issue six
january/ february twenty-thirteen
Catherine Zeta-Jones CATHERINE ZETA-JONES - FROM THE PRINCESS OF WALES TO HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY
east kent weddings
ski selection
wine not?
thirty pages of ideas for your big day
where to go and what to wear on piste this year
know your vinification from your viticulture at z&b wine school
KICK START THE nEw YEAR wITH A nEw YOU. [title ]
Despite the recession, people are continuing to express a strong interest in having cosmetic surgery as a way of looking good. Cosmetic surgery has helped thousands of people feel better. For most people it brings new confidence, as well as a new look. Cosmetic surgery is so much more accessible these days with numerous providers offering different procedures and treatments. The quality of post-surgery results and patient care can also vary enormously. Therefore it’s essential to make the right choice, not just of your treatment but of the people you’re trusting to perform it. How can you be sure what’s right for you? That’s simple. The people who know most about cosmetic surgery are the consultant surgeons themselves. To help you make an informed decision about what treatment is right for you and how to choose a provider, BMI The Chaucer Hospital’s team of consultant surgeons have provided some useful hints and tips on how to go about cosmetic surgery.
n One size doesn’t fit all: The real expert on your appearance and any concerns you may have is YOU. Your surgeon would assist you in deciding what surgery you might need, if you need it. Remember what looks great on someone might not necessarily suit your own features or body type. Make sure your surgeon understands your goals so that you get unbiased information regarding what you want to achieve and what might be technically possible, alongside any associated risks and benefits. It is also beneficial to speak to your GP about any concerns you may have. Your GP has no interest other than your welfare, so many doctors are very happy to advise patients and not be judgemental about something which many people feel very sensitive and vulnerable about. n Do your research: If you are considering cosmetic surgery, ensure you have done your research and are well informed of the limitations and risks of any procedure. This would help you address any concerns you may have regarding the procedure when in consultation with a surgeon. n Know your surgeon: It is important that you carefully select a reputable hospital or clinic with surgeons who are accredited and experienced in the procedures you are considering. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic
Surgeons (BAPRAS) websites can help you find an accredited surgeon in your area. Or alternatively you can request the surgeon’s name before or while booking your first consultation and check their accreditation on the websites.
Also it is beneficial and cheaper to choose a cosmetic surgery package that covers pre-operative tests, free post-operative visits and free revisions of complications where possible. n Get your timing right: Avoid surgery if you have recently experienced major life events such as moving house, changing job, losing a loved one, the break-up of a relationship or the arrival of children unless the circumstances are exceptional. n Take your time: It is essential not to rush into surgery. Remember you have the option to cancel right up until the time you go to sleep for surgery. The fundamental reason for the surgery is to make you feel better about yourself, and if this is compromised or you have any concerns, surgery should not proceed. no reputable surgeon would normally impose any penalty for cancellations. Undergoing surgery is a serious commitment so you must feel prepared and absolutely sure that you have made the right decision. Non-surgical treatments non-surgical treatments are increasingly popular with more and more people making changes to the way they look through non-surgical enhancements. There is a whole range of nonsurgical treatments available in the market today and some of these treatments are offered in beauty and therapy salons. It is essential that you choose a provider with expertise in delivering optimum results through excellent professional and nursing care. Most importantly, the results you want. BMI The Chaucer Hospital offers a wide range of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic treatments with a network of skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeons, doctors, nurses and aesthetic practitioners. Our combined expertise and state of the art equipment creates an environment where you can feel confident in getting professional advice about your treatment, as well as what’s right for you. For more information about treatments available, prices or booking an appointment, please call 0800 092 8772
www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/chaucer 2
[title ]
cosmetic surgery
READY FOR A nEw LEASE OF LIFE? APPOINTMENTs AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT JANUARY 2013 we are giving you the opportunity to have a FREE mini consultation with one of our specialist consultant surgeons. It’s a big step to take, and you’ll want to be sure you have had every question answered before you commit to any procedure.
Call 0800 092 8772 to book your free mini consultation* with one of our consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeons.
SCAn ME
Visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/chaucer
BReASt enlARGement • tummY tuck • BReASt lIFt • mAle BReASt ReDuctIOn FAce lIFt • lIPOSuctIOn • nOSe SuRGeRY • eYelID SuRGeRY *Offer ends 8th February 2013. One free mini consultation per patient. The offer is only applicable to those over the age of 18.
3 25433-1490
[welcome ]
january/february twenty-thirteen
ISSUE SIX
F
irstly I’d like to wish all our readers a very happy new year and a prosperous 2013. I’d imagine a few resolutions have been broken already, and if one of them was regarding your determined yet ultimately failed effort to count your calories in the new year and drop a dress or trouser size then I’d suggest going the whole hog and visit one of East Kent’s newest and hottest (mainly) fish restaurants “@Reeves” for some seafood by the sea! Check out Jo Scott’s review on page 42. Those aiming to keep to their pious promises need to take a look at Amy McManus’s detox special on page 62. For the stay at home diner try our latest recipe from The Minnis or enjoy a wonderful dish from 14 year old Eden Allsworth, winner of the recent “Young Kent Chef” awards on page 49. Need some inspiration for the bathroom of your dreams? Then take a look at our feature on glorious contemporary bathrooms courtesy of Ripples of Canterbury on pages 22-23. We all know the festive season usually results in a fair few proposals, and for those of your lucky enough to have been accepted as future brides/grooms over the holidays, enjoy our 30 page East Kent Weddings special starting on page 71 for some inspiration for the big day with features on Wedding jewelry, hair, catering & cake decoration, make up, dresses and venues throughout East Kent. With local news, reviews, homes & gardens, and a retrospective of the career of the welsh lass who became a movie star and part of Hollywood royalty Catherine Zeta-Jones on page 31, we’re sure there will be something for you to get stuck into in East Kent Lifestyle. So, until the Spring – have a good one! Pete Nichols, Publishing Director
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EAST KENT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
[title ]
5
[contents ]
22
Ripples of Canterbury
42
@Reeves Broadstairs
what’s inside... food and drink 41 42 47 49 50 51 52
The Minnis Bar & Restaurant @Reeves Broadstairs The Shop Kent Young Chef Award 2012 Cuban's 1st Birthday Cocktails from the Cuban Food for Thought
home 21 Interiors by Papillion 22 Ripples of Canterbury 28 Jackson's Fencing
health & fitness 60 BMI Heathcare 61 Making Herbal Remedies
fashion 54 Fenwicks Fashion 62 New Year, New You
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31
Catherine Zeta-Jones
[contents ] [fashion ]
54
regulars & features 10 News 12 Fabulous Finds 14 Cycle Trail 16 Sustainable Living 17 Canterbury Auction Galleries 19 Uptown Gallery 31 Catherine Zeta-Jones 39 White Bone Rattle 44 Wine School 68 What's Occurring
travel
36 Piste Bashing
71
34 Going Down Hill 36 Piste Bashing 37 Belfast
education
fenwicks
Wedding Feature
56
65 Kent College 67 St Lawrence College
weddings 71 73 74 76 78 83 84 84 85 86 89 90 91 92 93 95 96 98
Wedding Feature Port Lympne Divine Dresses Bleak House Wedding Jewellery Wedding Hair Tips Abbots Barton Hotel Burlington Hotel Pines Calyx St Augustine's Eastwell Manor The Pavillion St Edmunds The Minnis Wedding Catering Sweet Darling Cakes Wedding Photography Heavenly Honeymoons Wedding Make Up
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Heavenly Honeymoons 7
[title ]
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[publication information ]
between the bottom of the hill and the deep blue sea psapublishing East Kent Lifestyle magazine published by PSA Publishing Barley House, Sopers Road, Cuffley, Herts EN6 4RY tel: 01707 878026 email: sales@psapublishing.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 Amy McManus, Jo Scott, Jason Freedman, George Shaw, Jaillan Yehia, Christine Atesh, Bradley McManus, Kiki Case, Tony King, Lorna Morris, Sam Wydymus, BMI Chaucer, Rev. Mark Aitken, Kim-gileve Evans, Helena Benedict, Shelley Williams, Sue Harrison, Gemma Dale.
Contributing Photographers Helena Benedict, Rebecca Douglas, David Fenwick, Kevin Francis, Jaillan Yehia, Jo Scott. For all advertising enquiries please contact sales on 01707 878 026
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
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the content of advertisements or contributed editorial in this magazine. Opinions expressed editorially are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and no responsibility is accepted for loss, damage or injury incurred as a result of opinions, advice or comment. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © Copyright 2013. 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. BAINES design 01707 876555 Printed on environmentally friendly paper A55970
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
THOUSANDS OF FREE 'MY KENT BIG WEEKEND' TICKETS UP FOR GRABS Thousands of free tickets to the county’s top attractions and visitor destinations will be up for grabs for Kent residents when the My Kent Big Weekend ballot website goes live in the final week of January. Wildlife parks, family fun attractions, castles, vineyards and more will be opening their doors to free ticket holders, and welcoming everyone else wanting to share in the celebrations, during My Kent Big Weekend 2013 on Saturday and Sunday, March 23 and 24. The event, now in its seventh year, has become a highlight of the county calendar and is now part of English Tourism Week
with other counties following Kent’s example and showcasing their visitor attractions to local people. To find out more about all the attractions and activities in My Kent Big Weekend 2013, and enter the ballot for free tickets, go to www.mykentbigweekend.co.uk from January 28. The website will be open for free ticket applications until midnight on Sunday, February 18. Alternatively, go to your local visitor information centre for more information and to enter the ballot for the attractions of your choice.
National Trust Buy White Cliffs of Dover in Seven Figure Deal The National Trust recently bought a 0.8 mile (approx 1400 yards) stretch of the cliffs which links up the last piece of a long chain of land they began buying in 1968 for a staggering £1.2 milliom The iconic cliffs, made famous by Dame Vera Lynn’s wartime song was purchased with donations from the public, the Dover Harbour Board and numerous celebrities including Dame Judi Dench and Joss Stone, the trust was able to raise the money to buy this very expensive piece of land in just 133 days – more than 2 months ahead of schedule.
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The Trust will now be able to create a full walking path right along the coast from the lighthouse visitors centre. There is a walkway currently along this part of the cliff, but it is very narrow and with the rock falling away, potentially dangerous. Environmentally, the Trust hopes to restore the area leading up to the white cliffs back to natural habitat rather than the current farmland which should attract a greater variety of wildlife such as rare local butterflies.
nt NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS
Kent Young Chef’s 2012 Winners Announced after Thrilling Live Cook Off
Visitors Deliver
The winners of The Young Kent Chef Awards were announced after a live cook off on 23rd November last year. The Produced in Kent inspired competition, which is sponsored by kff and Opies, saw four young secondary school students aged between 11 and 13 from schools in Ashford, Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells battle it out in the kitchen for the Junior title, whilst four more talented chefs in the making, aged 14 and 15 years old, competed from schools in Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Sittingbourne and Dover for the Senior title.
of Confidence in Kent
Twelve-year-old Benjamin Colley of Hawkhurst, from The Skinners’ School Tunbridge Wells clinched the Junior title with his outstanding Fallow Deer Wellington, whilst fourteen-year-old Eden Allsworth of Canterbury, of Highsted Grammar School, Sittingbourne picked up the Senior title with her beautiful Duo of Pan Roasted Belly of Pork & Line Caught Sea Bass with Apple Wood Smoked Mash and Medley of Autumn Vegetables. Judges included celebrity chef and Kent restaurateur Richard Phillips, Tony Blake commercial manager at kff, Ian Piper Deputy Head of Faculty at K College and Tony O’Brien, head of food operations, London Business School were blown away by the standards achieved by the eight young chefs. Richard Phillips said: “It might sound a bit of a cliché but the bar has been raised yet again this year, the levels of flavours and presentation achieved were outstanding and there were dishes here today that the general public would have been happy to pay good money for, such was their professionalism.” See the senior winner’s recipe on page 49
[news ]
Big Vote Ninety-five per cent of visitors to the county this summer rated their holiday or day trip as excellent or good, according to the latest research undertaken by Visit Kent. Ninety per cent of visitors said they are likely to return to the county while 88 per cent are likely to recommend Kent to others. Ninety per cent of visitors were impressed by the cleanliness of the county and 87 per cent were positive about the welcome they had received. And the five top reasons for people coming to Kent this summer were the county’s history and heritage (44 per cent), the countryside (28 per cent), the coast (26 per cent), catching up with friends and relatives (24 per cent) and visitor attractions (22 per cent). The tourism champions atVisit Kent worked with Qa Research to collate and analyse information gathered through an online survey and face-to-face interviews across Kent. Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive for Visit Kent, said: “This detailed research shows just how well our tourism providers are doing in making Kent the most welcoming county in England and consistently delivering a really high-quality visitor experience. She went on to say; “Tourism delivers more than £3.2 billion to the Kent economy year or year supporting more than 3,000 businesses. It is an industry that is perfectly placed to drive our economy forward with enthusiastic and creative entrepreneurs eager to take their ideas to market and create good career-style jobs for our young people.” 11
[fabulous finds ]
Finds
East Kent Lifestyle Magazine’s hottest buys.
