East Kent Lifestyle Issue 17 by Barley House

issue seventeen

november/ december twenty-fourteen

Jim Carrey Hollywood’s favourite goofball is back for Christmas, and he’s dumber than ever…

gift guides galore Great Ideas

for the

Big Day

the white cliffs

Coastal Comfort & Cracking Cuisine

free the facial follicles! Fella’s Guide to Ultimate Shave

the

THE

C H A R L E S CD D I C K E N S PUB, KITCHEN & DINING ROOMS

FRESHLY PREPARED FOOD LOCAL LY SOURCED INGREDIENTS NEW MENU EVERY DAY AW A R D W I N N I N G BROADSTAIRS GASTRO PUB ST U NNING V IE W S AC RO SS V IK ING BAY & B ROA DST A IRS HA RB O U R B O O K N OW O N : 0 1 8 4 3 6 0 3 0 4 0 W W W .C H A R L E S D I C K E N S B R O A D S T A I R S .C O . U K THE CHARLES DICKENS, 5-6 VICTORIA PARADE, BROADSTAIRS, KENT CT10 1QS

[welcome ]

november/december twenty-fourteen

ISSUE seventeen

With the sun still shining and (unbelievably) t-shirt weather upon us in late October, it seems strange to welcome you to our 2014 Christmas edition of East Kent Lifestyle but welcome you I must! With the annual festivities almost upon us we’ve put together a collection of great gift ideas from a whole host of East Kent businesses including Papillon Interiors, www.hotcraze.co.uk, and from Fenwicks Canterbury, as well as our own hot picks. We asked our resident Chefs to come up with “something Christmassy”, and they both went for a festive chocolate dessert – but from very different perspectives! We’ve also given you some ideas for some great party venues in the area. If you’re looking to burn off those extra few calories you’ll inevitably end up taking on board over the holiday season, then East Kent Lifestyle have some great ways to help you fight the winter flab. Not only do we have our regular East Kent Walk and Cycle Trail pieces (this issue we will take you on a stroll through Reculver, and put you through your pedalling paces along the Isle of Harty trail ), but we also have East Kent gym owner and fitness expert, Luke Bicknell’s guide to exercising outdoors in the winter months. For those of you not quite so interested in battling the bulge, check out our reviews of The Manor restaurant at Eastwell Manor, and The Bay restaurant at The White Cliffs Hotel. As ever we have plenty more pages of local news, fashion, events, days out, homes and interiors, travel, health and beauty, and food and drink to keep you entertained. So enjoy the holidays, enjoy the magazine, and we’ll see you again in 2015!

Pete Nichols, Publishing Director

east kent lifestyle magazine

[contents ]

22 reculver

herne bay

whAtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iNside...

food and drink 64 67 68 70 72 75

Renee Health Food Tips Lee's Christmas Recipe The White Cliffs Hotel & Bay Restaurant Dine by the River - CafĂŠ du Soleil The Manor Restaurant Winters Best Kept Secret

homes & interiors 43 44 46

Danish Design in Detail - Arne Jacobsen Westbay Court Papillon Interiors

health & beauty 86 89 90 92

Battling Winter Hair Get Outside This Winter Fella's Grooming Top Tips Party Hair

education

95 St Lawrence College

travel

77 Winter in Winnipeg 6

cover story

[contents ]

christmas picks

winter in winnipeg

fashion

30 Precious Kent Jewellery 53 Whitefriars 80 Fenwicks Fashion

the manor restaurant

regulars & features 12 16 18 29 37 38 59 62 96 98

East Kent News Fabulous Finds Christmas Gift Guide Albion House Hotel Anthony Browne Interview Buy British this Christmas Jim Carrey Secret Santa with HOTcraze.com What's Occurring? East Kent Business - Chaps

days out 14 22 26 24 32 34 57

Folkestone Quarterhouse East Kent Walk - Reculver Historic Herne Bay Gallery 6 at The Powell Cotton Museum East Kent Cycle Trail - Isle of Harty Christmas Picks MagnifiquĂŠ Margate

luke bicknell fitness 7

LEFT PAGE: Calgary Coffee Table £945 Tanzania Industrial Bookshelf £545 RIGHT PAGE: Granville Reclaimed Timber Dining Table £1195 Verdon Dining Chairs form £325 (Armchairs from £425) 2.5 Seater Edmont Sofa from £1425, New Haven Coffee Table £575 Scatter Cushions from £49.99 New Haven Secretaire and Bookcase £1475

THE INTRODUCTION OF S.O.U.L Fenwick Canterbury are proud to introduce the Scandinavian furniture brand S.O.U.L to the newly renovated lifestyle floor. Instead of offering individual products S.O.U.L (Spirit of Ultimate Lifestyle) share their passion for interior design and fashion by offering whole living concepts with cultural inspirations from all over the world. Offering products that create unity within a home and create a home within each style. If you are looking to create a unique living space, then look no further than Fenwick Canterbury. From reclaimed timber dining and coffee tables, to Nordic inspired white furniture and accessories, we are sure you will find inspiration.

Fenwick St Georges Street | Canterbury | CT1 2TB | 01227 766866 Fenwick Canterbury offers up to four years interest credit**, free delivery across East Kent and outstanding event offers. Try before you buy policy: If you put any rug bought from our stock down on your floor at home and it does not quite work with your dĂŠcor or furnishings, it can be returned for an exchange or refund.

Made to measure kitchen door replacement Transform your kitchen in one day

Quality service you can trust! Choose from over 30 colours in over 20 different styles, with hundreds of combinations available. Let us show you how we can transform your kitchen. Call now for your free no obligation home consultation 01622 297 371 Why tear out your old kitchen when simply replacing your kitchen doors can save up to 40% on the cost of a brand new kitchen with the same beautiful finish? Coupled with our unique worktops which fit over the top of your existing worktop, Granite Transformations can transform your tired kitchen in just a few days.

Door style: Newport Colour: Vanilla

Showrooms open: Mon-Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted Road, Maidstone ME14 5LH www.granitetransformations.co.uk

Great choice . Excellent service . Competitively priced.

[publication information ]

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

www.fellahair.com

MEN HAVE 3 TYPES OF HAIRSTYLES:

PARTED, UN-PARTED & DEPARTED!

Sam Holliday Mary Jones

Contributors Jaillan Yehia, Nerissa Blower, Amy McManus, Lee Behan, Renee Maguire, Tony King, Pete Nichols, Explore Kent, Bobby Gordon, Fenwicks Canterbury, Brad McManus, Lorna Morris, Melody Miller, Jess Everton, Jennifer Baker, Justin Richardson, Flemming Moberg, JF Chodecki, Pix Pocock, Vanessa Bennett, Martyn Barr, Anna Anderson, Justin Richardson

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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. All orders of advertisements placed and accepted by PSA Publishing Ltd are strictly subject to our terms and conditions which can be found at www.psapublishing.co.uk/terms

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www.bainesdesign.co.uk 01707 876555 Printed on environmentally friendly paper. A62561 11

[news ]

east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east ken

Kent Brothers Honoured For Vital D-Day Roles 70 years On We Forget Association’ working with the nation's leading commemorative organisation, The Bradford Exchange. The brothers, now based in Orpington and Ditton, were awarded the exclusive 'Lest We Forget Bradford Exchange Award' to honour contributions and sacrifices made by them and their fellow servicemen during the momentous D-Day Landings. The award ceremony took place at The Historic Dockyard Chatham, where the brothers successfully returned after their three month D-Day tour of duty.

2014 sees the nation honour the 70th year since one of the most dramatic landings in military history, the assault on the D-Day beaches, that set in motion the liberation of war-torn Europe. To honour and commemorate the oldest surviving veteran D-Day Kent brothers, Johnny Dale, aged 94 and Ernest Dale, aged 90, recently received exclusive awards from the national remembrance charity, ‘The Lest

Johnny Dale said: 'This award given on this 70th anniversary year helps us pay our respects to fellow and fallen comrades. We honour those no longer with us who selflessly gave their lives so we could have our freedom today.' 'My brother and I have good and bad memories from the war, and being able to commemorate 70 years since D-Day is a very special thing.' During his service Ernest, liaising with overhead British spotter planes, was responsible for directing the guns at the German beachside bunker targets and any incoming German aircraft, while Johnny was based in the cordite room and was a vital ammunition supplier.

Active Ramsgate’s successful summer The regeneration initiative “Active Ramsgate”, delivered by Ramsgate Town Council and Explore Kent has just enjoyed a hugely successful summer in terms of benefits to the local economy. The initiative is designed to support economic regeneration by promoting the area through its outdoor activities, such as walking, cycling, canoeing and geocaching trails. Its first year brought an additional £160,000 into the town, and early indications are that this year is on course to beat those targets. The past six months have seen three hugely successful soldout Sky Rides take place along the Viking Coastal Trail and increasing the numbers of cyclists visiting the area, as well as the development of a canoe trail starting from Ramsgate’s Western Undercliffe. Three guided walks have been developed along the Thanet coastline to make the stunning views and various attractions as accessible as possible, and online guides are available to download from the Active Ramsgate website. Local meteorologist and outdoor enthusiast Kaddy LeePreston has also been appointed as the face of the campaign, participating in various events such as Ramsgate’s Summer Squall and Festival of the Sea, and promoting the initiative

to local residents and visitors alike. As a result, local tourism businesses, such as hotels and restaurants are reporting a surge in visitors to the area, significantly boosting their income, and allowing for continuing development in areas such as the Harbour and waterfront. For more information on the project, as well as details of all activities available in and around Ramsgate, visit www.ramsgatetown.org/activeramsgate.

nt NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS

£1.25m Investment in New Ashford Nightclub The UK’s largest nightclub operator, The Luminar Group has started work on a £1.25million investment to create Cameo, a stylish new nightclub in Ashford that will generate 60 new jobs.

[news ]

High Sheriff of Kent Saddles up for County Ride

The venue on Station Road will be completely redeveloped to create a contemporary nightclub that will offer the highest service standards and outstanding late night entertainment. When it opens on Friday 5th December, Cameo will boast a luxurious interior including 16 private prebookable booths with full table service, three dance floors, a roof terrace and a world class entertainment line-up with guest DJ appearances. Commenting on the development, general manager Fred Shingler said: “We’re really excited to see the club starting to take shape. With its opulent interiors, private booths and high service standards together with a hot line up of talent, Cameo will offer a unique experience and is set to be Kent’s premier nightclub.” The club is currently recruiting for 60 new employees with roles ranging from bar staff,VIP hosts, through to security, DJs and entertainers, plus photographers, marketing and promotional teams. Fred added: “Previous experience isn’t necessary but what we do want are people with outgoing personalities and ‘star’ potential, who are focused on delivering a great customer experience. Cameo is set to raise the bar on nightclub service and we want our team to exceed expectations.” Anyone interested in applying for a position should visit the club’s Facebook page http://www.facebook. com/CameoAshford or via Twitter @cameo Ashford. To celebrate its opening, Cameo will host a spectacular launch weekend on 5 and 6 December 2014.

Left to right: Nick Sandford, Hugo Fenwick and Chris Claydon

The High Sheriff of Kent, Hugo Fenwick, cycled from Dartford to Dungeness to draw attention to the county’s attractions and the health benefits of cycling. He was joined by Brigadier Chris Claydon, Deputy Constable of Dover Castle, and the Chairman of Kent Country Land and Business Association, Nick Sandford. Hugo Fenwick says: “It was traditional for High Sheriffs in the Middle Ages to ride the borders of their counties on horseback. I suppose this is the modern day equivalent! My fellow riders and I saddled up to promote the benefits of cycling and to highlight Kent’s wonderful countryside, coastline, heritage and rural/tourism businesses.” The team followed Route 1 of the National Cycling Network, which skirts the Kent coast and, in many parts, is traffic-free, as well as the Viking Trail around the Thanet coastline. They started in Central Park, Dartford, and arrived at Dungeness RNLI Lifeboat Station, accompanied by an escort of local cadets on bikes. The cycling team stopped off at key sites along the way to show their support for tourism and related businesses and to greet local civic dignitaries. Hugo Fenwick is a keen cyclist and has already tackled two gruelling alpine cycle rides, from Zurich to Venice and Mont Ventoux. He recently participated in The Friends of Kent Churches sponsored ‘Ride and Stride’ event on behalf of his own parish church at Egerton. 13

[days out ]

It’s Going to be a

(nut) crackeR! Folkestone Quarterhouse presents its Christmas show.

Story Pocket Theatre was set up in 2013 from a passion to produce beautiful, wonderful and magical theatre for families. Allegra Galvin, Director of Quarterhouse, says, “We couldn’t have chosen a better Christmas show to brighten up the festive season in Folkestone and East Kent. The response so far has been really encouraging and we are sure that our young friends and their families will thoroughly enjoy this great production that will take them to a magical journey.” Tickets cost £8 for adults, £7 for children. There is also an affordable family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children for only £25. The Nutcracker is suitable for all ages. For more information about the show please visit www.quarterhouse.co.uk or call box office 01303 760 750.

It’s Christmas and Clara is given a wooden nutcracker in the shape of a handsome Prince. This enchanting present leads Clara and her brother Fritz into festive fun and great adventure. The Mouse Queen has stolen the magic of the Christmas Tree star and the Land of Make Believe is in danger. The children and the toys must join in battle against the rotten royal rodent to save the magic of Christmas and restore the Prince to the throne. But first, Clara and Fritz must learn how to believe… The Nutcracker is adapted by Jenifer Toksvig; and co-directed by Julia Black, who has directed over 40 productions for the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and Adam Forde, who is head 14

of Youth Theatre and Education at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre; music is by David Perkins whose previous work includes ‘The Wind in the Willows’ for Edinburgh Festival Fringe, ‘The Happy Prince’ for Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud Youth Theatre and ‘Just So Stories’ for the Apollo Theatre Company. 'If you would like your children to be inspired and fuel their imagination with beautiful stories, Arabian Nights is not to be missed, it is AWESOME!' The Primary Times. After the sell-out success of their award winning show Arabian Nights, Story Pocket Theatre brings this colourful and magical festive story to Quarterhouse with imagination and make-believe.

Happy Christmas from Quarterhouse! Saturday 20, Sunday 21, Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 December 2014

2.30pm every day at Quarterhouse

Mill Bay, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1BN

ORTHOPAEDICS [title]

OUR JOB ONLY ENDS WHEN THE PRUNING BEGINS Don’t suffer in silence

Could a new hip give you a new lease of life? Playing golf, skiing, tending the garden, even

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon James

walking upstairs or simply putting on shoes

Smith from BMI The Chaucer Hospital

and socks can be a pain when your hip starts

shares his top tips on how you could ease

to cause you problems. We don’t tend to

hip pain:

think about our hip until something goes wrong. It’s a risky strategy.

■

How frustrating is it when you struggle to do the everyday activities that you used to take for granted?

■

problems at some point. Even mild hip pain ■

■

Cycling or using an exercise bike can

Smith who is an Orthopaedic Surgeon

strengthen the hip without any impact and

with a special interest in hip and

this can reduce pain.

knee surgery.

A personal exercise program for the

For more information please visit:

abductor muscle group (thigh muscles) can

www.bmihealthcare.co.uk

Losing weight will cu t down on the force

Using a walking or hiking stick in the opposite hand to your bad hip can reduce

Winter sports and skiing injuries are a

pressure on the hip by as much as 60%.

common problem. A vital factor in the successful treatment of winter sports and

Our featured Consultant is Mr James

that goes through the hip as you walk.

of year when ski enthusiasts are getting ready to hit the slopes.

Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon

relieve pain and reduce limping.

Many people are affected by hip related can make life miserable, especially at this time

Professor of Trauma and Orthopaedics and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Mr James Smith

■

Pain killers, such as paracetamol, can be

skiing injuries, and getting you back to full

highly effective if taken regularly over

activity, is a prompt assessment and diagnosis.

a period of time.

There’s no better place to visit to get expert advice than BMI The Chaucer Hospital.

For more information, including advice on how to go private, call 0800 0928 728 or visit www.bmihealthcare.co.uk/chaucer BMI The Chaucer Hospital Nackington Road, Canterbury Kent CT4 7AR

Serious about health. Passionate about care. 15

031148 © BMI 2014

[fabulous finds ]

Finds 

Click Stick

Our pick of the best of the goodies to arrive in the EKL office this month, perfect for your xmas stocking!



