Life Magazines (Kent Editions) October 2022

Escape into autumn at Emmetts Garden

CRUMPLE: Paper Mushroom

with

artist Lucy

crease,

crush.

Fungi Spotting

MSCTY School Art Workshop

Oct

sound

Robin The Fog workshop

unique

Chartwell

with a difference... Back to school

School reimagined

If the pandemic taught us anything, it's that traditional school is not the right fit for every child. At Minerva's Virtual Academy, we provide a world-class education for children aged 12 - 18 who thrive when things are done differently. We teach young athletes who can't attend physical school, children who prefer home instead of the classroom, those who want less distractions or need extra help, and those who are on the move. We're a diverse bunch and we love it. You can join us at any time of the year.

As featured in:

Scan here to visit wour ebsite and find mout ore!

Faye Manning

Miller

Jones

Casserley

Tim Lees

Kathy Manning Andree Georgiou

Smith

Smith

Ambrose

OUT & ABOUT

KATHERINE RYAN

Creator and star of Netflix smash hit The Duchess (along with two global Netflix comedy specials In Trouble and Glitter Room), comedian and TV’s Katherine Ryan makes a hugely welcome return to the stage with her brand-new live show, Missus. Having previously denounced partnership, Katherine has since married her first love, accidentally. A lot has changed for everyone and we can look forward to hearing Katherine’s hilarious new perspectives on life, love, and what it means to be Missus. The Orchard Theatre, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1ED

[EVENTS]

THE CALENDAR

21 & 22 SEPTEMBER

MURDER AT THE AVENUE THEATRE

There’s a killer in the cast! Comedy turns to tragedy as a murderer reveals themselves... but who will be their first victim? Lights come up to find a body covered by a bloodied sheet, but the audience are left guessing until the final act as to the identity of the victim, and the murderer! Avenue Theatre, Central Avenue, Kent ME10 4DN

2 NOVEMBER

LIVE AT THE MARLOWE

See some of the biggest names in stand-up! Our hugely popular night of live comedy is back, featuring some of the country’s biggest stars of the future. Our November show features a headline set from Kerry Godliman (Live At The Apollo, After Life). The fantastic line-up includes Ivo Graham (Live From The BBC, The Stand-Up Sketch Show), Catherine Bohart (The Mash Report, Live At The Apollo) and rising star Josh Jones (8 Out Of 10 Cats, Jonathan Ross’ Comedy Club). May contain adult themes and language. The Marlowe, The Friars Canterbury Kent CT1 2AS

1 30 OCTOBER

FUNGI FESTIVAL AT EMMETTS GARDEN

Emmetts Garden and Toys Hill have an abundant array of Fungi that appear each autumn. See how many different species you can spot throughout the gardens and surrounding woodland, and help us celebrate them in our first ever Fungi Festival. Make sure to check out the rest of our ‘What’s On’ section for all the different events. Please note that some events will require advanced booking. Free event but normal admission applies Emmetts Gardens Kent TN14 6BA

12 16 OCTOBER

CIRCUS BERLIN

Continental Circus Berlin with an amalgamation of brilliant Circus acts, music & real youthful energy, promises an Evening of Exceptional Entertainment

! A one-of-a-kind performance, featuring the most talented performers from across the world in true Berlin Cabaret Style! With jaw dropping acts, scintillating costumes, world class crossbow stunts & the funniest of Clowns you will be sitting on the edge of your seat when not falling off them with laughter. Jacksons Field Rochester Kent ME1 1DX

18 SEPTEMBER

CRANBROOK COMEDY CLUB!

The best place to watch live stand-up in Cranbrook! This time we are bringing you… Matt Green, Quincy aka The Cockney Prince, Pierre Hollins & Dan Antopolski. Laugh until your ribs ache, and chuckle until your cheeks hurt! The Queens Hall Theatre, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3JD

Kent Scareground, located at Hewitts Farm, Orpington BR6 9BX, is a terrifyingly entertaining live-action immersive Halloween event launching THIS Halloween. The Award Winning scare team have not only created 4 brand new scare attractions, they have put together an event you will not want to miss.

Court Rd, Chelsfield, Orpington, Kent BR6 9BX

ALL YEAR

PETTS WOOD AND HAWKWOOD

An oasis of peace and tranquillity only 13 miles southeast from the centre of London Full of natural history, the area is a haven for all kinds of bird, butterfly, amphibian and plant life. The Hawkwood Estate and the remainder of the woodland was donated in 1957, with the entire estate now covering 136 hectares or 338 acres. Chislehurst, Kent, BR5 1NZ

CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHURCHILLS

Come and see how the Churchills celebrated the festive season at their family home. This Christmas the grounds will be lit up, the house beautifully decorated and there will be festive treats on offer at the Christmas Fair.

Winston Churchill and Lady Clementine Churchill enjoyed many happy Christmases at Chartwell from 1922-1964. Explore the house and learn about the different Christmas traditions they shared with friends and family. Discover the connection with Hallmark cards, how the

Churchills transformed the dining room after dinner and what the servants got up to in the muniment room!

This year the house will have more decorations than ever before including eight Christmas trees and the drawing room will be decorated for the first time. The festive interiors are inspired by Clementine’s classic taste with greenery from the

estate adorning the mantlepieces and trees decorated with glass and gold.

‘I used to watch the gardeners bringing in the Christmas tree, and transforming the house with ivy, holly and laurel branches.’

Mary Soames

Warm up by the open fire in the sitting room before you begin an immersive journey into Chartwell’s Christmas past. Imagine Winston reading poems to the children in the library, the excitement of family theatre performances, a bustling kitchen and even an illicit party.

‘Nothing glows so clearly in my memory of my childhood...as the Chartwell Christmases’

Mary Soames

You can see the list of presents that Winston received in 1946 and the gift he was given by President Roosevelt. Write down what you would like to give Winston for Christmas and hang it on the tree in the exhibition room.

When to visit

The house is open at weekends from 19 November until 18 December and for the first time, the house will also be open on weekdays from 5 December until 23 December. Opening times are 12-3.30pm, gardens open from 10am. Tickets are available from the Visitor Centre on the day, or to pre-book via the website.

Outdoors

The gardens will be aglow with bright lanterns to guide your way and the trees festooned with twinkling lights. Take a walk through the artistic ‘Wrapped Orchard’ to Winston’s studio to see the Christmas tree colourfully decorated to compliment his vibrant paintings.

Each weekend local carol singers will be performing outdoors. Enjoy a cup of luxury hot chocolate while you listen. If you’re looking to blow the cobwebs away, head out on a crisp winter walk around the gardens or wider estate and enjoy misty views over the weald.

Don’t miss the return of the Chartwell Christmas Fair from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 November. Find the perfect gift from a selection of handmade crafts and local produce.

Christmas Fair 17-20 November 10am-4pm House and studio open weekends 19 November-18 December and weekdays 5-23 December 12-3.30pm. Gardens open from 10am. Normal admission applies; Free for National Trust members, Adult £20, Child £10, Family £50, One adult and up to three children £30 Chartwell, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS

“This year the house will have more decorations than ever before including eight Christmas trees and the drawing room will be decorated for the first time.”

The Benefits of Online Schooling vs Traditional School

Minerva’s Virtual Academy is a unique, online independent school for pupils aged 12 - 18. Pupils study the British Curriculum from the comfort and safety of their own home, wherever they live in the world, receiving an affordable, world-class education to rival traditional school for the first time. The school enables its pupils to thrive academically, make friends online and off, and helps them develop the skills needed to succeed in the modern world. Pupils choose from 20 subjects at GCSE and A Level. Personal mentors support each child outside lesson hours. A dynamic weekly timetable includes live lessons, virtual assemblies, after school clubs, wellbeing sessions, and an exciting co-curricular learning programme called “World Changers” that tackles the most urgent issues of the day. Minerva’s Virtual Academy is run by Headmaster Lawrence Tubb, who taught at Wycombe Abbey for nine years, and is supported by a team of outstanding teachers and mentors who’ve come together to re-define what’s possible for school-age children in the 21st century.

•Pupils can receive a world class education at home, anywhere in the world

•Pupils can study at speeds that suit them - they are no longer held back or silenced by the class majority

•Anxious pupils can gain confidence by leaving the pressure of the traditional school behind them

•Pupils receive higher quality one-to-one attention via personal mentors

•Parents are closer to their children on a daily

“The school enables its pupils to thrive academically, make friends online and off”

basis, helping to create strong family bonds

‘We think the pandemic has been an opportunity for us to reflect on what is important and we are getting very comfortable with the fact that there are many paths to success for children and that traditional school does not always bring out the best in every child. Overall, Minerva has been a life-saver for all of us. It has been a great experience and it has brought out the best in our daughter.’

