Your Kent Wedding - Mar/Apr 2020 (Issue 89)

SILVER ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS Penshurst Place is reaching out to couples who have been married there over the past 25 years to help them mark a quarter of a century of nuptials at the impressive 14 th -century country house. In April this year, it will be 25 years since new regulations came into force allowing marriages to take place in venues other than a church or registry office. Penshurst became licensed in July that year and continues to be a popular choice for weddings today, recently being crowned Wedding Venue of the Year for the third time at the Kent Wedding Awards, 2019. Soon, you’ll be able to find an online gallery of Penshurst weddings since they began, giving you an opportunity to see how fashions and approaches have changed over the years. Couples who tied the knot at the venue are being invited to share one of their own favourite photos from their day to be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to an exclusive silver anniversary champagne afternoon tea event. If you know any couples that were married at Penshurst Place, do let them know to contact lucy@penshurstplace.com to find out more about how they can get involved. And if you’re on the lookout for the perfect location for your own special day, it’s worth noting that the venue is offering a 25 per cent discount on summer season hire fees for all new wedding bookings made before the end of October 2020, valid for summer weddings hosted by October 2022. Check out penshurstplace.com Bagpuss, dear Bagpuss If you’re looking for a wedding favour that gives back, charity pins are a great idea. Kent-based charity Hospices of Hope, has produced a series of three super- cute Bagpuss pins to raise funds, and support its work providing hospice care for seriously ill children. The Bagpuss Children’s Hospice Wing in Brasov, Romania, is so called because the series’ creators Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin, supported the charity’s work and gave it the right to use their beloved character, and his friends, to raise money for the cause. Hospices of Hope’s project manager, Liz Outten says, “The lapel pins will be a fun reminder of your special day, and giving a ‘saggy old cloth cat’ to your guests as wedding favours means you’ll be helping children in need of hospice care.” Head over to hospicesofhope.co.uk for further information. TAG, YOU’RE IT! For anyone looking for an adrenalin-fuelled hen, stag or sten bash, Bewl Water, an 800-acre site, home to the largest reservoir in the South East, has expanded its Laser Tag Challenge to serve groups of all sizes. You can now conveniently book one-hour slots via the website, including same-day bookings, for the more spontaneous amongst you, for just £15 per person. Upon entering the tag area, you’ll be provided with an infrared laser rifle and sensors, which players aim at and shoot to register a hit. There are a variety of different games and maps on offer, allowing you to spend quality bonding time in the great outdoors. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can enjoy a selection of light meals, fresh cakes, scones, a choice of snacks, ice cream, and hot and cold drinks at Bewl’s dog-friendly Waterfront Café. For a more hearty meal, The Boat House Bistro, offers stunning panoramic views, and a weekly-changing market menu prepared by the head chef and his team using the finest local ingredients, often including freshly-caught trout from the reservoir. Visit bewlwater.co.uk/venue-hire/corporate-events to book your challenge. Editor loves Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve is a wonderful venue for back-to-nature weddings. Whether you’re mingling with guests in the colourful gardens and Moroccan courtyard, admiring the panoramic views of the Kent countryside from the stunning terraces, or inside the charming Grade-II listed mansion, it’s unforgettable. We’ve also received news that three gorgeous lion cubs were born to first-time parents Adras and Oudrika last year. The trio was the first to be born at the animal reserve in over 10 years, and the best part is that you can spend a mini-moon alongside them at the Lion Lodge. To find out more about weddings and mini- moon experiences at Port Lympne, check out aspinallfoundation.org 10 barrypaffeyphotography.co.uk