Life Magazines (Kent editions) September 2018

BABINGTON HOUSE SchOOL The top small independent school in England for A level results – 68% A* and A grades.

(The Telegraph league tables)

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SEPTEMBER ISSUE THE TEAM PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

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Editor Faye Manning ••••• Editorial Assistant Katie Miller ••••• Sub Editor Ben Jones ••••• Fashion Editor Lewis Casserley ••••• Design & Production Lisa Wade ••••• business development managers Tim Lees, Lisa Westerman ••••• SALES Vanessa Lane, Anita Hill ••••• Accounts Kathy Manning, Andree Georgiou ••••• Directors Rory Smith, Patrick Smith

CONTENTS OUT & ABOUT

13

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS GUIDE

43

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

59

HOUSE & GARDEN

77

FOOD & DRINK

99

We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month The finest independent schools in the UK Fashion, health and beauty news to keep you looking and feeling your best Keep it local for everything house and home Bringing you updates on the local food and drink scene

0844 800 8439

www.thelifemagazines.com

e Se xt Of pt en fe em d r e be d t r 30 O th * Visit us in store to learn about this limit-time offer. Save up to £1,300 when trading in for a BeoVision Eclipse 55” or £1,800 for BeoVision Eclipse 65”. Offer applies to one TV of any brand and is valid til 30 September 2018 subject to availability. BeoVision Eclipse 55”: RRP from £7,495, BeoVision Eclipse 65”: RRP from £10,795. Energy class A. Prices exclude installation and wall bracket/floor stand starting from £795. BeoRemote One included.

out & about – We put fantastic local businesses and exciting events in the spotlight each month – i mag e : IGH T H A M M OT E

OUT & ABOUT

[ e v e n t s ]

OUT & ABOUT

22 September

Great Gatsby Party @ Whitstable Castle You are cordially invited to the Great Gatsby Party at Whitstable Castle on Enjoy an evening of cocktails, live Jazz, dinner, fun casino and dancing optional 1920s dress! Tickets are ÂŁ45pp in advance.

Whitstable Castle & Gardens, Kent CT5 2BW

until 29 September

Outdoor Summer Season Professional, exciting and unique performances have been developed specially for outdoor events, fetes and festivals. All the performances are interactive, family-friendly and suitable for all ages, and great fun.

The six shows on tour this summer have something to appeal to everyone – from the 8ft Froojamaflip, created from fruit and vegetables and accompanied by his friend Fred the Gardener; to circus skills from the Memory Man; culinary delights and tasty tunes from Too Many Cooks; the interactive Playground of Illusions and more. All the shows will entertain, delight and stimulate imaginations young and old! See more at www.applause.org.uk.

Southborough The Yard, 2a Speldhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 0DP 14 SEPTEMBER 2018

16 september

Pear Day Celebrate over 500 varieties of Pears at Brogdale this Autumn, take a tractor trailer ride around the orchards and meet the experts who will tell you all you need to know! Free Entry 8.30am till 4.30pm Brogdale Collections, Brogdale Farm, Brogdale Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8XZ

OUT & ABOUT

[events]

OUT & ABOUT

15 September

Tonbridge Artisan Crafts Vintage & Gift Fair Head to Tonbridge to visit this artisan crafts vintage and gift fair.

Plenty of stalls to wander around, the fair is open from 10am until 3pm with free entry.

The Angel Centre,Angel Lane, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1SF

21 SEPTEMBER

Twilight Walk 2018 Help Ellenor turn the streets of Gravesend orange and raise vital funds for families facing terminal illness. 7pm from Cyclopark, Gravesend. 8km or 12km route.

This is a brilliant way to keep fit, challenge yourself and raise money for a good cause.

Cyclopark, The Tollgate, Watling Street, Istead Rise, Gravesend, Kent DA11 7NP

22-30 September

Scarecrow Festival Scarecrows will be displayed in gardens, on benches, in the churchyard, leaning against walls etc. Letter clues will be scattered on scarecrows around the village from Saturday 22nd Sept, and once all the letters are found they have to be unscrambled to find the answer to the clue on the entry form, which is then posted in one of the three yellow post boxes on Old Loose Hill. Entry form and map from The Chequers Pub, The Walnut Tree, Loose Post Office.

Loose Valley, Maidstone, Kent ME15 0ET

22 SEPTEMBER

13 & 14 October

National Apple Festival Discover something new and tasty with rare and heritage apple varieties. Guided tours of the orchards, horticultural talks, apple pressing demonstrations and a programme of cooking demonstrations all weekend.

Brogdale Collections, Brogdale Farm, Brogdale Road, Faversham Kent ME13 8XZ

23 SEPTEMBER

Ashford International Hotel Wedding Show Why not pop along to the wedding show at The Ashford International Hotel, Ashford. Kent, this amazing venue has much to offer with it’s spacious function rooms and most importantly the care that is taken to look after every client for every event. There will be many local wedding specialists exhibiting who will be available to discuss your big day with you, they will be able offer advice and many have on the day promotions.10.30am - 2.30pm Simone Weil Avenue, Ashford, Kent TN24 8UX

22-23 September

Royal Tunbridge Wells Food and Drink Festival This is a huge event for the town and will have the backing of a lot of the town’s major businesses, pubs and eateries. There will be the main stage, cooking demos and talks, Kent young chefs, disgusting food challenge, children’s stage and entertainment area, pink pavilion – local food promoted by produced in Kent. Plus the beer and cider festival and street food area.

Calverley Grounds, Kent TN1 1RG 16 SEPTEMBER 2018

Sevenoaks Stag Plaza Artisan Crafts Vintage & Gift Fair Wander around this fair to browse stalls featuring some fantastic artisan crafts, vintage good and gifts. Open from 10am until 4pm with free entry.

The Stag Plaza, London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1ZZ

20 & 27 September

A guided walk around Old Hythe A guided walk around Old Hythe, taking in the Town Hall, historic High Street, the Royal Military Canal, St Leonard’s Church, Ossuary and lots more. Walk starts at 10.30am. No need to book.

Town Hall, High Street,Hythe, Kent CT21 5AJ

OUT & ABOUT

18 September

Bat Walk Join us on a dusk walk through the gardens to hear and see these nocturnal creatures. Bat detector supplied! Followed by tea and cake. Dress for the weather and for walking over uneven ground.

7pm start - £10 adults, £8 for 8-16 year olds.

Hall Place & Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1PQ

[events]

OUT & ABOUT

22 September

Cheeki Monkeys BIG Baby & Children’s Market Sittingbourne Lots of pre-loved delights, save up to 90%! Browse designer and handmade clothes, toys, books, buggies and lots more.

Fulston Manor, Brenchley Road, Sittingbourne, Kent ME10 4EG

20 September

Ightham Mote - Open Garden for NGS 14 acre garden and moated medieval manor c1320, open for NGS since 1927. Herbaceous borders, lawns, C18 cascade, pools, courtyard and cutting gardens provide formal interest, while the informal north lake, pleasure gardens, fernery, stumpery and orchard all contribute to the sense of charm and tranquillity.

Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0NT

13 October 23 September

West Malling Farmers Market Pop along to purchase a wide variety of local produce from the area is available including fish, cakes, pies, bread, wines, fruit juice and much more. Winner of Best Farmers Market in Kent 2016 and listed in National Geographic Food Magazine in the Top 10 Farmers Markets in the UK to visit. 9.30am to 1.30pm. West Malling High Street, West Malling, Kent ME19 6NA

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29 SEPTEMBER

Elvis Tribute Night in support of Heart of Kent Hospice Nick Pitt Productions are holding an Elvis Tribute Night starring Johnny Lee Memphis, one of the UK’s multi award winning Elvis tribute artists who will be performing some of ‘The King’s’ most memorable tracks . There is a licenced bar at the venue and you are welcome to bring your own nibbles.

For more information or to book please call Julie Johnson on 07816 043419 or email jjulie.johnson@btinternet.com. £10pp, doors 7pm, show 7.30pm.

Ditton Community Centre, Kiln Barn Road, Ditton, Kent ME20 6AH

29 SEPTEMBER

Hair & Make-up Masterclass with BlackCherry Bridal Hair and Lucy’s Vintage Salon If you are getting married this year or interested in learning more, you cannot miss this excellent hair and make-up masterclass! There will be demo shows and one to one advice/tips on hair and make-up from vintage to modern – including bubbles and nibbles. 11.30am-4pm.

Sun Pier House Medway Street, Chatham, Medway, Kent ME4 4HF

Heart of Kent Hospice Moonlit Walk 2018 Enjoy a night out with a difference with your family and friends by taking a fun evening 8 mile circular walk to remember loved ones or to support your local Hospice. This is a special circular walk where you will get a medal, hot drink and cake at the end!

To book visit www.hokh.org Heart of Hospice, Preston Hall, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7PU

Fairmont

St Hamilton

Lincoln

A

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

s the long nights draw in, a treasure-trove of comedy, dance, children’s shows and musical tribute acts are on offer at Churchill Theatre Bromley.

Dance fans will be tempted by both Emerald Storm, the thunderous Irish dance show and Flawless: Chase the Dream, from the stars of Britain’s Got Talent and the smash-hit movie Street Dance 3D. There will also be the chance to see the latest offerings from Richard Alston Dance Company, one of the world’s finest dance ensembles, and their latest show marking 50 years of work by the prolific choreographer Richard Alston.

A great variety of music tribute acts include Hooray for Hollywood, celebrating the golden age of cinema, as well as Soul Legends and Someone Like You, a night of all your favourite Adele hits. Comedy fans can catch Joe Pasquale on his few of His favourite Things tour, as well as magician Jamie Raven whose show will leave you laughing as well as mystified!

The high quality programming is completed with Tottenham Legends Ledley King, Ossie Ardiles and Graham Roberts gracing the Churchill stage to discuss the beautiful game. The charming family show Peppa Pig’s Adventure caters for a young theatre and family audience, with a three-hour extravaganza of pure 1960’s nostalgia via The Sensational 60’s Experience providing another

20 SEPTEMBER 2018

tempting night-out. Possibly the jewel in the one-night-show crown is an evening with the iconic Jason Donovan for his Amazing Midlife Crisis Tour.

Visitors to the Churchill Theatre can also take advantage of the recently refurbished Bar & Kitchen which caters especially to theatre-goers who fancy a bite to eat before the curtain goes up, and even have the option of having their dessert in the interval.

The season also holds special dining events such as Ultimate Bublé, a three-course meal set to everyone’s favourite Bublé hits; Festive Afternoon Teas; and the hugely popular Only Fools and 3 Courses, combining fine food and comedy action served up Only Fools and Horses style.

Since 1977 the Churchill Theatre in Bromley has been one of the South East’s leading live entertainment venues, welcoming over 150,000 customers through its doors every year. The theatre’s comfortable auditorium seats up to 781, is fully air-conditioned and the modern facilities include several bars, refreshment kiosks and spacious foyers.

Churchill Theatre continues to offer something for everyone, bringing variety and high quality productions to your doorstep.

Book your tickets for a night out at the theatre today! www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT

DRACULA COMES TO THE CHURCHILL THEATRE Interview with Cleo Pettitt, costume designer for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, at the Churchill Theatre Tuesday 16 - Saturday 20 October What has been your main source of inspiration for designing the costumes for this production of Dracula?

I went back and read Bram Stoker’s book initially, to get the feel of how it was originally conceived.

Then I found amazing source material in the work of Frank Meadows Sutcliffe, a pioneering Victorian photographer who captured the working classes of Whitby. They are great references for the ordinary clothes of the exact time and place we are representing. The Middle to Upper Classes are much better documented so this helped cover all bases.

Are the costumes of the period or will they be contemporary?

They are essentially period but with a nod to today. We are trying to tell a timeless story and it’s important to not alienate the audience by making it into a historic drama. Tastes have changed so much that what might once have been a sexy nightdress now looks very frumpy. The same goes for hairstyles and this would hamper the story we are trying to tell so we have made some adjustments.

Can you tell us anything about Count Dracula’s costume?

We see him both at his castle where he has been for a very long time as well as rejuvenated and making a fresh start in London. So we have two very different looks for him. I can also tell you that the actor is very handsome and a striking 6’4.

Has designing costumes for this production presented you with any difficulties or obstacles to overcome?

Myself, the director and the team spent a long time trying to work out how the ensemble should be costumed. In a way they represent the outside world, while slowly becoming affected by the dark force of Dracula. We wanted to avoid a costume parade of characters and try to tie them all together with a palate; let them just emerge from the crowd and filter back in.

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What is your favourite costume in the show?

It’s impossible to say as we have a very beautiful cast - everyone looks stunning.

Which costume has been the most challenging to create?

Lady Renfield’s but I can’t tell you why as I can’t give anything away!

Could you tell us a bit about the costume design process?

As I said above, it’s firstly reading the script and any background material, then researching the period thoroughly. After that it’s about getting to the core of the character and talking this through with the director so you have a clear picture of every aspect, from personal qualities to social standing. And after that it’s making sure it works as a picture with everyone on the stage together.

Who do you think will enjoy this production of Dracula?

It’s a classic story of, essentially, good over evil, so everyone should enjoy it. There are a lot of surprises in this production too - a very cool set and we are working with an illusionist to create some great effects. Although it’s not for the faint of heart!

Do you have any special pieces of costume?

We found a waistcoat at Angels Costume Hire in London previously worn by Christopher Lee; his name is sewn into it. We will be getting that in somewhere. www.churchilltheatre.co.uk

“Tastes have changed so much that what might once have been a sexy nightdress now looks very frumpy”

OUT & ABOUT

Interview with Jeff Parry

The man behind global smash hit show Let It Be The Beatles of 1980 are dressed in clothes of the time and there are no costume changes in the second half. The lighting and whole feel is very natural.

If you had been a fly on the wall at a real reunion, which song would you have liked to have heard them play?

Oh gosh, I haven’t really thought about it! Probably Helter Skelter – I’ve always wanted to see them rip it up like that.

I’ve got a bunch of favourite songs. And Your Bird Can Sing, and I Need You are two others.

More than two million people worldwide have seen Beatles show Let It Be since it burst on to the scene, winning rave reviews and enjoying runs on Broadway and in the West End. And now Let It Be returns to The Orchard Theatre stage for 2018 – but not as Fab Four fans will have seen it before.

