Sevenoaks Life Magazine May 2012

SEVENOAKS LIFE

SEVENOAKS LIFE WESTERHAM, OXTED, BECKENHAM, CHISLEHURST, TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND THE EXCLUSIVE SURROUNDING AREAS w w w . t h e l i f e m a g a z i n e s . c o m

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WICKHAM THEATRE CENTRE BEAUTIFUL TONBRIDGE HILDENBOROUGH VILLAGE

WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM

Range Rover

THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ISSUE 39 MAY 2012

EVOQUE with Victoria

KENT EVENTS

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HISTORY

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Beckham

FASHION

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HOMES & GARDENS

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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FOOD & DRINK • TRAVEL

Pocket Watches Monday 14th May

An 18k gold keyless wind full hunter Grande Sonnerie repeater pocket watch by Courvoisier Freres.

Estimate £5,000 - £8,000

Watches

Thursday 17th May A gentleman’s stainless steel manual wind Blancpain chronograph wrist watch.

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Auction of Antique & Modern Jewellery Thursday 24th May at 10am

A rectangular-shape diamond single-stone ring, weighing 5.03cts, with GIA report, J colour, Internally Flawless clarity.

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Vintage Jewellery & Accessories Monday 28th May

An early 20th century foiled enamel on gold pendant by James Cromar Watt with moonstone, seed pearl and turquoise detail.

Estimate £400 - £600

Visit www.fellows.co.uk/life for a complimentary catalogue Fellows Auctioneers | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham B18 6JA | 0121 212 2131

Welcome

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Editor Faye manning Assistant Editor Katie miller Sub Editor Alex Lux Fashion Editor Kitty Shead Contributors Wendy Stevenson John Ruler John Bly Bruce Edwards Jack Smith Design & Production Jules Breckenridge Photography Adam Swaine Accounts Kathy manning Ken Fleet Business Development managers Lisa Westerman Sinead Sheil SALES Lorna Ferrin Vanessa Lane James marshall DIRECTORS Peter Smith Rory Smith Patrick Smith

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Welcome to the May issue.

Once again this year Spring hasn’t quite sprung yet and as I write this letter to our wonderful readers we are up to our ankles in water from the wettest April since records began over 100 years ago.

Surely it can only get better from now on. So to help us all think of better times and better weather, this month we publish our Outdoor Life special supplement where we are highlighting the very best local specialists in outdoor living for tips, advise, ideas and suggestions before you decide on a new swimming pool, spa, patio, windows, conservatories, garden furniture, garden equipment and everything associated with improving the outside of your home.

Our Front cover and main story this month features the new Range Rover Evoque and Victoria Beckham. Victoria has collaborated with the Land Rover design team to create this stunning, luxurious, hand finished, bespoke special edition. Apart from being a Spice Girl and married to the worlds best known footballer Victoria is now a highly successful and sought after fashion designer in her own right and is winner if the coveted Designer Brand of the year at the 2011 British Fashion Awards. You will really want to read this fascinating article and perhaps order the new Range Rover Evoque from Harwoods.

victoria has collaborated with the land rover design team to create this stunning, luxurious, hand finished, bespoke special edition.

As usual our Local Life team of writers have been visiting more towns and places of interest for you and your family to visit. This month we turn the spotlight on Hildenborough, Tonbridge, a thriving theatre in West Wickham and how tiny Plaistow became part of mainstream Bromley.

We hope that you enjoy these superb articles and they encourage you to get out about.

Once again we have a wide variety of features on your favourite interests. Bruce Edwards reviews more recent Book releases. Regan Maloney our Food editor visits and reviews more local restaurants. The Whats On guide has a wide range of local events to enjoy. Our Home and Garden section looks at how chic simple black and white can look. The Beauty pages tempt you to bespoke your make-up bag and the Fashion pages look at Lace - the fabric of the moment.

Once again we also take a look at some excellent, highly recommended, professional local businesses including Granite Transformations the Kitchen worktop specialists, Better Body shop the exercise professionals, Hamseys mattresses, RAFT 100% reclaimed furniture, the Fellbridge Hotel and Easyhomestyle the home interior experts.

Until next month…

You will be pleased to know that you and your friends can now read our magazines online at www.thelifemagazines.com To advertise contact Lisa on 07904 251984 or Peter on 077111 43342 or email peter on peter@fishmediagroup.co.uk

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local events

WHAT’S ON... mAY 2012

✱ pupILs’ paIntInGs Go on shoW A multi-media exhibition and sale of work by pupils of Beckenham based art teacher Shirley Heath, including work by our very own John Ruler, is being staged at Bromley Central Library from Wednesday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 15. Further details: 0208 462 3542. ✱ 2012 events at KnoLe, sevenoaKs Bring the whole family along to enjoy craft activities, workshops and exhibition this Summer. Family Walk: Tues 29 May, 2.30pm, £1, (booking required) Ranger Rambles: Thurs 31 May, £2.50. Enjoy a walk with the Ranger A Royal Visit: Sat 2 – Sun 10 Jun 10.30am – 5pm. We look at Bertie, the playboy Prince of Wales, and his visits to Knole, in celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Bank Holiday Plant Stall: Mon 4 Jun, 10.30am – 5pm.

Browse and buy plants grown by our volunteers and staff Lord Sackville’s Private Garden opens for NGS: Tues 5 Jun Royal dressing up in the Great Hall: Thurs 7 Jun 12 noon – 3pm. Dress as Tudor Royalty in our centuries-old great hall, don your crowns and take your portrait standing in our fabulous picture frame.

For information about events at Knole during 2012 please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ knole or call 01732 462100. ✱ the pantILes Food & drInK FestIvaL In tunBrIdGe WeLLs Sat 19 and Sun 20 May 2012. Over 40 stalls have been allocated. Hot and cold food, fresh produce from Kent and Sussex, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with an al fresco display

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kitchen on the bandstand.

For more information www. pantilestraders.co.uk or follow @pantilestraders on Twitter. ✱ Kent College Film pembury Film Festival 2012 A weekend of nostalgia and family fun from 15th – 17th June 2012 as part of the school’s 125th Anniversary celebrations. We are celebrating ‘childhood’ in film, a sensational Gala Event and the return of the Big Shorts Short Film competition for students in year groups 6 – 13 which encourages a love of film-making at junior and senior levels from pupils at local schools. Tickets are £6 for adults with £3 concessions and a discounted family ticket for families. For information www.kent-college. co.uk Tel: 01892 820237 ✱ marLe pLaCe Garden & GaLLery, Brenchley, Tonbridge, Kent, TN12 7HS. Winner of the 2009/2010/2011 Kent Wildlife Trusts Gold Award The flowery and scented gardens are ready to welcome you! Wild at Art courses for adults and children. The gallery has delightful artworks. The tea room has light refreshments and homemade cakes. Open until Oct 2nd every day except Thursdays. Adult £5.50, Concessions £5.00, Children £2.00, wheelchair users free. www.marleplace. co.uk. tel: 01892722304 ✱ Westerham Farmers’ marKet Market Square on the first and third Sunday of each month from May 20th. The stallholders are full of local produce. From 9.30am - 12.30pm. www. visitwesterham.org.uk/ visitors/v-farmers-market

✱ the Great amerICan sonG BooK, St Mary’s Church, Westerham. With the Michael Coates Jazz Quartet.

Enjoy great favourites by Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rogers and Hart. Sat 19th May 17.30. For info 01959 561330. www.westerhamparishchurch. org.uk/heritagetrust.htm Traders Treasure Hunt Westerham. Monday 27th May to Monday 4th June.

Retailers throughout the town will display items fit for a Queen in their shop windows. Collect an entry form from the Westerham Flower Shop and see how many items you can discover.

Family fun, prizes to be won.

For info 07951 072326.

Bromley Art Society Exhibition. Paintings, drawings, prints and pottery. Ripley Arts Centre, 24 Sundridge Avenue, Bromley, Kent, BR1 2PX. Until Monday 28 May 2012.

Check availability to view Telephone: 020 8460 4473. Website: bromleyartsociety.org.uk ✱ museums at nIGht at the Home of Charles Darwin, Down House. Visit The Home of Charles Darwin, Down House, after dark. Enjoy talks about Darwin and his family, and take this exclusive opportunity to explore this fascinating family home out of hours. Friday 18 & Saturday 19 May. 6pm - 9pm Booking: Recommended. Call 0870 333 1183. Tickets: Adult: £9.90 / Concessions: £8.90 / Child: £5.90 / Family: £25.70 English Heritage Members: Down House, Luxted Road, Downe, Kent BR6 7JT.Website: www. english-heritage.org.uk/ ✱ 22 KeLsey Way,

BeCKenham Open Garden for NGS. Multiple award winning garden. Colourful herbaceous borders with many tropical plants including bananas, colocasias, alocasias, cannas and several different varieties of brugmansias.

Displays of potted plants and a conservatory with a magnificent bougainvillea.

Extensive and varied vegetable garden with a large fruit cage. Open:Sun 3 June (2-5.30). Admission £3, Children free. Times:2-5.30.

Open for charity. 22 Kelsey, Way, Beckenham, London BR3 3LL. Sunday 3 Jun 2012.

Website: www.ngs.org.uk ✱ verdI’s reQuIem The Big One! 150 voices including Royal Tunbridge Wells Choral Society, the Mayfield Festival Choir and members of Cranbrook and district Choral Society - accompanied by a huge orchestra. 7 pm Prices from £5 to £18 - concessions available for seniors and children. Phone 01732 353543.

Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2LU. Saturday 19 May 2012 Website: www.rtwcs.org.uk ✱ a day out WIth thomas Meet Thomas the Tank Engine and some of his friends including Percy, Daisy and Diesel, plus Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller. From Eridge at 10.40, 11.45, 13.10, 14.21, 15.26. From Tunbridge Wells at 10.00, 11.14, 12.20, 13.50, 14.55, 16.00, Tea Party 17.03 Adult - £11, Child - 18mths to 10 yrs. £9.00, Tea Party £14.00. Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY. Saturday 12 May 2012 and Sunday 13 May 2012. Website: www. spavalleyrailway.co.uk

✱ open Garden sQuares WeeKend Simple garden and orchard surrounding the only house commissioned, created and lived in by William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, Tearoom and shop. One of 212 gardens taking part in Open Garden Squares Weekend. Sun 11:0017:00. £9 in advance, £12 over the weekend - covers all gardens on both days.

Red House, Red House Lane, Bexleyheath, London, DA6 8JF. Sunday 10 Jun 2012.

Website: www. opensquares.org ✱ south east open studIos at Seal Chart Farm.

Eight artists & a cabinetmaker will be opening their doors to the public during the South East Open Studio event. On week days visitors will be able to see the artists & makers at work. No demonstrations are possible at weekends but artists will be available to show how the work is created.

10:00 - 17:00 every day. Free entry. Studio 2, 6 & 7 Chart Farm, Seal Chart, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0ES. Sat 2 Jun 2012 to Sun 17 Jun 2012 Website: www. lawrencejenkins.co.uk or www. sealchartetchingstudio.info ✱ dInner JaZZ Robert Reid jazz pianist extraordinaire.

7.30pm £26 for 3-course Meal, Coffee & Jazz. The Royal Oak Hotel, Upper High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HT. Friday 25 May 2012.

Table Booking 01732 451109.

Website: listeningroom. co.uk/jazzsinger.asp ✱ InvICta Kent antIQue BottLe & CoLLeCtors FaIr Old bottles, potlids, advertising, brewery items, collectables, post cards, 40 + stalls on the day, refreshments, free parking on site. Early entry at 8.30am. £2.50. Free public admission from 10.00am. Closes 1.00pm.

Ditton Community Centre, Ditton, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 6AH. Sunday 20 May 2012 ✱ Charts edGe - open Garden For nGs 8-acre hillside garden. Large collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias, specimen trees, 2 copper beech recorded as the tallest in UK. Majority of plants labelled, rock garden, water gardens, rainbow borders and rill. The origin of plants from around the world. Fine views over N Downs. Open for NGS: Sun 20 May (2-5). Admission £4.50, Children free. Times: 2-5. Telephone:07833 385169.

Open for charity. Charts Edge, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PL. Website: www. chartsedgegardens.co.uk ✱ summer GaLa ConCert, Tunbridge Wells. The awardwinning Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir puts on a fantastic evening of fun and enjoyment as it sings a rousing programme of spirituals, classical, hymns, show and popular music with power and passion. A group of young, talented girl singers will sing as guest performers.