PODTIME SLEEPING PODS
As a parent who is none too keen on camping but is routinely forced to embark on tent & sleeping bag expeditions with the family I had to look on in envy at this ingenious, stylish and portable Podtime sleeping pod. The pod is a practically indestructible polycarbonate tube, with heavy-duty frosted doors, a luxurious fitted mattress and outstanding air circulation; meaning you can relax in comfort and privacy. The perfect portable bedroom for the man or woman on the move!! Available for £1,375 from www.firebox.com
MYBUNGEE
If it’s good enough for Peter Jones, it’s good enough for me. “myBunjee” ensures you will always be able to get your hands on your mobile phone and prevents you from dropping it to the ground and causing expensive screen repairs. The strapping Dragon parted with £70k to support the product saying "I’ve smashed more phones than I care to remember and my phone is forever falling out of my pocket, but thankfully myBunjee is the solution to make sure mobile phones are kept safe all the time." myBungee is available from all major retailers Image courtesy of The Science Museum who are retailing the product at £6 – call to order on 0207 9422 299
MONTBLANC VALENTINE’S DAY NECKLACE
We had to put in something for Valentine’s Day and you can truly be the apple of your ladies eye if you treat her to the Montblanc Valentine’s Day Necklace, available from January 2013 from Montblanc Boutiques. The necklace features an enchanting combination of a large heart in warm pinkgold colour, paired with the Montblanc star in finest stainless steel. The pendants are firmly tied together at the end of an adjustable leather cord “bringing together the intensity of true love and affection” Price: £230
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[fabulous finds ]
ALIN & GOETZ RICE BRAN M EYE MOISTURISER
INNOKIN ITASTE EXPRESS VV
Bye bye dark circles, crows feet be gone! There's a knight in shining armour fighting our corner and showing the results. The Malin & Goetz Rice Bran Eye Moisturiser is paraben free and contains soja protein-amino acids which promote capillary circulation, reduce wrinkling and help to firm, restore and repair tissue. The cream absorbs like water in a desert and leaves no residue. RRP £28 available at all good retailers
As January is a time for resolutions and fresh starts we thought any new or prospective “non smokers” might appreciate a look at what has recently been voted the “Best E-Cigarette” by www.gizmodo.co.uk. The VV portion of the name stands for ‘variable voltage’, which you can change up and down with buttons at the bottom of the device. A handy LCD screen shows your voltage setting and a puff counter displays how many drags you’ve taken.Varying the voltage changes the amount of taste, strength and vapour you get with your liquid — allowing users to find a sweet spot that suits them. Design-wise, it’s quite an attractive product; the device has squared edges and comes in a pleasing black metal finish. From £36 – available at www.innokin.com
LICK ‘N’ COOK KITCHEN C UTENSIL SET
Space is always at a premium in the kitchen, especially with all those bulky spatulas and fish slices that always seem to clog up the counter. The Click & Cook is a sleek and innovative solution - simply pick up the handle and click in one of the five different attachments. When you're done, press the button on the handle and pop it back in the tidy holder. It includes a flexible mixer, a slotted spoon, a long flexible slotted spatula, a classic flat spatula and an extra-wide slotted spatula The cheapest one we found was just £22.99 at www.find-me-a-gift.com 13
[cycle trail ]
The nearest train station is Sheernesson-Sea; from here you are signposted onto the route Enjoy an afternoon away from it all. With the breeze in your hair and the wind at your heels enjoy a cycle ride along mainly traffic-free routes on the Isle of Sheppey. Build in stops along the way to enjoy the local attractions and you could easily spend the whole day exploring the trail and the local area. 14
[cycle trail ] The Sheerness Way is flat, circular and perfect for families. It is mainly traffic free with just a few on-road sections. At a moderate speed it can be completed in about an hour, depending on your fitness, but with young children it will take longer. Close to Barton’s Point Country Park, discover the Queenborough Lines or ‘canal bank’ as it is known locally. It is a mid 19th century ditch and mound fortification built to protect Sheerness Naval Dockyard from attack from inland. More recent concrete gun footings from both world wars can still be seen. From the Lines you cycle towards Sheerness town where the clock Tower stands tall in the town centre.The Tower was built in 1902 to commemorate King Edward VII’s coronation.This 11m (36ft) high iconic feature is one of the oldest and largest surviving cast iron clock towers in Kent. As you cycle on towards the sea wall, the dockyard becomes visible to the west. The Catholic Church of St Henry and Elizabeth by the seafront is another landmark in Sheerness and was completed in 1864. The church was designed by Edward Pugin, the eldest son of Augustus Pugin, most famous for his work designing the Houses of Parliament. This church is very striking and boasts a stunning rose window and Caen stone altar. Due to its unrivalled location in protecting the River Medway, Sheerness
began as a fort.This was tested in the Anglo-Dutch wars in the 1600’s, during which Sheerness fell. Many common sayings come from naval terms, including ‘Dutch courage’, which dates from this time. British sailors would insult the enemy saying that Dutch sailors were cowards and would only fight when drunk on schnapps.The current dockyard is privately owned by Peel Ports and not open to the public but some of its many historic buildings can be glimpsed from the route. At the entrance to the dockyard is the historic Naval Terrace, a line of early nineteenth century housing, built for naval officers along with the adjoining church, now in ruins. Along the seawall bordering the Thames, a series of fortifications from Napoleonic times to the 2nd World War are visible. Looking out to sea you may glimpse the masts of a sunken World War II vessel, the SS Richard Montgomery. It is loaded with explosives but because of its proximity to Sheerness it was deemed too dangerous to blow up! For more family fun, you can stop to enjoy a paddle in the sea or relax on the shingle beach with a picnic. The Isle of Harty Trail, 8 miles (12.9km), is another family friendly cycle route to be enjoyed on the Isle of Sheppey. For more information about this route and for more cycle routes in Kent go to the Explore Kent website or follow @explorekent on Twitter. 6.3 miles (10.1km) On-road 13% - Off-road 87% Circular route
174
± 174
0 0
Km
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Sheerness Way - On-road / Traffic-free surfaced 174
National Cycle Route Train Station © Crown Copyright and database right 2012. Ordnance Survey 100019238
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[feature ]
Optimum g n i v i l
sustainable Discover your t
n e K t s a E n i
Thinking Space
The Pines Calyx was conceived of as ‘the optimum healthy learning space’ and that brief was delivered by an international design team of specialists in healthy and sustainable buildings. The venue thus represents the antidote to the many conference spaces across the UK and Europe where a stuffy, characterless, head ache inducing room can leave you gasping for fresh air as you emerge after a long day. This unique venue is set in a beautiful six acre garden and offers flexible, exclusive conference facilities with state of the art audio visual capabilities and break out spaces both in the building and within the gardens. The two main spaces are flooded with natural daylight from the gently curved walls, all designed to help you maximise the productivity of your event. The tranquil surroundings and the discreet, bespoke service make the Pines Calyx an ideal retreat from your regular workspace, allowing your team to really focus, open their minds and get creative. Integral to the building design is the understanding that people feel better, are more productive and happier in more natural environments. This is 16
evident in the extensive use of natural materials in the building and fixtures and mood enhancing light and space. Even the building’s breathtaking views of the gardens, sea and Kent’s iconic White Cliffs are framed in a way that induces calm rather than surprise whilst the catering team will provide you with a sumptuous and nutritional range of offerings, based on locally sourced ingredients. Our experienced team can take care of your transport and accommodation needs to ensure your visit is as smooth and stress free as possible with a range of partner hotels in close proximity to suit all needs and budgets and includes the boutique spa hotel, Wallet’s Court.
The Pines Calyx is the first carbon neutral, energy positive building of its kind in Europe and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, so you can be assured that your company’s event here will have the minimum environmental impact possible. In addition, by booking the Pines Calyx, you are also supporting The Bay Trust (owners of the building) in their ongoing environmental education work with young children and helping us move towards our goal of creating a centre for sustainable living. We look forward to welcoming you to this very special place soon. Visit our website www.pinescalyx.co.uk or call 01304 851 737 for find out more.
[feature ] ^
Tony Pratt with "Pheasant" bowl
1920s Cartier black onyx and coral mounted “Milestone” desk timepiece, 4ins high Sold to a Specialist Dealer for £49,000
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^ Lord Frederick Leighton (1830-1896) Bronze figure,“The Sluggard”, 20.5ins high Sold to a Collector for £29,000 (A New Record Auction price)
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1955 Vincent “Black Shadow” Series D Motorcycle Sold to a Local Collector for £48,000
^ Colin Colahan (1897-1987) Oil painting,“Ballet of Wind & Rain” (Holland ’45) Canvas 25ins x 30ins, signed Sold to an Australian Collector for £14,000 (A New World Record Auction Price)
^ Chinese Imperial porcelain Wucai “Pheasant” bowl, 6ins
^ Rare Chinese porcelain Doucai “Chicken” Cup,
diameter (Kangxi period) Sold to a Chinese Collector for £195,000
2.5ins high, from N.C. Harrison collection Sold to a Chinese collector for £155,000
The Canterbury Auction Galleries home of blockbuster bidding As auctions go, this was a blockbuster. A retired Kent businessman who had been collecting rare Chinese porcelain for more than 40 years decided the time had come to downsize and pass his collection on to a new generation of collectors. He called in The Canterbury Auction Galleries, where it sold for just short of £900,000. One piece, a small bowl decorated with pheasants and dating from the Kangxi period (1662-1722) sold for £195,000.The owner had been expecting around £150,000 ... for the entire collection. Not everything is so exotic, though. Other collections dispersed last year include Victorian Edwardian hatpins, that well known Kent souvenir Tunbridgeware and even pottery tobacco jars, but all have devout followers and when a group of similar objects comes on to the auction market, prices spiral as buyers compete to add to their own collections. The Canterbury Auction Galleries is the county’s premier saleroom for fine art, antiques and collectors’ items, operating from premises thought to be the first purpose-designed saleroom outside London. Built alongside the city walls in 1911, it was once described by the Lord Mayor as “the finest saleroom in the
South-East”. Auctioneers Tony Pratt and Michael Roberts hold six specialist sales a year, all with fully illustrated catalogues and extensive viewing arrangements including weekends and evenings.
Additionally the company provides a full professional valuation service for insurance, probate and sale by auction, which is carried out in clients’ homes by fully experienced and qualified staff.
Together with their colleagues Director Cliona Kilroy, Jewellery specialist and consultant valuer Tina Rackham and the well known James Linington, who is a consultant,Tony and Michael offer vendors the benefit of more than 100 years’ combined experience in obtaining the highest possible prices for antiques and works of art consigned to their sales.
Buyers attend The Canterbury Auction Galleries' sales from throughout the UK and Europe and – with live Internet bidding in real time – from around the world. Founder members of the Association of Accredited Auctioneers, they also have the unique facility of promoting their sales to 100,000 high net worth Chinese collectors who are registered to bid on sales via their own website epaiLive, which translates the saleroom’s catalogues into Mandarin.
The Canterbury Auction Galleries offers valuation service, held every Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., which continues to uncover rare and valuable objects. People are invited to bring objects to the saleroom for identification and appraisal, a service which is free and without obligation.Advice can also be given on the suitability of objects for sale and the entire auction process explained to anyone uncertain about how it works.
To learn more about The Canterbury Auction Galleries, visit their website at www. thecanterburyauctiongalleries.com or call in at one of the sales, either while it’s on view or in progress.The 2013 sale calendar is available from Chris Wacker on 01227 763337. It costs nothing to look and who knows, you might see something to buy and collect! 17
[title ]
Quex House & Gardens “One of the UK's most fascinating and unique visitor attractions” A world-class collection of 19th Century natural history and ethnography from Africa and Asia ~ Fascinating furniture and objets d’art ~ Oriental fine arts ~ Ceramics ~ Weaponry ~ Local archaeology ~ Beautiful informal gardens & historic Victorian glasshouses ~ Boutique café and tearooms ~ Groups welcome
Museum & Gardens Tuesday - Sunday
House
Tuesday - Sunday
10am to 5pm
1pm to 4pm
Please visit the website for seasonal dates and entrance fees.
www.quexmuseum.org
Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens Quex Park, Birchington, Kent, CT7 0BH | T. 01843 842168 | E. enquiries@quexmuseum.org 18
[feature ]
UpDown Gallery in Ramsgate brings modern art’s biggest names to Thanet
Over the centuries, the Isle of Thanet has been a magnet to creative minds, from one of our greatest artists, JMW Turner, and our greatest novelist, Charles Dickens, to the architect, who designed the first modern house as we know it, Augustus Pugin. By Kiki Case Building on this artistic heritage, Thanet is fast becoming a hub for creative activity, with the Turner Contemporary acting as a world-class catalyst. Margate’s cobbled Old Town is thriving as a destination for all things retro, and artists’ studios and galleries are popping up in both Margate and Ramsgate.
UpDown to become a venue, which offers art lovers diverse and exciting shows by some of the biggest names in modern and contemporary art. We’ve created a space, where visitors can view the works in a peaceful, intimate and relaxed environment, without feeling pressurized,” explains Kate.
The talk of the town, though, is the recently opened UpDown Gallery in Ramsgate, where owners Guy and Kate Smith have created a gorgeous, light airy gallery within a beautiful Victorian building, Satis House.
The gallery opened in November with two private view nights, during which nearly 400 people visited for a preview of the opening exhibition, a show of 100 works created by Kentish-born Sir Peter Blake, widely known as the godfather of British Pop Art.
The inspiration behind the gallery comes from Kate, who has spent over a decade working with top galleries in London and New York. She is now keen to bring that experience to East Kent. “The idea is to bring exhibitions that would usually be hosted by top London galleries to East Kent. “The gallery is as much an investment in Kent as it is in art. We want
The great thing about UpDown is that shows change regularly and Kate has already put together an exciting schedule for 2013. “The flexibility offered by running a private gallery means that we can change exhibitions frequently, keeping the freshness and vibrancy that exists in many London galleries.”
The second show, which opens on Saturday 12 January, is entitled ‘Let me introduce…’ and brings together over 30 artists, including some of the most significant figures of Modern Art history as well as some of the most exciting artists working today. Spanning from the early twentieth century to the present day, there will be works from great masters, such as Picasso, Matisse, Nicholson and Moore, sitting alongside British abstract artists, such as Howard Hodgkin, Gillian Ayres and Victor Pasmore, and pop art by Warhol and Hockney will play a contrast to minimalist works by such artists as Frank Stella and Bridget Riley. Open from 8 January to 9 February, this is a show not to be missed. Bridget Riley – A Print Retrospective starts on 16 February and runs till 23 March. For the latest news on shows and artists, visit www.updowngallery.co.uk.
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[home ]
your perfect fireplace
showroom, 196 - 198 Canterbury Road Birchington, Kent, CT7 9AQ Tel: 01843 841922 Fax: 01843 844255
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open monday - saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
www.fireplaceandstonecentre.co.uk
fireplaces • gas fires • woodstoves • chimney systems • design & construction
[home ]
HOME WORKS Words by Tony King of Papillon Interiors, Margate
From home studies to garden studios, more and more people are setting aside a room as a home working area or family study space. British Telecom, one of the first employers to support home-working, has reported it had 65,000 flexible workers in 2012 - at least 10,000 of whom work from home. Clearly no one wants to recreate David Brent’s (The) Office in their front room so a little style, design and imagination will go a long way when setting up a work from hom /study area..
CLASSIC CONTEMPORARY Think of ‘Mad Men’ New York styling and we tend to look towards everyone's favourite American designers; Charles and Ray Eames. Their timeless chair ranges set alongside the George Nelson desks will work in both modern and more traditional home spaces.
SPACE CONSCIOUS If you are pushed for space and need to encapsulate your home office into the tiniest of nooks there are still design led and innovative products to choose from. Winner of the Interior Innovation award 2012, the Flatmate at Papillon Interiors is the ideal modern work space
MODERN STYLING Sleek lines matched with modern durable materials make for clean defined work areas. There is no excuse for the lack of function or style in your scheme.
ACCESSORIZE And now your office needs are fulfilled all you need to do are add your office comforts and accessories… and don’t forget the coffee machine!
Find Interiors for your Home (office & otherwise) at; Papillon Interiors 40 Fort Hill, Margate, Kent, CT9 1HD www.papilloninteriors.co.uk 01843 220088
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[home ]
BATHROOM
BLISS Trends to inspire for 2013… By Ripples of Canterbury We are seeing more emphasis on quality, timeless products, with individuality and more demand for bespoke. Less gadgets, the look is sleek, clean lines, with open plan spaces for a more special feel, relaxing, comfortable space, away from the day’s stresses. The trend for spa like wet rooms continues, easy clean, low maintenance – water softeners in hard water areas are a must. Bespoke floor to ceiling shower screens (anti plaque finish), no chrome at all, without any need for bracing bars. Shower Heads - Fixed heads, flush ceiling mounted or canopy design, combined with a wand in a dock for cleaning. Underfloor heating for the 5 star luxury feel as well as practical to dry out the floor, it provides an efficient, silent, invisible and highly practical heating solution for both floor and walls is becoming more popular with the current trend for wet rooms and large tiled areas. Radiators are no longer required to heat the bathroom and used more 22
to heat the towels with the trend towards aluminium radiators with fewer rungs and more gaps allowing more space to hang towels. While decorating trends take their cue from the catwalk, bathroom trends have long followed chic hotel design resulting in minimalist lines with an overwhelming use of limestone. But look at the latest refurbishments and you will see the story is changing as a real warmth of character is coming through with a more sophisticated subtle palette of muted earthy tones in grassy greens, creams beiges and warm greys with a few injections of a complementary colour to add interest and prevent it becoming too sterile. The colour grey gives the impression of dull, dreary and formal - wrong grey can be used when designing traditional or contemporary look it works well as a primary colour as a backdrop as it is neutral allowing you to add popular bold colour in accent pieces, the grey will soften the bolder colours – don’t be afraid to combine grey with lavenders, purple
or turquoise, creams will always be classics with grey. You can provide texture with metallic surfaces (such as mosaics or glass splashbacks – grey mosaics in recesses) good lighting to add a look of luxurious and opulence. Mix greys with beige to create old time elegance. Mixing up the formats of tiles, large format or unusual sizes, partly tiled, pulling a scheme together with the choice of paint or wallpaper on the walls. Help to make a space feel more like a living one, rather than a clinical bathroom.
The general trend for bathroom furniture design is minimalism. Fitted furniture is popular in a lacquer finish with a more natural colour palette and lighting systems
www.ripples.ltd.uk
[home ] within the furniture can help create that wow factor in any room. Modular wall hung furniture is particularly popular for practical storage solutions. Being wall hung this effect creates the illusion of more space and is convenient for cleaning purposes. Options are vast from single, double drawers, doors to tall cabinets with mirrors. A great solution for space saving is units with incorporated basins where the top drawer has a cut out to accommodate the waste pipe still giving a usable draw area. Ripples realise that fabulous design and a beautiful showroom is only part of the process. Dean explains “we believe customer service is paramount and we take great pride and put tremendous effort into all our projects. As a result, many of our clients come to us having been recommended by friends or family�. Ripples 1-3 Iron Bar Lane, Off Burgate, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2HN, Tel: 01227 459525
1-3 Iron Bar Lane Off Burgate Canterbury Kent CT1 2HN Telephone Number 01227 459525
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[title ]
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, Walderslade Rd, Chatham, Kent ME5 9LR Telephone 01634 868721
www.roma-interiors.co.uk 24
[title ]
ROMA KITCHENS ASHFORD & M E DWAY
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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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[title ]
YOUR VISION
. . . OUR GUARANTEE
From the boldest ideas to the finest detail, we understand exactly what goes into the areas you create. That’s why, since 1947, we’ve guaranteed to meet your vision with our guarantee. We guarantee great British fencing designed around you. We guarantee a seamless installation by our team of specialists, and most of all, we guarantee all of our products for 25 years. Jacksons Show Gardens are still here to inspire. . . Open all year round with seven stunning gardens to help inspire you to create the garden of your dreams. Located at Jacksons Head Office near Ashford, Kent. 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, equestrian and security products . . . or to buy online visit jacksons-fencing.co.uk
Jacksons Fencing Head Office 586 Stowting Common Ashford Kent TN25 6BN
Jacksons 27
[home ]
Jacksons Fencing
news, topical treats and more...