Here promoter and lifelong Beatle fan Jeff Parry, of Annerin Productions, talks about changes to the smash hit show, and what UK audiences can expect

24 SEPTEMBER 2018

Where did the idea for this new production come from?

Well, funnily enough it was the original idea. I’d had in my mind for 30 years what a reunion of The Beatles would have been like. I came up with the idea of condensing the original show into the first half and doing the reunion in the second half. I wasn’t sure if this was possible with all the costume and set changes, but our production manager said he could pull it off, which was a bit of surprise.

Next, we had to worry if we were messing with a successful brand – but frankly stuck with the Beatles mantra that creating change and pushing the limits is what made them unique. With that in mind, we told promoters who had booked the original show that, although the name remained Let It Be, the show now included a reunion. I guaranteed if the audiences didn’t like it more that we would return their money.

So what can fans of Let It Be expect from the new show?

The whole (original) show is in the first half. It’s like it’s on steroids! All the set changes remain, and you still get the whole show. All the content is there. Half way through we do Sergeant Pepper, and sometimes people get up after that, thinking that’s the interval!

The first half ends with the final medley from Abbey Road. Before the second half starts, we scroll film saying The Beatles are squabbling and breaking up. Then eventually John and Paul are talking again and we say what if they DID get together? Just imagine!

Which part of Let It Be Part II gets the biggest audience reaction?

The second half of the new Let It Be brings an emotional response as this gives the audience something they never have seen, a reunion which could have been.

I love to watch people’s faces when they see a Lennon song followed by a Harrison song. It’s almost as if they didn’t link the two together. Oh yes, those guys were in the same band at one time?

The Lennon songs from Double Fantasy and then, of course, Imagine bring real emotion as they have never been performed live, and it reminds us all of how much he is missed and how much more he could have contributed.

Let It Be, The Orchard Theatre, Dartford, Mon 15 - Sat 20 October. www.orchardtheatre.co.uk.

Ticket Office 01322 220000

OUT & ABOUT

Complete casting announced for

Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical

COMPANY Directed by Marianne Elliott

Jonathan Bailey

M

arianne Elliott directs COMPANY, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s legendary musical comedy about life, love and marriage.

At Bobbie’s (Rosalie Craig) 35th birthday party all her friends are wondering why isn’t she married?

Why can’t she find the right man and Why can’t she settle down and have a family? Featuring Stephen Sondheim’s award winning songs Company, You Could Drive a Person Crazy, The Ladies Who Lunch, Side by Side and the iconic Being Alive.

Marianne Elliott, Artistic Director of Elliott & Harper Productions, a company she founded in 2016 with producer Chris Harper, was awarded an OBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List for her services to theatre. Elliott is the first woman in Broadway history to win two Tony Awards for Best Director and her recent Broadway transfer of Tony Kushner’s Angels in America received the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play.

Rosalie Craig recently completed a run of Jez Butterworth’s award-winning play, The Ferryman at the Gielgud Theatre. Other theatre credits include: Marianne Elliott’s production of The Light Princess, for which she won the Evening Standard Award for Best Actress in a Musical and was nominated for an Olivier Award.

Patti LuPone, who performed Don’t Cry for me Argentina at the Grammy’s this year returns to London to make her first appearance in a West End musical for over 25 years with this production of Company.

Patti LuPone

THE DETAILS

Mel Giedroyc and Gavin Spokes

A ground-breaking new gender swapped production of the Sondheim musical.

Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London Previews from 26 September 2018 Opening Night 17 October 2018

The cast of Company in rehearsals (all photos by Helen Maybanks)

Mel Giedroyc recently co-presented The Great British Bake Off for the BBC alongside her longtime comic partner Sue Perkins, co-presented Let It Shine with Graham Norton and Gary Barlow and commentates for the BBC at Eurovision.

Starring Rosalie Craig as Bobbie, Patti LuPone as Joanne, Mel Giedroyc as Sarah, Jonathan Bailey as Jamie, George Blagden as PJ, Ashley Campbell as Peter, Richard Fleeshman as Andy, Alex Gaumond as Paul, Richard Henders as David, Ben Lewis as Larry, Daisy Maywood as Susan, Jennifer Saayeng as Jenny, Matthew Seadon-Young as Theo and Gavin Spokes as Harry.

26 SEPTEMBER 2018

OUT & ABOUT

ROLL INTO THE RITZ!

T

he iconic Ritz hotel in London has become the first owner of the brandnew Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended Wheelbase. The Rolls-Royce of RollsRoyce’s, is the authoritative statement of modern luxury.

The £500,000 fully customised vehicle was built by hand to the prestigious hotel’s brand design at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Goodwood, Sussex.

With its commanding silhouette and striking chrome detailing, the motorcar is bespoke Ritz blue and features moccasin leather interiors with monogrammed navy blue carpets and seat piping with unique headrests embroidered with the blue Ritz lion. To add further luxury there are heated massage seats, two TV screens, built in complimentary Wi-Fi and a hidden champagne compartment complete with flutes, And for those who prefer some privacy the windows are set slightly forward so you can see out without being seen. The motorcar provides the quietest cabin Rolls-Royce has ever created with an incomparably spacious suite, enhanced by discreet technology.

A complimentary one-way airport transfer in The Ritz-Rolls Royce Phantom is offered to all guests staying in one of the hotel’s four signature suites.* The first and only hotel to have received a Royal

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“The £500,000 fully customised vehicle was built by hand”

Warrant from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. And as an exclusive service to hotel guests, the chauffeur-driven luxury vehicle is also available to hire for £600 for a one-way London airport transfer.

Perfectly located in the heart of London’s West End, The Ritz is moments from the finest shopping destinations in the capital, including the luxury designer brands of Bond Street and Regent Street and the unique and quintessentially British boutiques of Jermyn Street. So whether you are going to a meeting or taking advantage of exploring London and its hidden gems, you can hire the Ritz Rolls-Royce for £300 an hour. *Suites at the Ritz start from £1,795 per night for the Piccadilly Suite.

To make a booking or for more information please contact enquire@theritzlondon.com or telephone +44 (0) 20 7493 8181. www.theritzlondon.com

OUT & ABOUT

Judge & Priestley team continues to grow

T

he Private Client team at Judge & Priestley continues to grow and expand its fields of expertise, with the addition of a specialist Contentious Probate Solicitor. Ryan Taylor has joined the team to help advise clients on deceased estates, where there may be a dispute over the Will, the appropriate person to administer the estate, or who is to inherit under a Will or intestacy. His aim in contentious probate matters, is always to try and bring about a timely resolution, whilst limiting the impact on both the parties and the assets involved as much as possible.

Ryan has over six years’ experience in private client work, with a particular focus on estate

30 SEPTEMBER 2018

disputes. He has practised in these contentious matters in Australia and England, as a qualified solicitor in both jurisdictions. The skills he brings complement the wealth of experience already held in our private client team, which is accredited for Wills & Inheritance Quality by the Law Society, and includes three qualified STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) members.

Ryan and the team’s expertise can help guide you through this important and complex field of law, to help give you peace of mind and assist your lovedones at difficult times.

Please contact Ryan on 020 8290 7346 or email rtaylor@judge-priestley.co.uk if you would like to find out any further information.

“Ryan has over six years’ experience in private client work, with a particular focus on estate disputes”

OUT & ABOUT

FORTNUM’S X FRANK 2018 presents unseen work by Modern British Artist

F

ortnum & Mason are continuing their annual artistic collaboration Fortnum’s X Frank 2018 until 20th October, with eminent art collector, Frank Cohen, presenting a rich body of work by British landscape artist, John Virtue.

Frank Cohen is one of the world’s most influential and prolific collectors of British and international contemporary art. Previous notable exhibitions have included: a significant collection of Modern British masterpieces from the Frank Cohen Collection that went on display at Chatsworth House’s New Gallery in Spring 2012; a collection of recent works from China, India and Japan entitled ‘Facing East’ that was on display at Manchester Art Gallery in Spring 2010.

John Virtue is one of the most distinguished painters working today in the UK. He was awarded the post of Associate Artist at the National Gallery and this will be the first time since his 2005 National Gallery show that such an extensive oeuvre of works has been seen in London. Fortnum’s X Frank 2018 (FXF18) sees 70 large-scale monochromatic works by Virtue placed across the floors of the luxury London store, in the heart of Piccadilly.

Having trained at the Slade School of Fine Art, Virtue’s practice is continually informed by natural environments and his geographical moving from Lancashire to Devon, to London, and now to Norfolk.

The artist’s idiosyncratic black and white canvases, created using a mix of white acrylic paint, black ink and shellac, provides a provocative juxtaposition among the iconic Fortnum’s colours and gilt.

The works chosen include abstract landscapes that challenge the viewer to see beyond the paint to make out landmark sites, such as London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye and The Gherkin.

FXF18 is curated by Robert Upstone, former Director at the Fine Art Society, which he joined in 2010 from Tate Britain where he was Head of

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Ewan Venters, CEO Fortnum & Mason John Virtue, Artist, Frank Cohen, Art Collector in front of Landscape No. 174

Landscape No 664

JOHN VIRTUE EXHIBITION

Modern British Art. The collaboration is taking place as the global art world descends on London for the prestigious Frieze Art Fair, also coinciding with London Design Festival.

Fortnum’s has a long-standing commitment to the arts, supporting generations of artists and designers through its connections with the Royal Academy, the Royal College of Art, the Slade School of Fine Art and the Bloomsbury Group, alongside Fortnum’s own distinguished collection.

“Fortnum & Mason is about creating a sense of pleasure, and while we focus on things that taste amazing, art enhances the sensory pleasure of the store and creates an intellectual pleasure for those that enjoy it. With Frank’s astute collectors eye and Robert’s impeccable curation, we are able to challenge and inspire our customers as they move throughout the store. As a British, family business, it seems a perfect fit to have John Virtue’s incredible landscapes and seascapes exhibited in our home throughout one of the busiest months in London’s art calendar.” Ewan Venters, CEO Fortnum & Mason. www.fortnumandmason.com

“Fortnum’s has a long-standing commitment to the arts, supporting generations of artists and designers through its connections with the Royal Academy, the Royal College of Art, the Slade School of Fine Art and the Bloomsbury Group, alongside Fortnum’s own distinguished collection”

OUT & ABOUT

Are you an Executor of a Will?

If you find yourself as an executor of a Will there are certain legal obligations and duties for which you are responsible. Distributing the deceased’s assets to heirs and arranging payment for applicable debts, taxes and expenses is often referred to as the probate process.This can be daunting and lengthy, and as an executor, you could be held financially/legally responsible if you do not carry out these duties in accordance with the law.

The benefits of instructing a Solicitor to help with the Probate process?

“You may find that the deceased’s estate is subject to inheritance tax. This can be a complicated process”

As professionals who deal with probate on a daily basis, Solicitors can ease the stress of this complex process because they are aware of the legal, tax and property issues surrounding probate. They will also know what to ask for, from whom and when. This will oft en result in a quicker, compliant and more efficient outcome. Their expertise, through their step by step guidance, can provide reassurance at this upsetting time.

be able to inform you of your options can prove invaluable.

Inheritance Tax

Other services

You may find that the deceased’s estate is subject to inheritance tax. This can be a complicated process.

However, a Solicitor is well versed in this area and can ensure that you only pay what is legally owed.

If required, Solicitors can also ensure that all payments owing on the estate are paid (including capital gains tax, inheritance tax and income tax if applicable). They will also liaise with third parties including beneficiaries, estate agents and financial institutions, complete administrative forms (including probate information and inheritance tax forms) and validate your sworn oath.

Estates held in Trust Trusts are oft en established by a Will, although their existence may not be immediately obvious.

There are tax and legal implications surrounding such trusts and your Solicitor can guide you through these complicated rules.

Contested Wills If the Will is contested then disputes may arise.

Having the security of knowing that a Solicitor will 34 SEPTEMBER 2018

Why Thomas Dunton?

Thomas Dunton have been helping people navigate their way through this difficult process for over 40 years with sensitivity and professionalism. If you require our expertise, please do feel free to contact us.

Join us for our next FREE Library Talk on Wills & LPAs at Orpington Library, Tuesday 16 October 2018 at 11am.

No need to book.

For more information, call us or visit our website www.thomasdunton.co.uk 217–219 High Street, Orpington, Kent BR6 0NZ Telephone: 01689 822554 Email: enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk

Call for a brochure 01206 766005 • Or visit www.simonskitchens.com New Showroom Address: 40b Crouch Street, Colchester CO3 3HH

OUT & ABOUT

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

MICHAEL JACKSON: ON THE WALL Until 21 October 2018. Sponsored by BOSS and Sony Music

THE DETAILS Michael Jackson: On the Wall is produced with the co-operation of the Michael Jackson Estate.

Tickets with donation from £17.50 - £22 Tickets without donation from £15.50 - £20 Under 12s are free and family tickets are available.

Tickets are subject to availability on a first come, first served basis and can be booked online or in person at the Gallery.

Proof of age is required. www.npg.org.uk National Portrait Gallery St Martin’s Place London WC2H 0HE

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ichael Jackson: On the Wall at The National Portrait Gallery explores how Michael Jackson has inspired some of the leading names in contemporary art.

Curated by Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, this major exhibition opened to coincide with what would have been Michael Jackson’s 60th birthday on 29th August 2018.

Jackson was one of the most influential cultural figures to come out of the 20th century and his legacy still continues. His significance is widely acknowledged when it comes to music, videos, dance, choreography and fashion, but his impact on contemporary art is an untold story; one that has not been recognised with an international loan exhibition such as this.

Almost a decade after his death, Jackson’s legacy is as strong as ever: his record sales, now in excess of one billion, continue to grow; his short films are still watched; and his enormous fan base remains loyal. His impact and fame show no signs of diminishing and the questions raised by him as a social phenomenon are still relevant.

In addition to breaking records for the most albums sold, awards won, philanthropic achievements and cultural barriers overturned, Michael Jackson has become the most depicted cultural figure in visual art since Andy Warhol first used his image in 1982.

For the first time, Michael Jackson: On the Wall brings together the works of almost 50 of these artists, drawn from public and private collections worldwide, including new works made especially for

the exhibition.

