Maidstone Medway Magazine

� Fitness � Fashion � Travel � Entertainment � And much, much more

Issue 7, August 2012

Complimentary

SPORTEnjoy the coast and keep fit

when you take up windsurfing

mmmMaidstone, Medway Magazine

BLONDE BOMBSHELL

AIRPORTJoin the campaign to

protect our landscape


Peaches Geldof is well and truly in the spotlight

Indiana print longline dress, sizes 8-18, £160

Rangipo earring, one size, £12 MONSOON

RIVER ISLAND

7mmm

� Weddings � Fashion � Health and beauty � Entertainmen

t � And much, much more

Gemma Arterton’s much

more than 007’s girlfriend

Bondbeauty


Issue 2, March 2012

Complimentary

MOTHERS’ DAY

OUR GIFT GUIDE IS

SURE TO INSPIRE

TRAVELCITY BREAK OR

PARADISE ISLAND?

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

HISTORYWHO NEEDS

ROYALTY WHEN

YOU’VE GOT

FILM STARS?

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

From a Middle-earthelf to Paris of Troy,Orlando’s been it all

PerfectBloom

mmmMaidstone, Medway MagazineIssue 3, April 2012Complimentary

EasterFind theperfectpresents

SpringFashions,fitness,gardens,get outand enjoythe sun

WelcomeThe sun has finally reared it’s head and made usall smile.With all manner of wonderful things going onaround the country this summer we’re all in acelebratory mood. As well as all the sportingachievements to celebrate, here at mmm we’ve gotour own successes to enjoy. And our happiness isall thanks to you, dear readers.We’ve been overwhelmed by the letters and e-mails we’ve received from you, telling us howmuch you enjoy our monthly offerings. It’s been areal honour to see how we’ve been embraced andwelcomed into the community. In the future we look forward to being able toshare some of the warmth with you as we do soappreciate that you take the time to give us youropinions.In the meantime, thank you for your kind words,it’s good to know you’ve appreciated our work overthe past six months.Here’s to the next six months and beyond. Havea lovely summer.

mmm

11 Peaches GeldofDaughter of celebrity, Peaches is no chrinking violet, havingembraced a celebrity lifestyle and made the most of every day. We take a look at the starlet’s story so far.

17 FashionWhether you’re looking for lastminute holiday buys or preparingfor the school year ahead, we’resure to have something to help youmake your mind up.

26 FitnessWindsurfing’s often thought of as asport of the 80s, but it’s still verymuch alive and sailing. What’smore, it’s a great way to keep fitand enjoy our beautiful coastline.

29 WeddingsJust because you’re not part of the immediate wedding partydoesn’t mean you don’t still have

a tough jobchoosing anoutfit, we helpguests to findtheir dreamdress.

35 TravelFrom the wondersof Istanbul to thegorgeouslandscapes ofCanada,there’s stilltime to bookyour summerholiday.

42 FoodDeliciousdishes aren’tas difficult tocreate athome asyou’d think,take a look

mmm

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MMM Media LtdWhite Cottage

13 Ashford RoadMaidstoneME14 5DA

Tel: 01622 [email protected]

[email protected]

PublisherRasa Dregva

EditorTom White

Travel EditorTricia Lester

ProductionMichael Pilcher

DesignMaggie Ashton

Sarah Ellis

SalesEmma Hunton

AccountsKerry Head

ITTim Bassett

PhotographyThomas Richards

Further contributionEvelina Webster

30

18

at our recipes and try them foryourself.

48 HistoryThe dockyard has played a part inthe lives of those living in theMedway Towns for centuries, nowit’s an historic dockyard it’s still verymuch at the heart of ourcommunity.

53 PropertyWhether looking for yurnext dream home,pottering in the gardenor redecorating, take apeek at our propertypages for inspiration.

68 MotorsThe summer isthe perfecttime to setyourself upwith somenew wheels.

Sunny days and open roads arejust crying out for you to goexploring and make the most ofthat new car.

74 TechnologyWe take a look at some of thelatest technological treats.

76 AirportA cloud is hanging over our

countryside, we take a look atthe controversial issue of

estuary airports.

78 BusinessThe sun’s shining,

we’re allfeelingmoreoptimistic,

and thesebusinesses all

have something tocelebrate.

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All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No part of this publication may

be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. © MMM Media Ltd 2012

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A LITTLE under four yearsfrom when her father stood on a stage at WembleyStadium and the

watching world caught their breath atthe seismic shift in our place and responsibility in a global society, a child was born.Bob Geldof had lived a life where

convention was a foreign language; anopinionated, foul-mouthed, Irish rock star, who followed hisconscience into becoming one of the genuine heroes of the 20th century.Live Aid and his early day

performance before a capacity crowd will remain one of rock music'smost abiding images; while hisrelentless fundraising for the starving in Africa changed our outlookon life.His life was a soap opera, his

relationship with TV presenter PaulaYates the stuff of tabloid legend. Theirhome a sprawling priory on theoutskirts of Faversham.And into this world on March 13,

1989, emerged a girl who would prove as opinionated as her father and as strong-minded as her mother.Peaches Honeyblossom Geldof was

going to fit in just fine.Today, at just 23, she has

already crammed in enough drama, enough career twists and turns and enough headlines for her private life to rival her high-profilefamily.And earlier this year she became

a mother – extending the Geldof a

Life is PeachesBorn into a family life too extreme for a soap opera, Peaches Geldof’sname has been in the papers from the moment it was controversiallybestowed upon her. Two decades later the starlet ensures it’s still there.

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est. 1969

Tel. 01622 743747www.tudor-oak.com

email: [email protected]

Our showroom: Parsonage Farm, Heath Road,Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone, Kent ME17 4JB

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a family. A beautiful blondecarrying the child of a rock star and presenting it with a name to ensure they will alwaysbe the centre of attention. Soundfamiliar? She even looks like her mum.The big question on everyone'slips now is will the birth of her son – Astala Dylan Willow Geldof-Cohen (well it was nevergoing to be John now, was it?) put the brakes on an insatiabledesire to achieve in whatever field she is dabbling in?Peaches had been a journalist,TV presenter and a model. Andalready has a failed marriage to her name.Now the focus is on motherhood.At least for the time being.“My Dad is besotted with Astala,”she explains, “not only is he his first grandchild, but he's the first boy we've had in thefamily too.”Not that Bob is too keen on the name, jokingly saying “it's

a girl's name” when quizzed on TV.And he knows a thing of twoabout girls' names. Following the tragic death of Paula Yates in 2000 from adrugs overdose – she was found,aged 41, in her London flat after a heroin overdose on daughterPixie's tenth birthday – Geldof had brought up not only his ownthree daughters but, perhaps most famously, the daughter of Paula Yates and MichaelHutchence – the doomed INXS frontman who had famously died three years before Paula.Bob and Paula had divorced in 1996 – a painful separationplayed out on the front pages of the tabloids, with Paula's high-profile relationship with the doomed Australian rockerblamed for the split.Peaches, Pixie and older sister Fifi Trixibelle were raised by Bob – along with Michael a