Jacksons Equestrian Solutions, a range of premium stables and field shelters.
I
‘d like to tell you a little bit about Jacksons - We’ve been around since 1947. In fact, last year was our 65th anniversary and throughout the whole of 2012 we had monthly giveaways to reward our customers; prizes included tickets to Hampton Court, High Street vouchers and hampers, with winners being picked at random from the previous months’ orders. It has been very enjoyable contacting people to tell them they have won, when they
aren’t expecting a thing! We also held some special events to celebrate and a timeline was created on the web site, showing how we developed from our inception by Ian Jackson and his father selling fencing stakes to local farmers to a business with fencing centres in Kent, Bath and Chester areas, effectively covering the whole of the country from these key places. If you log on to your local page jacksons-fencing.co.uk/ ashfordlocal there’s lots more info and
2013 is here - Happy New Year to you all from everyone at Jacksons! Here’s hoping the new year sees an upturn in the economy and an improvement in the weird weather that has been bringing misery to all parts of the country. links to the timeline too, with great photos of times gone-by. 2012 also saw the launch of a new range of products: Jacksons Equestrian Solutions, a range of premium stables and field shelters.True to Jacksons pedigree our stables are constructed from Jakcure treated timber which comes with the unique 25 year guarantee - no other stable on the market can offer this (there’s a handy link to the new range on your local page). Any Garden Designers/ Landscape professionals out there? We are holding our 4th Annual Garden Design Competition - some of you may already know about this national competition where the prize is to have your design built - full details about the last three years winners and on how to enter can be found on your local page - and a reminder about the free prize draw that’s still running until the end of Jan.
DON’T FORGET OUR FREE PRIZE DRAW... Win one of the products from our Seasonal Savers offer: Wheelie bin store, tool shed, metal trellis, raised bed with trellis kit (shown right), verge protection marker posts, or £150 of Jacksons vouchers. (closes 31.1.13) To enter go to: jacksons-fencing. co.uk/ashfordlocal 28
[title ]
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SBI Veranda Patio Roof
Quality and Service
11 east cross, tenterden, kent tn30 6ad
Telephone: 01580 763207
www.the-bathroomshop.co.uk BathroomShopWT116.indd 1
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08/09/2011 09:53
Patio roofs with optional screens, lighting and heating
www.sbiproducts.co.uk
0800 0742 721 today
Call
C
[feature ]
C
atherine Zeta-Jones Words by Christina Atesh
Welsh born actress Catherine Zeta-Jones hits the big screens this January with action thriller 'Broken City'. The film centres around an ex-cop (Mark Wahlberg) trailing the wife of the New York City Mayor (Russell Crowe) only to find himself immersed in a much bigger scandal. Set to be a blockbuster with action packed scenes and a good twist, it's one to look out for to relieve you of those post-Christmas blues - and if Catherine Zeta-Jones' back log of filmography is anything to go by, then it's one you won't want to miss. 31
[feature ]
Born in Swansea, Wales, the 43 year old actress has had more than a few memorable performances. 1998's The Mask of Zorro alongside the Spanish hunk Antonio Banderas, crime thriller Entrapment, and who could forget her sparkling portrayal of the all singing all dancing murderess Velma Kelly, in 2005's Chicago (in which she also won an Academy Award for best supporting actress).
Daughter of a sweet factory owner, Zeta-Jones showed an early interest in entertainment and the stage. Starring in various stage musicals, she was noted for her singing and dancing abilities. One of her first roles however was the straight acting part on television for the successful adaptation of H.E Bates' The Darling Buds of May, starring alongside UK small screen legends, Pam Ferris and the great David Jason. Darling Buds brought Miss Zeta-Jones to the public’s attention for the first time and made her a regular recipient of press adoration. Zeta-Jones did briefly dip into a musical career in 1992 with a part in the album Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of Spartacus in which the single 'For All Time' was released. She went on to release three other singles, including a duet with David Essex titled 'True Love Ways' which reached number 38 in the music charts. However, it was in television and films where her real success would lie, and it was Steven Spielberg who noted her performance in the TV mini-series Titanic and recommended her to Martin Campbell who would go on to cast her as Elena in The Mask of Zorro. Since then Zeta-Jones starred in
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numerous box office smashes, including The Terminal alongside Tom Hanks and Ocean's Twelve alongside mega stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Matt Damon. It seems Zeta-Jones will always have a place in her heart for song & dance however as in 2009 she returned to her musical roots to make a Broadway debut in the musical A Little Night of Music. One of her most noted performances comes from the critically acclaimed crime drama 'Traffic' alongside her then future husband Michael Douglas. The film received high recognition and she earned her first nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2010 Zeta-Jones was awarded a CBE in the Queen's 2010 Birthday Honours List for her services to drama and charity. She said upon receiving the award “I am absolutely thrilled with this honour. As a British subject, I feel incredibly proud, at the same time it is overwhelming and humbling.” Zeta-Jones is certainly no stranger to male attention, particularly in the press. In 1998 she was chosen as one of the 'Most Beautiful People' in People Magazine, ranked number 50 in VH1's Hottest Hotties, and came in
at number 68 in FHM's '100 Sexiest Women in the World 2005'. In 2011 Zeta-Jones bravely announced publicly that she suffered from Bi-Polar disorder and was hoping to remove the stigma from the mental condition. She was treated in hospital for her depression after her husband, Michael Douglas', battle with cancer. Despite being very open about the illness, quoted in the Daily Mail late last year she commented “I never wanted to be the poster child for this, I never wanted this to come out publicly. It came out.” She talked of coping with it in the best way she could by saying “'Hey, I’m bipolar.' Everyone has things going on and we deal with them as best we can.” (Daily Mail Dec. 2012) Zeta-Jones is a patron of Swansea’s Longfields Day Centre, a charity which caters for young adults with cerebral palsy and related disabilities. Since her bipolar disorder has also come to light in the media, she publically spoke in an effort to de-stigmatise mental illness and encourage fellow sufferers to seek help. She has also supported other various charities, including 'Noah's Ark Appeal', 'Worldwide Orphans Foundation' and the 'National Society for the Prevention of
[feature ]
Catherine Zeta-Jones & husband Michael Douglas with his parents Kirk Douglas & Anne Douglas at the 37th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala at Sony Studios
Cruelty to Children.' She has also participated in various charity work with her husband.
shelf, but Michael Douglas, the love of my life. I really do think it was meant to happen.”
Zeta-Jones met Hollywood superstar Michael Douglas in 1998 while promoting her film The Mask of Zorro at the Deauville Film Festival. It's reported that Douglas used the suave chat up line of “I'd like to father your children.” It seemingly worked, and the couple have been successfully married for twelve years. They have two children, a son Dylan and a daughter, Carys. The couple share the same birthday although Douglas is a tiny stretch older being twenty-five years her senior. Of her husband she says “I do think I'm lucky I met Michael. Not just Michael Douglas the actor and producer with two Oscars on the
In 2010, Douglas sadly announced that he was suffering an advanced stage of throat cancer. He underwent several rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment and announced in early 2011 that the cancer had gone into remission. It was rumoured in November that Zeta-Jones and Douglas would team up for a new stage production of 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' She told InStyle magazine, “Michael and I often talk about doing 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' on stage. Wouldn't that be great? Really ragging on each other. Loud. Rip each other apart. No one wants to see us in something romantic. That would be corny.
But to see us in something vicious? Something ugly? Definitely!” The play was famously adapted for the screen in the 1960's starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. The couple own homes in New York and L.A but Zeta-Jones has always stayed close to her Welsh roots, and they also own a home in her home town of Mumbles in Swansea as she reportedly wanted her children to stay close to their Welsh roots. Broken City is out in January in the USA and will be previewed in theatres in the UK on February 28th and on general release from March 1st.
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[travel ]
g ll in Hi t Go nFas ow D
o tw es g r to a o , in all s, f ige t l e s es d of hee g b oa res i h n C iv s d er t w ari st su lis ne . a ” s g u e e g i pe na ho w W ple En lp ers o A e h t e p er sl e it u it ts h n e e, t s w bo w s i y t g i sou mb rge s e o r . th n d a ff e b in a n s. O ar l is d o riv ed er pe rem , Ge de ar o p o o e r e e t t “ s fe am eb co pp r, d en win ian to ki oa is y i s b h L c at g o e v - r gh d k , t h in r o u den an e t ct s kin ey ot rt ove ct o t n n i o ti o o gr e o y V en o rs is is – lo d . Th sp ac pe ld w ie e p d m n ” a cr ca o d sk h o a e h n ud om to es nd an at n t w aw it fr is o a ts h g o t f tt r o w l a s il o s in t “a h i b ne rt a i re the sk m po t a s r re er he ex be v O eat aw ill l Sh w
HEADS UP SWISS FINISHING SCHOOL Wrist, ankle and neck bands from BOING, made from coloured sailing and climbing ropes, connected by German engineering and Swiss finished clasps with a “super strong” magnets , but “don’t particularly have a point” proved popular with boarders at the Earl’s Court Ski and Snowboarding show. Cost £30. www.boing-inc.com
The official headwear sponsor of the British Ski and Snowboard Championships – Funi – allows customers to custom design their own bespoke a 'hand-knitted-by-a-real-granny' beanie and pom-pom hats. Prices from £20 to £29. www.funiwear.com
TITFER A traditional Sherpa style hat with a modern twist, the R158X Polar Max Sherpa Hat has a 180gm micro fleece lining, cosy ear cover flaps and faux fur, Available in blue and brown. £14.50. www.resultclothing.com
MAP APP A mobiIe GPS mapping app,ViewRanger allows skiers to plan and follow routes from a smartphone and track the whereabouts of linked friends using a built in BuddyBeacon. It also provides detailed Ordnance Survey style maps for most ski resort locations across Europe. Tools on ViewRanger’s website allows users to draw a route and download it to your phone – allowing you to monitor progress using the GPS technology – in the events of poor visibility. The app is free for Apple iPhone/iPad, Android or Symbian devices or £10 from the Apple Store, including a £15 credit for detailed maps. www.viewranger.com 34
[travel ] CORE VALUES Haramaki Koroko cumberbund style “tummy-wraps” use soft layers of closely-ridged cotton to keep the kidneys, lower back and digestive tract warm. Haramaki, is based on a simple Japanese philosophy: keep your core warm and you can feel warm all over; spreading to your hands and feet. Available in blue, red, black, purple and white. Adults £22.99, kids £14.99. www.kokoro-japan.co.uk
COLD COMFORT Long-sleeved Uglies graphic tops from the Canterbury BaseLayer Cold collection, are designed to protect against the coldest temperatures for endurance, fast and slow sports, control body temperature using moisture management technologies. Men’s £36. 99. Women’s £30.99. www.canterbury.com
BASE INSTINCT Base layer garments from HPE include Formula40 compression shorts with four-way stretch, super soft fabric with cover seam stitching, with “silver technology” for quick wicking and the prevention of bacterial build up, £45 www.hpe-shop.com
SOCK IT SET
BOOT CAMP Outdoor adventure footwear brand Teva has a new range of winter boots. The ultra light weight Chair 5, Jordanelle and Lenawee all feature Teva’s signature waterproof and comfort technologies. The snow boot are collapsible for easy packing with a removable inner bootie with an outsole. £110 to £120. www. teva.co.uk
Point6 has introduced a range of superior compactspun merino wool ski socks with several levels of cushioning, that naturally help regulate temperature and reduce bobbling and poor wear. £21 to £23. www.point6.com
Salomon X Max 120 boot The new Salomon X Max 120 boot for advanced and expert skiers offers good heel hold and roomy toe box, custom moulded foot shape. Custom Shell 360° technology ensures better foot wrap for improved control and pressure spread. TwinFrame and Oversized Pivots add strength, power and precision. £360. www.ellis-brigham.com
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[travel ]
E ST PI
G IN SH BA Early snow falls across Europe offer some of the best winter sports conditions for years, writes George Shaw. SNOW TRAIN ACOMING Skiers in Kent, with train services from Ebbsfleet and Ashford International are ideally placed to avoid “airport hell” and long transfers to outlying ski resorts. Eurostar and international highspeed train service, “TGV Lyria” are providing a new weekly service between London and Kent to some of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts; Verbier, Zermatt, Saas Fee and Gstaad. Return fares from £189. Standard Premier Class with spacious seating, light meals and drinks has fares from £299 return. Eurostar’s direct ski day and night trains to the French Alps serve to the popular ski towns of Moûtiers, Aime-La-Plagne and Bourg St Maurice, with return fares starting from £149. Tickets available from www.eurostar.com German overnight (CityNightLine) trains which run direct to Innsbruck in the winter, have single and double sleepers, as well as deluxe sleepers with en-suite facilities. www.raileurope.com 36
VALLEY PARADE Boutique chalets specialist, The Alpine Club, is offering Champois Lodge in Villarabout, a tiny hamlet four minutes’ drive from St Martin de Belleville in the Trois Vallées, for the new season with contemporary mountain chic décor. Chamois Lodge sleeps 6 + 3 in three twin/double en-suite bedrooms. Bedroom 3 is a family suite with a separate triple bunk bedroom and bathroom. From £5,212 for 9 guests for a week catered. www.thealpineclub.co.uk COLORADO Powder hounds brave enough to endure the tribulations handed out by surly tourist prevention officers at US Immigration Control, should head to Colorado. One of the State’s more bizarre celebrations takes place at the end of January in the Winter Park ski resort. An annual family-orientated two-day festival commemorates the birthday of Mary Jane, the madam who ran the town’s brothel that catered for the needs of the nineteenth century mining community. www.winterparkresort.com Those looking for the perverse pleasure Nordic skiing (walking) or trekking on show shoes, before be pampered and wined and dined in some style should check out the Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, heated by thermal energy. www.devilsthumbranch.com
SKI GEEKS Ski BlueBird is offering Ski Geek Weeks in France’s uber chic Courchevel resort. Geek Weeks include custom-made ski foot-beds, pre ski exercise schedule, training and videos with analysis, avalanche training, off piste skiing and lunch at a secluded mountain refuge. Cost £849. www.skibluebird.com LONG HAUL Exotic learning vacation specialist Accesstrips is offering 5, 9 and 13 day tours of Canada from January to April from CAD 2750. Those who cannot wait for next winter, they also have 10 day tours of New Zealand’s Southern Alps in August and September 2013 from NZD 5450. www.accesstrips.com
Belfast Buzz
The
[travel ]
It may have been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons but Belfast is doing a lot of things just right, as Jaillan Yehia discovered on a visit to the Northern Irish Capital. The day before I flew to Belfast, the city was in the headlines for the first time in years due to protests over the issue of flying the Union flag above City Hall. Despite this I pressed on with my trip and was glad I did, finding the people of Belfast welcoming and the atmosphere friendly. Having grown up hearing of The Troubles, the Black Taxi Tour - where real Belfastians drive you round politically sensitive areas of their city including the murals and peace walls was always going to be a great way to confront the issue head on by seeing the flash points in the infamous Shankill and Falls Road first-hand, and the timing made the tour extra pertinent and enlightening. While in the city I also saw the more modern face of Belfast, the Titanic exhibition. This £97million visitor centre brings to life the ship that was built in Belfast’s docks; the interactive experience lets you virtually ascend the decks using Avatar-style 3d technology, float over the wreck as it sits on the seabed, and ride a cable car through the ship-building process with which the city is so proud to be associated - after all it was human error which proved the downfall of the Titanic as we learn that
staff on iceberg watch were too busy sending telegrams earning them money from rich passengers to heed the 80 incoming iceberg warnings. As an antidote to all that history, politics and culture find some light relief in the form of Belfast’s shops. Without the crowds or the long distances to cover between retail therapy stops which characterise most European cities, Belfast delights with some less recognisable high street names such as Dunnes Stores and a sprinkling of speciality Irish shops from which to pick up woollen knits, souvenirs and gifts. The best place for dedicated shoppers is Victoria Square where you can also get a great view of the city's rooftops from the Dome’s glass-encased viewing point which doesn't cost a penny. High tea in the warm embrace of Belfast’s grand dame of hotels, The Merchant may set you back a few pennies but is well worth every one of them. Housed in a grand Victorian former bank, its plush yet cosy surroundings are a great place to enjoy some real decadence. Traditional tea is served in the newly gilded Great Room, which could give The Ritz a run for its money.
