Maidstone Medway Magazine May 2012

mmm Maidstone, Medway Magazine

Issue 4, May 2012 Complimentary

MYSTERY

Is the secret of Lord Lucan buried in a Kent grave?

FITNESS

Inspirational seniors show the rest of us it’s never too late to visit the gym

A PRIMAL EXPERIENCE

From Primal Scream to Bob Dylan, Suede to Steps, festival season is upon us

n Weddings n Fashion n Health and beauty n Entertainment n And much, much more

mmm x

mmm X

MINT VELVET Lace 3/4 Sleeve Dress, £119

6 mmm

Welcome to No64 at the Joiners, an all new luxury boutique hotel

The first floor of The Joiners Arms has been completely overhauled, the result is four fantastic luxury boutique hotel rooms.

Inspired by sophisticated interior design and French elegance, the hotel will bring an offering of luxury accommodation in Kent, in the small but thriving market town of West Malling.

No64 The Joiners, 64 High Street, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6LU - 01732 871 386

www.no64thejoiners.co.uk info@no64thejoiners.co.uk

mmm 7

Welcome

May Day has been considered a festival for hundreds of years.

Today it may not have the same meaning it did to our ancestors, but one thing is for sure, come rain or shine May is the start of festival season.

As the warmer days stretch into longer nights people all over the country come together in fields to enjoy live music under the sun.

With this in mind we’re taking a look at some of the key music events taking place in our area this summer. Whether you want youthful pop acts, indie classics or long-successful legends, there’s something for everyone just a hop, skip and a jump from your door.

On the subject of exercise, this month we’ve met some super seniors who prove to the rest of us it’s never too late to keep yourself fit and healthy. Our particular favourite is Barry. Just about to celebrate his 82nd birthday, he’s an inspirational reminder of why age is not a barrier.

Also, mmm is growing this issue, as we’re pleased to welcome a new fitness columnist and travel editor to offer even more to you, our readers.

Happy May Day,

mmm

mmm mmm Maidstone, Medway Magazine Issue 2, March 2012 Complimentary

Maidstone, M

edway Magaz ine

Issue 3, April 2012 Complimentary

Easter Fin d the ORY HIST perfe

Bond Perfect beauty Bloom

ct NEEDS WHO pre sents ROYALTY WHEN YOU’VE GOT rin?g STARS FILMSp Fashions, fitn ess , VEL TRA gardens, OR CITY BREAK get ISE ou t ISLAND? PARAD and enjoy E IS YOURS THE CHOIC the sun

MOTHERS’ DAY OUR GIFT GUIDE IS SURE TO INSPIRE

Gemma Arterton’s much more than 007’s girlfriend

From a MiddleWeddings Fashion earthHealth and beauty elf to Paris of Tro Orlando’s been y, it all Weddings

Fashion

Health and beau

ty

Entertainment

Entertainmen

t

And much, much more

And much, muc

h more

11

42

28

mmm

MMM Media Ltd White Cottage 13 Ashford Road Maidstone ME14 5DA Tel: 01622 299035 editorial@mmm-media.com sales@mmm-media.com

11 Festival season

Whether you’re looking to come together for Primal Scream, or prefer blowin in the wind with Bob Dylan, a whole host of talented musicians are lined up to play in a festival near you.

19 Fashion

Publisher Rasa Dregva

From bright, bold summer colours to cheer you, to what’s cool for comfort and style at the festival, we’re

Editor Tom White

Travel Editor Tricia Lester

Production Michael Pilcher Design Maggie Ashton Sarah Ellis Sales Hannah Duffy Accounts Kerry Head

Photography Harry Bristow (Mid Kent College) IT Tim Bassett

Further contribution Evelina Webster

47

26

here to ensure you look great as you prepare for the summer.

31 Travel

Explore somewhere different, from fashionable Florence to the remote beauty of Patagonia and beyond.

39 Weddings

All you need is love, but when it comes to ensuring your big day truly is the best day of your life there’s a little more to it. This month we focus on the extra details of your outfit that can help to set off your dress and highlight your beauty - accessories.

42 Food

Two great recipes to tempt your tastebuds and impress your dinner guests. You’ll be amazed at how easy they are too.

32

64

78

76

47 History

74

The mystery of Lord Lucan’s disappearance has fascinated people for almost 40 years, but could we be closer to the truth than we realise?

80

53 Homes

Not only are we helping you to find your dream home, but once you’ve moved in you’ll want to relax.

Enjoy sweet dreams in your new home when you make the most of beautiful bedding in a lovely new bed,

take a peak at our homes pages to find out more.

73 Events

24

From a night at the theatre, to a charity fundraiser.

We also take a look at the latest gadgets, business successes and some very good sports.

All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. © MMM Media Ltd 2012

All the fun of the festival As the sun battles to escape the clouds, it’s time to turn our thoughts to the summer and all the outdoor possibilities that brings. Tom White takes a look at the music festivals taking place here on our doorstep.

N

o more than about 20 years ago your choice when it came to music festivals was pretty straight forward.

There was Reading for a cuttingedge line-up and Glastonbury for a more lifestyle experience. Oh, and for the world music brigade there was Womad.

Tickets for a weekend would set you back around £50 and you took your life into your hands when it came to food and the latrines.

Today, of course, much has changed. Granted, the toilets remain an horrendous experience for all but those familiar with the most rudimentary cesspit, but the festival has exploded into

a mass-market phenomenon.

No longer the preserve of the student, for whom personal hygiene and pleasant bathrooms are a mere concept rather than day-to-day reality, there is now a festival for everyone.

What’s more, prepare to have the better part of £200 extracted from your bank account to be allowed access into a venue where the phrase ‘competitively priced’ is not part of the every day language of food and drink sellers within.

But despite the checking of some of life’s little luxuries at the gates, the music festival provides an experience unlike any other; a genuine opportunity to leave regular life in the car park and exchange it for a

weekend of music and outdoor living. Coupled, of course, with copious opportunities to enjoy a drink or five.

And, if you want to spend a little more, then you can enter the world of glamping – where a premium price brings you such delights as flushing toilets, showers, exclusive bars and even tents where mattresses come as standard.

Last year, the festival marketplace was crowded and delivered some truly memorable moments.

For 2012, the Jubilee and Olympics add extra dates to the calendar while Glastonbury takes a break as farmer Michael Eavis gives his fields a chance a

12 mmm

a to recover from the trampling of 177,000 folk.

Whether your musical taste is planted in the past or present, your preference for a festival big or small, 2012 may prove to be the pinnacle of a remarkable explosion in the marketplace.

But surely the most surprising thing is that Kent – a country which just 20 years ago was a music venue backwater which sat deep

in the cold dark shade of London – is at the very heart of it.

It may not lay claim to one of the major festivals showcasing the cream of modern acts – the nearby V Festival, just over the bridge at Chelmsford satisfies that urge – but this summer it features a fascinating spread of events which truly promise a little something for everyone.

Undoubtedly the biggest is the

Hop Farm Festival. Staged at the Paddock Wood tourist spot, it catapulted itself into the big time last year with a powerful line-up which includes The Eagles, Morrissey and, in what was his first ever UK festival show, Prince.

His Sunday night festival slot generated so many positive headlines, some would argue the Hop Farm’s star almost dazzled all others.

mmm 13

Kent had not seen such a focus of attention since Madonna headlined Radio 1’s Big Weekend at Maidstone’s Mote Park in 2008.

This year, it has continued with the legendary theme – Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel and Suede will headline – while there will be a supporting cast of everyone from Primal Scream to Bruce Forsyth, who will swap the studio comforts of Strictly Come Dancing for the boards of his first ever festival appearance.

In addition, there will be sets from the likes of Primal Scream, Damien Rice and Patti Smith.

The man behind the Hop Farm Festival is Irishman Vince Power.

He made his fortune with the Mean Fiddler Group – which began with the Mean Fiddler venues in Harlesden and saw him end up owning and running a host of London’s hottest live music outlets.

He became heavily involved in the likes of Reading and Glastonbury in the early 1990s, turning their fortunes around, and was behind the shortlived Phoenix Festival in the Midlands.

Eventually selling his empire for £85m in 2005, he admitted “my phone stopped ringing” and due to a clause in his contract he was unable to operate festivals ina

Last year the Hop Farm truly put itself on the map, with performances from The Eagles, Prince and Morrissey, and this year it is certain to keep that momentum going.

However, the Hop Farm is not the only festival in the area. Billy Ocean is booked to perform at one of the popular Castle Concerts in Rochester.

a the UK for a number of years.

He set out to rebuild an empire – and today he presides over Spain’s Benicassim, the reborn Irish event in London, the Feis Festival, and, of course, the Hop Farm Festival.

“I’m very happy with the bill,” Power says, “we have yet again put together a unique bill of acts you’re not going to see repeated everywhere else.

“Bob Dylan is someone I’ve worked with before and I would put on stage at every event I organise if I could.

“We have some true legends including Patti Smith and Randy Crawford and I think that’s what music fans look for, a well thought out bill which is the best value festival this year.”

Once again, Power is capitalising on a ‘no sponsorship, no branding’ ethos – vowing to deliver the same festival experience, built around the quality of music to everyone who passes through the gates.

In August, the Hop Farm hosts the One Love reggae and dub festival, while Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen will be performing at the venue in September.

And there are yet more legends heading into the area this summer as Medway a

mmm 15

Hop Farm pictures: Kate Booker

16 mmm

a gets into the spirit of summer.

