Kent westerhamlife

The Ridings Woodfield Lane Essendon, Herts AL9 6JJ Tel : 0844 800 8439 Fax : 01707 655 718 www.thelifemagazines.com Email: peter@fishmediagroup.co.uk 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

EDITORS LETTER E

Welcome to the December issue.

veryone here at the Fish Media Group wishes all of our readers and advertisers a very happy Christmas and a really healthy and successful 2016.

We are delighted to feature the Moscow City Ballet’s return to the Orchard Theatre, Dartford on our front cover and as one of our main stories this month. After their resounding success over the past two years we are thrilled to see the Moscow City Ballet Company back in the UK again.

This outstanding Ballet Company will be performing both Giselle and the Nutcracker, so this is your chance to go to the ballet and see these wonderful performances up close and personal.

Although the weather is seasonably chilly, we are encouraging you and the family to get out and about over the next few weeks and have selected a variety of events and exhibitions for you to visit, these include:- The best Wintry walks revealed by the National Trust, Shopping in Tunbridge Wells, Winter at Ightham Mote, The Harry Potter Studio tour, the New Year’s Eve fireworks in London, plus of course our highly popular Whats On guide. So if you can brave the elements there are lots of great places to visit and events to enjoy.

Here’s to a great 2016.

Until next year ….

Design & Production Creative Bonfire hello@creativebonfire.co.uk Photography Adam Swaine Accounts Kathy Manning Ken Fleet Business Development Managers Tim Lees Lisa Westerman SALES Vanessa Lane Anita Hill DIRECTORS Peter Smith Rory Smith Patrick Smith

All Rights reserved. All Fish Media Group Ltd magazines are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in any of our publications and any loss arising. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to all of our magazines the publisher cannot accept the loss or damage to such material. The Fish Media Group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily repr sent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be accepted for the content of these pages.

You will be pleased to know that you and your friends can now read our magazines online at www.thelifemagazines.com

To advertise contact: Tim Lees on 07944 129393 or Peter on 077111 43342

LOCAL EVENTS

Whats On...

DECEMBER 2015

Countdown to Christmas - a fun family classical concert Fresh from our hugely successful summer tour where over 10,000 people experienced the BBC’s Ten Pieces, Kidenza are back with some festive frivolity. What will be behind the windows of the advent calendar? Will Santa pop along to see us? Will he bring presents? Will Naughty Alex (aka Alex Neal, BBC Symphony Orchestra) be up to his usual antics? Our fabulous programme of familiar favourites mixes Festive with Fun, Bach with Buglers and Cats with Clocks!

Performance 11am - 12.15. 14.30 - 15.45. Adults £9 Children £11 (includes a musical gift from Santa). The Space, Sevenoaks School, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HU. Sat 19 Dec 2015. Tel: 01732 362820. www.kidenza.co.uk Chartwell - Christmas at Chartwell trail Get in the Christmas spirit with a festive trail at E Chartwell. Explore the garden with our festive NOT TO B themed trail.

Booking Not Needed. Children are at welcome. Dogs on leads welcome. A Christmas National Trust Event - Gates open 10:00.

Chartwell Start 11:00. End 15:00. General Admission trail Prices Apply. Pick up your trail form the Visitor Welcome Centre. Chartwell, Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS. Open until Wed 23 Dec, Sat 26 Dec to Thu 31 Dec. Tel: 01732 868381. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

MISSED!!!

The Wheels on Debussy @ Tunbridge Wells Come and experience a high quality classical music concert for you and your children in Tunbridge Wells. Performed by exceptionally talented musicians in a relaxed and family friendly environment. International cellist and singer Matthew Sharp www.matthewsharp.net will introduce us to the fabulous virtuoso violinist Fenella Humphreys. www.fenellahumphreys.com. Join us for uplifting seasonal singalong favourites plus extraordinary music that captures the magic and mystery of Christmas.

Starts 11.00 but come early for coffee, cake and craft. Doors open 10.30am. Entrance through church hall on Quarry Road. Tickets from £7 @ www.billetto.co.uk/the-wheels-on-debussy. St. Barnabas Church, Stanley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2RH. Saturday 19 Dec 2015.

Sidcup Symphony Orchestra Orchestral Concert New Year Orchestral Concert. Conductor James Ross. Programme to include:- Johann Strauss Roses from the South, Champagne Polka & Radetsky March Mussorgsky Polonaise: Boris Godunov Suppé Light Cavalry Overture Eric Coates Valse Serenade By the Sleepy Lagoon Ravel Bolero & La Valse.

Concert commences at 7.30 p.m. Tickets at £12 & £10 (Children & students half price).St. John’s Church, Church Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 6BX. Sat 9 Jan 2016. Tel: 020-8300-3268 or 01322-557458 www.sidcupsymphony.org.uk/

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Quebec House - Winter opening It’s the countdown to Christmas. As the days get shorter, warm up by our open fire in the drawing room. Booking Not Needed. Children are welcome.

Assistance Dogs only are welcome.

A National Trust Event.13:00 - 16:00. General Admission Prices Apply. Meet at the coach house. Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD. Sun 13th,19th and 20th Dec. Tel: 01732 868 381. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink Set in the beautiful splendour of Calverley Grounds’ amphitheatre and bathed in twinkling festive lights, the Royal Tunbridge Wells ice is back, bigger and better than ever. A capacity of up to 250 skaters, will be open seven days a week (closed Christmas Day). The ice rink welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities. Community groups are also warmly welcomed. Easily accessible by bus and National Rail, the rink is in the heart of Tunbridge Wells surrounded by an extensive offering of shops, bars and restaurants.

For those wishing to watch friends and family enjoying themselves, the spectator’s area is back, adjacent to the rink and offers a range of drinks and food.

Calverley Grounds, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1BT. Open until Sunday 3 Jan 2016. Tel: 01892 554645. www.tunbridgewellsatchristmas.com Jazz Night at the Cross Keys in Southborough Live Jazz every Wednesday night 8pm - 10.30pm. Jazz musicians published on website www.crosskeystw.co.uk Doors open 6.30pm. Music from 8pm. FREE entry. Enquiries 01892 536516. The Cross Keys, St John’s Rd, Southborough, Kent, TN4 9XD. Wed 16th and Wed 23rd Dec. www.crosskeystw.co.uk/

Scotney Castle Arthur’s War EDITORS In a black metal trunk, hidden away in our attic a team of volunteers have discovered a treasure trove from the Scotneypersonal collection of a commanding Castle officer from the First World War. This Arthur’s winter we will be displaying items from War his collection including his war diaries in our exhibition, Arthur’s War. Booking Not Needed. A National Trust Event - Start 11:00 - 16:00. General Admission Prices Apply. Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JN.Until Monday 4 Jan 2016.Tel: 01892 893 868. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events

CHOICE:

Quebec House - Broadwood square piano performances Drop in to one of our informal recitals played on a 1788 Broadwood square piano. Immerse yourself in historic music played by a talented volunteer on an eighteenth century Broadwood square piano. Visitors with experience are also welcome to play.

Booking Not Needed. Children are welcome. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. A National Trust Event. 11:00 - 13:00. End 17:00. General Admission Prices Apply. Meet in the upstairs drawing room. Quebec House, Quebec Square, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1TD. Sat 19 Dec. Tel: 01732 868 381. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events The Oxted Players – Mother Goose A traditional family pantomime about a poor Mother Goose and her family whose fortunes are changed when she is given a very special goose called “Priscilla”.

Wed 13th – Friday 15th January 7.30. Sat 16th Jan. 2.30 & 7.30.

Tickets from £9.00 available from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01883 724852.

Merry Opera – La Boheme A lost key and an accidental touch of cold hands in the dark.

Sat 30th Jan 7.45. Tickets £15.00 available from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01959 561811.

Santa Specials Join Santa and his helpers on his festive trains from Eridge Station.

See website for further details and prices. Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN22 5QY. Until Thursday 24 Dec 2015.

Tel: 01892 537714 www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk Cinderella – Panto Traditional family Panto Cinderella performed by a mix of experienced and local actors.

Sinden Theatre, A28 Ashford Road, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6LT. Until 19 Dec, Mon 21 Dec to Wed 23 Dec. www.bigfootent.co.uk/shows Orpington Record and CD Collector Fair All genres from years gone by to present day. The fair has just about everything; there are dealers who are highly specialised in very collectable material, but there are also dealers who offer bargains and very inexpensive records and CDs. It is a fair for both collectors and bargain hunters. You will find vinyl records (7” and LP, picture discs and coloured vinyl), memorabilia and CDs. The occasional music lover can also find cheap records and CDs. Your old vinyl and CD’s also bought at the event, ask for Mark or Sandy at the door or tel: 07742 953200 / 07874 915453.

Sun 3rd Jan 2016. 10.00am - 4.00pm. Admission £1. Free Parking. Café on Site. Crofton Halls, York Rise, Crofton Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 8PR. Tel: 07742 953200. www.bionicrecords.co.uk

CONTENTS 78

48 EDITORS LETTER

3

WHATS ON

6

LOCAL LIFE Winter Walks around Kent Castles The Moscow City Ballet Winter at Ightham Mote Christmas Shopping in Tunbridge Wells The Best National Trust Wintry Walks

10 12 14 16 18

New Year’s Eve London Fireworks

20

Dickens Festive Sprit with John Ruler A Christmas Cracker with Adam Swaine

22 24

90 years of Bang + Olufsen

26

Christmas Safety with MTR Property Services

28

The Making of Harry Potter

30

Insurance Matters with Ashley McKay and Associates

32

Abbey Road Studios Gift Shop

34

Maids In – Living the dream

38

Fashion and Beauty Show off your shape The Burberry Festive Campaign Ready Steady Prep Health’s Angels Doctors at Petts Wood – A year to remember Faking It New Legs - New You Nail the New Seasons Shades Tunbridge Wells Chiropractic Clinic

42 46 48 51 52 54 55 56 57

HOME AND GARDEN Scent the Halls Morso Stoves Bedpost – First Choice for beds Neptune – Relax and enjoy Hot Metal Grants of Sevenoaks for over 30 years Make your Bedroom a Winter Sanctuary

58 62 64 66 68 70 72

CWJ – Award Winning Solicitors

76

Travel To Puerto Rico

78

BOOKS Review with Bruce Edwards

81

FOOD AND DRINK James Martin Keeps it Sweet The Cow and Pig English Kitchen

82 88

LOCAL LIFE

Winter Walks around Kent Castles

Scotney Castle During winter Scotney Castle is transformed with frost and ice settling on the moat, grass and plants surrounding the ruins of the medieval castle. Further afield, the estate is home to walks through beautiful parkland, woodland and alongside the historic Hop Farm – pick up an estate map from visitor reception for three way marked trails.

Inside the house, don’t miss Arthur’s War a fascinating exhibition showcasing First World War medals, war maps, diaries and other memorabilia belonging to Arthur Hussey. In the garden, a family trail follows Arthur’s dogs, Badger and Pepper, with activities based on what the Hussey family enjoyed doing in their free time at Scotney Castle.

In January, a winter warmer hike takes walkers around the estate to spot flocks of over-wintering birds, mammal tracks, historic landscape features and how to distinguish oak, beech and lime trees from their buds. At the

half way point warm up with a bonfire in the woods overlooking the best views the estate has to offer.

Estate open daily dawn to dusk. Old castle, garden, tea room and shop open 10am-5pm* (*or dusk if earlier), house open 11am-3pm between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and throughout January.

Winter warmer hike runs daily from Saturday 2 January to Sunday 10 January, 11am1pm and 2pm-4pm. Normal admission charges apply, booking not necessary Arthur’s War and the Badger and Pepper garden trail run until 31 January.

Sissinghurst Castle Garden Winter transforms the woodland, farmland and lakes surrounding Sissinghurst Castle into frosted landscapes with far reaching views of the Kentish Weald. Pick up a leaflet in visitor reception for walking inspiration.