14 mmm

a and Paula's child HeavenlyHiraani Tiger Lily.They divided their time between

their home in Davington inFaversham and a pad in London.Peaches was given free reign

by her father. While he expected her to make her own way in life, he was liberal too, allowing her the freedom to follow her heart.By the tender age of 15 she

was already writing a column for the Daily Telegraph and various magazines.At 17 she had become a socialite

as well as taking her first step intoTV, presenting Sky One's PeachesGeldof: Teen America.Her unique sense of style –

a leaf taken out of the book re-written by her mother – even saw her named among Tatler'sfashion icons for 2007. Peacheswas still just 18.It would be easy to assume life

was easy for Peaches – after all, her father's fortune runs into thehundreds of millions courtesy of a rock career and some shrewdinvestment in television companies.Peaches, however, insists

otherwise.“My father has never supported

me,” she says, “he is really tight. He grew up in an Irish householdand that attitude has stayed withhim ever since. “When I was at school all my

friends were getting £200 a weekand I was getting 50p.“He'd just tell me I should go and

make my own money.”And so she did; creating a position

where the jobs started to fly in. Fromediting a magazine to being a topmodel, Peaches has generated herown income streams.Her fashion career got fully under

way in 2007 when she hit thecatwalk for the first time duringLondon Fashion Week. A year later

and she signed a deal to be thepublic face of Dotti, an Australianfashion line.As she fronted a new show for

MTV – Peaches: Disappear Here – she signed a six-figure deal to become the face of the Miss Ultimo collection.At the time of the deal Michelle

Mone at the label described her as “the perfect choice” courtesy of being “young, edgy and havinglashings of style”.The contract fell apart, however

in 2010 when allegations of druguse in the newspapers – whichPeaches strongly denied – saw the label drop her.Not that it's held her up.

ITV2 recruited her last year topresent OMG! – although it wascritically panned.Headlines, however still come

primarily from her private life whichensures her profile remains high.At the age of just 19 she wed

American musician Max Drummey.They wed in August 2008. ByFebruary 2009, news broke theyhad separated. The divorce finallyconfirmed in April 2011.Later that year she found

happiness with the lead singer of the band S.C.U.M., ThomasCohen. Just two months after they started dating she confirmedshe was pregnant.Quite what the future holds for

Peaches remains to be seen. As an opinionated teenager shefrequently came across asprecocious – a claim which could be levelled at most teens, just thatthey don't live their lives in thespotlight of the media.Born into celebrity and a cauldron

of tabloid interest, it is hard to thinkthat Peaches will spend much timeoutside of the headlines. For now, though, her focus is on

her son and ensuring his upbringingis not as fractured as her own. mmm

16 mmm

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

The first floor of The Joiners Arms has been completelyoverhauled, the result is four fantastic luxury boutique hotelrooms. Inspired by sophisticated interior design and Frenchelegance, the hotel will bring an offering of luxury accommodationin Kent, in the small but thriving market town of West Malling.

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

www.no64thejoiners.co.uk [email protected]

Wells Medical Centre71 London Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1DX Tel: 01892 530265

9 New Street, Ashford, Kent TN24 8TN Tel: 01233 661662

SPECIAL OFFERS Upper lips: Was £80, Now £40 l Chin: Was £80, Now £45l Underarm: Was £90, Now £55 l Bikini: Was £140, Now £8

l Lower legs (pair) Was £240 Now £135 l Back: Was £250, Now £155

www.wellsmedicalcentre.com l www.wellsclinic.com

n Summer stylingto have you looking your best wherever you go on holiday

n School weardoesn’t have to beboring with theseon-trend clothes

mmm fashion

To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail [email protected]

X mmm

Back-to-school shopping alwayssneaks up on us just as we'regetting into the swing of summer,and whilst it’s pretty easy to preparefor primary school age children,trying to find the right clothing andaccessories for more grown upchildren can be quite a challenge.But don’t worry, we've scoured

Fremlin Walk for some of the coolestfinds to help make the start ofschool as painless as possible...For the most fashionable back to

college outfits, Topshop and H&Mhave all the trends covered, whilstNext and Topman's suits andformal range has never looked sogood. From skinny fit suits in arange of classic colours andmaterials to simple wardrobestaples, your trendy teen willcertainly look the part.Get them to step into their

studies with the coolest andhottest footwear around. At Schuhand Office you will find a greatselection from ballerina pumps tokickers, they have it covered with ahuge selection of funky but formalfootwear. JD and JJB have anenormous range of sportswear anddesigner brands, along with thebasic sportswear essentials too.At House of Fraser, Paperchase

offer a range of fashionable andfunctional stationery, and rightnow there’s a three for twopromotion available.Youngsters just love Superdry,

and their range of retro-inspiredAlumni bags are just perfect forschool as not only can they holdthe necessities, they arehardwearing with a strongsupportive handle - so they shouldlast a while too.

Jaine Rees

Too cool

Pointed brogue, £33, Schuh

Chunky brogue, £65, Schuh

Black Brothel Creeper, £70, Schuh

Marigold pump, £35, Office

Beige high top trainer, £48, Topshop

19mmm

for school

Smart trousers from £25, Topman

Tarpaulin single button

wallet, £14.99, Superdry

Multicolour rucksack,

£35, Topshop

Diary £7, Paperchase, House of Fraser

Grey military contrast coat, £70, Next

Blazers start from £45, Topman

£3, Paperchase,

House of Fraser

Panda highlighters,

Alumni mini bag,

£29.99, Superdry

Treak t-shirt, £35, Throwley belt, £29, Peak trousers, £119,Lulu slingbacks, £149, Hobbs, House of Fraser, Fremlin Walk

22 mmm

Spot sundress, £25, Accessorize

Aztec kaftan, £35, Accessorize

£49; Ponto bag, £29, Monsoon

Toca lace top, £39; Riley print skirt

23mmm

Lautra sandals, £130, Pied

a Terre, House of Fraser

Floppy hat, £16, Next,

Fremlin Walk

Gingham check bandeau bikini, £39, La Redoute

Yellow & white printed

Marla dress, £55, Monsoon

High waist turn up colour shorts in re

d, £19.99, Pilot

Hibiscus Tankini, top £28, bottoms £18, Fat Face

bikini top, £19, bikini

bottoms, £15, La Redoute

Plain swimsuit,

£35, Fat Face

Beachbeauty

24 mmm

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Summer Pick & mixof treatments exclusively to

Hannah and elisechoose 2 treatments for the list for £39.00

Decleor express FacialGeLeration on Hands or Feet

Foot massage, with a File and Polish1/2 Leg Wax and eyebrow or Lip WaxNeck, Back and Shoulder massage

conditions apply

HD eYeBrOWSOne of the first Salons in maidstone to be

offering this celebrity treatment -Offer £25.00

25 Gabriels Hill, Maidstone01622 661300 www.botanicalbeauty.co.uk

26 mmm

Surf’s upTim Bassett is blown away by the beauty of ourcoastline, which is best enjoyed on a board...