The Main Event One (ME1) festival takes place on July 28 across a variety of stages in Rochester. Headlining, in Jubilee year, is John Lydon – the former Sex Pistols singer – who brings his Public Image Limited to the castle’s grounds, supported by Leeds favourites The Wedding Present.

Organisers hope to see the event grow over coming years – to two days in 2013 and three the year after. It could prove one to watch.

Not that Medway is devoid of big names this summer.

The popular annual Castle Concerts series returns with back-to-back shows from the likes of reformed pop act Steps, soul legend Alexander O’Neal and Billy Ocean; Jools Holland; and the more refined sounds of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

In Canterbury in early June, Merton Farm will move its livestock to one side for a weekend as Lounge on the Farm returns.

Having ironed out issues with local authorities, it has a new licence and plays host to the likes of fast-rising Emeli Sande, The Wombats, The Charlatans and Chic.

It attracts a far younger audience but plays heavily on its local roots –

putting almost as much focus on its locally produced food and drink on sale as its music – it too is after the family festival goer.

But whatever your age, the summer of 2012 will be remembered, in addition to the likes of Euro 2012, the Olympic Games and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, as laying out a remarkable series of musical treats for all ages. mmm

Primal Scream will play at the Hop Farm, while reformed pop group Steps are headed to Rochester Castle.

n The Hop Farm Festival, Paddock Wood, June 29-July 1 n Lounge on the Farm, Canterbury, July 6-8 n Main Event One, Rochester, July 28 n Castle Concerts, Rochester, July 18-21 n One Love Festival, Paddock Wood, August 10-12

18 mmm

182-184 Rainham Road, Chatham, Kent ME5 7EN Tel: 01634 572162 timmychambers@hotmail.com

FREE DELIVERY THROUGHOUT KENT

The Aqualisa Rise

Fitted Furniture a Showers a Taps a Radiators a Heating & Plumbing Materials a

Find your perfect

Oasis

mmm fashion

n Fashions fit for the fields of the festival

n Look and feel beautiful with our beauty tips n You’re never too old to keep your fitness up

To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

20 mmm

Lemon and nude Pleat dress £60, Next

It’s time to celebrate all that’s bright and beautiful about the summer, and at Fremlin Walk you’ll find everything you need, from on-trend trousers and suit-every-shape skirts, to the coolest new season bags, shoes and accessories.

At Next, romantic tea dresses, soft tailoring and embellished knits in cool pastel shades are paired with “must have” strappy wedge heel sandals. In contrast, bold tribal prints evoke the charms of an exotic island paradise Skirts have taken a ladylike turn with many flattering styles to choose from. A statement pleated maxi skirt, paired with a silk vest from Pied a Terre at House of Fraser can be edged up from day to night by swapping a pair of colourful wedges for killer metallic colour block heels from Office.

At Zara, a pencil skirt with a frill will enhance curves, or try a wrap-over style for flattering tummies.

If you prefer to keep your legs covered, this season’s trousers work with anything. Old blue denim has moved over to make way for the new colour style jeans, why not smarten up a bright aqua green or coral pair with a tailored navy jacket as seen recently on Kate Middleton.

Whether tailored, cropped or loose leg, there is a style out there to suit you, so forget the work look and be dare to be bold.

Jaine Rees

Bright and beautiful Mint embellished sweater £25, Next

Pencil skirt with frill £39.99, Zara

Pastel wedges £45, Next

Kinetic strappy metallic heels £65, Office

mmm 21

Pastel skinny belt £12, Next Purple & green clutch bag £35, Next

Tropical print shift dress £35, Next

Wedge shoes, £60 Office

Coral and white silk vest £79, Coral pleated midi skirt £99, Coral ‘Palermo’ satchel £185, Natural ‘Ateeka’ courts £150 all Pied a Terre at House of Fraser Miso Skinny green jeans £30, Republic

Colour block jacket £75 Trousers £48, sequin vest £48 – all Warehouse at House of Fraser

22 mmm

No Vello, Maidstone

Beauty

No mas vello (Spanish for ‘No more hair’) are the undisputed leaders in IPL hair removal and skin rejuvenation treatments. We have more than 1,200 clinics worldwide and have revolutionised the hair removal market with our unique pricing, offering all treatments for a flat rate of £39 per session.

Our hair removal system delivers outstanding results on all body areas, offering superior results when compared to other mainstream methods.

Over the course of a complete treatment, your skin will feel firmer, smoother and gain a more even tone.

Blemishes, sun damage, age spots, fine lines, and many other problems can be diminished. There is also no down time or recovery period.

Visit our new Maidstone clinic at 21 Union Street Telephone: 01622 670 703

Dreams at Eastwell Manor

This spring Dreams salon has the new Clarins Tri Active Facial, which offers six highly personalised results-driven facial treatments. Choose from a Youth Activator, Lifting Line Smoother, Radiance Reviver, Moisture Replenisher, Skin Healer or Detox and Shine Stopper.

Popular treatments for spring are Deluxe Pedicures and body exfoliations, such as the Clarins Gentle Skin Smoother. This is a luxurious, advanced body scrub enriched with fruit enzymes.

Dreams offers a full range of treatments and therapies from Clarins, Guinot, Jessica, St Tropez and Aromatherapy Associates. They also offer pamper and spa days and twilight evenings.

For details call 01233 213111 or email dreamssalon@eastwellmanor.co.uk

The Old Rectory

Bio sculpture gels are the most popular treatment in the salon at the moment. This is a non-chip gel that comes in more than 40 colours and will last from 3-4 weeks on the fingers and anything up to 12 weeks on the toes.

The new treatments I am currently offering are OPI nail treatments and pedicures for regular manicures, full body waxing using cherry gel wax and full or half eye lash extensions and party lashes To feel and look fabulous we recommend having a full bio sculpture gel session on the toes ready to get the sandals out of the cupboard. I would also recommend perhaps getting your eyebrows shaped.

Take this panel along to the salon with you to claim a fabulous 25 per cent discount on any treatment.

For details call 01622 727779

FESTIVAL FASHION

mmm 23

Get Set... Go packaway mac, £9.50, Marks & Spencer

n Skinny jeans

by M&S Outlet, RRP £29.50, Outlet £14.50 n Pink mac from M&S, RRP £35, Outlet £17.50 n Umbrella by Choice, RRP £15, Outlet £5 n Pink Wellington Boots by Mountain Warehouse, RRP £24.99, Outlet £19.99.

All available at the Dockside Outlet Centre, Chatham

Palm Striped Large Picnic Cool Bag, £12, Marks & Spencer

Be prepared for the festival

Sun Care Formula SPF50 Sun Spray £11/200ml, SPF15 Sun Lotion £9.50/200ml, Marks & Spencer Thurso packable mac, £40, Fat Face Stripe blanket, £10, Next

Get Set... Go first aid kit, £7.50, Marks & Spencer

For his and hers festival fashion see pages 26-27

X

Big Ben Pendant Necklace £6, Accessorize

British

Proud to be

n Iconic London Double Decker Bus charm, with the Union Flag imprinted on the roof, sterling silver n Murano glass charm in blue, white and red n Dangle charm engraved with 2012, a fantastic souvenir to commemorate this great year n Bracelet from £55, charms from £30. All items available from Pandora, Fremlin Walk London Kilt Pin £9, Accessorize

Flag Print Maxi Dress, £35, Next

Jubilee Tea Pot Trinket Holder, £15, Marks & Spencer

Jubilee Garden Party Tea Key Ring, £7.50, Marks & Spencer

mmm 25

Shellac Manicure and Pedicure £35 instead of £50

Half head of foils or all over colour + cut and finish £50 instead of £90 These offers are exclusive to MMM reader’s first visit only on production of this voucher.

The offer expires on 16th June 2012.

79 Bank Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1SD Tel: 01622 299967 www.aheadofbeauty.com

Groundbreaking proven results

New No7 Lift & Luminate Day & Night Serum has been tested to the highest standards at every stage of development Available to buy now from Boots, Fremlin Walk

NW3 Highgate Broderie Dress, £149, Hobbs, House of Fraser

26 mmm

Limited Collection Lace Skater Dress, £39.50, Marks & Spencer

Blue floral chiffon blouse, £26, Apricot

Poppy Scarf, £18, Fat Face

NW3 Spaniards jeans, £85, Hobbs, House of Fraser

Festival

of fashion Kiss Chase heels, £68, Office, Fremlin Walk

Denim shorts, stonewashed, £29, La Redoute

mmm 27

Men's trilby, £18, Fat Face

Ainsdale SS check shirt, £35, Fat Face

Oil Wash stripe t-shirt, £25, Fat Face

Fistral flat front shorts, £35, Fat Face Blue Harbour boat espadrilles in navy, £19.50, Marks & Spencer

Kiku Jumpsuit, £110, Phase Eight, House of Fraser

FITNESS Senior success stories Name: Barry Age: 81 (82 on 2nd May) Enjoys: My preferred mode of exercise is completing the

Hi, I’m Simon Ottaway a personal trainer for Topnotch Health Club in Maidstone.

As you can see from our community, age has no boundaries when it comes to looking after your health.

Keeping fit going to a local gym is a great way to do this, with many medically proven advantages, for example: Increased mobility, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, increased bone density to fight against osteoporosis, a healthy heart, an active mind and generally feeling happier thanks to the release of endorphins with exercise (the happy hormone).

