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

From Primal Scream to Bob Dylan, Suedeto Steps, festival season is upon us

A PRIMAL EXPERIENCE

mmmMaidstone, Medway MagazineIssue 4, May 2012Complimentary

MYSTERYIs the secret of

Lord Lucan buried in a Kent grave?

FITNESSInspirational seniors

show the rest of us it’s never too late

to visit the gym

xmmm

Xmmm

Lace 3/4 Sleeve Dress, £119MINT VELVET

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

The first floor of The Joiners Arms has been completely over-hauled, the result is four fantastic luxury boutique hotel rooms.Inspired by sophisticated interior design and French elegance,the hotel will bring an offering of luxury accommodation in Kent,in the small but thriving market town of West Malling.

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

www.no64thejoiners.co.uk info@no64thejoiners.co.uk

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

Gemma Arterton’s muchmore than 007’s girlfriend

Bondbeauty

mmmMaidstone, Medway MagazineIssue 2, March 2012Complimentary

MOTHERS’ DAYOUR GIFT GUIDE ISSURE TO INSPIRE

TRAVELCITY BREAK OR PARADISE ISLAND?THE CHOICE IS YOURS

HISTORYWHO NEEDS ROYALTY WHENYOU’VE GOT FILM STARS?

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

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

PerfectBloom

mmmMaidstone, Medway MagazineIssue 3, April 2012Complimentary

EasterFind theperfectpresents

SpringFashions,fitness,gardens,get outand enjoythe sun

WelcomeMay Day has been considered a festival forhundreds of years.Today it may not have the same meaning it did

to our ancestors, but one thing is for sure, comerain or shine May is the start of festival season. As the warmer days stretch into longer nightspeople all over the country come together in fields to enjoy live music under the sun.With this in mind we’re taking a look at some of

the key music events taking place in our area thissummer. Whether you want youthful pop acts,indie classics or long-successful legends, there’ssomething for everyone just a hop, skip and a jump from your door.On the subject of exercise, this month we’ve met

some super seniors who prove to the rest of us it’snever too late to keep yourself fit and healthy. Ourparticular favourite is Barry. Just about to celebratehis 82nd birthday, he’s an inspirational reminder of why age is not a barrier. Also, mmm is growing this issue, as we’re

pleased to welcome a new fitness columnist andtravel editor to offer even more to you, our readers.Happy May Day,

mmm

11 Festival seasonWhether you’re looking to cometogether for Primal Scream, orprefer blowin in the wind with Bob Dylan, a whole host of talentedmusicians are lined up to play

in a festival near you.

19 FashionFrom bright,bold summercolours tocheer you, to what’s cool

for comfort andstyle at thefestival, we’re

here to ensure you look great as you prepare for the summer.

31 TravelExplore somewhere different, from fashionable Florence to the remote beauty of Patagonia and beyond.

39 WeddingsAll you need is love, but when it comes to ensuring your big day truly is the best day of your life there’s a little more to it. Thismonth we focus on the extra details of your outfit that can help to set off your dress and highlightyour beauty - accessories.

42 FoodTwo great recipes to temptyour tastebuds andimpress your dinner

guests. You’ll beamazed at how easy they are too.

mmm47

11 42

28

MMM Media LtdWhite Cottage

13 Ashford RoadMaidstoneME14 5DA

Tel: 01622 299035editorial@mmm-media.com

sales@mmm-media.com

PublisherRasa Dregva

EditorTom White

Travel EditorTricia Lester

ProductionMichael Pilcher

DesignMaggie Ashton

Sarah Ellis

SalesHannah Duffy

AccountsKerry Head

PhotographyHarry Bristow

(Mid Kent College)

ITTim Bassett

Further contributionEvelina Webster

26

47 HistoryThe mystery of Lord Lucan’sdisappearance has fascinatedpeople for almost 40 years, butcould we be closer to the truth than we realise?

53 HomesNot only are we helping you to find your dream home, but once you’ve moved in you’ll want to relax.Enjoy sweet dreams in your new home when you make the most of beautiful bedding

in a lovely new bed, take a peak at our homes pages to find out more.

73 EventsFrom a night at the theatre,

to a charity fundraiser. We also take a look at the latest gadgets,business successes

and some very good sports.

32

78

76

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

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

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74

All the fun of the festival

As the sun battles to escape the clouds, it’s time to turn our thoughts to the summer and all the outdoor possibilities that brings. Tom Whitetakes a look at the music festivals taking place here on our doorstep.

N o more than about 20 years ago yourchoice when it came to musicfestivals was

pretty straight forward. There was Reading for a cutting-

edge line-up and Glastonbury for a more lifestyle experience. Oh,and for the world music brigadethere was Womad.

Tickets for a weekend would setyou back around £50 and you tookyour life into your hands when itcame to food and the latrines.

Today, of course, much haschanged. Granted, the toiletsremain an horrendous experiencefor all but those familiar with the most rudimentary cesspit, but the festival has exploded into

a mass-market phenomenon.No longer the preserve of the

student, for whom personalhygiene and pleasant bathroomsare a mere concept rather thanday-to-day reality, there is now a festival for everyone.

What’s more, prepare to have thebetter part of £200 extracted fromyour bank account to be allowedaccess into a venue where thephrase ‘competitively priced’ is notpart of the every day language offood and drink sellers within.

But despite the checking of some of life’s little luxuries at the gates, the music festivalprovides an experience unlike any other; a genuine opportunity to leave regular life in the car park and exchange it for a

weekend of music and outdoorliving. Coupled, of course, withcopious opportunities to enjoy a drink or five.

And, if you want to spend a little more, then you can enter the world of glamping – where a premium price brings you such delights as flushing toilets,showers, exclusive bars and eventents where mattresses come as standard.

Last year, the festivalmarketplace was crowded and delivered some trulymemorable moments.

For 2012, the Jubilee andOlympics add extra dates to the calendar while Glastonburytakes a break as farmer MichaelEavis gives his fields a chance a

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a to recover from the trampling of 177,000 folk.

Whether your musical taste is planted in the past or present,your preference for a festival big or small, 2012 may prove to be the pinnacle of a remarkableexplosion in the marketplace.

But surely the most surprising thing is that Kent – a country whichjust 20 years ago was a musicvenue backwater which sat deep

in the cold dark shade of London –is at the very heart of it.

It may not lay claim to one of the major festivals showcasing thecream of modern acts – the nearbyV Festival, just over the bridge at Chelmsford satisfies that urge –but this summer it features afascinating spread of events whichtruly promise a little something foreveryone.

Undoubtedly the biggest is the

Hop Farm Festival. Staged at thePaddock Wood tourist spot, itcatapulted itself into the big timelast year with a powerful line-upwhich includes The Eagles,Morrissey and, in what was his firstever UK festival show, Prince.

His Sunday night festival slotgenerated so many positiveheadlines, some would argue theHop Farm’s star almost dazzled all others.

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Kent had not seensuch a focus ofattention sinceMadonna headlinedRadio 1’s Big Weekendat Maidstone’s MotePark in 2008.This year, it has

continued with thelegendary theme – BobDylan, Peter Gabrieland Suede will headline– while there will be asupporting cast ofeveryone from PrimalScream to BruceForsyth, who will swapthe studio comforts ofStrictly Come Dancingfor the boards of hisfirst ever festivalappearance.In addition, there will

be sets from the likes ofPrimal Scream, DamienRice and Patti Smith.The man behind the

Hop Farm Festival isIrishman Vince Power.He made his fortunewith the Mean FiddlerGroup – which beganwith the Mean Fiddlervenues in Harlesdenand saw him end upowning and running ahost of London’shottest live musicoutlets.He became heavily

involved in the likesof Reading andGlastonbury in the early1990s, turning theirfortunes around, andwas behind the short-lived Phoenix Festivalin the Midlands.Eventually selling his

empire for £85m in2005, he admitted “myphone stopped ringing”and due to a clause inhis contract he wasunable to operatefestivals ina

Last year the Hop Farm truly put itself on the map, with performances from

The Eagles, Prince and Morrissey, and this year it is certain to keep that

momentum going.However, the Hop Farm is not the

only festival in the area. Billy Ocean isbooked to perform at one of the popular

Castle Concerts in Rochester.

