MMM Kent Magazine July 2014 by Rasa Dregva

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Catwalk: Tommy Hilfiger

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014

Catwalk: Rebecca Minkoff Catwalk: Rebecca Minkoff

Catwalk: Tommy Hilfiger

Catwalk: Tory Burch

Catwalk: Desigual Catwalk: DKNY

Catwalk: Tory Burch

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Welcome

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Can you believe we are already half way through the year? It seems incredible that just the other day, it was the longest day. But let's not wish 2014 away – the best is yet to come! Certainly the highlight for many takes place this month as the Kent County Show opens its doors – celebrating its 50th anniversary at it’s Detling home. Just who can resist attending an event which rejoices in the fruits of this wonderful county of ours. I'll certainly be there. Talking of local produce, it's heartening to see so many Kent goods on the shelves of local stores and even in lay-bys. Nothing tastes better than buying what we created. For those with green-fingers, the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Show takes place too – and you can read more about it inside. Of course, it's not all good news for everyone. There will be plenty of anxious families, as sons and daughters, grandsons and grand-daughters sit GCSE and A-Level exams. We've all been there and we at mmm wish everyone involved, the best of luck. My niece has just completed her studies at the University of Kent, so this month I will be rejoicing in her success amid the breathtaking surroundings of the majestic Canterbury Cathedral. I can't wait. While hoping for the sun, I must admit to having been fortunate enough to have already enjoyed a dose of gorgeous weather after a trip to Malaysia earlier this year. You can find out more about what this remarkable place has to offer inside this issue. For now though, I wish you all a wonderful month and hope you enjoy this edition of mmm as much as we enjoyed putting it together. See you next month! Rasa

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mmm MMM Media Ltd GHL House 1st Floor 12-14 Albion Place Maidstone Kent ME14 5DZ Tel: 01622 299035 sales@mmm-media.com www.mmm-media.com Publisher Rasa Dregva Editor Tom White Travel Editor Tricia Lester Design Matthew Jones Karen Oliver

30 11 ANGELINA JOLIE

Role model’s route to riches

summER hOmEs top garden trends for summer 2014

IsAAc hEmpstEAd-wRIGht the boy who could become king

pROpERty beautiful property in the heart of harrietsham

mIchAEL GAmbON Remarkable double life of a magical actor

dEtLING vILLAGE Robin J brooks looks back at the ‘blackest day’

summER fOOd check out our healthy selection perfect for summer

mOtORs Latest news from mercedes-benz

mALAysIA magical paradise

busINEss Kent’s local business news

hAmptON cOuRt pALAcE Regal blooms at hampton court palace

EvENts whats on in and around Kent this month

wAtER fEAtuREs creating a splash in your garden

Sales Dawn Long Accounts Kerry Head Further contribution Christine Furlonger Robin J Brooks

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 2014

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Role model

ANGELINA’s Route to Riches The remarkable life and times of one of the planet’s most famous, and glamorous superstars

here can be fewer things to delight a celebrity-obsessed public more, most than the coming together of two of the world’s ‘beautiful people’. It gives the green light for newspaper and magazine editors to print stunning image after stunning image of the happy couple and for the rest of us to discuss how some people get all the breaks. You can, then, imagine the popping of Champagne corks when Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie became the celebrity couple to beat all others. The year was 2005 and it could only be bettered – in the mind of the media, at least – by news that Brad had only recently separated from the equally glamorous and beautiful Jennifer Aniston, best known as Rachel in Friends. The two had apparently fallen in love on the set of their action movie, Mr and Mrs Smith and no sooner had Brad’s divorce come through had he and Angelina – or Brangelina as the media dubbed them – established themselves as a couple. The two, together ever since, are now engaged, have a number of children, enjoy a millionaire’s lifestyle and continue to frequently top polls seeking the sexiest star. It would seem the perfect life. But Angelina Jolie is a fascinating, complex character – and to dismiss her as simply another pretty face actress would be doing her a grave injustice. Instead she is a strong, powerful woman who has overcome some considerable personal issues, to remain at the very forefront of a male-dominated and hugely competitive industry. 

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Her films have seen her win an Academy Award and Golden Globes; her work for the United Nations has seen her fight tirelessly for refugees around the world, and all this while raising six children. So just who is Angelina Jolie the person, rather than the pin-up? Born in June 1975, her full name was Angelina Jolie Voight. Her father was Jon Voight, the actor best known for his role in Midnight Cowboy. Her mother Marcheline Betrand, an actress who bore more than a little passing resemblance to her daughter. However, home life for the young Angelina was far from easy. Her father left her mother when she was two, leaving Marcheline to raise Angelina and her elder brother James. Angelina’s relationship with her father has been strained ever since. Her mother, with whom she was clearly very close, died of ovarian cancer in 2007. She was just 56. At the height of her fame she and her father appeared to be at war – Angelina refusing to allow her father access to his grandchildren and him, famously, once going public with allegations she was mentally unstable. It was a very public, very uncomfortable feud. Time, however, would have appeared to have eased at least some of the tensions. She remarked recently: “We have a very complicated history. We made an agreement, so my children would know him, that we would just never speak about the past. “One of the things you tend to do, especially in families where you fight often, or have a deep history of a lot of pain, there’s this constant desire for people to try to correct it, or reinvent it and explain it. “We were never going to come to terms with certain things, and my mother’s no longer alive to defend herself. It’s not really a father-daughter relationship, as much as we try to be friends with each other. “I didn’t feel it was right for my kids not to know him, and him not to know them. But it has to be kept simple. So we don’t go backwards.” Her relationships with men over the years have certainly been well documented – and the impact of her early life traumas may well have been a factor. Perhaps more significant was her rising fame and popularity. Certainly she’s had an unusual past. Her first major relationship came when she was just 14 and lasted two years – and it was given the full blessing of her mother who allowed the young couple to live under her roof together. As Angelina reflected: “I was either going to be reckless on the streets with a

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my boyfriend or he was going to be with me in my bedroom with my mum in the next room. “She made the choice, and because of it, I continued to go to school every morning and explored my first relationship in a safe way.” It was not, however, until 1996 that love blossomed again. Having filmed Hackers in 1995 alongside British star Jonny Lee Miller the two met up after production was complete and a relationship began. Something of a whirlwind, the pair would marry in March 1996 – with Angelina raising some eyebrows by her choice of wedding day outfit. Rather than veil and flowing dress, she was resplendent in black rubber trousers and a white t-shirt upon which she had scrawled the name of her husband-to-be in her own blood. Less than three years later and the divorce had come through – although Angelina appeared to have no regrets, saying it was simply that they were “too young” at the time.

“I choose not to keep my story private, because there are many women who do not know that they might be living under the shadow of cancer. It is my hope that they, too, will be able to get gene tested”

It is reported she’d also had a relationship with the actress Jenny Shimizu. Something else to give the gossip magazines something to write about. By 2000, she had hooked up with another well-known actor – this time Billy Bob Thornton. Two months after their first date they too were married. With her movie career rapidly rising, the high-profile relationship propelled her into the headlines. Especially when the couple appeared in public wearing vials of each other’s blood around their necks. But 2001 would be the year Angelina became a genuine global superstar. She won the role of Lara Croft in the big screen version of hit video game Tomb Raider. And unlike most films based on a game, it wasn’t too bad. Well, at least Angelina wasn’t. A sequel two years later was inevitable. As, perhaps, were the sudden twist and turns of her private life. Having adopted a son from Cambodia in March 2002 with Billy Bob, just three months later the pair split and a little over a year later the divorce was signed and sealed. “It took me by surprise,” she reflected of the a

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sudden breakdown. “Because overnight, we totally changed. I think one day we had just nothing in common. And it’s scary but... I think it can happen when you get involved and you don’t know yourself yet.” Her film roles, meanwhile, were getting her praise even if the movie in which she appeared failed to excite the critics. She became interested in humanitarian causes around 2003 – fighting for the protection of children, women and refugees around the world. She’s not slowed down since, travelling the world to promote causes close to her heart. However, in 2005 things would change. She secured a role alongside Brad Pitt in the action flick Mr and Mrs Smith. It proved a big box office success and was an enjoyable romp featuring two of the highest profile stars of a generation. How could it not prove a huge success. While the couple have denied any affair on set, something clearly happened emotionally between them. Suddenly, however, Angelina was cast in the role of home-wrecker, as Brad’s marriage to Jennifer Aniston fractured and ended in the divorce courts... ending what many considered one of Hollywood’s strongest relationships. From there, she hasn’t really looked back. Her personal life guarantees headlines, while her films – the likes of Wanted, Changeling and Salt were doing good business and getting her good reviews. Her family took off too. She adopted further children and now she and Brad have had three of their own. In fact, all travelled to Kent two years ago when Brad was filming scenes of zombie flick World War Z at the former Pfizer site in Sandwich. The family booked into a plush holiday cottage, costing £3,000 a week, near Howletts and were frequently seen in local shops and stores with, all those who spotted them reflecting on how natural Angelina was with the children. She made very different headlines last year, however, when it was revealed she had undergone a preventative double mastectomy in a bid to avoid developing breast cancer. She had been identified as having a high chance of getting the illness due to a defective gene, with cancer claiming the lives of her mother, grandmother and aunt.