Trainers all around are waiting to help you gain or maintain a healthy lifestyle, so why wait?

Stop using age as an excuse.

Whether you’re 16 or 86 its time to look after number one.

Name: Monica Age: 68 Enjoys: The cross trainer as it helps me burn off calories.

How often? Four times a week and I also do swimming.

Usually, I do about 10-12 minutess on the cross trainer and treadmill.

Benefits? I feel fitter to do everyday things, I feel good and happy when I leave the gym and it’s a great start to my day. My husband

pre-arranged programme which is revised and updated by my personal trainer, Noah, after each assessment. This includes the use of almost every item of gym equipment and takes about one hour and 20 minutes. I complete the visit by swimming 20 lengths of the pool.

How often? I do this three times each week.

Benefits? Maintaining a general level of fitness, control of body weight, lung function improvement and also a sense well-being.

Recommends: Others of my age should do something and friends tell me how my confidence has grown too.

Recommends: The cardio machines, for instance the bike and treadmill. Also, the staff are very helpful and have guided me through different exercises.

Gym of choice: Sebastian Coe Health Club at the Mercure Maidstone Hotel, 0844 815 9045, www.mercure.com

Name: Maureen Age: 69 Enjoys: Cross trainer and bike.

How often? Four times a week.

Benefits? I feel I have far more energy, sleep much better and feel energized after the sessions.

Recommends: Do give your local gym a try, don’t worry about feeling ‘I’m too old for exercise’. There are people of all ages at the gym and it isn’t a competition.

Gym of choice: Tudor Park, Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Maidstone, 01622 632007, www.MarriottLeisure.co.uk

mmm 29

similar, but make sure they have regular assessments, also ensure sensible alcohol limits are adhered to and do not smoke.

Gym of choice: The Old Rectory, 01622 727779, www.rectoryhealthclub.com Name: Doreen Age: 76 Enjoys: Aqua and swimming How often?

Twice a week Benefits?

Feels it keeps joints supple.

Recommends: Join a club for fitness, enjoyment and making friends.

Gym of choice: The Roffen Club, Rochester, 01634 404770, www.roffen.com Name: Robert Age: 71 Enjoys: The free weights or resistance machines, instead of just walking on a treadmill.

How often? Three times a week, usually for two hours.

Benefits? It makes me feel stronger and puts a spring in my step - I walk with a bounce on the way out, I spent my working life as a builder so improving my strength helps me

Name: Gwen Age: 71 Enjoys: Aqua and swimming How often?

Three times a week Benefits? Maintaining fitness, the exercise is enjoyable and meeting new friends.

Recommends: Water exercise and walking.

Gym of choice: The Roffen Club, Rochester, 01634 404770, www.roffen.com Name: Janet Age: 64 Enjoys: The cross trainer because you can see you are burning more calories.

How often? The gym and swim three times a week, also chi ball, pilates and a stability ball classes.

Recommends: Consult a personal trainer for a programme to ensure you know what you are doing and also to challenge yourself.

Gym of choice: LivingWell Health Club Maidstone, 01622 734872, www.livingwell.com

stop feeling old and more like the young man I once was.

Recommends: Give it a go. Speak to an instructor as they need to make sure you are doing the right things at the right pace. Follow their advice and the benefits far outweigh any fears.

Gym of choice: Top Notch Health Club, Maidstone, 01622 679000, www. topnotchhealthclubs.com

Name: Reg Age: 79 Enjoys: Looking after myself. After a warm up I spend five minutes on the bike, then also on the treadmill. Next I do ten 5kg chest presses. The arm bike for 5 minutes. Followed by leg Raises (lying down) and spine rotations. I also do an hour a week of Zumba. My stretching routine includes the neck, hip circles (with raised arms), calves, hamstrings and quads.

Finally I swim for 10 minutes.

Extra to the gym, I exercise at home with walking, movement, marching on the spot and laughter.

How often? I visit the gym five times a week.

I also exercise at home at my convenience, including stretches in bed and a brief routine when I get up. I keep things simple and fun.

Benefits? It keeps depression away. Improves attention span and focus. Makes you feel energetic. Helps you sleep better. Raises self-confidence.

Helps the brain function better, including the memory. Lowers blood pressure. More efficient use of oxygen in working muscles. Reduced body fat.

Recommends: You are never too old to start exercising. Any movement of the body is a form of exercise. March around the house, swinging the arms and also on the spot, whenever you feel like it. Keep things simple but repeat them it all adds up to your fitness.

Turn advancing age into something positive.

If I can Zumba in my 80th year so can you!

Gym of choice: The Village Health Club

30 mmm

mmm travel

n Helpful tips for your cruise n Fashionable Florence n Argentine adventure

Sponsored by

To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

32 mmm

Kirsty Keeling-Jones, Branch manager, Baldwins Travel agency, Maidstone

Travel tips from your local award winning travel agency n Holiday cruises - what’s the plan?

Make sure you book your holiday cruise early, as they sell out fast. If you have a large number of people in your party, you don’t want any of them to get left out. You can get the best prices and choose the cabin size you want, too, by booking early. n A packing essential.

Make sure to take a power strip with you, because most cabins only have one outlet.

This way you will have outlets for your hair dryer, mobile phone charger, electric razor, curling iron and everything else. n Beware of cheap excursions Although you may find the shore excursions cheaper through local sources compared to the cruise line’s excursions desks, you may end up stranded - or at the least taken advantage of.

The cruise lines check out the companies they contract with, and you are much safer using one recommended by the cruise line or a company your travel agent is familiar with.

Fashionable Florence

I

f you’ve got a passion for fine clothes, luxury goods and a stylish buy, then Florence is quite simply a fashionista’s paradise This picturesque Tuscan city is, on the one hand, filled with tourist trinkets and souvenirs, but on the other it’s a fabulous destination for shoppers with a keen eye for a stylish buy. Home to a number of world renowned fashion houses, it also offers a proliferation of independent boutiques selling exquisite wares that make wonderful gifts.

It would be hard to visit Italy and not take advantage of the wonderful fashions, but the secret is to shop smart. Don’t head for the glossy boutiques selling this season’s must-haves, but invest in luxurious pieces at the out of-town outlet stores.

If you base yourself in the city centre - for example at Rocco Forte’s exquisitely refurbished Hotel Savoy or the appropriately named Grand Hotel - there are a number of these centres within a short half-hour drive, including The Mall, a purpose-built mini village selling predominantly Italian labels, including Bottega Veneta, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi and Gucci. there are also individual outlet stores, such as Space, sell Prada, Mui Mui, Helmut Lang and Jil Sander.

The hotel offers tailor-made shopping days for guests with a chauffeur-driven limousine and English-speaking guide.

In the city itself, look out for the hand-marbled and block-printed Florentine papers used to make

mmm 33

elegant desk accessories, lined envelopes and bound albums to seduce you back to the lost art of letter-writing. Make a beeline for Cartoleria Parione or a branch of Il Papiro.

If you’re a fan of stationery, then head for Pineider, the Italian Smythson. Here, you can follow in the footsteps of European royalty, Hollywood starlets and Italian fashionistas by stocking up on ice-cream coloured paper and notecards - wonderful gifts.

Also worth a visit is Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella, one of the world’s oldest pharmacies. Here, Dominican monks employ traditional methods - often up to 700 years old - using flowers and herbs as their main ingredients to create a plethora of beautifully packaged, delicious-smelling toiletries, candles and perfumes.

Madova, a tiny boutique nestled on the end of the junk-filled Ponte Vecchio, is well worth a visit for those looking for the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for female friend.

This is an Aladdin’s cave bursting with gloves in every style and colour, handmade for this familyrun business since 1919. It’s hard not to be tempted by the butter-soft leathers and strokeable suedes, often lined in super-soft cashmere or sensual silk. These gloves are excellent value for money compared to many of the designer labels they also manufacture for.

Madova also offers a simple exchange service by mail for visitors who buy gifts in the wrong size - unless of course you decide they’re the perfect fit for yourself.

To the ends of the earth

T

Emma Tibbetts travelled to the ‘fin del mundo’ to discover the windswept landscapes of Argentine Patagonia he romantic notion of travelling to the end of the world has always been a huge draw for me; so far away from regular life both literally and figuratively, especially on this crowded little island we call home.

Imagine vast open spaces, big skies, a rugged landscape and climate that only the toughest

can endure year round. This is Patagonia.

A far-off land that straddles the Argentinian and Chilean border down to the southernmost tip of South America, Patagonia has a tempestuous character.

At times wind rages relentlessly and pelting rain persists, while at others the gusts will calm, a blue sky prevails, the mercury rises and

the region’s true beauty is revealed.

Jagged peaks, refreshing melt-water rivers, forests, creeping glaciers, sparkling lakes and glorious long, light evenings awaited us.

We flew south from Buenos Aires, where we had spent four days under the scorching Argentine summer sun, via Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city.

Upon landing at El Calafate’s a

mmm 35

National Travel Agent of the Year 2012 Exclus

ive dea ls b Baldw ookable thro ins Tra ugh vel

Spitbe rgen Cape C & Nor th ruise

Fred. Olsen has spent more than 150 years making cruising special... and that experience is clearly visible in their fleet of four stunning cruise ships that are big enough to have all the facilities you need, yet small enough for you to feel completely at ease on your home-from-home.

15 nigh Braemats r

Prices t book before 277 June 2012 M from ÂŁ 1,099 p ay 2012 .p Mus

Departs 2

Baltic Cruise

For more information contact your local Award Winning Travel Agency, Baldwins Travel.