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a the UK for a number of years.He set out to rebuild an empire

– and today he presides overSpain’s Benicassim, the rebornIrish event in London, the FeisFestival, and, of course, the Hop Farm Festival.“I’m very happy with the bill,”

Power says, “we have yet again put together a unique bill of actsyou’re not going to see repeatedeverywhere else. “Bob Dylan is someone I’ve

worked with before and I would put on stage at every event Iorganise if I could.“We have some true legends

including Patti Smith and RandyCrawford and I think that’s whatmusic fans look for, a wellthought out bill which is the best value festival this year.”Once again, Power is

capitalising on a ‘nosponsorship, no branding’ ethos – vowing to deliver thesame festival experience, builtaround the quality of music to everyone who passes through the gates.In August, the Hop Farm

hosts the One Love reggae and dub festival, while Canadiansinger-songwriter LeonardCohen will be performing at thevenue in September. And there are yet more

legends heading into the area this summer as Medway a

Hop Farm pictures: Kate Booker

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a gets into the spirit of summer.The Main Event One (ME1) festival takes place on July 28across a variety of stages inRochester. Headlining, in Jubileeyear, is John Lydon – the formerSex Pistols singer – who brings hisPublic Image Limited to the castle’sgrounds, supported by Leedsfavourites The Wedding Present.Organisers hope to see the eventgrow over coming years – to twodays in 2013 and three the year after. It could prove one to watch.Not that Medway is devoid of big names this summer. The popular annual Castle Concerts series returns with back-to-back shows from the likes of reformed pop act Steps, soul legend AlexanderO’Neal and Billy Ocean; JoolsHolland; and the more refinedsounds of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

In Canterbury in early June, Merton Farm will move its livestockto one side for a weekend asLounge on the Farm returns. Having ironed out issues with local authorities, it has a newlicence and plays host to the likes of fast-rising Emeli Sande, TheWombats, The Charlatans and Chic.It attracts a far younger audiencebut plays heavily on its local roots –

putting almost as much focus on its locally produced food and drinkon sale as its music – it too is afterthe family festival goer.But whatever your age, thesummer of 2012 will beremembered, in addition to the likesof Euro 2012, the Olympic Gamesand the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee,as laying out a remarkable series of musical treats for all ages. mmm

n The Hop Farm Festival, Paddock Wood, June 29-July 1 n Lounge on the Farm, Canterbury, July 6-8 nMain EventOne, Rochester, July 28 n Castle Concerts, Rochester, July 18-21 n One Love Festival, Paddock Wood, August 10-12

Primal Scream will play at the Hop Farm, while reformed pop group Steps are headed to Rochester Castle.

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mmm fashion

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It’s time to celebrate allthat’s bright and beautifulabout the summer, and atFremlin Walk you’ll findeverything you need, fromon-trend trousers andsuit-every-shape skirts, to the coolest newseason bags, shoes and accessories. At Next, romantic teadresses, soft tailoringand embellished knits in cool pastel shades are paired with “musthave” strappy wedgeheel sandals. Incontrast, bold tribalprints evoke thecharms of an exoticisland paradise Skirts have taken aladylike turn with manyflattering styles to choosefrom. A statement pleated maxiskirt, paired with a silk vest fromPied a Terre at House of Fraser canbe edged up from day to night byswapping a pair of colourful wedgesfor killer metallic colour block heelsfrom Office. At Zara, a pencil skirt with a frill willenhance curves, or try a wrap-overstyle for flattering tummies. If you prefer to keep your legscovered, this season’s trousers work with anything. Old bluedenim has moved over to makeway for the new colour stylejeans, why not smarten up a brightaqua green or coral pair with atailored navy jacket as seenrecently on Kate Middleton. Whether tailored, cropped or looseleg, there is a style out there to suityou, so forget the work look and bedare to be bold.

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Pencil skirtwith frill£39.99,Zara

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Brightand beautiful

Kinetic strappymetallic heels£65, Office

Pastel wedges£45, Next

Mint embellishedsweater £25, Next

LemonandnudePleatdress£60,Next

Purple & green clutchbag £35, Next

Pastel skinnybelt £12, Next

Colour block jacket £75 Trousers£48, sequin vest £48 – allWarehouse at House of Fraser

Miso Skinny greenjeans £30, Republic

Tropicalprint shiftdress £35,Next

Wedge shoes,£60 Office

Coral and white silk vest£79, Coral pleated midi skirt £99, Coral ‘Palermo’satchel £185, Natural‘Ateeka’ courts £150 all Pieda Terre at House of Fraser

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22 mmm

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Dreams at Eastwell ManorThis spring Dreams salon has the new Clarins TriActive Facial, which offers six highly personalisedresults-driven facial treatments. Choose from aYouth Activator, Lifting Line Smoother, RadianceReviver, Moisture Replenisher, Skin Healer or Detoxand Shine Stopper.Popular treatments for spring are DeluxePedicures and body exfoliations, such as the ClarinsGentle Skin Smoother. This is a luxurious, advancedbody scrub enriched with fruit enzymes.Dreams offers a full range of treatments andtherapies from Clarins, Guinot, Jessica, St Tropezand Aromatherapy Associates. They also offerpamper and spa days and twilight evenings.For details call 01233 213111 or emaildreamssalon@eastwellmanor.co.uk

The Old RectoryBio sculpture gels are the most popular treatment in the salon at the moment. This is a non-chip gelthat comes in more than 40 colours and will lastfrom 3-4 weeks on the fingers and anything up to 12 weeks on the toes.The new treatments I am currently offering are OPInail treatments and pedicures for regular manicures,full body waxing using cherry gel wax and full or halfeye lash extensions and party lashesTo feel and look fabulous we recommend having afull bio sculpture gel session on the toes ready toget the sandals out of the cupboard. I would alsorecommend perhaps getting your eyebrows shaped.Take this panel along to the salon with you to claima fabulous 25 per cent discount on any treatment.For details call 01622 727779

Beauty

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n Skinny jeansby M&S Outlet,RRP £29.50,Outlet £14.50n Pink macfrom M&S, RRP£35, Outlet£17.50 nUmbrella byChoice, RRP£15, Outlet £5n PinkWellingtonBoots byMountainWarehouse,RRP £24.99,Outlet £19.99.All available atthe DocksideOutlet Centre,Chatham

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Sun Care FormulaSPF50 Sun Spray£11/200ml, SPF15Sun Lotion£9.50/200ml,Marks & Spencer

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Be preparedfor the festival

For his and hers festivalfashion see pages 26-27

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FESTIVAL FASHION

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London Kilt Pin £9, AccessorizeFlag Print MaxiDress, £35, Next

n Iconic London DoubleDecker Bus charm, withthe Union Flag imprintedon the roof, sterling silvernMurano glass charm in blue, white and red n Dangle charmengraved with 2012, a fantastic souvenir tocommemorate this greatyear n Bracelet from £55,charms from £30. Allitems available fromPandora, Fremlin Walk

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Poppy Scarf,£18, Fat Face

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Kiku Jumpsuit,£110, Phase Eight,House of Fraser

Ainsdale SScheck shirt,£35, Fat Face

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Name: BarryAge: 81 (82 on 2nd May)Enjoys: My preferred modeof exercise is completing the

pre-arranged programmewhich is revised and updated by my personal trainer, Noah,after each assessment. Thisincludes the use of almost every item of gym equipmentand takes about one hour and 20 minutes. I complete the visit by swimming 20 lengths of the pool.How often? I do this threetimes each week.Benefits? Maintaining ageneral level of fitness, controlof body weight, lung functionimprovement and also a sense well-being.Recommends: Others of my age should do something

FITNESS Senior success stories

Hi, I’m Simon Ottaway a personal trainer for TopnotchHealth Club in Maidstone. As you can see from ourcommunity, age has noboundaries when it comes to looking after your health. Keeping fit going to a local gym is a great way to do this, with many medically provenadvantages, for example:Increased mobility, lowercholesterol, lower blood pressure, increased bone density to fight againstosteoporosis, a healthy heart, an active mind and generallyfeeling happier thanks to therelease of endorphins withexercise (the happy hormone). Trainers all around are waitingto help you gain or maintain ahealthy lifestyle, so why wait? Stop using age as an excuse. Whether you’re 16 or 86 its timeto look after number one.

Name:MaureenAge: 69Enjoys: Cross trainer and bike.How often? Four times a week.Benefits? I feel I have far more energy,sleep much better and feel energized after the sessions.Recommends: Do give your local gym atry, don’t worry about feeling ‘I’m too oldfor exercise’. There are people of all agesat the gym and it isn’t a competition.