“I choose not to keep my story private,” she explained, “because there are many women who do not know that they might be living under the shadow of cancer. It is my hope that they, too, will be able to get gene tested, and that if they have a high risk they, too, will know that they have strong options.” Which pretty much sums Angelina up. She is a woman who takes strong options. Who has not been afraid to be brave and to stand up for what she believes in. Easy to dismiss as just a goodlooking actress, the reality is that Angelina is a fine role model for young women. mmm

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ISAAC The boy who could become king

Isaac Hempstead-Wright was born in Faversham, Kent, were he currently lives with his family

How Isaac Hempstead-Wright, 15, became a key cog in TV hit Game of Thrones t is fair to say that Game of Thrones is not a drama series for the light-hearted. With liberal helpings of sex, violence and profanity, it is over blown in every respect. So it is perhaps a little surprising that it is universally hailed as one of the most powerful and successful television dramas of modern years. It is also beautifully produced, action packed and powerfully addictive. It is a sprawling romp of Lord of the Rings style proportions, and essential viewing for many millions of people. Thus the presence of a young school boy from Faversham, Isaac Hempstead-Wright, as one of the show’s central characters may be a little surprising. a

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After all, it seems a long way from the leafy surroundings of the market town and the doom and gloom of the Game of Thrones universe. But since the show’s first season, the young actor – still just a tender 15 – has combined a family life in Kent, with a global fantasy phenomenon. He first took over the role when he was just ten having started out on his acting career with the Kent Youth Theatre in Canterbury. His talent was apparent from the off, and he swiftly secured roles in various commercials before a role in British horror The Awakening. He still attends his grammar school – the school is under instruction not to speak about their famous pupil – and he combines his studies with a filming schedule, which can see him jetting around the world. With a supportive family, though, he has come to terms with some of the shows more extreme moments. He explained: “I started acting in Game of Thrones when I was about 10 but it wasn’t screened until I was about 11 © HBO or 12. “Obviously, I was rather too young to be watching something with so much sex and violence. “However, you have to remember that having been there watching it produced, I get quite a different perspective. “The violence was debunked because, you’d be walking around the set, taking pictures of the decapitated heads, you’d see buckets of blood. “When you watch it, you will know that with every beheading scene, behind a stone, there is someone pumping blood out of the body. So, that wasn’t too much of a problem. “The sex scenes were a little different, but my mother gave me appropriate talks on that.” In truth, outside of the set and with a body morphing from child actor into teenager, with glasses and different hair, it seems hard to sometimes link the student with the global star. Which can only be a good thing, given the show’s remarkable success. Not that his character has ever had it easy. In the first series he takes a tumble from a window ledge and loses the use of his legs. And worse is just around the corner. Explains Isaac: “Bran has to grow up very quickly, because not only has he lost his leg after the unfortunate incident at the tower, but he has also lost his family and his home. “That is going to make someone grow up very quickly because he hasn’t got any patriarchal or matriachal figures in his life and he is left to fend for himself. He has to become so much more mature and to take on so much more responsibility than any child his age.” Legend has it, the youngster only decided to pursue acting after wanting to avoid playing football on a chilly winter’s day at school. Seeking something to do warm inside, he opted instead for drama class. The rest, as they say, is history. a

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“When the show started to get really popular I’d go into class,” he explains, “and my teacher would start talking about it and we’d end up having long conversations about it. But everyone’s been really good and just let me get on with things for the most part. I’ve had to have lots of time off, but my school has been really supportive. They prepare work for me which I do with a tutor or my mum. So far it’s all worked well.” But with GCSE’s just around the corner, it will become an increasingly challenging juggling act. One, you don’t doubt, he’ll be able to handle with aplomb. Certainly the work is showing no sign of drying up. He appears later this year in a big screen version of

Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Caesar sees him reunited with Sean Bean – the Sheffield actor who was one of the central characters in Game of Thrones before meeting a rather unpleasant end. Caesar, which also includes Luther star Indira Varma and Maidstone-born Mackenzie Crook, will hit the screens later this year. He is also one of the main voices in 3D animated movie, The Boxtrolls, which is also scheduled for release this year. It also features the vocal talents of the likes of Shaun of the Dead stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. One thing appears to be certain – we can expect to hear a lot more about Isaac Hempstead-Wright as the boy becomes a man. mmm

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Everything Stops for

PIMM’S O’CLOCK Most people know that Alexander Armstrong promoted ‘Pimm’s O’Clock’, an idea that appealed to all serious drinkers. What is not known is that the inventor of the cocktail now lies in a Kentish churchyard. Robin J Brooks goes exploring (without a bottle of Pimm’s!) nce the centre for growing hops, East Peckham has over the years lost this valuable commodity as more and more hops fields have been turned over to other uses. Beer is still brewed in Kent at a number of establishments, but another sociable drink called ‘Pimm’s’ goes from strength to strength and has a strong connection with this little village. James Tee Pimm was born in 1796 at Newnham near Sittingbourne, the son of James Norris Pimm and Sussana Mills. His father was a tenant farmer who was determined that his son should have the best education available at the time. Not for him the long hours and back breaking work of agriculture and although certainly

not rich, he sent James to be educated in Edinburgh where of all things, he chose to study theology. It is not recorded just what gave him a change of mind, but by the time he was twenty, James had chosen a career closely aligned to catering. Moving down to London he became involved with the Wray’s, Southerndens and Mallery’s families who had set up a series of stalls selling Oysters. With the main supply of Oysters not far away at Whitstable in Kent, it was barely an hours journey from the town to the centre of London where the Oysters would arrive in a fresh condition. Learning his craft as a shellfish monger, James soon moved on and established his first oyster bar in 1823, in the vicinity of Buckingham

Palace. By this time London’s dandies and city gents loved to partake in oysters and gin including the royal family of the time who were frequent patrons. A year earlier, James had married Mary Southernden Mallery at St Mary’s Church, Woolnorth in the City of London. She hailed from Chatham in Kent and eventually was to bear him five children. Meanwhile, the next few years saw the business prosper eventually leading to a chain of five oyster restaurants which demanded daily

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deliveries of Whitstable oysters as the following years saw different spirits and British gentry continued to patronise his liqueurs used. Whisky, brandy, rum and premises. However, it had long been vodka made up various Cups of Pimm’s the thought of James that eating oysters culminating in ‘Pimm’s No. 6 cup’ during needed something more than gin and the 1960’s. Several of the ﬂavours were port to help them on their journey into phased out during the 1970’s and 1980’s the stomach. Seeking a different taste, as changes in drinking habits changed he experimented with various liqueurs and the popularity of the drink declined. and herbs and eventually found that This period also saw the sale of the quinine and various herbs added to gin gave him Alexander Armstrong (Comedian) starred in what he required. the 1999 Pimms Advert Production of what James called ‘Pimm’s No. 1’ began in 1851 for his own restaurants, but he was soon selling it commercially throughout the capital. Little did he know that soon the entire country would be drinking the product. Although the popularity and success of the drink was to make James a rich man, he nevertheless sold the business and the right © BBC Pictures to use his name to a Frederick Sawyer six years later. In oyster house restaurants to new owners, 1880, the business was again sold to The Distillers Company. In 1986, this Horatio Davies (who was to become a company was purchased by Guinness future Lord Mayor of London) and it was Plc and Pimm’s became part of a he who franchised a chain of ‘Pimm’s company called Diageo in 1997. oyster houses’ in 1887. With the new owners came an Initially known as just ‘Pimm’s No. intensive advertising campaign, featuring 1 cup’ which was based on gin, the Alexander Armstrong portraying a

The perfect Pimm’s! Ingredients Ice cubes Lemon slices Cucumber slices Orange slices Strawberries Pimm’s No. 1 cup (available at liquor stores) Method Take a jug (if you want to make several glasses) or a glass and add as much ice as you like. Pour one part Pimm’s No. 1 with lemonade over the ice. Add mint leaves, thin cucumber slices, orange slices and strawberries (all or some depending on what you prefer) serve and enjoy.

‘Hooray Henry’ called ‘Harry Fitzgibbon-Sims’. His catchphrase ‘It’s Pimm’s O’clock’ became a national treasure, strengthened in the Diageo 2010 campaign when the new advertisement featured a character in a red and white blazer together with several young women dressed in yellow all gyrating to the 1970’s music from the iconic TV show ‘The New Avengers’. Today, Pimm’s is extremely popular throughout the country and abroad. Complimented by a bowl of Kentish strawberries it is quintessentially British. From Billingsgate in the city to the afﬂuent events of today, Pimm’s has always reigned supreme. With the sale of the business in the mid 1800’s, James and Mary moved to a house in East Peckham, in order to be near their daughter Mary Mallery Pimm. She had married Robert Allen and lived at Pimm’s Place Bush Peckham, close to the public house ‘The Bush, Blackbird and Thrush’. After many years of happiness Mary died in 1864, followed by James in 1866. Both now lie in the churchyard of Holy Trinity Church at East Peckham but their creation will continue to be enjoyed by thousands. BY ROBIN J BROOKS

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Will the real Michael GaMbon please stand up here can be few actors quite so committed to the art form than Michael Gambon. He’s proper old school. A theatrical background par excellence, he is no happier than when treading the boards on the world’s finest stages, and in the finest productions. And when he emerges from behind the curtain, his appearance on the small or big screen is, more often than not, a seal of approval of a quality effort. What’s more, he has, for the past 20 years, lived in Meopham, near Gravesend in a £4 million country mansion. Away from prying eyes he relaxes in it’s workshop where he repairs antique guns and clocks, while also the 73-yearold can occasionally be spotted whizzing through the villages in a plush sports car.