Our staff are extremely knowledgeable and will offer the most suitable cruise for you.

14 nigh Braemats r

Prices t book before 1A5ugust 2012 J from ÂŁ 1,099 p uly 2012 .p

Tunbridge Wells: 27 Grosvenor Road Tunbridge Wells 01892 511999 tw@baldwinstravel.co.uk

Tonbridge: 157 High Street Tonbridge 01732 351223 ton@baldwinstravel.co.uk

Maidstone: 21/23 Earl Street Maidstone 01622 762141 maid@baldwinstravel.co.uk

Mus

Departs 15

Uckfield: Sevenoaks Travel: Business Travel: 45 High Street 4/5 Dorset Street 27 Grosvenor Road Uckfield Sevenoaks Tunbridge Wells 01825 760488 01732 458255 01892 515900 uckfield@baldwins- info@sevenoaks bt@baldwinstravel.co.uk travel.co.uk travel.co.uk

36 mmm

a airport Patagonia’s uniqueness was revealed – the wild, vast spaces and emptiness are undeniable. A 20-minute transfer took us to the town itself, a bustling settlement full of trekkers, tourists and locals.

Sitting on the southern bank of Lake Argentino, El Calafate has been dubbed the National Capital of the Glaciers and is named after the Calafate plant. Legend says that those who eat the distinctive blue fruit of this thorny shrub will one day return to Patagonia, so of course we spread liberal amounts of Calafate jam on our toast.

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, the magnificent Los Glaciares National Park is approximately 1,720 square miles of glorious lakes, mountains, valleys and ice - lots of ice. Close to half the park is covered by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the largest ice mantle outside Antarctica.

Our trip took us from the trails that lie in the shadow of the serrated peaks of the Fitz Roy mountain range (named for the captain of Darwin’s famous Beagle voyage which mapped this land) in the northern extremes of the park

to the immense Perito Moreno Glacier in the south.

From the rapidly growing town of El Chaltén, the National Capital of Trekking, we spent time exploring the Fitz Roy trails and witnessing natural wonders such as the glistening Lago de los Tres which is fed by the glacier of the same name and sits below the 3,405m peak of Cerro Fitz Roy itself.

As we sat by a roaring melt-water river, we marvelled at how lucky we had been with such agreeable weather - not a drop of rain, balmy temperatures that even drove the locals to complain and just one windy day during a week in Patagonia is somewhat of a rarity; we almost felt a bit cheated not to see the region in its fiercest mood – but not quite.

Our next stop, located an hour west of El Calafate, was the park’s pièce de résistance, the Perito Moreno Glacier. At 19 miles long, covering an area of 250 square kilometres and with a three mile wide, 60 metre high terminus, it is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular sights in Argentina. After just a few minutes wandering the walkways that face this massive sea of ice it’s not a

38 mmm

a hard to realise why.

The sounds were incredible - you will hear it before you see it sporadic crashes and bangs reminiscent of thunder claps resonating from deep within the living ice. We spent hours just watching and waiting for the next tower of ice to split from the glacier’s face and we were rewarded by nature for our patience.

Our day at the glacier created one of those special moments – something you will remember forever as other memories fade.

Our time on this side of the border had come to a close and the following morning we would be on our way to Chile.

A remarkable observation when travelling from town to town in southern Patagonia is that there is so little in between. A weathered,

isolated hut, a few resilient horses, a gaucho and his herd of sheep, remote estancias and a few ostrichlike rheas were all that we glimpsed before reaching civilisation again... well a type of Patagonian civilisation anyway.

Humans have hardly made a dent on this immense landscape, much of it is too wild to tame – and you can’t help but feel that this is the way it should be. mmm

Fรกtima Arrieta weddings at

PERU MODA

www.fatimaarrieta.com

40 mmm

Something

WEDDINGS

T

old, borrowed, new and blue

radition would argue that the only accessory a bride needs is her groom, but let’s be honest girls, the aisle’s a very long walk if you’re not properly dressed.

Sure the white dress is the most important item of clothing you’ll choose, but team it with the wrong accessories and you might as well have not bothered.

For some of us this just means pushing ourselves to wear a pair of high heels, but accessories are about more than the right pair of shoes.

While we’re all increasingly taken by the idea of the wedding rhyme, borrowing and blue is only a starting point for choosing the veil, jewellery and 101 other things that can only add to the effect of your dream dress.

This particular part of your wedding outfit could easily spiral out of control, so it’s vital you take care with your purchases.

First of all you need to look at your dress. Sure you already know what it looks like, but if you’re wearing antique lace then picking out some ultra modern necklace could easily lead to a clash of styles. So considering key points of your dress will automatically narrow down the ever growing selection of accessories on offer.

When it comes to the veil and any hair ornaments you need to have the same thoughts with your hairstyle. It may be that the veil comes before the hair, but either way, the two elements need to be decided to compliment, Debenhams can also help you to dress the most important ‘accessory’ of all - him

mmm 41

Bracelet, from £715, rings from £615, Pandora

Kate necklace £22, earrings £20, bracelet £20 Monsoon

not fight against, each other.

When it comes to shoes, beautiful heels will always add to the effect of your dress, but if on a daily basis you’re more of a comfortable flats girl then six inch heels are not for you.

Whatever your choice though, there’s nothing more important than practice - wear your shoes around the house, walk up and down the stairs as often as you can and, if possible, try a slope or two as well. If your feet are in agony before you’ve made it down the aisle then how will you enjoy the rest of the day?

Finally, we know you’ll be carrying a bouquet (we’ll save that for another time), but is there anything else you’ll need to keep with you? Even if it’s left with a bridesmaid for most of the day, it might be worth considering a small clutch for all those little things a girl can’t do without.

Most importantly take your time in choosing your accessories, don’t rush into decisions you’ll regret later, but if you do the key thing to remember is that for all they add to the outfit accessories are nothing when compared to the love between you and your man.

Pippa bridal shoe £70 Monsoon

Autograph bridal garter Marks & Spencer

Debenhams offers a comprehensive selection of accessories for under and over your dress

42 mmm

FOOD

Pea and mint soup, soft quails egg 4-6 portions

Ingredients 500g frozen peas 100g fresh peas in pod 1 small shallot 1 clove garlic 3 sprigs fresh mint 1 bay leaf 2.5 litres semi-skimmed milk Salt White pepper Olive oil 100g Butter 12 Peashoots 6 quails eggs Crème fraiche to serve Method Defrost the peas. Thinly slice the shallots and garlic.

Heat a thick bottomed pan and add the olive oil. Gently sweat the shallots and garlic, cook with no colour.

Once soft, add the defrosted peas and a knob of butter.

Sauté for five minutes and then add two litres of the milk, mint and bay leaf. Add a little salt and pepper.

Simmer gently for 10 minutes or until peas are soft. Then remove the bay leaf and drain off the cooking liquor and discard.

Place the pea mixture into a food processor (you may need to do this in small batches depending on the size of your machine) and blend, adding up to 500ml of milk to get the soup down to the right consistency.

Check the seasoning and pass through a fine sieve, do this twice so that the soup is smooth and velvety (if you do this into a bowl over iced water it will help chill

the soup quickly, so helping to retain colour and freshness), then place into the fridge.

Place the quail’s eggs into boiling lightly salted water for two minutes and 40 seconds. Remove and place straight into iced water.

Peel, cut in half and place on top of the soup with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and garnish with the pea shoots.

To serve This soup is wonderfully versatile.

It can be eaten hot or cold, as a pre-starter for a dinner party or just as a simple lunch dish.

Add a spoonful of crème fraiche as a simple garnish.

mmm 43

Rhubarb and custard tart Makes six individual tarts

Ingredients To make the pastry 500g Plain flour 150g Icing sugar 200g Cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes 1 egg A little cold water if required For the custard 5 egg yolks 40g caster sugar 250 ml double cream For the rhubarb 500gm Forced champagne rhubarb cut into 5cm batons, washed well 100gm caster sugar 50ml Grand Marnier Also Nutmeg and ice cream to serve Method To make the pastry Grease six 10cm non-stick tart cases.

Sieve the flour into a clean mixing bowl then sieve the icing sugar over the top.

Using your hands, work the cubes of butter into the flour and sugar until you have a fine, crumbly mixture.

Add the egg to the mixture and gently work it together till you have a ball of dough.

Flour it lightly.

Don’t work the pastry too much at this stage or it will become elastic and chewy, not crumbly and short. Flour your work surface and place the dough on top. Pat it into a flat round, flour it lightly, wrap it in clingfilm and put it into the fridge to rest for at least half an hour.

Pre-heat the oven to

160c. Roll the pastry out to the thickness of about 4mm and place into the prepared tart cases. Trim the edges and add some parchment paper and half a cup baking beans.

Bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove the paper and baking beans and cook for another 8 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven.

While the pastry is still warm brush the inside with a little beaten egg. This will help to seal the pastry. Place back in the oven for a further 4 minutes.

To prepare the rhubarb Place the rhubarb batons in a stainless steel or ceramic tray or pie dish. Scatter with sugar and Grand Marnier.

Gently roast in an oven at 170c, check after 5-10 minutes and cook until the rhubarb is just tender.

Remove from the oven and cover with silver foil. Once cooled drain the juice and set aside. Cut in half lengthways.