A pocket-sized city such as Belfast is best discovered on foot and you can tailor-make a walking tour with tourist guide Dee Morgan, who'll show you the traditional bars on your travels. Being led down the charming lanes is the perfect way to orient yourself and you can build on this newfound knowledge with your own self-guided walk later – if you can resist the temptation to walk straight back into the welcoming folds of Belfast’s favourite pub The Duke Of York for something Ireland always gets right and on which the whole world can agree – a pint of Guinness. Where To Stay: For a real sense of history it has to be The Europa Hotel. Always home to journalists covering The Troubles and subsequently to dignitaries such as Bill Clinton and stars such as Brad Pitt, The Europa had the dubious distinction of being the most bombed hotel in Europe, suffering 33 attacks. It’s now refurbished as a plush modern 4 star hotel right in the city centre. For more information visit: hastingshotels.com/europa-belfast discovernorthernireland.com themerchanthotel.com victoriasquare.com 37
TR
[title ]
Margate Theatres
WG
BOX OFFICE 01843 292795/296111 www.theatreroyalmargate.com
www.margatewintergardens.co.uk
NEW SEASON BROCHURE OUT NOW!
Visit our website www.leisureforce.co.uk or scan the QR code for immediate download.
Got a smart phone? Scan to download now!
Physical copies of new brochure are available from the theatre box office’s and leisure centre reception desk’s.
www.theatreroyalmargate.com www.margatewintergardens.co.uk www.eticketing.co.uk/margatewintergardens
www.leisureforce.co.uk
WG
WG
Working in partnership with
TR WG
WG
Jimmy Jones
KANO Jimmy Carr Gagging Order Tour
Theatre Trip Fri 25th Jan
Thurs 24th Jan
TR WG
TR WG
TR WG
Fri 1st Feb
Fri 1st Feb TR WG
Fairport Convention
Boxed Macbeth
Thurs 7th Feb 38
Little Howard’s Big Show Sat 9th Feb @ 2pm
Sat 9th Feb @7.30pm
www.leisureforce.co.uk
Wed 13th Feb *A service charge may be applicable on certain shows, please check with the Box Office.
[music ]
INTERVIEW BY BRADLEY MCMANUS
I caught up with Psychedelic Rock band White Bone Rattle from Maidstone this month to find out what they're up to! Tell us a bit about your band, how it started and why you’re playing? WBR started in 2009 with David (Vocals) Mark (Bass & Vocals), Liam (Drums) & Jamie (Guitar). In 2008, David, Liam & Jamie started a band called ‘The Cheats’, they asked Mark to fill in on bass for a couple of their upcoming gigs in London and Kent, Mark stayed with them and they began to develop their style. We’re all fans of The Doors, Black Sabbath, Cream, Led Zeppelin & The Beatles and we started to draw influence from them. With a mix of these influences our sound has gradually gone from classic rock to psychedelic rock. How did your first gig go? Our 1st gig as White Bone Rattle was at the Bar Fly in Camden. We were on the same bill as Speech Debelle (mercury music prize winner 2009) that evening so there was a large crowd following here. Considering we hadn’t been
together that long we think the gig went pretty well for us. Not sure what other people thought about us though...
yet but it’s about someone who wakes up to find that time is slowing down around them. It’s a bit of a mind trip.
What gig or event are you most proud of? In 2009 we supported Gary Moore from Thin Lizzy at a festival in Sussex. Again there was a large crowd and being on a big stage with a great sound system in the summer made it a perfect gig for us.
So what makes you special compared to all the other bands out there? Our use of vocal harmonies between David and Mark seems to makes us stand out. It gives us a more layered sound that we don’t always see when we watch other local live bands. We’re also very lucky to use a renowned New York artist called Sebastian Wahl who designed the unique artwork for our album & singles.
Who have people compared you to? The comparisons have varied over the past 4 years. Our sound started with heavy guitar riffs, and people likened us to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. We started harmonising the vocals and experimented with more melody and nowadays people compare us to more modern bands like Tame Impala and the Black Keys. What’s the most recent song you have written? What’s it about? Our most recent song hasn’t got a name
Tell us something that no one knows about your band. We all managed to slip pass security to get back stage of the pyramid stage at Glastonbury a couple of years ago. We were there for about an hour before being chucked out Check out their Facebook page for news of upcoming gigs! 39
HAIRSTYLIST
since 1972
MALCOLMS 91 High Street | Broadstairs | Kent
Modern & Traditional Men’s Hairstyling Appointments Optional
01843 865230 / 864256
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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The Minnis|
[food and drink ]
bar & restaurant
Tea Smoked
Mackerel With Foraged
Crab Apple
Jelly SERVES 4
CRAB APPLE JELLY 500g Wild Foraged Crab Apples 250g Sugar Water Enough to cover 2 Leaves Gelatine softened
TEA SMOKED MACKEREL 100g White Rice 100g Brown Sugar 25g Jasmine Tea 8 Mackerel Fillets Salt, Pepper & Little Oil Place the Crab Apples and Sugar in a pan and add just enough Water to cover. Bring to the boil and cook until soft and falling apart. Strain the Apples through a fine sieve and add the Gelatine Leaves. Strain again and leave to set in the fridge. To make the smoking mix: place the Rice, Sugar and Tea Leaves into a bowl and mix together well.
Jason Freedman Life started for Jason as a 15 year old kitchen porter in Canterbury on leaving school. Moving away to work in Southampton restaurants, he rose through the ranks eventually gaining the experience to man the helm of a string of beautiful country pubs and hotels in Kent. By 1995 he was running his own successful and reputable outside catering company. 2003 saw him purchase a traditional, but very seasonal beach side cafÊ in panoramic Minnis Bay. He seized the opportunity to transform and create a restaurant that reflected his ethos and personality. Jason champions home cooking, fresh local produce, local suppliers and the local community. The Minnis is recognised for its inventive, constantly evolving menu and has garnered a reputation for quality and ethically sourcing its products. Its testament is in attracting repeat custom from around the country, as well as the local county. The young kitchen porter is now a mature successful chef, established businessman, irrepressible, enthusiastic and above all well respected – backed by a very local, very loyal team.
Pour this into a heavy pan or foil lined wok. Heat until it starts smoking. Season the Mackerel, rub a little oil onto a wire rack and then place the Mackerel fillets on the rack. Place the rack over the smoking pan and cover with foil. Turn the smoking pan down low and let the fish cook very slowly over the smoke to absorb the flavours (about 15-20 minutes).
When cooked, place on a plate with some of the Crab Apple Jelly and maybe some Wholemeal Toast (this works very well). Grab 4 Knives, Forks, Glasses of Warm Cider and most importantly 3 Friends and enjoy.
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[food and drink ]
@ Reeves Broadstairs Words by Jo Scott
Broadstairs has always been known for its fabulous beaches and if you have a beach it follows you have sea – so it is a surprising that its streets are not awash with fish restaurants. Luckily for fish addicts such as me, that was exactly what Neil and Shelley Clapston were thinking when planning their new restaurant, @ Reeves, in Albion Street, Broadstairs. “We are not exclusively fish but it is the mainstay of our menu, with stock provided by Fruit de Mers, in Broadstairs and Griggs of Hythe.” Those of a more carnivorous nature are not overlooked. Salt-marsh lamb is s regular feature – plus there is a grill for steaks and chicken, with a selection of accompanying sauces. @ Reeves had only been trading a few months when we visited but had already built a strong, regular, client base. Keeping it in the family, Shelley and daughter Maddie are the front of house team and offered us a table with a view of the open galley kitchen where the only hot air came from the cooking, rather than between the chefs, celebrity style. We were served an appetiser of assorted breads that came with rich, delightfully 42
thick balsamic vinegar and an cocktail assortment prawns, mussels and squid. Whilst we made short work of that, Shelley told us: “We opened, rather nervously, on 22nd September. Although Neil has acres of experience, when it is your own business venture, it certainly puts the pressure on.” Neil trained at East Kent College (formerly Thanet College) before moving to London to develop his culinary skills under the tutelage of Gary Rhodes at The People’s Palace on the Southbank and Jamie Oliver in Fifteen before coming back to Kent. “I had always wanted my own restaurant and for me it had to be Broadstairs so when I was offered the chance to open in Albion Street, I jumped at the chance,” said Neil. A range of around seven first courses are on offer, including two vegetarian options. It is a long time since I have seen fresh sardines on a menu in Broadstairs so for me, there was no hesitation. As
my dining partner believes that food of a pescetarian nature should be identifiable, should swim rather than crawl along the seabed and most definitely should not wear a coat, he passed on the luscious scallops pan fried with pak choi, sounding and the less usual calamari and blood orange salad, settling for a goat’s cheese tartlet with crackling crisp pastry. The main course offerings were equally tempting. Not only are char-grilled meats on he menu, but fish too such as tuna and whole locally caught Dover Sole, seabass and plaice. The carnivore at the table ordered rump of salt-marsh lamb which arrived suitably plump and pink, with a petit ratatouille and dauphinoise potatoes. My choice was less easy as the roasted cod with lime and crab cakes seemed a good option but so did a robust winter dish of pot-roasted hake and a stunning fish pie, served to a neighbouring table had caught my eye. In the end they both lost out to prosciutto wrapped monkfish tails – and a very generous
[food and drink ] portion it was too. The colour of the beetroot cream was somewhat reminiscent of blancmange especially against the delicate green of the basil mash, but the flavour was good. With the ample portions it was a real struggle to sample a third course but we manfully shared a Seville orange and Tia Maria bread and butter pudding, its tartness softened by the accompanying toffee sauce and cinnamon cream, in a spun sugar basket. During the meal, we sampled the Californian Blackstone Merlot (served
@ Reeves Reevesrestaurant.co.uk Albion Street, Broadstairs, Kent. Phone: 01843 604544
a tad too cold for my liking) and the month’s special: a French Chardonnay from Alain Mecon. The wine list had a range from £13.95 but it would be good to see more choice at the top end, and perhaps a few less expected choices. @ Reeves uses a signature statement of - “Nothing is more joyful or exhilarating than fresh fish simply cooked”. Add to that phrase, ample portions, appealing presentation and a smidge of fine tuning to the wine list and Neil and Shelley could be onto a winner.
Tue-Thurs: 12-2.30pm & 6-10pm Fri-Sat: 12-2.30pm & 5.30-10pm Sun: 12-3pm Jo Scott 01843 871102 / 07866 857 088
A great all round dining experience with a relaxed and family friendly atmosphere
For more information and to see our menus visit www.reevesrestaurant.co.uk
Tel: 01843 604544
19-21 Albion Street, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 1LU 43
feature [title ] ]
Delicious wines in delightful venues Introducing Z&B Vintners: your local wine merchant You might not realise it but wine merchant Z&B Vintners has been around since 2005. Why have you never heard of them? Until very recently 90% of Z&B’s customers were based abroad and the remainder were outside of Kent. However, with their new premises in Biddenden and various projects on the go, Z&B aims to establish a strong relationship with the wine lovers of Kent. Set out in this article is a variety of ways that you can get involved with wine: from simply buying a bottle at the new shop; taking a wine course; attending a seminar; or even investing in highly sought after vintages.
Z&B SHOP Just outside of Ashford is Mersham-Le-Hatch’s business village, home to The Secret Garden restaurant and Kent Cookery School along with many other lovely businesses. February 2013 sees the opening of a wine shop in the village with a selection of wines that have been carefully chosen by the director of the company, Stuart. With over 15 years experience in the industry Stuart has a vast network of contacts and excellent relationships with the chateaux in France, particularly in the region of Bordeaux. Aside from the large variety of French wines, coming from regions such as Alsace, Loire, Burgundy and Rhône, there is an excellent selection from other areas of Europe, including Germany and Italy. Aside from the European wines there are North and South America vineyards represented in the shop as well as some excellent New Zealand and Australian vintages. As such the shop is able to offer a wide selection of wines with prices varying from £10 up to the elite end of the market where prices make your eyes water. However, these eye watering vintages will be available for everyone to try as the shop has a wall of Enomatic wine machines installed that deliver wine directly from the bottle to glass whilst preserving the properties and flavours for up to three weeks. This allows visitors to experience up to thirty-two extremely high quality wines at accessible prices with the use of a card system that integrates with the Enomatic machines. Why not get a group of friends together and come down 44
for an evening of tasting around our long table? There will always be a variety of wines on offer with something for everyone to enjoy. There could be a selection of New Zealand wines in one machine, whilst a selection of rare WWII Bordeaux wines wait to be tasted in another. Customers are welcome to sit and try many, if not all, of the wines on offer - you will not be rushed out of the shop. Tasting evenings will be held in the shop from time-totime and our staff will guide guests through the wines of the night with the aim to enhance confidence in selecting your wines in the future. Wine will not be the only tipple on offer – Z&B's shop will also be stocking boutique gins with the added bonus of customers being able to have a gin and tonic on site.
[title] [feature
Wine Jargon APPELLATIoN
A geographically delineated wine region.
BALTHAZAR
A large bottle containing 12 litres (16 regular wine bottles).
CRU
A French term that literally means "growth". May also refer to a vineyard or a winery.
EN PRIMEUR
A system commonly associated with Bordeaux wine where the previous year's harvest is available for contract sales months before the wine will be bottled and release.
oENoPHILE
A wine aficionado or connoisseur.
oENoLoGY
The study of aspects of wine and winemaking.
ULLAGE
The space between the wine and the top of a wine bottle.
VINIFICATIoN
The process of making wine.
VITICULTURE
The culture or cultivation of grapevines, grape-growing; the study or science of grapes and their culture.
WINE MERCHANT
Someone who sells wine.
Want to learn more? Pay a visit to our wine school...
tHe WIne SCHOOl over in Biddenden is Z&B’s Tasting Room where wine courses, corporate events, and master classes take place. The temperature-controlled room has been carefully kitted out with selected Riedel glassware, a table that allows you to test the colour of the wine, and state-ofthe-art AV equipment for presenting information to guests. The school will be offering a variety of courses and one-day classes throughout 2013; from beginners and intermediate to specialist Bordeaux and vintage classes. If you would like to hold a corporate event for clients or colleagues, or simply get together with friends then events can be tailored to your budget and needs.