Y ou may think ofwindsurfing as a sportof the 80s or maybeyou’d think you need to be a professional

to really do well, but things reallyhave moved on. With equipmentnow much lighter and easier to use,the sport’s scope in the UK is rapidlygrowing, with an abundance ofshops and instruction centres now available. As the typical English summer is

pretty unreliable and prone to theodd bit of low pressure, windsurfingis a sport that can take advantage of these conditions. With the UKbeing one of the windiest places in Europe, windsurfing is the idealsport if you like the outdoors. I have been windsurfing since the

age of 11, my father (who dabbled in the sport in the 80s) pushed areluctant me onto a board during a summer holiday on Lacanau Lake in southern France.Initially I couldn’t turn around,

“keep going, keep going” he saidand I did. After a lot of shouting from the shore I eventually worked

out how to get back to the beach.I took the sport up more seriously

when I was in my late teens, andeventually bought some secondhand equipment. In those early daysI quickly progressed from mostlysailing on inland lakes to eventuallyexperiencing the sea and I haven’tlooked back since.There is a growing popularity for

kitesurfing these days and it will bereplacing windsurfing as an Olympicsport in the Rio 2016 Games, butwindsurfing is still a great sport ifyou live in the UK.The Kent and Sussex coastlines

offer an abundance of beaches withexcellent waves and wind. You willmeet some very friendly people of all ages if you take up the sport or even if you just fancy going down to the beach for a day trip.The Royal Yachting Association

(RYA) is the recognised way to learnthe sport. Level 1 will give you thebasics to get going and Level 2 willimprove stance, develop yourturning ability, beach starts andintroduce you to using a harness.See www.rya.org.uk for details on

where to learn and to find out moreabout specific windsurfing courses.A few of the most popular Kent

beaches boast the best places to goand have a try. Minster on the Isle of Sheppey is

easy to get to from Maidstone orMedway. There is easy parking onthe shingle bank with a friendlywelcoming crowd on the weekends.It’s a great place to learn and alsonice and shallow at low tide. Thereis a windsurf academy situatedthere too.Whitstable, Tankerton and Minnis

Bay have similar conditions and canbe sailed at several heights of thetide (check with the locals though).Further down the coast, Hythe,Dymchurch and Littlestone are alsovery popular.Although not in Kent, Camber

Sands (Broomhill end) is popularwhen it’s windy. You’ll need to have

27mmm

some experience towindsurf here when thewind is up, but with a fewlessons and at low tide it’sdefinitely worth a try.

The beach is even popular among the professionals - who can sometimes be seen practisingfreestyle moves, wave sailing and loops.

Watch out for the shipwrecknearby though, at low tide it’sexposed but if you’re not sure whereit is, ask someone to point it out foryou. Either way, it's pretty much thewindiest beach in the south eastwhen we get Atlantic swells or asouth westerly wind.

So my advice to anyone thinkingabout taking up windsurfing is go forit. It’s a great way to make friends,enjoy days out with family andfriends and see some of ourwonderful coastline. mmm

28 mmm

n Look good, butdon’t show up thebride, when youchoose the perfectguest outfit

n Flower girls can be the perfectlittle beauties tocomplete yourwedding party

mmm weddings


C hoosing an outfit fora wedding is no easytask. Admittedly ifyou get it wrong youwon’t be nearly so

disappointed as the bride, but it’sstill a big job.

Sure, it’s an expensive task buyinga new outfit, but think of all thepositives when you get it right: you’llfeel a million dollars, you’ll beshowing your friends/family just howgood you can look and - for the

single girls - in such adiverse mix of people

when bride andgroom finally bringall of their nearesttogether there’s achance you’ll meetyour eventualpartner, surely youwant to look yourbest for that?

So what is ouradvice? Find

somethingthat makes

you smile.

If your dress can make you smile tolook at, then even when you fail tocatch the bouquet, you’ll still besmiling because you’re wearingsomething beautiful. And a woman’ssmile is a highly underratedweapon.

Yes, we did also say dress. There

are no rules for weddings, skirts andtrousers are more than acceptable,but while we’d never advocatetaking the easy route to style, adress is most certainly the easierchoice here.

Why? Because it’s one, rather thantwo items to match everything to.Sure it’ll be more expensive than askirt, but add on the price of thematching top - that you’ve spent fourhours finding because nothing wasquite the right colour - and you’repretty much paying the sameanyway.

Then you also have to matchshoes, jewellery, hat, bag,shrug/jacket and you’re reallybeginning to run out of time andmoney. If you start off with a dressthen choosing all those key extras issignificantly quicker.

And how do you choose the dress?An often overlooked option is to askthe bride what her colour theme is.We’re not saying you have to wearcerise pink if that’s what she’schosen, but it can be a helpfulspringboard for starting your dress hunt.

After that the world is your oyster...Pastels or patterns; bold or frilly;casual or evening wear, anythinggoes when it comes to choosing that

perfect dressto make yousmile.

Just don’tforget yourhat... mmm

30 mmmBe my guest...

£75, Monsoon

Green cotton lace dress £79, La

RedouteLemon Lauren pleat dress, £85, Monsoon

Sugar Rose dress

dress, £39.50,

Marks & Spencer

Floral print maxi

31mmm

Royal Blue chiffon

dress, £28, Apri

cot

Rocha.John Rocha Applique

Shift Dress, £55, Debenhams

Statement wide corsage

floppy, £38, Accessorize

J by Jasper Conran,

£110, Debenhams

£39.99, Pilot

Strapless jewel

dip hem dress,

Rose Corsagebag £10Monsoon

Jazz dress£48 Monsoon

Rose Daisy Garland£6 Monsoon

Triple Flowerhairband £6Monsoon

Kit out yourbridesmaidfrom top totoe with arange ofdresses andaccessoriesavailable atDebenhams

Clementine Dress£55 Monsoon Blushing

bridesmaids

Fátima Arrietaweddings at

PERU MODA

www.fatimaarrieta.com

n Turkish delightsfor all in Istanbul

n Cool Canadacan be a dreamcome true

mmm travel


Sponsored by

36 mmm A paradise for Gill Bassett discovers the

Kirsty Keeling-Jones,Branch Manager,

Baldwins Travel Agency,Maidstone

Travel tips from yourLocal Award WinningTravel Agency

I stanbul, Turkey's largestcity, is a Mecca for carpets,fine jewellery, goat-hairblankets and hand-blownglass.

Sitting proudly on the path of theancient silk route, Istanbul is aspirited city that blends Eastern andWestern cultures seamlessly -where glistening golden mosquesjostle for space with skyscrapers. It's a glamorous destination with a dynamic buzz that is reflected inthe hotels, nightlife, restaurants and shops.It can be a bewildering destination

for shoppers, but there are gemsworth discovering. For example, inthe affluent Nisantasi district, ElaCindoruk and Nazan Pak operate

from a small atelier, sellingcontemporary fine jewellery, designedin-house and hand-crafted fromprecious metals and gemstones.

ACCLAIMED CHIFFONNearby, Turkish-born designer

Arzu Kaprol has opened her firstboutique selling elegant chiffonsembroidered with Ottomancalligraphy and tactile silk-linedleathers, to much acclaim fromfashion critics around the world. Turkey is renowned as a carpet-

lovers' Mecca and it's best to doyour homework and head toreputable dealers such as Sengorand Hali. However, perusing theGrand Bazaar can unearth somegreat buys if you're prepared to

Travelling withchildren…n Always pre-order a child’s

meal at time of booking.

n You may want to takesnacks or other food forchildren.

n A favorite blanket or stuffedanimal may help comfortthose who are fearful ornervous.

n Consider taking activitybooks, portable DVDplayers or video games(with headphones) to helpkeep children occupied forthe length of the flight.

n Take the hassle out ofparking at the airport bybooking a Meet & Greetservice.

n If you are hiring a car,before you travel, buy alightweight booster seat topack in your suitcase. To hire car seats abroadcan be very expensive asthey charge you per day.

