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3
Welcome to In and Around Magazine, October 2015
Contents
16 Healthy living 09 programmes 10 Gardening The Nerine Lily Legal 14 charitable giving 18 Travel - Nerja Health 24 Gout review 25 Film Inside Out Halloween 26 spooky fun 29 Recipe 30 What’s On community 32 Local notice board Win - Ice skating & 35 panto tickets Chalkwell commuters 39 travel smart card Interest rates affecting house prices
Dear Readers, As we slip into Autumn and it feels like the children have just gone back to school, we are already on the count down to half term! This month we give you a guide to the Halloween festivities on over the October holiday (page 26) plus don’t waste the pumpkin leftovers with our scrummy recipe (page 29). With time going so quickly our next stop is Chrimbo! So check out our competition to WIN tickets ice skating and to the Christmas panto (page 35). We also bring you local information on the new travel smart card scheme (page 39) and the healthy living programmes run by Maidstone Council (page 8). Don’t forget to support your local services in our magazine and remember to say you found them in “In & Around Kent Magazine”. Wishing you all a warm and fun filled October. Copy deadline for next edition: Sarah, Editor Tuesday 27th
October
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”
6
10 DISTRIBUTORS WANTED to deliver local magazine 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 Kent info@inandaroundkent.co.uk inandaroundkent.co.uk
Spooky fun for little monsters at Kent Life There will be plenty of gooey and ghostly goings-on at Kent Life Heritage Farm Park’s Halloween Spook Fest this half-term, from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.
and one of the last hand-picked hop gardens in the country. Or take a ramble along t he wildlife discovery trail and see the last working coal-fired oast house in Britain.
The award-winning attraction, near Maidstone, invites you to brave the snakes, spiders and scorpions in Creepy Cuddle Corner, take the plunge with slimy zorbing, climb on board for a terrifying tractor ride or join one of the many scary characters for a ghost story – if you dare…
Admission to the Kent Life Spook Fest: Adults £9.50, Children (aged 3-15) £7.50, Concessions £8.50. Under-3s and Kent Life members FREE. To book your tickets, call 01622 763936 or visit www.kentlife.org.uk.
For something a little less spine-tingling, test your artistic skills with daily pumpkin carving and the ghoulish fancy dress competition. Kent Life is also a fun and safe place to go trick or treating, so come and knock on the doors of its frightening farmhouses and historic houses and find out who’s lurking behind them!
The attraction is perfect for visitors of all ages, whatever the weather. Kids can go wild in the outdoor adventure play area or soft indoor play barn, or visit the resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, goats and horses. There will also be plenty of all-weather fun in Brundle’s Big Top, including a bouncy castle and junior quads.
Kent Life is the county’s premier rural heritage experience, with 28 acres of fun from hands-on activities for children to age-old farming traditions. It offers a stunning historical record of rural life in the Garden of England, as you explore its collection of historic buildings and meet the colourful characters that lived and worked there. Kent Life is in Lock Lane, Sandling, near Maidstone, just off junction 6 of the M20 or only an hour by train from London. Kent Life is a Continuum Explore Attraction. You can immerse yourselves in country life at Continuum Explore Attractions, where history and family fun sit side by side. Continuum Attractions offer a host of cultural visitor attraction experiences across the UK, from the hallowed cobbles of Coronation Street to Edinburgh’s underground history told under the Royal Mile.
The grown-ups will love exploring the beautiful gardens, orchard
5
Property
Will rising interest rates
affect the market?
There have recently been the clearest indications yet that interest rates will start rising in the fairly near future. Interpreting recent comments by Mark Carney suggests that the first rise will be between December this year and March 2016. The consensus is for February next year. It looks certain that the first rise will be 0.25%. Mr Carney has also strongly hinted that base rate will hit 2% by the end of 2016, which would entail 5 more rate rises during the year if the bank continued with increments of 0.25%.
6
This prospect raises two questions, how will it affect the housing market and will it lead to a surge in homeowners defaulting on their mortgages? In answer to the first question, I don’t believe it will have any effect on the market in terms of either prices or availability. Availability is constrained by a long term lack of house building which is mainly linked to problems in the planning system coupled with a skills shortage in the building trades. At the same time, mortgage lending is restricted by a combination of the high deposits demanded by lenders and the new rules around proof of income. Besides, an increasing proportion of buyers are cash buyers with no need of a mortgage. I don’t believe that an increase of 1.5% in base rate would lead to sudden falls in prices in response to a problem with affordability.
As for the second question, it’s worth remembering that ultra-low interest rates have been with us for 7 years now. That is plenty of time for heavily indebted homeowners to pay down their debts; typically a homeowner will have paid off a quarter of their mortgage over that period. The long term average of interest rates in the run up to the financial crisis was around 3.5%; even 2% is a picnic compared to that. With inflation in negative figures and real earnings growing at a healthy clip, few homeowners are going to struggle with increased mortgage payments, regardless of how much they grumble. Craig Brown
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Health & Fitness
Healthy Living Programmes On offer by Maidstone Borough Council
Weight Management Our range of weight management programmes support people to lose weight and more importantly keep it off, helping them to achieve their goals. Our programmes are suitable for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28 and above or if you’re looking to do something as a family for anyone over 5. Counterweight is a year long evidence based programme that focuses on behavioural techniques to support and maintain weight loss, giving people the skills to manage their weight for life. Adult Weight Management Programme Maidstone Leisure Centre run a 10 week programme which includes one free diet and nutrition seminar and one circuit training class a week. The circuit training costs £1.10. Whilst on the programme people can use the gym and swimming facilities for a discounted cost of £1.10 per visit. Go For It - A free family and children’s weight management, healthy lifestyle programme for 5 - 17 years. It’s run at Zeroth Active Zone. Exercise Referral Our exercise referral programmes help people get more active for life and improve confidence in a group or with one-to-one support. They are run at various locations, with a range of activities that are tailored to the individual. They’re designed for 8
people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28 or over and/or low level mental health conditions. YMCA Exercise Referral - The YMCA offer a 10-12 week programme which includes gym sessions and group sessions such as pickleball, table tennis, badminton and other activities. Zeroth Exercise Referral offer a tailored approach that takes all the clients goals into consideration at their fitness and rehabilitation centre. Falls Prevention Weekly classes for people who would like to improve their confidence in getting out and about or around their home. This gentle exercise class is suitable for people aged 65 and over who lack confidence in moving around and/or are at risk of falling. Maidstone Community Support Centre There are two groups available. A beginners level group in Marsham Street and an intermediate level group in Coxheath. For more information visit the Brighter Futures Group website, email bfg@ vam-online.org.uk or call 01622 762403. Men’s Health Our programmes support men to get fit and lose weight using physical activity and team spirit to help you. These programmes are designed for men who have a BMI of 28 and above.
