's black and white when it comes to the Jerwood Gallery is its shiny black façade of hand-glazed tiles and its stark white interior, punctuated by modern British art from a permanent collection of 200 paintings. In the run up to the opening in late March the local news was awash with vox pops from residents and business owners, genuinely split by the decision to open a £4million modern art gallery, charging £7 a pop (though just £2 for Hastings residents, and free to locals once a month) in a town suffering from some noteworthy poverty, and with an already well-established artistic
Photography by Jaillan
The Art of
[travel [title ]
The Jerwood Gallery www.jerwoodgallery.org Tues - Fri 11am - 4pm Sat - Sun 11am - 6pm
During peak holiday periods (Easter and Summer) opening hours are : Mon - Sun 10am - 6pm There is also an onsite café upstairs, with seating inside and out overlooking the sea. Big Boys Sit in the Front, a retrospective of Rose Wylie’s work runs on until Sunday 1 July 2012.
Controversy: Words and Photography by Jaillan Yehia
Hastings’ Jerwood Gallery community who require funding for their existing projects. A quick glance at the ‘Jerwood No Campaign’ website educated me further about the real issues causing locals much concern – the location of the gallery on The Stade, (an old Saxon word meaning beach) the area where the town meets the sea and where the fishermen are still based, being the main bone of contention. The Stade was also home to the town’s income-producing coach park, now moved on to make way for a slightly different type of tourist, the type who is drawn to cutting-edge architecture and contemporary art, and it’s not a popular move with everyone. On opening weekend I found Hastings buzzing with more activity than I'd ever encountered. More proof that the gallery was a positive addition to the town, bringing in tourism and creating buzz?On the short walk from the town car park to the gallery all the excited day-trippers passed multiple signs, placards and graffiti vehemently opposing the creation of the
Jerwood and I had to wonder how successful a project can be deemed when it is the subject of this much opposition. Once inside, it is a challenge to concentrate on the art without being distracted by the written protests encircling the gallery, which are visible through and framed by the Jerwood’s large sections of glazed walls. Being inside the gallery on opening weekend was like being under a silent siege. Within the gallery itself the staff and visitors were friendly but there was an unusual atmosphere in the air and I distinctly remember feeling I should fold up my Jerwood gallery gift shop bag and place it inside my handbag after leaving, rather than court controversy by toting it around town for the rest of the day, like a banker taking his bonus cheque into the middle of an Occupy protest camp. It’s easy to forget in all this fuss that I was there to look at the art. The opening exhibition on the ground floor of work by Kent artist Rose Wylie runs until July 2012
and has created a great deal of buzz around the 77-year-old, who has, to much amusement, even been termed ‘up and coming’. On the first floor more traditional work by L.S. Lowry and Duncan Grant amongst other British artists is on display, and being viewed eagerly by a good cross-section of young and old. My personal favourite artist in the permanent collection is Walter Richard Sickert, although the Welsh marshes and Shropshire landscapes of West Sussex artist Ivon Hitchens also made a lasting impression. Sadly none of the art made an impression as great as the controversy surrounding its housing, and I can only hope this changes. My advice is to go to Hastings, and see the Jerwood for yourself. Enjoy the gallery, but support the town too. Then you won’t have to listen to what I think of the gallery, you can make up your own mind what it all means. That after all is what art is about.
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[travel ]
Patience is a
Words and Photography by Jaillan Yehia
Virtue They say a safari is the holiday of a lifetime, and as Jaillan Yehia discovers at South Africa’s Madikwe National Park, having the perfect guide makes that trip into the bush even more unforgettable.
“Here comes the McDonalds of the bush, showing us his ‘M’” says my guide, Patience, and with that a herd of impala trot into view. These beautiful Southern African antelopes, whose markings include a black letter M painted on their sandy rear ends, are in plentiful supply and represent the perfect snack for the park’s predatory animals, including lions. So far on my three-day summer safari at Thakadu River Camp, the only tented lodge in this 75,000 hectare reserve, I’d been scarily close to lions twice, but had yet to witness a kill – something that I was quietly grateful for, even though I knew I should be disappointed. 64
[travel ]
Nestled in the far Northern corner of South Africa by the Botswana border, Madikwe National Park is not in most brochures and it’s barely featured in the guidebooks, but it offers malaria-free game viewing for guests at the 30 private lodges within its borders. And unlike most game reserves Madikwe doesn’t accept day visitors, so all that elusive Big 5 wildlife is exclusively for guests’ eyes only. Each lodge is staffed by knowledgeable rangers taking up to 10 guests out on private safaris in open-topped Land Cruisers but Thakadu is a unique community lodge, part-owned by the nearby Molatedi village and combines luxurious accommodation and facilities with a friendly ambience and real people-based conservation. The lodge is staffed by warm and welcoming local people who also work the land or share their knowledge - like Patience, my game guide and driver, who I soon learn is a formidable character and a lynchpin in the success of the project as well as being the most sought-after guide in the entire reserve. “Tourist guides are like teachers;” she explains, “while a ranger deals more with the animals, guides deal more with people.” I can’t help wonder which is harder. Patience makes it look effortless, expertly handling the Land Cruiser on rough terrain to get closer to a herd of buffalo while simultaneously spotting snakes and dung beetles
on the ground and colourful birds in the treetops. She tells me that “guides are always learning and every guide has their own way of interpreting the bush - you have to find your own style.” Whatever Patience’s style is, it’s working. After nine years in the field (half that time spent cutting her teeth as an animal tracker) and as one of the only women in a very male dominated industry she has guests requesting her, other guides deferring to her and everyone falling under her spell. Despite an understated charm and a self-effacing demeanour, she is shrewd enough to know that her clients are well-travelled so she cultivates an encyclopaedic knowledge of the bush, the 306 bird species and the 66 types of mammal that inhabit it, and even the stars that shine over it during your evening drive back to camp. Thakadu gives you the feeling of being welcomed into an extended family home, albeit a luxurious one, and little touches here make a huge difference; turndown service includes not just a chocolate but a handmade bookmark on your pillow featuring Zulu stories, like The Day The Baboon Outwitted The Leopard. You quickly embrace the routine of the bush: If the squawking and screeching of the dawn chorus doesn’t wake you then a call from Patience at 5.30am will – it’s a quick coffee and a rusk then you’re
jumping on the jeep for the first thrilling game drive of the day just as the sun is starting to warm the air. Once aboard it’s time to dish out the coveted ‘spotting seats’ high up at the back of the tank-like vehicle, and best occupied by those with trained eyes, while the comfortseekers in the group take the more stable lower benches or ride up front with Patience and listen-in to the crackle of the radio over which the park rangers call in animal activity, and alert each other to major sightings at evocative place names in the park such as Guinea Fowl South. We spend the first two days hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Wild Dog for which the reserve is known, and then on day three we get lucky as a large pack is spotted, and Patience drives like a bat out of hell so we can get a good long look at these creatures; they may look like your pet pooch, but they’ll rip their prey limb from limb without taking the trouble to kill it first meaning the poor animal, Patience informs us in one of her typically salient sound bites, usually dies from shock. During the winter months game drives can be all day affairs but in summer the scorching hot sun dictates a combination of early morning and late afternoon forays punctuated by a slap-up latemorning breakfast, high tea with home-made cakes and a threecourse lunch. 65
[travel ] From the lodge’s wooden deck you can cool off in in the plunge pool while watching elephants doing some more cumbersome, muddier bathing of their own in the Marico River. Or back in your suite under the canvas you can take a siesta in camping-goes-luxe surroundings lulled to sleep by the sound of the reserve in which you are gently cocooned.
