Kent Life Magazine September 2014

DIGITAL EDITION

YOUR DIGITAL EDITION

CHISLEHURST, BECKENHAM, BROMLEY, WESTERHAM, OXTED, SEVENOAKS, TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND THE EXCLUSIVE SURROUNDING AREAS

ISSUE 66

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SEPTEMBER 2014

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Autumn Brides Special

THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ISSUE 66 SEPTEMBER 2014

Two Stunning Kent Gardens

EDUCATION LIFE S E P T E M B E R

T H E

Q U A L I T Y

E D U C AT I O N

Medieval West Malling

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S U P P L E M E N T

Welcome...

in the country to have some of the best schools in the world and you are fortunate in the UK is one of the finest importance. education is of paramount The independent school system right choice for your child’s economic climate, making the right on your doorstep. In today’s

Sometimes every parent needs

a

is best for their children. helping hand in deciding what

come Encourage your children to parent considering private education. an invaluable resource for any sees a prospective future school.

Our Education Life series is an insight into the way a child after each visit. It also provides with you and get their feedback

If you would like your prestigious school to appear in our stunning guides, please contact...

lisa@fishmediagroup.co.uk

07904251984

Wrotham - a Natural Beauty

OLS IN KENT THE FINEST SCHO

KENT EVENTS

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HISTORY

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FASHION

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HOMES & GARDENS

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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FOOD & DRINK • TRAVEL

HARWOODS TONBRIDGE

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The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual 2 SEPTEMBER 2014 fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only.

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Editor Faye Manning Assistant Editor Katie Miller Sub Editor Alex Lux Fashion Editor Kitty Shead Contributors Maureen Cole John Ruler John Bly Bruce Edwards Jack Smith Regan Maloney Design & Production Amanda Jane Spicer Photography Adam Swaine Accounts Kathy Manning Ken Fleet Business Development Managers Lisa Westerman Sinead Shell SALES Vanessa Lane James Marshall DIRECTORS Peter Smith Rory Smith Patrick Smith

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W E L C O M E

elcome to the September issue......

Now that we are nearing the end of summer what better time to look forward to the Autumn than with the heart-warming AUTUMN BRIDES SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT in this month’s issue. We are pleased to dedicate our front cover and cover story to all future Brides and Weddings. If you are getting married or know someone who is about to ‘tie the knot’ then this feature with the very best local Wedding specialists offering their expert tips, advice and services is a must-read for you.

In this issue we also focus our attention on helping parents choose the right school for their children in our EDUCATION LIFE Private and Independent Schools Special. This supplement is an invaluable resource for any parent considering private education and we are sure that this definitive local guide will help you make the right choices for your children.

As usual this issue has a wide variety of features and articles on all of your favourite topics and interests. Bruce Edwards reviews more recent BOOK releases. We look at the ‘Seasonal shift’ in our FASHION pages. Our BEAUTY section sends out a ‘Post summer SOS’.

Our September RECIPES show that a BBQ isn’t just for summer. Regan Maloney reviews more LOCAL RESTAURANTS including The Bull Hotel, Wrotham which has been extensively refurbished and is now a 4 star rated hotel. Our HOME and GARDEN pages invite you to ‘Strutt your Country Stuff’ and once again there are lots of events for you and your family to enjoy in our WHATS ON section.

...look forward to the Autumn with the heartwarming AUTUMN BRIDES SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT in this month’s issue.

Once again our excellent Local Life team have been out and about to take an in depth look at more local towns and places of interest. This month the excellent Maureen Cole visits Wrotham and West Malling, Adam Swaine our Chief photographer focusses his lens on Two stunning Kent gardens, whilst John Ruler our highly regarded local writer and historian looks back in time at Edenbridge.

As you will see there is so much for you to read and enjoy in the September issue.

Until the October issue….….……..

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L O C A L E V E N T S

What’s on...

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SEPTEMBER 2

OPEN DAY AT BROMLEY INDOOR BOWLING CLUB. Join us at our 8 rink, purpose built, air conditioned Indoor Bowling Club. Get fit, make friends, join in and have fun. Come along, try your hand at Indoor Bowls. All ages welcome. Talk to members, find out if bowls is for you. Free sessions with qualified coaches. Equipment supplied free of charge for the event. Free admission. 10.00 to 4.00pm. Sat 4th October 2014.

Bromley Indoor Bowling Club, Bodmin Close, Off Gilmans Road, Orpington, Kent, BR5 4LX. Telephone: 01689-836341 www. bromleyibc.com ABBA: THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of ABBA’s Eurovision triumph, hit stage show Thank You for the Music is coming to town. An all-new, Spandex and sequins spectacular.

The ultimate tribute concert show revives all of ABBA’s chart topping hits. £21.50, £19.50. Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2LU. Sat 4 Oct 2014. Tel: 01892 530613 www. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk BALLROOM AND LATIN COMES TO OXTED. Complete Beginners Ballroom and Latin course starting up in Oxted.

Course runs for 6 weeks and is £54pp 8:15pm-9:15pm Dances

Quebec House

6 SEPTEMBER 2014

taught will Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha and Jive. Eden Hall, Oxted School, Bluehouse Lane, Surrey RH8 0AB. Every Thursday throughout October 2014. Tel: 01883 330301 www. caterhamdanceschool.co.uk QUEBEC HOUSE HERITAGE OPEN DAY. Small but charming Quebec House was General James Wolfe’s childhood home.

It gives a glimpse into family life in the 1730s and you can have a go at some of the pastimes Wolfe and his family would have enjoyed. Spotter trail for children in the house. Activity trail bag available in the coach house. Sat 13 Sept. Garden & exhibition 11am – 5.00pm.

House tours 12 – 1.00pm. House (freeflow) 1.00pm – 5.00pm.

Free Entry. For information visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ directory/quebec-house 1 Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD. Sat 13 Sep 2014.

KESTON ROMAN TOMBS OPEN 2014. A special opportunity to visit Keston’s monumental Roman Tombs, not normally open. Visitors will be able to see the large circular stone tomb and nearby rectangular tomb, which 1800 years ago contained a carved stone coffin. Members of the West Kent Archaeological Group and Kent Archaeological

Rescue Unit will give free guided talks, with finds, displays and bookstalls. Refreshments.

Proceeds will go to the Snowdon Mountain Challenge to help older people who are isolated and lonely. Pedestrian access only. Parking at Keston Ponds/ Heathfield Road.11am - 4pm.

Free entry. Brambletye, Westerham Road, Keston, Kent, BR2 6AG.Sunday 28 Sep 2014.

Tel: 01689 860939 www.the-cka. fsnet.co.uk

opportunity to stretch your legs and taking in the fabulous views. Refreshments at the new Landemare Café. The Chartwell shop has Churchill memorabilia, books, garden ornaments, interesting gifts and has regular tastings of local produce. Sat 13 Sept. 11am – 4.15pm. Studio talk 1.30pm & 3.30. Free Entry. Stapleton Road, Westerham, Kent TN16 1PS www.heritageopendays.org.uk/ directory/chartwell

OXTED JUNIOR OPERATIC SOCIETY. Performing the smash hit musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. A retelling of the Biblical story, Joseph is a handsome young man who is his father’s favourite child, able to interpret dreams, and the bearer of an amazing coat. Various dates at 7.30pm plus Saturday matinee 2:30pm.Tickets from £10.00. Call 07530 528094 or www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0AA.

EPIC PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION. Stunning FREE exhibition of photography by Eynsford Camera Club. Free entry. 11am - 4pm. Farningham Village Hall, Kent, DA4 0DH. Sat 4th Oct 2014.

CHARTWELL GARDEN & STUDIO. Heritage Open Day: The gardens reflect Churchill’s love of the landscape and nature. They include the lakes he created, the kitchen garden and the Marycot, a playhouse designed for his youngest daughter Mary. Walks, trails, den building, forts and the

ST GEORGE’S RAF CHAPEL OF REMEMBRANCE. Heritage Open Day: The chapel, built in 1951 is a simple brick building copying the style of the original station chapel destroyed in 1946. It is a memorial to air crew who died flying from the Biggin Hill sector during WWII. There are 17 beautiful stained glass windows and many mementoes of those who served in the RAF and Allied Forces. See the names of the young aircrew who died for us, giving us the freedom to forget and hear stories from the guide. Outside there are two Gate Guardians representing a Spitfire and a Hurricane which flew from the airfield. Open Sept. 11,12,13,14. Free Entry.

For times and info visit www. heritageopendays.org.uk/ directory/st-georges-raf-chapelof-remembrance Main Road, Biggin Hill, Kent, TN16 3EJ. Thursday 11 Sep 2014 to Sunday 14 Sep 2014 WORLD WAR 1.HERITAGE OPEN DAY. Featuring details of local residents who died in World War 1. Sat 13th and 14th Sept. Free Entry. For times and information visit www.heritageopendays.org. uk/directory/world-war-11 St Mary’s Church, High Street, Downe, Orpington, Kent, BR6 7US.

Come to our free talk about...

JESS MORGAN IN CONCERT. Wonderful folk/country singer songwriter appearing for one night only at the Panacea in Orpington. Plus a 40 minute warm up from local lad Liam Smith. Starts 8pm. Tickets £10. Panacea Coffee House, Orpington High St, Kent, BR6 0JW. Sat 27 Sep 2014.Tel: 07801089375 www.jessmorgan. co.uk ST MATTHEW’S PRIMARY SCHOOL AIR RAID SHELTER. Heritage Open Day: World War II air raid shelter under the playground with historical display. Once equipped with shovels, picks, a crowbar and a seven pound hammer in case of direct hits, the shelter was used with great frequency from 1940. In the most notable incident, the school sheltered there as the first unexploded doodlebug to land in Britain was dealt with further along Powder Mill Lane. Suitable for all ages but there are steps leading underground at the entrance.

Sept 11th & 12th. 4pm – 6pm.

Free Entry. For information www.heritageopendays.org. uk/directory/st-matthewsschool-air-raid-shelter Powder Mill Lane, High Brooms, Southborough, Kent TN4 9DY SIDCUP ART CLUB SUMMER EXHIBITION. Members paintings will be in a variety of mediums: watercolour, oil, inks, mixed media and pastels covering a range of themes: wildlife, landscapes, local scenes, still life, figurative and flowers. Come along browse and enjoy original pieces of work at very affordable prices.

Entry free open during normal library hours: 10a.m. - 5 p.m. daily except Sundays (Thursday 1 p.m.) Sidcup Library, Hadlow Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 4AQ. Open until Friday 12 Sep 2014 Tel: 0208 302 5390 BRANDS HATCH FESTIVAL OF PORSCHE. 20-21st Sept 2014. 9am - 6.30pm. A new event for the 2014 season. Plenty of excitement as Porsches head

for the track in both modern and classic forms. Celebrations of the 40th anniversary of the 911 Turbo, displays and demonstrations there is sure to be never a dull moment. Fun fair, live music and trade stands.

Tickets at www.brandshatch. co.uk or at the gate with grandstand seating available.

Children under 13 go free. Online prices: Adult weekend £30. Adult Sun £25. Children Free.

DUNLOP MSA BRITISH TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP. 11-12th Oct 2014. 9am-6.30pm.The final round of the 2014 season.

Seven previous champions will go wheel to wheel in a bid to repeat their previous success.

Support races from the Ginetta GT Supercup, Renault Clio Cup, Formula Ford and the young chargers of the Ginetta Junior Championship. Tickets at www. brandshatch.co.uk or at the gate with grandstand seating available. Children under 13 go free. Online prices: Adult weekend £33; Adult Sunday £26.

Weekend Camping £18. Children free. Brands Hatch Circuit, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent, DA3 8NG. THE OXTED PLAYERS – MY BOY JACK. It’s 1913 and war with Germany is imminent.

Kipling’s determination to send his myopic son to war triggers a bitter family conflict. Wed 15th - 18th Oct. 2.30pm Sat. 7.45pm. Tickets from www. barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01883 724852.

THE BARNSTORMERS – THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. Six quirky adolescents compete in a fictional spelling bee, in Putnam Valley Middle School.

Thurs 23 - Sat 25 Oct. 7.45pm.

Tickets £15.00 available from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01959 561811.The Barn Theatre, Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, RH8 0AA. www.barntheatreoxted. co.uk or 15a High Street, Westerham. Kent. TN16 1RA. 01959 561811

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Without a Will the law dictates what happens to your money. If you are married your spouse may not necessarily receive all your estate.

If you are in a long term relationship but unmarried your partner will receive nothing. Making a will provides an opportunity not only to make sure you leave your estate in accordance with your wishes but also to consider the impact of inheritance tax and care home fees.

Who will look after you?

By making a Lasting Power of Attorney, you decide in advance who will look after your financial affairs if you are unable to do so yourself and avoids expensive legal proceedings. You can also decide who you want to look after your health and welfare when you can’t make decisions yourself.

Find out more Why not attend one of our free talks where we discuss the importance of Wills and LPAs along with Inheritance Tax, Care Home fees and other related issues. Failing to prepare can be very expensive!

For information about our next talk, please see full details below.

For more information, please call our Wills and Probate Team on 01689 822554 or visit our website www.thomasdunton.co.uk

Free 30 minute talk Planning for the future We will be discussing and answering questions on: • The problems you may leave if you don’t have a Will • How a Power of Attorney can protect you and your family • Issues concerning long term care and Inheritance Tax Please join us at 11am on Tuesday 16th September, Orpington Library, Walnuts Shopping Centre, Orpington.

• Conveyancing • Wills & Probate • Mediation • Family • Employment • Personal Injury 217–219 High Street, Orpington, Kent BR6 0NZ

01689 822554 • www.thomasdunton.co.uk Email: enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2014 7

Contents EDITORS LETTER

3

WHATS ON

6

LOCAL LIFE West Malling - A Pretty market Town

10

Edenbridge – A Tour Through History

14

Wrotham – A Charming Blend of Old and New

18

Focus on – Two Stunning Kent Gardens

22

Orchard Theatre – Critically Acclaimed Lotty’s War

24

Have You suffered an injury abroad?

26

EDUCATION SPECIAL

29

Extra-Curricular Activities

30

Bromley High School – Creativity in the Classroom

31

Caterham School – Discovering the Potential

32

Bethany School – Allowing Individuals to Shine

34

Brighton College – ‘Everyone’s talking about us’

35

The Independent Schools Awards 2014

36

Bickley Park School – Think Big and Aim High 39 Combe Bank School – Achievement beyond Expectation

39

Farringtons School – Confidence and Wellbeing

40

Sevenoaks Prep School – 100% Common Entrance Success 41 Blackheath High School – Open Mornings

TO UPDATE?

42

Breaside Prep School – Another Outstanding Year

43

Learning You’re A,B, C’s

44

Top Ten Tips to help your kids eath more healthily

45

Walthamstow Hall – Open Morning

45

Sackville School – A New Headmaster

46

Babbington House School – Open Morning

47

Bishop Challenor – Open Morning

48

Angela’s Swim School – Learn to Swim 48

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE FABRICS CURTAINS & BLINDS WALLCOVERINGS FURNITURE LIGHTING MIRRORS WOOD FLOORS CARPETS

Sydenham High School – Exam and Scholarship Success

49

Bang and Olufsen – Very Smart Technology

50

AUTUMN WEDDING SPECIAL

53

Eastwell Manor – When only the best will do

54

Sweet Sundae – Confectionary and Confetti

56

The Ultimate Wedding Planner

58

The Bull Hotel – A Cosy Country Wedding

59

Stunning White Numbers

62

Bromley Palace – A Stunning Location

63

Flawless Jewellery

64

Your Honeymoon in Canada

66

FASHION & BEAUTY The Willow Tree Clinic – A Name you can Trust

70

Post Summer SOS

72

Mr Michael Gaunt – Step forward Confidently

75

The Seasonal Shift

78

Leia – Perfectly Fitting Foundations 81 HOME & GARDEN

11-12 Sundridge Parade Plaistow Lane Sundridge Park Bromley BR1 4DT 020 8466 6313 www.sundridgeinteriors.com 8 SEPTEMBER 2014

Strutt Your Country Stuff

82

Thornburrows – Stylish Furniture

86

Ebony and Ivory – Transform Houses into Amazing Homes 88 BOOKS REVIEW

92

FOOD AND DRINK A BBQ’s not just for Summer

94

Regan Maloney’s Restaurant Review

98

Luxury European Furniture since 1962

London & M25 Luxury Furniture Showrooms 020 7760 7560

wharfside.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2014 9

L O C A L L I F E

West Malling Although this pretty market town has a history which can be traced back to medieval times, today it is more likely to be remembered for its past airfield and for the many famous pilots who flew from it.

WORDS: MAUREEN COLE

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he town lies roughly 56kms from London and 8.5kms from Maidstone. In the Domesday Book (1086) it is referred to as Mallingetis and after the Conquest it was frequently recorded as Millinges Parve, which also distinguished it from East Malling, which at the time was a larger and more important town.

Many of the buildings in West Malling date from the early medieval period, although much of the town was badly destroyed by fire in 1190 and had to be rebuilt. It is believed however, that the new town plans closely followed

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PICTURES: ADAM SWAINE

the old plans, thus retaining much of the town’s original layout and characteristics.

The parish church of St Mary’s, which lies to the south of the town, is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Alterations and extensions have taken place over the years and much of the medieval structure collapsed in the 18th century. The two blocked windows in the chancel and the herringbone stonework at the bottom of the West Tower are the oldest remaining parts of the church, both dating back to the 11th century.

L O C A L L I F E

which stands on the former air base) and was home to Maidstone One of the most important old buildings in the town was the 18th century Douces Manor, which was owned by the Douces School of Flying, until it was renamed West Malling Airfield. In family until 1916, when it was converted into a convalescent 1932 the Airfield was renamed again and became Maidstone home for ladies. During World War 11 the house was used to Airport. Many displays and airshows took place at the airport, accommodate airmen and was the Headquarters and Mess for with famous aviators such as Amy Johnson and Alan Cobham officers flying from West Malling Airfield. The war and airfield taking off and landing on the grass runway. have both played an important part in the town’s history and the As war approached the airfield was taken over by the Military pilots converted the wine cellar at the manor into an inn and and in 1940 it became RAF West Malling. After the war it gave it the name the “Twitch Inn”. A name which related to the continued to see service with some of the RAF’s first jet squadrons nervous twitches many pilots developed as a and later as a US Naval Air Station. In 1969 result of having to stare out for long periods, the airport closed as an operational air searching for enemy aircraft.

West Malling is a small station and adopted a more civilian role The Inn is open to the public twenty town with plenty to attract until it eventually closed as an airfield. times each year and displays artefacts Kings Hill, which was built on the the visitor with its historic donated by The Malling society, including former RAF Base at West Malling, is a Guy Gibson’s uniform. Many of the pilots buildings, beautiful mixed residential housing and commercial who visited the inn, etched their names development. The estate strives to maintain into the walls. Names such as Stanford scenery and wonderful some reference and links to its past with Tuck and Guy Gibson (Dambuster’s pilot) variety of events.