Concert starts 7.30pm Tickets £8 (tbc) 07766 313047.St John’s Church, Amhurst Road, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9LG.Saturday 19 May 2012 Website: www. rtworpheusmvc.org ✱ pemBury art and CraFt 2012 A popular annual three day event showing local art, photographic and Kentish craftware work for sale, together with a plant stall. Refreshments available throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday. Friday 18th, 7-8 pm & Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th, 11am - 4pm.

Entry on the door: Adults £2; children free. Enquiries: Kate 01892 822448; Carole 01892 822030. St. Peter’s Upper Church, Hastings, Road, Pembury, Kent, TN2 4PD

Contents EDITORS LETTER

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WHATS ON

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LOCAL LIFE Hildenborough A Reflection of the Past Plaistow A Rural setting held Bromley at bay Tonbridge A Busy town in a beautiful setting West Wickham Tackling artistic restraints

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COVER STORY Victoria Beckham and the Range Rover Evoque 25 Royal Ascot 2012

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FASHION Glorious Trading 5 trends for Summer The Lace is on

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BEAUTY Bespoke your make-up bag 40 Better Body Shop Health and Fitness solutions 42 OUTDOOR LIFE Special Supplement Crown Pavilion Adding value and fun to your home Patio Perfect Origin Leisure A new breed of indoor pools Pool and Spa The new trends for 2012 Tanby Pools UK pool contractor of the year Chilstone at Kensington Palace Leisureplan Outdoor Luxury Chameleon Garden Rooms HOME AND GARDEN Life in Monochrome RAFT Bromley goes from strength to strength Hamseys A great reputation for beds Granite Transformations the worktops that fit on top

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FOOD & DRINK Regan Maloney Restaurant Reviews Monaco Grand Prix

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BOOKS REVIEW

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The Ultimate Racing event

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Bedroom Flair

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local life

A

Reflection of the past GH

HILDENBOROU

words: mAureen cole

t

he pretty village of Hildenborough is situated two miles north-west of Tonbridge and five miles southeast of Sevenoaks. It is a rural parish in the district of Tonbridge and Malling. The village nestles in the valley of the River Medway, in an area of great beauty, known as the Weald. The village was located on the highway from Sevenoaks to Tunbridge Wells, which in 1710 was the first road in Kent to be turnpiked. Today Hildenborough, along with Sevenoaks and Tonbridge, is by-passed by the A21 road.

The village was originally known as Hilden or, as in the 13th century, Hyldenn. In Old English the word “hyll” was used to describe a hill and “den” denoted a woodland pasture.

The overall sense of the word therefore, being a pasture on or by a hill. By 1349 “burn”, meaning manor or borough, had been added to the end of the word to give Hildenborough.

The population in Hildenborough has grown slowly but steadily over the years. In 1851 there were 187 houses and a population of 1033. By 1881 the population was still small, numbering some 1239 people and in 1931 it had grown to 2078. Following World War II the population expanded considerably and the 2001 census showed a population of 4588 with 1928 properties. Today growth is limited largely to infill and to development on the sites of the disused hospital and school, while the land surrounding the built up area, is designated Metropolitan Green Belt.

After the Norman Conquest, William I bequeathed the area of Tonbridge to Richard de Fitzgilbert, Count de Brionne. It is believed that the land given to him covered the same area as the lands he had lost in Normandy. The deeds however, have never been found, so there is little known about the land.

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The manor of Hilden dates back to around 1240. Hasted, who wrote a history of Kent (1798), described Hilden as a manor, situated about a mile from Tonbridge. In his writing Hasted claims that prior to the reign of Edward III the land had been owned by the Vane family. He describes the manor house as standing near Hilden Green. At this time the manor was the only building of note and was used as a meeting place, with the petty sessions court being held there. The Manor passed by marriage from the Vane family to the Dixon Dyke family, who later sold it to Thomas Harvey Court, Baron of Tonbridge.

A new Hilden Manor was built somewhere between the 14th and 15th centuries besides the ruins of the original Manor (on the road from London to Rye and Hastings). During the time that the Manor was owned by the Dixons it became important as a stopping place for Royalty and nobility on their journey to the Continent. It is said that the Duke of Buckingham and the French Ambassador fought a duel at the Manor, after a comment made by the Ambassador, that Henry VIII was being unfair to Catherine of Aragon by courting Anne Boleyn. It was also about this time that horse drawn coaches began to use the road although regular mail coaches were not introduced until 1784.

St John’s the Evangelist was built in 1844 for the grand sum of £2,300 and is the Parish Church. The money for its construction was made up from private collections and it was built on land donated by the Rev. Thomas May. This imposing church has been enriched over the years by the generosity of many local residents and patrons. The church was designed by Ewan Christian and was built of local materials: The walls are Kentish stone, with sandstone dressings and there is a tiled roof and shingled spire.

Some minor changes and additions have taken place over the

Images: Adam Swaine Photography

years. The clock was installed in 1865 at a cost of ÂŁ55 10s 0d and in 1887 the octave of tubular bells was installed to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. A major renovation of the church was planned in 1895 with the intention of repairing parts of the church which had fallen into disrepair. Once again the generosity of local parishioners came to the fore, when donations were so great, that in 1896 further improvements were able to be undertaken. These included an additional bay to the nave, an enlargement to the vestry, the reflooring of the church and the paving of the aisles.

Additional gifts were also made to the church and included: the oak pulpit, the oak eagle lecturn, bronze cross and vases and an alms dish.

Gas was also used for the first time to light the church and was supplied from the private gas works at Foxbush. Many of the beautiful stained glass windows in the church were also donated by local families in memory of family members.

Hildenborough is well known for its old pubs, many of which stand along the old London to Hastings and Rye road and were once the old coach inns. The Cock Horse which stands on the edge of the village dates back to 1502 and takes its name from the heavy horse which helped to drag stage coaches up the steep hill outside to the next village. The four cottages standing next to the pub were formally the old stables.

The Half Moon pub is a 16th century coaching inn which, it is claimed, was frequented by Dick Turpin and is reputed to be haunted. The inn was popular with tired travellers on their journeys. In the 17th century the rear was extended to provide stabling and in the 18th century the front was extended to provide larger accommodation.

The Plough with its beautiful gardens was built in 1570 and the Great Barn was added a hundred years later. The inn was built on the former site of Hadloe Place and the Great Barn, with its enormous beams was refurbished in 2000 and is now a popular and beautiful venue for wedding receptions.

Although Hildenborough has a variety of small shops and a post office, many larger shops and stores can be found in neighbouring towns, such as Tonbridge. The railway did not come to Hildenborough until quite late and the South Eastern Railway did not open its direct line from London until May 1868. The railway station was built in an area where there are some attractive larger houses close to beautiful bluebell woods.

Hildenborough has its own Farmers’ Market, which is located in the Church Centre. The market was begun in 2008 and on average it has about twenty stalls, which sell a variety of fresh, local produce at competitive prices. The market takes place every Tuesday between the hours of 9am and 11am.

Famous names linked with Hildenborough include Dame Kelly Holmes, the double-gold Olympic medallist, who has her family home in the area and the late Sir Henry Cooper, the English heavyweight boxer, who held the British, Commonwealth and European heavyweight titles and resided in Hildenborough.

This pretty village with its links to the past and to another way of life deserves to be nurtured, if it is to preserve its own identity and beauty. m ay 2 0 1 2

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local Life

Plaistow’s rural heritage held Bromley at bay

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John Ruler reflects on how the pastoral past of this ancient parish defined their role as a place apart

n actual size Plaistow is pretty puny. But when it that Plaistow Lodge, the largest of the demesnes became comes to history it packs a hefty punch, acting over the a giant estate under the ownership of Peter Thellusson centuries as a bucolic buffer against the hurly-burly of who spent £40,000 of his massive £800,000 fortune Bromley, not least in the late 19th century when its fast building a huge Georgian mansion in 1780. The grounds burgeoning neighbour began banging on the door. alone stretched 126 acres northward from London Lane It may not seem so today, but, even at the turn of the 20th century, encompassing all the land to the west of Burnt Ash Lane.

Plaistow, originally the principal hamlet of the Bromley parish, was He is famously remembered for offering to help pay off the still seen as a sort of rural idyll where ‘a few estates and substantial National Debt in his will. The clause never came into being, but residences, approached by circuitous lanes and by paths, varied other clauses gave rise in 1856 to a hotly contested family lawsuit, the otherwise unbroken range of a purely pastoral landscape.’ the expenses of which were, rather as in Charles Dickens’s Bleak Even now the almost boulevard appearance of some roads House, so enormous that the property ultimately emerged with no remain a stubborn reminder that pastoral Plaistow – said greater value than it was when the will was originally drawn up. to stem from the Anglo Saxon plega meaning play and In 1822 the lodge was sold to Walter Boyd, a banker stow, place - was once the enclave of the rich and financier who, born in 1754, had large and powerful with their grand estates. interests in Paris where he was living when above: In times gone It was a pastoral scene, too. Rich pasturethe French Revolution broke out. Thanks by… the inscription on land, with rustic farmhouses were once served to Empress Josephine, a school friend of this painting by Agnes by winding tree-lined lanes such as Burnt Ash Mrs Boyd, these remained untouched.

Wood describes this Lane. But then fortune has generally smiled on Later came Lord Kinnaird, whose generosity idyllic scene as being a Plaistow, whose history is traceable at least to the was said to be equal to his sporting achievements footpath to Sundridge early 16th century when an estate in Milk Street, as a footballer. On leaving the lodge in 1896, Park through a Farwig one of four demesnes (land attached to a manor) he broke up the estate into leaseholds, one wood. (Courtesy: lay in the hands of the Ryders ‘of Battersey and beneficiary being Quernmore School, which moved Bromley Museum) Bromley.’ A bevy of big-time owners followed. from Holwood Road into the house. Though But it was not until the 18th century Quernmore Boys’ School closed in 1983, the lodge

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Images: Bromley Museum, Bromley Library and John Ruler

remains home to the Parish C of E School in London Lane.

The rest was eventually criss-crossed from 1896 by the wellto-do property whose grandeur can still be admired today.

The grounds, used largely for grazing cattle belonging to Shrofold and Holloway farms also included Lake Burnt Ash, hence Lake Avenue a good example of the wide and imposing streets which define the area.

Also deserving attention was Springhill, thought to have been built about 1700, which, with its extensive stables, was demolished in 1967. It was close by, as early as 1867, that parts of Crescent and Cambridge Road were laid out. It’s in this cluster of roads that the Prince Frederick pub, first mentioned in 1761, remains, frozen in time, in Nichol Lane amid the still perky Victorian terraced homes of neighbouring roads.

Opposite, where Cambridge Road meets Plaistow Lane, stood the redbrick Plaistow Hall, whose owner in 1888 was Henry Hicks whose son William, a devoted Protestant, later became Sir William Joynson-Hicks, Barts, MP and Home Secretary.

The biggest change undoubtedly was experienced in the hamlet of Farwig which, as part of the Plaistow Lodge Estate, once consisted, says the Bromley historian E.R.S, Horsburgh ‘exclusively of meadows and cornfields interspersed by trees and hedges; even as late as 1860 the view from the town end of College Road presented little else but a purely rural landscape.’

Centred on Farwig Lane, which originally ran from the Beech Tree Inn in an elbow-shape to the junction of Crescent Road and College Road, it was bought in 1832

by Johann Farwig and developed for use by farmworkers as well as artisans and engineers at the nearby gasworks.

But times they were a’ changin and in the same way that the opening of Bromley South railway station in 1858 brought market town Bromley closer to London so the

Above: mums and dogs chat outside the Prince Frederick last month; Right: the pub as it was in 1890. Below: Garage in Plaistow Lane.

cutting of a line from Grove Park in 1878 hastened the inevitable absorption of Plaistow into mainstream Bromley.

Even up until 1872, when West Street was constructed the Farwig Arms was linked to the Market Square solely by a footpath across fields, a green barrier to the sprawling expansion of their market town neighbour. In a study written for Bromley’s local history society’s excellent book collection Geoffrey Eames commented: ‘There is no doubt that Plaistow was a proud hamlet which rated itself mildly superior to downtown Bromleyites’.

I sense, from a snap tour that the same can be said of what even today stands out on a limb, stuck between the exclusiveness of Sundridge and Chislehurst and the Inner London bustle of a fast changing Lewisham, where the Downham Estate, developed in the 1920s, and shared with Bromley, became Europe’s fourth largest council development.

Which perhaps is not such a bad place to be… with small, but smart, new developments such as those I spotted off Milk Street, now part of the general suburban hub-bub keeping Plaistow firmly on the map.

