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Mid Kent Living 3

The teamMid Kent Living is published by Mail Publications Ltd (which also publishes the Downs Mail newspaper), Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4DT. Tel: 01622 630330 Fax 01622 631131 email info@downsmail.co.uk www.downsmail.co.uk

Covering the Mid Kent townsMid Kent Living is published every three months with a free circulation in Maidstone,Medway, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling, Ashford and Sittingbourne. It isavailable at selected pick-up points throughout the area including major supermarkets. Subscription copies are posted (£8 annually).

Chairman: Claire ProcterEditor: Stephen EighteenPublishing Manager: Jo-Anne BrownSales Manager: Bill BrettAdvertising Sales: Tel 01622 630330

Contents

Interview

7-9 Personality profile - Julian Clary talks about his rural retreat

Editor's Choice

11-16 A selection of hand-pickedevents and great days outaround the county through the winter months

Leisure & Tourism

20-21 Tourist Profile -Five of the best local museums

22-23 Kids - Ideas to keep the kids busy this winter

24-25 Walks - Enjoy a country walk through Sutton Valence

28-29 Charity Profile -Supporting Kent based charities

Lifestyle

32-33 Mind, body & soul

34-37 Senior living

38-45 Homes & gardens

51-53 Motoring

54 Competitions

Images: Left - courtesy of English Heritage; centre - courtesy of Maidstone Museum; right - courtesy of English Heritage

4 Mid Kent Living

Martin & Co Maidstone23 Pudding Lane • Maidstone • ME14 1PAmaidstone@martinco.com

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Mid Kent Living 5

Throw off the duvet and have some fun

The extent of the excellent entertainment on offer at this time of year never fails to amaze me.

With so many events geared up for Christmas and inclement weather often plaguinga year’s early months, late-GMT hibernation is an option exercised by many.

This is a shame, given the wealth of activities taking place right here and now.

For confirmation, have a look at Editor’s Choice, which begins on page 11. Did you realise, forinstance, that the International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition is taking place atSissinghurst Castle throughout January and February?

Or that James Bartlett, the BBC’s reigning Young Musician of the Year, will perform Mozart’sPiano Concerto No 12 alongside the Maidstone Symphony Orchestra on January 30? That verysame day, in Tunbridge Wells, there is a winter lantern parade.

The following weekend, for music lovers of a different ilk, top names from the world of technoand house will be performing at the Winter Social in Detling, near Maidstone.

Before you know it Easter will be here, with an egg hunt in Belmont House, nearFaversham, and the onset of spring week at Godinton House and Gardens near Ashford.

Were you aware of all this? If not, perhaps you should appreciate that these months contain as fun as any other and make the most of all our wonderful county has to offer.

Editor

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6 Mid Kent Living

LivingMid Kent

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Mid Kent Living 2726 Mid Kent Living Images courtesy of: Bench (autumn scene) — National Trust/D SellmanRight panel images — Henry Jarvis

The season offers a new chapter for garden lovers in Kent,as Dawn Kingsford discovers at Emmetts Garden.

AUTUMN glory With its expansive pinetum, EmmettsGarden is the perfect place to marvel atautumn’s rich russets and golds, whiletaking in panoramic views across TheWeald.

The National Trust ranks the four-and-a-half acre gardens — along with thoseat Scotney Castle — as the top place tocelebrate autumn in all its glory.

Once owned by Frederic Lubbock, thecharming Edwardian estate is known forits array of autumn colour. Fostered as aplantsman’s paradise in the late 19thcentury and now owned by the NationalTrust, the garden is teeming with rareand exotic trees and shrubs that comein to their prime at this time of year.

It incorporates a quintessential Englishrose garden, alpine and rock garden,and its south garden is brimming withimpressive hardy exotic trees andshrubs, with 200 acres of woodlandbeyond.

The garden’s Japanese Katsura tree isthe flavour of the moment — not onlydoes it turn yellow and orange in

autumn but gives off the aroma of burntsugar, similar to the smell of candyfloss.

A great place for the whole family,including the dog — it is one of only ahandful of National Trust properties thatpermit your pet on a lead in all parts ofthe grounds — Emmetts’ wide openspaces, outdoor seating and takeawayrefreshments provide the perfect placeto let off steam.

This autumn, the family Hallowe’enpumpkin trail enables adults andchildren alike to explore the garden,spot spooky items, answer sinisterquestions and pick up some Hallowe’enfacts and prizes. Later in the yearchildren can take part in the Christmaself trail, helping Father Christmas’ elvesprepare for the big day.

New for this year is the children’s wildplay area, offering youngsters a chanceto clamber and get in touch with nature,or to borrow games such as giantdominoes and jenga, kites and cricketsets, while parents can look on from thenearby seated refreshment area.

Gardener’s question time

- with Emmetts’ head gardener Simon Walker

Your top tip?Spend some time in the garden, notgardening, just enjoying.

Least favourite job?Digging out brambles.

Favourite flower?I’m a sucker for a pink tulip.

Flowers, fruit or veg?Fruit. I used to help grow peaches, it’s a real art and I love stuff like that.

What’s your busiest month?For us at Emmetts Garden it’sFebruary, just before we reopen to the public.

Things to do� Family Hallowe’en pumpkin trail,

10am-5pm, from Saturday, October24 to Sunday, November 1. Trails are£1 each, available from the visitorcentre.

� Christmas elf trail, from December 1 to January 3 2016.

� Guided tours — Monday-Friday at2pm, discovering the latest shrubs,flowers and trees.

� Gardens to visit

Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, is open daily (except Dec 24 and 25) until Jan 3, from 10am to 5pm, and then closed until Feb 27. Entry is £8.30 for adults and £4.15 for children from five to 16, including gift aid. For details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/emmetts-garden.

Find it

All of our pubs offer a selection ofscenic walks through beautiful

Kent countryside.Walk up an appetite then treat yourself to a snack,

lunch or dinner.Our menu’s are packed with

seasonal delights using the verybest Kentish produce

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Mid Kent Living 4140 Mid Kent Living

Mind, body & soul �

What and when you eat can affect the benefits you getfrom your workout. Here’s all you need to know…

You’ve bought allthe right kit andyour exercise planhas you on targetto achieve yourfitness goals. Butwhether you’rehitting the gym orpounding thepavements trainingfor a marathon, what and when you eatis vital if you’re to reap maximumbenefits from your workout.

The first thing to remember is thatcarbohydrates are your friend when itcomes to exercise, even if your goal isweight loss. “Carbohydrates are themain fuel used by working muscles andthe brain,” explains Agnese Pore of theSevenoaks Medical Centre, a registereddietician with expertise in sportsnutrition.

“Eating carbohydrates before exercisecan help improve performance and keepyou going for longer without hitting thewall,” she adds.

Protein is important too, as it helpsrepair and build muscles. Agnese Porerecommends you eat 20-30g of proteinwithin an hour of exercise to help your

muscles recover and repair (see below). A banana is the perfect snack if you’re

feeling peckish about 30 minutes beforeexercise, but a heavy meal before you’redue to work out isn’t a good idea. Yourbody’s energy will be focused ondigesting your food, which means it willbe less available to fire up your othermuscles.

Depending on what you eat, AgnesePore advises you allow between one tofour hours after a meal or snack beforeyou start exercising. “The amount oftime will depend on the amount andtype of the food you have eaten,” shesays. “Too much protein or fat will slowdown the movement from the stomach,and will make you feel uncomfortable. Ifyou have only an hour or so beforeyou’re due to exercise, aim for a meal orsnack that is rich in carbohydrates, lowin fat and moderate in protein. A bowl ofporridge made with low-fat milk or awholegrain sandwich or bagel withchicken and salad are all good choices,”she says.

Drinking enough is just as importantas what and when you eat. Dehydration,when the water content in your bodyfalls too low, can have a major effect on

your performance so it’s important tohave a good glug before and duringyour workout. “The amount you willneed to drink during exercise dependson the amount you sweat,” says AgnesePore. “This varies from person to personand depends on the intensity and lengthof your exercise session. Environmentalfactors can also play a role, so makesure you drink plenty when it’s hot. Andif your training session is set to be morethan an hour, you might be better offwith an electrolyte-based sports drinksuch as Lucozade.”

Get the most from yourEXERCISE

Agnese Pore

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Mid Kent Living 7

Personality profile �

The king of innuendo admits he’s happyto have traded the “urban gay scene” ofthe capital for a more bucolic lifestyle inKent.

Speaking from his country retreat,which he shares with his delightful dogs,Albie and Valerie (his deaf whippet), andhis companion of 13 years, Ian Mackley,he describes his rural idyll in Aldington,overlooking the inspirational andwindswept Romney Marsh.

After 30 years in stand-up, for thedoyen of double entendre, it’s time to be with the things that make him trulyhappy, after the death of his partnerChristopher from Aids in 1991 and aperiod of deep depression.

Now 56, he jokes, he’s thrilled with hisgrey hair, describing his transformationfrom a “fluffy chicken into a silver fox”as a positive – if unstoppable – step andhis move to the country, highlyappropriate.

He adds: “There’s nothing drearierthan a 56-year-old homosexual hangingaround Soho in Lycra. Mercifully, onegrows out of that. Thank goodness. I like to keep myself nice these days.

“When you're young, there are allthese things you want to achieve. Then,when you get to your 50s, you've eitherdone them or you haven't, so thephysical deterioration is offset by thethings that you can tick off the list. Inthat respect each decade is better thanthe last. Although I'm sure one reachesa tipping point where that's not the case anymore.”

His comedy, too, has matured,describing his early scripts as a reactionto the “right-wing men in bow-ties offeredas light entertainment back then”.

“I think you evolve, whether you wantto or not,” he says.

“There was a certain amount of angerand delight in confronting people when I started, which has more or less gonenow.

“Making people laugh is my main aimin life these days. I don't think there's so much to be angry about.”

He’s also happy to be on the roadagain, adding: “This is what I’ve alwayswanted to do, and I'm still doing it:standing on stage, talking about myselfand getting applause for it. What’s notto like?”

Born in Surrey, to a policeman and hisprobation officer wife, he spent much ofhis early life being anti-establishment.However, Julian seems to have made

Home is where the heart is

Dawn Kingsford caught upwith entertainer Julian Claryto ask him about his ruralretreat in Kent.

“Every decade is betterthan the last”

Image courtesy of Eddie Botsio.

8 Mid Kent Living

� Personality profile

the seamless leap into mid-life with little reproach –loving the Royal Family – andadmits he’d “bite off theirhand” for an MBE.

In fact, he awards himself a Mincer of the BritishEmpire in his upcoming tour,which takes him toCanterbury and TunbridgeWells in April. Although, headmits, rather sadly: “It'snever happened, so I'mobviously not favoured bythe Establishment. I thinkI've been too rude about theRoyal Family over the years.I'm probably on some kind of black list somewhere.”

On stage in his latest tour,he’ll also be telling tales onsome of his closest showbizfriends, with a particular popat Joan Collins, who, on theirfirst meeting, he describedas “just as frosty as I’dfeared”. Back in the day, shealso instigated legal actionagainst him for trading onher name as The JoanCollins Fan Club.

Today, he counts heramong his closest friendsand the pair often holidaytogether at her villa in thesouth of France.

He delights: “She’s ascamp as Christmas andloads of fun. I tell a ratherlong story about how I oncesaved her life in a swimmingpool in St Tropez. It's a truestory, which I won't giveaway now, but it's a long,meandering tale that fills the first half.”