37mmm bargain hunters many secrets of Istanbul

NURUOSMANIYE KAPISI SOKAND BEYAZIT SQUAREThe Grand Bazaar is one of the world's largest covered markets and has stood on its current site since the 15th century.The bazaar offers everything from hand-made tiles and glassware to copper, brassware and clothing, all of which shouldonly be bought after extensivebartering. If you can find them in the maze of alleyways, track down SivasliYazmaci, a miniscule boutique in theYaglikcilar Caddesi alley sellinghand-painted textiles, and thewonderful bath emporium Hamam,which stocks handmade herbalsoaps and cosy goat-hair Sivasblankets. You could plan ahead and ask your hotel concierge tobook a guide.

negotiate. Look out for a specialtype of kilim, known as tulus(meaning 'hair'), from the Konyaregion, perfect for contemporaryinteriors.

TIME TO BARTERNAZAN PAK-ELA CINDORUKPASABAHCE GLASSWORKS20/1 Abdi Ipekçi Caddesi, IstiklalCad 314Nisantasi: 212 232 2664 Beyoglu;212 244 0544ARZU KAPROL HALIAbdi Ipekçi Caddesi, 36/37 DenizApartmaniGRAND BAZAAR SENGOR(KAPALI ÇARSI) 1 Feyzi Feyzioslu Sokak, Nisantasi;enter at portals on 212 234 3330.

HOOKAH PIPES For exquisite, hand-blown glass atvery reasonable prices, make abeeline for the Pasabahceglassworks, founded by order ofSultan Abdülmecid in 1848. Here,you can buy decanters, pitchers andeven hookah pipes in clear or whiteglass with fine coloured stripes. mmm

Somuch to see

in Canada

W e have picked outour top 10unforgettablesights in Canadaand asked our

Canada Personal Travel Expertswhere is best for first timers and freespirits.

1 - Niagara Falls, OntarioSail up to these tumblingcascades on board the Maid ofthe Mist – don’t forget a raincoat!The Niagara Falls in Ontario areunforgettable.

2 - Bear Viewing, British Columbia Get up close to Canada’s elusivebrown bear at Knight Inlet Lodgein British Columbia.

3 - Icefields Parkway, Lake LouiseDrive along Icefields Parkwayfrom Lake Louise to Jasper –one of the most amazing drivesin Canada.

4 - Butchart Gardens, VictoriaThe renowned Butchart Gardensin Victoria, Canada, are home toyear-round blooms, waterfallsand eco boat tours.

5 - CN Tower, TorontoSoak in incredible views ofToronto from the second highestfreestanding structure in theworld – the CN Tower. a

40 mmm

6 - Rocky Mountaineer, RockiesThe Rocky Mountaineer is oneof the world’s most famous trainjourneys, taking you throughCanada’s mesmerisingRockies.

7 - Whale-Watching fromVancouverSpot orcas cresting the water’ssurface during an unforgettablewhale watching tour, departingfrom Vancouver.

8 - Québec CityQuébec City is a romantic,charming city in Canada withcobbled streets and beautifulhistoric buildings.

9 - Notre-Dame Cathedral,MontréalAdmire the stunningarchitecture and intricateinterior of Montréal’s vast Notre-Dame Cathedral, built in 1829.

10 - Athabasca Glacier, Jasper National ParkRide the Ice Explorer out ontothe colossal Athabasca Glacierin Jasper National Park, whichis over 300 metres thick.

Our Personal Travel Expertssuggest:First time to Canada?If it’s your first Canada holiday,you could visit Toronto and take atrip to Niagara Falls, or visit acharming city such as Montréal.Choosing a simple hotel and flightcombination in Canada is a clearplan and you can easily add onexperiences to make your Canadaholiday more personal.

Do you want to explore Canada?Escorted tours are perfect if youreally want to get to the heart ofCanada, but don’t have the time toplan and research routes, hotelsand experiences. You can choosea Canada group tour with a guideor an independent journey, such asour Trans Canadian Rail adventurefrom east to west coast Canada.You can also add on extensionsand experiences to make yourholiday in Canada unforgettable.

Are you a free spirit? Where do you want to go andwhat do you want to do? Our Baldwins Personal TravelExperts are ready to tailor make aholiday in Canada from scratch.

We’ll help you mix and matchdestinations, flights, hotels andexperiences. Your perfect Canadaholiday will spring to life. You canadd flexible adventures to yourCanada holiday, such as staying ina rustic lodge where you can spotelusive brown bears or hire amotorhome and head off thebeaten track.

The path less travelled in CanadaSo, you’ve been to Canadabefore and now you want to trysomething different; to find allthose cultural and scenic gems justwaiting to be discovered. If thissounds like you, take a look at ourinspirational tours of Canada, suchas sailing along the famous InsidePassage through the waters ofBritish Columbia, or driving through the dense terrain of SaintAlexis Des Monts during ourOntario and Quebec Highlightsself-drive. Then there are our tailormade Canada holidays. Just tell us your ideas, your travel dreams,and together we’ll create yourperfect holiday. mmm

42 mmm

25 ml elderflower liqueur25ml vodka50ml Pinot Grigio (or any other drywhite wine)1 inch of cucumber, diced Half a lime, squeezed1 tspn caster sugar10 mint leaves3 thin slices of cucumber for garnish

Take a cocktail shaker, addthe diced cucumber and muddle or crush it using the end of arolling pin, then top the shaker up with ice.

Add all the other ingredientsexcept for the mint and shakevigorously, at least 30 seconds.

Take a tall chilled glass andpour in the contents of theshaker. Add more ice if youneed to.

Rub the mint leaves gently inyour hand (this helps toextract the flavour), add to yourdrink and stir.

Garnish with the thin slices ofcucumber.

Raspberry Cosmopolitan50ml Vodka (lemon vodka if you can find it)25ml Cointreau15ml fresh lime juice (or half a lime squeeze)50ml Ocean Spray cranberry juice5 fresh raspberries (save one forgarnish)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.Add all the ingredients,

including 4 of your raspberries.Shake vigorously, at least

30 seconds.Strain into a chilled Martini

glass, garnish with a singleraspberry.

FOOD Recipes from the Swan in West Malling

The Kings Hill Cooler

43mmm

Summer Crab & PrawnCocktailServes 4200gm picked white crab meat,check carefully for pieces of shell12 cooked large prawns, peeled,deveined, cut into 5 pieces2 tbsp good quality mayonnaise1 tbsp crème fraiche1/2 tbsp horseradish sauceDash of tabasco sauceDash of brandy 1 tspn lemon juiceChives, chopped2 baby gem lettuce, shredded1 Avocado, diced1/3 cucumber, peeled, diced4 tomatoes, skinned, seedsremoved, cut into petals 3 spring onions, sliced6 breakfast radishes, slicedCoriander cress1 lemon, into wedgesLemon juiceExtra virgin olive oil

For the crab mixPlace the mayonnaise into a

round bottomed bowl, add crèmefraiche, horseradish, tabasco,brandy & lemon juice and whiskuntil smooth.Add the crab, chopped prawns

and chives, mix together.Add a little lemon juice, freshly

ground pepper and a pinch of salt.