The lodge has a varied clientele including couples and groups but is a child friendly choice too with cutely named Bumble Tours, which are mini-safaris for the little ones avoiding any dangerous animals and keeping the duration to an hour to prevent boredom setting in. It’s Little 5, not Big 5 for the kids ant lions instead of real lions to the relief of the parents.
Late-afternoon drives begin around 4pm, with a stop at dusk for decadent sundowners then its home in time for dinner, which often comes in the shape of a braai -South African barbeque -served under the stars.
And if the adults here are in search of serious game viewing then unlike Kruger Park or other safaris they’re almost guaranteed a bumper crop of animal activity. The system of guides radioing in the sightings and working together to track and
spot animals makes your chances of seeing the Big 5 incredibly high even if you only have a couple of days to play with, so the irony is that here in Madikwe, patience is one virtue you don’t really need. You’ve heard of the Big 5, but what about the Little 5? Check out the big game show-stoppers’ less-famous namesakes. BIG 5 LITTLE 5 Elephant Elephant Shrew Rhino Rhino Beetle Buffalo Buffalo Weaver Lion Ant Lion Leopard Leopard Tortoise (ed: pictured being held by Patience)
Getting There & Staying There: Flight Centre (0844 800 8628; www. www.flightcentre.co.uk ) offers flights to South Africa on numerous airlines in all classes. Fares to Cape Town from £522; fares to Johannesburg from £499* Call or visit your local Flight Centre at 8-9 The Parade, Canterbury. Tel: 01227 786555. With Flight Centre’s flight guarantee, if they can’t find you a cheaper airfare in the same cabin, you can fly for free. *Prices correct at time of going to press
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Federal Air (+27 (0)11 3959000, www.fedair.com) flies twice-daily 45-minute shuttle services between Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport and Madikwe National Park’s airstrips, from around £330 return. They also operate a private helicopter transfer for the ultimate luxury transfer. Driving: Thakadu is a four hour drive from Johannesburg. The legendary ‘African Las Vegas’ of Sun City is halfway making it an ideal stop-off point.
Thakadu River Camp (+27 (0)11 676-3123, www.thakadurivercamp.com) offers accommodation in twelve tented suites, each with its own private viewing deck and luxurious bathroom. Costs from £245 per person per night based on a minimum of 2 sharing on an all-inclusive basis and with two game drives per day. Get more travel inspiration at
www.savoirthere.com
[car review ]
Words by John Sanson
a beauty This car is intense. You're probably going to get this just by the looks of the thing. 16 inch alloy wheels, sill extensions, Abarth badges everywhere (not a Fiat badge in sight - Abarth is a stand alone company remember), dual exhausts and a rear diffuser would make it unlikely to be mistaken for a two cylinder base model to be honest.... Start the engine and the 1.4 litre Turbo Charged unit fairly erupts through the twin pipes. The twin cam engine pushes out 133 Bhp which is enough to push the car up to 60 mph in under 8 seconds and on to over 130 mph. The car I had was a bright red convertible that even earned a toot and a thumbs up from a Ferrari 458 driver that passed me in downtown Tunbridge Wells. I only had the car for 24 hours but
found myself in love within minutes. I'm not sure what my favourite bits were so here are some of the highlights.... Firstly, how it looks outside. Tin or soft top the car has character. All 500's instinctively look good but the Abarth adds an extra dimension with all the go faster bits. It is extremely amusing to see something so small (and dare I say it) 'cute' demonised in this way. Other visual attributes
include Xenon Lights, painted brake calipers and nifty front and rear spoilers. Secondly, how the car looks inside. The basic architecture of the (body coloured) dashboard is cool anyway but the Abarth adds some cool bespoke stuff. Perched on top is a combined Turbo Boost and gear shift change-up light. Watching the gauge spin round as the boost kicks in is just too addictive! 67
[car review ]
Other Abarth flourishes include a chunky flat bottomed sports wheel and lovely supportive bucket seats. The gearstick is placed high on the dashboard and next to the wheel, making one handed changes devilishly quick. Take one hand off the wheel and slam it in the next gear in microseconds as soon as the gear shift light flashes at you. To be honest, space isn’t too bad either. I'm 6ft 4 and up front I had plenty of leg room and two up shoulder room was fine as well. Equipment wise air-con, leccy mirrors and windows, a good stereo, iPod connectivity and Bluetooth add a premium feel. All this is standard equipment. Thirdly the noise. Its sounds delicious. The twin exhausts provide a sporty note that sounds great whether in or out of the car, and on over-run will pop and bang as unspent fuel is unceremoniously combusted in the pipework. Mated to 68
that exhaust is of course the engine. As the Abarth is such a light car a turbo charged 1.4 litre engine is more than plenty to put it mildly. Units in cars such as the Mini Cooper pale in comparison and character compared to the one in the Abarth. The Boost gauge is much more than a trinket as it helps the driver keep the car on power at all times. Fiat has been clever too in adding a Sport button that doesn’t just make the car feel faster by turning up the engine noise a bit and giving the driver the perception of speed. Instead steering weight, throttle mapping and torque are dialled up and down at the push of a button. Taking the Abarth out of Sport mode is useful in town as it lightens the steering and makes the throttle less sensitive. Its great to have the choice. Lastly, the handling. This is a car that can be driven through the seat of your pants - literally. I felt everything
that was going on underneath through the seat. The Abarth has direct steering too. It bonds with the chassis to goad the driver into trying that little bit harder through a corner in order to clip the apex a bit closer and always pulls you out safely the other side thanks to a host of safety aids (Just in case...). Primary and secondary ride is quite supple for one so sporty and the Abarth will settle down to a cruise if asked. Unfortunately it rained whilst I had my (all too brief) time with the Abarth, but in between April showers the electric roof came into its own. At the touch of a button the roof dropped to let in the sunshine and intensify the experience. Roof down the engine sound is magnified and everything feels much more intense. I took the car for a cruise along the seafront in Broadstairs and in the early spring sunshine understood why the Abarth works so well as a
[car review ]
convertible. The heater thankfully is more than up to the job of dealing with the (so far) brutally cold 2012 British Spring and kept me snug whilst the outside temperature display notched up a 'balmy' 5 degrees! In summary I guess I have to be honest and say that I really can't confidently state what my favourite bit was. I think that ultimately the Abarth is such an easy car to love that anyone who is lucky enough
to drive one could give a sermon on every aspect I have listed. Suffice to say the Abarth is far more than the sum of its parts and deserves consideration from anyone that wants a well rounded and surprisingly mature pocket rocket that blows the cobwebs away and allows you to enjoy driving again in this age of (getting on for) £1.50 per litre petrol prices and motorway gridlock. The Abarth inspires you to take a road less travelled.