The 48 artists featured are: Rita Ackerman, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Emma Amos, Lyle Ashton Harris, Dara Birnbaum, Candice Breitz, Appau Jnr Boakye-Yiadom, Monster Chetwynd, Michael CraigMartin, Dexter Dalwood, Graham Dolphin, Mark Flood, Isa Genzken, Michael Gitttes, Todd Gray, Maggi Hambling, David Hammons, Keith Haring, Jonathan Horowitz, Gary Hume, Rashid Johnson, Isaac Julien, Johannes Kahrs, KAWS, David LaChapelle, Louise Lawler, Klara Liden, Glenn Ligon, Sam Lipp, Isaac Lythgoe, Paul McCarthy, Rodney McMillian, Dawn Mellor, Dan Mihaltianu, Lorraine O’Grady, Catherine Opie, Yan Pei Ming, Grayson Perry, Paul Pfeiffer, Faith Ringgold, Michael Robinson, Mark Ryden, Susan SmithPinelo, Donald Urquhart, Kehinde Wiley, Hank Willis Thomas, Andy Warhol and Jordan Wolfson.

The exhibition asks why so many contemporary artists have been drawn to Jackson as a subject and why he continues to loom so large in our collective cultural imagination, and the continued interest in him as a major cultural figure.

OUT & ABOUT

Focus on:

Care Home Negligence

A

ccording to the latest statistics over 400,000 people in the UK are currently in residential care of some form.

Should the time come when your loved ones need that additional support and are no longer able to live independently, they are entitled to expect to be looked after properly and treated with dignity and respect.

care, pressure ulcers are very often avoidable.

Preventative measures such as an appropriate risk assessment, checking of the areas where sores are likely to develop and repositioning can reduce the risk of a sore developing and any failure on the part of the nursing or care home to take such steps could amount to negligence.

Ensuring that the right level of care is provided at the right time

Those in residential care should also be considered at a high risk of falls and measures should be in place to lessen that risk. A risk assessment, appropriate mobility aids and supervision when mobilising can reduce that risk. When a fall does occur, the consequences for the frail and the elderly can often be severe and it might take a long time for them to recover from the effects of the injury.

Any remaining independence that the resident had might be lost entirely, resulting in additional care and treatment needs, either whilst they recover or, perhaps, on a permanent basis.

Those with caring requirements may need help with various aspects of personal care, medication and nutrition and, as a result, can often be heavily reliant on those with the responsibility for their care. The frail and those with existing health complications can deteriorate rapidly and might struggle to communicate any change in their condition. Effective systems must be in place for the monitoring of residents’ health and escalation where necessary to healthcare professionals to ensure that the right level of care is provided at the right time. Any failure to provide the appropriate level of care can have significant consequences for those dependent upon them.

Preventative measures It is common for those admitted to a nursing or care home to have restricted mobility resulting in significant amounts of time spent in bed or in a wheelchair. Pressure ulcers or bed sores can develop quickly, causing significant pain to the resident combined with the risk of serious health complications. However, with the right 38 SEPTEMBER 2018

High risk residents

Seeking legal advice as a result of substandard care Often a combination of simple steps, such as monitoring food and drink and regularly reviewing care plans can make the difference to the level of care provided, but when harm does occur as a result of substandard care, we can advise you on making a claim on behalf of a loved one.

If you are concerned about the care your loved one is receiving please get in touch with our Solicitor Kate Horley now on 01689 887851 or email kate.horley@cwj.co.uk

“Those in residential care should also be considered at a high risk of falls and measures should be in place to lessen that risk�

OUT & ABOUT

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EDUC ATION

Babington House School Building a better future N

ow that the GCSE and A level exams for 2017 are behind us, teaching staff at Babington House in Chislehurst are busy planning the curriculum for the next academic year. New topics will again be added to the A-level options, with English scholars joining us and Classics being taught at GCSE and A Level.

Babington House School Sixth Form is going from strength to strength, with schools now writing to us wanting to forge partnerships for their pupils, so that they can benefit from the unique learning environment that our Year 12 and 13 students benefit from.

It is no secret that A Levels have got harder. It is no secret that funding has been cut forcing much bigger class sizes for A-level than ever before, right at the time when your child needs more attention and more support in their learning, the step-up from GCSE’s to A Levels is enormous. However, here at Babington, in Year 12 and 13, with classes of 5 pupils or less, our Sixth Formers are reaping the rewards of expert tuition, attention and support.

Aside from the educational benefits they receive, they have given us as a school so much. They are very much part of the heart of Babington. We have boys joining in with D of E and our ruby players supporting our coaches with the Prep boys sport clubs. Our maths scholars, Chloe and Pedro, give encouraging support at our senior maths club. At our school carol service the wonderful Gospel choir performed, directed by two Sixth Form girls. Sixth Form pupils have enjoyed trips to the theatre, Chemistry and Biology in Action, Political

conferences, work experience at home and abroad.

With first class UCAS applications, we have a record amount of offers from Universities this year and it will be an extremely exciting (if a bit of a nail biting) summer.

“Here at Babington, in Year 12 and 13, with classes of 5 pupils or less, our Sixth Formers are reaping the rewards of expert tuition, attention and support”

44 SEPTEMBER 2018

Sixth form pupils receive quality careers education, information, advice and guidance, to ensure they make informed choices for further education and work. We are not a school that forces them into a mould and while we may be a small Sixth Form, we enable big dreams to happen, however unusual they may seem. One of our school leavers is currently working as a professional racing car driver and has just secured a contract with Porsche cars, regularly winning races at Brands Hatch alongside studying for her Accountancy qualifications.

Other students decide to take a more traditional path and are aiming at Medicine, the Law or other opportunities within business. Chloe in Year 13 said, “I have been offered an impressively low grade requirement to read Pure Mathematics at Exeter University. I am sure the reason I obtained this was because of the interview preparation and help with my application which I received at Babington.”

Some of the more esoteric courses currently being studied by our leavers include, War Studies and Ethical Hacking & Cyber Security.

We are also able to facilitate direct entry to some of the top companies in the country. One sixth form student, for example, is leaving us in September to start an Engineering Apprenticeship with Thales in London.

Next year Babington will continue to grow and develop. Building work has just been completed adding four additional classrooms, creating additional space for Sixth Form pupils.

As a small team of specialist teachers, our Heads of Department have the advantage of working closely together, to ensure cross curricular teaching is fostered and delivered. With so much of the Physics and Mathematics A level curriculum crossing over, it is a major strength as a small school, that we can tailor the Sixth Form teaching to support each other’s subjects and therefore giving

“Sixth form pupils receive quality careers education, information, advice and guidance”

Inspiring Teachers, Inspiring Children

unprecedented support to the pupils.

Our Sixth Formers will have even more learning time in the classroom next year because we have increased teaching hours for many of the A Levels.

So far from cutting back, as many schools have had to, here at Babington we are investing, as it gets results for our pupils and they benefit.

Tim Lello, Headmaster comments, “I am so proud of our Upper Sixth leavers and their contribution to Babington House. They have definitely made the most of the unique learning environment and as a consequence, they have very exciting futures ahead.”

Academic Scholarships in English and Mathematics are available for entry to the Babington Sixth Form. Examinations will take place in early January 2019. To register visit our website: www.babingtonhouse.com or Tel: 020 8467 5537.

SEPTEMBER 2018 45

EDUC ATION

Top tips for the open day season…

A s a Headmistress I relish this time of year, as our pupils proudly showcase their school. As a parent, I know only too well that it can be an anxious time, as parents and children embark on days of tours, prospectus reading, online research and endless conversations with friends, colleagues, neighbours about finding the ‘best’ school. In London we are blessed with a plethora of options for girls and boys, but that often makes it even harder. Here a few top tips for a less stressful experience:

1) Organise your time Register for all the open events you want to attend, visit school websites and social media channels beforehand and then compare your experience.

Talk to parents who have children at each school, and seek advice from your child’s current school.

2) Check the entrance procedures for each school Is there an entrance exam? How does the interview system work? How do you apply, and by when?

3) Speak to current pupils Open events are designed to highlight the best parts of each school, so remember to look beyond the window dressing, facilities and smart marketing materials and speak to the pupils. Are they speaking freely and authentically? Observe their interactions with each other and with staff. Are they happy and fulfilled and are they proud of their school?

4) Look beyond league tables League tables do not tell the whole story. All schools will strive for academic excellence for every pupil, but the starting points and journeys will vary enormously. Highly selective schools inevitably have

Mrs Woodcock enjoys a discussion with Sydenham High girls

46 SEPTEMBER 2018

students who produce top results. These schools are more difficult to get into and parents often resort to tutoring. Try not to get drawn into this culture which can be detrimental to a child’s wellbeing, and foster a reliance on tutoring long term in order to cope with the academic expectations.

5) Stay positive School place competition can sometimes strain relationships – between friends who are parents but also between parents and children. It is important not to let your anxiety filter through to your child, but to let them know that whatever happens you are proud of them and they have a positive future ahead. Starting secondary school is both daunting and exciting but there will be the right school out there for your child; they should feel secure and positive, not that it is second choice.

6) Not all schools suit all children Keep perspective and remember that all schools are different, despite their promotional material promising a similar sounding curricular and cocurricular experience. There will be plenty of views and opinions, but the key is remembering that you will know your child best and will recognise which school is the right fit for their educational journey.

Buying into the ethos and aims of a school, seeing that the physical environment is engaging and aspirational, that the pupils are able to be themselves and are fulfilled, and that all the staff are committed to bringing out the best in every child, are all secondary to your instinct about whether your child will be happy there: will they thrive, grow and leave feeling happy and confident about their future?

Visit us this autumn to find out more about life at Sydenham High School.

– Mrs Katharine Woodcock, Headmistress

“There will be plenty of views and opinions, but the key is remembering that you will know your child best and will recognise which school is the right fit for their educational journey”

OPEN DAY Whole School Open Day: Sat 15 September, 9am-1pm All open events can be found online: www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst. net/admissions/ open-events-taster-days

EDUC ATION

Bishop Challoner School results Pleasing results and individual success stories

A Level Results 2018 Many of our students were celebrating on results day as they opened their envelopes to reveal their A level results. Mrs Paula Anderson, Headteacher said: “I congratulate the students on their examination achievements and their results are a testament of sustained hard work and determination over a two year period of study. I wish each of our leavers all the very best for their futures.”

35 percent of the results were A-B grades with students scoring 100 percent A-C grades in computer science, further maths, history and in the Extended Project Qualification.

The support and encouragement of the dedicated staff at Bishop Challoner and the community of parents have enabled the students to achieve some excellent results.

Among the many individual successes; Alessio Velardi will be heading off to Southampton University to study robotics-electronic/mechatronic engineering, having gained A grades in mathematics and physics and a B grade in geography. Euan Lennox has chosen to study mathematics at the University of Exeter. He achieved grade A in mathematics and physics and B in further mathematics. Many of our students will be studying a range of subjects in higher education including law, sport psychology, computer science, pharmacy, psychology. Our talented musicians are pursuing their vocations at The Royal Welsh College of Music and The Academy of Contemporary Music.

We are proud of Maddie Field, who secured a 48 SEPTEMBER 2018

salaried 5 year vocational degree apprenticeship in construction management.

The students have studied for two years and contributed to life at Bishop Challoner in so many positive ways.

GCSE Results 2018 Many of our students celebrated their GCSE achievements last month at Bishop Challoner School in Shortlands. The new top grade 9 and grade 8 included biology, chemistry, drama, French, history, religious education, English Language and Literature. Congratulations to Lawrence Crean, Martha Clifford, Hugo Meynell, Rachel Igu and Myles Duffus on achieving grade 9 amongst their other grades. Over half of all pupils studying History and French gained grades 9-7. Our top performers included Hugo and Martha with a high percentage of 9-7 grades among their GCSE results.

Asili Taylor achieved an impressive number of grade 7s among her 9 GCSE grades.

Headteacher Paula Anderson said, “There are some pleasing results for our students and for the school with some individual success stories. I would like to congratulate the students who have worked hard and thank the staff and parents for their encouragement”.

Bishop Challoner prides itself upon sustaining a nurturing and caring environment for its students and ensuring that they are given the opportunity to participate in a wide range of co-curricular activities. www.bishopchallonerschool.com

“There are some pleasing results for our students and for the school with some individual success stories”

EDUC ATION

Breaside Preparatory School

Breaside Preparatory School, located in Bromley, Kent, prepares pupils from 2½ to 11 years for both Grammar and Independent Senior Schools in a caring and nurturing environment.

50 SEPTEMBER 2018

B

reaside work closely with NACE (National Association for Able Children in Education) which nationally recognises and celebrates those schools which provide the very highest level of challenge for its pupils. NACE helps teachers provide excellent teaching and learning for able, gifted and talented pupils. As of June 2018, NACE has named Breaside the first school in Bromley to be accredited with the NACE Challenge Award meaning that we are now placed in a select group of just 1.6% of schools across the UK who have achieved this prestigious Challenge Award.

We are also pleased to share with you that we have been placed 16th in the Sunday Times Top 100 Independent Schools list 2018 - an absolutely fantastic achievement of which we are incredibly proud!

“It is wonderful to be recognised for all of the hard work that the staff and children put into Breaside to make it the very special place that it is.”

Mrs Karen Nicholson, Executive Principal.

Once again, SATs and 11+ entry results for 2018 were outstanding, with 100% of Year 6 pupils gaining their first choice at Senior School.

Parents are given guidance on the schools that we recommend for their children throughout their time at Breaside and we pride ourselves on getting the children into the right school for them as individuals.

Should I choose Breaside Preparatory School for my child?

Do they really offer more than a local primary school? The answer to both of these questions is a resounding ‘Yes’.

As their name suggests, the role of preparatory schools is to prepare your child for their entrance

into senior education, so don’t be surprised to see a plethora of subjects on the curriculum. Your child will experience a well rounded education albeit in a nurturing environment. Classes are significantly smaller, allowing all pupils to progress. At the same time, this allows all staff to know their pupils and therefore offer a bespoke curriculum. Preparatory schools provide a wealth of opportunity for your child both academically and pastorally.

Self confidence is encouraged and children are constantly motivated to enjoy and embrace all the opportunities that arise within this positive learning environment.

If the above isn’t enough to tempt you, consider the other aspects of a stimulating, all-round education. Your child will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of music, playing in an orchestra or participating in the choir. Peripatetic teachers within a preparatory school can introduce your child to a wealth of instruments, regardless of ability. Drama is also extensive with children as young as 3 taking part in plays. Within the encouraging atmosphere of a preparatory school, this can only help to aid your child’s confidence.

