Iaak dec 15 digital by in and around Loose

Maidstoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local community magazine

FREE DEC/JAN 2016

WANTED

Distributors More information page 4

Your guide

for Christmas

From glitzy party dresses, what to do with turkey leftovers, to getting your boiler winter ready!

Contents

an event to go to? 17 Got Travel in style. Is your boiler ready 09 for winter? Your 11 Gardening. dream garden. new art gallery 13 A is in town! party 16 Festive wear feature. your drinking 23 Manage over Chrimbo Turkey leftovers 25 Recipe Recycling information 27 28 What’s On community 30 Local notice board On 32 What’s New Years Eve 35 Walking routes 39 Film review

Travel Rio

Welcome to In and Around Magazine, Dec/Jan 2016

Dear Readers, The festive season is finally here ‘yay’! The Christmas town lights have been switched on, shopping is in full swing and I’m sure you’ve had the odd nativity costume to ‘magic up’ too!! I hope that like us at ‘In and Around’, you are getting into the seasonal spirit! This month we bring you a packed winter issue including dazzling party wear (page 16), advice on getting your boiler checked (page 9), top tips on how to avoid the dreaded hangover (page 23) and lots of information about what’s going on in the local area. Don’t forget to support your local services in our magazine and remember to say you found them in “In & Around Magazine”. Wishing you all and your families a fabulous Christmas and a Upcoming happy and healthy 2016, copy deadlines from all the ‘In and Tuesday 15th Around’ team. Sarah, Editor

December Tuesday 19th January

In & Around Magazine is distributed each month to; Loose, Boughton Monchelsea, Coxheath, Bearsted, Grove Green, Penenden Heath, Allington, Aylesford, Ditton, West Malling, Sutton Valence, Langley, Lenham, Harrietsham, Hollingbourne, Maidstone Town Centre and Newnham Court.

“Connecting local people to local businesses”

32 DISTRIBUTORS

WANTED

to deliver local magazine in Allington and Barming Area

Contact Sarah on 01622 296230 or 07983 953129 sarah@inandaroundkent.co.uk

Good rates of pay Get paid while you exercise! Editor & Publisher: Sarah Maberley Laurel House 43 Earl Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1DP Tel: 01622 296230 Published independently by: In and Around info@inandaroundkent.co.uk inandaroundkent.co.uk

Based in Boughton Monchelsea we offer excellence in all of the key areas that are most important to our customers, design, quality and customer service. Making the right choice makes a huge difference to the character and practicality of your home. We want to help you find the floor that fits your space, your needs and your style. We offer many brands to suit all budgets including our very own Dewitt Collection and are pleased to announce for that the months of December and January we can offer a 10% discount on all Amtico Signature and Spacia ranges when mentioning this advert.

Dewitt Flooring UK Limited The Green, Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone ME17 4LT w: www.dewittfloors.co.uk e: info@dewittfloors.co.uk t: 01622 744886 Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 09:00 – 16:30 Saturday – 10:00 – 16:00 5

Motors & Leisure

Travel in style

on your special day

If you have a special occasion coming up, you may have considered renting a limousine to add to the glitz and glamour of the evening. Limousines are a fantastic way to transport a group of friends or family to or from an event, and they make a wedding or birthday party feel extra special. Here’s our great reasons for hiring a limo... Make your special day REALLY special One of the most precious and memorable days in a person’s life and what better way than traveling in a limo on that day. There are many different models that a bride or groom can choose from according to their taste and need. It is great way to incorporate absolute style and luxury into a wedding and make it memorable forever. Moreover, limousines look wonderful in wedding photos, adding a dash of pure royalty to the event.

comedy show. You can all have a drink on the way to your event with no one having to be the driver. When you arrive at your venue, everyone will be looking at your very own limousine! Plus they make great photos and lasting memories. A good fun treat that you’ll be talking about for weeks. A Hen party to remember What better way to start your hen party than with a limo! All hen parties are about partying and the party can start much quicker by starting on the route to the event. Bring along your own music, drink your favourite wine and arrive in style…

Give your Christmas or New Year’s Eve Party some extra sparkle Give your Christmas celebration a modern twist by renting a limo for yourself, your spouse, and all of your nearest and dearest. Drink champagne on the way to your destination to celebrate the festive season.

Spoil the birthday girl/boy A show stopping limo is a great birthday surprise for your loved one or son or daughter. They keep a group of friends together and the party starts in the limo on the way to your restaurant/bar/club/ 7

Thinking of a new bedroom? Then think of us.

Information

Do I need an

annual boiler service?

Quite simply, YES. You should have your gas boiler regularly serviced not only to make sure it’s working safely but to ensure your boiler is not faulty and wasting you money on energy.

What do Samsian Engineers do during a boiler service?

• The case will be refitted where removed & seals checked.

• We lay dust sheets around the immediate work area to protect surfaces from any dust.

• We then record the data captured with our test equipment on your engineer’s service report along with any photos of importance.

• After asking you if you have had any problems with the boiler or heating, we inspect your boiler along with its controls to make sure they’re working as they should. • Where possible, we will remove the casing of your boiler to inspect & clean the main components where required. • We will check your boiler for signs of internal and external corrosion and leaks. • The gas pressure and or gas rate will be checked where necessary. • The boiler flue and components will be checked to make sure it’s not emitting any unsafe fumes. • Wherever possible a combustion analyser will be used to check the emissions from the appliance flue are in accordance with the manufacturers literature.

• Efficiency advice will be given where appropriate and energy saving tips or new components can be discussed. • Your engineers report is then emailed to you on completion (or printed out and posted for those without email) All our engineers are on the Gas Safe Register & fully insured to work in your home or office. They also have an electronic copy of all gas appliance literature with them for reference.

To book your Winter boiler service, call 01732-885882 or visit our website where you can use our quick contact form. You can even find us on Twitter & Facebook using ‘Samsiangas’ 9

CARPENTER / BUILDER • • • •

Lawns Cut from £10 • Hedge Cutting • Fencing Fence / Shed Painting • Garden Clearance General Help Around Your Garden All Waste Removed If Required

Call Neil on 07871 088119 or 01622 744511 info@thebigmow.co.uk Full Liability Insurance • Waste Transfer Licence

TANTONS TREE SURGEONS Your Local Tree Experts

Fully qualified & experienced in all aspects of Tree Surgery & Stump Grinding Site clearance - Log Wood - Fully Insured For a Quote or advice Please Telephone

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GEOFF BROWN Established 30 years

Loft conversions | Extensions | Property Maintenance includingDoors, Windows, Roofs, Flooring, Soffits & Fascias etc. For a FREE estimate please call Geoff Brown

Phone 01622 859703 Mobile 07941 105133

Kent’s best landsapers! Our results speak for themselves! You want the best? Call the best!

53 Sussex Road, Maidstone, ME15 7HX T:07533318702 E:charles@bentonlandscapes.co.uk W:bentonlandscapes.co.uk 10

Gardening December gardening

Dream on... It might be freezing cold outside but this is a great time to start thinking about what you’re going to change in your garden for next summer. There is still plenty of opportunity to alter the physical structure of the plot as well and professional landscapers are just itching to help you make all those changes. For them it’s much easier to have a blank canvass to work with rather than competing with garden furniture and other paraphernalia while they rip up the tired old patio. Equally, most plants have hunkered down for the winter and now is a good time to move any that have inadvertently found themselves in the wrong place, provided Jack Frost’s not forecast! I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer – and that’s the beauty of gardening – our dreams and grand ideas tend to be a little more achievable and, with a bit of lateral thinking, can be adapted to achieve the same result. Take the dreamy landscape pictured… it may be slightly larger than your average plot but it is still a garden and everything that is in flower has been grown from seed. No fancy fertilisers, no expensive plants bought from the garden centre and no hard landscaping – the paths are simply mown strips of grass. All this has been done in a year and this is exactly what anyone can achieve with a modicum of effort to prepare the ground and keep down the invasive weed species. Provided you choose the right mixes, you can enjoy a succession of colour from spring to late autumn; this is a dream that can easily become reality! The other benefit of this naturalistic style of planting is that not only is it an uber cool style statement, it is also a massive hit with wildlife and will tick every biodiversity box ever invented! The RHS recently concluded that what bees and other pollinators absolutely need is MASSES of lovely

e rs, Bea utifu l f loswe eds! sim p ly fro m open flowers, dripping with pollen and nectar which they can easily access. Regrettably, you aren’t going to get that from neatly trimmed Box topiary or acres of manicured lawns surrounded by legions of Hybrid Tea roses, stuffed full of petals that no insect could ever prise open! As a designer, I have to be open to other people’s dreams and try and turn them into something which is both workable and appealing. There are always alternative ways to achieve these dreams and if you just want a garden you can completely chill out in without the stresses of weeding, cutting, strimming - but at the same time knowing that you have the most colourful, adventurous and buzzing garden on your street - then get in touch with me or your local professional gardener and we’ll let you into a few of our dreamy secrets!! Jonathan Wild, Gardener and Dreamer