Wellbeing People at Maidstone United Football Club. This 10 week programme run by Wellbeing People offers weekly fitness sessions at Maidstone United’s home ground, followed by a team talk to coach you towards being match fit. Walking for Health Walking for Health offer free, regular short walks across the Maidstone borough. They are a great way to get outdoors and meet new people. The walks are suitable for people who do little to no exercise and those who attend are encouraged to walk at their own pace. Walks are led by a team of dedicated and trained volunteer walk leaders.
to help you reduce any risk. It takes about 20-30 minutes and normally takes place once every five years.
For more information and to sign up for a programme got to www.maidstone.gov.uk/healthyliving Or by contacting the Community Development Team Tel: 01622 602222 Email: healthyliving@maidstone.gov.uk
NHS Health Checks The NHS Health Check programme aims to help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and certain types of dementia. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74, who has not already been diagnosed with one of these conditions or has certain risk factors, will be invited to have a check up. The check up will assess how at risk you are and offer you support and advice
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Gardening
The Nerine -
Diamonds Forever! are
I know it may well be October by the time you read this but I really am a great fan of September – not only can I add another candle to my birthday cake on the 21st (don’t forget!) but it also marks the start of the bulb season. The days are getting shorter and the frantic seed sowing days of spring are but a distant memory, so it rests on the bulbs to add that autumnal frisson of horticultural excitement. So I must let you in on a secret, an unsung hero and my most favouritist plant ever, the Nerine, more commonly known as the Diamond Lily. The Nerine hails from the Rainbow Nation of South Africa. This one time bastion of empire is well known as a country rich in beautiful fauna and flora. Usefully, they flower from August to December in this country when there’s not too much else to add a bit of colour to the garden. I’ve had a long standing love affair with this plant and I can even remember ordering my very first bulbs of Nerine bowdenii, the hardiest and most popular species. I got them from an advert in the Amateur Gardening magazine back in the days when I was still a spotty youth. Many horticultural generations later, their progeny will be 10
flowering as usual in the middle of September. In the garden they like a sunny spot where their stunning pink flowers will last for up to four weeks. Have a look around garden centres and you may still be in luck; hopefully you can treat yourself to a pot or two of these beauties – trust me on this, you won’t be disappointed! I still can’t quite put my finger on what I find so intriguing about this plant. It only flowers once a year, doesn’t have any scent and the more interesting hybrids of Nerine sarniensis are a bit tricky to propagate as they insist on growing during our winter. Maybe it’s something to do with the quality of the flowers and the way that they sparkle in the sun, or the fact that they are relatively easy to hybridise, giving everyone a decent chance of raising a beautiful new Nerine hybrid! If you’ve got a frost-free greenhouse or conservatory and you want a bit of a gardening adventure, then can I suggest you have a look at Nicholas de Rothschild’s website www.nerines.com and take a gander at some of the fantastic new hybrids that
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Advice
Charitable giving -
making sure it works for you • By leaving an item of value • By leaving what is left of your estate once other gifts have been made
There has been much coverage in the press recently about people - usually the elderly and more vulnerable, who have been bombarded by charitable requests by phone and email. Many people have charities that are close to their hearts and they choose to support them by either volunteering their time and/or by making regular financial donations.
If you are planning to donate land, property or shares to a charity or to make a gift of the net sale proceeds, then it is worth taking professional advice (both legal and tax planning) regarding the timing of your donation, as you may pay less Income Tax in the tax year you make the gift or sale. There is also likely to be Capital Gains Tax Relief and advice should be sought before you make any sale or transfer of ownership. It is important to be clear about which charity you intend to leave the donation to for example if you just said “to the local hospice or dogs home”, that isn’t sufficiently clear. Use the charity’s full name and address and registered charity number and then if it should change over time it can be easily traced.
It is often therefore a good idea to review your charitable giving and whether giving during your lifetime or leaving a legacy in your Will is the best option for you.
Finally, it is important to communicate your wishes regarding charitable giving to other beneficiaries in your Will, which can be done via a letter to try to avoid subsequent arguments. That said, in a recent ruling, a judge has overturned a decision that had seen a woman excluded from her mother’s Will. Despite the mother stating clearly that she didn’t want her estranged daughter to receive anything from her Will, the Judge ruled her actions “unreasonable, capricious and harsh” and awarded the daughter a third of the value of the estate.
If you choose to leave a donation to a charity or several charities in your Will, then it will be taken off the value of your estate before inheritance tax is calculated. It can also help to reduce your Inheritance Tax rate if more than 10% of your estate is left to charity.
Whether this ruling has any further repercussions we in the legal profession will have to wait and see. In the meantime, reviewing your own circumstances on a regular basis is always advisable.
