Around 100 vets experienced practical ‘hands-on’ ultrasound sessions using a horse which was brought inside the centre during the two-day course. The vets were learning more about the pioneering work being done by the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology (ISELP), which was formed in the USA five years ago.

Under the direction of Professor Jean-Marie Denoix, an expert in equine anatomy and lameness diagnosis, the group aims to educate equine veterinary surgeons around the world on the latest techniques in the evaluation and diagnosis of disease causing lameness and poor performance in horses.

ISELP began holding courses in Europe two years ago and this is the first time that one has been held in the UK. Organised by Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, the course ran over three days, with the first two days at the Kent Event Centre and the final day at its own clinic in Mereworth, near Kings Hill, Maidstone.

Linda Loines from the Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic said that through a series of modular courses equine vets learn about the numerous diseases that can cause lameness, with a focus on the complex anatomy of the horse’s musculoskeletal system and the use of diagnostic techniques (especially ultrasound) in evaluating horses with problems.

“The state of the art information is presented in these modules through a combination of lectures, demonstrations and practical ‘hands-on’ ultrasound sessions using a horse we supplied especially for the event,” she added.

Ashleigh Wilday, sales co-ordinator at the Kent Event Centre, said: “This may rank as one of the more unusual events held here but it does demonstrate just how flexible we are. As the largest conference and events centre in the county we handle everything from large-scale Asian weddings to property auctions and exhibitions, from baby and toddler shows to trade fairs and Christmas parties.

“We have a number of smaller meeting rooms which are particularly ideal for up to 50 delegates. The vets conference was a great success and we are delighted that they have re-booked for 2013.”

As well as the fantastic flower and plant displays there will be a host of exhibitors selling garden furniture, water features, sheds, tools, sculptures and more! The famous horticulturist Tom Hart Dyke and experienced grower Jacqueline Aviolet will be on hand throughout the weekend for any questions and queries.

For further information contact Will Chesson on 01795-474660 or write to WMH Leisure, 71 West Street, Sittingbourne, Kent. ME10 1AN

Admission prices are £7 for adults and £6 for seniors. There is no charge for children (up to age 16)

Gates open from 9.30 am until 5 pm with last admission at 4pm

Manufacturers will be exhibiting their cars for you to view and you will be able to talk to the experts regarding building one of these supercars yourself. There will be an outside display areas and trade accessories stand for you to purchase those parts which you might need to build your own kit car.

Appearing live on Sunday will be Perry Mcarthy – the original BBC Top Gear Stig. He will be there to sign autographs, a photo shoot and to promote his new book, make sure your there for that important photo. If you fancy staying over there is camping facilities available for the weekend from Friday Midday and on Saturday evening there is live music for people staying on site. Its a show not to be missed this Easter weekend at Kent County Showground. Detling, Gates open at 10am, see you there!

Alison, who is events manager at the county’s largest conference facility, is Kent’s only representative at the Exhibition News magazine annual awards 2012. She has made the shortlist in the Best Venue Marketer category.

Alison said: “These awards are the ‘BAFTA’s’ for our industry and attract entries from the biggest names in our business, including Earl’s Court, Olympia, Birmingham NEC and Ricoh Arena. I am thrilled to be a finalist!”

An Exhibition News spokesman said: “We were hugely impressed at the number and quality of entries in our people categories this year; a testament to the incredible worth of those who organise, host and supply products and services to the diverse range of shows held in the UK and by UK-based organisers abroad.”

The Exhibition News Awards will be held at London’s Olympia on March 29.

James Harrison

Bargain Hunt
BBC Bristol

Pam Howson
Deputy Head of Care
Demelza

The Organisers who have had great success organising baby and toddler shows in Sussex are delighted to be holding this exciting event in the heart of Kent.

Event Director Teresa Gillam ‘We are delighted to work with the Kent Event Centre and this is a great opportunity to hold a very successful baby and toddler show. It’s always difficult to find a venue that can cater enough space for parents attending the event with buggies, babies and toddlers and lots of parking. We are anticipating it to be a great show that will run annually.

The Kent Baby and Toddler Show will be taking place at The Kent Event Centre, The Kent Showground, Detling on Sunday 20th May 2012. 10am until 4pm. The event is being sponsored by The Tree of Hope, a children’s charity.

Hoping to bring everything you need for your pregnancy, babies and toddlers all under one roof! Parenting advice and seminars to include: Fiona Faulkner, also known as the ‘Toddler Chef’, reveals the tricks and recipes that have transformed children’s eating habits. Definitely something not to be missed! With over 100 exhibitors, you can get to see, feel and try before you buy with everything for the pre-conception to primary market.

For little ones attending the show, they will have the opportunity to meet and greet with some of their favourite characters, such as Iggle Pickle, Upsy daisy, Woody& Buzz, Mickey and Minne. Peppa Pig opening the show! We will have a dedicated area for free play and a bouncy castle.

Goodie bags, including free samples from Pregnacare, Organix, Lansinhoh, will be given to the first 600 visitors who attend the event. So make sure you get there bright and early to not miss out.

A breast feeding room will be provided as well baby changing facilities. Refreshments will be available at the event.

Tickets for the event are £2 per adult. Children go FREE. Book your tickets today and receive regular updates on the show, viewing times for the characters and you will be automatically entered in our competition to WIN some fantastic prizes. Visit www.kentbabyandtoddlershow.co.uk

The KEC is the largest conference facility in the county and has been at the Showground at Detling, near Maidstone since 1964. The centre has expanded in recent years and the launch of the Clive Emson Conference Centre in June 2011 has resulted in a surge of bookings.

Events manager Alison Wallington said the ongoing programme of investment in facilities at the centre, boosting choice and capacity for clients, was paying dividends in attracting more bookings. The launch of the Clive Emson Centre had also opened up new markets for KEC.

“By investing in facilities and maintaining a clear focus on customer service we are enjoying a very successful start to 2012. We have also welcomed several new staff to the event centre team to help us cope with increased demand,” she added.

The Kent Event Centre hosts large-scale exhibitions, trade fairs, business conferences, dinner dances and weddings. Conference facilities comprise the Clive Emson Conference Centre (1,700 sq m), the John Hendry Pavilion (1,750sq m), the Astor Pavilion (151 sq m) and the Kent Pavilion (3,000 sq m). There are also six major meeting rooms. There is free parking for 30,000 vehicles.

Ian Turner
Agrovista

Also on the Kent Showground site is the entry form for vehicles available for download.

This year’s event is a special one for the Massey Ferguson MF 35X as the tractor will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, making its debut at the 1962 Smithfield Show. The Press releases page of the Showground site has an article detailing the tractor’s history. More information on the Kelsey Publishing and Lambert & Foster Auction can be found on the website www.kentshowground.co.uk/heritageday. The event will also celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Maidstone & District and East Kent Bus Clubs.