COntaCt Z&B W T E A
www.zandbvintners.com 01580 292080 enquiries@zandbvitners.com Z&B Wine School, Weavers Cot, Cot Lane, Biddenden or Z&B's Shop, Mersham-le-Hatch Business Village, Ashford
WIne InVeStment Wine investment is nothing new, in the past the English invariably bought more fine wine than they were able to consume and often sold off surplus wines at a profit. As the world became richer, the fine wine market changed considerably during the 1990’s. Increased demand from parts of the Far East has increased prices and demand to unprecedented levels and as a result the fine wine market has grown considerably. Growing interest from professional investors and specialist wine investment funds has also elevated demand and prices, but do not be fooled into thinking that wine investment is easy. It is vital to choose the right wines with a strong provenance. Purchasing highly regarded vintages is imperative, at the correct price and time, as is selling them at the optimum time and price. In the past the fine wine market has not been affected by stock market fluctuations. Generally it shows less
volatility than the stock market and tends to flatten out in times of recession. Moreover, fine wine is normally the last to fall and the first to recover, as we witnessed during the global recession of 2008 & 2009. In short, investing in fine wine can be a great addition to an investment portfolio but choosing the right team to handle your wine portfolio is key. Z&B Vintners have put together a specific investment seminar to help potential investors find out more about the benefits of fine wine investment and also to guide them through the various pitfalls, including how to choose the right manager. The first free seminar will be held on Thursday 24th January 2013 and anyone interested is welcome to attend the evening. Spaces are limited with only 14 available - book yours today! 45
Andalucian Arabic Cuisine
www.cafemauresque.com 8 Butchery Ln Canterbury CT1 2JR 01227 464 300
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[food and drink ]
The Café, The Shop & The Kitchen
Lisa Hemingway is doing something special in Margate’s wonderful Old Town
Several months ago I visited Margate’s Old Town to report on the plethora of fabulous independent businesses ranging from vintage clothes emporiums to art galleries, from bars and restaurants and from Sweet shops to flower shops. Every business was worthy of mention but for sheer volume of customers one stood out – the ever popular “Cupcake Café” owned and operated by Lisa Hemingway and family. The Café had already had to move from the single shop next door to the more spacious double fronted shop they now take up – and even then there were queues snaking out the door and all the outside tables filled. Speaking with Lisa at the time she shared with me her plans to diversify, expand and incorporate her talents to other businesses, all within or within reach of the Old Town. Six months down the line and these plans are becoming a reality with one more business up and running and the third well on its way to fruition. Recently Lisa has also taken occupancy of the large building directly to the left of
The Cupcake Café with the front of the building now simply called “The Shop”. After noticing the popularity of the kitchen based items sold on displays at The Cupcake Café Lisa has extended the range to fill this separate entity with fascinating, unique and useful kitchenware you’re unlikely to find in Argos or Tesco. Displays of designer metal steak pounders sit alongside retro tomato shaped sauce dispensers, there are delightful little honey dippers and miniature graters, pestle & mortars and just a whole host of wonderful kitchen products that you may not necessarily have thought about but instantly want the moment you see them! Behind the shop is a big open plan space currently being used as an office but with much grander plans. The idea is to turn this big space into a cookery school, a departure from the café and the shop for sure but a business which fits well into the Hemingway portfolio. Currently waiting on news of funding from the East Kent Growth fund – a fund set up to help businesses employ
more people, a real “back to work” initiative - the project will look to run customer driven courses/evenings ranging from teaching kids to teaching people with special needs to general cookery classes to young mums who just fancy a glass of wine while baking cakes and having fun. Lisa also plans on inviting guest chefs or caterers from local businesses or restaurants to share their knowledge, giving the venture a real community feel. Not relying on the funding being a formality, Lisa and her family (they pretty much all work in the businesses in one way or another, kids, spouses, parents and siblings!) are exploring other options, with funds available for educational purposes, or even through self-financing. One way or the other you get the feeling this dream will very soon become a reality and The Café, The Shop and The Kitchen will be working together in perfect harmony. The regeneration of Margate starts here!
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[food and drink ]
Welcome To The Country, Welcome To The Sun Inn
Open 7 days a week noon till late Modern British Menu Wednesday – Saturday 12pm- 3pm and 6pm - 9pm Traditional Sunday Roast from Noon till it’s gone! Live Music | Beer Garden
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THE SUN INN | THE STREET | ST NICHOLAS-AT-WADE | KENT | CT7 0NP 01843 841233 | thesuninnwade@hotmail.co.uk
[food and drink ]
Kent
Young Chef WI NNER’ S RECI P E
Award 2012
Senior Category Winner – Eden Allsworth, 14 of Highsted Grammar School, Sittingbourne Duo of pan roasted belly of pork & line caught sea bass with apple wood smoked mash and medley of autumn vegetables
INGREDIENTS 150g Celery 150g Leeks 2 Onions 2 Quinces 2 Carrots 1 litre Chicken Stock 700g Suckling pig belly (on the bone) 1 Sea Bass 500g Baking Potatoes 100g Wild Mushrooms 50g Whole Walnuts 100g Celeriac
METHOD 1. Bone out the pork belly 2. Prep veg for trivet & quince 3. Add 1pt stock (cover the veg and trivet) start pressure cooker on full 4. Peel and prep the potatoes put on to boil 5. Turn down pork to 3 dots when steam is blowing from the pressure cooker 6. Fillet the sea bass cut to size wrap in cling film and place in fridge 7. Prepare the veg for garnish 8. Remove the pork , strain the jus and reduce 9. Press the pork in heavy black pans render fat on a medium heat 10. Strain and then smoke the potatoes, mash using drum sieve 11. Char grill the quince and keep warm 12. Heat butter and start to sauté celeriac then add mushrooms then walnuts 13. Cook the fish (3 minutes on skin side and 1 min on flesh) rest on paper above the stove, carve the pork into even pieces. 14. Plate up X2 add sauce and serve 49
[food and drink ]
Happy Birthday to the
Cuban
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The Cuban, Canterbury recently celebrated its first year anniversary under new ownership. In the past year the fortunes of this superb venue have been transformed with dedication and commitment shown by the new owners.
The Grade II listed building has been extensively refurbished both inside and out with existing restaurant and bar areas given a new lease of life and the recent addition of a newly renovated annex known as “The Barn” adding yet another dimension to one of the cities hottest spots.
The changes don’t end there as The Cuban have recently launched a new menu for the new year and work is underway to transform the garden area, meaning that from Spring onwards customers will be able to sip cocktails in the sun and dine al fresco.
The Barn has become the chill out zone, for those who want to participate in the ancient art of conversation. The music is toned down and laid back, you can sit back and relax on hand made chocolate coloured leather chesterfield sofas. Waitress service is available and areas can be reserved for parties of all sizes and if you want to have that special private party then the entire Barn can be yours for the evening.
*To celebrate the new menu with The Cuban please quote “EAST KENT LIFESTYLE” and get 25% off youR food* For more information go to www.thecubancanterbury.com
Cocktails [food and drink ]
FROM THE CUBAN
Every issue we will be bringing you classic cocktails with a twist from East Kent’s liveliest part venue, The Cuban in Canterbury
Pina Colada Cuban Style
INGREDIENTS 25ml Havana Club Especial 20ml Malibu 50ml Pineapple Juice 20ml Lime Juice 20ml Sugar Syrup Method: Mix in Cocktail Shaker and shake vigorously, strain over ice into a tall glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry on cocktail Stick.
Kir Royal
Pour 20ml Creme de Cassis into a chilled Champagne Flute and slowly layer Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial all the way to the top, garnish with a blackberry's and a raspberry on a cocktail stick.
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[food and drink ]
Food For Thought
Last days and new beginnings Apparently, the first place in the UK to be hit by the sun’s rays each morning is right here in Kent. St Margaret’s Bay to be precise, which makes it all the more fitting that each January 1st, the bay resounds to the squawks and yelps of the New Years Day swimmers. This incredibly sane bunch of people from all over the world, don bathing suits and ball-gowns to take the first dip of the year at the birth place of the channel swim. They don’t quite make it as far as Calais, more the first buoy a few nautical yards out, but you’ve got to admire their spirit.
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I certainly do from the warmth of my kitchen preparing the classic quintessentially English dish of Kedgeree for them to devour on reaching dry land. Only, it isn’t. English I mean. Kedgeree is in fact based on a simple Indian dish of rice, green moong beans and spices. Going by the name of kitchari ,it’s even popular today as the food equivalent of a super hero, claiming to detoxify the body, aid digestion, nourish, help weight loss and above all, spectacularly cheap to make.
Then we Brits nicked it during the days of the Raj, chucked out the moong beans, insisted on white rice and added half a ton of butter and some smoked haddock. We also changed the name to kedgeree. Interestingly though, we didn’t change the time of day it is traditional eaten. Breakfast, with lashings of steaming hot tea and swimming goggles. Sam Wydymus The Coastguard October 2012 Sam Wydymus is Chef Patron at The Coastguard, St Margaret’s Bay & also Radio 4’s resident “Food Historian”
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fashion [title ] ]
New fashion the
All from a selection at Fenwick
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[health and fitness ]
A few miles
on the clock
Advice for the body
In many ways, the human body is no different from a car or a washing machine. The more service it gives us over the years, the more some parts may start to wear out – and the more maintenance we may need. Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons Mr Andrew Smith and Mr Matthew Oliver answer some of your frequently asked questions about hips and knees.
HIPS Q. What causes hip problems in later life? A.Your hip is a ball-and socket joint and the ball at the top of your thigh bone moves in the socket with a lining of cartilage. The most common problems are caused by arthritis or an injury, which can wear away at the cartilage. In turn, this can make you less mobile, due to stiffness and pain. Q. I have these symptoms, does that mean I need surgery? A. Not necessarily.You may find that simple paracetamol and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can help deal with the discomfort. Certain vitamin supplements may also help. Always ask your doctor what he or she recommends for you personally.You may also find that a walking stick makes things easier and some people benefit from a small lift in a shoe. Regular exercise can reduce stiffness and steroid injections into the hip joint may also help. However, if arthritis is the cause of your problem, these measures will become less effective as the condition gets worse. Q. What exactly is arthritis? A. ‘Arthritis’ is the name for a group of conditions that can cause damage to your joints. The most common is osteoarthritis which causes a gradual wear and tear of a joint. The cartilage covering the surface of the joint gets worn away and the bone underneath becomes damaged. Q. If I need hip surgery, what does it involve? A.The procedure involves removing your damaged ball and socket and replacing them with a new one.This will be made of metal, plastic, ceramic or a combination of these materials.Your new hip is secured to your bone by using either bone cement or by means of a special coating on the prosthesis itself. Q. How long before I’m up and about? A.You should usually expect a stay in hospital of 3-5 days and you’ll need crutches or walking sticks for a few weeks. Regular exercise, under the guidance of your healthcare team or GP, should help you return to your normal daily life as soon as possible. 60
Q. How will I feel following the operation? A. An artificial hip may not feel completely the same as your original. However, for most people, their new hip means a return to a more active lifestyle with no pain and improved mobility. Whilst hips can wear out this takes a long time and a hip replacement should last 15 to 20 years.
KNEES Q. My knees have been troubling me for some time. What’s the answer? A.Your GP may recommend painkillers and anti-inflammatories, help from a walking stick and/or regular moderate exercise. An elasticated support may make your knee feel stronger and an arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) may bring some relief for 6-12 months, but if arthritis is the cause, these measures will become less effective over time. Q. If I need knee surgery what is involved? A. The procedure involves removing the damaged bone and fitting an artificial knee joint made of metal, plastic, or a combination of these materials. This usually involves a hospital stay of 3-5 days. Q. What can I expect from the operation? A. An artificial knee feels slightly different and kneeling down is not recommended, but most people make a good recovery, with less pain and more mobility. A programme of exercise under the guidance of your healthcare team or GP should see you return to everyday activities quite quickly.
For more information, advice or to book an appointment, please call 0800 092 8728. Visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/chaucer BMI The Chaucer Hospital Nackington Road, Canterbury CT4 7AR
[health and fitness ]
Words By Kim-gileve Evans, Bsc Hons MCCP
Photography By Helena Benedict
Kim-gileve Evans is an East Kent Based Medical Herbalist. Kim is a member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy and has a Health Science Honours Degree in Herbal Medicine from Westminster University. Herbs and spices are a priceless natural resource that can help to enrich our lives by maintaining good health and help deal with everyday ailments. Most kitchens already contain the basics for a simple self-care pharmacy. Kitchen cupboards often have herbs such as cayenne, ginger powder, mustard powder, rosemary, black pepper and olive oil. All these ingredients can be utilized together into a warming remedy for muscular and joint aches and pains.
This self help recipe is not intended to replace professional advice. If your cough is persistent then go and check it out with your GP or health care professional. Consultations with a Medical herbalist / Suppliers of herbal ingredients: Herbal Apothecary 2, Harbour St. Broadstairs.Kent. www.herbalapothecary.co.uk Tel: 01843 863096 www.facebook.com/helena. benedictphotography
This article gives an easy step-by-step guide for making a basic home remedy. Today’s remedy is a warming muscle and joint oil, it may help improves circulation and warm cold areas.
Warming muscle and joint oil 25g Cayenne powder 20g Ginger powder 20g Mustard powder 10g Dried Rosemary 2 teaspoons Black pepper 300ml olive oil
Cayenne is a hot, penetrating, circulatory stimulant and antispasmodic, which can help to relieve muscle spasm. It produces a burning warmth when rubbed into the skin and acts as an analgesic; relieving pain properties.
1. Put the spices and cover with the oil into a container with a lid.
Ginger will help to ease tired muscles, relax muscle spasm, relieve aching joints, improve circulation and ease pain in general.
2. Put the container in a pan, fill the pan with water to within 1 inch of the top of the container and simmer slowly for 2 hours.This water bath allows prolonged heating without burning of the oil. 3. After 2 hours the oil has been infused with the herbs, pour the ingredients through a piece of muslin cloth, discard the herbs and pour the oil into a clean jar. Label with name and date. Store in a cool, dark place. Apply externally as needed to ease muscle tension and warm cold joints.Wash hands after use.
Mustard is warming and antispasmodic and when applied externally is helpful for joint pain. Rosemary is a circulatory tonic, invaluable for aches and pains that come with the cold, warming to cold joints and aching muscles. Black pepper is warm and stimulating and may therefore help ease stiffness in aching joints and muscles.
