bleak housequeen vic's bed and dickens desk in broadstairs most unique b&b

food festivitiesbumper food section to tuck into this xmas

issue fivenovember/december twenty-twelve

canterbury getting festive in kent's most historic city of canterbury

MR BOND, WE'VE BEEN EXPECTING YOU.

Daniel Craig

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[title]

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[title]

Fenwick Canterbury is the perfect one-stop shop for all your Festive needs. Fabulous

products, wonderful service and great value.

Visit the store to see more!

Christmas all wrapped

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[welcome]

Hello and welcome to our November/ December “Christmas” Issue.

Where do the years go? It seems only yesterday we took down last year’s decorations but already it’s time to dust them off and give them another airing!

To get you in the holiday spirit we’ve got plenty of festive content to kick start your Christmas. Take a stroll around Canterbury’s Traditional German Christmas Market, let our guest Chefs teach you some fantastic seasonal recipes, become the consummate mixologist courtesy of The Cuban’s cocktail page or browse our

Fenwick’s gift guide and get some ideas for those tricky to buy for friends or relatives (we all have them!).

Check out the latest fashions courtesy of Fenwick’s, escape from the gloom with Jaillan Yehia’s top tips for a holiday in the Portugeuse region of Alentejo or take a look around Bleak House as one of East Kent’s most famous residence’s opens its doors as a truly unique B&B.

This month sees the long anticipated release of the new James Bond film, “Skyfall” so with this in mind get familiar with the life and times of the roughest, toughest and sexiest Bond to date – Daniel Craig.

With the latest East Kent news, homes and gardens, motoring, health & beauty and a whole host of ideas for days out, activities and things to do in our beautiful corner of England be sure to seek some festive inspiration from the magazine – our early Xmas gift to all our readers.

Pete Nichols, Publishing Director

ISSUE FIVE

EAST KENT LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

november/december twenty-twelve

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Great choice . Excellent service . Competitively priced.

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[contents]

what’s inside...

christmas in canterbury

15

bleak house B&B50

skyfall45

food and drink 52 Cuban Party Nights 53 Cuban Xmas Cocktails 55 Kim's Herbal Recipe 57 Marquis Recipe 59 The Minnis Recipe 60 Quex Foods 62 The Minnis Bar & Restaurant 65 Food For Thought 65 The Sun Inn 66 The Bull 69 Broadstairs Food Festival home 32 Winter Heating 34 Interiors by Papillion 38 Jackson's Fencing 40 Granite Transformations 41 Pentland Homes travel 84 Welsh Christmas Markets 85 Jaillan Travel

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[contents]

71

[fashion]

winterstyle

All from a selection at Fenwick

winter style74

volvo v4082

jaillan travel86

music 49 Riskee and The Ridiculea regulars & features 10 News 12 Sustainable Living 14 Fabulous Finds 16 Cycle Trail 22 Gift Guide 45 Skyfall 64 BMI Healthcare 96 Renee's Healthy Food Tips 100 What's Occuring 102 Native Gifts days out 18 Powell Museum 20 Christmas in Canterbury 26 Christmas Markets 31 Canterbury Cathedral Lodge 50 Bleak House B&B

fashion 71 Fenwicks Fashion 80 Fashion by Deborah Eastlake 88 Amy's Beauty Tips 92 Harrison' s Hair Team 91 Amy's Beauty Tips

education 97 St Lawrence College 99 Kent College

cars 82 Volvo V40 christmas

cocktails

53

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[title]

“One of the UK's most fascinating and unique visitor attractions”

Quex House & Gardens

A world-class collection of 19th Century natural history and ethnography from Africa and Asia ~ Fascinating furniture and

objets d’art ~ Oriental fine arts ~ Ceramics ~ Weaponry ~ Local archaeology ~ Beautiful informal gardens & historic Victorian

glasshouses ~ Boutique café and tearooms ~ Groups welcome

Museum & GardensTuesday - Sunday 10am to 5pm

HouseTuesday - Sunday 1pm to 4pm

Please visit the websitefor seasonal dates andentrance fees.www.quexmuseum.org

Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens Quex Park, Birchington, Kent, CT7 0BH | T. 01843 842168 | E. enquiries@quexmuseum.org

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[publication information]

ContributorsPete Nichols, Joanna Costello, John Sanson, Renee Maguire, Edward Moore, Diane Martin, Jaillan Yehia, Peter Da Silva, Karen Botha, Kim-gileve Evans, Martyn Barr, Amy McManus, Bradley McManus, Rachael Hook, Rev. Mark Aitken, Andy Carter, BMI Chaucer, Deborah Eastlake, Sam Wydymus, Jo Scott, Tony King, Jason Freedman, George Pantelli, Charlie Lakin, Graham Thornhill

Contributing PhotographersHelena Benedict, Steve Wyse, Jaillan Yehia, Deborah Eastlake, Jo Doran, Amy McManus, Jo Scott

For all advertising enquiries please contact sales on 01707 878 026

Publishing DirectorPete Nichols pete@psapublishing.co.uk

Sales ExecutiveJo Costellosales@psapublishing.co.uk

Travel EditorJaillan Yehiahello@savoirthere.com

Creative DirectorStuart Bennettstuart@bainesdesign.co.uk

Managing DirectorAndrew Bennettandrew@bainesdesign.co.uk

DistributionSam Holliday

psapublishingEast Kent Lifestyle magazine published by PSA Publishing The Joiners Shop, Historic Dockyard, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TZ

The Coastguard pub & Restaurant isn’t hard to find.

between the bottom of the hill and the deep blue sea

Head for the sound of the waves lapping against the white cliffs of Dover, follow the delicious aroma of local produce cooking in a busy kitchen, search out the glint of freshly-poured ale. When the English Channel is about to wet your toes, you’ll be there.

Admittedly, it’s a location hard to beat. A pub with its own beach and views across to France when the weather’s clear. Couples say it’s decidedly romantic; families say it’s great fun.

It’s true that when you get to us your mobile might think you’re already in France (it is only 23 miles away) but The Coastguard prides itself on being an entirely British-orientated seaside “home from home.”

We’d love to see you soon. The Coastguard – your home by the sea.

50 minutes from London40 minutes from Calais2 seconds from the sea

St Margaret’s Bay, near Doverwww.thecoastguard.co.ukTel: 01304 853176

tel: 01707 878026 email: sales@psapublishing.co.ukwww.psapublishing.co.uk

© Copyright 2012. No part of East Kent Lifestyle can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the prior written consent of the publishers. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher.

BAINES design & print 01707 876555 Printed on environmentally friendly paper A48563

[news] east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent

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East Kent Restauranteur Jason Freedman has brought his love of charcuterie and fresh, local ingredients to the Goods Shed food hall and farmers market arena in Canterbury, opening his new counter “Curiously Kentish” on October 15th, 2012. The concept of the charcuterie was created by two local lads, but “Curiously Kentish” is the brain child of Freedman, a Kent native, who is also the owner and head chef of the Minnis of Birchington. Freedman explained that he is opening this venue because of his passion for local, high quality ingredients and preserving the region’s cultural cuisine.

Curiously Kentish make their own dishes and products from local produce with complete culinary Kent influence.

Traditional Kentish recipes utilise ancient preserving techniques such as curing and smoking and feature everything from salt beef sandwiches to cured hams and local salami.

Curiously Kentish also provides business lunches and outside catering. For more information, go to www.curiouslykentish.co.uk

A Curiously Kentish Delight

The Taste of Kent Awards 2013 The Taste of Kent Awards 2013 recognise the county’s ‘food and drink heroes’ and provide the public with an opportunity to vote for their favourite food and drink producers, retailers, restaurants, dining pubs and farmers’ markets.

In addition to the public vote Food Producers are invited to enter their products into the Best Kent Food Product Categories.

2013 also sees the return of the Special Award for Food, Farming and Landscape. The purpose of this award is to recognise exemplary achievements where a food

producer or farmer makes a real contribution to the conservation and enhancement of Kent's fine landscape.

Stephanie Durling of Produced in Kent said: “The awards are seen as a benchmark of food and drink excellence in our county. For the outstanding companies that win an award, it is an acknowledgement of their status as the county’s ‘food and drink heroes’ and a stamp of approval from Kent consumers”

For your chance to vote and to find out more about how to get involved in the 2013 Taste of Kent Awards go to www.tasteofkentawards.co.uk

[news]east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS east kent NEWS

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Kent’s

The eagerly anticipated brand new Primark store at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Thanet officially opened its doors to the public on 1st October with shoppers from across East Kent flocking to see the new shop.

The popular budget retailer situated near T.K.Maxx attracted the highest footfall on record since the centre opened and brings visitors the latest fashions and homewares at excellent value.

The two-storey building is Kent’s largest Primark store and the latest anchor retailer for the centre joining brands including Marks & Spencer and Debenhams.

Owned by Land Securities and opening in 2005, Westwood Cross Shopping Centre has 53 retail and leisure units with 1,500 free car parking spaces and has an average of 4.5 million visitors every year.

Primark BiggestOpens At Westwood Cross

Kent In Focus Announces Winners At Private Viewing Evening PHOTOGRAPHERS from all over Kent have been taking part in a competition to capture the best images of its places and people, organised by Pilgrims Hospices. The winners were announced during a private viewing of the 15 finalists at Canterbury Christ Church University’s Augustine House on Thursday 18 October.

Adults, along with primary and secondary aged children, were invited to submit their favourite photos in the two themes of Kent People and Kent Places between April and September with winners chosen each month by the public voting on Pilgrims Hospices website. A judging panel then viewed all 250 entries to decide15 prize winners in the different categories.

The winners received prizes which ranged from greeting card sets of their winning images printed by local business and event sponsor, Noel Tatt Group, to photographic accessories from LoweProUk, magazine subscriptions from Newsstand. The two overall winners, Peter Winkworth & Eleanor Sidders received a practical session with Jason Dodd, local professional photographer and an Apple iMovie experience at Blue Water respectively.

Pilgrims Hospices Regional Fundraising Manager Deborah Kellond said: “The winners deserve our congratulations and their work can be seen at the university’s campuses in Canterbury and Broadstairs between now and early December. The images will also be used for the Pilgrims Hospices 2014 calendar.

All finalists’ images can be viewed on www.pilgrimshospices.org

For more information, please contact marketing and communications manager Nick Evans on 01227 782061

Winner, Peter Winkworth

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[sustainable living] sustainable

livingin East Kent

Popularised by Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall and Jamie Oliver, a clay oven in your garden will cook an authentically thin and crispy pizza in two minutes and you can also use it to bake bread, slow cook casseroles and produce your Sunday roast. The oven will keep the chill off during evenings in the garden and the warm glow will be made all the rosier by knowing that you built it yourself.

Short Courses for Adults…. Clay Oven Building is just one of the courses being run at Rippledown in 2013. Growing interest in self sufficiency and sustainable living has resulted in the development of the programme of short courses for adults. You can also learn plenty about sustainable building. Why not build yourself a garage, studio or wendy house out of straw bales? Rendered straw bale buildings are cheap to build, naturally insulated and can last for decades. A

course will cover everything you need to do it yourself, from sourcing the raw materials, to obtaining any necessary planning permission. Other courses include Outdoor Cooking, Seashore Foraging and Hedgerow Foraging so budding Ray Mears and wild food gourmets will be well catered for.

….and outdoor fun birthday parties for children Rippledown, between Dover and Deal has been running residential environmental education courses for children for over thirty years and the three and a half acre site has a vegetable garden, wildlife pond, straw bale building, moot hall, clay ovens and wooded and grassed areas.

The friendly staff and highly skilled tutors are now turning their experienced hands to providing outdoor themed birthday parties where the children can let off steam in the healthiest way possible, in the woods

our out on the field. The team provide these parties at two locations – either in the grounds of Rippledown or at the nearby Pines Garden (www.pinesgarden.co.uk) with a wide variety of outdoor activities on offer from archery to bushcraft skills, with a campfire in the winter months being particularly popular with the children.

How about giving someone an outdoor gift this Christmas? So if the great outdoors is your thing, have a look at the website www.rippledown.com.

Gift vouchers for courses are available if you want to treat someone this Christmas.

Rippledown House, Dover Road, Ringwould, Deal, Kent, CT14 8HE

Diane Martin, Rippledown

Photo credits: Jerome Dutton

Forget the BBQ and chiminea, the next must have accessory for your garden is a clay oven.

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[title]

stayincontrol.rank.com Over 18s only. Photo ID is required.

www.gambleaware.co.uk

Monday 31st DecemberFrom 7pm until the early hoursDress to impress and be part of the best party in town! Tickets only £10pp and include a free glass of bubbly at midnight, DJ, Disco and live band The Octaves.

Why not become a VIP for the night and book our VIP Dining Experience?

You can enjoy a luxury 5 course menu, which includes a glass of Laurent Perrier Champagne, seating in our restaurant all evening and a glass of bubbly at midnight. Plus a £5 free bet voucher, entertainment and a commemorative photograph. All for just £48.95pp.

Dress code is strictly smart. VIP Dining Experience must be booked in advance. Limited availability – book early to avoid disappointment.

For more information please contact Sherrill on 01843 579 999

Grosvenor G Casino Thanet, Margate Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 2BF

Join us this New Year’s Eve

14

[fabulous finds]

East Kent Lifestyle Magazine’s hottest buys. Christmas is coming and we have something special for everyone!

If you’re shopping for the man who has everything, you can probably assume he won’t have these! Ok so maybe they’re not going to be for everyone but for those who admire quality, style and sophistication you don’t get much higher quality than this beautiful Leica product.

Price £650 from www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk

LEICA ULTRAVID 8X20 OSTRICH-STYLE EFFECT LEATHER BINOCULARS

Jocelyn Burton has created a new range of supersize cufflinks for the hunting, shooting and fishing fraternity (or accessory loving animal fans everywhere!) there are horses, wild boar, woodcock, widgen and teal in argentium silver. She can also make any of the new designs in gold.

From £150 www.jocelynburton.com

SUPERSIZE CUFFLINKS

Ok, so this isn’t exactly an exclusive “Find” but it is new, it is sexy and it is worth hearing about and with quarterly sales of over 35 million a new iPhone is big enough news for us!

With a larger screen, 8-megapixel iSight camera with panorama, an impossibly light yet sturdy chassis, and with a processor twice as fast as its predecessor with 4G LTE connectivity the iPhone 5 is a definite step forward for Apple.

As ever the price tag is a little out of kilter with the rest of the smartphone market if purchased out of contract but we doubt this will stop sales breaking all sorts of record in coming months.

Prices from £529 or free on contract from £44 per month on certain networks.

IPHONE 5

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[fabulous finds]

15

With the new James Bond hitting our screens this month and Xmas around the corner here’s a perfect gift for any budding 007’s out there. The Sky Cam-2 2.4GHz helicopter in just 19cm long and has a built in 64 MB memory to record up to 60 seconds of VGA video or 300 photos at 1280 x 960 resolution using the onboard camera. All images/video can be downloaded to computer via USB.

Price £70, available at www.sciencemuseumshop.co.uk

SPY CAM 2 GYRO HELICOPTER

VESPA RIDE-ONDesign inspired by the real Vespa, this children's version is a fun way to get your children moving and active. The Vespa builds confidence and a sense of balance before they move up to a pedal bike. Perfect for indoors and out. Children on this Vespa will be the envy of all grown ups who dream of having their own!

Price £75 from www.museumoflondonshop.co.uk

A stylish new addition to the Montblanc range, this messenger bag is made of silk and cotton combined with soft black calfskin, black jacquard lining, palladium-plated fittings, and branded duffle-coat-toggle closure system.

Price: £540.00

MONTBLANC SIGNATURE LADIES COLLECTION TOTE BAG

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Crab andWinkle Way

For fun and fitness you can’t beat a bike. Why not spend a few hours enjoying this popular route over 7.5 miles (12km) along a disused railway path between the cathedral city of Canterbury and Whitstable Harbour.

[feature]

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[feature]

The route caters for most abilities and features some hills, with a 61m (200ft) climb out of Canterbury and an undulating middle section. However, there are fine views over Whitstable from the highest point of the ride.

The path takes its name from the pioneering railway line which ran between Canterbury and Whitstable from the early part of the 19th century. It was one of the first to be built in Great Britain. With an area designated as a World Heritage Site, there is a lot to see and do in Canterbury. From visiting the cathedral, St Augustine's Abbey and Canterbury museum, to exploring the city's lanes and countless historic buildings.