Created by Vita Sackville-West and her

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husband Harold Nicolson, the garden at Sissinghurst Castle takes a much needed rest in winter. Climb to the top of the tower for views of the garden’s pink brickwork and linear hedges that form the backdrop to the vibrant garden seen in the summer months.

Filled with dried alliums, flowering bulbs, luscious foliage and bold prints the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition adds a burst of colour to winter’s muted tones. On display in the oast house and tower, the exhibition is decorated by the gardeners with plants from the world famous garden itself.

Restaurant and shop open 10am-dusk between Boxing Day and 3 January. Between 4-15 January the estate is open from dawn to dusk, with the tea room open between 10am4.30pm. Garden closed.

International Garden Photographer of the Year, daily from 16 January to 28 February, 11am-5pm

LOCAL LIFE

A spellbinding season of

RUSSIAN MAGIC BY THE MOSCOW CITY BALLET Renowned dance company, Moscow City Ballet, returns with its dramatic traditional story-telling and captivating performances of Giselle from Tuesday 19 – Wednesday 20 January and The Nutcracker on Thursday 21 – Saturday 23 January 2016.

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oscow City Ballet dazzling repertoire of ballet classics Giselle and The Nutcracker emphasise the fact that Russian ballets combine artistry, technique, narrative and live music and provide a true dancing experience. Audiences can not only marvel at the perfection of its corps de ballet but witness the excellent dexterity and grace of principal ballerinas Alevtina Lapshina and Liliya Oryekhova.

Live music is at the heart of Moscow City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, staged in all their original splendour with some of the world’s finest dancers. The tragic love story of village girl Giselle, who goes mad and dies of a broken heart, will have audiences on the edge of their seats as ‘the Wilis’ dance to the music of Adolphe Adam.

Moscow City Ballet will be accompanied on tour by the Moscow City Ballet Orchestra who will provide a luscious soundtrack to this magical season of dance.

Founded by Victor Smirnov-Golovanov in 1988, Moscow City Ballet is one of Russia’s most successful and popular touring ballet companies, highly admired for its distinctive style, exciting choreography and exceptionally gifted dancers. Now under the artistic direction of Ludamila Neroubashchenko the company continues to be committed to promoting ballet in the Russian classical tradition to audiences all over the world.

Pre-show dining is also available before both shows.

The Orchard Theatre’s Restaurant provides a delicious range of, unique and memorable dishes, using the freshest local produce and prepared daily by the Head Chef.

Reserve your table when booking your show tickets.

THE DETAILS To book tickets or for more information visit orchardtheatre. co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000.

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Giselle ay from Tuesd ay 19 – Wednesd y and 20 Januaracker The Nutcr ay 21 – on Thursd ay Saturd y 23 Januar

LOCAL LIFE

©Andrew Butler

Winter at Ightham Mote …

Discover something new at Ightham Mote this winter

Until 5 January (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) be part of our Christmas past. Victorian servants have prepared the house for the festivities and the previous American owner of Ightham Mote inspired us to transport you back to 1950s New England. All we need now is for our guests to arrive - yes, that’s you!

Eating Warm yourselves up with a hearty bowl of soup in the Mote Café or in December, a Christmas lunch. Or pop in for lunch, or a mug of hot chocolate with a slice of freshly baked cake.

path gardens or take in a longer walk on the ancient estate and enjoy the beauty of the Kent countryside.

You can pick up one of our estate walks leaflets UNTIL from visitor reception. We have some guided 5 walks followed by a roast on Sundays 10th, 24th Y R UA N A J January, 14th & 28 February – book via the Mote And don’t forget to book on our Café on 01732 811314.

Boxing Day & New Year’s Day treks Children can enjoy our February half term Full English breakfast in the Mote Café followed by an family fun from Sat 13-Sun 21 Feb. This is a chance informal led walk. £21.50 Book via the Mote Café for the children to have fun outside with our winter activity 01732 811314 pack and then join us for some craft activities inside to warm up.

Shopping Stocking a great selection of quality gifts and locally produced handmade products, the Coach House shop is a perfect place THE DETAILS to find some unique presents for friends, family and maybe a treat for you too.

Ightham Mote is open daily all year from 10am – There will also be our usual sales on – see A boards on 3.30pm (house open from 11am last entry half an hour before closing) partial access to house and site for details.

Get out into the great outdoors In January and February enjoy a gentle stroll around the hard

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gardens. From 6 January – 29 February grounds only open 10am-3.30pm.

LOCAL LIFE

CHRISTMAS SHOPPERS

IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS GIVEN A FESTIVE TREAT The countdown to the seasonal celebrations features a comprehensive campaign to promote Tunbridge Wells as the leading destination town for all things Christmas.

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open until Sunday 3 January ’16. The outdoor ice rink situated hristmas shoppers will be offered FREE parking in within the natural amphitheatre of Calverley Grounds offers Tunbridge Wells this festive season. Car parking Thurs spectacular views of the park and really is a unique and will be free in all Borough car parks to support late 17 December special festive experience. night shopping which kicks off from Thursday until Wed On Thursday 17 December Tunbridge 17 December until Wednesday 23 December Wells High Street will be hosting a special 2015. Shoppers will be able to make 23 December ‘Late Night Christmas Shopping a night of it with FREE parking 2015 Evening’ where many shops will be available after 4pm every weekday open late up ‘till 9pm with special leading up to the big day. offers, discounts, refreshments and Council Cabinet member festive in-store activities. There with responsibility for will also be a raffle in aid of the economic development, local charity - Folly Wildlife Rescue tourism and leisure, Centre.

Jane March said: “The The festivities continue in Christmas period is vital December with Farmers Markets to all the town centre selling the freshest produce possible for businesses. The Council is the festive season from sprout stalks to delighted to support this sweet parsnips, chutneys to delicious apple initiative by offering free juice and wine plus an array of festive food parking and adding to the gifts. Or if you prefer something a little bit different, town’s attractions with the ice wrap up warm and head over to the bottom of rink.” the town and soak up the wintry atmosphere as A festive programme of you meander around the Christmas Market taking events is being planned as town centre place on The Pantiles, the historical centre of Royal businesses work together to attract visitors Tunbridge Wells. to Tunbridge Wells, promoting the town as the This is just a small selection of best place to shop, dine and enjoy Christmas the festive events that Tunbridge activities in the South East.

Wells will be hosting; keep an eye Santa will be making children’s Christmas out for further announcements. wishes come true in his ‘Festive Frozen Grotto’ every day until 4pm on Christmas Eve. Ice Skating in Calverley Grounds will be

16 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

LOCAL LIFE

Best wintry walks in Kent

Revealed by the National Trust

The National Trust has revealed some of the best places for wintry walks in Kent from Boxing Day onwards.

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ollowing the excitement of Christmas Day, it’s the perfect time to burn off some festive calories, catch up with friends and family, or plan New Year’s resolutions whilst enjoying an exhilarating walk.

Many of the beautiful gardens and countryside spaces the National Trust cares for in Kent are open from Boxing Day onwards, offering the perfect opportunity for winter walks in picture-postcard landscapes. Wrap up warm and experience some outdoor delights from avenues of frost-covered topiary and borders packed with sensational colour, to ice-rimmed lakes, windswept beaches, blustery coastal paths and breath-taking vistas.

With special guided walks on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, walking trails throughout winter and a whole host of special places open in January, some of our favourite walking hot spots in Kent are:

The woodland glades and views across the Weald of Kent on the wider estate originally moved Churchill to buy Chartwell. Several walks are available, with children’s swings, a Second World War bomb crater and a Canadian camp to be discovered along the way.

Alternatively visit the winter exhibition, Into the Trenches, which charts Churchill’s early military career from soldier to tactician through keepsakes he cherished over a lifetime. Families can also try a prisoner of war themed trail around the garden which leads to the exhibition.

The shop, cafe, gardens and exhibition are open from 10am-5pm* (*or dusk if earlier) studio open 12pm-3.30pm between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. House closed. Into the Trenches runs until 21 February, 11am-3pm daily Throughout January the shop, café and gardens are open 10am-5pm* (*or dusk if

when holly is in abundance and the silver birch trees look particularly photogenic. Pick up an estate walks leaflet from visitor reception for inspiration.

The ground floor of the house is open 11am-3.00pm, with the garden, cafe and shop open 10am-3.30pm daily between Boxing Day and 31 December. Estate open dawn to dusk every day. Only partial access to the garden in winter. House closed from 6 January 2016.

Boxing Day ramble with full English breakfast, Saturday 26 December, 10am-1pm. All tickets £21.50 per person, booking essential on 01732 811314 Knole Whilst Knole’s showrooms close for conservation during the winter months, the 1,000 acre parkland is as alive as ever. Glimpse the 350-strong resident wild deer herd that are descendants of those hunted by Henry VIII, take a relaxed stroll or venture on a longer walk to nearby Ightham Mote.

A New Year’s Day guided walk takes in the beautiful landscape of the vast medieval park as well as its fascinating history. The outdoor café will be open afterwards for warming drinks and cake.

Outdoor café open 11am-4pm, indoor bookshop café open 10am-5pm and car park open 10.15am-6pm between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and throughout January.

Free New Year’s Day guided walk, 10.45am1pm, meet at the sign by the outdoor café.

Downloadable walks available online

The orchard’s winter border is home to beautifully scented golden yellow flowers, clusters of red-pink blooms clinging to branches

Chartwell Spend time in the landscape that inspired Sir Winston Churchill. The orchard’s winter border is home to beautifully scented golden yellow flowers, clusters of red-pink blooms clinging to branches and evergreen shrubs covered in highly scented candy-pink flowers. In the garden see the wall built by Churchill himself, the Marycot play house made for the Churchill children and the painting studio in the grounds, home to a collection of Churchill’s paintings that tells the story of why he began to paint.

earlier).The studio is closed in January for essential conservation work.

Emmetts Garden Take a peaceful stroll around a garden described as a plantsman’s paradise with its views over Ide Hill. More adventurous ramblers can discover the ram pump or walk to neighbouring Toys Hill past a grand Edwardian house and a former water tower in the woods that’s now a hibernation home for bats.

Garden, shop and visitor centre (shop and light refreshments available) open between Boxing Day and 3 January 2016, 10am-4pm. Emmetts Garden closes for winter from 4 January 2016 Ightham Mote Enjoy the peaceful setting of this romantic moated manor house, with its garden, orchard, water features and ancient woodland walks through the Kent countryside.

Join a Boxing Day ramble with a tasty breakfast to fuel this informal guided walk through the estate or visit over January

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White Cliffs of Dover During winter, a cliff top walk becomes more atmospheric. In the mornings, a dusting of frost covers the cliff top with a silvery blanket and throughout the day winter visiting birds can often be spotted - including the Guillemot out at sea, short eared owl feeding over the grassland or the unmistakeable Waxwing in the hedgerows.

On New Year’s Day, join a free turn up and go walk from the White Cliffs visitor centre to South Foreland Lighthouse at 11am. Your guide will cover the history and interesting features of the cliffs along the way. At the end of the walk, one of the Trust’s most photographed tea rooms, Mrs Knotts, will be open specially to serve warming treats.

Coastline and car park open 8am-6pm daily throughout winter (closed 24 and 25 December).

Visitor centre open 11am-4pm between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and daily during January.

On New Year’s Day South Foreland Lighthouse and Mrs Knotts tea room are open 11am-3.30pm, last admission 3.00pm.

new years eve

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LOCAL HISTORY

Christmas time! That man must be a misanthrope indeed, in whose breast something like a jovial feeling is not roused - in whose mind some pleasant associations are not awakened - by the recurrence of Christmas… Charles Dickens

It was already beginning to look a bit like Christmas JOHN RULER falls under the spell of a Dickensian festive season

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lenty has changed since Tiny Tim’s immortal lines ‘God Bless Us Every One’ continues to bring a festive tear to the eye of even latent Scrooges like myself.

