WELCOME
The hope for brighter days ahead …
It would be amiss of me to begin a welcome this month without first taking a moment to reflect on the incredibly difficult and upsetting scenes and outcomes that seem to be side-swiping our newly found post-lockdown hope and happiness .
Firstly , our thoughts are with all of those facing the tragic situation in Ukraine . There are no words or expressions that we can offer that offset the frankly horrific daily stories . We can however recognise the continued community spirit that has now extended from our borders across the continent . From hosting fundraising events and cook offs , to packaging and transporting much needed supplies - as demonstrated by chef Byron Hayter and his team at Chapman ’ s in Canterbury - and opening our homes , there have been some remarkable acts of kindness , support and willingness to help .
If you are organising anything please tag us on socials for us to spread the word .
Secondly , we are all conscious of the continuing precariousness of running a local business right now . From the continuing impact of Covid and Brexit to the scarily rising costs of energy and changes in shopping habits , there will indeed be some further hurdles ahead . We were devastated to hear about our friends over at Rooks , those impacted at P & O , and of course appreciate and empathise with all local businesses , big and small , who now , more than ever , need your support .
Yet in and amongst the doom and gloom , there is hope , and some frankly incredible success stories . So remember , when we can ’ t think too far ahead , simply go one step at a time and instead aim to find something happy every single day .
And that is where insideKENT will always be here to help …
From enjoying the lighter , brighter spring days with a meandering Kentish walk on p53 ; to enjoying the childhood delight of Easter activities on p29 ; delighting in Kent ’ s prettiest villages from p43 ; and taking time to enjoy the most beautiful of blossoms and bluebells that will grace our garden county ( right , about now !) on p48 ; to honouring our four-legged friends and the most amazing pet-cations in Kent on p113 - all in time for National Pet Month - we have rounded up some of the most happy and inspiring things to do in our county this month and crammed them inside this issue .
We ’ ve also recognised that happiness starts with wellbeing , so there is a whole heap of focus on getting outside , getting active and focusing on your physical and mental health this month too . So , whether it ' s swinging like a pro on the fairway on p63 , trying your hand at open water swimming on p107 , or embracing the outdoors like never before on p108 , we have you covered !
Happiness for me also starts with food . There is a lot that feels better for me when I ’ ve got a mouth crammed full of chocolate , chips or cheese ( god help my new personal trainer !). To help you on your happy quest , we have some Easter eggs inspo on p38 , some seriously egg-cellent recipes on p79 , and have highlighted the simply sublime cooking mastery of Fordwich Arms in our review on p74 ; if you ’ ve never been you simply must . If you have , I know like me you ’ ll be back .
CELEBRATING # TEAMSIDEWAYS ’ SUCCESS AT THE KWIBA 2022
Most recently my own happiness upped a gear at the 10th annual Kent Women in Business Awards , where I was absolutely delighted to be a finalist alongside some frankly incredible women . Coming runner up in the Growth category was the icing on a very wonderful cake . You can read more about these remarkable achievements and about the recently announced Taste of Kent Awards finalists on p164 . We ’ ll be sure to bring you even more winning success when the winners are announced next month .
The team and I are off for a sun-drenched walk ( they will be thrilled !) and to raid the Easter Egg stash !
Wishing you all happier , healthier days ahead . www . insidekentmagazine . co . uk
@ insideKENT
Publisher Adam Ready Editor Samantha Ready Features Editor & Administration Manager Karlene Gannon Deputy Editor Polly Humphris Features Writer Jess Marshall Features Writer Ashleigh Britten Features Writer Olivia Riccini Senior Designer Dave Leo Yogore Graphic Designer Lorna Morris Graphic Designer Kareena Ross-Cumming Sales Manager Jen Crisp Senior Account Manager Jerry Barrett Account Manager Sian Jowett Contributors AXOR , Colin Lincoln-Evans , Dan Cook , Catherine Douglas / The Co-operative Bank , Dr Julie Smith , Kasia Bromley , Kirsty Hogben , Dr Megan Rossi , Methven , Rick Schofield , Susie Challen , The Bromley Bathroom Company , Visit Kent Cover : © The Bromley Bathroom Company
insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd , Coachworks , Dover Place , Ashford , Kent TN23 1HU www . sidewaysmedia . co . uk For general enquiries , please contact hello @ sidewaysmedia . co . uk or 01233 226519
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© Copyright 2022 . 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 .
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