The Spitfire Pub, a contemporary pub in the and John “Cat’s Eyes” Cunningham (a night heart of Kings Hill. It also houses the old, flight pilot) appear. The inn is designated a Grade 11 listed, air traffic control building, heritage centre and is open 20 times a year which is the only airfield building remaining on the site and is to the public. It displays artefacts donated by the West Malling soon to be transformed into a coffee shop (plans having recently Society, which include Guy Gibson’s uniform. The Inn will next been approved). be open to the public on - Saturday 13th September 2014, Sunday 14th September 2014 and Sunday 9th November 2014. Opening One of the many interesting old buildings within the town is hours are between 11am and 4 pm. the Norman keep, known as St Leonard’s Tower. The tower was built by Bishop Gundulf (c1180), who also founded St Mary’s RAF West Malling was a Royal Airforce station, originally Abbey (c1190 ) in West Malling, for the benefit of Benedictine opened as a private landing area in 1930. It was known then as Nuns. Gundulf is also noted for building the White Tower of The Kingshill (the name given to the new residential development

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SEPTEMBER 2014 11

L O C A L L I F E

Tower of London. St Leonard’s Tower is situated beside Manor County Park, which covers 52 acres and was formerly the private gardens of the nearby Douce’s Manor.

The County Park is divided into four areas - the Lake, Douces Meadow, Ice House Field and Abbey Field and Chestnut Paddocks. The lake runs the length of St Leonards Road and is surrounded by woodland. The area is a haven for water wildlife. Douces Meadow is a large parkland meadow, whilst Ice House Field is a smaller meadow, which takes its name from a former building on the site, used to store ice taken from the lake, for use by those who lived in Douces Manor. During the World War II the field was used as a prison for interned Germans. Ice House was capped in 1963 and was concealed under an earth mound. It is listed however, as No. 40, on a list of 64 known Ice Houses in Kent.

Abbey Field and Chestnut Paddocks are two large fields, mainly used for cattle grazing and for promoting further wildlife and plant diversity within the park.

West Malling is a small town with plenty to attract the visitor with its historic buildings, beautiful scenery and wonderful variety of events. It also boasts a good range of pubs and restaurants and most of its centre is designated a Conservation Area. There is certainly much to see and do in West Malling. The town has its own Farmers Market, which takes place on the 4th Sunday in the month, from 9.30am-1.30pm. The market is situated in the High Street and with over 30 stalls, it sells an array of farm produce, including meats, fruit, vegetables and cheeses, together with cakes, handmade breads and jams. Records indicate that there was a market in the town as early as 1105 when the right to hold a market was granted to the abbess of the convent of the Virgin Mary.

There are some good pubs and eating places to visit. The Farm House is an Elizabethan House situated in the heart of the town, offering a traditional English cuisine as well as some continental specialities and the Swan, once a 15th century coaching inn, offers a comfortable and elegant place to dine. With lovely individual shops to browse, a Farmer’s Market to visit and fine old buildings and architecture to enjoy, this vibrant, contemporary town, has plenty to attract the visitor.

maureenc411 @btinternet.com 12 SEPTEMBER 2014

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Eltham 216 - 218 Eltham High Street, Eltham SE9 1BA Telephone: 0208 294 2660 SEPTEMBER 2014 13

L O C A L L I F E

JOHN RULER wallows in a town with a lively pictorial past

STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE: TEN

EDENBRIDGE High Street museum sets the scene for a tour through history

Above: Postcard of High Street , 1915, looking north from the Square, with Knights Butchers on left and, on the right, The King and Queen and the International Stores.. The picture also Includes buildings on the left knocked down to make way for what is now the Leathermarket. Ahead is the Crown Hotel. All rather familiar, even to the parked cars.

Right: The card was posted on February 26, 1915 addressed to Mrs G. Tyrrell, 2 Hill Villas, St. Radigund’s Rd., Dover, Kent. It was thought to have been sent by her son while billetted in Edenbridge during the Great War.

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here’s nothing quite like cosying up to history. A stroll down Edenbridge High Street, snuggling up to its comforting half-timbered buildings of medieval origin proves the point.

Sure, the number of specialist shops have shrunk. But there’s enough olde worlde charm in the shape of pubs, restaurants and antique shops – some bearing signs of once being mills – to woo old romantics like myself. The ring road, likewise, has solved the horrendous traffic snarl-ups the town once endured.

Don’t be deceived by the straggling light industry to the north: improved communications with London originally attracted the gentry, with their Arts and Crafts homes, while expansion of the long-established tanning industry near the river helped develop the former after World War Two. The fact that the two happily co–exist shows that Edenbridge

14 SEPTEMBER 2014

far from being ‘ cheerless and forbidding’ as described in T.D.W. Dearn’s History of the Weald’ in the 1814s is now the hub for a 30 miles-plus circular drive round the Eden Valley.

The High Street is also home to The Eden Valley Museum which, housed in a 14th century farm probably rebuilt in the early 16th century, is as good a community museum as you’ll find anywhere in Kent, especially in a town which, to quote one official, ‘punches above in weight’ in an area packed full of top tourist towns and sights. And it was to here I turned to spotlight some aspects of a town which grew along part of the ancient Roman road from London to Lewes at the point where it crossed the river: iron smelting in the surrounding area was used in its construction. In the Middle Ages, Edenbridge became a centre of the Wealden iron industry.

L O C A L L I F E

Above: A colourful shot, taken in 1920, of Stone Bridge, showing the chapel.

Changing times c.1920-30: Local lads in High St Edenbridge looking north, just below the junction with Lingfield Rd.

Above: Though no one’s entirely sure when it started, Edenbridge Bonfire Night now ranks as one of the best in the region, featuring a celebrity guy whose identity remains a secret until just before the big day, which this year is Saturday, November 8. You can find more about the history at the museum, including many photographs dating back to the 1930s. This shows the Old Lady who Lived in a Shoe float of 1932.

Left: Group of men and children on the frozen River Eden, west of the old stone bridge at Edenbridge, 1929. Dave Harrison, pictured with his son. David, in the foreground, was killed in World War Two. The boy looking towards the camera is Jack Goodwin.

NEED TO KNOW: Eden Valley Museum, Church House, 72 High Street, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5AR; tel: 01732 868102; email: curator@evmt.org.uk www.evmt.org.uk, opening times: 14.00 –16.30 (Wed & Fri) 10.00–16.30 (Thur & Sat), closed Jan and Good Friday. Admission: free.

The museum is accessible to wheelchair users on the ground floor; touch screen displays provide further access to the collection.

Special events: Marking the centenary of World War One, the Til The Boys Come Home exhibition explores the impact of the Great War on the lives of people in the Eden Valley and their contribution to the War effort (see next page).

SEPTEMBER 2014 15

L O C A L L I F E

Edenbridge in WW1 WITH THE CENTENARY OF THE OUTBREAK OF WORLD WAR ONE VERY MUCH IN MIND, THE MUSEUM IS STAGING A SPECIAL EXHIBITION (SEE NEED TO KNOW)

1.

3.

2.

1. A fancy dress procession in the High Street pictured during peace celebrations in 1919. It was taken from opposite where the Post Office is today.

2. Open top car outside the Oddfellows Hall, possibly part of a recruiting drive, the hall being known as a recruiting post.

3. Crowds huddle together in Edenbridge High St at the outbreak of war in 1914

4.

4. Belgian soldiers and nurses in formal pose outside Rickards Hall 1915: Belgian refugees stayed in Edenbridge during the war where they became popular guests.

5. Girls gardening at Croft Lane School, an Edenbridge Council School.

6. Women handling hides at Whitmore’s Tannery, a major industry in Edenbridge at the time. Many had to take on jobs vacated by men going off to war.

5.

16 SEPTEMBER 2014

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L O C A L L I F E

Wrotham The pretty village of Wrotham lies in an area of outstanding natural beauty and offers a charming blend of old and new. Medieval tracks sit comfortably alongside modern roads and old buildings mingle with the new.

WORDS: MAUREEN COLE

W

rotham (pronounced Rootham), nestles at the foot of the North Downs and is approximately one mile from Borough Green and five miles from Sevenoaks. The village is situated on the Pilgrims Way and is about two miles from the small village of Wrotham Heath.

The first record of Wrotham dates back to 788 when it was named Uurotaham, meaning “the homestead of a man named Wrota�. In the Domesday Book (1086) the village is written as Broteham and in the Textus Roffensis is Wroteham. The settlement dates back to Roman times and it is possible that there was a Roman station nearby. An ancient military way also passed through the village.

Sitting comfortably within the junction of the M25 and M26 the village has excellent communications with the surrounding area and with London and this makes it popular with commuters.

There are several interesting historic buildings within the area, including St George’s Church, Wrotham Palace and Wrotham Place. The church of St George sits on the north side of a small

18 SEPTEMBER 2014

PICTURES: ADAM SWAINE

square, on the main medieval road, which runs from Maidstone to London. The early church dates back to the Norman period (possibly even the late Anglo- Saxon period) and was regarded as an important church belonging to the Archbishop. The church is notable for its large nave and chancel and two large gabled aisles. The nave, which is the oldest remaining part of the church, is believed to date back to the late 11th century or early 12th century. There are also some fine church brasses dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

The earliest historical reference to the church dates back to the Domesday Book and it is believed to be one of the first churches dedicated to St George. Like many old churches in Kent, it has undergone restoration work and had additions made to it. A new West Tower was added in the late 15th century and in the early 16th century a new vestry was added. In 1860-1861, major restoration work was undertaken. In 1397-98 the Vicar of Wrotham, Richard Melchbourne, bequeathed four marks for the purchase of church bells and in 1754 the four bells were recast into a ring of eight.

L O C A L L I F E

❛

.....Wrotham Place, a Jacobean manor house, sitting in 23 acres of beautiful grounds

❛

In the 1950’s a variety of Pinot noir grape was found growing against a stone wall in the churchyard. A disease resistant variety, it is believed to be around 200 years old and to be a descendant of the vines brought in by the Romans. The vine differed from many other European grapes in that it had a greater immunity to mildew disease.

The Archbishop of Canterbury lived in Wrotham Palace, just behind the church, until 1349. The palace, which was built some time before the Norman Conquest, was one of the manors which belonged to the Archbishops of Canterbury, having been granted to them by King Ethelstan around 964 AD. It was one of a group of manors along the “Archbishops Trail, “which were used to house the archbishop and his retinue on the journey from Canterbury to London. However, Archbishop Simon Islip decided to demolish part of the building in 1349, as he needed the materials for his riverside palace in Maidstone and in the 16th century the Byng family restored the ruins as a manor house, incorporating parts of the old palace.

Opposite the palace and on the south side of Wrotham High Street, is Wrotham Place, a Jacobean manor house, sitting in 23 acres of beautiful grounds. Before his death in 1498, the house was owned by Thomas Nyssell and was known as Nyssells. Both Thomas and his wife are buried in the churchyard.

Wrotham and Borough Green railway station opened in June 1874 and in 1962 it was renamed Borough Green and Wrotham, as Wrotham actually lay about 1.5 miles north of the railway.

Several regular events occur, both in and around the village.

Wrotham Steam and Transport Rally has been running for 35 years and this year over 800 historic vehicles were on display. The event is run entirely by volunteers and this year, organised by the Friends of Wrotham Recreation Ground, it had more than 150 first time exhibitors. The rally included a steam parade, tractors, military, public and commercial vehicles, along with pre and post war cars. The event was further enhanced by entertainment from the Hartley Morris Men and the Jazz Advocates. This is an annual event, which has developed over the years and is well worth attending. It also benefits the village, as all the money raised is donated to local community projects.

Wrotham also has its own cricket club, which is one of the oldest in England and there are references to early matches against Ightham in 1750 and Bourne in 1766. It is believed that the club was originally known as Wrotham Cricket Society but became Wrotham (St George’s) Cricket Club around 1794.

Unfortunately on 31st August 1789, Wrotham gained recognition, as the first club to have a recorded century scored against them. This was by John Minshull who made 107 for the Duke of Dorsets X1.

SEPTEMBER 2014 19

L O C A L L I F E Wrotham is also blessed with some fine pubs and eating places. In this small village there were four pubs within a hundred yards of each other- The Rose and Crown, The Three Post Boys and The George and Dragon, (all in the High Street) and The Bull Hotel, (where The High Street meets Bull Lane).

Unfortunately the Three Post Boys closed down in 2009 and is now a private home. The Bull, once a 13th century coaching inn, has been extensively refurbished in recent years and is now a 4 star rated hotel. During World War 11 it was one of the pubs frequented by fighter pilots stationed at Biggin Hill or West Malling, many of who signed their names on the ceiling (although none of them can be seen today).

It is believed that in the late 1700’s, a gang of smugglers led by Lt. Col Shadwell, used the Bull as their headquarters and hid their contraband in dene holes on Wrotham Hill. The dene holes go back to Roman times and it is believed that they were small chalk mines (from which chalk was taken to spread on the fields as fertiliser). Shadwell, who moonlighted as the gang leader, was shot and killed by a deserter in 1799 and an inscription in the wall by the Bull records the event.

Wrotham may be a small village with a population (in the 2011 Census) of only 1,921, but it is a village not to be forgotten. Stunning scenery, an interesting history and beautiful old buildings, along with great communication links, make it somewhere special.

maureenc411@btinternet.com

20 20 SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2014 2014

Tattoos – is body art a workplace issue?

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With 20% of the UK’s population reportedly having a tattoo, they are more popular than ever. From the prime minister’s wife, Samantha Cameron to celebrities like David Beckham and Charlize Theron who appeared in the June edition of this magazine, tattooed individuals are firmly part of the mainstream.

However, many employers have a policy that restricts tattoos in the workplace.

So if an employer has a ban on tattoos in the workplace and an employee turns up to work with a visible tattoo could they be fairly dismissed? The answer is yes, as long as it had a clear policy covering it and followed a fair dismissal process for those employees with 2 or more years’ service.

Issues surrounding tattoos in the workplace can get more complicated when it comes to religion. Employees are protected by law from discrimination on the grounds of their religion or belief. If the tattoo is part of a genuinely held religion or belief, and that religion or belief prohibits the employee from covering the tattoo up, the employer may need to allow an exception to any “no visible tattoo” policy. This is because employers are required to reasonably accommodate genuinely held religious or philosophical beliefs. Where an employee can show that persons of their religion or belief (including themselves) are particularly disadvantaged by reason of the application of a “no visible tattoo” policy then the employer would need to prove that there is a legitimate aim (a real business need) and that the tattoo policy is reasonably necessary to achieve that aim. Employers should therefore be aware of any potential conflicts before preparing and enforcing a policy that prohibits visible tattoos at work. It may also be good practice to ask any employees about their tattoo to find out whether there is a religious basis for it that prohibits them from covering it.

Other areas of discrimination law may also apply to protect employees with tattoos. For example, historically more men have had visible tattoos than women. As a result, an interviewer who notices a tattoo on a man’s arm may accept it. But if the same interviewer then had an adverse reaction to a woman applicant with a tattoo and treated her less favourably this may amount to sex discrimination.

The key for employers is to have a written policy that employees are fully aware of and to apply that policy consistently. This will give employees a clear understanding of what is acceptable and helps to avoid disputes and grievances arising.

Contact us for a FREE quote with no obligation

Email: enquiries@kent-elec.com

Call: 0208 309 9863

If you would like to discuss this or any other employment issue please contact Henry Doswell on 01689 887853 or email henry.doswell@cwj.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2014 21

F O C U S O N

Two Stunning Kent Gardens PICTURES: ADAM SWAINE

1 2

3

5

4 6

7

8

9

1 - 5 Sissinghurst 6 - 9. Nymans Adam Swaine Photographer www.adamswaine.co.uk email: adamswaine@rocketmail.com mobile: 07798 526 569 22 SEPTEMBER 2014

Fotis Joannou - Certs CII (MP&ER), Dip PFS True Potential Wealth Management LLP 17 Silverdale Rd, Petts Wood, Kent, BR5 1NH T: 01689 826112 E: fotisjoannou@tpllp.com www.fotisjoannou.tpllp.co.uk

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NE15

L O C A L T H E A T R E

Critically-acclaimed new play,

LOTTY’S WAR

visits The Orchard Theatre

T

he criticallyacclaimed new play, Lotty’s War, will be presented at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford from Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 November as part of its first large scale tour of the country before it transfers to the West End in 2015. The show brings with it an allstar cast including Olivia Hallinan, best known for her TV roles in Lark Rise To Candleford, Sugar Rush and Girls in Love, Mark Letheren whose credits include Wire in the Blood, Casualty and The Bill and Adam Gillen, recognisable from a variety of TV work including Benidorm, Fresh Meat and Prisoners Wives.

Written by island born Giuliano Crispini, Lotty’s War premiered in Guernsey in 2008 at the Princess Centre of Performing Arts to great critical acclaim before transferring to the Greenwich Theatre. It is directed by Bruce Guthrie, one of the hottest emerging talents in the industry.

A mesmerising story of passion, courage, and sacrifice, Lotty’s War is a 24 SEPTEMBER 2014

thriller set in WWII German occupied Channel Islands.

Based on recently discovered diaries found in Guernsey, this critically-acclaimed play comes to the stage in its first major UK tour. With the last boat to England gone, Lotty is housed in close quarters with the enemy, in particular General Bernberg.

As loyalties waiver amidst the temptations of forbidden love and the politics of war,

does Lotty dare to tread a passionate and dangerous path to save her friend?

This passionate wartime thriller will be shown at The Orchard Theatre from Tuesday 4 – Saturday 8 November 2014. Pre-show dining is available before the

show. The Orchard Theatre’s Restaurant provides a range of delicious, unique and memorable dishes, using the freshest local produce and prepared daily by the Head Chef. Reserve your table when booking your show tickets.

For more information or to book visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000.

SEPTEMBER 2014 25

T H O M A S D U N T O N SOLICITORS

Have you suffered an injury abroad that was not your Suffering a personal injury whilst abroad can affect your finances as well as your health.

To claim compensation we would advise you to always seek specialist advice.

If you have an accident or suffer an illness whilst abroad, which was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.

Whatever the circumstances, from the most serious (eg a fatal coach accident) to a slip on a cruise ship, seek legal advice as soon as practicable because of the many pitfalls which may apply and the stringent foreign time limits in which to bring a claim.

Keep evidence of your accident Take photographs or a video.

Retain receipts if you incur unnecessary expense.

Obtain the names of any doctors who treat you and the address of any clinic or hospital.

Record dates and times and make a note of any person that you speak to.

Advise the tour operator or the local representative immediately.

Tour Operators Once back in the UK, you must immediately inform your tour operator in writing. The booking conditions usually specify a time limitation in which to register your complaint with them. It may be anything from 6 - 8 weeks from the date of your return to the UK.

Package Holidays You may be assisted by the “Package Holidays” Regulations in bringing a legal claim for compensation in the UK courts 26 SEPTEMBER 2014 for the accident. This can avoid the

fault?

difficulties associated with bringing a claim in a foreign country by allowing the injured person to bring a claim against the Tour Operator in his or her own country.

Your own arrangements If the injury was caused outside the sphere of the Tour Operator, such as in a sports activity arranged privately with a local company or you had arranged your own holiday, you cannot claim under the UK Package Tour regulations.

It would be necessary to seek local advice about claiming compensation in the country in which the accident occurred but this can be quite difficult and costly. We would recommend that you seek advice in the UK before taking legal action abroad.

Road accidents abroad If you receive an injury, it is advisable to seek immediate medical assistance as some countries insist upon this before a compensation claim can be considered.

It is also vital that you have full details of any witnesses. Report the matter to the police and keep a record of any reference numbers they may give you.

Working abroad If you were employed by a UK based company, and received an injury that was not your fault, you can claim compensation in the same way you would if the accident had happened on the UK mainland.

If the company is foreign owned, you would need to seek specialist advice about your options for pursuing a claim.

Free one hour interview Thomas Dunton Solicitors offer a free one hour interview to discuss the circumstances of your case and to advise you of the possibility of pursuing a potential claim.