THEN for Jean murdoch, then Jean denyer, memories of Plaistow go back to around the 1950s when, as a schoolgirl, she would walk through King’s meadow Playing fields on her way to Burnt Ash school from her family home in southover; later she cycled to the former Bromley grammar school for girls.

And it was at nearby st Andrew’s church, in 1961, she married her husband-to-be Ted whom in their courting days met at the Prince frederick pictured (below?) ‘ it was the only pub around in those days’ - and she recalled escaping there during a dance interval at the church hall in the days when serving drinks was forbidden,‘ Those were the days when pubs were real pubs, and not an eating house as you tend to get today.’ she also remembers walking up new street Hill, crossing sundridge Park golf club before

NOW... golf was resumed in the post-war years and through into elmstead woods ‘where we used to go blackberrying.’

Bromley north was reached via Plaistow lane ‘ and loads of alleyways via Babbacombe road’ – very much in line with that described in the main text. ‘Having done it for donkey’s years, you’d think nothing of walking to Bromley past the market.’

Jean and Ted, who now live in Hayes, first met at a dance at the green man, which, like Peter Pan’s Pool in london road, was not far from Ted’s home in chelford road, off Bromley Hill.

Both have now gone, the former known to me, too, as a friday night place for trad jazz, now due for redevelopment after lying empty for eight years. so, too, is the site of what was once Hadlow’s garage opposite the large grass and flower filled Burnt Ash lane/college road/ Plaistow lane roundabout.

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         

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 in association with Bedroom Flair  

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Mon-Fri: 8.00-4.30 Sat: 10.00-4.00

169 Tonbridge Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16 8NA Website: www.kitchen-flair.com

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a LOCAL LIFE

18 m ay 2 0 1 2

Tonbridge A Busy Town in a Beautiful Setting. words: maureen cole

crept outwards in all directions.

The number of commuters has also grown steadily over the years and there are now twice as many people living in Tonbridge than there was in 1945.

By the 1930’s Tonbridge had a variety of entertainment venues, including three cinemas, a skating rink and annual Venetian Fetes on the river. The old race course however, once popular with horse racing enthusiasts, was replaced at the end of the 1800’s by an extensive Sports Ground. Cricket was extremely popular at this time and the Angel Cricket Ground was regarded as the training ground for Kent cricket in the years preceding World War II. St Peter and St Paul is the parish church of Tonbridge and was built in the 12th century on the site of a wooden, Saxon chapel.

The church has been extended over the years, with the addition of two chapels – the Chapel of St Nicholas and a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which is now used to house the organ. Unfortunately in 1536 Commissioners were set up who declared that there was no virtue in relics and images. As a result the church statues and the water stoup were destroyed. A tower was added to the church and in 1663 a gallery was built over the north aisle with the purpose of accommodating the boys from Tonbridge School during Services. Major refurbishment and overhaul was undertaken between 1877 and 1879, which included re-roofing and the removal of galleries and the box pews.

Tonbridge School was founded by Sir Andrew Ludde in 1553 and forms an impressive building on the northern edge of town.

The school is a major independent boys’ school and most of the boys are boarders. It covers an extensive site of about 180 acres.

Most of the town’s shopping facilities are concentrated in the High Street, which extends for about a mile. There is a wide range of shops, including some well-known stores, along with some unique and interesting independent retailers.

Restaurants and take-away food shops are abundant and on a recent visit I was surprised by the number of estate agents which line the streets. More shops are located in the Angel Walk and Pavilion Arcades, which join the High Street to

Images: Adam Swaine Photography

bustling town surrounded by beautiful countryside. Tonbridge is situated on the A21, midway between London and the south coast. London can be reached by railway in forty minutes and there are good links to the rest of Kent.

Tonbridge has an interesting and impressive history which goes back to the Iron Age. The town, like many others, owes much of its existence to the local geography. It is situated on a raised spur of land which provides a natural crossing point over the marshy lands of the River Medway. It is also the place where the flood plain narrows to less than a mile in width.

People in the Iron Age used the river crossing here and a Saxon settlement may have grown up beside the river. However, early evidence is scant before the Normans arrived and built the impressive motte-and-bailey castle with its massive gatehouse, which is reputed to be one of the finest in the country. The castle was built in the 11th century by Richard Fitz Gilbert, a half- brother of William the Conqueror and it forms a prominent feature, standing tall above the River Medway. By 1100 Tonbridge had become a busy settlement, in the centre of the largest parish in Kent, covering more than 15,000 acres.

The town derives its name from the Saxon word “Tun”, meaning “estate or manor,” which together with the suffix “bridge”, may have indicated a manor with a bridge. The town is recorded in the Domesday Book (1087) as Tonebridge.

Tonbridge has been a market town since 1259, when The Earl of Gloucester was granted the right to hold a weekly market in the town. It was originally held in the High Street but in 1856 when the Tonbridge Stock and Cattle Market was formed it moved to Bank Street.

Unfortunately the cattle market closed in 1971.

In June 2011 however, Tonbridge opened its first Farmers’ Market for some years. The market is held on the second Sunday of the month between the hours of 9.30am and 1.30pm. The general market is held on Saturdays in the station car park. The market has many stalls selling a wide range of things, from clothes to fresh fruit, vegetables and meat.

In 1750 Tonbridge was still fairly small, laying mainly to the north of the River Medway and being little more than a village in size. However, with the formation of the Medway Navigation Company in 1740, wharves where goods could be unloaded from barges were constructed. Tonbridge grew in affluence due to the increase in trade and business interests.

Not only did Tonbridge become important due to its increased ability to move goods by water but road transport also expanded with regular connections to London, Brighton and Maidstone.

As a result of all this increased activity the population of Tonbridge had grown threefold by 1838. Employment opportunities also grew and the 1851 census shows that jobs ranged from shoe and bonnet making to heavy manufacturing.

The railway arrived in 1847 and this led to the town expanding further to the south. This expansion continued and gradually

the Angel Complex (which houses Bentalls Department Store, Sainsburys and the Angel Leisure Centre).

The castle is set in 14 acres of landscaped gardens which overlook the River Medway and the castle battlements provide a panoramic view over the rooftops, along the river as it winds through the town. In the summer the grounds are used for concerts, firework displays and fetes.

Tonbridge has a wide selection of amenities for both residents and visitors. A swimming pool, skate park, golf course, theatres, cinema and sport centres, are among others to be found .

The Oast Theatre is situated in London Road and shows productions from local theatre groups and travelling groups.

This 19th century Kentish oast house was in use until 1966 and opened as the Oast Theatre in 1974. The theatre produces ten major public productions a year, together with three Youth Theatre productions. The Arts Club also uses one of the roundels as a studio and holds an annual exhibition. The Tonbridge Theatre and Arts Club is a registered charity and is owned and managed by its members on a volunteer basis.

Future productions include, “Entertaining Angels”,

(from the week beginning May 26th) and “Equally Divided”, (from the week beginning June 23rd).

The Angle Centre is the main sport centre in Tonbridge and is located in the centre of town. There is a fully equipped gym with the latest equipment (for the use of members only). There are three squash courts (which can be booked), as well as badminton, netball, five a-side football, tennis and volleyball facilities. The centre also houses Tonbridge’s only cinema which shows the latest movies.

With so much on offer within the town and such picturesque countryside, both in and beyond, is it any wonder that commuters have found Tonbridge such a desirable place to live? m ay 2 0 1 2

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local life

M

WEST WICKHA

Tackling artistic restraints is just part of the game I

t is tempting to assume that by boasting its own twin purpose theatre, two playwrights and the ability – audacity even – to use a heap of compost to pep up an obscure Scottish play, Theatre 62 must be on the cutting edge of amateur theatreland. Yet in a way they are. They have to be.

For what began as a logical amalgamation between two local societies saw the emergence of a tightly knit group whose undoubted talents were honed first in the local lecture hall, now Wickham Halls, but mainly in the constraints of a former low ceiling rugby football club-house, miraculously transformed into their very own theatre.

Particularly apt perhaps was their February production of Great Expectations, not just marking Dickens’ bi-centenary but defining their own expectations as they celebrate their Golden Jubilee. The fact that this pretty lengthy novel was neatly adapted ‘in the round’ also reflected the way the group can adeptly transform their Corkscrew Hill venue from being a traditional proscenium theatre, i.e., on the stage, to presenting cleverly lighted and suitably recognisable scenes scattered around the auditorum .

‘Our producers always have to consider the constraints they are faced with.’ admitted Carolyn Taylor, one of the group’s five remaining founder members. ‘Even now we do have problems in the summer when it gets very hot.’ But that’s small fry, if you’ll excuse the pun, to the days when the cast used ‘caravans, tents and even a garden shed’ to change in – afterwards having to run down the side of the building in ballet shoes or bare feet in pouring rain or even snow to reach the rear stage. It was not until 2002 that a new rehearsal/green room and a new scenery room were completed that the problem was finally solved.

But then this a resilient group, which saw the twin talents of West Wickham Amateur Dramatic Society, dating back to the 1930s, and the Actories, founded in 1951 as part of

22 m ay 2 0 1 2

the local Conservative Association, merge in 1962. Their first production Watch It Sailor was mounted in May at Wickham Halls, their regular spot for the next ten years.

But thanks to the go-getting spirit of at least one member, the chance to snap up the former Beccehamian Rugby Football Club premises proved irresistible: in February 1973 it reopened as a theatre with the singularly appropriate It’s Opening Time, a review produced by Carolyn’s late husband Bill.

These were exciting times, said Carolyn who in her late teens joined West Wickham Amateur Dramatic Society, of which her grand-mother was one of the leading ladies.

The group, ‘ then very much like a family who had grown up together’ grappled with fund-raising for the conversion of what basically consisted of changing rooms, a bar – which still proves a handy asset – changing rooms and loos. ‘ We literally had to start from scratch,’ she said, with bags of fund-raising and social activities. In 1997 the formation of the Wickham Theatre Trust saw the start of a campaign to raise £40,000 to extend the premises.

A continuing programme of improvements saw new tabs in 2008 and a new stage and seating rostra in 2009.

Though the majority of plays are performed on the stage (now sporting smart new curtains) the group’s ability to quickly adapt to ‘in the round’ has proved uniquely advantageous, especially with Bondagers, the story of 19th-century women farm workers who were hired by the ploughmen of the Scottish Borders to work alongside them. To add a whiff of authenticity to what was a somewhat dour subject, Andrew Herbert, now the trust chairman, arranged for five tons of compost to be arranged in a large frame in the auditorium. ! It worked a treat with what started with small audiences rapidly growing as news spread of this rather avant-garde approach … so much so, said his wife Ann, who also happens to be a keen gardener ‘ we were able to sell bags of it at 50p a time.’

Images: Andrew Herbert

JoHn ruler meeTs A grouP of THesPiAns THAT Turned A rugBy fooTBAll cluBHouse inTo A THriVing THeATre

NEED TO KNOW Theatre62 is a membership theatre where audiences are required to be members of the theatre or their accompanied guests: see www.theatre62.wordpress. com / email membership@ theatre62.org.uk or ring 020 8464 1609 / 020 8654 4244.

Wickham Theatre Centre, Corkscrew Hill, West Wickham, BR4 9BA. Next production is The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams June 25-30.

Four plays have been awarded Best Production in the annual Bromley Theatres Guild Full Length Play Festival; four others have been runners-up.

Main image: Tecnical rehearsal for Dancing at Lughnasa (2011); Above: Dancing at Lughnasa (2011); Right: Bondagers (1998); Below: In the Round staging for Great Expectations (2012) Left: The Deep Blue Sea (2011).

With many individual members having received awards as actors, directors and technical personnel – including two receiving the Rose Bowl for Services to Drama in Bromley – it is scarcely surprising that Theatre ‘62 has also featured two homespun playwrights. The premiere of John Snow, in 1994, was written and directed by the late Phyllis Mortimer, a family planning doctor who was also medical adviser and a writer for the UK’s first hospital soap opera Emergency Ward 10, the Casualty or ER of its day. With a longstanding interest in amateur theatre, she enjoyed spicing the action by incorporating her medical knowledge into her play about John Snow and the halt of cholera.

Last year, too, saw a new play Earnest Endeavours written especially for Theatre 62 by theatre journalist Raymond Langford Jones, who writes plays as Ned Hopkins. This follows the fortunes of the characters from Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, for which, wrote a reviewer in Sardines, the UK’s professional magazine for amateur theatre ‘ Theatre 62’s flexible space enables the play to be presented almost “in the round’ with the audience on three sides, creating a deep acting space.’