Mr & Mrs W. minervavirtual.com

COMING SOON AT TRINITY THEATRE

Trinity is recognised as a vibrant cultural hub situated in the heart of Tunbridge Wells, offering a varied seasonal programme, inspiring all age groups with our vision leading on enriching lives and promoting cultural togetherness.

Official Competition · Tue · 11 Oct · 8pm · £9+

Nick Helm – What Have We Become? · Wed · 5 Oct · 8pm · £15

As the survivors of a global pandemic crawl from their fortified boltholes and begin to rebuild society, what is left of them and who amongst them dares to lead them to the light? Join critically acclaimed and multi award-winning comedian Nick Helm as he embarks on a show so insightful, so honest, so legitimate that it will fix all of society’s problems and lead the way to a new plane of existence.

When a billionaire entrepreneur impulsively decides to create an iconic movie, he demands the best. Renowned filmmaker Lola Cuevas (Penélope Cruz) is recruited to mastermind this ambitious endeavour. Completing the all-star team are two actors with massive talent but even bigger egos: Hollywood heartthrob Félix Rivero (Antonio Banderas) and radical theatre actor Iván Torres (Oscar Martínez). Both are legends, but not exactly best friends. Through a series of increasingly eccentric trials set by Lola, Félix and Iván must confront not only each other but also their own legacies. Who will be left when the cameras finally start rolling? Spanish with English subtitles. Running Time: 115 Minutes

TTC Presents: The Ladykillers · 19 – 22 Oct · £14+

A Madcap

Comedy Caper!

The Gigspanner Band and Raynor Winn Present: Saltlines · Sun · 23 Oct · 7:30pm · £23+

An exciting collaboration between Raynor Winn and The Gigspanner Big Band, a collective of some of the most high-profile names on the British folk scene. Together, Raynor and the Gigspanner Big Band will celebrate, in traditional songs and newly written words, this “630 uninterrupted miles of coastline, crossing wild headlands with the calls of oystercatchers, and the smell of salt laden air ever present”

An amiable, eccentric old lady is pitted against a nefarious gang of misfits who will stop at nothing to get the cash!

The Ladykillers is one hell of a Danse Macabre which is not to be missed! A sublime Classic! Directed by Helen Thorpe.

Q&A on SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

Laura Claridge, a senior lawyer in CWJ’s Employment team answers some common questions surrounding Settlement Agreements.

What is a Settlement Agreement?

A settlement agreement is a contract between you and your employer which brings your employment to an end by mutual consent. If you decide to sign the agreement, it will prevent you from bringing employment tribunal claims against your employer. In exchange for this, your employer will usually pay you an enhanced termination or severance payment and sometimes additional benefits, with an agreed reference and announcement about your departure.

Are there any formalities with a Settlement Agreement?

The agreement must be in writing, mention the particular claims it settles, and confirm that it complies with relevant legislation. It is not enough for the agreement to just say that it is in ‘full and final settlement of all claims’.

You must take independent legal advice on the terms of the settlement agreement for it to be legally binding and to ensure that you fully understand the agreement and the claims being settled by it. It is customary for the employer to make a contribution towards the legal costs of advice on the agreement.

I am not happy with the compensation package being offered by my employer. Can I negotiate for more?

There will be grounds for negotiation if the amount offered does not go some way to reflect the value of the claim(s) that you are being asked to waive. At the same time, you will need to weigh up the potential value of your claims with the risk of litigation and the time it may take for the matter to be heard by the Tribunal.

I have a personal injury claim against my employer, can I still pursue that if I sign the Settlement Agreement?

Yes, an existing personal injury claim can be carved out of the scope of the agreement. Additionally, employees can still bring claims if the employer breaches the settlement agreement (e.g. fails to pay

the settlement sum), for future personal injuries and claims in relation to accrued pension rights.

Will I be able to talk to people about my dispute with my employer once I have signed the settlement agreement?

Usually, the agreement will include a confidentiality clause limiting what you can say about your (ex) employer. This will be subject to some important exceptions, for example allowing you to talk to your family in confidence, a recruiter to discuss your employment history or to a professional to seek advice. The agreement should also acknowledge your right to whistleblow and make certain disclosures about a criminal offence or other unethical conduct. However, as part of the settlement, your employer will expect you not to make general disclosures about an underlying dispute. There is often as well a clause preventing each party from bad mouthing the other.

Will I have to pay tax on the money that I receive under the Agreement? Generally, following termination of employment you can be paid up to £30,000 compensation tax free. However, any payments due under the employment contract, including notice, salary, bonus and holiday pay must be paid first with tax and National Insurance Contributions deducted before any sum due on termination can be paid tax free.

THE DETAILS

To discuss a Settlement Agreement offered by your employer in complete confidence, please contact Laura Claridge by email or telephone 01689 887873 or email laura.claridge@cwj.co.uk

You must take independent legal advice on the terms of the settlement agreement for it to be legally binding

media group

Vintage Timepieces

Catherine Southon, Director at Catherine Southon Auctioneers & Valuers tells us more about the luxury wristwatch market.

The second hand gentleman’s luxury wristwatch market continues to grow from strength to strength. Vintage and modern timepieces by the luxury brands are extremely desirable at auction and are achieving exception results with bidding from around the globe. Sought after makers include Patek Philippe, IWC, Audemars Piguet, Omega and of course Rolex.

The first ever Rolex wristwatch was launched in 1929 however it was initially met with some criticism especially amongst gentlemen who had been used to the Edwardian pocket watch. Many complained it wasn’t robust and appeared too fragile. The quality and the durability of the Rolex was soon proved when British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze swam across the English Channel with the watch around her neck demonstrating how waterproof the Rolex was.

The Rolex brand developed and consistently produced timepieces that we love to wear and collect, with its focus on sport, precision and practicality. A collectable wristwatch originally designed for adventurers and explorers is The Rolex Explorer I – one of the most affordable of the Rolex sports wristwatches. This watch is simple it its design, sleek and reliable - ref 1016 being the most iconic model which was produced between 1963 and 1989.

The Rolex GMT Master is also a very desirable wristwatch and was initially designed to meet the needs of Pan-Am pilots allowing you to

track two time zones simultaneously. The GMT was also produced with the black and blue dial sometimes referred to as the ‘Batman’, or the ‘Pepsi’ with the blue and red bezel.

The Submariner is a particular favourite at auction. It was originally known as the James Bond model having been worn by Sean Connery in Dr No in 1962. Initially It was originally created as a professional diving watch combining an Oyster case with perpetual movement and capable of withstanding up to 100m. The rotatable bezel with 60 minute graduation allows a diver to monitor his/her diving time accurately

Many people assume that the iconic Mercedes hands which you find on Rolex sports watches relate to Mercedes Gleitze swimming across the channel wearing the watch, however it actually relates to the three pointed star relating to three modes of transport: Land, Air & Sea. The Explorer (Land), the GMT-Master (Air) and the Submariner (Sea).

We are one of the leading auction houses outside of London in the South East for selling wristwatches and have achieved some incredible prices. In our auction on 16th November we will be auctioning an interesting collection of second hand wristwatches. For further information on buying or selling wristwatches please contact Catherine@catherinesouthon.co.uk

THE DETAILS

Catherine Southon Auctioneers & Valuers

Chislehurst Business Centre

Bromley Lane, Chislehurst

BR7 6LH

020 8468 1010

“The Submariner is a particular favourite at auction. It was originally known as the James Bond model having been worn by Sean Connery in Dr No in 1962”

The Very Best Of Modern Rural Living

Homes at Hollyfields provide the perfect combination of town and countryside living

Demand for homes within London’s desirable commuter belt has continued to rise, with buyers hunting for the perfect balance of countryside living and fast connections into the city. Unsurprisingly, Kent has seen a particular increase in popularity with its stunning countryside landscape, quintessential villages and towns as well swift connections into central London.

One town storming the charge is Royal Tunbridge Wells. With great schools, excellent transport links and plenty of parks and open space, the housing market in the historic Kentish town has continued to thrive.

Located in Tunbridge Wells, you’ll find Hollyfields a new development by Berkeley with a close

community and village feel. Here, residents can enjoy the very best of modern rural living with fast connections into London and beyond.

With a variety of house types available including four-bedroom houses, two-bedroom coach houses as well as one-two and three-bedroom apartments, Hollyfields has something for everyone - from first time buyers and young professionals to larger families and downsizers. Every home offers spacious layouts with elegant, fitted fixtures perfect for everyday living.

Situated on the edge of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hollyfields boasts an enviable setting. The 13.8-hectare development is surrounded by greenery, and residents can enjoy trim trails, woodlands and outdoor play areas, all from just outside their homes. In addition, each house benefits from its own private outdoor space in the form of private gardens or balconies, ideal for entertaining family and friends. Residents also benefit from onsite ‘Outstanding’-rated St Peter’s CoE Primary School, making it an appealing option for families with young children.