Let’s not forget the range of sporting events that your child can take part in. Children in a preparatory school experience a range of sports, including rugby, hockey, swimming and cricket, Should you choose a preparatory school for your child? Well, if you want to give them the best possible start in life, then the answer has to be yes. The investment will pay off as you see your child blossom into a well rounded, self confident, individual, ready to face the world!

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

EDUC ATION

Why Choose A Prep School Education?

A

pupil’s life at Sevenoaks Prep usually starts at Nursery at 2 1/2 years old, before moving seamlessly to Pre-Prep (from Reception to Year 2), and comfortably onto Prep from Year 3 until Senior School at 11 or 13.

Those children fortunate enough to start their education here from Nursery or Pre-Prep have the advantage of a truly secure base, both emotional and academic, on which to build their future school and working careers. This base is critical.

There are huge benefits both in the short and the long term of the opportunities that come from small class sizes, close relationships between teachers, pupils and parents, a broad curriculum with specialist teachers, and a large site with extensive grounds.

Keeping Education Personal One of the most important benefits of a Prep school education is the small class sizes. Our classes have no more than 20 children and an enviable adult to child ratio. This means that each child benefits from a fantastic level of attention from the very beginning which is hugely beneficial at this formative stage of their lives, when the child is developing rapidly and is being given the necessary time and encouragement to help maximise their true potential. With small classes, staff can be creative with their teaching to suit the children and also closely monitor each individual’s progress. This gives a great basis for staff to really build strong relationships with each child and their family, with mutual respect being at the heart of Sevenoaks Prep’s ethos.

“These small classes afford teachers quality time to spend with each child during the school day”

The best opportunities Children at Sevenoaks Prep have a wide choice of free clubs and extra activities, both during the school day and after school. Such clubs support working parents who may struggle for childcare.

Our wraparound care provision means children can have breakfast and a good tea and do their homework at school so that when they are picked up at 6.00pm, they head home for a relaxed evening with their parents. The school clubs are in addition to the French, Spanish, music, swimming, art, DT, sport and drama lessons with specialist teachers which are all timetabled into the curriculum. There are also a wide range of trips and visits including a French exchange in Year 6 and a tour of the Belgium Battlefields as part of the Common Entrance curriculum.

Safe environments These small classes afford teachers quality time to spend with each child during the school day and with parents as needed. Parents find it a welcoming environment and somewhere they feel their child to be supported, encouraged and cherished. We focus on building character and resilience through encouraging our children to take risks and step out of their comfort zone in a safe and nurturing environment.

All the children are encouraged to perform in assemblies in front of their peers and all take part in regular sports’ fixtures against other schools when singing in the minibus can be just as big a part of the experience as the match! Every pupil is involved in a drama production each year, whether on the stage or behind the scenes, and there are opportunities to be a part of orchestras, bands, choirs, chess teams and other groups. Learning to perform in any way in public is a life skill and even those who do not come to it naturally develop

54 SEPTEMBER 2018

a self-confidence that is so important for future success.

Sevenoaks Prep’s large site bordering Knole Park with a forest school, numerous games pitches, tennis courts, all weather playground and athletics track gives teachers opportunities to be more creative with their teaching and planning. They can elaborate on or use the children’s specific interests to ignite their enthusiasm to begin the process of all-important independent learning. This flexibility of learning and teaching is liberating for the teacher and consequently more relevant and enlightening for the pupils.

For more information, please visit www.theprep.org.uk

EDUC ATION

Transitioning from school to university H

The transition from school to university can be difficult and unsettling, and whilst new-found freedom can be liberating, not all young adults feel prepared for independent coeducational living. It can also be difficult for those who are used to a singlesex environment.

Students who have entered the Upper Sixth at Hurst College during the past 20 years or so have been based in one co-educational house, St John’s. Currently, St John’s is home to 160 students who all have their own room with a bed, even if they are day students, with separate corridors for the boys and girls.

urst students are already used to having co-ed classes and in St John’s they learn to live with each other in a co-ed environment. They make full use of the large social space, where they can play table tennis and pool, sit and discuss work or simply relax in a vibrant and civilised atmosphere. “They enjoy the feeling of having some extra space and it enables them to live with a broader range of people, which is far more representative of real life and as a result prepares them more effectively for university and the world beyond”, said Caty Jacques, Hurst’s Deputy Head (Pastoral).

As well as trying to bridge the gap between school and university, the idea of St John’s is to create an environment that encourages greater independence. “We give our students more independence as they progress through the school, whilst still providing a safety net of support when it is needed”, said Caty. Hurst’s St John’s model has proved so successful, that many other independent schools have recently followed their example.

The sense of camaraderie and support in St John’s – also seen throughout the rest of the school - is tangible as students tackle the process of completing UCAS forms and EPQs (Extended Project Qualification), understanding only too well the challenges faced by their peers.

Upper Sixth students are provided with a sensible introduction to alcohol, at twice weekly bar nights when they are allowed up to two drinks each. “At the start of the year they can’t wait to have two alcoholic drinks, but by the end of the year they’re often quite happy with a Diet Coke and a packet of crisps”, said Caty. They also enjoy other social events, such as discos, which are absolutely vital to help them unwind in a challenging year.

St John’s has also created its own traditions. To raise money at Halloween, the Upper Sixth organise a haunted house night for the younger students who pay to enter an appropriately themed environment.

“The younger children see the Upper Sixth students as grown-ups – which they are”, said Caty.

In essence, St John’s provides an increased amount of freedom, with an excellent support network, which effectively bridges the gap between a school environment and life outside of Hurst.

Best of the best for careers guidance and work experience Hurst College was named the best of the best for careers guidance and work experience by The Week magazine in their 2017 UK Independent School Awards. The judges were impressed by the work placement programme run by Hurst’s Careers Department as well as the interview skills training, UCAS presentations, gap year fairs and seminars.

56 SEPTEMBER 2018

This award was the culmination of another great year in the college’s careers department, as it continues to grow speed talk and work placement programmes. They also organised their first Careers Networking Event for Sixth Form students and supported their hopeful medics, vets and dentists with a more complete programme of workshops, interview practice and volunteer opportunities.

Steve Lewis from LinkedIn launched the inaugural Careers Networking Event, where the Sixth Formers engaged with more than 50 industry representatives from a variety of key professions such as marketing communications, financial services, finance, IT, STEM, law and property.

Following a rigorous application and interview process, 106 of the college’s students secured a work placement last summer covering 132 weeks of experience between them, and gained an invaluable learning opportunity to assist with personal statements, university applications/interviews and future career paths.

Hurst students also enjoy a series of Speed Talk events, delivered by the Hurst parent body and alumni, on a variety of industries and careers including: medical, PR, journalism and event management, TV, theatre and production, veterinary, archaeology and museum/archivist, engineering and science. Each event has up to six hosts representing different aspects of their professions, which enable students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities available to them and routes of entry.

The programme for medics, vets and dentists has been expanded by inviting former students currently studying these subjects, parents and working alumni to engage and pass on the benefit of their experience.

The next Hurst Sixth Form open morning will take place on 6 October and places can be booked on line at www.hppc.co.uk or by contacting the admissions department on 01273 836937.

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E

merson Grange in the delightful village of Hextable, Kent has now welcomed their very first residents transforming a site that has been many months in development into a state-of-the-art care home oozing warmth, hospitality and outstanding care.

Emerson Grange provides nursing, residential and respite care alongside support for people living with dementia offering a real ‘home from home’ experience. The people living and working at Emerson Grange are enjoying outstanding facilities with a chance to be involved in a variety of social activities which mirror their interests and hobbies. In addition, the home’s very own minibus is available for trips out to local shops and places of interest. There is also the opportunity for gentle exercise in the fitness suite, to watch a nostalgic movie in the cinema, be pampered in the hair and beauty salon or simply to relax in a variety of comfortable lounges or the café bar.

Our Chef and his team pride themselves on providing a superb dining experience and mealtimes are one of the highlights of the day – a time when people come together to socialise and enjoy dishes that are a match for any high-class restaurant. The team thrives on creating delicious and nutritionally balanced menus to reflect the preferences of

62 SEPTEMBER 2018

the people who live with us and including some adventurous recipes alongside more traditional fare. Homemade bakes are always on offer – Paul Hollywood would be very impressed!

As well as nursing and residential care, Emerson Grange has a community dedicated to the care of people living with dementia – the single aim is to build on people’s abilities and life experience to help them live active and fulfilled lives. Our care team is chosen for their patience, empathy and positive approach to help them engage with and support both the people who live with us as well as their families and friends.

Each bedroom is comfortable, light and spacious with a walk-in shower room and thoughtfully furnished with older people in mind. The innovative care suites with separate lounge complete with kitchenette, bedroom, en-suite and hallway are ideal for couples or people looking for added independence.

People will always come first and at Emerson Grange we are ‘determined to be the difference’ in peoples’ lives.

To find out more about Emerson Grange and the Cinnamon Care Collection call: Sam or Aadil at Emerson Grange on 01322 771788. Or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/emersongrange

“Each bedroom is comfortable, light and spacious with a walk-in shower room and thoughtfully furnished with older people in mind”

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

You could save a life

W

e are honoured to now be teaching The Art Of CPR and defibrillator use to Boots and HSBC. We are striving forward with plans to locate defibrillators throughout the area. If anyone wishes to sponsor a defibrillator we will train all of the local people to give them confidence should a situation occur.

The Heart Angels is growing in numbers which is allowing us to spread our wings far and wide which produces vast numbers of life savers. We will come and teach individually or numbers up to 10 in any group this will take around 3 hours to get everyone passed through our unique training program.

• We are the most advanced training co.

• We use Virtual reality kit.

• Advanced mannequins that light up • Friendly passionate Heart Angels • We produce certification for every client All starting from as little as £24.99per person 64 SEPTEMBER 2018

Don’t leave it until you are involved in an emergency.

Book now and get trained now to be able to step in and save a life.

Call 07900087701 or visit www.heartangels.co.uk to book a life saving course

“We are striving forward with plans to locate defibrillators throughout the area”

If someone suffers a cardiac arrest, every second counts.

Would you know what to do?

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FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

What’s new and popular in Aesthetic treatments?

While demand for non-surgical treatments has steadily increased, interest in cosmetic surgery procedures has declined by 8% over the past year, the number of female facelifts declining by as much as 44% and brow lifts reducing by 31% according to the latest statistics from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).

We have seen a marked increase in demand for less invasive, non-surgical treatments that can help patients get the aesthetic change they’re looking for, without the cost or recovery time required of cosmetic surgery.

66 SEPTEMBER 2018

T

he fastest growing cosmetic trend of 2017 was non-surgical nose jobs, with an increase of 29%. The treatment was particularly popular among those aged 18 to 24. While injecting dermal fillers to a nose can not decrease the size of the nose, it can reshape or camouflage imperfections to achieve the desired look and lasts 12-18 months.

Other popular non-surgical trends include PRP and Profhilo. “It’s all about stimulating our own cells to naturally reverse some of the signs of aging”.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP, most famous for its use in the so-called “vampire facial”) is plasma from your own blood which contains concentrated platelets, which are the cells that heal tissue.

It is the latest medical treatment to cross over into the world of aesthetics - long established as a treatment for healing wounds, PRP has also been adopted by sports medicine and orthopedic specialities. If applied topically on the skin after Medical Microneedling or injected into the skin, it acts as a potent Collagen Induction Therapy. When injected into the scalp, it has been shown to have good results in re-growing hair in both men and women.

Another popular way to stimulate your own collagen and elastin production is multi-award winning Profhilo. PROFHILO has been hailed as “a true breakthrough in anti-ageing medicine”.

Profhilo isn’t a filler, it is not a skinbooster; it’s the first injectable hyaluronic acid for skin remodeling and treating skin laxity. It is a stimulatory product which will slowly evolve the patient’s own tissue, without creating immediate volumisation or augmentation.

It offers fantastic hydration but ALSO triggers collagen and elastin production, resulting in bio-remodelling of the skin, thereby achieving a more

youthful appearance. Clinical studies show increased firmness, hydration, elasticity and overall improved skin quality – with effects lasting up to 6 months.

It is indicated for the treatment of skin laxity in face, neck, décolletage and body but has proven particularly popular for treating the ageing neck.

Another growing trend is the demand for nutraceuticals (a pharmaceuticalgrade and standardized nutrient), with many people now starting the day by popping a multivitamin, eating yogurt for a good dose of probiotics, or a collagen drink for skin health from within. This can be attributed to increased education, understanding and recognition of the importance of dietary supplements in a healthier lifestyle. People are increasingly aware of the fact that modern western lifestyles leave people with nutritional deficiencies that negatively impact everything from skin health to general wellbeing.

Poor food choices, processed foods, pesticides, exposure to toxins, pollution, chronic stress, excess alcohol and the loss of healthy gut bacteria all contribute negatively.

Products such as Skinade and the Zenii health supplement range, have gained popularity and offer a holistic approach to wellbeing.

Skinade is a drink that supports the skin all over your body. It works from the inside out to rebuild and strengthen the collagen matrix below the skin’s surface, boost natural levels of hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

ZENii health supplements will boost nutritional levels and optimise cellular function. It includes Vitamin D, Omega 3, probiotics, prebiotics, energy supplements, multivitamins, B vitamins, acne supplements and hormone balance supplements and are designed to nourish and beautify the skin from within. www.lieselholler.com

Newly opeNed cliNic iN chislehurst V

H

I R

D E S I G N B Y V

V I R G I N I

“My aim is to achieve natural looking results for my patients, to make them look and feel their absolute best using non-invasive and evidence based treatments.”