You can donate in your Will in a number of ways: • By leaving a fixed amount or a percentage of the value of your estate
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Feature
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POOL Bearsted roundCARE table Bearsted round table was chartered in 1974 it is a mens club ‘non profit’ organisation for men 18-45
we also recently hosted a Black Tie Ball raising £2000 for crossroads young carers. And in September we are climbing 3 mountains in 24hrs.
In recent years round table has been considered an old mans club and the numbers through out clubs in the UK have Pool & Relines Pool & Hot Tub Chemicals Supplied been Repairs on the decline. We are experiencing interest from people that have DIY Self Build Service Pump Repairs & Replacements moved to the area for work. Bearsted Round Table however currently on the way Filter & Sand Changes Heating Repairs Oil, Gas & LPG Replacements If you are new to the area it’s a great way to meet up. We currently have 6 members under 30 and Hot Tubs Sales & Repairs Summerise & Winterise a new groupServices of mates and get yourself out the we have had recent membership enquiries via house it could be a pint at the local, go karting Solar & Winter Covers Pool Maintenance our website even Climbing mountain! Contact Chemicals available at Woodstock Garden Centre, or Hermitage Lanea, Maidstone , ME16us: 9NT At the end of this month we could be back in Telephone: 07739 308493 double figures! In November the lads collect in Email: membership@bearstedrt.co.uk London for Children In Need with Pudsey and Web: www.bearstedrt.co.uk won an award for collecting £5000
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17 17
Travel
Nerja: A victim of its own success?
Nerja is a resolutely middle class resort about 30 miles east of Malaga on the Costa del Sol. Lager louts, vodka shots and travel reps are all conspicuous by their absence; indeed, there may well be a local byelaw banning them from the town. You do get the odd celebrity wandering around the place, but Judith Chalmers is about as exotic as they get. Even so, it is remarkably popular among Brits of a certain class – a straw poll conducted by my daughter revealed that around a third of her classmates had been there at some time or another. I’ve been holidaying in Nerja for almost 30 years; my dad bought a villa there when I was still a student. I love its bustling prosperity, the charm of the old town and the friendliness of residents and tourists alike. Nerja was the venue for this year’s family holiday, as it has been for so many others. With my sister squatting in my dad’s villa, we decided to rent a 2 bedroom apartment close to the centre of town. Through some kind of divine intervention we managed to choose perfectly, 18
finding a spacious, well-appointed villa overlooking the pool with a fantastic roof top terrace with views of the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. Not entirely coincidentally, my sister-in-law and family were staying in the villa next door so we had a readymade gang and we quickly annexed the sunniest corner of the swimming pool. The location of our apartment couldn’t have been more perfect either, ten minutes’ walk from both the beach and the town centre with plenty of bars, restaurants and shops right on the doorstep. We quickly settled in to a routine of dedicated sunbathing punctuated by regular beers, leisurely meals and occasional forays to the beach. It all sounds idyllic I know, but I have to confess that Nerja has developed a few problems over the years. To start with, the parking is appalling. To say that Nerja has a parking problem is like saying Greece has a Cashflow problem. The carparks are wildly expensive and if you go anywhere near a no parking zone, a lorry comes along, picks up your car and takes it to the police station. Then it costs €150 to get it back again.
Although there are literally hundreds of restaurants in Nerja, not many of them are actually any good. Worse still, there is no way of knowing which ones are the good ones; a place that was perfectly okay a couple of years ago turned out to be apocalyptically bad this time around. The restaurants that are actually decent cash in on the fact by making you book a week in advance and charging you a king’s ransom for a meal you could get in any old gastro pub over here. Next up are the beaches. The town council decided last year that sunbeds were getting ridiculously expensive so they capped the prices at €3.75 per day (including parasol). This means that sunbeds are now so laughably cheap that everyone pays upfront for a week and the beaches are lined with sunbeds occupied only by signs saying “Reservado.” But do not despair; all these problems can easily be overcome. bustling Top tip number one: don’t hire a car. ‘I love its the charm A transfer from the airport costs prosperity, n and the very little and if you do need to go f the old tow o ents somewhere, take a taxi! As for the ness of resid li d n ie fr restaurants, just accept the fact that alike’. you will be eating a few mediocre and tourists meals during your holiday. At least they’re cheap and the quality of the wine they serve has come on in leaps and bounds. And if you have to do your sunbathing on the beach, why not jam a parasol into the sand and spread your towel in the shade of it? For my money, pound for pound Nerja is the best sunshine resort in Europe, let alone Spain. I’m already booking next year’s visit. Howard Clemmow
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Health & Fitness
What is Gout is a type of arthritis where crystals of sodium urate form inside and around joints causing sudden and severe pain, swelling in the joint and redness. It frequently occurs at the base of the big toe but can develop in any joint. Around 1 in 40 adults are affected, 3 or 4 times more men than women and most often those aged between 30 and 60. Symptoms develop rapidly in the first 24 hours and a gout attack can last for 3 to 10 days, after which the joint begins to feel and look normal again and the pain disappears. However, further attacks will almost always occur. Sodium urate crystals form because uric acid levels have built up – this may be because too much is produced or too little excreted. Uric acid is a waste product formed when the body breaks down chemicals in the cells called purines. After several years, the build-up of hard sodium urate crystals in the joints may cause them to spill over from the joint cartilage so that they inflame the soft lining of the joint which causes the pain of gout. If left untreated for long time, the crystals pack together (tophi) to cause progressive and irreversible damage to the joints, resulting in pain and stiffness. Rarely, kidney stones can develop as a result of gout. Gout is sometimes genetic. It is more likely to develop if you are overweight, have diabetes, high blood pressure or have a high purine diet. Purines
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Gout? are found naturally in the body but are also in shellfish, sardines, red meat, offal and also in beer and spirits.