For commuters, Hollyfields boasts its own private shuttle bus to the main station in Tunbridge Wells, which takes just 6 minutes – from here trains reach London Bridge in 41 minutes. For those travelling slightly further field, Gatwick Airport is a 30-minute drive away.

THE DETAILS

Berkeley Hollyfields

Prices for a one-bedroom apartment start from £360,000. Two-bedroom coach houses are available from £437,600 with a selection available with Help-to-Buy subject to terms and conditions and four-bedroom houses from £875,000. For more information or to arrange a private viewing, please visit www.hollyfields.co.uk.

“Every home offers spacious layouts with elegant, fitted fixtures perfect for everyday living. ”

ENJOY COUNTRYSIDE LIVING IN THE HEART OF KENT

Holly elds o ers a distinctive collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, 2 bedroom coach houses and 4 bedroom family homes in the heart of the glorious Kent countryside, just 1.2 miles to Tunbridge Wells town centre.

FINAL 10 HOUSES REMAINING

Introducing The Camellia, a beautiful 4 bedroom semi-detached family home. These homes bene t from an open plan kitchen, family/dining area with French doors leading out onto the family garden. A single garage and 2 allocated parking spaces are included with this property.

PRICES FROM £875,000*

1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS

Introducing an exclusive collection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. All homes feature open plan living areas, car port and/or parking spaces, many with either a private balcony or terrace and stunning views.

PRICES FROM £360,000*

2 BEDROOM COACH HOUSE

The perfect blend of exible and tranquil living. The Campion is a beautiful 2 bedroom Coach House bene ting from allocated parking and an open plan kitchen, living/ dining areas with fully integrated Bosch appliances. Bedroom 1 features bespoke tted wardrobes and most homes bene t from a private south facing balcony. Help to Buy available with a 5% deposit†

PRICES FROM £437,600*

HOME OF THE RARE & ENDANGERED

Since opening in August 2015 highlighting small, rare and endangered species is the ethos of the Hemsley Conservation Centre and is home to over 60 different species from all over the world.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened

Species is one of the most comprehensive resources on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species. It was established in 1964 and is the way many zoos and wildlife parks indicate the conservation status of each species they hold. It divides species into categories; not evaluated, data deficient, least concern, near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, critically endangered, extinct in the wild and extinct.

The HCC is home to many species in the high risk categories, one in particular is the critically endangered Bali Mynah. These small birds are the only endemic vertebrate species found on the small island of Bali in Indonesia and is the faunal emblem of Bali. These beautiful birds are unfortunately captured and sold in the illegal wildlife trade and in 2002, wild numbers plummeted to just 6 individuals. Thanks to the efforts of captive breeding programs, numbers in the wild are around 150 and slowly increasing. The HCC works with and highlights the work of the Silent Forest Campaign which is a project run by a working group specialising in these birds, collecting and sharing information on the Asian Songbird Crisis.

The HCC is home to many species in the high risk categories, one in particular is the critically endangered Bali Mynah.

From 2015 the HCC has also been successfully breeding species which are rarely found in zoos and wildlife parks across the world to build a healthy breeding population which will ensure their survival. Two of these species are the prehensile tailed porcupine and black tailed marmoset. Both species are found in the rainforests of South America, but only 130 porcupines and just 24 marmosets are found in zoos across the world. The HCC is home to the UK’s only breeding prehensile tailed porcupines and two pairs of black tailed marmosets, and is working in partnership with other collections to help save these species.

THE DETAILS

Hemsley Conservation Centre

The centre is open daily from 10am till 5pm and you can book tickets in advance or on the day when you arrive!

The Big Cat Sanctuary

THE BIG CAT SANCTUARY’S FOUR PILLARS OF ETHOS Welfare

We endeavour to provide the most fulfilled life in captivity for all our resident cats, stimulating them both mentally and physically. Ensuring our cats receive excellent care, a varied diet and different sources of enrichment, whilst maintaining a peaceful environment and not compromising the tranquillity of the cats within the sanctuary.

Breeding

The Big Cat Sanctuary is a conservation charity in Kent dedicated to the conservation of wild cats. Founded in the year 2000, the Sanctuary is home to around 40 cats spanning 14 different species, 11 of which are classed as more than vulnerable to the risk of extinction on the IUCN red list. We offer sanctuary to retired cats as well as a being a breeding centre of excellence.

Our four pillars of ethos are Welfare, Breeding, Education and Conservation, we make it our mission is to fulfil each of these goals by ensuring our residents live the best possible lives we are able to provide in captivity. We are making partnerships to support global conservation strategies, initiatives and the gathering of research to help protect some of the most endangered cats in the world. We are also official members of EAZA and BIAZA who regulate standards of animal care and husbandry as well as assisting in the co-ordination of animals in captivity.

We are proud to be contributing to the accredited co-ordinated breeding programmes which are helping to maintain genetic diversity in the captive populations. This process is in place to ensure that should it become viable to consider reintroduction of an endangered species, there is a population existing in captivity to supplement the wild counterparts.

Our aim is to inspire and educate our guests, our cats are ambassadors for their wild cousins who face

immense challenges in an ever-changing world; loss of habitat and prey, the illegal wildlife trade, poaching and traditional medicine are all factors pushing so many species towards extinction and the time to act is now. The work we are doing is helping to create a future for some of the most endangered and iconic cats on the planet.

We are proud to be part of the conservation based co-ordinated global breeding programmes. By maintaining genetic diversity within the captive population there is the option that in the future cats bred in captivity may be used to supplement existing populations in the wild.

Education

We believe that education is key to protecting endangered cats and that by bringing conservation awareness into schools and communities we can help to create a future not only for big cats but all wildlife and the ecosystems on which they depend.

Conservation

We are a charity exclusively dedicated to the conservation of our planet’s wild cats. We are making partnerships to support global conservation strategies, initiatives and research to help protect some of the most endangered cats in the world from extinction.

THE DETAILS

Big Cat

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best

GOLDEN GOOSE,

sneaker

freak.

NEW BALANCE,

sneaker

VEJA,

BALENCIAGA,

Wool GG Check Scarf. £225

White Trainers. From £300 Boys Wool And Star Jacquard Hoodie. £400

Boys Web Logo All-In-One. £260 Kids Wool Double G Backpack. £785 Baby Girls Embroidered Dress. £260

Web Elasticated Belt.

Cotton And Wool Logo Hat in White.

Glittery GG Socks in White.

Down Padded Puffer Jacket.

Navy Wool GG Cap.

Girl:

Burberry, Girls Montage Wool Cashmere Jacquard Cardigan. £390 Burberry, Kids Logo Intarsia Technical Cotton 2 Piece Socks Set. £80

03. MM6 MAISON MARGIELA, Kids Logo Knitted Rollneck Jumper in White. £227

02. VERSACE , Girls Medusa Knitted Jumper Dress in White. From £285

03. MONCLER ENFANT, Boys Wool Knitted Zip Up Cardigan. From £275

04. MONCLER ENFANT, Boys Wool Knitted Gloves. £195

05. BURBERRY, Girls Wool Knitted Avrile Bear Dress in Navy. £380

06. KENZO, Boys Jacquard Knitted Tiger Jumper in Grey. £150

07. PALM ANGELS, Kids Knitted Logo Beanie in Navy. £125

08. CHLOÉ, Girls Natural Knitted Cape. From £205

09. GUCCI, Kids Blue Scarf. £170

10. MOSCHINO KIDS, Baby Wool Knitted Bear Babygrow. £265

11, BALMAIN, Girls Knitted Logo Cardigan in Black. From £394

12. GIVENCHY, Baby Knitted Hat And Slippers Gift Set in White. £165

13. MONCLER ENFANT, Girls Wool Knitted Pom Pom Hat. £145

Boy:

Gucci, Boys Logo Zip Up Top. 365 Gucci, Boys Logo Joggers With Knitted Detail. 205

Fall in love with AUTUMN WEDDINGS

Autumn wedding popularity has shown a steady increase in recent years. Gone are the days summer was the only wedding season, with couples choosing Autumn for temperate weather, jewelled colours, and great value seasonal rates.

Colours

The autumn season offers an abundance of rich, warm tones and colours to choose from, creating a palette of complimentary textures, fabrics, and florals. Burnt oranges, rich reds and wheat neutrals are popular examples. It’s the season to be inspired by nature, earthy tones and natural elements such as wood and produce. You could even accent decorative designs with munchkin pumpkins or consider seasonal homemade treats such as honeycomb pieces or toffee apples for your guest favours

Seasonal Menus

The harvest brings seasonal produce for creating warm and hearty menus your guests will love. Warming soups and fresh bread, braised stews, lamb rump and ratatouille, fruit crumbles and sticky toffee pudding are just some examples to consider.