Gym of choice: Tudor Park, Marriott Hotel & Country Club,Maidstone, 01622 632007, www.MarriottLeisure.co.uk

Name: MonicaAge: 68Enjoys: The crosstrainer as it helpsme burn off calories. How often? Fourtimes a week and I also do swimming.Usually, I do about10-12 minutess onthe cross trainerand treadmill.Benefits? I feelfitter to do everydaythings, I feel goodand happy when Ileave the gym and it’s a greatstart to my day. My husband

and friends tell mehow my confidencehas grown too.Recommends:The cardiomachines, forinstance the bikeand treadmill. Also,the staff are veryhelpful and haveguided me throughdifferent exercises.Gym of choice:Sebastian CoeHealth Club at theMercure Maidstone

Hotel, 0844 815 9045,www.mercure.com

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Name: DoreenAge: 76Enjoys: Aquaand swimmingHow often?Twice a weekBenefits?Feels it keepsjoints supple.Recommends: Join a club for fitness, enjoyment andmaking friends.Gym of choice: The RoffenClub, Rochester, 01634404770, www.roffen.com

similar, but make sure they have regular assessments, also ensure sensible alcohol limits are adhered to and do not smoke.Gym of choice: The Old Rectory, 01622 727779,www.rectoryhealthclub.com

Name: GwenAge: 71Enjoys: Aqua andswimmingHow often?Three times a weekBenefits? Maintaining fitness,the exercise is enjoyable andmeeting new friends.Recommends: Water exerciseand walking.Gym of choice: The RoffenClub, Rochester, 01634404770, www.roffen.com

Name: JanetAge: 64Enjoys: Thecross trainerbecause youcan see youare burningmore calories.How often? The gym andswim three times a week, alsochi ball, pilates and a stabilityball classes.Recommends: Consult a personal trainer for aprogramme to ensure youknow what you are doing andalso to challenge yourself.Gym of choice: LivingWellHealth Club Maidstone, 01622734872, www.livingwell.com

Name: RegAge: 79Enjoys:Looking aftermyself. Aftera warm up Ispend fiveminutes onthe bike,then also onthe treadmill. Next I do ten 5kgchest presses. The arm bike for5 minutes. Followed by legRaises (lying down) and spinerotations. I also do an hour aweek of Zumba. My stretchingroutine includes the neck, hipcircles (with raised arms),calves, hamstrings and quads.Finally I swim for 10 minutes.Extra to the gym, I exercise

at home with walking,movement, marching on the spot and laughter.How often? I visit the gymfive times a week.I also exercise at home at

my convenience, includingstretches in bed and a briefroutine when I get up. I keepthings simple and fun.Benefits? It keeps depressionaway. Improves attention spanand focus. Makes you feelenergetic. Helps you sleepbetter. Raises self-confidence.Helps the brain function better,including the memory. Lowersblood pressure. More efficientuse of oxygen in workingmuscles. Reduced body fat.Recommends: You are nevertoo old to start exercising. Anymovement of the body is aform of exercise. March aroundthe house, swinging the armsand also on the spot,whenever you feel like it. Keepthings simple but repeat them -it all adds up to your fitness.Turn advancing age intosomething positive. If I can Zumba in my 80th

year so can you!Gym of choice: The VillageHealth Club

Name: Robert Age: 71Enjoys: The freeweights or resistancemachines, instead of just walking on a treadmill.How often? Threetimes a week, usuallyfor two hours.Benefits? It makesme feel stronger and puts aspring in my step - I walk with abounce on the way out, I spentmy working life as a builder soimproving my strength helps me

stop feeling old andmore like the youngman I once was.Recommends: Give it a go. Speak to aninstructor as theyneed to make sureyou are doing theright things at theright pace. Followtheir advice and the

benefits far outweigh any fears.Gym of choice: Top NotchHealth Club, Maidstone, 01622 679000, www.topnotchhealthclubs.com

30 mmm

n Helpful tipsfor your cruise

n FashionableFlorence

n Argentineadventure

mmm travel

To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

Sponsored by

32 mmm

Kirsty Keeling-Jones,Branch manager,

Baldwins Travel agency,Maidstone

Travel tips from yourlocal award winningtravel agency

n Holiday cruises - what’s theplan?Make sure you book your

holiday cruise early, as theysell out fast. If you have a largenumber of people in your party,you don’t want any of them toget left out. You can get thebest prices and choose thecabin size you want, too, bybooking early.

n A packing essential.Make sure to take a power

strip with you, because mostcabins only have one outlet.This way you will have outletsfor your hair dryer, mobilephone charger, electric razor,curling iron and everythingelse.

n Beware of cheap excursions Although you may find the

shore excursions cheaperthrough local sourcescompared to the cruise line’sexcursions desks, you may endup stranded - or at the leasttaken advantage of. The cruise lines check out the

companies they contract with,and you are much safer usingone recommended by thecruise line or a company yourtravel agent is familiar with.

FashionableFlorence

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I f you’ve got a passion forfine clothes, luxury goodsand a stylish buy, thenFlorence is quite simply a fashionista’s paradise

This picturesque Tuscan city is, on the one hand, filled with touristtrinkets and souvenirs, but on theother it’s a fabulous destination for shoppers with a keen eye for a stylish buy. Home to a number of world renowned fashion houses, it also offers a proliferation ofindependent boutiques sellingexquisite wares that makewonderful gifts.It would be hard to visit Italy and

not take advantage of thewonderful fashions, but the secretis to shop smart. Don’t head for the glossy boutiques selling thisseason’s must-haves, but invest in luxurious pieces at the out of-town outlet stores. If you base yourself in the city

centre - for example at RoccoForte’s exquisitely refurbishedHotel Savoy or the appropriatelynamed Grand Hotel - there are anumber of these centres within ashort half-hour drive, including TheMall, a purpose-built mini villageselling predominantly Italian labels,including Bottega Veneta,Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi andGucci. there are also individualoutlet stores, such as Space, sellPrada, Mui Mui, Helmut Lang andJil Sander.The hotel offers tailor-made

shopping days for guests - with a chauffeur-driven limousine and English-speaking guide.In the city itself, look out for the

hand-marbled and block-printedFlorentine papers used to make

elegant desk accessories, linedenvelopes and bound albums to seduce you back to the lost art of letter-writing. Make a beelinefor Cartoleria Parione or a branchof Il Papiro. If you’re a fan of stationery, then

head for Pineider, the ItalianSmythson. Here, you can follow in the footsteps of Europeanroyalty, Hollywood starlets andItalian fashionistas by stocking upon ice-cream coloured paper andnotecards - wonderful gifts.Also worth a visit is Officina

Profumo-Farmaceutica di SantaMaria Novella, one of the world’soldest pharmacies. Here,Dominican monks employtraditional methods - often up to 700 years old - using flowersand herbs as their main ingredientsto create a plethora of beautifullypackaged, delicious-smellingtoiletries, candles and perfumes.Madova, a tiny boutique nestled

on the end of the junk-filled PonteVecchio, is well worth a visit forthose looking for the perfect gift forthat hard-to-buy-for female friend. This is an Aladdin’s cave bursting

with gloves in every style andcolour, handmade for this family-run business since 1919. It’s hardnot to be tempted by the butter-softleathers and strokeable suedes,often lined in super-soft cashmereor sensual silk. These gloves areexcellent value for moneycompared to many of the designerlabels they also manufacture for. Madova also offers a simple

exchange service by mail forvisitors who buy gifts in the wrongsize - unless of course you decidethey’re the perfect fit for yourself.

T he romantic notion oftravelling to the end of the world has alwaysbeen a huge draw forme; so far away from

regular life both literally andfiguratively, especially on thiscrowded little island we call home. Imagine vast open spaces, big

skies, a rugged landscape andclimate that only the toughest

can endure year round. This is Patagonia.

A far-off land that straddles theArgentinian and Chilean borderdown to the southernmost tip ofSouth America, Patagonia has atempestuous character. At times wind rages relentlessly

and pelting rain persists, while atothers the gusts will calm, a bluesky prevails, the mercury rises and

the region’s true beauty is revealed.Jagged peaks, refreshing melt-waterrivers, forests, creeping glaciers,sparkling lakes and glorious long,light evenings awaited us.We flew south from Buenos Aires,

where we had spent four days underthe scorching Argentine summersun, via Ushuaia, the world’ssouthernmost city. Upon landing at El Calafate’s a

Emma Tibbetts travelled to the ‘fin del mundo’ to discover the windsweptlandscapes of Argentine Patagonia

