East Kent Lifestyle Issue 29 by Barley House

issue twenty nine november/december twenty-sixteen

Kate Winslet

HOLLYWOOD'S FAVOURTIE ENGLISH ROSE IS BACK IN COLLATERAL BEAUTY

Going Glamping

Quirky Customs

Suddenly Single

LUXURY LODGINGS ON SAFARI AT PORT LYMPNE

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

SOUND ADVICE FOR SURVIVING A SPLIT

[welcome ]

november/december twenty-sixteen

ISSUE TWENTY NINE

Season’s greetings to one and all! With the lazy, hazy days of a very long and (largely) clement summer now well and truly in the past it’s time to pull out the Christmas jumpers, get stoking the log ﬁre, and get festive as we head towards Christmas 2016. In our seasonal offering we have some fab gift ideas including our very own “Fab Finds” on page 12, and Papillon Interiors funky ﬁxtures on page 42; we take a look ahead to the “Spirit of Christmas” event at Quex Park replete with the Elf Express, traditional wooden chalet market stalls, and even an outdoor ice rink; you can check out Whitefriars guide to Christmas in Canterbury, and we give you our picks for the best places to go this Christmas for a good night out! As ever Explore Kent are on hand to provide you, dear reader, with a wonderful winter walk and cycle trail (pages 14 & 20), and once you have tackled those you can come home and cook up a Christmas storm with Lee Behan’s delicious Italian biscuits recipe on page 72. In this issue our travel editor Jaillan Yehia enjoys a day (and night) ‘on safari’ at Port Lympne, while she sends Jen Lowthrop to uncover the charm and character of Guatemala. Add to this our usual blend of reviews, news, interviews, fashion, events & culture and hopefully we’ve given you enough to chew over until the New Year! Happy Holidays! Pete Nichols, Publishing Director

EAST KENT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CHRISTMAS IDEAS FROM BANG & OLUFSEN

Beoplay A1

Ultra-portable Bluetooth speaker £199

Beoplay A2

Premium Bluetooth speaker £299

Beoplay H8

Wireless Bluetooth headphones £399

Beoplay H5

Wireless earphones £199

BeoSound 2

Wireless speaker system £1,350

BeoSound 1

Portable wireless speaker £995

This Christmas, why not treat someone to headphones or Bluetooth speakers from the stunning new B&O PLAY range or the beautiful new BeoSound wireless speaker systems from Bang & Olufsen! They make music sound and look beautiful – at home or on the move. And there are many more gifts in store, so do come in to see and hear them.

Bang & Olufsen of Canterbury 1 Beer Cart Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2NY Call: 01227 452451 Email: canterbury@bang-olufsen.co.uk www.bang-olufsen.com/canterbury

[contents ]

the best place this christmas

quirky christmas customs

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INSIDE... food & drink

68 Richard Phillips Roast Turkey 70 Royal Harbour Vegan Pop-up 72 Lee Behan's Ricciarelli Biscuits

homes & interiors

41 Resin Driveways & Synthetic Grass 42 Quirky Christmas Customs 43 Funky Christmas Gifts

health & beauty

87 Spray Tan Tips 91 Guide To The Perfect Shave

fashion

77 Whitefriars Fashion

regulars & features 10 East Kent News 12 Fabulous Finds 6

kate winslet

[contents ]

precious kent

24 27 32 34 36 38 51 54 88 96 98

The Best Place This Christmas Kent Volunteer Wins Award Tax Returns Suddenly Single Golden Years Gardner Croft Kate Winslet Folkestone Triennial 2017 Precious Kent What's Occuring East Kent Business

safari at port lympne

what's occuring

funky christmas gifts

days out

14 East Kent Walks 16 Safari At Port Lympne 20 East Kent Cycle Trail 30 Christmas Wonderland Across The Channel 31 Christmas at Quex Park 57 The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

whitefrairs fashion

insights into antigua, guatemala

education

93 Canterbury Steiner School 94 St Lawrence College

travel

74 Insights Into Antigua, Guatemala

From sunrise to sunset, the Kentish savannah at Port Lympne Reserve is the perfect setting for your short break with a wild twist!

aspinallfoundation.org NR. ASHFORD, KENT, SAT NAV CT21 4PD CALL 01303 234112 TO BOOK STAY IN TOUCH

[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, Lee Behan, Vicky King, Pete Nichols, Explore Kent, Bobby Gordon, Jo Read, Sarah Whelband, Melody Miller, Sabine Konig, Vikki Moody, Kim Foster, Janine Knell, Jill Insley

Contributing Photographers Jaillan Yehia, Pete Nichols, Lee Behan, Shelby Fitzpatrick, Explore Kent For all advertising enquiries please contact sales on 01707 878 026

The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the content of advertisements or contributed editorial in this magazine. Opinions expressed editorially are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher and no responsibility is accepted for loss, damage or injury incurred as a result of opinions, advice or comment. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. ÂŠ Copyright 2016. No part of East Kent Lifestyle can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the prior written consent of the publishers. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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[news ]

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

COUNCIL INVESTS IN ASHFORD’S FUTURE WITH TOWN CENTRE CINEMA AGREEMENT

A major new leisure development in Ashford has been given final approval, paving the way for a cinema, hotel and seven restaurants on land at Elwick Place. Ashford Borough Council will fund construction of the new town centre complex, which marks another step forward in Ashford’s major regeneration project. Planning permission was granted in December 2015. Formal approval for the borough council to fund the development, subject to resolving a number of outstanding matters, was given by councillors in April 2016. An announcement followed at the end of June that the town centre cinema will be operated by Picturehouse, Cineworld’s boutique cinema brand. Some preparatory work is being undertaken on site and further enabling works will take place in the New Year. Leader of Ashford Borough Council, Gerry Clarkson said: “It is pleasing to announce another significant development

Sloe Gin World Championships 2016 In Kent

Artisan sloe gin makers from across the world will gather at the George Inn village pub on the Kent/Sussex border near Tunbridge Wells, to vie for the coveted ‘Sloe Ginster World Champion’ title for 2016 on Wednesday 14th December. The late summer has provided ideal growing conditions for sloes or drupes, producing a bumper crop of the bitter fruit of the blackthorn bush. Forages are now eagerly awaiting the first frost, after which, by tradition, the berries are harvested. This Christmas marks the 8th year of the annual event that began when pub locals began arguing over the perfect sloe gin recipe. Dating back to around 1750, The George Inn, a traditional country pub with cosy log fires, is said to make an ideal setting to judge the most traditional of Christmas liqueurs.

on one of our major regeneration projects. Already, the impressive Ashford College building signifies a promising future, not just for the students who will pass through its doors, but it now stands watch over an area of the town that will see the development of brown field sites at Elwick Place, the Commercial Quarter and Victoria Way." The borough council’s strategy is to be able to operate free of government grant by the 2018-19 financial year, with government funding having reduced by 40% in the last six years. It proposes to use the income generated through rents and business rates to sustain and improve its services without the need for central government funding. Cllr Clarkson concluded: “Ashford is a place of positive action with a can-do authority that continues to place its faith in a revived and reinvigorated town centre. These are really exciting times for Ashford.” For more information on the Elwick Place development visit: www.elwickplace.com Sloes, a smaller relative of the plum, are used to make the red liqueur normally with alcohol content between 15 and 30% abv. Traditionally it is made by infusing gin with the bittertasting drupes, using sugar to extract the sloe juices. Sloe gin is made from ripe sloes that, by tradition, are picked after the first frost of winter. Each drupe should be handpicked with a thorn taken from the blackthorn bush on which it grew. Some sloe gin connoisseurs say that the drupes may only be pricked silver pin or fork. Modern protagonists pick the sloes earlier and freeze them, avoiding the pricking stage, claiming that this not only splits the drupes, but by analogy to ice wine, the freezing changes the flavour of the drupes. This year’ sloe gin makers can also send their entries in by post to Frant’s George Inn by 8h December. All proceeds of the event are donated to the MS which supports people with Multiple Sclerosis - www. mssociety.org.uk.

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

EAST KENT COLLEGE IN MERGER TALKS WITH CANTERBURY COLLEGE

[news ]

New Medway Renewable Energy store receives support from Mayor

Green Square recently opened its first-ever Kent store, in Rainham, which offers Kent homeowners and businesses a one-stop-shop for renewable energy supplies. The state of the art showroom was officially opened by the Mayor Councillor Stuart Tranter, along with his wife and Mayoress, Mrs Sarah Tranter, with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

A college that leapt to the rescue during one of the most disastrous mergers of recent years now plans to join forces with its neighbour. East Kent College, which took on two of K College’s campuses following the latter’s meltdown in 2014, has announced plans “in principle” to join forces with Canterbury College having combined their leadership teams on August 1st. This is the latest merger to be announced after Sir David Collins, the outgoing further education commissioner, told MPs on the education select committee last month that there were 88 colleges engaged in merger discussions, following the first three waves of the area reviews of post-16 education and training. Both East Kent and Canterbury are involved in the Kent review, which is due to start on December 8th. No date has yet been set for when the merger will go ahead, although both said in a statement it was “unlikely” to be before next summer. Beverley Aitken, East Kent’s chair, said: “We have seen a wide range of benefits since forming the partnership with Canterbury College, and our governors were minded to recommend we examine a full merger.” Colin Carmichael, Canterbury’s chair, said that the college had already seen “significant efficiencies” through the shared leadership team.

The Mayor, Mayoress and two Rainham North Councillors – David Carr and Martin Potter – declared their support for the new store, which supplies a diverse range of renewable energy products including Solar Thermal, Biomass Boilers, Heat Pumps, solar panels, Pellet Biomass Stoves and the impressive Thermal Store HeatbankTM technology. The Mayor, Councillor Stuart Tranter, commented: “Medway council is a very forward thinking organisation and is committed to helping to reduce the borough’s carbon emissions. People can sometimes find understanding new technologies a challenge, so places like Green Square’s new showroom are hugely valuable to our community for advice and products. “In terms of renewable energy, most people ask how does it work and what does it mean? It’s not natural to us, we automatically think use the same fuel if we have an issue with our boiler for example. Changing our mindset to consider renewable energy alternatives is the equivalent of going from the steam age to electricity age – it takes time but is absolutely worth it. “I strongly encourage everyone to come and visit Green Square to find out more about what they can offer and to consider investing in this vital renewable energy technology. Its unique offerings as a retail unit is a welcome addition to our area. The new showroom, located at 39 High Street, Rainham, offers an incredible opportunity for those interested in renewables to find out more and discuss the countless benefits including government financial incentives.

“At this stage, it feels like the time is right to move forward with our planning, and look to bring the two together,” he added. K College, which was formed through a merger between South Kent College and West Kent College in 2010, fell apart in 2014 after racking up huge debts. It split into two, with East Kent taking over campuses in Dover and Folkestone. For more info go to www.feweek.co.uk

[fabulous finds ]

A FEW LITTLE SEASON APPROPRIATE GEMS WE’VE BEEN SENT THIS MONTH FOR YOUR PERUSAL…

Christmas Finds GT. SMITH’S PET S STOCKINGS

OURBON & WHISKEY B SCENTED CANDLES

A fish for your feline companion or a bone for your best buddy, Sgt. Smith's Christmas Stockings for Cats and Dogs are the perfect gift for your furry friend. Share the magic of Christmas with your pets by personalising their stocking and filling it with their favourite treats!

If you’re planning a “Dry January” then how about these deliciously alcoholic smelling bourbon or whiskey scented candles to remind you of the good old days when you were free to enjoy the odd glass or two? The whiskey scented candle has a twist of ginger, while the bourbon has the wonderfully familiar smokey aroma to titivate your senses. The candles are formed in a glass tumbler which would sit well on any bar or coffee table.

Price: £16 Available from www.sgtsmith.com

Price: £12 each Available from www.iwmshop.org.uk

AXTON & WHITFIELD’S P BOXING DAY DELIGHTS If someone close to you enjoys the finer things in life then they’ll be sure to love this indulgent hamper of festive treats from the ever-so-stylish Paxton & Whitfield. Presented in an elegant cream and grey gift box it contains: Paxton’s Champagne, Rose & Lemon Turkish Delight in dark chocolate, Smoked Ceodre, Celtic Soft, Shredded Pork with Sloe Gin, Poppy & Linseed Crackers, Charcoal Crackers, Apple & Chilli Jelly, No 93 Ale Chutney, and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar & Mustard Cheese Squares. Price: £100 Available from www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk 12

[fabulous finds ]

UNI 2S PORTABLE U WOODFIRED PIZZA OVEN This innovatively engineered oven is made of rustproof, brushed stainless steel and comes with a cordierite stone baking board and pizza peel. This is the world’s first portable, wood-fired oven and it is extremely simple to set up and an amazingly fast cooker of pizzas. The Uuni2 heats to an amazing 500°C in just 10 minutes – the pizza stone inside soaks up the heat from the flames and then releases it into your food to give you crisp-crusted pizza in as little as 90 seconds – so the whole gang can be tucking into homemade, wood-fired pizza within minutes. Price: £199 Available from www.lakeland.co.uk

CHOCOLATE BRUSSELS SPROUTS

MARSHMALLOW TOASTING KIT

Brussels sprouts are the Christmas vegetable we love to hate. These super-realistic chocolate sprouts are made entirely from chocolate, and come in a choice of three flavours. Each sprout is made from solid chocolate piped into a white chocolate shell, then rolled in more white chocolate with a touch of green food colouring to give them their sprout-like appearance. Price: £100 Available from www.paxtonandwhitfield.co.uk

Perfect for those with a sweet tooth and for any hardcore marshmallow fan, the marshmallow toasting kit makes for a truly unique and delicious Christmas gift. The kit includes any two flavours of gourmet marshmallow, a non-toxic gel burner, set of 8 bamboo skewers and a bespoke kraft gift box which features an internal printed guide on ‘How To Toast The Perfect Marshmallow’. For You can choose two flavours from; current: Vanilla Bean, Candy Floss, Strawberry Cream, Choc Orange & Salted Caramel. Price: £15 (-20% xmas discount!) Available from www.nakedmarshmallow.co.uk

[days out ]

EAST KENT WALK

CHESTFIELD CHARM AND LEGEND 

j ! 

j !

Start/Finish 3.8 miles (6.1 km)

0 0.25 Km 0 Miles

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LOCATION: Chestfield, CT5 3LS DISTANCE: 3.8 miles (6.12 km) circular TIME: Allow approximately 2 hours OS EXPLORER MAP: 150 TERRAIN: Field and woodland paths (can be muddy) with some roads PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Chestfield and Swalecliffe railway station or for directions by public transport from your home address, please visit www.kentconnected.org PARKING: Park at the far side of Radfall Recreation Ground REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: Shepherd Neame Chestfield Barn serves tasty dishes in rustic surroundings. 14

[days out ] Chestfield Golf Club is bisected by two rights of way that climb to the top of the hill in front of you. Walk up the hill for 230m until at the summit you turn left and walk north down towards the village. This offers good views over the village to the sea. Walk 540 metres straight down the Golf Club path, across the tee to the path through woodland, over the Thanet Way tunnel and down to Shrubhill Way. Take note of the landscaped roof of the tunnel, an impressive piece of shallow earth planting!

The village of Chestfield is a charming village with a true Kentish feel. Take in this bracing Winter walk and discover the legendry Chestfield Manor House where local legend suggests that St Thomas More’s head is buried! Look out for the ancient houses in the village that were embellished from church materials including a magnificent stone window – it’s an architectural delight!