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Yet his personal life bubbles with intrigue and gossip; his tightly-guarded relationship with his wife has certainly had it’s ups and down. Married in 1962, the pair separated in 2002 when news of his affair with Philippa Hart – some 25 years his junior - emerged. He moved, temporarily at least, out of the family home and into a flat in London’s Shepherd’s Bush. The two even had a baby – a son, Michael in 2007, and then another boy, Will, two years later. Yet the actor lives something of an open double life. From his London flat he lives with Philippa. But when he comes back to Kent he returns to the family home to share it with wife Anne. The pair married when he was 22 and they have a son – Fergus Gambon, known to millions as the ceramics expert on the BBC’s popular Antiques Roadshow. Both his wife and mistress are well aware of one another’s existence. Both, apparently, seem to tolerate sharing their famous partner. Certainly he is a larger than life character and one with the most remarkable acting pedigree. In addition, of course, to regular stints at the classic actor haunts of the likes of the Old Vic, the National and a host of West End venues, he has become a household name with his work on TV and film. What many don’t realise is that in 1970 he had the chance to become a global superstar at an early stage when he was considered for the role of James Bond in His Majesty’s Secret Service. He lost out, however, to George Lazenby. But fame was just around the corner. From appearing in Laurence Olivier’s Othello in 1965, he was a regular in film and TV drama over the coming decades.

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But it was in 1986, he stepped the line from respected actor, to national treasure. His role in Dennis Potter’s drama The Singing Detective was magnificent and it elevated him to the actor’s top table – even if for many, he remains forever linked with the character of writer Philip E Marlow and his chronic skin condition which left him hospitalised. International fame was not far behind. With his roles often in controversial or gritty productions – frequently helped by his craggy looks – he made appearances in The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover alongside Helen Mirren. Roles in Toys, Plunkett and Macleane and Sleepy Hollow followed. But it was the death of Richard Harris which would introduce him to a whole new generation. Having portrayed Professor Albus Dumbledore in the first Harry Potter movie, Harris’ death left the production team in need of a replacement. Who better than Michael Gambon? With a flowing long beard and an accent which could never quite be placed, he took on the role of the young magician’s mentor and headmaster of Hogwarts school of magic. TV and theatre work continues to flood in. He’s appeared in everything from Gosford Park, the star-studded movie, to episodes of Doctor Who. He’s even extended the remarkable range of his CV by voicing a video game character in The Elder Scrolls Online. What’s more, his love of speed has seen him appear on popular motoring show Top Gear, where one dramatic corner on the show’s race track, saw the team name it after the actor. Yet he remains shy of the media. Preferring not to give many interviews – and when he does frequently enjoying feeding the hapless reporter with a string of fibs. Playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn has worked with Gambon for years but admits few really know the man behind the famous roles. mmmHe explains: “He restores antique guns and tells jokes that can go on for days. “But I don’t know any more about him than that. He’s only really public on stage.” Director Matthew Warchus added: “He’s very private. I know other actors who are like that and it’s connected to the acting. In the theatre, among actors, directors, writers, the skill - talent - is a by-product of social dysfunction: outsiders, shy people. Many actors are incredibly shy. They’re channelling something that would otherwise be extremely problematic.” Born in Dublin in 1940, he moved to London as a child, attending schools in the capital and Kent before he left to become an apprentice toolmaker in Crayford at the age of 15. He completed the course and his love or antique guns stems from those days. He explained: “‘I belong to quite a lot of learned societies. We collect firearms and discuss them at dinners and clubs and things. ”It was only in his late teens he got bitten by the acting bug and has never looked back. Today he remains one of the nation’s most distinctive, most distinguished thespians. Magic, as Dumbledore might say. mmm

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SUMMER FOODS to add to your diet It’s summer! that amazing time of year when fresh produce abounds. And what better time to include more healthy food to your diet. So here are some of mmm’s favourites and why they’re a particularly good choice for everyone this summer

Corn: Nothing says summer like fresh sweet corn. And did you know that two antioxidants—lutein and zeaxanthin—in corn may act like natural sunglasses, helping to form macular pigment that ﬁlters out some of the sun’s damaging rays? It’s true. The same antioxidants may also help lower your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration—the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 60 (though much of the damage occurs decades earlier).

One

llow corn cup of ye rams 392 millig contains 1 cup ium, and of potass ins orn conta of white c rams 416 millig

Salad: They are often a nutritional powerhouse. They are a great way to use up leftover barbequed chicken or steak. Any kind of lunchmeat is good, too--smoked turkey, ham, tuna, salami, corned beef, and prosciutto are all great on salads. If you want to keep it meatless, open up a can of beans-kidney, cannellini, garbanzo, and black beans all make tasty, satisfying salad toppers.

Cherries: They deliver a host of health benefits. You may have heard that drinking tart cherry juice can help you get a better night’s sleep and quell post-workout pain. But did you know that compounds in tart cherries may also help you slim down and get leaner? When scientists at the University of Michigan Health System put rats on a high-fat diet supplemented with either a tart-cherry powder (equal to 1% of the weight of their total diet) or the same number of calories from carbohydrate, those that got the cherry powder gained less weight and body fat. Why? The anthocyanins in tart cherries activate a molecule that helps up fat burning and decrease fat storage.

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Tomatoes: There’s no question that sunscreen should be your first line of defence against the blazing summer sun. But eating tomatoes could give you a little extra protection: consuming more lycopene—the carotenoid that makes tomatoes red—may protect your skin from sunburn.

Watermelons: Staying hydrated keeps your memory sharp and your mood stable. It also helps keep your body cool (by sweating) during hot summer months. The good news is that you don’t just have to drink water. You can eat it, too. Watermelon will keep you not only keep you hydrated, it will help you feel full and satisfied. Plus, it’s high in amino acids and antioxidants and is an excellent source of vitamin A and C, Glassman says. Eat it by the slice or try a uniquely delicious and refreshing watermelon salad with feta cheese, mint, and olives.

Strawberries: They are the first fruit to ripen in spring. A long harvest season and many varieties, mean that these red jewels are available through the summer in many parts of the country. And they’re perfect to munch on during the long and wonderful summer

Nitrate rich f strawb erries, oods like eaten exercis befo in to burn g can allow re you 100 m or per se e calories ssion

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Raspberries: They are a great source of fibreâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;some of it soluble in the form of pectin, which helps lower cholesterol. They are ripe for the picking all summer long. We love them sprinkled over cereal, blended in smoothies, or even tossed into a salad. According to Glassman; however, we should be reaching for raspberries first. All berries have fibre and antioxidants, but these tart red ones are on top of the chart. Their high water content also makes them supremely refreshing on a hot summer day. For a new take, try mashing fresh raspberries with white wine vinegar for a meat marinade or salad dressing.

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Rasp potent berries have ial h agains ealth benefi ts t can inflamm cer, aging, ation, neuroa degen nd erative diseas es

Blueberries: Fresh blueberries straight from the berry patch are a special treat! Turns out the antioxidants in them may help ward off muscle fatigue by mopping up the additional free radicals that muscles produce during exercise, according to recent research out of New Zealand.

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mmm Kent’s Lifestyle Magazine

Do you have any recipes to share with our readers? Write to us at MMM Media Ltd, GHL House, First Floor, 12-14 Albion Place, Kent, Maidstone, ME14 5DZ e-mail studio@mmm-media.com or call us on 01622 299035

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Malaysia! mmm’s publisher, Rasa Dregva reports on her recent trip to the magical paradise, Malaysia have been back over a month now from my fantastic holiday and only just seem to be getting back to normality! I had such a fabulous time and just wish it could have lasted a bit longer! The visit to Malaysia has been on my wish list for some time… THE ART OF MALAYSIAN HOSPITALITY To understand the Malaysian culture, you must first get to know its people. The Malaysian people have a rich tradition of hospitality, spanning across the different ethnic groups that embodies the art of well-being with a humble yet cohesive enthusiasm.

Image: Burau bay, Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia (flickr.com)

Kuala Lumpur City is the capital of Malaysia. Often abbreviated as K.L. It is a very fast growing town and is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the country, in terms of population and economy. Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia, due to it’s position as the capital as well as being a key city. On the way to the hotel from the airport, you can certainly notice miles and miles of palm trees, The taxi driver explained that ‘’The Malay government are keen to keep the capital Kuala Lumpur green.’’

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I stayed at The Shangri la Hotel - A hidden paradise in the heart of a metropolis. At Shangri-La, they understand that true luxury means quality time well spent. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, Horizon Club guests will enjoy an attentive and personalised level of service. Their goal is to offer tailor-made, hassle-free travel experiences in one of the world’s most desirable destinations. You wake up snug in downy soft beddings, with world famous skyscrapers, the Petronas Twin Towers, in sight, as Malaysia’s vibrant capital city bids you a fine morning. You feel relaxed and tranquil in the luxurious guestroom at Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Horizon Club guests are offered Shangri-La’s unique spirit of hospitality, and a feeling of always being a home away from home. Benefits include bespoke holiday and business travel planning, as well as the following selection of amenities and services to match guests’ individual needs: • A Shangri-La representative will meet you at the airport to facilitate your arrival, when you book a hotel limousine transfer • A member of the executive staff will welcome you personally to the hotel • You will enjoy a private check-in/out in your room, with the option of a late check-out until 4pm on the day of departure • You will have a dedicated Club Concierge to take care of all your needs, including special travel

Places to see in KL: • The Petronas Twin Towers: The Petronas Towers were the tallest buildings in the world for six years, until Taipei 101 was completed in 2004. The towers feature a double decker skybridge connecting the two towers on the 41st and 42nd floors, which is the highest two-story bridge in the world • The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park: It is a popular tourist attraction in the country, receiving an annual average of 200,000 visitors. It is located adjacent to the Lake Gardens. The Bird Park houses more than 3000 birds representing more than 200 species in an enclosed aviary. 90% are local birds • Kuala Lumpur has numerous shopping malls.

arrangements and basic translation services • Tea, coffee or another hot beverage of your choice will be delivered to your room with your wake up call Lounge: Horizon Club guests will enjoy the convenient use of a private lounge, where facilities will include the following, with compliments: • Daily breakfast • Evening cocktails and canapés • Beverages served all day • Wi-Fi and broadband Internet access • Wide selection of newspapers and magazines • Suit pressing and shoe shine service • Use of meeting room facilities for two hours per day • Executive suites seamlessly blend classiccontemporary décor with the spectacular city view. The suites are tastefully furnished to exude a warm and welcoming feel. There is a spacious bedroom, a custom-designed bathroom equipped with designer bath amenities, a separate living room and a private workstation area. The Health Club is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment for strength training, toning, cardio workouts and body building. There are Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms to complete the fitness experience. An adult swimming pool and children’s paddling pool outside are available to guests and Health Club members. The pool surrounded by the palms trees and sky scrapers – was simply – something else! Their fabulous Spa to Relax and recharge your energy.