The Chislehurst clinic is based at V.hair Design, working in collaboration with Virginia and her talented team of stylists offering bespoke medical aesthetic treatments for a natural and safe rejuvenation chislehurst clinic: 30B high street, chislehurst Br7 5AN 0207 0998 298 • 07720 374265 • info@lieselholler.com www.lieselholler.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Under Eye rejuvenation with Inner-Soul founder Emma Coleman

‘Winner Best Aesthetic and Dermatology Clinic 2018’ – Global Health and Pharma

BEFORE & AFTER

T

he eyes are the first point of focus when we look at someone and portray a clear picture of our inner health. Under eye bags and hollowing, dark circles and wrinkles are all common issues for both women and men, requiring a detailed consultation. I take a very holistic approach to treatments and as dark circles and lines can be caused by a number of factors - dehydration, diet, alcohol, genetics, fatigue, stress and so on - I first assess a clients’ lifestyle and history to ensure that we get the best possible treatment outcome. There are a range of very effective non-surgical eye rejuvenation treatments, recommended depending on individual client anatomy and requirements as follows: Tear trough dermal filler - quality dermal filler is gently implanted just above the peri-orbital bone to plump out under eye hollows and elevate the cheek bones, cleverly disguising hollows and dark circles Cheek dermal filler - carefully placing dermal filler at key points in the mid-face area gently softens under eye bags which may creep further down the face as we age. This treatment also softens crows feet at the sides of the eyes Botulinum Toxin injections - if it’s laughter lines most bothering you I highly recommend wrinkle-smoothing injections which relax the muscles at the sides of each eye. Doses administered can be tailored to achieve the desired look Note: for deeper lines, I often recommend a combination of treatments where both dermal filler and botulinum toxin are used in harmony to create a

68 SEPTEMBER 2018

longer- lasting and more profound result We all possess our own unique anatomy, so Inner-Soul’s treatment plans are tailored to suit each client with each clinic visit. As well as eye rejuvenation, I also offer treatments to the forehead, mid and lower face, non-surgical rhinoplasty and The Combination Lift which gives full non-surgical face lifting – a treatment unique to Inner-Soul.

I successfully treat clients for migraines and hyperhidrosis, (excessive sweating) too.

It’s understandable to feel apprehensive the first time you have a treatment of this type - I clearly recall my first appointment and how nervous I was! I only use quality products and offer free consultations with no treatment obligation to give potential customers the space and time they need, and if a client is needle-phobic, am more than happy to extend appointment times to accommodate this.

I am passionate about helping my clients care for their skin alongside cosmetic procedures; if skin over the face becomes dry, dehydrated or poorly nourished, collagen and elastin production are reduced encouraging premature aging. With this in mind, I launched my own skincare line, enriched with natural antioxidants clinically proven to protect skin from the elements and provide it with the essential fats and vitamins it needs through the aging process.

My clinics run in Bromley and Harley Street.

Book your free consultation via www.inner-soul.co.uk/contact-us.

01689 855065. info@inner-soul.co.uk

Featured in the Daily Mail and Tatler Magazine Clinics in Bromley and Harley Street

‘Winner Best Aesthetic & Dermatology Clinic 2018’

Founded and headed up by Aesthetic and Dermatology RGN Emma Coleman, Inner-Soul offers bespoke non-surgical treatments and skincare solutions to help clients look and feel their best Treatments for women and men: • Wrinkle Smoothing • Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty • Full Face Rejuvenation • Leg Vein Treatment • Dermatology and more

“I highly recommend Inner-Soul! I am a model and Emma spent ages with me making sure I was happy and within budget.

Absolutely love the results” – ST Arrange your free consultation: 01689 855065 www.inner-soul.co.uk/contact-us • info@inner-soul.co.uk

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

What we all want in later life .

Kent’s New Luxury Retirement Village now fully open A fter two years of development, Emerson Park Retirement Village has now opened its doors. Located in the heart of Hextable, Kent, just 2.5 miles from the M20 and M25, Emerson Park offers unique retirement living unlike anything else in Kent and the surrounding area.

The retirement village consists of 42 luxurious, modern apartments plus five suites with prices starting from £361,000 for apartments and £315,000 for suites. The demand and interest in the apartments at Emerson Park has obviously been high with 40% already being reserved or sold prior to the retirement village opening.

And it’s not just the lovely apartments which are attracting buyers to Emerson Park; it’s the fantastic facilities and services which really make it stand out from other such developments.

“It’s not just about providing wonderful apartments, it’s just as important to provide great facilities and services and this is where Emerson Park really sets itself apart” commented Emerson Park General Manager Paul Hart.

“We are very lucky to have some fantastic facilities at Emerson Park. As well as the cinema room and exercise studio & gym we also have a club room lounge and restaurant, café-bar and hair studio. Our dedicated events & activities team organise a range of social events and functions based around the interests of the people living here. We also have our own transport and driver providing a daily transport schedule. This could be anything from a trip to the shops to visiting a National Trust property” continued Paul.

The apartments have been thoughtfully designed and finished and equipped to the highest standards.

All kitchens are ergonomically designed and come with a range of built-in appliances including a double fan oven, ceramic hob and granite work

70 SEPTEMBER 2018

surfaces. For convenience and comfort there are built-in wardrobes in the main bedroom along with level access ensuite shower room. All apartments include audio visual door entry systems as well as a 24-hour emergency call system which links to the on-site team.

Also available at Emerson Park are a small number of Service Plus Suites located near to main reception. These 1-bedroom properties come with a range of practical yet non-intrusive support services including a meal package, house-keeping and a regular laundry service. These are ideal for those who would welcome a little support to help them retain their independence.

But unlike many retirement villages, Emerson Park also includes a luxury care home, Emerson Grange, which provides residential, nursing, dementia and respite care. And forget what impressions you have of care homes; walking through Emerson Grange and you would think you were in a high-end hotel.

It sounds like Emerson Park provides what we all want in later life – luxury living in a social and supportive environment.

THE DETAILS To find out more or to arrange a visit to Emerson Park call 01322 515415 or visit www.cinnamoncc.com/ emersonpark

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

Why Studio Pilates is key to General Wellbeing!

P ossibly one of the most exciting aspects of Comprehensive Studio Pilates is that anyone can do it. Because there’s no jarring or stress to your body, Studio Pilates offers the ideal form of exercise for people who, because of pain or muscle weakness generally shy away from exercise.

Neck ache, back ache, headache, even stomach ache - you name it, most aches can occur as a result of bad posture. As you correct your alignment or posture through Pilates, you’ll find you put less pressure on joints such as knees, hips and spine for example. You may also find that some of your body’s systems work better because of this. For example, you may find that it’s easier to digest food.

Learning to coordinate movement and deep specific breathing in Pilates, you can increase lung capacity and improve circulation also. You’ll also look better – taller, leaner and more confident whilst helping you to move with more grace and ease.

Kinder, Gentler Conditioning If you’re out of shape, Pilates provides a wonderful way to ease into any kind of fitness plan. Pilates works to gently support the joints throughout the whole body. It conditions your muscles in a balanced way and increases your self-awareness by drawing your focus inward. Being consistent is the key.

Emotional Wellbeing Pilates benefits your emotional health. It helps to improve your mental outlook and increase motivation through the smooth, steady movements coordinated with breathing. They work to quiet your mind and soothe your nervous system. As Pilates focuses on breathing also, you become mindful of your breath, of your body and muscles, and it becomes like a form of meditation. When you work to lengthen and strengthen your muscles in the Pilates studio, you’ll improve your circulation and whisk tension away. Each workout will leave you feeling calm, balanced, and rejuvenated. Focus on letting the tension go, and you’ll be on the path to a healthier body inside and out.

You’ll enjoy better sleep once you start doing regular Studio Pilates too, partly because its calming but also because your body isnt full of physical tension.

Better Balance, More Coordination Pilates can help reverse the natural aging process of reduced balance and coordination by stabilizing and strengthening your whole body. The deliberate movements of Pilates, along with the challenges the machines and small equipment bring, increases strength, muscle control and flexibility in both the core and the limbs, which positively affects balance.

28a London Road, Riverhead Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2DE 72 SEPTEMBER 2018

“The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power.”

– Joseph Pilates

SKIN LESION REMOVALS & REDUCTIONS • Skin tags • Moles and warts • Red veins and blood spots • Mili, syringomas and xanthelasma • Pigmentation and lentigo correction

OTHER SPECIALIST TREATMENTS • Semi-permanent makeup - eyebrows and eyeliner • Areola and nipple reconstruction • Scar relaxation - improvement to trauma scars • Scalp hairless tattooing for men and women • Hollywood and Brazilian waxing • MCA - treatment for fine lines, wrinkles

2017 Winner Kent HealtH & Beauty aWards

Gillian has been in the industry for over 30 years and has trained in the UK, Middle East, USA and Europe.

BIAE, ITEC, BABTAC, SPCP, C&G, CIBTAC, MGBT, IDI, IIAA.

APPEARANCES AESTHETICS ADVANCED AESTHETIC CLINIC

07711 067 789

gillian@appearancesaesthetics.co.uk www.appearancesaesthetics.co.uk

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Beauty and elegance Beauty and elegance time after time... time after time…

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39-41 Bexley High Street, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1AB | T: 01322 521664 | W: www.pilkingtons.uk.com 39-41 Bexley High Street, Kent, DA5 1AB | T: 01322 521664 | W: www.pilkingtonsuk.com

FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY

[NEWS]

BEAUTY & FASHION SEE YOU IN COURT The term ‘Sustainability’, once the preserve of hemp-heavy Add a touch of glamour to your outfit with these deep cut silver leather courts with 10cm heels. These are alegant and classic shoes in a blue silver shade. By MY25. £299, www.houseofbotta.com

KEEP IT COSY

WE LOVE This gorgeous silk maxi slip in the limited edition stars and swallows print. £295, www.jessica russellflint.co.uk

Maxi wrap, pashmina, travel wrap... call it what you will but this luxury grey accessory, with cashmere, is so fabulously ample that it will keep the chill off shoulders on summer evenings and ensure you’re cosy through colder months too. This grey herringbone cashmere and merino cover up is truly versatile. Wear it to cover up after yoga, throw it on with jeans or finish off your wedding guest outfit perfectly. £89, www.tollymcrae.co.uk

well groomed

GORGEOUS IN GREY This gorgeous light grey shoulder bag, which can also be used as a clutch, features a secure zip fastening and internal pocket. An elephant and the words ‘Lets Work For Wildlife’ are debossed on the front of the bag, with the ZSL logo debossed on the back ZSL (Zoological Society of London) is an international wildlife charity working around the world to protect animals and their habitats. By purchasing anything from Sophie Allport’s Elephant collection you are contributing to ZSL’s vital work. £26, www.sophieallport.com 74 SEPTEMBER 2018

Smart and stylish, this Ted Baker Mens Black Brogue Monkian Manicure Set features five useful tools; tweezers, nail clippers, nail scissors, cuticle tool and nail file - everything a gentleman needs to look after his nails and keep them looking great.

Ted Baker Mens - Black Brogue Monkian Manicure Set, £34.95, www.hurnandhurn.com

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H OUSE & GARDEN

Colour in the Kitchen

This year the world of kitchen design has seen a welcome explosion of colour, clearing away the cobwebs after years of balanced neutrals and numerous shades of grey.

Clockwise from top left: Purple kitchen; green kitchen; blue kitchen

78 SEPTEMBER 2018

A

re you tempted to follow the trend?

We spoke to Robert Waite, Designer and Director of Kent-based kitchen manufacturer Rencraft, to find out

more…

“For years grey has dominated the colour scene, but over the last few months we have seen many of our clients becoming bolder with their colour choices.”

“Maybe it’s a reaction to all the doom, gloom and uncertainty that’s been in the news recently, but more and more people are now choosing to add a splash of colour to their designs. In the last year alone we have hand-painted part of a kitchen in a striking shade of bright green, another client chose purple for their island, while blue as a paint choice is seeing a huge surge in popularity as well.”

Is there anything you should consider before opting to add some colour to your home?

“Think about the size of your room and also the amount of natural light available. Smaller spaces tend to lend themselves to lighter shades such as pastels. Alternatively, keep walls, floors and ceilings pale and concentrate a darker shade on one area, typically the island, to make a feature. The beauty of a good quality, hand-painted kitchen is that you can always re paint it in a few years. This means you can keep updating your design for a fraction of the price of a completely new kitchen.”

Sounds good, but what about those of us who prefer something a bit more neutral?

“Don’t worry, it’s not goodbye to grey forever.”

Robert adds “In fact, the majority of our handmade kitchens now feature more than one colour or texture, another fast-growing trend. Teaming a brighter colour with a more understated shade, such as grey, or even another material entirely, such as oak, is big news. It creates interest and can really add that personal touch to a finished design.”

Of course, it helps to consult with an experienced designer as well. Robert explains “Finalising the colour scheme involves lots of decisions, but with a bit of expert guidance it can be a lot of fun too. At our showroom we have numerous paint samples, worktops, splashbacks and handles so we can spend time with each client pulling together a scheme that they are completely happy with. We also use computer-aided imagery to help clients visualise their choices, which is always really exciting.”

Rencraft are award-winning bespoke kitchen designers and manufacturers who have been based in Kent for almost 40 years. With their own workshop just outside Sevenoaks, they are proud to design and manufacture kitchens and furniture for clients in Kent, the UK and even Europe. www.rencraft.co.uk Rencraft - Unit 9 Chart Farm, Seal Chart, Sevenoaks. TN15 0ES. Tel: 01732 762682 Rencraft - 81 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells.

TN1 2UY. Tel: 01892 520730

H OUSE & GARDEN

Home Swimming Pools - The Hidden Truth W

hen considering the benefits of a home swimming pool, the advantages to physical health and fitness are often first to spring to mind. While indeed contributing to a healthy lifestyle, the positive effects a home swimming has on daily life goes far beyond the physical.

Origin, the UK’s longest established swimming pool company, has been designing and building swimming pools in homes for over 35 years. In this time, the firm has spoken to hundreds of satisfied customers and compiled a catalogue of case studies to help understand how the addition of a home swimming pool benefits family life. These studies revealed that, while rarely considered, the emotional advantages of swimming at home are just as significant as the physical, fitness-related benefits.

Increasing the quality of family time Losing touch with family members is a problem experienced nationwide, as it becomes more and more difficult to organise get-togethers with relatives. The ability to bring families back together and instigate the spending of more quality time as a group is just one of the hidden benefits of home

80 SEPTEMBER 2018

swimming pools.

This is certainly the experience of Buckinghamshire-based couple Peter and Christine. While restoring their 14th century manor farmhouse, the couple’s love of swimming prompted them to build an indoor swimming pool in their garden. Their decision was made in the hope of bringing all the family to the house and becoming a space for the group to enjoy. After research into various swimming pool contractors, they chose Origin to design, build and manage the project.

Once completed, the pool succeeded in becoming a focal point for family meet ups and gatherings. “We have three grandchildren, three daughters and their partners. They come over every weekend, sometimes all at once, and whenever they are here they all pile into the pool.”

Family time is now a regular part of the couple’s life, and they enjoy spending time in the pool with their friends and relatives every week.

Encouraging positive mental wellbeing and relaxation A home pool can also encourage positive wellbeing.