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u o Y N [fashion ]
ew
New Year
WRITTEN BY AMY MCMANUS
remedies to cleanse and tox de of tem sys l ful a gh ou thr us Amy McManus guides flush out those toxins and say to dy rea t Ge t. ou d an ide ins dy pamper the bo dding, it’s time to revitalise! pa as tm ris Ch tra ex ur yo to e by good
S
kin a major role in Let’s start off with the skin. Diet plays nced food plan should bala A . maintaining the health of the skin ded to help keep our nee s supply all of the vitamins and mineral carbohydrates and saturated skin supple and glowing. All of those leave the skin oily and fats throughout the festive season can surface appearance is dull. blemished. Pores are blocked and the are important nutr ients Vitamins A, B, C, Zinc, Iron and Silica thy diet. Foods such as for your body to devour for a skin heal citrus fruits are perfect. wholegrain cereals, spinach, carrots and pick up and orange! So instead of that left over mince pie, boost for your skin try a For those of you looking for an extra lift Facial. Diamond Der mabrasion With Bio mabrasion, Diamond Unlike traditional Micro-Crystal Der of natural diamond Der mabrasion utilises the full benefits removes layers of the tips. This technology safely and gently ns, blemishes, wrinkles epidermis, dead skin cells, imperfectio skin. While the skin is the and any unwanted pigmentation on and vacuumed away. skin exfoliated the particles of dirt and dead shed and restored. It leaves the skin looking younger, refre small amount of electrical The BioLift facial works by emitting surface and pushes through current which is applied to the skin’s te the muscles beneath. the dermal layers of the skin to penetra eving a brilliant lift The muscle fibres contract and relax achi and noticeable as soon as and tone. The result is simply fantastic treatment is finished. Diamond Der mabrasion - £25 ) - £35 Biolift facial (with free ultrasound Bliss Beauty Therapy, Eastry (01304) 619212
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ymphatic
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[fashion ]
ystem
The lymphatic system is one of the most underappreciated systems in the body. It plays a fundamental role in your overall health and is responsible for cleansing the fluid surrounding the cells in your body. It removes impurities and waste products which not only protects s cells in the body to your body from toxins, but also allow a toxins we ingest at function at their optimum level. The extr m needs to be in tip Chr istmas mean that our lymphatic syste e and eating a healthy top condition! As well as staying activ inage Massage. diet you could also try a Lymph Dra le alternating pressure Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is a gent amount of force (less and release massage which uses a specific hmic circular movements than 9 ounces per square inch) and rhyt
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to stimulate lymph flow. in the direction of lymphatic circulation, flow of lymph from This encourages the natural drainage and treatment are ample the of es the tissues in the body.The advantag water retention and with considerable benefits such as reduced improved circulation, swelling, cleansed and detoxified tissues, re have even been reports clearer skin and improved digestion.The symptoms allergies, of the treatment working to reduce the rheumatoid arthritis and MS. ch are available from There are many self-massage guides whi rather call in the your local book stores, or if you would in Whitstable a visit! professionals, pay Fundamental Health - £35.00 Full body MLD with consultation Fundamental Health, Whitstable www.fundamentalhealth.co.uk (01227) 791804
igestion
els moving! Find them definitely worth a try to get those bow a day. 120 tablets for two in your local store and simply take £12.55 ... And finally, you all knew it was coming. Treatment Colonic Hyrotheraphy/Irrigation No matter how you dress it up it is still always going to be...a tube in your rear end flushing you out with . constipation the to water. Having had speaking.) It is toxic Alcohol is a big fat no no (nutritionally It the treatment dur ing ism, causing indigestion. stomach lining and changes liver metabol a terr ible phase of d” carbohydrates. also contains no protein, vitamins, or “goo I’m not going to ly constipation I cannot recommend it more. tual even is and gut the in ents ferm , see your poop Sugar in excess amounts it initially feels a bit weird and yes you yes d lie, ease incr an es caus this , ever but it is all completely broken down by bacteria. How floating out (which is oddly satisfying) ting. That lactose bloa in lts resu ch whi gas of on being squeaky of ucti prod worth it for the instant superb feeling like such a good seem sn’t doe g icin cake as istm Chr d ely 45 minutes and encruste clean! The procedure lasts approximat using war m, filtered idea now! gently cleanses the inside of the colon stored faecal matter, There are many remedies on the market, and pur ified water. It helps eliminate m it from the colon. This but when it comes to the digestive syste gas, excess mucus and toxic substances are lt in increased is important to go natural. After all, you roves the tone of the bowel and can resu imp ing more e of choice for this flushing your toxins through, not add energy levels and clearer skin. My plac ical med y man Clinic, Ashford. All lth to the stockpile.There have been remarkable treatment: Har mony Hea of y Mary Berry who studies conducted on Aloe Vera. Man Colonic Hydrotherapy is performed by t plan d therapist, but a which have shown positive effects of the is not only an experienced and qualifie such feel great afterwards. on the digestive system and conditions registered renal nurse. Trust me, you will taken detox! as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It can be What a perfect way to kick-start your s taste it – lem prob daily as a juice – the only sultation - £60.00 Full Colonic Irrigation Session with con e Vera terr ible. I would therefore opt for an Alo et form. Har mony Health Clinic, Ashford supplement which can be taken in tabl mild 000 a www.harmonyhc.co.uk (01233) 635 Holland and Barrett for example have is ch whi yet effective Aloe Vera colon cleanser
no other part of The poor digestive system; there can be ing December. While your body that is more mistreated dur sandwiches, your liver, you spend all day relaxing with turkey are working their colon, bowel and everything in-between socks off! as treats as examples: Taking some of our favourite Chr istm the digestive tract, Fatty Foods stimulate contractions in the stomach and cause of which can slow down the emptying
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[title ]
Aiming High
Give your child a flying start at our Nursery School Outstanding education starts at 3 Idyllic surroundings Every day is open day – Come and see us
Junior School • 01227 762436
www.kentcollege.com 64
Download the Kent College App from the App Store
[education ]
Kent College, Canterbury through the eyes of a 14 Year old! I joined the Kent College family back in 2004 at the Junior School, and moved to the Senior School in 2010. I made always made it my aim to throw myself into the many fantastic opportunities that the school has to offer. One of my favourite activities is definitely Choir, starting in the Choristers, followed by Sedecim (who recently won ‘Top Choir Kent’). I also am involved with musical productions at school: ‘Les Miserables’ last year, and more recently ‘Guys and Dolls’. Academic subjects are important, and
the small class sizes, coupled with a one-to-one MacBook learning scheme at KC really enhance my learning experience. My teachers are very dedicated and I can go to them with anything. Another interest which I enjoy is the Debating Society, where we discuss anything from serious political or ethical issues to just plain silly, for example whether Santa exists! I like to travel as well, and the school offers several trips a year. I’m off to Krakow in Poland with the choir soon, followed by a French exchange
and then a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New Zealand with the Geography department. Kent College is a keen sporting school, with excellent facilities and more to come. I am Captain of my year’s Rugby team, and play Hockey and Cricket, plus we have a farm with equestrian facilities which I have yet to try my hand at! Kent College is a vibrant, busy place with a fantastic sense of community, and I try to make the most of it! Robbie Whittaker Year 9 65
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St Lawrence College
Co-educational, day and boarding school for ages 3-18 years
• Strong pastoral care with Christian ethos
• Spacious grounds set in a historical seaside town
• Small classes, allowing tailored teaching for individuals
• Excellent en-suite boarding accommodation
• Extensive curriculum choice
• New Girls’ Boarding House - opened September 2012
• Exceptional modern and traditional facilities
• Outstanding sporting facilities with expert coaching
• Ideally located only 75 minutes from London
• New 500-seat Theatre - opened September 2012
Junior School entry for September 2013:
• Saturday 2nd February: 7+ Scholarship Morning • Friday 8th February: Nursery & Junior School Open Day
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a av in s ip y For further details please contact Melissa Gabbott sh entl 5 r a phone 01843 572912 or email mag@slcuk.com ol urr & Y h Sc ils c Y4 1 92 c i up 3, St Lawrence College Junior School, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AF 07 3 m . de or p 2, Y rity No a www.slcuk.com f a Y Ac Ch 66
[education ]
St Lawrence College I have just returned from a very special evening at the Tower of London. One of our Old Boys at St Lawrence College is General the Lord Dannatt. At one time he was the most senior soldier in the land but now he is Constable of the Tower. It was he who made it possible for us to hold a dinner in that amazing setting. In recent years, the Old Lawrentian Dinner has been held at the school, giving us the opportunity to show off all our new buildings. The Sports centre was opened in 2010 and has lifted our performance in competitive matches as well as the fitness levels of many children. The multi-purpose theatre space built last year has a wonderful feel. A very competitive House Singing competition was the first big event to be held there. This was fitting as it is the only event in which every student takes part and it is just as exciting as X Factor! A masterpiece of creative design has allowed us to transform the interior of our old theatre into a new girls’ boarding house. The girls are delighted with their new
rooms and also the areas in which to relax in each other’s company. It is so popular that Girls’ Boarding is now nearly full for September 2013. However, this year we had the opportunity to see the Crown Jewels and the inside of the Tower of London rather than the jewel which is SLC. We were also lucky to hear from the Rt Revd Trevor Willmott, the Bishop of Dover. His theme, in his after dinner speech, was the importance of friendship. It was very clear from all those attending the dinner that the friendships made in those formative teenage years can be very special and remain with us for life. Learning how to make and keep friends,
from many different backgrounds, is one of the most important parts of school life. However much social media seems to be taking over the world, nothing can replicate the joy of time spent with good friends, especially those we have known for many years. Human relationships and the ability to build them remain as important as ever, not only in our homes but in our businesses as well. I hope your child is making good friends at their school; I know they would if they were here. Reverend Mark Aitken, Headmaster, St Lawrence College
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january
occurring Monday 14th January
Peter Andre: Up Close & Personal @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Due to phenomenal demand, Peter Andre has added eight new dates to tour in January 2013. The new tour will give Peter a chance to get up close and personal with his fans, with a return to many of the cities he visited on his Revelation tour in Spring 2010. Tickets £28.50 call 0844 871 7677
Wednesday 23rd January Anton And Erin Go To Hollywood @ The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury The UK's favourite dancing duo, Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag are back with a dazzling new show that salutes the golden years of the MGM musical. Sassy tunes, sensational choreography and sparkling costumes conjure up all the fizz and razzamatazz of glamorous Hollywood at its best. With guest dancers and a 25-piece orchestra. Tickets from £28.50 Performances at 3pm & 7.30pm Call the Box Office on 01227 787787
Sunday 27th January Gourmet Wine Tasting Evening @ The Ambrette, Margate Enjoy an evening of fine food and fine wine and partake in a journey of flavours and aromas. The ticket price includes a sixcourse tasting menu with six specially matched wines. This award winning restaurant is listed in the Michelin guide and is a contender for the Taste of Kent award for best restaurant 2013. Call 01843 231504 or email info@theambrette.co.uk Tickets £49.99 each
1 February – 6 May 2013 Carl Andre: Mass & Matter @ Turner Contemporary, Margate A selection of sculptures and typed poems from the 1960s and 1970s by one of the most influential sculptors of the twentieth century. Entrance: Free
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february
Tuesday 5th Feb
Harry Hill - Experiments In Entertainment @ Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone Harry tries out new material for a live show that promises incontrovertible proof that God exists. Joined by showband 'The Harry's', there's a section exclusively for Tongans, a chance to catch up on Harry's Nan's latest ailments, the legendary Stouffer the Cat and a debut solo stand-up spot by Gary, Harry's son from his first marriage and recognisable for his role as Alan Sugar in Harry Hill's TV Burp. There'll be expertwhistler- of-chart-hits grandson Sam and an all-singing, all-dancing finale. Oh, and maybe a giant sausage. Tickets £20, Show at 8pm. Call the Box Office on 01622 758611
Thusday 7th Feb
[feature ] Day tickets allows entry between 10am-5pm with full day tickets allowing entry to both the day event and the evening event, 10am-11pm Friday or Saturday. Evening tickets allows entry between 6pm-11pm Friday or Saturday. Kids under 5 go free. Group discounts available - call for details For more information: www.geek2013.co.uk 01843 282 219
Saturday 23rd February
Richard Herring@ Gubenkian Theatre, Canterbury Hilarious observational stand up as Herring brings his updated show “Talking C**k” to Canterbury.
This is a tenth anniversary update of the critically acclaimed show that exposes the truth about men and their “flutes of love”. Sell-out at the Edinburgh Fringe 2002 and Melbourne Comedy Festival 2003, translated and performed in over a dozen European countries, published as a book by Ebury press and now, once more we get the chance to see a true comic genius in action.
Micky Flanagan @ Central Theatre, Chatham
7.30pm
Micky Flanagan, one of British comedy's biggest stars - will travel the length and breadth of the UK & Ireland for what will be the most anticipated comedy tour of 2013, taking in 57 shows on the way and stops for a night at Chatham’s Central Theatre for a night to deliver what The Sunday Times called an “Excellent, funny and poignant” show.
Sunday 24th February
Although sold out you can still find tickets being sold at www.viagogo.co.uk
Thursday 14th February The Jazz Police @ The Minnis, Birchington Treat your significant other to a Valentines meal with a difference at The Minnis. Book a table and you also get to enjoy a great nights musical entertainment. The Jazz Police play a unique blend of romantic and vibrant swing tunes from the thirties, forties and fifties, as well as some contemporary tunes of today. The Jazz Police offer exciting, up tempo tunes from Django to Nat King Cole with slapping double bass and smooth guitar that will get any foot tapping. From 8pm
Tickets £15 call 01227 769075 or visit the website at www.kent. ac.uk/gulbenkian for more details.
Eastwell Manor Wedding Fayre @ Eastwell Manor, Boughton Lees, nr Ashford Many quality exhibitor stands will be situated within the hotel and in large marquees linked to the hotel. Enjoy fashion shows during the day with professionals and experts on all aspects of wedding arrangements available to assist visitors. Drinks and refreshments will be served throughout the day. events@eastwellmanor.co.uk Call 01233 213000 www.eastwellmanor.co.uk 10.00am - 4.00pm FREE ADMISSION
Tuesday 26th February Kaiser Chiefs @ Margate Winter Gardens
Thursday 21st – Sunday 24th February
The Leeds five piece bring their joyful pop/rock offerings to Margate’s Winter Gardens as part of a brief UK & Netherlands tour in February. Having recently released their first compilation album "Souvenir – The Singles 2004-2012” and working hard on their next studio album you can expect to hear all the hits plus one or two for the future.
Geek @ Margate Winter Gardens
Show starts 7.30pm
Following the overwhelming success of its pilot event in February 2012 GEEK (Game Expo East Kent) will be back for 2013.
Tickets £25
Admission Free with any booked table
GEEK2013 will take place 21st - 24th February during kids half term with games, talks, presentations, tournaments and arcade games included in the ticket price. 69
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Weddings EAST KENT
Includes:
Divine Dresses Cake Decoration Heavenly Honeymoons Wedding Make-up Tips Stunning Venues & plenty more inside‌
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Weddings at Port Lympne The Mansion & Gardens at Port Lympne is a unique and popular wedding venue situated on the Kent coast. The elegant 1920’s mansion is steeped in history and enjoys glorious panoramic views across extensive terraced lawns and landscaped gardens to the English Channel. To make it even more distinctive this exceptional mansion is nestled in the heart of the world renowned Port Lympne Wild Animal Park.
In an exciting addition to the wedding packages – VIP safaris can now be arranged for guests, transporting them to the plains of Africa to view elegant giraffe, zebra, rhino and ostrich roaming free over 100 acres known as The African Experience. The lavishly decorated and distinctive mansion rooms are available for wedding ceremonies, civil partnerships and guest receptions and can cater from 10 to 200 guests - In the summer months ceremonies can be held on the terrace outside overlooking the well stocked gardens with far reaching views to the Romney Marsh and the coast beyond. For larger parties the newly refurbished Aspinall Suite provides the perfect setting for an evening reception and has plenty of space for a large dance floor The Mansion & Gardens at Port
Lympne provides a bespoke wedding service to ensure that brides and grooms enjoy every element of their special day. Brides and Grooms can choose from three packages – Gold, White Gold or Platinum or mix and match elements from all three – alternatively the experienced wedding planners can help design an individual package ideally suited to the couples special theme. New to 2012 is the ‘mini moon’ an additional package allowing the married couple to relax after their big day at our award winning Livingstone Lodge. After the celebrations the bride and groom will be transported to Livingstone Lodge where they will enjoy champagne, truffles and a fruit basket in their luxury four poster tented accommodation. The famous Aspinall Full English Breakfast will be served
in the morning and can be enjoyed on the private veranda whilst watching the animals on the African Experience. Following breakfast the newlyweds will experience their own private safari tour allowing them the opportunity to see the animals at close quarters. The award winning Livingstone Lodge is situated in 100 acres of land where giraffe, rhino, buffalo, zebra and ostrich roam freely as though on the African plains. Part of the estate of Port Lympne, this wonderful venue is also seeing the addition of hen parties with a package called ‘Hens on Safari.’ For further information about the wedding packages available at The Mansion & Gardens Port Lympne, the ‘mini moon’ and ‘Hens on Safari’ please visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/ portlympne or call 01303 234111 73
[weddings ]
Abigail
Leanne
Divine Dresses
from Diane Harbridge Available at Pumpkins & Dragonflies, Folkestone
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Hayley
Vivian
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PUMPKINS AND DRAGONFLIES
P
umpkins and Dragonflies is a beautiful bridal boutique situated in Folkestone, with a reputation for excellent customer service.
This stylish boutique offers gowns by designers Diane Harbridge, Phoenix gowns, D’zage, Bellice by Veromia and Verise Couture along with one of the largest collections of bridesmaid and flowergirl dresses in Kent. The team at Pumpkins and Dragonflies will work with any client to find them their dream dress. Gowns are available to order in sizes 6-32 and with prices between £475 - £1695.
“You deserve a fabulous wedding... We specialise in Fabulous!"
Diana
You deserve a fabulous wedding… We specialise in fabulous Stockists of Phoenix, D’Zage, Verise Couture, Bellice and the new collection from the fabulous Diane Harbridge Beautiful Tiara’s and Veils Stunning Bridesmaids, Mother of the bride outfits, Shoes and Accessories 5 Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1EY
01303 250179 www.weddingdresskent.com 75
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Become a Bride at Bleak House If you’re looking for a unique and enviable wedding experience then you will be hard pressed to find a more evocative setting than Bleak House, famous for its long term association with Charles Dickens who spent many summers here and wrote some of his best known works in the house itself. Nestled on the cliff tops of picturesque Broadstairs, overlooking the wonderful Viking Bay and set among beautiful landscaped gardens, Bleak House offers a truly magical venue to host a spectacular wedding. The “Great Expectations” ceremony room which overlooks the gardens is a truly idyllic space and comes replete with a baby grand piano for which your hosts can provide a pianist for your special day if required. Bleak House can provide a warm and intimate ceremony with room inside to cater up to fifty guests for a sit down meal in the ceremony room or up to eighty guests for a wonderfully prepared buffet from just £15.95 per person in the “Olive Twist Function Room”. 76
Alternatively you can hire Bleak House’s luxury 200 capacity Marquee set just beyond the terrace in the glorious garden, with fabulous sea views.You can choose from a range of menu choices from just £45 per head which includes drinks at the reception, during the meal and for the wedding toast. Furthermore, the “Oliver Twist Function Room” can be themed to any style for your big day. As well being licensed to perform civil wedding ceremonies (not to mention giving the bride and groom the opportunity to sign the register on Charles Dickens own writing desk in his study) and providing first rate catering and facilities for the day itself, Bleak House also offers stunning wedding night accommodation with
four outstanding luxury en suite rooms, including the Copperfield Bridal suite, replete with a huge luxury bath for two, a private balcony overlooking Viking Bay and a 52" Plasma TV, and there is also the Charles Dickens two bedroomed penthouse apartment, also with surrounding sea views. Luxuriate in these opulent rooms and come down the next day for your champagne breakfast. Our wedding co-ordinators Amanda and Nikki of Thanetian Events (www. thanetianevents.co.uk) have over fifteen years’ experience in helping couples enjoy the most important day of their lives and will work with you to make sure your every whim is catered for.