Tourists may find it difficult to decide which of them are absolute must-visits and which are the ones that can easily be skipped during their stay in Kuala Lumpur. Some of the great malls are located well outside of Kuala Lumpur, perhaps still very much worth a visit to some, for others probably not worth the hassle • Experience with Monorail train • Hop in and out double decker bus. a

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The Second part of the holiday it was in Lankgawi Island. Langkawi, which means ‘reddish brown eagle’ in colloquial Malay, is not just one big island but a collection of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast. Surrounded by turquoise sea, the interior of the main island is a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. If you’re intent on carting off duty-free alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate, then this is the place to be. Still, Nature-lovers will find the island just as agreeable as the shoreline is fringed by powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees. The island is especially recognised for it’s excellent diving opportunities and this tropical gem hides a treasure trove of other exciting holiday opportunities. From the expansive Underwater World Langkawi along Pantai Cenang, to the soaring cable car in Pantai Kok, Langkawi is an electrifying locale that keeps visitors coming back for more. Gunung Mat Cincang is probably Langkawi’s best-known mountain, aside from it’s neighbour Gunung Raya. At 850m high, it is the second highest mountain in Langkawi and offers some pretty spectacular views of the island. It is home to the famous cable car that carries passengers 709m above sea level to the apex. Besides enjoying the spectacular views of the forested and craggy sides of Mount Cincang, on a clear day you can see all the way to the mainland and southwest Thailand. Besides that, at the top of Gunung Mat Cincang you can also have a buffet dinner at the restaurant. The Langkawi cable car or Panorama Langkawi cable car is one of the major attractions in Langkawi Island. Take a trip with the Sky Cab and enjoy a cable car ride that offers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the natural splendour that Langkawi has to offer. Head there in the early mornings for a cool ride, or the evenings for a magnificent sunset. Langkawi cable car is located just north of Telaga

Harbour, Pantai Kok, with the entrance within ‘ORIENTAL VILLAGE’ - a themed shopping centre housing 30 individually designed buildings showcasing Malaysian and Oriental architecture. It is located just north of the Langkawi. SkyBridge: This suspended bridge is built on top of the Machinchang mountain. Accessible from the top station, the bridge is suspended from a 82m high single pylon and hangs at about 100m above ground. It swings out over the landscape to give visitors a unique spatial experience, and to bring them into otherwise unattainable locations, above virgin jungle with spectacular views. Notably, in contrast to a straight bridge, where the end is always monotonously in sight, a curved bridge offers a spectacular changing perspective, that reinvents itself, as one proceeds along it. The entire bridge, in all it’s elements had to be lifted to the top of the mountain by helicopter and was later assembled to it’s current position. Mangrove Tour: Several areas of mangrove forests can be found all over Langkawi. The forests comprise networks of waterways and coves that are habitats to a profusion of endemic wildlife. The mangrove forests in the north-eastern part of Langkawi island are dominated by Rhizophora apiculata and Ceriops tagal, and cover an area of 1,987 hectares that is drained by three major rivers, namely, Sg. Kisap, Sg. Air Hangat and Sg. Kilim. The jungle canopy is home to a variety of birds, bats, monkeys and a large number insects. The forest floor is colonised by a large variety of benthic invertebrates that live on the sediment surface, within the sediment as well as on the lower trunks of trees. These include at least 16 species of crustaceans (brachyuran crabs from the families Ocypodidae and Grapsidae) and 12 species of gastropods (Ellobiidae, Cerithididae and Littorinidae). These invertebrates play an important role in the ecology of the mangrove forests, by consuming organic matter and recycling nutrients. a

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The conservation of the mangrove forests is vital for the existence of coastal fisheries and marine life in the waters of Langkawi. If meandering the mangrove waterways and gawking at the amazing sights is not enough, the inevitable highlight of every tour – the feeding of the eagles may just take your breath away. The boatman will throw chicken offal into the water near your boat and wait for these huge

It is from this enthusiasm that the Datai Hotels & Resorts, acts as flag bearer for Malaysian hospitality. Every Datai resort reflects real emotional luxury. Luxury not defined by materialism but rather through the opulence of well - being. Gracious, graceful, human, passionate. The Datai: Nestled in the heart of an ancient rainforest. The Datai Langkawi is a captivating destination resort that blends smoothly with it’s natural surroundings. Situated on the mystical island of Langkawi, each room, suite and villa enjoys the embrace of the lush rainforest and offers stunning views from private verandas of the breath-taking Andaman Sea. Reconnect with nature, rekindle your spirit and reignite your soul in this natural haven. National Geographic has rated Datai Bay as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, while the resort’s jungle surrounds plays to wealth of wildlife, some of which are endemic to the area. Bask in the tranquillity and reconnect with nature. There are so many dusky leaf monkeys, tokay geckos and Sunda flying lemurs that you will see during the stay.

raptors to circle overhead and swoop in for their ‘meal’. Mangrove tours may include jungle trekking, cave exploration, village stops, dunking in the water during high tide, or guided exploration of mangrove flora and fauna. Take your pick. Explore kilometres of tidal forests, rugged limestone cliffs, secluded caves and unique flora. Pure Nature!

Dining: Each of the Datai’s dining experiences are exquisite forays into culinary traditions played out in unique settings that couple the serenity of the natural environment with spectacular, calming views. Spa: A swimming pool for adults is located on the upper level while another pool by the beach is perfectly suited to families with children. Guests can join complimentary morning and evening nature walks, ride mountain bikes and enjoy non-motorised water sports at the Datai’s private beach, including catamaran sailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and kayaking. Irshaid Mpbarak, one of Malaysia’s most celebrated naturalists with over 26 years experience in the field, leads the Datai’s fascinating nature walks and tours. A strong advocate for the conservation of Langkawi’s fragile natural heritage. Irshad introduces guests to Asian hornbills and dusky leaf langurs, among other local wildlife. If you are looking for a wonderful destination and haven’t been to Asia, I can definitely recommend marvellous Malaysia. mmm

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Regal blooms as the world descends on Hampton court palace After county’s success at Chelsea Flower Show can there be more success this month? or a few days every year Jo Thompson becomes one of the most famous people in Kent. Because as thousands of greenfingered enthusiasts head to the grounds of the Royal Hospital in west London for the extravaganza that is the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show, the talented garden designer becomes a hot property. Little wonder she has a cupboard of gold medals in recent years, courtesy of her innovative ideas and brilliantly executed designs. What’s more, at May’s sun-soaked event she won the top award again in the fresh garden category for a garden she designed for London developer London Square. She explained: “It is an amazing accolade and I am so proud to have achieved this. I was inspired by the name of the sponsor, London Square, to design a quiet corner of a garden square. Visitors to the show sought out the garden and enjoyed a few peaceful moments, sitting on the bench midst the flowers, shrubs and silver birches. “I grew up in Italy and squares are very much a feature of Italian life, as they are in London – communal and convivial spaces for people to meet, exchange gossip and watch the world go by. I used to live near Eccleston Square in Pimlico, which is known for its roses and is considered to be one of the capital’s most beautiful garden squares. Squares have been part of London life for centuries. They can transport you to another place and yet be metres from a busy road and the beating heart of a city. I have tried to capture this in our Chelsea garden.” But no sooner has the sun set on Chelsea, than the build-up began for this month’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. Bigger than Chelsea – although perhaps a little less prestigious (albeit marginally) – it offers a staggering

array of blooms and designs, which it is hoped will inspire a whole host of amateur – and professional – garden experts to carry into their own open spaces. Taking place in the grounds of the majestic royal palace, it runs from July 8th to 13th and promises to be the best yet. A spokesman explains: “The themes of seven sins, community and Australia all feature in the list of show gardens at this years show. “So look out for the famous Rose Marquee, brilliant show gardens, great family attractions and the wonderfully wacky scarecrow competition.”