On the way to Whitstable, the path passes through Blean, with its 13th century Church of St Cosmus and St Damian. Blean Woods is a delightful

RSPB nature reserve covering more than 11 square miles and one of the largest areas of ancient broadleaved woodland in southern Britain, here you can find the rare heath fritillary butterfly. The journey also takes you through the conifer-dominated woodland of Clowes Wood, one of the best places in the country to hear the remarkable song of the nightjar.

From Harbledown the route is mostly traffic-free, following the railway line from the Winding Pond (a great place to picnic) to the outskirts of Whitstable.

The route ends at Whitstable station, but is signed all the way to the harbour of this lovely seaside town which is still a commercial port. Enjoy its weather boarded cottages, stroll down Squeeze Gut Alley and sample the local seafood for which the railway was nicknamed. Seafood is high on the agenda and

places to enjoy include the Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company, East Quay Shellfish Bar, Wheelers' Oyster Bar, Birdies Eating House and the Crab and Winkle restaurant.

Whitstable's vibrant contemporary arts scene has led to the growth of colourful craft shops in the town. The Whitstable Museum and Gallery has permanent and touring exhibitions, many reflecting the town's seafaring traditions. A stroll along the Saxon Shore Way and the cliff-top lawns of Tankerton Slopes, with their colourful wooden beach huts, offers perfect views of `The Street' - a narrow shingle ridge stretching half-a-mile out to sea at low tide.

If you don't feel up to the ride back, you can get the train from Whitstable to Canterbury East station with a change at Faversham.

LOCATION: Start point Canterbury West station (CT1 2AH) or Whitstable Station (CT5 1SD)

DISTANCE: 7.5 miles (12km) one way, allow 1.5 hours one way

TERRAIN: On-road 49%, off-road 51%

PARKING: Canterbury West train station and in Whitstable

REFRESHMENTS & FACILITIES: Toilets and refreshments in Whitstable and Canterbury

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[days out]

Quex Park have recently embarked on a Garden Restoration Project which will bring Quex Gardens and its historic Victorian Walled greenhouses back to their former glory within a 3 – 5 year plan. A call to action in July has returned over 40 excellent volunteers in the gardens and the improvements made so far are staggering.

The exciting discovery in broken down sheds of the original cold frames will allow for the propagation of thousands of plants needed to plant in the 2013 season after restoration. The historic glasshouses require substantial reinvestment and research work has begun on how the necessary funding can be sought through a variety of grants available within the industry.

Quex Garden Manager Tim Hewett will spend the winter months designing new layouts and working with the Quex Archives team to establish old layouts for reintroduction.

Situated in East Kent, the Powell-Cotton Museum is arguably one of the most unique and fascinating private collections in the UK. The world class collection consists of 19th century natural history from Africa and Asia, presenting the diversity of the natural world through the finest taxidermy set in stunning scenes of African and Asian wildlife landscapes.

The conservation theme continues in the Museum with researchers from

all over the world visiting regularly to work with all aspects of the collections. Collaborations with world renowned institutions dedicated to conservation work around the world has become a priority and the Powell-Cotton Museum aims to ensure its place amongst the best known organisations dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and endangered species.

Our fascinating private collection also includes oriental fine arts and porcelain, antique furniture, ceramics, weaponry and local archaeology. Experts from all over the world pay tribute to the quality and depth of the collection and its diversity. In order to maximise the enjoyment for visitors the Museum aims to allow more access to these unique pieces through supported lectures in 2013.

There has been a house at Quex since the early 1400s. It has been called 'Quex' since its ownership in the 1500s by the Quekes family who prospered in the extensive wool industry in Kent. After two hundred years Quex House remains

a family home. Its relaxed atmosphere and character are immediately appreciated when visitors step from the Museum galleries into the late-Victorian Oriental Drawing Room, Grand Hall, Boudoir, and stunning Library.

The 2013 Events Calendar is testimony to a dynamic team in post who aim to maximise the many facets Quex Park has to offer – a visit never fails to excite and fulfil expectations! Quexmas on Sunday 25 November is a highly successful Christmas Craft Fair and worth a visit to enjoy the festive atmosphere and to find that unique gift !

Mama Feelgoods Boutique Cafe offers breakfast, lunch and afternoon teas in the restaurant adjacent to the Museum and Gardens. Refreshments will be offered in our Garden marquee on wedding and function days through the season.

Conservation, Preservation, Heritage, Historic Gardens

The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens

To celebrate the NEW Winter opening dates, reduced price entry is being offered from January to Easter.

2012 TIMES – MUSEUM, HOUSE AND GARDENS to 18th November (+ Quexmas Event 25th Nov)

2013 TIMES – MUSEUM AND GARDENS - 15th January to 28th March (1/2 price entry off full price during this period) - Quex House is CLOSED.

Summer Season MUSEUM, HOUSE AND GARDENS - 29 March 2013 to 17 November 2013 (normal entry applies).

The Museum, House and Gardens Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm (House open 1pm – 4pm)

For visitor and event information phone 01843 842168 or log on to www.quexmuseum.org

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[title]

Canterbury Christmas Market

Mon-Sat 10.00 – 18.00 (Thursday till 19.00) | Sun 11.00 – 17.00

In the heart of the city on Whitefriars Square, you will find wooden chalets offeringhandcrafted goods, unique gifts and seasonal specialities such as German Glühweinand Bratwurst. Please visit our website: www.facebook.com/XmasMarketCanterbury

23rd November – 23rd December 2012

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[days out]

IN CANTERBURYChristmas

Words by Martyn Barr

Christmas in Canterbury is always a magical experience and this year is no exception.

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[days out]

A great place for Christmas shopping Canterbury is a great place to shop any time of the year, but the city really comes into its own in the run-up to Christmas (and for January sales afterwards!), with one of the best store line-ups in the South East. Many leading High Street names are represented in Whitefriars, whilst in other parts of the city centre, including the cosmopolitan King’s Mile, there’s a host of independent shops and boutiques offering unique gifts and fashions.

If you would prefer to avoid traffic congestion and high city centre parking charges, then why not take advantage of the city’s excellent Park and Ride service? For just £2.50 a driver and up to six passengers can park all day at one of three sites, with buses every ten minutes or so into the city centre.

The Marlowe Theatre panto stars will officially launch Christmas in Canterbury on Thursday 15 November. The traditional lights switch-on event in St George’s Street will feature a fun mix of games, community activities and music performances…a great way to kickstart the festive season!

The popular German Christmas Market will run from 23 November until 23 December, once again adding an air of rustic, seasonal charm to Whitefriars Square. A dozen wooden stalls will be selling a range of continental food specialities, Christmas decorations and gifts. Shop at your leisure to the tantalising aromas of barbecued sausages and mulled wine!

Whitefriars will be laying on more festive entertainment (check for latest information at www.whitefriars.eu), including regular visits from Santa himself! On December weekends in the run-up to the big day, Santa and his elf will be in their own little cabin in Whitefriars Square from 11am to 4pm (admission charge, small gift for children, includes charity donation).

Shop late and park free! Many of the 70+ stores located in Whitefriars will be trading late in the run-up to Christmas, especially on Thursdays, when Whitefriars shoppers will be able to park for free in the multi-storey car park in Watling Street after 6pm (spend £10 or more to qualify). And if you come along to Whitefriars Square between 5pm and 7pm on Thursdays, you can have your gifts professionally wrapped in return for a charity donation.

A visit from St Nick The ‘real’ Father Christmas – St Nicholas – will be paying his usual visit to the city on Saturday, 8 December. This annual fundraising event starts with a parade through the city culminating in the arrival of St Nicholas at the Cathedral.

The parade forms part of a long weekend of Christmas activity centred on Canterbury Heritage Museum in Stour Street. Step into a magical Christmas experience at one of the city’s most beautiful and historic buildings. Meet colourful characters, visit Santa in his grotto and take part in a festive quiz. The admission price includes a small gift for children.

Christmas at the Cathedral

There’s no better time to visit Canterbury Cathedral than in December, as it readies itself for one of the most important events in the Christian calendar. The life-sized crib in the Cathedral Precincts is well worth a visit and the music sung by the Cathedral choir at services can only be described as ‘heavenly’!

Don’t miss the popular Christmas carol services at 11.15am to 11.00am on 23 and 24 December. The two services are identical, but the Christmas Eve service is a ticketed event. There are two services on Christmas Day itself, with the Archbishop of Canterbury preaching at the 11.15am Eucharist service.

Children especially will love the annual Children’s Society Christingle service, to be held at the Cathedral on 28

December at 3pm. Every member of the congregation receives a Christingle, consisting of: an orange, representing the world; a red ribbon, tied round the orange, representing the blood of Christ; fruits and sweets on four sticks, representing God's good gifts - the fruits of the earth and the four seasons; and a lighted candle pushed into the centre of the orange, representing Christ, the light of the world.

Finally, don’t miss the Lord Mayor’s Charity Carol Service in Rose Square on Christmas Eve. This event, which is usually presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury himself, attracts thousands and starts at around 6pm. It’s a great way to gorge yourself on Christmas spirit in preparation for the big day!

22

[gift guide]

22

Christmas gift guideAll from a selection at Fenwick

food & drink

1. LuigiBormioliAroundtheworldcoffeeglasses(setof 2)£14.00

2. WhitstablePickleCompanyassortedpicklesandchutneysFrom£3.30

3. Hope&Greenwoodceramicbakingbeans£8.00,sugarthermometer£7.00,TalaCocoaandSugarshakers£8.00each

4. SweetTreats(clockwise)treegingerbreadbiscuit£2.99,santagingerbreadhouse£8.99,stockinggingerbreadbiscuit£2.99,largecandycane£6.99

1.

2.

3.4.

Christmas gift guide

2323

[gift guide]

for the kids

1. 5BlackSchnauzerscreenduster£7.95,smallpurse£4.95,mediummake-upbag£9.95,softtoy£12.95

2. KnittedDinosaursTyrannosaurus£24.95,Stegosaurus£14.95

3. VelourMousebabyslippers£17.95

4. Makeyourownanimalskits£10.95

5. SodaDropsJuicyfragrancedearbudheadphones

6. Moustachetheme(clockwise)snap£3.95,fridgemagnets£3.95,Beard&moustachemanagementbook£6.99,Chillbabydummy£7.95,stachestraws£4.95

7. Beanopaperplanekit£7.95

8. Worldssmallestwalkietalkies£11.95

9. OwltrioorangeOwlsofttoy£7.95,AromahomeOwlmicrowavehottie£7.95,plushowlbabyrattle£9.95

1. 2.

3.

4.

5.

6. 7.8.9.

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[gift guide]

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for him

1. WhitstableBrewerybeersfrom£2.00each

2. Handpressomobilehandheldespressomakerset£135.00

3. BedroomAthleticszipfrontslipperboots,£29.95

4. HugoBossleatheraccessories:Bleekerleatheripadattachécase£140,Bomboleatherwashbag£99.00,Bengileatherwallet£79.00,Franskiocufflinks£50.00

5. Beercookbook£9.99,

6. BobblehatsL&RBartslogcabinpompombeanies£19.95,CentreGantreindeerlambswoolbobblehat£49.00

7. Aspinalof LondonDeluxetravelwallet£130.00,Leatheripadsleeve£125,leathercovereddoublehipflask£79.00

8. Gantlambswoolsweaters:jacquardsnowflakeintarsia£119.00,reindeerhooded£145

1.2.

3.

4.

5. 6.

7. 8.

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for her

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[gift guide]

for her

1. CharbonneletWalkerchocolatedrink£5.50,Parisiancreams£9.99,heartshapedtruffles£3.99each

2. Ruby&Edvelvetslippers£39.00

3. DKNYBlackzipuppurse£69.00,pinkenvelopepurse£69.00

4. ChantelleIndigolacebra£50.00,Frenchknicker£30.00

5. BedroomAthleticspinkfurryslipperboots£20.00

6. VossenAtlantawhitetowellingrobe£29.00,Texascottonvelourrobe£50.00

7. Joulesstationerybox£19.99.mediumjournal£9.99,smalljournal£6.99,notepad£3.75

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The Cupcake Café, Old Town Margate, CT9 1ER

01843 231300 / 0798574 7936 / lisa@thecupcake.biz

www.thecupcake.biz Cupcakes for all occasions – weddings/parties.

Café shop selling gifts and refreshments/food

Canterbury Xmas Markets Back for a 7th year, Whitefriars Square in the centre of historic Canterbury City Centre will be transformed into a traditional German style Christmas Market between 23rd of November until the 23rd December.

The charming chalets will host an authentic selection of gifts and wares including hand crafted toys, tin toys, Christmas ornaments, potpourri, crystals and funky hats. There will also be a range of festive food & drinks and enchanting traditional, seasonal music to get you in the Christmas spirit whilst you contemplate your yuletide shopping.

Enjoy a “Bratwurst” or some tooth bending German sweets washed down with a glass of warming Glühwein (German Mulled Wine to you and me) as you peruse the wares and soak up the atmosphere.

The market will be open daily from 10am – 6pm Monday to Friday (with an additional hour on Thursdays), 9am to 6pm Saturdays and from 11am to 5.30pm on Sundays.

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Partridge in a pear tree Turtle doves French hens

Gold rings Geese a laying Swans a swimming Maids a milking

Ladies dancing Lords a leaping Pipers piping Drummers drumming

Calling birds

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CANTERBURY TOURIST GUIDES

Present the ONLY tours offering guided walks

through historic streets AND the Cathedral Precincts for £6.50 or less. Our knowledgeable, entertaining

Guides can respond to your questions and interests. Tours leave the Buttermarket daily at 11am

(except 25th & 31st December and 1stJanuary ‘13) Tickets from Canterbury Visitor Centre and the

Roman Museum or online. No pre-booking required. Visit us at: www.canterburyguidedtours.com email: guides@canterburytouristguides.co.uk

Tel: 01227 459779 Ideal for local residents and visitors alike

 

 Call    0800  0742  721  today  

 www.sbiproducts.co.uk    

SBI  Veranda  Patio  Roof  

Patio  roofs  with  optional  screens,  lighting  and  heating  

Party Nights at Canterbury Cathedral LodgeStill not booked a Christmas lunch with friends or an evening party night with work colleagues? Guaranteed to offer a Christmas celebration to remember, the Cathedral Lodge is located within a truly unique location in the private grounds of Canterbury Cathedral. Canterbury Cathedral Lodge is a 35 bedroom hotel and conference venue, providing the perfect getaway destination for anyone visiting historic Canterbury. Also popular with conference organisers, the Cathedral Lodge has an impressive 250 seat Auditorium and a series of function rooms allowing it to cater for anything from a small meeting to a large delegate event.

The modern Refectory Restaurant benefits from lots of natural day-light and overlooks a beautiful courtyard garden. Festive lunches are priced at a reasonable £19.95

per person for 3 courses, coffee and mince pies and an after lunch visit to the Cathedral or some Christmas shopping in the City is a must!

Party nights are priced from just £29.95 and start with a drinks reception in the stunning Kentish Barn overlooking the Cathedral, followed by a 3 course sit down dinner with coffee and mince pies in the Clagett Auditorium. To finish off the evening there is dancing with a resident DJ.

For more information visit www.canterburycathedrallodge.org

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Autumn, in all its glory, is in full swing now. Evenings are shorter and we can have lovely cosy nights round the fire? Well you should if you want to be warm & reduce your bill for the ever rising fossil fuels.

We are blessed in Kent with a vast acreage of woodland, mainly coppice which has to be cut every 12-15 years; our own ready planted bio fuel. So we should all be taking advantage of this source of fuel which has been planted for us over 100’s of years.

Open fires were always the way houses were heated in the UK, when fuel was cheap and coal plentiful, but in other countries that relied on wood alone the high efficiency of the wood stove was the only answer.

In recent years, ever the inventors, the British Stove Design and Manufacturing industry has taken other countries by storm and we are amongst the world leaders in this technology. Charnwood on the Isle of White, ESSE in Yorkshire, Aarrow/Villager in Dorset are all multi million pound companies. Here in Canterbury we have Thornhill Eco Design, with a new patented combustion system, designing & testing stoves for different companies. Burley in Rutland, now make probably the cleanest most efficient stove in the world, to their design.