Or has it ? ‘In anticipation of the liberal expenditure of ready cash … (wrote Charles Manby– Smith in Curiosities of London Life, 1853) ‘ ‘cheap Christmas books are part of every bookseller’s displays, Christmas fashions fill the drapers’ windows and stand on full–dressed poles in the doorways.’

Eating and drinking, he observes are ‘ the paramount obligations of the Christmas season’ with ‘the great gastronomic anniversary heralded at every turn by signs more abundant and less equivocal. ‘ Among the dealers in eatables … the grocer, who is independent of the weather, leads off the dance. Long before the holly and the mistletoe have come to town, he has received his stock of Christmas fruit on the sale of which, it may be, the profit or loss of the whole year’s trading is depending.’

Which reminds me, I must book that turkey before it’s too late…

Dickens’s festive spirit lingers on today

The includes a Christmas Carol Reimagined, exhibition exploring the themes behind the book which, written in six weeks in the winter of 1843, sold 6,000 copies in six days between its release and Christmas Eve. There’s also Christmas by Candlelight, complete with flickering lights and shadowy chambers; a Very Dickensian Christmas Eve features carol singing in the drawing room along with how to make the perfect plum pudding.

Sorry Scrooge. They’re on to a winner !

NEED TO KNOW: 48 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LX; www.dickensmuseum.com; email: events@dickensmuseum.com Open Mon– Sun 10.00–17.00. Last admission16.00 Admission : Adult: £8 ( rising to £9 from Jan 2); Concession: £6 Child 6-16 years: £4 & Children under 6 years: Free.

What better way to delve into Dickens’s undoubted love of Christmas than by visiting his first true family home in Doughty Street, London ?

All set and ready for Christmas…

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urrently dressed for the occasion in rich Victorian splendour, the Charles Dickens Museum warms the cockles of the heart … including mine – and that was even before it being clad in its now annual festive finery.

Poke your nose into his study, the shelves stuffed with both his works, and those of fellow authors, and you quickly sense his presence in what was an enormously productive time.

Elsewhere the boldness of the drawing room decorations reflect Dickens’s love of theatre; he

The Doughty Street museum bathed in a festive glow.

and his wife Catherine may well have entertained here with Charles reading episodes from The Pickwick Papers, the epitome of Christmas jollities, which he finished here. Oliver Twist and Nicholas Nickleby, were both written here.

As for the dining– room it still hums as the hub for the early Victorian creative community.

Artists actors, writers and publishers all enjoyed the hospitality of Dickens, by now a rising star.

Add the hallway strewn with Dickens’s memorabilia and the relative bleakness of the servants’ bedroom – the walls bedecked with his quotes on social inequality – and the house is rightly ripe for a Christmas extravaganza.

The hall way, reflecting perhaps the spirit of the house ?

Savings club were once all the rage Google Christmas Savings Club and there are still a host of them – much as it was Dickens’s time when shopkeepers seeing ‘the moneyless crowds who throng in gaping admiration around the displays’ were quick to make offers along the lines of ‘ In twenty weeks we shall have Christmas here: now instead of spending every week all you earn, you will hand me sixpence or a shilling (5p today). I will take care of it … and in Christmas week be as merry as you like, and none the poorer.’ No one dared miss their instalments.

It was considered highly improper to even consider such a thing.

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Christmas Carol embodied the prevailing mood

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any attribute the Christmas we now know to Queen Victoria – though as far back as 1808 Sir Walter Scott had written: “ Heap on more wood – the wind is chill; But let it whistle as it will, We’ll keep Christmas merry still.”

However it is certainly true that her marriage to the German-born Prince Albert helped introduce a decorated Christmas tree, a tradition reminiscent of the prince’s childhood days. Soon every home in Britain had a tree bedecked with candles, sweets, fruit, homemade decorations and small gifts.

Christmas cards, too, caught on and many children -- Queen Victoria’s included – were originally encouraged to make their own. But with new technology bringing production prices down, along with the introduction of the halfpenny postage rate, the Christmas card industry really took off.

By the 1880s the sending of cards had become a lucrative industry that produced 11.5 million cards in 1880 alone. The commercialisation of Christmas was well on its way.

And Dickens’s role in all this ? While The Christmas Carol was top of the Christmas charts, so to speak, he was coping quite nicely with his other works, including in 1836 describing how Mr Pickwick and his friends set off for Dingley

Dell for a booze-up with bags of festive fare.

What made The Christmas Carol so different was that it struck a chord with the Victorian themes of family, charity, goodwill, peace and happiness irrespective of class.

Dickens also loved Christmas. It is said that he wept and laughed and wept again while writing it and would often take long night walks through London, covering anywhere between 15 or 20 miles ‘when all sober folks had gone to bed’. When he completed the book, he described himself as ‘having broken out like a madman’.

And why not ? It was, and I mean no offence, really a latter-day version of a Downton Abbey, Coronation Street or Eastenders Christmas special, embracing a similar festive audience as today. Herein, lay – and still does – his overall appeal So, yes, you could argue he ‘invented ‘ Christmas as did Queen Victoria, though his views came more circumspect as he grew older with the little known The Chimes, another seasonal offer, far more darker and hectoring in line with his continuing anger over social injustices.

Another, ‘The Christmas Tree’ is even more disturbing in which a small boy is threatened with a tree which appears to have grown downwards.

But it was not attack on Christmas as such, but simply his reflections on how its message changes personally as the years pass by.

Footman frowns at the frolics

Scrooge’s Third Visitor Dominic Gerrard (Courtesy of The Dickens Museum)

A somewhat disapproving look at the festive high jinks came from the journal of one William Taylor, a footman when Queen Victoria came to the throne. Pointing out that Christmas Eve, 1837, was a Sunday he admonished the ‘ many drunken people about the streets, some getting drunk ready for tomorrow…

This is Christmas Day which is, I am sorry to say, almost forgot in London except by the drunkards…’

But he seems to have enjoyed himself nonetheless. ‘We had here roast beef, plum pudding, turkey, and a bottle of brandy to make the punch, which we all enjoyed very much.

‘In many gentlemen’s families, there is a great deal off egg nog and toast and ale at these times and great times and great ceremony in putting up the mistletoe bow in the servant hall or in the kitchen, but our family is too small for any thing of the kind.’

A fare idea of a Dickens dinner.

Culinary tips by Dickens’s wife

P

andering to the needs of middle– class Victorian to budget, especially around Christmas, ‘What Shall We Have For Dinner? self published

by Dickens’s wife and accomplished hostess, Catherine, contained such Victorian dinner party specialities as leg of mutton stuffed with oysters.

With readers more used to economising with prudent use of leftovers or resorting to jam sandwiches for puddings, Catherine’s menus provided an insight into fashionable dinner parties which could comprise of up to 20 dishes, These included several soup and fish courses as starters, followed by meat-heavy main dishes, choices of up to five puddings and three cheese dishes.

The book was written under the pseudonym Lady Maria Clutterbuck.

Meat turned to mince Early Victorian recipes show mince pies were initially made from meat, a tradition dating back to Tudor times. However, during the 19th century mixes without meat began to gain popularity among a few of the gentry to become the mince pies we know today.

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| DECEMBER 2015 23

1

LOCAL FOCUS

2

A christmas

Cracker!

Pictures: Adam Swaine

1. Penshurst Village Church | 2. GroombridgeVillageInn 3. The Inn @ Hever | 4. Westerham Village 5. Crockham Hill Village Walk | 6. Chiddingstone Village NT 7. Village Store @ Chiddingstone

Adam Swaine Photography www.adamswaine.co.uk adamswaine@rocketmail.com | 07798 526 569

4

5

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24 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

3

HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Beoshop group celebrates 90 years of

Bang & Olufsen in style

The Kent-based Beoshop group – the largest independently-owned group of Bang & Olufsen retailers in the UK – gave customers even more reason to celebrate in the run up to Christmas with an exclusive event that commemorated 90 years of the iconic audio-visual brand.

H

osted at the beautiful home of the prestigious London Golf Club, near Brands Hatch, on the evening of 19th November, the exclusive VIP evening was attended by over 200 of the group’s

customers.

The night offered visitors a unique insight into the illustrious history of Bang & Olufsen and the opportunity to sample the latest products from the esteemed brand. To provide customers with an unprecedented and personal demonstration experience, the Beoshop group split the luxurious venue into three zones – heritage, multiroom, and PLAY. Displaying the limited edition Love Affair Collection of flagship, rose golden-finished products that Bang & Olufsen produced to mark its 90th birthday, the heritage zone celebrated the legendary audio-visual manufacturer’s history.

26 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

Those who visited the heritage zone also enjoyed a talk from the Beoshop group on the many achievements and milestones of Bang & Olufsen.

The multiroom zone showcased BeoLink Multiroom – the innovative, intelligent system that unites people’s compatible new or existing Bang & Olufsen products into one wireless system, while the PLAY area was dedicated to the ever-increasing range of fun and portable B&O PLAY products that include wireless headphones and advanced digital audio systems.

Customers also enjoyed champagne, hors d’oeuvres and the chance to win a selection of prizes in the Beoshop group’s complimentary casino chip draw. On being welcomed to the event, guests were each given a casino chip with the recipients of specially marked chips winning a prize – the top prize being a specially engraved Bang & Olufsen Beotime.

Paul Blake, Managing Director of the Beoshop group that has official Bang & Olufsen retailers in Bexleyheath, Bromley, Cambridge, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, said: “I’d like to thank all of our customers who joined us for what was a very special night in an amazing setting.

“The event was a fantastic success and we were delighted to give our much-valued customers a unique insight into the audio-visual company and products that they are so passionate about. Many found it a real eye-opener, even those who have been customers of ours for many years and have owned Bang & Olufsen products for decades.”

Ghost Motors Ghost Motors is a family run business established some 40 years ago by Charles Baseley the Director.

C

harles trained through an apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce in 1968.

Together with his own many years’ experience he employs a team of fully trained and competent engineers. The company was initially based in Lewisham in South London and some 15 years ago moved to Crouch, near Borough Green in Kent enabling easy motorway access from London, the South East and Europe.

Ghost Motors has all the latest equipment to cater for all models of Bentley and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from the very earliest model to present day. Work undertaken can be tailored to a specific budget and customers are kept informed of costs before work is begun.

As well as servicing they can carry out re-chroming, leather and woodwork renovation, brake and hydraulic specialist work, scan tool technology, MOTS and electrical work. They also have a comprehensive parts store on site.

They are happy to help, advise and carry out restoration work. Again all work can be tailored to your own budget.

There is always a large stock of Rolls Royce and Bentley Motor cars for sale from pre and post war models right up to the latest Bentley Continental GT. They sell many cars to private collectors all over the world and are happy to arrange shipping and transportation for you.

They have very competitive labour rates and can arrange for collection and return of your vehicle on a transporter if you require.

THE DETAILS You can view their current stock of cars for sale at www.ghostmotors.co.uk or contact Charles directly on 01732 886002 to discuss servicing, repair or restoration of your vehicle. You can also e-mail at enquiries@ghostmotors.co.uk.

local safety

CHRISTMAS SAFETY Christmas is a time of year for fun and celebration; it is the time when we light up our homes almost in competition with each other.

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ear after year we add to our lighting displays, and not content with just lighting we also have motorised displays, all of this is great and adds to the Christmas atmosphere, and we at M.T.R Property Services Limited would like to help you continue with this excellent tradition in a safe and considered way.

So before you set up your Christmas lighting displays this year, please have a read of the advice below. I will help to ensure your display doesn’t fall foul of any regulations but more importantly ensure its safe for you and your family.

When buying any lighting or display items: n Look for safety marks – for example the BS (British Standard) Kitemark. n Buy from a reputable store, not from street vendors or boot sales. n Look for lights that operate at a low voltage via a transformer. Low voltage sets pose less risk of electric shock.

However, even low voltage equipment is capable of starting a fire.

ABOVE: Shows the logos you should look out for when purchasing your Christmas lights, these can be found on any label attached.

When using any lighting or display items: n Read and follow the manufacturers’ instructions, check your Christmas lights are not damaged or broken before use and look out for loose wires. n Ensure all outdoor lights are connected via a 30mA RCD protected socket.