To serveDress the shredded lettuce,

avocado, cucumber, spring onions,radish & tomatoes with a littlelemon juice and olive oil. Seasonlightly.Place into a cocktail glass

(or small bowl)Using two dessert spoons

quenelle (or neatly place) a quarterof the crab mixture on top of yourdressed salad.Finish with a drizzle of olive oil.Garnish with coriander cress and

a lemon wedge.

The Broadway, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8PB01622 753700 - 01622 751738

NOW OPENwith stunning views overlooking Maidstone

Wine bar serving English modern cuisinein our downstairs restaurant

Food served all day 11.00am-10.00pm (last orders)

Fine A la Carte Restaurant upstairs

46 mmm

47mmm

A Unique Experience At West Malling

T: 01732 870 000www.pad-thai.co.uk

[email protected] HIGH STREET, WEST MALLING, KENT ME19 6QH

Pad ThaiRESTAURANT

Open

Bank Holiday

26th August

for Lunch and Dinners

All roads lead to

W hen it comes totracking thehistory ofChatham and itssurrounding

villages, all roads, almost inevitably,lead back to the dockyard.

Its location defines the area – fromits industry to the people who have

lived there for centuries.And despite its closure nearly 30

years ago, its tentacles continue toreach out far and wide, its influencestill likely to be felt for manydecades to come.

For the residents of Brompton, ithas carved it a place like few othersin the entire county – a village which

would bloom into being as a result ofits location, divided by fortificationsand now an essential link betweenChatham and Gillingham.

Even the military presence cameas a direct result of the shipyard.And amid all the hullabaloosurrounding 2012, this year marksthe 200th anniversary of the Royal

the Dockyard

Engineers in the town.Or, to be precise, at its barracks in

Brompton.Not that it was the first military

presence in what was, at the time, atiny village.Dating back to the late

17th century, Brompton itself wasdefined by the creation of the

Chatham Lines, the 2km longfortifications – effectively a ditch –designed to protect the hugelysignificant dockyard amid itsgrowing significance for Britain'sdominance of the seas.Back then rather than the

sprawling residential and modern-day look of today, it was a mostly

rural area, fields and orchardsboasting sheep and woodland.As a result of the need to have

soldiers guarding the site, so therewas a need for barracks, andBrompton was the perfect position tohouse them. It found itself ringedwith military establishments. Manyof which remain today. a

50 mmm

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Before

After

51mmm

aWhen war with France resumed in 1778, the military might in thearea was reinforced, and thebarracks became firmly establishedon the map.The original Brompton's expansionwas to be restricted by the ChathamLines – leading to a territory to theeast to grow up and to be coinedNew Brompton.Brompton itself would eventuallybe eclipsed by its new namesake bythe dawn of the 20th century.Today, the Brompton 200: CivilianLife in a Military Village, marks itsremarkable rise in prominence.Funded by the Heritage Lottery, it isa community project designed toshowcase the significance ofBrompton.And for a remarkable walk backthrough time the Royal Engineers'Museum, Library & Archive – whichis co-ordinating the project - boastsmore than one million objectscovering the history of the corps

which havebeen involvedin everyconflict of theBritish Armyacross everyContinent.For thoseexpectingnothing other thanmilitaryparaphernalia,what lurks

within may surprise.There are, for example, an entireset of Charles Dickens' first editions– delivered by the author himself,from his time spent living in Higham.

There are more than340,000 photographs takenby Sappers as they foundthemselves posted aroundthe world to defend Kingand country. Heavilyinvolved in earlyphotography, the collectionranges from official imagestaken in the field topersonal images taken bythose serving.In addition, there arediaries written by thosefighting in World War One,diaries from India and moremodern accounts fromconflicts in the Falklandsand Bosnia.In short, it is a fascinatingarchive of the British Armyto be found in one place.

Yet it is the site's history which isperhaps most intriguing; how itsgrowth shaped the area, influencedthe very people who live there to this day.Explains a spokesman for theBrompton 200 project: “In 1756construction on the Lines began.The construction of Lines broughtsoldiers to man it, and these neededbarracks. These were all built in orclose to Brompton – ChathamBarracks in 1758, the MarineBarracks in 1779, the GunnersBarracks in 1782 and finallyBrompton Barracks in 1804. “This influx of soldiers boosted thepopulation, and many businessessprang up to cater for them.

52 mmm

As a result of the under-performance of Wellington’sengineers in Spain a RoyalWarrant was issued for thecreation of a Royal EngineersEstablishment for the trainingof engineers. Thisestablishment was chosen tobe housed at BromptonBarracks as the ChathamLines were an ideal trainingsite and the River Medwayprovided a suitable area topractice pontooning.“Captain Pasley was

selected to run the Engineersestablishment as he hadwritten much about the needfor such a place and had beentesting his theories oneducation of engineers withhis own company at Plymouth. “The Royal Engineers

establishment later becamethe School of Military Engineering in1868 and in 1962, the Royal Schoolof Military Engineering (RSME).”Today the RSME is the British

Army’s centre of excellence formilitary engineering and explosiveordnance disposal training. Theschool is spread across severalsites in the south of England but theheadquarters remain at BromptonBarracks. Nearly all members of theCorps of Royal Engineers passthrough Brompton Barracks at somepoint in their career.In an era of military cut-backs,

it continues to survive to this day, to build on its remarkable h istory. mmm

It was against this backdrop that theSchool of Military Engineering – theRoyal Engineers - arrived in 1812.The spokesman continued: “At the

beginning of the 19th century theRoyal Engineers in the townsconsisted of the Chief RoyalEngineer and his staff who wereinvolved in building variousdefences. “There was also a company of

the Royal Sappers and Miners whodid not amalgamate with the RoyalEngineers until 1856.

By 1798, barely 100 years after the first building was erected,Brompton had grown to a town of400 properties.“With a wide variety of traders,

Brompton was well provided with awide variety of commercialpremises, making it a moreimportant commercial centre thanGillingham at this time.”


mmm home

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55mmm

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Keep all your rakes and spades tidyand together in one place in thishandy Garden Tool Shed.

Designed to be tall and slim, it has asmall footprint, which means it canslip into a corner in the mostmodest sized yard or garden withease.

Like all Jacksons timber products itis made from Jakcured softwoodand has internal galvanized steelbracing for extra strength. It is cladin tongue and groove effect boardsand has a galvanized pad-lockablelatch, with your security in mind(padlock not included). The pitchedroof is covered in waterproof felt.The shed comes complete with atimber base and is supplied in kitform for easy self assembly.

Specifications: 2320mm to roofapex x 1830mm from ground toroof edge x 850mm wide x1000mm deep.

n For more information see jacksons-fencing.co.uk or call 01233 750393

Have you ever looked out at your garden andrealised the only things spoiling the view areyour wheelie bins? Now you can hide themaway in between collection days.

This Jacksons wheelie bin store is made fromJakcured softwood, tongue and groove effectboards and has an internal galvanized steelframe for extra strength. The store is designedfor two wheelie bins, with two front hingeddoors and two hinged lids which openupwards to allow access to the bins, whilstthey are inside the store.

Each lid has a chain that can be attached tothe wheelie bin lid, so as the store lid is lifted itautomatically raises the bin lid as well, for easyuse. The store comes in kit form for easy selfassembly.