Information in this article is of a general nature and details are prone to change. *(Source: The Law Society 2013)

Your funding options For full details of funding options and more information on Personal Injuries, please visit our website www.injuryadvicelawyer.co.uk.

Why choose Thomas Dunton?

Specialist Personal Injury Team: Our specialist team is headed by Robert Sardo who has Senior Litigator Approved Status with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and is an Approved Member of the Law Society’s Specialist Personal Injury Panel.

Qualified lawyer: When you speak to us you will be talking to a qualified lawyer, not a legal advisor at a call centre.

Free one hour face to face interview: We offer you a free one hour interview without any obligation. This puts us in the best possible position to judge the merits of your case and provide the best advice.

Home & Hospital appointments: Should you be unable to attend our offices, we will be pleased to meet you at your home or hospital.

Maximum compensation: We will strive to achieve the maximum compensation for your injuries. Accident victims who turn down an insurer’s initial offer and seek legal advice get on average 2–3 times more compensation?* No win, no fee: We can offer you a full range of funding options including “No win, No fee”. There will be no hidden costs or extra fees.

Rehabilitation: Apart from striving for the maximum compensation, we will be actively pursuing the defendant to fund additional medical treatment to enable you to get back to full health as quickly as possible.

For all personal injury inquiries, please call Robert Sardo and his team on Freephone 0800 146340 or email accident@thomasdunton.co.uk

217-219 High Street Orpington, Kent BR6 0NZ

01689 822554 enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk www.thomasdunton.co.uk

CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service Call our professional teams in Bromley 0208 315 0236 bromley@bluebirdcare.co.uk Call our professional team in Sevenoaks Sevenoaks Call our team in 01732 471 professional 541 01732 471 541 sevenoaks@bluebirdcare.co.uk Sevenoaks sevenoaks@bluebirdcare.co.uk Tunbridge Wells 01732 471 541 01732 808 947 sevenoaks@bluebirdcare.co.uk tunbridgewells@bluebirdcare.co.uk

Dear Dear Debbie Debbie

Debbie Moulton, Care Manager of

BlueBird offers CARE her aDviCe DEBBIE Care, MOULTON, Debbie Moulton, Care Manager of

MANAGER OF BLUEBIRD CARE

BlueBird offers her aDviCe OFFERS Care, HER ADVICE

Dear Debbie Dear Can you Debbie explain why some people are given money to My mother hascare a live-in Workerhave whotostays withit her Dear Debbie help them with costs Care and others pay for

permanently. The live-in Care Worker is self-employed but all themselves? doesn’t seem very fair - they are allto Can explainitthe why some people money I metyou someone other day whoare toldgiven me that my mother oaP’s after all. care costs help them and others have to Do payyou for know it should be with deducting PAYE from her wages.

Yours sincerely, if this is correctitordoesn’t do I need to very talk to accountant? all themselves? seem fairan- they are all Claire Chester

oaP’s after all.

Yourssincerely, sincerely Yours Sheila R Claire Chester

Dear Claire the reason is that social Care is considered to be different Dear Sheila Dear Claire from Health Care, which is covered by the NHs and is

We offer good old fashioned service A realistic cost effective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around.

We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits.

Our staff are caring, trained to give medication and police checked.

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk

By all means talk towithout an accountant, but our experience universally available charge.

“Fairness” is adifferent the reason thatmost social Care is considered be is that you is were likely given the rightto information. difficult concept in social Care! at present, if youand have from Care, which is covered by BeingHealth employed or self-employed is the not NHs a matter is of more than £23,250 in savings or capital, you have choice for the individual.

Employment status flows universally available without charge. “Fairness” is to a pay for your own social ifCare! your savings areifbelow that from the nature ofCare. the work involved.

Take ayou look at the difficult concept in social at present, have Taxman’s guidance at level, you may qualify for some assistance from your more than £23,250 in savings or capital, you have tolocal pay http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/calcs/esi-01.htm authority - which willCare. provide guidance. for your own social if your savings are below that and decide for yourself. even if you have to pay yourassistance own social Care, you level, qualify forfor some I thinkyou themay guidance makes it pretty clearfrom that your live-inlocal may for attendance allowance, is not means authority which will provide guidance. carequalify is an- employed position and ourwhich conversations with tested. to be eligible, you must be 65 or over and have HMRC thehave pasttohave confirmed employed status even ifin you pay for your own social Care, youin two particular live-in situations. either a physical orcare mental disability thatwhich is severe enough may qualify for attendance allowance, is not means The employer has responsibilities to pay National for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to tested. to be eligible, you must be 65 or over and have Insurance, to for deduct and for PAYE and possibly supervise you, your own account or someone safety. the either a physical or mental disability thatelse’s is severe enough to pay compensation in the event that the employee is payment is presently either: for you to for yourself or someone to the injured at need work.help Thecaring employer is the person to whom l £53 per week if you need frequent help or constant supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety. the care is being provided or a care agency if one is involved. supervision during the day, or supervision at night, or payment The risksisofpresently being aneither: employer are not insignificant and l £79 per week if you need help or supervision might include example being held accountable l £53 per weekfor if you need frequent help or constantfor any PAYE that is unpaid by the live-in Care Worker should throughout both day and night, or you are terminally supervision during the day, or supervision at night, orill. their tax affairs not be maintained in good order. can claim byiffilling in Form available from the lYou £79 per week you need helpaa1a, or supervision If your mother’s live-inonline Careat Worker has told her that Post office, or by going www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/ throughout both day and night, or you are terminally ill. her self-employed status is fine, I would ask her for You can claim by filling in Form aa1a, available from the justification Best wishes, in the light of the Taxman’s guidance and be Post office, or by going online at with www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/ cautious if you’re not satisfied the response.

Debbie Moulton Care Manager Best wishes, Best wishes Bluebird Care (Sevenoaks) Debbie Moulton Debbie Moulton Care Manager Care Manager Bluebird (Sevenoaks) BluebirdCare Care (Sevenoaks)

XX

a u g u SEPTEMBER st 2013 2014 27

28 SEPTEMBER 2014

EDUCATION LIFE T H E

Q U A L I T Y

E D U C AT I O N

S U P P L E M E N T

S E P T E M B E R

2 0 1 4

Welcome...

The independent school system in the UK is one of the finest in the world and you are fortunate to have some of the best schools in the country right on your doorstep. In today’s economic climate, making the right choice for your child’s education is of paramount importance.

Sometimes every parent needs a helping hand in deciding what is best for their children.

Our Education Life series is an invaluable resource for any parent considering private education. Encourage your children to come with you and get their feedback after each visit. It also provides an insight into the way a child sees a prospective future school.

If you would like your prestigious school to appear in our stunning guides, please contact...

lisa@fishmediagroup.co.uk

07904251984

THE FINEST SCHOOLS IN KENT

SEPTEMBER 2014 29

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

Extra Curricular Activities words by Jill Bennett, Schools’ Marketing Specialist, Orchid Creative

A

ll schools recognise the wider educational value of pupil involvement in activities beyond the classroom: it encourages them to learn new skills, to pursue special interests and to grow into well-rounded individuals. It also encourages pupils to meet other children with similar interests across a range of ages, provides opportunities for leadership and responsibility and can be enormous fun. Involvement in such activities broadens pupil horizons and experiences and gives them a more balanced perspective on their work inside the classroom.

Independent schools are in a strong position to put resources into this crucial area of school life and child development, offering an impressive range of extra curricular activities; this is undoubtedly one of the reasons many parents choose to educate their children privately.

DRAMA AT HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

CANOE POLO AT HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S BOYS’ SCHOOL

ABSEILING AT HABERDASHERS’ ASKE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

30 SEPTEMBER 2014

There is such a vast wealth of opportunities available outside lessons, as well as creative outlets in subjects such as Music, Art, Design Technology and Drama. There are many other types of activity such as sport, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, academic clubs and societies and community service, Adventurous Training and, of course, the CCF (Combined Cadet Force). Pupils on expeditions quickly become aware that one person cannot successfully carry the rest of the team and if the role they assign themselves are not taken seriously by the designated member of the group, problems quickly emerge. Such schemes are extremely popular and widely promoted in independent schools as they combine service and self-development. Although these opportunities lie outside the normal curriculum, they still reflect the importance of school values: community, teamwork, balance, leadership and above all a sense of fun.

With all of us so conscious of worries about childhood obesity, involvement in extra curricular sport, whether recreational or competitively, is something that parents and schools themselves are very keen to promote. Again, independent schools often are very well placed to provide the facilities and staffing time and expertise to support exciting and varied sporting opportunities beyond the curriculum.

A school’s extra-curricular activities programme provides excitement not only through academic as well as physical and emotional challenge; there is something for everyone to experiment with until they find their own niche. The key point is that pupils should discover what they enjoy, and then participate; in doing so, the broader skills that they master during the course of these activities will contribute to building the rounded individuals that schools and parents hope children will become at the end of their school career. As Peter Hamilton, Headmaster of the Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, notes: “The huge range of extra-curricular activities available at my school ensures that every boy finds something at which he excels, and as a result develops a self-assurance that will equip him for life.”

280mm x 105mm wide:Layout 1 21/08/2014 16:57 Page 1

E D U C AT I O N

S P E C I A L

Creativity BROMLEY HIGH S CHOOL in the Classroom Firing Girls’ Imagination since 1883

‘K

nowledge’, Einstein observed, ‘is limited.

Imagination encircles the world.’ In order to be ready for a professional life, where knowledge must be constantly updated and expanded, pupils, like Theoretical Physicists, need to look to the future and to dream. So, whilst inspirational teachers will always make the acquisition of knowledge an exhilarating experience, the best education will also fulfil a mind-opening, eye-opening and imagination-opening function.

At Bromley High School, excellence in GCSE and A level examination is our traditional expectation but now new technologies are also giving pupils an inspirational window onto a wider world.

Freed from the shackles of the National Curriculum, girls take an exploratory approach to learning which nurtures imagination and develops empathy. Crucially, the cultivation of creative imagination fuels aspiration beyond the curriculum. Those who enjoy the privilege of an excellent education should always be properly ambitious: both to make the most of their talents and to change their world for the better.

Angela Drew, Headmistress, Bromley High School www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net Open Events: Saturday 4th October 2014, 9.30 am – 1.00 pm; Sixth Form Open Evening, Tuesday 7th October, at 6.45 pm.

Contact admissions@bro.gdst.net or Tel 020 8781 7000 to arrange a visit

OPEN MORNING Saturday October 4th 2014 9.30 am ‐ 1.00 pm

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Tuesday 7th October 2014 at 6.45 pm

Find out more about life at Bromley High School

For Girls 4 ‐ 18 years Fees Assistance & Scholarships available in the Senior School admissions@bro.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net/Chis1 SEPTEMBER 2014 31

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

Discovering the potential of each individual pupil learning style is bound to be unique too. We recognise the need for each pupil to understand how they learn best and how to think independently and creatively. Consequently we have introduced initiatives that are not subject-specific and can be applied across all areas of learning in a study skills programme that covers areas such as lateral thinking and courses on memorising, note-taking, speed reading and exam technique.

A

t Caterham School we aim to provide an ‘education for life’.

We want to equip every student with the skill sets that will hold them in good stead for a happy and successful future.

We live in a world that is changing rapidly. We recognise the need to prepare students for jobs that don’t exist yet, in which they will be using technologies that haven’t been invented to solve problems that have yet to be identified. Our view is that if education focuses simply on the passing on of knowledge and the examination of that knowledge, we would do our students a grave disservice. What we must do is nurture a skill set which holds our students in good stead for a future that none of us can predict.

Part of that preparation starts with a recognition of the obvious; everyone is different and therefore each person’s

32 SEPTEMBER 2014

The curriculum is broad and balanced, offering rich and varied opportunities for the development of academic interest and intellectual curiosity. Our co-curriculum includes a wide range of enriching, enjoyable and challenging activities, which stimulate and develop the interests of each pupil.

Overall, the School aims to focus on developing the whole person, seeking to ensure that each pupil will be ready for the challenges of life at university and beyond.

This approach has a positive impact on A-level results: Caterham School is one of the top independent co-educational schools in England. All the students progress to university with over 85% going to one in the UK’s ‘top tier’.

A co-educational day and boarding school

CATERHAM SCHOOL

I N S P I R I N G E D U C AT I O N F O R L I F E

One of the top independent co-educational schools in England We strive to ensure the personal development of every

Entrance is selective at all ages. We have specific closing

pupil so they can achieve their full potential academically

dates for 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form entry. Please see our

and socially in preparation for their life at university and

website for details.

beyond. We believe that a significant contributor to meeting this ambition is to offer an excellent all-round education in an inspiring learning environment.

Excellent A-level results enable all pupils to progress to

Scholarships are available and are based on assessment.

Families who may be eligible for financial assistance should contact the Registrar for a Bursary application form.

university with over 85% going to one in the top tier. We

The school is just 5 minutes from the M25 (J6). We plan

have a beautiful 200-acre campus and this, combined

to run coach services from Woldingham, Sevenoaks,

with extensive modern facilities, enables us to offer a wide

Westerham, Oxted, Edenbridge, Crawley Down, Horley,

range of sports and co-curricular activities.

Reigate, Tadworth and Purley.

Open Morning Saturday 20 September 9.30am to 12.00pm. The Headmaster’s talk will be at 10.30am To request further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Registrar.

Tel: 01883 335058 Email: admissions@caterhamschool.co.uk Caterham School Harestone Valley Road, Caterham Surrey CR3 6YA www.caterhamschool.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2014 33

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

Bethany -

Maximising potential and allowing individuals to shine

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ethany is a flourishing, independent co-educational school set in a stunning location. Situated in 60 acres of beautiful Kentish countryside, the School seeks to educate the whole person through a curriculum which is innovative, broad and personalised, a spiritual life which is both vibrant and relevant and activities outside of the classroom which stretch and challenge.

As parents, we want the very best for our children. At Bethany, we ensure that pupils get the best possible grades, and we also help them develop great interpersonal skills to equip them to succeed in our rapidly changing world. Our committed staff get to know every pupil to support their learning, well-being and personal development effectively.

Bethany’s Sixth Formers benefit from a rich mix of expert academic tuition interspersed with diverse sporting, social and cultural opportunities. Our leavers emerge as confident individuals, ready to lead independent, successful and fulfilling lives.

Pupils are encouraged to develop their existing interests and discover new ones. At Bethany there is a vast array of activities on offer, ranging from life drawing and chef’s school to horse riding, dancing, bushcraft and our own high ropes course.

Many participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, and lunchtime clubs complement the busy day of a Bethany pupil.

A Bethany parent says, “Bethany makes sure each child steps up as far as they can, maximising potential as well as allowing individuals to shine and be themselves.” www.bethanyschool.org.uk

Every child has potential.

Not every school realises it.

Upcoming Open Mornings: 20 September 2014 10am-1pm 1 October 2014 9am-11.30am Contact Us: 01580 211273 or registrar@bethanyschool.org.uk

Nurturing Enlightenment Since 866

www.bethanyschool.org.uk Goudhurst, Kent, TN17 1LB

34 SEPTEMBER 2014 11039 Bethany Independent Schools guide 210Wx140Hmm rfp.indd 1

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United Kingdom independent School of the Year 2013-14 independent School of the Year 2011-12

headmaster of the Year 2012-13

england’s top co-educational school

UK independent School of the Year 2013-14

SUNDAY TIMES

TATLER

SUNDAY TIMES 2013

INDEpENDENT SchooLS AwARDS

‘The school everyone’s talking about’

TATLER

OPEN MORNINGS college (11+, 13+, 16+) 20th September pre-prep and prep (3+ to 10+) 4th October

Only 53 minutes from London Victoria by train. Day, full and weekly boarding.

01273 258127

registrar@brightoncollege.net

www.brightoncollege.net SEPTEMBER 2014 35

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

THE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS AWARDS 2014 13th November 2014, Nottingham Belfry Hotel

The Independent School Awards recognise excellence in the strategic and financial management of independent schools. Highlighting independent schools' successes will help to spread and raise best practice across the sector, and create good publicity about the sector’s value to the UK. They are organised by the team behind Funding for Independent Schools magazine, the leading sector title.

36 SEPTEMBER 2014

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

The awards are open to all independent schools in the UK, whether charitable or proprietor-owned. All schools, irrespective of their size, can compete on an equal basis as context is taken into account by the judges.

Entry to the awards is free.

Award Categories Outstanding Strategic Initiative: this recognises

Education Initiative of the Year: this recognises a

initiatives in strategic planning, including: your school’s website, marketing campaign, a legal initiative, innovative recruitment drive, excellence in governance etc.

project that has helped children to fulfil their potential and to improve learning outcomes. It could be a commercial product, but not necessarily.

Outstanding Financial/Commercial Initiative:

Boarding Initiative of the Year: this recognises an

this recognises initiatives in financial planning, investments, property planning, commercial enterprise, fees strategy, raising bursaries etc.

Outstanding Fundraising Initiative: this recognises initiatives in fundraising and development that have raised income for the school directly. Applicants are expected to show innovation in some way.

Outstanding Community Initiative: this recognises initiatives that involve working with external groups such as parents and the local community (also either inside or outside a charitable school's objectives, where appropriate). It could also include a link up with an overseas school.

initiative within a boarding setting that has had a substantial and measurable impact on the (boarding) pupils.

Outstanding Senior Leadership Team of the Year: an SLT that has shown inspirational leadership of a school.

Outstanding Governing Body of the Year: this recognises an inspirational contribution to a school.

Lifetime Achievement Award: a school leader who has shown a commitment to and achievement in the independent school sector over many years.

with a state school(s).

British International School of the Year: an inspirational school based outside the UK that espouses a British education and has made an outstanding strategic or financial achievement.

Special Needs Initiative of the Year: this recognises a

Independent School of the Year (chosen from one of

project that has helped children with special needs to fulfil their potential and to improve learning outcomes.

the winners of the first nine categories).

Please note that it is not possible to apply directly for this award.

Best Independent-Maintained School Collaboration: this recognises initiatives with a leading role

The awards are decided by an independent panel of judges, all highly respected for their expertise and experience in the independent school sector. The judges have complementary skills: they consist of former heads, former bursars, current governors, an inspector, a union representative and a marketing expert and others.

Up to four schools/candidates will be shortlisted for the

awards, except for the Independent School of the Year award, which will be chosen from one of the winners of the first nine awards.

The shortlisted schools will be announced on 17th September 2014. We wish all the schools who have submitted entries for this year's awards the very best of luck.

SEPTEMBER 2014 37

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OPENING NOVEMBER 2014 Bambinos Nursery, located less than 1 minute walk from Beckenham Junction Station We will be offering child care for children aged 3 months to 5 years from 7:30am to 6:30pm each day OPEN WEEK INVITATION Bambinos would like to invite you and your family to come and view our brand new nursery and child care facilities OPEN WEEK Monday 20th October - Friday 24th October from 10am to 6pm each day To make an appointment, please contact:

admin@bambino-nurseries.co.uk @Bams_BR3 facebook.com/bambinos.beckenham Bambinos Nurseries Ltd Junction House 4-6 Southend Lane, Beckenham BR3 1SD

38 SEPTEMBER 2014

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

Bickley Park School -

Thinking big and aiming high

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programme of world class speakers and careers advice helps boys aspire to make the most of their talents. This results in outstanding achievements, be it through gaining places at world class schools, winning prestigious competitions or by developing first-rate manners. Their academic progress is exceptional: One 13 year old and two 12 year olds boy gained an A and two A* grades in a Spanish G.C.S.E. exam they took in June after just three years of study.