The seven sins is almost certain to grab plenty of headlines. It revolves around the conceptual garden; themed around the seven deadly sins, with each garden representing each sin. It is a challenging brief, yet one which promises to deliver tremendous creative talent. There will also be a central wildlife feature which includes a native butterfly house, while the RHS will also be staging a special Talks Theatre, where experts will be holding court passing on their experience and expertise to visitors. There will even be an educational orchid display, themed around a project in India. The Essence of Australia show garden will be presented for the first time by the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, in partnership with Tourism Victoria, Tourism Northern Territory, Qantas and UK tour operator, Trailfinders. The garden celebrates Australian flora and contemporary design, as seen at the multi-award-winning 15-hectare Australian Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, a division of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. The show garden will evoke the relaxed feel of Australia and Australiansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; love of outdoor living as well as celebrating the states and gardening landscapes of Victoria and Northern Territory, as two key travel a

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The RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show takes place from 8th to 13th July

destinations for British holidaymakers. Tourism Victoria’s regional manager UK and Europe, Claire Golding, explained: “Victoria has long been known as ‘the garden state’, so we are delighted to be collaborating on a show garden at the RHS Hampton Court Flower Show with respected Melbourne-based gardener, Jim Fogarty. Victoria is home to 100 national parks and reserves, which – due to the state’s compact size – are all an easy drive from Melbourne, from the rugged mountains of the Grampians, to the temperate rainforests of Cape Otway National Park on the Great Ocean Road. “In Melbourne, gardens form a huge part of our urban culture, connecting our vibrant, cosmopolitan city, with the outdoors seamlessly. I hope the Hampton Court show garden inspires UK visitors to make Melbourne and Victoria a must-see inclusion on any Australian holiday or visit.” And while Jo Thompson may not be competing at Hampton Court, there’s plenty of local interest to keep the attention. The west of the county is particularly well represented – as is Ashford. a

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The Kent exhibitors include: Coolings Garden Centre, Knockholt Category: Show Garden Wardrop and Cole, Snodland Category: Your Garden, Your Budget Brookﬁeld Plants, Ashford Category: Floral Marquee Bean Place Nursery, Ashford Category: Plant Village Madrona Nursery, Bethersden Category: Floral Marquee Downderry Nursery, Tonbridge Category: Floral Marquee Golden Hill Nurseries, Tonbridge Category: Plant Village Coblands Nurseries, Tonbridge Category: Plant Village P&K Davis Nursery, Maidstone Category: Plant Village All will be hoping to land a gold, silver-gilt, silver or bronze medal – the ultimate accolade and seal of approval. From everyone at mmm, we wish all Kent’s competitors the best of luck.

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THE FIREPLACE A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

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Creating a

Water features can bring a contemparary or traditional look to any garden, no matter what size. mmm digs deeper into the beneďŹ ts of having a water feature

f you are considering having a water feature in your garden, you should consider a full plan of where everything will go. Begin with an idea of what type of feature would integrate nicely into the existing landscape, suiting the style of your home, as well as your outdoor living style. Do you seek a place for contemplation or a hub for family activities, a place to expand your gardening skills or a way to deal with a confined site? Consider how the water feature suits its surroundings, as well as your taste preferences. Would you prefer a pond, waterfall, stream or a combination that dominates the landscape and provides interest all year round? As you select a site and design your

water feature, consider how your plans will be affected by other elements including sunlight, proximity to living space, year round views, trees, drainage, and utilities. Enhanced landscaping improves property value and a water feature makes your property stand out from the rest. A pondless waterfall in the front yard provides curb appeal, while a backyard ecosystem pond increases a Wave Tower homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s value much like a deck, Outdoor Water patio, or gazebo. The sound of Feature, ÂŁ63, a water feature will drown out B&Q noise from traffic or neighbours. In addition, water features provide an interesting backdrop for entertaining, whilst adding aesthetic appeal to your landscape. Waterfront property is a prized commodity and you can easily incorporate water into

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Backyard ponds create a gathering spot for family and friends. Young children, teenagers, parents, and grandparents enjoy relaxing by the pond’s edge and water features act like a magnet, pulling the family together. Enjoy family meals outside near the pond and spend the evening unwinding with your loved ones. Educate young children on the wonders of nature with an ecosystem pond. All ages love watching the fish glide underneath lily pads and enjoy the surprise afforded by a frog poking its head above the surface of the water. Water features attract wildlife of all kinds, from birds to butterflies, to frogs and salamanders. Water gardening becomes a new hobby, as you feel yourself drawn to its beauty and natural elements. A pond provides opportunity to have fish as pets, without the mess and maintenance of an aquarium. Aquatic plants give you the chance to broaden your gardening horizons with choices that go beyond the standard petunia and rose. In addition, bird lovers will delight in the new variety of feathered friends that flock to a water feature. Nature lovers simply can’t go wrong with water features. Flowing water, combined with contemporary and classical statuary is a winning combination, especially if surrounded by a large expanse of lawn. Water features that act as focal points can take various forms, such as a waterfall, fountain, bird bath, wishing well or sculpture and these may be ornate, plain, discreet or flamboyant. So the choice that’s available is naturally huge, especially when you consider they might be made from a range of materials. A fountain is probably the most recognisable and traditional water feature. With one tier or with water flowing over multiple levels, fountains can be as decorative or as simple as you prefer. Fountains come in many shapes and sizes. a

your outdoor living space without having to move near a lake or ocean. There’s little doubt that the sight and sound of flowing water brings another dimension to a garden. Whether forming part of contemporary statuary, or in the shape of a classical fountain, light glinting on shimmering water has an attraction all of its own. Water features can be stunning focal points or discreet ornamentation. They add animation to a garden, kindling interest in areas that have previously lacked a spark and introducing sound that is as distinguished as bird song. Take something as simple as a pond. A few frogs may call it home, but otherwise it could be lacking in what might be called the ‘wow’ factor. Add a cascade or fountain and you introduce vitality. The still water flows and the static surface ripples in the sunlight - the pond has taken on a completely new character.

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They can go on walls and waterfalls; they can feature decorative toppers and can be spherical or tiered. They also come in many different types of materials such as copper, cement, brass and stainless steel. You can even use fountains as an accent to your garden, yard or patio. Even placing them in an outdoor pond. Remember that bigger isn’t always better in this case. Although fountains can be a great addition to your landscape, they Gardman shouldn’t overpower your space. Royal Water From something so familiar as a Feature, £179, fountain, the term ‘water feature’ can Robert Dyas encompass many different designs There’s a multitude of resin animals with water gushing from their mouths and trunks, but classical water features might have dolphins or lion heads spouting water over ornately decorated dishes. Contemporary items can be impressive examples of fashionable sculptural art and modern design. If you hanker after an oriental themed garden, you’ll probably already know that water is a vital ingredient. It has a calming effect in serene surroundings. Your personality should reflect onto your garden. Adding a water feature creates a good vibe that can be enjoyed by both family and friends. Whatever you want to add to your own garden, and how you want it to look, should be something to be cherished and enjoyed by everyone. mmm

Homely SUMMER

Tree trunk candle holders £18, House of Fraser

Multi Colour Parasol, £139, Marks and Spencer

Natural Stripe Cushion, £20, Marks and Spencer

Natural Stripe Pillowcase, £29, Marks and Spencer

Silver Plated Candlesticks, £15, House of Fraser

Persia Furniture Set, Dunnes Stores

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Teal Vase £14, Studio Vase £28, Decorative Bottles £12, Coral Sculpture £18, Next

Port Royal Luxe Side Table, £112, Occa-Home

Bahama Chairs, £26, Dunnes Stores

Seville Chair (per pair) £99, Next

Vichy Bistro Set £199, Two Seater Bench £250, John Lewis

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Firswood Lodge SpaciouS home, beautiful gardenS and equeStrian facilitieS in harrietSham Property - Firswood Lodge Address - Ashford Road, Harrietsham, Maidstone Bedrooms - Five Bathrooms - Three: Two en-suite Price - £865,000 Location Firswood Lodge is set well back from the road, on the east side of the village of Harrietsham, which lies just below the North Downs in the heart of Kent. Village facilities include a shop, public house and primary school. A wider range of facilities can be found in the county town of Maidstone and the market town of Ashford. The area is well served by schools, catering for all ages and abilities including Sutton Valence School, and grammar schools in Maidstone. The High Speed service to St Pancras takes 18 minutes from Ebbsfleet International. Harrietsham railway station has regular services to London Victoria from 70 minutes. Sporting and leisure facilities in the area include golf at a number of nearby courses, including the public course at Leeds Castle, point to point racing at Charing (five miles), sailing on the north Kent coast, and walks and rides on the North Downs. Summary - Firswood Lodge Firswood Lodge is a most spacious extended house dating from the 1920’s. There are painted rough cast and brick elevations with some decorative timbering to gable ends under a tiled roof. Internally the house is presented in good order with a flexible layout, and has particularly light and airy accommodation. A glazed front door leads into the entrance lobby with period panelled and leaded light double doors to the drawing room and dining room. The drawing room is a well proportioned room, with a large bay window overlooking the garden with carved timber mantel and a picture rail. The dining room, is also well proportioned and has a door to the inner hall. The study has an attractive bay window and is fitted with a desk, cupboard and drawer unit, and has two storage cupboards. The sitting room has a huge picture window with views over the garden and paddock and to the North Downs beyond, it has a characterful brick fireplace with oak mantel with brick hearth and display shelving to each side. The kitchen/breakfast

room is well fitted with a range of pine cabinets and appliances include fridge/freezer and dishwasher. There is a large six-burner double oven range cooker. French windows open to a south facing conservatory with further French windows opening to the garden. Next to the kitchen is the garden room, which doubles as a utility room with storage cupboards, sink unit and a raised roof pitch. The bedrooms are arranged with two suites of bedroom and en-suite on the ground floor, both with plenty of storage, and a further ground floor bedroom. On the first floor are two further generous bedrooms both with good views, and a bathroom. Outside The property is approached from the road initially through an electric five-bar gate hung on pillars surmounted by lanterns, and thence over a drive bordered by an impressive mature Scots pine trees and yew bushes. There are post and railed paddocks to each side with water. The drive then divides, a spur leading to the front door and another to the garaging. There is an electric double up/over door to one side and a roller shutter door with higher eaves height to the other. The gardens to the front and side are mown lawns, with some fine specimen trees including blue cedar, yew and spruce. There is access through five-bar gates on both sides of the house to the rear gardens which are dominated by a lovely carp pond with waterfall and lawns, the view of which can be enjoyed from the brick paved terrace outside the conservatory. Behind the garaging are two greenhouses, and a large timber clad building comprising a log store, open bay garage and workshop. Nearby is a modern pine summerhouse with power and light and decking terrace. There are further magnificent trees in this part of the garden including a copper beech. There is also a kitchen garden area near the stables. The equestrian facilities lie at the rear of the garden easily accessed over a continuation of the drive. There are four loose boxes and a feed store, all opening to concrete hard standing with three small ‘starvation paddocks’, another larger paddock with field shelter and a sand school. For more details: www.struttandparker.com or call 01227 451123.