Top 10 jobs this December 1 Check your winter protection structures are still securely in place 2 Check that greenhouse heaters are working 3 Prevent ponds and stand pipes from freezing 4 Prune open-grown apples and pears (but not those trained against walls) 5 Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas to avoid bleeding 6 Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops 7 Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted 8 Take hardwood cuttings 9 Keep mice away from stored produce 10 Reduce watering of houseplants

Boughton Lane, Maidstone, ME15 9QF

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Pest Control

IAAK July 14 final to print.indd 26

Pest Purge Ltd 01622 842481 or 07758 615101

bombing the BBQ and searching out a nice cold Magners to quench their thirst. Worse still if they happen to take a serious dislike to you and actually sting you, just the ticket to spoil a summer garden party. We can come along and move them on, whoever has overstepped the mark, Pest Purge have the technology, the wit and charm to remove them safely without a fuss, keeping your event pest free. It must work; no pest that we have ever expelled has complained! We are tolerant of small disturbances but will intervene when insects get out of hand. If you have a Pest call Pest Purge (small kids excluded)!

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Information

New gallery opens... We take pleasure to announce the opening of the new gallery in Maidstone, Xross-PolyNation. If you visit Xross-PolyNation art gallery regularly: “There is a great delight to be had in discovering new works of art on-view and in the finding works installed which cross nations with art Societies and juxtaposed with different objects” Xross-PolyNation’s ethos is to promote cross-cultural exchange though Art exhibitions, enabling a richer communal understanding, and strengthening ties between diverse regions of the world. We strive to encourage and promote upcoming artists on a global platform, and to help showcase their roles in society through direct engagement with original works of Art. We are also proud to partner with a variety of high profile Art societies: from UK Youth, Diversity House, Royal Art Schools and the University for the Creative Arts. Our diverse community of Artists shares the same passion; to explore national and global culture within the broader international spectrum of today’s art debate. The extraordinary

talent and creativity of the Artists exhibiting, represent a broad range of artistic styles and disciplines, including Painting, Drawing, Mix Media and Sculpture. ‘This Gallery is promoting community integration, inclusion and cohesion - creating cultural understanding. All those who come to look at art, are Artists, and within Black History Month we are trying to say - we are one.’ Christine Locke

ve h e re, a rt a h e w t a h w e t ‘Ce le bra hin g a n d t y n a e b n a c rt a n d a rtists. A rt livin g a rtists. T his o eve ryt hin g, s u pp u pportin g.’ s is a p roje ct wort h Cas Holmes

Reviews “Great efforts to bring together artists from across the nations Terrific work” Canadian High Commissioner in India.

“Something new unique and different from the paintings we are used to” Major General M. Singh

Opening times 10am-5pm (Closed Sundays). Maidstone, 3-4 Starnes Court, ME14 1EB T: 01622 299 043 E: art@xrosspolynation.co.uk www.xrosspolynation.co.uk 13

Best Tech Gift Ideas

(or treat yourself this Christmas!) Ok, so Christmas is around the corner and you turn to your loved one and ask “what would you like for Christmas”. The response, as always “I don’t know”. Gggrrrrr! Nowadays more and more people are buying an expensive item for the home as a Christmas treat. If you love music and film you need to visit Home Media on Union Street and discover a wealth of home entertainment gadgets. The staff are very friendly and informative, no pushy salesmen here. For the men who like your gadgets, you need to pay this shop a visit whilst the missus is shopping in town (especially as they have a new home cinema showroom to play with!).

Astell & Kern AK Jr.

Portable audio starts and ends with Apple, right? Wrong! Astell & Kern take the music-on-the-go experience to another level with the ability to play high resolution music recordings. Prices start from £400 for the AK Jr (pictured) to the flagship AK380 at £3,000. Follow the rhythm, not the crowd.

The Audioquest DragonFly is an affordable and easy-to-use device that delivers far superior sound by bypassing the poor quality Audeze LCD-3. sound card that is built into Audeze have a no-compromise your computer. DragonFly approach to headphone design, with is a sleek, flash drive sized each model producing the finest Digital-Audio Converter that headphone experience. The five connects to a USB jack on model range currently tops out at a Mac® or Windows® PC, £1,599 for the LCD-3’s (pictured), turning any computer into with an even higher quality model a true high- fidelity music expected shortly. All models are source. Price £129.00. available for demonstration, so bring your portable player and headphones along to our showroom and compare the difference with your own ears.

In case you haven’t seen the October issue of ERT magazine, Maidstone was featured in the ‘Take a town’ article, with the majority of electrical retailers receiving a visit from a mystery shopper. We are proud to announce that Home Media came Michell Engineering Gyro SE Turntable out on top as the ‘Winning Independent’ The Gyro SE is arguably the most iconic British retailer with a 10/10 score. turntable design. Michell Engineering are based in We are very proud to receive such recognition for our combined efforts at Home Media and will continue to become more successful with the continued loyalty and friendship of our valued customers. With best wishes, Ben, Byron, John, Martyn & Simon 14

Audioquest Dragonfly v1.2

Borehamwood and during the 1960’s were working directly with the film studios making models and component parts for films such as 2001 – Space Odyssey and later on Star Wars. The company founder John Michell built the space ship ‘Discovery’ featured in the film 2001 – Space Odyssey, which was the inspiration for the design of the Gyro SE (pictured). Price from £1700.

Naim UnitiQute.

Qute by Naim, cute by nature... With over 40 years experience of producing fine audio equipment in Salisbury, Naim Audio produce premium quality products across a wide price spectrum. The UnitiQute has many features including App control which provides access to online music services and the playback of your digitally stored music. Price £1,295.

24-26 Union Street, Maidstone, Kent, UK, ME14 1ED T: (01622) 676703 F: (01622) 676723 www.homemedialimited.co.uk sales@homemedialimited.co.uk

New pub to try for your Chrimbo celebrations

commented “Hawkhurst is renowned for its connections with the infamous Hawkhurst Gang, its history is steeped with tales of smugglers, highway men and contraband, so we thought Hawkhurst is the perfect place to open a traditional ale house and re-visit times gone by. There is a growing trend for ale houses and we wanted to give Hawkhurst something completely new and exciting”. Sympathetically renovated with an eclectic array of tavern tables and chairs, pews and pewter jugs, The Smugglers Ale House serves traditional cask ales and also serves three cask ciders.

The Smugglers Ale House is open in Hawkhurst. A Beer Festival every day on your doorstep! Hawkhurst has welcomed its first Real Ale Tavern with the opening of The Smugglers Ale House, on Moor Hill. Owners Lucy and Mark Barron-Reid successful publicans for over 25 years have given Hawkhurst a brand new and unique hostelry. Mark Barron Reid

The perfect place to enjoy a tipple, a chat or maybe a game of darts, snooker or even cribbage. On the second Tuesday of every month, quizmaster Grant hosts a challenging quiz. You can also expect folk music evenings, acoustic music nights and even some dancing from local Morris dancers. If you fancy a bite to eat, check out their delicious menu. The Smugglers Ale House is open Monday to Friday from 3pm to 11pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 11pm. More information can be found on www.thesmugglersalehouse.co.uk

Established in 1987 your local kitchen and Established in 1987 your bathroom specialist based in Coxheath

local kitchen and bathroom

• The only Kent Trading Standards Approved specialist based in inCoxheath Kitchen and Bathroom retailer the Maidstone Area

TradingtoStandards approved •1.Dedicated providing you with the best possible advice installers •2.Working with you on your dream project Insurance backed guarantee

Free design andatquote •3.Customer satisfaction 97% • Come in a chat and discuss your dreams with us • We guarantee complete customer satisfaction

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Beauty & Fashion

It’s party season!