He credits Paul O’Grady,another friend – andneighbour – for his move to Kent.

Julian says: “He called mewhen the house came up forsale and it was love at firstsight. I’ve been here nineyears and it’s kept memotivated to earn themoney to bring it back to itsformer glory and it’s justabout there now.”

“I’m probablyon a black listsomewhere”

“I had to call in theghost busters”

Mid Kent Living 9

Interestingly, his 17th century homewas once owned by the gay playwrightNoel Coward, (pictured below) who lived

in the house from1926 to 1956,before sadlypassing away in1973.

When Julianmoved in therewere numerousreports about theformer host

haunting his house – along with threeother spooks – and Julian was forced tocall in paranormal experts to rid hishome of its unfriendly guests.

“The vortex where the spirits come inwas outside Noel Coward’s bedroom andpeople saw figures lurking in the mirror.He has calmed right down now, butwhen I first moved in he seemed mostdisapproving.

“Visitors were getting locked inbathrooms, pictures were falling off ofwalls and the electricity would go out. It was like living with a bunch ofanarchists,” the entertainer recalls.

After making his peace with thespirits, the house now allows him toindulge his love of animals and hecounts, among his menagerie, a clutchof chickens and a host of china hens –“a slight obsession”, he confesses.

“My childhood imagination was filledwith the idea that animals are just asclever as human beings, justmisunderstood. It is quite clear to methat animals can communicate,experience emotions and expressthemselves with an intelligence that is different from, but equal to, ours. I find them fascinating.”

His changing lifestyle has certainlypresented fresh challenges, whichearned him third place in BBC showStrictly Come Dancing in 2004 and sawhim enter the Celebrity Big Brotherhouse in 2012 – against advice and goon to win.

But living the rural dream, hisfantastic kitchen and all the cookeryshows in the world have failed to woohim into becoming a master chef.

“I loathe cooking. All that peeling andchopping, and then it's gone within aminute.

“It’s a shame, because I have the sortof house where I had a vision of myselfbaking and making jam, but I'm not cutout for it at all.”

Instead, he has turned his attention towriting and is currently working on thethird book for his popular children’sseries The Bolds.

“They flow out of me, I don't knowwhere they're all coming from. It'sdelightful; I just have such a lovely timewriting them.

“Making children laugh is a whole newthing for me, it's lovely. No childpretends to laugh – it's very genuine.

“It's obviously a world away from myusual filth but that’s liberating.”

He also enjoys pottering around hisgarden, although when challengedabout his horticultural skills he remarks:“Am I good? I'm very good at walkingaround telling my gardener what to do.”

So, had he been told that after yearswearing make-up and leather in thecapital he’d end up living in the countrywith his dogs and pottering around the

garden, would he have believed it?“I probably would, actually. Because

as a child I was very into animals andnature. Obviously I got distracted for a few years. But I’ve come full circle.

“I love Kent, it keeps me exercising,carrying in logs and there’s a lot of mud,and I hope to stay here for a long time,but I will always have a place in myheart for London.”

So what’s next? I ask.“I don't have any burning desire to act.

I've spent so long creating my personathat it seems strange to let that go andbe someone else. But, I'm always lookingfor a surprising offer. Good things oftencome along as a sort of divineintervention. Just as you're thinking,what am I going to do next year?Something wonderful comes along.

“And if it doesn’t, I’ll think up my ownfun and games in the privacy of myluxury home . . . and I’ll make sure Idraw the curtains before I start!”

� The Joy of Mincing is Julian Clary’scelebration of 30 years as a campcomedian, touring nationwide in spring2016, stopping off at The Assembly HallTheatre, Tunbridge Wells, on April 22and The Marlowe, Canterbury, on April24. Julian’s second children’s book TheBolds to the Rescue (Andersen Press,RRP £6.99) is released March 3.

Long-time friends from KentJulian is looking forward to catching up with friends in Kent during his tour.He says: “There are fans that have followed me for my entire 30 years, and they bring their children along now.“I'm very fond of them, you know. You don't know their names necessarily, but it’s always a joy to see a familiar face. “There’s a delightful family from Tunbridge Wells I've known since the boy was 13 and now he's a grown-up. It's charming.“We talk about the old days at the Hackney Empire, or our aches and pains.“There's a connection there, even though we don't really know each other, because on one level we do.”

“I had a vision of myselfmaking jam”

“It’s a world away from my usual filth”

Image opposite; Courtesy of Tony Briggs; above image courtesy of Eddie Botsio.

10 Mid Kent Living

Mid Kent Living 11Sissinghurst Tower: Courtesy of Jonathan Buckley; Sissinghurst Library: Courtesy of John Hammond

JANUARYTo February 20, 2016The Magic of Masks and Puppets, MaidstoneMuseum & Bentlif ArtGallery, Maidstone A quirky collection of masksand puppets from across the world, including oldfavourites like Punch andJudy, Javanese shadowpuppets, commedia dell'arteleather masks and filmanimatronics, on loan fromthe Scottish Mask andPuppet Centre.

January 6A celebration of TwelfthNight, United ReformedChurch, MaidstoneMaidstone Choral Unionpresents an evening of carolsand readings to end theChristmas season. Mulledwine and mince pies tofollow. 7.30pm-10pm.Free admission.

January 7Salsa dancing Heart of Flavour,King Street, Maidstone Learn to dance salsa at this

exciting new venue, abovethe Heart of Kent Hospicedeli and coffee shop. Doorsopen 8pm, last entry 10pm,ends 11pm. Tickets £8.

January 9 & 10 Winter Activity TrailShorne Woods CountryPark, Shorne, Gravesend Drop in any day between10am and 3pm and pick up atrail sheet, then explore thewoods at your own speed,following the self-led activitytrail and see what you candiscover about the park. Allcompleted trails will receivea small prize. £2.50 peractivity sheet.

January 12 Staplehurst Knit andNatter, StaplehurstLibrary, Staplehurst Meet new people, have achat and a cup of coffee atthe library while getting onwith your favourite craftactivity or perhaps learninga new skill. 10.30am–11.30am.

January 16 & 17 The Medway Big SplashA weekend packed full of funfree aquatic activities at

EDITOR’S Choice Hand-picked events and greatdays out around the county.

Medway's SportsCentres, helpingyou kick start2016 in style.

Free familypool parties, giant

pool inflatables,family races, raft games,

and much more to entertain

at Medway Park, Mill Road,Gillingham, Strood SportsCentre, Watling Street,Strood, Hoo Sports Centre,Main Road, Hoo, Splashes,Cozenton Park, Bloors Lane,Rainham.Places are limited, sobooking is essential.

January 12 – March 31Rose Wylie, Turner Contemporary,Margate

January 16 - February 28 International Garden Photographer ofthe Year Exhibition, The Oast and TowerSissinghurst Castle, Sissinghurst

Paintings and drawings by celebrated Kent-based artist Rose Wylie.

Described in 2010 by Germaine Greer as Britain’s hottestnew artist, Wylie’s bold, large-scale figurative paintingsdraw on ancient and folk art, such as Mexican street artand contemporary Egyptian Hajj painting, as well as arthistory and film.

This display will focus on recent works from her ongoingFilm Notes, a series of paintings inspired by rememberedimages from contemporary films.

Rose Wylie was born in Kent, where she still lives andworks. She studied at Folkestone and Dover School of Art(1952-6) and the Royal College of Art, London (1979-81)and now, in her early eighties, is enjoying renewed interestin her work in the UK and internationally.

She won the prestigious John Moores painting prize in2014.Open Tue to Sun 10am - 5pm. Admission free.

FREEENTRY

Enjoy some stunning gardenphotographs on display forsix weeks in the inspirationalsurroundings of VitaSackville-West’s formerhome.

Filled with dried alliums,flowering bulbs, lusciousfoliage and bold prints, theInternational GardenPhotographer of the Year

exhibition addsa burst of colourto winter'smuted tones.

On display inthe oast house and tower, the exhibition is decorated by the gardeners with plantsfrom the world famousgarden itself. Normaladmission prices apply.

FREE FAMILY POOL PARTIES

pop, blues, gospel, country,folk, musicals or classical.There is only one house rule – no backing tracks.

Singers need to bring alead sheet for their songsand one performance isguaranteed, two if time.

Lists are accepted from7.45pm, with performancesfrom 8.15–10.45pm. Bothlisteners and singers arewelcome. There is a PAsystem, plus a bar, with foodavailable for those who wishto eat. Admission £5.

January 30Maidstone SymphonyOrchestra Mote HallMaidstone LeisureCentre, Maidstone Join the BBC’s reigningYoung Musician of the Year,Martin James Bartlett, as heperforms Mozart’s PianoConcerto No 12, alongsidethe county’s premierorchestra. Other pieces willinclude Nielsen’s HeliosOverture and Dvorak’sSymphony No 7.

7.30pm-10pm.Tickets priced £5-£26.

18s and under are free.

January 30WinterLanternParadeTunbridgeWells Library The annual Winter LanternParade, which leaves thelibrary and wends its wayalong Camden Road really ISa chance for Tunbridge Wellsto shine! Many of thespectacular lanterns willhave been made duringlantern-making workshops –come along and see the endresults. This year’s theme is“Go Wilds.”

FEBRUARYFebruary 3 & March 2Storytelling DayRare Breeds CentreHighlands FarmWoodchurchNr AshfordA 30-minute magicalstorytelling session at11:30am and 1pm in theDiscovery Zone.

Relax with your little ones as they watch andlisten to a variety of differenttales as told by the farm’smaster storytellers.

Storytelling sessions arefree when farm admission is purchased.

February 5Capel Fleet RSPB Raptor View Point Isle of SheppeyOrganised by Kent WildlifeTrust, learn about the birdsof prey which live on theNorth Kent marshes.

Spend a day observingbirds of prey. Learn how toidentify different species and more about theircharacteristics, habitats and behaviour from wardenTony Swandale. 10.30am–4.30pm.

£27 (reduced by £5 forconcessions).

February 6Curzon Country CinemaBorough Green Village,Borough Green45 yearsIn the week leading up totheir 45th weddinganniversary, a couple receivean unexpected letter whichcontains potentially lifechanging news.

With Charlotte Rampling,Tom Courtenay andGeraldine James. 4.30pm.

12 Mid Kent Living

January 23The King is Back!Assembly Hall Theatre,Tunbridge Wells KentElvis has NOT left thebuilding!

To coincide with therelease of Presley’s newalbum, recordedposthumously with the RoyalPhilharmonic Orchestra, topUK Elvis tribute artiste BenPortsmouth takes to thestage to bring the King backto life for his many fans andfollowers.

Ben made history in 2012when he won the ElvisPresley Enterprises UltimateElvis Tribute Artist Contestwhich took place in Memphis,crowning Ben as the

Worldwide Ultimate ElvisTribute Artist' - the onlyartist from outside the USAto ever win this prestigioustitle. With stunning costumesand superb musicianship,this is a chance toexperience the essence andspirit of what it must havebeen like to see the youngElvis in action.

Tickets £25

January 25Open Mic Night, TheGrey Lady, The Pantiles,Tunbridge WellsSingers of all ages areinvited to sing, either with apianist and a bass player, oraccompanying themselveson guitar or piano.