The addition of a pool creates a place for relaxation, and somewhere homeowners can spend time unwinding.

This was experienced first-hand by Michelle and Paul Green when they extended their new house to include a bespoke Origin swimming pool. Discussing his wife’s use of the pool, Paul comments: “She uses it for leisure. It’s a very pleasant space to relax and enjoy activities such as having a drink and reading a book.”

The couple now see the pool as more than just a fitness facility. They treat the pool as an extension

of their home, and as a peaceful place to wind down.

Improving the work/life balance As the popularity of flexible working rises, many professionals still struggle to balance their personal lives with their jobs. Work can easily take control, leaving little time for leisure. Bringing a swimming pool into the home can help family and personal life regain some importance.

A couple who personally experienced this rebalance were Ian and Michelle Scott. Prior to building their bespoke Origin swimming pool and pool house, Michelle really struggled to balance her time, as work dominated her life. Ian explained: “She would often get home late after a full day’s work and not have the time or energy to head off to the gym.”

However, now she manages to balance her life much more efficiently. “We noticed that when we were on holiday we would both get up early and start our day with a morning swim which was great!

We’ve now brought this luxury into our home and it has enabled both of us to improve our fitness every day before work.”

“When we were on holiday we would both get up early and start our day with a morning swim which was great!

We’ve now brought this luxury into our home”

decided on building her own swimming pool after enjoying the luxury of her father’s pool in the south of France. She had always loved swimming, yet her busy working life meant free time was at an absolute minimum. “The only exercise I really enjoy is swimming and I often don’t have time to go to a gym because I work 12-hour days.”

The project took six months and now completed allows Sarah to make the most of her free time.

What was once a jam-packed routine without room for exercise, now includes daily swimming and relaxing in the pool. “It’s definitely changed my routine for the better, I’m swimming every day before I head off to work which makes me feel enriched and energised.” www.originpools.co.uk

Giving the daily routine an overhaul for the better Bringing a swimming pool into the home also creates an opportunity for huge improvements to daily routines. Rather than be marshalled into a lack of exercise and leisure by work, it is possible to overhaul an overly ordered lifestyle.

Sarah Taylor, Essex-based Origin customer, SEPTEMBER 2018 81

H OUSE & GARDEN

About FIVEWAYS FIRES & STOVES W elcome to Fiveways Fires & Stoves! We are a family-run business offering you a wide variety of fireplaces to choose from at our fireplace shop in Eltham, London.

Choose from one of our wood burning stoves or our hole-in-the-wall gas or electric fires to keep you warm all winter and to give your room, large or small, a beautiful new focal point. We really are unique! We are Gas Safe Registered and HETAS approved, so not only do we have quite the selection in our London showroom, we also complete the installation ourselves rather than pass your work to unengaged subcontractors. Our standards are high and our experience is vast, so you will benefit not just from our knowledge when it comes to choosing the right fire for your needs, but the person who helped you choose your fire will actually install it for you too!

As a family ran business you can expect the family treatment – we want to be sure you make the right decision for your home. Visit our fireplace showrooms in London to check out our wide range of products or for some advice on choosing the right fireplace.

Our showroom is always stocked to help fire up your inspiration and give you some new ideas, and we’re always on hand if you want to have a chat or get some advice on what options would work for your lifestyle and needs. We’ll be with you every step of the way, guiding you through the whole process of selection, installation and servicing.

Being Gas Safe registered and a HETAS

82 SEPTEMBER 2018

“Our showroom is always stocked to help fire up your inspiration and give you some new ideas”

approved installer we pride ourselves on being a friendly and helpful team while upholding a high level of customer satisfaction. Competitively priced, all clients are offered a full and complete service, from an initial free site survey all the way through to installation.

In June 2015, Fiveways Fires & Stoves successfully met the professional assessment standard to become a Which? Trusted Trader and is committed to abide by the Which? Trusted Trader code of conduct.

Lots of companies sell great fireplaces. What they can’t do though is also offer you the installation and servicing while managing all the little details that give you peace of mind as well as a greatlooking new fireplace.

We can: We offer a completely free, noobligation quote following a site survey.

Now it’s over to you…

Please call us on 020 8127 4747, email us on info@fivewaysfires.co.uk or visit our showroom

fiveways fires & stoves

743-745 sidcup rd, new elthaM, se9 3sa (located along sidcup Bypass)

FIVEWAYS FIREPLACES

Stay warm with our stunning range of fires and 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.

0208 127 4747

www.fivewaysfires. co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

P

Why shutters are an investment in your home

lantation-style shutters are now considered the window covering of choice. And with good reason, according to homeowners who have made the investment.

Not only do they look stylish and contemporary, shutters are built to last, easy to maintain and give you ultimate flexibility.

They can be bought in standardised sizes to be fitted yourself in a ‘supply only’ model, but if your budget allows for it, made-to-measure versions are preferable because it guarantees a perfect fit. By avoiding any gaps or overhang, you gain maximum effectiveness in terms of privacy, light control, noise reduction and insulation.

Bespoke, hand-crafted versions, although more expensive, are the best option for non-standard or awkward-shaped windows.

Totally Shuttered, based in Chislehurst, is a small, privately-owned company offering the full end-to-end service. Its highly-trained team can help you decide on the style of shutter best suited to your home. They take care of all the necessary measurements, deliver and install the product and offer first rate aftercare.

“We have hard-earned knowledge and experience of the shutters market and we project manage all of the installations ourselves rather than employing salespeople trained to sell you a product at any cost,” says Richard Evans, co-owner of Totally Shuttered.

His advice for anyone considering shutters is to make sure you see a sample in the flesh, rather than committing to something you’ve seen online or in a brochure. Although there are cheaper options on the market, the reduced effectiveness of poorquality or ill-fitting shutters will cancel out any saving on cost.

As good quality shutters are an investment in your home, they need to be robust to stand the test of time. Totally Shuttered work primarily with solid

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basswood, although there are also PVC and MDF options available.

The plantation style shutters (with horizontal slats) are more versatile than traditional window coverings as the slats (known as louvres) can be angled via a tilt rod to control the level of privacy and light. This gives you the flexibility to make adjustments dependent on your mood or the time of day. The style of shutter (either full or half height) can also be customised to suit the purpose and ambience of any room.

“The beauty of shutters is the simple, minimalistic design which gives them a timeless feel that is unlikely to date or go out of fashion.

They work in either a traditional or contemporary setting. The neutral colours complement any room and can be repainted at a later date if you decide to refresh or update the décor,” says Elle Kirkwood of Guthrie & Kirkwood Interior Design.

The energy efficient design saves you money as shutters help to keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Unlike curtains or blinds that need to be professionally cleaned, shutters are easy to clean and maintain.

To get a rough idea of cost, you can enter your window measurements online. Reputable companies like Totally Shuttered will always make a site visit before giving you a full quote to ensure that the shutters are made to your exact specifications, including your choice of colour and finish.

“Most of our new business comes through word of mouth recommendations which is testament to the quality of our workmanship and customer care,” says Richard of Totally Shuttered. “Without exception, customers have been delighted with their shutters and appreciate our efforts to minimise the level of disruption in their home.”

Contact Totally Shuttered for a free, no obligation consultation or visit www.totallyshuttered.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

HTheomeleigh complete building, gardening and DIY Group

Trading for Over 50 Years

project wherever and whenever you need it. From all types of bricks, varying density blocks and damp proofing through to bulk orders of aggregates, sand, cement and other building consumables we can supply what you need for any size or type of construction project.

DIY and Gardening products Homeleigh will make sure that you get the right tools and quality products to make a success of your home or garden project because they have built a solid reputation across Kent as the place to come to for a superb range of DIY and gardening supplies, they offer excellent value, low cost options for those on a budget to a complete stock of famous brands and market leading products.

Fencing and landscaping Homeleigh can help you to create the garden of your dreams with an amazing selection of fencing & landscaping products. Make your garden bloom with their superb range of fencing and landscaping supplies from attractive block paving to stunning natural slabs, an impressive stock of flag and kerb stones which will fit strikingly into a lovely path snaking across the lawn or choose from a range of colourful rockery stones.

Homeleigh stock a massive, comprehensive range of building supplies including Timber, Bricks, Blocks, Fencing, Tools, Fixings, Landscaping, Aggregates, Plumbing, Drainage, Ironmongery, Decorating and everything you will need for your home and garden.

H

omeleigh’s have been in business since 1966 and have become the go-to builders merchants in Kent with branches in Staplehurst, Cross-at-hand, Aylesford near Maidstone and a new depot in High Halden.

Homeleigh offers a comprehensive range of building materials for the trade and DIY customers.

Because Homeleigh are experts in their field you can trust them to provide the very best in quality and service at competitive prices.

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Aggregates If you need large quantities of aggregates for professional building needs or an attractive selection of gravels, stone chips or decorative shingle, Homeleigh stock a wide variety of materials at highly competitive prices and for the building trade they have everything builders need for any size of project, including high quality building sand, cement and sharp washed sand, they also stock a range of specialist materials with more and more emphasis being placed on using environmentally friendly materials.

Bricks and Blocks Homeleigh stock a wide range of bricks and blocks for building and construction in a range of styles, densities and finishes, they also include reclaimed.

Whatever you’re building Homeleigh quality bricks and blocks will stand the test of time, so whether you need standard or specialist bricks for external, internal, cavity walls, foundations or floors they have a huge range of stock to match your exact requirements. Homeleigh can help you choose the type of brick to match your needs or budget.

Building Materials Homeleigh pride themselves on their fast supply of high quality, building materials of all types, for any

Painting and decorating Homeleigh are the first stop for high quality paints, varnishes, woodstains and painting supplies for all your decorating needs. They will give you all the help you will need with expert advice and highly competitive prices to give you the perfect finish to any painting project.

Plumbing and drainage Homeleigh say that they are the first people to come to for all your plumbing & drainage needs and it’s hard to disagree because they provide a watertight solution to your plumbing or drainage needs and have an unbeatable selection of plumbing and drainage solutions at competitive prices. If you are looking for sanitary ware, tools, spares or sundries and everything you could need for your heating, drainage or plumbing.

Timber and sheet materials Hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, C16/ C24 carcassing, doors, mouldings, Homeleigh are there to help. Because they have the complete solution to all your timber, wood and sheet material requirements.

Homeleigh are the leading stockists in Kent of a wide selection of timber, wood and sheet materials for use in the building trade, construction and DIY. For more information visit www.homeleighgroup.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Grants

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

E

ach piece of furniture, whether free standing or fitted is created to my client’s individual design and personal needs.

I am keen to hear their ideas and will advise on all types of different woods and their benefits, as well as painted finishes and the final result and appearance.

Competitively priced*, I combine traditional hand crafted joinery methods and hand finishing to the highest standards with modern superior 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 this changes as the work progresses. I arrange and coordinate the whole process from design to completion. * All of our bedroom and kitchen furniture is priced by the metre run Unit 3, Chart Farm Seal Chart, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0ES; Telephone: 01732 763610 or 07809 504251; info@grantsofsevenoaks.co.uk www.grantsofsevenoaks.co.uk

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“I combine traditional hand crafted joinery methods and hand finishing to the highest standards with modern superior fittings, accessories and appliances�

H OUSE & GARDEN

BR FLOORING:

90 Years of Outstanding Quality and Service

B

R Flooring is a family-owned business with branches in Petts Wood and Eltham.

Covering Sidcup, Chislehurst, Blackheath, Bromley and all surrounding locations in South East London, we understand how important it is that you select the right kind of carpets or flooring for your home, office space or business property.

If you want luxury carpets, hardwood flooring or laminate flooring that not only looks good but that also delivers on practicality and your lifestyle choices, you’ve definitely come to the right place.

We also specialise in premium quality vinyl flooring by offering a full range of Karndean products to customers in the local area.

Other solutions include laminate flooring and hardwood flooring in the Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Opus and Tile ranges. With such prestigious names, it’s only right that you would expect these products to be truly special. Everything we do is built around the supply of beautifully-designed flooring of the highest standard.

Karndean offers a state-of-the-art virtual flooring design service that helps you choose the perfect product for your home or office. We also sell carpets and other flooring materials from Westex, Axminster, Amtico, Quick Step, Crucial Trading and Real Wood.

90 Years of Outstanding Quality and Service Following a rebrand in 2014, we have extended our reach by supplying carpets, hardwood flooring and laminate flooring for many valued customers in the surrounding Chislehurst, Sidcup, Bromley and Blackheath areas.

With over 90 years of providing great service and value, we have the knowledge and the experience to bring you flooring that truly reflects individual taste and personality.

BR Flooring offer you a desirable range of carpets made from either natural or manmade fibres. There is almost no limit to our vast number of options and we can supply patterned or plain fabrics covering everything from the dazzlingly funky to the more neutral and understated style.

Our showrooms in Petts Wood and Eltham also supply high-end hardwood flooring and easy-to-fit laminate flooring. Both outlets provide you with exceptional choice, honest advice and outstanding customer service. We also offer free estimates and measuring. www.br-flooring.co.uk 90 SEPTEMBER 2018

“If you want luxury carpets, hardwood flooring or laminate flooring that not only looks good but that also delivers on practicality and your lifestyle choices, you’ve definitely come to the right place”

AUTUMN OFFER up to

15% OFF Karndean

1/2

price Carpets*

plus FREE fitting ** on all carpets

2b/2c, Fairway Station Square, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1EG Telephone: 01689 822100

216-218 High Street, Eltham, SE9 1BA Telephone: 020 8294 2660

www.brflooring.co.uk *on selected items **Free fitting on minimum order of 10sq metres

H OUSE & GARDEN

Manor Fencing & Landscaping

M

anor Fencing and landscaping are a professional landscaping and fencing company based in Bromley, that specialises in all types of fencing, landscaping and paving. Manor Fencing have over 25 years’ experience in the fencing, landscaping and paving industry where they have built all of their reputation purely on reliability, service & high quality of workmanship at affordable prices. With the excellent reputation they have, they ensure that they only employ the most professional and best gardeners and landscapers. This gives their clients the peace of mind that when they visit your property, you will always receive the very best & professional service you could receive.

Manor Fencing and Driveways are committed to customer satisfaction and achieve this by providing only first class workmanship in each and every project that their team complete. All of

Services: • Fencing • Traditional fencing • Timber fencing • Domestic fencing

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• Close board fencing • Featheredge fencing • Panel fencing • Picket fencing • Chain-link fencing

Manor Fencing’s work comes with a Guarantee of top standards of Workmanship.