The Fiat 500 Abarth can be purchased in 2 flavours (soft or hard top) and starts at £17000k. A small price to pay for such a machine. If you were considering anything else then I would ask you to think again. Who wants a boring ubiquitous Mini? The Abarth is everything you could want if you love driving. Do it. Go Drive.
box
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Performance House, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Maidstone, Kent, ME20 7XA Performance House, Forstal Road, Tel: 08430 225845Kent, www.lipscomb.co.uk Aylesford, Maidstone, ME20 7XA Tel: 08430 225845 www.lipscomb.co.uk 69
Fuel Cons mpg (l/100km): urban 33.6 (8.4) / extra-urban 52.3 (5.4) / combined 43.5 (6.5) / CO2 emissions: 151g/km Fuel Cons mpg (l/100km): urban 33.6 (8.4) / extra-urban 52.3 (5.4) / combined 43.5 (6.5) / CO2 emissions: 151g/km
[motor sport review ]
Louise Cook Words by Peter Nichols
One of Kents finest sporting talents, Louise Cook is a paradigm for fun fearless females around the world. Maidstone Marvel Miss Cook is well on the way to taking the world by storm as she pursues her ultimate goal to be the first female to wear the World Rally Championship crown.
Having taken the plunge to leave her safe but unexciting receptionist job Louise now spends her days driving at over 100 mph down closed country lanes and unmade forest tracks, undertaking and determinedly searching out sponsors to make it to each rally. If there’s one thing you need to understand about Louise Cook is that she is one focused, bright and savvy individual. Louise got her first taste behind the wheel at a very young age, her late father, Robert Cook, gave her the perfect present on her 6th birthday, a battery powered car. Louise enlisted her first co-driver Honey (her pet rabbit) and would drive 70
round and round until the battery went flat, though not without incident (casualties I’m told include two conservatories, two garden fences and the cars front axle). Louise’s love of cars spilled over into her education and at 19 she opted to study Car Design at Coventry University. After successfully completing a diploma in Car Design, Louise decided that as much as she loved design her “need for speed” was really what she wanted to pursue. On a visit to a car show, she saw a competition advertised to get more women into Rallying. Astonishingly, with no prior motorsport experience (save a few battery powered back garden
rallies) Louise not only entered but amazingly finished 2nd out of the 1000 women that entered. Agonisingly only the first place finisher got to take part in a real rally - but that was it, the seed had been sown, planted and was ready for harvesting in Louise’s mind. The determined Miss Cook promptly entered for her rally license BARS test, passed first time and her first rally soon followed. Competing on a tarmac rally based at the Rockingham Speedway in December 2006, and funded by her student loan, Louise managed a top half finish in her first rally (51st out of 105 in a borrowed beaten up Peugeot 205).
[motor sport review ] With no means of financial support beyond her own savings Louise came to two conclusions; firstly that any money she needed to continue in the sport she loved she would have to find herself, and secondly that in order to attract financial backing she would have to become damned good! After extensive research Louise found that the Scandinavian countries seem to dominate in the sport – and with good reason. A lot of this success can be attributed to the extreme winters and sub zero temperatures meaning every trip to the shops involved extreme driving, demanding a high level of car control. Louise sought out a Swedish rally school who trained on frozen lakes in mid-winter. In February 2007 Louise spent two weeks on the Swedish lakes and boy did it pay off. “I had hardly ever locked the brakes or had the back end of the car going crazy all over the place until Sweden. The first few times you lose control and bury the car in a 4 foot high snow bank, but you soon get sick of digging the car out with a shovel and you quickly learn to concentrate more and act before the car acts for you” said Cook. After two hard weeks Louise set a new precedent at the rally school and at the final competitive run against the stopwatch Louise cleaned up beating all the boys on the course. The Ice King trophy had to be re-engraved for 2007 with Ice Queen! The hard work and daring move paid off for Louise, and though it left her with no money for rallying on her return, she was convinced she had invested the money in the right place to develop her skill. With everything finally coming together in 2007 Louise was devastated by the news that her father, Robert, was diagnosed with terminal cancer and all thoughts
of rallying were put on hold as she understandably wanted to be there for her dad. However, due to her success in 2007 Louise was offered a free place at the Swedish Rally School in February 2008. After a long discussion with her family, Louise was encouraged to take the 6 days out and not let the opportunity slip, a decision she may have regretted. On only the second day of practice, disaster struck when the car she was a passenger in left the road at 80mph and rolled three times. Louise was left with a broken collar bone with a one inch gap and (as later diagnosed on her return to the UK) nine broken ribs! If ever you needed proof that Miss Cook is indeed one focused individual – well here it is. Louise went back out on the lakes the very next day, faced her demons and with one arm and half a set of ribs she went out and set the fastest time of the day. Believe it or not Louise felt that the accident, in many ways, helped her driving, as she says, “Strangely, it brought my driving on. I had to balance the car perfect(sic) and never go off the racing line, I was scared out of my mind and was shocked that I managed to beat everyone else; it was by a good margin too, I asked them to re check but it was correct. One arm behind my back is the future then I thought” Once again however, her return from Scandinavian shores heralded bad times as Louise’s physical condition demanded she take at least a three month lay-off – but far worse her father eventually passed away in July 2008. 2009 brought back strength to Louise. Desperate to find a way of getting her rallying career going, the Kent based female came up with an idea to find 500 x £50 sponsors rather than one £25,000 sponsor.
Louise started a campaign, now called Promotion50 and managed to find 300 companies to come on board with lots of product supporters and was able to get her first full season underway in 2010. She competed in a Ford Fiesta ST, in the British Rally Championship Challenge, the equivalent of Division 1 in football terms. Louise had to make some serious sacrifices, including selling her road car to get to the first round. “Cookie” – as she is known on the circuit - also charged around the industrial estates of Kent, knocking on business doors and spreading the message about her £50 campaign. The hard slog paid off as “Cookie” enjoyed a very successful 2010 finishing in the top ten of the British Rally Championship Challenge and winning her RC4 class. In 2011 Louise entered into the Premier League of rallying in the UK, the MSA British Rally Championship, in only her second season - a phenomenal achievement. Within the championship, Louise placed second in the highly competitive one make series, the Fiesta Sporting Trophy (despite driving the older, slower Fiesta ST as opposed to the new sequential and more modified Fiesta) and was also crowned British Female Rally Champion. In 2012 Cookie is now competing in the Production World Rally Championship with only 13 rallies under her belt. Having completed her first WRC event in January,”Rallye Monte Carlo”, where she became the first ever female to gain a podium finish in the Production World Rally Championship, Louise has taken another step forward to reaching her ultimate goal, to become the first female world rally champion. One thing’s for sure – I wouldn’t bet against it!