Beginning your walk The walk begins at Radfall Recreation ground, so boot up, dress for the weather and learn some amazing facts and history about this beautiful village! Park in Radfall Recreation Ground and walk 400m along the edge of the open area, next to houses, until reaching the path on the far side. Turn left along the path for 500m to join Chestfield road. Look out for the ancient right of way, marked by the blasted oak, a stone white 15 foot high tree stump destroyed by lightening some 20 years ago. Cross the road with care and walk right for 150m until the path forks left away from the road and under the Thanet Way Bridge. This short section of the path is the only part that goes alongside a busy road. Take care of children and keep any dogs on a lead. On the far side of the bridge turn left up the track that curves back to run alongside the Thanet Way for 150m. Take the right turn along the field side path for about 100m until you reach a belt of trees before entering the golf course.

Go straight on north for 600m across Molehill road and along The Drove to the little white fingerposted cross roads. Turn left, signposted to Swalecliffe. At the crossroads on your left is the ancient Manor House. The residence of St Thomas More’s daughter Margaret, the story goes that after her father was beheaded by Henry VIII, she buried his head in the Manor Gardens, but it has never been discovered. As you leave the crossroads on the right, there are a number of ancient houses made out of the old Tythe barn and embellished with church materials – note the magnificent stone rose window. Walk west along The Drive for 100m to Meadow Drive, turn right and go straight on north for 750m until you get to Maydowns where you turn left. This long straight walk takes you through a variety of environments designed to enable landscaped walking in an urban environment. They include hedging, wide grass verges, and narrow paths with semi natural planting. Go 175m west along Maydowns Road to Chestfield Road. Cross Chestfield Road and 20m to the left is a bollarded traffic free road. Go along the bollarded road that ends with a small paved path that leads to join Reeves Way. Turn left alongside Reeves way passing the Chestfield Health Centre and Rugby Clubhouse. After 200m and just before the entrance to Sainsbury’s car park is the public right of way to your left along the edge of the Rugby Club games court and pitches. From the Play Park Recreation Ground follow the Ridgeway for 300m west

towards Grasmere Pastures. Turn right for 100m and cross the footbridge over Swale Brook to Grasmere Pastures on the right. Cross a small pedestrian footbridge to enter the Pastures and follow the Waymark posts south for 450m across the Pastures to a second small footbridge. After crossing the second footbridge follow the grey gravelled path for 20m to Grasmere Road and turn right. This part of Grasmere Road is typical of much of the early development of Chestfield as a village. The road is unadopted and has individually constructed houses of very varied sizes built and rebuilt since the 1920s. Go 270m west along Grasmere Road to Blackberry Way on your left. Go to the end of Blackberry way and join the field path to your left. In complete contrast to Grasmere road this is a modern unified development, landscaped with very different kinds of planting and leading down to open fields. Follow the field path for 450m past the cricket ground and along the Swale Brook and you will reach open grassland to your left, which is Radfall Recreation ground which takes you back to the beginning point of your walk.

Making more of your day You may wish to take well-earned lunch at the cosy Shepherd Neame, Chestfield Barn, a welcoming family friendly village pub offering a selection of home cooked dishes. It’s a welcome place to come back to at the end of your walk!

What Next? For more information on our wide selection of walks, seasonal events and outdoor ideas visit Explore Kent. org and discover the great Kentish countryside or follow Explore Kent on social media @explorekent on Twitter & Facebook. Taken some snaps on your walk? Post them on social media and enter our #GoOutside competition, you could win a £100 shopping voucher!

[days out ]

Going Glamping

ON A SAFARI AT PORT LYMPNE

JAILLAN YEHIA STOPS OOHING AND AHHING OVER HER WILDLIFE PHOTOS FOR FIVE MINUTES TO SHARE THE EXPERIENCE OF AN OVERNIGHT TRIP SLEEPING UNDER THE STARS AT KENT’S MOST ESTABLISHED WILD ANIMAL PARK. I’ve been looking forward to writing about my short break safari at Port Lympne Reserve ever since I got home from a surprisingly stunning night sleeping in a luxury tented camp within spitting distance of Ashford Outlet Centre.

For many who come to Port Lympne, whether for a day trip or an overnight encounter, our corner of the country will be completely new, so it’s with great pride that I recall just how well the reserve shows off the scenery and views of the Romney Marsh.

But every time I sat down to put pen to paper and explain the experience of seeing wild animals roaming the Romney Marsh, I didn’t manage to write anything - because I found myself too distracted by my photos of the cute baby rhino, the ickle giraffe and all the other animals you see on a safari at Port Lympne.

But first things first, especially for animal lovers, is to ask what separates Port Lympne from your average zoo?

Like most people planning a visit, I don’t claim to be an expert on animal welfare but I do want to be as responsible as I can when it comes to wildlife, and only see animals in as natural an environment as possible, where their welfare is the top priority.

Port Lympne is a sister to Howletts Animal Park, both part of the Aspinall Foundation. You can really tell that everyone here cares deeply about the animals, from the keepers who you see taking care of them to the safari guides whose knowledge about the animal kingdom is truly inspirational. The focus here is on the conservation and breeding of endangered animals with the goal of reintroducing them back out into the wild – which is where animals like these really should be. That philosophy is what makes it so worthwhile to visit and support the work they do.

[days out ]

The animals who live here are often left to choose where to roam, or given natural barriers rather than big wire fences, meaning that you are on a real safari as you don't quite know where the animals will be at any given time. Like any real African safari, you are asked to stay within the safari vehicle while touring around the park in one of their trucks, which is best done at dusk and dawn when the animals are most active. It’s a bit of a bumpy ride, but well worth it, and from these open-sided and specially modified trucks you can see a whole host of animals – they have 46 species across 600 acres here, making it three times the size of London zoo.

You can of course buy a day ticket and walk around Port Lympne on your own as much as you like - but as fun as this is I was especially delighted with my full safari experience which included a tour of the park on arrival and one on departure as well as a night in Livingstone Lodge, their luxury tented camp with full dinner and breakfast the next morning. The guides here really help you to learn about the animals you’re seeing and engage with your surroundings.Without their input I never would have learned little facts that have stayed with me, and bring home how sophisticated animals here are. We hear about the black-capped capuchin monkeys for example, who

have technically entered the Stone Age as they know how to dig with spades, understand the value of coins and advanced concepts such as the absorption of liquid. But probably my favourite animals, which I could have spent hours watching, were the Rothschild giraffe. These are a critically endangered species with only 1500 in the world, but here at Port Lympne as well as the baby they already have there is another one on the way - something they’re chuffed to tell you about. Giraffe-dad, Valentino was himself born on Valentine’s Day and he has really lived up to his name as a lothario.

And if you fancy yourself as a bit of a lothario (or lotharia/lothariette perhaps) then Livingstone Lodge is a sweet place to bring your loved one to impress them. Once my afternoon safari had ended my vehicle continued on to the watering hole, where I found my bags waiting for me inside the tented accommodation which overlooks this gathering spot for many of the reserve’s gazelles. Each room is named after a different animal and I was in Wild Dog - fitting as I’d been delighted to see the Wild Dogs earlier that day.

I was pleasantly surprised to find a proper bed, a shower and a real toilet (glamping here has the emphasis more on the ‘glam’ than the ‘camping’) but I didn’t stay long inside because this is where the safari experience really comes into its own: there’s dinner waiting for you.

grilled feast while enjoying a beautiful sunset and swapping stories from the memorable day.

Livingstone Lodge has captured the African safari experience perfectly: just as it should be you’re invited to gather with your fellow safari-goers in a communal lodge which sits perched on high ground over looking the whole park, and dine on a home-cooked fireMORE INFO ON GLAMPING AT LIVINGSTONE LODGE, PORT LYMPNE You can of course have a day out at Port Lympne and go back home to your own bed – but it is much more fun to camp in the grounds – and Livingstone Lodge is right in front of the watering hole. If you come without little ones and are looking for a romantic getaway, while still enjoying the great outdoors, the semi-permanent heavy duty tents of Livingstone Lodge are probably right for you. Port Lympne can sleep up to 300 people if all the beds at Livingstone Lodge, Bear Lodge (which is better for families) and the other accommodation are all full – that’s one person for every 2 animals in the park! For more info visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne

F I N A N C I A L A DV I C E O F T RU E F A M I LY VA L U E

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Tel: 01843 601338 Email: gavin.bradnam@sjpp.co.uk Web: www.sjpp.co.uk/gavinbradnam The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The title ‘Partner Practice’ is the marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

days] out ] [title

EAST KENT CYCLE TRAIL

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF TUDORS

IF YOU LIKE TUDOR HISTORY THEN YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE. A MUCH LOVED CYCLE TRAIL IN KENT; FIND OUT WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE A LORD OR LADY 700 YEARS AGO AND DISCOVER THE 13TH CENTURY MOTTE AND BAILEY TONBRIDGE CASTLE COMPLETE WITH GATEHOUSE. AT THE OTHER END OF THE TRAIL, PENSHURST PLACE, ONCE THE PROPERTY OF KING HENRY VIII IS WELL WORTH A VISIT WITH 500 ACRES OF PARKLAND OFFERING LAKES, SCENIC WALKS AND MORE CYCLE ROUTES IF YOU FANCY EXTENDING YOUR RIDE OUT! 20

[days out ] LOCATION: TN9 1HR Penshurst DISTANCE: 6 miles (9.6 km) TIME: Allow 1 hour (one way) at an easy pace OS EXPLORER MAP: 147

& ! & !

TERRAIN: Some on road but mostly off road cycling with a noticeable climb PARKING: Variety of car parking at Tonbridge Castle

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Tonbridge Railway Station or see kentconnected.org for public transport directions from your home address.

Start/Finish 6 miles (9.6km)

& !

Train Station

Beginning your ride It’s the perfect time of year to get cycling! You’ll soon warm up once you begin and there will be plenty of time to stop for a delicious lunch in Penshurst before making your way back. The route is suitable for beginners and for all types of bike. It is a perfect way to build up your confidence with cycling along one of the most scenic routes in Kent along the river Medway and out into the countryside.

Making your way around… Whether your passion is history, nature or simply enjoying cycling along an interesting route, you can be sure of a day filled with interest – this is a route not to be rushed, so make the most of what’s on offer, stop for a while and drink in the atmosphere of this cycle route that combines amazing scenery, an eye opening history and an opportunity to spot year round wildlife along the River Medway. Your walk begins in the heart of Tonbridge, so you might like to do a little shopping beforehand or stop for a drink in one of the many gorgeous independent cafes before starting out. From Tonbridge Castle, This wonderful cycle ride takes you past playing fields on the edge of Tonbridge and into Haysden Country Park, running around the edge of Barden Lake with its wide variety of birdlife. The trail runs right past, so this is an ideal place to stop for a refreshment break and see what birdlife you can spot – so don’t forget your binoculars!

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REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: Penshurst village offers a good choice of places to eat and drink.

Shortly after passing beneath the A21 you enter a delightful secret kingdom of lush broadleaf woodland carpeted with wildflowers in the spring and a delight in autumn as the colours change. Cycling through the woodland in winter will be a real treat if frost has crisped up the trees and the stillness provides a peaceful haven to stop for a while and admire the serenity of winter woodland. The first noticeable climb of the day (you can do it!) comes between the bridge over the River Medway and Well Place Farm giving you wideranging views of the surrounding countryside and setting you up for a fine descent past two lakes to arrive at Penshurst Place, the finest and most complete example in England of 14th-century domestic architecture – a medieval masterpiece that retains the warmth and character of a much-loved family home. Enjoy a refreshing drink or light snack at the Porcupine Pantry café located just outside the main visitor entrance. It is one of Kent’s top 10 places to enjoy an afternoon tea, so what better excuse than to indulge in one whilst you are there?

Tree House tearooms in Penshurst are delightful. If you’re after something a little more substantial, the bottle house inn in Penshurst serve hearty meals in a cosy family friendly environment – a real welcome awaits at the end of your cycling trail.

Returning to Tonbridge You can of course cycle back along the trail back to Tonbridge and have another opportunity to discover things you may have missed. Alternatively you may wish to take the train back to Tonbridge. There is a railway station in Penshurst next to the Little Brown Jug pub.

What Next? If you enjoyed this cycle ride, check out Explore Kent for more cycling ideas, winter events and outdoor activities. Why not take a look at our #GoOutside campaign? If you enter, you could win a £100 shopping voucher! Discover the great Kentish countryside or follow Explore Kent on social media @explorekent on Twitter & Facebook

Your ride will then make its way into the beautiful village of Penshurst offers a great choice of food and drink options. Penshurst is a beautiful village to explore with old timber framed buildings and converted oast houses. There is still a traditional cricket pitch in the village and it is one of England’s oldest pitches! If you’re after a light lunch, the Fir 21

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inspired interiors

textiles...wallpapers... curtains & blinds...gifts... lighting...furniture... paint...flooring...

plus interesting finds from France! 45 Oxford Street, Whitstable

01227 634138 shop@frenchwhitstable.co.uk www.frenchwhitstable.co.uk

75 HIGH ST, WHITSTABLE CT5 1AY | 01227 264008 | OPENING HOURS: 8.30 AM–5.30 PM MON-SAT

NEW IN OUR BACK ROOM! Dress Agency at Victoria’s Boutique Do you have that outfit you have purchased for a special occasion & never worn again just hanging in your wardrobe? Perhaps you own a vintage designer handbag you just don’t use any more? We can turn your unwanted goods into cash.

Find our dress agency in the back room of the boutique… Look out for our New Year Sale Victoria's Boutique, 70b High Street, Whitstable, Kent CT5 1BB Tel: +44 01227 264 115 | email: info@victoriasofwhitstable.com | www.victoriasofwhitstable.com @VictoriasBouti2

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The Best Place This Christmas

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A LITTLE INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOLIDAY HOSPITALITY OPTIONS THEN WHY NOT CHECK OUT EKL’S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOME FESTIVE FUN AND FROLICS IN KENT THIS CHRISTMAS!