There are styles and sizes to suit every home, but remember you will need a chimney if you don’t already have one. Visit a stove shop with your dimensions and see what can be achieved.

If the storage of logs and the lighting is too much for you because you work late, look at wood pellets. These are made from compressed sawdust and look like animal feed or cat litter. The advantage here is cost and simplicity. The pellet stoves and boiler can work off a time clock and ignite themselves so you can come back after a long day to a nice warm cosy home.

There is even a pellet cooker! East Kent’s own Thornhill ECO Design has designed a 3 oven pellet Aga style cooker for the ECO Range Cooker Co. They work off a time clock and take just 45 mins. to heat up from cold. You

just fill up with pellets every 4-10 days, and vacuum the ash out every month, and running cost are only £200-£400 a year! and it’s green energy.

It’s simply the answer to everybody’s nightmare of high oil bills, and dreams of a cosy kitchen.

Manufactured locally the ECO Range Cookers have a log, log boiler, pellet and oil fired cooker in production in East Kent, with parts made in Deal, Margate, Sandwich, Ashford & East Grinstead. A real local company.

www.charnwood.com www.ecorangecooker.co.uk www.esse.com www.aarrowfires.com www.burley.co.uk www.cosi.co.uk www.victorianfireplace.co.uk

Heat Your Home In StyleBy Graham Thornhill C.Eng

showroom,196 - 198 Canterbury RoadBirchington, Kent, CT7 9AQ

Tel: 01843 841922 Fax: 01843 844255

www.fireplaceandstonecentre.co.ukfireplaces • gas fires • woodstoves • chimney systems • design & construction

open monday - saturday9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

your perfect fireplace

[home]

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FINISHING TOUCHESTHOSE SMALL DESIGN CUES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCEWhat a world we now live in… we are bombarded daily by beautiful looking people selling us more inspirational design led goodies than we can dare keep up with, let alone afford to buy…. iPhone 5 , latest BMW 3 series, and the list goes on.

So when it comes to the home how do we create great spaces that Kevin McCloud & Sarah Beeny would nod approvingly of? Again (unless you have a fair sized budget) the mission is almost impossible. But all is not lost as a little design often goes a long way, and this piece is all about a little design.

Taking cues from the likes of Charles and Ray Eames who developed a ‘collage’ look to their mid-century LA home, we can often find interesting and slightly eccentric design items that will embellish an otherwise ‘me too’ interior.

One of the most iconic small items has to be the wonderful Eames House Bird that has enjoyed centre of attention in the Eames Living Room for over 50 Years. This simple effigy

of a slender black bird can often be seen lurking in the background of many a designer home.

For slightly more grand statements but with a hint of practicality then one of George Nelson’s clocks

adds both function but also design to any room. The fact that it is a timepiece also

ensures that it receives many admiring looks during the course of a day.

The great thing about small design pieces are they are not limited to only one room. Designer pieces

such as the Eames Hang it All

Vitra Elephant and the rather eclectic.

Alexander Girard Dolls are equally at home in informal areas such as conservatories, childrens rooms or indeed hallways. The whole concept of Collage is to improve the look of the space and its often amazing how a well-placed design led item can do that….even if it is in contrast with the rest of the room.

Magis Cuckoo clock collection. The one good thing about great design is its enduring quality and lasting appeal, not something that can always be said of mobile phones and cars….

More modern takes on this theme could include the Bourellec designed Corniche range.

By Tony King

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of Wincheap Canterbury. Established 1993 www.cosi.co.uk

We design, supply and install high efficiency cookers, Wood stoves & bespoke kitchens. We Design Heating , specialising in Eco friendly hybrid systems, that use wood, oil or gas and solar hot water.

IN HOUSE CERAMIC ARTIST. We make hand made reproduction terra-cotta tiles and be-spoke hand painted murals to any design.

Showroom @ 58-60 Wincheap, Canterbury, CT1 3RS. Tel 01227 787587

Low Running Cost Range Cookers.

Retaining the traditional style of a British cast iron range, the ECO Range Cooker Company have

redesigned the concept from the ground upwards to produce cookers that have low running costs, are

highly efficient and are very clean burning.

On offer are 4 models: The Oil Fired, 3 oven cooker that costs approx.

£240.00 a year to run, with bi-annual service.

The Oil Fired, 2 oven cooker with condensing boiler.

The Log Wood, 3 oven cooker that uses just 1.5kg of logs per hour @ 85% efficiency!

Just Launched, First in the World Wood Pellet, 3 oven cooker that can cost as little

as £160.00 a year, easy to use and with a time clock to control the heating times. This cooker heats up the hot plate in 8 minutes and oven to 150C in less

than 45 minutes, but is Carbon Neutral.

ECO Range Cooker Co. New 3 oven pellet fired range cooker

All British, made in Canterbury, Kent.

www.ecorangecooker.co.uk Tel.01227780830 Factory showroom @ COSI, 58-60 Wincheap, Canterbury. CT1 3RS

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Kitchen showroom open9am to 5pm Monday to Fridayand 10am to 4pm Saturday

Unit 15, Heron Business Centre,Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DHTelephone 01233 645530

Walderslade Shopping Centre,Walderslade Rd, Chatham, Kent ME5 9LRTelephone 01634 868721

www.roma-interiors.co.uk

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R O M AK I T C H E N SA S H F O R D& M E D WA Y

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Looking good from all angles - the new Woven panel from JacksonsCertain types of inter-woven fencing panels have been around for years. These have traditionally been constructed of inter-woven slats of timber sandwiched between horizontal and vertical battens, holding them all in place. Although these can be reasonably attractive to look at, this isn’t the strongest way of making a sturdy fence panel, and they can be prone to coming unraveled, and falling apart if they suffer minor damage to any of the key components that are holding them together once the timber softens and degrades, which can happen very easily if the timber isn’t treated correctly.

Enter the new Jacksons Woven panel, it’s like an old style inter-woven panel “dreaming.” – it’s a modern, high quality panel, with old style inter woven panels in mind, but there the resemblance ends.

As with all Jacksons panels it’s constructed of Jakcured pressure treated softwood, framed for use with slotted Jakposts. The woven parts aren’t thin slats, but substantial pieces of Jakcured treated softwood that will stay strong, maintaining the structural integrity of the panel. And there are no unsightly rails to ruin the appearance on one side of the

panel, so the neighbours and you are both winners.

One more very big benefit of this super looking semi-solid panel is you get amazing light and shade effects when sun shines through the panel, and also wind resistance is lowered, as it is with other semi-solid panels, but the additional benefit is you cant see through it, even if you press your face right up against it.

For more information log on to www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk or call 01233 750393

www.canterburystoneandmarble.co.ukWorktops • Wetrooms • Flooring • Steps • Project Management

showroom,196 - 198 Canterbury RoadBirchington, Kent, CT7 9AQTel: 01843 848184Fax: 01843 844255

OpenMonday - Saturday9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Granite Marble Quartz SlateDirect from the manufacturers

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[advertisement feature]

your kitchen Recycled Glass Black Worktop Is The New Star Granite Transformations markets high quality, durable worktops direct to consumers, through a network of showrooms, and their slim-line materials can be installed straight over existing kitchen work surfaces, enabling home owners to refresh dated looks and keep abreast of modern décor – an ingenious solution to those who want to renovate without the hassle that renovation can inevitably lead to.

In the kitchen, Black Star is the new black for worktops, according to Granite Transformations. Although earthen tones seemed to be gaining in popularity last year, black worktops have had a strong renaissance, with recycled glass worktop “Black Star” now clocking up 23% of all Granite Transformations’ sales. What’s more, black worktops in general represent 54% of installations, its granite finishes Nero Stella and Nero Galaxy also proving particularly popular.

“One of the reasons that Black Star is in demand is that it contains fragments of mirror fleck, which creates an incredible sparkling effect under halogen lighting,” says Granite Transformations’ UK chief, Danny Hanlon. “It’s a diamond-polished

surface featuring exceptionally deep hues of blue and black, which goes with any kitchen, rustic or modern, and with any colour of cabinet. A black worktop is timeless and gives the kitchen a sophisticated yet inviting look that most home owners adore.”

As well as the ever popular worktops Granite Transformations also supply and fit replacement cabinet doors and drawer fronts, noting current consumer tastes for simple, muted shades. High gloss acrylic surfaced doors in cream and white are especially popular, as are simple Shaker styles in alabaster, pear and light oak woodgrains and flat matt finishes in white and zinc. Black and black-veined worktops complement all these door colours, creating a fashionable minimalist look, and even go with high gloss ‘hot’ colours like plum, red and paprika.

Granite Transformations’ parent company, the Italian-based Trend Group, produces over a million linear metres of worktop materials each year, in granite, quartz and recycled glass finishes, and each of its three international markets has its own preferred palette. Americans

lean toward brown and earthen tones, Australians favour white and cream, while in the UK over half of worktops currently installed are black.

“Australians would be happy with ten or eleven colours, while in this country we like to see a choice of 50 or 60, but mainly plump for variations on black,” says Danny. “Americans want to see 80 colours. They’ll still buy the same five, but they want to see 80.”

One other underlying kitchen worktop trend is the increasing use of recycled raw materials. Granite Transformations pioneered the use of post-consumer recycled glass worktop, made from used beer, wine and mineral water bottles and glass containers, and sources material from colour-sorted kerbside refuse collections. The #1 finish Black Star may look and perform like a black granite slab, but on closer inspection it is made up from irregular fragments of glass, even flecks of broken mirror, bonded together with a touch of polyester resin to give superior strength and outstanding resistance to heat, scratches, cuts, stains, impact and chemicals.

Transform

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“People may say they like black granite, but it’s quite a difficult material to work with, needs regular sealing and maintenance, and the natural slab is extremely heavy, so you need to rip out the existing worktops and reinforce the cabinet carcases,” says Danny.

“So when they see our Black Star and Nero Corallo glass worktops or our granite-based finishes Nero Stella, Nero Galaxy and Nero Marquis and realise they’ll fit right on top of the existing work surfaces,” he continues, “people like those even more. If it means home owners can have a new look kitchen without demolition, dust, debris and having to camp out in the dining room for several weeks, it’s a bit of a no-brainer really.”

Black Star and the full range of kitchen worktops, cabinet doors and mosaic splashbacks can be seen at the Granite Transformations’ showroom at; Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearsted Road, Maidstone ME14 5LH Telephone 01622 297371 or viewed online at www.granitetransformations.co.uk/maidstone

Call Now 01622 297371Newham Court Shopping Centre, Bearsted Road, Maidstone ME14 5LH

granite_transformations@hotmail.com

www.granite-transformations.co.uk

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At Sawmills Bespoke Furniture we specialise in designing and manufacturing contemporary and traditional custom made furniture of different styles and periods for every part of your home.

Visit our showroom at Units 4 & 5 Colt Works, Pluckley Road, Bethersden, Ashford, Kent. TN26 3DD

Tel: 01233 822276 www.sawmillsbespokefurniture.co.uk

sawmills.indd 1 23/10/2012 11:34

Pentland Homes launch range of new homes in idyllic Kent setting

Award winning Kent housebuilder, Pentland Homes have launched a new development of 25 elegant new homes in a spectacular Kent countryside setting in Shalmesford Street, Chartham.

The development ‘Kingfisher Place’ was previously used as farmland and benefits from beautiful rural surroundings, complete with a vast fishing lake to the rear. The scheme comprises a variety of 2-5 bedroom homes with external characteristics to suit their traditional heritage, including Oast-style features and ‘farm-style’ properties with black and white weatherboard.

The properties vary in size and layout; but all benefit from fully fitted kitchens with a range of appliances, fully fitted bathrooms with white sanitaryware and

underfloor heating to the ground floor.

Kingfisher Place is located by the River Great Stour and is surrounded by the Kent Downs countryside, a designated ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The village has local amenities but is also perfect for commuters beinh close to both Canterbury and Ashford with

great links to London and the Eurostar international service.

Prices range from £249,500 to £472,000.For further information, please contact the sales office on Tel: 01303 893080 or visit the website www.pentlandhomes.co.uk.

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Country WarmthTop quality fireplaces from a top quality company

Traditional to ultra modern • Established 30 yearsFull design & installation service througout the south east 1-3 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Kent • 01303 240300

www.countrywarmth.com • GAS SAFE, HETAS

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Please call 0800 41 43 43 for a copy of our FREE brochure showing you the complete range offencing, gates, decking, pergolas, agricultural, equestrian and security products . . .or to buy online visit jacksons-fencing.co.uk

. . . OUR GUARANTEE

From the boldest ideas to the finest detail, we understand exactly what goes into the areas youcreate. That’s why, since 1947, we’ve guaranteed to meet your vision with our guarantee.

We guarantee great British fencing designed around you. We guarantee a seamlessinstallation by our team of specialists, and most of all, we guarantee all of ourproducts for 25 years.

YOURVISION

Jacksons Show Gardens are still here to inspire. . .Open all year round with seven stunning gardens to help inspire you to create the garden ofyour dreams. Located at Jacksons Head Office near Ashford, Kent. Visit jacksons-fencing.co.uk/showgardens for more details. . .

JacksonsJacksons Fencing Head Office 586 Stowting Common Ashford Kent TN25 6BN

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Daniel Craig, known for his smouldering good looks and ice cool demeanour will be gracing our cinema screens once again this month in the latest Bond film, Skyfall. In his third role as MI6’s most famous agent Craig wants to make this one the best yet. East Kent Lifestyle investigates...

Daniel Craig was born March 2 1968 in Chester, Cheshire. His father Tim Craig was a merchant seaman turned steel erector and his mother Carol Olivia Craig an art teacher. In 1972 Craig’s parents split and he was raised with his sister Lea in Liverpool with his mother.

Craig’s interest in acting was encouraged by visits to the Liverpool Everyman Theatre with his mother. He began acting in school plays at the age of six, making his debut in a production of Oliver! Daniel admits that his mother was the driving force behind his aspirations, encouraging him as a child to explore the world of acting.

The first Bond movie Daniel watched was Live and Let Die

in 1973, with his father, which was a lasting memory for the star. Growing up, Craig was very active and was a keen rugby player at Hoylake Rugby Club.

At high school in West Kirby, Daniel Craig played roles in school productions of Romeo and Juliet and Cinderella. He left school at 16 to pursue acting and auditioned for the National Youth Theatre where he was accepted and so moved to London.

Whilst at the National Youth Theatre Craig made his stage debut as Agamemnon in Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida. He also toured in Valencia, Spain and Moscow, Russia. Following this he attempted to get into Guildhall School of Music and Drama where he failed repeated

auditions. During this time as a struggling young actor he waited tables at restaurants whilst hoping for his big break.

Eventually he was accepted at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama at the Barbican and started his studies in 1988. Just four years later Craig married Fiona Loudon and that year they had a daughter named Ella Craig. However the marriage did not last and they divorced in 1994.

Daniel Craig made his film debut in 1992 in The Power of One and four years later he appeared in the BBC2 serial Our Friends in the North. Craig shot into international stardom in 2001 when he starred alongside Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. He was one of the few

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members of the cast who had actually played the iconic video game on which the film was based.

In 2004 Craig starred in the infamous Layer Cake, where he played a cocaine dealer who was given two final tough assignments on the eve of his retirement, the title giving reference to the layers that people must go through to be successful in business.

Daniel Craig became good friends with Nicole Kidman after working together on The Invasion and The Golden Compass both in 2007. Craig has never been keen on discussing his private life and does not enjoy the speculation that goes with being famous. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly he explained:

“If I went on the Internet and started looking at what some people were staying about me - which, sadly, I have done – it would drive me insane.”

However although Craig is reserved and does not relish the red carpet lifestyle he has no regrets in his choice of career. In an interview with the BBC he explained that he has learnt to take the rough with the, I imagine, very smooth:

“You can’t make allowances how it [fame] will affect you, but you have to get on with life and enjoy things. There are so many wonderful privileges so you must take these on and enjoy them.”

It is publically know that Craig recently remarried, to fellow film star Rachel Weisz. In an interview

with Marie Claire, Rachel admitted that being married to Daniel had given her a “wonderful feeling of stability” adding that in their relationship they manage to focus on other aspects of their life separate from the world of acting.

October 2005 was a life changing time for Daniel Craig. It was announced that he was to be the sixth actor to play Bond. It was a huge change in casting of the Bond character, Craig would be the first Bond to have blond hair and blue eyes and also the first to be born after the start of the film series.