Bickley Park School is a fantastic school. Don’t just take our word for it. Come and see for yourself.

ickley Park School believes boys must be prepared for the world they will enter as adults, which will be significantly more inter-connected, competitive and I.T driven. To thrive in such an environment, they must develop the confidence to embrace opportunities and stand out from the crowd. Bickley boys develop the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations and form excellent relationships.

An exciting, boy-friendly education is framed around Four Quadrants of Learning designed to inspire a love of learning; to gain confidence through a wide range of performance opportunities; to take on responsibility from a young age and show initiative; to develop leadership skills, learn to work as an effective member of a team, take managed risks and develop resilience.

Bickley boys are taught to think big and aim high. A

Bickley Park School 14/24 Page Heath Lane, Bickley, Bromley, Kent BR1 2DS Tel: 020 8467 2195 info@bickleyparkschool.co.uk www.bickleyparkschool.co.uk JUST 30 MINUTES FROM CENTRAL LONDON

Come and see what’s new!

BICKLEY PARK SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AGED 2½–13

Open Morning: Saturday 11th October

Congratulations to all our pupils 100% A Level success and 97% GCSE success with 5 or more A*- C grades

9.15 am –12 noon Headmaster’s address at 10.30 am

“Achievement beyond expectation” An Independent school for boys and girls aged 3-18 01959 567166 www.combebank.co.uk

Combe Bank School, Combe Bank Drive, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6AE

Aspire • Endeavour • Achieve 14/24 Page Heath Lane, Bickley, Bromley, Kent BR1 2DS Telephone 020 8467 2195 • info@bickleyparkschool.co.uk www.bickleyparkschool.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2014 39

conf i d e nce ...w el lbe ing...ind e pe nd e nce

OPEN MORNING A leading independent co-educational day and boarding school offering high academic standards, excellent pastoral care and a wide extra-curricular programme within a supportive Christian environment.

P

Co-education Juniors 3 – 11, Seniors 11 – 16, Sixth Form 16 - 19

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Saturday 20th September 2014, 9.00-12.00 Wednesday 5th November 2014, 9.00-11.00

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Farringtons School

Perry Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 6LR T: 020 8467 0256 F: 020 8467 5442 40 SEPTEMBER 2014

www.farringtons.org.uk

100%Common Entrance Success

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

C

ongratulations to Year 8 pupils at Sevenoaks Prep School who all passed their common entrance exams into the senior schools for which they were entered. Between them, they also won 15 academic, art, drama, music, and sport scholarships and exhibitions. They worked extremely hard and we are very proud of them. As our student leaders, throughout the year they have set a great example to our younger pupils.

We will miss them enormously when they leave us at the end of this term, and we wish them every success in their senior schools.

Well done to all our Year 8 pupils and to their teachers! www.theprep.org.uk

“HER JOURNEY AT THE PREP HAS BEEN REMARKABLE… ON ALL LEVELS, SOCIALLY, ACADEMICALLY AND PERSONALLY.” Year 8 parent An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-13 For more information, please contact Clare Harrison: admissions@theprep.org.uk 01732 762336 www.theprep.org.uk SEPTEMBER 2014 41

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

‘Excellent in All Areas’ –

Blackheath High School receives glowing inspection report and welcomes a new Headteacher

F

ollowing Mrs. Lisa Laws’ retirement, Blackheath High School welcomes a new Head: Mrs. Carol Chandler-Thompson, recently returned from South Korea to take up the position, where she was ‘Head of the Girls’ School’ at a start-up independent boarding school: North London Collegiate School, Jeju.

Mrs Chandler-Thompson is delighted to be taking over the helm at such an important juncture in our school’s history, having recently received a superb report following an inspection by the Independent School’s Inspectorate. She said “It is a fitting tribute to Mrs. Laws and the teaching staff that our exceptional school has received such a glowing inspection report which rightly applauds the outstanding educational provision here. It is a privilege to lead Blackheath High into the next phase of its development and I am looking forward to working with the staff, students and parents to take the school forward.”

The report rated Blackheath High as ‘excellent in all areas’, including: pupils’ achievement and learning; curricular and

extra-curricular provision; teaching; spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of the pupils; pastoral care; welfare, health and safety; quality of governance and quality of leadership and management. It summarised that: ”pupil achievement in their work and activities is excellent and they are very well educated, in line with the school´s aim to promote academic excellence. High achievement is strongly supported by the pupils´ excellent attitude to learning, which fulfils the school´s aim to nurture a love of learning and develop independent, enquiring minds.”

Blackheath High’s focus on cultivating students’ full academic potential is based on a commitment to the girls’ whole development: spiritual; intellectual; emotional and physical. Our rich curriculum is supported by our ‘Pillars of Learning’: Resilience; Enterprise; Innovation; Community Spirit and Environmental Awareness. These ensure that the BHS education focuses upon developing the character and skills of the girls, as well as their academic abilities, equipping and inspiring them to flourish in whatever path they choose.

Blackheath girls leave us as aspirational young women with the confidence to see a world of opportunities and challenges, not boundaries and obstacles.

Open Mornings 11 October 16 October 5 November 12 November

Independent Schools Inspectorate rated our school “excellent in all areas” April 2014

Blackheath High School Junior School: info@blj.gdst.net Senior School: info@bla.gdst.net

020 8852 1537 020 8853 2929

www.blackheathhighschool.gdst.net 42 SEPTEMBER 2014 Chislehurst Life Sept 2014 210w 140h.indd 1

05/09/2014 12:10:34

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

Breaside Celebrates Another Year of Outstanding Examination Results OVER 90% OF BREASIDE CHILDREN SELECTED FOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL PLACES.

B

reaside Preparatory School prepares pupils from 2½ to 11 years for both Grammar and Independent Senior Schools in a caring and nurturing environment. Once again, SATs and 11+ entry results for 2014 were outstanding.

This year, nine of our Year 6 girls sat the Newstead Wood entrance test and all were offered a place. Once again, a number of our boys passed the St. Olave’s entrance test. Both of these schools only take the top 4% of academic ability.

Pupils also received academic, creative and sports scholarships to Eltham College, Trinity, Colfes, Walthamstow Hall and Bromley

High, together with 21 places offered to local Grammar Schools, including St Olave’s, Newstead Woods, The Judd, Dartford, Tonbridge, Beths, Chislehurst and Sidcup and Wilmington.

Breaside is committed to achieving the very best for each individual child from Kindergarten through to preparation for secondary transfer at the end of Year 6.

For more information or a personal tour of the School and Kindergarten please call 020 8460 0916, info@breaside.co.uk, www.breaside.co.uk

BREASIDE PREPARATORY SCHOOL For boys and girls aged 2½-11 years

OPEN DAY Wednesday 8th October 2014 9.30am - 12noon Ofsted say that we are “Outstanding” If you are unable to attend our Open Day please make an appointment for a personal tour of the school.

We will be delighted to welcome you to Breaside.

41 Orchard Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 2PR Tel: 020 8460 0916 Email: info@breaside.co.uk www.breaside.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2014 43

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

LEARNING YOUR A,B,C’S

Our definitive guide to help you make all the right choices for your children There are 2,500+ independent schools in the UK which are independent of local or central government control. Independent schools offer a wealth of facilities and high teaching standards that enable students to achieve great results year after year. Independent schools are in the unique position to provide a truly bespoke education for your child.

Free of the National Curriculum, prep schools can differentiate their curricula according to what they think best prepares children for their later education. Most prep school children will be learning a foreign language from the very first year, and don’t be surprised to see subjects like Latin, Philosophy and Physics in the classroom, with cricket, rugby and tennis all on offer during games.

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision that takes plenty of time and research. There are a wide range of independent schools specialising in different age groups and needs.

As children reach the end of their time at prep school, most will look to the Common Entrance Exam as their gateway into the senior schools. It is during this transition process that senior schools are also looking for talented pupils for scholarships and other awards, so the very able students may be asked to attend further examinations/recitals/ matches &c, depending on where their particular strengths lie.

PRE-PREPARATORY SCHOOLS (AGES 2 YEARS - 7 YEARS) Pre-preparatory schools - also called nursery schools or kindergartens correspond to nursery and infants stages in local authority schools. In prepreparatory schools children are taught to read, write, develop numeracy and learn to play. Pre-prep schools are often attached to specific junior schools.Preprep school is the first time most children will experience education, as opposed to the daycare provided by kindergartons.

Children will have to learn the basics of mathematics, science and English, and a host of other subjects. Outside the classroom, many of the children will be having their first proper experience with team sports, music and/ or choral tuition, and the arts.

PREPARATORY SCHOOLS (AGES 7 YEARS -11+ OR 13 YEARS) Preparatory or prep schools, have a full range of subjects leading to admission to senior schools at 11+ or through the 13+ Common Entrance Examination.As their name implies, the preparatory schools are focused primarily on preparing boys and girls for their senior education, and the important public exams that come with it.

Education HERTS Feb 2011.indd 13

44 SEPTEMBER 2014

In the state system, children are tested by the Government SATs, however many schools in the independent sector will have their own internal methods of measuring the performance of the children. There are around 499 prep schools in the Independent Association of Prep Schools, one of our constituent Head’s Associations, collectively educating over 134,000 children.

SENIOR SCHOOLS (AGES 11 YEARS -18 YEARS) Most of the pupils in independent education are in senior school, educating over 350,000 senior school students in almost eight hundred schools.

Independent Senior Schools offer approaches to education, subjects, facilities and sports unparalleled in the state sector – students can study History of Art, Government, Russian and Japanese, and try their hands at Astronomy, Ceramics or Equestrianism. They could be on their school judo or sailing team, and take trips all over the world. Whatever your child’s particular strengths, passions and interests, there is almost certainly a school which can offer the chance to try all of them.

30/01/2014 13:19:50

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

WALTHAMSTOW HALL S e v e n o a k s K e n t

Open Morning Thursday 27th September 2014 10.00am - 12.15pm The Headmistress and students will speak at 11.30am and 12.00

Top 10 tips

TRINITY14_95X125_AD.indd 1

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11/06/2014 09:30

to help your kids eat more healthily

n modern times we are becoming increasingly aware of the shortcomings of the foods we are feeding our children. Surveys show that children and teenagers are eating higher levels of salt, sugar, and saturated fat than government guidelines recommend, and are failing to reach the five-a-day target for fruit and vegetable portions. This means that they are potentially missing out on vital nutrients that contribute to optimum development.

So, in practical terms, what can parents do to ensure their children develop healthy eating habits? Here are some tips to follow when considering your children and their nutrition: 1. Eat with your children.

2. Make food fun.

3. Include two portions of vegetables in their evening meal.

4. Encourage your children to drink water or sugar-free diluting juice between meals.

5. If you have a fussy eater serve the same meals but in a different form.

6. Include lean meat or another protein in every meal.

7. Serve oily fish twice a week.

8. Pack a healthy lunch box.

9. Make sure that your children eat breakfast.

10. Make each meal visually stimulating.

“Thriving girls’ day school in Sevenoaks. Produces quietly confident young women with a ‘can do’ attitude and an adventurous spirit. The strong academic results are a happy by-product of all this.”

The Good Schools Guide “Pupils are eager and committed learners.

They evidently enjoy learning and are ambitious to succeed.”

“Opportunities to participate in a rich panoply of artistic, musical, dramatic, creative and academic clubs and activities abound.”

“The range of opportunities to participate in sporting pursuits, both competitive and recreational, is excellent.”

“Pupils achieve excellent standards in their work and activities.”

Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2014 Ranked 25th in The Times’ UK league table of A level/IB results, August 2014

Within walking distance of Sevenoaks station.

Mini-bus services from Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, West Malling and Oxted.

Now accepting enquiries and applications for September 2015 & 2016 entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+.

Please contact registrar@walthamstowhall.kent.sch.uk for more information.

www.walthamstow-hall.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2014 45

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Sackville

introduces new Headmaster month. I am now looking forward to building on those successes and to leading the school to even greater achievements.

At Sackville we offer an inspiring environment for the education of boys and girls aged 11-18 years and, being a small school, it is easy to know all the children, their parents and staff very well. Uniquely, our small class sizes and individualised teaching methods mean that we are particularly adept at ensuring each student flourishes and we are able to bring the best out of individuals and prepare them for the world – a world which is very different to the one that we, as adults, were prepared for by our teachers.

I

am delighted to have returned to West Kent where I taught for many years as Housemaster at Sevenoaks School, and am excited to take up the position of Headmaster of Sackville School, a wonderful school with a proud tradition. It was a fitting introduction to the students and staff here for me to be able to share in their celebrations of GCSE and A Level results last

It would be a pleasure to share these principles with you in greater detail and I would therefore like to invite you to our upcoming Open Events. Please see our advert or website for details. www. sackvilleschool.co.uk John Hewitt BA MBA Headmaster, Sackville School

We don’t want you to be happy with your child’s progress.

We prefer astounded Come and meet new Headmaster, John Hewitt, at any of our Open Events: • Whole School Open Day: Saturday 20th September • 6th Form Open Evening: Tuesday 7th October • Whole School Open Morning: Wednesday 5th November For further details please contact office@sackvilleschool.co.uk or admissions on 01732 836401

www.sackvilleschool.co.uk Sackville School is part of the Cognita Group of Schools 46 SEPTEMBER 2014

An Independent school for boys and girls aged SACKVILLE 11-18 PE

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SACKVILLE

Babington House School Independent Day School from 3 to 18 years

Open Morning

Saturday, 4th October 2014 9.00 am - 12 noon Headmaster’s address at 10.30 am Come and see for yourself • Now accepting boys to age 11 • Selective Senior School for girls • Co-educational Sixth Form Grange Drive, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5ES Tel: 020 8467 5537 Email: alee@babingtonhouse.com

www.babingtonhouse.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 47

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

Bishop Challoner School 228 Bromley Road, Shortlands, Kent BR2 0BS

OPEN MORNING

Saturday 4th October 9am—12 noon Nursery, Junior, Senior & Sixth Form We offer:  Outstanding Pastoral Care  High Academic Standards  Small Class Sizes  Individual Care and Attention  Strong partnership between Parents, Pupils and Staff  Traditional Values If you would like a Prospectus, an individual tour of the school or any additional information, please contact Sue Long on 020 8460 3546 or email admissions@bishopchallonerschool.com

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angelasswimschool.co.uk 48 SEPTEMBER 2014

*FREE lesson subject to course booking

E D U C AT I O N S P E C I A L

Sydenham High celebrates exam and scholarship success

S

tudents at Sydenham High GDST have been celebrating exceptional exam success, prestigious scholarships and university places this Summer.

A level results brought a 100% pass rate, with three quarters of the Sydenham High students achieved A*/B grades and a third securing A*/A grades. There were also celebrations for places on a wide range of courses at top universities including Cambridge, Edinburgh, Exeter, Manchester, St Andrews and York.

At GCSE, 65% of students gained A*-A grades and 29% achieved specifically A*s, with three girls gaining ten A* grades. Ninety-six per cent of passes were A-C. One very happy student was Katie Mills. Not only did the 16-year old (pictured below with Headteacher Kathryn Pullen) achieve two A*s and eight As, she has also been awarded a nationally sought-after Arkwright Engineering Scholarship which identifies her as one of the country’s future leaders in engineering and technical design.

Katie competed against over 1,300 candidates from across the UK for the renowned Scholarship which will not only provide her with a financial award to support her A level studies but also a range of activities to enhance her understanding and experience of engineering.

Kathryn Pullen, Sydenham High’s Headteacher, said: “I am so proud of our girls in achieving these great results. They’ve all worked hard and had tremendous support from their teachers and parents. Their resilience and determination will stand them in good stead as they progress with their education and into the world of work.”

What makes us different is the difference we make...

From scientific exploration to personal discovery, our outstanding education goes way beyond the curriculum Find out more at our open events: Junior

Sat 27 September 10am-1pm Weds 8 October 9.30-11am

Senior

Sat 20 September 10am-1pm Weds 1 October 9.30-11am

See our website for further Autumn Open Events & bookable Taster Days 020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London, SE26 6BL SEPTEMBER 2014 49

Come and experience some very ‘Smart’ technology!

Beovision Avant Television

B

ang & Olufsen might be nearly 90 years old but the esteemed audio-visual brand shows no signs of slowing down.

The iconic Danish company never stands still, continually evolving its incredible product offering and creating brand new technology to provide customers with truly magical experiences.

In fact, so fast is the manufacturer’s technology progressing that the Beoshop group of Kent-based Bang & Olufsen retailers is inviting people to experience all that the brand has to offer in one convenient visit to their showrooms in Bexleyheath, Bromley, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone.

Anyone who takes the opportunity to call in is certain to be impressed. Available for immediate in-store demonstration is the latest in Smart and ultra high BeoLab 20 wireless speakers definition television technology, wireless loudspeakers and cutting-edge digital audio systems, while the Beoshop group retailers can even explain to customers how their specialisation in home automation can change the way people live!

Bang & Olufsen of Bexleyheath Tel: 0208 303 2760 www.bang-olufsen.com/bexleyheath

50 SEPTEMBER 2014

Most important launch for a decade A perfect illustration of the advancements is the brand new BeoVision Avant television. Billed as the brand’s most important launch for a decade, the 55” television comes at a very competitive price but boasts four times the picture quality of a ‘normal’ HD television. With its Smart functionality viewers can access a whole host of Internet-based services, such as YouTube and BBC iPlayer, and also stream video in ultra high definition from online movie providers. Basically, the television’s Smart technology drastically cuts viewers’ reliance on broadcast schedules.

Smart technology is just one way that the Beoshop group can add convenience to customers’ everyday lives.

By utilising the latest in home automation technology it can revolutionise people’s living environments, offering spacesaving and intelligent solutions that can grow with customers’ lifestyles and offer one-button control of a linked system for everything from entertainment servers to security systems and lighting to heating.

But while the technology available to customers is

Bang & Olufsen of Bromley Tel: 0208 466 8080 www.bang-olufsen.com/bromley

incredibly advanced and offers endless opportunities for individualisation, the Beoshop group prides itself in its ability to explain everything in simple terms and in a relaxed environment over a fresh coffee!

BeoplayH6 Headphones

To experience what Bang & Olufsen and the Beoshop group can do for them, customers are invited to contact their nearest Beoshop showroom.

BeoplayA8 digital audio system

www.beoshop.co.uk

Bang & Olufsen of Maidstone Tel: 01622 756756 www.bang-olufsen.com/maidstone

Bang & Olufsen of Tunbridge Wells Tel: 01892 527 525 www.bang-olufsen.com/tunbridgewells

SEPTEMBER 2014 51

52 SEPTEMBER 2014

WEDDING LIFE THE QUALITY WEDDING GUIDE • SEPTEMBER 2014

A magnificent bespoke wedding Your ultimate wedding planner White hot numbers A stunning location Unique jewellery LOCAL WEDDING SPECIALISTS Adam Swaine Photography 07798 526569 Bromley Register Office Bromley 020 8313 4666 Dominic Walmsley Riverhead 01732 779555 Eastwell Manor Ashford 01233 213020 Flawless Jewellery Westerham. 01959 569 612 Chislehurst 0208 467 5862 Four Jays Group - Nr Maidstone Tel: 01622 843135

Hawes and Curtis Bluewater 01322 624738 Hever Castle Hever 01732 86100 Leia Bluewater 01322 313887 Ron Wilson Toastmaster 0208 467 5959 Mob: 07956 272473 Sweet Sundae Chislehurst 07540 756923 The Bull Hotel Wrotham 01732 789800

SEPTEMBER 2014 53

W E D D I N G S P E C I A L

WHEN ONLY

THE BEST WILL DO….