Help Louise realise her goal and check out her site at www.cutecookie.co.uk Join Louise Cook on facebook now facebook.com/LouiseCookGB
follow her latest news @ LouiseCookGB on Twitter. 71
[fashion ]
e d i s l o o P n o i h s a F
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St Geoges Street, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2TB 01227 766866 canterbury.enquires@fenwick.co.uk
Lepel Bikini Ultramarine Top £29 Bottoms £17 73
[fashion ]
Lepel Bikini Swimsuit ÂŁ40
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Lepel Bikini Top £29 Bottoms £17 75
[fashion ]
Lepel Tankini Tankini ÂŁ30 Shorts ÂŁ19
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Lepel Bikini Top £25 Bottoms £17
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Red or Dead Tankini Tankini ÂŁ79
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Red or Dead Tankini Bikini ÂŁ69
79
fashion ] ] [[education
All clothes from a selection
Gant Preppy Oxford Jacket £350 Bermuda Shorts £65
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[fashion] [education
Gant Washed Pinpoint Oxford Shirt £70 Linen Blazer £325 Maine Super Chinos £115
n at Fenwick, Canterbury
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[fashion ]
outfit one
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outfit three
This outfit is all about creating a curve, so pick a dress with a waistline that will create one for you. Skinny jeans follow the curve of your body and look great in a fun colour for this season.
The bold print on this Phase Eight dress is great for your shape, choose to team with a shorter cardi. The three quarter length sleeves on this one will flatter your fantastic waistline.
Wearing a neutral colour on your bottom half will help to minimise your larger hips, team with a bright colour from this season to complete the look. Jaeger have done all the work for you with this fab maxi dress.
BOYISH SHAPE
HOUR GLASS
PEAR SHAPE
Next Special Purchase polka-dot dress £10 Next Special Purchase skinny jeans £18 Fiorelli bag RRP £49 Outlet Price £24.50 Phase Eight Dress RRP £95 Outlet Price £66.50 Phase Eight Cardi RRP £49 Outlet Price £34.30
& Jaeger maxi dress RRP £180 Outlet Price £90 Fiorelli over the shoulder bag RRP £39 Outlet Price £19.50
trends f Deborah Eastlake is a Personal Style Advisor at Ashford Designer Outlet. She has picked out a range of up to the minute outfits from the centre to suit your body shape, whatever it may be.
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[fashion ]
outfit four
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Bold block colours are great for your shape, we love this block colour shift dress from Jaeger teamed with a Phase Eight three quarter length sleeve cardi to flatter your waistline. Add some statement jewellery to finish the outfit.
Start with a colourful maxi dress like this on trend paisley dress from GAP and match with a lighter colour single breasted summer jacket, the single button will pull in your waistline.
Showing a little more of your fantastic legs will help to make you look a lot taller, this dress from Next outlet is perfect for your height and shape. We have matched with an oversize bag from Fiorelli to finish the look.
ROUND TUMMY
APPLE SHAPE
PETITE FIGURE
Next Special Purchase dress £14 Jaeger sunglasses RRP £90 Outlet Price £20 Fiorelli bag RRP £69 Outlet Price £48.30
Jaeger dress RRP £180 Outlet Price £125 Phase Eight cardi RRP £49 Outlet Price £34.50 Jaeger necklace RRP £90 Outlet Price £35.00
GAP maxi dress £44.99 Fiorelli sunglasses RRP £35 Outlet Price £10.50 Jaeger Jacket RRP £260 Outlet Price £75
ashion
Deborah Eastlake - Personal Shopper Designer Outlet Ashford Management Suite, Kimberley Way Ashford TN24 0SD T: 01233 895 903 E: deborah.eastlake@mcarthurglen.com www.ashforddesigneroutlet.com Twitter: ashford_outlet
Deborah spent years living in London running a vintage clothing boutique and has sold clothes to many high profile customers including Jenny Packman, Kate Moss and Jean-Paul Gaultier. Having returned to live in her home town Deborah is now keen to share her expertise with customers at the Ashford Designer Outlet. 83
[fashion ] Henri Lloyd Socks at McArthurGlen’s Ashford Outlet price: £6.00
Ted Baker – Floral Trim T-Shirt at McArthurGlen’s Ashford Outlet price: £35.00
Ted Baker Gingham Shirt - Navy at McArthurGlen’s Ashford Outlet price: £50.00
The Body Shop White Musk at McArthurGlen’s Ashford Outlet price: £16.00
gift guide Ashford Designer Outlet: Kimberley Way, Ashford, Kent, TN24 0SD, UK Telephone: +44 (0) 1233 895900
MOSS Scarf at McArthurGlen’s Ashford Outlet price: £7.00
MOSS Leather Gloves at McArthurGlen’s Ashford Outlet price: £30.00
The Body Shop Sports Aftershave Gift Set at McArthurGlen’s Ashford Outlet price: £26.00 Oneida 19 Piece BBQ Set at McArthurGlen’s Ashford Outlet price: £38.50 84
Janine’s
[health and fitness ]
beauty
tips
Janine Knell owns PURE indulgence by the sea in Whitstable. Janine is trained in reflexology, massage, holistic and beauty treatments and has run her successful salon since 2004.
Improve your home facial routine that suit your busy lifestyle and finances. The most important thing about a beauty treatment is that it not only makes you look good but that it makes you feel good too. In conjunction with the occasional visit to the salon, where you can take advantage of their specialist advice and facial treatments using serums and specialised masks, this can be achieved at home. Nearly everyone’s concern eventually, is ageing. The first step towards slowing the ageing process down is to keep your skin hydrated, exfoliated and balanced because without the skin being in good condition in the first place no anti-ageing creams are going to work their best.
FIRST OFF, DO YOUR RESEARCH!
How often do you find yourself doing your weekly food shop in a hurry and just grabbing the nicest looking bottle of facial products on the shelf without considering whether or not it is right for your skin type and condition? They are usually cheaper than the Brand products in the local salon but do they work? Do they suit your skin? Do you like them and in honesty how many of these part used bottles are in your bathroom cabinet as you discover that they are not really for you? Pop into your local beauty salon for advice and help in choosing a product to suit your skin. They have
sample products for you to take home and try so that when you do come to make your purchase you can be confident that you a buying exactly what feels right for you and will give you the benefits that you are seeking. The other bonus, of course, is that you will not end up with a bathroom cabinet full of half used bottles of inappropriate products! Like everything in life, you get what you pay for and most salon products work out the same as supermarket brands if used correctly. Again, advice on how to maximise the use of the product can be given from the skin specialists within the salon.
PREPARATION IS EVERYTHING: Cleanse and tone: find a good face wash/cleanser/toner. It’s no use purchasing a separate cleanser and toner when realistically you don't have the time to use both. Try a good cleanse and tone in one application like Clarins Water Comfort cleanser or Elemis Pro Radiance Cleanser. Exfoliate: if you are not exfoliating your skin on a regular basis, your skin cannot absorb your moisturiser properly and so will not give you the full benefit it has to offer. This is due to your pores being clogged by dead skin cells making your skin look dry and dehydrated. Be aware that if your skin is oily, exfoliating too often will cause more oil production. In this case the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel is recommended as it is an exfoliator that will make your complexion appear smoother and brighter by dissolving dead skin cells without rubbing so it is particularly well suited to mature, delicate or oily skin. A visit to a beauty salon can make you feel good by giving you good advice on how to care for your skin and giving you the correct treatments and products to ensure that you look and feel your best. Janine @ PURE indulgence by the sea 01227 772176
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[health and fitness]
You can argue – with some justification – that lazing around in a hot and sunny place is actually good for you.