Songs sung can be jazz,

FREEEVENT

February 7 The Town Mouse and the Country MouseGulbenkian Theatre, University of Kent CanterburyThe Pied Piper Theatre Company presents an enchantingand heartwarming telling of Aesop’s classic fable, packed fullof fun, music and song. Join two friends as they embark onan amazing journey and discover that sometimes new canbe exciting and different can be good, but the mostimportant thing is friendship.

Tickets: £8/ Baby on lap (0-18months) £1, Family Groups(4+) : £6.50, Suitable for ages 3 – 8 years. Starts at 14.00h.Running time: 50 minutes approx.

Daily until March 31Canterbury Guided TourTake a break from the sales toenjoy a fascinating 90-minuteguided walking tour ofhistoric streets and cathedralprecincts with knowledgeable,entertaining guides toaddress your questions andspecial interests.

Walks start from theButtermarket at 11am andcost £7.50 per person (orless). Tickets may be bought on the day at any time beforethe tour from the The Beaney Art Museum and Library,Canterbury Heritage Museum or Canterbury RomanMuseum. www.canterburyguidedtours.com

Mid Kent Living 13

Hand-picked events from the editor �

where fairytales andEngland’s past collide.Step in to the castle’s realfairytales with storytellingbrought to life in spellbindingadventures.

Come dressed up as yourfairytale hero with thechance to win a prize.10am–3pm.

February 17The Brook TheatreChatham A chance for young peopleaged 8 to 16 to spend the day with professional dancerCatt, learning break-dancing,

hip hop and other streetstyles includingpopping, houseand locking.

Build up your skills, become part of a crew, build a routine and show off your skills in a battlewhen you perform at the end of the day. The group will be split according to age and experience once the workshop begins, soeveryone gets to go at their own pace.

10am–3pm. £15.

Dover Castle: Courtesy of English Heritage

A Walk in the WoodsRobert Redford plays thepart of Bill Bryson in this filmabout the author walking theAppalachian trail, with one ofhis oldest friends. 7.15pm

Both films projected by adedicated film and cinemalover with almost 50 years inthe business. Tickets £5.

February 6The Winter Social KentCounty ShowgroundDetlingNic Fanciulli’s Social brandreturns with an all-star lineup for its winter edition. Top

names from the world oftechno and house musicinclude Adam Beyer, EatsEverything, Maceo Plex, Maya Jane Coles and NinaKraviz. Doors open a 12pm.Last entry 8pm.

Tickets £43.50+

February 15 - 19 The Fairytale CastleDover Castle Castle HillDover Open the book on thecharacters from England’sstory and explore the tales ofthe castle.

Journey into the realm

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14 Mid Kent Living

February 19 Mark Steel – Who do Ithink I am?Trinity Theatre, ChurchRoad, Tunbridge WellsWriter and comedian MarkSteel wrote and presentedMark Steel's In Town on BBCRadio 4 and toured it livearound the UK.

He is a regular on BBCOne's Have I Got News ForYou and Radio 4's Newsquiz.He has also appeared onBBC2's QI and Room 101.

He has written several,acclaimed books, including:Reasons To Be Cheerful andWhat's Going On and hewrites a weekly column forThe Independent for whichhe won columnist of the yearat the Press Awards in 2015.

This new show, inspired bythe birth of his own son,details the adoptedcomedian’s surprising andentertaining search for hisown mother.

Tickets priced £15. 8pmstart.

February 20 Brahms andTchaikovsky’s firstsymphoniesSt Stephen’s ChurchTonbridgeJoin the TonbridgePhilharmonic Orchestra as itperforms these great worksfrom two of the world’sgreatest composers, underthe guiding baton of MatthewWillis. 7.30–10pm.

February 26 Paul Carrack,Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford Legendary Sheffield-born singer, songwriter and formerfrontman of Ace, Squeeze and Mike & The Mechanicsreturns to the road with his band for a 34-date UK tour.Dubbed by the BBC as ‘The Man with the Golden Voice’,Paul is undoubtedly a key figure in British pop history, witha back-catalogue of hits including How Long, Tempted andThe Living Years.

Tickets £29.50, £39.50.

Images: Paul Carrack©2014 Amanda at Bearly Famous

February 21The Tenterden 5 MileWittersham Village Hall,The Street, Wittersham,Nr Tenterden Runners of all standards arewelcome to take part in thisgreat little race whichcontinues to grow inpopularity. A fast-ish, almosttraffic-free run along thequiet lanes around the Kentvillage of Wittersham, nearTenterden, with all profits toWittersham Village Hall. Themorning also Includes achildren’s race.

Medals and free soup to all who complete the course.

10.30am. Email:martin@nice-work.org.uk

February 27Concert of FavouriteMusic Invicta GrammarSchool, MaidstoneMaidstone’s own SimonProctor is organising thisconcert of favourite music inaid of Heart of Kent Hospice. Simon is a graduate of theRoyal Academy of Music andhas composed worksincluding a James BondPiano Concerto and Concertofor Serpent and Orchestra,which has gone on to beperformed globally.

Tickets £12 adults or £8 for children under 16.

You can purchase yourtickets online.

February 27 Force Fox 5 The GeorgeHigh Street, YaldingThe five-piece female frontedband with a rocky edge,covers everything old andnew from ELO and Van Halento the Foo Fighters and LadyGaga. Join them in thishistoric village pub – and beready to party! Over 18s only

MARCHMarch 6 Winter Welly andWaterproofDay, ButtercupsGoat Sanctuary,Boughton MonchelseaA chance for visitors toobserve the goats in theirhome surroundings and tosee them relaxed, playingand grazing. Members ofstaff and volunteers will beat hand to show you aroundthe stables and can introduceyou to some of the goats,while informing you of thework at Buttercups. You maywell see the Sanctuary atwork with volunteerscleaning and looking afterthe goats’ welfare, groomingand perhaps giving the

occasional bath. Hot andcold drinks are available

on the day. Entrance bydonation. 10am–3pm.

March 9 Kent Maritime DisastersFleur de Lis Hall,FavershamA talk by Roy Ingletonorganised by the Favershambranch of the Association ofMen of Kent and Kentish Men.

Non-members welcome at£1 per person. 8pm–9.30pm.

FAMILYEVENT

March 2Wigmore Lectures on Tour, Rupert Matthews: The Wreck of the Titanic, Strood Library, Rochester Find out why so many died, why the Titanic was steamingat high speed when ice was around, why there were too fewlifeboats, where the rescue ship got to, why radio distresssignals failed to bring help earlier - and what the sacking ofa coal miner in Ebbw Vale had to do with it all. 8pm start.

Tickets: £4. Advance booking essential

Mid Kent Living 15

Hand-picked events from the editor �

March 11Star Gazing – The Sky at Night Down House, Downe A treat for would-beastronomers of any age toenjoy talks and top tips inthe delightful surroundingsof Charles Darwin's garden,at Down House.

A chance to look throughthe house’s own telescopesto explore the night sky andgaze among the stars.

All are welcome, but there

is no disabled access downto the meadow where thestargazing event will be held.

Tickets £15/£20 from 0370333 1183 (Mon – Fri 8.30am–5.30pm, Sat 9am–5pm).

March 16 An Evening of BurlesqueHazlitt Theatre,Maidstone The biggest burlesquelegends from around theworld are united on one stage– in Maidstone.

Packed with all-stars fromthe four corners of the globe,this is a thrill-a-minute, fun-filled frolic into the bizarreworld of burlesque andcutting-edge variety. . .

It’s Vaudeville gone volatile.Couture costumes and mind-boggling speciality acts sharethe spotlight in a wickedlyhilarious extravaganza.

A chance to dress up andjoin in the cabaret. 7.30pm.Tickets from the HazlittTheatre, £22.

March 18Kent Wildlife TrustTyland Barn VisitorCentre, Sandling,Maidstone A friendly workshop suitablefor gardeners of all abilities.

Whatever the size of yourgarden - from a balcony to a country estate – learn how to make it wildlife-friendly.

Bring plans and photos ofyour garden and Kent Wildlife Trust’s MaureenRainey will reveal a wealth of ideas for you to make itreally come alive. Maureen is the county organiser of the Kent Wildlife GardeningAwards.

Tickets £27 (reduced by £5 for concessions)10am–3.30pm.

16 Mid Kent Living

March 25 The Tortoiseand the Hare, AssemblyHall Theatre, TunbridgeWellsFollowing the sell-outsuccesses of Ugly Duckling,Three Little Pigs and Elvesand the Shoemaker,Northern Ballet bring theirmagic to Aesop’s fable of the Tortoise and the Hare.

This is a great opportunityfor your little ones to beintroduced to the delights of live ballet, music andtheatre.

The child-friendlyperformances last about 40 minutes, starting at 2pmand 4pm.

Tickets £8 and £6. Box office: 01892

530613

March 27 Easter Egg HuntBelmontHouse andGardens, Belmont Park, ThrowleyFun, games and activities forall the family at this lovelyneo-classical country house,where you can explore thebeautiful gardens, search forthe hidden eggs and finishwith a tasty treat in the tearooms! Belmont is also hometo Britain’s finest privatecollection of clocks.

Tel: 01795 890 202

legendary Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Featuringan anthology of classic hitsincluding Grease, December1963 (Oh What a Night!),Sherry, Can’t Take My EyesOff You, Beggin’, Walk Like A Man, Big Girls Don’t Cry,and many more, climaxingwith a spectacular finale ofLet’s Hang On!

One to have you up onyour feet and dancing in the aisles.

Box office: 01892 530613Tickets priced £23.50

March 27 & 28 Festival of Steam andTransport, The HistoricDockyard ChathamA steam funfair, streetentertainment, live music,walkabout acts and a funtwo-day programme to keepfamily and friends fully

March 27 Let’s Hang OnAssembly Hall Theatre,Tunbridge WellsIf you enjoyed Jersey Boys,you will love this award-winning production – a trulymusical journey through theprolific career of the

� Hand-picked events from the editor

Images: Ballet in Tortoise & the Hare, courtesy of Brian Slater

GREATDAY OFFAMILYFUN

entertained at the start of the Easter holidays.Hundreds of classic andvintage vehicle owners willjoin the line-ups of transportthrough the ages, withvehicles from 1890 to 1980,including “motion picturemotors” from Starsky andHutch, to Only Fools andHorses and the MustangFastback and Dodge Chargerfrom the 1968 SteveMcQueen movie Bullitt.

Discounts available foradvance purchases,Dockyard 12 month ticketholders and for two daytickets. Ticket hotline 01634 823826.

March 28 - April 1 Spring Week, GodintonHouse and Gardens,AshfordA week of activities forfamilies to enjoy. Treasurehunt, garden games,children’s crafts and anadditional daily activity.Adults £5, Children £3,Gardens open 1pm, activitiesuntil 4pm.

Tearoom open from 1pmuntil 5pm.

Mid Kent Living 17

18 Mid Kent Living

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GUILDHALL MUSEUM,ROCHESTERGo back in timeLong before the days of Charles Dickens– now arguably Rochester’s biggestclaim to fame – the town was carving outa name for itself in the annals of history.

Built in the 11th century, with itsimpressive stone keep, Rochester Castlewas strategically important in protectingthe South East from invasion.

Eight hundred years on and the town’smuseum is hosting an exhibition aboutthe events leading up to the siege aspart of its permanent display thathighlights how the castle and the riverhelped shape the history of the area.

Founded in 1897, the Guildhall Museumincorporates the Guildhall in the HighStreet, which was built in 1687, and theadjoining River Medway ConservancyBoard Building, added in 1909.