Time to party

As well as all the fun, Christmas brings us the chance to get together with friends, family and colleagues and celebrate. If you’re looking for a festive frock or new outfit for a party this year, head down to The Mall, Maidstone where you’re bound to find the perfect piece. Here’s a few of our favourites from stores in-centre. There’s no need to panic about fitting in shopping either, as The Mall is open until every Thursday in December, plus every day from Monday 14th to Saturday 19th and Monday 21st to Wednesday 23rd December.* Find out more about Christmas shopping and events at The Mall, Maidstone by visiting www.themall.co.uk/ Maidstone. *Some stores may vary.

Top £12.99 Gilet £44.99 Bag £12.99 Trousers £19.99 New Look

Great Glam

Purple Velvet dress £40.00 BHS

for her

Gold Tile Jacquard Skater Dress £27.99 New Look

Teal Jersey Wrap Dress £28.00 BHS

Petite Black and Orange Floral Print Ruffle Dress £30.00 BHS

Mesh sequin longline cardi £35.00 BHS

Get cosy Black and Gold Zig Zag Sequin Dress £29.99 New Look

My Christmas Pyjamas £6.99 New Look

Mocha Floral Satin Pyjama £22.00 BHS

Coca-Cola Pyjama Set £17.99 New Look

OMG Santa Pyjama Set £17.99 New Look 17

it's a

man's

world

Blue Dobby Denim Shirt £22.00. BHS

Men’s khaki utility shirt £19.99 New Look

Camel roll neck £14.99 New Look

Men’s 70s paisley printed shirt Men’s bold stripe cardigan £19.99 New Look £19.99 New Look

Love your hair like we do this Christmas

New website with great new offers - www.doo-das.com

Introducing new stylist Sophie at Loose salon next to Sainsburys!

Maidstone 72 Bank St Maidstone ME14 1SN Tel: 01622 685515 or 01622 750351

Loose 4 Boughton Parade Loose ME15 9QD Tel: 01622 747685 or 01622 743782

dressed

impress For kids

Blue Shirt, Waistcoat & Bow Tie Set (3mths-6yrs) £21 - £23 Next

Grey Sparkle Lace Dress (3mths-6yrs) £20 - £22 Next Sequin Heart Tee (3-16yrs) £10.50 - £13.50

Grey Tu-Tu Skirt (3-16yrs) £18-£23 Next

Black Embroidered Dress (3-16yrs) £36 - £42 Next

Red Fairisle Pattern All-In-One £22 - £27 Next

Black & White Colourblock Panel Shirt (3-16yrs) £13 - £18 Next

Multi Santa Tree Pyjama £11 - £17 Next Red Fairisle Pattern Crew Neck Jumper (3mths-6yrs) £13 - £14 Next Rudolph Cosy Print Bottoms £15 Next Smart Tank Set £28.00 BHS

The Magic of Masks & Puppets Head to Maidstone Museum and discover a beautiful and quirky collection of masks and puppets from around the world in a free exhibition ‘The Magic of Masks & Puppets’. Presented by the Scottish Mask &

Puppet centre, it includes old favourites like Punch and Judy alongside Javanese shadow puppets and film animatronics, with family activities in the galleries.

workshop you will explore facial expressions, body shapes and distortions to create a wonderfully characterful puppet.

The Museum is offering everyone the chance to get creative this winter too. Younger children will love making a full face fantasy mask of their favourite fictional character in a 3D Fantasy Mask workshop (for ages 6+), while those over 14 years can spend a day making a bunraku-style puppet with awardwinning company, Strangeface. On this full day

Grown-ups can ‘Get a New Face’ in the Museum Late in January. As well as hearing from the curators about the Museum’s wonderful collection of masks from around the world, you can also create your own mask. Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery, St. Faith’s Street, Maidstone, ME14 1LH. T:01622 602838.

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For FREE no obligation quotations Mob: 07729 538972 contact Neil on www.jr-buildingservices.co.uk 07759 661255 or 01622 743391

17 Halstow Close, Loose, Maidstone, Kent ME15 9XA

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FLYNN ROOFING SERVICES For non swimmers to advanced in a new 25 metre S.G. SWIM SCHOOL

pool at Sutton Valence. Maximum of 6 non FLAT ROOFING SPECIALIST swimmers in a class. Saturdays from 1.30 - 4pm GUTTERING FASCIAS, UPVC SOFFITS 10 WEEK COURSE - £50

ROOF REPAIRS, INSURANCE WORK HIGH PERFORMANCE FELTS TORCH ON FELTS FIRESTONE RUBBER COVER SYSTEMS FOR NON DECKING ROOF INSULATION

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Teaching in a professional but enjoyable manner since 1963 Ballet • Hip Hop • Modern • Street • Jazz • Tap • Break Dance Classes available six days of the week at varoius locations - Allington, Bearsted, Coxheath and Madginford or our two Dance Studios close to the town centre.

Pupils taken from 2½ years to Adults. Dance for fun. Dance for fitness or take ISTD examinations

For further information call 01622 746835

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Maidstone Wellness Centre is a centre for health and healing in the Maidstone YMCA Osteopathy Osteopathy Contact Gemma on: 01622 762802 / 07593 212364

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info@maidstonewellnesscentre.co.uk

Advice

Festive Spirit,

avoid having 1 too many!

With the party season in full swing, many of us can face overindulging on alcoholic beverages, which can lead us feeling ropey and lethargic. Follow these top tips to keep your body fresh. Easy drink swaps You can still have a drink – just aim to have less, gradually, and stick within the guidelines. Our easy swap ideas can make it easy for you to cut down on alcohol instead of cutting it out altogether. If you tend to have a drink at a certain time of day, break the habit by doing something different at that time. • • • •

If you drink every day, try to have at least two days a week when you don’t drink at all. Why not try pacing and spacing? Pace yourself by sipping slowly and enjoy the taste. And space your drinks out - have a soft drink or glass of water in between. Have a smaller bottle of beer instead of a can. Or a single instead of a double. Swap your usual for a drink with less alcohol. Choose one with less alcohol content. There are more drinks with less alcohol available these days and some of them are cheaper too – and they often have less calories.

If you like a drink at home Include food! • Don’t drink on an empty stomach – having it with food means that the alcohol is absorbed into your system more slowly. Try only drinking with your main meal. • Out of house, out of mind. If it’s in the house, you’re more likely to drink it. Avoid stocking-up on alcohol when you’re doing the shopping. • If having a glass tends to mean drinking the whole bottle, try putting a label on the bottle saying “just one glass”…Cork it! • Buy a drinks measure to check how much you’re really drinking. Pouring your own means you’re likely to drink more.

•

Distract yourself When you get the urge to pour yourself a glass, resist it by doing something completely different instead. Go for a walk, phone a friend, do some odd jobs around the house.