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Come and visit our showroom at Third Avenue, Chatham. Open Monday to Saturday with ample parking

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Ightham mote a unique and quirky place xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Situated in the heart of Kent, steeped in history and beauty, Ightham Mote is a lovely day out for all the family

ghtham Mote is, according to Nikolaus Pevsner, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the most complete medieval moated manor house surviving in Englandâ&#x20AC;?. It is one of only 600 surviving moated sites in the country and one of only a handful situated on

a slope. The house evokes a deep, dramatic, magical and romantic sense of history. It chronicles the development of the English house from 1320 onwards, with little alteration, reflecting the nature of its ownership (modest by comparison), as well the evidence of social and domestic needs. It is a Grade I listed building and a designated scheduled ancient monument. This is complemented by its setting within a beautiful historic garden, combining formal and wilderness areas reflecting

the changing dates and preferences of fashion and owners, trend, location and condition. It is buffered by an estate of considerable significance in terms of wildlife, habitat and historic site usage, from ancient times and includes a SSSI set within a conservation area in the Kent AONB. This provides a unity for a building which has evolved from its surroundings, but which is still a surprise to those who come upon it in its highly secluded setting. a

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Ightham Mote facts Built nearly 700 years ago, During 15th and early 16th centuries Richard Haute and his son Edward remodelled Ightham Mote into a fashionable courtyard house. There are at least 100,000 visitors a year Former owner Richard Clement added symbols to highlight his association with Henry VIII.

Having changed ownership regularly over six centuries, the property bears witness to all who have made their mark upon it in some way. It’s scale, intimacy and atmosphere, is regularly acknowledged as being friendly, domestic and somewhere all who visit can relate to comfortably and many could imagine living in. Having been continually occupied for nearly 700 years, the Property has changed hands many times, from its possible construction and ownership by Sir Thomas Cawne in the 14th Century via the Hautes to Richard Clement’s purchase of it in 1521. It was then owned by the Selby family for 300

years (1592-1889). Following purchase by the Colyer Fergussons, it was then saved from potential demolition by three local businessmen, John Baldock, William Durling and John Goodwin in 1951. It was acquired by the National Trust via a bequest from Charles Henry Robinson, its last private owner and an endowment from Sir James Colyer Fergusson in 1985. This followed the donation of the farm and wider state by John Goodwin in 1977, the two units coming together under the National Trust’s guardianship to create the wider Ightham Mote Property, now open to the public.

It is a place which is held in great affection and for which many people feel a strong sense of ownership, latterly due in no small part to their involvement in, contribution to and observation of, the significant (ÂŁ10m) rescue conservation and repair programme, undertaken between 1989-2006, for which it has become renowned and which harnessed enormous continued public support and finance. Ightham Mote is an accredited museum with significant collections, some of which are intrinsic and enhance the highly significant architectural features such as the chapel ceiling, whilst telling its story and that of those who have lived here. A unique and quirky place, Ightham Mote cannot be confused with anywhere else. The picturesque mystery is enhanced by the tranquillity and drama, provided by the surrounding water on all fronts and beyond linking it further to nature and reminding all that, the ragstone and timbers which bind it together also sprung from the adjacent surroundings. The dominant presence of water also creates both the reflections and sound effects which together with the wildlife and countryside in which it is set, reinforce the overwhelmingly timeless and reassuring feeling on seeing Ightham Mote, that it has been and will be there forever. Ightham Mote run a series of events throughout the year and much of the house and gardens are open 363 days a year. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote for more details.

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A DArk DAy kent Village will never forget Every August a raid that devastated a Kent airfield in 1940 is remembered by the people of the village that bears its name. A memorial that stands just across from the village pub in Detling carries the names of the units that served at this famous airfield. Historian Robin J Brooks looks back at a day that became known as the ‘blackest day’ in the history of the village Although not a fighter command station, Detling was uesday August 13th, 1940 dawned fair with singled out for this attack on a day the Germans called an early morning mist. In the Dover Straits ‘Eagle Day’, the beginning of the annihilation of the there was some cloud which dispersed as RAF. Heavy attacks had been planned on all the Kent the sun got to work. Over the other side of airfields from this time on in a bid to clear the sky the Channel on the French held of the RAF. For Detling, the raid came at a time airfields, the Luftwaffe were preparing for a day of The station crest of RAF when some personnel were heading to the mess raids. At Detling, a Coastal Command airfield set Detling with motto for their tea. Shrieking from the cloud, a large high on the North Downs near Maidstone, ground Dare to be Wise. force of Junkers 87 ‘Stukas’ dived on the airfield crews were beginning to prepare the Ansons and Credit RAF Detling and achieved the measure of surprise they had Blenheims for the daily raids along the French hoped. Led by a Luftwaffe hero, Hauptmann Von coast. An air raid warning had sounded as early Brauchitsch, they unleashed their as 03.38 hours when the station went to yellow bombs unmolested. alert but nothing materialised. The accuracy of the raid was good with every Throughout the day further warnings had grass runway being cratered, hits were registered sounded and the colour codings for these had on the hangars, with fires spreading to enormous been through white, back to yellow and back to proportions and destroying several aircraft. One white. At 15.53 hours in the afternoon, an air raid bomb managed to hit the semi-sunk operations coding went to yellow and at 16.00 hours to red, room slicing the bomb proof roof in half. As it this indicating that a raid was imminent. This was disappeared in one huge explosion, the too late to allow personnel on duty to go to the Commanding Officer of Detling, Group Captain Edward shelters and five minutes later, Detling was subjected to one of the worst raids on any airfields during the Davis, a former tennis champion, fell to his death with a Battle of Britain. jagged piece of concrete through his skull. a

500 Squadron Ansons over Kent

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A bad landing at Detling

As the Stukas spread death and devastation at Detling, Leading Aircraftsman David King, was on his way back to Detling on the bus from Maidstone. He recalled his amazement at what he saw. “On August 13th I was due to be on duty in the operations room at 22.00 hours. I had been to Maidstone in the morning and had noticed six Blenheim bombers lined up along the perimeter fence. When I was coming back I noticed that where they had been, resembled a scrapyard. I had heard the raid going on whilst in Maidstone, but never imagined it to be so bad. I reported for duty when my time was due and was told to go home and report for duty the next morning at 08.00 hours. I believe that nearly every building had been hit with extensive damage and that there were many deaths and casualties. How did this happen without warning?” “The system of air raid warnings was that air raid yellow warnings were sent out by telephone whenever enemy aircraft were in the area, where they could pose a threat and a red when an attack appeared imminent. In reality we would get a yellow when enemy aircraft were in the Channel and a red when they approached the coast. This meant that when a yellow was sounded for aircraft in the area of Dover or Folkestone, we at Detling would get a red

and all personnel would go the shelters. The CO however realised that this wasted a lot of precious time and so he arranged for the Observer Corps headquarters in Maidstone to phone Detling whenever the threat of an attack looked likely. In the event on the 13th August the Corps attempted to call Detling on several occasions to warn the airfield that there was a direct threat, but found the telephone lines, of which we had just two, were engaged. The observers could see the approaching aircraft but were powerless to warn us of the raid”. Two minutes after the raid finished, the air raid siren in Maidstone began to sound its warning. It was too late for 67 personnel at Detling, who were killed outright, with a further 94 badly injured including many women. Casualty Clearing Officer Wallace Beale, a Maidstone undertaker, sped to the airfield with local units of the Civil Defence. The scene they found would have made many a weaker man ill. Of the 67 people killed, many needed only five foot coffins reserved for unidentified remains. A fleet of ambulances took the injured to Preston Hall hospital as clearance of the airfield began. Such was the efficiency of the personnel, that a temporary operations room was back on the air the next morning. One of the pilots from No. 500 (County of Kent) Auxiliary Squadron, then based at Detling, was Squadron Leader Paine. He was coming back from a daylight raid in his Avro Anson and prophesied the raid. He spoke to me some years back of his premonition. The Kent Showground memorial to all those who served at RAF Detling’

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The memorial to all the units that served at RAF Detling

“We took off from Detling and set course for North Foreland, our normal departure point for the Channel raids. We carried out the drop and were heading back to the airfield. I just happened to say to my co-pilot ‘Detling is going to catch a packet today’. The old Anson bumbled along and as we approached the Kent coast the cloud increased with about 10/10th at 3,000 feet. I looked ahead and saw there was something strange about the airfield. Scars of yellow earth all over the surface of the grass. Then the hangars, good God! They looked like rather badly damaged kitchen collanders. It was unbelievable that so much damage could take place. We flew over and around the landing area judging where to put down. The ops room had obviously taken a huge hit and I knew that no-one could have survived that. When we did eventually land and stop, I rushed to the scene where the ops room had been, to find so many bodies lying around. This was real war and it was horrible”. Detling was to be subjected to several other smaller raids during 1940, but nothing on the scale of the 13th August. Some of the dead from the operations room now rest in the Sutton Road cemetery, some were taken for private burial. A window in St Martins church is dedicated to the fallen, a reminder of a dark day that the village will never forget. BY ROBIN J BROOKS

