Welcome


Natural wonders of spring


After a winter that began unusually early and then calmed but still lingered to the bitter early days of March, the onset of spring is perhaps more appreciated than normal this year.


Added to the potential of a late Easter and the excitement


of a royal wedding, the subsequent extra bank holiday and associated street parties that are being arranged throughout Mid-Kent, then you get the strange situation where this year’s spring could well be more memorable than the summer.


With the depressing state of the economy constantly in the


news, the next few months offer a real chance to look ahead to warmer and happier times.


With such a positive outlook, it is fitting that our personality


profile should be local radio presenter Claire Lawson, whose sunny demeanour and chatty style raises the spirits of Heart’s listeners throughout the county.


As the weather improves, many of us will take to the river


to make the most of the longer days, and our town profile discovers all that the Medway has to offer in and around Maidstone. While the river has long been established as a popular spot for peace and recreation, there are moves to hold an art fair that will add another exciting dimension to the county town.


This is a lovely time of the year to enjoy the natural wonders of


spring, and our features on Penshurst Place and Broadview Gardens highlight some of the real beauty on offer in our county.


We also have a comprehensive rundown of all the many


events coming up as well as theatre listings, dining news and much, much more.


Stephen Eighteen Hitting Mid Kent towns


Mid Kent Living is published every three months with a free circulation in Maidstone, Medway, Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Malling, Ashford and Sittingbourne. It is available at pick-up points throughout the area. Subscription copies are posted (£6 annually).


ROCHESTER CHATHAM


SEVENOAKS Kings Hill


TUNBRIDGE WELLS TONBRIDGE


Paddock Wood MAIDSTONE


Cranbrook Charing


Tenterden ASHFORD


GILLINGHAM SITTINGBOURNE


The team Mid Kent Living is published by


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


Chairman: Claire Procter Editor: Stephen Eighteen Sales Director: David Dadswell


Advertising Sales: Tel 01622 630330 email: info@downsmail.co.uk


Mid Kent Living is available at an increasing number of pick-up points. Call 01622 630330 for details. Mid Kent Living 3


Page 22-23 Dining Page 24 Walks Page 25-27 Education Page 28 Theatre Page 31 Legal Page 32-35 Property Page 37-38 Gardens to visit Page 39-41 Homes & Gardens Page 42 Competitions


Contents


Page 4-5 Interview with Claire Lawson Page 7-10 Editor’s choice Page 11 Kent & East Sussex Railway Page 12 Kids


Page 13-17 Maidstone - the art of making the most of its river


Page 18-21 Newnham Court Shopping Village


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