And when you’re out... • Change of scene - try meeting somewhere that doesn’t serve alcohol. Try a café or coffee shop, or somewhere without an alcohol licence instead. • Make a plan - set yourself a limit on how much you’re going to drink, including any drinks you have at home before you go out. • Budget - take out a fixed amount of money to spend on alcohol. By cutting back you could save some cash - use our drinks checker to see how much. • Take your time – go out later. Break with tradi- tion and opt out of rounds. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with others – aim to be the slowest drinker! • Have a good excuse ready when you’re offered a drink you’d rather miss. The quicker you can make it, the less likely you are to be persuaded. • Sit it out – we drink more slowly when sitting down than when standing. Find a table and put your glass down. • Enjoy yourself! Do something else while you’re out, like dancing, playing pool or darts – it’s much more fun! For more information see www.nhs.uk/Change4Life 23

Food and Drink

Leftover

Turkey Pie

A thrifty way to turn leftover turkey meat (or chicken) into a delicious family meal Serves: 6

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 60 minutes

You will need: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

7g (¼oz) butter 125g (5oz) streaky bacon, chopped 675g (1½lb) leeks, sliced 675g (1½lb) cooked turkey 3 tbsp. flour 900ml (1½ pints) chicken or turkey stock 125ml (4fl oz.) white wine 4 tbsp. crème fraiche 1 tbsp. Schwartz Thyme 1 tbsp. Schwartz Sage 1 tsp. Schwartz Tarragon 1 sheet ready rolled puff pastry 1 egg, beaten Sea Salt and Black Pepper to season

How to do it:

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C, 400°F, Gas Mark 6.

2con for 2-3 minutes until it begins to crisp, add Heat the butter in a large pan and fry the ba-

the leeks and cook for 10–15 minutes, until they are softened.

3over the flour and stir in.Add the white wine,

Add the turkey and heat through, then sprinkle

crème fraiche and Herbs.

4to reduce slightly. Season to taste.

Stir through and allow to simmer for 10 minutes

5pastry and brush with the egg. Cook in the Spoon into an ovenproof dish, top with the

oven for around 30–35 minutes, until the pastry is cooked.

Discover real local food! We have teamed up with the local food website and Social Enterprise BigBarn to help you find local food and drink that is fresher, better and, by cutting out the middle men, nearly always cheaper than the supermarket. We have added the BigBarn local food map and online MarketPlace to our website so that you can type in your postcode to see what is in your area. You will see lots of icons representing your local producers, retailers or Markets and can click on each one to find out more. You may notice that some icons have a £ flag, meaning cheaper than the supermarket, others a little camera flag, meaning they have a video you can watch, and

Premier ironing, laundry and dry cleaning service Iron Maids offer a premier ironing service, alongside our laundry and dry cleaning services, to households all around Kent and East Sussex. Whether you require a regular ironing service or a helping hand with the odd basket of ironing, Iron Maids can help. Our service is quick, flexible, personal and affordable.

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some a carrot flag, meaning you can take in your home grown food and if they have space they will sell it for you. For those of you who like online shopping there are also 560 producers who have set up online shops in BigBarn’s secure Amazon type MarketPlace. Some are even offering InAndAroundKent readers a special discount if you use special discount code KENT If you would like any more information please call me anytime. Anthony Davison Founder BigBarn CIC (Social Enterprise) www.bigbarn.co.uk 01480 890 970

Christmas

Recycling

Wrapping Paper The amount of wrapping paper estimated to be thrown away in the UK at Christmas could stretch around the equator nine times or to the moon if each sheet was laid end to end. You can recycle wrapping paper (non shiny) in your green recycling bin. Christmas Trees In the UK approximately 250 tonnes of real Christmas trees that could have been recycled are simply thrown out after Christmas. If you subscribe to the garden waste collections you can put your real Christmas tree out next to your garden bin on your collection day, or you can take it to the Tovil Recycling site. Tin Foil Every year the UK throws out an estimated 4,500 tonnes of tin foil over the Christmas period. This is enough to cover around 1,500 square miles roughly the size of Suffolk! All foil including foil trays can be recycled in your green recycling bin.

Drinks Cans An extra 500 million drinks cans are purchased over the festive season, all of these can be recycled along with your empty food tins and aerosols in your green recycling bin. We also take sweet and biscuit tins! Christmas Tree Lights An estimated 500 tonnes of Christmas tree lights are thrown away in the UK over the Christmas period. If they’re in good working order, you could think about donating them to charity. Even lights that are beyond repair can be recycled along with other small electrical items, by placing them out in a single carrier bag next to your black rubbish bin. Don’t forget you can also recycle any old clothes and textiles, even those that are no longer wearable, by placing them out in a single carrier bag next to your green recycling bin. Glass 13,350 tonnes of glass is thrown out in the UK during the festive season, from champagne and sherry bottles to mincemeat and cranberry sauce jars. Recycling all of them could save 4,200 tonnes of

C02 being produced, which is equivalent to taking around 1,300 cars off the road for one year. You can now recycle them in your green recycling bin. Christmas Cards You can recycle your Christmas cards in your green recycling bin, or you can look out for charity collection points, or you can save them to make gift tags or cards for next year! Other Materials The festive period also generates extra cardboard, paper and plastic grocery packaging. Don’t forget to put all this in your green recycling bin! Unwanted Gifts If you have any unwanted gifts this Christmas, donate them to a local charity or use one of the many websites such as freecycle.org.uk *facts based on WRAP research

Christmas & New Year Bin Collections Collection is due on Will be collected on Fri 25 December Mon 28 December Mon 28 December Tues 29 December Tues 29 December Wed 30 December Wed 30 December Thurs 31 December Thurs 31 December Sat 2 January Friday 1 January Mon 4 January Mon 4 January Tues5 January Tues5 January Wed 6 January Wed 6 January Thurs 7 January Thurs 7 January Fri 8 January Fri 8 January Sat 9 January Garden Waste Collections

The last garden waste collections this year will be on 24 December 2015. Normal service will resume on 9 January 2016.

Bulky Waste Collections

The last bulky collection date this year will be on 28 December 2015. Normal service will resume on 12 January 2016.

Clinical collections will continue as normal. www.maidstone.gov.uk 27

Events

What’s on... Until 23rd December

Father Christmas is back at The Hop Farm! Treat the kids and meet him in his magical grotto and enjoy his workshop with lot’s of fun Christmas activities taking place. Not only do you get to meet him, but you can also enjoy Father Christmas’s Magical Workshop with lots of activities for the childen. Charges apply. The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, TN12 6PY Tel: 01622 87206 www.thehopfarm.co.uk

December

Winter Wonder Christmas Parties 2015 Join the festive fun with our themed Christmas parties, Winter Wonder, Boogie Nights! You can party in style! Charges apply. Cobtree Manor Park Golf Course, Chatham Road, Maidstone, ME14 3AZ Tel: 01622 753276 www.mytimeactive.co.uk

December

Peter Pan Panto, Maidstone We’ll fly you to Neverland where you’ll join Peter, Tinkerbell, Wendy, John, Michael and the Lost Boys - not to mention Captain Hook! Family fun, laughter, plenty of slap-stick and a star-studded cast. Charges apply. Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone, ME14 1PL Tel: 01622 758611 www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

6th December

Cheeki Monkeys BIG Baby & Children’s Market Maidstone Fun Family Day Out. The place where “Smart Parents” shop! SAVE up to 90% on quality pre-loved goods! Plenty to keep the little ones amused such as face painting, christmas crafts and refreshments. 14:30. Vinters Park Community Centre, Aldon Close, Vinters Park, Maidstone, ME14 5QF

6th December

Workshop: Needle felt a Christmas Pudding Spend a very therapeutic afternoon learning how to needle felt. At 14:00. This Art of Mine, Little Budds Farm, Coldblow Lane, Thurnham, ME14 3LR Tel: 01622 735312 www.thisartofmine.co.uk 28

6th December

The Wedding Fair, Maidstone The Corpus Christi Hall Wedding Fair 2015 creates an interactive and informative atmosphere of a real wedding where you will be able to taste, sample and experience every aspect of your wedding day. FREE. The Corpus Christi Hall, Earl Street, Maidstone, ME14 1JP Tel: 01622670011 www.christis.co.uk

6th December Christmas lights switch on, in Lenham. Meet Father Christmas, enjoy a ride in a horse and carriage and listen to Hospital Radio. There will be stalls, a bouncy castle, hog roast, mulled wine and candy floss and more. High Street, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2QD

8th Dec December 2015 Workshop: Reindeer Christmas Plate Learn how to paint a reindeer winter scene using paper cuts and confetti glaze. Charges apply. This Art of Mine, Little Budds Farm, Coldblow Lane, Thurnham, ME14 3LR. Tel: 01622 735312 www.thisartofmine.co.uk

10th December Birds & Wildlife of Southern Sweden RSPB Maidstone Group, with a talk by Andrew Cleve MBE. 19:30. Grove Green Community Hall, Penhurst Close, Grove Green, Maidstone ME14 5BT Tel: 01622 674007

11th December

Roller Disco 18:00 - 19:30 Family Session 20:00 - 21:30 Open Session (8 years and over including adults). Charges apply. Maidstone Leisure Centre, Mote Park, Maidstone ME15 7RN Tel: 0845 1552277 www.maidstoneleisure.com

12th December - 13th December Nativity cribs and angels Visit the church to see lots of nativity cribs and angels, enjoy a cup of tea with angel cakes.