RIGHT: Shows an old set of Christmas lights with a damaged plug, replaced at a property in Kent TOP RIGHT: The above picture shows a garden Christmas lighting display with overloaded socket outlets and lots of extension leads.

28 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

n Switch your lights off and unplug them before you go to -bed or go out. n Keep lights away from flammable decorations and materials that can burn easily.

NEVER: n Use lights outdoors unless they are specially designed for such use. n Connect different lighting sets together. nO verload sockets – Try to avoid the use of extension leads or adaptors. n Attempt to repair faulty lights – Replace them.

Have a great Christmas, from my family to yours.

Mark Rawlinson

M.T.R Property Services Limited THE DETAILS MTR Property Services Ltd Tel: 01322 686074 | www.mtrps.co.uk

30 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

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| DECEMBER 2015 31

family adviCe

Insurance Matters: Why a quality and experienced broker is paramount when arranging your insurances.

Insurance is a necessary evil to many and a lot of individuals and businesses are very driven by price over quality of cover when arranging their insurance. Reading this short article could save you thousands of pounds in the future. years’ experience of offering tailored insurance solutions for individuals and business of all sizes.

As an experienced broker we also have access to an insurer who will complete a free survey of your home to ensure that you are never under-insured. We also have policies available where there is no alarm warranty or safe warranty if there is a large amount of high value jewellery. To top this, specified items of jewellery claims are normally paid within 14 days upon receipt of the claims information.

It is not just individuals that are at risk of not having the right insurance in place. A recent survey found 1 in 5 SMEs

Why is it so important to have the right cover?

The truth is, sadly, you only know the true value of insurance in the unfortunate event of a claim.

Under-insurance occurs when you have not taken out the right amount of insurance cover for your needs.

There are a variety of factors to take into account when you assess how much insurance you need and if you are not sure you should get advice from an experienced broker or valuation expert. This is because if the amount is wrong it is likely to impact the amount you are paid for any claim you make.

For example, if the cost to rebuild or replace your property or contents is £100k but you have taken out insurance that will cover you for £50k, then you would effectively be underinsured by £50k or 50%. Any claim you make will only be paid on the basis of the amount of cover you chose, based on what is called the ‘average clause’ – so in this example your insurer would only cover 50% of any claim, no matter the size of that claim.

Ashleigh Mackay and Associates is one of the South East’s premier independent insurance brokers with over 35

32 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

You only know the true value of insurance in the unfortunate event of a claim

were not confident that they have the right insurance cover and that could leave them out of pocket.

In today’s economic climate, many businesses and individuals are not prioritising the risk assessment aspect of their insurance, fearful that it may lead to higher premiums.

The problem for many businesses and particularly mid-to-high-net worth individuals is that getting the right sums insured is often very complex.Don’t forget when you’re making decisions about insurance that it is essential you compare both the premium and also the level of cover provided. If not, then you are risking potentially heavy underinsured losses.

THE DETAILS Ashleigh Mackay and Associates offer a complete personal service with built in regular reviews. For a free no obligation insurance review please contact Emma Szabo at Ashleigh Mackay and Associates on 01689 861122 or email emma.szabo@ashleighmackay.co.uk www.ashleighmackay.co.uk follow us @amainsuranceuk Ashleigh Mackay & Associates Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Reg no. 481678

gift ideas

34 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

HOME ENTERTAINMENT

See the big picture this Christmas

The Kent-based Beoshop group of Bang & Olufsen retailers is inviting customers to end 2015 and start 2016 in fine style by experiencing what is literally going to be the next big thing in audio-visual enjoyment.

T

aking centre stage and available for immediate demonstration at the group’s Bang & Olufsen showrooms in Bexleyheath, Bromley, Cambridge, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells is the new BeoVision Avant 85” – a phenomenal Ultra High Definition television that boasts an incredible 85” screen.

Also available 75” version In addition, a 75” version forms part of the BeoVision Avant family at the Beoshop group showrooms. In fact, so impressive is the BeoVision Avant that it was also bestowed a CES Innovation Honoree Award at this year’s annual event.

Both the 75” version and 85” BeoVision Avant are big brothers of the BeoVision Avant 55” that was launched to great acclaim in 2014. The flagship television sets the perfect stage for a truly cinematic movie experience. With crystal clear action images and an engaging surround sound, it’s perfect for entertaining family and friends with all of 2016’s eagerly-awaited DVD and Blu-ray movie releases.

Those who experience the BeoVision Avant 85” will find that it’s not just its size that stands out either – its

Each of our showrooms has BeoVision Avant 85 ready for demonstration

incredible reproduction of the smallest detail or noise is equally impressive. With impeccable, Ultra High Definition (4K) technology, it offers four times the picture quality of a ‘normal’ HD television, while exceptional sound is reproduced via its 3-channel stereo loudspeakers.

Beautiful, synchronised movement Beoshop group visitors will also find that big is certainly beautiful. The stylish BeoVision Avant 85” is certain to draw admiration with its beautiful, synchronised movement and it’s even possible for its opening sequence to be personalised via the ‘MyButtons’ feature on the included BeoRemote One remote control. For example, the remote can be programmed so that at the single touch of a button it can move the television to your favourite position and play your favourite channel at your favourite sound level.

As Paul Blake, Dealer Principal of the Beoshop group of retailers, explains, customers who call in to experience the BeoVision Avant 85” will find that seeing really is believing.

“Even before you take its competitive price into consideration, BeoVision Avant 85” is incredibly attractive in every way and you can’t help but be amazed by its performance,” said Paul.

“But while there’s no denying it has a very big presence, BeoVision Avant 85” doesn’t have to have an almighty impact on your living environment. A variety of mounting options are available and it can be wall-mounted on either a fixed or motorised wall bracket.”

Paul continued: “Each of our showrooms has BeoVision Avant 85” ready for demonstration and we’ll be delighted to guide visitors through its many features – I’m certain that anyone who sees and hears it will be astounded.” www.beoshop.co.uk

36 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

HOME & GARDEN

Maids In Living the Dream just became reality.

M

aidsIn.co.uk is not just another company created out of thin air to suit someone’s needs.

MaidsIn.co.uk was created by the experienced director of a hotelier cleaning company servicing 5***** hotels in the capital for over 35 years.

The best thing about MaidsIn.co.uk is that we know the industry 100%, however this is not enough as we wish to learn what your needs and desires are. After all, no two houses are the same and so it goes with the owners.

For peace of mind, all of our cleaners are also checked by a third party checking service called Onfido and trained to NVQ Level 1 in cleaning and hygiene.

38 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

0800 6893 451 Email: info@maidsin.co.uk Web: www.maidsin.co.uk

Telephone:

A maid service created by you

MaidsIn.co.uk was created by the experienced director of a hotelier cleaning company servicing 5***** hotels in the capital for over 35 years.

Our teams of maids have the training and experience to provide the following services: household cleaning, window cleaning, gardening services and dog walking.

Maid Cleaning Services £12.00 Per Hour (Min 2 Hours)

Window Cleaning Price On Application Dog Walking Services £12.00 Per Hour

Gardening Services £12.00 Per Hour (Min 2 Hours)

Food Delivery Services £12.00 Per Hour

Flower Delivery and Display Price On Application

Dry Cleaning Drop Off £12.00 Per Drop

Living the Dream just became reality

FASHION

SHOW OFF YOUR SHAPE THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Party season should be a time for fun, relaxation and feeling great, but if the thought of getting dolled up leaves you feeling down, you’re not alone.

T

he average woman in the UK is now a size 16, but most high street shops continue to focus their designs on the so-called ‘perfect 10’, neglecting the 45% of women who are size 16 and above.

The good news is that the plus-size brands - and lines from mainstream retailers - are better than ever, so shopping for a festive outfit (or five) needn’t be a chore.

Read on for our top picks, plus expert advice on how to make the most of your figure, and get set for your most confidant Christmas yet...

ACCENTUATE YOUR ASSETS If you’re blessed with a large bust, get to know the styles that work with your curves.

“Generally speaking, V-neck tops and dresses work well as the ‘V’ creates an optical illusion, which forms an elegant shape around the bust area,” Hewitt advises. “A wrap dress helps to separate your boobs, enhancing their appearance and escaping the ‘mono-boob’, which often makes them appear larger than they actually are.”

And when it comes to separates, fit is everything: “Jackets and blazers that are H S A FL cut to flatter boobs are really worth FASHIOENDIFFERENCE investing in. Clever tailoring makes such a H T s p T p E a shion POCK difference to an outfit.” fa f t o e k ra

SMOOTH YOUR SILHOUETTE o Poc a pleth The right underpinnings can player the UK There’s e, but new in e n r o e make the world of difference WHITTLE YOUR WAIST ly ial out th the on ding sartor n obe is r fi to your ensemble, so it’s worth It may be tempting to take comfort in c d n r s a o r an e W s ly U le . o -36 ds d investing in shapewear to form capacious clothes that skim over the focuse for sizes 14 undrums an s, ns list con the foundation of your festive bits you like least, but that’s often not solutio thing om sty e lo fr c s n ir e k io h s. It’s li post t ing suggest wardrobe. the most flattering approach. r e s u st, app opp get sh s and other lus-size styli “It sounds obvious but “Accentuate your curves by wearing r p e il n w reta make sure your bra is the little belts around the highest part of your o r party having st in time fo ocket right size and fits well,” says your waist,” Hewitt recommends. “These ju .p w w w ( n seaso obe.com).

Lucy Hewitt, head designer at work particularly well with fitted shift wardr Pepperberry, which caters to women dresses, revealing a fabulous hourglass shape of all sizes who have larger busts. that looks amazing with big boobs and curvy “Finding the right bra can quite literally hips.” transform your wardrobe and body shape, so Similarly, look for dresses that have belt detailing that make sure you get professionally measured.” sits high on the waist - and if the frock also has slimming “I would recommend an underbra slip or thigh slimmers panels down the sides, you’ll be in curve-enhancing heaven. under partywear,” says stylist Rebekah Patterson of Yours Clothing, which stocks sizes 14-36. “You can then wear your HIDE YOUR HIPS own bra to give you a good shape up top, and avoid VPL at If fitted styles leave you feeling exposed in the hip area, look the same time.” for looser skirts and styles that draw the eye upwards.

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| DECEMBER 2015 43

FASHION GET THE LOOK Looking for new ways to style your AW15 essential pussy-bow blouse? Take a tip from Lucy Watson, who looked stylish as ever at a Champneys spa event recently. The Made In Chelsea star teamed her Poppy Lux Rinda Bow Blouse, £32, Sugarhill Boutique, with an embroidered waistcoat and leather skirt, boosting the boho vibes of the black and white blouse (www.sugarhillboutique.com).

BUY IT NOW Shoptiques.com, the US-based site that brings small, independent retailers to an online audience, has launched in the UK, giving you access to 2,000 international fashion stores, like Babel Fair in New York. The store’s Striped Faux Fur Coat, £144, qualifies for free shipping and comes with complimentary ‘I got it in NYC’ bragging rights (www.shoptiques.com).

STYLEL

STEA

get ht bud on a tig e fashion, e ’r u o If y stiv to go, s of fe in term it is the way it with u s le a jump you can sty to w it ear se becau tops and kn om the fr s, jacket y occasion - at the er ks suit ev arty to drin a Gold p ic office , the Er s’. Try eg Jumpsuit in-law L e e id ir p W m Glitter om Missy E om). £30, fr syempire.c .mis (www

“Skater style dresses are great for disguising larger hips, as they nip you in at the waist and then flare out, skimming the hips and creating a flattering shape,” says Patterson. “And showing a bit of shoulder with a Bardot neckline is a great way to distract from your bottom half, without giving too much away.”

LOVE YOUR LEGS “The easiest way to cover your legs has got to be with a maxi dress,” Patterson says, adding that a side split helps to up the sex appeal.