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58 mmm

Beautiful settingwith magnificent views

A magnificent Grade IIListed Georgian housewith adjacent cottageand detached pal barnset in glorious

gardems and grounds extending toabout 30 acres with approximately athird of a mile of river frontage.

Oaklands is situated in a beautifulsetting on the outskirts of the villageof East Farleigh with magnificentviews over the countryside.

The property lies within an area ofoutstanding natural beauty andwithin a conservation area.

Oaklands comprises a magnificentGrade II listed Georgian house builtin about 1820. The property havingmellowed brick elevations under aslated roof. The cellarage suggeststhat a house has occupied the sitefrom a much earlier date with theadjacent Grade II listed cottage itselfdating from 1757. The beautifullypresented accommodation benefitsfrom gas fired central heating andthere is a sophisticated securitysystem covering the house andgrounds.

Adjacent to the main house is amost attractive period cottageoffering excellent ancillaryaccommodation. Set within thegrounds are a number of beautifullymaintained outbuildings including aclock house and period barnproviding further ancillaryaccommodation.

The gardens are a quiteoutstanding feature of Oaklands.The formal gardens being beautifullypresented and providing a variety ofstunning settings, together with a

mature mixed woodland and KentCob Platt. The grounds on thenorthern boundary are bordered bythe River Medway with fishing,mooring and riparian rights. The formal gardens to Oaklands area quite outstanding feature. To theeast of the house is a parklandgarden filled with a variety ofornamental and specimen trees.There is an area of vegetablegarden with fruit cage, two gardenstores and two greenhouses, theprincipal greenhouse with power,

59mmm

light and heating. Bordering thisarea is an attractive water feature.

To the south of the house there area number of walled gardens. Anattractive south facing terraceborders the drawing room wherethere is a yorkstone terrace, neatboxed hedging and rose andherbaceous beds. A flight of stepsleads to the croquet lawn with aparterre garden, a further variety oftrees and extensive mellowed brickwalling and access to a post and railfenced paddock.

Viewing is strictly by appointmentonly, to book a time and for moreinformation contact Page & Wells on01622 756703, alternatively [email protected] or pop intothe branch at 52-54 King Street,Maidstone ME14 1DB.

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61mmm

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62 mmm

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63mmm

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64 mmm

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Goudhurst OIRO £355,000Charming Grade II listed two bedroom barn in a tucked away village locationLocated within a stone’s throw of the shops in Goudhurst this converted barn offers a fitted country style kitchen/breakfast room, very attractive andspacious first floor vaulted living room with views across Bedgebury Forest. Two double bedrooms, modern bathroom and separate w.c. Prettyenclosed courtyard garden with carport and storage space.

Boughton Monchelsea £535,000Detached Ragstone Victorian family home located within the heart of this popular village Accommodation provides three reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, sun room and a cellar. The first floor provides a master bedroom with showerand w.c. facilities, a double bedroom with Victorian fireplace, two double bedrooms and a bathroom. A further staircase leads to an attic bedroom. Thereis a pretty garden to rear with pond and paved terracing. The front of house provides a wide entrance leading to a double garage and ample parking.

65mmm

Contact our offices at Bower House, Sutton Valence01622 844 455View our extensive range of properties For Sale and To Let on our websitewww.madeleine-rose.com

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Sutton Valence £895,000Immaculate 6 bedroom detached family home with contemporary styled interior and spectacular south facing viewsThis substantial detached property has been completely refurbished and extended by the present owners and now provides 4266 sq ft – 396.3 sq m ofaccommodation. The kitchen comes complete with integrated Miele appliances and granite worksurfaces. The sitting room has a large inglenook stylefireplace with a woodburning stove and sliding doors that lead out to the terrace. Of the 6 bedrooms, 5 have ensuite facilities. Double garage.

Loose £850,000Very attractive Grade II listed 5 bedroom detached house, set in 0.42 acre plot presented in immaculate orderLocated along a quiet no-through lane, this period family home has been meticulously renovated yet has retained its 16th/17th century character. The3193 sq ft of accommodation including 5 reception rooms allows for a flexible ground floor layout to suit a busy family. Large and well tended southfacing lawned garden with trees and shrubs on the boundary ensuring a private haven. Garage and parking on the gravel drive.

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HONDA'S supermini the Jazz hasgot a new limited edition version ina bid to inject a new fresh look tothe popular model.The Jazz Si features revised

suspension, new sporty looks andonce again puts a focus oneconomic running costs.Built in Honda’s manufacturingfacility in Swindon alongside therest of the Jazz range, the Si isbased on the 1.4 ES manualvariant, but with additional sports-inspired features.

The exteriorhas beengiven frontand rearsportbumpers andside skirts,as well as16-inchalloys. The Sialso has theaddition ofprivacyglass, frontfog lights and

Si branding on the boot, to highlightthe car’s sportier specification.New dampers are combined witha larger front anti-roll bar toimprove straight-line stability and body control. The electricpower-steering system has alsobeen modified for improved feeland response.The interior has been given the Sitreatment too, with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, black andsilver supportive seats and thebenefit of cruise control. The JazzSi is available in four colours;Milano Red, Crystal Black, WhiteOrchid and Azure Blue. The on the road price for the Jazz Si is £14,550.A Si-T version is also available for £15,545 on the road, andbenefits from the addition of SD navigation and integratedBluetooth.

HondaJazz gets a fresh look

68 mmm

MOTORS

CITROEN has given its familysaloon and tourer the C5 a moderntwist in a bid to boost sales, as ittrumpets a summer styling andtechnologies overhaul.Since it launched in 2008, the C5has shifted some 400,000 unitsworldwide – a figure the Frenchfirm is keen to build on as it looks tograb more market share.From a cosmetic point of the view,the C5 takes on the firm's newchevrons, while also gaining theoption of 17-inch 'Egee' alloywheels on Exclusive models and anew pearlescent body colourentitled Guaranja Brown. Top of the range models also now

come with a part-leather upholsteryand new interior designcomponents.A new techo pack option featuressatellite navigation, USB port andBluetooth. On the C5 Tourer, thesat nav screen can be hooked up toa reversing camera to makeparking that little bit more precise.The new techno packis available nowacross the entire C5range and adds anextra £700 to the cost.The new Citroën C5range made its way todealers early lastmonth.Prices start from£19,895 for the entry-level C5 saloon

Hdi and £20,995 for the equivalenttourer model.

CitroenExecutive styling

69mmm

IN this current era of austerity, acar which markets itself as themost inexpensive new car on themarket stops being somethingeasy to dismiss and mock andinstead evolves into a vehicleworthy of serious consideration.After all, with second-hand prices

rising, the option of going newprovides the benefits of thewarranties in pursuit of those initialyears of trouble-free motoring.And so it is that the Suzuki Alto

SZ City car emerged last monthon to forecourts boasting a £5,995on the road price tag.The car comes VAT-free until the

end of September.To further boost its potential,

most models come in the 4E

insurance category to keep costsdown, with CO2 emissionssufficiently low to ensure no taxdisc costs as well as escaping theLondon congestion charge.Saving money, it would seem,

are this decade's go-faster stripes.