Gout is one of a few types of arthritis where future damage to joints can be avoided by treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers can relieve symptoms or sometimes corticosteroids or Colchicine are required. Future attacks can be prevented through a combination of lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, and being prescribed allopurinol which lowers uric acid levels. It is advisable to see your GP if you suspect you may be suffering with gout. Phoebe Hodge
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Film Review
Inside Out Director: Pete Docter
Rating
*****
P
ixar studios imagines a world in which feelings are characterised as colourful, cartoon creatures operating a control panel inside the mind. Inside Out follows the story of Riley, a twelve-year old girl uprooted from Minnesota to San Francisco, and the effect the move has on her own emotional wellbeing.
A friend commented that Inside Out is a strong testament to the old-adage that ‘it’s not the story that’s important but the way you tell it.’ The simplicity of the synopsis, ‘a young girl moves’, and the complexity and depth of the finished film would appear to support this notion. However, on this occasion, I disagree, and would instead posit that Inside Out is testament to an even older adage, that the story and storytelling are one and the same. The five emotions that govern Riley’s mind, Fear, Sadness, Joy, Anger and Disgust are a representation of what we would medically deem the unconscious and narratively the subtext. To render in three-
dimensions the ocean beneath the waves is extremely bold because it leaves no room for error contrasting the ‘real-world’ with the other ‘realworld’ in Riley’s head. The script focuses on the role of Sadness, the one feeling that starts off isolated in Riley’s head, because she has no clear positive contribution to make towards the wellbeing of her host. These tiny characters are the epitome of cartoonish loud noises and emotional extremes and work with the intricacy of a watch to mesh with Riley’s actual life, adding value and weight to one another to such an extent that Riley getting on a bus becomes an emotional crescendo of such raw power because we’re shown what it all actually means. I.e. Inside Out’s storytelling is the actual story, and it’s beautiful. Whilst the explanation for Sadness’s role feels somewhat incomplete, it’s forgivable in the context of a film that takes place in the mind of a child whose own journey is not nearly done. No other film this year has been crafted so well, and that isn’t something we should expect to change. James Warren
My rating ***** 25
this Halloween
Spooky fun in Kent Pick Your Own Pumpkin 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 31st October 10am- 4pm Pick Your Own Pumpkin opened last October in Sevington near Ashford, Kent. Hundreds of people pulled on their wellies and stomped through the mud in the quest to find the largest or ugliest pumpkin. Thanks to the fortunate weather conditions for pumpkin growing, Pick Your Own Pumpkin will be open once again this October. There is no entrance fee, just simply pay for what you pick. Pumpkins will be priced according to size, with small pumpkins costing £1 and the “Monster” pumpkins costing £4- thats if you can carry it! www.danmackelden.co.uk/pickyourownpumpkin Jemma: 07786261706 pickyourownpumpkin@gmail.com Museum Fright Night Maidstone Museum 29th Oct 2015 - 6:00pm - 9:00pm Watch the Anaconda dance troupe in a creepy and chilling performance; hear from our curators about the weird and spooky objects in our collections, and create your own. Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery , Maidstone, ME14 1LH, Tel: 01622 602838, museum.maidstone.gov.uk email: museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk. Overnight Ghost Hunts Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU. Kent Life is reported to be the most haunted Museum in county and now you have a chance to find out for yourself. Join us and the team of mediums and paranormal investigators and explore our historic location. As well as being guided by an experienced leader and medium, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to carry out a lone vigils if you wish. kentlife.org.uk Tel: 01622 763936 Email: enquiries@kentlife.org.uk
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Spooky Sprint! The Hop Farm Family Park 17 October 2015 We dare you to run in the Spooky Sprint – a race in the dark with only a head torch to light your way. Up for it? You’re in for a totally different running experience which will test your nerve as well as your fitness. It’s so good it’s scary. Challenge yourself to our 5K and 10K run and you’ll get a free head torch, chip timing and an exclusive breathable glow in the dark T-shirt. Plus, all runners receive a Spooky Sprint medal at the finish line. Bring along your little monsters to take part in our 500m family fun run too! Choose your distance and join us when the sun goes down at the Hop Farm in Kent. To watch our Spooky Sprint video, for full details, and to enter the event, visit: www.parkinsons.org.uk/ spooky. Tel: 01622 872068 Halloween Half-Term Fun at the Farm The Hop Farm Family Park FREE ENTRY TO THE FAMILY PARK! 24 Oct - 01 Nov Treat the kids to a spook-tastic feast of fun for the half term holidays! Dress up in your best Halloween fancy dress and come and join in! Here’s just some of the fun that’s in store: Indoor Halloween Entertainment, Ghoulish Face Painting, Crazy Animals Show, 4D Cinema Creepy Story Telling, Magic Show, Ghostly Disco Magic Castle, Animal Farm Halloween Fancy Dress Competition The Hop Farm Family Park (Kent Entertainment Ltd) Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY info@thehopfarm.co.uk Tel: 01622 872068
Freak Week SINdulgence The Hop Farm Family Park 26th-31st October - Over 18’s SINdulge in an Hours Live Horror Experience Freak Week is back!!! And more deadly than ever!! Book if you dare to become apart of our world, a new