…FOR A WARMING WINTER DRINK The Cliffe Pub at St Margarets The Cliffe Pub at the White Cliffs hotel in St Margarets, just outside Dover is the perfect spot for a warming winter drink. Set inside the 16th century clapboard house, the Cliffe pub has an inviting atmosphere, comfy seating, and plenty of room around the fire or woodburner. Recently refurbished, the décor at the Cliffe pub is very much in keeping with Kentish Coastal theme of the hotel with lots of exposed brickwork, wooden floors, and (more importantly), a well-stocked bar with a wide selection of local ales, craft beers, wines and cocktails. At Christmas time you can’t go wrong ordering one of the Cliffe’s Mulled Fire Spice Ciders to really get into the Christmas spirit! The Cliffe pub has a wonderful history, and prides itself on offering the traditional English pub experience for their many local patrons. Not only can you enjoy a warming drink or two, but the pub also has a sizeable dining area with a quite stunning menu, using local produce either farmed or foraged. With fresh fish and shellfish coming from local day boats, the kitchen caters equally well for the hotel guests, or for the local pub-goer who can enjoy his grub from the comfort of his bar stool. The Cliffe pub is owned and run by the Oakley family, who have a wellearned reputation for excellence in the kitchen (patriarch Chris Oakley was the first British chef to earn a Michelin star under the Roux brothers) – so you can be sure the food, from bar snacks to the daily specials will not leave you wanting. For more details go to www.thewhitecliffs.com 24

…FOR THE OFFICE “DO” The Charles Dickens, Broadstairs If you’re local to the area then The Charles Dickens pub and Copperfields restaurant in Broadstairs is the ideal venue to take the office crew out to celebrate the Christmas break. Situated at the bottom of town overlooking the sea, you’ll have a chance to visit a number of the town’s pubs and bars before reaching your final destination! The Charles Dickens (or simply “The Dickens” as it’s known locally) is one of the largest pubs in Thanet, meaning there’s plenty of room to accommodate any office party. If, at your office ‘do’ you’re expecting roast turkey and all the trimmings, then head on upstairs to the first floor restaurant. While you wait you can continue your festivities at the mezzanine bar before heading across to the restaurant where Chef Thomas Somers and his team will look after you and your guests while you sit back and enjoy commanding views over Viking Bay. Throughout the Christmas period the Charles Dickens are offering a superb three course Christmas menu with plenty of choices to suit all tastes at just £25 a head. If you’re just popping in with the gang after work and aren’t too keen on the formality of an organised group meal, a great gastro pub menu is available down in the bar if you need to line your stomach for the evening ahead! For more details call 01843 600160

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…FOR A LUXURIOUS GETAWAY Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa If you really fancy taking it easy this Christmas and don’t mind parting with a few quid then a trip to the splendid Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa in Swanley. Rowhill Grange not only offers some fantastic, sumptuous rooms, suites and restaurants, but it’s also set in fifteen acres of gloriously landscaped garden in the Kent countryside. What’s more, the 19h century manor house is also home to perhaps Kent’s finest luxury spa “Utopia”. With its Roman inspired theme, spread across 2 floors of pools, bubble tub, sauna and steam rooms, not to mention the 21 treatment rooms Utopia spa is a wonder to behold. This Christmas Rowhill Grange are offering a choice of a 1, 2 or 3 night stay between 24th-27th December. The three night option includes champagne and canapés before a 4 course meal on Christmas Eve, carriages to and from midnight mass, followed by mulled wine. On both Christmas day and boxing day your break includes a full English breakfast and full use of the spa. On Christmas day there is a five course lunch and an evening buffet, while on boxing day you’ll be treated to both a four course lunch and a four course evening meal. Your stay will end on the 27th with another full works English breakfast. There is an option to suit most budgets, from a one night stay (Christmas Day) from £115 per person in a classic room, all the way up to £775 per person for three nights in a master suite. For more details visit www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/ rowhill-grange-luxury-hotel-kent/

…FOR A FAMILY DAY OUT Winter Wonderland at Bluewater, Greenhithe Every year Bluewater’s famous Winter Wonderland seems to get bigger and better, and this year is no exception. The centre-piece of this year’s attractions is the brand new 6,000 square foot real outdoor ice rink overlooking the lake where you and the family can “skate till late” (Bluewater will be open from 9am until 10pm, 11pm from 12th December). Hot drinks and Christmas refreshments are available from alpine-style cabins. Guests can skate and twirl around a giant Christmas tree – a truly festive experience for families and friends, with special events and lessons available for beginners. Other activities include a fantastic 40-metre snow slide and a Christmas 4D cinema, as well as stacks of indoor traditional rides, amusements, games and more. Helping to spread Christmas cheer and merriment, Santa’s Grotto opens its doors from the 26th November until Christmas Eve and it’s quite the Grotto experience! The kids are met by Bubbles the Elf who will take them into Santa’s workshop where toys come to life, they then get to meet special guest Paddington and search for Santa’s key to unlock the Grotto. They then get to meet Santa and take home a gift. Add to this some retail therapy with hundreds of shops and over sixty places to eat and drink and you’ve got something for everyone at Bluewater this Christmas. 25

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…FOR A CHRISTMAS KNEES-UP The Belgian Café, Ramsgate Situated at the far end of Harbour Parade in Ramsgate, The Belgian Café has, for many years now, been a firm favourite with both locals and visitors tonight. The “shabby chic” interior, the art installations and instruments adorning the walls (and the ceilings), the 100’s of imported Belgian Beers, the freshly baked bread and cakes, brewed coffee, and locally caught fish, and a wonderful selection of freshly cooked dishes all help to entice the populous into the Belgian Café, and once you’re in there, you’ll find it hard to leave! Open from 7am – 2am daily (3am at weekends), the Belgian Café is busy throughout the day and night, serving an eclectic clientele; from tradesmen to the art crowd, students to pensioners, and everyone in between, the atmosphere is welcoming and inclusive. Dogs are permitted and you can keep the kids entertained with the bank of computers with internet access deep in the belly of the café. But, in my humble opinion, what really separates the Belgian Café from your average bar/café, is the live music and performances. One day you might see a hot new local band, or a travelling folk group, and even the odd belly dancer or two. In fact, there is often an impromptu “kneesup” at the Belgian Bar as anyone is free to stroll in off the street and tinkle the ivories on the Café’s upright piano (and many do!). Give me organic, live music over bland, generic “background” music any day of the week! With a few days off over Christmas you could do a lot worse than pop into the Belgian Café for breakfast, and stay for lunch, dinner, and the after party! 26

…FOR A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING The Pavilion, Broadstairs If you can’t decide what you want to do for you Christmas night out then it might be worth your while taking a trip down to the Pavilion by the sea in Broadstairs where you can do it all. The Pavilion really is your “one-stop-shop” for a good night out. Whether it’s good food, good drinks, good music, or a good dance you’re after then the Pavilion delivers on all fronts. You can dine overlooking the sea, take a drink at the bar, or head on in to the cavernous function room where you can get down and boogie at one of the Pavilion’s Christmas Disco Party Nights. The Pavilion have put together a great festive menu for £29.95 per person, with the disco party to follow. When you’re done there what better way to end the evening than to literally step out of the venue and take a moonlit stroll across the beach – although don’t forget to dress up warm, unfortunately the temperature walking along Broadstairs main sands in the early hours of a December morning may not be quite as forgiving as Bondi Beach! For more details to to www.pavilion-broadstairs.co.uk

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KENT VOLUNTEER WINS AWARD FOR HER WORK IN GHANA AND FINDS LOVE ALONG THE WAY Stephanie Green from Canterbury was honoured this week for empowering female farmers in Ghana during her two year voluntary placement with international development charity, VSO.

equipped shea nut collectors and shea butter processors with better business skills and introduced them to an effective savings scheme. As a result, they gained better access to the market and boosted their income.

In 2013, she flew to Tamale to help women entrepreneurs get a fairer deal in the shea butter business. Stephanie

Stephanie also worked with ‘TAMA Cosmetics’, which sells the women’s shea butter based products such as hand cream and body lotion. Thanks to Stephanie, the shea nut collectors are now getting paid 15% over the market rate of shea nuts and the butter processors have received a 60% pay rise.

Stephanie feels privileged to win this award: “My life will never be the same again. I’ve learnt that empowering people to improve their own lives is the biggest gift you can give anybody. Giving people more control over their lives is amazing. One woman told me, ‘before this savings scheme was introduced, we were in darkness but now we see the light. We were once poor, but now we’re rich’.” Little did Stephanie know that she would also meet her future partner in Ghana – TAMA’s former Finance Manager, Israel, who has since moved to the UK. Together, they have set up TAMA’s UK distribution arm, which will continue to benefit the female farmers. Stephanie and Israel look forward to getting married in December. 27

Established in 2002, Thanet Business Network is a group of reputable local businesses you can trust to carry out a quality job at competitive rates. Our members offer extensive expertise across a wide range of trades and professional services, meaning they’re more likely to meet your expectations - whatever your requirement.

TBN member service sectors Home & Garden Vehicle Services IT & Telecoms Design & Media Health, Wellbeing & Personal Care Legal, Financial, Property & Insurance Recruitment, HR & Training Travel & Accommodation

TBN News The recent Karting for Connor event at Buckmore Park raised over £2,000 for The Caring For Connor Campaign. The 21 teams had a fantastic time - despite some very fierce competition! Thanks to TBN members, Jason from JW Construction & Property Maintenance and Tracie from Core Capabilities, for making it such a great success! A huge thank you to everyone involved in last month’s TBN charity golf event at North Foreland Golf Club - especially Ian from Broadbiz Web Services for organising it all. As well as enjoying a challenging round of golf, the 38 golfers and their guests raised £1050 for another great local charity - East Kent Independent Dementia Support.

To find out more about Thanet Business Network and our members’ services call 01843 807911 or visit www.thanetbusinessnetwork.co.uk

Looking for a reputable local business? Look no further! Acorn Financial Services, Mortgage Advice ............................................... 08000 350353 Aloe 2 Bee, Natural Health Products ............................................................ 01843 836348 Alpha Hostel, Accommodation .................................................................... 01843 221616 Aquarius Plumbing & Heating, Plumbing & Heating ................................. 01843 841589 Atlas Travel, Travel Advisor .......................................................................... 01843 347032 Big Red Branding, Promotional Gifts & Merchandise ................................. 01843 835213 Black Iris Floristry, Florist .......................................................................... 07976 028886 Bright & Beautiful in Broadstairs, Professional Cleaning.......................... 01843 242316 Broadbiz Web Services Ltd, Website Design .............................................. 01843 609372 Business Computer Solutions, IT Support ................................................ 08006 521365 C.H.i. Ltd (Windows & Doors), Double Glazing ......................................... 01843 280807 ChipsAway, Car Paint & Bodywork Repairs .................................................. 01843 223500 Core Capabilities, Bookkeeping ................................................................. 08009 548393 D R Hudd Refurbishments, Plastering ....................................................... 07900 533042 Dumpton Park Nissan, Car Sales & Leasing................................................ 01843 863531 Electrical Lighting Solutions, Electrician ................................................... 01843 633001 Hidden Gem Associates, Virtual Assistant & Business Admin Support ......... 0207 2947599 Howell & Hicks, Graphic Design.................................................................. 07984 527686 Howfield Response Limited, Security & Fire Systems................................. 01227 458999 Inman Gardens, Gardening......................................................................... 01843 309547 Jimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garage Services, Car Servicing & MOTs ............................................ 01843 291122 JW Construction & Property Maintenance, Brickwork & Building ........... 07816 935976 LBblue, Architectural Drawings ..................................................................... 01843 260862 Levicks Chartered Accountants, Accounting ............................................ 01843 862716 Liberty Group Ltd, Youth Training & Residential Care .................................. 01843 446906 Majestic Energy Certificates, Domestic & Commercial Energy Certificates .. 01843 298635 Marsh Down Insurance Brokers, Commercial & Personal Insurance .......... 01634 400325 Morgan Jones, Recruitment & HR Consultancy ............................................ 01843 604890 Northdown Carpets, Carpets & Flooring .................................................... 01843 226072 Oakwood Homes, Estate & Letting Agents .................................................. 01843 221133 Phoenix Link, Telecommunications .............................................................. 01227 200625 RedCape Productions, Video Production .................................................... 01843 844957 Right at Home (East Kent), Home Care Services ........................................ 01843 598695 Robinson Allfree Solicitors, Solicitor ......................................................... 01843 865261 SAMS, Health & Safety Management ............................................................ 01843 821406 Tarvos Wealth, Financial Planning ............................................................... 01227 761177 The Spine and Sports Injury Clinic, Osteopath......................................... 07905 672494 Truprint Media, Printing ............................................................................. 01843 220200 WPA Healthcare Practice, Private Medical Insurance ................................. 01227 728530

www.mortgageadvicebureau.com www.aloe2bee.co.uk www.margatehostel.com www.aquariusplumbingandheating.co.uk www.atlastravelltd.co.uk www.dat1.co.uk www.blackirisfloristry.co.uk www.brightandbeautifulhome.com/broadstairs www.broadbiz.co.uk www.businesscomputersolutions.co.uk www.chi-ltd.co.uk www.chipsaway.co.uk www.corecapabilities.co.uk www.drhuddrefurbishments.com www.dumptonpark-nissan.co.uk www.electricallighting.solutions www.hiddengemassociates.co.uk www.hh-creative.com www.howfield.com www.jimsgarageservices.co.uk www.jwconstructionproperty.co.uk www.lbblue.co.uk www.levicks.com www.libertygroupltd.co.uk www.majesticenergycertificates.com www.marshdown.co.uk www.morganjones.net www.northdowncarpetsuk.co.uk www.oakwoodhomes.biz www.telephoneskent.com www.redcapeproductions.co.uk www.rightathomeuk.co.uk/east-kent www.robinson-allfree.co.uk www.samsltd.co.uk www.tarvoswealth.co.uk www.spinesportsinjury.com www.truprintmedia.co.uk www.wpa.org.uk/michelecole

To find out more about Thanet Business Network and our membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; services call 01843 807911 or visit www.thanetbusinessnetwork.co.uk

[days out ] the

elephant in the room looking for a quirky and unique gift? we have the perfect thing. come and visit us on Queen Street

45 QUEEN STREET, RAMSGATE, CT11 9DZ

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND IS JUST A 15-MINUTE HOP ACROSS THE CHANNEL Enjoy Christmas shopping French style this year with a magical weekend in ‘Paris by the sea’. The stylish French resort of Le Touquet is just a 15-minute flight away with Lyddair, based at Kent’s London Ashford Airport, which is now taking bookings for its scheduled Christmas flights to the jewel of France’s northern coast. Famous for its gorgeous illuminations, shops, restaurants and Christmas market in art deco surroundings, Le Touquet is transformed into a Christmas wonderland during December, with thousands of twinkling lights and a host of events and activities. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, hop on the merry-go-round, get your skates on for the outdoor ice rink or browse the stalls at the popular Christmas market. Spend the day shopping for 30

gifts, dine at one of Le Touquet’s excellent restaurants, or simply wander through this chic seaside town and soak up the festive atmosphere.

choose a departure time that suits – all from just £133 per person for a day trip and from £166 per person for a night stop.

Return flights with Lyddair cost £149.94 adults, £138.54 children and £55.90 infants. Prices are based on an overnight stop, with scheduled departures from Lydd on Saturday December 5, 12 and 19 and return flights on Sunday December 6, 13 and 20.

For more information about scheduled and charter flights with Lyddair, call 01797 322207, or visit www.lyddair.com. To find out more about Christmas events and activities in Le Touquet, go to www.letouquet.com

Flight time is just 15 minutes, with check-in only 45 minutes before departure – giving you more time to spend enjoying Le Touquet. If you really want to travel in style, why not charter your own aircraft to Le Touquet? You’ll have your own aircraft and pilot, you can fly any day of the week, and

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THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS COMES TO QUEX PARK! FOR THE FIRST TIME, QUEX PARK IS PLAYING HOST TO A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENT. THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS WILL OFFER A UNIQUE CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCE NOT SEEN IN THANET BEFORE. Run by Kent Events Ltd, the event begins on 26 November right through into the New Year. Visitors can stock up on Christmas presents at the market, typical wooden chalets will offer a variety of homemade crafts, as well as festive food and drink – think mulled wine, mince pies and other warming local delicacies on offer. Perfect to get you in the Christmas spirit, and the chance to tick off a few presents on your list! The highlight, however, is a real ice rink, the biggest of its kind in Thanet, giving you a real skating experience right on your doorstep. And with free skate hire, what are you waiting for!! And when it all gets too much, there’s somewhere to rest your weary feet with a fully licensed bar and café on site to eat and drink your fill, you can make it a real family outing.

