Welcome
Making the most of the short days
Six months ago, when the trees were showing their first signs of life after their annual hibernation, and the dawn chorus was just beginning to be heard noticeably earlier, I wrote on this corresponding page that this year’s spring could be more memorable than summer.
The premise was that the Royal wedding and subsequent street parties and Bank Holidays could mean a risk of ‘peaking’ too soon.
For some, this perhaps was the case thanks to the vagaries of our island climate. While April lived up to all expectations and more, ending as one of the warmest and driest on record, our summer was the coolest for almost a generation.
There were some good days, but too often the weather
intervened and dampened even the best laid of plans. A curious sense of relief can be felt as we enter the final quarter
of the year. Instead of worrying if the weather can transform a good event into a great one, expectations of sun are low so arrangements are often made without the climactic variable having to come into play. With this in mind, we have started a new series exploring what can be enjoyed around the clock throughout Kent.
Our ’24 hours in’ feature begins by looking at Cranbrook and
Lenham, with both offering plenty of attractions even during those wet days and long, dark evenings.
Our focus on 10 castles in Kent is along the same lines. These
extraordinary structures were built for protection and privacy, where unwelcome guests and unwanted elements were kept at bay.
With Halloween, Fireworks Night and Christmas on the horizon,
there is no shortage of events and festivities planned for the next few months. We hope you enjoy reading all about them in this edition of Mid Kent Living.
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.
Day Trips
Mon 24th Oct Sat 29th Oct
Contents
Page 4-5 Interview with Louise Cook
Page 6-8 Editor’s choice
Page 10-13 24 hours in Cranbrook & Lenham
Page 18-19 A tour of Kent’s castles Page 20 Theatre Page 21 Kids Page 22-27 Thinking Christmas Page 28-29 Health & beauty Page 30-35 Education Page 36 Property Page 37-42 Homes & Gardens Page 43 Competitions
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
2 Course Lunch & Entertainment Colours of Autumn Tour
Sunday 6th Nov Dagenham Sunday Market Wed 16th Nov Wed 7th Dec
Holidays 2nd October 31st October
£ 29.00 £ 10.00 £ 8.00
Radio Kent's Paul James & Paul Harris Show £ 19.00 Arras Christmas Market (Euro Tunnel)
£ 33.00
3 Day World War I Battle Field Tour £ 169.00 5 Days Potters Leisure Resort
14th November 5 Days Warners 9th December 10th December
£ 325.00 £ 345.00
23rd December 5 Days Christmas in Worcester
Begonia View, The Street, Ryarsh,West Malling, Kent ME19 5LQ Tel: 01732 845656
www.brooklinecoaches.co.uk
Mid Kent Living 3
3 Days Christmas Markets in France £ 169.00 3 Day Thursford Christmas Spectacular Show £ 169.00 £ 425.00
Established 1939
www.downsmail.co.uk
Day Excursions & Short breaks
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