Events Church of St John the Baptist, Tonbridge Road, Wateringbury, ME18 5PA Tel: 01622 813032

12th December

Maidstone Choral Union’s Christmas Concert All Saints Church in Maidstone will be a candlelit occasion. It will feature a range of well-known carols for choir and audience. Enjoy a festive glass of wine to complete the eveninng. 19:30. Charges apply. All Saints Church, Maidstone, ME15 6YE. Tel: 01622 726193 www.maidstonechoralunion.org.uk

13th December Santa Run Beginners 2 Runners and Heart of Kent Hospice are delighted to present the 2015 Santa Run! Coxheath Primary School, Stockett Lane, Maidstone, ME17 4PS. For more information www. beginners2runners.co.uk/santarun/

15th December - 16th December The Maidstone Singers - Christmas Carols Christmas carols in an informal setting with audience participation. 19.30. St Martin’s Church, Shepway, Maidstone, ME15 7PL Tel: 01622 630016

16th December Life Upon the Wicked Stage, talk Wilf Lower from Wateringbury History Society will be talking about ‘Life Upon the Wicked Stage’. Visitors very welcome. Wateringbury Village Hall, Wateringbury, ME18 5DU

17th December

Murder Mystery A great, fun evening with a difference - you’re the detective, can you solve the crime? A cryptic, festive themed evening of mystery & intrigue await you. At this festive time of year the ‘Candy Cane Killer’ will strike at the very heart of our Christmas cheer. Charges apply. Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel Kent ME17 1RE. Tel: 0844 815 9045 www.mercuremaidstone.co.uk/christmas.html

18th December

A Christmas Carol Read at The Exchange Studio A Christmas Carol was the first public reading that Charles Dickens ever gave and it was also his last. This Christmas, you can experience what it must have been like to be in the audience! 19.30. Hazlitt Theatre, Earl Street, Maidstone, ME14 1PL, Tel: 01622 758611 www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

19th December - 23rd December

The Christmas Market at Leeds Castle Discover an array of seasonal gift ideas, toys, decorations, live music, rides for children, cookery and floristry demonstrations. Charges apply. Maidstone, ME17 1PL Tel: 01622 765400 www.leeds-castle.com

20th December The Snowman - Christmas Concert Join Maidstone Wind Symphony for a very special Christmas concert, with a full performance of The Snowman and other festive classics. A wonderful family event! 15.00. Charges apply. All Saints Church, Mill Street, Maidstone, ME15 6YE. Tel: 01732 366 500 www.maidstonewindsymphony.org

21st December

Rustic Christmas decorations Cobtree Manor Park A chance to use natural and traditional materials to create your very own Christmas decorations to take home. For all the family. Charges apply. 10am - 12pm. Forstal Road, Aylesford, Maidstone, ME20 7AE. Tel: 03000 414793

6th January

A Celebration of Twelfth Night Maidstone Choral Union’s present a joyous evening of carols and the spoken word is planned. The audience will be invited to sing, with the choir, some of the most popular Christmas carols. 7.30. United Reformed Church, Week Street, Maidstone, ME14 1QU. Tel: 01622 726193 ww. maidstonechoralunion.org.uk

All Saints’ Church Services – Sunday, 8.15am & 10.15am – All Saints Church, Church Street, Loose The Alzheimer’s Society based in Loose, Maidstone, offers a variety of services to support people with any form of dementia and their carers/ family/friends. Anyone wanting information should call us on 01622 747181 or e-mail maidstone@alzheimers.org.uk. AylesARA will hold their Christmas meeting on Thurs Dec 17th at 2p.m. in the Community Centre Aylesford when we will be entertained by vocalist Peter Kneebone. We hope as many of our members as possible will join us fir this event. Aylesford & Eccles W.I. will hold their Christmas meeting on Thurs Dec 17th at 2p.m. in the Community Centre Aylesford when we will be entertained by vocalist Peter Kneebone. We hope as many of our members as possible will join us fir this event Blackthorn Trust Xmas Fair Saturday 5th December. 10.30am – 2.30pm. St Andrews Road, Barming, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9AN Tel: 01622 828382 Blackthorn.org.uk Congigational Church 157 Linton Road, Loose. We will be changing the time of the Sunday Service . From 6th of December 2015 to11am. All welcome. Tel: 01622 743952 Boughton Monchelsea’ Carols on the Green Everyone is welcome to join in. Monday 14th december 7:30. Carols with the Salvation Army Choir followed by refreshments - including mulled wine, sausage rolls, soup. Carols around the Christmas tree Join us around the Christmas tree on Wednesday 16th December in the garden of Tylers, Kirkdale in the heart of the village. Traditional Christmas carols accompanied by a brass band, hot mince pies and mulled wine make this a wonderful way to start the Christmas holiday. Starts at 7.00pm.You may even see our Christmas elves with shiny buckets making a silver collection to boost our funds for LAA projects around Loose! Coffee Stop On Tuesdays, pop in for a coffee – 9.30am-12 noon – Congregational Church, 157 Linton Road Festive Floral Demonstration Maidstone Flower Club presents: A Christmas Demonstration PLEASURES UNWRAPPED by Sandy Bailey (national demonstrator) Thurs 10th Dec at Ditton Community Centre Kiln Barn Lane, Ditton, ME20 6AH Doors open 6.45 for 7.30pm. Tel: 01622 741207 30

Light Up A Life 6th December 2015 at 16:30 Heart of Kent Hospice - Light Up a Life Service. Light Up a Life provides you with an opportunity to celebrate, reflect and remember your loved ones. It is also an opportunity to show your support for Heart of Kent Hospice and the care and support we provide to patients with life-limiting illnesses in the local community and their families. Loose Area History Society 7.30pm-9pm - Meets second Monday of each month (except August & September) – Loose Infant School, Loose Road. Loose Amenities Association are holding a “Kent Quiz & curry” night, Saturday 16th January, 7.30pm at The Chequers Inn, Loose Valley - how well do you know Kent !£10 per person, includes choice of 3 curries. Teams of 1 - 6 people. Advance booking with the Chequers essential. Loose Valley Wives First & Third Wednesday of the month – 7.30pm – All Saints Church, Church Street. Wednesday 2nd December f or their Annual Christmas Meal at The Weald of Kent Gold Club together with Husbands and friends at 7.p.m. for 7.30 p.m. On Wednesday 16th we have our Carol Service in All Saints’ Church, Loose at 7.30 p.m. to be followed by mince pies and mulled wine. On Wednesday 23rd at 2.p.m. in Church we shall be putting the finishing touches to the Christingles. Details from the Leader: Mrs. Ann Emery. Tel. 741559. Loose Valley WI – First Wednesday of the month 8-10pm – KGV Parish Pavilion, Walnut Tree Lane, Loose Loose Footpaths group walk on: saturday 16th january 2016 at 10am ‘the aviation history walk in marden – (part 2)’ It will be 5½ miles long, south of Marden, starting from the village car park in the High Street. Details from walk leader on: 01622 747105 Maidstone Flower Club presents a Christmas demonstration entitled ‘Pleasures Unwrapped’ by Sandy Bailey (National Demonstrator) on Thursday 10th December at Ditton Community Centre Kiln Barn Lane Ditton ME20 6AH. Doors open 6.45 for 7.30pm. Stalls, raffle of the arrangements and refreshments. Tickets £7.50 members, £9.00 visitors. Tel: 01622 741207.

If you would like to include your local event, group or notice - please email Sarah at info@inandaroundkent.co.uk. This is a FREE service for local non profit making organisations.