You also have the chance to step aboard the Elf Express and be taken through Quex Park to Elf School. You will learn how to become an elf by meeting the Chocolate Elf who makes the Christmas Chocolates, and up the staircase to the Elf Workshop where the Chief Elf is making all the wooden toys for the good girls and boys across the world. Finally, you will meet Father Christmas in his Grotto, where you will be rewarded with a certificate and gift to show that you have successfully passed Elf School! You can also have breakfast, dinner or lunch with Santa at Jungle Jims if you choose, and Mother Christmas will help you to decorate your own gingerbread man, delicious! And if that wasn’t enough, Santa’s also on hand to have breakfast at Mama Feelgoods (gosh, Santa is going to be

extremely full after all these meals!) he will be able to sit and talk with you as you munch on delicious breakfast delights. The Powell-Cotton Museum will also be staying open late on select evenings in December, imagine how magical the museum will feel at night time! There will be lots of festive sights to see in the Museum, even the animals will be getting a little Christmassy! With so much to see and do at the Spirit of Christmas, you’ll be spoilt for choice! BUT, you will need to book some of the experiences, such as the skating and Elf Express, so you need to head on over to www.spiritofchristmas.co.uk to get your tickets now!

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YOUR TAX RETURN NEEDN’T BE TAXING!

By Vikki Moody, Director at Striped Leopard Accountancy

Although your thoughts are more than likely focussed on Christmas right now, before you know it, it’s January, it’s time for the decorations to come down, you can’t face eating any more turkey curry, and you’ve decided to go sober for a month. But, January also means self-assessment tax deadline. A tax return is a form that has to be filled in by anyone who, in the last year, was self-employed, received income from renting out a property or room, income from savings or investments, is a company director or has sold shares or a second home and needs to pay Capital Gains Tax on the profits. There are other situations where you may need to file a return, so if you aren’t sure, then it’s worth a call to HMRC or seek professional advice from an accountant.

If this sounds like you, then you have until 31 January to get your documents together and submit the form. Unfortunately, if you are planning on submitting a paper version, you’re too late, the deadline to do this was at the end of October. So the only option to you is to do this online. Now, if you have older technology or older systems such as early versions of Internet Explorer for example, you need to be aware that these won’t be set up to be able to let you file this online. So now’s the time to ensure you are able to physically get the form in on time, you don’t want to fall at the final hurdle! Any form that is submitted late means that you face a fine – around £100, so it’s worth starting to get your documents together now.

What do you need? You’ll need details of any employment you had, including your P60, as well as details of any income you’ve received from a property you’ve let, or any pension contributions or pension you receive. If you’ve sold a property, or other stocks and shares, you’ll need to know how much money you’ve made or lost. Aside from that, you’ll need to have to hand all savings and investments that you have, details of any income from life insurance policies, or pensions, annuities or other benefits, or in fact, any income at all you’ve received, as it could be that you are liable to pay tax on it. Also, if you’ve made any charitable donations throughout the year, you’ll need to provide evidence for those payments.

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More is better in this instance, it’s incredibly important to file the correct information, even if you know you aren’t liable for any tax. So, you don’t want to be rushing around trying to find all the documents you need on the 31st. Look now, and leave yourself with plenty of time to complete the form on time. If you can’t find a document, you can submit estimates, but you need to make it clear that they are figures that have been ‘guessed’ by you. The key is to be open and honest. It’s also worth researching what expenses and other things you are eligible to claim tax relief on. The more that you can include in your form, the less tax you need to pay. But not all may be applicable to you, and there may be some which you just didn’t even know about.

For example, if you rent out a property, you will need to declare the income you’ve received, but you can also claim tax relief from any goods that you have repaired or replaced, and even against the interest on the mortgage payments you make.

Which is why an accountant can help you here, keeping regular and detailed in and out costs can make your life so much easier, as well as having someone to advise you of the rules, and to help you through the self-assessment minefield!

If you work from home, you can claim for a proportion of your energy bills or council tax, and if you use your car to travel to meetings, then you can claim some of the running costs too.

For more information, you can contact me at info@ stripedleopardaccountancy. co.uk or visit www. stripedleopardaccountancy.co.uk

Any computers you buy, stationery, tools, equipment, they can also be used to claim tax relief too. You can see that submitting a tax return isn’t something that you can start and finish on the 31st, it takes time to prepare your documents, as well as read up on what you can claim for and what you must declare.

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SUDDENLY SINGLE

JO READ OFFERS SOUND ADVICE FOR WOMEN WHO FIND THEMSELVES

‘SUDDENLY SINGLE’ AFTER THE BREAK-UP OF A LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP And how do I know about these women? As a Chartered Financial Planner, I have noticed more women coming to me for financial advice who have found themselves in just this situation. In fact, so many more, that I was starting to think about writing a book to help them through this tumultuous period in their life, when they are looking for guidance – not just about finances, but just to have someone independent to talk through their situation, their feelings, just to have someone to listen to. And then I too became Suddenly Single.

JO READ IS A CHARTERED

FINANCIAL PLANNER AND AUTHOR OF THE BOOK, SUDDENLY SINGLE.

She helps lots of women come to grips with the reality and emotional turmoil of becoming single – suddenly. She educates and inspires conﬁdence in women regarding their monetary affairs, enabling them to be Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise. Her approach with clients enables empowered decisionmaking; giving them a life without fear of the future; gaining the conﬁdence of independence and a feeling of liberation. 34

Would it surprise you to know that one in three women live alone by the time they reach retirement age? There is an increasing number of women who become Suddenly Single, either through divorce or bereavement, and finding that the world as they knew it has been turned upside down. Who are these Suddenly Singles? Typically, they are women who had perhaps had a career before taking a step back to raise their family. Their priorities had shifted to managing the family home, and their husbands were the ones to manage the family finances. Suddenly, the world as they knew it had come to an end, and they were forced to re-evaluate everything. At a time where everything feels so raw, so uncertain. How on earth do you start again?

For the first time, I too was forced to take stock of my life. As a successful career woman, I was no longer in control, and it shocked me. This wasn’t supposed to happen! I felt a range of emotions, grief, anger, and embarrassment. I felt I couldn’t fully confide in my friends and family, they were too close to the situation. And I began to understand why these Suddenly Singles had come to me, it was a relief to be able to talk to someone who could help start to put things in perspective. I was in a lucky position, being a Financial Planner, I knew what I needed to do, how to ensure my financial security, but I could see that trying to manage this at the same time as thinking about everything else would be completely overwhelming. I felt alone, but at the same time I knew that there were so many other women who were going through what

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I was going through. So I did decide to write my book spurred on by my own experiences, entitled Suddenly Single, and it was recently published. Although my book is there to help Suddenly Singles take stock of their situation and then take charge of their new lives, I also want to highlight how important it is for women to try and understand their finances. I’m not suggesting that you need to completely take control if you aren’t comfortable, but just to find out things like what policies you have in place, where all the bills are kept, account details, if there’s a budget planner or cash flow document, so you are aware of what’s going in and out when it comes to the family finances.

in a new activity, do something you’ve always wanted to do! The Christmas period is also one of the worst times of the year for couples splitting, having spent time together over Christmas and New Year, this can bring up arguments, issues that just don’t get resolved. And it can mean you facing New Year facing an uncertain outlook. My advice for anyone who finds themselves in this situation is not to rush into any decisions. Take advice from someone independent to your situation, and take stock of where you are, and what you have before planning for the future. Any professional help

you need, you should seek, it’ll reassure you that the advice you receive is right (you’ll find that everyone around you will try and help you with lots of conflicting advice!). Most importantly is to remember that you aren’t on your own. And it will get easier.

If you want to purchase the Suddenly Single book, or get in touch for a free initial consultation, you can visit www.suddenly-single.co.uk or join the Suddenly Single Community on Facebook.

It’s also worth considering seeing an independent financial adviser to check that you have adequate protection in place should the worst happen. As much as you can get involved with the day-to-day finances, the better prepared you will feel. It’s sad that we need to talk about this, but with more women than ever becoming Suddenly Single, the more important it’s become to take control of your finances and help to prepare yourself. And this time of year is particularly poignant for two reasons. One is if you are spending the festive period as a Suddenly Single for the first time. If this is you, then it’s important to fill your days as much as possible. Visit family and friends, go on days out, or take time to learn something new, take part 35

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GOLDEN YEARS HOW RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES ARE HELPING PENSIONERS TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL WITH LIKE-MINDED NEIGHBOURS.

If the word ‘retirement’ conjures up images of rattling around in a large family home, struggling to manage the garden, the bills and, eventually, the stairs, it may be time for a rethink. Many of today’s retirees are living life to the full, thanks to a new way of retiring that is taking off in the UK. Retirement communities or villages are designed to enable people to continue to live independently for as long as possible. At first glance these developments look like any others in the UK: the properties are typically one- or two-bedroom selfcontained flats or bungalows, usually within a gated community. Look a bit closer and you will notice special design details that mean the properties can be adapted to the needs of their occupants as they age. Doorways are wider to

allow wheelchair access, bathroom walls are strengthened to enable the fitting of grab rails, there are walkin showers rather than baths, ovens are raised for easy access and alarm buttons are installed discreetly to enable residents to summon help. Residents have their own bathrooms and kitchens, and can live in complete privacy if they so choose. But it is the opportunity to meet other people within a similar age range that undoubtedly attracts most buyers. At Wherry Court, a McCarthy & Stone development of 49 apartments in Thorpe St Andrew just outside Norwich, apartment owners share an extensive and well-maintained garden and a communal living room. When I visited on a sunny Tuesday afternoon,

several residents had congregated in the living room for a ‘knit and natter’ session. In the laundry room, a list on the noticeboard provides details of car owners offering lifts to the local supermarket, dates for coffee mornings and the annual garden party, and listings for the Wherry Court Cinema Club. LifeCare Residences, which has more than 30 years’ experience of running retirement communities in New Zealand, recently opened its first luxury community in the centre of London. Battersea Place overlooks the eponymous park and is within ten minutes’ walk of the King’s Road. In addition to a very large living room, the development offers a communal library, gym, beauty therapy rooms, swimming pool, restaurant and café bar.

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THINK BEFORE YOU JUMP

Apartment owners can hire cars from the development’s car pool – ranging from small electric BMWs through to a chauffeur-driven limousine – by the hour or day. Moreover, although the first residents only started moving in last Spring, there are already 27 clubs including bridge, languages and ukulele. Battersea Place has the ambience and service levels of a smart, long-established upmarket hotel: the concierge staff can provide just about any service needed by residents, such as booking a cleaner for their apartment, arranging tickets to the theatre, or walking their dog – wellbehaved pets are welcome. Sir John Goulden, former Ambassador to Turkey and Permanent Representative to the North Atlantic Council, says this is what the development’s residents expect. Sir John and his wife, Lady Diana, were among the first owners to move into Battersea Place. Moving in early has given the couple a ‘sense of sovereignty’ – along with other residents they have formed an association to advise management on what they would like to see introduced, such as the choice of wine in the restaurant. The cost of buying and running a retirement living apartment varies widely from one development to another. Prices are comparable to standard local property values, so while the average price of a McCarthy & Stone property is £239,000, LifeCare Residences is charging central London prices for

Battersea Place: apartments start at £600,000 but go up to £2.9 million for a penthouse. While you may have sufficient capital to buy a retirement living property, it is important to work out whether you can afford the ongoing service charges. Service levels are high with commensurate charges: the charge for a one-bedroom apartment in Wherry Court is currently £917 for six months, and the charge is set annually. In contrast, service charges for a one-bedroom apartment at Battersea Place are £990 a month, fixed for the duration of your ownership. You and your financial adviser should also ensure that you are comfortable with the terms and conditions of both the purchase and resale. As many retirement developments are new, you may have to buy off-plan, and some developers stipulate that they are paid a proportion of any uplift in value when it comes to reselling. Lastly, bear in mind that your retirement living accommodation may not be your last home. Battersea Place offers rooms for people who need longstay nursing, convalescent, rehabilitation or end of life care, although most developments are designed for people with a specific level of physical ability. If you should become unable to look after yourself, you may need to move to assisted-living accommodation, where you still have your own apartment but with access to a higher level of care, or even a traditional care home.

Moving into retirement living can have an impact on the rest of your family, as well as on you. Downsizing from your previous home can release capital – McCarthy & Stone says that while the average price of its properties is £239,000, the average value of its buyers’ previous properties is £299,000. You may be tempted to pass some of this on to your children in the form of tax-exempt gifts, but Tony Müdd, Divisional Director, Development & Technical Consultancy, at St. James’s Place Wealth Management, says this is the last thing you should be thinking of. ‘You need to be sure you have made the right decision about where you are living before you make any other financial decisions,’ he says. ‘You also need to consider what care services you may need in the future.’ Moving into retirement living accommodation may reduce the amount you can bequeath to your family. So it’s a good idea to involve your beneficiaries in the decision-making process to ensure they understand why you are moving and are happy that you will benefit from the additional support provided. Once you are sure you have sufficient capital for your own needs, you may want to consider Inheritance Tax planning, including the use of a trust. Müdd says: ‘Not everyone is happy to give capital away, and in these circumstances a trust can allow the donor to keep some control over how the money is dispersed and used.’ Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact Gavin Bradnam, Chartered Financial Planner on 01843 601338 or email gavin.bradnam@sjpp.co.uk

[feature]

GARDNER CROFT AT GARDNER CROFT, OUR EXPERT FAMILY LAW TEAM PROVIDE ADVICE THAT IS SENSITIVE TO THE UPSET, UNCERTAINTIES AND UPHEAVAL THAT OCCUR FOLLOWING THE BREAKDOWN OF A FAMILY RELATIONSHIP. Our experienced team will address your concerns and assist in resolving differences with your partner or spouse as swiftly and as constructively as possible, helping you to reach an appropriate solution, particularly if you have children. As part of this process, we provide: • Objective and clear advice about the options available to you to ensure that you can make the correct choices and consider your future and that of any children.

• Expert guidance from lawyers who have specialist qualifications in dealing with financial and children matters. • Tailor-made solutions which recognise the individual nature of each and every family. We offer a wide range of legal support, including the process associated with a formal separation or divorce, arrangements for the financial matters arising from this including the family home and business interests, arrangements for children, Pre-nuptial Agreements and advising unmarried couples on cohabitation disputes.

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QUIRKY CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS BY VICKY KING

ITS CHRISTMAS TIME, THERE'S EVERY NEED TO BE AFRAID

‘It’s almost Christmas and the festive season is upon us! In the UK we love our Christmas traditions... carrots and a mince pie left out for Santa, turkey with all the trimmings including the dreaded brussels sprout, Christmas Eve carols and let’s not forget a visit to Santa's Grotto. Not all Christmas traditions are so conventional however; here are our pick of some of the world’s more unusual Christmas customs!

Germany - The Christmas pickle Pickle shaped baubles are a particularly strange tradition in Germany. The pickles are hidden within the Christmas trees for the children to find and there is a special prize for whoever finds it.