There was a lot of speculation whether Craig was a worthy choice, yet when we saw him stepping out in his white shorts at the opening of Casino Royale he looked every inch the part. The film, released in 2006 centred on Bond’s challenge to stop Le Chiffre, a banker to the world’s terrorist organisations from winning a high stakes poker tournament at Casino Royale in Montenegro. Of course the action was coupled with all the glitz and glamour that is an enduring feature of the films.

Daniel Craig’s second appearance as Bond was in 2008’s Quantum of Solace where Bond is seeking revenge for the death of his love and must take down a multi-national corporation trying to take control of a valuable national resource.

Speaking to the BBC Craig explained his love for the Bond films and his admiration of the genius involved in their creation:

“Ian Fleming found a hero out of the mess of the war...there is a humour and a candidness which makes them very entertaining.”

When he was cast as Bond he explained he felt that it was a far too good opportunity to miss “to play a part like this is a real privilege.”

Three years later Craig was cast in the English adaptation of the Swedish novel by Stieg Larsson: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. The hard-hitting film follows disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist, (played by Craig) as he investigates the disappearance of a wealthy patriarch’s niece from 40 years ago. In the film Daniel worked alongside Rooney Mara who played Lisbeth Salander a troubled punk computer hacker.

Now the waiting is nearly over to see Craig appear as Bond once more. In Skyfall, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her.

Speaking to the BBC Craig said:

“It was really easy slipping back into the role we been discussing and planning what we wanted to do for years between films.

“The first film was a whir for me the whole thing flew by, the second was tricky and with this one I hope will be very different from the last but still a great Bond movie”

Skyfall will be released into UK cinemas on 26th October.

Words by Rachael Hook

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Riskee and The

Ridiculea

BAND PROFILE

Riskee and The Ridicule are one of the hottest properties in Kent right now. Combining rock, grime, hip-hop, pop and even a bit of poetry, it is very hard to describe just what they sound like. I suppose that's a good thing though!

Riskee (Scott) and his crew (Jimbo, Matt and Dave) have come a long way. When they first began in early 2011 they were an acoustic duo combining music and comedy. The inevitable happened and as time passed they added drums, bass, bigger amps and they have been tearing up venues for most of this year.

Having played London's 100 Club, The Indig02 and others the band are becoming regulars with certain promoters who know how hard they work. Their most recent gig I attended was in September for the release of their 3rd EP. I try and stay neutral at these events and try and take everything in (though I think this lasted about 30 seconds into their first song). I cannot remember the last time I saw an unsigned act and genuinely could not bear for it to end...

They have also managed to find time to film a music video for one of their most popular songs, Jack of All Trades. The video is full of clowns and aggression and it was even filmed at the old

derelict buildings of what was originally Chartham Asylum.

What is most impressive about these guys though is their honest passion for music. Sure, everyone wants to be famous but there is no assumption or right portrayed by any of R&TR. In the past when I have visited them to ask to play a gig for me or just to visit a friend, they always want you to hear the rough cuts of their tracks, share their experiences of recent gigs or see what other music you have been listening to. I reviewed the guys previous EP and said that they had got a bit lazy with recording. They listened, they agreed and now their latest effort, The Success Pill is far ahead of that it is like listening to another band entirely.

I think that's one of the things that sets them apart. It is such a cliché but they are so grounded they will be the first ones to face any errors made.

I have yet to find someone who says they do not like this group. With songs like Cold Chinese, Pool Water, Claws and Audio Cassette you can tell just from the title how involved these songs are. Riskee doesn't just write some random words to fill the music. Listen to their EP, don't just hear it. It is intelligent lyric writing at its very best

See Riskee & The Ridicule on the following dates:Camden Rock (Headline) Candem 29th November2012Beercart Arms (Support) Canterbury 4th December 2012

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BLEAK HOUSE

B&BB Y P E T E N I C H O L S

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Bleak House in Broadstairs has long been a tourist attraction and is most famous for housing one Charles Dickens during his summer stays from the 1830’s to the 1860’s and where he famously wrote David Copperfield as well as parts of Nicholas Nickelby, Barnaby Rudge and Oliver Twist.

In fact the house was called “Fort House” at the time, named after the captain of the coastal fort who lived

there. There is some speculation as to whether this house was in fact the muse for Dickens’ novel “Bleak House” – nevertheless it was certainly Dickens’ favoured residence during his frequent and lengthy vacations in Broadstairs.

The imposing house sits on a cliff top overlooking Broadstairs fabulous Viking Bay and the views afforded from the superbly manicured gardens offer a timeless and majestic view.

After being used as both a domestic residence and tourist attraction for many years Bleak House was bought in 2005 by local businessman Richard Hilton who chose to use the house solely as a family residence. His daughter Nicola however was convinced however that by not using the property as a commercial enterprise that the Hilton family were not only missing out but also depriving the public of the chance to enjoy a real piece of East Kent History. Business savvy obviously runs in the family as a reluctant Mr Hilton finally acquiesced to his daughter’s wishes and the result is a multi-faceted and highly successful business, visited by many and enjoyed by all.

Bleak House offers a tea room, a smugglers museum, a licensed wedding venue, a restaurant and at the heart of the venture a beautiful bed & breakfast offering.

The House offers four en-suite bedrooms, each unique, luxurious and extremely comfortable. Prices range from £135 per night for the “Little Dorit’s” superior room up to £295 per night for the Charles Dickens suite with £155 per night for “Fagin’s Suite” and £225 for the glorious Copperfield Bridal Suite.

You may pay a little extra for the historic significance of the building but this is no ordinary bed and breakfast experience, and casting an eye over the Copperfield suite you really feel transported to a more decadent time and place. The enormously comfortable bed sits in an equally enormous room whose views over Viking Bay which have quite justifiably been quoted as being “The best views in Broadstairs”. Also, touches such as the luxurious bath, feather lamps, cherubs and gold taps all add to the quirky but charming ambience of the room. The Charles Dickens suite

even offers a bed frequently slept in by none other than Queen Victoria – and offers similarly stunning views as the Copperfield. Of course not everything is “Olde Worlde” and rooms come replete with widescreen TV, fridge and wireless internet to remind you that you are still in the 21st century.

Other parts of the house are of course open to guests and are equally well appointed and decorated including a huge reception room and Dickens’ study – it’s not often you stay somewhere and get to sit where some of the greatest novels in history were written.

Breakfast comprises of fresh juices, speciality teas and coffee, yoghurts, cereals, fresh fruits and a full English breakfast of organic local sausages, bacon, free range eggs, mushrooms, vine tomatoes, toast jams and pastries.

Having met with Nicola who runs the establishment with her sister and having listened to the thoughts of other guests it is also clear that the popularity of Bleak House as a B&B is not only based on the wonderful, historic surroundings and accommodation but also due to the warmth and enthusiasm of the family and staff who run the establishment. They are all very proud to be a part of this little piece of history and, having previously been the family home, treat guests as if it were their home too which gives Bleak House an intimacy that your typical hotel or guest house often so sadly lacks.

During my visits I also saw the popularity of the licensed tea rooms, open to the public from 10am-5pm serving cream teas, fine wines & bottled beers, light lunches, freshly made sandwiches, baguettes and homemade cakes.

The latest offering at Bleak House is the opening of a restaurant which will be serving evening meals and a traditional Sunday lunch in the banqueting room. The Bleak House restaurant will be serving Christmas Dinners from 1st-20th December and will also be open for Christmas Day lunch.

Local or visitor you owe it to yourself to partake of the charms of Bleak House – and with such a variety of offerings you should have no trouble finding something that tickles your fancy!

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Christmas Party Time at The Cuban!The Cuban in Canterbury already has a well deserved reputation as one of East Kent’s best party venues so what better way to kick off the festive season than gathering a group of guys and girls together to enjoy their Christmas Party Menu?

For just £28 a head diners will enjoy Champagne and appetizers on arrival followed by a selection of mouth watering starters, main courses (including a traditional turkey roast with all the trimmings, naturally) and desserts ranging from churros to Christmas pud, a fine cheese board, mince pies and filter coffee. All food is freshly cooked in house by Head Chef Alex Pollard & his team.

All diners are invited to stay on after their meal to wash it down with some of The Cuban’s celebrated cocktails and to enjoy the party atmosphere into the early hours with DJ’s on both floors (with a healthy helping of Christmas cheese guaranteed to be pumping from the upstairs bar).

For that VIP edge why not hire out the newly converted “Barn” adjacent to the main building. With its own DJ and room for upto 200 people, enjoy your private bar and chill out lounge. Optional canapés and Champagne reception are available so you can be in with the in crowd on your own terms.

We highly recommend you check this place out and party. Cuban Style.

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Be the life and soul of the party this Christmas and impress your friends with your cocktail mixing skills. The Cuban Bar & Restaurant is famed for their wide range of superb cocktails and have kindly sent us a couple of corkers for you to try for yourselves.

The Cuban’s

Belvedere Cuban Martini

INGREDIENTSBelvedere VokdaMoet & Chandon Brut Imperial ChampagneFresh LimeSugarMintIce

Take some Belvedere Vodka (we’ll leave the measures up to you!) , muddle with sugar, mint and fresh lime juice, shake over ice and fine strain into a chilled martini glass. Top with Moet & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne and garnish with a lime wedge. An instant and timeless classic

Canterbury Libre

INGREDIENTSFresh BlackberriesFresh BlueberriesFresh RaspberriesAbsolut Citron VodkaFramboiseLemonSugarIce

Take the berries and muddle together, add Absolut Citron Vodka, Framboise, fresh lemon juice and sugar, a dash of soda and crushed ice, stir and then top with crushed ice, garnish with more fresh berries.

CocktailsCracking

CHRISTMAS

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Words By Kim-gileve Evans, Bsc Hons MCCP

Photography By H

elena Benedict

Thyme cough syrupThyme is strongly antiseptic. It is also antispasmodic and expectorant. This combination of properties makes it ideal to help clear phlegm and combat chest infections.

Sage is antiseptic, antispasmodic and expectorant, especially good for throat and upper respiratory infections.

Aniseed’s action on the lungs is calming and stimulating, a useful combination for bronchial spasm and coughs.

Clove a powerful antiseptic, kills bacteria and viruses, a good addition to the remedy for bronchial infections.

Garlic offers anti viral, antibacterial and natural antibiotic properties.

Cayenne is a hot stimulant; it facilitates the action of the other herbs, making it warming and more penetrating.

Honey is soothing, demulcent, antiseptic and healing.

This recipe is a soothing remedy for coughs, it thins out the mucus and expectorates phlegm from the lungs, this combined with its antiseptic and antibiotic action makes syrup of thyme a handy cupboard remedy for adults and children.

• 15g dried thyme• 8g dried sage• 1 teaspoon aniseed• 3 cloves• 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped• Pinch cayenne pepper • 900ml water• 450g honey

1. Put the herbs and water into a pan and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer gently for 20mins.

2. Strain the liquid into another pan, discard the herbs.

3. Return the liquid to the heat and simmer gently, uncovered, until the liquid has reduced to 200ml

4. Add the honey to the pan. Dissolve slowly and simmer for a few minutes, stirring all the time, until you reach a syrupy consistency. Do not overheat as it will turn into toffee.

5. Pour the syrup into a clean jar, label, with date and dosage.

DOSE• Adults: 2-3 teaspoons, 3-6 times daily• Child: 1 teaspoon 3-6 times daily

Consultations with a Medical herbalist / Suppliers of herbal ingredients: Herbal Apothecary 2, Harbour St. Broadstairs.Kent. www.herbalapothecary.co.uk Tel: 01843 863096 www.facebook.com/helena.benedictphotography

Kim-gileve Evans is an East Kent Based

Medical Herbalist. Kim is a member of the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy and has a Health Science Honours Degree in Herbal Medicine from Westminster University.

Most kitchens already contain the basics for a simple self-care pharmacy.

Herbs and spices are a priceless natural resource that can help to enrich our lives by maintaining good health and help deal with everyday ailments.

Kitchen cupboards often contain herbs such as sage, thyme, cayenne, clove and aniseed, to name but a few. All these ingredients can be utilised and made into healing elixirs, just with a little know-how.

This article gives easy step-by-step instructions for making a basic home remedy. Today’s recipe is thyme cough syrup.

This self help recipe is not intended to replace professional advice. If your cough is persistent then go and check it out with your GP or health care professional.

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Godmersham Venison, Loin of

root vegetable pan haggerty, braised red cabbage, Kent blue cheese and elderberry sauce.

By Charlie Lakin, Head Chef at The Marquis at Alkham

SERVES 61.25kg LOIN EYE OF GODMERSHAM VENISONElderberry sauce2 onions6 cloves garlic300 ml elderberry wine150ml port750ml fresh beef stock200g elderberry jelly2strips lemon zest2 sprigs fresh thyme

ROOT VEGETABLE PAN HAGGERTY 500g sliced onions125g butter150g parsnip200g carrot 150g celeriac400g potatoes100g Kent Blue cheeseBraised Red Cabbage1/2 red onion finely diced1/2 red cabbage finely shredded200ml red wine2 Bay leaves100ml red wine vinegar50g Demerara sugar3 cloves1 cinnamon stick5 Juniper berries, crushed

TO GARNISH100g Kent blue cheese / 12 baby turnips / 12 baby carrots

DIRECTIONS:Trim any fat from the venison and reserve for the sauce, wrap tightly in cling film and place in the fridge to set the shape until required.

For the sauce place the onions, garlic and venison trimmings into a heavy based pan and gently caramelise. When golden brown add the wine and port bring to the boil, reduce by 2/3, add the beef stock, bring to the boil, reduce by 2/3 then add the jelly, zest & thyme bring to the boil and skim, set aside for the flavours to infuse.

For the pan haggerty, gently cook the onions in butter with a good pinch of salt and pepper until tender. Grate the root vegetables and mix together, grate the potato and the cheese and keep separate. To construct the pan haggerty use a medium sized frying pan greased. Layer half the potato in the bottom, then half the vegetables followed by the cheese, then the onions followed by the veg then the potato. Gently cook on the stove for 5 mins, place in an oven at 180c for 45mins, remove and leave to set.

For the red cabbage, finely slice the red onion & cabbage place in pan with remaining ingredients, bring to the boil, simmer and cook for 30mins stirring occasionally.

For the venison loin remove the cling film and give the meat and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, heat a heavy based frying pan add a little oil and sear the venison and place in the preheated oven for 5-7 mins depending on taste. Remove from the pan and leave to rest

Cut the pan haggerty into 6 wedges placing a piece on each plate, then a small pile of the red cabbage, slice the venison and place on top of the red cabbage, and add the baby carrots and turnips. Pass the sauce through a fine sieve, bring back to temperature and spoon over around the meat and finish with a few shavings of Kent blue cheese.

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CAFÉ DU SOLEIL Tel 44(0)1227 479999 www.cafedusoleil.co.uk

Café du Soleil, 4-5 Pound Lane,

Canterbury, Kent CT1 2BZ. Cafe du Soleil is a modern Mediterranean restaurant, occupying the historic wool store on the banks of the river Stour in Canterbury. Drawing influences from Southern France and Italy, much of the food is cooked in a traditional wood burning oven. The menu offers two distinct dining experiences.

For a casual and very inexpensive meal, you can choose one of our superb wood fired pizzas made with the finest Italian ingredients. Alternatively, experience our healthy sun drenched cuisine offering modern interpretations of Mediterranean classics.

Favourites include Chargrilled Kentish Lamb with wood-roast ratatouille and rosemary aioli or Wood-roast Local Cod with crab gratin, noodles and ginger butter sauce.

We can also cater for weddings, corporate func-tions or parties of up to 60 in our beautiful oak beamed function room.

8 Butchery LnCanterbury CT1 2JR01227 464 300

Andalucian Arabic Cuisine

www.cafemauresque.com

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Kentish Pork Chop with Smoked Bacon, Kentish Cider & Parsley BrothPre-heat the oven to 150c / gas 2

Heat a large frying pan, add a little oil and brown the Pork Chops, season well. When browned place the chops in a deep casserole dish.

Using the same frying pan sweat the Onions, Leek & Crushed Garlic. Add 250ml of the Kentish Cider and reduce by half. Pour the Onion mix over the Pork and add the rest of the Cider and Stock, bring to the boil.