Community Winter fun at Bore Place in Kent Saturday 12 December Join in the fun – gather friends and family for a morning activity followed by a delicious lunch prepared using produce from our farm and gardens. Make something to take home for yourself or perhaps a gift for someone else? Nothing beats homemade! Pick from…Family Crafts, Scrap Wraps, Festive Gingerbreads and Natural Dyes, click here to read more. Please note that Natural Festive Decorations and Seasonal Cooking are already fully booked. Contact Becky Baldock to book your place BeckyB@Commonwork.org or 01732 463255.

Visit Santa at the Mall Children will be able to meet Santa in his Grotto at outside Vision Express and Bonmarchè every day until Christmas Eve at The Mall, with each visit £4 per child including a gift. Boys and girls can also let Santa know what’s on their Christmas list by popping their Letter to Santa in The Mall’s Christmas postbox by the Grotto. The elves will make sure that Santa receives each letter, and Santa will reply free of charge if an address is included.* Once again, the Grotto will be run by The Rotary Club, will all profits distributed to local Maidstone charities. Over the years, The Mall’s Christmas Grotto has helped to raise more than £200,000 for charities and good causes across the town.

Supporting local charities this Christmas The Mall is lending a helping hand to local causes this Christmas, as they call on shoppers to support local causes in Maidstone. The Mall will be collecting toys and gifts for children with until Christmas Eve, with The Christian Care Day Centre ensuring that as many children as possible in Maidstone will have a present to open this year. Shoppers simply need to purchase an extra gift and drop it off at the Ask Me Point in-centre, where they can also complete a gift tag for the gift if they wish. The Mall will then deliver the gifts on shoppers’ behalf. For more information visit www.themall.co.uk/ Maidstone

Aylesford community centre. craft fair and market An indoor crafts market, including, curios, homemade produce, books and jigsaw puzzles and anything else, will take place in the main hall so you can stay warm and dry whatever the weather. This Sunday event will take place on 6 December 2015, 24 January 2016, 28 February, and 27 March. Tables and chairs are provided. There is ample parking at the hall and in two free car parks close by. Refreshments will be available. Doors open at 8.00 to set up and from 9.00 to 13.00 for the public. Tables are priced at £8.00 if paid in advance and £10.00 on the day. Contact: Carole on 07887867086. Email: alb913ann@ talktalk.net

Party ideas Looking for ideas for your new years eve bash? Check out our party guide to ‘what’s on’ and make sure that you are welcoming in 2016, in style! 31st December 2015 Family New Year’s Eve Celebrations at Bexleyheath Marriott Hotel

A great opportunity to see in the New Year with family and friends. Includes a four course Dinner with dancing until 1.00am. Table reservations from 6.30pm - 9.00pm, DJ from 9.30pm, Carriages at 1.00am. Dress code: Smart casual (no jeans or trainers). Prices: £49 per adult. Bexley, Kent, DA6 7JZ Phone:020 8298 1000 www.marriott.com

Celebrate New Years in style at The Village Hotel in Maidstone.

Join us for a fantastic evening of fun and laughter as well as a three course dinner, party hats and New Years Eve trimmings. Hosts will be in the reception area of the hotel to meet and greet all of our guests and show them to the correct function room where they will be introduced to others who are attending for the first time or be shown their way to the bar. This is a private party for 100 guests where we will have our own bar and DJ. Rooms are available to book at £100 each whether its one person or 4 but please don’t leave it until the last minute as the rooms go quickly with people already booking for their 2015 New Years Eve Party. To book your room call the Village Hotel on 01622672200.

New Year’s Eve Family Buffet & Disco at Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel

Enjoy a family-themed party menu and dance the night away to the latest party numbers. A great night for the whole family! Dinner served from 6.30pm | Disco until 1.00am. £65.00 per adult or £73.00 per adult with a half bottle of house wine. £35.00 per child under 12 years. £119.00 per adult, dinner, entertainment & overnight accommodation. £35.00 per child under 12yrs sharing parents room, dinner, entertainment & overnight accommodation. Hollingbourne, Maidstone, ME17 1RE www.mercure.com Phone:0844 815 9045.

New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at Mercure Tunbridge Wells Hotel

Kick-start the celebrations with a glass of Kir Royale on arrival before sitting down to a magnificent six-course gala dinner. Following dinner, the fun really starts with the sensational line-up of entertainment including a live band and DJ. With fun and laughter guaranteed – this is the perfect way to start 2016! Over-18s only | £50 deposit per person | Dress code: black tie and cocktail dresses. Party starts at 7.00pm | Dinner served 7.45pm | Bar closes and disco finishes at 1.00am. £75.00 per person or £83.00 per person with a half bottle of house wine. £130.00 per person, dinner, entertainment & overnight accommodation 8 Tonbridge Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4QL. Phone:0844 815 9074 www.mercure.com

New Year’s Eve Gala Ball at Ashford International Hotel

Welcome 2016 in style! Join our fantastic New Year’s Eve Gala Ball. Arrive to a Champagne cocktail & canapés, have your picture taken by our roving photographer and then enjoy a sumptuous five-course gala dinner as the atmosphere builds. After dinner, dance to music from our live band and resident DJ. PRICE: £89 per guest Dress

Events

code Black Tie/lounge suit or evening dress Over 18’s only. 7.00pm - Bar opens, 8.00pm Dinner served, 10.00pm - Entertainment starts, 2.00am - Carriages. QHotels - Ashford International Hotel Simone Weil Avenue, Ashford TN24 8UX www.qhotels.co.uk

New Year’s Eve Carvery Party Night at Bridgewood Manor

Arrive to a Champagne cocktail drinks reception with live music in the lounge to get you in the party mood. Enjoy a sumptuous carvery in Squire’s Restaurant and relax with friends. See in the New Year and dance the night away until the wee small hours with our fantastic DJ. PRICE: £69.95 per guest, DRESS CODE: Smart casual (no jeans or trainers). 6.30pm - Arrival drinks, 7.00pm - Dinner served, 1.00am - Carriages, Over 18’s only. Near Bluebell Hill, Walderslade Woods, Chatham, ME5 9AX www.qhotels.co.uk

New Years Eve Buffet Dinner at Hilton Dartford Bridge

3 Course Buffet Dinner followed by Freshly brewed Coffee & Tea with Mince Pies. Exclusive and joiner parties available for any dates in November and December. Prices: £55 per adult / £35 per child 3-12 yrs Hilton Dartford Bridge Hotel, Masthead Close, Crossways Business Park, Dartford, DA2 6QF www3.hilton.com

New Years Eve Gala Dinner at Hilton Dartford Bridge

Enjoy a welcome drink and canapés on arrival followed by a spectacular five course Gala Dinner until the early hours with a chilled glass of champagne and music from our resident DJ. Prices: £69.95 per adult Hilton Dartford Bridge Hotel, Masthead Close, Crossways Business Park, Dartford, DA2 6QF www3.hilton.com

New Year’s Eve Afternoon Tea and Gala Dinner.

The main event at Tudor Park is the Gala dinner in our largest room, The Thurnham Suite; start your stay with us enjoying a Traditional English Cream Tea and maybe some relaxation in our spa. The evening begins with a glass of bubbly and canapés in our Mezzanine Bar followed by a 5 course dinner then dancing to our residential DJ until 2.00am. Start 2016 with a hearty breakfast and then you have the day to make use of the excellent leisure and spa facilities. Whether your choice is to re-energise and recharge or to continue the celebrations, our extensive range of facilities, superbly appointed accommodation and ideal location in the heart of Kent will offer you the perfect escape, this festive season. Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ashford Road, Bearsted, ME14 4NQ www.marriott.co.uk

New Year’s Eve at Salomons Estate

Bid a fond farewell to 2015 and bring in 2016 with all the glitz and glamour of the Great Gatsby at our 1920s themed party. Includes: Champagne reception upon arrival, Three-course sit down meal, Live music from The Violet Jive, Delicious cheese display, Midnight toast. Price £90.00 per person, Dress code 1920s glamour We will require a £10 deposit per person upon booking. Full payment due 14 days prior to booking. Salomons Estate, David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Rd Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG www.salomons-estate.com

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Health & Fitness

Overindulged?