Suzuki will be marketing thevehicle heavily as it looks to boostits third quarter sales – already up18 per cent year-on-year, a sign ofa growing demand for small,economic, cars.The latest model includes dual

SuzukiInexpensive new car

variable valve training to providegreater engine response andreduce emissions while boostingeconomy.It also incorporates a new design

interior colour and fabric trim, newfull wheel covers for SZ and SZ3models and dipping rear viewmirror. Glistening Grey metallichas also been added to the rangeas an optional colour.Its engine delivered combined

fuel consumption of 65.7mpg andCO2 emissions of 99g/km. Thesefigures make Alto one of thecleanest petrol-powered City carson sale in the UK. It's a packageworthy of examining.The Suzuki warranty may not be

quite as long as some of theirrivals, but a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty complete withroadside assistance means youcan drive easy during those firstyears of ownership.

70 mmm

72 mmm

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

74 mmm

GADGETS

Itwas a long time coming,

but last month another majorplayer on the digital TV emerged and

seems certain to play a significant role in theway we watch television and interact with it.

And YouView TV is unlikely to be a flash in the pan.A partnership between the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and

Channel 5, as well as communication giants BT, TalkTalkand Arqiva, it will have considerable clout.With set-top boxes already cluttering up frontrooms, thisbrings another, along with all the capabilities to pause live TVand record onto an in-built hard drive.But where it differs from your average Freeview box isthat by linking to the internet you access a host ofinternet-streamed on-demand services. In short itmeans box-sets of shows and the chance to catch

up on the key broadcaster's programming overthe last seven days; similar to those services

already provided by BT and Virgin.It will also pick up HD signals,

allow HD recording

andthe ability to access HDon-demand shows. Better still, theonly cost is the price of the box.However, at launch at the end of July thatwas set for £299 – although those behind theproject expect that price to tumble once take upreaches a breakthrough point.The only issue it has to hurdle now is credibility. Up against the likes of Sky and Virgin, which are quick to pioneer and get a lead on their competitors,YouView is already four years in the making and nolonger presents the breakthrough offering it oncepromised. Technology has caught up with it.Yet you can expect to hear an awful lot more aboutYouView – especially when over the coming monthsbroadband providers start offering you access to theservice as part of a package.It may not rival Sky, but expect it –reliability permitting – to over take

Freeview as the set-top box of choice.

You ViewOne to watch

Justa few short months

ago, the smart money was onAmazon's Kindle Fire emerging as a

genuine contender to Apple's iPad.But although released in the US, the Fire

remains steadfastly missing from the shelves ofUK retailers; a release promised but still unclear as

to when.And now a rivalseems almost certainto steal a lead on itwhen it comes tooffering an alternativetablet to Apple – butwithout the need toshell out the sameamount of money youwould on a half-reasonable laptop.Because while the

iPad will

stillset you back thesharp end of £400, the GoogleNexus – due to be launched at theend of July – will set you back a slightlymore modest £159 for an 8Gb version and£199 for a 16Gb device.Granted, the tablet is not on the same size ofindeed computing power scale as the iPad, but as adevice capable of crashing down the doors of thetablet market for the masses, and propelled on theback of Google's remarkable brand clout, it should notbe underestimated.With a seven-inch screen and very much beingmarketed as a music and film handheld device, theproof of the pudding, as ever, will be in the eatingfor a device which will be introducing users toplenty of Google-branded services.The question is, at £159 will anyone with a penchant forhandhelds be able to resist?

NexusChallenging times

75mmm

Onceupon a time there

were only two operatingsystems (OS) in town; Microsoft's

Windows and that provided by Apple.But then that was in a world where the

desktop machine was king and the onlything likely to ever rival it was, perhaps, a

futuristic young thing called a laptop.Today, though, it's all about establishing a slice

of the market to your OS on any platform possible.And, to the surprise of precisely no-one, the

mobile opportunities are making everyone step theirefforts up.While Windows will be praying its latest incarnation – Windows 8 – provides a genuinecross-platform world beater, there are plenty ofrivals looking to snap at its heels.

Take, for example, Mozilla. The foundationwhich emerged from the ashes of the oncemuch-loved Netscape Navigator, a

browser blown clear of the water by thepre-packaged Internet Explorer.

It has long since had itsrevenge, pioneering the

open-source

Firefoxwhich quicklybecame a hit andchewed greatchunks out of IE.And now it islooking to build areputation for itsmobile OS. Somuch so, in fact,that it will no longerbe creating newversions of its popular andfree Thunderbird mail client –the Outlook rival. Although it will continue to give theproduct support – there are 20 million people whouse it worldwide – it is aiming to focus muchattention and investment in the Mozilla Firefoxmobile OS.There's still a little while to wait thoughbefore you get to put it through its paces.The first handsets running Firefox OSare not expected until early 2013 and a UK release not until later that year.

FirefoxChallenging

76 mmmLiving under theO f all the things which

may define 2012 itmay yet come topass that the yearwill be remembered

not for gold medals and royal pompand ceremony, but for when adecision was taken to foreverchange Kent.When Boris Johnson first touted

an idea to build an airport in theThames Estuary the proposal waswidely derided as little more than a publicity seeking distraction for aman getting to grips with holdinghigh office.Yet at the tail end of 2011, things

stepped up a gear when renownedarchitect Lord Foster unveiled hisown proposals to help ease thenation's aviation capacity issues by building a site on Grain.For an additional proposal to

find itself on the table, and from a reputable source, injected a new credibility, and elevated thelevel of the debate.It would set the scene for 2012. The question is, will it determine

the long-term future for the Gardenof England?The proposals on the table alter

primarily in their positions. Boris Johnson's Boris Island

proposal would see land reclaimedfrom the estuary between Kent andEssex and a four-runway airportbuilt upon it.Lord Foster's, on the other hand,

would see construction trucks moveon to Hoo and into Grain, buildingon the edge of the peninsula and onreclaimed land.Both would require infrastructure

on a scale the county has neverwitnessed before.Rail routes – mostly underground –

would be required to link to themajor London terminals. Roadswould need to be upgraded, and the industry and accommodationaround the site required to supportand house all the thousands to beemployed by it, extraordinary.Homes on the island would have

to be bought up – by compulsorypurchase – and life as we know it on Hoo and Grain would change forever.As significantly, the north Kent

marshes would be devastated –land currently used by migratingbirds and the home to thousands of species, destroyed.Little wonder, then, that the Royal

Society for the Protection of Birds(RSPB) have been vocally opposed.A spokesman explained: “The

Thames Estuary is a large coastalwetland that is a vital migration hub for hundreds of thousands of wildfowl and wading birds. Some spend the winter in the

Thames, feeding on its mud flats and saltings, others are in transit between their Arcticbreeding grounds and winter homes further south.The global significance of the

Thames is recognised by its statusas a Special Protection Area (SPA), a series of SPAs cover the entire estuary.“Proposals to build airports in

the Thames Estuary are nothingnew – dating back to shortly afterthe Second World War – theirregular rejection on business,aviation, safety and environmentalgrounds is a signal from history thatthis is a bad location for aviation.

Lord Foster’s plans involve building on the Isle of Grain and include an undergroundtrain station. Opposite, Boris Johnson would rather build an island in the estuary.