Lavish Shoes by Hotter

We liked all the samples from “hotter shoes”, and you can see the full range of their uniquely comfortable yet stylish range at www.hotter.com. If you find that slipping into the stilettos is more pain than gain then check out these amazingly stylish, built for comfort shoes. There are oodles of styles for both men and women but our pick of the bunch are the 3.5’’ heel “lavish shoes”. Price: £89 Available from www.hotter.com

We’ve had some fun in the office with this one. The ultimate “selfie” helper, your smartphone sits comfortable in the Click Stick’s grip. All you need to do is attach the lead to your headphone socket and press the button at the other end of the extendable arm and voila! The arm extends up to 1 metre so you can get some great group shots as well as selfies from all angles at just the click of a button. Ideal stocking filler! Price: £19.99 Available online from www.menkind.co.uk



arajuku Lovers Pop Electric Fragrance H by Gwen Stefani

We get plenty of fragrances sent to us here at East Kent Lifestyle, but what made these little beauties stand out was the funky “pop art” collectable bottles. As you would expect from anything bearing Gwen Stefani’s name these five Harajuku doll fragrances, “Love” “Lil ‘Angel” “G”, “Music”, and “Baby” all have attitude, style, and kick ass! Price: £14.95 (15ml), £24.95 (30ml) Available from www.harajukulovers.com 16

[fabulous finds ]



Boom Box Touch Speaker

This really is the ultimate impromptu party speaker. No need to plug it in, connect it via leads, Bluetooth, or even wifi. As long as your phone/mp3 player has an external speaker you simply place it atop the Boom Box Touch Speaker and it will automatically amplify the sound by induction. With 10 hours playback time (as well as a 3.5mm jack for other devices and a USB port for charging), this is a great little party in your pocket! Price: £24.99 Available from www.thumbsupuk.com



SEYVR Wallet with Built-in Phone Charger

There are few things in life more frustrating than a dead phone. And they always seem to die when we need them most. Coming to the rescue is the new SEYVR Power Saver Wallet, with a built-in 1400mAh Li-Po battery and integrated cables that will charge your phone anytime you need it. Available in two versions (Apple Lightning and MicroUSB) and Black and Brown options.You might run out of cash, but you'll never run out of power! Price: £49.95 (Android) / £59.95 (Apple) Available from www.cuckooland.com



Rodenstock FogFree

Not necessarily the first pick for me, but my colleague insists that as a non “speccy” I have no idea of the frustration caused to the myopic among us when entering a busy pub on a cold day, or opening the dishwasher or oven – only for their vital eyewear to be engulfed in a layer of dense fog! Well, fear no more, Kent based lens manufacturer Rodenstock have come up with “Rodenstock FogFree” which provides an anti-fog effect. They are simple to use – just breathe on each lens, wipe with the cloth for about 10 seconds and pop the cloth back into its re-sealable cover. Each cloth comes in a re-sealable envelope, ideal for carrying in pockets or bags. Each can be used 20 times and the fog-free effect starts immediately. Price: £10 for a pack of three Available from www.rodenstock.co.uk 17

[feature ]

Pork Scratchings Giftfood £1.80 Happy Socks Mens

Trivia Quizzes £7.99

4 pack £8 per pair

Oversized Tabasco Sauce £5.25

chRismas

Steepletone Radio £39

English Fruits For Cheese £4.25 Each

Dominoes £12.99

Mini Ping Pong £7.99

NOEL Cushion £18 IQ Game £7.99 18

"Fabulous gifts throughout the store."

[feature ]

lucky voice Karaoke Kit £50.00

rabbit doorstop £29.00

Jelly Belly £24.99

Peppa Pigs theme park big Wheel £15.00

slow glow elsa £35.00

welcome to our christmas gift guide. Simon Swipe £20.00

Frozen Puzzle £7.00

Frozen Skating Elsa £29.00

nerf Strongarm £10 'Now £7.50'

peppa pig 'george' £20.00

[feature ]

Gentelman Guide

Hankerchief set

Book £6.99

£14.96

Dents Driving

Wallet £19.95

Gloves £49 Vintage Dry Cider £3.95

chRismas

Hipflask £11.99 Shortbread

Biscuits £4.99

Barbour Mens Scarf £27.95 Ted Baker Slippers £55

Mustard Jam £2.25 20

"Fabulous gifts throughout the store."

[feature ]

helen moore Fenwick Necklace

throw £19.95

£7.99

Durance Candle £15 & Diffuser £2

Madison Metallic R&B Shoes £175

Just Sheepskin Slippers £55 Be Tempted Bra £30 & Brief £16

Fabulous gifts throughout the store.

Durance Candle £30 Mulberry £495

Metallic Mushroom

Lepel Lingerie £35

Christy Robe £59

[days out ]

Reculver East Kent Walks

[

Wrap up warm and take a brisk coastal tour along one of the most rapidly changing areas of Kentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coast. Wander through Reculver Country Park and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see the impressive Reculver Towers on the coastline.

When the Romans built a fort here in 43AD the landscape would have been entirely different. The sea was almost a mile away, but by the early 19th century the sea was so close that the villagers moved inland and the towers were resting at the edge of the beach.

[days out ] Location: Reculver (CT6 6SU) Distance: 3.5 miles (5.6 km) Start/ Finish

Time: Allow 2 hours Reculver Country Park

Terrain: Field paths. Generally flat

OS Explorer Map: 150

Refreshments & facilities: Pubs and shops near start and at Reculver car park Public Transport: For local bus and train services in Kent, contact Traveline: tel: 0870 6082608 www.traveline.org.uk

STILES: 1 4 miles (6.3km)





Gate



Pub

PC Toilets

Country Park 0Miles

Km 0

Parking

Take care

0.25

0.5 Miles

0.5

Your route follows the Saxon Shore Way across fields and turns right to follow the path along the field edge. Across the railway line there are magnificent views back towards the imposing towers. Reculver’s towers are the remains of a monastic church and have dominated the skyline since the 12th century. Over the other side of the railway line you’ll come across a peaceful track enclosed by woodland. Approaching a house, take the path to the right alongside the river and across the field. The Wantsum walk cuts across the fields to lead you to the small village of Hillborough. The rubble which surrounds the Reculver Towers today was once St Mary’s Church which was demolished in 1805 to create a new village church at Hillborough. The Wantsum was the sea channel responsible for giving Thanet the title of Isle. The 3 mile wide channel once arced across this land, separating the Isle of Thanet from the mainland. The distant twin towers marked the join between the Thames estuary and the Wantsum. Cross through the fields and head towards the cliffs. This last stretch of your walk edges the coast while dramatic views of the Reculver Towers rise ahead. The eroding cliffs provide a habitat for a range of insects and birds and Natural England has designated this area a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Common lizards bask in the grass, velvet swimming crabs and Beadley anemones enjoy the beach and swarms of mining bees can be found in the cliffs. Passing the Reculver Towers, return to the car park and catch your breath overlooking dramatic views across the coastline. To find out about other walks in Kent or for information on cycling, riding and country parks in Kent, visit www. kent.gov.uk/explorekent. Follow @explorekent on Twitter. 23

[days out ]

GAllerY 6 Interact for Inspiration @

By Peter Nichols Gallery Photo by Nikhilesh Havel

The world famous Powell-Cotton Museum in Birchington opened its doors to a new interactive gallery on Saturday 25th October, and I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview a few days before its official opening.

The redevelopment of “Gallery 6”, an extension built in the 1970’s, came about after the Powell-Cotton Museum successfully received funding from Arts Council England to embark on an ambitious project entitled “Securing the Future of Our Past”, with the aim of increasing access and awareness of the museum’s unique collection. The decision to make the new gallery interactive is in keeping with the aspiration of museum founder, Percy Powell-Cotton that anyone can be a researcher; so as well as the hundreds of artefacts on display, the new

At the Powell-Cotton Museum

gallery provides resources including microscopes, touch screen computers, a reference library and tools for budding scientists. It was fascinating to me that you could view a display piece then go to a nearby computer, search for the piece and be presented with a multitude of information including the age, origin, and in many cases even the geographic coordinates pinpointing the exact spot the piece was found. Percy Powell-Cotton was a stickler for detail, and personally and painstakingly noted the latitude and longitude of many of his finds – much to the benefit of the thousands of visitors to the PCM each year.

The centrepiece of Gallery 6 is the so-called “room within a room”, a stunning square glass display centrepiece, accessible from one side with shelves on each wall containing many of the 700 objects from the museum’s “handling collection”. This priceless collection, containing many historically significant donations and artefacts has been almost criminally held in storage for years. This project has enabled the museum to conserve, catalogue, and make accessible these objects and raise the status of what a handling collection can be used for. Visitors can enter the glass room and touch, feel, and smell the multifarious specimens on display which include instruments, animal skulls, taxidermy, carvings, and much more besides. Along the walls are specimens from five of Powell-Cotton’s trips spanning forty years and include not only natural

history specimens, but also items of cultural significance from the countries he explored including many types of instruments, models, masks, and marionettes. Keeping it in the family, Percy’s wife, Hannah Powell-Cotton, has also made a significant contribution to Gallery 6, with her butterfly collection on display in one of the galleries display cabinets. The new gallery, was designed by Margate based Houghton Kneale design and was lovingly curated by project managers, Keiko Higashi and Sarah Brown, who I’d like to thank for taking the time to show me around the superb new addition to the already magnificent museum. Gallery 6 is a great way to get involved in the fascinating and invaluable conservation work done by Percy Powell-Cotton and I’d advise anyone to take in the wonders of another time and place available right on your doorstep.

Crescent Victoria Hotel & Restaurant

NOW OPEN Boutique & British

An exciting new hotel and restaurant in the boutique British style The Crescent Victoria Hotel 25-26 Fort Crescent Margate Kent CT9 1HX 0843 1787182

[days out ]

heRne baY historic

Herne Bay is a quaint seaside town along the North Kent coast. Nearby are the idyllic villages of Herne and Reculver; the latter of which offers ancient sandstone cliffs and the imposing 12th century Reculver towers and roman fort. Further afield are the better known town of Whitstable and the popular city of Canterbury. As with many seaside towns in the country, the beach is their biggest attraction, and those in East Kent are no different. Herne Bay is no exception and is currently undergoing a regeneration to take its seaside attractions back to their former glory. Historic seaside monuments including the pier, the pavilion and the clock tower are undergoing restoration to make them the tourist destinations that they once were.

Another of the town’s neglected constructions is The Grand Pier Pavilion which was opened in 1910 and remained open for sixty years until it was destroyed by fire. In 2011 the pavilion finally officially closed to the public and began being dismantled. Canterbury District Council replaced the pavilion with a seated area of ornate benches that allows locals and tourists to enjoy ‘a panoramic view of the estuary and the Pier Head over to Essex.’

The Heritage Lottery Fund and Canterbury City Council are funding a complete restoration of the clock tower; a much needed renovation for the 176 year old weather battered building. Not only will it be restored, but modern touches will be added to make it a spectacle for the modern age as well as a functional building. Cameras will be placed atop the structure that will offer a live stream of the views surrounding the clock tower of the seafront and town, and LED lighting will be installed to be used every day and during festivities.

Herne Bay boasts a pier that has been described as the main contributor to the popularity of the town. In 1909, ownership of the pier was transferred to Herne Bay Urban District Council, and became run by the people, for the people. By 1978, battered by storms and with insufficient funding, the pier became neglected and lost its popularity until spring 2009, when Canterbury City Council agreed to the formation of the Herne Bay Pier Trust. The main objective of the Trust is the preservation, renovation, reconstruction and enhancement of Herne Bay Pier.

Words By Jess Everton. Photography by Chris Gin, Smudge9000, Ray Wewerka, Miles Davis, Gareth Williams

Canterbury City Council does not have the funding for such a project, but the Trust are actively involved and dedicated to returning this piece of Victorian architecture back to its former glory. The ‘Village on the Pier’ is a great example of how the pier is being restored, and restoring business back into the town of Herne Bay. On Saturday 6th July last year, the Retail Village was opened by Sandi Toksvig and Councillor Ann Taylor, Sheriff of Canterbury. The Herne Bay Pier Trust website mentions: ‘when forming the Village the Trustees were looking for quality, retro, quirky and unusual so that residents and visitors can have a different experience, whilst avoiding unnecessary competition between each hut and the town traders.’ In-keeping with this philosophy and the importance of community in the seaside town, the first hut is reserved for local charities that can use the hut free of charge. Other huts within the village offer jewellery, artwork, vintage wares, handbags and beautiful accessories for your home.

[days out ]

Christmas on the Pier To tie-in the new found popularity of the pier and the upcoming festive season, the Herne Bay Pier Trust are planning ‘Christmas on the Pier’ which aims to be ‘a special experience for youngsters.’ There will be a Santa that children can visit on the first Sunday in December (7th), as well as the following two Saturdays and Sundays, along with a Christmas Food and Gift Market. The weekend of 21st December will be an extra special weekend, as there will be a Victorian Christmas theme with live reindeer for children to meet and a train ride up and down the pier. Events are still being confirmed, but more information can be found at: http:// hernebaypiertrust.co.uk/home.htm. As Christmas approaches, it’s nice to

indulge in festive days out with a loved one, family or friends. Herne Bay has many Christmas events coming up that locals and tourists can enjoy. At the beginning of the Festive month, pop along to Mortimer Street on Friday 5th December to watch the town’s Christmas lights illuminated. The lights go on at 5.30pm, but from 4pm visitors can enjoy music, entertainment, children's characters and a visit from Father Christmas. This year will be one not to miss as Herne Bay has been pledged £8,000 to invest in new Christmas decorations for the town, specifically to be used to purchase a new Christmas tree. Mark Quinn is the generous donator who owns the Herne Bay Sports Hub development; another of the town’s regeneration projects.

Once you’ve enjoyed the delights of the new Christmas decorations and you’re in the festive spirit, why not visit Wildwood where there will be real Christmas trees available to purchase. The beautiful Edwardian building – The King’s Hall – will be the venue for a traditional yuletide party. The event occurs on both 12th and 19th December and guests can enjoy a delicious three course Christmas dinner, a DJ and disco, and all the trimmings you would expect; including Christmas crackers and party favours. Organisers boast ‘our unique Edwardian venue will be beautifully decorated for the festivities, truly designed to delight.’ For more information on this or any upcoming event in Herne Bay visit: http://www.canterbury.co.uk/events 27

[feature ]

Ramsgate Welcomes the opening of the Albion House Hotel Sitting atop the East Cliff in Ramsgate, overlooking the only Royal harbour in the country, Albion House holds the number one location in this East Kent coastal town and, after a comprehensive refurbishment is set to open its doors for business once again. The many original features of this magnificent building built in 1791 have been maintained or restored during the sensitive 2014 refurbishment. The return of Albion House to all its majesty has seen the introduction of carrara marble bathrooms, renewed,

elegant sash windows and exquisitely adorned bedrooms. Albion House’s history is rich and colourful, beginning with its construction during the reign of King George III, through to its range of prominent visitors which included numerous heads of state as well as one Princess Victoria, shortly after crowned Queen Victoria. The clifftop location affords it a vantage point over the beach and down to the Royal Harbour, with twelve of the fourteen rooms boasting stunning views of the sea, the

harbour, or the beach- take in this view as you step out on to the grand, wraparound balcony. Albion House will also be offering wine tasting courses, special treatments in their exclusive “seaweed bathhouse” or winding down in the exquisite bar. With a spectacular laylight situated in the middle of the high ceiling, amazing wide openings offering views out the sea and blue-blue horizon, the Town Bar is the place to sit and sip your coffee, or discuss the day’s events with friends over a bottle of wine.

'Now Open'

ALBION HOUSE Albion Place, Ramsgate, CT11 8HQ www.albionhouseramsgate.co.uk E: bookings@albionhouse.co.uk T: +44 (0)1843 599426

www.facebook.com/albionhousehotel Twitter @albionhh Instagram @albionhh

[fashion ]

FINE

JEWELLERY CONTEMPORARY SILVER

for sale

A unique exhibition, “Objects of Desire”, at The Pie Factory, Margate.