But that doesn’t mean trousers are out of the question just avoid heavily tapered styles: “Try some wide-leg palazzo trousers or harems. They look great with a fitted top or a floaty blouse and heels.”

Metallic or velvety fabrics are the perfect foil for a stunning statement necklace, to keep the focus of your outfit further north.

Accentuate your curves by wearing little belts around the highest part of your waist, These work particularly well with fitted shift dresses, revealing a fabulous hourglass shape that looks amazing with big boobs and curvy hips.”

44 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

FASHION

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| DECEMBER 2015 47

BEAUTY

Beauty B

lu letin

GIVE IT A REST

“You look tired” isn’t exactly a compliment, yet 90% of women have been on the receiving end of that old clanger, even when they feel fine, according to a survey from Juvederm facial fillers. Time to stock up on the beauty sleep so party season can bring only pleasant comments on the way we look.

48 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

, Y D A E T S , Y D . . .

A P RE PRE

l an al n, c e fu ,w rties half the a p n to is mes g ready mas, whe ve o c t ni tin ha ist Whe that get p to Chr e don’t mp w u e ri agre the run- es mean ons to p . n n o e but i eek soir y aftern eally is o z r w mid- xury of la ressure h p u nd wit ever, a ition the l reen, the w o h , s y p keep ng wa n tran and es a lo ucts, you ca ease - and e h ing go

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| DECEMBER 2015 49

BEAUTY

&

TRIED TESTED

Is a balm better than a face wash for thorough make-up removal? Our testers find out... w Trilogy Make-up Be Gone Cleansing Balm, £19.50 (www.trilogyproducts.com) “I’m quite lazy when it comes to my skincare routine, but this balm is thankfully fuss-free.

You just scoop out a small blob and massage into dry skin, then soak the small, organic cloth in warm water and use it to gently wipe across your face. Not a hint of make-up remained and my skin felt immediately softer and more hydrated.”

4/5

w Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, £22 (www.clinique.co.uk) “Starting life as a dense balm, on contact with my skin, it melted into a silky oil-like cleanser.

I have sensitive skin but this mild formula didn’t irritate, even around the eyes, and it successfully removed my waterproof mascara too. My skin felt polished and fresh after use.”

4/5

Aveda’s new Shampure Dry Shampoo, £22, is a powder that you massage into your roots then brush out, adding volume and a fresh scent (www.aveda.co.uk).

BODY BEAUTIFUL We do more than our fair share of dashing around in December, so keep a can of Sure Women Crystal Invisible Black & White, currently reduced to £1.65 from £3.39 (www.superdrug.com), on hand, to freshen up while changing into your evening attire. Crucially, it won’t leave marks, whether you’re in an LBD or a white tux jacket.

Going tights-free in the deep mid-winter can be somewhat terrifying, but Sanctuary Spa Wonder Body, £8, will allay your flesh-baring fears. The moisturising lotion blurs, smoothes and adds a hint of colour and sheen (www.sanctuary.com).

MULTITASKING MAKE-UP If your desk becomes your dressing table right about now, a strict cosmetic edit is a must.

A palette will save you carting round a mountains of make-up, while also giving you flexibility to chop and change your look, should the mood take you.

Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Love Makeup Palette, £59, offers interchangeable eye, lip and cheek options in a sweet kiss-print compact (www.houseoffraser.co.uk).

Pair it with Ecotools Mini Essentials Brush Set, £5.99, to create seductive eye make-up looks and perfectly flushed cheeks (www.boots.com).

When boozy lunches have a tendency to bleed into cocktail hour and beyond, you need a lipstick that just won’t quit.

Laura Mercier’s Velour Lovers Lip Colour, £22, comes in 12 matte shades of saucy-sounding colours, like hot pink Boudoir and Foreplay (the brightest red), the colour pay off matched only by its staying-power (www.johnlewis.com).

Can’t decide on one shade? MAC Irresistibly Charming Pink Lip Gloss Kit, £26, consists of a quartet of rosy hues in handbag-ready mini tubes (www.maccosmetics.co.uk).

BRIGHT IDEAS We can’t cure your hangover (sorry), but there are ways to hide the evidence of your festive excess.

Halo Eye Make Up Remover Pads, £1.50, are soft, perfectly sized and soaked with lotion, so wiping away panda eyes is a breeze (www.superdrug.com).

If that’s not enough to get those eye-bags to budge, try a couple of Masque Bar Dark Circle Reducer Eye Patches, currently reduced to £6 from £9.99 for five pairs (www.boots.com). Keep them in the fridge to boost their post-party potential.

w Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm, £46 (www.spacenk.com) “Gentle enough to be used as a daily face polish, this silky balm emulsifies with water to create a gentle paste. It’s non-abrasive, so suitable for sensitive skins, and left my skin feeling smooth and bright without causing any nasty dryness. After a week of use, my skin is really glowing.”

5/5 50 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

A little planning goes a long way, however, and with the right prep and products, you can transition from office to out on the town with ease

BUY IT NOW

n makei is a moder Gwen Stefan zzi pics, ra pa pa in en up icon - ev g less than hin yt an s ok she never lo to pair up who better flawless - so their latest on y ca De n with Urba aturing llection? Fe eye colour co and three from es ad sh w ne 12 efani the Gwen St the archive, offers Palette, £40, Eyeshadow ibilities, just ss po w do ha vailable endless eyes rty season (a . in time for pa urbandecay w. ww ; 22 r Novembe co.uk).

Health’s Angels RejuvaDetox is the world’s first guaranteed weight loss and wellness system.

I

f you want to lose weight we guarantee results or we give you free treatments until you do. In addition to this, if you want to tackle a health problem, our clients have achieved life changing results, many coming off long term medication (in conjunction with their GP’s consent).

Our flagship and unrivalled weight loss system RejuvaDetox is a unique and amazingly effective weight/inch loss and detoxification programme. Over the last 15 years we have seen clients achieve average losses of 12-19 lbs in 4 weeks and overall body inch loss of 16-27 inches in just one month!

The 40 minute electronic, lymphatic detox treatment coupled with a 1,500 + calorie a day food plan of natural healthy and deliciously ‘clean’ foods allows the body to purge unwanted intestinal plaque and toxins from the body. As toxins are 2.5 times heavier than fat, weight and inch loss is outstanding and guaranteed as well as helping accelerate absorption and both internal and external anti ageing!

In light of its success and efficacy, RejuvaDetox has and continues to treat many health professionals from GP’s to Nurses along with Health Practitioners to celebrities and journalists.

RejuvaDetox have even treated a Prime Minister’s wife! (A whole page of the Daily Mail was dedicated to her treatment!)]

Call now for a 20 minute free consultation and intestinal scan to see how toxic you are and how we can help THE DETAILS Health’s Angels 23 Bourne Road, Bexley ,Kent DA5 1LW 01322 555600 facebook.com/healthsangels

Health

Remember A year to

As the year approaches its end, Chislehurst Life decided to pay another visit to Doctors at Petts Wood to find out how having a patient-centred approach has worked out for founders Drs Heather and Andrew Williams.

“

I

t’s been an incredible year really, far better than we hoped. The feedback and reaction from the patients who have visited us has been very good”. So says Dr Heather Williams, owner of H. Williams and Associates dental practice in Petts Wood who, regular readers of Chislehurst Life will recall, launched Doctors at Petts Wood with a mission to provide access to private quality GP healthcare. Their aim has been to always put the patient first, and as Dr Andrew Williams, Heather’s husband and Medical Director for Doctors at Petts Wood, explains, it’s been an approach that has been greatly appreciated by patients.

“We have been able to deliver compassionate care. Having time to listen really helps us to understand all our patients health concerns, and the feedback we have received has helped us improve our services – such as the online booking system which has proved very popular, and we’ve added payment

We have been able to deliver compassionate care. Having time to listen really helps us to understand all our patients health concerns, and the feedback we have received has helped us improve our services 52 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

plans which start from as little as £12.50 a month, and plenty of additional medical services too.”

Doctors at Petts Wood and its sister dental practice haven’t stood still this year. So we ask, what areas are they most of proud of? “Oh all of it really”, answers Heather with a smile.

“Although if you pushed me I think I’m really proud of the tremendously positive response we’ve had from patients.

I’m also pleased that it’s so affordable. A typical 30 minute appointment is £97.50, and for patients who may wish to see us regularly we also have the payment plans. It’s all about giving patients options, and it means patients can choose to either pay whenever they come along, or they can spread their costs through a monthly plan. Many people have chosen this option as they like having the peace of mind of knowing we’re there when we’re needed, and it’s already paid for”.

So what does 2016 have in store for Doctors at Petts Wood we wonder? “We’re really looking forward to continuing to provide our patients with our great service!” smiles Heather. “Our GPs have a wealth of experience & expertise and I’m looking forward to many more patients benefiting from all their skills.”

Exclusive Offer for readers of Chislehurst Life Doctors at Petts Wood wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. They are open on December 29th and 30th, and if you visit before January 31st you can receive £10 off by quoting “XMAS” when booking, or by using Voucher Code XMAS when booking online at www.doctorsatpettswood.co.uk. *one-time use only

BEAUTY

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BEAUTY

NAIL THE NEW SEASON SHADES

Back at the spring Fashion Weeks, alongside all the forthcoming fashions for autumn, we got a major dose of ‘nail-spiration’, thanks to the catwalk models’ manicures.

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nd now the AW15 nail colour collections are landing in shops, so it’s time to tend to those talons and stock up on this season’s essential shades.

From dark and dramatic to punchy pink, these are the catwalk-inspired nail polishes to get your mitts on...

THE NEW BLACK The gothic Victoriana vibe championed by Giles Deacon wasn’t matched, as you might imagine, with straight-up pitch black nails.

In fact, lots of designers plumped for bruised but not-quite-black shades, from moody maroon at Giles to storm cloud blue at Marissa Webb and darkest ink at Dior.

MEAN GREENS All the coolest girls are getting green-fingered this season - but it doesn’t involve any gardening.

Preen’s ‘heritage redux’ collection was shot through with a variety of muddy greens and models’ nails were painted to match, while Burberry’s AW15 polish collection includes a pair of military-inspired hues: khaki and cadet.

RAVISHING ROSES Pastel pink ruled on the runways, but when it comes to nails, you’ve got to turn it up a notch.

Chanel’s limited edition Le Vernis colours are always influential; we’re predicting a sell-out of the gorgeously dark fuchsia, Singuliere.

If you’re a fan of a gel manicure, ask for

Gelish Texas Me Later, a deep raspberry hue, next time you’re in the salon.

DOWN TO EARTH Inspired by the subdued Seventies fashion palette, many of the autumn nail collections feature warm, earthy tones.

Mavala’s ruddy line-up runs from milk chocolate to creamy rose, with spicy Samara the ideal alternative to pillar box red this season.

For something a little more luxe, take your cue from the Alice and Olivia catwalk by topping deep aubergine with gold glitter polish.

ART ATTACK Nail art took a bit of a back seat for autumn, but at Rachel Antonoff, the print-heavy collection was enhanced with a trio of arty designs - and you don’t need to be a pro to perfect them.

To create a cute floral motif, start with a coat of OPI Amore at the Grand Canal, then add three short strokes of white or cream at the nail bed to form the petals. Finish with a spot of blue and drag a pin outwards through the polish a few times for a realistic stamen effect.

56 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

Tunbridge Wells Chiropractic and shockwave clinic now open for business Tunbridge Wells Chiropractic and shockwave Clinic, a family run clinic located in 33 Vale road above the Aviation book shop, just two minutes’ walk from the train station is now open.

W

ith plenty of parking in Torrington car park adjacent to the clinic.

Opening hours are 9am-8pm every weekday, and Saturdays 9am-1pm.

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system particularly the spine and their effects on the nervous system and general health.

Gary and Orit warmly welcome patients who may be suffering from a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints or sports injuries. They consider your symptoms in the context of your full medical history, your lifestyle and your personal circumstances in order to help you manage your problem and prevent it recurring. They use a combination of recommended treatments such as manual therapy or spinal manipulation, massage and

acupuncture as well as advice about pain control, ergonomics, lifestyle, posture and rehabilitation exercises. The technique selected will be best suited to your age, size & condition.