To the ends of the earth

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a airport Patagonia’s uniquenesswas revealed – the wild, vastspaces and emptiness areundeniable. A 20-minute transfertook us to the town itself, a bustlingsettlement full of trekkers, touristsand locals. Sitting on the southern bank ofLake Argentino, El Calafate hasbeen dubbed the National Capitalof the Glaciers and is named afterthe Calafate plant. Legend saysthat those who eat the distinctiveblue fruit of this thorny shrub willone day return to Patagonia, so ofcourse we spread liberal amountsof Calafate jam on our toast.Declared a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site in 1981, themagnificent Los Glaciares NationalPark is approximately 1,720square miles of glorious lakes,mountains, valleys and ice - lots of ice. Close to half thepark is covered by the SouthernPatagonian Ice Field, the largestice mantle outside Antarctica. Our trip took us from the trailsthat lie in the shadow of theserrated peaks of the Fitz Roymountain range (named for thecaptain of Darwin’s famous Beaglevoyage which mapped this land) inthe northern extremes of the park

to the immense Perito MorenoGlacier in the south.From the rapidly growing town ofEl Chaltén, the National Capital ofTrekking, we spent time exploringthe Fitz Roy trails and witnessingnatural wonders such as theglistening Lago de los Tres whichis fed by the glacier of the samename and sits below the 3,405mpeak of Cerro Fitz Roy itself. As we sat by a roaring melt-waterriver, we marvelled at how luckywe had been with such agreeableweather - not a drop of rain, balmytemperatures that even drove thelocals to complain and just onewindy day during a week inPatagonia is somewhat of a rarity;we almost felt a bit cheated not tosee the region in its fiercest mood– but not quite. Our next stop, located an hourwest of El Calafate, was the park’spièce de résistance, the PeritoMoreno Glacier. At 19 miles long,covering an area of 250 squarekilometres and with a three milewide, 60 metre high terminus, it isconsidered by many to be one ofthe most spectacular sights inArgentina. After just a few minuteswandering the walkways that facethis massive sea of ice it’s not a

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a hard to realise why. The sounds were incredible - you

will hear it before you see it -sporadic crashes and bangsreminiscent of thunder clapsresonating from deep within theliving ice. We spent hours justwatching and waiting for the nexttower of ice to split from theglacier’s face and we wererewarded by nature for ourpatience.

Our day at the glacier created oneof those special moments –something you will rememberforever as other memories fade.Our time on this side of the border

had come to a close and thefollowing morning we would be onour way to Chile. A remarkable observation when

travelling from town to town insouthern Patagonia is that there isso little in between. A weathered,

isolated hut, a few resilient horses,a gaucho and his herd of sheep,remote estancias and a few ostrich-like rheas were all that we glimpsedbefore reaching civilisation again...well a type of Patagoniancivilisation anyway. Humans have hardly made a dent

on this immense landscape, muchof it is too wild to tame – and youcan’t help but feel that this is theway it should be. mmm

Fátima Arrietaweddings at

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T radition would arguethat the only accessorya bride needs is hergroom, but let’s behonest girls, the

aisle’s a very long walk if you’re not properly dressed.Sure the white dress is the most

important item of clothing you’llchoose, but team it with the wrongaccessories and you might as wellhave not bothered.For some of us this just means

pushing ourselves to wear a pair of high heels, but accessories are about more than the right pair of shoes.While we’re all increasingly taken

by the idea of the wedding rhyme,borrowing and blue is only a startingpoint for choosing the veil, jewelleryand 101 other things that can onlyadd to the effect of your dream dress.This particular part of your wedding

outfit could easily spiral out ofcontrol, so it’s vital you take care with your purchases.First of all you need to look at your

dress. Sure you already know what itlooks like, but if you’re wearingantique lace then picking out someultra modern necklace could easilylead to a clash of styles. Soconsidering key points of your dresswill automatically narrow down theever growing selection ofaccessories on offer.When it comes to the veil and any

hair ornaments you need to have thesame thoughts with your hairstyle. Itmay be that the veil comes beforethe hair, but either way, the twoelements need to bedecided tocompliment,

Somethingold, borrowed,

new and blue

Debenhams can also help you to dress themost important ‘accessory’ of all - him

WEDDINGS

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not fight against, each other.When it comes to shoes, beautiful

heels will always add to the effect ofyour dress, but if on a daily basisyou’re more of a comfortable flats girlthen six inch heels are not for you.Whatever your choice though, there’snothing more important than practice- wear your shoes around the house,walk up and down the stairs as oftenas you can and, if possible, try aslope or two as well. If your feet arein agony before you’ve made it downthe aisle then how will you enjoy therest of the day?Finally, we know you’ll be carrying a

bouquet (we’ll save that for anothertime), but is there anything else you’llneed to keep with you? Even if it’sleft with a bridesmaid for most of theday, it might be worth considering asmall clutch for all those little things a girl can’t do without.Most importantly take your time in

choosing your accessories, don’trush into decisions you’ll regret later,but if you do the key thing toremember is that for allthey add to the outfitaccessories arenothing whencompared to thelove betweenyou andyourman.

Debenhams offers a comprehensive selection ofaccessories for under and over your dress

Kate necklace £22, earrings£20, bracelet £20 Monsoon

Autograph bridal garter Marks & Spencer

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Bracelet, from£715, ringsfrom £615,Pandora

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Ingredients500g frozen peas100g fresh peas in pod1 small shallot1 clove garlic3 sprigs fresh mint1 bay leaf2.5 litres semi-skimmed milkSalt White pepperOlive oil100g Butter12 Peashoots6 quails eggsCrème fraiche to serveMethodDefrost the peas. Thinly slice the shallots and garlic.

Heat a thick bottomed pan andadd the olive oil. Gently sweat the shallots and garlic, cook withno colour.

Once soft, add the defrostedpeas and a knob of butter.

Sauté for five minutes and then add two litres of the milk, mint and bay leaf. Add a little salt and pepper.

Simmer gently for 10 minutes or until peas are soft. Then remove the bay leaf and drain off thecooking liquor and discard.

Place the pea mixture into a food processor (you may need to do this in small batchesdepending on the size of yourmachine) and blend, adding up to 500ml of milk to get the soupdown to the right consistency.

Check the seasoning and passthrough a fine sieve, do this twiceso that the soup is smooth andvelvety (if you do this into a bowlover iced water it will help chill

the soup quickly, so helping to retain colour and freshness),then place into the fridge.

Place the quail’s eggs into boilinglightly salted water for two minutesand 40 seconds. Remove andplace straight into iced water.

Peel, cut in half and place on topof the soup with a drizzle of extravirgin olive oil and garnish with the pea shoots.

To serveThis soup is wonderfully versatile.It can be eaten hot or cold, as a pre-starter for a dinner party or just as a simple lunch dish.

Add a spoonful of crème fraicheas a simple garnish.

FOOD

Pea and mint soup, soft quails egg4-6 portions

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IngredientsTo make the pastry500g Plain flour 150g Icing sugar200g Cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes1 eggA little cold water if requiredFor the custard5 egg yolks40g caster sugar250 ml double creamFor the rhubarb500gm Forced champagne rhubarb cut into 5cm batons, washed well100gm caster sugar50ml Grand MarnierAlsoNutmeg and ice cream to serveMethodTo make the pastryGrease six 10cm non-stick tart cases.Sieve the flour into a clean mixing bowl

then sieve the icing sugar over the top.Using your hands, work the cubes ofbutter into the flour and sugar until youhave a fine, crumbly mixture.

Add the egg to themixture and gentlywork it together till youhave a ball of dough.Flour it lightly.Don’t work the pastry

too much at this stageor it will become elasticand chewy, not crumblyand short. Flour yourwork surface and placethe dough on top. Pat itinto a flat round, flour itlightly, wrap it inclingfilm and put it intothe fridge to rest for atleast half an hour.Pre-heat the oven to

160c. Roll the pastry out to the thicknessof about 4mm and place into theprepared tart cases. Trim the edges and add some parchment paper and half a cup baking beans.Bake in a preheated oven for 10

minutes, then remove the paper andbaking beans and cook for another 8 minutes or until golden brown. Removefrom the oven.While the pastry is still warm brush the

inside with a little beaten egg. This willhelp to seal the pastry. Place back in theoven for a further 4 minutes.To prepare the rhubarbPlace the rhubarb batons in a stainlesssteel or ceramic tray or pie dish. Scatterwith sugar and Grand Marnier.Gently roast in an oven at 170c, check

after 5-10 minutes and cook until therhubarb is just tender.Remove from the oven and cover with

silver foil. Once cooled drain the juiceand set aside. Cut in half lengthways.To prepare the custard fillingWhisk together the yolks and the castersugar. Add the double cream and mixwell, until the sugar has dissolved. Passthrough a fine sieve. Place into a panand heat gently until the custard reaches37.5c. Pass once more.To bake the tartPre-heat the oven to 130c. Place thedrained rhubarb batons into the tart case.Carefully pour on the custard until it isflush with the pastry edge.Bake for 15 minutes, until the custard is

set but not too firm. The tart should havea slight wobble.Remove from the oven and set aside

for 10 minutes before eating.Finish with a little freshly grated

nutmeg. Garnish with a scoop of yourfavourite ice cream.