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Mercedes-Benz New generation CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake prices announced The new generation CLS Coupé and Shooting Brake are set to arrive in the UK in September – featuring a new look and packed with new technology which is fitted as standard, the new car promises to deliver even better value and lower emissions, as well as being the fastest and most efficient generation of CLS yet. A new petrol six-cylinder engine has also been fitted to the CLS Coupé – the CLS 400 – taking the form of a 333 hp, 3,498cc V6. Topping the range is the mighty CLS 63 AMG S – now producing 585 hp (up 28 hp) and 800 Nm of torque (up 80 Nm) and it is equipped with a limited slip differential as standard. The changes bring down the 0-62

mph time from 4.2-seconds to 4.1-seconds (Shooting Brake: 4.2-seconds). Across the new CLS range there are significant upgrades in the technologies fitted, with AMG Line now becoming the default specification of the car. This means COMAND Online, heated front seats and the ambient lighting system are all fitted as standard. Two option packs are available – Premium Pack (comprising an electric sunroof, a seat memory package, a reversing camera and split/folding seats) and a Premium Plus Pack, featuring the same equipment as the Premium Pack but adding a Harman Kardon sound system and Keyless Go. a

CLS Coupé Model

Transmission

Power (hp)

Torque) (Nm)

Economy (MPG)

CO2 (g/km)

Price (rrp OTR)

CLS 220 BlueTEC, diesel - 2,143cc, four-cylinder

7G-Tronic Plus

117

400

56.5

129

£46,500

CLS 350 BlueTEC, diesel - 2,987cc, six-cylinder

9G-Tronic Plus

258

620

52.3

142

£49,950

CLS 400, petrol - 3,498cc, six cylinder

7G-Tronic Plus

333

480

38.7

170

£55,850

CLS 63 AMG S, petrol - 5,461cc, eight-cylinder

AMG MCT 7-speed

585

800

28.5

231

£86,500

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Jazz singer and pianist Chiara Civello is the new ambassador of the Range Rover Evoque

The equipment line-up on the CLS 63 AMG S is even more comprehensive – with an electric sunroof, Keyless Go, the ambient lighting system, a Harmon Kardon sound system, a reversing camera, split folding rear seats and a powered tailgate being fitted as standard. Likewise, on every CLS a new eight-inch tablet-style screen is fitted as standard, running the latest ‘NTG 5’ software allowing new Mercedes-Benz apps, including

the Mercedes Me system, to be downloaded and used in the car. LED multibeam headlights are also fitted to the new CLS as standard – allowing benchmark visibility at night without dazzling other road users. The new generation CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake are available to order from July, with the first deliveries taking place in September.

CLS Shooting Brake Model

Transmission

Power (hp)

Torque) (Nm)

Economy (MPG)

CO2 (g/km)

Price (rrp OTR)

CLS 220 BlueTEC, diesel - 2,143cc, four-cylinder

7G-Tronic Plus

117

400

56.5

132

£48,080

CLS 350 BlueTEC, diesel - 2,987cc, six-cylinder

9G-Tronic Plus

258

620

49.6

149

£51,400

CLS 63 AMG S, petrol, 5,461cc, eight cylinder

AMG MCT 7-speed

585

800

28.0

235

£87,000

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Business LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS IGGY GOEs BACk ON dIspLAY AT MAIdsTONE MusEuM AfTER TEN YEARs

This week ‘Iggy’ the cast of the Iguanodon found in Maidstone, goes back on display at Maidstone Museum after many years. In 1834, during the excavation of a quarry in the Queen’s Road area of Maidstone, a fossil bone was uncovered which appeared to be from an animal of tremendous size. After further investigation, by quarry owner Mr WH Bensted, it was found that this bone was one piece of a partial skeleton. A skeleton of an Iguanodon. The find was internationally significant as it helped to work out how the bones of an iguanodon fitted together. It was so significant a find that the discovery even made it’s way onto the coat of arms of Maidstone. The cast on display shows how the bones were arranged when they were discovered. Interpretation manager, Amy Adams, says “It is so fantastic to finally have ‘Iggy’ back on display at the museum.

His story is so significant to the history of Maidstone and the history of palaeontology, that it just had to be included in the displays at Maidstone Museum.” Iggy is on display from 27th May in the Kent Earth Heritage Gallery at Maidstone Museum and forms part of the permanent display. For more information contact 01622 602845

A RIGHT ROYAL CELEBRATION The Kent County Show 2014 will be celebrating 50 years at the Kent Showground, Detling and is delighted that patron, HRH The Duke of Kent, KG will be attending on Friday 11th July. The Duke of Kent became patron of the Kent County Agricultural Society in 1975 and has been a firm supporter over the decades, attending the show on numerous occasions. His last visit in 2011, saw the Duke tour with the Society’s former president Lord Astor of Hever, and immediate past chairman George Jessel. He will officially open the new Maidstone Exhibition Hall, a purpose built single span permanent exhibition and conference space. The 3,000 sqm building, 72 metres long and 42 metres wide has capacity for up to 4,900 people.

Following the official opening, HRH The Duke of Kent will be guest of honour at the President’s Lunch. Lady Astor of Hever became the current society

president in 2010 when her husband, Lord Astor of Hever stood down. Following the lunch, The Duke will undertake a tour of the show. HRH has in the past enjoyed in particular the heritage vehicles and farming sections of the show. On previous occasions, as president of the Scout Association he made a special effort to visit Kent scouts in the woodland area and was impressed by the dedication and commitment of both the scouts and the Kent young farmers in the agricultural area. The new website launched for the 2014 show, lists all activities, events and competitions. Visitors should use the ‘plan your day’ tool to ensure that they experience everything they can during their visit. For more information visit www.kentshowground.co.uk

LocaL Business news

team building at the great danes hotel Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel have been exploring as to how they can use their 26 acres of landscaped grounds to win new day delegate and residential conferences for companies looking for away days and team building. The activities such as archery, laser clay pigeon shooting, team challenges, giant inflatable football and treasure trails set around the grounds, are provided by third party companies they will be working with. There are also many indoor activities that they cater for,

with the large indoor space including Guinness World Record attempts. Plus with their nine hole pitch, putt and croquet you are sure to have a fantastic day while learning. The great unique idea is that each event can cater for your individual needs and what you are looking to achieve from the day. Why not come and see for yourself on Tuesday 15th July between 12pm and 2pm where you will be able to see what is on offer, and experience some activities on the day. For more details please contact 0844 815 9045

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LocaL Business news

new arrivals in whitehead monCKton’s business serviCes team Just over a year ago Whitehead Monckton opened their new office in Canterbury. The Law Firm has been very satisfied with the progress of the office as they continue to build business levels and professional connections in the city. With the three offices across Kent, in Maidstone and Tenterden, as well as Canterbury, they are very well placed to help clients as their businesses prosper with the improved outlook for the economy. Whitehead Monckton is pleased to welcome a new addition to the commercial property team in Canterbury – Dan Cowley. Dan grew up in Canterbury so is delighted to be Dan Cowley returning to an area he knows so well. He specialises in all commercial property matters, with particular specialist expertise in advising further and higher education establishments and medium and large size corporate entities on their property portfolio issues. Whitehead Monckton also welcomes a new addition to its expanding business disputes team. Senior solicitor David Riordan joins Adrian Robbins and Chris Longden in the team, which is already recognised in both Legal 500 and Chambers independent directories. David specialises in a range of business and property-related disputes. For more information please contact: Julie Collier on 01622 698046 David Riordan

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KeePing Cool is KeY to 30-Year milestone For Kent Firm Kent company Complete Cooling Systems is celebrating 30 years of trading success, helping stars such as Robbie Williams, Lily Allen, Kylie Minogue, Bryan Ferry and Duran Duran keep their cool with their air conditioning, ventilation and heating systems. The West Malling firm has been the preferred supplier for several world-famous recording studios, including Abbey Road, Townhouse and Olympic Studios. Other clients have included J Sainsbury, British Telecom, Guinness plc and the Ford Motor Co. The family business was founded in 1984 by managing director Brian Johnston. Brian’s son Alan joined as an engineer, with his daughter Carly coming on board in 2008 to head up the marketing team. The firm now has nine full time employees and installs and maintains air conditioning, ventilation and heating systems for clients across Kent, London and the South East.

“We pride ourselves on creating a good rapport with our customers and putting them at ease. Our feedback shows that we give a friendly, professional, customer-focused service, and I think this has been the key to our success over the past 30 years,” said Brian Johnston. The last three decades have seen significant changes in the air conditioning industry. “In the early days it was still considered a luxury, so only the major players on the high street and blue chip clients reaped the benefits. But the extension of IT to all areas of our lives has led to rapid growth to cope with the demands to cool down offices, shops and IT equipment. Changes in regulations to reduce the impact on the ozone layer and increase efficiency have also led to the whole industry having to retrain and meet higher installation standards,” said Alan Johnston.