Bleak H o u s e Weddings
The Perfect Wedding Venue Bleak House ~ former home of author Charles Dickens ~ a stunning venue for weddings, christenings, parties and celebrations. It is also the perfect choice for business meetings, conferences and corporate events. At Bleak House we can conduct wedding ceremonies, as well as provide a choice of wonderfully ornate rooms and beautiful outdoor settings where you can relax and entertain your wedding guests.
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Catering for up to 80 guests inside, or...
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Hire our luxury marquee for up to 200 guests
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Beautiful landscaped gardens
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Licensed for civil wedding ceremonies
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Terrace & garden with great sea views
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Four of the most luxurious en-suite bedrooms
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Bridal suite
01843 865 338 07974 131 375 enquiries@bleakhousebroadstairs.co.uk
www.bleakhousebroadstairs.co.uk
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Wedding Jewellery By Shelley Williams of Pavone Jewellery, Folkestone
Buying your wedding ring is an important step. Not only are wedding rings symbols of eternal love, but you are likely to wear your wedding ring for the rest of your life. Here are some tips for selecting your dream wedding ring. 1. BUDGET Weddings can be expensive, but a wedding ring is for life. Don’t get carried away by fabulous but expensive rings on offer, you can always upgrade later but many form such an attachment to the original ring that they don’t want to part with it, so try to buy something of quality. 2. COMBINATION Will your partner be wearing her wedding ring alongside her engagement ring? If the answer is ‘yes’, then you may consider buying a curved wedding ring or one that matches and complements her engagement ring. A curved wedding ring can sit smoothly around the diamond on her engagement ring. A popular choice is to have both engagement and wedding rings in the same metal and style. 3. COMFORT If you enjoy sports and an active lifestyle in general, you may want to opt for wedding bands that are robust, secure and don’t scratch easily. A diamond wedding ring with a whopping great stone looks fantastic, but you may find it uncomfortable in the long run. To make sure that the fit is perfect for you we will size you and your partner’s finger over a cup of coffee in store and advise you on all aspects of your purchase.
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4. STONE SET? You may decide that you would like gemstones set into your ring. A flush or bezel setting for a wedding band set with gemstones is more secure, but a prong or claw setting allows more light to go through the stone. Wedding rings with a bezel setting or a flush set diamond show only the top of the gems with a nice edge around it, making it less likely to catch your diamond ring on clothes. 5. METAL Should you go for white or yellow gold rings, platinum, palladium or silver bands? Silver is a relatively soft metal and will tarnish over time. Gold, whether for a white gold wedding ring or yellow gold wedding rings, is fine as long as it not more than 18k. Pop into us at the Pavone store in Folkestone for a friendly chat and more information. 6. THINK STYLE / HIS AND HERS Do you go for identical his and hers wedding rings or buy different wedding bands for you and your partner? Matching wedding rings don’t have to mean that you both end up with the exact same wedding ring.
8. DESIGN YOUR OWN WEDDING RING For something truly unique, why not design your own wedding rings? At Pavone Jewellery, we have a team of skilled professional craftsmen who specialise in creating made-to-order and one off pieces. We can create the wedding rings of your dreams from a single image or listen to your thoughts and ideas to make a preliminary drawing of your perfect ring! 9. DIAMONDS Quality is just as important as size. When you buy your diamond engagement ring or diamond wedding ring, it pays to read up on “the 4 Cs of diamonds” (cut, colour, clarity and carat weight). In closing, remember that it’s your special day and whatever style of ring you choose to go for, make sure it fits in with your unique style and personality, as we hope you’ll only need one chance at this! Pavone - 2 Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1EX 01303 251230
Top Designers and Brands, Bespoke Jewellery, Jewellery design and Creation, Repairs and Alterations, Watch Battery Replacement, Pearl Restringing, Children’s Jewellery, Onsite Workshop and Advice from Highly Trained Craftsmen 2 Rendezvous Street Folkestone, Kent CT20 1EX t: 01303 251230
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Kentish Weddings by the sea
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Wedding Venues For Your Special Day...
Enjoy your special day and have your wedding ceremony by the sea. Thorley Hotels Group have dedicated and experienced people in place to guide you through all of the necessary arrangements ensuring your Wedding Day is tailored to your dreams. Call your venue of choice for more details The Pavilion, Harbour Street, Broadstairs 01843 600999 www.pavilion-broadstairs.co.uk The Pegwell Bay Hotel, Pegwell Road, Ramsgate 01843 599590 www.pegwellbayhotel.co.uk The Oak Hotel, Harbour Parade, Ramsgate 01843 583686 www.oakhotel.co.uk
www.thanetweddingvenues.co.uk 81
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Wedding
hair tips by Harrisons Hair Team
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our wedding day is always going to be one to remember, your appearance needs a lot of consideration so Harrisons Hair Team are here to give the bride to be a few tips so your wedding day can go ahead in a calm and relaxed manner.
Make contact with your hairdresser well in advance to make sure you feel comfortable with them and to discuss options for whether on the day your styling is carried out within the salon or at your home or wedding venue. Ensure that when your stylist is doing your wedding trial you bring along any acessories, such as tiara or veil, which will be worn on the day. This is the ideal time to have a make-up trial as well.
Any additional services such as haircuts, permanent waves or colour services should be done two to four weeks before your big day. We recommend that you have a conditioning treatment beforehand, especially if you are planning on adding colour so that your hair feels healthy, and looks glossy and shiny. You hair should last for the duration of your wedding. However there are a few things you can do to help just in case, keep an umbrella close by and get your chief bridesmaid to have hair pins, a mini can of hairspray, and lip gloss just in case.
Harrisons Hair Team is home for two salons based at Evegate and Sandgate and has a large team of hairstylists and beauty therapists. Our Sandgate salon opened 8 years ago, offering a wide range of beauty treatments aswell as first class hairdressing. Whether you would like a spray tan, eye treatment, manicure, pedicure or a luxury body massage, they have treatments to suit everyone. We only use professional products such as skin ceuticals to ensure your skin is treated to only the best. Putting success down to loyal clients and a strong team, Harrisons, employs 14 staff members including REDKEN educators, who regularly use their knowledge and experience to teach others.
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Abbots Barton Hotel Canterbury The Abbots Barton was built in 1830 as a private house and became a hotel in 1927 expanding to it's present size. The hotel has 53 beautifully furnished en suite bedrooms, the Fountain Restaurant which seats up to 70 diners, 4 private function rooms suitable for smaller and more intimate weddings and the Cathedral Suite which seats up to 120 people for a wedding breakfast and 180 for an evening reception. The Cathedral suite has views and direct access to the gardens which provides an idyllic setting for marquees holding up to 250 guests. Wedding couples can choose from a selection of seasonal and modern British menu options which have been thoughtfully created using ethically sourced ingredients from local farms and suppliers where possible complimented by some comprehensive drink packages. Alternatively, our chef and his brigade can
offer and quote for bespoke, tailor made menus to suit. Unlike other venues such as private halls and barns, the Abbots Barton can cater for the majority of your requirements without having to outsource these to the likes of external food caterers and accommodation providers at a premium cost to you and your guests. Being a 'one stop shop' for your event also means that our experienced wedding coordinator can guide you where necessary and will liaise directly with each department relieving you of the stress that comes from having to organise everything yourself with several different suppliers. Furthermore, if your pre-ordered food and drinks package reaches just £4,500, the venue hire will be thrown in free of charge which could result in further savings in comparison to other venues without compromising on quality.
THE BURLINGTON HOTEL The Burlington Hotel is a nineteenth century Victorian-Edwardian 3 star hotel that has been tastefully modernised whilst retaining its old world charm and elegance, set in tranquil surroundings overlooking the famous Leas Promenade and the English Channel.
Folkestone
The Premier Suite can accommodate up to 140 guests for a wedding breakfast and 200 for an evening reception whilst smaller rooms are also available for more intimate events. The hotel also holds a ‘Marriages and Civil Partnership Licence’ so that you can host your entire event with us. The beautifully decorated Radnor Suite can accommodate up to 120 guests for your ceremony. There are many advantages to choosing a hotel over a private hall or a barn for your special day. The hotel can act as a 'one stop shop' for most of 84
your needs and can also save you money. Most other venues don't have on-site accommodation for you and your guests, have expensive venue hire charges and also outsource their catering requirements at premium rates so that you have to deal with several suppliers for your event. The Burlington Hotel offers free accommodation for the bride and groom, discounted accommodation rates for your guests so that they can relax and enjoy the night without worrying about the costs of getting home and also free venue hire*.
Whilst organising a wedding can be a daunting task, the Burlington's experienced wedding coordinator will be on hand to assist you with every aspect of planning your big day. Whether you choose a traditional celebration or something more contemporary, they will be there to advise and guide where necessary and to ensure that your day is truly special. • Book before 28th February 2013 and get the top table for free** *Subject to conditions **Subject to maximum 8 adults
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Photography by Rebecca Douglas www.rebeccadouglas.co.uk
Feeling Good the pines calyx
Imagine a truly beautiful setting, amidst a lush garden with undulating lawns, beautiful trees, lake and grass labyrinth. Turn around and catch a breathtaking glimpse of the sea and iconic White Cliffs. The Pines Calyx is the first carbon neutral building of its type in Europe and produces more energy than it uses. Designed in the shape of two interlocking circles, and over two floors, the building looks sleek and curvaceously modern, but inside it resonates with the quiet of the ancient chalk from which it is made. It really is a special place and has been the venue for many wonderful weddings. We asked Kate who got married here last spring, why she chose the venue: “Living in Los Angeles as we do, with its concrete and sprawl, we knew we wanted something much closer to nature for our wedding. We'd looked at many historic houses and gardens, but as soon as I saw the Pines Calyx, I knew I'd found something very special. I just had a very strong feeling about it
right away. Really, who can resist getting married in a structure with a grass roof? That it had a sustainable mission and was set in six acres of gardens so near the picturesque White Cliffs was that much better. Luckily, when I shared it with my fiancé, he felt as strongly about it as I did.” Remembering the day itself, Kate added: “We were fortunate to have a warm, sunny day. My hunch about all the windows had been right - not only did they let in an incredible amount of light, but the beauty of the garden as well. The attention to detail in both the Pines Calyx and the garden was impressive. It's clear that they are not just well looked after but also well loved. We really liked how well the event flowed-we made great use of both floors of the Pines Calyx as well as the terrace. And what a luxury for our guests to be able to wander all six acres of the garden at their leisure, to go for a stroll before the wedding breakfast, or just sit and relax. We have some wonderful photos of the
children scampering about the garden, my husband's niece trying to climb a tree, the boys playing hide and go seek. In short, we'd envisioned a lovely English country garden wedding. The Pines Calyx was everything we'd imagined and more.” So if you are thinking about the Pines Calyx for your special day, why not let your imagination loose and get creative with the possibilities the venue and gardens offer, from formal tables to picnics on the lawn or afternoon tea in a yurt; string quartets on the terrace or rendezvous in the shelter of the story telling tree. To arrange a viewing and discuss your requirements in more detail, call us on 01304 851737 or visit www.pinescalyx.co.uk
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C O N G R AT U L AT IO N S ! YOU’RE ENGAGED!
St Augustine’ s Westgate-on-Sea
125 Canterbury Road Westgate-on-Sea Kent CT8 8NL
If you’re reading this with interest, you were probably proposed to over Christmas and the New Year – congratulations! informal atmosphere why not come along to our free Wedding Open Evening, which is taking place on 31st January 2013 from 4pm – 7pm.
During your personal viewing you can take a look around St Augustine’s. With five elegant banqueting rooms, a garden gazebo and a stunning chapel, it’s the perfect – and unique – wedding venue, the only one in England that can offer a civil ceremony, chapel blessing and wedding reception all under one roof.
Getting engaged is exciting but that’s just the beginning. There’s so much planning to do: the dress, the flowers, the venue… it can all be a bit daunting, not to mention time consuming. Where do you start? Well, you can start by visiting our website www.staugustineskent.com where you can see the facilities we have on offer, use our links to look at suppliers websites and even take a virtual tour of our Chapel and Ruby Room. If you want the opportunity to take a look at St Augustine’s in a relaxed
0800 389 4001 86
tailor a quotation to your needs, please call us on 0800 389 4001 to arrange a viewing (45 minutes duration).
You can wander round St Augustine’s at your leisure, and you don’t even have to use your imagination as we will have set up different wedding scenarios in five or our seven rooms. If, however, you would like our personal attention to find out more about what we can offer and to
e: info@staugustines.uk.com www.staugustineskent.com
[title ] course, the dress, experienced wedding professionals will be on hand to give you all the advice you need. There will also be a few surprises in store to give you something a little different to make your big day extra special.
Helping you plan the perfect wedding Once you have made a booking you may need inspiration for your special day and St Augustine’s Wedding Fayre is taking place on Sunday 24th February between 10am and 4pm. You’ll find everything you need – and more – all under one roof. With free admission, it is a must for budding brides and wedding planners. The Wedding Fayre is an excellent way of helping you plan and organise your special day. From photographers, cake makers and florists to evening entertainment, cars and, of
0800 389 4001
Have something else to celebrate?
Making any occasion special With five different rooms, St Augustine’s can assist you in finding the right-sized area for your special occasion. The relaxed atmosphere and elegant surroundings make it the perfect special alternative to a restaurant for a lunch with close friends and family, whether you’re looking for a formal meal or more informal buffet.
Whatever the occasion, make it memorable with St Augustine’s.
St Augustine’s is well known as a wedding venue, but it doesn’t stop there. If you’re looking for somewhere special to celebrate, whether it’s a significant wedding anniversary, a 60th birthday or an intimate family luncheon, St Augustine’s is the ideal venue.
e: info@staugustines.uk.com www.staugustineskent.com 87
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WEDDI
N
G FAYRE
Sunday 24th February 2013 10am - 4pm Quality Exhibitors Free Admission Free & Ample Parking
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 and Leisure facilities in England
Tel 01233 213000 Email weddings@eastwellmanor.co.uk Website www.eastwellmanor.co.uk Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees, Ashford, Kent TN25 4HR 88 Applicable to weddings booked after 1st August 2011. Photographs supplied by Alfie & Trish Photography.
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Eastwell Manor Eastwell Manor is a four Red Star Country House Hotel and Spa set within a 3000-acre estate in the heart of the Kent countryside, where couples can enjoy both their Ceremony and Reception at one stunning location. The historic Manor House sits at the end of a long tree-lined drive, surrounded by perfectly manicured lawns and beautiful grounds and comprises 23 individually styled elegant bedrooms and suites, some with four poster beds in the main house and 39 en suite bedrooms in the luxury Mews Cottages. The hotel is owned and managed by the Parrett family and has built up a strong reputation for being the ultimate dream wedding venue in Kent. There are four areas licensed for Weddings and Civil Ceremonies, which include three beautiful oak panelled Manor House rooms and a beautiful Italian Walled Maids Garden with its own elegant Gazebo, offering couples the option to get married al fresco.This area is filled with historic charm, splendid seasonal flower displays and a romantic bridge over the lily pond, which the bride can cross to make a memorable entrance in front of her guests.