Rhubarb and custard tartMakes six individual tarts

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Open 7 Days A Week12 noon - 2.30pm & 6pm - Midnight

(inc Bank Holidays)

14 London RoadMaidstoneME16 8QL

Book Now on01622 763360 or 01622 763770

www.mughaldynasty.com

Homemade daily specialsRabbit Pie • Salmon and Prawn Mornay

Fisherman’s PieSteaks include our 16oz T-Bone

Sunday Lunch £7.95Lunch 12-2.30pm • Evening meals from 6pmNo food served Sunday or Monday evenings

Book to avoid disappointment

2 meals for £10

The See Ho

Tel: 01474 822386Peartree Lane, Shorne DA12 3JX

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Traditional village Pubserving a tempting menu

of hot and cold food

The Fox and GooseWeavering Street

Maidstone ME14 5JP

Telephone: 01622 737675

Live Music NightsKaris is playing here on 4th May

Performance time is 8pm

Citrus 11 is playing here on2nd June

Performance time is 8pm

www.foxandgooseonline.com

• Attractive beer garden• Private hire available for

weddings and special events

Thursday ItalianNight Special£16.95 for two

SUMMER SIZZLER OFFERDinner, Bed and Breakfast for Two including a bottle of House Wine and a beauty treatment in ‘Dreams’

valid from 1 June to 30 September 2012 from £245 per couple

QUEENS DIAMOND JUBILEESTREET PARTY AND BBQ LUNCH

Tuesday, 5 June 2012£30 per adult £15 per child (3-16)

Children under 3 - free

Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees, Ashford, Kent TN25 4HRTel: 01233 213000

www.eastwellmanor.co.uk Email: enquiries@eastwellmanor.co.uk

For details on all events or to make a booking,please contact Reservations on 01233 213000or email:reservations@eastwellmanor.co.uk

SHAKESPEARE AT THE MANORSunday, 15 July 2012

As You Like It performed by The Changeling TheatreDinner, Bed and Breakfast for Two including

performance and complimentary glass of champagne£275 per couple £15 per person (performance only)

OPERA AT THE MANORPAVILION RESTAURANT - Friday, 17 AugustMANOR RESTAURANT - Saturday,18 August

Once again the delightful opera singers from Germanywill be entertaining in the Manor Restaurant and in

The Pavilion Restaurant.

STAY AND RACE10-12 June, 24-26 September,

19-20 November 2012A ‘Day at the Races’ in a ‘hosted’private box at FolkestoneRacecourse, A two night stayat Eastwell Manor with fullEnglish breakfast, dinner inthe Manor Restaurant onboth nights and full use ofthe extensive spa facilitiesand golf course from£295 per person

D eep within one of Kent's leadingtourist attractionsthere lies a grave.Within sight of the

whitewashed walls of a largemansion and carefully manicuredgardens, is the final resting place of one of the county's mostfascinating figures.And with it, perhaps one of the

nation's most compelling mysteries,one which continues to enthral and baffle in equal measure to this very day.Because when professional

gambler turned pioneering zoo park owner John Aspinall lost hisbattle against cancer in June 2000,

he took to the grave the secret of Lord Lucan.Or, at least, that is what we have

come to believe. To want to believe.We have become a society eager

to cling to the possibility that whenLord Lucan became one of the most high profile fugitives of all time - after the most appalling of crimes - he put himself into thehands of some powerful, and verywealthy friends, for whom a secretmeant just that. A secret they wouldtake to their grave.Which, for John Aspinall, means

a quiet plot at Howletts Wild AnimalPark in Canterbury, upon whichthousands look upon every week.But who were Aspinall and the

murderous Lord Lucan – and whyare we collectively convinced thetwo swapped the gambling tablesfor an elaborate plot to put the peerout of the reach of the long arm of the law?Richard John Bingham was

born on December 18, 1934, intoaristocracy as the 7th Earl of Lucan.As Lord Bingham, he enjoyed aprivileged background, educated at Eton and serving as a lieutenantin the Coldstream Guards.But before he had even left the

surroundings of one of England'sforemost public schools he haddeveloped a passion for gambling –a passion which would become a career and put him on a path a

Where is Lord Lucan?Tom White looks into the mystery of the infamous rogue’s disappearanceand how the secret of his disappearance has been taken to the grave

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a to meeting Aspinall and mix in a world of high-rolling casinos and card games.

Those school days spent bunkingoff to attend horse races and placea few bets, and the poker skills helearned during national service,would change his life.

In 1960 he retired – at the age of just 26. After collecting a respectable £500 salary workingfor a merchant bank he got a realtaste of just what gambling coulddeliver when he won £26,000 over two nights playing chemin

de fer – a version of baccarat which combines an element of skill with an over-riding level of luck; ideal for someone whoadopted the nickname Lucky.

The gambling party where heenjoyed such success was hostedby Aspinall. If the legend is to be believed he would morethan pay his host back.

Just three years later he wouldmeet Veronica Duncan and eight months after that first fateful introduction, the pair would be married.

And two months later, following the death of Lord Bingham's father, the two became the Earl and Countess of Lucan – or Lord Lucan as the tabloids preferred to call him.

The couple go on to have threechildren – Frances, George andCamilla – and live in London's plushest area; Belgravia.

But things started to break down. Countess Lucan sufferedpost-natal depression while Luckywas finding it increasingly difficult to live up to his nickname and a

Victim Sandra Rivett died at the hands ofLord Lucan. Right, in happier times, RichardJohn Bingham marries Veronica Duncan,two months later they became the Earl andCountess of Lucan

His plan, the theoryhas it, is that heintended to kill hiswife to gain custodyof his children.

Lord Lucan became oneof the most high profilefugitives of all time

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a racking up huge losses and debts due to his gambling.By the Christmas of 1972 therelationship had broken down and they separated. Rows over custody of the children, thepressure of the breakdown andmounting costs and legal bills all began to take their toll, leading up to a fateful night on November 7, 1974.After going to bed to watchtelevision, Countess Lucan was waiting for a cup of tea from the nanny she had employed just two months before, her namewas Sandra Rivett.With no sign of the tea she went downstairs where she wasattacked by her estranged husband.He admitted he had killed the nanny, thought to have been a case of mistaken identity. His plan, the theory has it, is that heintended to kill his wife to gaincustody of his children. He thenattacked his wife, who escaped and raised the alarm.Lord Lucan fled – borrowing a car and driving to friends Ian and Susan Maxwell-Scott inUckfield, East Sussex. After placing a phone call to his mother to ensure his childrenwere safe, he left their home at1.15am and was never seen again.The car was found abandoned in Newhaven. A popular theory is that he boarded a ferry and threw himselfinto the Channel. Yet a body hasnever been recovered.For John Aspinall, the involvementwith his friend Lucky at this stagehas never been clarified. But manybelieve that from Uckfield LordLucan headed to Kent.Born in Delhi, India, on June 11, 1926, Aspinall was the son of a British Army surgeon, however he would later discover that his father was actually GeorgeBruce, a solider.Aspinall was sent to be a boarderat Rugby School when his parentsseparated, although his time therewould end when he was booted out for inattention, later attendingOxford University. Legend has it that on the day of his final exams he feigned illness, failing his degree in order a

Picture: Michael Haslam

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Picture: Michael Haslam

a to attend the Gold Cup – one of horseracing's leading events.The racecourse would teach

him a living as he became a bookmaker, developing aninsatiable appetite for gambling and the money which could be made by acting as the centre ground between gambler and game.He quickly discovered there

was a method to skirt around the legal restrictions of gambling in UK law, and he hosted illegalgambling parties in London, rentingout plush homes and apartments for short-term use and then movingon – selecting his gamblerscarefully; sending out embossed

invitations to a wealthy set whocould absorb losses, while hecollected a tidy share as host.According to popular belief,

in the first such gathering hehosted he made £10,000 – the equivalent of 20 times thatfigure today.Having married Jane Hastings

in 1956 he began spending some of his wealth on a hobbywhich would end up dominating his life.In the back garden of their

London home he bought monkeys,two brown bears and even a tiger.A year later, they moved out of

his garden and into the grounds of his newly purchased Howletts.