Cheers

A new season brings new flavours, consider warming apple and ginger, sloe gins and spiced spritz, garnish with dried fruit slices and cinnamon sticks

Golden Moments

Photographers love golden hour – when beautiful light is cast in the sky as the sun sets lower and earlier in the day, bathing couples in the most beautiful and romantic light, perfect for your photos. The landscape is changing too, creating nature’s perfect backdrop for autumnal imagery.

Let Love Sparkle

It’s sparkler season! The daylight has left, and the skies are dark, let love light the way and sparkle; a fantastic photo opportunity and magical memories to be made.

THE DETAILS

The Old Kent Barn

Feeling inspired by an Autumn wedding? Looking for your perfect autumnal wedding venue with spectacular sunsets and golden light? Visit The Old Kent Barn, for more information visit www.theoldkentbarn.co.uk

The Secret Garden Collection BLACKBURN COUTURE

We are hosting an exciting designer weekend from 5-6th November to celebrate the launch of the new Secret Garden Collection from Blackburn Couture.

Brides will be able to view the brand new collection and meet with designer and boutique owner Russell Blackburn to help find their perfect dress - all with 10% off across the weekend.

From 3d floral applique and intricate beading, to layers of soft shimmering tulle, the collection is romantic, dreamy and effortlessly beautiful. Shot on one of the hottest days of the year at the beautiful Riverhill Himalayan Gardens in Sevenoaks the setting was the perfect backdrop to showcase the exquisite new collection. Each dress in the collection has been inspired by the beautiful flowers and plants growing in the gardens and makes the perfect look for a Quintessentially English Wedding.

During the weekend brides can meet Russell and customise elements of their Blackburn Couture gown - from adjusting necklines to adapting sleeves to ensure it meets their vision perfectly. Epitomising the boutiques philosophy of providing brides with something they simply wont find anywhere else the collection is totally exclusive to the boutique.

We are thrilled to have just been presented with the Long Standing Retailer of the Year Award at the 2022 Bridal Buyer Awards. 18 years in business - we love what we do!

THE DETAILS

Blackburn Bridal

56 Tranquil Vale, Blackheath SE3 0BD To book your appointment visit www.blackburnbridal.co.uk call 0208 297 1188 or email info@blackburnbridal.co.uk

Meet designer Russell Blackburn

The Old Kent Barn is one of the most beautiful

expense was spared in its design and creation.

to the chandeliers, state-of-the-art

are a family run business

and starlight

setting

the beautiful

romantic wedding venues

Kent

spring and summer ceremonies are

oak-framed barn, this truly is the

work tirelessly

A Fresh Approach to Aesthetics

Is it possible to have facial injectables done without actually looking ‘done?’ Emma Coleman Clinic Director, Aesthetic & Dermatology RGN tells us more

This is something I am asked during aesthetic consultations at my clinics on a daily basis, mostly because clients want to have injectables with the aim of looking fresher, more awake, hydrated and above all, like themselves.

Luckily at Emma Coleman Skin, myself and my colleagues specialise in creating natural results by simply replacing something that has been lost from the face. One example is depletion of fat from the mid and lower face which we all experience as the years pass. This is where we start to see the appearance of under eye hollows, lines on the top lip and jowls along the jawline. These issues can be gently lifted out through application of hyaluronic acid dermal filler. The result is purely dependent on the type and amount of product used, which can be tailored to each individual, and in no way should be obvious to anyone other than the client themselves.

As we age, the face and neck also experience loss of tone, due to depleted levels of skin collagen and elastin fibres which help to maintain lift and

firmness, a bit like scaffolding! Skin boosters are another treatment which we often use in clinic which create a very natural outcome. These hyaluronic acid-rich injectables differ from fillers in that they simply encourage the skin to work harder by promoting new collagen production, creating hydrated, brighter and firmer skin. Skin boosters are injected at a very shallow level, just a few millimetres beneath skins surface, nourishing the epidermis, which make them a bit like having a facial which lasts a very long time - up to six months after just one session. Skin boosters can be applied safely to under eyes, face, neck, décolleté and the hands, and leave a beautiful, healthy glow.

At Emma Coleman Skin clinics in West Wickham and Petts Wood, we offer a safe, professional and client-focused service.

free aesthetic consultation to learn how we can assist you in achieving your natural beauty goals.

“Skin boosters are injected at a very shallow level, just a few millimeters beneath skins surface”

AWARD WINNING CARE

Emerson Grange & Cinnamon Care Collection

For the fifth consecutive year, Cinnamon Care Collection, which owns and operates Emerson Grange Care Home in Hextable, has been named one of the UK’s Top 20 Care Home Groups by Carehome. co.uk, the UK’s leading care home reviews website.

The Carehome.co.uk awards are based on reviews from care home residents as well as their friends and relatives. The reviews from the Cinnamon Care Collection care homes contributed to the overall group award win, with Emerson Grange scoring an impressive 9.9/10.

There are over 17,000 care homes in the UK caring for around half a million people. Being selected by Carehome.co.uk as a Top 20 Care Home Group is a significant accolade.

All care homes’ review scores were calculated using a combination of the number of reviews, the average of each of the ratings and the size of the care home.  The homes were rated on overall standard, facilities, care/support, cleanliness, dignity, food and drink, staff, activities, management, safety, accommodation and value for money.

Vincent Hook, General Manager at Emerson Park commented: “We are thrilled to have played a role in Cinnamon Care Collection being recognised as

Celebrates being Rated as a Top 20 Large Care Home Group

a Top 20 Large Care Home Group. We go above and beyond to provide the very best individual care and luxury environment for our residents and we are incredibly proud to have been rated so highly.”

Amanda Hopkins, reviews manager of Carehome. co.uk, said: “It is a massive achievement to be named as one of the Top 20 Care Home Groups in the UK by the residents and their families, who have firsthand experience of the care and support being given at the care home.

“Our awards, which celebrate the excellent care given by care homes, show Cinnamon Care Collection provides excellent care throughout its homes and we would like to congratulate it on being a top care home group!

“These top performing care home groups are making a profound difference to residents’ lives by putting compassion, kindness and dignity at the centre of their care.”

To arrange a visit to Emerson Park Retirement Village including Emerson Grange Care Home or to find out more about the residential, dementia, nursing or respite care, telephone our team on 01322 788573 or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/ emersonpark

“Our awards, which celebrate the excellent care given by care homes, show Cinnamon Care Collection provides excellent care throughout its homes”

21st Century Dentistry

Dental technology has really advanced in recent years, delivering an exceptional patient experience with outstanding levels of comfort and care.

detailed 3D images, giving us enhanced information about the position and condition of teeth, the jawbone and nerves. Using the Trios and CBCT scanners together enables highly accurate implant planning, resulting in improved outcomes and better healing.

Comfort and convenience Technology has made appointments easy to arrange too. Patients are welcome to phone or pop in during practice hours, but it’s great to have the convenience of joining or booking online at anytime and anywhere, using your computer or smartphone. Patients can also log in to check or change appointments, update their medical history, view treatment plans and accounts, or contact the team.

Hygienists are also using advanced technology including Airflow, a comfortable way to remove staining from teeth. Using a special powder, air, and a stream of warm water, Airflow removes surface stains gently and painlessly, even for people who are usually sensitive to dental cleaning. You will immediately see and feel the difference, and enjoy healthier gums and teeth with improved appearance. Home or in-chair whitening will enhance brightness even further.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could create a digital virtual record of your teeth to view on-screen with your dentist? The latest Trios scanner allows us to do this, capturing incredible detail in just a few minutes and totally pain-free. The same technology is also used to create digital impressions of the teeth for items such as crowns, bridges, dentures and implants, without the need for uncomfortable putty mouldings.

While the technology is impressive, what we really love is being able to share these wonderful images with our patients, so they have a complete picture of their own oral health and can see how their teeth and gums change over the years. It can be a real confidence boost, being fully informed and involved in any treatment planning.

For advanced procedures such as dental implants, extractions, wisdom teeth or root fillings, there is technology to help with this too. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner takes

THE DETAILS

Caring Dental

Station Square, Petts Wood, Orpington

Fortunately, all of these high-quality, state-of-theart facilities are now available locally, at a modern, bespoke practice, with a team of caring dental experts to look after you and your family.

“While the technology is impressive, what we really love is being able to share these wonderful images with our patients, so they have a complete picture of their own oral health”

in

On the Couch Hypnotherapy

In these times of high anxiety and stress, more and more people are turning to Solution Focused Hypnotherapy to help them cope.