Being holiday healthy
The sun makes us feel happy, relaxed and, importantly it triggers the production of vitamin D in our bodies. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle or misshapen. However, that doesn’t give us a green light to over do it, or to ignore the type of skin we have and whether it is up to the rigours the sun can impose. The fact is, the sun can also leave us with malignant melanoma, and the most serious type of skin cancer since it easily spreads around the body. Sadly, it kills 1,500 people a year in England and Wales and is the sixth most common cancer overall. 86
sa e and practicing
The main cause of malignant melanoma comes from exposing your skin to too much UV light, from the sun or indeed sun beds. You don’t even need to lie around sunbathing; either just being in the sun can cause considerable damage to the skin cells.
Surprisingly, most British cases are caused by sun right here in the UK. However, the good news is that if skin cancers are caught early the cure rates are very high: between 70-90%, depending on the type. The sun can be a great friend but, if we don’t respect it, a deadly enemy as well.
sun
[health and fitness ]
AM I AT RISK?
WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD DO
Everyone should take great care in the sun, and certain people are especially at risk.
To protect yourself against the effects of radiation, make sure you follow these tips and stay SMART: •S – Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm • M – Make sure you never burn •A – Aim to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses
Take special care if: •Y ou are fair skinned, have light coloured hair, or have freckles • You have a lot of moles • You have had skin cancer before • You use sun beds •Y ou are on medication or are using beauty products which increase your skin’s vulnerability to the sun’s rays •Y our immune system is vulnerable: for example, if you have certain auto immune diseases or are on medication that is lowering your immunity •Y ou are spending time in hot conditions • You work outdoors
AVOID HOLIDAY ILLNESS Many illnesses we pick up on holiday come from contaminated food and water. To help prevent this, remember the maxim • Boil it • Cook it • Peel it Drink bottled water abroad and make sure the seal on the bottle is not broken before you drink it.
VACCINATE Make sure you’re fully vaccinated before you travel, especially in areas with malaria – BMI The Chaucer Hospital in Canterbury and BMI The Somerfield in Maidstone offer a travel vaccination service that has experts on hand who can advise you on which malaria treatment is best suited to your destination. Don’t forget you will need to plan this at least six to eight weeks before you travel.
•R – Remember to take extra care with all children and even greater care if they’re fair or red haired, and /or have pale eyes or freckles. Never put babies in direct sunlight •T – Then use a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15 or higher, if you’re more at risk. Check its use by date too.
SKINWATCH Always keep an eye on your skin and get someone to help you with places you can’t see or reach. Every three months do a thorough check. The first sign of a melanoma is often a new mole appearing or changes to an existing mole, often in colour or size. A malignant mole can appear anywhere on the body, but is most common on the legs (for women), backs (for men) and faces (for older people).The signs are as easy as ABCD Have you got a suspect mole? Try this simple test: •A is for Asymmetry - a suspect mole has an irregular shape. Normal moles are round or oval
• B is for Border - a melanoma’s border is uneven and irregular, perhaps appearing ragged or notched •C is for Colour - a melanoma has two or more colours (while normal moles tend to be just one). It may bleed or itch too. •D is for Diameter - Normal moles are less than 6mm from side to side; melanomas tend to be larger. If you notice one or more of these signs, go to your GP without delay It’s not just the sun that can make or more specifically break your holiday. To make your vacation one to remember for all the right reasons, follow these simple holiday health tips.
HOW TO PREVENT DVT A deep vein thrombosis (or DVT) is the name for a blood clot in one of the body’s deep veins. These are unusual but can occur when we are sitting still for long periods, for example during long-haul flights of over eight hours. To help prevent a DVT: •A void dehydration and drinking too much alcohol. Wear loose clothing, especially around the waist or lower legs. •W alk around as much as possible during your journey. Flex and extend your ankles to encourage blood flow.
To make an appointment with a Consultant Dermatologist or to book a travel vaccine at BMI The Chaucer Hospital in Canterbury; Please call; 01277 825 117 - Dr Susannah Baron - Dr Andrew Birnie - Dr Ashley Cooper - Dr Emilia Duarte Williamson To make an appointment with a Consultant Dermatologist or to book a travel vaccine at BMI The Somerfield Hospital in Maidstone Please call; 01622 208032 - Dr Saul Halpern - Dr Sriramulu Tharakaram
•D on’t store anything under your seat, especially on planes, as this restricts leg movement. 87
[feature ]
g n i v li
sustainable
nt
in East Ke
A common theme coming through from each project I have visited is that living sustainably means living more healthily and simply whilst having plenty of fun along the way. This month I am visiting Rippledown Environmental Education Centre. Since opening in 1977, Rippledown set in 3 acres of land close to the White Cliffs of Dover, has welcomed close to 50,000 young primary school children from Inner London, Kent and other parts of the South East. A visit to the Centre gives a young child the opportunity to engage with the natural world, whilst also for many providing them with their first experience of being away from home.
There are a growing number of places and projects locally reflecting the tangible opportunities of approaching a way of life that is more closely connected both to the natural world and each other.
filled experience. The natural environment helps pupils of all ages and abilities to make sense of the world around in a manner that is simply not possible with other settings. Rippledown isn’t just for primary school age children either – there is a growing youth engagement programme alongside a large array of courses for adults. The centre’s varied programme for the rest of 2012 includes a variety of courses in sustainable building methods, bushcrafts and ‘Permaculture’ (the “permanent agriculture” or “permanent culture” design intelligence that links together people and planet across all areas of living, working and being).
VISITING ‘THE OUTDOOR CLASSROOM’
AND AN ALTERNATIVE TO CENTER PARCS?
Now, more than ever, the Outdoors is important for all children and young people – for not only a more rounded experience, but in particular to ensure they are connected with the natural systems and approaches to living that can guide us to a more sustainable future on our planet. Outdoor activities – through awakening all five senses – can provide any child with a profound and fun-
For the first time this summer the team are providing family holiday packages for ‘staycationers’. For example, the family eco-holiday fortnight from 4th to 19th August offers plenty of activities for children and adults separately, and as family activities. As well as daily activities, there will be several one and two-day courses during this fortnight, which those on the holiday fortnight can attend, or
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anyone coming just for that course. These include an introduction to sustainable building, covering both the theory and a day of hands-on practical learning, with Mark Saich, one of Kent’s leading green building experts, as well as a two day Wild Writing course with author and playwright Simon Lys, who trained on the Royal Court Young Writers programme, that will ‘open the flow of creative potential … unleashing writing that is raw and wild and sings from the soul’. There will also be bushcraft and survival skills activities, as well as plenty of time to relax or play, to go off to the beach or visit Dover Castle - Something for everyone! Last, but by no means least, are the holiday clubs that the centre has been successfully been running for over 20 years during the summer holidays – a chance for our local youngsters to spend a week or two in the healthy outdoors making new friends and learning new skills (whilst maybe providing the added bonus of freeing up mum or dad from hearing the ‘I’m bored refrain!). Diane Martin diane@rippledown.com
Raw
Photos copyright Jo Doran
Renee's Health Food Tips
[food and drink ]
Choc Rocks!