Wales - Mari Lwyd During All Hallow’s Eve, it is believed that the spirit of a white horse gallops through the streets of Welsh towns. Actually this event takes place at Christmas. The horse, known as Mari Lwyd, is made by attaching the skull of a horse to the end of a pole and is carried by a person covered with a sheet. Accompanied by a group of singers the Mari Lwyd knocks at the doors of houses and pubs where a song is sung, the occupants of the house then reply in song then insults are traded. When one of the group becomes tired of the game and concedes everyone moves indoors for a celebratory drink.

Catalonia - Caga Tió Catalonia’s infamous ‘pooping log’. He has a smiley face, Santas hat and is hollowed out by parents who then cover his bottom in a blanket! The children feed it from December 8th onwards hoping that Caga Tió will then leave a little present on Christmas Day.

Norway - Hiding brooms

The blanket hides the Caga Tió’s droppings, presents, sweets and treats, found to the delight of the children on December 25th.

Christmas Eve in Norway is extremely superstitious. Whereas we would be enjoying carols or a get together with friends and family this evening is believed to be when witches arrive to steal the best brooms they can find.

This year, why not be quirky and unusual in your gift choice? We have chosen a few interesting pieces from our range at Papillon, unique in their style yet practical and

Although very different to our traditions, broom-hiding has passed down through generations from an ancient belief in evil and ill-fortune.

Original. Not scary, or terrifying but interesting and fun.

Austria - Krampus If you’re naughty there may be a lump of coal or a potato in your stocking Not so in Austria! Here, at Christmas, naughty children don’t get anything from Santa. Instead they get a visit from the terrifying horned devil the Krampus! 42

This mean monster will then put the naughty child into a basket carried on his back, then take them off to the depths of hell. I'm not sure I'd want to be naughty in Austria!

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FUNKY CHRISTMAS GIFTS

BY VICKY KING, PAPILLON INTERIORS, FORT HILL, MARGATE HERE’S OUR PICK OF QUIRKY, FUN GIFT IDEAS FROM OUR EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER RANGE

ALESSI BULLA BOTTLE OPENER - £21.00

VITRA MOTHER & CHILD FISH - £104.00

VITRA BALL CLOCK (CHERRY) - £255.00 The design for the Bulla bottle opener from Alessi came from inspiration of the smooth shapes of shells on a beach. Valerio Sommella (Designer) saw function in these shapes and from this came the compact steel Bulla bottle opener.

MOOMIN MUGS - £15.95 The iconic Vitra Ball Wall Clock designed by George Nelson, now available in stunning cherry and brass finish.

VITRA CANDLE HOLDERS - £87.00 Made from solid brass, these stunning candle holders from Vitra are the perfect addition to any home! Available in four different designs, including 2 circular variations, a star shaped holder and a petal shaped holder. Alexander Girard was one of the leading figures in American mid-century design. As with many of his interior design projects, Girard also developed various objects of his own creation for the iconic Miller House – such as the four solid brass Candle Holders.

SKIPPER WOODEN YACHT - FROM £18.60 Designed to sail, these wonderful 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

Add a splash of fun to any home environment with the Mother & Child Fish from Vitra. Designed by Alexander Girard as part of his extensive wooden doll collection.

IITTALA KASTEHELMI GLASSWARE - FROM £10.50

Perfect for gifts and essential for any collector, Moomin character mugs add an element of fun and youth to your dining room or kitchen.

SKIPPER SCOOTER £75.00

Skipper’s Balance Scooter is based on the iconic Vespa design and is the ideal bike for children from 2 – 5 years. This is a great toy to hone balance and motor skills or just have endless fun - indoors or outdoors.

FATBOY JUNIOR BEANBAG £114.95 The comfy Junior Beanbag from Fatboy bean bag will keep children happy as they rest and play. It offers ergonomical support to the body and the polybead filling retains warmth, making it doubly comfortable. Moisture & dirt resistant, easy to clean.

Kastehelmi meaning Dewdrop in Finnish, Inspired by the morning dew in the Finnish countryside. These elegant jars and bowls are decorated with small bubbles of varied size, giving a truly beautiful aesthetic and texture.

NORMANN COPENHAGEN SHOREBIRD - FROM £24.90

The Shorebird was designed by Icelandic designer Sigurjón Pálsson for Normann Copenhagen as part of his characterful range of wooden birds. Made from solid oak and sporting a high level of attention to detail, these quirky little birds will be a key feature in any room. 43

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[cover story ]

Kate

Winslet Kate Winslet- by definition an English Rose, award winning actress with a killer smile to match; the Berkshire beauty is set to hit our screens again on Boxing Day in Collateral Beauty. From humble beginnings, Winslet has had an impressive career with a shelf full of accolades, with no sign of slowing

down- so who is the star behind closed doors and how has she managed to stay the apple of pressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye for so long? Winslet was born in Berkshire to Sally Anne, a barmaid, and Roger John Winslet, a swimming pool contractor, studying to be an actress from age 11

and staring in her first commercial for Sugar Puffs age 12. There is a drive in the star that visible looking at her impressive CV; from early roles in Heavenly Creatures (1992) and Sense and Sensibility (1993) straight through to arguably her breakthrough role- Titanic (1997). She became an 51

[cover story ] Kate Winslet and Michael Fassbender attend the "Steve Jobs" premiere

instant household name playing the rebellious Rose with best bud Leonardo DiCaprio, the blockbuster being the highest grossing movie of all time at the time. She perused director Cameron heavily for the role, sending him notes from England along with a Red Rose after her screen test. “I am rose!” She wrote to him, her persistence paying off. Winslet is very real, with her acting peers commenting on her naturalism from the start, and it’s the roles that let her exercise this that have earned her praise and won the hearts of millions. In 2007, Winslet reunited with Leonardo DiCaprio to film Revolutionary Road (2008), directed by her husband at the time, Sam Mendes. Winslet had pushed the project to fruition after reading Justin Haythe’s script; an adaptation of Richard’s Yates novella and the finished product is visceral portrayal of heartbreak and love in suburbia that leaves your rocked to the core. Winslet said it was both "a blessing and an added pressure" on-set to be working with her then-husband and the film was her first experience working with Mendes. Portraying a marriage couple coming undone at the seams in the 1950s, DiCaprio and Winslet watched period videos promoting life in the suburbs to 52

prepare themselves for the film, which opened to critical acclaim. It’s painful and present and you cannot escape the raw pain of ordinary life and the picture is unforgettable. Winslet was awarded a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for her performance, her seventh nomination from the Golden Globes.[18] It added to an award list that must take up more than one trophy cabinet; she is the recipient of an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, four Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy Award, a BIFA Award, an AACTA Award, and three BAFTA Awards. She is the youngest person to receive six Academy Award nominations with seven nominations in total, and is one of the few actresses to win three of the four major American entertainment awards. In addition, she has won awards from the Screen Actors Guild, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association among others, and an Honorary César Award in 2012. Winslet also received the Yo Dona Award for Best Humanitarian Work for her work with the Golden Hat- a foundation she founded to break down barriers for those living with autism.

She made a thought-provoking short film enlisting her famous friends and the piece was critically acclaimed, raising awareness and the profile of the project. But it’s her relationships off screen as well as on screen that have kept the media at her heels; and the Berkshire beauty isn’t without her share of drama and heart break. Married first to film director Jim Threapleton, they have a daughter Mia, Winslet having met Threapleton on the set of Hideous Kinky in 1997. They divorced in 2001, Winslet going on to marry acclaimed director Sam Mendes in 2003 with whom she shares a son, Joe. The pair were married for 7 years, divorcing in 2011. She has a close friendship with Richard Branson which culminated in her saving his 90 year old mother’s life in a in a fire on Necker Ireland. It was a fateful trip, Winslet then dating male model Louis Dowler only to meet her 3rd husband on the luxury island; Branson’s nephew, Ned Rocknroll. I have always found this a fascinating insight into one of the most graceful characters on Hollywood scene- she married a man who changed his name via deed poll from Abel Smith to Rock and Roll whilst working at Virgins

[cover story ]

Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio at the World Premiere of 'Revolutionary Road'

inter-galactic sector. Fans held their breath to see if she would take his name but Alas! Kate RocknRoll is not the name we see on her latest creditsindeed not even their son Bear Blaze has inherited the name, Winslet quoted as saying ‘I’m a f***ing adult’ when asked why not. They were married in New York a mere 16 months after meeting, and didn’t invite either of their families to the wedding. Indeed, Kate’s father only found out three weeks later from Press reports, which must have caused some upset.

Kate Winslet with her Oscar at the 81st Academy Awards

Keira Knightley (as Love) to assist in his pain and healing. We have a tale of A Christmas Carol told over; Will Smith writes letters over and over, to not people, but things; to death, time and love in the wake of his loss. Lost to his friends and absent from his life, grief has overcome his since those three things that he believes connect us, all has been lost to him, but then his letters start to receive responses…

“I’m Death, pleased to meet you, charmed I’m sure.” say Helen Mirren to an ashen-faced Smith. The film is sure to be a tear jerker, cure you of your Christmas gluttony and make you weep for the love in Smith’s eye. The cast is an academy award roll call- with the cast members having accolades that promise a strong script. Winslet will be at home amongst them, fans happy to see her where she belongs- on the big screen.

She is fiercely protective of her tribe, having had to defend her family unit from comments about having three children by 3 different fathers. “People go, 'Oh, my God! Those poor children! They must have gone through so much,’" the star said in an interview with Vogue. “Says who? They’ve always been with me. They don’t go from pillar to post; they’re not flown here and there with nannies. That’s never happened.” The Titanic star has the perfect Boxing day offering this Christmas; Collateral Beauty, starting alongside impressive names such as Helen Mirren, Will Smith, Ed Norton, and Keira Knightly. The story tells of a New Yorker (Smith) after the death of his daughter–his grief enlisting Helen Mirren (as Death) and

Kate Winslet gets a star on the Hollywood Boulevard 53

[feature ]

FOLKESTONE TRIENNIAL 2017: DOUBLE EDGE

THE BIGGEST VISUAL ARTS EVENT OF 2017 IS COMING NEXT SEPTEMBER

Creative Foundation has announced the dates of Folkestone Triennial 2017, which will return for its fourth edition and will be held over a nine week period from 2 September – 5 November 2017. Curated for the second time by Lewis Biggs, the Triennial in 2017 will take the title double edge.

Folkestone Triennial is one of the most ambitious exhibitions of contemporary art outside the gallery context presented in the UK. The seaside town of Folkestone has no publicly subsidised art gallery, so artists are invited to use the town as their ‘canvas’, utilising public spaces to create striking new art that reflects issues affecting both the town and the wider world. Inaugurated in 2008, the Triennial takes place every three years and is one of the 5 key projects of the Creative Foundation. Artists commissioned to take part in previous Triennials include Cornelia Parker, Tracey Emin, Jeremy Deller, Martin Creed, Richard Wilson, Yoko Ono, Pablo Bronstein, Andy Goldsworthy and Michael Sailstorfer. The 2014 Triennial was visited by over 135,000 people and a significant public programme included some 18,000 learners, over 70 schools and 50 community groups. 54

The concept of double edge will further develop the inquiry into ‘sense of place’ that guided Folkestone Triennial exhibition, Lookout, in 2014. double edge refers to the two main axes around which Folkestone’s development as a town has taken place historically and geographically: the seashore and the Pent Stream, an ancient watercourse flowing from the Northern Downs into the sea, the present edge between East and West Folkestone. The title draws on the extensive academic study of ‘edge’ concepts in recent years: borders; thresholds; margins; the periphery; the liminal. double edge resonates with major contemporary cultural, economic and political realities experienced as part of everyday lives in Folkestone and across the globe: migration; border control; wealth inequality; sustainability; a challenging urban environment; and climate change, to name a few. Internationally recognised artists will be commissioned to make new contemporary artworks exhibited in public spaces around the town. Artists will be invited to engage with Folkestone’s various narratives and material memories drawn from the town’s social, cultural, political and economic history. Some artworks will become permanent additions expanding

the town’s permanent collection, Folkestone Artworks, built up since the first edition of the Triennial in 2008. All artworks that make up Folkestone Triennial are commissioned with the ambition of positively affecting the urban ecology of the town as a place to live, work, visit and study. Lewis Biggs said: “The title double edge has two meanings – the first is one of anxiety: the edge of the world, the edge of the future and the unknown. The secondary meaning is one of balance, released through the artist’s imagination when one tips over the edge and looks back on the known with a renewed perspective. Great art makes change and the ambition of this exhibition is to give artists the opportunity to make excellent new work that plays with ambiguity and the several meanings of edge, stimulating audiences to consider why the world is the way it is, how it might be, and how it is always possible to change it.” Further details, including information about the artists commissioned for Folkestone Triennial, will be announced in March 2017. For more information go to www.folkestonetriennial.org.uk

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Coming up at Margate Theatres [food & drink ] Theatre Royal

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Thursday 1 December

Richard Herring The Best Thursday 2 February

Winter Gardens Hannah & Hanna Friday 2 December

The Unknown Soldier Friday 3 February Jon Richardson Old Man Friday 10 February

Noisy Notes* Sunday 29 January

Kast oﬀ Kinks Friday 31 March

I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue Saturday 4 February

Mavis Sparkle Sunday 12 February

Hannah & Hanna in Dreamland Friday 2 December

LDN Wrestling Sunday 12 February

Maddy Prior & the Carnival Band Saturday 3 December Police Panto 16-18 February

Psychic Sally Call Me Psychic 2017 Friday 17 March

Rose Marie Friday 24 February

Peter Pan Panto 10-31 December The Simon & Garfunkel Story Friday 20 January The Vanishing Man Saturday 21 January John Shuttleworth Saturday 28 January

Planet Thanet Beer Fest 14-15 April

Danny Baker Cradle to the Stage Saturday 25 February Josie Long Something Better Thursday 2 March Babe, the Sheep-Pig 3-5 March

Remembering Fred Wednesday 3 May Count Arthur Strong The Sound of Mucus Saturday 18 March

Mr Darcy Loses the Plot Wednesday 8 March Margate Rock & Blues 2017 Saturday 13 May

The Pitmen Poets Sunday 29 January The Magic of Motown Saturday 25 March

Gary Delaney Friday 17 March Your Leisure working in partnership with:

Omid Djalili Schmuck for a Night Sunday 2 April

Margate Soul Fest 2017 4-6 August Greg Davies You Magniﬁcent Beast 15-16 September

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[days out ]

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW COMES TO LEAS CLIFF HALL

One of the most iconic characters in children’s literature will be arriving in Folkestone in January, when The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show plays at the Leas Cliff Hall from 28th-29th following a West End run. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show will feature a menagerie of 75 enchanting puppets during a 60-minute show that faithfully adapts four of Eric Carle’s best loved books for the stage: The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Mister Seahorse, The Very Lonely Firefly and, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Eric Carle’s books have captivated generations of readers with their iconic hand-painted illustrations and distinctively simple stories. His bestknown work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has nibbled its way into the hearts of millions of children all over

the world. It has been translated into 62 languages and sold over 43 million copies, remaining one of the top ten bestselling children’s books of all time. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is adapted for the stage by director Jonathan Rockefeller, whose production sees four master puppeteers weave their way through Eric Carle’s stories to faithfully recreate the wonderfully colourful world of Carle’s illustrations.

share the same enjoyment I felt when seeing my characters come to life in the beautiful and enchanting Broadway production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show.” The cast features Andrew Cullimore (Charlie and Lola, UK Tour), Sarah Hamilton (Charlie and Lola, Australian Tour), Katie Haygarth (In The Night Garden Live) and Adam Ryan (The Smurfs Live, World Tour).