‘Precious Kent’ is an eclectic range of fellow award-winning designer-makers who have come together for a selling exhibition of handcrafted silverware and jewellery. It’s a celebration of the best of British gold and silversmithing talent and a treasure trove of creativity, design innovation and superb craftsmanship. The event, due to take place at The Pie Factory, Margate on 28th-30th November, features a range of unique pieces handmade by each of the 11 exhibitors. Each designer is based in Kent and brings their own inspiring and individual approach to design, attention to detail and quality. Over the weekend, this unique public event will draw collectors, design aficionados and luxury shoppers to the Pie Factory in Margate, to browse the latest collections of the most exciting contemporary design talent in Kent. Visitors can buy directly from the

maker or commission personal one-off pieces to their own specification. Every item exhibited is hand-made with extraordinary skill and artistry. Buyers can be assured of the quality of their purchases as all work exhibited is hallmarked to certify its precious metal content. With such a diverse selection of silverware and jewellery there is sure to be something to suit everyone’s taste. This is a unique opportunity to discover these award winning artists, and all under one roof. Take your

time to browse the work of these 11 exhibitors whose contemporary and innovative designs are sure to become tomorrow's heirlooms... you’re sure to find a truly unique item of silverware or jewellery. So if you’re looking for gifts this Christmas, then look no further. Precious Kent, “Objects of Desire” is the launch for this extra special selling exhibition. Doors open at 11am each day and entry is free. For more information visit www.preciouskent.co.uk

Sabine Konig’s

Justin Richardson’s

silver and 18ct yellow gold pendant and earring set with green quartz makes a stunning gift and is priced at £750 for the earrings and £950 for the pendant.

hand-made, sprung-jointed, hallmarked silver mussel eater is gold plated on the inside and is the perfect gift, priced at £195

[title ]

days] out ] [title

IsLe of

East Kent Cycle Trail

HaRtY TRail

If you’re looking for glorious views and a bit of peace and quiet, the 8 mile Isle of Harty ride is a perfect opportunity to get away from it all, with nothing but nature for company. Better still, this mainly traffic-free flat route is great for families. The lively seaside town of Leysdown-onSea is the perfect place to start your ride. Have a go in the amusement arcades or grab a bite to eat in one of the cafes on the seafront before setting off. You’ll see signs for the route from the Spinney in the centre of Leysdown. Zoom a little way up the coast and stop off at the Leysdown Country and Coastal Park and stop off to catch your breath and brilliant views across the Thames Estuary. In the early twentieth century the American Wright Brothers, the pioneers of early flight, propelled the Isle of 32

Sheppey into becoming the focal point of British aviation. It was here between Leysdown and Sheerness that the three Short Brothers built six Wright flyers. Muswell Manor, a Grade II listed building along your trail became the Aero Club Headquarters. Eventually becoming the Royal Aero Club of Great Britain in 1910, they gained such importance that the first pilot’s license was even issued here. Pedalling around Harty, you may start to wonder about its name, but Harty was once an island separated from the Isle of Sheppey by up to a mile of water.

As you’re riding along, look across the estuary and you’ll catch a glimpse of Whitstable in the distance. You’ll find remote Harty Church is a glimpse into the island’s past, having existed here for over 900 years. Inside you’ll find a Flemish Kist, carved with two jousting knights. For nature lovers, the Swale National Nature Reserve is a must-see; park up the bikes and keep your eyes open for rare plants, Short Eared Owls and Clouded Yellow Butterflies, among many other fascinating finds.

[days out ] Location: Leysdown-on-Sea (ME12 4QH) Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km) Time: Allow 1 hour

OS Explorer Map: 149

Le ysdo wn Rd

3 B22

Leysdown-on-Sea

Terrain: a mixture of on and off-road tracks

Refreshments & facilities: public houses and restaurants in Leysdown-on-Sea Parking: at Leydown-on-Sea

Public Transport for local bus and train services in Kent, contact Traveline tel: 0870 6082608, www.traveline.org.uk

Leysdown Marshes

As you circle back, stop off a little way from the track and take in the ‘Raptor View Point’.This spot is a fantastic site for watching birds of prey swoop in over the reed beds. At this time of year you’re sure to spot the Rough Legged Buzzard soaring above. When you’ve soaked up the views and the peace and quiet, follow your tyre tracks back to Leysdown-on-Sea for some nostalgic seaside fun and a cup of tea in a café. For more information about this cycle route and more in Kent, or for information about walking and parks in Kent, visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent



Harty Marshes

The Swale National Nature Reserve

0 0

Isle of Harty

Km Mi

0.5 0.25

1 0.5

Cycle Trail - Off-road Cycle Trail - On-road

 © Crown Copyright and database right 2014. Ordnance Survey 100019238



Parking Pub

madama butterfly An Ellen Kent Production 7 December; 7.30pm

O BO OW

The Royal Marines Christmans Concert 3 December; 7.30pm Quote ‘EAST’ when you book for a FREE Leas Cliff Hall: History DVD

Box Office 0844 871 3015

LEAS CLIFF HALL The Leas, Folkestone CT20 2DZ

www.atgtickets.com/folkestone * (Bkg fee)

[days out ]

For a Fabulous Festive Meal The Marquis at Alkham

For a Kentish Christmas Break The Turner Crescent, Whitstable We’ve gone for one of East Kent’s newest, and most splendid, boutique hotels, The Turner Crescent in Whitstable, which is offering a magnificent three night stay over Christmas (24th – 26th December) for just £370 per person. The Crescent Turner is perched atop Wraik Hill and boasts vistas over Whitstable town and out to sea, encompassing the famed oyster beds and then stretching out over the Isle of Sheppey. The seaside hotel has 18 bedrooms individually designed by Marilyn Bridgen, a local designer who has created a contemporary vibe whilst conveying the Kentish seaside within the hotel interiors. The Christmas break package offers great value.You’ll arrive Christmas eve from 3pm to a cream tea, with a champagne and canapé reception in the evening before settling down for a three course dinner. For those who want to brave the Kentish winter evening to attend mass or perhaps a stroll around the historic town, hot toddies and homemade mince pies will be available to round off the evening. On Christmas day in between unwrapping your gifts, watching the Queen’s speech (or the Bond movie!) your stay will include a traditional Whitstable Breakfast, a four course Christmas lunch, and an informal evening buffet. More of the same on boxing day with breakfast, a light lunch and three course meal provided, and after your third hearty breakfast on the 27th you will leave full of Christmas cheer, fine food and plenty of happy memories.

This 5-star fine-dining ‘restaurant with rooms’ has been growing its reputation as one of the counties finest culinary hotspots steadily over the past six years, and with the recent addition of 37 year old Head Chef, Michael Fowler, proud owner of 2 AA rosettes, the restaurant has never been in better hands. We chose The Marquis as it has all the requisite attributes to make up a truly fabulous festive feast. Firstly, its location, at the southern end of the North Downs provides an idyllic setting for a pre or post dinner stroll. Up hill or down dale, you and your dining companions can work up a ruddy faced glow to either stoke your appetite or work off those calories in the stunning surrounds of the Kentish countryside. The Marquis website offers downloadable walking maps for just such an occasion. The Marquis are famed for their use of locally sourced (occasionally foraged!) produce, with the freshly caught fish, farmed beef, and grown veggies all originating a stone’s throw of the restaurant. The Marquis even has its own vineyard just a short stroll away from the hostelry, and their own wines (bottled at nearby Chapel Down) are available to accompany your meal. As you can imagine, the festive menu is a corker, but more than that it offers exceptional value. It’s not often at such a prestigious restaurant that you’ll find a three course meal (+ coffee and mince pies) with a superb choice, for less than £20, yet the festive lunch manages just that at a mere £19.50 per person. If you’re not too keen on Turkey, the Marquis offer a mouth-watering alternative with their Featherblade of Beef with Horseradish Mash. Or if you’ve had your fill of Xmas pud then you can opt for the lighter Lemon Tart with Raspberry Sorbet. For starter we can recommend the Terrine of Ham Hock with Spiced Apple Chutney and Sour Dough Toast. Go to www.themarquisatalkham.co.uk to see the full menu in all its glory!

[days out ]

East Kent Lifestyle’s

Christmas

Picks

For Family Fun at New Year The Captain Digby, Kingsgate

For a Festive Away Day Continental Christmas Markets

If you want to let your hair down with the whole family this New Year’s Eve then we can heartily recommend The Captain Digby, the award winning family bar and restaurant (and one the oldest drinking houses in Thanet!).

Ok, so these aren’t exactly in East Kent, but with Dover, Folkestone, and Ashford all offering quick and cost effective means of getting to the European mainland, a trip to the stunningly beautiful Christmas markets of Belgium and France is more than manageable for East Kent dwellers.

Perched, as one former Captain Digby DJ used to like to say “On the edge of a cliff in the middle of nowhere”, “The Digby” offers the perfect venue for a cracking New Year’s Eve – you certainly won’t have to worry about annoying the neighbours with the nearest being several hundred yard away across Kingsgate Bay! As well as the large award winning restaurant, which overlooks the Bay, and the equally large bar area, the kids are equally well catered for with a dedicated indoor soft play area for kids of all ages, as well as a section for the under 4’s. There is also an outside play park which is open all day – so there will be no shortage of fun for the little ones. There are separate New Year’s Eve three course menus for the adults and kids, with a wide range of freshly prepared meals priced at £24.95 for the adults, and just £12 for the under 12’s. With champagne served at midnight and plenty of space to get down and boogie to the DJ, the Captain Digby is a great choice for the family this NYE. Just don’t forget to book your cab home early as a walk along the cliffs in the early hours is not for the faint hearted!

In particular the Belgian towns of Bruges and Ghent offer staggeringly beautiful, picture postcard Christmas scenes with their town square skating rinks bedecked in twinkling fairy lights, dozens of traditional wooden market stalls selling gifts, food, and drinks and delightful medieval architecture. Bruges is the closest, a mere 45 minute drive from the port of Dunkirk, and as well as the abundance of festive cheer, the historic city is small enough to circumnavigate in a day, but with so much to see and do you might wish to extend your stay. There are some wonderful restaurants to sample after a canal side stroll, more ale houses than you can shake a stick at, awe inspiring buildings such as the Church of Our Lady, the 13th century belfry and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, as well Michelangelo’s sculpture, Madonna and child. There are some great guided tours, including the De Halve Maan brewery tour, Quasimodo bike tours, walking tours, and canal trips. A DFDS Seaways crossing from Dover to Dunkirk can cost as little as £50 return for a car and passengers, and there are 12 crossings each way every day. For more info visit www. dfdsseaways.co.uk

FRESH WAFFLES WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE LUXURY HOT CHOCOLATE StUNNING VIEWS LOCAL ARTISTS GALLERY FREE WIFI BOOK SWAP CORNER @bschocbar facebook.com/bernieschocbar

OPEN EVERY DAY

2-14 High Street, Margate, CT9 1AT 01843 221 420

Purveyors of the ямБnest confectionary in Ramsgate & Margate Ramsgate Now Open: 42-44 Harbour Street, Ramsgate, CT11 8HA

01843 570330

Margate Old Town: No 3 Market Street, Margate Old Town, CT9 1EU

01843 220606

[feature ]

AntHony bRowne east kent author

By Jess Everton

I met Anthony Browne at his studio in Canterbury. The city is the ideal destination for his home and work location as it has the tranquillity and beauty of the countryside, but also the hustle and bustle of the city where necessities including coffee shops and book shops are only a short walk away. Anthony talks about East Kent fondly, saying ‘I can’t say I feel like a man of Kent or a Kentish man but I feel very comfortable here.’ Anthony has lived in East Kent for many years and moved from Yorkshire to the area originally to be near his family, and to be nearer London in order to pursue his career as an illustrator and children’s writer. Over the years his reasons for staying in the area haven’t changed, but have multiplied; he enjoys revisiting the places his children grew up, being near both the seaside and countryside, and favours the good weather in the south that Anthony jokes ‘is better than Yorkshire.’ Anthony’s new book ‘Willy’s Stories’ is released to coincide with the 30th Anniversary of the first book in the Willy series, ‘Willy the Wimp’. As well as a new book, a special 30th Anniversary edition of ‘Willy the Wimp’ is available to celebrate the release of the first edition 30 years ago. The new book is another fantastic addition to the Willy series, written for many reasons, not just to mark the anniversary but to be ‘imaginatively stimulating’ for children and Anthony admits ‘actually I did it for fun.’

Each page of the book is a short passage of a classic children’s book or fairytale that has been retold with Willy as the protagonist. Each page ends with

a cliff hanger to stimulate the reader’s imagination, and is accompanied by a fantastic drawing to heighten the experience of reading. Similarly to ‘Willy’s Pictures’ in which famous works of art are drawn with Willy at their centre, Anthony likes to use classic or well known literature and art in the context of Willy’s life as a way of making them more interesting for children. When talking about ‘Willy’s Pictures’, Anthony argues that ‘if they [children] recognise a picture that they know Willy has painted or seen then I think it makes it more accessible.’ This theory works just as well for ‘Willy’s Stories’ as children can be introduced to new literature and new ideas via Willy’s character.

shape and another child turns this into a drawing of whatever it is the child imagines it to be. This game has been put into practise in Anthony books throughout his career and ‘Willy’s Stories’ is no exception to this, as Anthony points out, ‘by telling a story in a different way you’re turning it into the shape game.’ The relationship between text and images has been very important to Anthony throughout his career. He mentions that he likes ‘the idea of the pictures drawing somebody in’ and he also ‘loves the combination of pictures and words’ to tell a story. The aim of his illustrations are to engage the reader deeper rather than relying on the text, and the entertaining, and at times surreal, images are ‘not just for fun but to help tell the story.’ ‘Willy’s Stories’ was released on 4th September.

Throughout Anthony’s illustrations you can find all kinds of metamorphosis and hidden images that aid in the storytelling and make each read of the book different and new every time. The morphed images are a reference to Anthony’s creation The Shape Game, which is one of his biggest contributions to the development of children’s creativity. It is a game created in which one child draws a random 37

feature [title ] ]

Buy British This Christmas By Anna Anderson

I love Christmas and all its build up that gives you that sentimental warm feeling like no other time of year. I’m also one of those people who gets childishly excited about selecting Christmas gifts for all my loved ones. But I know many who don't, and it is no surprise as it can be frustratingly difficult and confusing buying the perfect and thoughtful gift.Yes, I am guilty of reaching for the tried and tested box of truffles or that toiletry set when all other inspiration (or time) fails me, but in recent years I have made a big effort to shop British. Even with limited time and funds there are more and more easy affordable options for good British craft to be our first choice for gifts. Websites such uniquebritishgifts or folksy have been a life saver to me for many an occasion. I have also noticed a growth of independent shops that sell British made/designed merchandise throughout the UK, showing that there must be more of a demand for it. We all want to really love the things we buy. And there is nothing like knowing you have chosen a hand crafted item or a one off design made in the UK. If you want quality, one of a kind products then support your local traders and give the big boys on the High Street some solid competition. This Christmas let's think about buying gifts for people which are individual, unique and made

by hand. We all enjoy unwrapping something that simply puts a smile on our face, knowing that the person who gave it to us has gone out of their way to find it. Buying British is buying quality. Many artists, and even small retailers who sell their work, have been pushed out by the larger companies because they are unable to compete with the lower prices of mass produced products. There is no doubt that an item produced by hand may cost more, but individually crafted items are also often better made and have a tendency to last longer. Also, a hand crafted present will certainly help avoid the potential embarrassment of giving the same gift as someone else. Generally items made in the U.K are made on a much smaller scale than those made abroad so you are sure to avoid those awkward moments. The truth is us Brits love to support Britons and that is becoming evident in our changing shopping habits. Let's support British art, craft and design. We really have a lot of talent in this country and so much to be proud of. So think outside the box this Christmas and look at your independent retailer, a craft market or online British company and choose something unique to make you and your loved ones smile.

East Kent Christmas Craft Fairs 23rd November - Quexmas Christmas Market, Birchington, Powell Cotton Museum 29th & 30th November - The Beany House of Art and Knowledge Christmas craft and makers fair, Canterbury 13th December - Ramsgate Christmas fair & handmade market, Albert court 20th December - Polly and Paloma’s handmade happening, Deal 38

Great East Kent Independent Retailers Frank – 65 Harbour St,Whitstable CT5 1AG Margate Gallery - 2 Lombard Street, Margate CT9 1EJ Dunlin and Diver – 112 High St, Deal CT14 6EE Blue Swift - 43 Queen Street, Ramsgate, CT11 9DZ

[title ]

EA 80 Y RS

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[title ]

...now on display at Lenleys

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ON EVERY HERITAGE COLLECTION SOFA** Ekornes is celebrating its 80th Birthday with a saving on all Stressless® sofas in 8 bestselling leather colours. See in-store to see how much you can save with a Stressless® sofa upholstered in a sumptuous heritage colour.