77mmmairport’s shadow

“Time has moved on and we can add our knowledge of the risk of climate change to thedangers presented by airportexpansion in the estuary or indeed anywhere else.“We are in no doubt that

the proponents of the latest airport proposal are serious, but to some extent that jumps the gun. The airport proposal has been catapulted to prominencedeliberately ahead of a crucialaviation review and the consultationon that will enable us to state our case.”That consultation had been due

to start in March – but was then put back to the summer. In July it was further delayed to the autumn – extending the pain of the likes of the RSPB and the uncertainty for those who live in or around the area.Indeed the backlash against the

proposals has been widespread.Medway Council and SwaleBorough Council – the twoauthorities set to be most affected by the plans – have

been outspoken in their opposition,while Kent County Council has alsomade its discomfort apparent. Themajority of Kent MPs have alsospoken out.Yet despite the naysayers, there

are those who believe dismissingthe plans before the proposals areproperly outlined is a risky game.With unemployment high in

both Medway and Swale, theprospect of thousands of newpositions and a bumper impact on the supporting industries and services is appealing and hard to dismiss out of hand.Demand Regeneration In North

Kent (DRINK) is a group made up of local business movers and shakers. It has discouraged any knee-jerk reaction against the plans.The spokesman for the group

explained: “For some reasonbeyond our imagination, thepoliticians are saying ‘no’ without discussion.

“DRINK says bring on the facts,hide nothing and let’s see what the options are.“It's much more than just an

airport. It is road, rail, sea, air, seadefence, energy and water – at lastsome joined up thinking that needsto be looked at and challenged.”Ultimately, however, the cost

of at least £50 billion and the fact it is ten to 15 years in the future,even at the point of being given the go-ahead, may prove to be the stumbling block.The debate will continue. Should

Heathrow or Gatwick expand?Should the nation look to greatlyenhance its aviation reach to theglobal markets by building a newinternational hub on our doorstep?The autumn consultation should

finally put some flesh on the bonesof all the key issues and alloweveryone to draw their ownconclusions – and, perhaps mostsignificantly, speak out in favour of or against the proposals. mmm

78 mmm

BUSINESS

Clare Cockell, managing director of boutique spa group The Reef,has certainly not been resting on her laurels this past year.

The company, which began in Maidstone, was chosen last year by Dragon’s Den star TheoPaphitis as a winner of his Twittercompetition Small BusinessSunday. In December 2011 theyexpanded to open a second site,The Reef Hideaway, in Sevenoaks.

Then to top it off they have justreceived news that they were votednumber seven in theindustry’s leadingpublication,Professional Beauty,for the Most InspiringSalons in the UK andIreland 2012. Justthree places ahead,at number four, is the Urban Retreat at Harrods.

Clare and her teamare understandably thrilled at thisincredible news.

Professional Beauty states: “Clarehas inspired other salon owners by

building the brand anddeveloping her team.”

Then on June 29,Theo Paphitis tweetedClare regarding hersuccess: “And a veryBIG well done fromme too!”

Clare said: “We areover the moon. Wehave had a busy yearwith the expansion

and this makes all the hard workworthwhile. Our customers have

Growing successThe Reef

The streets turned purple as the ReynoldsFitness Spa team ran to support Demelzachildren’s hospice on July 27.

The Reynolds Renegades ran from theirclub in Bexley all the way to Sittingbournetown centre, making several stops on theway. First to their Rainham club (to pick upmore of the team), then running onwards to Demelza House and finally running totheir Sittingbourne club and the town centrein a journey that covered nearly 30 miles.

Manager Amy said: "As a local businessit's important for us to support an amazingcharity like Demelza house and the workthey do.”

You can sponsor the brave runners atwww.justgiving.com/reynoldsfundraising orsee www.reynoldsgroup.co.uk/fitness-spato find out more about the spa.

Running for charityReynolds

The Mayor and Mayoress ofAshford enjoyed a sumptuousevening of gourmet dining atboutique hotel Elvey Farm inPluckley on July 18.

They were joined by media andbusiness professionals tocelebrate the refurbishment of therestaurant and were treated to afive-course taster menu.

The restaurant’s new head chef,Phillip Pearmain, prepared themenu to celebrate the Best ofBritish cuisine.

The restaurant has beenredesigned to complement theBritish theme and is housed in astunning 16th century barn amidst75 acres of countryside.

Gourmet foodElvey Farm

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The official opening of AudleyMote House took placerecently, introducing a newform of independent retirementliving to the area.Mote House, a Grade II-listedGeorgian mansion, contains 14 unique apartments, all with original features. Theproperties are available topurchase for those over 55who wish to live anindependent and healthy laterlife in beautiful surroundings. The Audley Club will be openand the restaurant will soon betaking bookings too.Nick Sanderson, CEO ofAudley Retirement, said:“We’re pleased to be openingup one of Kent’s most beautifulGeorgian mansions for the firsttime in generations. Residentswill benefit from the restorationof a wonderful property, as wellas the availability of a countryclub, complete with terrace,restaurant, and a pool.”Mote House is situated in the heart of Mote Park, whichcomprises 450 acres ofgrounds and is home to anabundance of wildlife. Audley is the leading providerof high quality accommodationfor older people in the UK.Residents buy their home on a 125-year lease. Seewww.audleyretirement.co.ukfor further information.Nick Sanderson is pictured at the opening with Maidstone Mayor Rodd Gracie-Nelson.

Officially openMote House

been hugely supportive, which is solovely, and the team are fantastic;we couldn’t have achieved thethings we have without their hardwork and dedication. “We were chuffed to bits to hearwhere we were placed and to thenreceive a tweet of encouragementand support again from Theo wasjust amazing – he, with his Twitter#SBS (Small Business Sunday) hashelped make such things possible.”Visit www.thereefspa.com or callthe salons at Maidstone 01622753183 or Sevenoaks 01732450200 for more information.

The event was also thelaunch for a £15 three-courselunch menu for selected days,and new this summer aretraditional English afternoonteas, to be enjoyed on thelawn or inside the restaurant. On the day, proprietors JeffMoody and Simon Peek held

tours of the Stable Block andOast House, for overnightaccommodation. Conferenceand wedding facilities are also available.

Pictured above are the Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford with Jeff Moody (second from left) and Simon Peek (right).

Bridgesre-opening in

Maidstone

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ture

s: T

hom

as R

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More than 300 people attended the glittering re-opening of thestunning venue that is Bridges.

Presented with champagne on arrival, guests were treated to a fabulous evening of excellent food and good company

which launched the restaurant to the public in style.Sampling the high quality food on offer, visitors tasted a variety

of canapes that included samples from the menu, with theoysters proving particularly popular.

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Call now foryour free no obligation home consultation08080043434

Showrooms open: Mon-Sat 9.00am-5.30pm Sun 10.30am-4.30pmNewnham Court Shopping Village,Bearsted Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5LH

www.granitetransformations.co.uk/maidstone

WHITE COTTAGE, 13 ASHFORD ROAD, MAIDSTONE, KENT ME14 5DA

Telephone: 01622 690575 ● FAX: 01622 691354

Email: [email protected]

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SOME LATE

AVAILABILITY

FOR 2012 & 2013

An exclusive venue set within 5 acresof beautiful private grounds.

Call Kim Manchett on 01622 727779with any questions and enquiries.

The Old Rectory, Farleigh Lane,

Maidstone, Kent ME16 9LX

www.rectorywedding.com

Maidstone Medway Magazine

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