Events world. Freak Week Bar, Food and Music! Winner of The Best Halloween Attraction 2011! Nominated for 5 Screamie Awards! The Hop Farm Family Park (Kent Entertainment Ltd) Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, TN12 6PY info@thehopfarm.co.uk Tel: 01622 872068 Witches and Wizard Academy 24th October 2015 to 31st October 2015 Children will be spellbound at the Witches and Wizard Academy during October Half Term. A children’s trail will take place throughout the grounds with a chocolate prize at the end. A fancy dress competition takes place daily, while spellbinding stories will entertain younger children. Entry to this event is included with your entrance ticket (a small additional charge will apply for the trail). Leeds Castle Maidstone Kent ME17 1PL Tel: +44 (0) 1622 765400 Halloween week: make it! sessions 26 Oct 2015 - 30 Oct 2015 Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery , Maidstone, ME14 1LH A week of activities to keep the kids entertained! Monday: Witches and Wizards - make yourself a witch or wizard hat ready for Halloween night Tuesday: Dancing Skeletons - make a string of dancing skeletons to decorate your room Wednesday: Halloween T-shirt - design your own Halloween-themed t-shirt Thursday: Ooh Mummy! - create a mummy to scare the neighbours Friday: Spider Spider - create a glove spider to scare your friends museum.maidstone.gov.uk Tel: 01622 602838
Spooky Halloween fun for all the family Groombridge Place this October 2015 24th to 31st October there will be ghoulish entertainment and activities on offer for all ages at Groombridge Place as Halloween looms. Between 10am and 5pm, families can witness the spooky adventures of Hansel and Gretel, as they escape the clutches of the Evil Witch only to stumble into another monstrous nightmare – the Monster Mash Halloween Party! Other activities include creepy crafts, gruesome games, fearsome face painting, devilish dancing and much more. groombridgeplace.com Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9QG Telephone: 01892 861444 Email: office@ groombridgeplace.com Fort Amherst’s famous Halloween Horrors s are now booking, and there are tours for ALL ages! ‘not for the faint of heart’... and they are as terrifying now as they have ever been! www.fortamherst.com Contagious A new event for Halloween... Dare you join us for a brand new scare event in the heart of Canterbury? Plague has swept across medieval England and terrified citizens are evacuating London. The road to Canterbury is dangerous - contagious citizens are everywhere. A cure is out there but will you find it? Can you make the journey? New for 2015, tours will run every Friday and Saturday night throughout October, at 10 minute intervals between 6pm - 8pm. Due to the nature of the event, it is suitable for those aged 14 or over. canterburytales.org.uk
Halloween Pumpkin Carving 31 Oct 2015 Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery , Maidstone, ME14 1LH Design and carve your pumpkin ready for Halloween night. A great activity for the whole family! museum.maidstone.gov.uk Tel: 01622 602838, email: museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk.
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Make the most of your pumpkin this Halloween! In the UK in the run up to Halloween it’s estimated that over a million pumpkins are bought ready to be carved into ghoulish lanterns.
Food and Drink
But what happens to all the succulent orange flesh that has been scooped out of the pumpkins you’ve displayed on your doorstep? Many people just throw it away! Did you know...Pumpkins are rich in vitamins and minerals and a great food source!
Pumpkin Tart Rescue a pumpkin - turn it into this autumnal treat. A sweet treat made form the inside of your spooky pumpkin! You will need: • • • • • • • • • •
275g plain flour A pinch of salt 125g unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes About 10 tablespoons of cold water 1 whole pumpkin 2 eggs 100g caster sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Pinch of nutmeg 25g sunflower seeds
How to do it:
1bowl. Add the butter and gently rub into the flour
water to make dough and form into a smooth ball. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for an hour.
2a lightly floured board to ¾ mm thick and line When the pastry has relaxed, roll it out on
a 20cm loose bottomed fluted flan ring. Cover the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans. Cook blind on a baking sheet in the oven set at gas mark 4/180C/350F for about 12 minutes, then carefully remove the beans and the paper and return the case to the oven and cook for a further 5 minutes.
3scooped out from the pumpkin. Steam the flesh Meanwhile, prepare the filling using the flesh
for 15-20 minutes, drain and then mash. Leave to cool and then beat the eggs together with the sugar and stir into the pumpkin mixture. Add the cinnamon and nutmeg.
4seeds on top and bake in the oven set at gas
Pour the filling into the pastry case, sprinkle the
5/190C/375F for about 45 minutes until the filling has set.
First make the pastry. Sift the flour and salt into a
until it looks like fine breadcrumbs. Add enough
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Events
What’s on... October 2015
Watercolour exhibition Maidstone Museum.An exhibition of 3 original works from each of twenty one contemporary artists who use watercolour as part of their practice, including work by artists as diverse as Susie Hamilton, Hannah Maybank and James Faure Walker. Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery , Maidstone, museum.maidstone.gov.uk Tel: 01622 602838, email: museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk.
1st October 2015
World Of Daffodils - Maidstone Horticultural Society Talk On Thursday 1st October, there will be the first of our interesting and informative autumn talks, entitled “World of Daffodils” presented by Len Olive. All are very welcome. Come to the Baptist Church Hall, Knightrider Street,at 7.30pm. Only £2 entrance to include a light refreshment. Tel: 01622 674384
17th October 2015
Big Draw ‘Every drawing tells a story’ - come and create your family story on a Coat of Arms as part of our Big Draw event. 10:30AM-3:30PM. Price: FREE Maidstone Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery museum.maidstone.gov.uk Tel:01622 602838, email: museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk.