To prepare the custard filling Whisk together the yolks and the caster sugar. Add the double cream and mix well, until the sugar has dissolved. Pass through a fine sieve. Place into a pan and heat gently until the custard reaches 37.5c. Pass once more.

To bake the tart Pre-heat the oven to 130c. Place the drained rhubarb batons into the tart case.

Carefully pour on the custard until it is flush with the pastry edge.

Bake for 15 minutes, until the custard is set but not too firm. The tart should have a slight wobble.

Remove from the oven and set aside for 10 minutes before eating.

Finish with a little freshly grated nutmeg. Garnish with a scoop of your favourite ice cream.

mmm X

The See Ho 2 meals for £10 Homemade daily specials

Rabbit Pie • Salmon and Prawn Mornay Fisherman’s Pie Steaks include our 16oz T-Bone Sunday Lunch £7.95 Lunch 12-2.30pm • Evening meals from 6pm No food served Sunday or Monday evenings Book to avoid disappointment

Tel: 01474 822386 Peartree Lane, Shorne DA12 3JX

Open 7 Days A Week

12 noon - 2.30pm & 6pm - Midnight (inc Bank Holidays)

14 London Road Maidstone ME16 8QL Book Now on

01622 763360 or 01622 763770

www.mughaldynasty.com

mmm 45

46 mmm

Traditional village Pub serving a tempting menu of hot and cold food SUMMER SIZZLER OFFER

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for Two including a bottle of House Wine and a beauty treatment in ‘Dreams’ valid from 1 June to 30 September 2012 from £245 per couple

QUEENS DIAMOND JUBILEE STREET PARTY AND BBQ LUNCH Tuesday, 5 June 2012 £30 per adult £15 per child (3-16) Children under 3 - free

STAY AND RACE 10-12 June, 24-26 September, 19-20 November 2012 A ‘Day at the Races’ in a ‘hosted’ private box at Folkestone Racecourse, A two night stay at Eastwell Manor with full English breakfast, dinner in the Manor Restaurant on both nights and full use of the extensive spa facilities and golf course from £295 per person

SHAKESPEARE AT THE MANOR Sunday, 15 July 2012 As You Like It performed by The Changeling Theatre Dinner, Bed and Breakfast for Two including performance and complimentary glass of champagne £275 per couple £15 per person (performance only)

OPERA AT THE MANOR PAVILION RESTAURANT - Friday, 17 August MANOR RESTAURANT - Saturday,18 August Once again the delightful opera singers from Germany will be entertaining in the Manor Restaurant and in The Pavilion Restaurant.

For details on all events or to make a booking, please contact Reservations on 01233 213000 or email:reservations@eastwellmanor.co.uk

Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees, Ashford, Kent TN25 4HR Tel: 01233 213000 www.eastwellmanor.co.uk Email: enquiries@eastwellmanor.co.uk

The Fox and Goose Weavering Street Maidstone ME14 5JP

Telephone: 01622 737675 • Attractive beer garden • Private hire available for weddings and special events

Thursday Italian Night Special £16.95 for two

Live Music Nights

Karis is playing here on 4th May Performance time is 8pm

Citrus 11 is playing here on 2nd June Performance time is 8pm

www.foxandgooseonline.com

Where is Lord Lucan?

D

Tom White looks into the mystery of the infamous rogue’s disappearance and how the secret of his disappearance has been taken to the grave eep within one of Kent's leading tourist attractions there lies a grave.

Within sight of the whitewashed walls of a large mansion and carefully manicured gardens, is the final resting place of one of the county's most fascinating figures.

And with it, perhaps one of the nation's most compelling mysteries, one which continues to enthral and baffle in equal measure to this very day.

Because when professional gambler turned pioneering zoo park owner John Aspinall lost his battle against cancer in June 2000,

he took to the grave the secret of Lord Lucan.

Or, at least, that is what we have come to believe. To want to believe.

We have become a society eager to cling to the possibility that when Lord Lucan became one of the most high profile fugitives of all time - after the most appalling of crimes - he put himself into the hands of some powerful, and very wealthy friends, for whom a secret meant just that. A secret they would take to their grave.

Which, for John Aspinall, means a quiet plot at Howletts Wild Animal Park in Canterbury, upon which thousands look upon every week.

But who were Aspinall and the

murderous Lord Lucan – and why are we collectively convinced the two swapped the gambling tables for an elaborate plot to put the peer out of the reach of the long arm of the law?

Richard John Bingham was born on December 18, 1934, into aristocracy as the 7th Earl of Lucan.

As Lord Bingham, he enjoyed a privileged background, educated at Eton and serving as a lieutenant in the Coldstream Guards.

But before he had even left the surroundings of one of England's foremost public schools he had developed a passion for gambling – a passion which would become a career and put him on a path a

48 mmm

Lord Lucan became one of the most high profile fugitives of all time

Victim Sandra Rivett died at the hands of Lord Lucan. Right, in happier times, Richard John Bingham marries Veronica Duncan, two months later they became the Earl and Countess of Lucan

His plan, the theory has it, is that he intended to kill his wife to gain custody of his children.

a to meeting Aspinall and mix in a world of high-rolling casinos and card games.

Those school days spent bunking off to attend horse races and place a few bets, and the poker skills he learned during national service, would change his life.

In 1960 he retired – at the age of just 26. After collecting a respectable £500 salary working for a merchant bank he got a real taste of just what gambling could deliver when he won £26,000 over two nights playing chemin

de fer – a version of baccarat which combines an element of skill with an over-riding level of luck; ideal for someone who adopted the nickname Lucky.

The gambling party where he enjoyed such success was hosted

by Aspinall. If the legend is to be believed he would more than pay his host back.

Just three years later he would meet Veronica Duncan and eight months after that first fateful introduction, the pair would be married.

And two months later, following the death of Lord Bingham's father, the two became the Earl and Countess of Lucan – or Lord Lucan as the tabloids preferred to call him.

The couple go on to have three children – Frances, George and Camilla – and live in London's plushest area; Belgravia.

But things started to break down. Countess Lucan suffered post-natal depression while Lucky was finding it increasingly difficult to live up to his nickname and a

mmm 49

50 mmm

a racking up huge losses and debts due to his gambling.

By the Christmas of 1972 the relationship had broken down and they separated. Rows over custody of the children, the pressure of the breakdown and mounting costs and legal bills all began to take their toll, leading up to a fateful night on November 7, 1974.

After going to bed to watch television, Countess Lucan was waiting for a cup of tea from the nanny she had employed just two months before, her name was Sandra Rivett.

With no sign of the tea she went downstairs where she was attacked by her estranged husband.

He admitted he had killed the nanny, thought to have been a case of mistaken identity. His plan, the theory has it, is that he intended to kill his wife to gain custody of his children. He then attacked his wife, who escaped and raised the alarm.

Lord Lucan fled – borrowing a car and driving to friends Ian and Susan Maxwell-Scott in Uckfield, East Sussex.

After placing a phone call to his mother to ensure his children were safe, he left their home at 1.15am and was never seen again.

The car was found abandoned in Newhaven.

A popular theory is that he boarded a ferry and threw himself into the Channel. Yet a body has never been recovered.

For John Aspinall, the involvement with his friend Lucky at this stage has never been clarified. But many believe that from Uckfield Lord Lucan headed to Kent.

Born in Delhi, India, on June 11, 1926, Aspinall was the son of a British Army surgeon, however he would later discover that his father was actually George Bruce, a solider.

Aspinall was sent to be a boarder at Rugby School when his parents separated, although his time there would end when he was booted out for inattention, later attending Oxford University.

Legend has it that on the day of his final exams he feigned illness, failing his degree in order a

Picture: Michael Haslam

mmm 51

a to attend the Gold Cup – one of horseracing's leading events.

The racecourse would teach him a living as he became a bookmaker, developing an insatiable appetite for gambling and the money which could be made by acting as the centre ground between gambler and game.

He quickly discovered there was a method to skirt around the legal restrictions of gambling in UK law, and he hosted illegal gambling parties in London, renting out plush homes and apartments for short-term use and then moving on – selecting his gamblers carefully; sending out embossed

Picture: Michael Haslam

invitations to a wealthy set who could absorb losses, while he collected a tidy share as host.

According to popular belief, in the first such gathering he hosted he made £10,000 – the equivalent of 20 times that figure today.

Having married Jane Hastings in 1956 he began spending some of his wealth on a hobby which would end up dominating his life.

In the back garden of their London home he bought monkeys, two brown bears and even a tiger.

A year later, they moved out of his garden and into the grounds of his newly purchased Howletts.

The Bekesbourne property, a short drive from Canterbury, had been left neglected since the war. With the deposit paid for courtesy of a win on a horse race, Aspinall moved in, along with his wife, young son Damian, and their growing collection of animals.

It was not until 1962 that he put himself on the path to befriend Lord Lucan, when he founded the Clermont Club in London – with a clientele list featuring politicians and peers. And Lucan.

By the time Lucan killed Sandra Rivett the group of gamblers were well known to one another.

And those are the facts. a

52 mmm

a The legend suggests Aspinall and Lucan were close – and in the hours following the murder Lucan paid a visit to his old friend appealing for help.

Aspinall always denied an involvement in his disappearance but then the mystery begins. In a 1990 interview Aspinall is alleged to have slipped up and hinted he had been in touch with Lucan after his departure.