With a sofa in the Heritage Colour Collection, like the Windsor three seater shown, you can save up to 30%

Heritage Colour Collection

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**Stressless® Heritage Colour Collection available in Batick leather range cream, brown, burgundy or black, and Paloma leather range sand, chocolate, light grey or black. Available on Stressless® Sofas excluding the Ergo sofa models. Oﬀer excludes Stressless® 1 seat chairs, recliners & accessories. Reduced promotional discount on sofa orders in these 8 promotional colours only. Model shown is Windsor Sofa in light grey paloma leather. 2 seat high sofa RRP £2719, previous price £2309, promotional price £1899. 3 seat low sofa RRP £2959, previous price £2515, promotional price £2069. Orders placed 1/1/14 to 24/12/14. 41

COLLECTABLES

D A N 7 Broad Street, Margate CT9 1EW I 01843 292 417 S 07428 370 291 H

flemmingmoberg@hotmail.co.uk

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Danish-Collectables

www.danishcollectables.co.uk

[homes & interiors ]

With Flemming Moberg of Danish Collectables, Margate

dAnisH desigN iN detaiL Arne Jacobsen (1902 – 1971)

Over the next few issues, we will be looking back at the work of the most influential designers to come out of Denmark in the 1950’s, the golden age of Scandinavian design. It is not often that furniture design is so iconic that its popularity endures over half a century without ever being anything other than “en vogue”. However, many Danish designs from the mid-20th century have proved so timeless that they have never gone out of production. Arne Jacobsen, rose to prominence as an ultra-modern architect and designer after winning a Danish Architect's Association competition for designing the "House of the Future" as early as 1929. His reputation grew with the design of a seaside resort complex in Klampenborg on the Øresund coast just north of Copenhagen in the early 1930’s. It is for his work on the SAS Royal Hotel (now the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel) in Copenhagen from 1956-60 that Jacobsen really found international renown. Recognised as the world’s first “designer hotel”, Jacobsen designed every single detail of the hotel, from the wallpaper to the exterior façade, the garden, the furniture, and even the cutlery. Several design classics emerged from the SAS including the incredibly popular “Egg” and “Swan” chairs, both of which have been in mass production ever since, and have both spawned countless imitations selling millions upon millions of units. Leather Egg chairs can sell for up to £15,000 new. At Danish Collectables we have sold original 1950’s Egg chairs with matching leather ottoman, lovingly refurbished to an extremely high standard for £5.5k, such is the demand for the design classic originals. We also currently have an exquisite Jacobsen

Swan Chair with new super soft aniline leather on sale from our Margate showroom for £2,995.

Perhaps the biggest selling Jacobsen design is the Series 7 Dining Chair, more commonly known as the Butterfly chair, which has sold upwards of 10 million units. Still designed today with minor modifications, you will pay upwards of £335 for a simple painted plywood

chair, and over £450 for a lacquered chair. Here at Danish Collectables we have immaculate vintage butterfly chairs covered in new soft aniline leather with chrome legs for just a little more - £495 each. These chairs look amazing around our other prominent Jacobsen piece currently on sale for £995, a flawless vintage super elliptical dining table (180cm by 120cm). New, these tables retail for around £2,500.

As you can imagine from a man who created an entire hotel from top to bottom, Jacobsen also designed many other furnishings, accessories, and apparel including clocks, watches, ashtrays, sugar bowls, tea pots, and lights, many of which we stock from time to time. A truly iconic and tremendously influential designer. 43

[homes & interiors ]

The Wonders of Whitstable at

WestBAy CouRt Just five miles north of the historic City of Canterbury on the North Kent Coast, this charming, picturesque seaside town really is one of the jewel’s in Kent’s crown. Famed for its oysters, Whitstable also boasts many thriving independent retailers, restaurants, cafes and bars. A quick stroll down the vibrant High Street to the glorious harbour and beaches beyond is enough to make you understand why Whitstable is becoming an increasingly desirable place to live. Add to this the fact the high speed link to London (St Pancras) takes approximately 72 minutes from the mainline railway station at Whitstable, and that it takes well under an hour to Folkestone Channel Tunnel and Dover’s Ferry links, then it’s no wonder Whitstable is attracting more attention than ever. With this in mind, we would highly recommend any potential inhabitants check out the stunning new development at WestBay Court set right in the heart of the town centre. The development, which comprises

eight apartments and a luxury penthouse, has been fashioned from what was originally a 1960’s five storey commercial building and has been transformed into luxurious, bright, living spaces right in the heart of one of the UK’s most fashionable seaside towns, for those seeking the ultimate lifestyle experience. Inside the building, each floor has curved walls to the communal corridors and polished original parquet flooring giving the property a fresh modern feel whilst maintaining links with the original building. The higher you go, the better the views become, with all the two bedroom apartments boasting Juliet balconies which dramatically bring the sunlight in. No longer will days on the beach mean a long drive home afterwards, and with plenty of top notch restaurants and bars within walking distance you can fill up on food and fun on the short walk home.

If eating in is your thing then you’ll appreciate the high spec kitchens in all WestBay Court’s apartments. With granite surfaces, Miele oven, hob and microwaves, Smeg sink, Brita filter taps and stone worktops throughout, cooking will never be a chore. The standard of specification is consistently high throughout with state of the art sanitary ware in the bathrooms, fantastic interior design, gas central heating, video door entry systems, and a communal lift to all floors. With prices starting from just £160,000, this really is affordable luxury! To request a brochure, please call either: Christopher Hodgson tel: 01227 266441 www.christopherhodgson.co.uk

Strutt & Parker tel: 01227 451123 www.struttandparker.com

Garage and/or allocated parking included with some apartments

23 High Street, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1AP

Exceptional apartments in Whitstable...

Built with

‘lifestyle’ in mind.

WestBay Court is an exceptional and prestigious new development of eight apartments and a luxury penthouse for sale with unrivalled 360O views across Whitstable Bay. The Apartments have been created by a local developer from a landmark, iconic 60’s building in the heart of the fashionable beachside resort of Whitstable, Kent. The high speed link to London (St.Pancras) takes approximately 72 minutes from the mainline railway station at Whitstable. Both Folkestone’s Channel Tunnel and the Port of Dover are accessible within 45 minutes. Apartments from £160k - £500k | 5th Floor Penthouse £1m To request a brochure, please call either: Strutt & Parker tel: 01227 451123 . www.struttandparker.com Christopher Hodgson tel: 01227 266441 . www.christopherhodgson.co.uk

Christopher

Hodgson 45

• Apartments 3, 4, 5 & 6 EPC = B • Apartments 1, 2, 7 & 8 EPC = C

[homes & interiors ] Gift Ideas for the Home by Papillon Interiors, Margate

TWelve DAys oF

ChRistmas Skipper Junior Contender 10" Sailing Yacht - Designed to sail, these wonderful 10" yachts are made with genuine sail cloth, adjustable rigging, solid wood hull and steel keel. Each boat comes with a wooden display stand included and come packaged in their own box. Two designs to choose from - £22.00 Disney Mini People - Mary Blair is a legend within the design community and her simplicity and whimsical style were the perfect choice for these iconic characters. Classic cups, bowls & plates have been transformed and cleverly crafted to form ‘mini-people’ in a stacked set. Choose from English and French Boy or Swedish and Mexican Girl - £13.00 Block Orbit Clock - This contemporary teal wall clock is a play on positive and negative space, there is no other clock like this on the market. Available in teal blue and grey the clock is made from two acrylic rotating discs. The hour disc orbits the minute disc giving ever changing shapes - £39.00

Ok so maybe a Partridge in a Pear Tree or Five Lords a Leaping would not exactly go down well with the Children or Auntie Mavis, but for a good selection of memorable presents that show a little bit of design and originality then head on down to Papillon Interiors for our Twelve Days of Christmas present selection.

Millefiori Flower Diffuser Millefiori (meaning a thousand flowers in Italian), based in Italy creates unique products that are both beautiful an useful. They have a reputation for unique, quality fragrances for the home. The flower dips into the liquid in the bottle, and draws it upward, releasing the scent into the room. Use with any good brand of Ceramic Diffuser Oil - £9.95 Rexite Multiplor - Rotating desk organiser Container by Rino Pirovana with rotating drawers, available in monochromatic and multicoloured versions from £21.00

Alessi Walnut Splitter - In a heart shaped design, the nut cracker looks decorative but is highly functional too. Made from Stainless Steel, you can be confident that the nut splitter is strong and robust - perfect for cracking those shells. A must have for any Alessi collector, the nut splitter is now an iconic piece and can be recognised by people all over the world. Beautifully gift boxed - £12.95 Vitra

Girard Doll - These Vitra Wooden Dolls, designed by Alexander Girard in 1963, are a combination of half toy and half decorative item. The Wooden Dolls were originally for his own home and his own personal use. They come in many different designs and are made out of solid pinewood which is carefully hand painted. Each doll is delivered with a brochure and presented in a high-quality printed wooden box - £87.00

Alessi Chilli Scruncher - Chilli scruncher by Jim Hannon Tan is ideal for storing, chopping and slicing chilli without the need for gloves. The famous Chilli shaped design is a collectable and design classic with the added benefits of functionality £14.50

Millefiori Car Air Freshener - The Millefiori Car Air Fresheners incorporate scented rubber recharges that can be replaced with refill catridges when the fragrance begins to fade. These air fresheners come with a universal clip that can be

[homes & interiors ] attached to the air vents on any car in any direction - £10.00

Pantone Mug - These strong, durable mugs are perfect for brightening up your kitchen with a display of your favourite tones. Featuring the Pantone colour matching system used by designers to accurately communicate colour regardless of

geographical location, product or industry type, these mugs are truly iconic - £10.00 Handmade Carafe - Made in an unusual, seductive purpley-red, this beautiful hand blown glass carafe is part of a new handmade glass collection. Every piece is hand made by skilled artisans and no two are exactly alike. Hundreds of tiny air bubbles in the glass create a light, bubbly effect and add to the uniqueness of this charming range designed for every-day dining. Perfect on the table or out in the garden for a relaxed meal, the handmade range is simple, useful and beautiful £15.00

Vitra Classic Tray - As important as the choice and composition of furniture, lighting and textiles are for our sense of well-being at home, it is also the small things that count, the accessories, pictures, plants and occasional finds. They all play a major role in the emotional attachment to our home. The Vitra Classic Trays are available in six different designs, bright, colourful and playful. Each tray is dishwasher and food safe, so can be used in daily life for all purposes £51.00 For more information, visit or call us: Opposite the Turner Contemporary Art Gallery, 40 Fort Hill, Margate Old Town, Kent. CT9 1HD. Tel: 01843 220088

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 47

Fly to a Christmas

Wonderland - in just

15 minutes

Next month Lyddair, based at Lydd Airport, launches its scheduled Christmas flights to the stylish French resort of Le Touquet, famous for its gorgeous illuminations, shops, restaurants and Christmas market in art deco surroundings. The jewel of France’s northern coast is transformed into a Christmas wonderland during December, with thousands of twinkling lights and a host of events and activities.You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride, hop on the merrygo-round, get your skates on for the outdoor ice rink or browse the stalls at the popular Christmas market. Remarkably, within an hour or turning up at the East Kent airport you could already be stepping out onto French soil, with check-in only 45 minutes from departure, and a mere 15 minute flight time.

on Saturday December 6th, 13th and 20th (each flight returning the following day). Although accommodation is not included, Lyddair’s reservations team can assist with hotel bookings, as well as provide restaurant recommendations. If you want to do a little research before booking your flight, you can find out more about Christmas events and activities in Le Touquet at www.letouquet.com For more information about scheduled and charter flights with Lyddair, call 01797 322207, email info@ lyddair.com, or visit www.lyddair.com.

Return flights with Lyddair cost £149.94 adults, £138.54 children and £55.90 infants, with prices based on an overnight stop, with scheduled departures from Lydd

Blue swift logo.pdf

08/05/2014

16:06

CMY

Original Art & Design Unique Handcrafted Gifts Bespoke Picture Framing K

43 Queen Street, Ramsgate CT11 9DZ | E-mail:info@blueswift.co.uk | Tel:07754 897506 | blueswift.co.uk 50

Margate Theatres Winter 2014/15 Theatre Royal

Roy Chubby Brown Who Ate All The Pies? Thursday 4th December Alan Carr - Work in Progress Friday 5th December Polka Dot Pantomimes Beauty & The Beast 13th - 28th December Dr Livingstone, I Presume? Friday 23rd January Showaddywaddy Saturday 24th January Gavin Robertson - Bond Friday 30th January Long Nose Puppets Arthur’s Dream Boat Saturday 31st January

Police Panto - Fanny Folkly 19th - 21st February

Winter Gardens MOS Panto - Rapunzel 3rd - 7th December

Steeleye Span Tuesday 24th February

Circus of Horrors The Night of the Zombie Thursday 12th March

My Dog’s Got No Nose Thursday 26th February

Puppetry of the Penis Live! Friday 13th March

Selladoor Theatre - Jekll & Hyde Wednesday 4th March Fuel & Tortoise in a Nutshell - Feral 13th - 15th March The Searchers in Concert Saturday 21st March Count Arthur Strong Thursday 26th March

Winter Wonderland Christmas Parties 15th - 23rd December

Winter Wonderland Adult New Year’s Party Wednesday 31st December

Vamos Theatre - Nursing Lives The Picture of Doreen Gray Saturday 14th February 27th & 28th April Hugless Douglas Saturday 2nd May

Your Leisure working in partnership with:

Simple Minds Friday 24th April Texas & Special Guests Sunday 3rd May An Evening with David Sedaris Thursday 4th June

Stick Man Live on Stage Saturday 18th April The Fureys Saturday 25th April

Lee Nelson - Suited & Booted Thursday 23rd April

Family New Year’s Eve Wednesday 31st December

Sam Bailey Monday 26th January

John Shuttleworth Friday 13th February

A Night of Dirty Dancing Sunday 8th March

Jackson Live in Concert Friday 6th February Sally Morgan Psychic Sally on the Road Thursday 5th March

Box Oﬃce: 01843 292795 margatewintergardens.co.uk | theatreroyalmargate.com

Your Christmas guide from Whitefriars Canterbury

Christmas in Canterbury

Come and

see Santa!

All new

Christmas Market

Online gift giveaway!

PHASE EIGHT: ANGELE DRESS, ÂŁ150

I’m dreaming of a Whitefriars Christmas! Christmas at Whitefriars Canterbury promises to be bigger and better than ever this year, with a new and enlarged Christmas Market in Whitefriars Square, Santa’s Grotto, an upside-down Christmas tree, a fantastic online competition… and more!

Christmas Market Our all new Whitefriars Christmas Market features over 35 colourful cabins selling festive produce, gifts and decorations, in addition to our 60+ top brand stores! Walk through the Marlowe Arcade with its festive stalls and dazzling, upside-down Christmas tree! Then head off to our Festive Photo Booth to create a unique family memento of your visit wearing fancy dress. Savour the Christmassy aromas of barbecued Bratwurst and roasted chestnuts mixed temptingly with mulled wine. A visit to Santa’s Grotto is a must for the children!

Loads of great gift ideas!

The Christmas Market runs from 20 November until 28 December. Open from 10am to 6pm Monday to Friday (later on Thursdays), 9am to 6pm on Saturdays and 11am to 5pm Sundays (closed Christmas/Boxing Day).

St Nicholas Parade

Gift Giveaway Look out for our amazing online competitions which run from 1–24 December. We’ve got some fantastic prizes on offer, as well as a chance for you to win our star prize... a £500 holiday gift card, courtesy of Kuoni! Every day there will be a chance to win a £25 Whitefriars shopping voucher, as well as great prizes from our stores in our weekly draws. To enter, you will need the daily code from our upside-down Christmas tree outside Kuoni in the Marlowe Arcade! To enter online, visit: www.whitefriars.eu.

St Nicholas Parade The ‘real’ Father Christmas – St Nicholas – will be paying his annual visit to the city on Saturday, 6 December. His parade starts at 12pm and will pass through Whitefriars before arriving at the Cathedral. Hundreds of children and musicians take part in this fun and lively community event to raise money for worthy causes.

Christmas at the Cathedral There’s no better time to visit Canterbury than December, as the Cathedral prepares itself for one of the most important events in the Christian calendar. The life-size crib is well worth a visit and the music sung by the Cathedral choir

at services can only be described as ‘heavenly’! Don’t miss the popular Services of Carols for Christmas. There are two identical services: from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on 23 December and from 3pm to 5pm on Christmas Eve. Children will love the Christingle Service on 28 December. Finally, don’t forget the Lord Mayor’s Charity Carol Service in Rose Square on Christmas Eve. This event, which is usually presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury himself, attracts thousands and starts at around 6pm. It’s a great way to welcome in Christmas in Canterbury!

Cathedral chorister

Aladdin – magical pantomime adventure! Scott Maslen, best known as Jack Branning from EastEnders, will star in Aladdin, this year’s Marlowe Theatre pantomime. Joining him – and back by popular demand – will be Phil Gallagher, Mister Maker from CBeebies, who will play Wishee Washee. Before his six-year stint in the BBC soap, Scott played DS Phil Hunter in ITV’s police drama, The Bill. In 2010, he was a popular contestant in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Kentborn Phil Gallagher is a BAFTAnominated performer, best known for his role as Mister Maker, the hit

arts and crafts show for pre-schoolers. As well as Gallagher, Ben Roddy and Lloyd Hollett will be returning to The Marlowe for Aladdin; both were big successes in last year’s panto, which was seen by more than 90,000 people. Aladdin runs at The Marlowe Theatre from 28 November to 11 January 2015. For times and ticket details, call the Box Office on 01227 787787, or visit www.marlowetheatre.com. Pick up a copy of Whitefriars Magazine for your chance to win one of two sets of four panto tickets!

