January
As the new year dawned here at MMM we were still buoyant from our fabulous partner evening with Smarden’s The Big Cat Sanctuary at Champneys Eastwell Manor, near Ashford, held in December.
Publisher Rasa Dregva said: “What a wonderful partnership evening we had with The Big Cat Sanctuary and Eastwell Manor in their beautiful garden room. Here at MMM we feel extremely privileged to work closely with such inspirational local businesses in Kent, and it was great to reunite with the crew who joined me on my autumn trip to Kenya to work closely with the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.”
February
This is the month of love highlighted by Valentine’s Day on 14 February – and with it the chance to treat that special person in your life. And what better way to find the ideal venue than by looking through our glossy sister publication, Kent’s Best Places to Dine?
Its pages were packed with a variety of tasty eateries located throughout the county to choose from – from great gastro food, Sunday roasts, curries and fish to international dishes, and delicious vegan and vegetarian options.
March
This month saw many of the county’s most successful female professionals brought together to celebrate the Kent Women in Business Awards at the Ashford International Hotel. Launched in 2013, the event has become an inspiring focal point in the business calendar.
The sparkling occasion, which is always a sellout, offers the chance to bring together some truly talented and inspirational businesswomen – and this year it sold out in just 10 days! The event is organised by Hilary Steel and Sue Smith, and each year the winners are selected by an independent panel of judges who are all successful in their own right. Some of these are previous winners, but all have a track record of success.
MMM Publisher Rasa Dregva is one such winner – that of the Leadership and Management Award in 2018 – and she said: “Congratulations to all the women who were recognised for their hard work and dedication at the Kent Women in Business Awards! It’s always inspiring to see women achieving great success in their businesses and careers.”
April
A sensational supercar rally through Kent was enjoyed by all – including MMM – on 23 April, despite the intermittent bursts of rain, as The Kent Area of the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain held a Drive-It Day in aid of the charity Childline.
The annual event, organised by Peter Critchell, saw members revving up their stunning cars and forming a rip-roaring Ferrari procession to tour through local towns and the countryside while raising much-needed money for the charity. They finished at the Chilston Park Hotel in Lenham.
Away from Kent, it was also an exciting month for our Publisher, Rasa Dregva, who learned to surf in Costa Rica!
May
What a month May was! It’s rare that we can predict something truly historic will occur, but the King’s Coronation was certainly just that. It was one of those events where, in years to come, we will all remember where we were when we watched it.
Here at MMM we were flat out in the run-up to the momentous occasion putting together a special collectors’ edition to act as a keepsake for what was a remarkable event. After all, no one quite does pomp and ceremony as well as the British.
We produced a number of features on the King and the biggest event of his life, including his many links to our county.
June
On a warm night in June MMM was delighted to be the media partner for a very special event at one of the county’s most prestigious venues. Held amid the elegance and splendour of Champneys Eastwell Manor Spa & Hotel at Boughton Lees, the night saw more than 100 people gather for the Project Lion Gala Ball.
Project Lion is a charitable drive organised by The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden which aims to raise £500,000. The money will go towards the expansion and improvement of the enclosures for these majestic creatures at the Sanctuary’s base in the Kent countryside, as well as contributing to conservation initiatives for lions in the wild.
The event itself was a sophisticated, sold-out, black-tie ball where guests enjoyed a three-course meal and being serenaded by One Drum – an authentic African drumming group – which provided the perfect backdrop.
There were also silent auctions and raffles helping to raise thousands of pounds for the worthy charity.
July
We were very excited to hear that heart-throb Richard Madden filmed parts of his new Amazon spy series Citadel in Kent. And so in our July edition we took a look at his rising career and discovered that – talking of spies – his biggest role could still be to come with Bond rumours!
August
By now the school holidays were in full swing, so there was no better time to make the most of our glossy sister publication Best Attractions in Kent, which is always filled with tempting places to visit in our wonderful county. They include castles, cathedrals, stately homes and gardens, museums, galleries, zoos, farms and wineries. Plenty to keep both adults and children entertained!
September
MMM Publisher Rasa Dregva spent six glorious days on a breathtaking Top Gear-style adventure driving through Portugal and Spain in the company of a motorsport legend.
She jetted down to Lisbon to start a remarkable tour organised by British racing driver Derek Bell, MBE, and V Events. The Iberia tour saw them leave Portugal’s west coast and trek towards Madrid in the heart of Spain, with everyone taking part in the latest low-slung sports cars or classics from the past.
October
A superbly glitzy night was enjoyed once again at this year’s Kent Health & Beauty Awards, held at the Ashford International Hotel on 13 October. MMM is a big fan of these awards (and health and beauty in general!) and this year was very proud to sponsor the event.
Our Publisher, Rasa Dregva, was once more honoured to be on the judging panel and host Hilary Steel made sure everyone had fun. Rasa said: “This is an amazing event that I look forward to every year. I love meeting the finalists, who represent the best in the Kent health and beauty industry, and to offer them my best encouragement. These accomplished people put their hearts and souls into their businesses to make them successful and it is so inspiring. I congratulate the winners and thank all who took part.”
November
As the countdown to Christmas began we had already been planning our guide to the festivities in Kent for many months. Our sparkling sister publication Marvellous Christmas in Kent offers all kinds of ideas to make the season go with a celebratory swing – from luxurious Advent calendars to kick-start your countdown to gorgeous gifts for the much loved women, men and children in your life.
Plus, we feature the county’s pantos and seasonal events, local tipples for you to say cheers to, delightful decorations and fabulous fashion so you can shine in style.
December
And as the year comes to a close and we get together with family and friends to mark Christmas and the New Year, here at MMM there is even more to celebrate as we turn 13!
What an amazing journey this continues to be, and we look forward to an even brighter 2024! So all that is left to say is Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our readers and advertisers, and thank you for your continued support.
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