The popular theory is that Aspinall and his business partner, James Goldsmith, had helped to arrange a passage to Africa where Lucan would see out the rest of his life. In fact, at the time of the investigation, the police blamed the Clermont Set – the band of men involved in the club – believing the group had hampered their investigation.

Just earlier this year, a BBC report suggested a former secretary at the casino the two ran in London was told to arrange a visit for

Lucan's children to Africa and on to the Gabon, where Lucky would observe them from

a distance – ensuring he knew they were well.

The police say the information is not new and the case remains dormant. And there are many reports of sightings of Lucan.

A new probe into the case in 2004 saw a senior police figure conclude he believed friends had smuggled Lucan out of the country, destination unknown.

For Aspinall's part, he always claimed publicly that Lucan had taken a motorboat from Newhaven, scuttled the craft, and leapt into the Channel with a stone tied around him.

Countess Lucan is also on record as saying she believed her husband killed himself within 24 hours of the murder.

Lucan's brother, however, Hugh Bingham, who lived in South Africa from 1974 suggested he believed the fugitive had fled to Africa but that the duo had not had any contact.

Reports even claimed Lucan's two eldest children had met their father as recently as 2000.

Quite what the truth is remains unlikely to ever be solved.

But most intriguing is the Aspinall connection – a secret which lies in that grave in Howletts. Or, perhaps, that Lucan lived out his final years in Kent – and his final contribution was to become a meal for the estate's lions. mmm

mmm home

n Two beautiful featured homes to inspire you in your search for a new property n Sleep well with our stylish bedroom furniture and bedding

To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

n Barker and Stonehouse, Flanders range n Debenhams: J by Jasper Conran duvet cover and pillow cases, individually priced

Sweet dreams

n House of Fraser: Oisseau double duvet set £70; Linea Primrose upholstered bedstead £1,649

n House of Fraser: Vintage scroll double duvet £85; Pillowcase pair £30; Velvet circles throw £180; Pillow sham £30; Casa Couture Standard pillowcase in Amethyst £9, Linea

n House of Fraser: Primrose rattan bedstead £1,249; Garden rose double duvet £65; Pillowcase pair £25; Paisley double duvet £65; Pillowcase pair £25; Shabby Chic Seraphina ceiling pendant £240, Linea

N 2 E 0 W % O O R F D F E R S

Medway Blinds

CRAZY SALE

mmm 55

14th-20th May at Hempstead Valle Shopping Centrey

1 The Enterprise Centre, Revenge Road Lordswood Ind Est, Chatham ME5 8UD Call now on 01634 686868 or 01622 688519 - Covering All Of Kent

* Free Design * Quotation * Installation

At Sawmills Bespoke Furniture we specialise in designing and manufacturing contemporary and traditional custom made furniture of different styles and periods for every part of your home.

Visit our showroom at

Units 4 & 5 Colt Works, Pluckley Road, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent TN26 3DD Tel: 01233 822276

www.sawmillsbespokefurniture.co.uk

www.medwayblinds.co.uk

Offering a full range of window blinds including:

* Venetian * Wooden * Roller * Commercial

* Vertical * Roman

* Conservatory * Curtains & Shutters

FREE quote * FREE measure * FREE home visit

Visit Our Showroom 2 Castle Court, Castle Road, Eurolink Industrial Estate Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 3TD Tel/Fax: 01795 599234 - www.the-fireplace.net Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9-4, Saturday 10-4

56 mmm

A small store with lots to offer FANTASTIC LARGE RANGE OF SUPERB QUALITY ALL WEATHER OUTDOOR RATTAN FURNITURE, ALL AT FANTASTIC PRICES ... IN STOCK!!!

Adjustable Lounger

£499 pair + Table Free

1.2 metre Cube Set

£449

6 Seater Set

£599

4 Piece Sofa Set

£599

£269

Barrel Set

£299

Stackable Lounger £399 Pair + Table FREE

Also: Artwork, Dining Furniture, Floral, Gifts, Mirrors, Rugs, Seasonal, Solid Oak Furniture

163 HIGH STREET, CHATHAM, KENT

01634 400808 (Opposite TK Maxx)

www.montyshomestore.com

mmm 57

Artificial Grass Looks Great All Season n No More Mowing n No Watering or Feeding n High UV resistance n No More Muddy Feet or Paws n Children Friendly n Pet Friendly

Have a beautiful new kitchen at a price you can afford with

Replacement Doors & Worktops

n

Unit 8, Ballard Business Park Cuxton Road, Strood ME2 2NY Tel: 01634 720411 Open: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm

Family run business for over 30 years n An extensive range to suit all styles and budgets n FREE design service and quotation n Doors and drawer fronts made-to-measure n Additional units n Excellent quality and craftsmanship

Award winning family run business

in association with Bedroom Flair

01622 729855

Mon-Fri: 8.00-4.30 Sat: 10.00-4.00

169 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8NA Website: www.kitchen-flair.com

PERFECT DRIVEWAYS . . . n Block Paving n Driveways n Paths, Steps and Walling n All Stone Work n Full Design and Advice Service n Professional Finish n Residential and Commercial n Competitive Rates

Barton Farm Industrial Estate Old Surrenden Manor Road Bethersden, Ashford TN26 3DN

Telephone:

01233 822322 / 07969 502804

58 mmm

This family home is

T

he Old Bakery is a handsome four-bderoom detached 17th century Grade II-listed home in the heart of Sutton Valence.

It has been a much-loved family home for almost 50 years having been well maintained throughout during this time.

As the house name suggests,

the property served as the village bakery until the late 1950s and then for a number of years a ladies dress shop as well as home to the current owners.

The house is full of character features with beams, a large inglenook fireplace in the sitting room, original wide doors and sash windows. The formal reception rooms provide plenty of space

for a traditional layout or versatility to accommodate family living.

There is a light and airy country styled kitchen which has fitted integrated appliances and a side door into the brick paved sheltered courtyard. In addition there is a utility room, several walk in cupboards and a spacious brick paved cellar which provides excellent storage.

mmm 59

baked to perfection

Over the first and second floors there are four bedrooms and two bathrooms with scope to create an additional linking bedroom five with minimal work.

A particular feature of this central property is the amazing landscaped terraced garden which is brimming with architectural shrubs, trees and underplanting. At the rear of the kitchen there is a pretty

paved courtyard with a glazed summerhouse providing a covered seating area.

Steps and pathways wind up and through the tiered lawns and flowerbeds to the height of the garden, from which there are spectacular south facing views.

A driveway at the side of the property leads to high timber gates where there is private parking for two cars.

The the pretty and desirable village of Sutton Valence offers many local amenities, including church, post office, inns, hair salons and doctors’ surgeries. There is a village primary school as well as the renowned Sutton Valence Preparatory School.

The larger village of Headcorn is approximately three and a half miles distant with stores, including a supermarket, post office, library and primary school. Headcorn mainline station provides services to London Charing Cross and London Bridge in about an hour.

The guide price for The Old Bakery is ÂŁ625,000.

For full details and to arrange a viewing - which is stricly by appointment only - contact Madeleine Rose on 01622 844455, email sv@madeleine-rose.com or visit the branch at Bower House, North Street, Sutton Valence ME17 3HR. Also see the website, www.madeleine-rose.com for more information.

60 mmm

Before

After

r

Und

ffe O r e

SAVE 20% ON QUALITY GERMAN KITCHENS

mmm 61

Bedroom Flair

62 mmm

Refresh your flooring We guarantee any written quote will be beaten

Stockists and Fitters of: Award winning family run business! n Fitted by our profes- n Bespoke furniture sional fitters n Wide range of slidn Made to measure ing wardrobes n Home visits and n Free expert design FREE quotations service available n 5 YEAR guarantee evenings and weekon all furniture ends Visit our new website to view our full range

01622 729855 Est 31 years

Mon-Fri: 8.00-4.30 Sat: 10.00-4.00

169 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8NA

• WOOD FLOORING • LAMINATES • VINYL FLOORING • UNDERLAY • CARPETS • ARTIFICIAL GRASS

Unit 8, Ballard Business Park Cuxton Road, Strood ME2 2NY Tel: 01634 720411 Open: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm

A unique range of summerhouses Website: www.bedroomflair.com

We also make solid oak tables, chairs, benches pots and planters

01622 756822/0794 613 5441 mail@therusticcompany.com www.therusticcompany.com

mmm 63

Confused about market conditions and house prices? I can offer you an honest, free, no obligation valuation

From valuation to completion, I provide a personal sales service enhanced by 20 years’ experience selling rural and village homes in the area

Madeleine Rose Clarke

Sutton Valence, Chart Sutton, East Sutton, Boughton Monchelsea, East Farleigh, West Farleigh, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham Heath, Kingswood, Headcorn, Ulcombe, Langley, Leeds, Broomfield, Linton, Charing Heath, Grafty Green, Fairbourne, Otham, Pluckley, Egerton

Sutton Valence ÂŁ535,000

Spectacular south facing views from this 4 bedroom detached home that has been totally refurbished throughout.

Move into this contemporary styled home which has been improved to ensure minimal on-going costs and maintenance for several years.

Fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. Deep frontage with plenty of parking and enclosed rear garden.

Otham ÂŁ425,000

Delightful 3 bedroom ragstone cottage located in an idyllic rural location within this sought after village.

Immaculate cottage dating back to 1850 located along a quiet lane with a lovely outlook. Separate detached 1 bedroom annexe with a private deck, perfect for guests or additional income. Pretty gardens with large timber summerhouse. Plenty of private off road parking.