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LocaL Business news

new energY eFFiCienCY sCheme oFFers best deal Yet For householders Matthew Edwards, sales director at Swale Heating

A new home energy efficiency scheme being launched by the Government this month could be the catalyst that’s needed to encourage householders to make their homes greener, says a leading Kent heating company. Swale Heating, the largest independent heating company in the south of England, has thrown its full support behind the Green Deal Home Improvement Fund (GDHIF) initiative and says it is confident the new scheme will spark renewed interest from householders who want to drive down their energy bills. The scheme, being introduced by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, means householders could get up to £7,600 back on incentives covering a range of energy-saving improvements, including new heating systems. Matthew Edwards, sales director at Swale Heating, which is an authorised Green Deal Installer, said: “In its current format, Green Deal has struggled to achieve a fraction of the projected take-up that was expected. What was initially hailed as the biggest home improvement programme in the UK since World War II has been marred by problems and setbacks so it’s little wonder that consumers have so far failed to buy into Green Deal. “This new scheme is a major step forward. It will make it much easier for people to improve their homes and offers far more generous incentives than previous Green Deal initiatives. “We anticipate that householders will be quick to take advantage of the £120 million the Government is making available this financial year to support home improvements and boost energy efficiency,” adds Matthew. For more details please contact Swale Heating on 01795 477098

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Family guide to whats on & when Oliver, The Marlowe Theatre, 23rd - 26th July dazzling, rip-roaring and ultimately uplifting tale of high drama and excitement set in the wilds of Dickensian London, vividly bringing to life Dickens’ ever popular story of the boy who asked for more. From the orphanage to the mean streets of London, the

ever optimistic Oliver strives to survive through thick and thin, meeting such memorable characters as Nancy, Fagin,

Bill Sykes and the Artful Dodger along the way. Featuring an epic cast and orchestra, with a magical score full of Lionel Bart’s irresistible songs, including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Gotta Pick A Pocket Or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah and many more. For more information visit www.marlowetheatre.com

Sittingbourne Steam Railway, 5th - 6th July he very popular Steam and Beer event will be held on 5/6th July. Trains will run to a special timetable that will be available for download from the railway’s website nearer the time. This is your only opportunity to travel on the railway late into the night (Saturday only). There will be a large selection of real ales and ciders (while stocks last!) and your first pint is included in the fare.There will

be live music on the Saturday whilst Sunday is family day and Captain Jack Sparrow, the famous movie pirate, will be returning to Kemsley Down - come dressed as a pirate to join Jack’s scurvy crew and you may win a prize! To find out more and for a descriptive tour, visit the railway’s new website at www.sklr.net or call the talking timetable on 01795 424899 for train information.

Kent Life Heritage Farm Park, Maidstone, 20th July

ent Life, the award-winning rural heritage attraction, near Maidstone, is holding a Classic and Vintage Vehicle Show on Sunday

July 20th. Kent Life’s stunning display is expected to draw visitors from far and wide, who will be given the chance to vote for their favourite. General manager Emily Hirons says: “As well as admiring our fantastic vehicles, visitors can make a full day of it by exploring our historic vintage village and discovering what life was really like in Kent’s rural past. “They can meet some of the animals in Cuddle Corner or

take in the scenery on our tractor rides, before relaxing with a homemade cake in Dotty’s tearoom. Kent Life has 28 acres of indoor and outdoor fun and activities for all ages so there’s plenty to do, whatever the weather.” Admission to the event is adults £9.25, concessions £8.25, children (aged 3-15) £7.25. Under-3s and members are free. Kent Life Heritage Farm Park at Lock Lane, off junction 6 of the M20, is open daily from 10am to 5pm (last admission 4pm). For more information call 01622 763936 or visit www.kentlife.org.uk

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National Austin 7 Rally, Hampshire, 6th July he 52nd National Rally of pre-war Austin 7 motor cars, organised by the 750 Motor Club, takes place at the home of the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu in Hampshire, on Sunday 6th July. The Austin 7, the ‘baby’ Austin, was the ﬁrst truly mass-produced British car and between 1922 and 1939 some 290,000 were built. Today, enthusiasm for owning an Austin 7 is as strong as ever and the rally attracts entries from all over the United Kingdom and Europe. In the pre-war period butchers, bakers, ﬁshmongers and traders used the Austin 7 for deliveries. To celebrate their contribution to the heritage of the marque the rally

theme this year is ‘Commercial Austin 7s’ and some wonderful examples will join the hundreds of vehicles on display. All Austin 7s are welcome and membership of the 750 Motor Club is not required. Austins form the core of the event, but all tax-exempt historic vehicles of all makes are invited to attend and will have a designated parking area on the rally ﬁeld. The ofﬁcial rally is on the Sunday, but many entrants take advantage of overnight camping to make a

Kent County Show, Detling, 11th - 13th July he Kent County Show is a showcase event for farming, countryside and rural life. The three day event brings together the very best of Kent with animals and food, fun and excitement and above all a sense of what ’The Garden of England’ has to offer. The Kent County Show 2014 will be on Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July and has something for the whole family. Open from 8am to 6pm every day, the show is a wonderful day out with plenty of displays, entertainment and local food. With over 400 exhibitors and trade stands and over 300 competitions, activities and displays.

Family guide to WHATS ON & WHEN

weekend of the event. On the Saturday there is an organised run around the New Forest followed by an evening barbecue. Visitors to the Beaulieu attraction on the day can also see the rally and the venue makes for an ideal day out for all the family. Beaulieu is home to a wide variety of attractions and the rally entry ticket also gives access to the historic Palace House and gardens and the National Motor Museum. The event is sponsored by Warranty Direct and RH Specialist Insurance. Full details and entry forms can be found on the website: http://www.750mc.co.uk/austin7. Gates open at 10am.

Whitstable Oyster Festival, July 26th - August 1st

ean Lock, Finley Quaye, The Cuban Brothers and Benzego are conﬁrmed for The Whitstable Oyster Festival 2014. The organisers of The Whitstable Oyster Festival, which takes place from Saturday 26th July - 1st August 2014, have announced several huge acts as part of this year’s event. These include an intimate comedy night with Sean Lock, a Live reggae night with Finley Quaye and a free gig from The Cuban Brothers and local singer songwriter Ben Mills and his band.

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Lancaster, Headcorn Aerodrome 16th - 17th August he Organisers of the Combined Ops, Military and Air Show are delighted to announce that the Avro Lancaster that is flying to England this August and will be providing a full display with other aircraft from the BBMF on both 16th and

17th August. The Avro Lancaster will join the only other airworthy Lancaster in the world, owned and operated by the Royal Air Force’s renowned Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), so it will be one of the very few opportunities to see both flying together in the UK. The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum’s prized Avro Lancaster will depart from Hamilton, Ontario on August 4th and plan to arrive in England on August 8th. The North Atlantic crossing will include en-route stops at Goose Bay, Labrador by Canada, and Narsarsuaq by Greenland, and finally Keflavik in Iceland, prior to arriving at the BBMF, RAF Coningsby. Shortly after arriving, the Lancaster will undergo a scheduled maintenance inspection and then the Canadian crews will complete a short training program with the BBMF in preparation to participate in several air displays and fly pasts with the BBMF Lancaster and fighters.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum President and CEO, Sqn Ldr (Ret.) David G. Rohrer C.D. who is a current Lancaster pilot, indicated that this year; “A rare window of opportunity was identified to bring the only two flying Lancasters in the world together as a special salute to all the veterans of Bomber Command, many of whom are in their late 80’s or older now. It is also an opportunity for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum to fly together and showcase a flying display and tribute to all those who served in the time of need, in Canada, England and the entire Commonwealth, that likely will never be seen again.” The Combined Ops Military and Air Show Weekend is a spectacular display of military vehicles and aircraft and is held at Kent’s historic Headcorn Aerodrome, home of many real war-time dramas. This family event will also include living history re-enactment groups, arena events, military stalls and children’s mini tanks and food stalls to make it a perfect day out. Tickets for the event are available online priced at £9 for Adult (£12 on the door), £7 for Children and Seniors (£9 on the door), while under 5s go free. Family tickets are available from £23 online or (£29 on the door) and can be pre-booked at www.combinedops.co.uk

The P&O Ferries Choir, Leeds Castle, 12th July he choir is drawn from a broad cross-section of staff at the ferry company, with members working on different ships and at different shore locations, one of them even based in Calais! It is a logistical challenge to get their choir together, so it is an honour that they are all able to unite and sing at this annual summer event, set in the beautiful grounds of the 900 year old Castle. Hilary Campbell, the choir’s Musical Director, said: “The choir is still very new and comprised of numerous people who continue to be surprised at their own capabilities. It makes it all the more remarkable that the group has attained the standard it has in such a short space of time.

The singers gave an excellent, polished account of themselves in a performance with Susan Boyle at the Hammersmith Apollo at the start of April. Their best performance to date, however, came a week later, when they made a guest appearance at the Top Choirs Kent competition in Canterbury. Now sights are firmly set on taking the stage at the largest open-air classical concert in the country in July. It is the stuff that dreams are made of and I’m tremendously proud of them.” Some of the songs on their varied playlist will be ‘The Lacrimosa’ from Mozart’s Requiem Mass, Nina Simone’s ‘Sinnerman’, which is a real favourite of the choir and Coldplay’s plaintive ‘Fix You’.

Family guide to whats on & when

The Open Air Classical Concert is a firm favourite with concert-goers each summer, an audience of flag-waving, partying picnickers will fill the natural amphitheatre on the 12th July. The huge concert stage is set against the backdrop of Leeds Castle, “the loveliest castle in the world”. This is more than a concert, with its diverse classical orchestral programme, interwoven with specially selected choral and solo pieces and the visual spectacle of military musicians, field guns, superb fireworks and iconic aircraft displays. Visit www.heritage-events.co.uk for more information.

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Catwalk: Tommy Hilfiger

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014