Chop the Smoked Bacon into Lardons and add to the casserole dish. Place a tight fitting lid on and cook for 90 minutes.

Cut the Apple into small chunks and add to the pot along with the cooked White Beans. Cook for a further 5 minutes on the hob, check the seasoning and finish with Chopped Flat Parsley.

Grab 3 friends, 4 knives and forks, sit down and enjoy! Don’t forget a spoon to drink up the sauce, or maybe some Crusty Bread

At The Minnis We Cure Our Own Bacon For This Dish

But For Ease I Recommend Using A Good Sweet Dry Cured Bacon

bar & restaurantThe Minnis|

SERVES 44 Kentish Pork Chops

2 Onions (sliced)8 Rashers Smoked Bacon

1 Leek(sliced)1 Granny Smith Apple

2 Cloves Garlic (crushed)300grm White Beans (cooked)

1ltr Kentish Cider1 bunch Fresh Flat Leaf Parsley

1ltr Chicken StockSalt & Pepper to season

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Looking at these comparisons it would seem worth considering rapeseed oil if you haven’t already. Available from Kent producer, Quex Foods in single bottles, gift carry pack and gift hampers for Christmas, as well as larger catering packs; why not visit their website for more information www.kentishoils.com

Many chefs are now using cold pressed rapeseed oil in their recipes having recognised the health benefits and its versatility. An excellent site to visit is http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/rapeseed_oil for recipes by Gregg Wallace, The Hairy Bikers, Tom Kerridge, Raymond Blanc and many more.

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Battle Of The Oils - Have you made your choice yet?

The debate is hotting up – olive oil or rapeseed oil in your kitchen?

Over the last two decades olive oil sales in the UK have grown steadily and as such is used as a staple in the “shopping basket” by the Office of National Statistics. According to The Food and Drink Innovation Network the UK share of the world consumption of olive oil has risen from 1.9% to 2.9% between 1990 and 2009 and in 2010 the UK consumed 28 million litres of olive oil per annum, all of which is imported.

Sales of olive oil in the UK reached £150 million in 2008 so it is no wonder the European marketing agents targeted a £4 million advertising campaign at the UK to promote and increase those sales!

Olive Oil vs. Rapeseed OilThere is a British alternative to olive oil and we asked a Kentish producer of rape-seed oil, Quex Foods, to compare the benefits:

• Rapeseed oil contains 10 times the omega 3 of olive oil

• Rapeseed oil contains half the saturated fat (bad fat) of olive oil

• Rapeseed oil retains its healthy properties when you cook with it at high temperatures such as when stir frying or roasting whereas olive oil should only be used at low to medium temperatures or it will start to smoke (break down)

• Rapeseed oil has been shown to help to reduce cholesterol, when used as part of a balanced diet and so has olive oil. However as olive oil has more saturated fat than rapeseed oil it means that whilst olive oil is a healthy oil it is not as healthy as rapeseed oil.

• Rapeseed oil has a great taste with a light subtle flavour which complements but does not mask the flavour of natural ingredients. Olive oil has a great flavour too and works in many recipes, however it can overpower other flavours.

• Rapeseed oil is cold pressed by many UK producers now, many of them pressed directly on the farm where the seed is grown, the ultimate in traceability, sustainability and provenance. Olive oil is produced in the Mediterranean countries and imported into the UK. Buying rapeseed oil produced in the UK will help the UK economy too!

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Bleak HouseChristmas Dining at

We can’t promise you snow in Broadstairs this Christmas, but we can guarantee a great dining

experience is to be had at Bleak House.Our ‘Christmas Party’ evening menu is available from

December 1st until December 20th (7.30pm).Why not join us on Christmas Day? ~ We will be serving

from 12.00 noon onwards.Don’t forget our regular Sunday Lunches...

£12.95 2 courses £14.95 3 courses

Christmas Day£79.95

per person

£35.95child under 12

Christmas Party

includes our superb cabaret

£37.50per person

To book call: 01843 865338 or 07974 131375 enquiries@bleakhousebroadstairs.co.ukwww.bleakhousebroadstairs.co.uk

Dine & StayVisiting Broadstairs? See our website for luxury B+B offers

Fort Road • Broadstairs • CT10 1EY

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bar & restaurantThe Minnis|

Words By Peter Nichols

After sharing the culinary talents of The Minnis’ Jason Freedman throughout the year with his regular recipe pages we thought it was about time we sampled some of his food first hand so on a crisp October lunchtime EKL descended upon the tranquil and picturesque Minnis Bay to fill ourselves to bursting point on some particularly fine fayre.

The Minnis is renowned locally for its fine dining, but the establishment also plays host to a multitude of other functions. During the mornings the bar/coffee area is bustling with locals sipping a cappuccino or chewing the fat over a light snack from the bar menu. In lazy summer days the patio is filled with families ordering a spot of lunch or enjoying something tasty from the outside seafood stall. At weekends there is often live music and a party atmosphere. The venue also hosts bigger functions such as wedding receptions and with a large pergola soon to replace the patio area and a wedding license in the works the Minnis will soon offer the complete wedding package.

Add to this the outside catering arm of the business and the newly opened

“Curiously Kentish” stall at the Canterbury Goods Shed which will be selling the Minnis’s own home cured meats then you start to understand the versatility of Jason’s offering.

That said, first and foremost the Minnis is an establishment for fine dining, and it is the reputation and swift business the restaurant effortlessly achieves which makes the various diversifications possible. A former runner up at the Kent restaurant awards and a current Diner’s Choice winner at OpenTable.com the Minnis prides itself on its ever changing, locally inspired and home grown menu – and with good reason.

Much of the vegetable produce is brought in from the chef ’s own gardens, the meat is cured in house, the

fish fresh comes daily from Chapman’s of Sevenoaks, Beef from Quex, Kentish cheese from The Goods Shed in Canterbury, Duck from Laugton’s Ducklings in Faversham while the eggs, poultry, veal, lamb and pork all come

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from Monkshill Farm at Waterham. A true taste of Kent (almost all East Kent in fact).

As you might expect from a hostelry so close to the coast there is plenty of fish on offer and although tempted by the Pan Fried Scottish King Scallops and the “Minnis Cure” Scottish Cold Smoked Salmon and Home Smoked King Prawns I opted to share the Plate of Home Cured Produce. The plate was an exceedingly generous portion of the Minnis speciality, home cured meats, pickles and chutneys served with freshly baked bread and salad. The Salt Beef seasoned with Szechuan pepper was a particular favourite and the home made beetroot pickle and onion chutney slathered on crusty bread was a fine way to start a belly busting luncheon.

The menu at The Minnis changes almost every other day so recommendations made today may not be relevant tomorrow but you can be assured of a handful of delicious dishes on offer each and every day. As a big fan of Lamb it was an easy choice for me as the “Duo of Lamb” which comprised a shoulder of lamb which had been soaked in a water bath, rolled and slow cooked so as to fall off the bone, served alongside a dish of Lamb Provencal cooked with garlic and herbs. With temperatures on the way down outside it felt right to be eating such rustic, warming food as we looked out the picture window to see dog walkers having pulled out their winter woollens and wellingtons as the first chills of winter made their way to this end of the coast.

My dining companion chose Pan Fried Ribeye of Quex Estate Beef cooked medium rare and decided on the Minnis famous “skinny chips” to go with it. The skinny chips really are the skinniest of skinny making them extra crispy with a texture that almost melts on the tongue. A firm favourite with locals, be sure to ask for them if they’re not on the menu. Fans of fatter chips don’t despair, the kitchen will of course cook to order.

As dessert loomed the pair of us wondered where we would find the room. However, we are nothing if not professionals so ordered the “Minnis Platter” – a selection of home made deserts incorporating a plum frangipane, home made ice cream, panna cotta, chocolate brownie and strawberry jelly with a foamy cream topping. A relatively light dish to finish considering the size of the cheeseboard and of course the dish simply titled “Jason’s 7 Sins of Chocolate”.

Having eaten at The Minnis on several occasions I can honestly say I’ve never had the same dish twice and I’ve enjoyed every single one of them. The restaurant is constantly evolving, experimenting, searching out new flavours and trying new things.

If you want to treat yourself to a bona fide Kentish fine dining experience you can’t do much better than The Minnis.

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Bleak HouseAmazing Bed & Breakfast at

Call: 01843 865338 or 07974 131375 enquiries@bleakhousebroadstairs.co.ukwww.bleakhousebroadstairs.co.uk

Experience beyond expectations the grandure and delights of Charles Dickens’s former home

Bleak House, offering four luxurious ensuite bedrooms all with breathtaking sea views.

Rooms are: Little Dorrit’s Bedroom with king-size bed.

Fagin’s Superior Bedroom with king-size bed. Charles Dickens Suite with private bathroom.

The decadent Copperfield Suite with it’s luxury bathroom complete with double bath.

Breakfast in the Charles Dickens dining room.Evening dining & Sunday lunches served in our

beautiful restaurant dining room.Special Occasions ~ Weddings ~ Birthdays

2 minutes walk to the beach and town centre.

Fort Road • Broadstairs • CT10 1EY

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La Trappiste

LA TRAPPISTE CHRISTMASMENU NOW AVAILABLE

Running from the 25th November - 23rd DecemberThree course lunch for £21.95Three course dinner for £25.95

We will also be offering a student Christmas menu,please come in and enquire for prices. Additionally we willbe open on Christmas Day, this will be limited availability

Book early to avoid disappointment

More than just a cafe

1 & 2 Sun Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2HX01227 479111 www.latrappiste.com

ADVERTISEMENT PROOFWe trust the artwork is as you wish your advertisement to appear – please let us know if not. However, please note that if no response is received by the deadline stated above it will be taken that this advert is acceptable in every detail and will be published as seen, subject to our proof reading. Please remember to check your phone number, e-mail address, web address etc... We offer a free artwork service with two sets of amendments allowed. If further changes are required they will be charged at £45 per hour, or part thereof. Errors by us are changed free of charge.PLEASE NOTE The content of the advertisement is the responsibility of the advertiser – the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Positions in the magazine cannot be guaranteed except where special positions are agreed in writing and on payment of a Special Position Fee.

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1 & 2 Sun Street, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2HX01227 479111 www.latrappiste.com01227 479111 www.latrappiste.com

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Stocking Fillers Whilst a 21st Century child’s Christmas stocking probably contains more tech equipment than the average space shuttle, chances are that it still contains the odd chocolate coin or two. After all, Christmas morning is the only day you get to stuff your face with sweeties and feel decidedly sick several hours before breakfast.

So why go to the trouble of making chocolate into coins? Legend has it that good St Nicholas is behind it. Many years ago, before i-anything was invented, there was a father with three daughters. The family so poor they couldn’t afford dowries for any of the daughters, so they were all doomed to be spinsters.

Hearing of their plight, St Nick made up a bag of coins and on the night of the eldest daughter’s coming of age, he threw the money through an open window. The following morning the money was found, the girl dowried up and duly married off. When middle daughter came of age and the same thing happened

The father was extremely grateful so on the eve of his final daughters coming of age he waited up to see if he could thank their anonymous benefactor.

St Nick got wind of his plan and not wishing to have his generosity plastered over ye olde facebook, dropped the money down the chimney which fell into the daughter’s stocking hanging over the embers drying out. Thus to this day, those of us with chimneys hang our stockings underneath in the hope Santa Claus will drop something in, whilst the rest make do with the online delivery van.

By Sam Wydymus

Sam Wydymus is Chef Patron at The Coastguard, St Margaret’s Bay & also Radio 4’s resident “Food Historian”

A New Dawn at The Sun InnAfter some major refurbishments The Sun Inn at St Nicholas at Wade has reopened for business. With a more up to date fascia as well as the addition of two log fires in the main bar, a completely renovated restaurant and a thorough “behind the scenes” overhaul, the country pub has been brought into the 21st century whilst maintaining much of its traditional charm.

The food provided by head chef Lee Andrews, described as “Modern British with a twist” is going to be central to the pubs ongoing success. As such Landlords Tom Holland & Joanne Harrington are hosting “guest chefs” on a weekly basis featuring prominent local chefs taking turns to offer the Sun Inn’s patrons a true taste of their take on great Kentish cuisine.

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A T W R O T H A M

By Peter Nichols

The first impression one gets when seeing The Bull, set in the picturesque and historic village of Wrotham, nr Sevenoaks is that comforting feeling of a good old British country pub, destined to serve cask ales in cobbled mugs to be supped by a roaring log fire. While the pub more than meets the expectation upon entry (14th-century oak beams, a cosy interior, wartime memorabilia adorning the walls and a couple of roaring fireplaces), The Bull Inn has a lot more to it than meets the eye.

The building itself has been in situ since 1395 and it has been a “pub with rooms” for some time. However, until recently something had been lost from the building’s historic charm and the rooms had become stale, not especially noteworthy and distinctly dated – and not in a good way.

When Martin and joint owner Lygia Fontanella purchased The Bull five years ago it was always in the plan to restore the charm and character to this fine old building whilst making sure it kept its appeal to a 21st century visitor. Martin personally designed and oversaw the

complete refurbishment of the 11 en suite rooms, along the way uncovering magnificent oak floors and fireplaces (criminally covered with stud walls and boards), painstakingly restoring Georgian windows and finding a plethora of original beamed walls and ceilings.

My room (deluxe) played host to a magnificent four poster bed, luxurious leather couch, fireplace and beautifully restored wood floors – even the slightly uneven and original floorboards were preserved by design and really add to the ambience. Of course to accommodate the modern guest there was also a large flatscreen tv, wifi access and swathes of rich and retro Laura Ashley furnishings and a state of the art contemporary bathroom with slate, chrome, mood lighting and a bath deep enough to soak out the stresses of modern living.

The accompanying meal was superb and Chefs James Hawkes & David Evans truly deserve the plaudits (and awards) being heaped on the restaurant which is to adjacent the main bar and once again tastefully decorated. Treating myself to Pan fried lambs liver

and smoked paprika lentils followed by Harvel House pork belly, mash, savoy & meat jus enjoyed with a glass of house white (the wine collection is one worth noting with 100’s of wines, each one hand picked to accompany ingredients and dishes served in the restaurant – Martin’s knowledge of wine is quite staggering!) I can testify that this is definitely not your standard pub restaurant!

A good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast later I took a peaceful stroll around the village before heading home.

These “gourmet breaks” are currently on offer at The Bull and represent astounding value considering the quality of the room and the restaurant. As we’re heading into the Christmas season a couple can enjoy an overnight stay in one of the sumptuous rooms, a three course AA rosette festive a la carte dinner for two and a full English breakfast for as little as £99 all in!

A wonderful “gourmet bolthole” and a one of the true hidden gems of the Kentish countryside.

Ok so it may not be in East Kent, but an invite from proprietor Martin Deadman to sample an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast in this recently refurbished coaching Inn replete with its brand new 4 AA star classification and AA rosette gourmet restaurant was not an offer one refuses lightly! In any case, it’s still in good old Kent and if not on our doorstep then it’s only down the road!

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Welcome To The Country,

Welcome To The Sun InnOpen 7 days a week noon till lateModern British Menu Wednesday – Saturday 12pm- 3pm and 6pm - 9pm

Traditional Sunday Roast from Noon till it’s gone!

Live Music | Beer Garden

THE SUN INN | THE STREET | ST NICHOLAS-AT-WADE | KENT | CT7 0NP01843 841233 | thesuninnwade@hotmail.co.uk

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BROADSTAIRS FOOD FESTIVAL Over forty thousand visitors descended on the picture perfect seaside town of Broadstairs to celebrate the best of Kent’s food and drink between October 5th-7th.

Now in its fourth year, the festival is firmly fixed in East Kent’s festival calendar – and is fast becoming the number one food event in Kent.

Despite the torrential rain on Thursday and Friday night, the show had to go on. And on it did - the sun shone and the visitors smiled.

Site Director Mike Walter said: “The early morning mud tried us a little but, with a bit of quick thinking and the donation of wood shavings and sawdust from Burbridge’s, Ramsgate, we were able to open the doors to the public on time.’ Fortunately, the rain limited itself to the evenings and the sun beamed down on visitors all day.

More than one hundred food and drink stallholders were spread across the green and promenade. There were loads of samples to taste and even more to buy. It was good to see all the familiar faces from previous years but equally pleasing to see new additions such as Juice Therapy, Falafel stall, Lady Tesha’s

Tea, Saxon Shore Wines, and the two Community Kitchens from Sheppey and Ramsgate, who offer support and training to young unemployed.

