Welcome
Time to enjoy spring, whatever the weather
FOR those who had been worn down by a series of cold winters, this year’s onset of spring comes perhaps without the extent of relief as in previous years.
Aside from a very cold spell in the first two weeks of February, the winter was generally dry and mild. On some days it was actually rather pleasant.
That said, it will take more than a few unseasonable days to keep
visitors away from the many wonderful attraction’s Kent has to offer. Take Beech Court Gardens, Challock, which we feature on page 22.
It might be enjoyable enough to take a stroll through the four
acres of gardens while clad in Wellington boots and thick jacket, but to fully appreciate the place you need to see the fine show of rhododendrons, azaleas and viburnums that can only come with the true onset of spring. Global warming, whether true or not, has not yet rendered our seasons totally redundant. The gardens reopened on March 17.
Capstone Country Park, in Medway, is a much larger open space
that stirs at any time of year. We provide a guide to this 114- hectare expanse on page 26.
Elsewhere, Maidstone Museum has benefited from new
extensions. There are also new galleries and an expanded exhibition and education programme, as outlined on page 27.
Our personality profile features Nazaneen Ghaffar, who grew up
in Tunbridge Wells. After MPs warned the Met Office to be more cautious with making long-term forecasts that include such phrases as ‘barbecue summer’, the Sky TV weather presenter is understandably reluctant to tell us what the next few months have on offer!
Stephen Eighteen Covering the 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.
Day Trips
27th March 11th April 15th April
The team Mid Kent Living is published by Mail Publications Ltd
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Contents
Page 4-5 Interview with Nazaneen Ghaffar
Page 6-9 Editor’s choice
Page 10-11 The Seven Wonders of The Weald
Page 12-13 Endangered big cats at The Wildlife Heritage Foundation
Page 14-15 24hrs in Chilham Page 22 Beech Court Gardens Page 23 Good Food Page 24-25 Coffee Time
Page 26 Capstone Farm Country Park
Page 27 Maidstone Museum Page 29 Education Page 30-31 Health & Beauty Page 34-35 Property Page 36-40 Homes & Garden Page 41 Competitions
Day Excursions & Short breaks
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