It is this set-up I will remember most of my visit to Great Expectations, along with the effective use of lighting creating a sense of time and place. Thumbs up, too, for the effects’ department which saw Carolyn, as Miss Havisham, go up in flames. ‘That was the second time for me’ she said. ‘ I did the same when I played Mrs Danvers when Manderley is burnt down in Rebecca. ‘ This, I confess, like many others, was my first visit despite having lived all my life locally in Hayes. So next time you spot the brown metal sign to Wickham Theatre Centre, do as I did and follow it through to what basically appears to be a somewhat nondescript theatre building. Ignore that. It’s what goes on inside that needs applauding… m ay 2 0 1 2

23

You’re never too far from Harwoods

For all Your land rovEr nEEds...

...conTacT Harwoods KEnT

Harwoods Edenbridge Stanfords End, Hartfield Road Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5NG Tel: 01732 863303

Harwoods Tonbridge Vale Rise, Tonbridge Kent TN9 1TB Tel: 01732 353637

Email HarwoodsKent@harwoods.uk.com

online & mobile at www.harwoods.uk.com

motoring

Evoque RANGE ROVER

Victoria Beckham SPECIAL EDITION WITH

MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT

L

and Rover and Victoria Beckham have unveiled a new bespoke luxurious, hand-finished Range Rover Evoque Special Edition. The exclusively design is the result of a collaboration between Land Rover Design, led by Gerry McGovern with Victoria Beckham, winner of the coveted Designer Brand of the Year award at the 2011 British Fashion Awards.

Victoria was appointed Creative Design Executive in July 2010 and has worked with the Land Rover design team over the past 18 months to create her Special Edition.

Victoria Beckham said: “I am very excited to be working with Land Rover as I have an enormous amount of respect for the brand. I’ve always driven a Range Rover, for me they are the epitome of quality and luxury. When I first started working with the team I did a lot of research, and created mood boards to show the team my love of timeless and classic design. I looked at yachts, luxury jets and classic cars. It’s the small detail that makes all the difference. I want everyone who gets into this car to feel special and empowered by its quality and craftsmanship. I like that it feels luxurious but also has quite a classic edge to it as well as a contemporary feel.”

MAY 2 0 1 2

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Land Rover Design Director Gerry McGovern said: “The design of Evoque has truly captured the hearts of customers worldwide. Working with Victoria the intention was to create a Special Edition that extends its character in a new direction through understated, restrained colour and detail changes. Both Land Rover and Victoria Beckham are British luxury brands with credibility and global appeal, this dual ‘Britishness’ makes the collaboration even more exciting especially when considering the huge audience for bespoke products around the world.

Working with Victoria we quickly recognised our similar design tastes and ambition for this car. For example at the first meeting, Victoria herself inspired the use of rose gold. She was wearing dark clothes and no jewellery apart from a rose gold, man’s watch. I was struck by the juxtaposition of the masculine watch on a very elegant, feminine wrist. We both agreed it was the ideal way to introduce a softer touch to the bold, assertive exterior colour scheme.Throughout the process we were keen 26 m ay 2 0 1 2

to ensure that the vehicle would appeal equally to both men and women, in fact Victoria always maintained that she wanted her husband David to be proud to drive this car. We fully enjoyed working with Victoria and I am confident this special edition will appeal to discerning luxury consumers globally.”

Quintessential British luxury is a hallmark of both the Land Rover and Victoria Beckham brands. This Special Edition allows that impression to be further heightened through the use of the finest quality materials and craftsmanship. Powered by the lightweight, all-aluminium 240PS 2.0-litre petrol engine the Range Rover Evoque Special Edition will be hand-finished by Land Rover’s Engineering to Order division (ETO) in Warwickshire.

Essential to the design is the high quality hand-finished matt grey paint, unique 20” gloss black forged alloy wheels and luxurious rose-gold details, limited solely to this Special Edition.

Complimenting the ultra-modern, stealth-like exterior

f e at u r e

is an elegant and luxurious interior. The sport design four-seats are finished in a semi-aniline Vintage Tan leather, with a bold ‘baseball’ stitch detail chosen by Victoria as a tongue-in-cheek reference to her sporting husband David. The same leather is also used to cover the door inserts, arm rests and central storage box lid.

Another personal touch are the exclusive and ultra-luxurious floor mats. The designer explained that when she was a young girl, her father owned a Rolls-Royce and she would enjoy taking her shoes off to sink her bare feet into the thick carpeting.

Land Rover’s designers replicated this for her by using mohair, usually reserved for luxury clothing, to make the mats.

Bespoke luggage completes the holistic design package that is the Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham.

This four-piece set is based on the designer’s own luggage range, using the same high-quality internal structure and clothed in hand stitched black leather. The set comprises two his and her’s wheeled suitcases and wash bags, all of which are lined in the same microsuede used for the roof lining, and as a finishing touch the zip pulls are finished in the same matt grey as the exterior.

A beautiful hand stitched leather wallet, with rose-gold detail containing a guide to the exclusive features of the car is cobranded Range Rover Evoque and signed by Victoria Beckham.

Victoria Beckham is a joint venture between Victoria Beckham and Simon Fuller’s XIX Entertainment Ltd. About Land Rover

Since 1948 Land Rover has been manufacturing authentic 4x4s that represent true breadth of capability, versatility and premium design. The Land Rover Defender, Freelander, Discovery, Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover each define the world’s 4x4 sectors. All Land Rover’s products are designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK with 85% of production exported to over 177 global markets.

Harwoods Edenbridge Stanfords End, Hartfield Road Edenbridge, Kent TN8 5NG Tel: 01732 863303 Email HarwoodsKent@ harwoods.uk.com

Harwoods Tonbridge Vale Rise, Tonbridge Kent TN9 1TB Tel: 01732 353637 online & mobile at www.harwoods.uk.com

The Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham goes on sale first in China with deliveries due from October 2012.

Indicative pricing is from £79,995. To register interest visit: www.landrover.com

Equipment ✱ An 825W audio system is provided

by British experts Meridian and features 17-speakers and state-of-theart amplifiers to create the company’s patented Trifield surround sound which delivers all-enveloping sound to all four seats. ✱ Entertainment options include digital and satellite television, DVD playback, 10disc virtual CD multiplayer and digital radio tuners. ✱ The Range Rover Evoque Special Edition with Victoria Beckham features Land Rover’s hallmark full-time, four-wheel drive and award-winning Terrain Response system. ✱ Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 240PS and 340Nm of torque delivered to the wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel mounted paddles for full driver control ✱ Surround Camera System offers a 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings. ✱ Park Assist automatically steers the Evoque into a suitable parking space while the driver operates the accelerator and brake.

MAY 2 0 1 2

27

Fabulously British painted kitchens & furniture since 1972

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04/05/2012 12:14

R

oyal Ascot is one of the pinnacle events of the summer social season and the racecourse will be playing its part, in this historic year, in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

The Royal Meeting will certainly be one of the mustattend events of the year to enjoy all of the pageantry and history of a quintessentially British day out.

The quality of the racing at Royal Ascot is simply outstanding, with nearly £4 million in prize money on offer and a total of eighteen ‘Group’ races (racing’s term for the most prestigious races) over the five days.

The celebrations will commence at 2pm each day as Her Majesty The Queen arrives in her horse drawn landaus, with superb racing action from 2.30pm onwards, including seven Group One races over the five days. After racing, traditional singing around the Bandstand commences in Grandstand Admission at approximately 6pm..

Silver Ring customers can help celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee too, by joining in with the 1950s style ‘Street Party’ with everything from brass bands to bunting.

Royal Ascot Tuesday 19th - Saturday 23rd June 2012 . Ascot Racecourse, Berkshire

Thursday 21st June

Tuesday 19th June

The opening day of what is sure to be a spectacular Royal Meeting gets off to a flying start with three Group 1 races (i.e. the very best in the world); the Queen Anne Stakes, the King’s Stand Stakes - the first British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge - and the St James’s Palace Stakes.

As the first day of Royal Ascot, the fashion stakes are high but the atmosphere is relaxed which allows racegoers the chance to enjoy a glass of Champagne between races or explore the racecourse at their leisure.

Wednesday 20th June

30 m ay 2 0 1 2

Royal Ascot experience at a slightly more gentle pace.

The highlight of the second day is the Group 1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, arguably the most important race at the Royal Meeting in the modern era with £400,000 prize money on offer.

Also on the card are the Group 2 Windsor Forest Stakes, for older female milers and the Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes, for the best up and coming two year old fillies (females).

Wednesday is perfect for groups of friends to enjoy the

Thursday’s highlight is the Group 1 Gold Cup, a battle of stamina and determination over two miles and four furlongs - this undisputed long distance world championship is not for the faint hearted!

Style, elegance and the height of the summer social calendar all combine on Gold Cup Day, colloquially known as ‘Ladies’ Day. Although the whole week of Royal Ascot is a fashion show like no other, it is Thursday when the designer creations and millinery masterpieces reach new heights.

To commemorate 300 years of racing, the Hampton Court Stakes has been renamed the Tercentenary Stakes.

Friday 22nd June

The feature race on Friday is the Coronation Stakes, which traditionally brings together the leading threeyear-old fillies in Europe.

Also on the card is the King Edward VII Stakes, colloquially called

events

the ‘Ascot Derby’ - as its conditions mirror those of the Epsom Classic.

This is the perfect way to start the weekend with friends and work colleagues.

Saturday 23rd June

The final day of the Royal Meeting always provides a dramatic climax and features one of the world’s most important and international races, the Golden Jubilee Stakes, renamed as the Diamond Jubilee Stakes in 2012 to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s important milestone. The race is also the second British leg of the Global Sprint Challenge.

Saturday is a relatively new addition to the Royal Meeting, having been introduced as recently as 2002. Although the fashions are as elaborate as they are during the week, there is a pronounced, relaxed family feel as many people who are unable to attend until the weekend come to enjoy the experience of the greatest race meeting in the world.

Royal Ascot is without doubt the greatest race meeting in the world and a celebration of everything that is uniquely British.

For more details, including strict dress code and tickets, please visit www.ascot.co.uk

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SOUTH EAST ENGLAND’S LARGEST INDEPENDANT STOCKIST OF

Glorious Trading Company Ltd, Lambourne House, London Road, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, TN13 2DE Tel: 01732 463555, www.glorioustrading.co.uk, info@glorioustrading.com

fa s h i o n beauty

5 GLORIOUS KEY TRENDS FOR SUMMER Michelle Wynne of the Glorious Trading Co Ltd was once again invited by Sevenoaks Life to give us an insight into what is happening in the world of Fashion in the coming summer months. She has put together 5 key trends that will make your summer sizzle.

1. TECHNICOLOUR

2. PRINTS

Bold, silk scarf prints, vivid florals, animal prints with a twist, polka dots, mixed and unmatched there is a kaleidoscope of different ways to express yourself.

But be bold, this look is not for the faint hearted!

3. BLING BLING

Colour is also massive in jewellery! Necklaces, bangles and rings come in every shade. Added beading and feathers in vibrant shades bring a twist that is new and interesting. Very on trend is the South American squaw revival. Dream-catcher necklaces worn with a cool linen shirt look amazing!

The Buzz word for the Sizzling Summer months is COLOUR. All the catwalks were full of it!

Cobalt blue, Stunning Corals, Zesty Oranges, and Luminous Lemons, a cacophony of hues and shades of bold clashing colour. Extending into print, particularly silk scarf prints. These are everywhere, the IT accessory as a scarf or as a piece of clothing, it’s new and fab!

4. CITY SHORTS

5. SUN, SEA AND LINEN

A massive key trend this season is a new addition to most women’s wardrobes?

The City Shorts! Forget the crumpled casual linen type you pack for the beach, these are sharp, tailored and very on trend. Be ahead of the game, get smart with a look that is both sassy and businesslike. A truly new staple to your wardrobe.

Linen like Marmite, you either love it or hate it! Either way you MUST succumb this Summer. No holiday wardrobe will be complete without some linen that just gets better with wear! Teamed with the bright jewellery pieces it’s a fresh, sun-kissed, sea drenched, timeless look that is so romantic and feminine. Close your eyes and you can almost feel the sun and smell the sea!! Bliss!!

Glorious Trading Company Ltd, Lambourne House, London Road, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, TN13 2DE Tel: 01732 463555, www.glorioustrading.co.uk, info@glorioustrading.com

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Smith & Mercer Interiors Ltd Lambourne House, London Road, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, TN13 2DE Tel: 01732 450535 info@smithandmercerinteriors.co.uk

house garden

S

Images: Adam Swaine Photography

mith and Mercer invites you to visit their elegant and unique lifestyle store experience.

