insideKENT Magazine Issue 96 - March 2020 | Page 10

WELCOME Anyone else feel like they’ve been picked up, spun around and blown full force into March? But here we are! We’ve battled Ciara and Dennis, made it through the gales, horizontal rain and floods, and are now poised and ready for that little glimmer of seasonal change that indicates the start of spring. If like me you’d be quite happy to hole up at home and wait for the sunshine, you’ll be pleased to know that March is National Bed Month! Yes that’s right, a whole 31 days dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of a comfortable bed and a good night’s sleep. So it’s only right that we’ve dedicated this issue to helping you catch some quality zzz. Find out how to make 2020 your year of sleep from p92; indulge in stress free sleep with the help of Champneys Eastwell Manor; discover the latest bedroom trends; learn how to pick the perfect mattress and the perfect pillow; finish off your sleep- inducing abode with this season’s must-have new bedding; and then lounge, chill and relax in our pick of dream-inducing lounge and nightwear on p78. And if you need some bedtime reading, we’ve even highlighted the iK team’s top reads, in honour of world book day, on p28! Rested, refreshed and ready for action? Then why not make a start on your spring garden on p115, or head out to our Town Spotlight star Maidstone, to discover all the market town has to offer? Find all the must see, must shop and must eat hotspots from p33. And ensure you venture out to one of the incredible events taking place in Kent this month - find out more from p15. This time of year may also be the start of your school decision-making journey. We are proud of our first Education Special Feature of the year, sponsored by Whitehead Monckton and featuring our cover star, Sutton Valence School. Starting on p127 we have all you need to make an educated decision on education in Kent; from positive first steps in nursery; preparing for prep school; choosing a secondary school; and even starting university applications; we have it all. As well as profiles on Kent’s leading schools, creative education providers and child mental health support. In fact we have dedicated space to highlighting how early intervention at home is key to supporting the wellbeing and mental health of our children on p148 - it is good to talk. Of course March is also the month that we celebrate women too! Get body positive, with advice from Kent-based personal trainer and women’s fitness advocate Hannah Matthews on p85. Celebrate the most important woman in your life this Mother’s Day. We’ve rounded up a host of activities, recipes to impress and showcase the top gifts around, including those must- have #madeinKent; starting on p45 – because Mums deserve it! Kent’s Women in Business will be celebrated at the KWIB Awards on March 6th; you can read some inspirational stories a bout Kent women who are bossing it in business on p165. THROWBACK - ME AND MY MAMA - THE STRONGEST WOMAN I KNOW And of course there is International Women’s Day on 8th March. This year’s theme is #EachforEqual and in light of so much negativity, sad times and the need for change, I for one will be celebrating women’s achievements this year. Talk, champion and be kind Kent. Editor www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk Publisher Adam Ready Editor Samantha Ready Features Editor Sara Stephen Features & Online Content Editor Lisamarie Lamb Features Writer Kerry Foster 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 Intern Sarah Adiapa Contributors Champneys at Eastwell Manor, Chris Ward, Dare to Differ, Hannah Matthews, Kelli Waldock, Lorraine Icke, Steve Jacobs, Visit Maidstone, West Kent Mind Cover © Sutton Valence 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] © 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. 10