R
enee Maguire is a chef, raw nutrition coach, food writer and motivational healthy eating speaker. Through discovering the benefit of her own health improvements she has dedicated her work to helping others find a balance between the foods they love to eat and the foods their body needs. Renee writes for a variety of newspapers, magazines and blogs, and tours the country delivering inspirational motivational talks and food workshops to find out more visit www.rawchifood.com or email renee@rawchifood.com
With Easter just out of the way I’m sure there are more than a few folk regretting finishing off that enormous chocolate egg – or snaffling a few sneaky bites of their kids half munched chocolate bunnies. Well fear not chocolate lovers everywhere, we have a few good reasons why you should not only look forward to a nice slab of chocolate but you should also feel good about it afterwards. The next time someone tells you chocolate is bad for you, you’ll be able to give them ten reasons why they should rethink their badly chosen words!
TEN REASONS WHY
EATING RAW CHOCOLATE IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH Did you know that pure chocolate contains fabulous esoteric properties and for centuries it has been linked to having strong aphrodisiac effects? Casanova himself, replaced his paunch for champagne in place of chocolate. Chocolate is a fabulous source of arginine, an amino acid that is a natural Viagra. Chocolate is rich in the neurotransmitter phenylethylamine ( PEA) a mood enhancer, also known as the love chemical, that naturally elevates our state of mind. Raw chocolate also contains B vitamins that are important in fighting stress and depression. Raw Chocolate is one of the richest sources of antioxidant on the planet. Most people in the west are deficient in magnesium. Yet magnesium is needed to build and strengthen bones, keep blood circulation flowing smoothly, and relax nerves and muscles. Raw chocolate is thought to contain the highest concentration of magnesium than any other food source. The fats in raw chocolate are mostly good fats, and most of the fat in raw chocolate is oleic acid, (a monounsaturated fat, which is also found in olive oil). As a replacement for other saturated fats, oleic acid can lower total cholesterol level and it has also been shown to slow the development of heart disease, and promotes the production of antioxidants.
Raw chocolate is more likely to assist in weight loss than weight gain, unlike commercial chocolate that uses milk fat and partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. These are the type of oils that could typically be blamed for weight gain. Eating raw chocolate has also been shown to be an appetite suppressant as it contains a small amount of theobromine, which reduces your physical cravings for food, while the high levels of serotonin remove the need for emotional eating. Raw chocolate can make you even more beautiful, it contains the mineral sulphur, which is needed to build strong nails and hair. It can also detoxify the liver and promotes healthy, glowing skin. It is a great provider of serotonin, which we all know as the feel good brain chemical, serotonin boosts our mood. What you may not know is that it also regulates our body temperature, appetite and metabolism. The raw chocolate retains the serotonin in the bloodstream for longer, ergo you feel a natural high for longer. Finally, it tastes sensational and rather than having feelings of guilt when eating chocolate, it can now be replaced with feels of virtue, that you are being kind to your body. Feeding it all those amazing nutrients! For more information please go to www.rawchifood.com 89
lemondetox [health and fitness ]
GET READY FOR SUMMER WITH THE
As tested by Anne Nielsen
Say hello to summer in 2012 feeling cleansed and rejuvenated. Celebrity favourite, Lemon Detox, is leading the way in ‘detox world’ due to its internationally acclaimed cleansing programmes that have been designed specifically to suit every need AND lifestyle. With programmes that vary in length and intensity, from a five to 10 day fast to more relaxed food combining variations created by eminent nutrition expert Doctor Sarah Brewer (entitled Gentle, Moderate and Full Strength), each is designed to cleanse your body from the inside out at a pace that suits you! Sold in some 30 countries throughout Europe, Asia and America and enjoying high profile support from stars such as Madonna and Beyoncé, Lemon Detox provides an ideal way to eliminate wastes and toxins. The detox is also an ideal way to prepare the body for a longer-term weight loss programme as it instantly sheds unwanted pounds, which in turn boosts motivation and retrains the appetite, preventing the desire to binge. Lemon Detox is fully endorsed by leading medical experts including Jan de Vries, leading naturopath and prolific health author/writer, Dr Sarah Brewer, eminent doctor and health journalist, Dr Janine Leach, President of the Naturopathic Society and Amanda Griggs, leading nutritionist based at the prestigious Balance Clinic in London. Made up of pure water, fresh lemon juice, cayenne pepper or ground ginger and Madal Bal Natural Tree Syrup, it is this last ingredient that gives the body the essential nutrients it needs to sustain optimum performance and vitality throughout the duration of the programme. Both organic and fair trade, the syrup consists of four different South East Asian palm syrups rich in essential minerals and nutrients such as manganese, zinc, potassium and calcium. This syrup now sells more than half a million litres each year to 33 countries worldwide. The health and beauty benefits of Lemon Detox include: • Cleansed body and mind • Weight loss •A n ideal way to prepare the body for a diet •A way to normalise the appetite
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• Improved complexion • Thicker, more shiny hair • Stronger, whiter nails • Increased vitality • Enhanced sense of wellbeing If detoxing at home isn’t possible then several three-day residential retreats are available up and down the UK and include daily spa treatments to enhance the detox process and in particular those first few days of any detox. In Scotland, Blythswood Square in Glasgow is the spot, whilst in York Middlethorpe Hall is the destination and in London the Dolphin Square Spa have both residential and day spa options. The retreats retain the same tried and tested principles of the Lemon Detox programme only guests at these destinations have no other home/work distractions but instead are helped along the way.