7th October 2015
Leveret Play The Bowerhouse Leveret features three of England’s finest folk musicians in an exciting new collaboration. See them live! Tel: 07585 662395 www.thebowerhouse.info
4th October 2015
9th October
Wedding Fair View the amazing wedding facilities, demonstrations and services at The Hop Farm and meet local hand-picked wedding suppliers, to help build your special day. Free entry. Open 11am until 4pm. The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, TN12 6PY Tel: 01622 872068 thehopfarm.co.uk
An Evening of Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show Embarking upon its 5th Anniversary tour An Evening of Dirty Dancing: The Tribute Show is a five star homage to the greatest movie soundtrack of all time. Hazlitt Theatre www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Tel: 01622 758611
3rd - 4th October 2015
10th October
Falconry Displays Leeds Castle, Maidstone, ME17 1PL Free flying demonstrations take place in the Falconry Arena in front of the Maze. The demonstration lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and features a range of birds including Hawks, Vulture, Falcon and Owls. Tel: 01622 765400 enquiries@leeds-castle.co.uk leeds-castle.com
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- 4 October 2015 th
Apple & Cider Fayre Kent Life, Maidstone, ME14 3AU. Join us to celebrate our fruit harvest with our annual Apple & Cider Fayre. Live & local music. Visiting our 30
very own Cider tent featuring the best the county has to offer. Demonstrations & tours. Local morris dancers showing off their fancy footwork. Tel: 01622 763936 Email: enquiries@kentlife.org.uk
Saturday Morning Kart Club Ages 8-11 This NEW addition to the Buckmore Park family for 2015 is the ideal way to learn about racing, whilst having fun in the process. Buckmore Park Karting Ltd, Chatham. Tel: 01634 201562 www.buckmore4kids.co.uk
10th October
The Bon Jovi Experience - Hazlitt Theatre An outstanding tribute to Bon Jovi. They are the only Bon Jovi tribute band in the world to have actually played and shared a stage with Jon Bon Jovi himself! www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk Tel: 01622 758611
Events 10th - 11th October
24th October 2015
65th British National Ploughing Championships, Marden, Tonbridge Over 200 ploughmen from around Great Britain competing for the title of British National Ploughing Champion - heavy horses, vintage tractors,agricultural machinery, country crafts and trade stands. www.ploughmen.co.uk Tel: 01302 852469
Maidstone’s Gin Production: Then & Now Maiden Distillery will give a talk on the historic production of gin in Maidstone, once exporting 3,000 gallons a month to the rest of the country! Taste and compare some local gins of today. museum.maidstone.gov.uk Tel: 01622 602838, email: museuminfo@maidstone.gov.uk.
11th October
Bach To Baby Bach to Baby, the critically acclaimed Londonbased classical concert series for babies, children and parents, is coming to Maidstone this month! All Saints Church Priory Road, Tel: 07967443237 www.bachtobaby.com
Kent Boat Jumble Stallholders at the Kent Boat Jumble will be selling a wide variety of items including - dinghies, sailing dinghies, kayaks, fishing rods, fishing reels, fishing tackle, trailer parts, marine electronics, rope, fenders, paint, antifoul, outboard engines, inboard engines, engine parts, marine gearboxes, fibre-glass supplies and nautical antiques. The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, TN12 6PY Tel: 01622 872068 thehopfarm.co.uk
11th October
BIG Walkies Maidstone Come and join us for the BEST WALK EVER at Mote Park! More trees, more pals and loads of reasons to slobber. Give your dog a day of delight and raise money to help protect dogs and other animals from cruelty. Take the lead. Join your nearest walk now. Mote Park Maidstone Tel: 03001230123 www.rspca.org.uk
15th October
MMF Jazz Evening A night of delicious food and fabulous live jazz music performed by the 5 piece band Strings and Things. museum.maidstone.gov.uk Tel: 01622 602838, email: museuminfo@ maidstone.gov.uk.
17th - 18th October
Robot Wars the 2015 Live show is on tour! With over 50 mechanical monsters old and new, including the 2014 and current Robot Wars Champion ‘Eruption’, previous UK champion ‘Ripper’, crowd favourite ‘Behemoth’, plus many more robots from TV. Maidstone Leisure Centre , Tel: 08451 552277 www.robotwars.tv/live
27th October
30th October
Sights and Sounds of the Night Join Kent Wildlife Trust for a fun and spooky experience. Explore the nature park in the dark, follow an outdoor ‘light’ trail, hunt for moths and enjoy themed crafts and hot tasty food. Kent Wildlife Trust, Tyland Barn, Sandling Tel: 01622 662012 www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk
31st October
Fred Clark At Heart Of Flavour - Aylesford Popular local acoustic singer/songwriter Fred Clark is excited to be working with Heart of Kent Hospice to entertain you with an afternoon of music at Heart of Flavour Café/Bar in King Street. Heart of Kent Hospice , Preston Hall, Aylesford Tel: 01580 890567
31st October Antiques & Collectors Fair You can find wonderful things at the Antiques & Collectors Fair. If you are looking for the unusual then this is the place to go to. Dealers work hard to offer you a wide choice of items that you won’t find on the High Street. The quality of many antique, vintage or retro items is often much higher than what is new today and prices can be much cheaper than modern equivalents. Best of all, it’s ‘Fun at our Fairs....’ Detling Showground, Tel: 01622 633060 www.kenteventcentre.co.uk
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Aylesford & Eccles W.I. hold their monthly meeting on Wed 28th Oct at 7.30p.m. in the Brassey Centre, Station Road, Aylesford. There will be a talk entitles Diabetes Awareness by a speaker from Diabetes UK. There will also be a time for a chat over a cup of tea and a chance to explore outside events, interest days etc that may be available to attend. The competition is any item beginning with the letter Q and the recycling stall a handbag/purse. We are always pleased top see new faces at our meeting so if you have always been a little curious about the W.I. then why not come along and meet us. There is no obligation to join at your first visit. If you would like to know more then either visit our Facebook page or phone Eileen on 01622 715205 Ayles ARA will hold their meeting on Thurs 22nd Oct at 2p.m. in the Community Centre, Aylesford There will be a talk by Chris Wood from the Magic Circle. There is also time for tea and a chat and to decide what other groups e.g.walking, art and lunch clubs you might wish to join. There is no obligation to become a member at your first visit so if you are over 50 with some spare time on your hands or just looking for some new interests then why not come along and join us.If you would like any further information then phone Wayne on 01622 710734 or have a look at our website. Aylesford & Eccles W.I. are holding a Craft Fair on Sat Nov 7th from 12m.d. to 4p.m. in the Brassey Centre, Station Road, Aylesford. There