Claire Izzard at On the Couch Hypnotherapy works with clients struggling with a wide range of issues from anxiety, depression and overwhelm to phobias, skin conditions, menopause symptoms, IBS and much more.  Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a talking therapy that incorporates hypnosis.  Many people still hold the notion that hypnosis is something mystical or ‘woo-woo’ and are surprised to learn that Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is based on the findings of neuroscience and uses practical, modern and well-researched strategies such as NLP and CBT to help people make significant, positive changes in their lives in a relatively short period of time.  As the name suggests, it focuses on solutions rather than dwelling on problems of the past.

Some people are nervous about how hypnosis will feel. In fact, clients often comment about how “ordinary” hypnosis feels - it’s not unlike daydreaming – you can often hear everything that is being said whilst in a deeply relaxed state.

Claire works with clients either in person or online to help them harness the brain’s ability to change. Genny Viner sought help after a traumatic and life-threatening event left her feeling anxious and overwhelmed. After eight sessions, the traumatic memories no longer overwhelm her, she feels calm and in control, “I really have never been feeling as happy as I am right now, you have definitely changed my day to day life and I will be, without a doubt, continuing with the mindset you have helped me create”.

On the Couch Hypnotherapy offers a free initial consultation.  It is designed to assess what you want to achieve, explain how hypnotherapy can help you

and give you a detailed explanation of how the brain works and how it is creating your symptoms.  Claire holds a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy and a Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma from the National Council of Hypnotherapy.  She is also fully insured and holds an enhanced DBS certificate.

THE DETAILS

On the Couch Hypnotherapy

For any enquiries or to book your clean get in touch with the team by calling 01753 465 472. www.brightandbeautifulhome.com/ locations/gerrards%20cross

“Some people are nervous about how hypnosis will feel. In fact, clients often comment about how “ordinary” hypnosis feels - it’s not unlike daydreaming”

LUXURY KITCHEN & BATHROOM GUIDE

KITCHEN STORAGE SOLUTIONS DOORS & DRAWERS

The doors in your kitchen are the things that will be seen and touched the most, so it is important to think about which doors will tick the boxes in terms of style and function. It is also equally important to think about the drawers behind the doors as this is key to ensuring your possessions are well organised and accessible. We’ve put together the options for both to help inspire your kitchen design.

Doors Pocket doors

Pocket doors slide away so they are literally out of sight. These sliding doors are particularly useful on pantry units and bar cabinets, especially when entertaining guests.  Not only do they reveal your beautiful bar and its wares, but they free up valuable space in your kitchen.

Secret doors

Rather than a conventional internal door that leads to another room in your home, a secret door provides an interesting alternative.  In keeping with the style and look of the rest of your cabinet doors, a secret door will look like part of the kitchen, yet when you open it up will take you to a completely different room in the house.

Beautifully crafted, curved doors in your kitchen are a great way to add softness to your room. Offering a seamless flow and relaxed feel, bespoke curved doors are very ergonomic

Bi-fold doors

Bi-fold doors have become very popular in modern kitchens to open up a kitchen to the outdoors, however, they are also a great feature on cabinets. Bi-fold doors can cover large wall cabinets providing instant access to several shelves, and they also work well on bespoke bar units, folded outwards to take up less space.

Lift up doors

For overhead cupboards, lift up doors are a perfect way to save space in contrast to traditional cabinet doors which require more room to open. In terms of functionality, BLUMOTION soft-touch close technology adds that perfect finishing touch with silent closing action every time. Alternatively, ServoDrive by BLUM allows drawers to open up and out of the way at a single touch, with a switch that will automatically close the door – this means you don’t have to reach up if your cabinet is very high.

Curved doors

Beautifully crafted, curved doors in your kitchen are a great way to add softness to your room. Offering a seamless flow and relaxed feel, bespoke curved doors are very ergonomic, making them ideal for open-plan spaces and blending different zones.

DETAILS

Drawers

Spice drawers

If you’ve built up a collection of herbs and spices and find it difficult to locate them, a dedicated spice drawer or spice rack will help get them in order. Drawers allow them to be displayed in rows, while a rack built into a door or pantry unit is a great space saver.

The hidden drawer

For a stylish storage option, this base unit with concealed inner cutlery drawer provides a unique way to organise your cutlery. Nestled above a larger drawer the solid light oak drawer with dovetailed joints and cutlery dividers has been beautifully crafted providing a contrast to the main drawer finish.

Charging drawers

With the increasing number of smart devices in a home, the kitchen can often get taken over by technology. Charging drawers are a new way to store and charge your phones and tablets at the same time as keeping them out of the way during meal preparation and when feasting with your family.

Corner cupboards

A corner carousel with anti-slip shelves makes storage simple and completely accessible for pots and pans due to its shape and movement. For added storage opt for a corner carousel unit with a built-in tray and Hors d’oeuvres platter slot, perfect for displaying light bites when entertaining.

Nespresso drawer

For the coffee addict, what better way to get your fix than with a bespoke drawer for your coffee capsules. A bespoke Nespresso drawer is the ideal solution to organise the flavours and strengths for your daily brew.

Drawer tower

To maximise internal space in your kitchen, the Dynamic Space Tower provides the broadest selection of tall unit heights, widths and depths to store a wide range of provisions.  Each drawer has a capacity of 40kg, ideal for heavy items such as tins, jars and crockery and has glass sides to improve visibility and make it easy for you to find what you need.

Practical Luxury

Aluxury bespoke kitchen is at the top of many people’s wish list when thinking about renovating. As the heart of the home, it is a social space for entertaining, where you can communicate your tastes, interests & lifestyle. But while browsing images of designer kitchens, there is something very important to bear in mind that can make the difference between the kitchen lasting you a lifetime or needing to be replaced in just a few years.

Director of Nordhus Furniture, Rikke Mitchell, explains “while luxury materials & top of the range appliances are important, a kitchen must be practical

at the same time if it is to last. In the long run, you won’t live with a kitchen that doesn’t work for you, no matter how luxurious. Concealing everyday kitchen equipment and storage areas means that the space will still make a statement whilst at the same time being practical and functional. Good design will ensure that you won’t outgrow the room & that it will work hard for you for years to come”.

Nordhus Furniture, based in Langton Green, is well known for designing and making luxury kitchens from scratch. The design team pride themselves on coming up with creative ideas to disguise the everyday side of the kitchen so that the proportions of the design aren’t interrupted. Using state of the art design tools and 3D imaging means that the design team can work closely with the client ensuring that every aspect of the room is looked at. Attention to detail is crucial to a harmonious luxury kitchen so once the practical side is taken care of, it’s then time to look at the smaller details.

“It’s not always the big things that make a kitchen a truly beautiful kitchen” says Rikke “while the most important element in a kitchen is the cabinetry, it’s definitely worth taking your time when choosing handles, taps and lighting”.

To discuss your luxury kitchen ideas and how to make your space more practical contact Nordhus Furniture on info@nordhus.co.uk

“It’s not always the big things that make a kitchen a truly beautiful kitchen”

New kitchen tiles & flooring ideas from Hyperion Tiles

Our new Ca’ Pietra Cabana Porcelain Sicily tiles collection features an eclectic bespoke design, which you can use indoors, on floors and walls, and even the garden. Pictured here in a bespoke Shaker-style kitchen, this design costs £43.20 for 15 tiles (0.6 sq m) from Hyperion Tiles

Independent tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles has launched a new designer patterned tile for homeowners, interior designers and decorators for a decorative finish indoors and out. The ultradurable, striking Cabana Porcelain Sicily tiles join their comprehensive Ca’ Pietra tiles collections, which you can use in a variety of settings, such as a designer kitchen, on walls and/or floors.

Richard Skeoch, director at Hyperion Tiles, explains: “Our new Cabana Porcelain Sicily tiles feature striking colours in a vivid pattern, which pays homage to flooring you may find in traditional Caribbean buildings. This is an uplifting design, which embraces the essence of a luxury holiday in the sun, so why not use this to create a style statement in an interiors or garden project in a residential or commercial setting?”

“Independent tiles specialist Hyperion Tiles has launched a new designer patterned tile for homeowners, interior designers and decorators for a decorative finish indoors and out”

Our tiles, which range from porcelain and terracotta to natural stone, are particularly suitable for kitchen flooring. These have common attributes, which include their ability to withstand wear and tear, moisture (some tiles, such as natural stone, need to be sealed) and they will last for years to come.

Hyperion Tiles is a leading supplier, which is renowned for our design-driven portfolio of porcelain, stone and mosaic statement wall and floor tiles, and engineered wood flooring. Check out our new blog here for more information on kitchen flooring. hyperiontiles.co.uk

SCHMIDT KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT WORKS

Schmidt’s innovative ideas offer space-saving storage, easy access and ergonomic design.

When it comes to designing the ultimate comfortable kitchen, Schmidt knows exactly what works. With over 60 years’ experience in creating solutions that suit every culinary need and every lifestyle, this bespoke interior design company has endless innovations for easy living. From foldaway worktops and slide-out breakfast shelves to modular storage and undersink solutions, a Schmidt kitchen provides all the practicality and function you need. Here’s just a taste of what is available.

