insideKENT Magazine Issue 97 - April 2020 | Page 8

WELCOME It seems strange to have to write a “Welcome to April” message at a time when most of the things in our lives are totally unwelcome. It’s fair to say that the world in which we currently live seems unrecognisable from just a few short weeks ago. We, like many of our wonderful clients, readers, supporters, and friends are also a small family-run company, wondering like so many others what the near future holds… (especially when holed up in quarantine with a bored and slightly Tasmanian devil-esq two year old who has had me reaching for the gin at 9.17am on #day3!) But like the first breaks in the grey clouds, the first sign of spring blooms, the resilience of our amazing #TeamSideways, and the laughter that is resonating whilst we attempt to “keep calm and carry on”, we are reminded that there are always new beginnings and new days to come. For all our great planning for this wonderful issue of delightful things to do in our mighty county, we made the 11th hour decision to pull all of our April events and Easter in Kent features, and have spoken at length with our advertisers and the Kent businesses for whom we continuously champion, who are, like us all, facing unprecedented times... ...But remember - there will be better days to come, and what better way to get through the following weeks of isolation, quarantine and mass closures, than by planning for things to look forward to? Find out more about the amazing things happening in Kent this year in our Visit Kent special feature with all the #KentyTwenty dates for your diary and celebrations to look forward to. Book ahead for plays, events, festivals, and gigs, and keep our local Kent economy moving. Be inspired by our wonderful chefs and food producers, including the Taste of Kent Award 2020 winners on p86, many of whom are now offering take-away and contact-free delivery services this month; beats the 7am supermarket free-for-all! - Just make sure you factor in the ingredients needed for our tempting Easter recipes that start on p69. Maybe you’ve been inspired to Spring clean like never before recently? We have rounded up some of the best tech (p144) and latest products (p125) that will have you deep cleaning like never before. And whilst you’re at it, don’t forget to spring clean your mind too - how easy it is to become overwhelmed, especially in uncertain times, find out how on p100. Been staring at the same four walls for days? Then hurrah for our first House + Home special of the year. Perfect timing to inspire you to either move or improve, with amazing local specialist advice and some incredible interiors ideas thrown in too! - Remember that many of your local suppliers will deliver, enabling you to make a headstart on some of your home ‘to dos’. And if this issue isn’t enough to keep you entertained and get you inspired, be sure to check out the brand spanking new Kent Staycation 2020! Free to read online and soon to be available county-wide, Kent Staycation showcases the best of days out, dining and accommodation, from town through country to our wonderful Kentish coastline, you can also get your own copy sent to your doorstep - find out more at www.kentstaycation.co.uk! MY FAMILY, WHO WE DO THIS FOR, THROUGH THE GOOD DAYS AND THE NOT SO GOOD DAYS... Finally, from my team and I, thank you for your continued support, for believing in Kent like we do, and for riding out the next few weeks with us - in it together . I’m off to eat my way through my stockpiled Easter Eggs* (there are some amazing ones to inspire you on p90!) and pray for a better tomorrow for us all! Stay safe, shop local, keep reading, and most importantly keep supporting Kent! Editor (*read as gin...) www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk Publisher Adam Ready Editor Samantha Ready Features Editor Sara Stephen Features & Online Content Editor Lisamarie Lamb 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 Alfie Osborne, Ben Eames, Fiona Dennis, Gemma Bath, Jennifer Campbell, Louise Ashdown, Peter Bell, Rebecca Tucker, Rick Schofield, Sarah Crichton Cover © West One Bathrooms 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. 8