Jonathan Rockefeller said, “When our puppets appear on stage the atmosphere is positively electric - parents and grandparents are swept up in nostalgia, and you can hear peels of laughter and squeals of delight as joy fills the theatre. We can’t wait to bring The Very Hungry Caterpillar to London!” Eric Carle added: “I am delighted my friends in the UK will soon be able to

The Pitmen Poets 30th Jan

An evening with Aggers and tuffers 18th January

Russell Brand Exposed 12th December

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title ]& drink ] [food

Spring 2017 Amadeus Thursday 2 February, 7pm Tickets £14/ £12 concessions Music. Power. Jealousy. Lucian Msamati (Luther, Game of Thrones, NT Live: The Comedy of Errors) plays Salieri in Peter Shaffer’s iconic play, broadcast live from the National Theatre, and with live orchestral accompaniment by Southbank Sinfonia. W olfgang Amadeus Mozart, a rowdy young prodigy, arrives in Vienna, the music capital of the world – and he’s determined to make a splash. Awestruck by his genius, court composer Antonio Salieri has the power to promote his talent or destroy his name. Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music, and ultimately, with God.

Saint Joan Thursday 16 February, 7pm Tickets £14/ £12 concessions Gemma Arterton is Joan of Arc, broadcast live from the Donmar Warehouse. Shaw’s classic play follows the life and trial of a young country girl Bernard Shaw who declares a bloody mission to drive the English from France. As one of the first Protestants and nationalists, she threatens the very fabric of the feudal society and the Catholic Church across Europe. Josie Rourke (Coriolanus, Les Liaisons Dangereuses) directs Gemma Arterton (Gemma Bovery, Nell Gwynn, Made in Dagenham) as Joan of Arc in this electrifying production.

Hedda Gabler Thursday 9 March, 7pm Tickets £14/ £12 concessions Just married. Bored already. Hedda longs to be free... Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon and the relationship is already in trouble. Trapped but determined, Hedda tries to control those around her, only to see her own world unravel. Tony Award-winning director Ivo van Hove (A View from the Bridge at the Young Vic Theatre) returns to National Theatre Live screens with a modern production of Ibsen’s masterpiece. Ruth Wilson (Luther, The Affair, Jane Eyre) plays the title role in a new version by Patrick Marber (Notes on a Scandal, Closer).

Twelfth Night Thursday 6 April, 7pm Tickets £14/ £12 concessions Tamsin Greig is Malvolia in a new twist on Shakespeare’s classic comedy of mistaken identity. A ship is wrecked on the rocks. Viola is washed ashore but her twin brother Sebastian is lost. Determined to survive on her own, she steps out to explore a new land. So begins a whirlwind of mistaken identity and unrequited love. (NT Live: Man and Superman, NT Live: The Beaux’ Simon Godwin (N Stratagem) directs this joyous new production with Tamsin Greig (Friday Night Dinner, Black Books, Episodes),Daniel Rigby (Flowers, Jericho), Tamara Lawrence (Undercover), Doon Mackichan (Smack the Pony) and Daniel Ezra (The Missing, Undercover).

www.quarterhouse.co.uk

01303 760750

[food & drink ]

Canterbury you are invited...

Canterbury is at its best at Christmas. With narrow medieval streets clustering around the iconic Cathedral and with beautiful Christmas lights draped across streets and businesses, it has a festive feel all of its own. The city has everything you need for an amazing Christmas experience: whether it is world class brands or unique independents for those hard to find special gifts, or lovely coffee shops and independent restaurants for a restoring break from the frenzy: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all here.

Canterbury is Christmas 59

Canterbury

the place to be at Christmas

Canterbury ticks every box. Meet Father Christmas in Whitefriars or at The Canterbury Tales, visit Christmas markets throughout the city at the Westgate Hall, Canterbury Tales and Whitefriars Shopping Centre; watch the St Nicholas Parade; or enjoy Canterbury's huge variety of cafes, restaurants and pubs for a cosy hot chocolate or scrumptious meal. Of course the city has that must- see attraction, The Marlowe Theatre with its award-winning pantomime, this year it’s Dick Whittington. With so much to see, do and experience, you might even want to stay over; what could be nicer than dining in the city late and then getting up before the crowds the next morning to see the city’s streets at their most tranquil?

St Dunstans is a destination in its own right, with some of the city’s oldest buildings and in the shadow of the iconic Westgate Towers, there is a terrific food & drink scene that has something for everyone: from Café des Amis, a longstanding city favourite, to one of the city’s best fish restaurants, Chapmans, and from the popular A la Turka to The Refectory Kitchen, eating out has never been this good! Stop for a cocktail at The Falstaff Hotel, a pint at the Bishops Finger or buy a superb bottle of wine from Mouton Rouge and enjoy Canterbury’s latest success story.

Late night shopping along the High Street

High Street, The Parade and St Georges The city’s crossroads.

This is where the old city meets the new, where long standing independent businesses like Nasons sit cheek by jowl with their national counterparts Debenhams, W H Smith and Marks & Spencer. When you come to Canterbury this is where you see what the city has to offer in a setting that is unique in England: modern businesses, both local and national, within a medieval setting leading into the more contemporary St Georges Street. Nowhere is the ‘bustle’ of our ancient city more evident and the range of shops means Christmas shopping has never been easier or more interesting!

A warm welcome at Kitch

Enjoy a break at The Refectory Kitchen

St Dunstans Gateway to the city.

Canterburys iconic Christmas street, Mercery Lane

Here is your guide to the city...

You want ‘Christmassy’? We’ve got ‘Christmassy!’ From Sun Street up to the end of Burgate. including Longmarket, Butchery Lane and Mercery Lane, this is the soul of the city: clustered around the Cathedral, with so many great businesses, it is difficult to know where to start! Gifts from the Cathedral Shop or Thai House, clothes from the Lullah, Noa Noa or Peppermint, homeware from Queen Bee Home: it is a cornucopia of choice! And with great pubs, restaurants and coffee shops like The Shakespeare, Café Mauresque, Wagamama, Café Turquoise and the Burgate Coffee House you won’t be short of a great place to eat, drink and relax, either.

Shop for the something ‘special’ at Queen Bee Home

Spectacular Christmas lights along St Peters Street

Quirky and different, cutting edge and retro, daytime and night-time: St Peters Street is an amazing mix of businesses from early to late. Some of the city’s longest standing businesses like the excellent Café St Pierre, Rebel and David Grimes Opticians sit alongside some of its newest, like The Skinny Kitchen, Prohibition Vapes and Villagio. And at night, enjoy The Pound by the Westgate Towers with its fab interiors, the Black Griffin, the Lady Luck , The Cricketers and Nandos, and you have a great choice of venues for a fun night out. And the closer you get to the King’s Bridge, the scene changes again: Luke Goldsmith is a high quality jeweller, Kitch has a growing and deserved reputation for quality and gluten free food, and Sowley has a superb range of unique and creative gifts for everyone.

The Cathedral Quarter The ancient city.

Wonderful Tiny Tim’s Tearoom

St Peters Street The independent heart of the city.

The King’s Mile runs from the newly re-designed Northgate, down The Borough and Palace Street through to Guildhall Street. Bordering the Cathedral and Kings School, the range of businesses is unique in the city: Mr Miyagi’s Sushi Kitchen and Tamago offering Japanese cuisine, chocolatier Madame Oiseau, Crowther’s Oboe Shop... and further down Leonora’s Kitchen for coffee and cakes, jewellers Ortwin Thyssen and Justin Richardson for those special gifts. It is fabulous and well worth exploring beyond Posillipo at Mint Yard Gate. Take your time, pop in for a chat and get to know so many hidden gems.

where it all comes together

The Castle Quarter Where the city takes care of business.

Whitefriars Global brands right here, right now! The city’s newest shopping opportunity, Whitefriars has become the destination in east Kent for the brands everyone aspires to. Fenwick anchors the offer and, as the city’s premier department store, offers its own unique shopping experience; but there is so much more: Next, Seasalt, Tiger, White Stuff and Zara... the list goes on. With events throughout December – including the arrival of Father Christmas and the traditional Lord Mayor’s Carol Concert on Christmas Eve – Whitefriars has a great Christmas experience for the whole family. It is also the place for that perfect Christmas Dinner with the city’s largest food halls at Tesco and M&S.

We LOVE LOCAL and we know you do too. So what better way to combine the two than to download the FREE MyCanterbury app to discover great deals and offers right here in YOUR city? The MyCanterbury app is your essential guide to shopping, experiencing, eating, drinking and going out in our city this Christmas. www.mytownmycity.co.uk

Starting in St Margarets Street, the Castle Quarter takes in Castle Street, Watling Street, Stour Street and surrounding area. Just off the High Street, St Margarets Street has some great destinations for shoppers at Christmas, including Tiny Tim’s Tearoom for an afternoon treat, Waterstones and Simmonds jewellers, while The Canterbury Tales attraction is a year round favourite for adults and children alike. Then walk down Castle Street and the scene changes again: galleries like Stark and Lilford Framing, Vinylstore JR, Lady Penelope, great dining at Pinnochio's and, in Beercart Lane, the award winning Ambrette. And for a restoring pint, Limes Bar, the Three Tuns, the Foundry Brew pub and the Old Brewery Tavern are all handily placed!

Supported by

www.CanterburyBID.co.uk

@CanterburyBID 61

Great places to eat

[food & drink ]

The King’s Mile Canterbury's creative quarter.

[food & drink ]

The Lighthouse Bar Margate Harbour Arm Margate CT9 1AP 07980 727668.

Milo Bar & Eatery

THE SHOP, 1 DUKE STREET , MARGATE OLD TOWN, CT9 1EP

15 The Parade Town Centre Margate CT9 1EY

01843 231300 THESHOPMARGATE

Margate Art

6 Duke Street . CT9 1EP www.margateart.uk 01843 316042

FRESH WAFFLES WITH CHOCOLATE SAUCE LUXURY HOT CHOCOLATE

as youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never seen it before...

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

TAPAS, BRICK OVEN PIZZAS & PLATTERS FRESH COFFEES, TEAS, WINES, CIDERS & BEERS www.woodysmargate.co.uk | 01843 293768 Woodys

/woodys margate

1 6 T H E PA R A D E , M A R G AT E O L D T O W N

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[food & drink ]

ROAST

TURKEY TUR TU RKE

MADE SIMPLE BY RICHARD PHILLIPS

INGREDIENTS (SERVES 12)  1X 8K TURKEY  1X LARGE ONIONS  2X CARROTS  1X LEEK  4X FRESH BAY LEAF  2X SPRIGS OF THYME  10 X PEPPERCORNS FOR THE STUFFING  ½K OF GOOD QUALITY SAUSAGE MEAT  1X ONION (FINELY CHOPPED AND COOKED IN BUTTER WITHOUT COLOUR)  ½ X BUNCH IF CHOPPED SAGE  250G SOAKED AND CHOPPED APRICOTS  3 X EGG YOLKS  ½ BUNCH CHOPPED PARSLEY

To make the stuffing Heat a knob of butter in a pan, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, add the apricots and sage and cook for a further 2min until it releases its flavour, add the parsley and mix, allow to cool then add the sausage meat and egg yolks. Season to taste. 68

The turkey When buying your fresh turkey from your butcher ask them to remove the legs, wish bone and the under carriage so as to create a crown with the bird, and to bone out the legs. Making sure to keep all the bones for the sauce. Place the boned legs out onto a work surface place a piece of cling film over the top and with the base of your hand or meat bat, bat the leg out so it is all even. Remove the cling film season the legs with salt and pepper (celery salt is also very good to use) place the stuffing evenly down the centre of the legs. Roll it up so as to create a sausage effect, then wrap in tin foil very tight and twist the ends so that you have a tight sausage. Place into a steamer for around 15 min. allow to cool, (this can be done 1 or 2 days in advance) Fill up a large pan with water, add the diced onion, carrot, sliced leek, bay leaf, thyme and peppercorns and bring to the boil. Once boiled, plunge the turkey into the pan and blanch for 2 min per kilo, once blanched allow to cool, (this can also be done 1 or 2 days in advance). This process makes your bird far juicier and also cuts down on the cooking time.

RICHARD PHILLIPS With an early restaurant career starting off at London's famous Savoy Hotel, going on to work alongside the likes of the Roux Brothers at Le Gavroche and then becoming Head Chef for Marco Pierre White at The Criterion, Mirabelle and Les Saveurs, it's no wonder Richard Phillips had his own Michelin starred restaurant by the age of 29. Now a highly successful restaurateur in his own right, Richard had excellent grounding to prepare him for creating his own restaurant, having come from two years with the Schrager Hotel Group, putting together and directing teams in both the Sanderson Hotel and St Martin's Lane, the ﬁrst hotels owned by this group outside United States.

Roasting the turkey In a large roasting pan, heat up some duck fat, once hot but before it starts smoking, put the turkey in breast side down and colour the bird on all sides until golden. Remove from the pan add the bones from the legs colour, add 2 heads of garlic cut in half, 3 carrots peeled and left whole and a good handful of smoked bacon trimmings and colour. Place the bird on top of the bones and coloured vegetables. Place into a pre heated oven and cook for 1 .5 hours (until the juices run clear) ensuring to baste the turkey every 15min. After half an hour of cooking place the blanched legs into the roasting tray with the breast. Once cooked allow to rest for 20 min in a warm place before calving. Keep all the juices and bones. For the sauce Take the pan that the turkey was cooked in pour out all the excess fat, place back onto the heat, add 2 tablespoons of honey, some sage stalks, a small sprinkle of flour and around a pint of chicken stock (this can be brought at most good supermarkets in the fresh meat department). Bring to the boil skim, pass through a fine sieve, bring back to the boil reduce to the correct consistency add a knob of fresh butter and serve.

The Minnis Bay

[food & drink ]

Bar & Brasserie

Alfresco dining Stunning views of Minnis Bay Freshly brewed coďŹ&#x20AC;ee & teas Locally sourced, freshly prepared food Ice cream Great selection of local ales, international lagers and wines

The Parade, Birchington, Kent, CT7 9QP T: 01843 841844 - E: minnisbay@shepherd-neame.co.uk - W: www.theminnis.co.uk

[food & drink ]

ROYAL HARBOUR HOTEL TO HOST SECOND VEGAN POP UP FOLLOWING ITS POPULAR VEGAN POP UP EVENT HELD OVER THE SUMMER, THE EMPIRE ROOM RESTAURANT, LOCATED IN RAMSGATE’S AWARD-WINNING ROYAL HARBOUR HOTEL, IS TO HOST A VEGAN WEEKEND ON THE 6TH AND 7TH JANUARY. Guest vegan chefs and food bloggers Alexandra and Caroline Cadell will prepare the meat free (and largely fat free) feasts. Apart from being renowned for their vegan cookery, the pair are top food bloggers and founded ‘Food For Life, Italy’. The evenings begin at 6:30pm with a welcoming glass of prosecco. The sisters will then give a short introduction to veganism and will mix with diners during the meal, answering questions and giving cooking tips.

ingredients and hot and sour spices; a Chilli Sans Carne – a fat-free perennial favourite; or a Pasta dish featuring smoked aubergine with a Mediterranean sauce. The evening concludes with a winter Fruit Crumble or Torta Zucchini. The three course meal costs £20.