All visitors (including those withmobility difficulties) can accesselectronic media in the entrance gallery,which enables them to view short films

highlighting key features of the museumdisplays, including archaeologicalobjects going back to Roman Times, a set of 18th century cabinet-maker’s tools and civic silver and regalia fromMedway’s past.

Visitors are whisked back in time asthey experience what life would havebeen like in a full-size reconstruction of a Medway prison hulk and a replicaVictorian drawing room and kitchen.

A themed trail for children through the museum, plus quizzes for kids,makes this a great family day out.

MUSEUMS - Five of the best

World’s oldest boatAt the opposite end of the county,visitors can step back even further intime, to 1500BC.

Dover Museum’s prehistoric woodenboat - discovered in 1992 by workmenbuilding the A20 - is thought to be3,500 years old, making it the world’soldest known seafaring boat.

After nearly a month of excavation,which earned international praise, a 9.5-metre section was successfullyrecovered and is now on display.

The museum – one of the oldest inKent - divides the history of Dover intothemed periods, from prehistoric times,through the Roman and Saxon ages, to

the Tudors and Stuarts, and thedevelopment of Dover as aseaside resort in the 19th centuryand as a working port.

It charts the development of theCinque Ports, the geology ofthose infamous white cliffs andthe influence the town had on thelikes of playwright Noel Cowardand Bond novelist Ian Fleming,who made it their home.

The museum holds themed familydays throughout the year, usually once amonth, which are fun for children of allages.

Monday-Saturday, 9.30am-5pmSunday (April-Sept) 10am-3pmwww.dovermuseum.co.uk

Mid Kent Living has been outand about to come up with a listof some of the best museums inKent to visit.

DOVER MUSEUM, MARKET SQUARE

TUNBRIDGE WELLSMUSEUM AND ARTGALLERY Dinosaur footstepsThis Museum and Art Gallery shares thestory of Royal Tunbridge Wells throughfantastic collections of art, naturalhistory, archaeology, crafts and toys.

Charting thediscovery of itsfamous spa waters in1606, it touches oneverything in between— from its beginningsas Britain’s firstholiday resort, and asan inspiration toartists, innovators, and political radicals,for more than 400 years.

The museum, at Mount Pleasant, alsohas the world’s largest collection ofTunbridge Ware – a decorative souvenirwoodware made from the 1600s to the1920s – as well as a large toy collection,dating back to the 1700s, and one of thebest Georgian portrait collectionsoutside of London.

Children will be fascinated by the dolls,toys, and games, which date from the1700s – a far cry from today’stechnology-driven entertainment.

The museum also boasts a fabulouswardrobe of more than 7,500 clothesand accessories, from the 1700s to thepresent day, including wedding dresses,baby clothes, hair pieces and corsets.There are also more than 28,000natural history specimens, with starattractions including a dinosaurfootprint and a wildcat.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 9.30am-5pmSunday and Monday ClosedAdmission: Freewww.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org

Images: Opposite, courtesy of Nikhilesh Havel

Mid Kent Living 21

One of the UK’s most fascinatingvisitor attractions, if you’re lookingfor a family day out or a quiet stroll inbeautiful surroundings.

Quex Park in Birchington is home to the Powell-Cotton Museum and thePowell-Cotton family’s extraordinarycollection of natural history,ethnography and decorative arts.

Quex House invites you to samplethe lives of the family in this exquisiteRegency-style home and to step backinto its beautiful 15-acre Victoriangarden.

ThePowell-CottonMuseum at QuexPark wasestablishedin 1896 byPercyHorace Gordon Powell-Cotton (1866-1940) to house his collection ofnatural history specimens andcultural objects brought back fromAsia and Africa.

A pioneer in the use of the dioramato display mounted animals, themuseum’s display is unique in the UK,stunning for its size, quality andimagery.

Further galleries contain Asianweaponry, ceramics and jade andivory from Europe, China and Japan,assembled by six generations of thefamily. In the afternoon, during thesummer season, several rooms inQuex House are also open to thepublic.

Guide dogs and hearing dogs arewelcome in the museum, house andgardens.

www.quexpark.co.uk

POWELL-COTTONMUSEUM, BIRCHINGTON

Three in one

This little treasure trove is filled withfine art and historical artefacts ofinternational importance.

Founded in 1858 by Dr ThomasCharles, who bequeathed his art andantiquities to Maidstone, the museum is set in the charming Elizabethanmanor house of Chillington in the centre of town.

With over 600,000 artefacts,Maidstone Museum has one of thelargest collections in Kent, and isthought to be one of the best in theSouth East. The most auspicious include

the ancient Egypt collection, and thebody of Ta-Kesh – one of the onlymummies held by a museum outsideLondon. Also well worth a visit are thosecovering archaeology, costume, culture,local history and Japanese art; there’seven a section on dinosaurs, including a life-size model that roars at you as you pass!

The museum’s Bentlif Art Gallery — a modern architectural addition to thebuilding in 2010 — has an extensivecollection of watercolours and oilpaintings. Also on the premises is theQueen’s Own Royal West KentRegimental Museum, documenting theregiment’s history and its predecessorssince the mid-18th century.

As well as its permanent collections,the museum hosts touring collections,workshops, talks and group visits,ensuring there is always something newand exciting to discover.

Monday-Saturday 10am-5pmSunday noon-4pm (April 1-October 31)Admission Freewww.museum.maidstone.gov.uk

MAIDSTONE MUSEUM, ST FAITH’S STREET

22 Mid Kent Living

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Mid Kent Living 23

WINTER -activitiesfor kids Dawn Kingsford went in searchof some dates for your diary towear out the kids this winter.

With a seemingly inexhaustible list of“things children like to do”, from squirtguns to sleepovers, corn mazes topuddle-jumping, we still struggle whenit comes to providing enough for themto do, especially in the winter months.

Like any job, establish what it is youwant to achieve and then pull on your“entertainment manager’s hat” and getplanning — it may be more fun than youthink.

The weather is one element you willneed to consider, but with mostyoungsters sharing a passion for water,it can be worked to your advantage.

Think about whether your activity willbe inside or out-of-doors and go fromthere.

In Kent, there are so many things –many of them free – to help fill a fun day.Try your local leisure centres, which runa host of activities, along with swimmingsessions and games; your local library isanother valuable resource, where youwill find a string of reading and story-time events on offer as well as a bundleof brochures about places to visit.

A quick trawl through your localnewspaper or on the web will throw up a whole host of activities in your area,many run by leisure attractions,organisations and charities such as theRSPB and the Kent Wildlife Trust; thesewill get your youngsters out and about,learning and letting off steam with otheryoungsters.

Smile makersA few of the favourite thingschildren tell us they love:

� Being independent

� Puddles

� Pretending � Blanket forts

� Chicken nuggets

� Face painting

� Follow my leader � Glitter

� Ice cream � Mazes

� Mud pies � Mysteries

� Nature � Zoos

Advanced SkateboardingThe Revolution Skatepark inBroadstairsTuesdays 5pm – 7pm£9 per lesson

Rocking Rockpooling -Family EventKent Wildlife Trust’sReculver Visitor Centre, nearHerne BayFriday, April 1, NoonDonations. No bookingrequired.

Children’s PrintingWorkshopJeffery Harrison VisitorCentre, Sevenoaks WildlifeReserve10am-1pm drop in sessions£5. Book on 01732 456407

Recycling CraftWorkshopTyland Barn Visitor Centre,Sandling, Maidstone

Thursday, February 1811am-3pm. Book on 01622 662012

LibrariesStories and craftsessions for pre-school kids, at yourlocal library. FREE

StaplehurstWednesdays 2.15 -2.45pm

FavershamSaturdays 11 - 11.30am

AshfordThursdays 10 - 10.20am

CharingThursdays 10 - 10.20am

Treasure TrailsJust download the map and instructions atwww.treasuretrails.co.uk for a fun day out with the kids.All maps cost £6.99

Canterbury Spy Mission The Canterbury TreasureTrail is a fun and imaginativeself-guided Spy Missionthemed walk which will haveyou exploring the hiddentreasures of Canterbury.

Rochester a DickensMysteryAs you follow the route, youcan solve the clues toeliminate the suspects todiscover whodunnit.

Razzamataz Theatre School are offering a FREETRIAL SESSION for youngsters wishing to experiencethe world of performing arts which is now consideredto be one of the most positive influences on a childslife. It’s not just for children who want to take it up as apotential career choice but for anyone who wants tosimply enjoy the benefits that it offers – from boostingself-esteem and confidence to helping individuals makesense of their emotions. It is also known to have asignificant impact on the process of improving literacylevels.To experience the benefits firsthand book your child’sfree session today. Email maidstone@razzamataz.co.ukor Medway medway@razzamataz.co.uk. Alternativelyvisit www.razzamataz.co.uk

Razzamataz

Explore the beautiful village of Sutton Valence, nestled just south east of the county town ofMaidstone. Set on the Greensand Way, overlooking the Vale of Kent and the famous Weald, this walkreally shows off some of the beautiful rural views and landscapes this area of mid Kent has to offer.

SUTTON VALENCE Walk

At the crossroads, continue straighton, pass over the stile and continuealong edge of the field, still followingthe Greensand Way. Pass through agate and continue with an appleorchard to your right. Pass through two more gates as you head towardsthe road.

Pass through the gate and turn leftfollowing Greensand Way, pass MorryBarn on the left. Turn right off road tofollow the Greensand Way sign andcontinue along path to the side of fieldwith stunning views on the right. Passthrough gap and continue along leftedge of field, passing Church Farm onyour left. Bear right past All Saints

Church car park as you approach theroad ahead.

Leaving the Greensand Way, turnright to follow the road (Ulcombe Hill)downhill. Enter the village of Ulcombeand turn right to follow the footpathsign in front of the school, across astream and along left edge of the field.Continue up a slight hill, through thegap and down towards road.

Cross the road and follow thefootpath sign over a stile and acrossthe field. Go over another stile, crossthe stream and continue towards theroad. Cross the road following thefootpath sign over the stile. Go througha gate and continue ahead across the

With picture postcard chocolate boxcottages and country pubs to boot, thisstunning winter walk will successfullywarm your cockles. From your first stepon the road to your last sip of hotchocolate at the pub, this gorgeous walkis the very definition of cosy!

From parking walk ahead on thecobbled footpath past the former Swanpub and the Post Office (beware of righthand drop to road). Continue on the pathpast some houses on your right headingtowards the nearby villages of EastSutton and Ulcombe. On reaching acrossroads continue straight on andfollow the Greensand Way footpath signacross the field.

Continue along field boundary andcross a track. Keeping the house to yourright, head across the field towards roadthen follow Greensand Way signs alongroad (Church Lane). Pass a church onyour right as you enter East Sutton, this14th century parish church features aJacobean pulpit and a late 13th centuryfont.

24 Mid Kent Living

Location: Sutton Valence (ME17 3AJ)

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)

OS Explorer Map: 137

Terrain: Field paths with somemoderate slopes

Parking: Limited parking in SuttonValence, please park withconsideration for others

Refreshments & facilities: Shops and pubs in

Sutton Valence

Information and images supplied by Explore Kent

field. Cross a stream, go through a gateand head across the field to a stile andfollow the path through the woods.