A huge selection of interior and exterior decor to enhance your home awaits you.

An Andrew Martin stockist, and other great interior designer names, we have selected the very best and brought them together under one roof, including the stunning chairs featured in the photograph which are covered in a Ralph Lauren Spring/Summer 2012 fabric!

We have a unique selection of wall pieces including modern prints, framed and unframed, mirrors, and clocks.

Exceptionally, we have a fabulous selection of unusual and discerning gifts for men, something we pride ourselves on, as it would seem these are a rare commodity.

We offer True Grace candles with their subtle fragrances to envelope your home, jewellery boxes, candle votives, and elegant candelabras for dramatic effect.

At Smith and Mercer we realize the importance of lighting within any interior scheme, therefore we have an amazing selection of unusual and statement lamps that are exclusive to us.

Add that luxurious touch to your home with the magnificent throws and cushions we have in stock, they are truly delectable and are amazing to snuggle up in.

We constantly strive to bring new and innovative pieces to our showroom, and relish adding understated beauty and uniqueness to your home.

We offer a design service with personalized consultations from an addition to an existing theme to a complete re-design.

So, if you are looking for that special gift or piece for your home, or a complete re-design you must visit Smith and Mercer Interiors stylish and friendly showroom.

Please bring along a copy of this feature to qualify for a 10% discount in the Smith and Mercer Lifestyle Store.

Smith and Mercer Interiors, Lambourne House, London Road, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, TN13 2DE, Tel: 01732 450535, info@smithandmercerinteriors.co.uk

MAY 2 0 1 2

35

lace The

W

is on

hen Kate Middleton walked down the aisle a year ago, her now iconic wedding dress brought lace to the fashion mainstream.

And when the spotlight shone for her 30th birthday, the Duchess of Cambridge turned to lace again - a black Temperley gown that her Madame Tussauds waxwork has recently been dressed in.

It’s official, lace is this year’s reigning fabric.

But while lace is traditionally dark and moody for winter, it’s undergone a fresh makeover for spring in brights, whites and pastels. From vintagelooking pieces to elaborate three-dimensional decoupage cut-outs, there are endless ways to look lovely in lace.

Time to play peekaboo chic.

Pencil power

panels like Ted Baker’s Mande sleeveless shirt in chic black and cream, £109 (0845 130 4278/www.tedbaker.com).

A pencil skirt is the most elegant way to work a peekaboo fabric. Try Mint Velvet’s slinky separate, £89, available May (0845 456 2200/ www.mintvelvet.co.uk).

Clutch control

Add a touch of lace to your ensemble with Martine Wester’s sweet-not-sour lemon clutch bag, £36 (www. martinewester.com).

Monochrome magic

If you don’t like the idea of all-over lace, try subtle accent 36 m ay 2 0 1 2

Green goddess

Make a bold impact in a bright lace jacket, like Phase Eight’s Guipure boxy style with pretty scallop trim, £79 (0207 471 4422/www.phase-eight.co.uk).

Pump perfection

Take the appliqued look to your footwear and step out in Topshop’s Marais lace perspex points, £30 (0845 121 4519/www.topshop.com).

Lace is fashion’s fabric of the moment. Lisa Haynes looks at 10 of the best lustworthy pieces.

fa s h i o n beauty

Blue belle

Tick off two spring trends for pastels and lace with one beautiful dress, like Boutique by Jaeger’s delicate blue number, £240, available end of April (0845 051 0063/www.jaeger.co.uk).

Lace lookalike

You don’t have to wear actual lace to create a lasting impression. Go for cheat chic with Teatro’s lace print prom dress, £56 (0844 822 8000/ www.littlewoods.com).

Peplum parade

Brave brights

Forget fading into the background. Damsel In A Dress’s Priscilla dress contrasts tangerine lace against shocking pink, £174.30 (www. damselinadress.co.uk).

Exaggerate your curves with a peplum top. Warehouse’s classic white lace is a waistline wonder, £35 (0845 122 2251/ www.warehouse.co.uk).

Love Lulu

Dive into the blue with Coast’s beyond pretty embroidered Lulu dress, £250, available end of April (www.coast-stores.com).

MAY 2 0 1 2

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Discover the magic make-up that does all the hard work for you. Lisa Haynes looks at colour adjusting cosmetics. By Lisa Haynes

t’s the elusive action in make-up application where so many of us try and fail on a daily basis - getting your foundation shade spot-on.

Making the wrong choice is fraught with beauty perils first there’s the dreaded tell-tale line on the neck, or obvious ‘mask’ of ill-matched colour.

40 m ay 2 0 1 2

The problem isn’t confined to the skin, either - certain lipstick colours might make you look like death warmed up and a poorly-chosen blusher could give you anything but a rosy glow.

Thankfully, there are clever cosmetics that practically mind-read your skin tone for you. They work by

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Just like fragrance that sits and smells differently on

every individual, a lip colour that looks amazing on your friend might be anything but flattering on you.

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achieving a flawless finish.

If you’re choosing a colouradapt foundation, you still need to look for your closest possible match - it’s not a one-shade-fits-all solution.

Lancome’s Color Ideal Precise Match Skin-Perfecting Makeup SPF15 (£29), offers six shades while New CID’s i-Perfection Colour Adjust Foundation (£26), has eight.

Kingston advises: “You should decide on a shade that is closest to your neck colour, to avoid a nasty tide mark.

“Apply the colour to your jaw line and blend well. Then wait at least 60 second for the foundation to change colour - it should all but disappear.”

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with PH-sensitive pigments.

“Although all skin is slightly acidic there is a slight PH variation between each individual, which is why there’s a different result when worn on different skins.”

Test for a positive reaction on your face, cheeks, lips or all three.

Embarrassing moments aside, if there’s one place that gives off heat it’s your cheeks, which is where colour-adjust blushers really come into their own.

“Most colour-adjust blushers work with the temperature of the skin, changing colour to accentuate your natural flush,” says Kingston.

“With this in mind, try the cream textures and apply to the apples of the cheeks, blending with a clean finger.”

As they’re usually heat-sensitive, as soon as the pigments warm up they change colour.

Smashbox’s O-Glow (£16.50), is the innovative pretty pink flush to experiment with. Spot the glow as you watch the pink-hued gel react with your skin chemistry and turn into the shade you blush naturally.

make the decision for you.

“For natural sexy, bittenlooking lips, have fun with some of the stains on the market,” Kingston suggests.

“They change colour with your mood (apparently) and can look a different colour on different days, depending on the temperature of your skin.”

For a more intense look, opt for a lipstick or stain, like DuWop’s Private collection (£19 each) - colour-changing lipsticks with a rich pigment that change within five minutes to leave behind the ultimate perfect shade.

Keep things fresh with a dewy gloss like JK by Jemma Kidd Lip ID Colour Adapt Gloss (£10), or L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Universal Lip Glow (£8.49) - a made-tomeasure balm that adapts uniquely to the heat and moisture of your lips.

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ith summer, hopefully, just around the corner, perhaps now is the perfect time to think about losing those extra pounds and with so many weight loss plans on the market, Weightwish, with its unique approach to weight loss, has proven to be highly successful with a number of its followers.

It owes its continuing success to two principals; One, we cannot successfully lose weight permanently until we change our attitude to food and eating, and secondly, even when we are trying to lose weight we should still be eating the correct amount of food that our body requires for health and energy. So although a weight loss programme, by following these two strategies,

Weightwish we can reach our natural body weight, and maintain it permanently, without willpower or any unnecessary struggle. Infact over a number of years, clients that have been monitored whilst using the

programme have reported feeling relaxed, optimistic and full of energy throughout.

Weightwish was originally, and still is used on a one to one basis at our Wellness Clinic within The Village Health Club, Caterham, but for those who would prefer to lose weight in the privacy of their own homes, we have developed the audio programme,

clients that have been monitored whilst using the programme have reported feeling relaxed, optimistic and full of energy throughout.

44 m ay 2 0 1 2

which still achieves the same remarkable results.

Which ever your preference, Weightwish remains one of the very few programmes that deals with the inner struggles when trying to lose weight, such as cravings, comfort eating, or even preoccupation with food, which so often happens when we put ourselves on a restrictive diet.

Included in the Weightwish programme is a user friendly book that gives a selection of every day family meals, but more importantly the correct portion sizes, as we have already said this is not a diet plan, after all eating is one of the fundamental pleasures of life. By following this plan, it is still possible to enjoy eating and socialising whilst losing weight.

Since launching the programme we can now boast an 85% success rate in permanent weight loss and the feed back from previous clients tells us, that not only do they feel more confident, but healthier and physically much fitter. Very rarely does a weight loss programme promise permanent weight loss, but also an enjoyable journey on your way to reaching your target weight. www.weightwish.co.uk Tel: 01959 563995

OUTDOOR LIFE T H E

Q U A L I T Y

O U T D O O R

G U I D E

M A Y

2 0 1 2

Fabulous Pools and Spas.

Patio Perfect Add value and fun to your home.

Gardens of Distinction.

m ay 2 0 1 2

45

Adding value & fun to your home A garden room can add value to your property and more enjoyment from outside space.

I

t has been an unseasonally warm March, and we are all hoping that summer is just around the corner and we can start looking forward to outside living. But if you are lucky enough to have a garden room or a gazebo you can enjoy garden living all year round. Not only that, but a garden room can add value to your home and increase your quality of life.

Crown Pavilions manufacture a whole range of garden rooms which can feature outdoor kitchens or barbecues, sitting rooms with plasma screens, studies with storage and internet connection, screens or fold-back doors to protect you from the weather, mood lighting for evening entertainment, heating, hot tubs, home gyms. Crown Pavilions can create a wide range of buildings for a variety of requirements, all of which will enhance your use of outside space, whether it be leisurely breakfasts with the family early evening drinks with friends, lunches and dinners, or just a private, quiet sanctuary.

One of the questions that often arises is whether planning permission is required. Luke explains, “A garden room should

46 m ay 2 0 1 2

be an extension of your home and you can put it wherever you want. In most cases our buildings would fall under permitted development. However in certain circumstances planning may be required. We always advise that you either contact your local planning officer, or why not let us do it for you. We provide a seamless hassle-free product and service from order to completion.

“When we install a garden room we are especially mindful of the landscaping around it. Our sister company Crown Gardens, will look after every aspect of planting and creating a beautiful setting which fits in with your existing garden. The lighting and heating are also important, especially if you want to entertain in the evening. We take care of all that too. “ In an exciting development, for Chelsea Flower Show, Crown Pavilions is launching The Crown Duchess, a new garden room designed in partnership with the Duchess of Rutland. Working closely with the Duchess on every aspect of design and finish, Crown Pavilions has created a versatile, handcrafted garden room with elegant interiors that echo Belvoir Castle, the beautiful home of the Duchess of Rutland.

OUTDOOR Life

Crown Pavilions have created some wonderful garden rooms for many UK and international clients. They specialise in providing a tailored, bespoke service. Recently they have been working with a number of retailers who will carry samples of their garden rooms and gazebos so that people can experience the quality and workmanship before committing to purchase. Stewards GardenLands in Christchurch, Dorset, is the first retailer and they will be displaying a Crown Edward from the Redwood Collection and a new Cedar Pavilion not yet before seen in the UK. Contact: Rees Gidley or Barbara Anne Barber Tel 01491 612820. Crown Pavilions Ltd, 6B Lys Mill Farm, Watlington, Oxfordshire, OX49 5EP

MAY 2 0 1 2

47

OUTDOOR Life

Patio perfect

48 m ay 2 0 1 2

Summer’s on the way and revamping the patio’s a priority Gabrielle Fagan puts together the best looks for outdoor rooms.

S

ummer’s on the way and revamping the patio’s a priority if you want to take full advantage of sunny days and sultry nights. There’s a superbtchoice of furniture and accessories which could transform even a drab, tiny space - with prices that won’t raise your temperature by turning the bank balance red.

Create some patio party razzmatazz with glowin-the-dark furniture and vibrantly coloured gnomes, or be more demure with decorative wired pieces or classic rattan furniture.

And for outdoor decor divas there’s the ultra-fashionable ‘outdoor room’ look with swinging cocoon seats, coffee tables and canopied loungers.

“Over the years we’ve seen a move away from functional, utilitarian garden furniture as customers demand a lot more from their outside space,” says Nicola Gidlow, outdoor living buyer for John Lewis.

“People want a recognisable style, rather than random pieces, and a space which is tailored to their lifestyle and matches their interior taste.