What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave Therapy treatment is a highly effective treatment available for patients with chronic tendon disorders, and is used widely

by Sports Physicians & Orthopaedic Surgeons.

This is a very successful second line treatment for patients who fail to respond to appropriate physiotherapy.

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, and works by delivering impulses of energy, targeted to specific damaged tissues within the abnormal tendon. This increases the blood flow within the affected area, stimulating cell regeneration and healing, and decreasing local factors which can cause pain.

Conditions recommended for treatment with shockwave therapy: Plantar Fasciitis, Calcific Tendonitis Shoulder, Tennis and Golfer’s elbow, Achilles Tendinopathy, Trochanteric bursitis (Lateral hip pain), Patella Tendinopathy (Jumpers Knee) and shin splints.

If you feel you may benefit from chiropractic care or shockwave treatment, please book a free 10 minutes consultation where Gary and Orit will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

HOME & GARDEN

SCENT THE HALLS The power of scent is well-known - it can turn back time, bring back memories and transport us to other worlds in a nanosecond, which probably explains why more and more of us are embracing home fragrances.

Especially at Christmas time, when we feel nostalgic as well as merry.

ine Dining v i D

urmet feast Enhance a go quidambar, Li s e’ qu ty with Dip with hich is spiced from £28, w en th , on am nn ci nutmeg and gar su do va co mus le, blended with hi nw ea aroma. M for a sweet rant And ur dc Re s y’ is

by Sainsbur Candle, £15, Cassis Cloche d of crushed blen a rich fruity ith sweetened w redcurrants, d plum. an te na ra pomeg

58 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

T

he season, of course, has its characteristic scents, from fir trees and woodsmoke to mince pies and mulled wine and just a hint of those conjured by the magic of a room spray, candle or diffuser, can evoke the warm, welcoming spirit of holiday time.

There are a myriad more increasingly sophisticated scents too, which can appeal individually and say as much about our style and taste as a personal fragrance.

“This winter, fragrance is all about the beauty of the outdoors, and those who want to be reminded of all their best childhood memories of the season need look no further than the enchantingly beautiful scents conjuring crisp frosted pines, fir tree, winter citrus, holly, ivy and soft white musk notes, representing the first snowfall of winter,” says Roz Wicks, marketing manager at fragrance house, Symrise.

“For some, nothing makes the season like the smell of spice and there’s an increased focus on food inspired scents this year - brambleberries, cranberries, clementines, cloves, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, cinnamon, ginger, tonka beans and cardamom.

These will fill the house with warmth and cheer on a cold, dark winter’s eve.”

Those seeking glamorous scents for late-night winter soirees could, she suggests, embrace warm oriental notes; rich frankincense, sweet myrrh, velvet rose, sandalwood, cedar and golden amber, to conjure a party atmosphere.

Choose super scents for every seasonal occasion, whether to soothe stress as you battle with the preparations, conjure festive atmosphere or simply ramp up the party spirit...

WICK WISDOM Use a candle snuffer when extinguishing candles. This avoids movement in the wick and debris falling into the melted wax which will cause smoke when you relight. Ensure wicks are trimmed to a maximum length of 5mm before lighting and the wax is clear of debris or dust. Keep a candle on a flat surface and not near draughts, which can cause flickering and uneven burn. Make sure you burn a candle long enough so the wax fully pools across the surface, but no longer than four hours at a time.

ADVENT COUNTDOWN Make each day in the lead up to Christmas special, with a fragrance of its own. Yankee Candle’s Advent House In The Snow, £27.99, features a tea light for every day in one of seven seasonal scents, including spiced orange, snowflake cookie and winter glow, as well as a Christmas Eve votive. If you’d like to specifically match your fragrance to your personality, the company’s Fragrance Finder app can help you refine your choice (yankeecandle.co.uk).

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| DECEMBER 2015 59

HOME & GARDEN STRESS SOOTHERS For all its charm, the pressures of Christmas preparation can leave us feeling frazzled rather than festive - so call for the scent soothers! AromaWorks has four designed to appeal to the senses: Nurture to relax, Serenity to restore, Inspire to bring balance, and Soulful to calm jangled nerves, all available in their Box Of Signature 4 set, £42.

Running a hot bath, dimming the lights and lying back to soak up the scent of an Elemis Spa Light Candle, £25, which aims to bring peace with vanilla, and then re-energise with orange and cinnamon, is a great stress-buster. For an exotic take on tranquillity, Japanese Takahashi Hiroko has an innovative new range of four fragrances, presented in bone china containers with striking monochrome designs. Ichi is redolent of a rain-refreshed landscape with notes of lily of the valley, jasmine and vetiver. Diffusers, £75 each, Unique & Unity.

COSY NIGHTS Sitting by the fire writing shopping lists - or, more importantly, Santa requests - is essential, and the right scent could help you make light work of the task. “My favourite fragrance for this time of year is a blend of clementines, mulled wine and firewood, in Mulled Wine By The Fire,” says TV presenter Amanda Lamb. Air Wick Life Scents Mulled Wine By The Fire reed diffuser, £4, Asda.

MAN UP Home fragrance doesn’t have to a girly pleasure nowadays, as there are plenty of scents to appeal to the boys. The tangysweet odour of old books, beeswax polish and wood-panelling is conjured up for a ‘library’ scent using plum, peach, leather, violet and patchouli in Bibliotheque by Byredo. A limitededition Room Spray, £60, Liberty. “It’s a timeless scent, unique and quite addictive,” says Byredo founder, Ben Gorham.

Alternatively, a Havana Candle, from £20, Karma Feeling, combines the macho scent of Cuban tobacco and oak.

Alternatively, step in from the cold and be warmed by The White Company’s Winter scent, which blends notes of sweet cinnamon and clove with a dash of fresh orange, for a traditional aroma. Pillar candles from £25.

WOODLAND WALKS “Just like a favourite perfume, scented candles can transport us back in time and bring back wonderful memories, with many people using a favourite seasonal scent year after year,” says Laura Lee, a florist and event specialist who’s helped Kenneth Turner - the fragrance-maker beloved by celebrities including the Prince of Wales, Vanessa Redgrave and Sting - to create three new seasonal scents: Masquerade, Winter Berries and Midwinter, from £42 each.

“Midwinter’s based on a walk on Boxing Day through trees laden with lime-green mistletoe - so it includes the fragrance of that with pine, rosemary and thyme, and sparkling musks.”

For a bright, bracing aroma also reminiscent of a stroll in winter woodland, Jo Malone’s Pine & Eucalyptus Home Candle, £42, hits all the right notes.

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Just like a favourite perfume, scented candles can transport us back in time and bring back wonderful memories

PARTY SPARKLE Partying and socialising with family and friends is all part of the fun of the season. Before you pop a cork, instantly conjure a party atmosphere with a Champagne Rose Candle, £25, Voluspa, which has notes of brut rose champagne, chilled and poured over cassis berries and edible white rose petals.

The aptly-named Cocktail Gardener candle range from Amazon has four fragrances, £30 each, created by mixologist, Lottie Muir. “These candles are inspired by years of experimenting with the intense aroma and flavour of plants to capture the joy of nature in a glass,” she says. Bloody Rosemary has uplifting notes of rosemary, grapefruit and oak, while Woodland Martini is a velvety mix of sage, Douglas fir needles, cedar and musk.

FLOWER POWER Heady floral fragrance adds a hint of luxury and evokes rooms filled with bouquets. “Perfume is said to complete a woman’s outfit, and home fragrance completes a home, because it should be tailored to the style and personality of the owner,” says Leo Gibbon, co-founder of new home fragrance company, IIUVO. Its Ajon candle, £50, has a scent inspired

by Gibbon’s mother’s floristry workshop and contains a blend of orange blossom, jasmine, rose and the essence of a classic gardenia (available direct from the company or from Liberty).

For a budget-friendly option, check out the floral Leafy & Lovely Box Candle, currently reduced from £6 to £4, Superdrug.

HOME & GARDEN

Morso stove

A Morso stove is so much more than simply a stove, it quickly becomes the heart of your home. Combing timeless elegance with traditional craftsmanship and quality, it cannot be beaten.

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s a family business in the trade for many years we decided to move away from the standard ‘stove showroom’, with rows and rows of black boxes to choose from, restricted brand knowledge and drastic differences in quality we believe that Morso stoves need and deserve to stand centre stage. Our small but well equipped showroom displays everything from a small but mighty inset model that can fit a standard sized opening in your property to a beautiful free-standing cylinder model with side glass to view from every angle, perfect for kitchen diners.

With gas and oil prices steadily rising wood burning stoves are becoming essential for home owners, and aside from purchase and installation costs they will begin saving you money right away. It is encouraged to heat the room you are in, many of us waste money on the central heating to warm a house when in reality we spend most of our time in only a one or two rooms. And what could be better on a cold, dull day than the crackle of a real log fire, flickering flames and a warm cosy room?

We pride ourselves on good customer service and installations tailored to your specific requirements, with a free

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survey we can assess the condition and suitability of your existing chimney or design a bespoke flue system if you do not have one, there is almost always an option for a wood burning stove, sometimes where you would have never imagined it We have a large selection of ‘Defra Approved’ models, this means even in a smoke controlled area you can burn logs on one of the approved models.

Morso have been making cast iron wood burning stoves for a very long time, over 150 years now. Danish technology and design producing modern yet timeless models that are loved as a piece of furniture rather than just an appliance. When you choose a Morso wood-burner, you make a choice for life. We truly believe the brand speaks for itself and we are proud to provide these superbly manufactured, elegant, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly castiron stoves. Come and visit our showroom today, let Morso make the difference in your home.

THE DETAILS Morso Fires Ltd, 180 Petts Wood Road, Greater London BR5 1LG. Tel: 01689 872745 www.morsofires.co.uk sales@morsofires.co.uk

HOME & GARDEN

THE BED POST

YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR BEDS The Bed Post opened for business 28 years ago in April 1987 and has been successfully selling beds to the local area ever since.

F

rom a modest showroom in Lee Green the business has steadily grown. The second showroom was opened in Sidcup, then came Petts Wood and in 1999 the 10,000 square foot flagship retail park showroom/warehouse in Crayford and finally in 2007 another showroom was added to the chain in Dunton Green, near Sevenoaks.

As you can see the development over 28 years has happened steadily. This planned expansion has happened because The Bed Post’s don’t just supply beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture to both Contract and Retail customers all over the south east, it is because the professional Bed Post team really care about their customers. This growth has been achieved largely by way of personal recommendation from satisfied customers who have spread the word about the superb customer service and care. The superb Bed Post attitude to customer care and attention to detail was also recognised by the London borough of Bexley 2007, who awarded The Bed Post the accolade of ‘Retailer of the year’ in recognition of these important qualities.

The Directors at The Bed Post ensure exceptional value for money simply because they are constantly checking our prices against the large High street retailers and competitors on the internet. This is the reason that The Bed Post can offer a price promise, i.e. they simply match any other price quoted on any bed or mattress. The Bed Post also take pride in offering a delivery service cheaper than anyone else, its even free of charge in their van area.

The Bed Post’s after sales service has also been a major factor in their continued success, so if you have any problems once its been delivered they will always be there to provide customer support. To add to the overall package The Bed Post offer an assembly service and a morning order from stock means an afternoon delivery and old mattress recycling service. With The Bed Post’s increased bulk buying power backed with price promise and interest free credit (written details on request) they are hard to beat.

If you want a wide range of quality beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture from an outstanding company who offer outstanding value, Personal and professional service combined with friendly expert advice you must visit one of the Bed Post showrooms below.