Cross the road following the footpathsign over a stile. Go through a gate andcontinue ahead across the field. Crossthe stream, go through a gate and headacross the field to a stile and follow thepath through the woods. Cross the stileand turn left to follow the road. A shortdistance on, turn right to follow thefootpath sign. Pass a lake on your leftand go through the gap. Follow a pathalong edge of the field and up a slightslope. Cross over the stile to continueonto the path towards road.

Cross the stile and turn right to followroad. After a short distance turn left to

follow the bridleway. Pass a house andcontinue on the surfaced road. Continuealong the road and bear left, passingthe ruins of a castle on the right. SuttonValence Castle, is under the care ofEnglish Heritage, but is free to exploreand open throughout the year. Thecastle was probably abandoned in the14th century, but the remains of theNorman keep are still standing. Theelevated site is an excellent place tocapture panoramic views of thesurrounding countryside. Not tomention a really exciting find on afamily walk!

After a short distance you reachSutton Valence village. Take the firstroad turning on the right to take you

Mid Kent Living 25

For moreinspiration forwalking, cycling andoutdoor activities check outexplorekent.org or follow us onFacebook and Twitter@explorekent.

back to the Post Office where youstarted. Sutton Valence is a delightfulvillage to explore, with many historichouses as well as excellent pubs, sowhy not grab a pint, a roast or a hotchocolate and refuel in this beautifulKentish idyll.

26 Mid Kent Living

All of our pubs offer a selection ofscenic walks through beautiful

Kent countryside.Walk up an appetite then treat yourself to a snack,

lunch or dinner.Our menu’s are packed with

seasonal delights using the verybest Kentish produce

THETHE

P O A C H E R& PARTRIDGEV I N E Y A R D

T H E

F A R MH O U S E

T H E

G R E A TH O U S E

T H E

D I R T YH A B I T

T H E

GUN

THE

Take a walk and discoverKent’s family of dining pubs

www.elitepubs.com

All our pubs are now servingafternoon tea

Traditional Cream Tea £7.50 per personFull Afternoon Tea £13.50 per person

Champagne Afternoon Tea£19.50 per person

See our website for further details

Heathfield01825 872361

Hollingbourne01622 880880

Lamberhurst01892 890222

Tudeley01732 358934

Hawkhurst01580 753119

West Malling01732 843257

Mid Kent Living 27

Theatre �

Feel-good shows to keep youwarm through the dark months

Oh Goody! TimBrooke-Taylor andChris Serle

An unforgettable evening inthe company of one of thefunniest and best-lovedcomedy performers of ourtime as he discusses his longcareer with the writer andbroadcaster Chris Serle.Tim Brooke-Taylor tells

hilarious stories from alifetime in comedy. This is anevening of warmth and good-humour spiced withanecdotes about many of thenames Tim has appearedwith, including his fellowGoodies Graeme Garden andBill Oddie.Tim shot to international

stardom with the revueCambridge Circus in the1960s.A string of brilliant

anecdotes includes Tim’shesitant start in comedy as a schoolboy-magician, golfwith Seve Ballesteros,directing Orson Welles in afeature film and anencounter with EricMorecambe on a beach inPortugal. There will be clipsof the funniest momentsfrom his TV and film career.Hazlitt Theatre, Maidstone.Saturday, February 13,7.30pm

The BodyguardDirect from its smash-hitWest End run, TheBodyguard is coming toCanterbury for two weeks.Former Secret Service

agent turned bodyguard,Frank Farmer is hired toprotect superstar RachelMarron from an unknownstalker. Each expects to be incharge – what they don'texpect is to fall in love.A breathtakingly romantic

thriller, The Bodyguardfeatures a whole host ofWhitney Houston's greatesthits, including Queen Of TheNight, So Emotional, OneMoment In Time, Saving AllMy Love, I'm Your BabyTonight, Run To You, I HaveNothing, Jesus Loves Me, IWanna Dance WithSomebody and one of thegreatest hit songs of all time,I Will Always Love You.Marlowe Theatre,Canterbury. Wednesday,February 17 – Saturday,February 27, 7.30pm withmatinees, 2.30pm.

Fascinating Aida'sDillie KeaneDillie Keane takes a shortbreak from her FascinatingAida gal pals to present asolo show. With brand new tunes,

grand old favourites,gorgeous songs of love andhilarious songs of utterwickedness, Dillie will breakyour heart, mend it againand have it sent to thecleaners for pressing.And she'll give you her

recipe for chutney whileshe's at it.The Orchard Theatre,Dartford. Sunday, February21, 7.30pm

I, MalvolioThink Monty Python andBlackadder as Tim Crouchshoves Shakespeare’s pent-up steward Malvolio into thespotlight to hilarious effect,turning the entire story ofTwelfth Night on its head.Part abject clown, part

theatre-hating disciplinarian,Malvolio asks his audience toexplore the pleasure we takein other people’s suffering.This is a show for anyonewho has ever been told off,called a name or has fallen inlove with the wrong person.Tim Crouch is one of

Britain’s most innovative andrespected theatre-makers —and a hugely experiencedexponent of Shakespeare foryoung people.

Theatre Royal, Margate.Thursday, March 3, 7.30pm.

Thank You for theMusicThe world’s favourite ABBAand Bee Gees concert showcomes to town with its all-new, sequin-spangledspectacular.Joined by the UK’s No1 BeeGees revue, enjoy a night ofnon-stop hits such asMamma Mia, Stayin’ Alive,Dancing Queen, Night Fever,How Deep is Your Love,Super Trouper; Bee Geessmashes such as Islands inthe Stream, Grease and If ICan’t Have You.The Central Theatre,Chatham. Saturday, March5, 7.30pm.

Kent's theatres offer a colourful and fun-filled escape from the often cloudy skiesabove. Here we give you a guide to someof this winter's must-view shows.

Rock ‘n’ Roll legend Joe Brown goes from strength tostrength as his contemporary achievements continue togather momentum.His Very Best Of album achieved a Gold Record for

120,000 sales and was in the UK charts for eight weeks,staying four weeks in the Top 20. In the same year, his 50thanniversary was celebrated with a sell-out show at theRoyal Albert Hall. His new CD, The Ukulele Album, caused asimilar stir and due to its success a deluxe version was laterreleased.You may have seen Joe performing on Later With Jools

Holland or at the cinema playing his part closing the showat the Concert For George Harrison. You may havewitnessed his critically-acclaimed set at GlastonburyFestival or caught him on tour.Joe and his five-piece band will be on stage all evening.

Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells. Thursday, February 4, 7.30pm

Joe Brown in Concert

28 Mid Kent Living

Give a bighand for localCHARITIESFrom sponsored runs to running shops and cafes, charity supporters in Kent find a variety of imaginative ways to raise thefunds needed for their chosen causes. Here, we look at how volunteers andworkers from four charities are helping to make a difference.

Heart of FlavourGreat food and drinkfor a great cause.

There is somethingtruly magical about Heart of Flavourlocated in King Street, Maidstone withits light bright space, rustic furnitureand Kentish products.

Scott Fitzgerald, and his team whichincludes staff and volunteers, have areal passion for creating simple butdelicious dishes using fresh, locallysourced and seasonal ingredients. Ifyou are starting the new year with aresolution to eat healthy, this is theideal place.

Scott, who is head of catering andhospitality for the Heart of KentHospice, is focusing on a host of freshideas, including a gluten-free corneroffering freshly-baked pizzas, toastiesand paninis for those with specialdiets.

Besides thewelcoming cafébar downstairs,there is now aneleganthospitality suiteon the upperfloor which is astunning venue for weddings,conferences and corporate events. Itleads on to an outside terrace whichScott hopes to transform into a patioarea for al fresco food and drinks.

Heart of Flavour is open every dayexcept Sunday and offers a widechoice of barista coffees, cakes andpastries, afternoon tea, a delicioushot or cold lunch, or a drink and deliplatter after work.

All the profits go to Heart of KentHospice so you can enjoy great foodwhile supporting a good cause.

SpadeworkA crop of fresh ideas including amonthly farmers’ market is helping anOffham charity to keep its bankbalance blossoming.

Spadework provides training andwork experience for 90 adults withlearning and other disabilities at itsbase in Teston Road where clientsgrow the produce sold in the farmshop and café.

One of its biggest successes was thelaunch of the Offham Farmers’Market, now in its fourth year andheld on the second Saturday of eachmonth. The market, which is held atSpadework, enables the charity to sellits freshly-picked fruit and veg, aswell as cakes, jam and chutneys.

Starting small with 15 stalls and 100customers, the market rapidly wentfrom strength to strength, expandingto 30 stalls and 500 customers.

The range of local, high qualitygoods on offer includes drinks, chillisauces, pastries and vegan,vegetarian and meat-based hand-made snacks and ready meals. Thereis often a cookery demonstration aswell as live music for visitors to enjoywhile they shop. Market openingtimes are 10am to 1pm.

If you are unable to get along to thefarmers’ market, Spadework has afarm shop selling local produce and acafé which are open every day.

Steph hits money milestoneChampion fundraiser Steph Harrisonis one of Breast Cancer Care’s mostdedicated supporters.

After being diagnosed with breastcancer seven years ago, Steph, who is based in Sevenoaks, began raisingmoney for the charity in a huge rangeof ways and recently passed thefundraising milestone of £100,000.

To raise this amazing amount, Steph organised bucket collections,fundraising events, book signings with novelists Martina Cole and Susan Lewis and Sevenoaks PinkWeek which included a sportathonand pink party.

Speaking of her involvement withthe charity, Steph said: “BreastCancer Care is there to supporteveryone facing breast cancer. It is asecond family to me and I just can’t

imagine not being part of it.”The charity’s chief

executive Samia al Qadhisaid: “As one of our mostactive supporters, Steph hasalways been a huge asset tothe charity, but to reach a£100,000 fundraising total is phenomenal.”

Mid Kent Living 29

Charity profile �

Set in 39 acres of stunning gardens and woodland amid beautiful Kentish countryside,the Seekers Trust offers a haven of tranquillity at Addington Park, near West Malling.

Established for more than90 years as a centre forprayer and healing, thecharitable organisationprovides an oasis ofpeace, designed topromote physical,emotional, spiritual andmental wellbeing. It drawsvisitors from all over theworld who want torecharge their batteriesaway from the stressesand strains of modern life.

The Seekers Trust wasfounded in London byCharles Simpson who hadstrong beliefs inreincarnation and healingthrough the power ofprayer. Soon largerpremises were needed,and the Seekers acquiredAddington Park, thenstretching to 368 acres, amanor house and farm.Through donations,dedication and hard work,the stables wereconverted into beautifulchapels, residential andguest flats were built andthe rose garden wasplanted

The manor wasrequisitioned duringWorld War II by the RAFand fell into disrepairduring the hardship of thepost-war years. Sadly, itsuffered a fire and wasdemolished and sold,along with most of theland, leaving the acreageowned by the trust today.

The centre is now run bythe founder’sgranddaughter, KathySearle, who was bornthere in 1952, andreturned a few years ago.“I just love the place, it isso special,” she said.People come to theSeekers with a wide range

of problems and thetrust’s volunteers andtrained healers offercomfort and a confidentialear, coupled with thepower of prayer andspiritual healing. There isno charge for the trust’shealing services, althoughit relies heavily ondonations.

The beautiful groundsare open all year andvisitors are alwayswelcome to sit by thecarp-filled pond or takequiet woodland walks. To help preserve thetranquillity of theparkland, there is a no-petpolicy. Some people dropin to relax and re-energise, others tomeditate or to pray, orsimply breathe in theuplifting scents of thememorial rose garden.

