THE FUTURE'S bright, the future's orangery, according to the MP and journalist who opened Maidstone's newest venue for wedding receptions and business bashes. Boris Johnson, editor of The Spectator and Michael Heseltine's successor as MP for Henley-on-Thames, released a flock of doves to celebrate the event at Turkey Mill, the growing business park off Ashford Road.

The £750,000 building replaced a marquee and is one of few, if any, orangeries to be built in recent times. They are more common in stately homes and palaces constructed centuries ago. Mr Johnson was intrigued by the structure that overlooks lake and lawns.

"It is a surprising thing to build in Kent which is known more for apples than oranges," he told 250 guests during a witty speech. "I am sure it will be a triumphant success - the future's bright, the future's orangery."

But he had one important question: "Where are the oranges?" Tom Sheldon, director of Turkey Mill Investments, the company that owns and runs the park, said the omission would be rectified as soon as possible. He said that the building already had bookings for 60 weddings this year, a further 48 in 2003 and eight in 2004. More than 40 companies had booked it for conferences.