“Also, what’s emerging strongly this season is a trend for creating settings which conjure a holiday, exotic atmosphere that probably reflects a trend to ‘staycation’.”

Rob Fairhurst, managing director at Outdoor Chic, says patios are fast becoming the new ‘play areas’ for adults.

“There’s a strong trend for kitchen/family rooms opening out on to a terrace or garden so the area’s highly visible from the home, and that means people require the setting to have the ‘wow’ factor and be a focal point.

“Let’s face it, secretly most people want to turn the neighbours green with envy with a sophisticated ‘outdoor’ room which is as comfortable as a lounge and enhances their property.”

If you’re wavering between wood and wire, or wrestling over rattan and wicker, make it simple by checking out perfect patio looks.

HIT THE DECK

It’s hardly surprising that as an island nation we never tire of coastal style, and it’s sailed in again this season.

“Natural wood furniture, crisp blue and white fabrics for cushions and tablecloths and smart navy parasols have a timeless appeal and conjure an easy informality which is just right for relaxing,” says Gidlow.

“No matter what the location, it’s easy to mimic that by-the-sea atmosphere with a few seaside accessories, from blue hurricane lamps, to stripey deckchairs and a barbecue bucket.”

HOT TROPICS

Turn up the heat in the garden with exotic florals, spicy hues and light-up furniture that makes a patio an irresistible entertaining space in the evening.

“Colour and technology are the big story for patios,” says Rob Fairhurst. “Furniture which incorporates lighting is fun but also highly effective at glamorising even modest patios and adding an extra dimension to the outdoors at night.”

COUNTRY GARDEN COOL

This is a quintessentially British look, redolent of soft green landscapes and the idyllic setting for lazy afternoon teas or sunset cocktails.

“While classic squarer shapes will always remain popular, this season will see the re-emergence of the ‘timeless curve’,” says Heather McCann, creative director for specialist company Indian Ocean.

“Gentle lines provide a more sympathetic look for an outdoor space, especially in more traditional settings.

If you want a different, but still suitable, interpretation, opt for a chic combination of white and wood, which is a key trend this summer.”

LUxURY LOUNGING

Blur the boundary between the indoors and outdoors with a space that’s furnished with as much care and attention as

a lounge. Ensure it’s stylish by keeping a sharp eye on design as well as comfort.

“Al fresco dining is one of the great pleasures of summer,” says George Clarke, design consultant for B&Q. “An area of decking or paving with a pergola over the top will give a sense of enclosure and make it feel like an outdoor room. Zone areas by using structured plants in pots to give instant shape, character and interest.” m ay 2 0 1 2

49

outdoor life

THE OLYMPIC RANGE

A NEW BREED OF INDOOR POOL FROM ORIGIN Origin has been in the indoor and outdoor swimming pool business for over thirty years.

In that time they have built literally thousands of pool installations - most of which are still in daily use today.

Along the way the company has listened to, and in many cases benefited from, ideas and styles that their customers have suggested and the new Olympic range has included many of these suggestions. In fact it is not an exaggeration to say that their wide network of customers has helped to make this the benchmark Origin design collection. More pool space and greater consideration of internal layout. Extra ideas that their customers find important - such as more daylight, better changing facilities, and importantly, more room for gym equipment. Another subject they mentioned was cost! So the company has brought these state of the art packages in at some record-breaking prices.

And to help out even further, the Chancellor didn't alter the VAT rate but they 50 m ay 2 0 1 2

did! For a limited time Origin are prepared to pay half the VAT on all the Olympic pool buildings. Typically this could mean a saving of up to £20,000.

But how has Origin managed to produce what is probably their most advanced range at such competitive rates? rough the use of cutting edge technology and the finest new materials they can offer some very exciting advances to today's pool buyer.

For example, fully temperature controlled pool and surroundings. An exterior finish engineered timber construction. A wide choice of exterior and interior finishes and colours, so the Olympic pool house will match in with the colour, texture and surroundings of your home.

To complete this comprehensive package, Origin has commissioned ten big canvas prints in a wide range of subjects (from flowers, to palm trees to penguins!) to complete the picture. e company will offer you any two of these with their compliments. Artwork can really maximise the interior

look, and these big bold subjects will forever be talking points to all your guest swimmers. e Olympic range features four models - the Arena, the Marathon, the Challenger and the top of the range Olympiad. e Arena is a compact well appointed design, with all the features of its bigger counterparts apart from the Origin trademark roof lantern design. e pool size is a generous 5.7 x 2.75 metres, and has a powerful swim jet to really try your stamina. e other models even include gym equipment recommended by Origin - and the whole range boasts shower facilities and sliding patio doors.

If you chose the mid-range Marathon the standard price for the complete package would be £189,000. Take off half the VAT as long as this offer lasts, and you would pay £173,250 - a saving of £15,750. * A great incentive for you to be first in the Olympic race.

ABOUT ORIGIN Origin is Britain’s biggest indoor pool company. From small beginnings in the 1970s the company has grown, and its product ranges become more sophisticated, ever since. e directors and their team of key people are largely the same, some of the team being able to boast over twenty five years of service.

And of course the expertise has grown to new heights, resulting in the superb architect designed buildings of today.

Origin are responsible for every element of the process from early scribbled designs that include many of the customers' thoughts, through the architectural design, planning, ground works and construction. All is within the remit of this privately owned British company - from the first sketch to the last lick of paint, controlled and overseen by the Origin team. And that's a promise.

Origin is proud to sponsor Olympic swimmer Fran Halsall. Her constant and remarkable progress includes world records, and qualifying for the Olympics fastest in the world in 50m and 100m freestyle events this year. Apparently she wishes she had an Origin pool house!

One of the big canvas pictures that Origin will present their customers, as part of the Olympic package. You can choose any two from the range.

Telephone: 01895 823366 Email: info@originleisure.com www.originleisure.com *Exclusions apply

Origin leisure

the original indoor outdoor pool company

&

Origin’s Olympic range.

A new breed of pool house with a sporting feel, inspired by the historic games.

Your project.

From beginning to end...

Building perfect pools for over thirty years.

Ring Origin on 01895 823366 or email for our brand new brochure info@originleisure.com www.originleisure.com

2012 - The new Trends

Multiple UK & European Award winners 52 m ay 2 0 1 2

40 SCENE

www.poolandspaco.com

The new trends in relaxation and fitness therapy are presented by The Pool and Spa Company in a variety of ways.

The new state of the art garden saunas are breathtaking!

The cylindrical Eclipse being the first such model in Great Britain, it is jaw droppingly unique with its log fire (or electric heating system) enabling healing salt infusions into the enticing warm air seating area. Alternatively, 13amp indoor infra red sauna therapy or traditional saunas are available.

Unaffected by the hosepipe ban, The Pool and Spa Company are going from strength to strength in building, servicing and maintaining swimming pools and hot tubs, in addition to new product sales.

The stunning new showroom is the largest the South of England and shows a range of exciting products.

“We are the first company to display an indoor sunken working swim spa with adjustable speed current” says sales manager Christina. “Following an increase in demand, we are also delighted to be showing a range of pool safety covers” she goes on to mention.

£750 OFF A SELF CLEANING HOT TUB OR SWIM SPA WITH THIS ADVERT, QUOTE 12LIFE

You will find hot tubs from £4495, saunas from £1895 and a variety of pools and adjustable current swim spas to fit most budgets.

The new mother of pearl effect steam room adds a new dimension of glamour to the indoor sales area.

Open 7 days a week whatever the weather, they have products for all seasons including water treatment chemicals and games.

The Pool & Spa Company, Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Rd, Sidcup DA14 5BQ m ay 2 0 1 2 0208 302 1683 www.poolandspaco.com

53

SCENE 41

54 m ay 2 0 1 2

OR GARDENS F OF DISTINCTION

Lost ornaments replaced at

We are the largest and longest established handmade reconstituted stone company in the industry today. Every Chilstone piece is made entirely by hand to give you a product that represents a genuine alternative to natural stone. Visit our 35 acres of grounds set in the heart of Kent’s beautiful countryside, to enjoy our show gardens and sculpture walks, and explore our extensive woodland.

Kensington Palace

A set of unique garden ornaments have been recreated by garden ornament makers Chilstone of Tunbridge Wells.

The original ornaments were created in artificial stone in the 19th Century by the famous Pulham company.

The Pulhamite planters surrounding the pool in the Dutch Gardens at Kensington Palace, the new home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, were over time damaged and slowly disappeared during the last century. Historic Royal Palaces commissioned Chilstone to recreate the pieces from drawings that still exist in the royal archives.

Chilstone were able to recreate the urns from the drawings by making a mould and creating 22 copies using their hand made process that is essentially similar to what is known of the original Pelhamite process, which is now a lost secret.

Chilstone still make ornaments by hand in the traditional way. “The company is always very keen to help custodians of our heritage in their conservation work”, says general manager, Steve Clark, “The company are always interested in commissions like this and we once recreated 55 lost urns for Kew gardens. We also helped to restore the Golden Staircase at Hever castle following the great storm of 1987 ”.

The Chilstone showgardens are open 7 days a week and are free to visit, there is also ample free parking. The gardens feature a stunning variety of ornaments including 15 working fountains and the biggest collection of summerhouses in the South East. Visitors are welcome and dogs (on a lead).

For further information contact: Martin McHugh, Chilstone of Tunbridge Wells, advertising@chilstone.com, 01892 740866

CHILSTONE of Tunbridge Wells

Victoria Park, Fordcombe Road, Langton Green nr Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0RD Tel: 01892 740866

www.chilstone.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK INCLUDING ALL BANK HOLIDAYS • ENTRY FREE

MAY 2 0 1 2

55

life.may_Layout 1 01/05/2012 19:42 Page 1

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outdoor life

Chameleon garden rooms

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hameleon garden rooms offer a wide and bespoke range of fully insulated timber garden rooms these are extremely versatile and are designed to your personal needs that will suit any sized garden.

Manufactured using a variety of timbers, Chameleon always strives to use the best quality materials for all their garden rooms. Produced in Kent, The Garden of England, Chameleon’s highly experienced team of staff take the utmost care when creating your picture perfect garden room.

Through its base in Kent with skilled local craftsmen, the exceptional quality of

the product shines through, from initial design through to the finishing touches of the interiors decoration.

The service matches that quality with a friendly personable approach, which can, if required hand holds you through the process of design guidance, through to planning and even final aesthetic detail so as you step through the door you enter into a fantastic room.

Chameleon Garden Rooms, 17 Laker Road, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3QX 01634 200695, www. chameleongardenrooms.com. info@ chameleongardenrooms.com

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outdoor life

A

t Leisure Plan’s showroom in Stansted Mountfitchet, you will find the greatest selection of contemporary outdoor furniture imaginable. The stunning display is a surprising contrast to the converted old chapel (1836) which houses the complete Leisure Plan organisation.

Back in the early 80’s Leisure Plan’s founder and owner Chris McCormack set up his company with the express intention of bringing the very best of European outdoor furniture design to the UK. Since then Leisure Plan’s portfolio of high quality, distinctively designed collections have established the company at the very top of the market for outdoor living.

Leisure Plan is the exclusive partner to the three most highly rated luxury outdoor furniture brands and market leaders in Europe and many other world markets.

DEDON – the originator and undisputed world leader in hand-woven fibre.

EGOparis- French design flair with the largest colour range of any outdoor furniture manufacturer.

FISCHER MOBEL – German precision using the highest grade modern materials.

All three brands are winners of the prestigious Red Dot Award, worldwide recognition from a panel of independent judges with a knowledge and passion for contemporary design and quality. The strongest endorsement of Leisure Plan’s skill in identifying good design with product reliability, offering complete comfort and satisfaction.

From Dedon comes the latest introductions of Mu, an imaginative and versatile modular system, adaptable to a variety of configurations and layouts. This offers a hugely versatile combination through the range of

58 m ay 2 0 1 2

OUTDOOR LUXURY sofas, daybeds ,benches , coffee and side tables.

Less formal but equally distinctive is the new SeaX foldable director style chair from the French designer Jean-Marie Massaud. Distinguished by the attention to detail, the combination of materials,textures and colours gives this collection an air of sophistication, whilst maintaining the simplicity of function.

Colour has an individual language. EGOparis has an extensive colour palette with over 20 choices of powdercoated aluminium frames, combined with 16 colours of high-tensile polyester mesh slings. Manufactured entirely in France, the designs are based around conviviality, informality and the chance to create an individual outdoor ‘look’.