MAGNIFICENT AND SECLUDED, EASTWELL MANOR PROVIDES THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR THE ULTIMATE BESPOKE WEDDING.

E

astwell Manor, Kent’s leading country house hotel, boasts four AA red stars and two rosettes. The historic manor house, nestling at the foot of the North Downs, stands in beautiful gardens with manicured lawns and offers not only the idyllic setting but a fairy-tale experience.

The bride and groom can choose to have their very special day in its entirety in this wonderful setting. They may choose to hold the ceremony in one of the striking, oak-panelled rooms overlooking the gardens or in the secret, walled garden with its beautiful gazebo.

The wedding breakfast can also be held in one of the private, wood-panelled rooms in the Manor or, for larger numbers, in a marquee in the grounds. The Head Chef has devised some wonderful and varied menus but if the bride and groom would prefer a menu specially created for them he will be delighted to devise one using the finest quality, locally sourced and seasonal products.

The Eastwell Manor wine list is extensive with a large choice in each price range including a good choice of Champagnes and their own “Eastwell Manor” Bauchet Champagne. Naturally if you would prefer to offer something different– for example cocktails or mulled wine – their experienced team will guide you if required.

The Pavilion, Eastwell Manor’s modern building, is a brilliant place to continue the celebration with, should you wish it, a dedicated bar area for the sole use of your guests and ample room for dancing into the night.

Naturally rooms are available at the hotel; residents have full use of the extensive spa facilities and gymnasium. The Manor bedrooms are elegant and romantic whilst the luxury Mews Cottages are perfect for families and groups of friends.

‘Dreams’ Beauty Salon and the golf course are also available for those wishing for a little extra relaxation.

Eastwell Park Boughton Lees, Ashford, Kent TN25 4HR 01233 213000 • www.eastwellmanor.co.uk

54 SEPTEMBER 2014

W E D D I N G S P E C I A L

Ron Wilson M.N.A.T.

Professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies

Congratulations!

Allow me to manage your Reception and I will add that extra 'Touch of Class' and a friendly, happy and jovial atmosphere.

The Family Pendant A perfect gift These three intertwined silver hoops can be hand engraved with the names of your loved ones. £190 plus £4.30 per letter

3 The Square  Riverhead 01732 779 555

www.dominicwalmsley.com

Made in London

I am a cheerful and enthusiastic professional Toastmaster with a friendly and courteous manner. I am proud to have officiated at many Wedding venues in the South East since 1993.

In my familiar red jacket I will add dignity to your Wedding Reception but will also make it special by adding merriment, mirth, and good humour, which I hope will make it the best day in your lives.

Having a competent, approachable and engaging Master of Ceremonies is very important. Whether it is for your wedding, masonic or civil function, banquet, reception or party, I have officiated at all types of functions, from royal banquets to the most casual events.

Member of The National Association of Toastmasters

Telephone 020 8467 5956 • Mobile 07956 272473 Web: www.ronwilson4u.com Email: ronthetoastmaster@hotmail.com

“My heart and I surrender themselves into your hands” Extract from a love letter between Henry V111 and Anne Boleyn

EXCLUSIVE • LUXURIOUS • AWARD WINNING Get married in style at this romantic 13th century moated Castle set in magnificent award winning gardens

• Castle Inner Hall and Dining Room for ceremonies & receptions for up to 40 guests • Exclusive hire of The Astor Wing for up to 64 people • Guthrie Pavilion for up to 200 people • Private lawn for marquee weddings • 28 luxury bedrooms To arrange a visit, have an informal chat or request our wedding brochure please call our wedding co-ordinator on 01732 861800 or email weddings@hevercastle.co.uk. Visit our website for more information.

hevercastle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2014 55

W E D D I N G S P E C I A L

Confectionery and Confetti ♥

♥

T

he use of traditional confectionery at weddings has been a great trend for the last couple of years and the trend is set to carry on!

With a huge rise in vintage style weddings, incorporating homemade touches such as bunting, fabrics such as pearls and lace and shabby chic style décor have become a wedding favourite.

Traditional confectionery for wedding favours and table decorations has also become extremely popular as both compliment each other.

The appeal of traditional sweets is not only the nostalgic value for many guests but also the creative possibilities you can have with confectionery.

Many couples like to incorporate the fun factor into their wedding breakfast with the addition of a sweet cart, filled with delicious sweet treats or for a real vintage look, you can rent an ice cream tricycle filled with a selection of scrumptious ice cream flavours- the perfect addition to a summer wedding.

Sweet Sundae offers a variety of wedding services including: ♥ Creative wedding favours ♥ A range of table decoration ideas including sweet tree’s ♥ Custom made confectionery themed gifts ♥ Sweet cart hire ♥ Vintage Ice cream tricycle hire For more information on Sweet Sundae or any of the products and services above, please phone 07554598616 Sweet Sundae, 13 Chislehurst High Street, BR7 5AB

56 MONTH SEPTEMBER 2013 2014

Sundae Sweet Sundae

Sweet Sundae Sweet Sundae

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SEPTEMBER MONTH 2013 2014 57

W E D D I N G S P E C I A L

Your

Ultimate Wedding Planner BY SARAH O’MEARA

I

n our day-dreams, the romantic proposal of marriage is effortlessly followed by a Cinderella-style wedding day, and the planning process is carefully edited out.

As lovely as these fantasies are, they’re hardly a blueprint for organising the big day.

Whether you’re planning a modest yet elegant affair or a week’s worth of wild hedonism, every dream wedding needs a strong plan to transform it from an idea into reality.

Don’t panic, just make sure you’re asking the right questions at the right time, says wedding planner and author of Wedding Bible Sarah Haywood.

There’s no point in worrying about the details of the day until you’ve made five key decisions.

Your big five are... how, where, when, who and budget.

Do you want a religious or civil ceremony, in which geographic location, at what time of year, who will you invite and how much can you spend?

People rush out and buy magazines and make decisions about having peonies before they know what month the ceremony’s going to be in. You wouldn’t think about furnishing

58 SEPTEMBER 2014

your home, until you’d found the house, would you!

“The Big Five, as I call them in my book, are your road map and until they’ve been agreed upon you can’t get down to the details.”

Follow Haywood’s tips to make sure your wedding day is a success... tWelve to nine months to Go

Having enjoyed the luxury of travelling to venues, perhaps trying on a few gowns and looking at pretty pictures in magazines, now’s the time to firm up those plans.

Imagine that this phase is called ‘Ideas and Decisions’ and that now you’ve got a sense of the key elements which will define the look and style of day, it’s important to hire suppliers who can make sure those are all in place. ✱ Set the date, book the ceremony and venue(s) ✱ Book key suppliers (catering, florist, photography, transport, stationer) ✱ Compile guest list ✱ Book entertainment (band, DJ etc.) ✱ Reserve suits, purchase bridesmaids’ outfits and select wedding gown ✱ Send out ‘Save the Date’ cards/email

nine to three months

don’t forGet:

Having sketched the outline of your wedding and hired the key players, it’s now the fun part - filling in the details of the day and designing your perfect wedding!

Think about what it’s going to look like - and if you’re not sure, get help. It’s important for all the elements to be coordinated otherwise you’ll end up with something random, like a cake that doesn’t work with the venue.

You need a design overview.

✱ Confirm menu ✱ Mail invitations 12 to 8

don’t forGet: ✱ Menu tasting ✱ Choose cake, flowers,

readings and music ✱ Purchase wedding ring(s) ✱ Register for gift list ✱ Choose stationer and agree invitations ✱ Book honeymoon three to one months to Go

At this point, you’ll hopefully be tying everything together, confirming all your plans and adding those final details.

For those who feel that there’s simply too much left to do, or are worried about being stressed on the day, you might consider bringing someone in to bring it all together.

weeks before wedding ✱ Confirm order of service with officiant ✱ One month to go, chase outstanding RSVPs ten days Before the WeddinG

A key point to remember is that if everyone involved has the same expectations of the day, then the day should run smoothly.

If you’ve talked through the Big Five at the beginning, then any last minute controversies should be avoided.

Listen to suggestions from friends and family throughout the process. Some people just want to be heard and by hearing them out, you know they’ll be supportive on the day - even if you’ve ignored what they said! don’t forGet: ✱ Confirm final guest numbers with venue and caterer ✱ Collect Orders of Service, menu and place cards if necessary ✱ Prepare ‘Wedding Day Schedule’ and distribute as required ✱ Confirm shot list with photographer

Cosy Country Wedding “My own fairytale come true at The Bull Hotel” Sue & Lazarus

Country wedding with a rustic style Our big day was a dream come true, with my vintage lace Justin Alexander dress I felt like I was in a fairytale. I was able to have a magical, relaxed country wedding with a rustic style and The Bull Hotel in Wrotham gave me everything I could have wished for and more.

Four-poster suite and bubbly On the morning of my wedding day, I had a freshly cooked full English breakfast with some of my guests who were also staying at the hotel. Then I had my hair and makeup done in my spacious and stylish four-poster suite with 5 of my bridesmaids, alongside some bubbly to ease the wedding day nerves, although The Bull’s owner Martin Deadman and staff made me feel very comfortable and relaxed. Then we all headed to The Lost Village of Dode, a magical ancient venue near The Bull where Lazarus and I tied the knot.

Starred Wedding Breakfast The very touching speeches were followed by the Australian Spee’Wah sparkling wine, Martin’s sublime suggestion for the toast. We were given a wide selection of food for our threecourse meal. The Harvel House pork belly was my first option and definitely the best decision as my guests loved it and it was sourced locally. The outstanding quality and presentation of the two AA Rosette

and a Michelin listing menu made our special day just that bit more wonderful.

Our 100 evening guests arrived later on for a varied buffet and disco.

Exclusive use of The Hotel The Bull Hotel staff looked after us extremely well from the very first meeting. The whole venue was decorated for our wedding reception in pink and ivory flowers, sashes, candles and bunting to create a warm and peaceful atmosphere for my guests. We had the whole hotel exclusively for our family and friends, which made it personal and intimate; our wedding day was a unique celebration!

THE BULL HOTEL The Bull Hotel is a Four AA Star inn with 11 ensuite bedrooms. The restaurant at The Bull has recently won the coveted Two AA Rosette and is listed in The Michelin Guide 2015. Please contact us to arrange a viewing and tasting.

Thank you very much to Sue & Lazarus who generously shared with us their story and photos. We wish you every happiness.

The Bull Hotel Bull Lane Wrotham Kent TN15 7RF T 01732 789 800 • www.thebullhotel.com

Photos: Stephen Minett and Simon Greenstreet.

SEPTEMBER 2014 59

Four Jays Group All you require for your special day available from this professional local company.

Whether you require a marquee, furniture, china, chiller trailers or prestige toilets, one phone call is all it takes to discuss what you dream of.

Contact Four Jays on

01622 843135

enquiries@fourjays.co.uk or see

www.fourjays.co.uk.

ADAM SWAINE PHOTOGRAPHY

Interiors Weddings Landscape 07798 526 569 www.adamswaine.co.uk

adamswaine@rocketmail.com 60 SEPTEMBER 2014

ANY LUXURY SUIT, FORMAL SHIRT & TIE

£235

hawesandcurtis.co.uk T&C’s: This only applies to the £199 suits, formal shirts. This does not apply to the knitted ties.

We reserve the right to withdraw this offer at any given time.

SEPTEMBER 2014 61

W E D D I N G S P E C I A L

STUNNING

White Hot Numbers

BY LISA HAYNES

YOU MIGHT ASSOCIATE FALLING IN LOVE AND FINDING ‘THE ONE’ WITH YOUR HUSBAND-TO-BE, BUT THE VERY SAME PRINCIPLES APPLY TO YOUR WEDDING DRESS.

J

ust as you need to kiss a few frogs in the dating world, the search for your dream frock can be a real journey.

You’re looking for the right shape, the right shade and exactly the right amount of sparkles, feathers or flounce.

If in doubt, turn to the catwalks for inspiration. Bridal designers are seasons ahead of the aisle game so you can tap into the fashion mood for your upcoming nuptials.

Check out the trends and find a wedding ensemble you’ll be smitten with. Fabrics to fall for Satin, silk, tulle, taffeta - the bridal options are endless but one fabric is sending everyone wild. “For this season, it’s lace, lace and more lace,” explains Susi Rogol, editor of trade magazine Bridal Buyer.

Not only as full-on gowns, but as accents too. “Lace is being used in little sculpted shrugs to give a hint of cover-up through to strapless gowns and as detachable straps to complete top layers,” says Rogol.

Meanwhile edgier brides are loving laser-cut fabrics to create surface texture and 3D effects, also achieved with swirls of ribbons or fabric forming an entire skirt of flowers or petals.

BRIDING YOUR TIME If you’re looking ahead to a wedding next year, look back in time for inspiration. 2013 will be a vintage year, according to Rogol. “Vintage is the direction that every influential designer is taking, harking back to the Thirties and Fifties in particular.

“So, slinky body-clinging dresses in slippery satins with clever fabric manipulation to form shape and accentuate curve on one hand, boat necklines and ballerina lengths on the other.”

Think Audrey Hepburn for inspiration, with Fifties hallmark details like nipped-in waists, bell skirts and crisp silhouettes.

SWEET ON SILHOUTTE Use your body as a guide to choosing a shape that will flatter as you saunter down the aisle. There are two major silhouettes this season: curve-enhancing fishtails or retro ballgown styles.

Samantha Neville, founder of Mamfii Bridal, says: “Fishtail shapes accentuate the classic hourglass figure and look fabulous in full lace, or very simply made in the finest silk duchess where the beauty of the gown is all in the fabric and cut.

“Ballgowns are cut with a slightly lower waist, ensuring a flatteringfit for all figures. Damask fabrics are making a comeback in classicshapes and are a beautiful choice for the fashion-forward bride, as are softer fabrics such as tulle and chiffon but cut into a fuller shape.”

HEART THE HIGH STREET For brides who are short on time or cash flow, buying off-the-peg is the obvious option and, thankfully, the trusty high street is going from strength to strength.

“It’s obviously a completely different experience to buy your wedding gown from the high street to experiencing the service of a boutique,” Neville warns.

“But stores such as Coast and Monsoon have some lovely styles that are both stylish and cost-effective.”

Increasingly, big bridal manufacturers are also introducing diffusion lines at accessible prices so brides can still get a killer cut andperfect fit, all within budget.

62 SEPTEMBER 2014

a stunning location for your ceremony

Bromley Palace Our beautiful ceremony rooms and stunning grounds are the perfect backdrop to your special day • Weddings • Civil Partnerships • Renewal of Vows • Naming Ceremonies

© Camilla Harney

© BVF Photography

© Camilla Harney

Civic Centre, Stockwell Close, Bromley BR1 3UH www.bromley.gov.uk/gethitched 0300 303 8667

SEPTEMBER 2014 63

W E D D I N G S P E C I A L

We’ve been speaking to Robert Bicknell, director of

Flawless Jewellery.

Rob, tell us about the two rings on the opposite page.

“The engagement ring is our signature design, The Aurora. We spent a long time perfecting the design so each diamond is flooded with light and looks as sparkly as possible.

It fits perfectly next to the wedding ring meaning that there is no gap between the two rings, making them extremely comfortable.

The wedding band is grain set with diamonds, and is just one of our range of handmade wedding rings.

Tell us a little bit about Flawless Jewellery.

“I started Flawless as a workshop in Hatton Garden. We gradually got busier and decided to open our first shop in Chislehurst in 2007. That went from strength to strength and in 2012 we opened shop number 2, based in Westerham.”

Where is your jewellery made?

“Every piece of our jewellery is made and designed in-house by our award winning team. Both our shops have workshops on site, so customers are reassured that their jewellery doesn’t leave our premises.”

Who makes your jewellery?

“I’m the main designer and Diamond Mounter, but we have a strong team of specialists here.

I trained to become a Diamond Mounter when I left school in 1988. I spent 5 years carrying out a traditional apprenticeship and have since taught apprentices of my own.

As well as making jewellery, we also remodel, repair, re-size, clean and value it. Everything is done on-site.

What kind of jewellery do you sell?

“Because each piece is made from scratch, we can make anything! We like to call our style classic with a twist.

We have a wide range of handmade wedding rings and engagement rings in both stores, as well as other unique pieces of jewellery. We try to cater for all tastes and budgets.

We also stock jewellery by the talented Laura Gravestock, we think her jewellery works well alongside our own designs and we always try to champion emerging talent. ”

Can your customers design their own jewellery?

Yes, we do a lot of bespoke work, our in-house design service makes it really easy.

Customers can come in with their own idea, or they can ask us to design something especially for them.

We go through the design process with them, and their piece is then made from scratch to fit their style and their budget.”

You mentioned that you had an Award Winning team?

Yes, in the last couple of years we’ve very proudly been awarded some special accolades. I was honoured last year to receive Professional Jeweller’s Hot 100 award, which is given to individuals in the trade who’ve made an outstanding contribution.

Kaylie, who manages our Westerham boutique, has just received a Shop Floor Star award, one of only 20 in the whole of Britain. This is for jewellery professionals who go the extra mile for their customers and team members.

As a team we’ve also been named an Inspiring Independent by Retail Jeweller, and have twice been finalists in the Customer Service category of the Bromley Business Awards.

64 SEPTEMBER 2014

Flawless Jewellery Bespoke jewellery, handmade by us at our Kent workshops.

Our signature design, The Aurora ring has been specially designed by our award winning jeweller to enhance the sparkle of any diamond.

Shown here perfectly fitted next to a diamond wedding band.

21 High Street Westerham Kent TN16 1RA 01959 569 612

info@flawless-jewellery.co.uk www.flawless-jewellery.co.uk

50 Green Lane Chislehurst Kent BR7 6AQ 020 8467 5862 SEPTEMBER 2014 65

速

W E D D I N G S P E C I A L

A baby bear in Ontario

DISCOVERING THE BEAR NECESSITIES IN CANADA for the Honeymoon with a difference

S

”

ee? She’s not interested in you,” says Al Errington, pointing at a black bear who is a mere 10ft away from where I’m standing.

We’re on the appropriately named Bear Point, a leafy enclave three miles east of the Errington’s Resort, which is nestled within Chapleau, the largest crown game preserve in the world. Al runs the resort with his welcoming wife Doris and an entourage of wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable guides and staff.

I’m not entirely convinced, but fortunately Al, the warm and responsible owner of Errington’s Wilderness Island Resort in Northern Ontario, Canada, has his trusty garden rake with him to scare the bear away.

But friendly isn’t a word I’d use to describe the animal standing in front of me right now.

That’s right. A garden rake.

“The bears hate the sound of the rake scraping on the floor,” explains Al, who bears his teeth and makes a sheep-like noise in the bear’s direction.

66 SEPTEMBER 2014

Al Errington demonstrating how to make fire at the resort

“The bear is too busy eating,” Al reassures me. “But we want to make sure that they are instilled with a fear of humans, which is why I scrape the rake on the ground.”

W E D D I N G S P E C I A L

Typical wood cabin at the resort

To keep the bears at bay, the Erringtons save up their food waste and drop it off at Bear Point.

Bear numbers have dwindled in recent years and Al knows that if the bears are hungry, they’re more likely to go on the prowl for food. But today, this bear seems too engrossed in picking apart half-eaten fish, eggs and veggie scraps to start sizing us up.