A welcome addition was a pop-up kitchen from The Globe and Rainbow at Kilndon serving tempura soft crab and king prawns alongside traditional pulled pork baps. The new Teddy Bear’s picnic was a hit with for the little ones - complete with honey sandwiches.

As ever, there was fierce competition between local chefs all wanting to cook up a storm in the Cookery Theatre, this year sponsored by East Kent College. Firm favourites such as Phil Miles from Godmersham Game and Mo Joslin from FarmHouse Kitchen pulled in the crowds - as did the team from the college lead by Craig Edgell, former chef to Johnny Dunhill at Eddie Gilberts, Ramsgate. Hilary Askew, cookery tutor at the Kitchen Café in Ramsgate had children chopping and slicing– showing them how to make some tasty snacks full of goodness

for all the family. There were plenty of samples for tasting 'that she made earlier', in true Blue Peter style!

What makes this family friendly festival so extraordinary is that is put together by a band of just five – with able support from volunteers at the weekend.

Board director Malcolm Cox says, “It takes a full year to organise this event and we have already taken reservations for 2013. People may be surprised to learn that this is a community sponsored event. It is only viable through the support of the local community – sponsors, festival friends, local business and council support. Every penny is used to finance the festival.’

If you would like to see this fab festival continue, why not subscribe to their newsletter or follow them on Facebook/Twitter to see what other events are planned?

www.facebook.com/pages/Broadstairs-Food-Festival/306738463702

Words and Pictures by Jo Scott

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…...a naturally inspiring wedding venue 

on the East Coast of Kent 

Award winning wedding venue     Licensed for ceremonies       Panoramic natural daylight throughout   Stunning seaside location Surrounded by a glorious garden     Backdrop of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover 

Call: 01304 851 737 Visit: www.pinescalyx.co.uk 

  

The Pines Calyx, The Pines Garden St. Margaret’s Bay, Kent CT15 6DZ 

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All from a selection at Fenwick

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Ted Baker: RRP £175OUTLET £100

If you’re busy decking the halls with holly and rocking around the Christmas tree, getting through everyone’s Christmas wish lists can be a task you may want to delegate to a team of elves this Christmas. Luckily, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford is the answer to your festive season shopping stress, with a whole host of great gifts from all your favourite brands, including Lacoste, GAP Outlet, Fiorelli, Calvin Klein Underwear, Kurt Geiger, Ted Baker and Hamleys. With prices at up to 60% less you can afford to make all their dreams come true on Christmas day. No reindeers necessary!

From sought-after fashion labels and must-have designer pieces with great savings to ultra-stylish homeware, cute kidswear and more Christmas gifts than Santa’s grotto, McArthurGlen Designer

Outlet Ashford has everything on your wish list covered.

Spoilt for choice? Pushed for time? Our gift card lets your loved ones choose their dream gift with minimum fuss. Simply buy our exclusive gift card at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford and you can relax in the knowledge that there’ll be smiles all round this festive season.

Kurt Geiger: RRP £60OUTLET £48

Find us on facebook for exclusive Christmas offers ashforddesigneroutlet.com

McArthurGlen DesiGner Outlet AshfOrDmake more of Christmas

CaLvin KLEin UndERwEaR, PhasE EighT, gUEss, sUPERdRy,

LaCOsTE, LEvi’s, MOss, gaP OUTLET, REiss, JaEgER, FOssiL,

T.M.LEwin, TEd BaKER, JEFF BanKs and Many MORE

All prices are correct at time of going to print

Jeff Banks: RRP £37OUTLET £25

Wish List Wonderland

Our stylist’s tips for the most covetable stocking thrillers around

•Colourful homeware is just the ticket for a stylish yet practical gift that’s a real investment buy.

•Accessories are easy stocking-fillers for the style set. Choose classically covetable leather gloves that will add some va va voom to any ensemble.

•Everyone loves pampering gifts. Pick a prettily packaged gift set that will look cool under the tree.

•Christmas is all about the kids and what child could resist a super soft teddy bear on Christmas morning?

•Don’t forget yourself! A show-stopping party dress or classic velvet jacket will get you in the mood for some festive fun.

Reiss: RRP £149OUTLET £99

Phase Eight:RRP £199 OUTLET £139.30

Ted Baker: RRP £199OUTLET £119

Calvin Klein:BraRRP £25 OUTLET £12KnickersRRP £21 OUTLET £14

the GreAt Gift GuiDe

Gorgeous gifts made easy at up to 60% less

trends &&[fashion]

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Phase Eight top RRP £79 Outlet Price £45

Jaeger RRP £140Outlet Price £90

NEXT Outlet Special Purchase checked shirt £16

NEXT Outlet Special purchase cardigan £25

Phase Eight dress RRP £140Outlet Price £98

Jaeger necklace RRP £90 Outlet Price £60

outfit oneHOUR GLASS

Wearing clothes to accentuate your waist will complement your figure a fitted top and pencil skirt is a great look for you and wonderfully taps into the 'High Society' trend for

this Winter.

outfit twoATHLETIC SHAPE

Creating a curve is perfect for your figure, do this with diagonal lines, cardigans and belts. This fur

collared cardigan is perfect for this season.

outfit threePETITE FIGURE

Wearing a dress above the knee to show more leg will give the illusion of looking taller, we love this great

party dress from Phase Eight

fashion&&[fashion]

Deborah Eastlake is a Personal Style Advisor at Ashford Designer Outlet. She has picked out a range

of up to the minute outfits from the centre to suit your body shape, whatever it may be.

Deborah spent years living in London running a vintage clothing boutique and has sold clothes to many high profile customers including Jenny Packman, Kate Moss and Jean-Paul Gaultier. Having returned to live in her home town Deborah is now keen to share her expertise with customers at the Ashford Designer Outlet.

Deborah Eastlake - Personal Shopper - Designer Outlet Ashford Management Suite, Kimberley Way Ashford TN24 0SD T: 01233 895 903 E: deborah.eastlake@mcarthurglen.com www.ashforddesigneroutlet.com Twitter: ashford_outlet

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Jaeger trousers RRP £140Outlet Price £90

Jaeger silk blouse RRP £160Outlet Price £99

Phase Eight necklace RRP £25 Outlet price £17.50

United Colours of Benetton scarf RRP £32 Outlet Price £16

United Colours of Benetton jumper RRP £99.90Outlet Price £69.90

United Colours of Benetton jeans RRP £55Outlet Price £38.50

outfit fourLARGER TUMMY

Try tucking in your blouse to create a waistline, a wider leg trouser is better for you when experimenting with this style.

Add a long necklace that will also create length.

outfit five PEAR SHAPE

Go for neutral colours on your bottom, like this jeans from Benetton. Add extra bright colours to your top half that will balance your figure.

My old man was right though. The Volvo V40 parked outside is a handsome thing. Launched at the end of the summer the V40 is a car aimed at the premium market with its sights set firmly on the Audi A3 and 1-Series BMW. The Volvo has set its targets high and fortunately delivers confidently. Styling wise the V40 looks wide, low and mean and hasn’t gone the way of too many cars these days and become an overly tall bland box. In particular the front looks best with its sharp creases, sharp headlight treatment and confident styling.

The V40 comes as a 5 door hatch that, handsome looks aside, is extremely spacious. Head and knee room front and back is great and the boot space is very competitive. The interior additionally has a real premium feel. From its ‘floating’ dashboard – taken from larger models within Volvo’s range – to the colour navigation and menu screen the V40 feels like a car from the class above. The fixtures and fittings inside the car are top notch

and the front seats in particular (heated and leather in my car) were amongst the most comfortable I have ever sat in. Of particular note was the instrument binnacle. Volvo has ditched traditional analogue instruments and instead installed a high class digital affair. The function and

appearance of the main display is entirely dependent on which ‘theme’ the driver has selected. In ‘Eco’ mode the background is a gentle green with prominence being given to stats regarding how economically the car is driven whereas in ‘Sport’ mode the background is a deep red and the

[car review]

Handsome DevilBy John Sanson

‘Now that’s a handsome car’ my Dad said to me as my temporary steed sat outside his house one rainy October day. It must be said that my dad isn’t known as a great automotive taste commentator. I spent my formative years being chauffeured in a selection of wheeled monstrosities that included an Austin Maxi (flakes of rust would rain down when a door was closed), a Morris Marina ‘Coupe’ and lastly a brown Austin Princess with a peeling vinyl roof and a nasty oil leak.

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power output relative to throttle input is shown and also, the rev counter has centre stage. ‘Elegance’ is the default setting with all the instruments flagged in a classy amber hue.

Engine wise there is a fine selection of 4 and 5 cylinder petrol and diesels with either manual or automatic gearbox options. Probably the best seller will

be the same model as my test car. The 1.6 litre 113 BHP turbodiesel. I can therefore state the engine is very torquey and the slick shifting 6 speed gearbox makes great use of it. In my time with the V40 fuel economy was constantly above 60 mpg. In fact, combined the V40 will deliver over 78 mpg and comes in at only 94grams of C02 per km making it congestion charge and road fund license

exempt. This model is no laggard either, as top speed is just shy of 120 mph and 0-60mph comes up in 11.7 seconds.

In terms of safety: - Three words. It’s a Volvo. The V40 has airbags everywhere. Including one that sits under the bonnet and activates to protect the pedestrian you have just hit. The V40 also has intelligent cruise control that will bring the car to a halt on its own should you forget to brake for that tailback on the motorway. Optional equipment also includes a pedestrian protection system that can ‘See’ people walking in front of the vehicle and will warn and ultimately apply the brakes in order to avoid a collision.

All in all the V40 is a real contender in the premium hatch market. This car compares extremely favorably with its so called ‘Blue Chip’ German opposition and stands head and shoulders above the lesser marques. The V40 should be considered too due to its competitive price. The V40 D2 comes in at less than £20k and is equipped not just with a classy interior, great engine and confident styling. It is also one of the safest cars on the road. Is this currently the best car in the (real) world at the moment?

[car review]

The ALL NEW volvo V40

A NEW YOU FROM £199 PER MONTH

0% APR REPRESENTATIVE*

What makes a hatchback less pred ic t ab le and more ind iv idua l? Is i t hav ing a h igher spec i f icat ion and leve l o f f in ish than you might expect f rom a much la rger car? Is i t a car that 's more economica l and ef f ic ient? A car fu l l o f the la test techno logy that not on ly improves l i fe , but somet imes saves i t? Or is i t s imply a car that 's fun to dr i ve but not a t your passengers ' expense? The answer is i t ' s a l l o f these th ings but most impor t ant l y i t ' s a car that 's des igned and bu i l t a round you . The A l l -New Volvo V40, a l l fo r jus t £199 per month wi th a 26% depos i t , 0% APR Representative* over 3 years , and 3 years serv ic ing for jus t £300. To book a test drive or f ind out more, simply cal l or visit us now.

Lipscomb Maidstone Performance House, Forstal Road, Aylesford, Maidstone, ME20 7XA 08430 225608 Lipscomb Canterbury Central House, Ashford Road, Chartham, Canterbury CT4 7HH 08430 225861

www.lipscomb.co.uk

Fuel consumption for the All-New Volvo V40 range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 40.4 (7.0) – 70.6 (4.0), Extra Urban 60.1 (4.7) – 83.1 (3.4), Combined 51.4 (5.5) – 78.5 (3.6). CO2 Emissions 136 – 94 g/km. *Finance subject to status. Retail sales only. Subject to availability at participating dealers only on vehicles registered by 31st December 2012. 0% finance available on Personal Contract Purchase on the Volvo V40 with 0% APR Representative and minimum 25% deposit required. At the end of the Personal Contract Purchase there are three options: (i) pay the GFV (Guaranteed Future Value/Optional Final Payment) to own the vehicle; (ii) part exchange the vehicle, where equity is available; or (iii) return the vehicle. Further charges may be made subject to the condition of the vehicle. Terms and conditions apply. 18s or over. Guarantee/Indemnity may be required. Volvo Car Credit RH1 1SR. The service offer is applicable to the All-New Volvo V40 vehicles ordered in the customer’s name on or after 1st October 2012 up to and including 31st December 2012. The retail service is for 3 years or 54,000 miles (whichever occurs first) and includes 3 services at a one-off cost to the customer of £300 inc. VAT (£250.00 + VAT). The services must be carried out at a Volvo Authorised Repairer by Volvo Approved Technicians. Where the work is carried out outside the UK, the customer must pay for work and retain receipts for reimbursement by VCUK. The retail offer is only available for purchase at any time up to 1 month after registration, as long as the vehicle meets the appropriate conditions. Subject to additional terms and conditions, and excluded fleet operators and business users. Retail offer only. See volvocars.co.uk for full terms and conditions.

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[travel]

Christmas Shopping Breaks in Mid Wales at

There are plenty of local boutiques that offer unique Welsh Christmas gifts throughout Mid Wales.

Why not stay at the stunning Ynyshir Hall a lovely base for a weekend of sight seeing and Christmas shopping. Set within the secret heart of Wales with Britain’s finest bird reserve, the RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve on its doorstep, this is one of the UK’s finest boutique foodie hotels. Awarded three AA Rosettes, the Welsh modern cuisine is prepared using local ingredients including some locally foraged items and foods from the hotel’s own herb & vegetable garden.

With 8 bedrooms, all named after famous artists and individually designed, an award winning restaurant, a breakfast room looking out across the 14 acres of stunning garden, a lounge bar with a roaring log fire and a drawing room which is as welcoming as your own lounge at home – Ynyshir Hall is all about calm – an escape from all the stresses of modern life. The hotel is surrounded by the Cambrian Mountains and the views from all parts of the hotel are of nature – you can’t see another property, you can’t hear traffic noise and on occasions you feel you are in your very own private haven. This is why the hotel was once a favourite hidden retreat of Queen Victoria.

Joan Reen and her husband, artist Rob Reen, whose paintings cover the many walls at Ynyshir Hall, fell in love with the hotel in 1989 and were instantly drawn by not only the surroundings but the legends associated with the property.

Working with Joan is rising head chef Paul Croasdale, who after just one year at the hotel was awarded 3 AA Rosettes in 2012. He has created a selection of menus bringing together Welsh ingredients. Ynyshir Hall arguably offers one of Wales’ finest cheese boards with something to draw in even the most dubious cheese fan!

An escape around the festive period can be the ideal time to avoid the busy high streets and discover markets, Christmas fairs and craft fairs whilst also getting to know a unique part of the UK.

Ynyshir Hall

www.ynyshirhall.co.uk Eglwysfach, Powys, Wales, SY20 8TA Telephone: 01654 781209

Here are a selection of in mid Wales:

26 October 2012 - 6 January 2013Aberystwyth Arts Centre’s annual Winter Craft & Gift Fair opens seven days a week for over eight weeks in the busy present buying period around Christmas. 150,000 visitors expected throughout the run. The Fair incorporates jewellery, ceramics, woodwork, photography, prints, metalwork, slate, textiles and foodstuffs

First Two Weeks of December 2012Ynyshir RSPB ; Christmas craft fair; Lots of unique gifts for Springwatch fans.

Saturday 22nd - Monday 24th December 2012Santa Special Trains: Take a festive steam train ride to Santa's grotto at Plas Nadolig. Each child (0-12) meets Santa and receives a present selected by his elves that is suitable for their age. There will be time for photographs with Santa before the train returns you to Tywyn for complimentary Mince Pies and drinks.

Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway, Gorsaf Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd. LL36 9EY. 01654 710 472 www.talyllyn.co.uk

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Alentejo[travel]

You’ve heard of Lisbon and the Algarve but how about the sleepy swathe of Portugal in the middle? Jaillan Yehia explores the hilltop towns, beaches and farmlands of the Alentejo region, Portugal’s best kept secret.

I’m driving down one of those big, wide, freshly tarmacked motorways that’s so new the Sat Nav doesn’t even know it exists– and neither does anyone else by the looks of things, we’re practically the only vehicle around. It’s lunchtime and I’ve been in Portugal long enough to know that a great restaurant is where you need to be come 1pm, even if you’re in the middle of nowhere – especially if you’re in the middle of nowhere in fact, as the entire Alentejo happily is. We’re a stone’s throw from a

vast sandy stretch of rugged coast so I’ve set my sights on finding the perfect spot to tuck into the catch of the day.