D MIS ON’T - BOS OUT EAR OK LY!

Meet Santa!

Children will love our new Santa experience in Whitefriars Square this Christmas. Santa’s Grotto will be open from 22 November to 23 December, 10am to 5pm. You will find the entrance to his Grotto behind our Christmas Market cabins, where you will be able to view the winners of our Christmas windows schools competition. Decorate a gingerbread man, listen to a story from Mrs Claus and receive a commemorative certificate and Christmas gift from Santa. Why not take away a photo souvenir of your visit too?* Admission £4 per child. To book a place, visit: www. whitefriarschristmasmarket.com * Additional charge. You are welcome to take your own photos for free.

OM FR R! NE E LI M B ON CE AY DE PL 1

WIN A PRIZE A DAY!

I’m dreaming of a Whitefriars Christmas!

Join in our amazing gift giveaway, which runs from 1–24 December. We’ve got some fantastic prizes on offer, as well as a chance for you to win our star prize... a £500 holiday voucher, courtesy of Kuoni! Every day there will be an opportunity to win a £25 Whitefriars shopping

For up-to-date information on all our Christmas activities, visit:

www.whitefriars.eu 56

voucher, as well as great prizes from our stores in our weekly draws. To enter, you will need the daily code from our upside-down Christmas tree outside Kuoni in the Marlowe Arcade, Canterbury! To enter, visit: www.whitefriars.eu

In association with:

[days out ] Word by Cal Harris Photography by Giles Toller

'Morgan's:

MAgnifiqué

MaRgate

The year was 1898 and the Bohemian revolution was just grasping Margate’s night-time underworld, and nowhere was the thrill of the underworld more alive than at Morgan’s Moulin Rouge, a night-club where rich and poor men alike came to be entertained by the dancers and performers. Actually it was a warm October evening in 2014 and EKL had come to sample the delights of Morgan’s Moulin Rouge themed cabaret and burlesque night! Situated in the heart of Margate and prominent in the town’s cultural revival, Morgan’s aims to be whatever you want it to be. With a dynamic passion for dance, owner Allyson Jones proudly offers classes in any style imaginable, from very traditional Ballroom, through the 20s - 50s with Lindy Hop and Jive to the far flung corners of the globe with Salsa, Argentine Tango and Indian Temple dance. At Morgan’s, nothing is done in half measures. I’d implore you to pop in and sample one of their vintage cocktails to advocate this point. But their ‘do it properly or not at all’ attitude extends far beyond the bar menu. Where they really excel is after sunset, when the lighting dims and the frivolity begins. Their preeminent show this year was a Moulin Rouge themed cabaret and burlesque night. Working closely with creative director Giles Toller, they provided a spectacular showcase of local and international talent including a tango routine from resident Latin teacher Leon

Williams, pole dance and burlesque from Phases dance studio, can-can, ballet, a range of vocal performances from local talent, and live music from hardened funk band Project F. The night began in the intimate space of the lower lounge, with its bespoke mahogany panelling glowing under hundreds of candles, as a varied troupe of dancers performed a creepy flirtation with an unsuspecting crowd, before ushering revellers upstairs to the glitz and glam of the Moulin Rouge proper, under the watchful gaze of clinking crystal chandeliers. The highlights of the evening were dance routines from Ash Mukherjee, one of Britain’s most acclaimed dancers, and the headline act, Chrys Columbine, who mesmerised the packed room with her Naked Nocturne routine, before eating fire dressed in nothing more than her small clothes. With a themed cocktail menu, the scent of absinthe lingering in the air, red lighting

illuminating the whole affair, and projected moving imagery, Morgan’s perfectly emulated Baz Luhrmann’s cult movie and captured all the frivolousness and debauchery of turn of the century Parisienne nightlife. The Bohemian revolution lives on at Morgan’s! Never stopping to catch a moment’s breath, the team at Morgan’s have already begun planning a plethora of fabulous events to entice everyone for another taste of Margate at its most glamorous: November is all about vintage, with a 1920s themed murder mystery night and a Goon’s style 1940’s radio sketch show cabaret night. December promises Christmas given the Morgan’s treatment, with a Cuban Christmas carnival night put together by Leon, which will see Morgan’s transformed into Little Havana for the night, a Christmas Cabaret night, and a Winter Wonderland Masquerade Ball on New Year’s Eve to see in 2015 in true Morgan’s style.

[ feature ] Jim Carrey at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'The Hangover'. Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, CA

Jim Carrey

AlRigHty By jess everton

THeN!

Few can resist chuckling along to the maniacal mayhem of Canadian actor and funny man, Jim Carrey who has built his career on making people laugh, and, on occasion, cry. Carrey, 52, possesses a unique boundless energy which transforms him into a whirlwind of chaos on the stage, television screen and cinema. Despite a plethora of awards as well as international stardom, the rubber faced comedy legend fought his way to the top from humble beginnings. James ‘Jim’ Eugene Carrey was born in Ontario, Canada to accountant and musician Percy Carrey and his wife,

Kathleen. Carrey was one of four siblings and the family led a relatively happy and normal life until Percy lost his job. Carrey was only 14 when he and his family were forced to move to a suburb in Toronto in order to cope with their sudden loss of steady income. Left with no other choice, young Carrey quit school at age 15 to support his family as a full time caretaker and used

his spare time to care for his poorly mother. Financial problems crippled the family’s’ independence and the Carreys had to move into a campervan parked on a relative’s lawn to survive. The family ended up living in Burlington, Ontario for eight years and Carrey took on a variety of poorly paid jobs, including working at a science testing facility. 59

[feature ] Carrey’s first step into the limelight was not fortuitous. The young Canadian made his comedy debut age 15 at Yuk Yuk’s Club in Toronto wearing a striking yellow suit made by his mother. Carrey, who specialised in impersonations, was not well-received in his first appearance, but despite initial failures, family and financial problems, the young star-to-be was determined to succeed. Carrey persisted in grabbing any opportunity to take centre stage and soon became a regular of the Toronto comedy circuit. He slowly started to get a reputation as a talented comedian and was soon spotted by veteran funny man Rodney Dangerfield. Dangerfield was so impressed by Carrey’s comedic ability that he asked him to open his tour performances. Carrey left his native Canada to pursue his dream career in Hollywood. Filled with ambition, the young actor performed at The Comedy Store, and in 1982, appeared on stand up show, An Evening at the Improv. The following year he made his first appearance on the hit late night talk show, The Tonight Show.

Wiploc alongside fellow comedian Damon Wayans in Earth Girls are Easy. Carrey and Wayans soon became good friends and the pair starred in the 1990 sketch series, In Living Color, which was developed by Wayan’s brother. Carrey made his silver screen breakthrough in 1994 as the animalloving oddball investigator in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Although Carrey was nominated for Worst New Star at the Razzie Awards, the movie was a success amongst filmgoers and grossed over $70 million at the box office. Carrey’s on-screen success went from strength to strength and the rising star became one of the most high-profile comedy acts of the 1990s. After Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Carrey played another larger than life character in the hit comedy, The Mask. The film depicts the transition of Carrey as timid clerk Stanley Ipkiss to maniacal green trickster when he dons a magical green mask. Next on the agenda was the slapstick comedy, Dumb and Dumber. In the film Carrey and co-star Jeff Daniels

Carrey went back to his lighter, family friendly comedy style in 1997’s Liar Liar. In the film he plays a successful

Carrey starred in horror comedy Once Bitten with Lauren Hutton in 1985, gained a supporting role in Peggy Sue Got Married in 1986 and played rock singer Johnny Squares in the ‘Dirty Harry’ film, Dead Pool opposite Clint Eastwood in 1988.

In 1988 he starred as furry red alien 60

Following on from a very prosperous year, Carrey starred in the highly anticipated blockbuster hit, Batman Forever in 1995 as mischievous villain, The Riddler. In the same year Carrey broke his own rule of never performing in sequels when he revisited his lead role in Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls. The film was another box office smash, earning $212 million worldwide. The actor, who made his film career playing zany, light-hearted characters on screen, took an edgier, darker role in Ben Stiller’s black comedy, The Cable Guy in 1996. Carrey plays an eccentric, socially inept cable engineer who after striking up a friendship with customer Matthew Broderick, begins to intrude on his personal life in a menacing fashion. The role was a risk for the actor, but despite poor reviews from critics, the film grossed $102 million worldwide.

The actor made many small television appearances and in 1984 gained his first lead role as a young cartoonist in The Duck Factory. Despite only lasting four months, the television series was a great stepping stone and helped Carrey secure prominent places on the silver screen.

Despite dropping his impersonation act for his stage shows, Carrey continued to work the comedy circuit and gained the respect of many prominent figures in the theatre and film industry including writer and director, Judd Apatow. Proving a chameleon of the performing arts, Carrey became an increasingly successful actor of the stage and cinema.

play dim-witted friends who embark on a road trip to return a secret stash of money to its rightful owner.

Jane Carrey, Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey at the World Premiere of Dr. Seuss Horton Hears a Who' held at the Mann Village Westwood

[feature ] Jim Carrey attends the premiere of 'Mr. Popper's Penguins' at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Hollywood, CA

but dishonest lawyer who is magically bound not to lie for a whole day when his son makes a birthday wish. The film received positive reviews and Carrey was honoured with a Golden Globe nomination.

Charlie Baileygates, a man suffering from split personality disorder in the comedy Me, Myself & Irene. Critics failed to warm to the film but Carrey fans embraced the movie and it became a commercial success.

Liar Liar was followed by another movie success for Carrey in the 1998 comedy-drama, The Truman Show. Carrey plays Truman Burbank, a seemingly average American man who is secretly filmed from birth to adulthood and is watched around the clock on an international television show. Carrey was applauded for his emotional yet comedic portrayal of the bewildered Truman and won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

From the mid-1990s to present day, Carrey has consistently appeared in film blockbusters, including How the Grinch Stole Christmas in 2000, Bruce Almighty in 2003, Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events in 2004 and the 3D computer animated film, A Christmas Carol in 2009. Even Carrey’s role in the art house drama, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was highly praised by critics when it was released in 2004 and the actor was rewarded with his first BAFTA nomination.

In 1999 Carrey got the chance to play his life-long hero, comedian Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon. The film was critically acclaimed and the actor received a Golden Globe for his accurate depiction of the quirky comedian. In 2000 Carrey took on the role of

Carrey has had a series of high-profile relationships with film and television co-stars. He met his first wife, Melissa Wormer at the Comedy Store in 1987, second wife Holly Lawrence on the set of Dumb and Dumber and had a

brief romance with Renée Zellweger who played his character’s love interest in Me, Myself & Irene. Carrey’s most recent, public relationship was with actor and model Jenna McCarthy although the couple split in 2010. The actor has one daughter, Jane Erin Carrey from his first marriage. Although well known for his acting career, Carrey has recently revealed a hidden talent in writing. In 2013 he released his first published children’s book, How Roland Rolls. In May this year Carrey received an honorary doctorate for his achievements as a comedian, artist, author and philanthropist at Maharishi University of Management in Iowa. Almost 20 years since Dumber and Dumber was released, Carrey has once again teamed up with original costar Jeff Bridges in the highly awaited sequel, Dumb and Dumber To. The movie is expected to be just as barmy and anarchic as the first film and is set for release this December. 61

[feature ]

secRet SantA with hotcraze.co.uk

We asked Sandwich based gadget aficionados, HOTcraze.co.uk to come up with a few ideas under £20 for all those in need of a gift idea for the office “Secret Santa”, and they came up trumps with these little beauties…

Magic Instant Expanding Snow Make it snow all year round! Just add a little water to a scoop of the special snow powder and it immediately expands to 100 times its original volume, into a mass of fluffy white flakes. The reaction is instantaneous and with regular top ups the snow can last for months. It's soft and dry to touch, or it can be placed in the freezer for a cold realistic feel. Try it with some coloured water and you will end up with coloured snow! 20 grams of magic snow will make 1 litre of snow. HOTcraze Price: £4.99

Slimline Wine Aerator The lazy way to decant your wine! This is the way wine should be decanted! This wine aerator, is portable, meaning it's perfect for when you're out and about having a tipple. It also functions as a pourer and drip-stopper so, short of opening the bottle itself, there's little it can't handle when it comes to making something super of your favourite Shiraz.You can pop this slimline wine aerator in your pocket and take it to restaurants, dinner parties, on a plane, on picnics, or you can just use it at home. Crucially, though, it's able to create the equivalent of a 20-inch vacuum in its little chamber (most aerators can manage 10 at a push), meaning that your wine will be beautifully aerated and have all its subtle flavours brought to the fore.

Ukick -The latest craze in street games Drop it. Kick it. Keepy-up it! UKick is a simple and cool game that’s healthy, social and seriously addictive! Fusing elements of street football and badminton, UKick's beauty is that it can be played by anyone: alone or with any number of friends. All you need to do is keep the UKick in the air and don't let it touch the ground! HOTcraze Price: £9.99

HOTcraze Price: £9.99

Drinks-Lab Homebrew Kit Turn your boring fruit juice into an EXCITING sparkling alcoholic beverage in just 24 hours. The Drinks-Lab Homebrew Kit is the fun and easy way to make your own alcoholic drinks the way you like them. The Kit contains everything needed to turn fruit juice into a sparkling alcoholic beverage in just 24 hours. Simply choose or mix up your favourite juices, pour our special yeast blend into the bottle, seal with the supplied stopper and wait. An alcoholic metamorphosis occurs as the yeast eats through the sugar in the juice, which also produces bubbles and turns a boring bottle of juice into something a lot more interesting. HOTcraze Price: £11.99 62

Baby Gupi Interactive Toy Only one word: Awesome The Baby Gupi is the perfect thing for kids and big kids who aren't quite ready to have a pet of their own.You can cuddle him, play with him or just leave him to his own devices. Sensors in his nose mean that he won't bump into anything when he's pottering around, and you can even put him in a maze if you're feeling cruel and he'll find a way out in no time. He's extremely interactive, and the way you treat him affects his behaviour - just like a real pet. HOTcraze Price: £6.99

[title ]

[food and drink ]

Renee's Health Food Tips

eatinG foR

beAutY

Being the wrong side of my 30's I am ever conscious of wanting to look fresh faced and keep those wrinkles at bay. As the cold and dark nights set in, many people neglect or forget their best assets. When you have shiny eyes, luminous skin and fabulous looking hair, you look in the mirror each day and feel full of confidence and vitality, and it doesn’t take much to keep that up. I consciously eat food each week that I know will slow down the aging process and keep that smile on my face without the fear of the dreaded crows feet. What many people don’t realize is that having stable blood sugar plays a big part in our beauty regime, as excess sugar damages collagen and causes mood swings. By reducing your sugar and increasing your intake of foods rich in sulfur, you will benefit from looking revitalized, and fresh faced. Sulfur is Chia Chocolate Pudding 1 to 2 tablespoons of chia seeds (ground) I cup of nut milk 2 tbsp. cacao powder Himalayan sea salt to taste ¼ cup of agave syrup 1 small banana Serves 1

an essential component of connective tissue, which is where we find collagen, the most important protein for strength in hair, skin and nails. Food that aid collagen production are; Aloe Vera This is nature’s BOTOX, when applied to the face, it firms and lifts in less that 15 minutes. Dark green vegetables Eating your greens really does make you beautiful! They contain high amounts of collagen producing agents. Rich in vitamin C, regular consumption of kale, spinach, collards, and asparagus helps to strengthen the body’s ability to manufacture collagen and to utilize the protein effectively.

Mix the chia seeds, cacao, agave syrup and nut milk in a bowl and pop in the fridge for a few hours to make a gel. Whisk the mixture once or twice during the standing time to prevent the seeds clumping together, add a little extra milk if this happens. Either serve cold with chopped banana and cacao nibs on top or during winter months, heat gently in a pan, not to boiling and serve. This

Renee Maguire is a chef, raw nutrition coach, food writer and motivational healthy eating speaker. Through discovering the benefit of her own health improvements she has dedicated her work to helping others find a balance between the foods they love to eat and the foods their body needs. Renee writes for a variety of newspapers, magazines and blogs, and tours the country delivering inspirational motivational talks and food workshops to find out more visit www.rawchifood.com or email renee@ rawchifood.com photography by jo doran

Chia Seeds Chia are rich in Omega-3, that is a fatty acid offering the body good fat that aids the body production of the protein collagen and is the richest plant source of omega 3 on the planet. Chia seeds also a fabulous source of both carbohydrate and protein, these little seeds expand 9 times their size in water, making them a fabulous aid to weight loss, because you are fuller for longer. So not only do they improve your skin, hair and nails, but they also help with weight control. I can’t get enough of them. I eat them for breakfast or add them to soups and salads. Check out my favourite way to eat chia seeds and eating for beauty.

is great for children and very warming on a cold winter’s day. I even sometimes make it the night before and pop in a container in the fridge. For more raw food recipes and superfood ideas go to www.rawchifood.com info@rawchifood.com or call Renee on 01625 860 469

CAFÉ

Café du Soleil, 4-5 Pound Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2BZ.