www.lemondetox.com 0845 370 1012/14
Beauty & Holistic Treatments
subject to availablity
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[feature ]
An Evening of
Burlesque “DO ONE THING EVERY DAY THAT SCARES YOU” Eleanor Roosevelt
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[feature ]
Now I’m not saying that burlesque scared me but I think intimidate might be a more appropriate term. When thinking of burlesque dancers and girls images come up of extremely beautiful and confident women. Not just confident in how they look but in attitude and persona as well - who wouldn’t want to learn how to look and feel like that? The Hollywood glamour and sex appeal of these woman is legendary, with Dita von Teese currently leading the way in the world of burlesque it is easy to see why women are attracted to learning this art. Burlesque classes have been sporadically springing up over the last few years and it has become a popular hen-do activity. I was thrilled to learn that a workshop was being held by fitness instructor Keeley Lightfoot with Kelly Bower, known for the evening as Jessie Bell and Miss Ruby Blue, at the Elwick Club in Ashford. I booked on immediately. Prior to the event we were emailed details of what to wear: “Something that you can move easily in and makes you feel special. Perhaps a dress or a skirt and jacket or blouse. High heels are a must, and stockings or hold ups if you dare! Don’t be afraid to dress glam and you are welcome to bring any props that you have.” Along with details of what we would learn: “You will be learning about the stars of burlesque, past and present, posture, posing, eye contact and facial expression. We will shimmy and shake, peel and
reveal but nobody will be baring their boobs or bottoms …this time anyway! Most importantly we will be joining up for a playful but purposeful evening of confidence boosting and girl power and my intention is for everybody to leave at the end of the evening feeling absolutely fabulous.” Glam is definitely the word to use for the turnout to the event. There were some fantastic outfits, beautifully coiffed hair, 1950s make-up and some serious heels everyone was there to have a good time. After an introduction to the history of burlesque and its stars we moved up to the dance studio where Miss Ruby Blue made her performance of the night - the classic fan dance. This was followed by a different style of burlesque by Jessie Bell. Two brilliant dances by two fabulously confident women. During the course of the evening we learnt the second routine - the strip tease. As promised we didn’t have to bare our boobs or bottoms but we learnt how to express ourselves through the movement of our hands, hips, arms and walking style. We were also shown how to remove long gloves and stockings seductively but this is not as easy as it may sound, and the task of finding ones own gloves and stockings in a room full of peeled off
and flung all-black clothing is quite amusing. After several attempts at the routine we were all feeling a more confident and were split into two groups to perform to each other. After two hours of intense routine learning we were all pretty tired but also elated with the fun of the evening. I wouldn’t call myself a burlesque dancer but the evening certainly gave me more confidence and to anyone who is interested in burlesque I would recommend it what have you got lose? Apart from your clothes of course.
profile information Keeley Lightfoot began learning pole fitness three years ago and instantly became addicted. After training herself to become a pole fitness instructor and setting up her own studio at the Elwick Club in Ashford she became interested in the art of burlesque and now runs workshops with Kelly Bower. Pole classes are run on a weekly basis at the club whilst burlesque classes are special events. Keeley and Kelly will also help organise burlesque and pole themed parties and hen do’s - please contact Keeley for more information: 07739 032502 or look up ‘Pole with Keeley’ on Facebook.
Below photos by Clare Saunders
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‘The quality of teaching throughout the school is excellent’
[weddings ]
Independent Schools Inspection Report, December 2011
Limited spaces are still available for September 2012, including Scholarship and Bursary opportunities. Independent Education can be more affordable than you think! Telephone: 01843 572931 Email: ah@slcuk.com 94 St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, Kent, CT11 7AE www.slcuk.com
St Lawrence College Co-educational, day and boarding school for children aged 3 to 18 years
[education ]
educationmatters
A great teacher is someone who sees each child as a unique person and encourages individual talents and strengths. Teachers change lives either for the better or for the worse. Often their impact remains years after the student left school. They have the ability to build up and the possibility to crush. They can sow seeds that bear fruit for a lifetime or they can extinguish the flame of curiosity which burns in all young people. They can encourage a love of learning or create a fear of failure. Their impact goes far beyond the skills and knowledge they impart. We can all remember our teachers even when we cannot remember anything they taught us.
are no neutral teachers”. You always make an impact in young peoples’ lives. I have just said goodbye to an excellent Director of Music who is moving to look after the choristers at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh. There were many tears shed by past and present pupils, as well as staff, in a final concert put on by the students themselves to say goodbye to him. Of course, the tears were partly in celebration of the latent musical
talent that Paul had unearthed in some of them. For the truly talented, they were about the way in which he would never let them settle for second best. However, I think most of those tears were brought about, not because of music, but because of the kind of man Paul is; caring, supportive of each and every child, whatever their musical abilities might be. I noticed early on that Paul always stepped away at the end of concerts to make sure the applause went to the pupils and not to him. I have seen plenty of adult musicians for whom that has not been the case. They have made sure their own egos were massaged at the expense of the pupils. Paul’s pleasure was in his students and what they had achieved. I worry about league tables and percentage pass rates as they make nothing of those special teachers, who change lives, bring out latent abilities, increase children’s often fragile confidence and walk alongside children when their world is in a muddle. They do not do it for glory. They do not do it for large bonuses. They do it because children, and their futures, matter to them. I do hope your children are encountering such special people in their school today. Words by Revd. Mark Aitken
It is often, who they were as people, rather than what they taught, that stays with us forever. Some will have been lucky enough to encounter one of those magic teachers who completely changed our life for the better. I had a geography teacher like that. He was the first one to help me believe I had any real talent at all. I know his encouragement of me, at a particular sensitive time in my life, has made all the difference. I am, forever, reminding the staff at St Lawrence College that “there 95
?
[feature ]
occurring Friday 4th May – 7.30pm
Friday 18th May – 7pm-9am
Jim Davidson @ Margate Winter Gardens
may
Love him or love him not-quite-so-much there is no doubting the enduring popularity of the cockney funnyman as he reaches Margate with his “The Legend” tour. Those in attendance are promised, “A hysterical evening of near the knuckle stand-up comedy featuring one of Britain’s greatest ever comedians”. Why not judge for yourself? Tickets £20 call the box office on 01843 296111/292795 or book online at www.margatewintergardens.co.uk/box_office
Monday 7th May – 7pm Rizzle Kicks @ Leas Cliff Hall Harley Alexander-Sule and Jordan Stephens are two of the most exciting young talents to emerge in 2011. Their debut single Down With the Trumpets sold over 250,000 copies and hung around in the Top 10 for a month. The duo have already been nominated for 3 MOBO Awards and they will be playing tunes from their debut album, a mixture of pop and hip hop incorporating the fun elements of the old school hip-hop era circa 1988-92. Tickets from £13.50, call the box office on 01303 228600 or purchase online at www.atgtickets.com
Great Tower Sleepover @ Dover Castle (suitable for adults) For one special night, live like royalty as you take an exclusive adult sleep-over in King Henry II’s medieval Great Tower at Dover Castle. Enjoy heritage wine tasting on arrival, followed by a ghost tour of some of the castle’s most atmospheric and haunted areas. Then enjoy a hearty supper and relax in magnificent medieval surroundings before you climb the spiral staircases to bed. All guests wake to a warming cooked breakfast. Over 16s only. Tickets £90, call 0870 333 1183
Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th May – 10am – 5pm Maidstone Town & Country Show @ Mote Park