There are a number of options available for the wedding breakfast to be held within the hotel, with private dining rooms to seat up to 120 guests. These are the Bayeux, Rose Garden and Chaucer rooms. There is also a purpose built evening venue area in the modern Pavilion building. The Keston and Chelsfield Suites are joined by an internal staircase and the downstairs Keston Suite benefits from a permanent wooden dance floor, built-in bar, direct access to an outside terrace area and air conditioning, whilst the upstairs Chelsfield Suite can seat up to 120 guests for the evening buffet, providing a quieter area for guests to enjoy the evening Reception. Overall the two rooms can accommodate evening receptions for up to 180 guests. The extensive grounds are ideal for marquee weddings, which can be held throughout the year for up to 450 guests and the hotel recommends a reliable, reputable local marquee company who provide an impressive selection of beautifully lined and dressed marquees. Experienced professional chefs provide all of the catering for weddings held at Eastwell Manor, and our own Executive Head Chef has put together
a selection of mouthwatering menus using fresh seasonal and locally produced ingredients for the wedding breakfast and evening menus. Our friendly and experienced team of wedding coordinators takes the time to show the hotel’s extensive facilities to every couple that comes to Eastwell Manor, as well as discussing various wedding packages available to them. Our wedding packages offer an affordable option for couples getting married, with all-inclusive packages available from £75 per head. Alternatively a unique tailormade wedding can be created, according to the couple’s budget and ideas. With its period charm, award-winning cuisine, regal surroundings, warming log fires and some of the finest spa and leisure facilities in England, Eastwell Manor is a highly esteemed Country House Hotel with a quality of service hard to equal. An English Country House Wedding at Eastwell Manor is impossible to beat and impossible to forget. Our couples cannot thank us enough for making their wedding one of the best days of their lives, and the testimonials we receive make all the hard work that goes into their special day all worthwhile. 89
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YOUR PERFECT WEDDING
by The Sea
THE BROADSTAIRS PAVILION ON THE SANDS
The Broadstairs Pavilion is a completely unique Wedding Venue. Enjoying uninterrupted views of the sandy cove and glistening shore of Viking Bay, the Pavilion and Gardens on the Sands is the ideal setting and everything that you could need from a venue all in one awesome location. Its unique position overlooking the prettiest beach in the Mediterranean of Kent is unrivalled. It’s ideal for the couple looking for something just a little bit different, but with the back up and professionalism of Thanet’s leading leisure operator. Fully Licensed for Civil Ceremonies and Partnerships on site, you will have the expert services of an experienced team to consult with, guide, and inspire you. If required the team can be a one stop shop, enabling you and your guests the luxury of once arriving at The Pavilion ,never having to move all day . Being licensed to host your Wedding Ceremony in the main hall, with a spectacular panoramic backdrop of the bay your guests will witness you say those special vows with the stunning views of the sand and sea beyond. With the glorious Gardens leading straight onto the golden sands the venue provides an opportunity for stunning and unique photography to help make your day extra special.
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The Pavilion’s full time brigade of chefs can offer you excellent cuisine and a menu to suit all tastes - all prepared and cooked from fresh ingredients, locally sourced where possible. The Broadstairs Pavilion can also accommodate up to 180 seated guests for your perfect Wedding Breakfast. Packages include the use of the main hall, bars and fully equipped stage; ideal for live music and DJ and the veranda over looking the gardens and sandy beach. The Pavillion’s experienced wedding team have built excellent relationships with local suppliers including florists, cake makers, venue stylists, toastmasters, photographers, videographers, music and entertainment and even car hire. Booking your special day at The Pavilion really does take away the stress of organising all of the perfect Ceremony and celebration. Contact The Broadstairs Pavilion for a brochure containing details of all wedding packages. As well as the standard deals you
can also discuss bespoke packages as of course everyone has their own ideas about their perfect wedding You must come and see for yourself the stunning venue and backdrop that awaits you at the Broadstairs Pavilion, feel free to take a no obligation tour at any time. T: 01843 600999 E: enquiry@pavilion-broadstairs.co.uk W: www.pavilion-broadstairs.co.uk www.thanetweddingvenues.co.uk
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ST EDMUNDS
T
he beautiful, historic setting of St Edmund’s overlooks the city and cathedral of Canterbury, giving you and your guests a stunning panoramic view from St Thomas Hill.
Rental and catering packages available to suit all budgets – Please contact our lettings department at: Tel: 012274756289 Email: gcd@stedmunds.org.uk
Founded in 1858 by Dr Samuel Warnford, its’ magnificent 19th century historic buildings are set amongst acres of tranquil mature gardens and parkland, and offer an ideal location for your wedding day. Approved for civil marriages, civil partnerships and renewal of vows for up to 120 guests, St Edmund’s is the quintessential English venue that promises to make your occasion truly memorable.
Step inside and you’ll discover the Drawing room and Terrace with its’ scenic views, creating an intimate atmosphere for your ceremony, and the traditional oak-panelled Dining Hall, a perfect space for your wedding reception. Outside, the elegant limestone-arched colonnade provides a wonderful location for an outdoor ceremony, followed by a marquee reception on our lawns. Whatever your needs, whether small and intimate affairs, or larger receptions, let the magnificent venue of St Edmund’s be the starting point for your special day
…...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
Call: 01304 851 737 Visit: www.pinescalyx.co.uk The Pines Calyx, The Pines Garden St. Margaret’s Bay, Kent CT15 6DZ
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Wedding Catering We are all familiar with the benefits of eating and shopping locally, and here in Kent we endeavour to use only the best local suppliers for all of our Meat, Fish, Vegetables & Cheese.
Fine Charcuterie, Home Smoked Fish through to our Cheeses, Pickles & Chutneys. We will provide you with a sumptuous Kentish Feast to remember.
Hosting your Wedding in Kent means that you can truly embrace everything the Garden of England has to offer.
Plus we offer tailored Vegetarian dishes using local Fruits and Vegetables to compliment all of our menus, and because we create everything in house, we can offer a truly bespoke service to suit your tastes. We have an outside catering team, so we are able to offer you the same level of food and service in a venue of your choosing, and for the extra special touches we have an affiliate company that undertakes Venue Styling.
We know that you deserve the Kentish Wedding of your dreams, and here at The Minnis Bar & Restaurant in Minnis Bay, Birchington, we will provide you with the quality food and catering that will make your day sparkle. You can be assured of the quality because we source as much as we can locally from the farms in Kent. It helps with our ethical sourcing policy by keeping food miles to a minimum and supporting local businesses, and in turn this allows us to keep our prices fair too.
So for a truly Kentish Wedding Day, with a mouth-wateringly delicious menu that will be sure to meet every discerning guests tastes, come and talk to us @ The Minnis and we will help you create The Kentish Wedding Day that you have dreamed of‌.
We cater for those with the traditional tastes, as well as those looking for something more unique. From our Home Crafted
For further information visit www.thepinkpumpkin.co.uk
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as featured in Vogue Amy McManus talks wedding cakes with Sweetie Darling and shows us exactly why the Canterbury based business has gone from home-based hobby to Vogue US feature in 3 short years.
flowers and royal icing. If you want a qualified and professional company for all of your wedding cake desires, then this is the place to go. If you can think of it, they can make it.
The venue and food have been booked, the deposits have been paid, what’s next? The cake! The wedding cake is a fundamental feature and focal point of any wedding day.Whether you are planning to serve your individual creation to your guests, or use it as a venue centrepiece, choosing the right company for you is essential. For us lucky folks in Kent, Canterbury has a fabulous solution to all of your baking needs!
“At Sweetie Darling we know that a wedding cake can be as vital as the dress or shoes. Our brides and grooms are very important to us and we make sure that they are involved 100% in the process to get the cake of their dreams.”
Sweetie Darling Cakes in Canterbury was created by owner Billie Loveland after she achieved her Master’s Certificate in Cake Decorating and several diplomas in sugar paste, sugar
This primary approach to each of their clients’ wishes has no doubt been instrumental in the success of Sweetie Darling. This reached a pinnacle in July 2012 with their inclusion in the Vogue US feature of model Jacquetta Wheeler’s wedding at Chilham castle. The five tiered red velvet creation was photographed for Vogue US by Robert Fairer after being delivered to the venue
by Billie that morning. The icing was embossed with the lace pattern from the bride’s dress and the bottom of each tier was adorned with ivory satin ribbon. “It was the most beautiful wedding venue and we were so happy to be a part of it. The cake and the result were worth every second of hard work put into it and we were glad to hear that the bride and groom loved it!” If you would like to see more of what Sweetie Darling have to offer take a look at their gallery at www.kentcakecourses. co.uk or contact them for a free, no obligation consultation on (01227) 714714 or info@sweetiedarlingcakes.co.uk Every reader quoting East-Kent Lifestyle will receive 10% off any course or bespoke cake.
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Inspiring Wedding Exhibitions where you can find all you need to make your Wedding Day truly special A series of Wedding Shows in Kent in partnership with
Open 10.30am – 3.30pm unless otherwise stated
FRE
E
Y ENTR
Mercure Great Danes Hotel Hollingbourne, Maidstone, ME17 1RE Sunday 6th January
The Coniston Hotel, Sittingbourne ME10 1NT
Wedding Ideas, Information, Inspiration...
Sunday 20th January
Kent Event Centre, The Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF Sunday 27th January
Salomons Southborough, Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG
You’ve found your perfect partner. Now, all that you wish for is your wedding day to be equally as perfect - but planning a wedding can be a pretty daunting task. That's why a visit to a wedding show - a one-stop shop for all your wedding needs is an absolute must. The Wedding Experience hosts a series of shows throughout Kent where you have the opportunity to see, touch and feel those luxurious items for your wedding. You’ll find a fabulous selection of bridal gowns and menswear, tiaras and jewellery, stunning cakes, wedding rings, delightful stationery, floristry, balloon décor, delicious chocolate fountains, magicians, wedding cars… in fact everything you need to plan the perfect wedding. A show local to you is the ideal place to have a leisurely browse and informal discussion with wedding specialists in your home region. And on 27th January there is a major event at The Kent Showground Detling with over 100 businesses as well as changing facilities for brides-tobe to try on some gowns from a selection on offer from eight bridalwear companies.You may even find the dress of your dreams which you may buy on the day! These events offer busy couples the chance to see what is available and compare services and products without spending weeks searching for that something special. All shows are admission FREE so take along your family and friends for a day of planning which you’ll find to be very helpful and lots of fun too. Enquiries: 01795 844449 or visit www.wedding-experience.co.uk 94
Sunday 3rd February
Commissioner’s House The Historic Dockyard, Chatham ME4 4TE Sunday 24th February
The Ashford International Hotel Ashford TN24 8UX Sunday 3rd March
Hadlow Manor Hotel Goose Green, Hadlow, Near Tonbridge TN11 0JH Sunday 24th March
Inn on the Lake Shorne, Gravesend DA12 3HB Sunday 7th April
The Kent Showground Detling, Maidstone ME14 3JF Sunday 28th April 10.30am – 4.00pm
The Largest Wedding Show In The South East
Pre-register at
www.wedding-experience.co.uk 01795 844449
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Wedding photography by Helena Benedict
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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Words and Photography by Helena Benedict www.facebook.com/helena.benedictphotography
Your wedding will pass in a flash but you want the memories to live forever. So what should you be focusing on to ensure that your day is picture perfect? CHOOSING A PHOTOGRAPHER Almost the same amount of time and effort should be taken in choosing your wedding photographer as choosing your dress! This will be one of the most memorable (and probably most expensive) days of your life so don't be tempted to cut corners when choosing your photographer! DO YOUR RESEARCH. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Couples that are happy with their photographs will be only too happy to pass on recommendations. Wedding Fayres are an excellent opportunity to meet lots of wedding photographers in one place.You will be able to get an idea of styles and prices and formulate a list of websites that you can browse. WHAT’S YOUR STYLE? There are three main styles, Traditional, photo-journalistic, or Candid. Lots of photographers offer a mix of these but tend to have a style that they shoot particularly well.
Choose a style that reflects you as a couple and remember that you will be looking at these photos for the rest of your lives! Search the internet for inspiration as wedding photographers will showcase their best work on their websites. MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER Meet with potential photographers. It’s important to have a good rapport as you will be spending quite a bit of time with your chosen photographer! Ask if he/she does a pre-shoot with both bride and groom. This helps both of you to feel comfortable in front of the lens! FEES AND PRODUCTS What are the fees? Do they cover the whole day? What’s included? and what are travel and any possible overtime expenses? Many couples prefer their photographs to be supplied on disk but framed prints and photobooks are also very popular and are a lovely way to look back at your special day.
DIY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Ask a friend with an interest in photography to shoot your wedding! If they have a SLR camera and a decent flash this can be great alternative to hiring a professional as they know the real you and will be able to get some natural shots of you. There are many online companies such as snapfish.com that create good quality photobooks at budget prices, set aside some time and get uploading! Photobooks are also lovely gifts for parents and the new-in-laws. Ask friends and family to donate a digital camera for your wedding day, these can be placed on each table at your wedding dinner and party for any of your guests to use! These photographs are often a real insight into the day and will make you giggle for years to come! Approach a local college, if they run photography courses you may be able to find a talented, keen and willing student only too happy to gain wedding photography experience! 95
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Heavenly East Kent Lifestyle Magazine took a look at the most romantic honeymoon spots of 2013. The Round House, Paxos
Outdoors, guests will find a refreshing plunge pool, as well as a spacious terrace with an exterior kitchen and dining area, perfect for al fresco evening drinks and dining. A maid service is available six days a week to enhance the relaxing ambiance and a cook is also included in the rental.
P rices start at £1,200 per week (excluding flights and transfers)
For more info got to www.scottwilliams.co.uk
Reached through an ancient track through winding olive groves, the Round House is Greece at its most romantic. The tower of the Round House is available in May, June and September as an intimate retreat for two. A truly unique circular building, the villa offers breath-taking views over the Ionian Sea, guaranteed to provide a memorable honeymoon experience. The master bedroom has been lovingly decorated with beautiful interior features, and boasts its own adjoining scented courtyard.
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas, Crete Nestled on a hillside overlooking its own private cove with crystal clear, turquoise waters near Aghios Nikolaos and Elounda, Daios Cove is a stylish five star resort providing an contemporary retreat for newlyweds, complete with an infinity pool, two cocktail bars, a state-of-the-art spa, and four exquisite restaurants. Daios Cove’s dedicated honeymooner planner is also on hand to arrange exclusive activities from scenic helicopter flights, private champagne cruises exploring isolated coves, to late night picnics on the beach. With packages starting at just £350pp for 6 nights in a Deluxe Sea View Room based on two adults sharing on a bed and breakfast basis with an individual pool– this is a real find!
F or more details of this and more exclusive
packages at Daios Cove got to www.daioscove.com
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The Inn at English Harbour, Antigua
The honeymoon package goes for $4,375.00 for a seven night stay, in a Junior Suite. For more details on the honeymoon packages visit www.theinn.ag
The perfect spot for your wedding or honeymoon. Antigua is known as the romantic island of the Caribbean and The Inn at English Harbour plays up to this status. There are just 18 rooms at the property, choose from a cosy beach cabana or a plush suite. There’s a private beach, two beautiful restaurants, one at the water’s edge. Enjoy exceptional, friendly and personal service. For the more active fun loving couples try your hand at sailing, or snorkel off the beach (there’s an excellent reef just off the hotel) or take a trip into English Harbour by complimentary boat and discover the history of the island and Nelson’s involvement from 1784.
NIYAMA by Per AQUUM, Maldives Opened in 2012, this is the option for those that want to get a bit more out of their Maldivian honeymoon. Enjoy Subsix, the world’s first underwater nightclub featuring some of the world’s hottest DJ’s (including the likes of Tinie Tempah and Mr Hudson), some amazing snorkelling and diving and even state of the art simulators for those wishing to hones their golf swing/basketball/shooting skills. Honeymooners can take over a deserted island for the day and pretend to be shipwrecked with some champagne! For foodies there’s so much on offer, from Tribal – the super cool campfire style dining experience, to EDGE the molecular gastronomy restaurant that appears to float on the Indian Ocean – 500 metres away from shore. The island has plenty to offer but if the happy couple do just want to chill out by the pool, they can choose from their private plunge pool or the infinity pool by the beach bar. www.itcclassics.co.uk prices from £2,350 per person based on 2 adults sharing a Beach Studio for 7 nights on a half board basis including, return economy flights with Qatar from London Heathrow and seaplane transfers.
North Beach, Barbuda This is a completely hidden gem and perfect for those wanting to really escape the reality of modern day life. There is no pool, children’s club, jet skis, spa or sushi bar. They do have 12 miles of deserted pink sand beach, a plentiful bar, fantastic local food cooked by the owner, amazing array of activities and most importantly, peace and quiet. This place is truly low key and ideal for the Honeymooning couple who want nothing more than to relax and enjoy each other’s company in an idyllic setting. There are only 4 bungalow beachfront hideaways in a truly natural setting. Right on North Beach’s seafront doorstep is one of the most impressive coral reefs in seafaring history. There are a maximum of 9 guests at any one time. Escape, relax and never want to leave.
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