Cafe du Soleil is a modern Mediterranean Cafe du Soleil is a modern Mediterranean restaurant, occupying the historic wool store on restaurant, cuisine draws its influences the banks ofwhose the river Stour in Canterbury. from southern France andSouthern Italy, with muchand of the Drawing influences from France food cooked anfood enormous wood oven. Italy, much ofinthe is cooked in aburning traditional wood burning oven. The menu offers two distinct The restaurant occupies an historic 18th century dining experiences. wool store, on the banks of the River Stour and For a casual and very inexpensive meal, you can besidesone its main dining room, has both a riverside choose of our superb wood fired pizzas made terrace a large oak beamed function room with theand finest Italian ingredients. Alternatively, available forour private dining, conferences experience healthy sun parties, drenched cuisine offering modern interpretations of Mediterranean and wedding receptions. Please see our website classics. for further details and menus. Favourites include Chargrilled Kentish Lamb 2 courses fromand our set menu withAny wood-roast ratatouille rosemary aioli or for £12.95. Wood-roast Local Cod with crab gratin, noodles and ginger butter sauce. Available 12.00-6.30pm every day of the week. We can also cater for weddings, corporate functions or parties up to 60 in our oak Children’s menuofalso available forbeautiful £3.95 including beamed function room. a soft drink.

SOLEIL

Tel 44(0)1227 479999 www.cafedusoleil.co.uk

“A Great Place to Stay for a Weekend on The Kent Coast”

The White Cliffs Hotel & Trading Co. and

The Bay Restaurant ‘Just a mile from the Beach at St. Margaret’s Bay near Deal’

Real Ales & Ciders Tasty Craft Beers Half Decent Wines Kentish Native Food Coastal Cool Rooms www.thewhitecliffs.com

call us 01304 852229 65

[food and drink ]

Lee Behan Lee's love affair with food started at an early age, joining his Chef father in professional kitchens every spare weekend or holiday available. At the tender age of 13 he cooked dessert for a list of dignitaries which included HRH Princess Anne; opting for a seasonal Summer Pudding with clotted cream. As he notes himself "it involved no real cooking". Lee has had the opportunity to cook with many of the UK's leading chef's including Mark Hix, Anna Hansen MBE and Gizzie Erksine; celebrities such as actress and designer Sadie Frost, singer Boy George and Hollywood actor Stanley Tucci have all enjoyed Lee's food via varied & epic fundraising dinners.

WinteR chocolate

ToRte By Lee Behan

It's that time of year where everything becomes decadent and we eat ourselves to excess. The old familiar scent of orange & cinnamon wafts through the air, whilst we bask in the glow of twinkly lights from the tree. If only! For most of us Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, with increased mouths to feed via guests that trundle through the door once a year demanding to be fed. Take a bit of that pressure off of yourself with this simple yet outstanding and delicious Winter Chocolate Torte – Enjoy! process: 1 Preheat oven to 150°C/fan 130°C/ gas 2. Line the base of a 23cm (9in) diameter cake tin with parchment and butter the sides. Melt the butter and chocolate in a bowl placed over a pan of simmering water (don't let the water touch the bowl). Remove from heat and cool. 2 In a clean, dry bowl whisk the egg

whites until they form peaks. Mix the sugar, almonds, all spice and grated orange zest in the chocolate mixture,

Ingredients:  150g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids)  125g unsalted butter  5 eggs separated (keep the yolk and the white)

then stir in the egg yolks and 100ml (3½fl oz) amaretto. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Pour into the tin and bake for 30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean. Allow to

 175g light brown soft sugar  175g ground almonds  1/2 tsp allspice  Zest of 1 orange  Icing sugar for dusting

cool for a few minutes before dusting with snow (icing sugar). 3 Serve on its own or with lightly

whipped double cream.

[food & drink ]

THE

white cliffs Hotel and Bay Restaurant By Vanessa J Bennett

If you are searching for a romantic getaway, an active break or simply some quality family time, then you might just find exactly what you desire at ‘The White Cliffs Hotel’, nestled in the picturesque village of St Margaret’s-at-Cliffe on the rolling downs of east Kent.

Established in an original fifteenth century building, with surrounding mews and two cottages, the hotel offers a welcoming, traditional weather-boarded façade.This theme continues inside the main hotel, which manages to marry period features and contemporary décor seamlessly throughout, creating a quirky and inviting atmosphere as soon as you step through the door. My partner and I were fortunate to arrive on a particularly fine afternoon, and after depositing our bags decided to take the opportunity of the late Autumn sunshine to explore the beautiful bay of St Margaret’s, which is situated less than three quarters of a mile from the hotel.The helpful manager, Angela, armed us with the hotel’s map of coastal walks and recommended the perfect spot for superlative views of France, this being the closest point in England at just over twenty miles. For the more

‘professional’ walker the hotel offers a range of walking breaks amongst a wide selection of packages including golf, clay pigeon shooting and even foraging days that culminate in eating what you have picked in the hotel’s restaurant, ‘The Bay’, cooked first by the chef, naturally! On this occasion we were satisfied to explore at our own, rather leisurely pace and returned to ‘The White Cliffs’ windswept and ravenous, eager to investigate the acclaimed restaurant, which is a destination in itself. The hotel boasts five double rooms with en suites in the main building, all decorated in a contemporary style, as well as a delightful self-contained loft apartment.The flexibility of this accommodation is mirrored in the mews and cottages, which offer a further nine bedrooms and additional privacy if required.We also learnt that these include two ‘dog friendly’ suites which open

straight onto the walled garden, news we will be concealing from our Jack Russell terrier, who was rather disgruntled to be packed off to the dog sitter that day! For this stay we were extremely fortunate to be accommodated in the ‘Chalk’ suite situated in the main building, which has a charming wooden four poster bed and an unexpected triple aspect affording enchanting views of St Margaret’s churchyard and the hotel’s beach-themed walled garden, a renowned sun trap in the summer months for locals and guests alike. Freshened up we were ready to eat, but not before we had enjoyed an aperitif in the cosy downstairs bar. After some debate due to the wide choice of beverages on offer, including many local beers, we opted for a glass of the Kentish Bubbly, a delightful, fruity and light rose that was absolutely perfect before dinner. The roaring log burner and sumptuous leather sofas meant we could have quite happily settled there for the evening, but

[food & drink ]

luckily for us the restaurant was only feet away! Whilst we relished our drinks and warmed our toes we were able to peruse the comprehensive menu; again, an activity that caused some indecisiveness due to the delicious array of dishes! Choices were still being made then unmade as we were seated in ‘The Bay’. The airy, modern theme continues in the restaurant, with thoughtful little touches like pebbles from St Margaret’s beach used as table markers, just in case you have forgotten your proximity to the sea.The menu is seasonally updated, in addition to offering a daily special and The Catch of the Bay, and the ethos is clear: providing fresh, locally sourced produce, some of it grown in the hotel’s very own kitchen garden, based just minutes down the road at its sister hotel

‘Wallett’s Court’. As my partner is a vegetarian it was incredibly refreshing to see the head chef Andrew Butcher’s range of carefully constructed and imaginative dishes, rather than the default option of pea risotto. He began with a delectable Roasted Parsnip and Apple Soup, sprinkled with croutons and dates, whilst I could not resist the Ashmore Cheese Straws with Piccalilli.The pastry melted in the mouth and was the perfect accompaniment to the fruity piccalilli, which was just sweet and sharp enough. For the main my companion enjoyed the English Potato Flatbread, with Goat’s Cheese,Wild Mushrooms and a Bloody Mary sauce, whilst I had the Special of the Day, Crab Linguine, a delicately creamy dish with undertones of chilli, ginger and garlic, the fresh crab caught just down the road in Deal.The portions were more than generous, yet despite this we felt it churlish not to sample the enticing dessert menu, squeezing in the Plum Tart with Vanilla Anglais and the Sticky Toffee Pudding with Rum Butter. These were a sublime finale to the meal. Our relaxing evening concluded with a nightcap in the bar, where we savoured the gentle ambience until our beckoning four poster bed and feather duvet became too much to resist!

What most struck us about our stay at ‘The White Cliffs Hotel’ was the welcoming atmosphere, with a laidback feel which is pleasingly deceptive; the staff are attentive and helpful, yet never intrusive, which is a fine balance to achieve.This must be credited to Gavin Oakley, the proprietor, who has been in the hotel business many years and it shows: the place exudes a relaxed confidence that only comes with experience and understanding your clientele.This is a family-run concern with a loyal staff, whose unaffected hospitality is extended to a diverse range of guests, both locals and those from farther afield. For a refreshing break with incredible fare, where you are free to set your own agenda at your chosen pace, ‘The White Cliffs Hotel’ is definitely the destination for you.

[days out ]

DiNe bY the

Riverside At Café Du Soleil, Canterbury By Peter Nichols

I first visited Café Du Soleil shortly after it opened its doors for business back in late 2010. Since then I have visited on a number of occasions, witnessing its predictable growth in popularity along the way. The brainchild of David Lewis and business partners Bill & Emmanuelle Betham (also owners of another Canterbury favourite, Café Des Amis), Café Du Soleil is housed in a restored 18th Century woolhouse overlooking the River Stour.The building has been adapted by the current owners with the addition of a footbridge across the river leading to the large glass double door entrance which provides a welcome influx of light and warmth into the stone and timber structure during the day, and emits a cosy glow from the bustlingly busy restaurant in the evening. As well as the cavernous restaurant downstairs, there is also a fifty seater function room upstairs available for parties, weddings, and events. We arrived shortly after 6pm on a mild October evening, and already the place was almost full.There were couples enjoying a romantic meal, families eyeing up the pizza menus, students studying the specials, and suited business folk talking turkey over their teriyaki.This varied mixture of clientele was always the goal of co-owner David Lewis, who felt that although Canterbury had a fine 70

selection of restaurants, but that it lacked a quality establishment which catered for everybody. As you might expect, as well as the clientele, the menu is one of inclusivity and there really is something for everyone. Although the theme of the restaurant is undoubtedly “Mediterranean”, with lots of Italian and French influences (melt in the mouth raviolis, spicy Italian sausages, warming cassoulet, and rustic ratatouilles are menu stalwarts), there are plenty of deviations from a generic menu with Café Du Soleil also offering their take on some American and Asian dishes.The focus for David and the chefs at Café Du Soleil is on the taste and experience of food, rather than being restricted by conventional “boundaries”.The menu encompass a whole host and variety of influences, and each dish is the result of hours in the kitchen experimenting, refining, and perfecting. The centre piece of the open plan kitchen is the huge 20ft square wood burning oven, which is used, not only to bake the delicious freshly prepared pizzas

(our picks would be the Pepperoni & Lombardi Chili, the Smoky Pulled Pork, and the Ratatouille & Goat’s Cheese), but also to cook cuts of meat, fish, and vegetables in the swirling 450 degree heat.The food is baked to perfection by convection and given a unique crisp, bubbly texture and smoky taste by the oven’s fire – although as David is keen to point out, at such high temperatures it requires a great deal of skill to master the oven, especially while cooking meat and fish, so the chefs have to really know their stuff. The oven is powered by ash wood from local Blean forest.The wood sits for two years to dry out prior to collection, then is stored for a further 10-12 days at the restaurant to relieve it of any moisture picked up in transit. Local produce is also a must at Café Du Soleil, with fish from Griggs at Hythe, and both the meat and vegetables coming from just up the road – meat from Hedgers, and veg from Dumbrell’s, both of Canterbury. Nothing is left to chance at Café Du Soleil with everything made from

[days out ]

scratch. Dough, pasta, and even salami are painstakingly prepared in-house. For my starter I opted for the Homemade Crab & Prawn Ravioli in a creamy seafood bisque sauce. It was a generous portion, certainly for a starter (note: the dish also comes as a main if you’re a big ravioli fan), with a sublime texture and sauce, filled with tender, tasty seafood.The bisque was perfectly seasoned, so no need for the condiments. My partner chose the Seared Local Scallops and Chorizo with broccoli, béarnaise sauce and crispy seaweed – another triumph. Worthy of note is another favourite of mine which is usually to be found on the menu, the Beef Carpaccio with Parmesan, served with garlic, chili, soy sauce, rocket, and olive oil. I love the texture of Carpaccio but quite often find

the taste somewhat bland.The addition of the Asian inspired dressing really brings out the flavour.This type of “fusion” is evident in a lot of the dishes at Café Du Soleil, and it really works. Onto the mains and I plumped for the Seared Kentish Lamb Leg steak rubbed with fresh thyme & garlic, served with rosemary aioli, ratatouille and chips cooked in duck fat while my other half, who was in an equally carnivorous mood, went for the 14oz Rib-Eye Steak, with chips cooked in

steak, I am informed it was suitably juicy and up to Café Du Soleil’s usual high standards! By this point we were both full, so it was coffees all round (although I made mine an Irish cream floater”), but based on past experiences I can highly recommend the Wood Fired Alaska for two, consisting of home-made banana bread, Madagascan vanilla ice cream, topped with meringue and a red fruit and wine compote.

duck fat, rocket parmesan salad and béarnaise sauce.

Wonderful full, great atmosphere, very attentive staff, and a menu which always offers up something new, fresh and tasty – the perfect night out!

The lamb was a beautiful blushing pink, the ratatouille suitably warming with a lovely velvety texture, and the chips cooked in duck fat were pure indulgence. Although I didn’t get to sample the

The entire menu is reasonably priced throughout, but if you’re on a budget you ought to check out their two course set menu at £12.95 at www. cafedusoleil.co.uk/menu.html

[food and drink ]

THE

ManoR

Words By Pix Pocock

Restaurant

An Autumnal Sunday evening, the clocks have just gone back and the week of work ahead looming over us…so what a better way to end the weekend than to dine out in The Manor Restaurant at Eastwell Manor, Ashford? I have previously experienced the pure bliss of being pampered at the luxurious Dreams Spa while my husband, Burgess took on the challenge of the picturesque 18 hole golf course within the grounds of the Manor, but this was our first visit to award winning Manor Restaurant, so we already had high expectations. On arrival we were stunned at how magnificent the entrance hall was, complete with a roaring open fire.The reception staff were very welcoming and we were shown into the bar area to find a pleasingly well stocked bar. My husband likes to find out the history of places we visit and we were impressed that the bar staff were extremely knowledgeable about the hotel and its history. We were also informed that the bar stocked one of the largest collections of Whisky in Kent, music to the ears of my single malt loving dining companion. Once our orders were taken we were shown into the exceptionally grand 72

dining room, complete with high ceilings, magnificent wood panelling, chandeliers, a perfectly laid dinner service and another magnificent open fire-place. The restaurant has a very warm and welcoming feel which immediately made us feel relaxed and ready to enjoy our evening. The mood and ambience was completed by a pianist playing on the wonderful baby grand piano. All of the waiting staff were very attentive particularly the Assistant Manager, Silva, making sure that we wanted for nothing. Firstly, we were offered freshly baked rolls and breads to accompany the rich, creamy leek and potato amuse-bouche served to whet our appetites. For starters I ordered the Avocado with Pink Grape,Walnuts and Mixed Leaves and my husband chose the Dressed Crab with Yoghurt and Lemon. Mine was a delightful combination of creamy avocado puree, crunchy walnuts, fresh

mixed leaves and tangy, sweet pink grapes. This was perfect for me; it was delicious but light enough to ensure that I was not too full to hamper my appreciation of the main course. The Crab starter was accompanied by fresh Salmon which had been cured in Gin (this we found out later from the Chef after our meal), the crab was fragrant, fresh and dressed to perfection with a fruity yoghurt dressing and the Salmon was firm to the bite and absolutely delicious. Starters devoured we eagerly awaited our main courses. I chose the Roasted Butternut Ravioli with Spinach, Pine Nuts & Mushrooms with my other half going for the Venison with Beetroot, Cherries and filled Baby Gem Lettuce. Not being a great meat eater, I am usually left disappointed by the boring vegetarian offerings served in most restaurants but I have to say that the Butternut Ravioli was a roaring success, with fresh homemade smooth ravioli filled with rich and creamy

[food and drink ]

butternut squash accompanied by Girolle mushrooms (grown on the estate) and earthy spinach which gave the dish many dimensions of textures and flavours. The Venison was a bold choice by my husband who often finds the rich flavour of the Venison can overpower other foods on the plate. However he found the deep velvety texture and flavours of the cherries and beetroot balanced perfectly the strong venison flavours. Plates cleared away we were tempted by the delights on the dessert menu, I managed to resist (purely due to my hunger being completely satisfied) but, being a man, my husband did not have as much willpower and chose the Lemon Meringue Pie. This was served as a ‘deconstructed’ dessert with each element of the dish served as a separate item on

the plate. It was a fun, modern take on a classic dessert.The tangy, creamy lemon filling was encased in a perfectly cooked crisp chocolate pastry case, accompanied by a fruity coulis, sweet vanilla ice cream and tiny meringue pieces scattered around the plate. A sweet treat indeed. The evening was rounded off with a deliciously silky, smooth black coffee for me and a single malt whisky for my husband, served to us in the bar. We were also lucky enough to meet Chef Byron who only joined The Manor Restaurant eight weeks ago as the Head Chef along with his wife, Kendra, who is the Head Pastry Chef. Chef Byron has worked as Head Chef all over the country in very successful restaurants and we were impressed to learn that he was also a semi-finalist in BBC1’s

highly acclaimed ‘ Masterchef – The Professionals’. He and the Hotel’s owner, Mr Parrett are very keen to take forward their new and contemporary ideas whilst retaining the charm and grandeur of the already well-established hotel and restaurant. It was obvious that Chef Byron is very passionate about his food and service, and is committed to using food grown on the Estate’s Farm and locally sourced produce. The staff already speak very highly of the new Head Chef saying that since his arrival there has been an exciting and revitalised atmosphere in the restaurant. The Manor Restaurant offers a truly first class dining experience, and we would highly recommend it to foodies and non-foodies alike, a superb way to spend an evening with friends and family.