A foldaway worktop for extra prep space

When additional preparation space or extra room for guests is needed, this practical foldaway worktop offers 57cm more surface area in an instant.

Dedicated drawer organisers

For drawers and internal pull-outs, Latitude’s modular elements can be adapted to suit every need, and to the nearest millimetre too. Perfect for herbs and spices, utensils, cutlery, knives and more, it’s ideal if installed beneath the hob.

Internal deep drawer for cleaning products

Keep cleaning items, bin bags, buckets, brushes and more close to hand in an easy-access under-sink unit with deep storage for larger pieces.

A bespoke worktop unit, perfect for breakfast

There’s no waste of space with this bespoke worktop unit, which comes with a handy slide-out shelf to serve breakfast. Use for mugs, teabags and coffee as well as coffee makers and cafetieres to keep within easy reach.

Larder unit with fully opening drawers

Store dried ingredients, packets, bottles, boxes and tall items in this full-height larder, which can hold two weeks’ worth of groceries for a family of four in one go. Its huge capacity enables cooks to leave other cabinets free for other items.

Schmidt’s 3D Fit for perfect symmetry

Schmidt base units come with six drawers rather than the usual five. This allows for a straight-lined symmetrical look, combining two or three drawers to allow for deeper storage. Cabinets are also made to measure to the nearest millimetre, avoiding the use of unnecessary fillers and wasting space. With higher, deeper, wider units, the maximisation of storage is fully achieved – up to 26%. As can be seen in the photo at the top this means a double row of full-sized dinner plates fit into one drawer.

THE DETAILS

Schmidt Kitchens and Interior Solutions

14-18 London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1AJ Tel: 01732 755555 www.home-design.schmidt

Pipeline to Success

Brand new showroom brings the sparkle back in to bathrooms

Plumleys Plumbing Merchant are suppliers of quality bathroom parts throughout Kent and surrounding areas, covering all aspects of plumbing works, from showers, furniture, copper fittings and taps, stocking the best bathroom parts from premium quality bathroom suppliers.

Owner Nick Plumley, has been in the business ever since becoming a pipe-fitters apprentice when he left school and hasn’t looked back. “Our face to face customer service, wealth of knowledge and advice is what sets us apart from the bigger, high-street stores,” he explains. “You just don’t get the same one-to-one service. I’m very proud of our small three man team.”

“Lock-down was hard for us, but we concentrated on our website doing well with online sales and now we’ve expanded our store with a beautiful

new bathroom showroom in addition to our trade counter.” he continues.

Rest assured that your bathroom project will have the highest quality products, and if you’re stuck for fitters then just ask the staff at Plumleys. Although they don’t currently have an installation service, they have a list of professional fitters and installers they

Merchant’s impressive

THE DETAILS

Plumbing

just don’t get the same one-toone service. I’m very proud of our small three man team”

Design Your DREAM BATHROOM

H Lilley have recently opened a dedicated showroom, ‘The Gallery’, at the rear of their main shop in Biggin Hill.  This is in addition to ‘The Studio’ in Eltham, which is, now, well established.

Focusing on supplying quality, affordable bathrooms the showroom boasts 17 display bays from leading brands such as VitrA, Laufen, and Merlin.  H Lilley are one of the few showrooms to have the designer, Tom Dixon, for VitrA on display.  As well as offering the very latest trends, and technology some of the displays are fully-functioning so that customers can see how they operate.

Showcasing a variety of styles, the showroom provides plenty of bathroom inspiration.  From the traditional timeless designs, to the ultra-modern sleek looks ‘The Gallery’ is packed with innovative ideas to suit all budgets.  Whether you have an awkward shaped cloakroom, an en-suite, or need a family bathroom renovating, their knowledgeable and passionate staff are there to help customers create an ideal space.

The Gallery offer customers the chance to experience becoming fully immersed in their own bathroom design.  The use of Virtual Worlds 4D technology has proven to be successful with customers who enjoy being involved every step of the way allowing them to ‘step-in’ to the space they have created.  The benefits of this are seeing what works, and what doesn’t during the design stages before any work begins.

Being a family run business with over 60 year’s experience in customer service they ensure a level of quality and personal touches to projects that are, very often, not found elsewhere.

H Lilley’s dedicated designers have years of expertise to provide customers with all they need to get their project started.  Staff will liaise with the installer directly to make sure they are happy with the designs.  They can store the products until the installer is ready for them.  They also offer free local delivery.  Being a family run business with over 60 year’s experience in customer service they ensure a level of quality and personal touches to projects that are, very often, not found elsewhere.

The showroom has plenty of free parking, and EV charging points, is air conditioned, and has a coffee machine for customers.

The Gallery staff look forward to welcoming you and helping you to design your dream bathroom.

THE DETAILS

H Lilley & Co Ltd

The Midas Touch

When you start a business, you don’t know where it will take you. You hope that you’ll have the Midas touch, but you never know. I started Towns Bathrooms in 2011 after many years in the business, starting small but starting as I meant to go on: offering customers a superior, personal service. My team and I pride ourselves on our bathroom design service, listening to what you need – not what we want to sell you; helping you visualise your new space with our cutting edge software; and being able to provide you with a quote promptly and transparently – no smoke and mirrors or should that be steam and mirrors?

Coming into the showroom, you’ll love our mirrors but our bathroom ranges will prompt a second look. Elegant lines, contemporary curves and luxurious finishes, we stock well-known brands such as Aqualisa, Matki, Vado, Ashton & Bentley, Laufen, Roca, GSI, Graff and Bisque. These brands are constantly innovating and refining their product range - an attribute we share. We love helping your bathroom evolve to suit your needs.

We are an independent, local Kent business and we really believe in ‘people buying from people’. Sitting down with one of the team will show you that our customer service is second-to-none – we care about your bathroom from that first meeting to, well, your first bath or shower! You might be reconfiguring your house, transforming your bathroom into a wet room, adapting it to suit changing needs or installing therapeutic features such as a steam room, aromatherapy shower or rejuvenating bath; whatever you’re doing the Towns Bathrooms’ team can help.

As for the Midas touch, well, just look at this divine bath from Ashton & Bentley. Towns Bathrooms are proud to be a stockist of this statement piece for the bathroom, a bath so aesthetically pleasing with its shape and curves, it hints at a Henry Moore sculpture. Made of stone, a material famed for its heat retention and enduring cleanliness, it has a textured metallic finish, a lustre available in copper or brass. Its ergonomic design makes it the most comfortable bath you’ll find. Fit for a king … or queen.

Great design, great bathroom inspiration and great service. Give us a call or pop in to see us. We’d love to give you the royal Towns Bathrooms’ treatment.

“We are an independent, local Kent business and we really believe in ‘people buying from people’”

HOUSE & GARDEN

GARDEN DESIGNERS on a mission to do good!

Willow Alexander Gardens is a full-service design and build company that has revolutionised their business model to be more sustainable and become the UK’s first certified Carbon Neutral Garden company here in the UK.

They are experts at delivering chic and timeless spaces that are horticulturally focused and minimally impact their surroundings. Working from their showroom and offices on the Southeast London/ Kent boarders, this dynamic team of creative horticulturalists are helping hundreds of families in the local area take better care of their outside spaces.

“Care is at the heart of what we do. We care for our clients, the gardens we design for them and care about how they impact the planet” …

“...At Willow Alexander Gardens we understand the art of good design, and the delicate balance between nature and hard form. With every project we do we help our clients forge a deep connection to their outside space and how it can best work for them. We treat each project holistically, taking into account lifestyle requirements and style preferences as much as composition, planting, textures and tones. Our garden designs are known to include discerning and unique features such as sustainable composite decks, custom ponds, and bespoke garden buildings that are designed to minimally impact the planet…”

Willow Alexander gardens also offers a dedicated maintenance and aftercare division that covers Southeast London and Kent that has gained the

international carbon-neutral standard. This phenomenal achievement has allowed them to join the United Nations Climate Neutral Now initiative to further commit to their reduction strategy.

Whether you are looking to have your outside space redesigned or just need a little more help in the garden, Willow Alexander sets the bar for garden care services in the area, and the UK. Visit their website to find out more or book an appointment to visit them in their showroom. www. willowalexandergardens.co.uk

“Care is at the heart of what we do. We care for our clients, the gardens we design for them and care about how they impact the planet”

The fitted furniture files

What the design world is coming to realise more than ever recently, is that what defines a home, is you. The people living in it. The modern home is focusing on expressing the personalities within it through decoration and design. This could be by displaying meaningful, memory-filled objects, by planning a room around a treasured work of art or by more actively placing the needs and preferences of a house’s occupants at the core of how it looks and functions. Houses are becoming as unique as the people within them, telling their stories and revealing their personalities.