Tuesday 15th May – 7.30pm The King’s Singers @ Marlowe Theatre Canterbury Instantly recognisable for their spot-on intonation, their impeccable vocal blend and the flawless articulation of the text and incisive timing, Canterbury welcomes The King’s Singers for a night of magical entertainment on the 15th May. Tickets from £10-£30 available at the Box Office at Marlowe Theatre, by phone on 01227 787787 or online at www.marlowetheatre.com 96
Set in the rolling parkland of Mote Park, right in the heart of Maidstone this well established Family Show with all day entertainment including birds of prey, working dogs, children’s entertainment as well as arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees. Also on Sunday at this event enjoy the Companion Dog Show- so bring along a canine friend and have a go! (And all proceeds from entries will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care). Tickets £ 5, Concessions £ 4., Children age 5-16 £2, Family Ticket £12 (2 adults and 2 children) call 0800 141 2823 or book online at http://www.oakleighfairs.co.uk/maidstone/
june
[feature ]
Friday 1st June – 7.30pm
is back after the runaway success of his 2012 live show “I see Chris Addison is touring again” with his brand new show “The Time is Now, Again”. Tickets £20, call 01227 769075 or book online at http://www.kent.ac.uk/gulbenkian
Richard Digance @ Tom Thumb Theatre, Margate Join the singer-songwriter, guitarist, performer and writer for an intimate evening’s entertainment and the first “Friday Folk & Roots” night at this charming little venue just along from the seaside in Sunny Margate. A great night guaranteed for all. Tickets £10, call 01843 221 791 or book online at http://www. wegottickets.com/location/3610
Monday 4th June – 7pm Keane @Leas Cliff Hall
See the chart topping band on their first tour in three years. With fresh new material from their recently completed yet to be released album as well as a whole fist full of classics this promises to be a hell of a show from the East Sussex favourites. Tickets £26, call the box office on 01303 228600 or purchase online at www.atgtickets.com
Friday 15th to Saturday 16th June – 11am 4th Kent and East Sussex Railway Real Ale and Cider Festival @ Tenterden Town Station For lovers of how grown ales and ciders get down to Tenterden on 15th/16th June for a celebration of supping. Food is available from Friday evening and all day Saturday with live music and morris dancing from Saturday afternoon onwards. For those who wish to make a real weekend of it there is limited camping availability from £5 per pitch. Families welcome. Tickets £2 – call 01580 765155
Saturday 23rd June
Will Young @ Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, Cranbrook Hot off the back of a sold-out UK tour, and Number One platinum album, Will Young has announced a tour of nation’s forests in 2012 as part of Forestry Commission Live Music. Commenting on the gig Will Young has said, “The forest gigs have a great reputation for their atmosphere so I’m really looking forward to performing my songs in such unique settings.” Tickets £35, call 03000 680400 or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/music
Friday 8th June – 7.45pm Chris Addison @ Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury University Come and laugh yourself silly at the new show from renowned comic Chris Addison. Known for his TV work including The Thick of It, Mock the Week, Have I got New for You - and those Direct Line commercials alongside Alexander Armstrong – Addison 97
[business ]
EAST KENT BUSINESS
EKL met up with prominent East Kent businessman, Thorley Taverns Operations Director and all around nice guy Phil Thorley to discuss the way to do deals, getting through a recession and life in East Kent. Phil, my first question is how and why did Thorley’s end up being primarily an operation in Thanet, East Kent, when your roots and initial hostelries were London based? Frank (Phil’s father and business partner) used to holiday in Broadstairs and always loved the place. Although he had a growing pub business in London the opportunity arose in 1975 to take on a fantastic pub (The Charles Dickens in Broadstairs, recently re-bought by Thorley Taverns) in Thanet and down with it came Frank. That pub was a money machine and became one of the busiest pubs in Kent. The whole thing just grew from there. I was running one of our places in London until 1983 and was asked to come down to help run things here. I thought I’d be here a year and would miss city life too much – here I am thirty years later and still loving it. It’s just a wonderful place to live. 98
You seem to be promoting your restaurants and wedding venues more these days – is this a deliberate strategy in light of the decline in the pub trade? Not really, as with everything we’ve done at Thorley’s it has been organic growth, it’s just the way the business has been heading. As we’ve grown up so have our customers and where we once might have had a fun pub we’ll now have a nice restaurant. We’re all about good food, good drink and great service. It’s certainly been a tough time for the pub market but to be honest – and this may sound harsh – there were some pretty poor places out there and they have not survived whereas you’ll find most places doing a good job are still here. You recently sold The Fayreness (Hotel ) to Shepherd Neame – given the time and money you put into making it a great hotel was that a hard decision? It wasn’t easy but financially it made sense. It was a win-win deal where both parties came out happy. An equitable deal is the minimum requirement I need to do business and I would urge any budding entrepreneur to do the same. Unless both parties are happy then what’s the point? You certainly won’t be doing business with them again otherwise. The money allowed us to purchase the freehold on some great businesses we own and to keep the bank happy. We’ve been with Natwest for 40 years and that sort of relationship is worth its weight in gold. We’re especially happy to have The Charles Dickens back – that should be the busiest pub in Broadstairs – it’s a great size, a great location with a great history and we will put it back where it belongs.
How should the Government help to boost the hospitality trade? They should drop VAT to 5% for the trade to help us compete, to make eating and drinking out more attractive, and to bring us into line with Europe. Cheap alcohol in supermarkets is also a serious issue. It has a negative effect on the hospitality trade and encourages youngsters to binge drink and inevtiabley leads to social problems. On the continent punters are prepared to pay a little more to eat or drink at a nice bar with a nice meal, it’s about the experience and that’s what we try to offer at Thorley Taverns. The Turner Contemporary – Good for the area of waste of taxpayer money? Whoever came up with the idea should get an Olympic gold medal! Seriously, the amount of visitors it has brought and continues to bring to the area is astonishing. How can it be a bad thing? For one if it didn’t exist we wouldn’t be sitting here now (we are in The Hoy, a recent Thorley acquisition and bar/restaurant overlooking Margate Harbour, opposite the stunning Gallery). If you didn’t run Thorley Taverns what would you be doing? I love what I do so it’d have to be something in the area of team management or communication. I do some public speaking and love to motivate people. I know all my staff (and with 24 pubs/ hotels/restaurants that’s a lot of people) and work closely with the managers to make sure everyone is valued, well trained, and happy in their work. It’s not about micromanaging, it’s about showing you care, empowering people and seeing them become the best they can. There’s no greater reward as far as I’m concerned.
your perfect fireplace
showroom, 196 - 198 Canterbury Road Birchington, Kent, CT7 9AQ Tel: 01843 841922 Fax: 01843 844255
[title ]
open monday - saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
www.fireplaceandstonecentre.co.uk
fireplaces • gas fires • woodstoves • chimney systems • design & construction
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SIGHT AND SOUND TO STIMULATE YOUR SENSES JUST ARRIVED INSTORE THE NEW BEOVISION 12 BeoVision 12 is a breathtaking, 65-inch television, with an ultra-slim plasma screen and 3D capabilities. Although it is impressive in size, a unique optical illusion makes it actually appear thinner than it is. BeoVision 12 literally floats on the wall, quite a feat considering its significant size. Combining elegant design, superior sound and outstanding picture quality, BeoVision 12 delivers a cinematic experience to delight the entire family. Everyday activities like watching television programmes or films or listening to music become entertainment events.
Bang & Olufsen of Canterbury 16 Burgate, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2HG Tel: 01227 452451 canterbury@bang-olufsen.co.uk www.bang-olufsen.com/canterbury Bang & Olufsen of Tenterden 7 East Cross, Tenterden, Kent, TA30 6AD Tel: 01580 762864 tenterden@bang-olufsen.co.uk www.bang-olufsen.com/tenterden
Scan the code with your Smartphone. You will need a QR code reader app which can be downloaded from the app store.
bang-olufsen.com