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will be a wide variety of crafts on sale and light refreshments will be available. Entrance 50p per adult (children free) St Peter & St Pauls Church Aylesford will be holding a Wine Tasting Evening on Sat 17th Oct at 7.30p.m.in Aylesford Church. This will be a great opportunity to taste 6 different wines and to hear and talk about wines in general. For both novices and more serious wine lovers. Tickets £8 each/£15 per couple and are available in advance from Aline on 07771 636872 or Chris on 01622 717434 or cjvanstraaten@gmail. com or alternatively they can be purchased at the door on the night. St Peter & St Pauls Church Aylesford will be holding a Barn Dance on Sat 24th Oct at 7p.m. in THE BARN at The Friars Aylesford. A chance to relive the times when dances were held in real barns! Cost £5 per adult, children under 16 £3. Please bring your own drinks and snacks. Prebook your tickets with Aline on 07771 636872 or Chris van Straaten on 01622 717434 Christmas Gift Fair Saturday 3rd October Bigger venue with free parking. Start your Christmas shopping early with gorgeous gifts and perfect presents Jewellery – Cards – Handbags Confectionery - Scarves - Collectables Vintage And Fair Trade Gifts Plus many more stalls! At The Vine, Boughton Lane, Maidstone, ME15 9QF 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. £1 Entry – Refreshments
available.All proceeds to Loose Scouts For more information please contact jillwilson@talktalk.net Guide Dogs’ Pie and Mash Evening Come and join Guide Dogs at The Swan Loose Road on Friday 2nd October 2015 at 7pm for 7.30pm and tuck into Traditional Pie and Mash. Be entertained by The Pearly Cock Sparrows. Test your Rhyming Slang with a cockney quiz. Raffle Prizes to be won. Come and meet some guide dog owners with their amazing guide dogs. Tickets £10 per person available from Sally Hoysted 01622 747564; Glenda Bourne 01622 7343547. Please come and support Guide Dogs. Bearsted & District U3A We are an organisation where retired or semi-retired people from all walks of life and all ages meet like-minded men and women to expand their knowledge, share interests and acquire skills and experiences. Visitors and new members are assured of a warm welcome at our monthly meetings. Joining us is probably the best way to make new friends. We are now enrolling for our third year and would like to invite you to visit as a guest free of charge to see what who we are and what we offer you. We have over 25 interest groups, monthly meetings with a speaker, leisure and educational visits, regular social events and benefits from the Third Age Trust that
we are part of. We meet on the second Thursday of each month at 2.00 pm in Detling Village Hall, with free parking. Please come along and see for yourself. Maidstone branch of the British Sugarcraft Guild We meet monthly at St. Pauls Church Hall, Boxley Road Maidstone, ME14 2AH. Tel 01622 791622 for more information. Please note that there has been a change to our November meeting. The date has changed from the 7th to the following week on Saturday the 14th November. Also Robert Haynes cannot now attend, so the demonstrator is to be confirmed (but still a demonstration of poinsettia). Loose Foothpaths Group For information on our next walk please call 01622 743944. 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.
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Classfieds
Soft Furnishings
by
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All Carpentry & Maintenance Work Undertaken Including:
24 Lo M M
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Kitchen Fitting - Bedroom Fitting - Bathroom Fitting Female tutor based in Maidstone Tiling Floor & Walls - Windows, Doors & Floors Rabbits,offers French tuition to beginners Decking & Fencing
Wasps, Rats, Mice, Squirrels, Fox, Call 01622 842481 Bedbugs, Fleas, Ants and Birds
est problems
rge Ltd
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D
win
Events family tickets for
ice skating panto!
and
Up for grab’s in this month’s issue is a family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) for both ice skating and panto in Royal Tunbridge Wells! We have one family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) valid from Friday 20 November ’15 - Friday 4 December ’16 to give away to our lucky readers! Experience the magic of ice skating outdoors in Tunbridge Wells this Christmas! Set within the beautiful splendour of the popular and historic park, Calverley Grounds, the real ice rink is a perfect Christmas outing for the family. Dedicated parent and toddler session will take place every morning at 9.45am – 10.15am and 10.15am – 10.45am (excluding Christmas Day) and midweek Monday – Friday at 2pm (from Mon 23 November – Friday 18 December). The thirty minute sessions are for toddlers aged 2 - 4 years old. These sessions cost from £7.00 – this allows one adult to skate with each toddler. Seal skating aids are available to hire for children under 1.3 metres in height. For main skating sessions, the rink will be open from 11am until 9pm – last skating session 8pm. Adult tickets cost from £9.50 and children’s tickets (aged 4 years and above) from £7.00, family tickets and concessions are available. Ticket price includes hire of skating boots and lasts for one hour. Father Christmas will also be visiting on certain dates. Booking is advisable to avoid disappointment and can be done either in person at Assembly Hall Theatre Box Office, online at www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com or 01892 554645. The Tunbridge Wells Borough Council Ice Rink is supported by Kent & Sussex Courier, Index Magazine, Heart, Dandara and AXA PPP.
Cinderella
We also have one family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) to see Cinderella at The Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on Saturday 12 Dec 5pm show. With an all-star cast, a spectacular set complete with stunning costumes, two live Shetland ponies, this year’s annual pantomime has something for all the family.