For starters, there is a choice of Bruschetta which offers intense Italian flavours with crispy ciabatta or a traditional Italian Ribollita, a hearty Tuscan warming soup perfect for cold January evenings.

“Our initial vegan pop up proved so popular, we have decided to revisit the format while our regular chef, Craig Mather, takes a well earned rest after what promises to be a busy festive period,” said hotel owner James, who added, “A number of our regular omnivorous customers also mentioned undertaking a meat-free detox regime in January – so this is an ideal opportunity to repeat the offering.”

The mains are a Potato and Chick Pea Chaat, combining vibrant Indian

Over the holiday period, Michelintrained chef Craig will be offering special

gourmet menus on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Food For Life, Italy runs group-based residential courses in rural Italy. The courses deals with people’s with unhealthy eating habits, teaching them how to cook` healthy, delicious food together, lose weight and stop “yoyo” dieting. Details at www.foodafterthought.com

[food & drink ]

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

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 & drink ]

LEE BEHAN

RICCIARELLI BISCUITS

(20-24 BISCUITS)

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.

Christmas, the perfect excuse to get baking and then offer up your freshly baked goods to friends and family as small gifts. These delicious biscuits from Sienna in Italy are both chewy and crunchy, and are perfect with a cup of tea or a glass of holy wine in the form of Vin Santo. Have a happy baking Christmas with these fantastic biscuits which all the family will love - Enjoy! INGREDIENTS:  250G GROUND ALMONDS  250G ICING SUGAR, PLUS EXTRA TO COAT  1/2 TSP BAKING POWDER  2 LARGE FREE-RANGE EGG WHITES  1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT  1 TSP VANILLA EXTRACT  ZEST OF 1 ORANGE  1/2 TSP CINNAMON

METHOD:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan

160°C/gas 4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff. Add the vanilla extract to the bowl of dry ingredients, then fold in the egg white using a metal spoon or spatula. Don’t worry too much about knocking the air out of the egg whites – the dough will feel a bit sticky and heavy.

2. Shape a walnut-size piece of the

dough into a ball, then roll in a shallow dish of icing sugar to coat.

Flatten the ball lightly in the palms of your hands, then pinch the sides into a rough diamond shape. Lay on a non-stick baking sheet, then repeat with the remaining dough. 3. Transfer to the oven and cook for 10-

15 minutes until the biscuits start to turn golden brown. Remove the tray from the oven.

4. Leave the ricciarelli to cool

completely on the tray (pick one up early and it will leave its base on the tray). Once cool, dust all over with icing sugar.

Showcasing the best that Kent has to offer TEL: (01843) 296808 contact@theoldkentmarket.com 8 Fort Hill @OldKentMarket /theoldkentmarket

Open 8am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday

FISH & BEER

37 Albion Street Broadstairs CT10 1NE 01843 863906

Broadstairs

Pop in for a drink, or stay for food cooked to order in our open kitchen. Regular live music. www.fishandbeerbroadstairs.com 73

[travel ]

INSIGHTS INTO ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA

JEN LOWTHROP TRAVELS TO THE CENTRAL AMERICAN NATION OF GUATEMALA TO EXPLORE ITS COLONIAL CAPITAL, ANTIGUA - A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE CITY, FILLED WITH COLOUR AND CHARM.

We arrive into Antigua, Guatemala in the early morning, our small bus trundling through the cobbled streets. We are sleepy from the long journey, but within moments of driving into this colourful city our senses are wide awake. The town doesn’t seem busy, but it does feel alive - the colours popping past us; yellow, pink, green, red, blue. Every building painted a different bright shade.

The oldest town in all of The Americas, Antigua is Guatemala’s capital and one of Central America’s most iconic cities - so we all instantly reach for our cameras, keen to start capturing this mesmerising metropolis, and desperate to leap out of the mini bus to photograph a place that is already drawing us in. Built in 1541 as the country’s capital, Antigua was the first city to have the American grid system most famously used in New York.

I always thought the simple navigation system found throughout North America was a clever design, created as a solution to the British struggle with roundabouts and winding roads, but in fact it was a 16th century Renaissance pattern that only was later copied across America. The city of Antigua lies 1500 metres above sea level in an earthquake-prone region and it was largely destroyed after a large earthquake in 1773, with only its main monuments preserved as ruins.

[travel ]

Though Guatemala City, the new capital, has become the political and economic centre for the country, it will never have the same cultural delights, colour and history that can be found in ancient Antigua. Antigua is a perfect mix of Mayan and Spanish charm, seeped in Colonial colour and architecture; from the famous yellow arch of Saint Catalina to the equally famous brightly painted walls, you can’t help but stop to photograph something every few yards. We start our tour by heading to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint, where the large crucifix devoted to the city’s patron saint overlooks the town below. The towering volcanoes shadow the city and lazy dogs sleep on the dry floor while tourists gather for pictures. We are soon itching to get back down into the vibrant town below and see more of the jumble of Mayan and Spanish cultures colliding. One of the original monuments to have survived that historic earthquake is the Capucinas Convent, which is half intact and half in ruins. The surviving part is home to a museum, but it is walking around the ruins that brings this building back to life - seeing the old bathing area and circular sleeping quarters each with their own privy. There is a stubby tower that was once the chimney for the kitchen below and you can peer down into a mysterious dungeon below. The convent is quiet and sitting by the fountain in the courtyard you can almost imagine the nuns walking silently through this colonial site.

After the tranquil convent we move to the noisiest part of the city: the Mercardo Central, or central market. Here your senses come alive, from the colourful fruit stalls to the bustling clothing stands. The market is split into three parts; the locals’ market where you can get anything from new clothes to appliances and furniture, the tourist art market where you can get your fill of Guatemalan homemade clothing, masks, paintings and crafts, and finally the indoor food market. The latter is a maze of small pathways and enticing hidden stalls; towering bags filled with spices, fresh fish piled on ice and rows upon rows of bright juicy fruits and vegetables all vie for my attention. There is something about foreign food markets that fill me with intrigue over what delicious local meal you could create with these new ingredients.

If you want to get away from the tourists and see life as a local then you only have to go as far as the bus station where loud exhausts and beeping horns create organised chaos, as drivers shout out the place names and people gather with bags, sacks, children and chickens ready to load onto the colourful buses. These ‘chicken buses’, as they are more commonly known, are old school buses painted in every colour under the sun and now used to transport locals and their odd assortment of belongings from one side of the country or city to another. If you want to experience Guatemala as a Guatemalan would, then travelling by chicken bus is the only way. But it is time to board my own bus and depart these cobbled streets, bright walls and colonial buildings, and I am still reaching for my camera as I leave the volcanic landscape, Mayan ruins and colonial buildings of Antigua behind me.

The different smells from sweetcorn husks grilled on a BBQ to corn tortillas topped with meat and beans draw me in and it isn’t long before my stomach is filled with different flavours and spices. If street food isn’t your thing then the chocolate in Guatemala most definitely should be. Choco Museo is both a museum and shop filled to the brim with locally sourced chocolate and cocoa products. Chocolate tea, Chocolate chilli, and chocolate sauces leave you salivating for this strong sweet treat. There are plenty of tasters to keep your taste buds happy whilst you decide what to buy and the friendly staff also offer chocolate workshops where you can create your own personalised chocolates.

Jen Lowthrop is a freelance travel writer and blogger with no fixed home, preferring to wander the world, one tasty treat or picture perfect view at a time. You can read more about Guatemala on her blog www.shegetsaround.co.uk.

[fashion ]

From the company that brought Santa’s Little Trolls to Folkestone

Fri 16 Dec 10am & 1.30pm / Sat 17 Dec 2.30pm / Sun 18 Dec 11am & 2.30pm / Mon 19 Dec 10am & 1.30pm / Tue 20 Dec 10am / Wed 21 Dec 10am / Thu 22 Dec 2.30pm / Friday 23 Dec 11am & 2.30pm / Sat 24 Dec 11am & 2.30pm Adults £8 / Children £7 / Family £27 (2 adults, 2 children) / Schools £5 (per pupil) Ages 3+ www.quarterhouse.co.uk 76

01303 760750

[fashion ]

AUTOGRAPH COAT: £169 AUTOGRAPH TOP: £69

AUTOGRAPH JUMPER: £25

AUTOGRAPH TROUSER: £59

M&S COLLECTION SHOE: £29.5 AUTOGRAPH BAG: £99

Available from Marks and Spencer in St George's Street, Canterbury.

[fashion ]

PER UNA JACKET: £89

LIMITED EDITION JUMPER: £29.50 PER UNA SKIRT: £49.50

M&S COLLECTION SHOE: £29.50 M&S COLLECTION BAG: £35

Available from Marks and Spencer in St George's Street, Canterbury.

[fashion ]

EMBELLISHED MAXI DRESS: £85 GHILLY SANDALS: £35 RINGS: £8.50

Available from Next in Whitefriars Square, Canterbury.

[fashion ] VELVET BODYCON DRESS: £48 BAG: £28

GHILLY SANDALS: £35 Available from Next in

Whitefriars Square, Canterbury.

[fashion ]

GAYLE ASYMMETRIC

SEQUIN BLOUSE: £69 ERICA JACQUARD TROUSERS: £75

Available from Phase Eight in Marlowe Arcade, Canterbury.

[fashion ] BELLUCI SEQUIN BOMBER: £120

AMALIA EMBELLISHED TROUSER: £79

Available from Phase

Eight in Marlowe Arcade, Canterbury.

[fashion ]

FLORENCE PRINT

MAXI DRESS: Â£129

Available from Monsoon in Whitefriars Street, Canterbury.

[fashion ]

BLYTHE DEVORE PRINT MIDI DRESS: Â£129

Available from Monsoon in Whitefriars Street, Canterbury.

[fashion ] ASYMMETRIC SWEATER: £19.99 MIDI SKIRT: £49.99

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[health & beauty ]

TANNING THE SAFE WAY

BY JANINE KNELL, PURE INDULGENCE BY THE SEA DOES A SPRAY TAN TERRIFY YOU? DOES IT CONJURE UP THOUGHTS AND IMAGES OF BEING A STRANGE ORANGE COLOUR? PERHAPS YOU’VE HAD A SPRAY TAN BEFORE AND DIDN’T LIKE THE OUTCOME? At PURE we pride ourselves with the quality of products we use, ensuring our clients get the best results from their treatment. We also get asked a lot of questions about our spray tans, so to put your mind at ease, we’re sharing our answers to the most commonly asked questions for you.

TANNING FAQ’S Will I go orange? Using only St Tropez products we can guarantee that you won’t go orange. This product mimics your natural colouring so everyone tans to their own natural colour. We use a pure solution, not watered down.

How long will it last? If you moisturise frequently your tan should last for up to a week.

Can I still achieve a natural tan? Yes, absolutely!

Do I still have to use an SPF in the sun? Yes you MUST use an SPF and apply as regularly as you normally would.

[feature ]

PRECIOUS

KENT

For the third year members of Precious Kent are showing their exclusive work at Margate’s Pie Factory. While this group of thirteen international award-winning jewellery designer/makers and silversmiths are based in Kent, their individual work is featured in many other countries as well as in galleries throughout the United Kingdom. From Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th December you can meet these makers at the Pie Factory, speak with them about their work, commission something special, treat yourself or spoil someone on your Christmas list. East Kent Lifestyle took the opportunity to find out about the makers who will be offering their stunning wares this year.

Ray Walton

Kayo Saito

Penny Davis

Polly Gaston

Stuart Jenkins

Penny Davis draws inspiration from the ideas of space and volume, creating clean contemporary jewellery with a geometric twist. With the use of enamel, she adds both colour and contrast to make completely unique pieces.

Polly works exclusively in 22ct gold. She is passionate about the metal, and her work is greatly influenced by the art and materials of the ancient goldsmiths. Her work is contemporary and ultimately wearable.

Shelby Fitzpatrick

Ulla Hornfeldt

Stuart Jenkins creates silverware and jewellery, contrast is used to create a visual palette, rough with smooth, black with white, the silver becomes a painterly and sculptural material, where surfaces retain all evidence of the creative act.

Shelby’s 2016 collection of Perspex jewellery speaks to Youth, Optimism and a sense of Fun. New technology and the great range of colours offer an irresistible palate for creativity.

Bold and sculptural jewellery built around stones with striking pattern and unusual colour combinations. Each piece is honest, classic and makes you feel good.

Ulli Kaiser Ulli creates jewellery that invites to touch – organic shapes in silver and gold, soft and feminine. Gemstones, pearls and antique glass beads are

[feature]

Ulla Hornfeldt

crocheted into lariats. An array of rich, harmonious colours are sure to make you smile.

Sabine Konig Creates bold and striking precious metal jewellery in silver/18ct gold using vibrant unusual gemstones. By combining brushed silver with matt onyx or Freshwater pearls, Sabine creates classic pieces with a modern twist.

Joan MacKarell In her work Joan likes to push boundaries using the medium of enamel - glass fused to metal. She frequently combines semi-precious stones with satin-finished enamel producing unique silver jewellery, boxes and vessels"

Polly Gaston

continues to explore in innovative and exciting ways.

Ray Walton I have always thought of myself as purely a silversmith, however, for the first time in my career (of over 35 years ) I am showing a collection of oneoff chased jewellery alongside some larger scale silversmithing work. The change in scale has been an exciting experience." Precious Kent is pleased to welcome the Goldsmiths’ Centre, who will demonstrate and explain their preapprentice scheme to prospective students.

Kayo Saito Kayo Saito’s unique sculptural jewellery is a hybrid of Japanese and European aesthetics and techniques. Her visionary style turns jewellery into an art form. She uses her exquisite goldsmith skills to create organic forms of great subtlety, forged from 18ct gold.

Ulli Kaiser

Olivia Schlevogt Olivia Schlevogt specializes in the technique of fusing gold and silver, a delicate and precise process which she

Joan MacKarell

Olivia Schlevogt

Stuart Jenkins

Shelby Fitzpatrick

Sabine Konig GOLDSMITHS’ CENTRE The London based Goldsmiths Centre Foundation Programme is for people aged 16 to 19 years who want to work and learn skills with precious metals. It is the only UK jewellery and silversmithing provider combining vocational traditional skills with modern cutting-edge technology. The 10 students will have an unique, free, one year's training from Master Craftspeople. Areas covered will be fine jewellery, stone setting, silversmithing, engraving and enamelling. An emphasis will also be placed on design and drawing skills and computer aided design [CAD]. On graduating the students will be helped to join an apprenticeship scheme, find a job or go on to further or higher educational courses. For further information see www.goldsmithscentre.org/ professionaltraining/foundationprogramme During the Precious Kent exhibition parents and students will have a valuable opportunity to view work and discuss the course with tutors and students. Two of the tutors, Ray Walton, silversmith, and Joan Mac Karell, enameller, are also exhibitors in the show. 89

RAMSGATE'S HIDDEN GEM

MMP are Chartered Certified Accountants situated in Broadstairs. We are well placed to provide expert knowledge and friendly advice for businesses and individuals.

SERVICES IN BROADSTAIRS • Accounts

• Financial Planning

• Audit

• Payroll and PAYE

• Business Tax

• Self Assessment

• Exit and Succession Planning

• VAT

The Falstaff sits proudly at the heart of Ramsgate’s historic Addington Street, a boutique hotel with just eight luxurious rooms and two spacious apartments. The lively restaurant serves food with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. The bar offers carefully selected drinks and plenty of atmosphere. There is also a deli, where coffee and sandwiches are lovingly made. Contact us for more information on Christmas functions, hotel packages, and seasonal menus.