Guests can stand on Bear Point with Al and his guides at their own risk, and they only ever ask people up when they’ve sussed out the bear and seen that it is safe for a few guests to join them.

Those who prefer not to be within touching (or clawing distance) of the female bear, congregate in boats on the surrounding lake. At just 40ft away, there is still ample opportunity to observe the “grrs”, as the locals call them, take some snaps and relax.

Afternoon BBQ at an island near the resort

The entrance to Errington’s Wilderness Resort

Agawa Canyon Train in Ontario

Many lodges wouldn’t be able to offer the chance to see a bear in its natural habitat, but Erringtons is no run-of-themill wilderness getaway. Al and Doris have made it their business to know everything about this area. Generous with their time and knowledge, they’re keen to make sure that every guest leaves knowing a little more about their beautiful patch too.

After a talk by our guide Ivan, a sprightly 81-year-old who used to be the chief of a native Canadian tribe, the patio doors are opened up, so we can soak in the beauty of the night sky.

There’s a cry in the distance.

“How do you tell the difference between a loon (a type of duck who reside in the lakes surrounding Errington’s) call and a wolf’s cry?” Al asks as our eyes nervously dart around the porch.

“A wolf cry makes the hair on the back

of your neck stand up,” he laughs.

It is just a loon call after all, but judging by the upright hairs on the back on my craned neck, you wouldn’t know it.

But there’s a more relaxing treat in store.

Looking up, we are treated to a blanket of sparkling stars and the faint green shadow of the Northern Lights, dulled by the light of the full moon.

While those of us accustomed to light pollution in our own cities are in total awe, it’s nice to see that Al and the others are just as charmed by the starry display.

“In the summer, we sometimes like to take out a picnic blanket and watch the sky,” Al chips in.

Considering the bear is a mere three miles away, I feel blissfully safe as I take one last peep at the stars, before heading Boats docked at the harbour at the resort

Resort owner Al Errington and cook Frank making lunch at one of the islands near the resort

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2014 2014 67 67

W E D D I N G S P E C I A L Top Left: Black bear feasting on food scraps at Bear Point near Erringtons’ food waste site at the resort

to my cabin where the diligent staff have kept a fire burning all day long.

Armed with five layers of practical clothing and a growing cushion around my middle, thanks to plentiful hearty meals at the resort, I feel sufficiently prepared the next morning to join Ivan for a spot of fishing in Wabatongushi Lake, the water that boarders the resort.

A baby grouse in the grounds of the resort

Guests are split into pairs and given the task of finding a catch of the day for lunch.

I’m told that the water is full of walleye, pike and perch, but they don’t want to take a bite on my bait today. In fact, all I’ve caught so far is weeds and a small, unappetising log.

It seems that I am in the minority of poor fisher folk, as everyone else manages to snap up juicy fish, which is later battered and fried on a barbecue.

As well as fish, we’re treated to sweetcorn fritters, homemade baked beans, steaming mugs of coffee and afterwards, if we can fit it in, a giant homebaked cookie.

To make sure we don’t doze into a food coma, Al and young guide Brad demonstrate how to make a fire using a bow drill, while at the table, Ivan is telling an enraptured crowd about his hunts over the years. “I’ve caught 19 moose,” he says, between mouthfuls of fresh fish. “But I’d

The harbour at the resort

68 SEPTEMBER 2014

like to make it 20.”

According to Ivan, moose do crop up in the bushes and wade out in the lake around Errington’s, their antlers ‘rising up’ from the water. So far, though, they have shied away from us.

But it’s hard to feel disappointed with our lack of moose spots after we rack up several sightings of circling turkey vultures, a lone mink swimming in the lake, chipmunks feeding off peanuts on the stairs to the lodge, baby grouse, a gaggle of loons and three separate glimpses of black bears.

As we leave the lodge, laden with maps and homemade biscuits, we’re told to come back again soon. And I think I will do just that, but next time, I’m taking my own rake.

Perhaps not an obvious choice of a honeymoon venue, but certainly one to remember!

TRAVEL FACTS ● Keeley Bolger was a guest of the Ontario tourist board. A three-night American Plan/Full Board vacation package at Errington’s Wilderness Island Resort (www.wildernessisland.com) costs 771 CDN dollars per person, including all meals and boat rides. ● Air Canada (www.aircanada.com; 0871 220 1111) offers flights from London Heathrow to Toronto from £676.11, including taxes.

Furniture AV6000 Polar W hite £16,000. Appliances Miele £ 6,000. Worktops Silestone Blanco Zeus Quartz £4,000.

Kitchens, sofas, beds, wardrobes, bookcases, mirrors, tables, chairs, coffee tables and sideboards... there is no end to our product range. We just love furniture and our sole objective is to create products of beauty, rich in quality and daring in combination.

For all enquiries contact us on 01892 619 721 or email sales@krieder.com alternatively view our products online at www.krieder.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 69

&

H E A LT H B E A U T Y

W

Beauty Salon -v- Aesthetic Clinic

hilst skin care & Beauty treatments are at the full front of both, the biggest difference between a Beauty Salon & an Aesthetic Clinic is the treatments that you can expect to receive there.

In today’s advancing technology in the Beauty & Aesthetic industry, the question to why clients choose a Beauty Salon over An Aesthetic Clinic for their Aesthetic procedures & Advanced beauty therapy.

A Beauty Salons focus is more about pampering, and would generally offer a visit from a Medical Practitioner for Aesthetic & Advanced procedures, whilst all personnel working in an Aesthetic Clinic are on hand every day, are medically trained and offer years’ of experience.

The Willow Tree Health & Aesthetic Clinic Ltd. A small private clinic in the heart of Hextable, run and owned by a Fully Trained & Qualified Nurse and an Aesthetic Consultant with over 30 years’ experience in the skin care industry, having worked with Mr David Ross FRCS (Plastic Surgeon) and Jonathon Britto FRCS (Plastic Surgeon). Specialising in Anti – Aging, Skin Rejuvenation & Aesthetics, also offering Advanced Beauty Treatments & Slimming Techniques.

A Truly unique clinic for both men & women in a secluded position with private parking.

Why Choose Us? With so many Aesthetic Clinics available it is difficult to know whom to trust, being a small independent Clinic we offer a friendly, professional service, all our staff are medically trained & have years of experience. We are happy to take the time to explain procedures in detail, we are members of NATHNAC, NMC, IHBC and BACN. And we are happy to announce we are CQC registered for quality care, quality treatments and ethical practices, coupled with experience, knowledge and the very best skills available.

There is only one name to trust; The Willow Tree Private Health & Aesthetic Clinic Ltd

70 SEPTEMBER 2014

The Willow Tree Clinic Claremont Road, Hextable, Kent BR8 7QZ Reception Tel/Fax: 01322 662299 Email. info@thewillowtreeclinic.co.uk

Treatments Overview • • • • • • • • • • •

Complementary skin analysis PRP hair loss IPL Hair removal Wrinkle Relaxing Injections L.E.D Light Therapy Dermal Fillers Skin Rejuvenation Dermaroller Mesotherapy Medical Face Peels Microdermabrasion

• • • • • • • •

3D Lipo Fat & Cellulite treatments Thread Vein & Skin Tag removal Milia, Mole & Lump removal Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) PRP Therapy (cell renewal injections) Obagi skin range (including Nu-Derm) Private GP and Nurse appointments Yellow Fever, Cholera, Shingles. (full list available on request) • Private GP Services, A fully confidential service.

• • •

• • • •

PRP Therapy FOR Hair Loss in MEN & WOMEN 3 Sessions for £500 Usually £300 a session!!!

Holiday Vaccinations Well Men & Women Health Checks, complete packages available Wound & Leg ulcer Management (Able to treat with new advances platelet rich plasma technique) Phlebotomy – blood testing Sexual Health Screening Smear Tests Prostate Cancer Screening

Natalie Potter – Fully qualified Beauty therapist, and semi-permanent

makeup consultant Coming from an award winning beauty salon, Natalie has been trained in semipermanent make up, and has developed the skills and attributes to perform this highly skilled treatment to an extremely professional standard.

Natalie is a fully qualified beauty therapist, who has built up her own successful salon, and now wants to succeed in helping the patients of the Willow Tree Medical Centre.

Price List . Eyebrows . Hair strokes or blocks £300 . Eyeliner thin top/bottom £150 . Eyeliner thick top/bottom £200 . Lip liner £150 . Lip liner and blush £300 25% off all new clients Cancer patients after remission and alopecia patients will be treated free of charge.

Course of 6 for £500!

1 Cryolipolysis – 1 Area for £79!

Why 3D-lipo?

Cavitation, Cryolipolysis and Radio Frequency

Its new 3 Dimensional approach to the problem ensures that nothing else offers such a complete and effective solution, offering your clients a true alternative to liposuction.

Unlike other lipo offerings that utilize Diode Laser (I-Lipo, Strawberry and Laser Lipo) our technology, Cavitation + Cryolipolysis, physically destroys the fat cell. The advantage of this is that the client is not required to exercise post treatment in order to metabolize the released fat which is a significant advantage over existing methods. Added to this ,with the combination of Radio frequency and 3D-Dermology, you are able to combine an effective skin tightening application for both face and body and also target cellulite.

Please take the time to explore the products more fully to appreciate the theory of this exciting new and advanced combination of technologies. We also provide a choice of equipment to suit your needs with the 3D+ containing the Cryo and 3D-dermology as extra features.

Christine Sheehy Bsc Dip.Sports Mass.NWIC MCThA – Fully qualified and

experienced professional therapist.

Specialises in treating illness and injury through sports massage, nutrition, aromatherapy and reiki. . Sports Massage - 1 hour £45, 30 mins £30 . Back problems . Nutrition therapy and supplement advice – First appointment £60, follow up £45 . Aromatherapy - 1 hour £45, 30 mins £30 . Reiki - 1 hour £45, 30 mins £30 Special 25% Introductory Discount

Tania Waller Complementary Therapist and Founder Member/Teacher/ Practitioner of International Neuroflexology Guild Reflexology · Neuroflexology · Crystal Healing Indian Head Massage · Reiki Thermo-Auricular Therapy (Hopi) Food Sensitivity Testing by Hair Analysis New Therapy – CPD for Therapists NEUROFLEXOLOGY Certificate of Competency on completion of Course Requirements. Case Studies required.

Part 1: Friday 17th October 2014 London College of Massage, London WC1X 8TX 10am-5pm Part 2: Friday 20th February 2015 London College of Massage, London WC1X 8TX 10am-3.00pm Fee: 170 for Part 1 & 2 For further info: www.neuroflexology.com

SEPTEMBER 2014 71

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POST-SUMMER SOS

S

ouvenirs and postcards may not be the only reminder of your summer holidays. All that sun, sea and sand can wreak havoc on your appearance once you’re home.

Your tan is fading fast, and your complexion feels as dry as your flip-flopweathered feet.

The opportunities for prolonged sun damage have been heightened this year after an uncharacteristically hot British summer, so make time for some restorative beauty SOS. Get a glow that transcends the seasons with our post-sun repair guide.

SUN-PARCHED SKIN If you’ve done a little too much sun worshipping, dehydrated skin may not be your only facial woe. Fine lines, irregular pigmentation and age spots are all signs of sun damage.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly, £24.99 (Boots)

72 SEPTEMBER 2014

“After exposing your skin to the sun for prolonged periods of time, skin becomes fragile and damaged, which is not always visible to the human eye,” warns cosmetic doctor Dr Rakus.

“Invest in a repairing treatment like HydraFacial, which combines gentle but deep exfoliation with hydrating and antioxidant-rich serums that provide an immediate glow. It also removes dead skin cells, and can improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, caused by sun damage.”

FRAZZLED ENDS Beachy hair doesn’t quite cut it back in the city. If your ends are looking split and damaged, use an intensive leave-in conditioner one or two nights a week to nourish severely dehydrated hair.

Prevent further breakage by booking in for a post-holiday trim. “A good hairdresser will know the difference between a nice, ratty end and the kind that’s dry and overworked from too much sun,” says Luke Herseshon, creative director of Hershesons salons.

“You don’t have to go for a blunt cut in order to tidy it up. Instead, ask for a maintenance cut that will take away the dryness, yet leave soft, fluid, slightly

undone ends that don’t look ruler-straight.”

FADING TAN When you’re a selfconfessed human sundial, there’s nothing worse than seeing your vacation tan peel, flake or fade away in a week.

Keep your glow going for longer with a little fakery from a bottle.

“Use a gradual tan body moisturiser on alternate days to keep your rich golden hue going for longer,” advises Jules Heptonstall, St.Tropez tanning and skin finishing expert. “ On the days you’re not using a St Tropez Gradual gradual tan, lock in moisture Tan Everyday Body with a rich body butter to Light/Medium, £14.50 (Boots) maintain your glow - I like aloe vera-based body butters, as they cool the skin and reduce the chances of peeling.”

The skin cell renewal cycle on the face is more rapid than the body, so Heptonstall warns that fading is quicker.

“Use a light mist of self tan spray on your face each night after your holiday for a subtle, natural looking tan and to ensure

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H E A LT H B E A U T Y your face and body are the same tone,” he advises.

1.

2.

3.

SPLIT NAILS If you’ve been a water baby on holiday, it’s possible your nails are bearing the brunt of your butterfly stroke. It doesn’t matter if you’re splashing around in the sea, pool or spa jacuzzi, your nails absorb water, which weakens the structure.

“Excess sun won’t damage your nails but water will,” explains Marian Newman, nail technician for MAC. “The nail plate is 10 times more absorbent than skin and when the water eventually evaporates, it strips some of the natural oils and moisture, drying out your nail and causing peeling.”

Newman advises keeping your nails strengthened and protected with a polish.

“E ven if it’s just a clear varnish, reapplying every few days prevents water getting in there and helps to keep them healthy.”

4.

1: Hand Chemistry Heel Hydration Complex, £14.99 (Boots);

FLIP-FLOP FEET

2: Soltan Aftersun Lotion with Tan

A summer spent padding around in flip-flops sounds pretty dreamy, but your soles will be anything but. The lack of heel cushioning or shock absorption can lead to a build-up of calluses and hard skin.

Prolonger, £7 (Boots);

3: Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment, £29.50 (www.aveda.co.uk);

“If too much time passes between a pedicure, hard skin can build up and more intense work is needed to get them back to being beautiful,” says c elebrity pedicurist Glenis Baptiste.

4: Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi Electronic Foot File, £39.99 (Boots);

“Get into the habit of moisturising feet daily, and try and incorporate a foot-care routine into your weekly beauty schedule to repair post-summer damage. A product like Scholl’s Velvet Smooth Express Pedi is brilliant for removing unsightly hard skin quickly.”

6: ESPA Optimal Body Triserum, £38 (www.espaskincare.com);

5: Phytoplage After Sun Recovery Mask, £16 (Space NK);

7: Dove Caring Protection Shower Gel, £1.99 (Boots)

DULL TRESSES Lots of sun may give your skin a healthy colour, but it can have the opposite effect on hair. This is less pronounced on sunkissed blondes than rich, dark tones, though.

5.

6.

7.

“The sun is notorious for fading reds and brunettes and t here’s no real way of regaining the vibrancy without undergoing a recolour,” says Jennie Roberts, Ojon treatment technician.

“Once that’s done, protect your colour with a colour sustain shampoo and conditioner , which will help to seal in your colour. A product like Ojon’s Color Sustain Pro Fade Fighter Glossing Cream can also be used as a styling aid to seal the cuticle.”

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H E A LT H B E A U T Y

TRIED & TESTED Somewhere between a gloss and balm, lip crayons are the hottest way to colour your pout. Our testers apply three glossy sticks: L’Oreal Paris Glam Shine Balmy Gloss in Sin for Peach, £6.99 (Boots) This sorbet peach colour is perfect for high summer. The shine finish wears off pretty quickly, so re-applications are required throughout the day, but it left a peachy stain and felt hydrating on my lips.

4/5 Topshop Lip Crayon in Wave Goodbye, £7 (www.topshop.com) I love the fact this product resembles a pencil case crayon. The colour is a wearable, soft pink that was easy to apply and left a glossy finish. Best applied over exfoliated lips for a smooth finish.

4/5

Bourjois Paris Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Peach on the Beach, £7.99 (Boots/Superdrug) Unlike lipsticks which can be drying, this feels really moisturising. It gives a radiant hint of peachy colour that’s perfect for everyday wear, but the hydrating effect didn’t quite last the 10 hours promised on the stick.

5/5

BEAUTY BULLETIN

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BEACH BUMS

74 SEPTEMBER 2014

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H E A LT H

hB eE A a Ul Tt Yh b e aut y

VARICOSE VEINS Michael Gaunt is a specialist consultant with over 25 years’ experience tackling varicose veins. He has warned against the dangers of ignoring the problems – or viewing them as primarily a cosmetic concern.

With clinics specialising in treating varicose and thread veins in Harley Street, London, Cambridge, Norwich and Bury St. Edmunds, Mr. Gaunt has treated more than 4,000 patients and he outlines the dangers of dismissing potential problems which could ultimately lead to a host of complications including veins bursting, clotting or even deep vein thrombosis.

He said: “Varicose veins are often considered a cosmetic condition but if neglected, they can result in complications.

“Fortunately, most modern techniques for treating varicose veins are associated with very good long-term results.

“Minimally invasive local anaesthetic procedures can be used to treat varicose veins on a walk-in, walk-out basis.

“This leaves the patient with minimal pain following the procedure, with practically an immediate return to normal activity.”

Specialising in both the Endovenous Laser and Clarivein techniques, Mr Gaunt has built up a reputation as one of the country’s eminent venous experts.

The treatments he offers include foam sclerotherapy,

Endovenous Laser, VNUS and Clarivein – the proven technique from the USA where a chemical is sprayed into the vein, sealing it and preventing the varicose vein from reappearing.

In his three decades working on varicose veins, Mr Gaunt is only too aware that one of the biggest problems is one of ignorance.

He explained: “At least 20% of the adult population suffer with some form of varicose veins. While in the developing stages problems may be cosmetic, they can lead to far bigger concerns if left untreated.

“The condition can deteriorate and a variety of complications may occur, ranging from leg swelling, ulcers and pigmentation of the skin around the ankles.

“There are occasions when veins can burst causing bleeding, or the blood within the veins can clot leading to painful inflammation known as phlebitis.”

“Varicose veins can affect men just as much as they can affect women.

Men tend to cover their legs up more, so the problem may be hidden away and ignored; with some men only seeking treatment when their veins become very large and complications start to occur.

“It is important to target varicose veins before they become a significant problem, as without medical treatment varicose veins always deteriorate, sometimes suddenly, and complications may have a major impact on daily activities.”

For those wanting to discover more, or who may be worried about potential problems, Mr Gaunt offers mini-consultations to perform an initial assessment and discuss potential treatments.

More information on treatment options at his clinics in London, Cambridge, Norwich and Bury St. Edmunds can be found by calling 01223 305858 or visiting www.michaelgaunt.com.

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Patella Instability The Patella-femoral Joint

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made from the history of symptoms and is confirmed by examination and investigations that include special x-rays. An MRI scan helps to plan surgery.

What is the Treatment?

Mr. Bobby Anand

The patella-femoral joint is the articulation between the kneecap (patella) over the thigh bone (Femur)

First time dislocations can be managed with good physiotherapy to restore muscle balance. If the dislocation occurs again surgery is worth considering. Surgery can also help those who have a persistent feeling of instability or lack of confidence in their knee.