THE DETAILS Head Office Store & Warehouse Tower Retail Park Crayford, Kent DA1 4LB Tel: 01322 525090 Mon – Sat: 09:00 – 17:30 Sun: 10:00 – 16:00

63/65 Queensway Petts Wood Orpington, Kent BR5 1DQ Tel: 01689 830964 Mon – Sat: 09:00 - 17:30 Sun: 10:00 - 16:00

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4/5 Elm Parade Main Road Sidcup, Kent DA14 6NF Tel: 020 8309 6016 Mon – Sat: 09:00 - 17:30 Sun: 10:00 - 16:00

118 - 120 London Road Dunton Green Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UT Tel: 01732 742000 Mon – Sat: 09:00 - 17:30 Sun: 10:00 – 16:00

WINTER SALE

Starts 9am December 27th

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HOME & GARDEN

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HOME & GARDEN

Grants of sevenoaks

John Grant has been creating high quality, bespoke kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, studies and free standing furniture for over 30 years.

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ach piece of furniture, whether free standing or fitted is created to my client’s individual design and personal needs. I am keen to listen to your ideas, and advise on all wood types and their benefits, as well as paint finishes and the resulting appearance. “I combine traditional hand crafted joinery methods, and hand finishing to the highest standards with modern high quality fittings, accessories and appliances.

I encourage my clients to view each commission as it takes shape at my workshop in Seal, to ensure that their needs are met, even if they change as the work progresses. I arrange and coordinate the whole process from design to completion.

THE DETAILS Unit 3, Chart Farm Seal Chart, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0ES Telephone: 01732 763610 | 07809 504251 info@grantsofsevenoaks.co.uk www.grantsofsevenoaks.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

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Fiveways Fires & Stoves Experienced, Friendly.

Family Run Showroom.

Hetas and Gas Safe engineers.

Multi fuel stoves all Defra approved, Gas Fires and Mantles, The New Optimist range of Electric Fires and Stoves.

Open 6 days a week 10 until 6.

743-745 Sidcup Rd, New Eltham, SE9 3SA (located along Sidcup Bypass)

Tel: 0208

127 4747

New showroom displays coming soon

LOCAL solicitor

Award Winning CWJ Praised at National Event

T

he prize for Best Community Contribution at this year’s LawNet awards went to Orpington’s Clarkson Wright & Jakes for a bigger-picture CSR strategy that is putting them at the heart of their local community, with fundraising and skills-sharing that’s both supporting their community partners and also boosting staff morale internally including an initiative to make the community more dementia-friendly.

Andrew Wright, senior partner at CWJ commented: “It’s a real boost for everyone at CWJ to receive national recognition in this way, especially after all of the consistent hard work put in by the team to become involved in our community at many levels - from supporting character-building mini rugby festivals to creating dementia-friendly workplaces.”

Results like this give real purpose to annual awards. Our members want to benchmark themselves against other forward-thinking firms.

Our awards allow us to recognise the people behind these exceptional initiatives 76 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

Chris Marston, chief executive of LawNet, said: “Independent law firms such as CWJ are ideally placed to demonstrate what it means to be innovative in the legal sector.

That, combined with a commitment to excellence, is what our awards recognise.”

“Results like this give real purpose to annual awards.

Our members want to benchmark themselves against other forward-thinking firms. Our awards allow us to recognise the people behind these exceptional initiatives.”

He added: “People sometimes assume that innovation starts at the top in the legal sector, amongst the major multinational players, but our members consistently demonstrate that they can be more nimble, quicker to react and implement, and because of that they generate outstanding performance as a result.”

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much tax??

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• Bookkeeping • VAT Returns • Lettings Accounts • Payroll

Just a reminder that if you registered as self-employed before 5 April 2015 you will need to complete a tax return this year.

All work completed on a fixed fee basis and many special offers available for small businesses and those in their first year of trading.

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TRAVEL

RICH PICKINGS IN

PUERTO RICO It has just turned midnight on a balmy Friday night in San Juan, and I am getting into my groove.

D

rumming troupes are playing along to the salsa beats blaring out of the bar, and I’m swaying my rum-rhythmed hips, effortlessly blending into the dancing crowd. Or so I think.

I feel a tap on my shoulder and I swing around to see a Puerto Rican woman twice my age shaking her head and grinning from ear to ear. I clearly look like I need some instruction.

My self-appointed tutor takes my hand and tells me to copy her step, and within minutes, it’s catching on.

But with the same speed with which it started, my lesson abruptly finishes, and she disappears into the night. I never even got her name...

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Emboldened by my newfound expertise, I am now ready to take on the famous nightlife of this Caribbean capital city.

I am in La Placita de Santurce, where hundreds of people of all ages have spilled out of the open-fronted bars that are dotted around the square to dance and drink.

By day, this is San Juan’s food market, but by night, it transforms into a vibrant fiesta of colour, salsa and food.

I have just three days in Puerto Rico, which admittedly seems like an extravagant trip. But now that low cost airline Norwegian is flying direct from Gatwick to San Juan, a long weekend break to the Caribbean is not quite as absurd as it initially sounds. With return flights as cheap as £250 return, the twice weekly route opens the opportunity for a

truly exotic short holiday, as easy and affordable as a European city break.

I force myself away from La Placita with the party in full flow - not because I want to leave, but because there are so many places to experience during my flying visit.

Next on my agenda is a bar that was voted one of the 50 best in the world in a 2015 poll - La Factoria.

No sign hangs above the door to this artistic hangout in the heart of Old San Juan, because this cocktail bar doesn’t need one.

Unpretentious and bohemian, La Factoria is the perfect place to dance the night away to the ubiquitous sound of salsa.

The challenge is trying not to get lost in this maze of tunnels and tiny rooms, while sipping fresh cocktails made with local rum.

Rum is everywhere in Puerto Rico, and the country is rightly proud of its long history with the spirit. The island is said to be the largest producer in the world, and despite a squabble over which barman came up with the recipe, the world famous pina colada cocktail was invented in San Juan.

My odyssey to the sugar cane-based spirit begins at Bacardi’s ‘Cathedral of Rum’ in Catano, just outside the capital.

The distillery, built in 1958, is the largest premium rum facility in the world, where almost 85% of Bacardi’s production comes from - it churns out a staggering 21 million cases per year for shipment around the world.

My basic tour scratches the surface of the history of Bacardi, from its beginnings in neighbouring Cuba to

worldwide domination of the rum market, but it does give me a platform on which to blag my way around the local bars, and of course, a complimentary Cuba libre.

I am staying at the Hilton Caribe, a historic hotel on the eastern side of the Isleta de San Juan.

The first Hilton outside the US, it’s where bartender Ramon ‘Monchito’ Marrero Perez claims to have served the pina colada first, at the hotel’s Beachcomber Bar in August 1954.

The true origin of the rum, coconut milk and pineapple juice cocktail will probably never be discovered, but there are certainly few better places to sip one at sunset.

Puerto Rico’s geographical position meant the island was a key strategic territory when European explorers arrived in the region.

For many ships using the transatlantic trade winds, Puerto Rico was the first land to be sighted after weeks at sea, so it was seen as an important gateway to the riches of the Caribbean.

The Spanish took control in the early 16th century and built impressive fortifications to protect its most valuable outpost from attackers, such as the British and Dutch. They ruled for 400 years until Puerto Rico was declared a territory of the United States.

Three forts - San Felipe del Morro, San Cristobal and San Juan de la Cruz -

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| DECEMBER 2015 79

TRAVEL

make up La Fortaleza, which, along with a large section of the old city wall, is a Unesco World Heritage site.

San Cristobal, the largest Spanish fort in the so-called New World, stands guard on the eastern side of the walled city of Old San Juan.

With its thick walls, dungeons, strategic tunnels and sentry boxes, it’s easy to imagine what life was like for the soldiers and prisoners - here.

Breathtaking views along the coastline and out across the Atlantic are a welcome reward for the hike to the top of the ramparts.

Away from Puerto Rico’s main town, there is so much more to explore.

My next hotel stop is on the northeastern tip of the island at the El Conquistador resort, which has its own private island, Palomino, with pristine beaches and a range of watersports.

A short drive away is El Yunque, the only tropical rain forest in the United States national forest system.

Measuring 28,000 acres, hundreds of plant species live here, including 150 ferns, 240 tree species - 88 of which are endemic or rare and 23 are exclusively found in El Yunque.

A huge amount of rain falls here, so taking a natural shower under one of the forest’s spectacular waterfalls is reason enough for a visit.

Also nearby is Laguna Grande, where billions of bioluminescent plankton light up the water when they are disturbed.

I take a tour across the water with Kayaking Puerto Rico, who guide me through a tunnel of mangroves as I drift over the jet black sea water.

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Before long, I notice the mystical effect my paddle has on the microscopic creatures, which glow as the blade cuts through the surface.

It’s no wonder the ancient civilizations here believed this lagoon had higher powers.

Measuring just 110 miles wide and 40 miles high, Puerto Rico is easy to get around, making it a potential candidate for a long weekend break.

In three days, I’m able to experience some of the country’s key highlights - although learning how to salsa like a local might take me a bit longer.

Rum is everywhere in Puerto Rico, and the country is rightly proud of its long history with the spirit. The island is said to be the largest producer in the world, and despite a squabble over which barman came up with the recipe, the world famous pina colada cocktail was invented in San Juan.

BOOK REVIEWS

The

BookShelf

“Away from the easily read commerciality seen on every chain bookstore shelves, there are writers far more profound - individualistic books to think about during the holidays . . .”

WORDS by Bruce Edwards

Melissa Jonathan Taylor Pub. by: P/b:

Till Kingdom Come Andrej Nikolaidis Trans: Will Firth Pub. by: Istrosbooks P/b: £9.99

Allowing for the vagaries of translation and thus the comparisons betwixt Montenegrin and English, this story needs thought to squeeze the best out of the philosophical reasonings of its hard-bitten protagonist..

Is it fictional or is it a glimpse into a factual existence that may appal those who live comfortable unassuming lives of contentment in pleasant surroundings? What does a ‘cynical local reporter’ do when faced with a fabricated personal past? He may be used to uncovering stories but when it’s his own? He drinks - Vat 69 is mentioned - he travels around Europe in the quest to unravel the mystery of his own birth - even plunges into a tunnel to understand why an ancestor claimed to be a Messiah. The complications will not end - as the title suggests, they’ll go on till . . . There’s an element of sadness lurking beneath the fascinating wordage.

Maria is the femme fatale and you’d like to think she was the saving grace. Alas, not so.

ISBN:

978-1-908236-24-1

Salt £8.99

One commonality, though small, is the girl’s name - as it appears in ‘Till Kingdom Come’ too - another far more significant one is the approach. Life is not always a straight line comfortable existence and strange things happen. When a seven-year old girl dies, she of the title, from an illness that does not respond to treatments explained at length, we read of ‘musical hallucinations’ and that prompts the mention of another link with ‘Till Kingdom Come’ - strategic piano playing. Indeed, the musical theme runs through chapter headings, but classical music does not - at first - work well on teenage Serena or with her school contemporary Sara - nor father Harry; even less so on step-mother Lizzie. However, the seedy and coarser aspects of humdrum life in the backstreets may offer some rewards if you look through them and don’t confuse ‘bras’ with Brahms. Eventually Serena will grow up and away from titillating temptation but Melissa’s shadow will still cast a spell.

ISBN:

978-1-78463-035-5

The Wild One Janet Gover Pub. by: P/b:

Choc Lit £7.99

No Melissa here and definitely no Maria.

Our girl is just ‘Quinn’, or Rachel if you prefer. And we’re in outback Australia, not grim back streets, and she’s a photographer, not a reporter. Dan is the one who has memories, a touch of the P.T.S.D as a relic of Iraq and he’s taken refuge in the Park Warden’s job.

Horses - wild ones - take the place of music as inspiration as he tries to erase pictures of young death best left in the Iraqi desert. There are parallels however, in the way Rachel’s mind works, in the way relationships build and though it’s nothing like as gritty as our other two choices some odd similarities can be found.

Below the surface of all well-written books there should be differing strands to unravel, so the reader needs to plumb the depths and enjoy the detective work. Even in this romantic tale there are strongly worded concerns hiding out there in the bush. Different and delightful.