For your win: chance to
Starring CBBC’s Tracy Beaker Dani Harmer as Cinderella, Jamie Rickers from CITV and Nickoldeon as Buttons and Louise Jamieson (EastEnders, Doctor Who) as Fairy Godmother, Cinderella is perfect for the whole family! Dani Harmer is known to millions of children for her starring role in CBBC’s highly successful series The Story of Tracy Beaker and Tracy Beaker g in w llo Returns. Joining Dani will be Louise Jameson, as Fairy Godmother. Best known for her role as Answer the fo Rosa di Marco in BBC 1’s top soap opera EastEnders, she also became known to millions of question: win television viewers through her roles in such popular television series as BBC’s Doctor Who, u yo n ca tre Which thea inderella at? Tenko and Bergerac. The cast also includes Jamie Rickers as Cinderella’s best friend Buttons. tickets to see C Jamie is a familiar face on CiTV and Nickelodeon, with hosting Toonattik and Jamie and swer to Email your an undkent.co.uk Anna’s U-Pick Summer. The Ugly Sisters are played by David Ball and Byron Mondahl and ro Owen Thompson plays Prince Charming. sarah@inanda
und Kent, Post to In & Aro Earl 43 , se ou H Laurel Kent, , ne to ds Street, Mai ME14 1PD. /10/15
Closing date 27
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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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M In Fr
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• • • • • •
Classfieds
APAlltype DECORATORS Property DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL Maintenance
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24 Lo M M
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All Carpentry & Maintenance Work Undertaken Including: Kitchen Fitting - Bedroom Fitting - Bathroom Fitting Tiling Floor & Walls - Windows, Doors & Floors Decking & Fencing
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AP DECORATORS
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City & Guilds Male & Female Decorators Interior & Exterior Work Friendly Professional Service
Est. 22 years
Fully Insured
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Information
Index... Accountant
Mike Nichols
Appliance Repairs Neville Powell
Architects
MRW Design
Energy Performance 16
Fencing 34 16
Bathrooms
MBK Design Studio 28 Cooper & Co Plumbing & Heating 22
Bedroom Design
Bedroom Flair
EPC Solutions
13
Glebe Fencing
Floors
Footstep Flooring Austin Services
Health, Fitness & Wellbeing
Car Services
Kitchens
MBK Design Studio Ace MOT 17 Astounding Interiors Mongers Garage 17
Carpet Cleaners
Hydro-Dynamix
Cleaning
37
Computing for Beginners JLM Network Services
36 16
Soft Furnishings by Miriam Abacus Blinds
Days Out
Kent Life Pympes Court Farm Centre
Decorators
AP Decorators
38
23
24
Curtains and Blinds
9 12 9 12 22 28 7
Legal Services
Phynix Cleaning
Computer Services
11 11 23 11
Doo Das 24
Steptows 37
Geoff Brown
Gullands 14
Loft Ladders
Loft Ladders 22
Locksmith
A Short Locksmith
Osteopathy
34 21
5 16
37
Roofing
Flynn Roofing Services
36
Security Systems
JDS 36
Tuition
Baby & Toddler Swim Maidstone Dance Studio Maidstone YMCA S.G. Swim School Reflexology with Lisa
Carpenter
3
Garden Services / Tree Maintenance
Hairdressers
Buy & Sell Anything
Audley Care
Swimming Pool Maintenance
Builders
Geoff Brown 23 Neil Shorter 24 JR Building 22 APC 13
21 34
Tudor Oak 14
Samsian 12
(New/Servicing/Repairs)
40
Recruitment
Furniture
Fairview Farm The Big Mow Benton Lanscapes Tantons Tree Surgeons
Boilers
34
Maidstone Wellness Centre
37 2
Pest Control
Pest Purge Ltd 34 Roecall 36
Plasterer
H. Preece Plastering Briery Property Maintenance
36 36
Plumbing & Heating
Cooper & Co Plumbing & Heating 22 Palace Heating 37
Property Services
All Type Property Maintenance
37
Pool Care 17 Nicola Connelly
34
Venues for Hire
Pympes Court Farm Centre
Window Cleaners RJ’s
16 36
Community
It’s all go
for Chalkwell commuters! Customers snap up new smart travel cards
A Kent coach company’s revolutionary new ticketing system has sparked a surge in demand from Maidstone commuters. Family-run Chalkwell, which celebrates its 85th anniversary next year, has invested £50,000 in developing and setting up its new GoCard system. GoCard was introduced on Chalkwell’s daily services into London just three months ago but the company has been so overwhelmed by requests for the cards that it has had to order more. “The GoCard is a big leap forward and we’ve worked really hard to provide customers with this opportunity,” says Chalkwell’s Commercial Director, Roland Eglinton. “We’ve listened to what our customers want and they have been quick to embrace it. “Smart card technology is fast becoming the norm in all areas of our lives but, until now, the coach sector has been slow to catch up,” adds Roland. “Chalkwell is one of the first in the independent travel sector to adopt a smart card ticketing system for commuter coaches and we’re proud to be leading the way. “Trends have changed over the last few years and we’ve seen a noticeable shift away from Mondayto-Friday commuting. A lot more people are working from home a couple of days a week now and we needed to provide a product that was
highly flexible and more in tune with commuters’ needs.” The Chalkwell GoCard works in a similar way to an Oyster, with an electronic chip which stores customers’ tickets. Commuters only pay for what they use and when they need extra credit, they simply go online and top up their card. “The Multi Journey GoCard has proved particularly popular because people can purchase a certain number of journeys and use them as and when they please,” says Roland. “It’s ideal for those who have irregular travel patterns or who spend some of the week working from home.” Commuters can also purchase a Set Period GoCard and an Annual GoCard. To celebrate the success of GoCard, Chalkwell is giving commuters the chance to try out its Maidstone-to-London service for free. New customers can get up to nine weeks’ complimentary travel by trading in their annual rail or coach ticket for an Annual GoCard; or they can get a free 10-journey GoCard by scanning their existing annual, four-week or monthly ticket from their current rail ticket provider or coach operator. Chalkwell operates daily commuter coach services from Maidstone, Kings Hill and surrounding areas. For full details, and to find out more about the GoCard free travel offers, Visit www.chalkwell.co.uk/commuters. You can also follow the company on Twitter @chalkwellcoach.
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