64 mmm

mmm 65

Pictures speak for themselves

O

ld Caring in Leeds is an imposing detached Grade II-listed period property with 14th century origins.

Believed to originally be a Kentish Hall House of architectural and historic interest, the five-bedroom homs is situated in a secluded position.

Magnificent grounds stretch to approximately two and a quarter acres and incorporate a large paddock enjoying stunning views.

The property features a wealth

of exposed timbers including a “dragon� beam, mullioned windows and a magnificent inglenook fireplace in the drawing room, as well as a modern, fitted kitchen and all the conveniences that includes.

Old Caring is on the market for ÂŁ1,150,000.

Viewing is strictly by appointment only, to book a time and for more information contact Page & Wells on 01622 739574, alternatively email sales@page-wells.co.uk or pop into the branch at 132 Ashford Road, Bearsted ME14 4LX.

66 mmm

MOTORS Volkswagen

World Car of the Year VW bosses had staked a decent chunk of the German brand's reputation on the Up! – its big new push to grab a sizeable chunk of the city car market.

And that effort was given a significant shot in the arm when the compact four-seater was named 2012 World Car of the Year – beating off 33 other nominations to win the backing of the 66 top motoring journalists from around the world.

Announced at the New York International Auto Show in New York City's Jacob Javits Center, the annual awards recognise the

year's most outstanding vehicles based on merit, value, safety, environmental impact, significance, and emotional appeal.

Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn, chairman of the board of management of Volkswagen AG, said: “This award shows once again that in the Up! our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail.

“A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility.”

It's not the first gong the model has scooped – with its most high profile win thus far being named What Car? Car of the Year 2012. Both titles will act as

extremely powerful weapons in its sales arsenal.

Now in its ninth year, the World Car of the Year award has become one of the most credible and significant programmes of its kind.

Nissan

Market favourite If ever you needed proof of Nissan's remarkable re-emergence as a major contender in the UK car market, then look no further than recent sales figures.

They have confirmed that in March the company's market share lifted to 5.6 per cent with 23,185 Nissans sold – representing an impressive 16 per cent increase in total registrations compared to the same month in 2011.

And driving the surge are its Qashqai and Juke models.

For the full financial year, the company secured a 5.1 per cent share – a record for the company

mmm 67

Toyota

Greener people carrying

and the best in nearly ten years.

No mean feat given the period of austerity.

The top sellers were the crossover models which are designed, engineered and built in Britain.

The Qashqai sold enough units – 8,457 – to make it the sixth best-selling car in March in the UK. While the Juke weighed in with 5,350 cars sold.

Jim Wright, managing director of Nissan (GB), said: “The success of the Qashqai and Juke is further proof that these innovative crossovers have moved from niche to mainstream.

“Both now outsell big name conventional rivals and prove customers really value Nissan’s innovation and excitement.”

.

Toyota unleash Europe's first full hybrid seven-seat MPV this summer with much weight carried on its shoulders.

The Prius+ promises to deliver “practicality with ultra-efficient performance”, claiming to be the first mainstream Toyota hybrid to use a lighter and more compact lithium-ion battery pack.

Available in two equipment grades the T4 and T Spirit, it as an on-the-road price from £26,195 and hits the showrooms from July 9.

Economy is very much the name of the game for the Prius+ with zero road tax rating and London Congestion Charge exempt, the T4 will offer 68.9mpg

efficiency and 64.2mpg for the T Spirit.

The T4 comes equipped with electric windows all round, Toyota Touch touchscreen control, Bluetooth, rear-view camera, head-up display, smart entry and start, panoramic roof and automatic air conditioning.

The T Spirit features 17-inch alloys, leather upholstery Toyota Touch and Go Plus with satellite navigation, voice recognition, advanced Bluetooth and on-line connectivity, plus rain-sensing wipers and JBL audio system.

The range of equipment and styling options for Prius+ is awaiting confirmation, but leather upholstery and the Toyota Touch and Go Plus system will both be available for T4 models, while seven exterior colours will also be available.

Bentley Continental GT V8 The new Bentley V8 engine delivers performance and power in the Bentley tradition. It achieves outstanding levels of fuel efficiency for the luxury performance sector and is capable of travelling more than 500 miles (800km) on a single tank of fuel.

The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfills Bentley’s environmental commitment to produce a new powertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Prices start from ÂŁ123,850.

mmm 69

70 mmm

mmm 71

72 mmm

mmm events

n Business successes worth celebrating n Gentleman’s sport is rising in popularity

n Snap up the perfect camera

n Charity in the community To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

74 mmm

GADGETS The explosion in digital photography has put more power in the hands of those wanting to capture the moment than at any other time since the first image was developed.

Just £100 will secure you with a compact device capable of shooting quality images which can be downloaded swiftly onto a computer, printed or uploaded onto the internet for display via the likes of Facebook and Twitter.

But for those with more than a passing interest in the art, the desire to move up and get to grips with a more professional,

more versatile camera is far from uncommon.

And with the summer holiday season ahead of us and the focus turning to capturing the sunny scenes for posterity, there are a vast range of cameras ranging in price from a few hundred pounds to several thousand.

The digital SLR (single lens reflex) recaptures the quality and depth many seek – over and above the enormously popular compacts which dominate the marketplace.

We take a look at sort of the most popular models in the different price brackets

Mid range £500-£999

Sony Alpha 65 (Average price £750) Sony has made more headlines in recent months for job losses than pioneering products. But it is worth remembering that they have become something of specialists in providing high-quality gear despite their mass-market appeal.

And aside from TV sets, video games consoles and phones, Sony have developed a name for themselves in the digital SLR market.

Which brings us to their Alpha 65 model – their mid-range handheld which lurks in the middle ground between entry-level and the eye-wateringly pricey.

Released as the ‘little brother’ to the much trumpeted A77 (which comes complete with a £1,000-plus price tag) the A65 packs the 24.3MP sensor found on its older sibling and a host of other gadgets, including multi-frame noise reduction, which sees the camera automatically shooting multiple shots and then merging them into one single fire, not to mention the ability to shoot in two crop modes – either at 12MP or 6MP. Unsurprisingly, it can handle full 1080p HD video and comes complete with an option of adding a microphone too.

It's not up to the A77's quality, but for a mid-range camera it packs a very powerful punch. A gold award winner for What Digital Camera?, it is worthy of serious consideration.

mmm 75

Upwards of £1,000

Canon EOS 5D Mark III (prices start around £2,999) For those whose living is derived from photography, or who have the sort of income which can justify £3,000 to fuel their hobby, the Canon EOS 5D is a model they will have, or at the very least pondered investing in.

And with its latest incarnation – the Mark III hit the shelves just last month – the industry has been lining up to cover it in praise, if not mention that it may be just a little over-priced.

But you buy into history with this model.

The first EOS 5D back in 2005 was the first digital SLR to offer a full-frame sensor and its 2008 follow-up, the Mark II, pushed the boundaries again with top notch HD video capture and 21MP chip.

Now the latest version is here but perhaps not with the headline-grabbing, resolution-busting leap many expected. It rises, but only

to a modest 22.3MP. However, a new sensor means a big boost for lowlight use, and with a frame rate increase to six frames per second it puts the camera in the bracket to appeal to those who need speed for the likes of sports coverage.

Reviewers have welcomed its arrival and scored it suitably highly. It may not be the ideal , but it is capable of delivering some truly extraordinary quality images.

Up to £500

Nikon D3100 (Average price £399) Nikon's grasp on the entry-level SLR marketplace was well established courtesy of the D3000. So popular was it, that for much of the first half of 2011 it was the top selling digital SLR across Europe. But when it started to show its age, the brand unveiled an upgrade – the D3100.

It came with a higher quality sensor and upgraded resolution with a boosted image processor to enhance image quality and range.

Designed very much for the newcomer to the SLR, it offers Live View which includeh a scene auto selector function that automatically selects the optimum picture mode for the subject being captured.

The result is an impressive machine which provides complexity with an ease of use and the opportunity to get to grips with a higher level of photography. Reviewers rate it top of its class.

76 mmm

Dark Shadows

Stage and screen

Release: May 11

This latest offering by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Christopher Lee and a host of other greats is sure to be a feast for the eyes.

Telling the story of Barnabas Collins (Depp), whose family crossed the Atlantic to escape a curse, we find our rich and powerful playboy ‘hero’ cursed to a fate worse than death: transformed into a vampire, and then buried alive by a spurned witch.

Two centuries later Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb in 1972. Discovering a world very different to the one he grows up in he returns to his family home. Only to discover it has fallen into ruin and is inhabited by the remnants of his very dysfunctional family.

Bette & Joan

Release: May 11 Greta Scacchi & Anita Dobson Monday 21 – Saturday 26 May Churchill Theatre Bromley

Renowned actresses Anita Dobson and Greta Scacchi step into the shoes of rivals Bettie Davis and Joan Crawford as their 30-year feud reaches boiling point. In Anton Burge’s new play, two stars whose careers have hit rock bottom are thrown together to

What to expect when you’re expecting Release: May 23

Based on the New York Times bestseller, this is an insightful comedy that follows five couples on the verge of parenthood, exploring the effect it has on their lives and friendships.

TV stars Jules and Evan come to terms with the surprise demands of pregnancy. Author Wendy gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice; while Wendy's husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who's expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler.

Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt, but her husband Alex isn't so sure. And rival food truck chefs Rosie and Marco's surprise hookup results in an unexpected quandary.

film the now classic Whatever Happened To Baby Jane. The highs, lows and tantrums are all exposed during this great night out at the theatre. Will they ever speak to each other again?

0844 871 7620 or www.atgtickets.com/bromley

mmm 77

78 mmm

BUSINESS SUCCESS Baldwins Double victory

The Baldwins Travel Group is in a celebratory mood after winning two impressive awards.

The largest independent travel agency in the county has been voted National Leisure High Street Agent of the Year and also Travel Agent of the Year for London and South East for the fifth year running.

With branches in Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Uckfield and Sevenoaks, the company picked up the gongs at the recent Agent Achievement Awards in London.

Jason Liddiard A cut above the rest

Jason Liddiard Hairdressing were proud to represent Rainham at the regional finals of the event at The L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy 2012 recently.

The event at the Park Plaza in London was a glittering contest judged by experts in the hair care industry, with just 65 salons invited to participate from 900 entrants across the UK. Two teams from the salon attended the event.

Jason and Tia Liddiard competed In the L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy and Mel Clark And Lisa Kennedy were asked to take part in the Men’s Image Award.

The teams had just 30 minutes to create a model look that reflected both their advanced hairdressing skills and knowledge of key catwalk trends taken.

The salon was thrilled to be able to demonstrate their live hairdressing skills to The group of highly acclaimed judges.

Jason explained: “It feels really good to make the regionals as we have not taken part in any competitions for a couple of years. I am so proud of my partner Tia and the team as a whole.”

Globally renowned hairdresser and L’Oréál Colour Trophy Judge Trevor Sorbie MBE said: “The regional finals are bursting with creative hairdressing talent.

“To make it through to this stage Is an incredible achievement, highlighting their abilities.”

The prestigious awards are considered to be the travel industry’s highest accolade, recognising excellence and achievement in the UK’s travel agency community. Handed out annually, they are based on nominations and votes from key players in the UK’s holiday industry.

Baldwins’ business development director Nick Marks said the firm’s success at this year’s awards could be put down to the hard work of its 45 experienced and knowledgeable members of staff.

He said: “You could say we’re on top of the world - in more ways than one! Winning these awards is a spectacular achievement and being

mmm 79

recognised by our peers in the travel industry is a real honour “We are so proud of our staff – all of whom have contributed with their knowledge, expertise and travel experiences. They are simply outstanding. Customers who use our business are served by the best in the business.”

Baldwins Travel is no stranger to awards success, having won the London & South East prize six times before (in 1997, 2004 and 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011) and being runner-up on no less than seven other occasions.

Picture are managing directorf Ron Marks and business development manager Nick Marks.

The Village

Starbucks recognition

A coffee shop manager has brewed up a storm of success at a recent national awards ceremony.

Grace Taylor, manager of Starbucks at the Village hotel and leisure club, Maidstone, has been recognised at the joint Starbucks and Village Hotels Conference.

Having been with the hotel for more than five years, Grace was promoted to her role just 12 months ago but has already been recognised for her significant contribution to the success of the business.

Grace received an award for the highest sales within all of the licensed stores within the De Vere Village brand and also received a special award from Starbucks for her charity and community work.

Veronica Kingham, general manager at the Village, said: “We are all so proud of Grace and congratulate her on her awards. We wish her continued success.”

Razzamataz

Scholarships awarded

Children from across Medway and Maidstone entered Razz’s Got Talent recently, with five talented young people winning prestigious learning opportunities.

The youngsters have been awarded scholarships to attend Razzamataz Theatre Schools, a part-time performing arts school.

To compete for their prize youngsters were required to perform a three minute piece of either a musical theatre song and dance, commercial dance, pop song, drama improvisation or scripted drama.

This was appraised by a panel of independent judges – all professionals in their field, musical theatre star Sally Hunt, Neil Roberts

who played Dr Valentine in Holby City and Paul Astley who has represented the UK in the European Street Dance Championships.

Hayley Limpkin is the principal of Razzamataz Medway and Maidstone, she said: “I am delighted to be able to reward young talent and to provide them with an opportunity to focus their

talent and skills while having fun.”

Razzamataz is one of the fastest growing theatre schools in the UK, having shot to prominence when founder Denise Hutton-Gosney appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2007. There are more than 40 parttime Razzamataz Theatre Schools, all successfully following the franchise formulae that Denise Hutton-Gosney and Duncan Bannatyne have created.

Hayley Limpkin opened the Medway school in September 2010 and then Maidstone followed a year later. Across the two schools, there are more than 200 students.

Classes are for children aged four to 18 and allow students to experience a range of styles. To find out more, email Hayley at hayley@razzamataz.co.uk or call 01634 893524.

A winning team

I

80 mmm

f ever you need to gauge the success of a sporting team then the level of participation is surely the way to do so.

Because the deeper the support for the club, and the more members of the community who are happy to buy into its ethos and ambition, the more this underlines its role both socially as well as in the sporting arena.

Which is why Medway Rugby Football Club must consider itself one of the most successful sporting clubs in the county.

As it celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, today the club fields more than 20 teams – from four increasingly successful senior sides to a whole range of juniors for both sexes, from teams for the under-17s all the way down to under-sevens.

And increasingly, say club chiefs, youngsters who would previously devote their leisure time to football are making the switch to rugby.

“We are seeing more people change over from football because of the values and ethos we have within the sport,” explains Taff Gwilliam (pictured above), head coach at the club and a man for whom the club has become a major part of his life – having been a player and captain before moving to the coaching side.

Adds the 54-year-old: “The club is built around team work, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. We are very aware of providing a service in the community, that is important to us.”

And it's clearly become important to him as an individual too. He joined the club in 1976 after work as a policeman saw him positioned in the Medway Towns.

He tried out a number of local sides before opting for the club he would then play for for 13 years.

After retiring and learning the coaching ropes at several other

Pictures: www.AlanBournePhotography.co.uk

clubs, he made a return and has been head coach for six years – and achieved very much success of which he is rightly proud.

Rugby is benefiting at the moment from a perceived decline in behaviour from the high-profile world of football.

The sport may be more physical, but it is built around a strict understanding of sportsmanship and respect for authority which the likes of Mario Balotelli could do well to learn. And as parents become frustrated by the antics of the highly paid professionals, they have seen a very different approach in the world of rugby.

Explains Mr Gwilliam: “The attitudes of players and fans in the two sports are very different. If you attend a rugby international match there is no segregation – the fans mingle happily, enjoying the atmosphere. Rugby has always been like that.

“It's a fantastic sport and it's encouraging to see more people realise that.”

But, of course, a key ingredient to a club's success off the pitch is success on it. And under Gwilliam and his team, the senior side is leading from the front.

A string of promotions has seen them rise from the Kent leagues, this season fighting it out in the London 3 South.

Another impressive campaign saw them finish in second place – runners-up only to East Sussex side Crowborough – but sufficient to ensure the Champagne corks were popping again as it paved the way to another promotion.

Fittingly, this made history for the club as it reaches the highest level it has ever played at in 80 years.

In the last six years alone the club has won four promotions, been in four cup finals and, perhaps most importantly, ensured the success of the senior team was felt through all the club's teams at whatever age.

Not that recent history has all been smooth for the club which plays its home games at the Priestfields Recreation Ground in Gillingham. In 2001 it faced potential disaster when a huge fire ripped through its clubhouse.

As the club's website explains: “On a Sunday after some very good rugby the members were standing in the clubhouse having a few drinks, there was a smell of burning as if of a bonfire near by.

“After some time, Simon Shaw went to go home and saw smoke and flames coming from the roof.

“He returned to the clubhouse shouting out and everyone got out.

“We were without the clubhouse for six months and had to use Port-a-cabins as a bar and kitchen.

“The insurance company was very good and within a week the builders were on site starting work.

The repairs cost £130,000.”

But from the ashes rose a new clubhouse and a new era for the club, which appears to be on the winning track.

The remainder of the year is likely to be taken up by 90th birthday celebrations – with its Summer Ball at the Village Hotel in June a particular highlight.

The future looks bright for Medway Rugby Football Club – both on and off the pitch. See www.mrfc.net for details. mmm

82 mmm

Help for Heroes

Pictures: Harry Bristow

The Village Hotel recently hosted a glittering charity evening with a variety of entertainers. An auction, raffle and donations were accepted to raise funds for this worthwhile cause.

mmm 83

The Kent Garden Show

The Kent Showground, Detling ME14 3JF Saturday - Tuesday 2nd - 5th June 2012

This show will feature over 300 exhibitors with a wide variety of goods on display and for sale. The features of the show include the floral marquees with their stunning floral displays including medal winners from Chelsea. The garden exhibitors have all manner of gardening goods for sale and include over sixty nurseies.

There is also a food hall, craft pavilion, brass band and children's rides.

As well as the numerous nurseries in attendance there will be exhibitors selling garden furniture, water features, garden sheds and buildings, tools, sculptures, and much more.

There will also be a Horicultural Challenge competition between teams from gardening societies and educational establishments.

Jacqueline Aviolet and Tom Hart-Dyke will be in attendance all weekend to give answers to your gardening questions.

Admission prices are ÂŁ7 for adults and ÂŁ6 for seniors There is no charge for children (up to age 16) or car parking Gates open from 9.30am until 5pm with last admission at 4pm

y

iv

ar s r e

www.KentGardenShow.com

h

20t

n An

mmm x