The road forks and we instinctively follow the path as it winds beachwards, and soon enough we discover where all the traffic is – in the car park of Kalux and Co. a deceptively simple beach cafe (if I was in Greece I’d be calling it a taverna) - and we settle in for another of the long, languorous and indulgent lunches that define our trip.

Olives, local quijo and pão (cheese and bread) provide a hearty pre-starter snack - slow food is very much a way of life here - and as a wine producing region small bottles are easier to come by than single glasses, decimating the chances of anything happening quickly come afternoon. It’s for this pace as well as scenic drives through arid and dusty roads past vast fields of cork trees, and for world heritage towns and whitewashed villages, that we’d come to this hidden part of Portugal.

Tales from the

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[travel]

After a straightforward drive from Lisbon our first stop is the UNESCO Site of Evora - capital of the Alentejo’s Alto region. Inside the Roman fortifications, which keep 21st Century life firmly at bay, I feel the closest I’ve ever been to colonial Central America on European soil.

It’s hard to tell where the bright yellow stripes of each building end and the scorching light of the sun’s rays begin, so after ducking into a shady spot for Portuguese-style tapas, we step out into the less intense afternoon heat to explore the cobbled streets, manicured gardens, palaces and galleries of the town before plotting our next move.

Farther into the hinterland the town of Alvalade is hosting one of Portugal’s celebrated medieval festivals. For three days this entire towns is dressed in straw bales and hessian, wenches eating food fresh from the fire, while menfolk with swords quaff ale from terracotta tankards. If there’s a more authentic and enthusiastic place to re-live the Middle Ages I can’t imagine it and we join the party as a band of minstrels play into the night.

Next day ye olde hangover is washed away at the beach – or in this case beaches. The town of Vila Nova de Milfontes is in a prime position on the Alentejan coast between the deservedly popular Zambujeira do Mar and the River Mira’s collection of beaches

and inlets, each with its own character though all with matching rugged cliffs as a backdrop, and perfect sand underfoot. The town is perfectly set up for surfers and sunbathers without a hint of resortyness; it’s a simple place with seaside rhythms of days spent in the water and evenings in the open air, quickly merging into one long salty memory once it’s time to move on.

Driving back to the airport I’m reluctant for these straw-hued vistas of cattle, cliffs and cork trees to give way to motorway but this time the Sat Nav knows just where we’re going; the adventure is well and truly over. Even if we do have Christ the Redeemer to welcome us back to Lisbon, and city life.

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[travel]

MALCOLMSHAIRSTYLIST91 High Street | Broadstairs | Kent

Modern & TraditionalMen’s HairstylingAppointments Optional

01843 865230 / 864256

sinc

e19

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10 Things To Do In The Alentejo1. Get spooked at Evora’s 16th Century

Capela dos Ossos or Chapel of Bones

2. Party alfresco at Zambujeira Do Mar – August sees the town plays host to Portugal’s big summer music event, the Festival do Sudoeste

3. Travel the wine route. The Alentejo Wine Route Office in Evora arranges visits to the local wine cellars and has free daily tastings

4. Get an all over tan at Alteirinhos Beach, a designated naturist area

5. Go back in time at one of Portugal’s medieval festivals

6. See the world’s oldest tree in the public gardens at Beja: this Wollemi Pine pre-dates the dinosaurs and is one of only four in existence

7. Take a long lunch. Try alfresco Pateo for tapas in Evora

8. Work off that food and wine with everything from horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, biking and fishing, all on offer in the Alentejo

9. Put a cork in it. Portugal produces 50% of the world’s cork – and it’s not just used for wine bottles. Locally, cork is made into everything from umbrellas and wallets to furniture and art and rural hotel Monte do Geistal takes guests to see the summer cork-oak harvest first-hand

10. See Stonehenge, Portuguese-style at one of humanity’s oldest monuments – the Almendres Megalithic site just outside Evora. This is the largest site of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula.

Getting There & Staying ThereSunvil Holidays offer 4 nights in the Alentejo including scheduled flights with TAP Portugal, car hire and four nights in a deluxe garden-view room at the 5 Star Convento do Espinheiro historic hotel. Package includes breakfast, four-course gastronomic dinner, wine tasting, a wine-therapy spa session, use of the spa and transfers to and from Evora. The price is £455 per person in January and February 2012, based on two sharing. Visit www.sunvil.co.uk/alentejo or call Sunvil Discovery on 020 8758 4722

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[fashion]

AMY’S BEAUTY TIPSWith Christmas on the way Amy McManus takes us through some of the best beauty treatments to pamper and have you sparkling throughout the festive season.

Jessica ManicureEver since Jessica Vartoughian opened the first ever salon dedicated to nails in 1969, Jessica has been one of the world's best known manicure brands. The manicure is now offered in 28 countries and hailed as the longest-lasting real-nail manicure available. It is therefore an essential treatment for any woman’s Christmas list. Or any man’s for that matter!

Offered in beauty salons and spas across Kent, all colours are also available to purchase online or via your nearest retailer.

RRP £8.75 each. Try their ‘Shine On’ range for an extra spot of Christmas sparkle!

Luxury Spa Pedicure with Callus PeelThere are pedicures and there are luxury spa pedicures with callus peel; the Rolys-Royce of indulgence for the feet. Get ready to show those toes in strappy heels because when your 90 minutes of pampering is up, there won’t be a cracked heel in sight! Starting with the callus peel a patch or gel is applied to the bottom of the foot and heel to soften the skin. This is left for approximately 20 minutes while the magic happens! Once the wait is over any previous hard skin is simply scraped off and callus removed like orange peel. A quick polish to remove any remaining keratin and you’re ready to continue with the luxury spa pedicure.

Firstly the feet are soaked in a massaging foot spa filled with hot water and infused with peppermint bubbles. The feet are then exfoliated, massaged and moisturised before being wrapped and placed within heated boots. Finally, after cuticle treatment, file, polish and paint you are ready to go.

I can honestly say that your feet will feel as though they have never been walked on before and covering up with socks will be a thing of the past.

My top pick for this fabulous piece of heaven: Bliss Beauty Therapy, Eastry, Kent. 01304 619212. Callus Peel: £14 and Luxury Spa Pedicure: £28. East Kent Lifestyle readers receive 15% off their first treatment!

Abhyanga Full Body MassageAfter a long week of working, shopping, cooking and present wrapping the body can be in need of some well deserved attention. Take some time to visit TOR Ayurvedic spa retreat, Ickham, Canterbury. Originating in India, Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of natural health care and considered one of the leading forms of holistic medicine available. The holistic science is the knowledge of complete balance of the body, mind and spirit including longevity, rejuvenation and self-realization therapies through herbs, diet, exercise, yoga, massage, aromas, mantras, and meditation. The Abhyanga is a general well being oil based body massage which exercises the whole body, tones up muscles, improves blood circulation and repairs worn-out tissues. It is followed by a steam bath to help the oil penetrate thoroughly. Finally concluding in body cleansing and the removal of toxins lodged deep within the tissues. This treatment is renowned of relieving stress so perfect to ease any holiday tension. Try the four handed option for Tor Spa Retreat, Canterbury. 01227 728500Two handed: £50 or Course of 5: £200, Four handed: £75 or Course of 5: £300

[fashion]

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Medical MicrodermabrasionSometimes a facial simply is not enough. If the skin is in need of a serious pick-me-up then this treatment is a brilliant way to give new life to it. Microdermabrasion helps improvethe texture and appearance of the skin using a stream of fine micro particles which partially removes the outermost layer of the skin and stimulates new cell growth, visibly reducing fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, and stretch marks, making the skin far smoother with a more youthful glow. Microdermabrasion is available in many local beauty salons and spas although it is important to check the quality of the machine and the materials used as there are a variety of available choices ranging in price from £30 up to £200. For example Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic use a medical grade microdermabrasion machine with a pulsed oxygen feed. The pulsed oxygen pressure is used to push the active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate cell renewal. It provides a safe and effective treatment for issues such as loss of elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles, acne and scarring. Each treatment usually lasts 45 minutes and is suitable for men and women of all ages and skin types.

Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic. 01227 472288One session: £60 or Course of 6 sessions: £330

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[food and drink]

R enee Maguire is a chef, raw nutrition coach, food writer and motivational healthy eating

speaker. Through discovering the benefit of her own health improvements she has dedicated her work to helping others find a balance between the foods they love to eat and the foods their body needs.

Renee writes for a variety of newspapers, magazines and blogs, and tours the country delivering inspirational motivational talks and food workshops to find out more visit www.rawchifood.com or email renee@rawchifood.com

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JO DORAN

Renee's Healthy Food Tips

Christmas Retox /Detox

It’s snuck up on us again, the season of good cheer and merriment and with it comes an abundance of rich food and drink. Weeks of yuletide offerings, tins of chocolates dotted around the office and

as you delve deeper into December you loosen the notch on your belt, and begin to feel like one of Bernard’s best bronze Turkeys.

The aftermath of rich living leaves you feeling hungover, sluggish, bloated and toxic. Your liver has to work doubly hard to counteract the over-indulgence, helping to metabolise fats, removing wastes and ridding your body of unnatural chemicals.

Here are few superfoods to guide you through this festive time.

RAW CHI HANGOVER CURE - BAOBAB FRUIT POWDER Drinking alcohol strips our body of nutrients. By adding a teaspoon of baobab powder a day to a glass of water or juice, we assist our body’s recovery, offering a wealth of nutrients, such as calcium, potassium and 6 times more vitamin C than an orange. Its high levels of antioxidants also protect our body from free radicals.

RAW CHI STRESS BUSTER - BRAZIL NUTS A Christmas favourite, Brazil nuts are high in mono saturated fats which helps to lower LDL (bad cholesterol)

and increase HDL (good cholesterol). Brazil nuts are the best natural source of selenium, which helps maintain your mood and prevent depression. Just four Brazil nuts a day, give you your recommended daily intake of selenium, your very own natural anti-depressant. Selenium also helps prevent heart diseases, liver cirrhosis, cancers and also promote increased brain function.

RAW CHI IMMUNE BUILDER - BRUSSELS SPOUTS Love them or hate them, but Brussel sprouts are packed with phytochemicals that protect from prostrate, colon and endometrial cancers. They have anti-vital and anti-bacterial properties, are an excellent source of vitamin C, A, E and Vitamin K aids bone strength and protects the body from Alzheimers. With a rich source of minerals (copper, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorous) sprouts help to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, while encouraging red blood cell formation.

REGULATE YOUR METABOLISM - RAW CHOCOLATE Switch to pure raw chocolate this Christmas and note the difference to your health. With a high concentration of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and PEA, Christmas cheer, will be ever present. Raw Chocolate can reduce stress levels, regulate your metabolism, assisting with a natural weight loss and is one of the highest sources of magnesium on the planet, which is good for brain function, blood pressure and bone health.

By being mindful of the foods you consume during the lead up to Christmas, and increasing the amount of whole food and superfoods in your diet, you will notice a difference for the better.

For any superfoods, wholefoods or a fabulous raw chocolate making kit, go to www.shop.rawchifood.com and exclusive to Kent Lifestyle readers; enjoy a seasonal discount of 10% (discount code Kent Lifestyle)

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[title]

Harrisons Hair Team

Evegate: 01303 813062 Sandgate: 01303 245645 www.harrisonshairteam.co.uk info@harrisonshairteam.co.uk

Evegate Business Park Station Road Smeeth Nr Ashford Kent TN25 6SX

53 Sandgate High Street Sandgate Nr Folkestone Kent CT20 3AH

Harrisons Hair Team

Evegate: 01303 813062

Sandgate: 01303 245645

www.harrisonshairteam.co.ukinfo@harrisonshairteam.co.uk

This voucher entitles you to

£5off any service at our Evegate or Sandgate salons

Evegate Business Park Station Road Smeeth Nr Ashford Kent TN25 6SX

53 Sandgate High Street

53 Sandgate High StreetSandgate

Nr FolkestoneKent

CT20 3AH

[fashion]

Did you have an idea in mind for your new style?I had an idea of what I wanted (which was to go a lot shorter than usual). However, I often have this “idea” and for the past decade at least an idea is all it has ever been. I simply always think better of it once I’m faced with the reality of a stylist with scissors!

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H A I R T E A M

H A R R I S O N ’ S

How did you find your welcome at Harrison’s Hair Team?Actually incredibly warm, they really were lovely. The girls made me feel very comfortable and important, something I was really pleased about because I’m quite “protective” of my hair and generally find it quite difficult to trust a stylist to do much more than my standard trim. Before we got down to business I was offered a cappuccino and made to feel very much at home.

How much advice were you given about your hair and hair needs?Quite a lot in fact. I was told that it would actually be a good idea to have a good cut as my long hair was very wispy, split and damaged. Basically it needed a good old overhaul. I was also advised on products I could use at home from their Redken range to keep my hair looking good once I left the salon. There was also lots of explanation, consultation and advice given throughout the process.

We sent Joanna Costello to the Sandgate salon of Harrison’s Hair Team to give her hair the makeover she’s been meaning to get around to for the best part of a decade! We caught up with her afterwards and all she’s wondering now is why she ever waited so long?

[fashion]

This is the shortest cut you’ve had for you years – how do feel about your new look?It feels great but it was the entire process which enabled me to find the confidence to achieve the look I wanted. I had a lengthy consultation with my stylist Sam before the cut. After going over the colour chart we opted to keep the colour as close to my natural hair colour as we could – and the colour just covered those nasty greys whilst giving my hair a nice, glossy sheen. Sam also advised me that in order to help the “bob” style I wanted it would be a good idea to add a little weight to my hair at the sides. My hair here has suffered of late as my toddler often pulls at it when I’m trying to put her to sleep and over the months I’ve noticed its deterioration. By adding a few extensions of natural hair strands to the damaged hair I was able to give the necessary body and length which would enable me to carry off the new style.

In the past I’ve always worried that a new look would make me look older or wouldn’t suit me but the amount of compliments I’ve had since my makeover has been astonishing. In fact most people are telling me it takes years off me – which is music to the ears of any busy mum of two!

I’ve harboured ideas of having a “bob” style for years but coming to Harrison’s really gave me the confidence that it was the right thing to do. Sam took the cut step by step, stopping at certain lengths, talking me through things and seeing how short I wanted to go. In fact, if anything I think maybe I should have gone shorter, although this was my fault – I didn’t quite have the guts to go for broke lengthwise.

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You also had a treatment from the spa – what did you opt for?Yes, as I was visiting the Sandgate Salon which also provide beauty treatments I thought I’d go for the gel nail treatment and colour. My nails are a somewhat brittle and the gel coats and strengthens the nails and holds the colour for up to three weeks I’m told. A week and a half in and they’re still looking immaculate I’m happy to say. I was pretty spoiled for choice as Harrison’s provide a huge range of beauty therapies including spray tans, waxing, facials, eye treatments and massage.

How did you find the experience?As you can probably gather I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend Harrison’s Salons to anybody. The staff were highly knowledgeable and friendly, the salon was stylish and comfortable, the beauty room was wonderfully tranquil and inviting and – most importantly – the styling, cut and treatments were all first rate and so, so rewarding.

THE PROFESSIONAL’S CHOICE We asked the stylists as Harrison’s for their thoughts and inspirations for Xmas

Emily: I’m loving all the long hair work seen in the salon to create bows within the hair. First you create a ponytail at the point you’d like the bow to sit. Then split the tail into three equal strands – the two outside strands become the bows with the central strand acting as the knot.

Neil: I’m into hair braiding, creating funky hair ups, seen a lot at London fashion week and also in the press. It gives a look that is almost thrown up to something very structured. To add an extra bit of glitz we can thread in crystals or coloured hair wefts.

Daisy: I love to prepare guests hair with heated rollers and protects with a heat spray. Once cool I use a puff of powder grip and then pin the hair into a soft funky bun on one side.

Kerry: I’m a vintage fan and adore the land girl rolls and the marcel wave hair ups

Evegate: 01303 813062 Sandgate: 01303 245645www.harrisonshairteam.co.uk info@harrisonshairteam.co.uk

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Most lumps and bumps around the testicles area are not a sign of cancer. Men are never that great at addressing possible illness. And when it involves something sensitive, the great temptation is to forget about it and move on.

The testicles are the main organs of the male reproductive system, producing sperm and the hormone testosterone.