The Bekesbourne property, a short drive from Canterbury, had been left neglected since the war. With the deposit paid for courtesy of a win on a horserace, Aspinall moved in, along with his wife, young son Damian,and their growing collection of animals.It was not until 1962 that he

put himself on the path to befriendLord Lucan, when he founded theClermont Club in London – with a clientele list featuring politiciansand peers. And Lucan.By the time Lucan killed Sandra

Rivett the group of gamblers werewell known to one another.And those are the facts. a

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a The legend suggests Aspinall and Lucan were close – and in the hours following the murderLucan paid a visit to his old friendappealing for help.Aspinall always denied an

involvement in his disappearancebut then the mystery begins. In a 1990 interview Aspinall is allegedto have slipped up and hinted hehad been in touch with Lucan afterhis departure.The popular theory is that

Aspinall and his business partner,James Goldsmith, had helped to arrange a passage to Africa where Lucan would see out the rest of his life. In fact, at the time of the investigation, the policeblamed the Clermont Set – the band of men involved in the club –believing the group had hamperedtheir investigation.Just earlier this year, a BBC

report suggested a former secretaryat the casino the two ran in Londonwas told to arrange a visit for

Lucan's children to Africa and on to the Gabon, where Lucky would observe them from

a distance – ensuring he knew they were well.The police say the information

is not new and the case remainsdormant. And there are manyreports of sightings of Lucan.A new probe into the case

in 2004 saw a senior police figureconclude he believed friends hadsmuggled Lucan out of the country,destination unknown.For Aspinall's part, he always

claimed publicly that Lucan had taken a motorboat fromNewhaven, scuttled the craft, and leapt into the Channel with a stone tied around him. Countess Lucan is also on record

as saying she believed her husbandkilled himself within 24 hours of the murder.Lucan's brother, however, Hugh

Bingham, who lived in South Africafrom 1974 suggested he believedthe fugitive had fled to Africa but thatthe duo had not had any contact.Reports even claimed Lucan's two

eldest children had met their fatheras recently as 2000.Quite what the truth is remains

unlikely to ever be solved. But most intriguing is the Aspinall

connection – a secret which lies in that grave in Howletts. Or,perhaps, that Lucan lived out hisfinal years in Kent – and his finalcontribution was to become a mealfor the estate's lions. mmm

n Two beautifulfeatured homesto inspire you in your searchfor a newproperty

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Visit Our Showroom2 Castle Court, Castle Road, Eurolink Industrial Estate

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Opening Times: Monday-Friday 9-4, Saturday 10-4

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* Free Design * Quotation * InstallationAt Sawmills Bespoke Furniture we specialise in designing and man-ufacturing contemporary and traditional custom made furniture ofdifferent styles and periods for every part of your home.

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Also: Artwork, Dining Furniture, Floral, Gifts, Mirrors, Rugs, Seasonal, Solid Oak Furniture

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PERFECT DRIVEWAYS . . .n Block Pavingn Drivewaysn Paths, Steps and

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Unit 8, Ballard Business ParkCuxton Road, Strood ME2 2NYTel: 01634 720411Open: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm

Artificial Grassn Looks Great All Seasonn No More Mowingn No Watering or Feedingn High UV resistancen No More Muddy Feet or Pawsn Children Friendlyn Pet Friendly

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01622 729855Mon-Fri: 8.00-4.30 Sat: 10.00-4.00

169 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8NAWebsite: www.kitchen-flair.com

in association with Bedroom Flair

Have a beautiful new kitchenat a price you can afford with

ReplacementDoors & Worktops

T he Old Bakeryis a handsome four-bderoom detached17th century Grade II-listed home in the

heart of Sutton Valence.It has been a much-loved family

home for almost 50 years havingbeen well maintained throughoutduring this time. As the house name suggests,

the property served as the villagebakery until the late 1950s and then for a number of years a ladiesdress shop as well as home to the current owners. The house is full of character

features with beams, a largeinglenook fireplace in the sittingroom, original wide doors and sashwindows. The formal receptionrooms provide plenty of space

for a traditional layout or versatilityto accommodate family living. There is a light and airy country

styled kitchen which has fittedintegrated appliances and a sidedoor into the brick paved shelteredcourtyard. In addition there is a utility room, several walk in cupboards and a spacious brick paved cellar which providesexcellent storage.

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This family home is

Over the first and second floorsthere are four bedrooms and twobathrooms with scope to create anadditional linking bedroom five withminimal work.A particular feature of this central

property is the amazing landscapedterraced garden which is brimmingwith architectural shrubs, trees and underplanting. At the rear of the kitchen there is a pretty

paved courtyard with a glazedsummerhouse providing a covered seating area. Steps and pathways wind

up and through the tiered lawns and flowerbeds to the height ofthe garden, from which there arespectacular south facing views. A driveway at the side of the

property leads to high timber gates where there is private parking for two cars.The the pretty and desirable

village of Sutton Valence offersmany local amenities, includingchurch, post office, inns, hair salonsand doctors’ surgeries. There is a village primary school as well as the renowned Sutton ValencePreparatory School.

The larger village of Headcorn isapproximately three and a half milesdistant with stores, including asupermarket, post office, library andprimary school. Headcorn mainlinestation provides services to LondonCharing Cross and London Bridge in about an hour.The guide price for The Old Bakery

is £625,000.For full details and to arrange

a viewing - which is stricly byappointment only - contactMadeleine Rose on 01622 844455,email sv@madeleine-rose.com orvisit the branch at Bower House,North Street, Sutton Valence ME17 3HR. Also see the website,www.madeleine-rose.com for more information.

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Confused about market conditions andhouse prices? I can offer you an honest,free, no obligation valuationFrom valuation to completion, I provide a personal sales service enhanced by20 years’ experience selling rural and village homes in the areaSutton Valence, Chart Sutton, East Sutton, Boughton Monchelsea, East Farleigh,West Farleigh, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham Heath,Kingswood, Headcorn, Ulcombe, Langley, Leeds, Broomfield, Linton, Charing Heath, Grafty Green, Fairbourne, Otham, Pluckley, Egerton

Madeleine Rose Clarke

Sutton Valence £535,000Spectacular south facing views from this 4 bedroom detached home that has been totally refurbished throughout.Move into this contemporary styled home which has been improved to ensure minimal on-going costs and maintenance for several years.Fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. Deep frontage with plenty of parking and enclosed rear garden.

Otham £425,000Delightful 3 bedroom ragstone cottage located in an idyllic rural location within this sought after village.Immaculate cottage dating back to 1850 located along a quiet lane with a lovely outlook. Separate detached 1 bedroom annexe with a pri-vate deck, perfect for guests or additional income. Pretty gardens with large timber summerhouse. Plenty of private off road parking.

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O ld Caring in Leeds is an imposingdetached Grade II-listed periodproperty with

14th century origins.Believed to originally be a KentishHall House of architectural andhistoric interest, the five-bedroomhoms is situated in a secludedposition.Magnificent grounds stretch toapproximately two and a quarteracres and incorporate a largepaddock enjoying stunning views.The property features a wealth

of exposed timbers including a “dragon” beam, mullionedwindows and a magnificentinglenook fireplace in the drawingroom, as well as a modern, fittedkitchen and all the conveniencesthat includes.Old Caring is on the market for £1,150,000.Viewing is strictly by appointmentonly, to book a time and for moreinformation contact Page & Wells on 01622 739574, alternativelyemail sales@page-wells.co.uk orpop into the branch at 132 AshfordRoad, Bearsted ME14 4LX.

Pictures speakfor themselves

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VW bosses had staked a decentchunk of the German brand'sreputation on the Up! – its big newpush to grab a sizeable chunk ofthe city car market.And that effort was given asignificant shot in the arm when thecompact four-seater was named2012 World Car of the Year –beating off 33 other nominations towin the backing of the 66 topmotoring journalists from aroundthe world.Announced at the New YorkInternational Auto Show in NewYork City's Jacob Javits Center, the annual awards recognise the

year's most outstanding vehiclesbased on merit, value, safety,environmental impact, significance,and emotional appeal.Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn,chairman of the board ofmanagement of Volkswagen AG,said: “This award shows onceagain that in the Up! our designersand engineers have created avehicle that has been thoughtthrough in minute detail. “A vehicle that sets standards inits class for efficient use of space,safety, motoring fun andenvironmental compatibility.”It's not the first gong the modelhas scooped – with its most high profile win thus far beingnamed What Car? Car of the Year 2012. Both titles will act as

extremely powerful weapons in its sales arsenal.Now in its ninth year, the WorldCar of the Year award has becomeone of the most credible andsignificant programmes of its kind.

VolkswagenWorld Car of the Year

MOTORS

If ever you needed proof of Nissan's remarkable re-emergence as a majorcontender in the UK car market,then look no further than recentsales figures.

They have confirmed thatin March the company'smarket share lifted to5.6 per cent with23,185 Nissans sold– representing animpressive 16 percent increase intotal registrationscompared to the same month in 2011.And driving the

surge are its Qashqaiand Juke models.