The scope of services that Manor Fencing supply is extensive, they supply and fit all types of Fencing, including security fencing for both Commercial and residential clients, whatever the clients requirements may be, they will provide a competitive no obligation quote.

Manor Fencing construct all types of gardens for both Commercial and residential clients, whether you may be considering a new landscaping design or implementation or whether it’s time for a renovation of your existing garden design, the landscapers at Manor Fencing have excellent ideas for implementation on your property, which can realise the beauty of your garden.

Manor Fencing & Landscaping cover a wide area around London including Sutton, Bromley, Croydon, Dulwich, Chislehurst, Beckenham and the surrounding areas.

• Commercial fencing • Security fencing • Steel fencing • Palisade fencing • Hoarding

• Gates • Railings • Trellis • Driveways • Block paving

• Patios • Paving • Tarmacing • Turfing • Lawns

THE DETAILS Tel: 0203 488 2942 Mobile: 07368 219345 Email: paving.fencing@gmail.com. www.manorfencingbromley.co.uk

• Artificial lawns • Artificial grass • Bricklaying • Brick walls • Landscaping

All types of fencing & paving installed Patios • Driveways • Fencing • Decking Turfing • Brickwork • Tarmac 28 years experience - Free Quotes

0203 488 2942 Mobile: 07368 219345 e-Mail: paving.fencing@gmail.com websiTe: manorfencingbromley.co.uk

Telephone:

H OUSE & GARDEN

[NEWS]

INTERIORS BRIGHTEN UP Nothing rhymes with orange but the Grand Blotch cushion certainly goes with it. They do love orange at Rume and have been known to cover whole sofas in it, however, even just a cushion in the gleeful hue will make a cheerful impact on any interior. www.rume.co.uk

WILD FOR WALNUT

In a striking shift away from the light blonde woods evident in Scandinavian style that have been popular in recent years, earthy tones and dark woods are making a huge comeback. So, with a rise in popularity for seventies style and woods like mango and walnut, Wooden Furniture Store are proud to showcase their Mayan furniture range. This contemporary yet classic range features carefully designed pieces for every room, from the living room, dining room and home office, to storage essentials for the hallway. www.wooden-furniture-store.co.uk

Dive into Danish design

MEXICAN FLAIR

Give your walls some Mexican flair – this beautifully designed piece takes direct inspiration from one of Frida’s most famous self-portraits and has been recreated in high-quality steel. The piece features an incredible geometric recreation of Frida’s iconic face and floral headpiece. www.redcandy.co.uk

Modernist Manhattan style

Take a trip back in time to 1930’s New York! All smooth lines and curved edges, the Hickman Sofa is sure to make a statement in your living room. With a sleek silhouette, this sofa is fitted with steel legs and upholstered in a neutral cream fabric that will blend seamlessly into your décor. Featuring a beautiful black marble base and brass stem, the Margot Table Lamp. radiates luxury. Topped with a black fabric shade which is finished with a gold lining to a create soft and soothing light, this lamp will bring a warm ambience to your surroundings. www.distinctify.com 94 SEPTEMBER 2018

Bring a minimal Scandinavian vibe to your home with the house doctor homeware collection, now available at Hurn & Hurn. This sleek and stylish range of home accessories includes mirrors, lights and vases, all finished with a clean, contemporary aesthetic and metallic touches. Perfect for adding a luxe touch to your interiors. www.hurnandhurn.com

BE INSPIRED Free Local Delivery Personal expert advice

Bringing style to a Tile The latest ideas for walls and floors

Tel: 01732 459 765 sales@freelands-tiles.co.uk

124-126 London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2UT

Open 7 days a week

www.freelands-tiles.co.uk

CREATIVE, INSPIRING, ACCESSIBLE Summer is here – are you ready to add a #pop of colour into your interiors?

We would love to inspire you to be bold and play with colour for curtains, soft furnishings, furniture and lighting in your home – from hourly consultations to a full interior design service – call us now to book a free consultation.

07903 875858

contact@guthrieandkirkwood.co.uk guthrieandkirkwood.co.uk

H OUSE & GARDEN

Is your Conservatory too cold in Winter and too hot in Summer?

W ith over 50 years combined experience in the conservatory business, the directors of iCon Roofs know a thing or two about temperature differences and how to solve the problems many people experience. They pride themselves on carrying out conservatory and building work to the highest standard with all work undertaken by fully trained staff, giving you total peace of mind. They also promise to give potential customers a free, no obligation quotation along with no-nonsense conservatory roofing and insulated ceiling advice.

An iCon replacement conservatory roof is solid, thermally efficient with an outstanding low “U Value”, delivering astonishing results, keeping conservatories much cooler in the summer and much, much warmer in the winter.

The standard polycarbonate or glass roof system found in almost all UK conservatories has virtually no insulating properties, even if roof blinds are installed. This means most of the sun’s heat is conducted in the summer, making the room unpleasantly hot for everyday use. Conversely, in the winter months, it can be impossible to keep most conservatories warm, because the same lack of insulation allows most of the heat to quickly escape. iCon Roofs can either install a new highly insulated lightweight complete replacement roof or refurbish your existing that will reduce the level

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of heat conductance found in an unaltered roof, making it vastly more efficient in matching the temperatures found in the rest of your home.

If you are serious about solving your conservatory temperature blues, then you have just discovered the best solution on the market today! iCon Replacement Conservatory Roofs. An IWA Trusted Installer with a 5 STAR Facebook and Google rating.

Contact info@iconroofs.com or call 0800 00 33 55 today for a free no-nonsense quotation

“An iCon replacement conservatory roof is solid, thermally efficient with an outstanding low “U Value””

At Joy Kitchen we serve fresh tantalizing Southeast Asian dishes from Indonesia, Malaysia & Thailand

Details of our fabulous dishes can be found at www.joykitchen.co.uk Wok-fry noodles, soups, curries and many things that will make you feel the warmth of Southeast Asia. Whether you are looking to feed a crowd or whip up a quick meal, our meals never disappoint.

All of our Southeast Asian dishes are made in our modern scratch kitchen, with only the finest ingredients, for tastes both unexpecting and comforting.

We also stock a full selection of spirits, Asian Beers, draught beers, cocktails and an unparalleled wine list.

We’re on Trip Advisor

318 High Street, Orpington. BR6 0NG

Find us on Facebook

01689 829341

www.joykitchen.co.uk • Dine in, take away and delivery*

The Kitchen Doctor

The complete kitchen service… … from a hinge to a complete makeover

100s of Worktops | 1000s of doors door replacement | made to measure service | worktops appliances | sinks and taps | drawer replacement bedroom doors | improved storage and access solutions

D

o you wish you could give your kitchen a facelift without all the effort and expense of a new kitchen? Or would you like to finally sort out those broken drawers, loose hinges etc?

The Kitchen Doctor offers a comprehensive and flexible service which means tired kitchens no longer need to be discarded.

Choose from a huge range of doors which are made to measure for your kitchen. You can change your worktops, update your appliances, sinks and taps as well as upgrading to soft close doors and drawers.

Whether it is a repair or a

complete makeover, the Kitchen Doctor offers a flexible service which means you can choose how much you wish to change your kitchen. You also make significant savings over the cost of a new kitchen and the disruption is kept to a minimum.

To find out more about how well this established, local business could help you, please contact: The Kitchen Doctor, Oak House, 1 Sevenoaks Road, Pratts Bottom, Kent BR6 7SF. Tel: 01689 850000 www.thekitchendoctor.com chris@thekitchendoctor.com

The Kitchen Doctor’s bespoke service supplies and fits a comprehensive range of components to give your kitchen a new lease of life.

BESPOKE CABINETS MADE TO MEASURE IN A VARIETY OF STYLES AND COLOURS

01689 850000

chris@thekitchendoctor.com www.thekitchendoctor.com Serving London and the South-East since 1984

FOOD & DRINK – Bringing you updates on the local food and drink scene – i ma g e : LONDON C O C K TA IL W E E K , 1 - 7 O C TOB E R

FOOD & DRINK

Authentically Italian: Ti Amo words: Joe Caddy

D

eliciously fresh Italian ingredients, cheerful chefs, exquisite wines, vibrant cocktails and a relaxed great quality authentic atmosphere are the ingredients to Ti Amo An early success as a small team under the guidance of Head Chef Raffaele Marotta introduces us to a superb glass of red wine Maclura Terre Di Nano from Tuscany Val d’ Orcia informing us this is the only place in Kent you can drink this superb wine.

Raffaele met Owner Altan in his hometown Cassino and the idea was born to introduce the authentic style and taste of his hometown to the quiet corner of Kent.

After seeing the wood fired pizza oven built around an oak tree and seeing the detail the Italian

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kitchen staff put into preparing each fresh dish whether its hand made Taglietlle Scoglio or the vibrant & simple basil, tomato, water, flour & mozzarella creating their perfect Wood Fired Pizza, we know this restaurant and bar will certainly be a favourite and much welcome addition to those who enjoy a relaxed, yet high quality local Italian food & drink experience.

An added touch of brilliance is the outside terrace where we enjoyed aperitivo, then late evening refreshing cocktails under large umbrellas with cosy blankets as the sun set .tastefully lit by a festoon of bulbs.

Tiamo is open Tuesday to Sunday with lunch menu at weekends, takeaway also available.

Follow on instagram @tiamopettswooduk.

Bookings 01689874407

“We know this restaurant and bar will certainly be a favourite and much welcome addition”

BO As M sT RI RE CH HE U R On y O CT I K O Un F

Authentic Italian Cuisine From The Heart Of Italy

Executive chef Raffaele Marotta And His Team Produce The Freshest And Tastiest Food Possible Using Fresh Produce We are an Italian Restaurant based in Petts Wood, Kent.

Experience our authentic recipes in our modern restaurant for an unforgettable evening!

Every Item On The Menu Is Freshly Prepared and Cooked To Order.

@tiamopettswooduk

@tiamopettswooduk www.ti-amo.co.uk

#tiamopettswooduk

FOOD & DRINK

London Cocktail Week is Back with a Bang!

1-7 October 2018

R

aise a glass to toast the return of the world’s biggest cocktail festival in the cocktail capital of the world. London Cocktail Week is back for its 9th year and promises to be even bigger and better!

To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the team has moved the heart of the festival, The Cocktail Village, to The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. This year’s festival pass holders will be treated to FREE entry, giving those with a passion for a mixed drink even easier access to signature cocktails from some of the world’s best bars.

A first for 2018, London Cocktail Week are also offering VIP packages with fast track entry to The Cocktail Village, a free drink, and access to special VIP only areas. Festival passes are just £10, drinks enthusiasts can soak up the city’s delectable spirits, enjoy pop-up cocktail bars, unlimited £6 cocktails, parties and more.

Brought to life by the team at DrinkUp.London, the festival celebrates the spirit of the city’s cocktail scene by giving festival pass holders access to an outstanding collection of London’s award-winning bars, bartenders and cocktail culture.

The Cocktail Village is at the heart of London Cocktail Week, bringing an unmissable collection of signature cocktails from some of the world’s best bartenders all served up for £6. The new site on Brick Lane will play host to three spaces jam-packed with all of the best creative cocktails the capital has to offer from the biggest names in drinks. This year there will also be a new space showcasing smaller and exciting emerging brands from all around the UK. Visitors can expect to see more pop-up cocktail bars and bigger experiences, as well as delicious street food. New for this year, The Cocktail Experiments will also give guests the chance to learn about the craft of cocktail-making and how to create the perfect version of their favourite cocktail.

Don’t miss a drop of the action by downloading the free DrinkUp.London app. Festival goers will

have access to the whole festival at the palm of their hands, no wristbands needed! The app shows each bar’s signature drink and users can search for bars to visit by area or type. The personalised photograph allows all festival pass owners to simply flash their digital pass for fast and easy access to £6 signature cocktails all week long.

In addition to The Cocktail Village, London Cocktail Week is also made up of a timetable of unmissable parties, masterclasses and supper clubs suitable for everyone, from amateur to expert, as well as the renowned self-guided Cocktail Tours.

More than 300 of the best bars across the capital will welcome cocktail lovers in to enjoy specially created cocktails for £6 to any festival pass holder, with venues encouraged to offer a lower-alcohol option, as well as a non-alcoholic option for £4, alongside their signature serve to promote the growing trend for mindful drinking.

THE DETAILS For more information about London Cocktail Week and DrinkUp.London, please visit: www.drinkup.london/ cocktailweek.

DrinkUp.London Instagram: @drinkupldn. #londoncocktailweek #LCW #LCW18

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Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner.

Bromley’s best kept secret....

Events • Conferences • Weddings • Parties and Funeral receptions The Manor, Thornet Wood Road, Bickley, Kent, BR1 2LW Reservations 020 3598 9900 themanoratbickley.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

THE BEST RIBS IN TOWN T

he Rib Shack in Petts Wood is aptly named, although boasting the most tender, flavourful, mouth-watering ribs in town isn’t it’s only calling card.

Known to drown out the noise from the imposing Daylight Inn sports pub that sits opposite during the legendary birthday celebrations, this modest restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere accompanied by a terrific menu. The ribs are undoubtedly the go to dish, but with the array of burgers, steaks and fish items available, you’ll definitely need several visits to properly acquaint yourself with the Shack.

Whatever your requirements, the Rib Shack has got you covered. Ranging from ladies night on Thursdays to kids eat free on Sundays, the friendly and attentive staff are at hand to deliver a relaxing but prompt restaurant experience. Sun shining?

Perhaps you could enjoy the lunch menu in the outdoor dining area, perfect for a Daquiri or two.

Staying in for the evening? With Uber Eats and Deliveroo, you won’t even have to leave your home.

So decide for yourself, best ribs in town? Only one way to find out.

5 Station Square, Petts Wood, Orpington, BR5 1LY. www.theribshackgrillandbar. com. Facebook: The Rib Shack. Instagram: theribshackpettswood

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The Rib Shack in Petts Wood offers delicious food combined with a family friendly atmosphere, whether your looking for a light lunch or dinner and cocktails.

The Rib Shack... Where taste matters.