ISBN:

978-1-781892-66-4

“Why not take advantage of a unique limited edition romantic novel or two? For further information, leave your contact details at: writerselect@gmail.com” www.thelifemagazines.com

| DECEMBER 2015 81

FOOD & DRINK

MARTIN KEEPS IT SWEET TV presenter, restaurateur, bestselling chef and one-time Strictly semi-finalist, blue-eyed-boy James Martin certainly doesn’t do things by halves - and the tradition continues with his latest cookery book, Sweet.

“Every single dessert was shot at my house, and made and plated by me,” reveals the 43-year-old Yorkshireman. “My agent was shouting and screaming as they had to take three weeks off, but what with celebrating 20

82 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

years in the business, I knew we needed to do this.”

Following on from 2007’s hugely popular Desserts, Sweet looks set to re-establish Martin as the king of puddings, with over 70 recipes, from simple classic bakes and family favourites, to lavish showstoppers and wait for it - an all-important troubleshooting section (Hallelujah!).

“People always say, ‘I do this but this always goes wrong’, and the first thing I would say is buy quality ingredients. It can only be you or the ingredients that are the problem, so if it’s the ingredients, change it.”

The glossy shots in the book certainly look appealing.

“We used the same photographer this time around, a guy called Peter Cassidy who shoots everything pin-sharp, rather than all that modern, blurry b*****ks. If you’re going to do a step-by-step, the reader has got to see what it looks like,” states the chef.

With a culinary career that spans two decades, perfectionist Martin has a finger in many pies - but it was his stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 that landed him his biggest gig to date, as host of BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen.

And despite 10 years of 4am starts and 6am rehearsals (“I have a big can of Red Bull and two eye drops before I go live”), his passion for the weekend show remains.

“I love it and everything it represents. You’re giving chefs that hardly ever cook on TV the opportunity to show their restaurant and skill-set off.

Their reputation is on the line, so it’s a huge pressure for them.

“Me? I’ve got the best seat in the world, as I get to be a commis chef in the best restaurants in the world without having to go to them.”

As for the pressure that comes with presenting, Martin is confident, yet unassuming.

“I would rather do live than pre-recorded, as live grabs you by the balls; there’s nowhere to hide and I like that. I don’t have any adrenaline nothing. The buzz is the excitement of the show, or maybe it’s the Red Bull that’s kicking in...”

While Martin is happy to be ogled on screen, he’s equally content cooking undercover in his popular restaurant, James Martin Manchester, and has no qualms admitting he would happily revert back to the role should his fame game be up tomorrow.

“The public will make its own decision, and that’s it. If they stop watching me, I’m quite happy to go back home and carry on working, because I’ve had a whale of a time for the last 20 years. I feel very privileged to do it, but when your time’s up, your time’s up.

“Food has been at the start and it will be at the end - the bit in the middle is all fluffy clouds (tits and tinsels, we call it in the restaurant), but it’s all that fluffy stuff that people enjoy.”

He insists he’s not hugely ambitious, though.

“My glass has been full for quite a number of years and I’m very happy,” he says. “I don’t want to reach for a bigger one; I think you get to a certain age in life where you’re content and it’s a good place to be.”

One thing that is growing, however, is Martin’s car collection. A petrol head and keen flyer, he puts his love for the two down to “the release; the relaxation away from everybody else”.

“I’ve had my pilot’s license for 10 years; I don’t have my own plane yet - I’m not Jamie Oliver! But I love it. When you’re on a plane, there’s no phone, nothing. You’re just concentrating on staying up in the air.”

So would he like his pastime to traverse onto TV; perhaps a Flying With James spin-off ?

“I keep getting asked to do stuff - photos at home, Through The Keyhole - but it’s my house! When I do Home Comforts for BBC Two, I can control where they’re filming and what they’re looking at. As for everything else - why are chefs doing that? Just cook the bloody food!

“You’ve got to have a distinction between work and your private life,” he continues. “When I go home, the doors are shut and that’s it. If you let those doors open to people then you’re going to work harder, aren’t you?”

If you fancy trying out some of Martin’s sweet treats - from the privacy of your own kitchen - here are three recipes from his new book to whet your appetite...

Serves 12-16

BAKED DOUBLE CHOCOLATE PUDDING n 100g melted butter, plus extra for greasing n 3 eggs n 175ml milk Serves 6 n 250g self-raising flour n 50g cocoa powder n 1tsp baking powder n 150g light brown soft sugar n 100g dark chocolate drops (70% cocoa solids), or dark chocolate, finely n chopped into 5mm dice n 100g milk chocolate drops, or milk chocolate, finely chopped into 5mm dice For the sauce: n 300ml water n 200g light brown soft sugar n 40g cocoa powder Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4 and butter a 2L ovenproof dish.

Whisk the melted butter, eggs and milk together in a jug until smooth.

Sift the flour, cocoa and baking powder into a bowl then stir in the sugar.

Pour the butter mixture onto the flour and mix well to a smooth batter. Stir in the dark and milk chocolate and spoon into the prepared baking dish.

To make the sauce, bring the water and sugar to the boil in a saucepan, then add the cocoa and whisk until smooth. Pour evenly over the top of the batter then place the dish in the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes. The top of the sponge will be just firm to the touch, but underneath there will be a runny chocolate sauce. Serve hot with double cream or ice cream.

PEA CH AN D CRE ME FRA ICH E CRU For the cake: n 450g self-raising flour n 2tsp baking powder n 200g butter, plus extra for greasing n 350g demerara sugar n 6 eggs n 150g creme fraiche n 25ml peach schnapps or peach juice n 100ml peach puree n 7 peaches, halved and stoned, or 2 x 400g tins peach halves, drained

MB LE CAK E

For the crumble: n 60g plain flour n 30g butter, diced n 30g demerara sugar For the topping: n 100g creme fraiche n 100g cream cheese n 50ml double cream

Preheat the oven to 150C/Gas 1 and grease and line a 24cm highsided, loose-bottomed cake tin.

To make the cake, place the flour, baking powder and butter in a bowl and rub together to form a breadcrumb-like texture. Stir in the sugar.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, creme fraiche, peach schnapps or juice, and puree together, then pour onto the dry mixture and mix to a thick batter.

Pour half into the prepared tin and tap the tin gently to settle the batter. Place the peach halves, cut-side up, onto the batter in concentric circles, then top with the remaining batter, smoothing over the top.

Bake in the centre of the oven for one-and-three-quarter hours until golden and risen. A skewer inserted into the centre of the cake should come out clean - if it doesn’t, return the cake to the oven for a further five minutes and repeat. Leave the cake in the tin to cool completely.

While the cake cools, make the crumble to go on top. Turn the oven up to 180C/Gas 4. Place the flour, ground cinnamon and butter in a bowl and rub until the mix resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and stir to combine. Spread out over a baking sheet and bake for six to eight minutes until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool on the baking sheet.

For the topping, whisk the creme fraiche, cream cheese and double cream together, then spread over the cake while it’s still in the tin this will give you a neat finish. Scatter the crumble over the top to cover the cream, then ease the cake out from the tin.

www.thelifemagazines.com

| DECEMBER 2015 83

FOOD & DRINK

3BEST... of the

Chocolate Desserts Sweet Bites Party Selection £12.99 for 24 pieces (M&S) M&S is renowned for its party platters and this sweet bites selection doesn’t disappoint, with eight delicious mini chocolate and caramel flapjack fingers, eight cookies and cream triangles and eight raspberry and chocolate brownie parcels - all perfectly decorated with minimal fuss.

RUM BABAS

Heston from Waitrose Chocolate & Passion Fruit Popping Candy Bites

n 50g caster sugar n 15g fresh yeast n 75ml warm milk n 2 eggs, beaten n 75g butter, softened, plus extra for greasing n 300g strong flour For the syrup: n 200g light brown soft sugar n 200ml water n 100ml dark rum

£5.99 for 8 pieces (Waitrose) Quirky but wonderful, these Heston bites spring a surprise with a popping candy and piquant passion fruit ganache mix. A delightful, fun addition to any party.

Serves 8

To serve: n 200ml double cream n 1tsp vanilla bean paste

M Signature Mini Tart Selection

Put the sugar, yeast and warm milk into a large bowl and whisk together until the yeast has dissolved.

Ideal for a festive dessert, this six-pack of salted caramel and Irish cream mini tarts are indulgent without being too rich. And at just one bite, they’re nearly guilt-free!

Add the eggs and butter and beat to combine. Add the flour and continue mixing until the batter is very smooth and comes away from the side of the bowl.

Grease eight individual 6cm baba moulds and divide the mixture between them, filling each one approximately half full. Set aside to rest in a warm place for 20-30 minutes, or until the mixture has doubled in size. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 200C/Gas 6.

£3.50 for 6 pieces (Morrisons)

THE DETAILS

Place the moulds on a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden, then remove from the oven and leave to cool in the moulds. When cool, remove from the moulds and set aside.

For the syrup, put the sugar and 200ml water into a pan and bring to the boil. Boil for two minutes, then remove from the heat and add the rum. Place the babas in the rum syrup to soak, two at a time.

Lightly whip the cream and vanilla bean paste to soft peaks. Serve the soaked rum babas with the whipped cream.

84 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

Sweet by James Martin is published by Quadrille, priced £20.

Available now

FOOD & DRINK

C

ow and Pig British kitchen was a labour of love created by Gavin, Steve and Elaine. A group of friends with a passion for good quality food, cooked well, locally sourced and without any silly price tags. Not to mention their huge love of a good steak!

The mission behind cow and pig British kitchen is to utilize the best and freshest produce found throughout neighboring London, Kent and Surrey and most importantly through local suppliers. Our whizzes in the kitchen will then take classic British dishes which have adorned every household and muddle them together with a contemporary twist, to produce tasty dishes for everyone to love.

Cow and Pig British kitchen aims to have a polished yet causal atmosphere, making it ideal for either celebrating a special occasion or just stopping by after work. With our emphasis on locally sourced food and a scratch kitchen, everything is made in house, from our thrice cooked chips, through to smoking our own fish in house to our homemade puds.

To bring you the best quality we source our ingredients locally and place special emphasis on supporting local businesses. Why not check out our fab suppliers so you can have a taste of Cow and Pig at home too!

So come along and let us take you on a journey of the Best of British!

Rest assured that alongside the house favourites, there will always be something new to whet your appetite and keep you coming back.

THE DETAILS T : 02084648877 | E : info@cowandpig.co.uk 39 East Street, Bromley BR1 1QQ www.cowandpig.co.uk

88 DECEMBER 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

17th CENTURY PUBLIC HOUSE

The hidden jewel in North Kent’s crown WHATS ON GUIDE:

DECember WED. 2ND KILLER POOL FRI. 4th KARAOKE SUN. 13th CHRISTMAS Quiz THURS. 24TH CHRISTMAS EVE WITH BLONDE! THURS. 31ST RICKY’S DISCO

CHRISTMAS MENU STARTERS Minestrone Soup with croutons.

Chicken liver pate with red onion jam and toast.

Succulent Crab and prawn cocktail with whole grain mustard dressing, gem lettuce and lemon for squeezing.

Stuffed Mushrooms with caramelised red onion and Welsh rarebit.

MAINS Traditional roast turkey with stuffing, chipolatas wrapped in bacon, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, winter vegetables, cranberry sauce and pan jus.

Pan fried Duck Breast with spiced red cabbage, fondant potatoes and red currant jus.

Oven roasted salmon with fricassee and green cabbage, bacon and potato.

Goats cheese tart with new potatoes and salad.

SWEETS Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.

Bailey’s crème brulee.

Apple crumble with whisky custard.

Double chocolate cheese cake.

TO FINISH Mince pie and coffee.

Cheeseboard £2.00 extra

Rushmore Hill, Pratts Bottom, Kent BR6 7NQ 01689 852 553 | www.thebullsheadpub.net | info@thebullsheadpub.net

January Sale