For the full financialyear, the company secureda 5.1 per cent share – arecord for the company

NissanMarket favourite

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Toyota unleash Europe's first fullhybrid seven-seat MPV thissummer with much weight carriedon its shoulders.The Prius+ promises to deliver“practicality with ultra-efficientperformance”, claiming to be thefirst mainstream Toyota hybrid touse a lighter and more compactlithium-ion battery pack.Available in two equipmentgrades the T4 and T Spirit, it as an on-the-road price from£26,195 and hits the showroomsfrom July 9.Economy is very much thename of the game for the Prius+with zero road tax rating andLondon Congestion Chargeexempt, the T4 will offer 68.9mpg

efficiency and 64.2mpg forthe T Spirit.The T4 comes equipped withelectric windows all round, ToyotaTouch touchscreen control,Bluetooth, rear-view camera,head-up display, smart entry andstart, panoramic roof andautomatic air conditioning.The T Spirit features 17-inchalloys, leather upholstery ToyotaTouch and Go Plus with satellitenavigation, voice recognition,advanced Bluetooth and on-lineconnectivity, plus rain-sensingwipers and JBL audio system.The range of equipment andstyling options for Prius+ isawaiting confirmation, but leatherupholstery and the Toyota Touchand Go Plus system will both be available for T4 models, while seven exterior colours will also be available.

ToyotaGreener people carrying

and the best in nearly ten years. No mean feat given the periodof austerity.The top sellers were thecrossover models which aredesigned, engineered and built in Britain. The Qashqai sold enough units– 8,457 – to make it the sixthbest-selling car in March in theUK. While the Juke weighed inwith 5,350 cars sold.Jim Wright, managing director of Nissan (GB), said: “Thesuccess of the Qashqai and Juke is further proof that theseinnovative crossovers havemoved from niche to mainstream. “Both now outsell big nameconventional rivals and provecustomers really value Nissan’s

innovation andexcitement.”

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Bentley Continental GT V8

The new Bentley V8 engine delivers performance andpower in the Bentley tradition. It achieves outstandinglevels of fuel efficiency for the luxury performancesector and is capable of travelling more than 500 miles(800km) on a single tank of fuel.

The arrival of the new V8 Continental models fulfillsBentley’s environmental commitment to produce a newpowertrain that delivers a 40 per cent improvement infuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Prices start from £123,850.

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n Businesssuccesses worthcelebrating

n Gentleman’ssport is rising in popularity

n Snap up theperfect camera

n Charity in thecommunity

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To promote your business call 01622 299035 or e-mail sales@mmm-media.com

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GADGETS

Sony has made more headlines in recent months for joblosses than pioneering products. But it is worth remembering that

they have become something of specialists in providing high-qualitygear despite their mass-market appeal.And aside from TV sets, video games consoles and phones, Sony have

developed a name for themselves in the digital SLR market.Which brings us to their Alpha 65 model – their mid-range handheld which lurks

in the middle ground between entry-level and the eye-wateringly pricey.Released as the ‘little brother’ to the much trumpeted A77 (which comes complete

with a £1,000-plus price tag) the A65 packs the 24.3MP sensor found on its oldersibling and a host of other gadgets, including multi-frame noise

reduction, which sees the camera automatically shootingmultiple shots and then merging them into onesingle fire, not to mention the ability to shoot intwo crop modes – either at 12MP or 6MP.Unsurprisingly, it can handle full 1080p HDvideo and comes complete with an optionof adding a microphone too.It's not up to the A77's quality, but fora mid-range camera it packs a verypowerful punch. A gold awardwinner for What DigitalCamera?, it is worthy ofserious consideration.

The explosion indigital photography has put

more power in the hands of thosewanting to capture the moment than at any

other time since the first image was developed.Just £100 will secure you with a compact device

capable of shooting quality images which can bedownloaded swiftly onto a computer, printed oruploaded onto the internet for display via the likes ofFacebook and Twitter.

But for those with more than a passinginterest in the art, the desire to move up

and get to grips with a moreprofessional,

more versatilecamera is far from uncommon.And with the summer holiday seasonahead of us and the focus turning to capturingthe sunny scenes for posterity, there are a vastrange of cameras ranging in price from a fewhundred pounds to several thousand.The digital SLR (single lens reflex) recaptures thequality and depth many seek – over and above theenormously popular compacts which dominate themarketplace. We take a look at sort of the mostpopular models in the differentprice brackets

Mid range £500-£999

Sony Alpha 65 (Average price £750)

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For those whose living is derivedfrom photography, or who have the

sort of income which can justify£3,000 to fuel their hobby, the CanonEOS 5D is a model they will have, orat the very least pondered investing in.And with its latest incarnation – the

Mark III hit the shelves just last month –the industry has been lining up to cover itin praise, if not mention that it may be justa little over-priced. But you buy into history with this model.The first EOS 5D back in 2005 was thefirst digital SLR to offer a full-framesensor and its 2008 follow-up, the MarkII, pushed the boundaries again withtop notch HD video capture and21MP chip.

Now the latest version is herebut perhaps not with the

headline-grabbing,resolution-busting leap

many expected. Itrises, but only

to a modest22.3MP.However, anew sensormeans a bigboost forlowlight use,and with aframe rateincrease to sixframes persecond it putsthe camera inthe bracket toappeal to thosewho need speedfor the likes of sports coverage. Reviewers have welcomed its

arrival and scored it suitablyhighly. It may not be the ideal ,but it is capable ofdelivering some trulyextraordinary qualityimages.

Nikon's grasp on the entry-level SLR marketplacewas well established courtesy of the D3000. So

popular was it, that for much of the first half of2011 it was the top selling digital SLR acrossEurope. But when it started to show its age, thebrand unveiled an upgrade – the D3100.It came with a higher quality sensor and

upgraded resolution with a boosted imageprocessor to enhance image quality and range.Designed very much for the newcomer to the

SLR, it offers Live View which includeh a sceneauto selector function that automatically selectsthe optimum picture mode for the subjectbeing captured.The result is an impressive machine which

provides complexity with an ease of use andthe opportunity to get to grips with a higher

level of photography. Reviewersrate it top of its class.

Upwards of £1,000

Canon EOS 5D Mark III (prices start around £2,999)

Up to £500Nikon D3100 (Average price £399)

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Dark ShadowsRelease: May 11

This latest offering by Tim Burton and starringJohnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, ChristopherLee and a host of other greats is sure to be a feastfor the eyes.

Telling the story of Barnabas Collins (Depp),whose family crossed the Atlantic to escape a curse,we find our rich and powerful playboy ‘hero’ cursedto a fate worse than death: transformed into avampire, and then buried alive by a spurned witch.

Two centuries later Barnabas is inadvertently freedfrom his tomb in 1972. Discovering a world verydifferent to the one he grows up in he returns to hisfamily home. Only to discover it has fallen into ruinand is inhabited by the remnants of his verydysfunctional family.

What to expect when you’reexpectingRelease: May 23

Based on the New York Times bestseller, this is aninsightful comedy that follows five couples on theverge of parenthood, exploring the effect it has ontheir lives and friendships.

TV stars Jules and Evan come to terms with thesurprise demands of pregnancy. Author Wendy getsa taste of her own militant mommy advice; whileWendy's husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdoneby his competitive alpha-Dad, who's expecting twinswith his much younger trophy wife, Skyler.Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe toadopt, but her husband Alex isn't so sure. And rivalfood truck chefs Rosie and Marco's surprise hook-up results in an unexpected quandary.

Stage and screen

Renowned actresses Anita Dobson and GretaScacchi step into the shoes of rivals Bettie Davis andJoan Crawford as their 30-year feud reaches boilingpoint. In Anton Burge’s new play, two stars whosecareers have hit rock bottom are thrown together to

film the now classic Whatever Happened To BabyJane. The highs, lows and tantrums are all exposedduring this great night out at the theatre. Will theyever speak to each other again?0844 871 7620 or www.atgtickets.com/bromley

Bette & JoanRelease: May 11Greta Scacchi & Anita DobsonMonday 21 – Saturday 26 MayChurchill Theatre Bromley

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The Baldwins Travel Group is in acelebratory mood after winning twoimpressive awards.

The largest independent travelagency in the county has been voted National Leisure High StreetAgent of the Year and also TravelAgent of the Year for London andSouth East for the fifth year running.

With branches in Maidstone,Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge,Uckfield and Sevenoaks, thecompany picked up the gongs at therecent Agent Achievement Awardsin London.

The prestigious awards areconsidered to be the travelindustry’s highest accolade,recognising excellence andachievement in the UK’s travelagency community. Handed outannually, they are based onnominations and votes from keyplayers in the UK’s holiday industry.

Baldwins’ business developmentdirector Nick Marks said the firm’ssuccess at this year’s awards couldbe put down to the hard work of its45 experienced and knowledgeablemembers of staff.

He said: “You could say we’re ontop of the world - in more ways thanone! Winning these awards is aspectacular achievement and being

BUSINESS SUCCESS

Jason Liddiard Hairdressing wereproud to represent Rainham atthe regional finals of the event atThe L’Oréal Professionnel ColourTrophy 2012 recently.