From the new innovative KUBE – (each single piece converts into either a sunlounger, chair or coffee table) – through the TANDEM range including a sunlounger that is now a design classic, to the highly versatile KAMA which can change function simply by moving the cushions One of the most highly respected German outdoor furniture manufacturers of the past 50years, Fischer Mobel’s reputation for minimalist design in the highest grade materials – stainless steel- aluminium- ceramic/granite/glass has given this brand an enviable reputation for long lasting, highly durable collections.

LODGE is a modular lounge system designed around the simplest of concepts - a square base unit with easily interchangeable backs and armrests according to individual preference. The rounded stainless steel frames of the TAKU collection gives the stackable chairs a real practicality, and when combined with the single catch flip-top table, makes this elegant style suitable for any location where space is at a premium.

This contrast of styles enables Leisure Plan to offer furniture suitable for any design scheme or location, where individuality,

style, quality and comfort are paramount. Leisure Plan’s furniture is specified for residential projects in the furnishing of terraces, deck areas, poolsides and conservatories through to high end hotels, spas, cruise liners and luxury motor yachts.

To compliment the wide variety of furniture, cushions are manufactured in Leisure Plan’s own workshop. From their large collection of fabric colours, you can give your outdoor area a touch of individual flair that will be much admired and enjoyed by all.

Why compromise comfort because it is outdoors? The modular low seating combinations to dining sets, loungers and unique signature pieces ,allows home comforts to be enjoyed outdoors – without moving the furniture !

Across all three of Leisure Plan’s exclusive brands can be found collections which will satisfy the desire for both traditional and highly contemporary settings.

Why not take a trip to Leisure Plan’s showroom and benefit from their expertise and assistance to help you create the outdoor lifestyle for play, relaxation or entertaining which will not only extend your home, but give you much satisfaction and enjoyment.

Leisure Plan, Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 8HD, T +44 (0) 1279 816001 F +44 (0)1279 816089, sales@leisureplan.co.uk. www.leisureplan.co.uk

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59

house garden

Life in

There’s nothing more chic than black and white so it’s not surprising that the scheme’s back in favour this year. Gabrielle Fagan finds the best ways to use the look.

Monochrome

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azzle-dazzle colour may be having its day in interiors, but do you really want to wear sunglasses to avoid the glare whenever you enter your home?

For those secretly yearning for calm, peaceful spaces and soothing neutral schemes, a little monochrome magic could be the answer.

Black and white’s always been a classic decor choice - it’s the equivalent of that wardrobe staple the LBD (Little Black Dress) - and can be similarly dressed up or down to suit your mood.

“Monochrome continues to stand the test of time for the simple fact that black and white is a simplistic pallet but can be combined with dashes of colour for a dramatic effect,” says Sally Chamley, founder of Black Orchid Interiors.

“You just have to plan extremely well to achieve the correct balance of black

and white. I prefer a smart, tailored, modern look, allowing white or neutrals to dominate.”

That said, there are many more interpretations including a rococo style with elaborate pattern and detail, creating a moody Gothic feel by allowing black to dominate, or a glamorous art deco style featuring lightreflecting mirrored surfaces and glossy black finishes.

“Capturing a 1920s look using monochrome can be a smart way to achieve affordable eye-catching opulence,” says Chamley.

“Mirrored finishes were popular in the Twenties and these combine so well with black. Also, classic art deco shapes are all about interesting silhouettes and black depicts this perfectly.

Use symmetry to enhance a feeling of order and calm.”

Black and white, by their forceful contrast, tend to lean towards a smart, formal atmosphere, so consider

interesting fabrics with a pattern and texture to create a more playful effect.

Warming colours used in accessories can ensure a black and white scheme doesn’t look too cool, and he suggests creating a punchy contrast with colours such as lime green, sharp pink, hot red and orange.

So view your home in black and white, snap up monochrome home buys, and you could find everything comes into a fashionable new focus!

Black & white vision

Diffident decorators can play it safe with all-white walls, but make them come alive with black and white photographic prints, which are an on-trend choice for wall art. Alternatively, make a statement with a feature wall in a glossy black finish.

In a bedroom choose the one behind a bed for impact.

Small rooms or dining

spaces can be enhanced with black walls, conjuring an enclosed sanctuary feel, but good lighting and mirrors will be essentials so that the atmosphere is moody but not overpowering.

Designers have embraced monochrome, and Julien Macdonald’s stunning wallpaper range for Graham & Brown features a black Disco paper which sparkles under light.

Set the scene

It’s important that spaces aren’t over-cluttered otherwise the serenity of monochrome will be lost, so select a few welldesigned pieces of furniture.

Divas would love the decadence of a baroque velvet chaise longue, from Black Orchid, and it would team well with its black glass drop cage chandelier.

House Couturier has a stunning wall light with six black leather shades, which feature black and clear crystals.

MAY 2 0 1 2

63

tiles Keuco hansgrohe aqata roman daryl majestic

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easyhomestyle

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Pictures

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MAY 2 0 1 2

65

German engineered,

British designed

Kitchens, bedrooms & living furniture Krieder’s sole objective is to create products of beauty, rich in quality & daring in combination.

As a market leader, we push the boundaries of cutting edge design in order to provide solutions of ultimate efficiency, carefully combined with utter indulgence. We spend time understanding the needs of our clients, allowing us to create and then build the most effective and usable product possible.

To discuss your ideas, contact us by phone 01892 619 721 or by email; sales@krieder.com Alternatively visit us online; www.krieder.com or at our showroom; 3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1YQ Showroom opening hours; Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm

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£25 surcharge for stairs.

www.beharcarpets.co.uk

Electric Filament is your local electrician based in Chislehurst.

We provide a comprehensive range of services, specialising in lighting scheme design and installation within the home and garden.

www.electricfilament.co.uk

Our Services Lighting Design and Home Automation For all the example projects Electric Filament undertook see our website, www.electricfilament.co.uk.

We can design and install lighting schemes from a single room to your whole house and garden and can work alongside your interior designer or landscape architect to produce amazing results. See our website for examples of recent projects.

Heating and Ventilation Electric Filament can design and install efficient, easily controlled, stylish and cost effective electric heating.

Buying, Selling or Renting We can inspect and test the electrics and provide you with a detailed report on their condition for peace of mind, as part of a sales negotiation or for landlord compliance.

General Electrical We can also undertake all types of electrical work from fault finding to a full rewire or installing garden power.

Electric Filament can design and install extract only ventilation or heat recovery ventilation which extracts stale air and fills your home with fresh, warm air.

Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your project. We will always provide a prompt response and are happy to discuss your needs in person.

020 3589 9377 07833 248415 kevin@electricfilament.co.uk

house garden

Raft Bromley

goes from strength to strength…

R

aft’s most recent franchise store in Bromley, has proved a popular addition to this already bustling high-street, and this month celebrates over 6 months of trading. Since the store opened in September 2011, Raft has experienced a growing customer base, and resident shoppers have come to fully appreciate aesthetically beautiful design, which is also made in a responsible way.

So why is Raft doing so well? At a time when many other brands are closing their doors, Raft is one of the few companies to actually expand their number of retail outlets, a fact which founder Mick Quinn believes is due in no small part to Raft’s founding ethos of providing products which are modern, well made, and which offer value for money - paired with exceptional levels of customer care the brand has gone from strength to strength.

‘Raft is an antidote to the hands-off approach of larger companies. When you buy a Raft item, that is just the beginning of a lasting relationship; we rarely have a customer who does not come back, testament to the kind of service we aim to provide. We also provide a full after-care service, so customers can extend the life of their favourite furniture pieces more.”

Though they also sell online, Raft has found it’s in store sales continue to grow, as customers prefer to opt for the personal touch, appreciating the time taken by fully trained staff, to guide them safely through their selection process, and Bromley is no exception.

As Bromley store spokesperson John Westbrook points out “I know choosing a sofa can be one of the hardest decisions to make.

We make sure we give customers time to consider every element, from the perfect fabric or upholstery to the right arm width to the right chair height. Because we want our customers to enjoy these pieces for years to come, it’s worth getting it just right.”

As part of one of the fastest growing sustainable retail brands,

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Raft’s trademark FSC certified reclaimed teak furniture and new range of hand made sofas, which are made in England, are enjoying nationwide growth. As provenance becomes more and more of a consideration for savvy shoppers, Raft’s ethos has hit a chord with many. With its rare ‘Chain of custody’ certification awarded by the FSC, Raft knows exactly where every piece of timber has been sourced, working side by side with developing communities to ensure things are made in a sustainable and ethical way.

Raft’s Bromley store boasts all of Raft’s hero ranges, including Embassy, Lincoln and Loft sofas. Raft knows that a good sofa can be pivotal to a household, so using the finest UK supplied fabrics, each sofa is lovingly built by hand to ensure the highest quality. The store also hosts a range of beautifully crafted reclaimed teak dining tables and beds. From an iconic four- poster bed, to stunning teak root glass top tables, Raft offers a unique look and feel.

The Bromley store is the fourth of Raft’s retail locations, and the first to reach South East London. Franchise manager John Westbrook believes it is an overdue change to his local area, “Bromley high street is a great place, and this new addition to the retail offer has been received really well. So many people have commented on what a change it has made to have great design on their own doorstep.

We are of course thrilled with the reaction from our local residents and the wider community and look forward to welcoming even more customers in the coming months.”

Continuing their success, Raft has recently launched a new range of outdoor furniture, called Eden, in beautiful reclaimed teak, as well as a new selection of sofa styles.

52 High Street, Bromley BR1 1EG, T: 020 8208 7175 www.raftfurniture.co.uk

Time to change your mattress?

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Most people sleep on it and pay the price.

A tired mattress can leave you feeling just as tired too

By Sandra Haynes

I

s your mattress over 7 years old, saggy or just not as comfortable as it used to be? Putting off replacing it can lead to disturbed sleep, morning tiredness, stiff neck and back ache. In fact, it’s the main reason for lack of sleep for most people – they just don’t realize it.

Buying a new mattress might seem like an expense you can manage without but it’s one of the most valuable things you can do to improve your health and general well being.

The benefits of a new mattress to you You’ll literally notice the difference overnight!

From the moment you lie on it to when you wake up in the morning, a new mattress will transform your whole body and your mood too.

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You’ll sleep much better for longer Fall asleep quicker and easier Wake up feeling far more refreshed Aches and pains will simply fade away

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Right now, you’ll PAY LESS to regain a good nights sleep with our EXTRA DISCOUNT SPECIAL OFFER! There’s never been a better time to buy a new mattress from Hamseys thanks to our special EXTRA DISCOUNT VOUCHER. Take this luxury Visco Pocket Memory Foam Mattress for example. The very latest in mattress design, it uses a combination of pressure relieving memory foam and the finest pocket springs for the most comfortable and restful night’s sleep of your life. Not only that as you can see from the table below, you could SAVE UP TO £200!

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Leatherhead

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Morden

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Horley*

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All store opening times: 9am - 6pm Mon - Sat, 11am - 5pm Sun

Wallington

59 Stafford Road Wallington, Surrey SM6 9AP 020 8669 0273

www.hamseys.co.uk

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Hamseys

e all know that a great night’s sleep is so important to our well being and our frame of mind … and Hamseys bed store in Beckenham is the perfect store to visit to find the right bed for you. Every person working in Hamsey stores are fully trained to match the right bed to your needs and because Hamseys know that customer service is top priority you can be sure of a warm and friendly service.

You’ll discover a wide range of new beds in store, but instead of changing your bed the right decision might be to simply switch to a new mattress to bring you a much better nights rest straight away. Because over a period of time an old mattress loses support, becomes lumpy and uneven. This usually results in disturbed sleep, morning tiredness, stiff neck and backache. You can change that overnight by buying a new mattress from Hamseys and with prices starting at just £99 for a single mattress you’ll find the cost of changing your mattress far less expensive than you think.

A new mattress brings massive benefits to you right away – you’ll sleep better for longer, wake up feeling far more refreshed and you’ll find you have more energy and feel happier in yourself.

Hamseys prices are guaranteed to be lower than internet price because they deal directly with the manufacturers so they can provide these better prices along with the great customer service.

They stock all the top brands including Sleepeezee, Nestledown, Millbrook and Slumberland plus they stock all the different types

A family Business and a Great Reputation for Beds.

of mattresses - pocket sprung, memory and latex foam, the staff will help you make the perfect choice to suit you. Hamseys is a family business which has been trading in the local area for over 40 years with a great reputation for taking care of their customers.