Spiritual healingsessions take place twiceeach week – on Tuesdaysfrom 11am to 4.30pm andon Thursdays from 11am to2pm and from 7pm to9pm. The tea rooms arealso open on these days.

Crystal shopAmong the trust’s latest initiativesis a crystal shop where visitors canlearn about the powers attributedto a variety of specially-chosencrystals which are also available to purchase by mail order. Also on display is an archive collectionincluding antique crystaldoorknobs salvaged from the oldmansion.

Rose gardenFirst planted in 1932, the rosegarden with its deeply-scentedblooms, is an important feature ofthe Seekers Trust. The garden ofremembrance was relocated to itscurrent site in 1947 following thedemolition of the manor house.Members are able to dedicate arose to their loved ones and aplaque is placed underneath withtheir chosen wording. They areable to visit at any time and eachyear are invited to a day ofremembrance. “It is held in Julywhen the roses are at their bestand the scent is wonderful,” saidKathy. “It is a very special daywhen you can enjoy the beauty ofthe roses and be close to thoseloved ones that you have lost.”After the service, there is a chanceto chat and share memories overtea and cakes.

THE SEEKERS TRUST– an oasis of peace

Contact detailsA registered charity, the trust relies heavily on donations and the help of volunteers.To contact the Seekers Trust, email info@theseekerstrust.org.uk, or telephone 01732843589 or write to the charity at The Lilacs, The Close, Addington, West Malling,Kent. ME19 5BL.

30 Mid Kent Living

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Mid Kent Living 31

Food and drink �

The first micro-pub in Kent threw openits doors six years ago, and since thentheir collective turnover is frothing overat more than £20million.A drop in the ocean compared to the

big brewery-owned outlets, but thepopularity of partaking of ale in thesepersonalised pubs is attracting awelcome new stream of regulars, servedby a band of micro-breweries, whichhave grown in number in the last yearby more than in the previous 10.Martyn Hillier, from Herne, who heads

up the Micro-pub Association, says theconcept first fizzed into action followinga change in licensing laws in 2005 and,today, the county boasts 31 micro-pubs(most in East Kent) and about the samenumber of micro-breweries – up fromjust two in 1990. Martyn, who turned a butcher’s shop in

Herne into what is now regarded as thebirthplace of Britain’s micro-pubrevolution, believes micro really isbeautiful. He adds: “Their successreflects the enthusiasm of their owners,who are caring hosts, conversationstarters, sources of local informationand promoters of real ale. There is noset formula or design, though all aresmall. At best, like a traditional local,they strengthen a community by being a

forum for discussing local issues,creating friends and local connections.”His pub, The Butcher’s Arms, is now a

thriving business and like so many othermicro-pubs shares a fascinating historyof its own, with other outlets includingThe Firkin Frog – a former kitchenshowroom in Herne Bay, and revealingnames such as the Potting Shed inHythe and Ales of the Unexpected inMargate.Mr Hillier says: “By keeping things

simple, my aim of attracting like-mindedbeer drinkers to a snug bar, serving beerstraight from the cask came together.” And a growing number of micro-

breweries in Kent have woken up to thefact that a micro-pub can sell twice asmuch beer as an ordinary pub because,primarily, that is all it sells…and withalmost one micro-brewery to everymicro-pub, the choice of ales is massiveand fast moving.Mr Hillier adds: “Micro-pubs can reflect

and respond to their customers viewsquickly. It’s a virtuous circle.” In someareas micro-pubs have put the fizz backin to a community, with regenerationgrants often available. So, if you have anempty shop in your area, why not thinkabout transforming it into your ownvillage pub?

With the demise of countless pubs across the county, DawnKingsford has been finding out about the latest drinkingrevolution, as DIY-ers make their mark with the rise in micropubs and breweries.

Teachers Pete and Karen Goody useKent hops to create beers at theirmicro-brewery in a former farmbuilding at Herne. Their bitter, Genesis, was named

Best Kentish Beer and the BestHopped Beer in the county in 2014.Goody Ales is open every month for

its Firkins at Full Moon celebration.www.goodyales.co.uk

A DIYdrinkingrevolution

The Caveman BreweryThe Caveman Brewery is beneath theGeorge and Dragon pub in Swanscombe,less than a mile from where thePalaeolithic Swanscombe Skull wasfound in 1935.One of the smallest micro-breweries in

Kent, with all its brewing activities belowground, it was established to provide an‘on-tap’ source of ale for the pub above.Now, the flavour-led brewery, usesEnglish malt and hops to create its BestBitter; fruity American vines for its paleale, and German malt in its stout. Beersare available throughout Kent.www.cavemanbrewery.co.uk

Historic hop recipePhil and Debbie Goacher resurrected Maidstone’s brewing tradition by openingGoachers micro-brewery in 1983.Prior to that, the town boasted four independent brewers, the last closing in 1972.Goachers’ Ales is now thriving in Tovil, using only Kent hops and a full-mash

brewing and open fermentation process.Beers also have no added sugars orartificial colouring.Howard Goacher (pictured with dad Phil)

said: “Our commitment to excellence andtraditional methods produces ales ofdistinction and character, sought after in this increasingly standardised world.”

Goody Ales

32 Mid Kent Living

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MONDAYBarming

St. Andrew’s ChurchHall, St Andrews Road

5.30 & 7.30pmJulie 07770 937425

CoxheathCoxheath Village Hall

Stockett Lane. 7.30pmSamantha 07544 402255

DittonDitton Community CentreKiln Barn Road. 5.30pm & 7.30pmToni 07834 438422

TUESDAY

NEW CONSULTANTCHANGE VENUE opening 29th DecLarkfieldLarkfield Priory Hotel802 London Road (A20)5.30 & 7.30pmHayley 07590276546

Allington St Nicholas Church Hall (Back Hall)Poplar Grove. 10amEmma 01795 472747

AllingtonAllington Community Association, Castle Road. 7.30pmVanessa 07712 647797

AylesfordAylesford Community Centre25 Forstal Road7.30pmBev 01622 750701

HarrietshamHarrietsham C of E PrimarySch, West Street. 7.30pmRay 07747 114511

Maidstone St. Martin’s Church HallNorthumberland Road3.30pm & 5.30pm & 7.30pmSue 07724 185071

Maidstone – TownSt. Luke’s Church Hall, Foley St5.30 & 7.30pmToni 07834 438422

WEDNESDAYAylesford Bulls RFCJack Williams Memorial, Ground Hall Road. 9.00amBev 01622 750701

TovilCornwallis Suite, Masonic Centre,Courtney Road. 9.30am & 11.30amSue 07724 185071

AllingtonPalace Wood Infants SchTalbot Road. 5.30pmLorraine 01622 631982

Grove GreenSt John’s CEP Sch, Provender Way5.30pm & 7.30pmJulie 01622 734283

Kings HillKings Hill Community Centre70 Gibson Drive5.30pm & 7.30pmLindsey 07914 842597

LenhamLenham Primary SchoolHam Lane. 7.30pmSammie 07979 692389

SnodlandHam Hill Working Mens Club,Function room, 259-261 Malling Road. 5.30pmTracey 01634 240429

Staplehurst Staplehurst School, Gybbon Rise5.30pm & 7.30pmRay 07747 114511

TovilCornwallis Suite, Masonic Centre,Courtney Road. 7.30pmSue 07724 185071

THURSDAYSnodlandHam Hill Working Mens Club,Function room, 259-261 MallingRoad. 9.30amTracey 01634 240429

MaidstoneThe Salvation Army74-80 Union Street. 9.30amKatie 07717454787

LooseLoose Parish Pavilion, King George V playing field7.30pmCaroline 07539 175355

Larkfield Larkfield Church farmsNew Hythe Lane. 7.00pmBev 01622 750701

LeybourneLeybourne Village HallLittle Market Row. 7.30pmBeverley 07809 591334

VintersVinters Park Community CentreHampton Road. 5.30pmLorraine 01622 631982

FRIDAYMaidstoneSt Lukes Church Hall33-35 Foley Street. 9.30amKatie 07717454787

SATURDAYLordswoodLordswood leisure CentreNorthdane Way8.30am & 10.30amEmma 01795 472747

Mid Kent Living 33Mid Kent Living 33

Mind, body & soul �

It’s January and you’re officially out of excuses for eating another mince pie buthow do you turn a well-meaning New Year resolution into a long-term health goal?

Whether it isexercising more oreating less sugar,many of us willcommit this NewYear to a healthierlifestyle, especiallyafter the seasonof splurging is welland truly over.

Although a health-related resolution isalways a good starting point, extraeffort is required to stay on the righttrack to achieve your health goals.

Before undertaking a new fitness andweight loss plan, it is alwaysa good idea to consultwith a professional healthpractitioner, such as aphysiotherapist.“Physiotherapists can helpstructure a realisticexercise programme whichis sympathetic to yourtime constraints andprevious injury history,”explains Uzo Ehiogu, headof Physiotherapy andOccupational Therapy atLondon Bridge Hospital, partof HCA International.

For long-term weightmanagement, Uzorecommends resistance or

weight training as the most effectiveform of exercise. This is because suchtraining builds and maintains muscles,which is good for the metabolism, aswell as preventing injury and lifting yourmood.

While exercise is crucial in boostinghealth, it is also vitally important not toover-exercise. As Uzo notes. “Too muchtraining can be a bad thing, increasingthe risk of injury and illness. Always doexercises at the highest intensity thatyou can safely manage for between 20-60 minutes.”

Uzo particularly recommendsphysiotherapy for individuals

with a disability or limitedmobility, as a physiotherapistcan provide an accurate

assessment andadapt and tailorexercisesaccordingly.“Working with

clients, especiallythose with limited

movement, is wherephysiotherapy stands headand shoulders above otherhealth care professions,because we can provide atailored programme to

meet your uniqueneeds.”

How to lose weight and boostyour HEALTH FOR 2016

Uzo Ehiogu

The top threeresistance moves forweight loss

Single-Leg Dumbbell RowStand holding a weight in one hand.Lean forward so your back is flat andalmost parallel to the floor, rest theother hand on a chair for support.Extend the arm holding the weighttowards the floor and lift the straightleg behind you, so your body forms aT-shape. Slowly bend the left elbowand draw the weight up until theelbow is even with your torso, holdfor a moment, then lower the weight

Squat to overhead pressStand with feet shoulder width apart,elbows bent, with a weight in eachhand at shoulder height. Lower intoa squat (don’t let your knees goforward past your toes) and pushthrough your heels to stand up,pressing the weights overhead

The Superman Lie facedown extending the armsand legs with toes pointed, palmsfacing the floor. Inhale while raisingarms and legs, pause, then exhalewhile slowly returning to startingposition

Editorial supplied by Sevenoaks Medical

34 Mid Kent Living

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Mid Kent Living 35

With house or carinsurance you hope never tomake a claim but you stilltake out a policy.

It is the same with lastingpowers of attorney (LPAs). Ifyou do not have them inplace and cannot deal withyour own affairs, the impact

on your family is huge. The following story is trueand shows what can happen.

*Margaret’s husband John was only 64 whenhe had a severe stroke and was rushed tohospital. He came home after five months butcould not walk, talk or make himself understood.With help from Social Services and her grown­upchildren, Margaret was able to cope with her newfull time job of looking after her husband – butmoney was a problem. Most of the savings were

in John’s name so Margaret could not accessthem. Even joint accounts can be frozen in suchcases. Margaret thought she needed a lastingpower of attorney but, because John was unableto communicate, it was too late to set up an LPA.The only option was to apply to the Court ofProtection so that she and the children could actas court deputies on John’s behalf.