The event at the Park Plaza inLondon was a glittering contestjudged by experts in the hair careindustry, with just 65 salonsinvited to participate from 900entrants across the UK.

Two teams from the salonattended the event.

Jason and Tia Liddiardcompeted In the L’OréalProfessionnel Colour Trophy andMel Clark And Lisa Kennedy wereasked to take part in the Men’sImage Award.

The teams had just 30 minutesto create a model look thatreflected both their advancedhairdressing skills and knowledgeof key catwalk trends taken.

The salon was thrilled to be able to demonstrate their livehairdressing skills to The group of highly acclaimed judges.

Jason explained: “It feels reallygood to make the regionals as we have not taken part in anycompetitions for a couple ofyears. I am so proud of mypartner Tia and the team as a whole.”

Globally renownedhairdresser and L’OréálColour Trophy JudgeTrevor Sorbie MBEsaid: “Theregional finalsare burstingwith creativehairdressingtalent.

“To make itthrough to thisstage Is anincredibleachievement,highlighting their abilities.”

Jason LiddiardA cut above the rest

BaldwinsDouble victory

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A coffee shop manager has brewed up a storm of success at a recent national awards ceremony.

Grace Taylor, manager ofStarbucks at the Villagehotel and leisure club,Maidstone, has beenrecognised at the jointStarbucks and VillageHotels Conference.

Having been with thehotel for more than five years, Grace was promoted to her role just 12 monthsago but has already been recognised for her significant contribution to thesuccess of the business.

Grace received an award for the highestsales within all of the licensed storeswithin the De Vere Village brand and alsoreceived a special award from Starbucksfor her charity and community work.

Veronica Kingham, general manager atthe Village, said: “We are all so proud ofGrace and congratulate her on herawards. We wish her continued success.”

The VillageStarbucks recognition

Children from across Medway andMaidstone entered Razz’s GotTalent recently, with five talentedyoung people winning prestigiouslearning opportunities.

The youngsters have beenawarded scholarships to attendRazzamataz Theatre Schools, apart-time performing arts school.

To compete for their prizeyoungsters were required to performa three minute piece of either amusical theatre song and dance,commercial dance, pop song, dramaimprovisation or scripted drama.

This was appraised by a panel ofindependent judges – allprofessionals in their field, musicaltheatre star Sally Hunt, Neil Roberts

who played Dr Valentine in HolbyCity and Paul Astley who hasrepresented the UK in the EuropeanStreet Dance Championships.

Hayley Limpkin is the principal of Razzamataz Medway andMaidstone, she said: “I am delighted to be able to reward young talent and to provide themwith an opportunity to focus their

talent and skills while having fun.”Razzamataz is one of the fastest

growing theatre schools in the UK,having shot to prominence whenfounder Denise Hutton-Gosneyappeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in2007. There are more than 40 part-time Razzamataz Theatre Schools,all successfully following thefranchise formulae that DeniseHutton-Gosney and DuncanBannatyne have created.

Hayley Limpkin opened theMedway school in September 2010and then Maidstone followed a yearlater. Across the two schools, thereare more than 200 students.

Classes are for children aged fourto 18 and allow students toexperience a range of styles. To findout more, email Hayley athayley@razzamataz.co.uk or call01634 893524.

RazzamatazScholarships awarded

recognised by our peers in the travelindustry is a real honour

“We are so proud of our staff – allof whom have contributed with theirknowledge, expertise and travelexperiences. They are simplyoutstanding. Customers who useour business are served by the bestin the business.”

Baldwins Travel is no stranger toawards success, having won theLondon & South East prize six timesbefore (in 1997, 2004 and 2008,2009, 2010, 2011) and beingrunner-up on no less than sevenother occasions.

Picture are managing directorf RonMarks and business developmentmanager Nick Marks.

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I f ever you need to gaugethe success of a sportingteam then the level ofparticipation is surely the way to do so.

Because the deeper the support for the club, and the moremembers of the community whoare happy to buy into its ethos andambition, the more this underlinesits role both socially as well as inthe sporting arena.Which is why Medway RugbyFootball Club must consider itselfone of the most successfulsporting clubs in the county.As it celebrates its 80thanniversary this year, today theclub fields more than 20 teams –from four increasingly successfulsenior sides to a whole range ofjuniors for both sexes, from teamsfor the under-17s all the way downto under-sevens.And increasingly, say club chiefs,youngsters who would previouslydevote their leisure time to footballare making the switch to rugby.“We are seeing more peoplechange over from football becauseof the values and ethos we havewithin the sport,” explains TaffGwilliam (pictured above), headcoach at the club and a man forwhom the club has become amajor part of his life – having been a player and captain beforemoving to the coaching side.Adds the 54-year-old: “The club is built around team work, respect,enjoyment, discipline andsportsmanship. We are very aware of providing a service in thecommunity, that is important to us.”And it's clearly become importantto him as an individual too. Hejoined the club in 1976 after workas a policeman saw him positionedin the Medway Towns.He tried out a number of localsides before opting for the club hewould then play for for 13 years.After retiring and learning thecoaching ropes at several other

clubs, he made a return and hasbeen head coach for six years –and achieved very much successof which he is rightly proud.Rugby is benefiting at themoment from a perceived declinein behaviour from the high-profileworld of football.The sport may be more physical,but it is built around a strictunderstanding of sportsmanshipand respect for authority which thelikes of Mario Balotelli could dowell to learn. And as parentsbecome frustrated by the antics ofthe highly paid professionals, theyhave seen a very differentapproach in the world of rugby.Explains Mr Gwilliam: “Theattitudes of players and fans in thetwo sports are very different. If youattend a rugby international matchthere is no segregation – the fansmingle happily, enjoying theatmosphere. Rugby has alwaysbeen like that. “It's a fantastic sport and it'sencouraging to see more peoplerealise that.”But, of course, a key ingredient to a club's success off the pitch issuccess on it. And under Gwilliamand his team, the senior side isleading from the front.A string of promotions has seenthem rise from the Kent leagues,this season fighting it out in theLondon 3 South.

Another impressive campaignsaw them finish in second place –runners-up only to East Sussexside Crowborough – but sufficientto ensure the Champagne corkswere popping again as it paved theway to another promotion.Fittingly, this made history for theclub as it reaches the highest levelit has ever played at in 80 years.In the last six years alone the clubhas won four promotions, been infour cup finals and, perhaps mostimportantly, ensured the success ofthe senior team was felt through allthe club's teams at whatever age.Not that recent history has allbeen smooth for the club whichplays its home games at thePriestfields Recreation Ground inGillingham. In 2001 it facedpotential disaster when a huge fireripped through its clubhouse.As the club's website explains:“On a Sunday after some verygood rugby the members werestanding in the clubhouse having a few drinks, there was a smell ofburning as if of a bonfire near by. “After some time, Simon Shawwent to go home and saw smokeand flames coming from the roof. “He returned to the clubhouseshouting out and everyone got out.“We were without the clubhousefor six months and had to use Port-a-cabins as a bar and kitchen. “The insurance company wasvery good and within a week thebuilders were on site starting work.The repairs cost £130,000.”But from the ashes rose a newclubhouse and a new era for theclub, which appears to be on thewinning track.The remainder of the year is likelyto be taken up by 90th birthdaycelebrations – with its Summer Ballat the Village Hotel in June aparticular highlight.The future looks bright forMedway Rugby Football Club –both on and off the pitch. Seewww.mrfc.net for details. mmm

Pictures: www.AlanBournePhotography.co.uk

A winning team

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Help for HeroesThe Village Hotel recently hosted a glittering charity evening with

a variety of entertainers. An auction, raffle and donations wereaccepted to raise funds for this worthwhile cause.

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The Kent Garden ShowThe Kent Showground, Detling ME14 3JFSaturday - Tuesday 2nd - 5th June 2012

This show will feature over 300 exhibitors with a wide variety of goods on display and for sale. The featuresof the show include the floral marquees with their stunning floral displays including medal winners from

Chelsea. The garden exhibitors have all manner of gardening goods for sale and include over sixty nurseies.There is also a food hall, craft pavilion, brass band and children's rides.

As well as the numerous nurseries in attendance there will be exhibitors selling garden furniture, water fea-tures, garden sheds and buildings, tools, sculptures, and much more.

There will also be a Horicultural Challenge competition between teams from gardening societies and educa-tional establishments.

Jacqueline Aviolet and Tom Hart-Dyke will be in attendance all weekend to give answers to yourgardening questions.

Admission prices are £7 for adults and £6 for seniorsThere is no charge for children (up to age 16) or car parking

Gates open from 9.30am until 5pm with last admission at 4pm

www.KentGardenShow.com 20th Anniversary

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