insideKENT Magazine Issue 29 - August 2014 | Page 7

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• welcome So, what’s with the peacock on the cover? Let me explain. That’s a rare breed of Kentish peacock. Actually, it’s not, there’s no such thing as a Kentish breed of peacock; but if you’ve ever visited Groombridge Place outside Tunbridge Wells, you’ll know why we chose this gorgeous bird to grace our cover. You’ll find these multi-coloured beauties struttin’ their stuff all over Groombridge’s estate; especially at the fittingly named newly refurbished Peacock Bistro. register online by 7th August at www.rotarysleepout.org. Don’t fancy sleeping under the stars, but still want to be involved? Perhaps I can shamelessly point you in the direction of my JustGiving fundraising page, where you can donate to these very worthy causes: www.justgiving.com/themartinsgocamping Ok, enough about peacocks, Wonders and camping – what’s going on in our August issue? We have a very exciting triple interview feature, including Kent debut novelist Sarah Orton (p21), Canterbury-based band CoCo and the Butterfields (p32), and an interview with the hilarious Dawn French (p26). Groombridge Place is just one of the spectacular Seven Wonders of the Weald attractions. Also part of the Seven Wonders are the Kent & East Sussex Railway, Scotney Castle, Biddenden Vineyards, Marle Place Gardens, Chiddingstone Castle, and the historic spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells – read all about them on page 90. If food’s your thing, try out some great BBQ recipes from Kent Cookery School (p62), or read about some fantastic new menu offerings at Chapter One Brasserie (p52) and Turner Contemporary Café (p55). If you’re stuck for something to do this August, I wholeheartedly recommend getting a Seven Wonders of the Weald Annual Pass, which gains you entry into all of the attractions; and at only £25 for the whole year, you can’t go wrong! You’ll also find all of the regular features you know and love, including Kent Events, Health & Wellness, Fashion & Beauty, Days Out, Getaways, and a very special Motors section featuring the awe-inspiring Bentley GT V8 S Convertible. I’ve recently made a mid-year resolution to do more for charity, and I’ve started by signing up for the Rotary SleepOut on 9th August. I’m camping out with my family to raise money for Porchlight and Catching Lives, to help them support the homeless in Canterbury. If you have any comments or suggestions, I always love to hear from you, so please get in touch at [email protected] or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. If you fancy a short camping trip, complete with live music, activities for the family, great food and drink, plus the added bonus of helping others, Donna Martin / Editor www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk @insidekent /insidekent /insidekent insidekentmagazine Editor Donna Martin Publishing Director Adam Ready Features Editor Gemma Dunn Design Manager Dave Leo Yogore Fashion Editor Molly Neznanski Gil Account Managers Greg Bettles / Cathy Jinks / Alex Perseval Administrative Assistant Kelly Hyham Contributors Sarah Redman / Visit Kent / Explore Kent / Matthew Stadlen / Lucy Osborne / Luke Yates / Ian McIntyre Photography Luke Yates Cover photo: Peacock at Groombridge Place insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd The Oast, Stone Green Farm, Mersham, Kent TN25 7HE [email protected] / www.sidewaysmedia.co.uk @hellosideways /hellosideways When you have finished with this magazine, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. For all advertising enquiries, contact Adam Ready on 01233 226240 or [email protected] © Copyright 2014. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees, warranties or claims as to the accuracy, currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine. No part of this magazine may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher’s written consent. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial, images or photographs published. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes. 7