insideKENT Magazine Issue 84 - March 2019 | Page 12

WELCOME The first daffodils of the season have shown their shining yellow faces in my garden, and snowdrops seem to be everywhere I step. Birds are singing, the spring sun is becoming warmer, and it’s light out past 5pm. The season is most definitely a-changin’ – time to dust off the BBQ and pretend it’s summer every chance we get! As I’ve mentioned, Brits seem to get slightly over-excited about the sunshine and roll out their BBQs as soon as it’s above 10 degrees; and where there’s a BBQ, there’s a tipple or two. Prepare yourself for when it’s just warm enough for a garden party, and stock up on some of Kent’s best alcoholic drinks, starting on page 59. To me, March is one of the most glorious months of the year, a month that always makes me thankful that I live in Kent. Wherever you are in the county, you don’t need to travel far to enjoy the many signs of spring, from the blooming magnolias at Leeds Castle to the wildflowers at Samphire Hoe. Until it’s considered truly warm outside, take advantage of as many chilly evenings as you can, curled up with a good book. It’s World Book Day on 7th March, and there are more than 130 million published books to choose from, so there’s bound to be something out there for everyone. Check out the insideKENT team’s favourites on page 36. As always, the Kent calendar is full of fabulous things to do in March, from awe- inspiring theatre to exciting outdoor activities, and lots more in between. See page 19 for a highlight of top Kent events this month, including plenty of unique things to do on Mother’s Day. Speaking of Mother’s Day, what are you planning to do for mum this year? Besides taking her to one of the many Mum’s Day events in Kent, what about showing her what she means to you without spending a penny? Check out page 81 to see our inspired list of priceless gifts that come from the heart. Or, if you just can’t help yourself and need to buy something, flip to page 108 for some great gadgets that every mum would love to unwrap. Enjoy this magnificent month of March, take in the fresh spring air and appreciate the little things as often as you can. As always, we’d love to hear from you with feedback or feature ideas on our social media @insideKENT. Until next month… Donna Creative & Editorial Director www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk Creative & Editorial Director Donna Martin Sales & Publishing Director Adam Ready Features & Online Editor Lisamarie Lamb Fashion Editor Molly Neznanski Gil Senior Designer Dave Leo Yogore Graphic Designer Laurence Whymark Senior Account Manager Greg Bettles Account Manager Jerry Barrett Operations Manager Samantha Ready Contributors Sarah Greene / Rick Schofield Photography Ap-Art Photography Cover Collins Bespoke Kitchens © Ap-Art Photography www.apartphotography.com insideKENT Magazine is published by Sideways Media Ltd, The Panorama, Park Street, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DF www.sidewaysmedia.co.uk For general enquiries, please contact [email protected] or 01233 226240 For all advertising enquiries, please contact Adam Ready on 01233 226519 or email [email protected] © Copyright 2019. 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. 12