insideKENT Magazine Issue 101 - September 2020 | Page 6

WELCOME I don’t think a start of a new month and of course the start of a new school year has ever felt so poignant. Regardless of whether you parent or not, it feels like September this year is somewhat of a rebirth. Perhaps you are celebrating the end of your seemingly never ending role as homeschooling teacher, maybe you are returning to your workplace, or it may simply be a case of relishing a decided shift back to some semblance of normality - whatever your situation, I think we can all agree that we are approaching this month with curious optimism. It seems even more fitting that our September issue is our second bumper education feature of the year. Our counties top school’s have risen above the unprecedented challenges, have refocused their pastoral attentions, and are delighted to be welcoming back pupils from preschoolers to pregrads with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. You can find out more about the unrivalled offerings, the importance of co-curricular activities, book your open day tours ,and be assured of steps to take to assist with back to school anxieties from p91. With packed lunches back on the agenda this term, we have rounded up some delicious and nutritious top of the class recipes on p29, the back to school must haves on p88 and even have you covered with top trends for school run chic on pg 78. You don’t even need to fret about the resetting of the alarm as we profile some of the county’s master brewers - of the coffee kind, giving you the beans and the means to be wide-awake-ready and perfect your at-home-barista from p19. I, like many, am packing off my cherubs to their various stages of schooling with a renewed spring in my step, thanks to taking advantage of some great summertime staycations and a month of eating out (to help out natch - not just because food is the answer to pretty much everything…) whenever possible! You can read about my experiences at The Windmill on p38, The Zetland Arms on p40, and my jaunt to the big smoke for a stay at The Dixon on p44. And if that’s not enough to inspire, you simply cannot miss our review of the incredible Bosun’s Cottage in Deal on p47, we’ve even asked the delightful and creative pair behind the project to share their renovation journey with you all - prepare to be wowed from p49. And that’s not all, from family friendly flooring, to cost effective fencing, interior style to garden knowhow, we give your living space the onceover from p56; see the return of our artist profile on p8; and continue our behind the scenes delve into Kent’s top kitchens with this issue’s Meet the Chef, the incredible John Bingley on p36. At a time that has been incredibly tough all round it’s also great to highlight some of the ways we can continue to give back, and as such we are delighted to feature not just one but two remarkable charity initiatives that kick off this month. Grab your workmates, nab a nifty fifty and get creative to raise as much as you can this month as part of ellenor’s accumulator challenge. Or why not set your own 30 for 30 goal, rally the sponsorship and join Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex’s anniversary fundraiser - find out how you can sign up and make a much needed difference on p125. I’m off to set a million alarms, brew my café au lait and begin my month of 30 minutes of exercise and mindfulness per day - wish me luck! STAYCATION STROLLS IN BEAUTIFUL DEAL www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk @insideKENT Publisher Adam Ready Editor Samantha Ready Features Editor Sara Stephen Features & Online Content Editor Lisamarie Lamb Features Writer Jess Marshall Senior Designer Dave Leo Yogore Graphic Designer Lorna Morris Graphic Designer Kareena Ross-Cumming Senior Account Manager Jerry Barrett Account Manager Nadene Weed Account Manager Anna Lockyer Administration Manager & Fashion Editor Karlene Gannon Contributors Amy Green, David Snazel, Deirdre McGettrick, Jeni Brookes, Kath Clements, Lauren Shaw, Liana Lorenzato, Peter Keane, Robert Reynolds, Sarah Escott, Sarah & Mark Crichton, Yasmin Vinten Cover © St Edmund’s School insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd, Coachworks, Dover Place, Ashford, Kent TN23 1HU www.sidewaysmedia.co.uk For general enquiries, please contact [email protected] or 01233 226519 For all advertising enquiries, please contact Adam Ready on 01233 226519 or email [email protected] For all editorial enquiries, press releases or news stories, please contact [email protected] © Copyright 2020. 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. 6