The Rib Shack Bar and Grill 5 Station Square, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1LY Tel - 01689 836181 www.theribshackgrillandbar.com

FOOD & DRINK

How to host a

classic high tea

The high tea experience is a celebration of all things delightful and delectable, pretty and feminine. The tradition dates back to the early nineteenth century where Anna Russel, the Seventh Duchess of Bedford began the practice of hosting friends to a summery afternoon tea at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire.

Guests sat down to two meals per day, breakfast and dinner, and it is for this reason that forwardthinking Anna began the tradition of a light afternoon snack and a pot of tea.

Top left: A Pocket Full of Posie

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T

hese days the high tea takes its cues from the duchess’s refined afternoon event and incorporates all of the luxury modern trimmings one would expect.

invitation you send will set the tone. An e-mail invitation, for instance, indicates a casual get together. If you go to the effort of printing lovely, delicate invitations guests will assume a more formal tone. Make sure you include a dress code.

The high tea is a fashionable affair, one that requires preparation and thoughtfulness. One of the most important things to consider is the weather - no one wants to sit outside in the cold or rain, and if it is a lovely warm day, your guests want to enjoy the bright sunshine. The location for your high tea is therefore extremely important.

We no longer limit our guests to simply tea and a dainty snack, but instead a plethora of food and drink options served in an elegant and sophisticated manner. High tea catering is all about finger food.

People generally expect sweet treats such as scones, tarts, cupcakes and fruitcake. You may want to provide finger sandwiches - tiny triangles or dainty pinwheels, usually with the crusts cut off. Cucumber and cream cheese, egg and lettuce or smoked salmon are all great options.

For such a sophisticated occasion, ensure you have the finest crockery with polished cutlery and glassware for your guests. A table clothed in linen is stylish and practical - you can add colour with linen napkins, placemats and even a table runner. This will also safeguard your table from damage.

Contemporary or classic?

A high tea is generally a classically conventional affair, with a style of elegance. Will yours be a seated affair, or a more modern high tea where guests can wander and socialise with each other? The type of

Choose luxurious tableware

Have everything on hand To avoid running back and forth looking after your guests plan on employing a movable trolley. This guarantees all of your items will be in the same room and equally important you will be too. A good host is not one that isn’t seen all afternoon. You can have extra drinks and other essentials pre-prepared and accessible - ensuring you spend your time outside with your guests.

Background entertainment It’s important to have the right music to enhance the ambience. Play some soft music in the background - classical music is a great choice for a tea. If that doesn’t work for you, soft jazz can work really well too. You can also find an “Afternoon tea” playlist on websites like YouTube and on music streaming services like Pandora and Spotify. That would definitely be serving up a classic traditional dish with a very modern twist!

FOOD & DRINK

FROM TURKEY TO ORPINGTON “Cavits dream was always to return to the UK where he had studied and open a flagship branch� evolve into the same multi franchise operation he established in Turkey. His vision has now become a reality and Pizza Bulls Orpington opened its doors to the public on Friday 25th May 2018. STORE NUMBER 50!

So what makes Pizza Bulls so special, again very simple, the quality of the dough. An extensive team of food scientists are employed to ensure the dough is mixed to the exacting requirements which make Pizza Bulls so special. The dough is hand made daily fresh on site, allowed to rest for a couple of days and then hand opened to produce the perfect base time after time after time. Why not try it for yourself ?

Pizza Bulls, 50-52 The Walnuts Shopping Centre, Orpington, Kent. BR6 0TW. 01689 821411. www.pizzabulls.co.uk

P

izza Bulls was first established in Istanbul, Turkey in 2006 by Mr Cavit Can Kirbey.

Cavit studied business in the UK and upon returning to Turkey set out to establish a major multi-franchise brand in the pizza delivery industry. His aim was simple, to deliver the best quality pizza at an affordable price. Since 2006 Cavit now runs a major franchise operation incorporating 49 stores at last count.

Cavits dream was always to return to the UK where he had studied and open a flagship branch to

108 SEPTEMBER 2018

Pizzabulls Orpington is now open!

We have a range of freshly baked, made to order pizzas, side dishes and desserts and drinks. There’s something for everyone.

Our pizza include: our signature Doner Kebab (a tribute to where Pizza Bulls started), classic like the Margerita, Pepperoni, Hawaiian to new pizzas like the New York, Sacramento (meat feast), Chicago (for beef lovers), Orlando (seafood lovers), Miami (for those that like it hot), Kentucky (chicken lovers) and the vegetarian Boston pizza.

Side dishes include: cheese bread, garlic bread, cheese bread with pork sausage, cheese bread with beef sausage, cheese bread with jalapeno, potato wedges, BBQ wings and BBQ ribs.

We have a range of desserts from cookies to sundaes and our Nutella pizza for those who like a “sweet” pizza.

You can also grab a drink to go with your food including water, thick shakes and beers (Budweiser, Corona, Stella, Becks and Bulmers).

Come in and find out just how good we are for yourself! We look forward to serving you.

279 High Street, Orpington, Kent BR6 0NN

Tel: 01689 821411 ORDER ONLINE NOW! www.pizzabulls.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

three COCKTAILS TO MAKE AHEAD Southern Belle Punch

P

reparing mixed drinks ahead of time is easier than you think, and means you can spend more time relaxing with friends.

In the world of mixology, cocktail components can be fussy and time consuming. But it needn’t be that way, especially if you forage ahead for fresh ingredients and do a little prepping, so they can be ready to serve at a moment’s notice. From making freshly made cordials to something as simple as twisting the top off a bottle and pouring yourself a perfectly made drink, Batched & Bottled, Cocktails to Make Ahead by Max & Noel Venning will show you how to up your cocktail game. Here are three of their infusions to drink in the sunshine, that can actually be put together on a cloudy day...

110 SEPTEMBER 2018

This is your new go-to cocktail for a large party and can be prepared way in advance and stored in the fridge. With a bowl of this on the table, you’ll find when it’s your turn for a drink, it will probably be gone. So we recommend making twice as much.

• Ingredients: 500ml bourbon whiskey, 150ml fresh, strained lemon juice, 150ml sugar syrup, 20ml maraschino liqueur, 10ml Angostura bitters, 400ml strong Earl Grey tea, chilled, 400ml chilled water serves approx 10 people. Ice to serve.

• Garnish: Selection of edible flowers, seasonal fruit, citrus fruits, berries or mint sprigs • Method: A few hours before you want to serve, simply add all the ingredients to your chosen punch bowl and stick in the fridge to get it nice and cold.

It will keep for 24 hours.

• Serving suggestion: Pull the bowl out of the fridge and add the ice. Get extravagant with the garnishes - as it’s a centrepiece, you can go overboard with edible flowers, seasonal fruit and mint sprigs. Citrus wheels look great bobbing under the surface, along with mint sprigs and berries.

Leave a ladle in the bowl and let your guests help themselves.

Fennel & Elderflower Fizz Perfect for a picnic and easy to prep the day before.

The savoury note from the fennel means this pairs well with light food. Along with the prosecco and a few fronds of fennel to garnish, it makes for a very sophisticated summer tipple.

• Ingredients: Elderflower and fennel cordial (200g

bulb fennel, 500ml elderflower cordial), couple of bottles of prosecco. Fennel slices and leaves to garnish.

• Utensils: Plastic bowl (750ml), funnel, coffee filter • Method: To make the elderflower and fennel cordial, slice the fennel as finely as you can using a sharp knife. Keep some of the sliced fennel for garnishing, plus any leaves. Place it in a bowl, pour the elderflower cordial over, cover with a lid or cling film and leave in the fridge for 24 hours. Strain the mixture by lining a funnel with the coffee filter and run some cold water through to remove any lint.

Put the funnel over the empty cordial bottle and pour through the liquid. Will keep in the fridge for up to one week.

• Serving suggestion: If you’re taking this to a picnic, fill a cool box with ice and put in the prosecco and cordial.

Wrap the garnish in damp kitchen paper and place on ice. To serve, place ice cubes in a wine glass, add 25ml cordial and top with prosecco. Stir slowly, garnish, drink.

Tarragon & Grapefruit Collins The bittersweet, mildly aniseed flavour of tarragon teams well with the acidity of the pink grapefruit in this drink, and it’s a perfect refresher to sip on a warm weekend afternoon in the park. It’s also more than a match for spicy food.

• Ingredients: Tarragon syrup (150ml sugar syrup, 75g fresh tarragon), 500ml gin, 150ml fresh, strained grapefruit juice, 100ml fresh, strained lemon juice, 150ml tarragon syrup, couple of bottles of soda water - serves approx 10 people.

• Garnish: Tarragon stems or slices of grapefruit • Utensils: Tupperware-type container, 150ml sterilised bottle, 2l jug, seive • Method: To make the tarragon syrup, combine the sugar syrup and tarragon in a container, seal and leave to infuse overnight in the fridge. Strain through a sieve, transfer to the bottle and seal. It will keep for approx two months in the fridge. A couple of hours before you want to serve, add all the ingredients to the jug and put in the fridge.

• Serving suggestion: Fill the jug with ice and top with soda water, giving it a quick stir to combine everything. Fill some tall glasses with ice and pour.

To garnish, take some tarragon stems and give them a slap to release the aroma, then slide one down the side of each glass. Otherwise, a slice of grapefruit is equally pretty.

Batched & Bottled by Max & Noel Venning is published by Quadrille, priced £18.

Photography Ola O Smit. Available now.

S

G G N IN kI ok TA Bo w o AS N M ST RI

CH CHRISTMAS PARTY DINNER MENU ÂŁ47.50

Starters Scallops ceviche fennel, green apple puree & cilantro Prawns cocktail, marinated avocado, smoked salmon and dill Beef carpaccio, white truffle oil, nori, chives Beetroot labneh, red pepper hummus and baba ganoush with root vegetable chips and honey truffled glazed vegetables (Vegetarian)

Main Roast turkey, chipolatas, sage & onion stuffing, roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips and seasonal vegetables with roast gravy Roast beef Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips and seasonal vegetables with roast gravy Grilled stone bass, ricotta gnocchi and bisque sauce Beetroot risotto, goats curd and basil (Vegetarian)

Desserts Apple, whisky and cinnamon creme brulee Christmas pudding, brandy custard sauce and vanilla ice cream Double chocolate brownie, smoked cacao cream, orange ice cream whisky foam British cheese selection, crackers and pickle Tea or coffee

The Manor, Thornet Wood Road, Bickley, Kent, BR1 2LW Reservations 020 3598 9900 themanoratbickley.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE FUDGE 28-year-old Michelin star chef Tommy banks likes to experiment with sweet and savoury.

I

t’s not uncommon for vegetables to be found in desserts these days, but what about artichoke? This recipe from Tommy Banks’ cookbook Roots uses it in fudge.

“Root vegetables have a high sugar content, jerusalem artichokes are nearly 10% sugar,” he says. The fudge was actually his dad’s idea: “We were researching South American vegetables, because there’s a lot of interesting tubers they grow there, and reading about different syrups the Aztecs used to make out of them.

“I went around to his house he had this disgusting, black-greygreen water, that he had boiling away in a pan that had all really badly oxidized. It was sweet by the time he’s reduced it but had this really savoury flavour as well - so we made it into a fudge.”

Ingredients: Makes 20 pieces • 4kg Jerusalem artichokes, peeled, to make 400g artichoke syrup • 500g glucose • 410ml whipping cream • 225g butter • 16g fine sea salt • 20ml cider vinegar • 200g milk chocolate, broken into pieces

112 SEPTEMBER 2018

1. To make the syrup, roughly chop the artichokes and feed them through a juicer. Allow the juice to stand still for an hour, and skim off any foam that settles on top.

2. Pass the juice through a double layer of damp muslin, and bring to the boil in a large stockpot.

3. Over a medium heat, allow the juice to reduce at a steady simmer, continuously skimming off any scum that rises to the surface, until you are left with a syrup roughly the colour of Marmite and a consistency similar to treacle when cooled.

4. Combine the artichoke syrup, glucose and whipping cream in a small stock pot and bring slowly to the boil, stirring to combine. When the mixture boils, reduce to a medium simmer and cook until it reads 100°C on a sugar thermometer.

5. Then turn the heat down as low as it will go, and cook until the mixture reaches 112°C, stirring gently but frequently. At this point, remove the pan from the heat and immediately beat in the butter while the mixture is still hot, followed by the salt and vinegar.

6. Scrape the warm mixture into a deep roasting

tin lined with baking parchment. Once the fudge is cool to the touch, transfer the tin to the freezer to set hard.

7. Remove from the freezer and use the baking parchment to lift the fudge out onto a chopping board. After 10 minutes or so at room temperature, use a large knife heated in hot water to cut the fudge first into 2cm wide strips, and then into squares.

8. Line up the fudge pieces on fresh parchment and return to the freezer for an hour. Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a small pan of barely simmering water.

9. Using a fork, plunge the fudge squares one at a time into the chocolate to cover them completely, then knock off the excess chocolate by tapping the fork against the edge of the bowl. Carefully replace the fudge in rows on the baking parchment and return to the freezer to set the chocolate.

10. To serve, remove the fudge from the freezer, trim any splattered chocolate edges with a paring knife, and allow to thaw in the fridge for 30 minutes.

ROOTS by Tommy Banks is published by Seven Dials, priced £25. Available now.

O B O S A M G ST IN I K HR TA R c W O O f N GS IN K

cHINESE RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY PEKING & cANTONESE cUISINE

At the Ming restaurant, you can be sure of a warm welcome and fantastic Chinese food. A perfect environment for a romantic dinner for two, or a place to celebrate or relax with family and friends.

OPEning HOuRS Monday – Thursday: 12pm – 2:30pm & 5:30pm – 11pm Friday & Saturday: 12pm – 2:30pm & 5:30pm – 12pm Sunday: 12pm - 10pm, eat as much as you can 12pm - 4pm (last order 3pm) Sunday dinner evening A-la-carte 5pm-10pm

SPEcIAL OffER every Wednesday & Thursday • Whole lobster £15 • (max 2 lobster per group),

• Whole seabass £8 • • half price • Crispy aromatic duck

UPcOMING fREE LIVE MUSIc:

RAY LOWE 26 SEPTEMBER

PETER SNIPP 31 OCTOBER

KAREN BIZZELL 28 nOvEMBER

23 Station Square, Petts Wood, Kent, BR5 1LY Keep up to date with Ming Restaurant news and offers via our web site: www.mingrestaurant.net Email: reservation@mingrestaurant.net • Telephone orders welcome: 01689 820 427 or 01689 828 986