Welcome
Getting ready for the big event
On your marks, get set… Okay, it is not quite here yet, but Olympic fever is beginning to build, and we in Mid Kent are in a fortunate position to have plenty to look forward to as next year’s London Games draw ever closer.
For the chosen few lucky enough to have bought tickets, the planning can begin. Thanks to the introduction of domestic high- speed rail services, we can now anticipate a painless and direct route to the Olympic Park in Stratford.
For those of us who missed out on the ballot, there is still the
opportunity to see history pass in front of our very eyes, as the Olympic Flame travels through the county on July 18, 19 and 20.
As the spectacle looms closer, so will the tension for those
competing. One of Mid Kent’s hopes for flying the county flag in 2012 is decathlete Martin Brockman, who tells Peter Erlam of the great sacrifices he has made in the quest to make his Olympic dreams come true.
A more immediate event in the sporting calendar is The Open golf championship, which this year comes to Kent , from July 14-17 in Sandwich. To get you in the mood, we offer the chance to improve your ball-striking technique on page 25.
All of this exercise, or even talk of it, can leave you feeling tired
and stressed out. A perfect solution is the hot stone therapy used in massage, as detailed on page 23.
Our Town Profile unearths plenty of gems in and around Borough Green, a thriving area between Maidstone and Sevenoaks.
We hope you agree this edition offers plenty of other delights to help you make the most of your summer in Mid Kent.
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).
Mid Kent Living is available at an increasing number of pick-up points. Call 01622 630330 for details.
Charles Newington Weekend
Friday 8 July – Monday 11 July 2011 We’re delighted to welcome Charles Newington to Audley Mote House, where he will be exhibiting and sharing the inspiration behind his recognisable signature style.
Throughout the whole weekend, Charles will be exhibiting his work in one of our beautiful Walled Garden cottages. Why not come and explore the work of one of Kent’s most celebrated artists between 10am – 5pm where you can browse the collection at your leisure?
There will be an opportunity to attend an exclusive gathering on Friday 8 July and Monday 11 July at 2pm, where Charles will deliver an insight behind his work — numbers are strictly limited so please call now to reserve your place.
Village tours will also be available but pre-booking is advised.
Retirement villages for the not so retiring… Call 01622 737 279
Marketing Suite open daily 10am – 5pm (Wednesday until 8pm)
Audley Mote House Mote Park, Bearsted, Kent, ME15 8NQ
www.audleyretirement.co.uk Follow us on Facebook or Twitter
Mid Kent Living 3
The team Mid Kent Living is published by Mail Publications Ltd
(which also publishes the Downs Mail newspaper), Forge House, Bearsted Green Business Park, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME14 4DT. Tel: 01622 630330 Fax 01622 631131 email
info@downsmail.co.uk
Chairman: Claire Procter Editor: Stephen Eighteen Sales Director: David Dadswell Advertising Sales: Tel 01622 630330
www.downsmail.co.uk Contents
Page 4-5 Interview with Martin Brockman
Page 6-10 Editor’s choice Page 11 Walks Page 12 Gardens to visit
Page 13-16 Borough Green in years gone by
Page 17 Theatre
Page 18-19 Exploring Chatham’s military heritage
Page 20 Food for thought Page 21-22 Dining Page 22-24 Health & beauty Page 25 Golf tips Page 26-27 Kids Page 28-33 Education
Page 34-41 Property, Homes & Gardens
Page 42 Competitions
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