Get energised with a great walk.

Blow the cobwebs away, there are loads of great walks around Maidstone, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve picked the West Farleigh River Walk to entice you into the fresh air. West Farleigh River Walk This walk starts by the river, then heads up a fairly steep hill to give excellent views of the Medway Valley. It can easily be linked to the Teston walk to create a longer route. Directions 1 From Teston Bridge Country Park, walk underneath

Teston bridge and follow the path with the bridge behind you and river to your right. This will take you through grazed grassland, kissing gates and over small footbridges until you reach Barming Bridge.

Distance: 3.5 miles (5.8 km) - allow 1hr 30mins Start/nish: Teston Bridge Country Park Ground conditions: There is one steep hill, the rest is downhill or at. The walk takes you by the river, along quiet roads, through elds and a small section of large beech trees Views: There are some good views heading down towards the river from Farleigh Green Refreshments: The Good Intent Pub at Farleigh Green 01622 812426 Toilets: Teston Bridge Country Park Grid Ref: Teston Bridge Country Park TQ 208, 352, East Farleigh train station TQ 736, 537

2 At Barming Bridge go over the stile and turn right over the bridge to cross the river.

3 Head up the fairly steep hill past some houses.

At the top of the hill cross the road to follow Kettle Lane. Take care when crossing the road. Follow Kettle Lane until you reach West Farleigh Green. This is an amenity grassland with benches and playground equipment where you can enjoy a picnic or visit the Good Intent pub.

4 Turn sharp right to follow Charlton Lane, past

the Good Intent pub. A pavement further down takes you back to lower road. On the way enjoy the views of the Medway Valley and Barham Court.

5 At T-junction cross the road (take care), turning left onto pavement.

6 At Church lane, climb the style at the corner.

(Alternatively you can walk down Church Lane and through the church grounds to get a closer look at the church). Take the footpath heading through the trees.

7 Head diagonally over the eld to hit edge of adjoining eld. Continue diagonally across field to stile. Go over the stile, bear left and follow path around elds and back to the road. 8 Head over the bridge to Teston Bridge Country Park.Teston Bridge is often busy, take care when crossing the bridge.

Check out www.visitmaidstone.com for more information and other local walks. 35

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All aspects of house and small commercial maintenance & refurbishment works o Painting & decorating – Internal and External o Structural works. Masonry reinforcement specialist. Lintel repairs. o Bathroom & kitchen supply and installation “A baby enjoys freedom of movement, relaxation and o Insurance Repairs bonding. They make an easy o Fully insured. CHAS Registered. transition from their early swimming reﬂexes into AVAILABILITY LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS FOR PAINTING AND DECORATING. swimming nd  Family run business now in our 32 year of trading based inmovements” Maidstone Please call and speak with either Claire or nd Steve.

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o Painting & decorating – Internal and External Tel: (01622) 756060  All aspects of house and small commercial“Fun, maintenance & refurbishment works safe Lintel repairs. o Structural works. Masonry reinforcement specialist. Mobile: 07885 284081 swimming lessons mjennerandson@btconnect.com o Bathroom & kitchen – supply and installation o Painting & decorating Internal and External for primary school www.jennerandson.co.uk o Insurance Repairs aged children and Lintel repairs. o Structural works. Masonry reinforcement specialist. o Fully insured. CHAS Registered. all abilities”

o Bathroom & kitchen supply installation AVAILABILITY LEADING UP TOand CHRISTMAS FOR PAINTING AND DECORATING. Please call and speak with either Claire or Steve.

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Mobile: 07885 284081 Please call and speakLEADING with eitherUP Claire or AVAILABILITY TO CHRISTMAS FOR PAINTING AND DECORATING. mjennerandson@btconnect.com Mobile: 07885www.jennerandson.co.uk 284081 www.jennerandson.co.uk mjennerandson@btconnect.com Privately Owned Swimming Pools in Linton and Sutton Valance Please call and speak with either Claire or Steve.

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Property

The Rise of the

Snorer’s Suite

Housebuilders, particularly those at the executive end of the market, do their utmost to meet the needs of their customers. Those needs change over time in line with social and demographic trends so, for example, as affluent families acquire third and fourth cars, housebuilders provide more off road parking, even if it is at the expense of the garden space. The latest trend to catch the housebuilders’ attention is that more and more married couples are sleeping in separate bedrooms. There are various reasons for this; top of the list is that time-poor families need to get as much quality sleep as possible from their time in the bedroom. If one party snores or is addicted to posting on Facebook in the middle of the night, the other party will miss out on valuable sleep if they share the same bed. Also, with the trend for smaller families, there’s more likely to be a spare room available for the snorer or Facebook addict to take themselves off to.

Research also shows that it is the male partner who is most likely to be evicted from the marital bed. This being the case, it is inevitable that the man of the house is going to demand the same creature comforts that he’s been used to in the master bedroom. Consequently, we have the rise in popularity of the second master bedroom suite. The second master, or snorer’s suite as it has come to be known, will usually feature an ensuite bathroom, built in wardrobes and enough space for a double bed and chest of draws. Often there will be an aerial point and a second phone extension. Take a look at an executive housing development that is being built near you. Even a four bedroom home will probably have a second master suite; in London some three bedroom homes have them. If your home comes into the executive category, creating a snorer’s suite may well add value or make it more saleable. Craig Brown

we also recently hosted a Black Tie Ball raising £2000 for crossroads young carers. And in September we are climbing 3 mountains in 24hrs.

We are experiencing interest from people that have moved to the area for work.

way d

If you are new to the area it’s a great way to meet a new group of mates and get yourself out the house it could be a pint at the local, go karting or even Climbing a mountain! Contact us: Telephone: 07739 308493 Email: membership@bearstedrt.co.uk Web: www.bearstedrt.co.uk

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Film Review

Knock Knock (18)

This Eli Roth thriller takes a while to get into its stride before reaching its fruition with Keanu Reeves subjected to a horrendous ordeal. Roth, who has written numerous horror films before (including Cabin Fever and Hostel), tries to deliver a more sophisticated film this time, without his usual checklist of blood and gore. Architect Evan Webber (Keanu Reeves) seems to have a perfect life; the film opens with him receiving a Father’s Day cake from his doting wife and kids. His family go away to the beach for the weekend, leaving Evan with free reign over the house. All is calm. That is until two seemingly innocent girls knock on his door. Soaking wet and stranded in the middle of nowhere, they ask for help. Evan allows them inside to use his phone and dry off. However, he gets a trifle more than he bargained for. It is a tough watch at times as he is seduced then tormented by the menacing and, quite frankly, crazy duo, Genesis (Lorenza Izzo) and Bel (Ana de Armas). All credit is due to these two who play their psychotic characters with remarkable intensity, relegating Reeves to a supporting role in the process.

Last year, in shoot-em-up John Wick, Reeves’ character wreaked revenge on his tormentors, quite the opposite to his role in this thriller. It’s been over ten years since his last big hit (The Matrix Revolutions), but he boasts a host of impressive big-screen hits to his name including Speed and iconic 80s classic, Point Break. Sadly, I wouldn’t consider Knock Knock amongst his strongest performances; it is clear from the outset that he is cast as the victim, with Izzo and Armas stealing the show. It is a frustrating and occasionally harrowing tale and you feel for the main protagonist while still being intrigued as to how the story will play out. The film depicts a living nightmare for Reeves’ character; I have to say it was for me watching it too.