That’s where fitted furniture comes in, pieces of practical storage created precisely for the space you need them in.

Think of fitted furniture and what first comes to mind may not be hugely inspiring. We’re here to prove you wrong. It’s an art form, not only designed to fit specifically into the space you need it in, but – yes – beautiful, creative, expressive as well as the very definition of useful.

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bespoke piece that slides perfectly into place. Perhaps there’s an element of ASMR to it: look at how it lines up so perfectly with the ceiling. See how it fits so smoothly into that alcove. Watch how it skirts around the bumps in the wall. Feel how smoothly those doors glide open. Oooo.

Fitted furniture is about making the most of every centimetre. About stretching up high, adding an extra shelf, making room for more pairs of shoes or finally creating somewhere to house

that LP collection. It makes life easier and rooms smarter.

Chaplins’ range of beautiful, designer fitted furniture is ready and waiting to be crafted into shape around you, your home and those objects that you most care about, whatever they may be. The in-house fitted furniture expert Denis Barclay knows every trick in the fitted furniture book: here he talks through everything you need to know to ready your room for a bespoke storage piece.

How can Chaplins help with fitted furniture?

We offer a complete design and installation service. In the first instance, you are invited into our showroom to browse the options – during this initial meeting, we discuss the space you are considering and how you want to use the area, as well as any ideas you have and designs you like so we can make suggestions to better meet your brief. We then work from your plans or visit your home, depending on the stage of the project. It’s also important to establish the budget.

What falls under the category of ‘fitted furniture’? It’s more than wardrobes, right?

Over the 35 years, I have been involved with the furniture business, there are not many spaces that I have not planned fitted furniture for, inside or outside, be it under the stairs, boot rooms, TV rooms, studies, libraries, bedrooms, dressing rooms and craft workshops. Modular furniture is very

adaptable. It’s only limited by the imagination, and of course the budget.

Which designer brands offer fitted furniture?

We work with premium Italian brands Lema, Molteni&C and Porro, and heritage German company Interlübke. They are modern and sleek, with finishes ranging from matt and high gloss lacquers to glass, metals, ceramics and veneers. There’s a lot to choose from.

Our Lema wardrobe studio showcases different styles of wardrobe in a range of finishes. We also have a door bar showing a small format selection of doors options.

What do I need to know before my fitted furniture consultation? Do I need to get out the tape measure?

The more information you can bring, then the more meaningful the initial meeting will be. Generally, we ask customers to have photos of the space, or architect’s plans if it’s under construction. It’s also helpful to really consider your storage requirements so that we can make best use of the space available.

What’s the timeline between consultation to installation?

After the first discussion, we’ll produce an initial plan and costing, then the process develops from there. In some instances, it can be very quick, while larger projects can take months. Then of course it takes 10-12 weeks for the furniture to be made and

delivered from the factory. Installation is quick – it usually takes a day for a conventional room, to a week or more on a larger project.

WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP?

DO I NEED TO COME INTO THE SHOWROOM? WHO DO I TALK TO?

Call us or email us at sales@chaplins.co.uk and we’ll discuss the best way to get started.

For more ideas on bespoke designer storage, see chaplins.co.uk, or book an appointment to visit the 25,000 sq ft luxury lifestyle showroom in Hatch End where you’ll find the latest shelves, doors and finishes under one roof.

Chaplins Furniture, 407-577 Uxbridge Road, HA5 4JS Tel: 020 8421 1779

INTERIORS

MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS

Handcrafted on luxurious cream velvet, the gorgeous penguin cushion is exquisitely appliquéd in cream and black wool with the detail hand-embroidered in antique gold thread. The little penguin stands upon the melting ice surrounded by golden sequin stars. This lovely Penguin Cushion will make a wonderful gift for someone who loves the natural world.

RAISE A GLASS FOR FIZZ SUPREME

Known for their eccentric take on nature-inspired interiors, The Curious Department launches a fabulously new design this Autumn, ‘Fizz Supreme’. Inspired by the excess and glamour of the 1970’s party scene, from the sensory multicoloured disco lights to the most decadent Palm Springs champagne pool parties, this playful design has been created to evoke positive energy in a curiously reimagined style. thecuriousdepartment.com

SCANDI STYLE TABLESCAPE

Reflecting the fresh seasonal colours of Sweden, this luxury collection breathes life into dining. Alive with energy and light, showcasing the latest design ‘Gotland’ by Swedish Artist Nina D. nina-d.co.uk

NEW ADDITION

Luxury online retailer Naken.co.uk has expanded its offering by introducing a range of wallpaper, featuring designs from some of the most celebrated names in the industry. naken.co.uk

BEING BOLD

London design house Divine Savages has teamed up with the masters of luxury vinyl, Beija Flor, to create a unique collection of rugs & mats inspired by a shared obsession with brave colour and bold pattern.

Nature’s Time to Plant

The hedging season is here and now is the ideal time to plant while the soil is still warm, and the roots have time to establish before winter. Hedging can provide all year around colour as well as being a living screen. Our Rootball range is in centre now, with more hedging arriving each week, including Prunus, Taxus, Photinia, and Leylandii. We have a variety of sizes for you to choose from.

Top Tip: Ensure you prepare the soil beforehand by digging in a good compost and make sure you water enough, but do not over water in the first year.

If you need help choosing your hedging, then email us on info@coblandsgardencentre.co.uk to make an appointment with Liam our tree and hedging specialist.

Prunus laurocerasus

from £17.99 for 1mtr

Taxus baccata from £15.99

lusitanica

£51.00 for 1.25mtr

Empathy rootgrow

BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME

Honesty, integrity and hard work are at the heart of everything we do. Our clients choose us for our specialist knowledge.

Egidos staff has over 25 years of experience in the construction industry which allowed us to improve on our methods and perfect our processes. Our team’s collective experience in sustainability solutions has enabled Egidos to respond to the urgent environmental agenda with a clear, ambitious, and relevant set of objectives.

We approach Construction with a focus on people and actively seek opportunities to implement change for the better. That is because your home should be as unique as you are. We want to hear your ideas and impress you with our ability to deliver the must-haves on your checklist. We welcome the challenge to design a home that is completely customised for you. We will always use our best approach, the latest knowledge and technology, highest quality materials and products and we strictly work with subcontractors we know and trust in order to satisfy you with the best solutions and to maintain a competitive advantage over our competitors. You can count on Egidos to take ownership and accountability for all of the work that goes into building your dream home.

THE DETAILS

“We want to hear your ideas and impress you with our ability to deliver the must-haves on your checklist. We welcome the challenge to design a home that is completely customised for you”

London Road Furniture

Formerly the Polhill Arms in Halstead the building was painstakingly restored by the family who own Farningham Oak - long established Kent quality furniture retailers who started their original cottage industry working from an old farm on the edge of the North Yorkshire moors.

“We used to let the customers wander all over our house - except for a couple of rooms and buy anything they wanted and take it away” said Peter one of the Directors - it gave us a great insight into how good furniture is constructed and taught us all about the correct proportions and style which are really important skills and cannot be learned overnight.

This helps us tremendously when customers ask our advice as mistakes can be time consuming and expensive for them. We strive to pass on all our accumulated knowledge to any new members of staff we employ to enhance your shopping experience. It’s always a real pleasure meeting new customers and old who continue to support us.

Situated on the A225 London Road - access is easy and parking is plentiful in the large car park adjacent to the shop.

The furniture and accessories are carefully selected with both modern and classic tastes catered for.  You will be pleased with the varied and carefully selected stock and assured of great quality. Very competitive pricing has always very important to us and good service comes naturally after over 40 years in the business.

We supply tables, chairs, cabinetry, sofas, bedroom furniture, interesting occasional pieces, custom built pieces and anything else we like the look of. We offer a professional delivery service and over the years have covered the whole of the UK including much shipping overseas.

Visit us! - You will you be very welcome (and not hassled!)

The London Road Furniture Company, London Road, Halstead, Sevenoaks TN14 7AA

533433

“The furniture and accessories are carefully selected with both modern and classic tastes catered for”

The Perfect Family Home

This attractive link-detached three-bedroom period house is set on the convenient Green Lane, Chislehurst BR7, perfectly positioned by the beautiful Chislehurst Ponds.

This unique property is in beautiful condition and enjoys the right balance between period and modern, offering stylish interior design and unique period features. This stunning property comprises a spacious walk-through reception with a large bay window and high ceiling, a modern, fully integrated kitchen/ diner with direct access to a well-maintained garden, three double bedrooms, two family bathrooms and a convenient utility room. This perfect family home also offers a gated drive, a front garden, a suitable outbuilding perfect as a home office or gym and stunning views over the beautiful Chislehurst Ponds. Conveniently set within easy reach of the High Street and several bus routes, offering good connections to the surrounding area. The property benefits from being within the catchment of outstanding local schools.