OPENING HOURS: Mondays to Thursdays: 9am to 5pm Fridays: 8:30am to 4pm Weekends: Closed Broadstairs Business Centre 64 High Street Broadstairs Kent CT10 1JT

Phone: 01843 608081 Email: ian@mmpaudit.co.uk

www.mmpaudit.co.uk

16-18 ADDLINGTON STREET, RAMSGATE CT11 9JJ 01843 482600 | thefalstafframsgate.com

HOTEL • RESTAURANT • BAR • DELI FUNCTION ROOM • SECLUDED COURTYARD

HAIRSTYLIST

since 1972

MALCOLMS 91 High Street | Broadstairs | Kent

Modern & Traditional Men’s Hairstyling Appointments Optional

01843 865230 / 864256 90

[health & beauty ]

FELLA'S GUIDE TO THE

[ HAIR & STYLING TIPS ]

PERFECT SHAVE BY BOBBY GORDON OF FELLA

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

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.

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

DEEP CLEANSE

After passing the razor over the face you will usually be left with remnants of shaving soap/gel/cream, as well as 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 91

[education ]

INTRODUCING CANTERBURY STEINER SCHOOL: AN EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION THAT LASTS FOR LIFE Every parent wants the best education for their child, but what does that actually mean today?

understanding and personality matures over

curiosity and something equally valuable: a solid

time. Canterbury Steiner School provides a rich

understanding of themselves and their place in

spectrum of subjects with none being taught

the world that will equip them for life.

in isolation. The pupils’ imagination as well as their social and practical skills are developed

Founded in 1976, Canterbury Steiner School

and challenged as they explore what they learn

has a strong ethos. We place a huge emphasis

through artistic and practical means interwoven

on caring, creativity, and critical thinking both

with academic methods. As recent advances

in the school and the community. We provide

in learning theory suggests, this more holistic

an alternative to the current emphasis on

approach results in children being more engaged

league tables, on techniques for passing tests,

and generates a deeper level of understanding.

on tick-box knowledge at the expense of real understanding.

The principles of Canterbury Steiner School

At Canterbury Steiner School we celebrate

do not change to suit whatever policy is

personal strengths and differences and foster

We warmly welcome you to come and meet

currently in favour. We are proud to be one

an atmosphere where pupils develop respect for

us in order to find out more.

of over 1800 Steiner Schools worldwide with

each other and can discover – and realise - their

an internationally recognised curriculum that

own full potential.

enables children to be both secure and healthily challenged. Our students develop into self-

It is no accident that Steiner pupils are regarded

confident and well-rounded individuals, ready to

as articulate, adaptable thinkers and problem

face life’s challenges and to achieve success in

solvers. As they grow and change (and they will!)

whatever path they take.

they will follow a curriculum designed to nurture their natural curiosity and promote a lifelong love

OUR NEXT OPEN TOUR DATES: • • • • • •

Friday 9th December 2016 Wednesday 18th January 2017 Friday 3rd February 2017 Friday 24th February 2017 Friday 10th March 2017 Friday 24th March 2017

There are three broad phases in Steiner

of learning. Not only will they form convictions,

education: kindergarten, lower school and

they will articulate them and carry them into the

If you would like to arrange a tour on an

upper school. Teaching at each level takes

world, too. As young adults, our older pupils

alternative date we will do our best to

account of the ways in which a young person’s

have a depth of knowledge, a keen intellectual

accommodate you.

Garlinge Green, Chartham, Canterbury, Kent CT4 5RU tours@canterburysteiner.co.uk 01227 738 285 93

[education ]

ST LAWRENCE COLLEGE, RAMSGATE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Do pupils follow the National Curriculum?

Yes, the school follows the National Curriculum, but is able to offer so much more besides, without any government red-tape and restrictions. Teachers have far more freedom to expand on topics. Are pupils able to sit the 11+ Kent Test? Yes, and with great results. Some pupils leave the Junior School at the end of Year 6 to move onto grammar school, but many choose to stay and are often successful in obtaining a Senior School scholarship which qualifies them for reduced fees.

What are the advantages of a private school? A private school, often referred to as an ‘independent’ school, charges fees to attend and is run independently in its finances and governance, with the freedom to operate outside government regulations.

My child did not attend the Junior School – will they be at a disadvantage joining Year 7? Certainly not – in September 2016, 65% of Year 7 pupils joined from many other schools across East Kent. Our

Junior School pupils and those new to the school are mixed up and many new friendships are quickly formed. How large is the School? The Junior School is primarily a local day school with its own Nursery - there are 200 pupils from 3 to 11 years. The Senior School has 400 pupils, roughly split 50:50 between day and boarding. Numbers are capped and there are waiting lists for many year groups due to the school’s growing popularity. How much are the fees? Day fees start at £37 per day in the Nursery, less KCC funding for eligible children. In Reception fees start at £2,420 per term, rising to £4,667 per term in Year 7 (three terms per year). Payment plans can be arranged, eg monthly direct debit schemes, and scholarships and bursaries are available. Find out more at www.slcuk.com

Co-educational, Co-educational,day day&&boarding boardingschool schoolfor for3-18 3-18years yearsininSouth SouthEast EastEngland England

With small class sizes and exceptional facilities, St Lawrence College provides outstanding opportunities for all pupils academically, in sport and in the arts.

11+ Scholarship Day for entry into Year 7 in 2017: Thursday 17 November 2016 T: 01843 572931

E: admissions@slcuk.com

www.slcuk.com

St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE

[education ]

An outstanding school for boys and girls aged 3-18 Set in an idyllic campus, Kent College provides an individual approach to education accompanied by excellent pastoral care. Come and see for yourself Senior School Open Morning: 1st October 9.00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12.30pm Sixth Form Open Evening 4th October 6.00pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 8.00pm

Find out more at KENTCOLLEGE.COM

Where excellence is a habit! 95

[what's occurring ]

occurring November & December

Monday 7th Nov – Monday 2nd Jan White Cliffs Christmas @ Port of Dover

Come along to the Port of Dover's impressive Cruise Terminal 1 building (the former Dover Marine Station at Western Docks) from Monday 7 November 2016 to Monday 2 January 2017 when it will be will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland with a 'real ice' Ice Rink. There will also be a Christmas market from Friday-Sunday leading up to Christmas, festive family activities and workshops, food & drink and festive music For more info: Call 01304 240 400

Saturday 26th November – Saturday 24th December Canterbury Christmas Market @ Whitefriars Shopping Centre, Canterbury This year’s Whitefriars Christmas Market features over 40 colourful cabins selling seasonal produce, gifts, decorations, and food and drink, in addition to our 60+ top brand stores. This year includes a new food court, so you can all enjoy your choice of scrummy Christmas goodies together. From: 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday (later on 21/22/23 December) and 10am to 5pm Sundays.

Saturday 26th November Festive Family Fun Day @ Ashford Town Centre

From: Midday – 6pm Price: £1 online, £3 on the door – Free entry for members and under 8’s For tickets go to www.dreamland.co.uk

Thursday 8th December Chas ‘n’ Dave @ Margate Winter Gardens Still selling out theatres all over the UK following on from their hit album ‘That’s What Happens” on Warner Brothers Records, Chas ‘n’ Dave head ‘Down to Margate’ For Christmas. Over the past two years they have headlined The Royal Variety Show, sold out The Royal Albert Hall, performed an arena tour with Status Quo, and performed at the VE Day Concert which was televised on BBC TV. Chas & Dave know how to give an audience a good time. They will be performing all the hits that made this Cockney duo famous, such as ’Gertcha’ ‘The Sideboard Song’ ‘Rabbit’ ‘Ain’t No Pleasin’ You’ and of course, “Margate” ‘MARGATE’ etc.

Why not pop along to Ashford's biggest festive celebration right in the heart of the town centre?

From: 7.30pm

Meet Father Christmas in his grotto in Park Mall plus enjoy fabulous music and entertainment on the bandstand throughout the day. Pick up unique Christmas gift ideas from various stores across the town centre and collect an entry form to take part in the Healthy High Street 'Win a Window' competition.

Thursday 9th December

Don't miss out on the festive fun from 10am and watch the town centre lights come on as the evening starts to draw in. Free admission all day

Saturday 3rd December Dreamland Vintage Market @ Dreamland, Margate Roll up, roll up for the first Dreamland Vintage Market! There will be a characterful bunch of traders to inspire and excite your treasure-hunting tendencies, selling all things kitsch, retro, funky and fun for all your delight.

So bring a big bag on wheels, a strong armed companion and some well-honed bartering skills and perhaps even rock your vintage look and join us for the very first Dreamland Vintage Market undercover!

Tickets: from £27.50 call 01843 292795 for box office or visit www.margatewintergardens.co.uk

Christmas Masquerade Ball @ Eastwell Manor, nr Ashford A black tie and evening dress event for those who want to experience a sophisticated festive celebration with family, friends and colleagues. The evening commences at 7pm with a champagne and canape reception in the Great Hall followed by the Head Chef's special four course menu with coffee and petits fours. After dinner, enjoy dancing to the resident live band in the Great Hall or relax in the lounge or Manor Cocktail Bar for some convival conversation. The perfect start to the festive season; the ball finishes at midnight. Price: £95 call 01233 213020 for more details

[what's occurring ]

Monday December 12th Russell Brand EXPOSED @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone What is real? Who are we? What is the solution? And where did this baby come from? In Russell Brand EXPOSED the controversial comic explores these themes along with media, politics, sex, fatherhood and death. See one of Britain’s most successful and controversial entertainers in full flow in Folkestone this December. From: 7.30pm Tickets: From £31.65 available at www.atgtickets.com

December & January

Sunday 18th December Jason Donovan @ Margate Winter Gardens Due to phenomenal demand, Jason Donovan has announced a brand new date for this coming December which will conclude his sold-out 33-date spring Ten Good Reasons and Greatest Hits Tour, and lucky for us East Kent dwellers, the Aussie pop superstar has chosen the Margate Winter Gardens! Jason returns once more to his pop roots to celebrate not only Christmas but his 1989 five x platinum debut album. Relive your youth this December with Jason Donovan at the Margate Winter Gardens. Doors open 7pm Tickets from £29.50 available at www.atgtickets.co.uk or call 01843 292795

Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th December Santa Specials @ Kent & East Sussex Railway, Tenterden Railway Station Enjoy a magical steam train journey to meet Santa this Christmas with these popular Santa Special trains. On board the festively decorated steam trains, you'll meet santa during the 1 hour 10 minutes return journey to the "North Pole". Look out for his elf helpers with their sacks full of lovely presents - every child receives an age appropriate gift from Santa himself whilst teenagers (13 to 15) receive a box of festive chocolates. Everyone receives complimentary refreshments too - a mince pie and choice of soft or alcoholic drink for adults and a soft drink and chocolate bar for children. If you want a more private experience, there are Standard Class Family Compartments (available for up to 8 people) or, for an extra special experience, our First Class Family Compartments (which can accommodate up to 6) offer

larger seats, enhanced refreshments and individually named presents from Santa for each child. Back at the station, the fun continues where there is a beautiful Victorian carousel and a Giant Snow Globe where you can pose for a family photograph, and receive a free colour photograph as a memento of your special day. The station’s licensed restaurant will be serving Christmas lunches and other tempting dishes whilst the BBQ will be producing delicious hotdogs and burgers. Prices from £17 available at www.kesr.org.uk/tickets/santaspecials or call 01580 765155

Saturday 31st December – Sunday 1st January New Year Gala Dinner Dance @ Canterbury Cathedral Lodge See 2017 in in style. Enjoy champagne and canapés on arrival, a 5-course gala dinner, DJ and live music, followed by champagne and a Scottish piper at midnight. This event is strictly black tie and starts at 7pm with drinks. Carriages are at 1am. For those of you who fancy extending your revelry, why not stay overnight and enjoy the Cathedral and City at New Year? The Lodge is offering a two night package, on either the 30th & 31st December or 31st December & 1st January, with a late brunch on New Year’s Day. Price: £99.95 (Gala Dinner Dance only) £450 per double or twin room for double occupancy* £330 per double room for single occupancy* *includes Gala Dinner For more info call 01227 86535

Wednesday 18th January An Evening with Aggers & Tuffers @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone From the last home Ashes series in 2013, Evenings with Aggers have been delighting audiences all over the country. Now, following in the footsteps of Geoffrey Boycott, Sunil Gavaskar and Graeme Swann, Phil Tufnell teams up with his TMS colleague for a series of shows. Tuffers was the Bad Boy of English cricket in the 1990s, but the best spinner - left-arm or otherwise - as well. He was known as The Cat because of his love of dressing-room naps and, rarely seen without a beer and a fag, Tufnell has always been something of a folk hero. Since retiring, he has carved out a successful TV career, appearing in reality shows such as I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and Strictly Come Dancing and he is Matt Dawson’s opposing team captain of BBC’s long-running series, A Question of Sport. The event is being run in aid of the Professional Cricketers Association and we are raising money from the evening which will go to the organisation’s Benevolent Fund. From: 7.30pm Tickets: From £26.25 available from www.atgtickets.co.uk

[east kent business ]

RICHARD STAFFORD

One of the best-known figures in the region’s commercial property sector has set up his own business more than 30 years after he settled in the county. EK Lifestyle caught up with Richard Stafford to find out more… What does Stafford Perkins do? Stafford Perkins (www.staffordperkins. co.uk) is a firm of Chartered Surveyors dealing with all aspects of commercial property. We have a strong core of managed property which we look after on behalf of individual investor clients, dealing with all aspects of the day to day management. This

OWNER OF STAFFORD PERKINS CHARTERED SURVEYORS, ASHFORD

involves going out and acquiring the investment property in the first instance to running the premises, replacing tenants, renewing leases and dealing with any problems. We have an agency department handling the sale and letting of commercial properties in the Ashford area. We deal with all types of commercial property from new industrial warehouse developments to period High Street shops. We also provide valuations and deal with lease renewals and rent reviews. We can offer advice on local planning matters and make change of use planning applications where required.

What gives your business the ‘X’ Factor? I’ve been working in Ashford since 1985, firstly for Geering & Colyer and Colyer Commercial and more recently with Taylor Riley Stafford and I feel that during this ‘apprenticeship period’

I’ve established a good rapport with a vast number of clients and have a reputation for going that extra mile for all my clients, be they large or small.

What motivated you to set up in business and what do you like most about working for a start-up? The time was right for me to set out my own vision of what a modern commercial property consultancy should be. I also thought that as I’m still nearer to 50 than 60, now is the time to do it! The company is barely a month old but I suppose the sense of total freedom and answering to nobody other than myself is appealing. However I see the start-up process as merely the beginning of a far longer journey.

What has been your greatest business success to date? It is early days but it has been encouraging to have the backing of over 90% of my established clients. However my work has been recognised nationally – Estates Gazette recognised me as a top deal maker in Kent for four years running from 2012 to 2015.

In terms of business achievements where do you want to be in the next five years? To continue providing a first class service for my clients but I would hope that in five years I have a number of staff on board assisting me in this goal.

What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business? I’ve always been a firm believer that if you have a sound idea and business plan then you are the best person to implement it rather than somebody else. 98

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