THE Captain Digby FAMILY PUB, RESTAURANT & CLIFFTOP BEER GARDEN

HOME-cooked food

All freshly prepared on site using local ingredients great coffee, excellent wine & superb real ale Indoor & outdoor Childrens ‘pirates’ playground Book now on: 01843 867 764 WWW.captaindigby.co.uk The Captain DIgby, WhitEness Road, Kingsgate, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 3QH

[food and drink ]

WinteR’s Best Kept SecRet

By Melody Miller

locals. Our picks would be The Black Pig at Hawkhurst,The Drum Inn at Ashford, and The Lady Luck at Canterbury.

Here in East Kent we are home to some of the most picturesque beaches in Britain, our award-winning sands boasting not only the best in seafood but chalky cliffs and charmingly painted beach huts that colour the coast and attract hundreds each year. For small towns such as Whitstable, Broadstairs and Margate, tourism is essential to local economy and to the livelihoods of small businesses there, but what about when the season ends?

With winter on its way, the beach isn’t the first destination that springs to mind for a weekend wander or day trip, but think again.Winter brings a whole new glow to the sand and sea so try these winter warmers and tips for the perfect beach day now the summer is gone. Snow-covered beach Viking Bay, in Broadstairs looks truly remarkable in the snow, so next time the sky goes white head down to Wyatt and Jones on Harbour Street, where long, gorgeous views over the beach will look picture perfect, accompanied by their gin hot toddies and local meat cooked to perfection. Sunrise on the sea Stick to Thanet and the sun rises on the ocean, so wake up and get down to the water’s edge for a perfectly-lit treat with your camera. Winter drinks The best thing about being cold is warming up againpick a venue that knows all about hot spiced cider, a popular choice among the

Log fires Cosy is the key word when it comes to winter so look out for places such as The Lifeboat in Margate,The New Inn at Minster, or The Smugglers Inn at Herne Bay, that have fabulous open fires to warm the toes. Enjoyed perfectly with a glass of red and one of their board games for customers to use. Coffee & Dogs Grab a takeaway cup of locally roasted coffee when walking the dogs- our four legged friends are allowed back on the sands now the season is over, so get your daily fix and enjoy some of East Kent’s dog-friendly venues such as Wyatt & Jones in Broadstairs,The Minnis at Minnis Bay, or The Chapter Arms at Chartham Hatch. Margate Winter Gardens Winter by name, winter by game. Check out the latest offerings from the stage for an evening with a difference, from panto to stand up comedy. Bike it Wrap up warm, put those hats on and take to the cycle paths.The Viking coastal trail has stunning views and easy hills to keep you warm and fit. Feel the clean, salty air on your cheeks, stopping along the harbour arm in Margate for a local ale or cider to finish that rosycheeked look. 75

Restaurant hours Sunday: Tuesday 8.00am - 9pm last orders Wednesday: 8.00am – 9.30pm last orders Thursday – Friday: 8.00am – 10.00pm last orders

Bar hours EVERYDAY: 8.00am – till late

Tel 01843 585008 website www.milesbarramsgate.com contact sally@milesbarramsgate.com mailto:mick@milesbarramsgate.com

[travel [title ]

Nice Ice Baby - Winter In

WiNnipeG Words & Pictures by Jaillan Yehia

‘Winnipegans just get on with it!’ I’m told, as I travel with a group of fellow travel journalists to enjoy the Canadian city’s celebrated February festival, the 10 day winter wonderland that is Festival du Voyageur. The temperature is -20. And that’s practically a heat wave for the Manitoban winter: this time last year Canada’s middle province made headlines for being colder than a crater on planet Mars, with an 80year record low temperature of -37.9°C. Taking the wind chill into account, this feels like an almost unimaginable -48°C At this moment we overtake a committed snow-covered cyclist; the woollens we’re all bundled up in within the warm confines of the car suddenly seem like swaddling, as the bike cuts a path alongside us, proving that the people of the Manitoban capital really do have a Nike slogan style attitude to life, whatever the weather. And while in summers the prairie province is a balmy place to enjoy the outdoors, offering lake swimming and countless river

pursuits, in winter it’s all about embracing what is available in spades, quite literally; the acres of snow which carpet the land. And whatever the season, sunshine and blue skies are a recurring theme here – and I learn that it’s surprisingly easy to have fun in the snow when the sun is warming your face and you have a glass of caribou in your hand. This Québécois wine-whisky mix is the festival’s signature drink and consuming it from an ice glass is de rigueur at Winnipeg’s famed winter shindig. The main stage is at historic Fort Gibraltar, an early 19th Century trading post around which the city sprung up, and during Festivale it’s taken over by vast snow sculptures, part of the grandly-named International Snow Sculpting Symposium. 77

[travel ] But despite the pull of the outdoors the vibrant music scene in Winnipeg defines the festival for the younger crowd. There are over 80 bands on the bill, including local folk trip Red Moon Road who are on stage when I decide I’m ready to party, retire inside, and grab a beer and throw off my snow boots – this is one slice of Winnipeg life that isn’t weather-dependent.

MORE INFO

The Festival du Voyageur, now in its 45th year, takes place in Winnipeg every February. Daily admission is $15 for adults, $10 for teens and $8 for children, with those under 6 admitted free. A Voyageur pass giving unlimited admission for the duration of the festival costs $28, $15 and $10 respectively. This is a sort of gentleman’s competition the prize is simply the honour of winning whereby international teams of artisans work to create a unique sculpture from a simple block of 3 ft. high by 4 ft. wide snow. I’m surprised to find entries from countries one would never associate with winter – but all the results are impressive, varied and extremely photogenic, and I’m lucky enough to see a couple of the artists in action as they put the finishing touches to their icy canvas. I’m surprised that so much of the activity on offer is scheduled to be held outdoors – but quickly come to understand just how hardy the Manitobans are, and how infectious the fun of playing in the snow can be: on the land surrounding Fort Gibraltar,

which is renamed Voyageur Park during the festival, armies of little ones enjoy sledding, snow sliding and sleigh rides and for the grown-ups there are snowshoes for hire. I decide to be a kid for the day and grab a sled for myself too. Despite the indoor options, even the bar and live music tents, I’m happiest outside breathing in what must be the freshest city air you could hope for, but I’m drawn inside the cabins from time to time, which are showcasing traditional crafts, including carpentry and arrow-making. The festival uses actors to bring FrancoManitoban history alive with re-enactments and stories which keep me and the rest of the crowd both entertained and informed.

A free shuttle service runs every 30 minutes from The Forks and the Universite de Saint-Boniface where there’s ample parking. For information about the frozen river trail, which is usually open from January through to March visit The Forks website

www.theforks.com

For more information about Winnipeg, visit Tourism Winnipeg –

www.tourismwinnipeg.com

[travel ]

Get YouR SkAtes ON If travelling is all about adapting, what better way to adapt to a holiday in Canada than to get comfortable using metal blades as a legitimate means of transportation? And what better place to do it than Winnipeg’s 8.54 kilometres of Guinness World Record-winning frozen skating trail which snakes along the city’s two rivers – the Assiniboine and the Red. Skating around an ice rink is fun, but getting outdoors and tackling a frozen river trail is where it’s really at. Enter Winnipeg, home to real ice, created by Mother Nature not man.

But with your skates on and high banks of soft snow on either side of the blindingly white ice path marking your only insurance policy against falling, you have no choice but to throw yourself into it and embrace the sensation of skating. Looking around at the wintry scenes and up at the bright blue sunny sky as people skate effortlessly alongside you, some holding hands, some with little kids in tow, you realise that one preconception we all have about Canada is true: these people sure know how to have fun on the ice.

Skating on a river is a world away from the Zambonied (a Zamboni is an ice resurfacing machine) ice of a rink; flowing water freezes unevenly, complete with the odd branch or twig, and out in the real world there are hills and valleys, so on a river you have the new sensation of skating uphill to contend with – and of course speeding uncontrollably downhill too.

Royal WiNnipeg BAllet

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is a world-renowned ballet school and company with a rich history dating back to the 1930s – and after receiving the Queen’s seal of approval defined Canada as the first Commonwealth country to have a royal ballet company of its own. Since then the RWB has become a renowned destination for professional and amateur dancers from all over the world – dancers whom the public can watch in rehearsal mode free of charge by visiting the viewing room above the ballet school’s main studio. Anyone can turn up at the school and ask to be let into the viewing room to watch the world-class ballet professionals practice as long as they like, and the historic collection of dance posters that adorn the walls are almost as mesmerising as the men and women of the company on pointe and in pirouettes.

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[health and beauty ]

BAttling tHe BAd (WinteR) HaiR Day Words By Amy McManus

Our resident health and beauty expert Amy McManus shows us how to avoid the dreaded split ends, static and flyaways during the dry winter months.

The days are getting shorter, the air is cold and the heating is on; winter is well and truly here. The flip-flops are back in the loft and out comes that gorgeous pair of boots you bought last year in the spring sale. Result! We change our clothes, shoes, bedding and boiler settings to suit the colder climate, but what about our hair products? Our hair has to put up with so much over the winter months which can leave it feeling dry, frizzy and lifeless. But never fear! I am here to show you some of my favourite hair products this winter and tell you exactly why they should be in your bathroom! 86

WINTER HAIR PROBLEM ONE:

WINTER HAIR PROBLEM TWO:

 DRYNESS

 SPLIT ENDS

SOLUTION: • Add moisture back into the air with a humidifier; these can be purchased from a number of department stores or online for around £50. • Switch to a hydrating shampoo and conditioner • Use a conditioning treatment once a week. I love L’Kerabelle’s Deep Conditioning Mask. Available at www.dnlhair.co.uk 250ml £21.50.

SOLUTION: • Have your hair trimmed every two months to remove any split ends before they become a bigger issue.This will also keep your hair feeling thicker and healthier. • Always use a protective spray on your hair before using any kind of superficial heat application such straighteners or a hairdryer.This is a good habit to follow at any time of year, but is particularly

Frosty outside and the heating on fullblast inside; your hair doesn’t stand a chance.The lack of moisture in the air leaves your scalp dehydrated and your mane in a mess. It is really important to make sure you treat dry hair as it can lead to all of the other problems on the list such as split ends, breakage and flyaways.

Dry hair = split ends.We’ve all had them, they’re an absolute nuisance and particularly common at this time of year. So while it is really important to follow all of the precautions above to prevent dry hair, I know that we will still be faced with this issue at some point before spring!

[health and beauty ] • Use a conditioning serum after washing your hair to add shine, moisture and smooth those flyaways. The serum will also help with split ends. My absolute favourite that I can no longer live without is, Revlon Brilliant Hydra Elixir Available from your local hair salon www. revlonprofessional.com. 125ml £10.99

WINTER HAIR PROBLEM FIVE:

- 240ml £7.95 and Thickening Treatment Conditioner - 240ml, £8.95. Both available at www.boots.com

Happy Great Hair Day!

 LIMP LOCKS

important during winter to prevent further moisture loss. WINTER HAIR PROBLEMS THREE and FOUR:

 STATIC, FLYAWAYS

Two problems in one and both caused by the same thing...you guessed it...dry hair! The straw-like mess of untamed strands that the cold air and indoor heat leave behind is completely lacking in moisture and therefore tends builds up a greater static charge (particularly clean hair which possess less of the body’s natural oils.) SOLUTION: • Try to let your hair dry naturally and use as little heat styling as possible. • Rub an unscented, dye-free dryer sheet on your head.This may sound strange, but it really works! • Avoid synthetic hats / scarves or any garment that will go near your hair. • If possible, wash your hair less regularly to keep the natural oils there for longer periods of time.

In the summer, limp hair is caused by excess oils weighing it down...Now it’s that pesky drying weather causing problems again.We would normally receive an added lift from the humidity in the air, helping us plump up our hair. However, in the winter months it all goes south and can hang rather lifelessly. Curls also have a greater tendency to fall more easily. Darn! If that wasn’t a big enough blow for you, research has shown that us ladies also tend to lose a greater percentage of hair in the winter months. Can it get any better? SOLUTION: • Try to use dry shampoo where you can to add volume and save your precious natural hair oils for one more day. • Ask your hair stylist to cut layers into your hair to create volume. • Try a thickening shampoo and conditioner treatment developed to prevent hair loss such as Nanogen’s Thickening Treatment Shampoo 87

[health and beauty ]

Get outside

this winter

For most of us exercising in the winter is so much less appealing in the winter but East Kent based fitness expert Luke Bicknell has put together some tips to make it warmer, safer and a challenge. As a personal trainer and gym owner, I am only too aware of how difficult it can be, as the nights draw in and the temperature drops, to get out of bed or off the sofa and go and do some exercise.The mental challenge of stepping out of your front door is equal to the physical challenge that lies ahead if you do make it.Try to think of winter as an opportunity for different types of exercise and to maybe kick start a new or stagnant exercise regime. Many people naturally migrate to the gym to avoid being outside when it gets cold and dark. Everybody is different, but exercising outside will enable you to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons whilst creating new challenges, both mental and physical.There is nothing more satisfying than getting home after an early morning workout when it is still dark, knowing that you have done your exercise for the day. Bootcamps are a great way to fit in your dose of exercise and having a group of people to support you is a really motivating factor. There are certain things that you can do to ensure that you are as prepared as possible for the winter months ahead, here are a few of my top tips: • Invest in a hi-viz outer light weight jacket (water proof if possible, but that does bump up the price a bit).You can get these from any running shop or outdoor outlet.

festive period. A rule of thumb is to steer clear of heavily processed foods, and to ensure that you eat a balanced and varied diet of locally sourced seasonal produce.

• A long sleeved technical fabric base layer, and possibly some leggings of the same material should keep you warm and dry enough, whatever the weather.They will also not let you over heat too much, which is important. • Get some running gloves along with a running hat or head scarf (rather than woolly hat, which will make you too hot).

New Year is a powerful catalyst for making changes to your lifestyle and exercise habits, but in the meantime don’t let the cold and dark deter you from getting fit and healthy this winter. Get out there and enjoy whatever exercise works for you. If you fancy taking on the challenge of a bootcamp Community Gyms in Bridge has various time slots available to suit your schedule.

www.communitygyms.com

to kickstart your New Year fitness.