DO YOUR EXAMSFrom puberty onwards, it’s important that men check their testicles regularly (once a month) for anything unusual like a lump or swelling. When you do this you’ll soon get to know what feels normal for you.

The best time is during or right after a warm bath or shower, when the skin of your scrotum is relaxed. Hold your scrotum in the palm of your hand and use your fingers and thumb to examine each testicle. Feel for lumps, anything unusual or differences between your testicles. (However, it’s normal for one to be slightly different in size, and for one to hang lower than the other)

A normal testicle should feel smooth and firm (not hard). The epididymis (tube that carries sperm) lies at the top of the back part of each testicle. It feels like a soft coiled tube. It’s not uncommon to get harmless cysts or benign lumps in the epididymis.

SYMPTOMS OF TESTICULAR CANCERThe most common symptom is a lump in a testicle, but it’s not the only one. Others can include:

• a swelling or a lump in a testicle, which is usually painless – although the swelling may suddenly increase in size and become painful

• pain or heaviness in the scrotum

• a pain in one testes and an ache in the lower stomach

Sometimes cancer cells from the testicle can spread to nearby lymph nodes (also known as glands). Lymph nodes are small and round and we have lots of them throughout the body. They’re connected to each other by a network of tiny lymphatic vessels that carry a fluid called lymph, which contains cells that help us fight infection.

If cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body, there may be some of the following symptoms:

• pain in the back, groin, or lower abdomen. This can be caused by the spread of the cancer to lymph nodes in the back of the abdomen

• a cough or breathlessness if lymph nodes in the chest area are affected, or (rarely) if the cancer has spread to the lungs

• nipple/breast tenderness or breast swelling. This isn’t common but can be caused by hormones produced by the cancer.

TYPES OF TESTICULAR CANCERThere are two main types:

• Seminomas. These usually occur in men between 25 and 45 years of age.

• Non-seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs). This group of tumours usually affects younger men – from about 15 to 35 years old.

Sometimes a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma can also occur in the testicle.

[health and fitness]

CHECKING FOR TESTICULAR CANCER: IT’S IN YOUR HANDS

ARE YOU WORRIED? If anything is troubling you, do go and see your GP. You may well find there’s nothing of any concern. For further information please call 0800 092 8728

Mr Edward Streeter Consultant Urological Surgeon

Specialties: Prostate cancer

Mr Ben Eddy Consultant Urological Surgeon

Specialties: Prostate & renal cancer

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PAY FOR YOURSELF WITH THE UK’S NUMBER ONE PRIVATE HOSPITAL GROUP

Most people assume they only have two choices when it comes to hospital treatment – going through the NHS, or if you have it, using private medical insurance. Another option is to go private and pay for treatment yourself. Going private offers a choice of experienced consultants and of course, no waiting lists.

With our competitive fixed price packages, there are no worries about any unexpected bills.

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St Lawrence CollegeCo-educational, day and boarding school for ages 3-18 years

For more information or to arrange a visit telephone 01843 572931 or email ah@slcuk.com

St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AEwww.slcuk.com

Charity

No. 307921

Academic,

Music &

Sports

Scholar

ships

Availa

ble

• Exceptional modern and traditional facilities

• Extensive curriculum choice

• Outstanding sporting facilities with expert coaching

• Excellent ensuite boarding accommodation

• Ideally located only 75 minutes from London

• Spacious grounds set in a historical seaside town

• Strong pastoral care with Christian ethos

• Small classes, allowing tailored teaching for individuals

• New Girls Boarding -opened September 2012• New 500-seat Theatre -opened September 2012

Senior School Scholarships for entry in September 2013:• Tuesday 20th November: 16+ Examination for Sixth Form• Thursday 22nd November: 11+ Examination for Year 7• Friday 18th January: 13+ Examination for Year 9

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One task I enjoy is producing the Headmaster’s “Thought for the Week”. This is displayed around College and often forms the basis for my talk to the school on a Monday morning. Some of these choose themselves like the never to be forgotten words associated with Remembrance.

They shall grow not old as we are that are left grow old;Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them.

I find it deeply moving, every year, when the whole school gathers at the

11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to “remember”. The Last Post sounds and there is complete silence for two minutes. The school has pupils of many different nations. I see this silence not only as a moment to remember the sacrifices made by others so that we might live in peace, but also a moment of great optimism because the multi national community standing before me does live in harmony and understanding.

Other “Thoughts for the Week” are my favourite pithy phrases that contain a depth of insight and wisdom well beyond their few words. For many teenagers the ancient proverb “one of these days is none of these days” is a

useful reminder that their room does need tidying today! Others such as the words of Pope Gregory, “Be not anxious about what you have, but about what you are” penetrate into the heart of our existence.

Needing a little more thought are the words of TS Eliot “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information?” I often say to parents that the challenge of education is to develop wise women and men. Information is readily available to this current generation. It is no longer locked in a library or in a static computer but available to them, on the go, the whole time. They are a generation flooded by information. There is a desperate need for them to learn how to turn that information into knowledge and to distil that knowledge into wisdom. The more complex the world becomes the more it will need people of wisdom to shape its future.

Do you think your children’s school is orientated to creating men and women of wisdom? I know St Lawrence College is. Why not pay us a visit and see for yourself? Telephone 01843 572931 or email ah@slcuk.com.

Education Matters

[education]

By Reverend Mark Aitken, Headmaster, St Lawrence College

Aiming High

Junior School • 01227 762436

www.kentcollege.comDownload the Kent College App from the App Store

Outstanding education starts at 3 Idyllic surroundings

Every day is open day – Come and see us

Give your child a flying start at our Nursery School

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Getting Ahead

Kent College Nursery, Infant and Junior School, A Unique Education in Canterbury

Visitors to Kent College Nursery, Infant and Junior School are always impressed by the considerate yet purposeful approach of the children as they go about making the most of the opportunities presented to them whilst looking smart in their school uniform. These pupils are enjoying a school day that is tailored to their individual educational needs, which will enable them to raise their self esteem to a level that means they will thrive with the variety of challenges that each day brings. It is a traditional education but one that is preparing them for the modern world.

EARLY YEARS CENTRE The Nursery and reception classes are based around their idyllic garden and provide an adult to pupil ratio of 1:4, this enables the children to gain confidence and skills in a supportive and challenging environment.

INFANT SCHOOL On entry into the infants the children stay in small groups and spend most of their time developing numeracy and literacy skills but also start to enjoy the teaching of specialist teachers for music, sport, Information and Communication Technology and foreign languages. This sees them enter an accelerated learning programme, which may see them taking GCSE, or similar qualifications early.

JUNIOR SCHOOL Here the average form size has grown to twelve and it is at this point all the children enter the school’s Gifted and Talented programme which sees them enjoying additional curriculum time studying in an area of their strength and interest. This accelerates their progress and enables them to develop further skills and interests that will be with them throughout their lives.

They also enjoy Maths and English lessons that are grouped according to a child’s ability and potential rather than age. This enables them to accelerate their rate of progress surrounded by similarly talented individuals.

A programme of sport and music, which sees extensive involvement for all the children, complements all this academic progress. Sports and music tours feature regularly and there are frequent fixtures for the older children. These opportunities with specialist teaching from teachers that have played up to international standard themselves ensures that no aspect of a child’s education is neglected.

All of this plus a full range of after school clubs every evening and a 50 week a year programme. It is no wonder that the children thrive in such an inspring, organized and happy environment.

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Wednesday 7th November, 7.30pmSlade & Sweet @ Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone Throughout the seventies, Slade became one of Europe's biggest bands, touring and recording continuously, producing a catalogue of hits that became synonymous with the era and providing a soundtrack to the glam generation. Likewise Sweet enjoyed massive success back in the day and have sold over 55 million records worldwide, and have had 34 number 1 hits worldwide and still play to sell out audiences throughout the world. Enjoy these Goliath’s of Glam Rock together in one night!

Price £24.50 call 01303 228600 or go to https://store.ambassadortickets.com/EventSeatBlock.aspx

Friday 9th November, 8pm Rat Pack @ Winter Gardens, MargateIt’s fun all the way as the “Purveyors of Cool” swing into Margate Winter Gardens on Friday 9th November with a sensational show featuring the greatest music of the 20th century.

Wonderful memories of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin & Sammy Davis Junior in a fabulous production that continues to be successful all over the world.

Price £19 or £25 for VIP tables, call 01843 296111

Thursday 22nd November 5:30pm - 8pmChristmas Light Switch on Event @ Ashford Designer OutletEnjoy this festive event with Steps and Ryan O’Shaughnessy from Britain’s Got Talent.

Sunday 25th November, 10am -5pm Quexmas Christmas Craft Fair @ Quex Park, BirchingtonFollowing on from the huge success of the 2011 craft fair at the Powell-Cotton Museum, the 2012 Quexmas Craft Fair will take place on 25 November 2012 from 10am to 5pm.

Enjoy a traditional festive experience with Christmas craft stalls, activities for the children including face painting and children’s crafts, carriage rides around the grounds, festive singing and Santa’s grotto.

Entry £2 for adults, kids go free

Friday 30th November – Sunday 20th JanSleeping Beauty @ The Marlowe Theatre, CanterburyYou're guaranteed a feel-fantastic festive treat this Christmas with a whole host of stars including singing sensation Gareth Gates, pop legend Toyah Willcox, children's favourite Katrina Bryan (CBeebies' Nina And The Neurons), The Marlowe's favourite funnyman Ben Roddy, local comedian Lloyd Hollett and, direct from playing the lead role in Legally Blonde, West End star Faye Brookes.

Prices range from £11-£30, performance times vary, for details call 01227 787787 or visit www.marlowetheatre.com/page/3127/Book-Online

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Saturday 1st – Monday 24th DecemberLapland UK @ Bewl Water Estate, LamberhurstThis year experience the Christmas magic of LaplandUK, the award winning recreation of Father Christmas' arctic homeland, where families enjoy a magical daytrip that celebrates a child's belief in Father Christmas. An amazing day out for kids and parents alike. The Sunday Times says, “"It really does cast a Christmas spell, it's beautifully done"

Prices from £44.50 to £64.50 per person plus booking fees.

Price includes a personalised invitation to every child by post, child elf passport, all activities, skating, personalised meeting with Father Christmas and luxury soft husky toy per child over 12 months.

Friday 7th December, 7.30pmCharity Christmas Casino Evening @ The Marquis at Alkham, Alkham ValleyWhy not book a table at the wonderful five star Marquis at Alkham and enjoy this Black tie event. Partake of cocktails & canapes to celebrate Christmas with magic, casino tables & some classic crooning.

Price £55 call 01304 873410 to book now

Friday 7th December 7pmThe Hoosiers @ Margate Winter GardensThe London three-piece bring their brand of tongue in cheek indie pop to Margate’s Winter Gardens this December. The Hoosiers debut single, Worried About Ray, reached number 5 in the UK charts, while their first studio album, The Trick To Life, made it to number 1.

Price £12, call 01843 296111 or visit www.margatewintergardens.co.uk/box_office

Wednesday 12th and Friday 14th DecemberHullabaloo @ The Minnis, Minnis Bay from 8.30pmMade up of double bass, saxophone, guitar, drums and specialising in vocal harmonies, Jarrod Coombes and Jim Knowler’s blend of jazz, jive, swing, and original twist on pop guarantee a good night out in the run up to Christmas.

See the show and enjoy Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings.Price £30 inclusive of Xmas Dinner – call 01843 841844 or book online at www.theminnis.com

Friday 14th December 7pmCanterbury Choral Society: Family Carols @ Canterbury Cathedral Join in and sing along to some of your favourite carols in the nave of the Cathedral. The event also features the Canterbury Choral Society Youth Choir. Children from the nave are invited to come and sing at the front. Christian or not this is a wonderful event that can’t help but get you in a festive mood

Tickets from the Marlowe Theatre on 01227 787787

Saturday 15th December 6pmTrees of Love @ Canterbury Hospice Come and join a fantastic event at the Pilgrim’s Hospice and enter the true spirit of Christmas with a carols and remembrance service, Saturday 15th December, 6pm, address as above.

Canterbury Hospice, 56 London Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8JA

Tuesday 18th December 8pm

Jimmy Carr presents “Gagging Order”@ Leas Cliff Hall, FolkestoneBrand new show, brand new jokes, same old Jimmy. Gagging Order promises to be an hilarious night out. The show will be packed with one-liners, stories & jokes. Some clever, some rude & a few totally unacceptable. Everybody's welcome. Just leave your conscience, sense of common decency & moral compass at home & come on out for a laugh.

Price £26, call 01303 228600 or go to https://store.ambassadortickets.com/EventSeatBlock.aspx

Friday 21st DecemberFolkestone Christmas ArtMart @ Folkestone Town CentreWith a fine, interesting and inexpensive range of Art, Crafts and Artisan foods. In the pedestrian precinct of Sandgate Road, between Debenhams and W.H Smith. While on the High Street, the ArtMart is an excellent place to buy special gifts not found in high street shops with a unique relaxed atmosphere and friendly knowledgeable stallholders.

Folkestone Town Centre, Sandgate Road Kent CT20 1DN

More information at www.folkestonefestival.org

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nativegifts.co.ukAll handmade in the UK, all natural & organic, bath & body gifts for her, him, mothers to be and babies; nativegifts.co.uk is the online gifting service that actually delivers unique long lasting products that sustain your gift giving message longer. Ideal as Christmas gifts and gifts throughout the year for all manner of occasions.

A selection of luscious lotions, pretty potions and sumptuous bath soaks are perfect gifts throughout this festive season. Simply choose your gift, type your message in the box provided and nativegifts.co.uk will do the rest with beautifully wrapped deliveries including a handwritten note making the whole shopping experience effortless and bespoke.

All nativegifts.co.uk products are made up of the most pure natural and chemical-free ingredients available, free from petrochemicals or synthetic ingredients like parabens and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS and SLES).

With gifts starting from £26 there is something to suit all budgets. Get online and start shopping in time for Christmas!

www.nativegifts.co.uk Follow on Twitter For Offers @NativeGifts

Email hello@nativegifts.co.uk

Please send all entries to hello@ nativegifts.co.uk marked “East Kent Lifestyle Magazine”. A name will be selected for each at random and only winner will be contacted.

Exclusive East Kent Lifestyle Magazine Giveaway:WIN ONE GIFT SET FOR HER Frangipani Bath & Body Collection (Worth £30.00) A sensual collection perfumed with the exotic fragrance of Frangipani, known for its euphoric yet calming properties. A gift of inner peace and harmony!

Frangipani Body Cream An exotic and sensual blend of frangipani absolue, patchouli and grapefruit essential oils. Contains Shea nut butter for softening, smoothing and suppleness. Sheer bliss!

120 ml Frangipani Bath Salts Packed with enriching dead sea salt minerals and pink clay to tone and soften and accompanied by an exquisite floral Frangipani fragrance.

150g Mini Body Massager An attractive wooden travel-size massager with handy strap. Perfect for toning and conditioning the skin.

WIN ONE GIFT SET FOR HIM Verde For Men Collection (Worth £45.00) A full shebang of facial goodies and all-over pick-me-ups. Relax, pamper, soothe and moisturise.

Essential Man Relaxing Bath Salts Relax and unwind with this superb combination of essential oils including sage, petitgrain and lavender. And come out smelling irresistible too! Size: 250 ml

Rough Trade Face Scrub Keep skin looking and feeling dandy with this gently effective face scrub. It’s a once-a-week treat that gets the job done. Suitable for: all skin types Size: 60ml

Sandalwood Moisturising Cream Sensually smooth, with the addictive scent of Vetivert and Sandalwood. You can’t beat this soothing and restorative moisturiser. Suitable for: all skin types Size: 15 ml – travel size

X-ES Aftershave Gel Perfect to treat dry skin after shaving, a cool and calming seaweed based gel with a fabulous citrus aroma. Suitable for all skin types Size: 15 ml – travel size

Terms & Conditions: Items sent to competition winner are non-exchangeable or refundable and no alternative is available.

Christmas Gifts The Natural Way With

EKLMagazine Giveaway

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www.pentlandhomes.co.ukPictured (top) are local area photographs. Pictured above is a generalCGI of the development for illustrative purposes only.

For more information please call 01303 893080Our Sales Office is open Thursday to Sunday 9.30am - 4pmand Monday 9.30am - 2pm.

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