Rating ** Josh Wright

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Don’t be misled financially

Advice

in your divorce

On 14 October 2015, the Supreme Court ruled that divorcees should have the right to go back to the negotiating table if their ex spouse has lied about or hidden any of their wealth during the divorce. The landmark judgement came as a result of two similar court cases between two women and their ex-husbands. Both of the husbands had misled their respective former wife over the value of their businesses during their divorce, which resulted in both women accepting lower financial settlements to what they believe they are entitled to. Alison Sharland and Varsha Gohil successfully argued that their divorce settlements should be overturned due to their ex-husbands’ fraudulent non-disclosure of assets. Ms Sharland accepted a deal of £10m from her ex-husband Charles back in 2012 whilst Ms Gohil accepted £270,000 and a car as a settlement from her ex-husband Bhadresh in 2004. However, it later emerged that both men had concealed their wealth. Mr Sharland, the founder and chairman of IT firm Appsense, misled his ex-wife and the courts over the value of his business and plans for a future stock market flotation. He claimed that Appsense was worth between £31m and £47m although it was estimated by the financial press as being ready to float at a value of £650m. Mr Gohil, who was jailed for 10 years in 2010 on money-laundering offences, had also concealed his substantial £37m worth from his ex-wife.

Both cases will return to the High Court where the financial settlements will now be reviewed in light of the new information. This ruling is a landmark for family law, however it only entitles the former wives to ask for the financial arrangements to be reviewed in light of the new information and there is no guarantee that they will be awarded an increase. Divorce cases and the financial situation of many average couples can often be really complicated and it can be difficult to establish the full facts. This is especially the case if one party has restricted knowledge of and access to joint finances or business interests. This judgement may open the floodgates to many people who believe they were misled and want to consider renegotiating their previous financial agreements. I would however advise anyone who considers they may be in this position to seek legal advice first before they take further action, as the result of any review of a financial settlement could go both ways. Julie Hobson is an Associate at Gullands Solicitors

www.gullands.com and can be reached at j.hobson@gullands.com or call 01622 689786.

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Travel

Blame it on

Rio

Rio de Janeiro must be one of the most famous, easily recognised holiday resorts in the world and I’ve

wanted to go there for as long as I can remember. This year my dream finally came true when I jetted off to experience the spectacular carnival along with my brother and both our girlfriends. Some 2 million people swell the population of the city for Carneval (its Brazilian name) every year so it’s important to book well in advance if you don’t want to stay in a cardboard box. The flight is shorter than you might think, just over 12 hours, but even so we were ill prepared for the chaos of the airport when we arrived. Brazilians apparently take all their worldly possessions with them when they fly and the city only seems to employ about 5 customs officers. Thank God the travel company had arranged a coach transfer to the hotel because I have no idea how we’d have found our way there otherwise. The city is gridlocked for the entire fortnight of Carneval so it took 90 minutes to cover just a few miles. Never mind, it was a great opportunity to take in the staggering, pulsating, vibrant life of this city that is home to over 14 million people. We were staying in a towering hotel just off Ipenama Beach, not quite as famous as Copacabana but just as good. The interior was a bit 1980s but the staff could give a lot of European hotels lessons in we downed a couple of cocktails and hit the sack. Our first day started with a trip to the beach, which is spectacular even by the most jaded of standards – the softest white sand, clearest aquamarine water and most spectacular backdrop I have ever encountered. Rio is infamous for its crime levels and, even though it has improved dramatically, street crime is still a problem, particularly during Carneval. My advice is to leave your wallet in the hotel safe and just take a few Reals with you; a beer on the beach costs the equivalent of 50p so a little cash goes a long way. In February the weather in Rio is as close to perfect as it gets, 32˚, plenty of sun and a lovely sea breeze, ideal for building the perfect winter tan.

That night we headed out onto the streets to discover what Carneval is all about. Officially it’s a huge parade organised by the city’s samba clubs that takes place on the night before the start of Lent. The reality is a two week party with two million people taking to the streets every night and dozens of parades, balls, bands and people just generally having fun. Sally, my girlfriend, is the world’s biggest Strictly fan and was in her element but the rest of us just capered around, fuelled by several caipirinhas, Brazil’s refreshing but potent national cocktail. I have never been to any event that is as vibrantly alive as Carneval. There’s plenty to do during the day in Rio too. We made the obligatory trip to the statue of Christ the Redeemer and rode the cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, definitely one the most spectacular views ever. We pedalled a pedalo around Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, an inland lagoon, and took a boat trip across the bay to Niteroi, which features a fantastic beach that is a bit less frantic than Ipanema. Mainly though, our holiday belonged to the night. We’d start with a lengthy meal (Rio is not a great culinary centre but there’s plenty of variety) and go on to join the endless party. The main parade was the highlight of the trip – get a seat in one of the grandstands and prepare for something that is beyond spectacular. We returned home far more exhausted than when we left; blame it on Rio! Jack Winters

Classifieds

rJ’S cleaning services I

Traditional Window Cleaners Frames & Sills Included In Price

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cleaning services Cl

Traditional Window Cleaners

Traditional Window Cleaners I Cleaning Undertaken Frames & Sills s & G utte Including Fascias Included In Price

All Aspects Of

Frames & Sills IncludedSoffits in Price I All Aspects Of st ic&CGutters Domestic Cleaning Undertaken All Aspects of Cleaning Undertaken A v il Cleaning Including Fascias Also Available Cl Cl Soffits & Gutters Including Fascias Soffits & Gutters ily II Family Business Domestic s& &G GCleaning utte sBusiness utte Family Also Available ti

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Information

Index

Your guide to local services and tradespeople

Appliance Repairs Neville Powell

Architects

MRW Design

Decorators 45

AP Decorators 45 M Jenner 36

Electrical Gifts

Home Media

Bathrooms

MBK Design Studio 15 Cooper & Co Plumbing & Heating 42

Fencing

Bedroom Design

Floors

Bedroom Flair

Boilers

(New/Servicing/Repairs)

Samsian 8

Builders

Geoff Brown 10 Neil Shorter 20 JR Building 38 APC 40 M Jenner 36

Buy & Sell Anything

Steptows 45

Car Services

Glebe Fencing

O&H Cars 6

Carpenter

Geoff Brown

Church

All Saints Church

Carpet Cleaners

Hydro-Dynamix

Cleaning

Computing for Beginners JLM Network Services

44 36

Soft Furnishings by Miriam Abacus Blinds

Days Out

Canterbury Tales Pympes Court Farm Centre

34 10 10 10

Audley 47 Flynn Roofing Services

Tuition

West Kent Shooting School

Venues for Hire

Health, Fitness & Wellbeing

Window Cleaners

12 22 34 22

Ironing

Iron Maids 26

Kitchens

MBK Design Studio Hamilton Kitchens

15 3

Legal Services Loft Ladders Locksmith

Manicures

Dorothy Staunton

Osteopathy

Maidstone Wellness Centre

Pedicures

Pest Control

45 34 22 34

Pest Purge Ltd 12 Roecall 44

JDS 44

Hairdressers

Doo Das 18

Recruitment

Security Systems

Dorothy Staunton 24 12

All Type Property Maintenance

Garden Services / Tree Maintenance

A Short Locksmith

34 42

Property Services

Roofing

Tudor Oak 36

Fairview Farm The Big Mow Benton Lanscapes Tantons Tree Surgeons

44 44

Cooper & Co Plumbing & Heating 42 Palace Heating 45

Furniture

Loft Ladders 45 20

Curtains and Blinds

Gullands 40 26

Phynix Cleaning

Computer Services

H. Preece Plastering Briery Property Maintenance

Plumbing & Heating

Austin Services 36 Dewitt 5

Baby & Toddler Swim Maidstone Dance Studio Ace MOT 38 Maidstone YMCA Mongers Garage 34 S.G. Swim School

Car Hire

Plasterer

Pympes Court Farm Centre RJâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

12 44

Wanted – Community Care Assistants

Audley Care is one of the UKs most respected care providers and we pride ourselves in delivering a personally tailored service which ensures that our customers’ needs always come first. If you are looking to join a Company where you will be valued, well paid and offered real career prospects then we would like to hear from you. Audley Care Staff Benefits: Excellent hourly rates with attendance bonus and enhanced rates for bank holidays/weekend Family friendly shift patterns – full & part time Generous staff discount scheme Free staff uniform with equipment bags Ongoing career progression & training If you are looking to start or develop a career within care, then we want to hear from you. Our friendly team are available to answer any questions from Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. Call 0371 226 3775 Email recruitment@audleycare.co.uk www.audleycare.co.uk Audley Care (Kent) 47

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