It cost Margaret £1,555 to apply to the courtand it took seven months for them to beappointed as deputies. They have to pay £30 ayear for a court insurance bond and submitaccounts every year showing how they aredealing with John’s money. They were lucky. Inmany cases, it takes much longer for a courtdecision and the insurance bond can be hundredsof pounds a year. All of this could have beenavoided if they had existing LPAs.

Powers of attorney – can youafford not to have them?

*Names have been changed to protect identities.

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36 Mid Kent Living

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Mid Kent Living 37

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REMAINING INDEPENDENTwhilst living with dementiaIndependence can be something peopletake for granted, but when a person isdiagnosed with dementia it could meanchanges need to be made to theireveryday lives. Alzheimer’s Societybelieves that life doesn’t end whendementia begins and with the right helpand support, it is possible to live wellwith dementia and remain independentfor longer.

People with dementia say they feelhappier if they can remain independentand in their own home for as long aspossible – often with the support ofothers. But it can be difficult managingeveryday situations for a person withdementia, particularly as the dementiaprogresses.

As a result, some people may not beas safe at home as they used to be. Butthe charity says it is important to findthe right balance between independenceand unnecessary harm.

The person with dementia should,

where possible, be involved in decision-making and their consent sought andgiven about changes. If this is notpossible, it is important that thosemaking the decision do so in theperson's best interests.

Jackie Swapp, Alzheimer’s Societyoperations manager for Kent andMedway, said: “A diagnosis of dementiadoesn’t mean that you have to give upyour independence or prevent you frommaking your own choices about how youlive. With the right help and support, youcan continue to live in your own home

for as long as you are able to. There are clear benefits for remaining in yourown home – especially as you may feelhappier and more in control there.”

There are an estimated 24,000 peopleliving with dementia in Kent andMedway and Alzheimer’s Society has a whole host of services available topeople affected by dementia, includingDementia Cafes, Singing for the Brain,peer support and activity groups.

To find out more about how thecharity can help, call 01892 835498 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk

A warm welcome at the Dementia CafeIf you have dementia or are caring for someone with dementia then you arewarmly welcomed to the Dementia Café at Heart of Kent Hospice, Preston Hall,Aylesford, Kent ME20 7PU, where you can find out more about the supportavailable locally while enjoying a tea or coffee.

The cafe is open from 10.30am to 12.30pm on the first Saturday of everymonth. It is run by a hospice dementia nurse specialist. Just turn up you will besure of a warm welcome.

Editorial supplied by Alzheimers Society

Senior living �

38 Mid Kent Living

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Mid Kent Living 39

Advertisement feature

Many people arefinding the world offinance and mortgagesmore daunting thanever in the light of newregulation. However,with the expert andfriendly guidance oflocal financial expert

Sarah Ferrell you have nothing to fear!Whether you are buying a home for the first

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Sarah has worked within the mortgage marketfor more than 20 years and not only has awealth of experience but is fully aware of whatlenders are looking for in these days of tighterregulation and stringent affordability criteria.Sarah says, “Every lender has a slightly differentway of calculating how much a client canborrow so knowing the criteria inside out andknowing which lender is the right one for you iscrucial.” Sarah has helped people with all

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Sarah is one of the few advisers fully qualifiedand licensed to advise on Equity Release andshe takes time to discuss how this area oflending no longer holds the stigma and risk itonce did. Based locally, she is happy to visit youat home at a time to suit you rather than tie youto 9-5 appointments.

Sarah is dedicated to making sure that sheprovides clear and uncomplicated advice toevery client. “I would rather go throughsomething repeatedly than for somebody tomake a decision of which they are unsure”

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40 Mid Kent Living

The thought of gardening in winter in the wind,rain and mud has many of us putting off thechore until the spring. However, not all jobs need wellies and a wintercoat. Here are a few things you can be gettingon with while waiting for the better weather.

Crown HouseHome GardensDartfordKent DA1 1DZ

Call today and we'll be happy to give you a free, no-obligation survey and quotation for your beautiful drivewayor patio. We'll even guide you through our comprehensiveportfolio of products and offer great ideas onhow to put different productstogether to create a look to suit yourstyle andbudget.

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1. Cleaning Give all of your gardening tools a goodclean to remove the dirt and any rust.

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3. CompostWith all the leaves and cuttings that

accumulate and need to be disposed of,there’s no better time to start acompost bin. For those who alreadyhave a bin, a good stir will help alongthe composting process.

4. WildlifeClean bird baths and keep them toppedup and ice-free. Putting out fat blocksand seeds will not only help local wildlifeto survive the winter but will encouragebirds, hedgehogs and small reptiles toremain in the garden. They will repay

the favour many times over byeradicating many garden pests in thecoming year.

5. CataloguesWhy not spend a cold winter’s eveningcurled up by the fire looking throughsome of the mail-order seed and plantcatalogues? That way, you can visualiseand plan your ideal garden and beraring to go with new ideas when thebetter weather does arrive.

Top 5 tips for WINTERGARDENERS

Mid Kent Living 41

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• Fencing

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• Doors & Windows

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• Roofing

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42 Mid Kent Living

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Installers of top quality double glazing

Mid Kent Living 43

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44 Mid Kent Living

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Give your home a makeoverwith the designer touch

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Call Ann for details to visit ourstudio at Unit 2, The Old Forge,Bearsted Green.

Booking an appointment is highlyrecommended or book a home visit.

Curtains, Blinds & Soft FurnishingsWith the “Designer Touch”

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Mid Kent Living 45

Homes & gardens �

If you want to renovate, remodel, add-on or extend your homeyou may not have to go through a lengthy process for planningpermission, but many home improvement projects can be doneunder Permitted Development (PD) rights.

1. Internal remodellingIf what you propose does not requireyou to extend the overall footprint ofthe dwelling, PD allows you to carry outthe work. You will, however, need tofollow Building Regulations guidance forsome aspects such as structuralelements and electrical works.

2. Moving windows and doorsYou do not normally need planningpermission to replace or add newwindows in the original walls of yourhouse — but you may need permission ifconditions were attached to the originalpermission. Double glazing can beinstalled under PD, providing thebuilding is not listed. For new or biggerwindows or doors, you will need tofollow Building Regulations guidance.Bear in mind that bay windows areclassed as extensions.

Planning permission to insert a newwindow or door opening is not requiredas long as any upper floor windows onthe side elevation are glazed withobscured glass (level 4 or 5 obscurity).They must also be fixed into a non-opening frame (unless the opener ismore than 1.7m above the floor of theroom in which the window is installed).

3. RooflightsAlterations can be made to the roof of adwelling under PD. However, rooflightsare not permitted under PD where they

would extend forward of the roof planeon the elevation fronting a highway. But they are permitted providing theydo not project more than 15cm from the roof slope.

4. Using attached buildings, eg. garages

You can alter internal space providingyou are not increasing the overallfootprint of the dwelling.

5. Single-storey extensions andconservatories

These must accord with the following:

� It does not sit forward of the principalelevation.

� Materials should be similar.

� Where it is within 2m of any boundary,the eaves cannot be higher than 3m,and no more than 4m in heightotherwise.

� Rear extensions — no more than 4m in depth (detached house) or 3m indepth (semi-detached or terrace).

� Side extensions — the width must notbe greater than half the width of theoriginal dwelling. Side extensions arenot permitted on Article 1(5) Land (e.g. AONB, Conservation Areas).

6. Loft ConversionsPD allows for the construction ofdormer windows, which would provideadditional headroom within a convertedattic. However, they must not sit higher

than the highest part of your existingroof, or extend forward of the roof planeon the principal elevation.

There are also limitations on the cubiccontent allowed under PD but generallyup to 40sqm is fine.

7. Two-storey extensionsA two-storey extension can only be built under PD if it is at the rear of thedwelling (this includes the addition of a second-storey onto an existing single-storey part of the house). It must notexceed 3m in depth or be within 7m ofthe rear boundary.

8. Sheds and OutbuildingsThis is possible providing the total areacovered by such buildings/enclosuresdoes not exceed 50% of the total areaof the curtilage – taking into accountany extensions, but not the area coveredby the main house.

Outbuildings cannot sit forward of theprincipal elevation, and there are heightrestrictions depending on the type ofroof (4m for dual pitch roofs, 3m forother roofs, and 2.5m when the buildingis within 2m of the boundary).Outbuildings may only be single-storey,with the maximum eaves heightremaining at 2.5m.

The use should be ‘incidental’ to thatof the dwelling, eg: gym, garage, and notused for residential, eg: bedrooms.

Eight ways to improve your homewithout PLANNING CONSENT

What is permitteddevelopment (PD)?Under PD you are able to undertakecertain projects without needingplanning permission.

46 Mid Kent Living

Sales & Services

First class services for buying and selling antiques and collectables

Also confidential pawn broking services available.

Call for more information 07775 602526

19 High Street, Cranbrook TN17 3EE

Antiques@number19

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ALL MAKES OF WATER SOFTENERS SERVICED • SALES • SERVICE • FILTERS & REVERSE OSMOSIS

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BARNSIDE, WROTHAM ROAD, MEOPHAMwww.softwaterservices.co.uk

enquiries@softwaterservices.co.ukBLOCK SALTSOFTENER

No1 Locally Since 1996

www.wrightsfencing.co.uk

Kent Carpet Cleaning Services Ltd(part of Rolin Cleaning Services)

Looking for a professional, local, family run carpet cleaning company? Then give Chrissy and John a call.

• Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Suite Cleaning • Stain Removal • Stainguard Protection

Special Offer – Free bottle of spot and stain remover

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Freephone 0800 6942024 Throughout the South East

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HOMEFRESHCarpets (Average) Normal rate Special rateSingle Room (12’ x 12’) £42 £21Through Room (12’ x 18’) £56 £28Hall, Stairs & Landing £56 £28

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CurtainsFull length £74 £37Half Length £42 £21

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for a free, no obligation quote

COMPLETE ROOFING SERVICE• Full Roof Installation • Tiling & Slate Roofing • uPVC Fascias & Soffits • Chimney Repointing or Removal • Roofing Repairs & Maintenance

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

LOGMAN ENERGY suppliers of......seasoned, dry hardwood logs �

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See you soon Robbie: 07802 625125or visit: www.logmanenergy.co.uk

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Mid Kent Living 47

Sales and Services �

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Units 15-16 Dickens CourtEnterprise Close, Medway City Estate

Kent ME2 4LY

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ery

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� Skip Hire 3, 4, 6 & 12 Yard Bins

� Covering Maidstone & The Weald

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D.T SKIP HIRE

D.T SKIP HIRE

Prices from £110+VATOver 20 Years Experience

Exhausts: 01622 672798Tyres: 01622 687466

www.maidstone-exhaustcentre.co.uk

Covering most aspects of car repairs

TYRES - EXHAUSTS - BRAKES

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Bower Lane, Maidstone, Kent

www.elliottlandscapes.com

elliottnick@live.co.uk

07545 705957

Elliott Landscapes for all your gardendesign and regular maintenanceneeds, from lawn mowing to acomplete garden makeover in a

professional, courteous and reliablemanner. We also undertake civil and

drainage works. Approved by the Federation of

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• Pruning and maintenance • Leaf clearance • Disposal of Christmas Trees