There are 3 main surgical options. I don’t think lateral release surgery is helpful as an isolated procedure.

The operations that can help depend on the anatomical cause of the problem. This usually means performing one or a combination of: The MPFL reconstruction, tuberosity osteotomy and trochleoplasty. These are highly specialist operations and can deliver high satisfaction rates and positively transform patient’s quality of life.

The thighbone (femur) has a “V” shaped groove to accommodate the moving kneecap. In a normal knee, the kneecap fits nicely in this groove. When the kneecap slips out of the groove (dislocates), problems of instability and pain often result.

The kneecap can dislocate with direct trauma to the knee.

However, more commonly the kneecap will dislocate with very little force due to an underlying abnormality with the joint. The problem can start in the teens but may go undiagnosed until later in life. The most common abnormity is a shallow or flat groove that fails to adequately hold the knee cap in place.

What are the Symptoms?

The first dislocation results in swelling and pain. Following this some patients experience a persisting feeling of instability, lack of confidence in the knee and further episodes of the kneecap slipping out. The persistent symptoms can be extremely disabling and sadly can sometimes be overlooked.

Patella instability can present with a range of symptoms, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis and have treatment by a specialist knee surgeon with an interest in this complex area of knee surgery.

If you are concerned that you or a family member may have a problem with Patella Instability you may wish to seek advice from Mr Bobby Anand, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon based at North Downs Hospital.

To book an appointment ring 01883 337440/442 or enquire online www.northdownshospital.co.uk

You deserve the best…

we’ll treat you that way.

Leading specialists, short waiting times, free parking, modern facilities and great meals. North Downs Hospital is where you can get the quality local healthcare you deserve, when you need it.

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For more information call:

08436 585 307 www.northdownshospital.co.uk 4 6 Tu p w o o d L a n e , C a t e r h a m , S u r r e y C R 3 6 D P 76 SEPTEMBER 2014

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FA S H I O N

The Seasonal

Shift W

hen it comes to the seasons, fashion is always one giant leap ahead. We might be just packing away our holiday bikinis but the high street is fully immersed in winter coat mode.

Take advantage of the sales markdowns by investing in trans-seasonal pieces that work for awkward inbetween climates. It’s all about mixing and matching staples from both seasons, so you don’t get caught out by freakish forecasts.

Whether you want to be reunited with dark clothing or lighten the mood with pastels, there’s a transitional look to suit.

Add a touch of seasoning to your wardrobe with our styling tricks.

PASTEL BRIGHTENER Good news if you’ve become addicted to summer’s sorbet-inspired shades; they’re sticking around for next season. Pastels are the ideal tonic for easing your way into a wintry palette.

These pale tones will give any outfit an instant lift, particularly with outerwear you can throw over dark outfits for a pop of colour. For a clean, fresh look, try a collarless coat in mint green, baby blue or candy pink.

To make the distinction between heatwave pastels and icy pastels, keep the textures heavier.

SMART LAYERS One of the major advantages of good transition wear is its adaptability in fluctuating temperatures.

Layer up in the morning so you can add or remove clothing easily as the thermometer dictates.

Use a cami or tee as your base layer, add a superfine knit on top, and then a lightweight jacket. While kimonos can look too summery, a duster coat is the ideal transitional cover-up. Lightweight, long and loose, wear with heels to elongate your silhouette.

For a more substantial cover-up, try a fluid trench coat in a versatile tone that you can wear loose or belted. Roll up the sleeves if temperatures are still balmy.

MIDI MODE Fur gilet, £28; blouse, £20; jeans, £26; hat, £14; shoes, £27; all Dorothy Perkins (www.dorothyperkins.com)

78 SEPTEMBER 2014

If shorts and minis suddenly feel too summery but you’re not ready for opaques, reach for a midi skirt.

Hovering around your shins, it’s the perfect length

FA S H I O N

Shirt, £36; sweater, £28; floral pleat midi skirt, £28; ponyskin mules, £55; all Next (www.next.co.uk)

Printed shirt dress, £65; Wallis (www.wallis.co.uk)

Pink coat, £120; white cami, £22; wide leg trousers, £40; all Wallis (www.wallis.co.uk)

Mademoiselle skirt, £29; Mademoiselle blouse, £29; Mademoiselle sweater, £35; Prix Mini bag, £19; all La Redoute (www.laredoute.co.uk)

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2014 79 2014 79

FA S H I O N to wear without tights but still maintain coverage.

collar and cuffs.

Florals are on trend for both S/S14 and A/W14 seasons but, for autumn, they’re moodier with a darker base. Continue wearing your favourite floral skirts and trousers but tone them down by teaming with stark, White Stuff Dreaming black separates.

Away blue scarf,

For a sleek look, opt for a pencil skirt.

Full, flared skirts will give you a statement silhouette, so pare down the wow factor for daytime with a T-shirt or sweatshirt.

In warmer weather, wear your midi with block heel sandals and switch for socks and ankle boots when temperatures cool.

STYLING RE-SPIN Before you splurge on trans-seasonal staples, examine what you have hanging up in your wardrobe. You can completely transform a piece of clothing with some re-styling tweaks.

EFFECTIVE EXTRAS

If you’ve been wearing a shirt dress during the summer, give it an autumnal edge by buttoning up to the neck and adding a statement necklace. You Office Chaplin can also work stirrup ankle a flimsy print boots, shirt by £90 (www. wearing a office. co.uk) jumper over the top and exposing your

Get the Look When you’re One in 10 Brits sporting to-diea profit. Almost two for heels, wear a according to the poll dip hemline like trend on the increase, TV presenter Cat Deeley to show them Embrace the off.are Channel Stuff giving away her snakeskin The colourful special Louboutins with available on England River Island’s Blue Snake Contrast Toe Point Courts, £50, exclusively online (www. riverisland. com).

80 SEPTEMBER 2014

£22.50 (www.whitestuff.com)

Never underestimate the power of accessories for making your outfit seasonally appropriate. You can step into autumn while still wearing your favourite summer dress, with a pair of smart ankle boots or loafers.

As the thermometer drops, up your accessorising game by adding tights and a scarf or snood. The transition piece of the season? Make like a Burberry model with an on-trend blanket poncho which you can drape nonchalantly over your shoulders.

If you can’t bear to let go of your sandals yet, chunkier styles transcend the seasons when worn with tights. Just stick to neutral dark colours and try and avoid a sandal/tight combo on rainy days!

Pink and grey check coat, £65; pastel pink ponyhair top, £30; pink mini skirt, £26; all Dorothy Perkins (www.dorothyperkins.com)

GET THE LOOK BUY IT NOW

Michelle Keegan gives a masterclass how to makewith leather Hang on to that in holiday feeling Goksummer-appropriate; Wan’s latest collection switch black for pastel pink. Her exact River Island Light Pink Leather Pencil Skirt is £95, for Tu, inspired by the spirit of the Spanish matador. Gok says: available now (www.riverisland.com).

“Clean lines and structure, coupled with romantic baroque prints and soft, luxurious fabrics take this collection to a whole FASHION FLASH new level of sophistication.” Shop Gok for Tu’s 34 capsule pieces, Charity Cheats priced from £10-40, available in selected Sainsbury’s stores from admit to upselling second hand items bought from charity shops for August 26. thirds of the charity bargain hunters felt morally wrong doing so,

by VoucherCodesPro.co.uk. It’s a concept dubbed ‘reverse chugging’, a FASHION FLASH according to the website.

SMILEY SHOPPERS

RECESSIONISTA ALERT If you’re happy and you know it... clasp your credit card.

Happy shoppers spend anbeautiful average ball. £127To more per spending spree. beautiful game with a celebrate the World Cup,More White an exclusive football you spend £75toinsplurge shops or online. than halfmini of Brits (52%)when are more inclined when in is inspired by prints from their holiday collections. Offer good spirits, according to asummer survey by Vouchercloud.com.

The match only (Junefor 14,a19 and 24).include payday treat, 75%; p topdays three reasons big shop ositive personal news, 62%; p romotion or salary increase, 53%.

Just 5% stated that their mood made no difference to their spending habits.

PYJAMA PARTY Walking to the shop for milk in your PJs is no longer considered a fashion faux pas. Following in the footsteps of celebrities like Rihanna and Kate Moss shoppers are buying into the sleepwearas-daywear phenomenon. Debenhams has noted a sales increase of 34% this summer as consumers raid the loungewear department for silky pjyama trousers, kimono robes and negligee dresses. Lizzie Singleton, spokesperson for Debenhams says: “Whether it be a full set or separates mixed in with daywear, the summer of 2014 will be remembered as the year of ‘Sleepwear And The City’.”

FA S H I O N

Perfectly Fitting Foundations

B

ehind every seamless silhouette and glamorous outfit is the perfect foundations. So make sure you start your outfit with what’s underneath! Leia Lingerie in Bluewater can help you ensure you are wearing the perfect foundations to any outfit. The Leia Lingerie store which is located in Bluewater shopping centre next to Oasis on Upper Guild Hall, is fast becoming the ‘go-to’ boutique for the women of Kent and beyond. Specialising in lingerie and swimwear collections for cup sizes A-K there really is something for everyone.

Whether it be a day to day basic bra, something for a special occasion or even a new bikini for holiday, Leia offers a variety of bra size brands for you to choose from.

Fantasie Tangier Swimsuit £70 Cup Sizes D – GG Bikini and Tankini options also available

Many of Leia’s latest AW14 collections offer a variety of stunning styles inspired by this season’s hottest trends as well as a variety of essentials for your lingerie drawer. Leia offers a variety of brands such as Wacoal and b.tempt’d to suit small cup bra sizes A-C and it also specialises in larger cup size brands D-K cup from brands Fantasie, Freya and Elomi.

Leia’s Store Manager Leigh is keen to promote the importance of wearing the right bra, ‘So many women forget the key to any outfit is to get the foundations right underneath! Wear the right bra for your size and shape and you will have a smoother silhouette, feel better and have more confidence and look better too. We’ve even had customers drop a dress size just by changing the size of their bra! We offer free professional bra fittings for every customer to ensure the bra they buy is right for them and many of them leave feeling transformed.

Leia’s friendly bra fit specialists advise you have a bra fitting at least every 6 months. When was the last time you had a bra fitting?

Freya Deco Rebel bra £34 Cup sizes C - GG Co-ordinates from £10.50, sizes XS – XL

Fantasie Susanna bra £43 Cup sizes D - H Co-ordinates from £19.50, sizes XS – 2XL

Wacoal Embrace Lace bra £43 Cup sizes C - E Co-ordinates from £26, sizes S – 2XL

Find us at: Unit 109A (next to Oasis), Upper Guild Hall Bluewater, Kent, DA9 9SN Tel: 01322 313 887 Email: bluewater@leialingerie.com

Freya Pansy longline bra £36 Cup sizes C - G Co-ordinates from £14 sizes XS – 2XL

Opening Times: Monday to Friday: 10:00am - 9:00pm Saturdays: 9:00am - 9:00pm Sundays: 11:00pm - 5:00pm

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STRUTT YOUR COUNTRY STUFF

London shop featured in the book.

C

hristina Strutt was delighted but surprised when friends not only complimented her on her home, but wanted to copy its country-chic decor.

away from predictable twee chintz, that 15 years on has blossomed into Cabbages & Roses - the hugely successful, quintessentially British fabric and lifestyle brand.

After all, the hard-up mother-of-two had only a shoestring budget to transform her cottage into a cosy home, but it was the way she used delicate, faded fabrics, painstakingly collected from fairs, markets and antique shops, which caught the eye and made her style unique.

“I really had no intention of starting a business all those years ago. At that time, I was just a mum looking for a way to earn some money that would fit around my family,” says Strutt with a smile, as she takes me on a tour of her flat and shop in a charming Georgian building in London, to give an insight into her design ethos.

Finally, unable to find enough fabrics to satisfy the demand to replicate Strutt’s look, she resourcefully set to and designed her first fabric. That moment marked the humble emergence of such an innovative interpretation of country style, a world

82 SEPTEMBER 2014

“My only aim was to create something beautiful, which could move and charm with its hint of nostalgia, and would fit people’s homes and the way they wanted to live. I suppose I just wanted to sell

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H O M E G A R D E N Lounging corner at the shop featured in the book.

A feature corner in Christina’s London flat featured in the book.

things I loved and hoped that others would too.”

Happily, what Strutt loved; fabrics and accessories featuring washed-out florals, stripes and toiles in cool colourways, has, in turn, become adored by her legions of fans. These include a host of celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Helena Bonham Carter. Cabbages & Roses’ mail order business sells worldwide, and her fabric range, including her first Bees design, recently launched in John Lewis.

“This is a place where I can work in the week and get inspiration for new designs and new looks,” she says, as she leads the way through a string of beautifully decorated rooms, including her studio, which feature in her latest book, Cabbages & Roses: Living Life Beautifully. Although it’s miles away from Brook Cottage, the 15th century country home in the rolling hills of Bath, Somerset, where it all began, the interiors reveal not only her style, but are also redolent with the atmosphere of ‘country’ that seems to suit any setting.

The bias, as it’s an urban apartment, leans toward stripped back shades of grey and muted tones. She’s kept to a tight decorating budget. “It’s possible to make a big difference without spending loads of money,” Strutt says.

So a sofa and bed were bought in Ikea, bathroom fittings sourced in sales, and hard-wearing sisal flooring runs throughout. Walls are painted in a classic Farrow & Ball shade of Cornforth White and make the perfect backdrop for her signature Cabbages & Roses floral fabrics and skilfully curated displays of memorabilia, crockery and art.

The kitchen, which leads to a sunny patio, is a masterclass

Kitchen featured in the book.

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Cosy corner in Christina’s shop featured in the book.

Courtyard garden at Christina’s London home featured in the book.

in bringing a slice of the country to a city setting. Subtle shades of white predominate on the walls and floor, and the only hints of colour come from decorative plates and one of her fabric tablecloths.

A home-from-home look continues in the ground floor shop, where her range - fabrics, wallpapers, towels, cushions, and perfumed candles - is artfully displayed in room settings. She enlivens the atmosphere with antiques - French furniture and quirky collections, from straw hats to vintage perfume bottles, and even an old-fashioned bicycle. Everything is sourced during her travels both in the UK and abroad.

“Basically, I haven’t an idea of what I’m doing and I mostly make it up as I go along,” says Strutt, 58, who has a charming self-deprecating modesty which belies her success. “I’ve always firmly advocated that homes need to be filled with more than lovely things. To be really beautiful,

they must be lived in, with the ‘things’ complementing the human stories that run through them. Spaces must also be comfortable, practical and functional.”

At weekends, she returns to Brook Cottage. She often sits and comes up with ideas at the kitchen table, where she hesitantly sketched out her first design all those years ago. “I still can hardly believe that it has all turned out the way it has,” she says. “All I ever hoped to build was something around, not just an idea, but a real life.

“Cabbages & Roses has always been an expression of the things I have found most enchanting throughout my life,” Strutt continues. “ It’s a manifestation of halcyon days here, of summers spent picnicking in the English countryside, of rambling coastal walks overlooking seas twinkling in the evening light, and of winter nights curled up by the log fire with a pile of books and all the accoutrements of cosiness.”

DECOR TIPS TREAT EACH ROOM AS AN INDIVIDUAL: There’s no such thing as one overall style. Read the character of the room as you would a person to help you dress it.

Christina’s bedroom featured in the book.

GET THE LOOK Grove Armchair in Monceau charcoal fabric, from £599, Marks & Spencer (www. marksandspencer. com/0333 014 8555) Etched Peony chinaware, from £5 for a side plate, £6 for a dinner plate, Marks & Spencer (www. marksandspencer.com/0333 014 8555) Arnurna Lamp, £485, The Chandelier & Mirror Company (www. chandeliersandmirrors. co.uk/01322 437 112) Large Metal Ornamental Bird Cage, £50, Debenhams (www. debenhams.com/ 08445 616 161)

CHOOSE ITEMS YOU LOVE: Showcase those and use your real favourite as a starting point. Let one become a focal point, whether it’s a piece of furniture, an accessory, or a few metres of fabric which could inspire a colour scheme.

KEEP IT SIMPLE: Neutral colours, unfussy furniture and gentle patterns create a scheme that is calm. Next, layer your accessories, artwork and objects, and the result will be subtle and relaxed.

CHARACTER IS ALL: Ignore dents, scratches and wear and tear as they speak of a piece’s past and its story, and those hints of age and history will add character and soul to a home.

Cabbages & Roses: Living Life Beautifully by Christina Strutt, photography by Simon Brown, is published by CICO Books, priced £25.

Available now. Readers can purchase the book for £18 (including p&p). Call: 01256 302 699 and quote GLR 9oi - www.cicobooks.co.uk Cabbages & Roses (www.cabbagesandroses.com; 0207 352 7333)

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stoves | installation | biomass | firewood | accessories

the heart of your home

Solid fuel and biomass heating specialists

www.woodburningsolutions.co.uk Hawley Garden Centre Hawley Road | Dartford | Kent | DA2 7RB | Tel: 01322 225 725 SEPTEMBER 2014

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T

Stylish furniture for the modern home….

hornburrows is an established independent, family run furniture store and have gained a reputation for supplying quality furniture at competitive prices locally since 1946.

The Texas swivel/reclining chair and footstool is available in either a bonded leather or fabric for £259.

Our Elemental Collection has been designed for today’s living and dining style.

The Valencia sofa comes in a choice of fabrics with prices starting at £559.

Our Monzano sofa range combines beauty and comfort with its pocket sprung seating, and is available as static sofas or with reclining actions. Static 3 seater £699.

We also have a comprehensive collection of beds, carpets and furnishing accessories in our showroom as well as ranges from brands such as G Plan, Ercol, Parker Knoll, Stressless and Nathan.

Hampshire is an oak shaker style dining and living range that blends effortlessly with any interior setting. As well as the dining set ( ext. table & 6 chairs for £999) there are sideboards, bookcases and occasional pieces within the range.

Visit our website at www.thornburrows.com to see a selection of the ranges we have on offer.

Opening hours: Mon to Sat 9.00 am to 5.30 pm, Sun & Bank Holidays 10.00 am to 4.00 pm 86 SEPTEMBER 2014

EA 80 Y RS EST.1934

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www.thornburrows.com *Terms and Conditions apply: Available only in Batick cream leather with natural wood finish, Batick burgundy leather with mahogany wood finish and Batick brown leather with brown wood finish. Stressless® Diplomat (Small) previous price £1149. Stressless® Consul (medium) previous price £1289. Stressless® Ambassador (large) £1469.

SEPTEMBER 2014 87 Immediate delivery available while stocks last. Offer valid while stocks last. Main image features the Stressless® Magic recliner.

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H OUS E & GA R D E N H O M E G A R D E N

Transforming Houses Into Stunning, Amazing Homes

F

or Victoria Smith, it all began when her passion and flare for beautiful home furnishings united to achieve expert and luxury design style. A perfect combination to transform houses into amazing and stunning homes.

Ebony & Ivory was created in January 2013 to provide ‘Timeless & Quality Living’. Their unique product range delivers stylish and luxurious homeware including bespoke handmade furniture, mirrors, lighting, words of wisdom, candles and fragrances alongside many other home accessories.

Stocking the best in home accessories and carefully selected interior must-haves, Ebony & Ivory has built its client base by supplying only high-end quality items. They pride themselves on having impeccable customer service; no query or request is too big or small for their dedicated team.