• It helps to see where you’re going, this is where a head torch comes in handy (and a hi viz jacket as mentioned above so that cars can see you). Head torches are relatively inexpensive and the battery tends to last for a long time. • If you dislike running alone in the dark (even with a head torch), there is no substitute for having a buddy! Don’t let the dark stop you. From a nutritional perspective, the winter months can pose some serious challenges due to the traditionally stodgier foods, and the culinary temptations throughout the 89

[health and beauty ]

fella's guide to a

[ Hair & Styling Tips ]

shAVe fAciaL By Bobby Gordon of Fella

In years gone by, a professional shave was one of the most popular services offered in the local barber’s shop. Back then it was not only a cheap and relaxing service, but the disposable razor was still some way off being perfected, and the multi-blade super engineered beasts we all have today would have looked like a Sci-Fi fanatics dream – so a shave at the barber’s was very much the norm. Fast forward to the 21st century and we’ve all got the tools, but the reality is that most men don't know how to shave properly and all too often end up with razor burn, red spots and white heads on display. With the use of the right products and some professional guidance we can help you Fellas achieve a great front visual line. Hot towels

Hot towels (or in your case hot water) will open the pores and serve to heat and soften the beard hairs. By using a shave brush, you allow them to stand off the skin, making the shave more efficient. Fella recommends db premier synthetic shaving brush. Exfoliation

Shaving not only removes unwanted hair, it also aids exfoliation by removing at least two layers of dead skin cells. Once again, use of the shave brush is a great way to provide gentle exfoliation.

Deep Cleanse

After passing the razor over the face you will usually be left with remnants of shaving soap/gel/cream, as well as loose beard hairs and dead skin cells, so it is important to deep cleanse the face with anti-bacterial face wash to remove any blockages. Fella recommends Men-U healthy face wash. Tone

After cleansing it's important to tone the skin. This controls oils whilst tightening, toning and refreshing the skin post shave. Condition

The final act of the shave facial is to moisturise the skin. As well as replacing lost moisture and soothing the skin, a good after shave lotion or balm will cool and refresh the skin. Be sure to use a good lotion made especially for men as we tend to have thicker, oiler skin so need a less greasy moisturiser than the ladies. Fella recommends Men-U facial moisturiser lift. The Fella shave facial & Men-U products will be available instore soon

db premier synthetic shaving brush Men-U shave creme Men-U healthy face wash Men-U Matt 'skin refresh' gel Men-U facial moisturiser lift

Fella is the destination for sharp haircuts. Founded in 2009 by Bobby Gordon, who had previously worked in some of Soho’s hottest hair joints for over 15 years. Fella is located in the heart of Canterbury & brings a unique boutique feel to the barber shop experience like no other in the area. With no appointment necessary & late night openings you can kick back & listen to some cool beats whilst one of the expert stylists take care of you. Fella has a highly trained & skilled team who pride themselves on grooming for the modern man 90

HAIRSTYLIST

since 1972

MALCOLMS 91 High Street | Broadstairs | Kent

Modern & Traditional Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hairstyling Appointments Optional

01843 865230 / 864256

16 York Street Ramsgate CT11 9DS | T: 01843 852 662 Obsessionssalon.co.uk

[health and beauty ]

PaRtY hAiR By Jennifer Baker, Obsessions Salon, Ramsgate

The party season is nearly upon us which gets all us girls searching for the perfect outfit, accessories and nail hue. But what about your hair? At Obsessions Salon we are focusing on beautiful, expensive – looking hair.The key is in the shine!!! Our Awapuhi wild ginger range by Paul Mitchell is the natural product choice. It’s a luxurious capsule collection that addresses issues with aging hair and dose what is says on the bottle.

LUXE WAVES Luxe waves are all about creating healthy and glossy movement within the hair. Large 'almost' waves, create the curve throughout the hair which reflects the light for a polished and expensive feel. Blow-dry hair with some lift, you don't want it to fall straight and sleek, but with body and bounce.Tame any flyaways with a small amount of serum or shine spray to keep the style neat.

THE ROUND KNOT The topknot has been a hot updo trend for several seasons, but the new take on this look is to create an oversized knot, with an almost flattened finish.Whereas, ballerina buns are perfectly spherical, the new shape sees a ring, or roll of hair that has been teased out until it has decreased in volume and increased in diameter for a super-sized finish.

HITCHCOCK HEROINE VOLUME Look back to the glamorous heroines of yesteryear for the inspiration behind this hair trend. Hair is backcombed with incredible volume for an exaggerated shape and then smoothed over to create an elegant, almost regal feel. Unlike past seasons, the emphasis is on keeping this look neat and groomed. It is all about being perfectly polished, after all. 92

Get your party started with us at Obsessions Salon this Christmas with an appointment with our party hair specialist £16.50

Obsessions Salon 16 York STreet Ramsgate CT11 9DS

01843 852662

obsessionssalon.co.uk

Kent College College Canterbury Canterbury

An An outstanding outstanding school school for forboys boysand andgirls girlsaged aged3 3- 18 - 18

Another Choice... Choice... Year Year 77 Entrance Entrance Exam Exam January January20th 20th2015 2015 Year Year77Scholarship Scholarship Assessments Assessments January January21st 21st&&22nd 22nd2015 2015 Senior SeniorSchool School01227 01227763231 763231 Junior JuniorSchool School01227 01227763436 763436 www.kentcollege.com www.kentcollege.com

RATED RATED

SCHOOL SCHOOLGUIDE GUIDE

Co-educational, day & boarding school for 3-18 years in South East England

Academic Scholarship Days for Sept 2015 Entry Senior School: Friday 16 January 2015 13+ tests for current Year 8 pupils to enter Year 9 16+ tests for current Year 11 pupils to enter Sixth Form T: 01843 572931 E: admissions@slcuk.com

Junior School: Saturday 31 January 2015 for pupils currently in Year 2, Year 3, Year 4 & Year 5 T: 01843 572912 E: jsadmissions@slcuk.com

www.slcuk.com St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE

Scholarship Opportunities at

[education ]

st lAwRence college

St Lawrence College in Ramsgate is proud of its high academic standards, close sense of community and supportive atmosphere which puts great emphasis upon the needs of each individual pupil.

Small class sizes enable gifted and talented pupils to be identified as early as possible and an exciting range of opportunities enables each child to achieve his or her full potential. • ‘gifted’ learners are those with academic ability that is clearly exceptional, and • ‘talented’ learners demonstrate outstanding skills in other, co-curricular areas (such as sport or music) If you have a gifted or talented child, they are welcome to sit the School’s forthcoming scholarship tests for entry into the School in September 2015. Senior School: Friday 16 January 2015 13+ and 16+ Scholarship Day Junior School: Saturday 31 January 2015 7+ Scholarship Day The main 11+ scholarships for entry into Year 7 are on 20 November, but individual assessments can be considered after this date. St Lawrence College offers the chance for children to sit for a scholarship from the age of 7 upwards. In the Junior School,

awards of up to 40% off the fees are given for outstanding academic ability, and up to 25% for Sports and Music.

Any further financial assistance required once a scholarship is awarded is meanstested in the form of a bursary.

Senior School scholarships are offered at 11+ and 13+ for outstanding all-round ability, academic, sporting or music disciplines, worth up to 50% of fees. Sixth Form 16+ academic scholarships are awarded to students who show the greatest academic potential and perform well in the Sixth Form Scholarship Examination. Scholarships are also awarded into the Sixth Form for pupils with outstanding ability in the Arts, Music and Sport.

Scholarships are awarded for outstanding ability and are aimed at attracting talented pupils, whatever their family’s financial background. If you have a gifted child, a scholarship may provide the opportunity for an enriched educational experience that may not be available under normal circumstances. Bursaries are means-tested and designed to offer financial assistance to either start at a school or remain at school if the family’s circumstances change. A bursary is designed to make up the shortfall between what the family can afford and what the fees actually are. If you apply for a bursary you will need to provide the school with comprehensive details of your family’s financial position and be prepared for this to be reviewed at regular intervals. Contact Simon Heard, Deputy Head (Registrar) on 01843 572931 to find out more and book a place. www.slcuk.com 95

[what's occurring ]

November

occurring Saturday 1st November – Wednesday 31st December Science Museum Pop-up Shop @ Bluewater

A great place to check out some fascinating gifts and gadgets. Visiting the shop will be the chance to see experiments come alive, to walk alongside a new generation of robots and play with science, all whilst shopping for that perfect gift to wow your friends and family!

Monday 24th November

Paloma Faith @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Paloma Faith is stopping off in Folkestone whilst touring her third album A Perfect Contradiction, which shot straight to number two when it was released in March, and hasn’t shown any sign of moving from the top ten since. It has been confirmed that Paloma will be supported by Brett Dennen on all UK dates of the Autumn Tour. Show Starts: 7pm

Demonstrations of experiments, robots, remote control and gadgets will take place all day giving the whole family the opportunity to interact with science.

Tickets from £33.40 available from www.atgtickets.com

Lower Mall

Alan Carr, Work in Progress @ Theatre Royal, Margate

Bluewater Shopping Centre Greenhithe, Kent, DA9 9ST

Sunday 23rd November

Quexmas @ Quex Park, Birchington Visit Quex’s annual festive Christmas Craft Fair with more than 70 stalls selling a variety of crafts and gifts throughout the Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens. Santa will be warming his toes by the fireside and invites you to join him in the dining room of Quex House*. Free trail throughout the museum, house, restaurant and marquees. Festive singing from Quex Gardens (weather permitting)

Friday 5th December

TV’s favourite funnyman, Alan Carr is the latest in a line of big acts to take the stage at Margate’s most intimate venue. You can be guaranteed fresh material from one of the country’s biggest comic talents as he showcases his act in preparation for his Arena tour which starts next Spring. Tickets: £25, Restricted View £23 Box Office: 01843 292795 More Information: www. theatreroyalmargate.com Ages: 16+

From: 10am – 4pm Price: £3 Adults (accompanied children under 16 free) Quex Park Birchington CT7 0BH Tel: 01843 842168

Saturday 6th December

Christmas Beer & Food Matching Evening @ Shepherd Neame Brewery, Faversham A fantastic evening that features a six-course "Beer Dinner" and showcases seven beers of a variety of styles. Your meal will be freshly prepared with local ingredients and each course is matched by a specially-selected beer whose flavours complement the food. The evening is hosted by one of Shepherd Neame’s beer experts who will share fascinating facts about each beer and show you how their Master Brewers and Taste Panel assess every batch of beer. See the full menu at www.shepherdneame.co.uk From 7pm Price: £49.50 pp

[what's occurring ]

Saturday 6th December – Sunday 28th December

December - January

Medieval Christmas @ Dover Castle Dover Castle is situated in spectacular settings above the White Cliffs of Dover and makes a great Christmas atmosphere. Join the court of King Henry for a weekend of medieval festive celebrations at Dover Castle. Enjoy music, dance and storytelling around the roaring open fire. Available every weekend in December. Dover Castle Castle Hill Dover CT16 1HU Tel: 0870 333 1181

Saturday 13th December – Sunday 28th December

Beauty and the Beast @ Theatre Royal, Margate Heading the cast will be the hilarious Ricky Groves, made famous by his nine year stint playing mechanic Gary in BBC1’s EastEnder. Ricky has also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing, Let’s Dance for Sport Relief and most recently in the hit ITV show Splash! Ricky is thrilled to be spending Christmas in Margate “I can’t wait to perform at the Theatre Royal as it is the perfect venue for pantomime. Beauty and the Beast is a great story that will appeal to all ages, and I get to cause some chaos and mischief in the show too" Prices: Adults £15 Early Bird £13, Concessions £13 Early Bird £11 Tel: 01843 292795

Sunday 14th December

Farm Nativity @ Kent Life, Maidstone Come and experience the living nativity with Kent Life’s very own friendly farmyard animals. Working together with Maidstone Family Church you’ll be taken on a journey through the grounds to discover the nativity story scenes, also join in with the traditional Christmas carolling as you are walking around. Kids are encouraged to dress up and be part of the nativity. Kent Life Lock Lane Maidstone ME14 3AU Tel: 01622 358841

Thursday 18th December

Demelza House Celebration of Christmas @ Canterbury Cathedral Join the annual fundraising Carol Service held to raise money for the Demelza House Children’s Hospice. The event is held at the Nave, entry via South West Door

Saturday 20th December – Tuesday 23rd December

Come Skate with Us @ Mercure Hythe Imperial Hotel, Hythe Inspired by its local surroundings, The Mercure Hythe Imperial Hotel is a glorious 4-star hotel which has stood at the heart of Hythe for hundreds of years. As part of their Christmas celebrations the hotel is will be showing off a new outdoor ice rink so why not come down and enjoy their “Winter Wonderland” with music, lights and a snow machine. There will also be some exclusive meal deals so you can warm yourself up afterwards with a nice meal and hot chocolate. From: 11am – 7pm Price: £5 per adult for 30 mins skating

Saturday 27th December

Vegas night @ Eastwell Manor, nr Ashford Show your inner diamond on this American themed evening full of entertainment. Ladies come sparkling and men impress those glamourous ladies with your Tuxedo! The evening starts with a Vegas cocktail followed by an American menu, ending with coffee and popcorn. Try your luck at the “fun” blackjack tables and enjoy dancing the night away to the ‘Sinatra’ style singer. From: 7pm Tickets: £75 per person Call: 01233 213020 or email: reservations@eastwellmanor. co.uk

Wednesday 31st December

NEW YEAR’S EVE - FUNFAIR AT THE SEASIDE @ Winter Gardens, Margate A Family Friendly Celebration where the Main Hall at the iconic Winter Gardens in Margate is transformed into a huge indoor funfair. Inside you’ll find sideshows, candy floss, balloon modelling, a disco, popcorn, fancy dress, and much more besides. All tickets include a basket meal, and the New Year will be ushered in with a balloon drop and a big screen firework projection. From 7.30pm – 12.30am

Time: from 7pm

Prices: Adult £19.50, Children £16, Family £66 (Family of 4, Max 2 Adults)

Tickets: 01795 845204

Children under 12 months FREE 97

[east kent business ]

Karis sAndfoRd OWNER AT CHAPS MALE GROOMING, canterbury

Over the past year, East Kent entrepreneur Karis Sandford has made her vision of a unique and stylish gentleman’s grooming parlour in Canterbury come to life with amazing results. East Kent Lifestyle caught up with Karis to see how far she’s come and her plans for the future.

What’s the idea behind Chaps? I had the idea for Chaps over a decade ago. Prior to Chaps my career had been as a make-up artist working in big department stores for Dior, and over the years I had noticed the ever increasing number of men purchasing grooming products, and generally taking more of an interest in looking after themselves. It seemed that while women have always had these “havens” to escape to and make them look good, that there was very little out there for men. So, what made you take the plunge and go for it? I got to 30 and I thought I couldn’t have children so it just seemed like it was time. Luckily I’d shared my vision with Charlie, a girl I worked with who was a Clarins trained beauty therapist (now my salon manager)¬ and had always said to her that one day it would happen and that I’d love her to work with me. Happily she agreed, and between us we came up with most of the packages we offer today and she’s been with me every step of the way. After finding this great space, securing funding, and finding some awesome people to work with everything has just fallen into place. One thing that didn’t go to plan was that after signing on the dotted line last October to take over the building I found out in late November that I was pregnant! We managed to open at the end of February so it was a crazy time. So now I have a business and a baby – a great year! 98

The place looks amazing, what was inspiration for Chaps? I always wanted it to have that classic “Gentlemen’s Club” look, and I wanted it to be chic, stylish, and “boutique-y” while retaining a masculine vibe. So we have the antique mirrors and chandeliers, the vintage leather sofas as well as a stocked bar, so that if you come in for a trim or a shave, you can relax with a beer and enjoy the atmosphere, the customer service, the tunes, and the entire experience. As well as the classic barber aspect of Chaps we wanted to offer the full grooming package, so we have an amazing mosaic tiled steam room, massage room, waxing and treatment rooms, solarium, as well as showers and changing rooms. We’re a one-stop shop for guys who want to look and feel great. We only use top quality products from the likes of Elemis, American Crew and Apothecary, it’s all about indulgence. What does the future hold for Chaps Top of our list is become an academy to teach barbering and cutthroat shaves. We also want to promote our events packages, including Stag-do specials, where you can hire out the salon and kick back with a beer and music or try out our Whisky bar while being indulged and pampered with our range of treatments. One day I’d like to extend the Chaps franchise and open another salon as there’s nothing else like us in Kent, but that’s for the future.

Get down to Chaps on Saturday 22nd November 2014 where they are running a “Movember Mustache-Bash” a charity event in aid of testicular cancer. There will be a DJ, Raffle and a Licensed Bar. Tickets are just £3 pp

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

I noticed my teeth moving and gaps appearing a while ago, and realised how awful they looked when my grandson called me Nanny McPhee! I saw my dentist for treatment of gum disease, and once it was controlled, he referred me to Riccarda.

Now I look and feel so much younger, and I'm happy to smile again!

your smile by

Riccarda Kane

The Birchington Orthodontic Practice www.birchingtonortho.co.uk GDC Registration Number: 64202

7 Surrey Gardens, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9SA Telephone 01843 844600