THE DETAILS

Green Lane, Chislehurst BR7

For Sale: OIEO £850,000 Alex Neil Chislehurst & Bromley 020 8297 8800

Email: chislehurst@alexneil.com

“This unique property is in beautiful condition and enjoys the right balance between period and modern, offering stylish interior design and unique period features”

WELCOME TO THE ENGLISH CHIMNEYPIECE

Are you looking for wood burning stove or bespoke fireplaces in Kent? If you are then let The English Chimneypiece be your number one choice today.

Wecan offer you both modern and classical style fireplaces, wood burning and multi fuel stoves that meet your every specification so you can be sure that, whatever it is you want, we are the perfect company for you

Wood Burning, Multi Fuel Stoves and Fire Surrounds in Sevenoaks

Our team are hugely experienced, with our business having been trading for over 20 years now, and so you can rest assured that you will receive workmanship of only the highest quality.

We pride ourselves on our close attention to detail which means every job receives our 100% dedication, along with our first rate customer care, where we put you and your requirements ahead of everything else. Such is our vast level of experience, we are able to provide you with a huge range of services such as:

• Wood Burning and Multi Fuel Stoves

• Bespoke Fireplaces and Surrounds

• Restoration and Reproduction of Fireplaces

• Gas and Electric Fires

Which are available in a wide range of top quality materials like stone, marble, granite, slate, wood and cast iron.

Fireplaces in Sevenoaks

We are HETAS registered and we employ experienced, GAS SAFE registered engineers to prove our quality and increase you peace of mind. Our staff give a professional yet friendly service and we are approachable for our clients which means we are able to work together to provide the perfect fireplace for them.

Our company is based in Sevenoaks, Kent. We serve both retail and trade clients, contractors, designers and insurance companies. With free quotations available, site surveys, as well as our popular image creation service, you can be sure that you will be 100% satisfied with the finish we provide you with. Our surrounds are made in Britain, hand crafted and, if required, made to measure. Our workshop is based in Kent.

THE DETAILS

The English Chimneypiece

3 St. Botolph’s Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3AJ

The Very Best OF BRITISH

Castons, an independent retailer servicing London and Kent for 127 years, has been run by five generations of the family.

Like every great brand, there’s the story: In 1895 William Caston, the great-great grandfather of current owner Michael, opened his first retail furniture shop: London Road Furnishers, in Elephant and Castle, selling British made furniture and household accessories. The rest is history – literally!

Fast forward to 2022, the family are the proud owners of two stores in Kent. In Tonbridge and Hythe and our website serving customers nationwide. Although locations have changed, the products have not. Keeping to their roots by offering a high-quality selection of British made products and services.

Both of our stores showcase Great British Brands that have been 100% made in Britain – plus being delivered to consumers for free, it’s like William Caston knew where the future was heading.

THE DETAILS

Castons

Tonbridge

Hythe

A Harvest Festival

Celebrating the start of autumn

shift from summer to autumn in your living room.

Pile on a plush selection of cosy cushions, throw a sheepskin over your favourite chair and opt for accents in tones of burnt orange, rusty reds and soothing oatmeals. It’s time to get your hygge on!

A TIME OF THANKSGIVING

Nothing spells the changing of the seasons like a festive feast and the dining table is a perfect place to conjure this unique atmosphere. Take a leaf out of the book of our American friends and host your own Thanksgiving supper. A relaxed linen tablecloth sets the scene, while tall tapered candles bring that all-important glimmer. Choose rustic earthenware, brass cutlery and raffia table mats for a rustic effect.

FLOWER POWER

Time to pick your posy? Go for seasonal blooms like dahlias, hydrangeas and maple leaves in fiery tones. A few sprigs of greenery will also add a little freshness.

Wayfair’s Resident Style Advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill, shares how to get set for the new season

Crisp morning air and the crackling of russet leaves underfoot signals that autumn is upon us and it’s time to get our ‘cosy’ on! By truly embracing seasonal changes, you can offset any feelings of flatness as summer days come to an end, and surround yourself in everything uplifting that the colder months have to offer. Think warming hues and cocooning textiles.

AMBIENT ENTRYWAY

Your wardrobe isn’t the only place to ring the changes and signal that A/W‘22 is, at last, here. Why not make over your doorway, with a seasonal wreath in russet tones, or a basket of dried foliage? Trail your seasonal picks along your garden path, leading to your door with a difference for a welcoming look.

SWITCH IT UP

Just a few well-chosen picks will help you make the

For more seasonal inspiration and for homeware and decor to suit every style and budget, visit wayfair.co.uk.

FOOD & DRINK

VAULT & VINE

Vault & Vine is a family-owned, strictly over 25’s wine & cocktail bar in the heart of Petts Wood. We offer our customers some of the finest wines and champagnes together with our prestigious cocktails which are made to order with fresh ingredients. We also have draft and bottled beers and an extensive list of spirits and liquors. We are just a stone’s throw from the train station.

We have been open three years this September which we chose to celebrate with our loyal customers on Thursday 29th September. For this occasion, we hired a DJ and a saxophonist who played in unison and provided the perfect setting for our customers to enjoy the night. This was a very successful night that was adored by all.

Tuesdays to Thursdays Vault & Vine is a calm and relaxing bar with the perfect lighting and ambience to enjoy our varied selection of wines, champagnes, spirits or freshly made cocktails. On Fridays and Saturdays we have a DJ who provides a party atmosphere to dance the night away. On Sundays we have a live singer from 4:00 pm. Please visit our website www.vaultandvine.co.uk to see our variety of live singers and which date they will be performing on.

We also provide an excellent Afternoon Tea experience Thursdays to Sundays. If you wish to indulge in our selection of delicious freshly made sandwiches, home-made scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve together with an assortment of flavourful cakes. We do require at least 24 hours’ notice and please ensure you notify us of any dietary requirements.

THE DETAILS

We recently hosted a Luxury Afternoon Tea Brunch day with a live singer which went down a storm. We have now set two additional dates this year for a Luxury Afternoon Tea Brunch to take place on Saturday 12th November with Lucy Sings London providing live vocals and to get us into the Christmas spirit on Saturday 17th December with Krystal Scarlet providing the vocals on this occasion. On both dates this will be between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Please call us on 01689 666 036 to secure your booking.

After our previous successful event we will be hosting another Wine Tasting evening on Wednesday 19th October 2022 from 7:00pm. This is a ticket only event so be sure to book your place by calling us on 01689 666 036.

are now taking bookings for Christmas parties (subject to numbers and availability).

“We offer our customers some of the finest wines and champagnes together with our prestigious cocktails which are made to order with fresh ingredients”

Hospices of Hope’s Emerald & Ruby Gala Dinner

Hospices of Hope’s annual Gala dinner is BACK

a two-year absence!

For the Kent based charity, this event is the most prestigious, significant calendar event of the year and a vital fundraiser for their important work developing and funding hospice care in some of the poorest countries in South East Europe including Ukraine and Romania. Taking place at the Leonardo Royal Hotel St Paul’s in London on Thursday 13th October, guests will be able to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the venue, whilst taking in the views of the stunning St Paul’s Cathedral.

You might wonder what is the relevance of the “Emerald and Ruby” Gala Dinner? Both colours are incorporated in the charity’s branding. Emerald is known as a symbol of truth and love. Ruby represents nobility, purity and passion. To Hospices of Hope, its patients are precious like these jewels and the Charity will be sharing some of their moving stories at this event.

Experience an evening of outstanding elegance, delicious food and wine against a backdrop of entertainment from world-class performers at just £125 per person, or £1,250 for a table of ten. Hospices of Hope is proud to announce that the critically acclaimed Romanian Soprano Teodora Gheorghiu will be performing, as well as pianist Cornel Oprea. Charity Patron the Duchess of Norfolk will be in attendance, and the event will be hosted by Romanian Dance Champion, Marius lepure, who recently finished a nation-wide dance tour with his wife, Oti Mabuse (formerly of Strictly Come Dancing). There will also be the opportunity to take part in an auction with a range of superb donated Lots.

Designed for living

At Stoneham, the values we’ve been building into our bespoke kitchens for the last 150 years haven’t changed. Every hand-built Stoneham kitchen fulfils its own streamlined elegance both effortlessly and exquisitely. It’s about making the very best of the best – the finest woods and natural materials, the most innovative features and latest technology, supremely crafted by the most knowing and capable hands. Appointed kitchen centres available locally and nationwide. For a colour brochure and details of the Centre most convenient to you call 020 8300 8181

Stoneham plc, Powerscroft Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5DZ.

Showroom Opening: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 12 midday.