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Tel: 07593 514740aaronkinggardenmaintenance@gmail.comwww.aaronkinggardenmaintenance.co.uk

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48 Mid Kent Living

D. BODY LTDWaste Collection

Domestic & Commercial ENVIRONMENTAL LICENSED CARRIERS

� Cesspool Emptying

� Septic Tanks

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GET YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTERCAR BATTERIES FROM £36.99 inc VAT

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We are a well established family run companywith over 25 years experience based in Maidstonecovering Kent, we can help you with yourbathroom or kitchen design and install, wespecialise in central heating repairs and upgrades including boiler replacements. Gas safe

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Please call for a FREE quote

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The complete Bathroom Maintenance CompanyN O C A L L O U T F E E & F R E E Q U O T E S

Call Gary 07738 902116 • 01622 736266 ALL WORK GUARANTEED

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Complete Garden Maintenance

• Grass cutting, from field to a garden •Hedge cutting • Weed control • Japenese Knotweed treatment

• Fencing • Rubbish removal • Hedge & tree reduction • Turfing

• CRB Checked

Mid Kent Living 49

Sales and Services �

TilyardAuto’s

MoT TestingFree re-test and minor adjustments

Service & repairs carried out to all makes & modelsLocal recovery service available

Tyres • Exhausts • TrackingFREE COLLECTION AND DELIVERYSERVICE WITHIN 10 MILE RADIUS

Tel: 01622 663662Unit 5, Bridge Industrial Estate, Wharf Road,

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All MOT’s£40.00

Qualitree Services Complete Tree Care

01622 208426 www.qualitree-services.co.uk

vices

208426 62210

rQualitree Se

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kvices.co.ur.qualitree-seww.wwww

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Quotationour FreeYYooday forTTo

Call

For a free site survey call:

01622 52710607788 532926

• Fencing • Treework • Turfing • Decking• Levelling Ground • Jet Washing Service

• Water Features • Astroturf • Patios • Clearance • Driveways

No job too big or small

EPICLANDSCAPES For all your Electrical needs

From extra sockets to house rewiring Replace old light fittings with new fittings

Call Alf for your free quoteRing 07831 247843 or 01622 738680

www.electricrewired.co.uk • alf@electricrewired.co.uk

The new 17th Edition wiring regs are applied We are Part P Certificated

Electric Rewired

Underwood ContractorsSpecialists in Tarmacadam |Block Paving

Tarmac & Natural Stone | All Groundwork UndertakenFree Estimates | All Work Fully Insured & Guaranteed

For a FREE QuotationOffice: 01622 691680 | Mobile: 07592 564235

O v e r 3 0 Ye a r s E x p e r i e n c eVISIT OUR WEBSITE

www.underwoodcontractors.co.uk

Fence me in & alot moreAll types of Fencing & Gates Installed & Repairs

All Aspects of Garden Services, Landscapes, Decking, Patios, Paths & Paving.

Regular Contracts, Lawn Mowing, Hedge Cutting etc.

Call Colin on 07521 377306 or 01622 853978

Specialists in • Extensions • Plastering (All aspects)

• Refurbishments • Electrics • Modernisations • Kitchen & Bathroom Installations

• Driveways, Patios & Repointing • Fencing & Blockpaving FULLY INSURED

MD Building & Services

Tel: Mark 07841 409061email: mark@mdbuildingservices.co.uk

www.mdbuildingservices.co.uk

MARSHALLS

01622 812005 07970 647334

@ Spindlebush Farm,Yalding Hill, ME18 6AL

� Seasoned logs suitable for open fires & wood stoves

� Bulk bags from £50� Loose loads: £100 delivered or £125� Nets of logs 3 for £10� Coal and kindling available

50 Mid Kent Living

LTJ SURFACINGFamily run Business for over 27 years

Specialists in: • Tarmac • Block Paving • Concrete • Bonded Tar and Gravel • Resin Bounded • Brickwork • Driveways • Patios • Footways • Alterations and Repairs • Carparks and Roads • Pressure Washing• All other Groundwork undertaken private and commercialWe offer Machine and Hand Lay Tarmac Teams

For a Free Site Survey and Advice please call 07799 351299 or 01622 436933 Or visit us at www.ltjsurfacing.co.uk

P I N B I N SFriendly • Effecient • Reliable • Competitive

Commercial and domestic

0800 028 49 00Freephone

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Detling Aerodrome Maidstone

Grab hire also available

� 1-14 day hire� Same day delivery� 2-4 yard mini skips� 6-20 yard skips� Roll-on, roll-offs� Council approved� Tipped at our site� 70% waste recycled� Crushed concrete� Top soil

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• 4Kw Solar PV System • Installed for only £4750 • Investment return 18.4%• Saving up to 50% of your annual electricity bill • Under 6 Years payback

• Earn up to £850 per year index linked for 20 years

01622 677550www.solarisinstallations.co.uk

PAUL BEST Brickwork� Extensions� General Builder� 25 years Experience

01622 891960 07748 630747

Workshop 5, Slaney Place farm, Headcorn Road, Staplehurst, Maidstone, Kent TN12 0DT

www.theobaldsfurniture.co.uk 01580 890055

Most types of furniture re-upholstered and repaired.Cushion interior replacement service, antique restoration.Extensive range of fabrics and leather. Also a barn full ofsecond hand sofas.

Established 1975Professional and traditional upholsterers

Mid Kent Living 51

The new MINI Clubman Following the success of the re-energised MINI 3-door Hatch and thesuccessful launch of the MINI 5-doorHatch, the new model features the

highest level of ride refinement everseen in a MINI.

The much-loved signature designfeature – its split rear doors – isretained, while accessibility andeveryday usability are enhanced thanksto four full-sized side doors. The resultis a powerful fusion of sleek lines,innovative touches and first-ratematerials with generous space for fiveoccupants, excellent luggage capacityand classic MINI driving characteristics.

With a more mature and sophisticateddesign, the new MINI Clubman’s

dimensions are larger than the previousgeneration MINI Clubman. The 360 litreboot can be extended to 1,250 litres byfolding the rear seats flat.

The latest generation of MINITwinPower Turbo Technology engineshave been installed, with four unitsavailable from launch – the MINI CooperClubman, MINI Cooper D Clubman, MINICooper S Clubman and MINI Cooper SDClubman. CO2 emissions are as low as109g/km, with fuel economy of up to68.9mpg.

An 8-speed Steptronic transmission is available as an option on selectedmodels. Exceptional handling comescourtesy of a suspension set-up which is unique to the new MINI Clubman.

Features make their MINI brand debuton the new Clubman, including anelectric parking brake, full electric seatadjustment and the optional MINI YoursInterior Styles with backlit door bezels.

The new MINI Clubman includesMINI’s highly acclaimed NavigationSystem as standard on all models,exemplifying the high levels of standardequipment across the range.

Pricing for the newest member of theMINI family starts at £19,995 OTR forthe MINI Cooper Clubman.

Check out the new MINI Clubman at:

www.ardenmaidstonemini.co.uk

The new BMW 7 SeriesThe sixth generation of the BMW 7 Series and flagship of

the BMW range, blends comfort, style, dynamic ability andcutting edge technology in equal measure to create aninspiring mode of luxury transport.

Thanks to the intelligent use of multiple materials in theconstruction of the body, including carbon-fibre reinforcedplastic (CFRP) for the Carbon Core, the new BMW 7 Series isboth stronger and up to 130kg lighter than its predecessor.This advanced construction is complemented by six-cylinderpetrol and diesel engines taken from the latest generation ofBMW power units.

According to the manufacturer - “With a wealth of interiorcomfort and driving features, from new ConnectedDrivetechnology to the sumptuous Executive Lounge feature, thenew BMW 7 Series redefines luxury on the move.” Find out more at: www.ardenmaidstonebmw.co.uk

The All New Jaguar XF – AT A GLANCE • All-new XF priced from £32,300• Aluminium-intensive architectureenables class-leading weight• The lowest CO2 emissions of any non-hybrid model in the segment: 104g/km /70.6MPG combined fuel economy• New manual transmission• 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainmentsystem - offers navigation, seamless iOSand Android connectivity, and 17-speaker, 825W Meridian digital surroundsound• Powertrains from 163PS Ingeniumdiesel and six-speed manual to 380PSV6 supercharged petrol and eight-speedautomatic transmission• Double-wishbone and Integral Linksuspension deliver exceptional ridecomfort, handling, and refinement• All-Surface Progress Control enablessmooth, effortless drive-away on low-friction surfaces such as snow and ice • The all-new XF offers a host ofadditional technology including full-LEDheadlights, a laser head-up display,autonomous emergency braking,adaptive cruise control with queue-assist, lane keep-assist, intelligentspeed limiter and semi-automatedparking.www.guysalmon.maidstone.jaguar.co.uk

Motoringnews

52 Mid Kent Living

West Malling Garage Limited

FREE COLLECTION & DELIVERY within 10 miles

£95West Malling Garage have a fully qualifiedteam of technicians, who can service,repair and MOT all makes of car.

Fixed PriceServicingfrom

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* Not to be used in conjunctionwith any other offer.

01732 874350High Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6QN

service@westmallinggarage.co.ukwww.westmallinggarage.co.uk

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Mid Kent Living 53

H & C Motors Ltd.H & C Motors Ltd.

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Motoring �

54 Mid Kent Living

Carry on Glamping

Name:

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Closing date: Friday 4 March 2016

To opt out of receiving informationabout special offers please tick box.

WINOne night stay for

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Send your entry to Kits Coty competitionMail Publications Ltd, 2 Forge House, Bearsted GreenBusiness Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT.

Kits Coty Glamping is a small family runglamping site, near Aylesford in Kent. We aremulti award winning having recently beenawarded Bronze in the category – self-catering holiday provider ofthe year for the South of England.

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We are giving away a night for 2 people inPamela, our vintage inspired Shepherds hut.Prize includes free hamper on arrival(containing wine, marshmallows, tea , coffee,water etc.) and free logs for either the woodburner orthe fire pit.

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So hairdressing of Bearsted recentlycelebrated its eighth year of trading – and itcertainly has a lot to celebrate. In this time,not only has the popular salon gone fromstrength to strength but scooped a whole hostof accolades, including UK Creative Colouristtitle in 2013, a finalist at the L’Oréal Colourtrophy in 2014, winning the SouthernRegional final. It is this winningformula that keeps it ahead in itsfield and attracts customers returntime and time again.

The salon has continued to growand expand in the past eight years.Since it launched in 2007 the salonhas built an excellent reputation forits first-class friendly service andcreativity by providing a VIPtreatment for every client.

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Closing date: Friday 26th February 2016

To opt out of receiving informationabout special offers please tick box.

A gloss colour, cut & finishWorth £87

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So Hairdressing CompetitionMail Publications Ltd, 2 Forge House,

Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted,Maidstone, Kent ME14 4DT. 85 Ashford Road, Bearsted,

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Mid Kent Living 55

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Mid-Kent Living is published by Mail Publications Ltd, Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4DT. (Chairman: Claire Procter, Sales Manager: Bill Brett, Editor: Stephen Eighteen). Printed by The Printing House

Tel: 01622 630330 email: info@downsmail.co.uk website: www.downsmail.co.uk

windows : doors : conservatories

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(OPEN: Monday to Friday: 8am - 5pm. Saturday: 9am - 1pm)