They have carefully selected partners to ensure their high standards and expectations are not compromised. Ebony & Ivory’s clients include The Sofa & Chair Company, John Sankey, Culinary Concepts, India Jane, The Libra Company, Eve Victoria, Jadeed Interiors, Halo Living and Coach House to name just a few.

With Christmas approaching, what does

64 september 2014 88 SEPTEMBER 2014

your home need? Call Ebony & Ivory for your appointment to learn more about their three Lifestyle Packages; Essential Lifestyle, Luxury Lifestyle and Deluxe Lifestyle. Take the pressure off and discuss your design requirements with them on the run up to the festive season. Ebony & Ivory can help achieve your look in their business suite with

bespoke presentations designed exclusively for your home.

Join the Ebony & Ivory journey today and transform your house into a beautiful home.

For more information Call 020 3078 9131. www.ebonyivoryinteriors.com

INVITATION

Ebony & IVory ArE VEry PLEASED To InVITE you To THE offICIAL LAunCH of THEIr nEW SHoW HouSE

On 11th October 2014 12pm – 6pm at Yester Road, Chislehurst, Kent, BR7 5HN An excellent opportunity to join the team and view many of their product ranges in a tailored home environment with champagne and canapés on standby for good measure.

RSVP your attendance to victoria@ebonyivoryinteriors.com and they’ll make sure you are in their prize draw to win an exclusive home accessories gift set.

For all orders placed on our launch day, we will happily honour your commitment to Ebony & Ivory and pay the VAT for you.

www.eBoNYivorYiNteriors.Com

Yester road, Chislehurst Br7 5hN 020 3078 9132 SEPTEMBER 2014 89

.....don’t delay get there today!

the Sale at Johnsons

A quality log cabin from Johnsons can enhance your outdoor space and create versatile extra room Visit our website or call us now for a brochure

www.needextraspace.co.uk 0845 4599444 Johnsons Nursery, Old Thanet Way, Chestfield, Kent, CT5 3JD

01227 793717

chestfield@ needextraspace.co.uk 90 SEPTEMBER 2014

Polhill Garden Centre, London Road, Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7AD Car Park B

Newnham Court Shopping Village, Bearstead Rd, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5LH at rear of Notcutts

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Bybrook Barn Garden Centre, Canterbury Road, Ashford, Kent, TN24 9JZ

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Project2_HORIZ_SI_MAR14 06/02/2014 23:26 Page 1

INTERIOR SERVICE InteriorDESIGN Design Service 11-12 Sundridge Parade Plaistow Lane Sundridge Park Bromley BR1 4DT 020 8466 6313 www.sundridgeinteriors.com

Regain the use of this valuable space and start enjoying your conservatory again by contacting iCon Roofs today for a free, no obligation quotation SEPTEMBER 2014 91

BOOK REVIEWS

The Bookshelf

“Love comes in many forms, real, imaginary, tragic and tremendous - do we have a choice?”

WORDS BY BRUCE EDWARDS

Love, Love Me Do Mark Haysom

Effie Gray Suzanne Fagence Cooper

The Secret Kiss of Darkness Christina Courtenay

• Piatkus • £13.99 Paperback

• Duckworth Overlook

• Choc Lit

• £8.99 Paperback

• £7.99 Paperback

Debut novels have many advantages - they often attract more publicity; they can be perceived as ‘fresh’, storylines uncluttered by commercial pressures and the product of an author’s personal inspiration rather than the need to ‘write to the clock’, an absurd demand imposed by contractual necessity. Thus the reader benefits - especially when the author already has years of journalistic experience. This is a marvellous departure from the norm, a ‘tour de force’ from one who has been in the newspaper industry from bottom to top. A hard-bitten approach shows Truman as a chancer, a womaniser and not nice to know. Strachan is a fixer, a debt collector. Christie, poor girl, has been conned into a parody of a marriage. Her eldest child befriends a vagrant ex-soldier. Place these characters in a plot and stir - the resultant mixture is a fascinating revelation of a 1960’s seedy ‘you get what you deserve’ concept. A different style, odd chapter headings, echoes of old songs - even a Latin moral. Well worth a read.

This well-worked biography has all the elegant detail of a Victorian epic in the era of the Pre-Raphaelites. Effie - Euphemia was a honeymoon child born in Perthshire who grew up to be an extremely pretty girl and, it was rumoured, had ‘twenty seven offers of marriage’ by the time she was nineteen. But it was John Ruskin who first married her - and we discover what a sham marriage it turned out to be. Poor Ruskin!

He could not appreciate her, and they drifted apart. By the time she was twenty five she still hadn’t consummated her marriage - and logically for such a woman, she’s lost interest in him. The connection with Everett Millais the painter blossomed instead; Effie became his model, his muse, and eventually, after a traumatic divorce accompanied by medical inspection of her virginity, she married him. Her life with Everett gave her all she needed - though she never had the full blooming health which would have so suited the couple.

She died a widow in 1897.

If ill-used and tragic wives are not to your liking and you prefer to conjure up more exotic romantic aspects of the past, then join Kayla - an interesting name in her dream world, triggered by an old painting of ‘the ideal man’. Backing away from a potential disastrous marriage, she buys what could be an ancient Gainsborough, only to find the man portrayed ‘speaks’ to her in her dreams - and researching his past, ends up in Devon. Once the owner of Marcombe Hall sets eyes on this beguiling girl he begins to lust after her - the storyline is that predictable - but the manner in which her competition arrives and is subsequently seen off is the stuff of John Buchan or the Avengers. Remember them? This too is a story stepping back in time, but none the worse for that. Adventuresome romance from the pen of a regular spinner of lusty tales, something to take your mind away from reality just as it did Kayla. Choc-lit at its tastiest.

ISBN: 978 0349403885

ISBN: 978 0715648575

ISBN: 978 1781890677

Suggestions and queries to writerselect@gmail.com. We’re always happy to consider specific titles for review, though without obligation.

Can’t find a title? E-mail your details and we’ll help.

Need a new source for a romantic read ? - Try www.novelsforromance.co.uk

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Call now

0208 308 9286

Showrooms open: Mon-Fri 9.00-4.30pm Sat 9.00-4.00pm Tunbridge Wells: Unit 5, Tunbridge Wells Trade Park, Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF Sevenoaks: Polhill Garden Centre, London Rd, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks Kent TN14 7AD Sidcup: 5 Sidcup High Street, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6EN Visit w w w.granitetransformations.co.uk /tunwells SEPTEMBER 2014 93

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A BBQ’S NOT JUST FOR SUMMER

A

mericans and Brits differ in countless ways: they say tom-ayto, we say tom-ah-to. And when it comes to cooking outdoors, the Yanks are far more daring.

While we like to think we know our way around a barbecue, we generally just throw a few burgers and sausages on the grill a few times a year when there’s a heatwave. But for our North American cousins, barbecuing is a way of life that goes on long after the sun has set on summer.

Christian Stevenson, aka DJ BBQ, is an American on a mission to keep us all barbecuing long into autumn and winter.

“Brits are embracing barbecuing but the supermarkets aren’t helping,” he says.

“People think, ‘Summer equals BBQ’, but that’s not the case. Barbecuing should be 365 [days a year] and the supermarkets need to stock charcoal or wood all year long.”

The 46-year-old father-of-three, nicknamed DJ BBQ, is a bundle of energy who’s been living in the UK for 18 years.

His background is presenting extreme sports, but he also DJs and barbecues (hence the nickname) at festivals around the country, cooking and mixing tunes for up to 20 hours a time in what he calls ‘catertainment’. He’s now making a big impression on Jamie Oliver’s Food Tube network, with his larger-than-life

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personality and star-spangled catsuits earning him thousands of hits. “ My favourite Food Tube videos are the brisket, which is an 18-hour cook, and bacon firebombs. We shot those in November and it was chucking down with rain. Everyone said, ‘What are you doing?’

But even though it’s England and it rains a lot here, this is what I do.”

Stevenson learned to barbecue when he was just eight years old from his dad, who learned from his father before him - and their recipes are among those that feature in his new cookbook, The BBQ Book.

“My grandparents were great cooks, so when my grandfather passed away, my father went to all his siblings and asked for all the recipes, and made a book for everyone in the family of grandma and grandpa’s recipes, so there’s a couple of them in there as well.”

Listening to him talk, it’s almost impossible not to drool, especially when he describes his favourite dish.

“Whenever I went travelling, my father would have the same recipe waiting for me: two flank or skirt steaks in a big ziplock with a bottle of Italian dressing, something you buy in the grocery store, and you shake it up and throw it in there.

The vinegar would tenderise the meat and then he’d get the charcoal cooking and throw a bunch of potatoes in there

and he’d grill that piece of meat and slice it, and that, to me, is the taste of coming home,” he says.

“And it’s something everybody always loves. They can’t believe that Italian dressing can make that piece of meat taste that perfect, but it’s got the oils, the peppers, the vinegars, it’s the perfect marinade and it’s easy.

“And then I always do more potatoes than I need because the next day, I make home fries, so onions, peppers, chorizo, crack an egg on there, so I’ve got breakfast with these smokey potatoes.”

He loves barbecuing so much that he sometimes falls out with his wife over it.

“My wife’s a phenomenal cook. So we have arguments. I’m like, ‘I want to do the turkey on the barbecue because I’ve been brining it for two days’, and she’s like, ‘No, I want the smell around the house’, and then we have a big argument, then the oven breaks, and I’m like, ‘See?’” He’s excited to be spreading the barbecue love through his Food Tube channel and learning more techniques.

“I’m enjoying this new world,” he says.

“I’ve just spent a week in Portugal visiting all my friends in their restaurants and learning a whole bunch of new recipes.”

And here’s a little bunch of DJ BBQ’s recipes for you to try at home, any time of year...

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MEGA STUFFED SWEET POTATOES (Serves 4) 4 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean Olive oil

Set up your barbecue with coals on opposite sides to make two heat walls. Cover with the lid and allow to heat up like an outdoor oven - you want a temperature of around 175C/345F.

Sea salt

Rub the sweet potatoes all over with a drizzle of oil and a 8 rashers of higher welfare good pinch of salt. Place on the middle of the barbecue, cover with the lid and bake for around one hour, or until smoked streaky bacon soft in the middle and crisp on the outside. Meanwhile, fry (optional) the bacon (if using) in a pan over a high heat (you can do 125g Monterey Jack or this on the hob) until golden and crisp, then set aside for Cheddar cheese later.

4 spring onions, trimmed Split the potatoes open, crumble in the bacon (if using) 1-2 fresh red chillies and grate over the cheese. Return to the indirect heat on To serve: the barbecue for a further five to 10 minutes with the lid on, or until the cheese has melted. Finely slice the spring Soured cream onions and chilli, then sprinkle them over the potatoes.

Serve with spoonfuls of soured cream and devour.

SCALLOPS WITH CHILLI GARLIC BUTTER (Serves 2) 12 scallops, trimmed, with the shells 100ml dry white wine 1/2 a bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley, leaves picked For the chilli garlic butter: 2tbsp olive oil 100g salted butter 3 cloves of garlic, peeled 1 fresh red chilli 1tsp freshly-ground black pepper

Spread hot coals over the base of your barbecue in a flat and even layer - the scallops are going to be cooked directly on the coals, so it doesn’t matter what barbecue technique you use here.

Start by making the chilli garlic butter, which you can do on the barbecue or over a medium heat on the hob - basically, the longer those flavours get to hang out together, the better. Place the oil and butter in a pan to melt. Meanwhile, finely chop the garlic and chilli (keep the seeds in if you like the heat), then add to the pan with the black pepper.

Give it a good stir, let all the ingredients party, then set aside.

Place the shells with the scallops inside them on a platter, then add a dash of white wine to each one. Using tongs, place each shell directly on the grey coals, carefully positioning them so they can’t tip over. Cover with the lid like an outdoor oven and cook for four to six minutes, or until cooked through, turning the scallops halfway with tongs. Carefully remove the shells to a serving platter and drizzle about one tablespoon of the melted chilli garlic butter over each golden scallop. Roughly chop and scatter over the parsley leaves, then serve right away.

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RAD RUM RIBS (Serves 8) 1.5kg baby back ribs, m embrane removed Sea salt For the paste: 5tbsp maple syrup 2tsp chipotle chilli paste 1tbsp ground ginger 1tbsp Worcestershire sauce 11/2tsp sweet paprika 11/2tsp ground cumin 1tsp Chinese five-spice 1/2tsp ground nutmeg

Combine the paste ingredients and two teaspoons of salt in a bowl. Pat the ribs dry with kitchen paper, then place in a tray and rub all over with the paste. Cover with cling film and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least six hours, or preferably overnight.

When you want to cook, remove the ribs from the fridge, shake off any excess marinade and allow to come up to room temperature.

Meanwhile, set up your barbecue so half the base is covered in charcoal and the other side is empty - you want a medium indirect heat. Place a drip tray inside the barbecue on the indirect side. Cover with the lid and allow to heat up like an outdoor oven - you want a temperature of around 180C/350F.

Rip off just over an arm’s length of extra-strong tin foil, stack up the ribs in the centre and tightly wrap. Place the foil parcel over indirect heat on the barbecue, 4cm piece of ginger, cover with the lid and cook for around two hours, or peeled until the meat is tender and starts to fall away from the 3-4 cloves of garlic, peeled bone, remembering to replenish with hot coals every 45 minutes or so.

125ml tomato ketchup For the rad rum BBQ sauce:

60ml dark rum

Meanwhile, finely grate the ginger and garlic into a small pan on the hob. Add the rest of the BBQ 1tbsp Worcestershire sauce sauce ingredients and 80ml of water. Simmer over a medium heat for around 20 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Season to taste and set aside.

3tbsp cider vinegar Remove the ribs from the foil and brush all over with the BBQ sauce and any cooking juices. Return 1tsp Dijon mustard to the indirect heat for another 30-40 minutes with the lid on, or until tender and golden, basting 1/2tsp dried chilli flakes well every 10 minutes or so. Remove to a board to rest for five minutes, then carve. Enjoy, ‘cause 50g soft dark brown sugar these ribs rule!

The BBQ Book by DJ BBQ is a Jamie Oliver Food Tube book, published by Penguin, priced £7.99. Check out DJ BBQ’s video on Jamie’s Food Tube channel

Three of the best Posh Crisps

Walkers Market Deli Potato Chips with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, £2.50 for 165g, Sainsbury’s The latest addition to the posh crisp market comes from Walkers and they’re very posh indeed. Also very flavourful. They’ve chosen their ingredients carefully though, and these are a modern twist on old favourite, salt and vinegar

Veronica’s Baked Veggie Crisps Roast Tomato & Spanish Paprika, £2.19 for 120g, Tesco Not all crisps come from potatoes - these vegetable versions are a lighter and less greasy alternative, without losing any of the crunch factor. They’re baked rather than fried and ridged to give a more intense, spicy flavour. Yum!

Keogh’s Dubliner Irish Cheese & Onion Potato Crisps, £1.99 for 125g, Ocado The Keogh family have been growing spuds for more than 200 years and during harvest they’re handcooked on the same day they’re picked - no wonder they taste so fresh and moreish. Also gluten-free.

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A warm welcome awaits you at any time of the day

A great place for coffee, cake, cocktails, brunch, lunch or dinner.

We pride ourselves on baking and making everything in house from our bread to our ice creams. Seasonality and fresh local produce are at our heart.

6 Commonside . Keston . Kent . BR2 6BP

T 01689 855 501

SEPTEMBER 2014 thisisherberts.co.uk

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Restaurant Reviews This month, Food Editor Regan Maloney has visited two restaurants in Kent to give you her verdict on their menus. Full reviews of both restaurants, along with other great recommendations, recipes and dinner party game ideas can be found at www.whatiatelastnight.com

HERBERT’S 6 COMMONSIDE, KESTON

THE BULL PITT, WROTHAM

If you own or have a local restaurant that you’d like to recommend for reveiw, please email regan@whatiatelastnight.com

Herbert’s (previously Lujon) opened with its new name, decor and delicious menu in May of this year. Overlooking the common with its wide open doors on a sunny day and new comfy sofas to lounge on inside, it’s perfect for a family lunch or special dinner.

Set in the courtyard of the Bull Hotel in Wrotham is the new smokery and BBQ ‘The Bull Pitt’ – available only at weekends for the summer months come rain or shine, there’s an extensive carnivores dream menu along with artisan beers and when we visited, an amazing Jazz band.

We were greeted at the door with a very warm welcome and taken to our seats for a pre-dinner drink and a run through the new menu. Great advice was given on dishes as well as wine pairing with each course and the warmth and friendly service continued through the evening.

It’s not your usual walk up and queue for food BBQ, instead this is restaurant style table service with friendly staff and a happy Chef at work. Drinks as well as food were delivered to our table meaning that we could sit back and relax in the sunny courtyard.

Chef Patron, Angela Herbert-Bell is not only passionate about the food that she prepares in her restaurant, but she also teaches cookery classes and has an award winning carrot cake under her belt.

The freshness and quality of produce was amazing, demonstrated in the smooth clean spiciness of the deviled kidneys to start. For main, the pork belly with pomme puree, kale, calvados jus and apple puree melted in the mouth and had the crispiest thinnest crackling I’ve ever had. Portion sizes were extremely generous, however we had to try the side of mac ‘n’ cheese (which was so good that we ended up taking some home!) For dessert, we shared a lemon posset with shortbread. Sharp and tangy but with a smooth creaminess that meant you didn’t want it to end.

When reading the menu you’d think you were attending a trendy London pop-up restaurant with all the latest amazing must haves for meat lovers in one place – a pint of smokey fruity chilli chicken wings, red slaw with smokey horseradish sauce, 12 hour apple wood smoked Harvel House pulled pork…the list was endless and we were stuck to make a choice – “no problem” the waiter said, “we’ll make you up a platter for two with a bit of everything”…WOW there was a LOT of food! Everything was perfectly cooked and packed with flavour and the ribs were melt in the mouth amazing.

Drink

We started with a Hendricks and tonic served with the essential slice of cucumber. Cocktails are available, along with a wine of the month served in a carafe. We opted to have our wine by the glass so that it could be paired with each of the dishes. The Merlot worked extremely well with the spicyness and strong flavour of the kidneys, and a Pinot Noir from Chile added a different dimension to the pork belly.

English artisan beers from the likes of Camden town brewery, Beavertown brewery and Redchurch brewery are available – along with (to my husbands delight) a cigar menu! The rose was also English, crisp and perfect for a summers day.

Overview

Amazing food in a comfortable friendly atmosphere morning, noon and night.

Bang on trend deliciousness in the heart of Kent

Ambiance

Service

Food

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For dessert, our favourite was the sorbet – a blend of lime and tarragon set on top of smoked paprika and mild chilli cured pineapple slices. I’ll be going back to try the artisan cheese board and the strawberry and custard lollipop once my overly full belly subsides!

F i n e

I n d i a n

D i n i n g

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“What a rare find in suburbia! – offering a great modern twist on Indian cuisine”

B a r

Culinary Delights of the Maharajas

Festival menu available now until 19th October

46 Plaistow Lane, Bromley, BR1 3PA t: 020 8289 0322 e: info@cinnamonculture.com w: www.cinnamonculture.com Saffron Culture Catering e: info@saffronculture.co.uk w: www.saffronculture.co.uk

e c c o o m m m n G G u d e RR e m ee nn dd ee dd i i nn tt hh ee M M ii cc hh ee ll ii n u ii d e 2 00 11 43

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Evolve – Stone/Natural Walnut

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 or visit:

www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk

Stoneham plc, Powerscroft Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5DZ. Factory Showroom Opening: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 12 midday.

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