Changing a bed or mattress can sometimes seem like a lot of a bother, struggling off to the dump, lugging away the old bed or mattress. Hamseys take all the hassle out of the problem as they make the changeover easy for you - for a small, reasonable charge your old bed or mattress will be disposed of and if your new bed needs assembling they offer a reasonably priced assembly service. So there is no lengthy assembling or struggling off to the dump!

Hamseys also give you fast free local delivery and with over 3,000 mattresses held in stock at all times, they are ready for you immediately, so you don’t have to wait ages for your new bed or mattress, you can order a bed or mattress and have it in your home very quickly.

Right now Hamseys have an amazing offer on mattresses and are giving you up to £200 off the mattress of your choice and how about this for an offer?

The luxury Visco Pocket Memory Foam Mattress is the latest in mattress design, with a combination of pressure relieving memory foam and the finest pocket springs this makes for the most comfortable and restful night’s sleep. Prices start from £99 including FREE delivery.

There has never been a better time to change your bed or mattress so call or visit Hamseys now.

Beckenham, 421 Croydon Road, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3PP, 020 8658 2242. Horley*, 30 Balcombe Road, Horley, West Sussex, RH6 9AA 01293 825901, *Closing down sale - Offers may vary. Leatherhead, 22 – 30 North Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 7AT, 01372 388223 Morden, 1 – 3 London Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 5HX, 020 3044 0008. New Malden (B&Q), Unit 2, 175 Burlington Road, New Malden, Surrey, KT3 4LU, 020 3441 1105. Wallington, 59 Stafford Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 9AP, 020 8669 0273. All store opening times: 9am - 6pm Mon - Sat, 11am - 5pm Sun www.hamseys.co.uk 70 m ay 2 0 1 2

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Kitchen showroom open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday Unit 15, Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent TN24 8DH Telephone 01233 645530

Walderslade Shopping Centre, Walderslade Rd, Chatham, Kent ME5 9LR Telephone 01634 868721

www.roma-interiors.co.uk

house garden

GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS The Worktop that Fits on Top

A

s the first UK franchise established in 2002, our South East operation based in Tunbridge Wells is one of the networks leading franchise installing over 12 Trend Stone worktops each week. Our team offer a highly professional service from start to finish combined with the fact that one third of our business is generated from recommendation and referrals from satisfied customers.

Our unique products can overlay directly over your existing worktop or can be applied in a new kitchen, fitting over an MDF substrate. We offer a totally bespoke service with additions such as up stands, full height hob or range splash backs, window sills, vanity units and many more applications.

We also supply and fit a new sinks, taps and appliance upgrades at the same time from top brand manufacturers at discounted pricing. A typical worktop installation is just one day, with no mess or demolition.

Running along side our unique Trend Stone worktops is our Replacement Kitchen Door Replacement programme. We offer a truly one stop shop package to completely transform your kitchen and a fraction of the cost of a complete replacement.

Together with the UK leading door replacement manufacturer, we offer over 20 styles of door in 30 or more colours offering an endless combination of doors, draws, cornice, pelmets and end panels to complement out granite, quartz and glass worktop offering.

We offer a no obligation design survey, where we will bring the full range of colours for you to choose from in the comfort of your home. Alternatively, visit our Tunbridge Wells or Sidcup showrooms to view all the colours on display on slabs mounted on the wall. We also have a new showroom located in Polhill Garden Centre where you can come and see a variety of colours and meet and speak to our showroom host who is there seven days a week.

We are also proud members of Checkatrade. com with over 280 online reviews of our product and services and posted on their website are up to date testimonial of our installations from only last week. Please take a look at the latest reviews to reassure you of quality and workmanship that we pride our business on www.checkatrade. com/GraniteTransformationsTunbridgeWells To start your own Granite Transformations experience call 01892 517385 Unit 5, Tunbridge Wells Trade Park, Longfield Road, (Next to Build Centre), Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 6EN 5 Sidcup Street, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 6EN

74 m ay 2 0 1 2

WE HAVE THE

PERFECT BLEND TRANSFORM OF WORKTOP STYLES TO

YOUR KITCHEN

o r kto p s w e k o p s Be o n to p th a t fi t h d ay w i t n e n o n i F i tt e d s o r d e m o l i ti o no mes o u r s to l o c 0 6 O v e r s e fr o m choo si o n al s e f o r p n O u r o w fi t t e r s e xpert e y l d n e i Fr fr e e h o m d n a e c i adv a ti o n c o n sult w s o fi t n e l a n a c We door s ki tc h e n

Book a free home consultation with our product consultants and we’ll show you how easy it is to transform your kitchen worktops.

Call now 01892 517385 At Granite Transformations we offer a complete package for updating your work surface and appliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and effective with each top custom made to fit your exact requirements. There is no need to remove old surfaces, we fit directly over your existing surface. We guarantee complete peace of mind from start to finish. Let us show you how we can transform your kitchen with our simply superior surfaces.

Showrooms open: Mon-Fri 9.00-4.30pm Sat 9.00-4.00pm Unit 5, Tunbridge Wells Trade Park, Longfield Road, (Next to Build Centre), Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 6EN 5 Sidcup Street, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6EN www.granitetransformations.co.uk/tunwells

Granite Transformations manufacture and install Granite, Stone, Quartz and Glass worktops

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS? The government withdrew the £250,000 Stamp Duty exemption threshold for first time buyers on 24 March 2012. Reducing the threshold back to £125,000 means that first time buyers in many areas - particularly London and the south east - now have to budget for a significant stamp duty sum on their purchase. Since 25 March 2012 stamp duty became payable at 1% of the purchase price on properties purchased for more than £125,000 and less than £250,000.

New buying opportunities

When an exemption like this comes to an end, there is often a “last minute rush” to beat the increase in costs. The number of people who brought purchases forward to come within the exemption means there has been a lull in the market. But the lack of buyers and the current economic climate may present new buying opportunities.

Do not be afraid to ask for incentives or reductions in prices.

Sellers and developers may well be more willing to negotiate on the purchase price. This might mean a reduction which more than covers the increased stamp duty payable. Developers will be acutely aware of the extra costs and there are a number of schemes in place that can still assist.

‘First Buy’ and ‘New Buy Guarantee’ Schemes

In 2011 the government, in association with a number of developers, introduced the First Buy Scheme in which the government and developers gave first time buyers a loan equal to 20% of the property price. This means that most First Time Buyers only need to but down 5% of their own money in order to be able to purchase a property.

These First Buy schemes are still continuing but that the government has also introduced the New Buy Guarantee scheme in which the government and developers guarantee part of the mortgage advance thus also enabling a first time buyer to borrower 95% of the purchase price.

Shared Ownership

First time buyers should also consider Shared Ownership properties (where the buyer purchases only a share in the property). If the amount paid for the share is less than £125,000 stamp duty will still not be payable (even if the value is much greater – although there may be stamp duty payable later if further shares are purchased).

Many developers also have their own schemes in order to encourage first time buyers – these can consist of interest free loans or other incentives so it is always a good idea to enquire at a sales office about available offers.

Finance

First Time Buyers should check their finances and if possible get an agreement in principal from their bank as to the amount they would lend. If you have a large deposit look around for a better mortgage deal – there are many on the market and most newspapers give a good indication of “best buy” deals available”.

Know exactly how much you can afford and choose a solicitor who can act for you. Be ready to act quickly when you find the right property for you.

Legal advice

Your legal adviser should be easy to contact and responsive to your needs. Remember that the choice is yours and should not be dictated by others involved in the transaction. Estate Agents, Mortgage Brokers and others may have a vested interest in directing you to a particular firm or solicitor, often because they are paid a fee for the introduction. Make sure that whoever you use is able to guide you through the complicated process of the most important transaction of your life.

Sean Sanders is a Partner at Thackray Williams Solicitors. View the ‘First Time Buyers – step by step guide’ - on their website: www. thackraywilliams.com

food drinK

restaurant reviews

this month, food editor regan maloney has visited two restaurants in Kent, to give you her verdict. Full reviews of both restaurants, along with other great recommendations can be found at www.whatiatelastnight.com

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

Ambiance

Service

Food

Drink

Overview 78 m ay 2 0 1 2

AURANT THE VINE REST , 11 POUND LANE SEVENOAKS

THE BAKERY TSFIELD RE GREEN, TA O TM WES NR WESTERHAM

Just a short walk from Sevenoaks train station, and tucked in a conservation area, The Vine used to be a Public House and has been renovated by current owners Bernt and Kathleen Bouverie with a lot of love and sophistication. The space is nice and open, and there’s a hum of conversation when you arrive.

The Bakery is a fine dining restaurant that also has a separate bar selling smaller dishes throughout the day and evening. Recently having undergone a kitchen renovation, and with some great improvements in the pipeline to support the Olympics by providing ‘rooms’, the Bakery has just re-opened. Make sure you call and book to secure your place at a table!

The owner, Bernt works the floor extremely well, telling tales of crazy Champagne producers and sharing stories of how they renovated the building.

The Maitre D’ runs her team well and introduced each dish with knowledge and enthusiasm.

The owner, Andrew cares very much for his local regulars, as well as making every effort to welcome newcomers to the restaurant as they walk through the door. He also helps with wine recommendations, and even makes his own chocolate truffles, presented to diners at the end of their meal.

We opted for the six course-tasting menu and so began with a crayfish cocktail and apple amuse bouche, then a choice of starter – I had the Devon Crab with Sesame crab toast, chilli and soy dressing. Beautifully presented, and really fresh. The signature dish followed – smoked Haddock Risotto with a perfectly poached egg and Hollandaise sauce. For main, the Beef Wellington with light, fluffy pastry, and pink beef served with a mix of seasonal veg and potatoes.

For dessert came a trio of beauties – crème brulee, a crisp sweet biscuit topped with cream and fresh raspberries, and a slice of very rich chocolate brownie and homemade pistachio ice cream. To finish, a pot of fresh mint tea and petit fours.

The menu has a nice variety of around seven different options for starters and main courses.

Veggies, carnivores and pescaterians are all catered for. We opted ‘carnivore’ all the way for our visit, starting with the chicken, bacon and prune terrine - great flavour and a very decent sized portion, followed by the roast rack of Salt Marsh lamb with celeriac puree and red wine jus. All mains were accompanied by a good helping of fresh seasonal veg and crispy roast potatoes. For dessert, the homemade apple and vanilla custard tart hit the spot with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Where possible, food is sourced locally and is served in record time, without compromising on quality.

Bernt is also the Sommelier at The Vine. Having graduated as Sommelier Conseil in France, his well-chosen wine list complements the dishes on the menu, and he was on hand with pairing advice.

The wine list had a great selection from different regions around the world, and the Rioja that we chose was served at a perfect temperature being topped up throughout the meal. The bar is also well stocked with various liqueurs and beers available.

A relaxed and well polished restaurant, with friendly and knowledgeable staff. I wish it was my local!

A friendly restaurant tucked away in a pretty village with bags of potential.

Experience the taste of Exotic Thai Food Enjoy Enjoy the the elegant elegant surroundings surroundings that that Thai Thai Moom Moom has has to to offer offer together together with with the the distinctive distinctive flavours flavours of of lemon lemon grass, grass, coconut coconut and and Thai Thai Spices Spices that that create create the exotic dishes on the menu. the exotic dishes on the menu.

This This large large spacious spacious restaurant restaurant comfortably comfortably seats seats up up to to 110 110 guests. guests. Car Car park park opposite opposite

Reservations: 01689 872737 131 Queensway, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1DG www.thaimoom.co.uk email: booking@thaimoom.co.uk

Bengal Lancer offers superb Indian Cuisine that makes you want to come back again, and again. The stylish décor and exquisite food makes this an Indian Restaurant that stands out from the rest.

Using the best quality ingredients with authentic Indian spices, each dish has a unique flavour of its own.

The extensive menu includes some of the most loved favourites to the more exotic dishes especially prepared exclusive to The Bengal Lancer, so there is something for everyone.

Live piano music Tuesday to Saturday Evenings 15 ROYAL PARADE CHISLEHURST BR7 6QR 020 8467 7088 www.bengallancer.co.uk email info@bengallancer.co.uk

travel

T

The Monaco Grandprix

he magic of Monaco will truly be in evidence from the 24th May when this beautiful Principality hosts formula One’s 70th Grand Prix. In the words of Graham Hill, it’s the only Grand Prix where you meet lamp-posts, trees, nightclubs, houses, hotels, curbs, gutters and boats.

For one glorious weekend in May Monaco becomes a festival of style, colour and ear-splitting noise, blended with glamourous members of the ‘jet set’ and stars of screen and stage. Remember, Cannes Film Festival is in full swing just along the coast and is the perfect warm-up act for Monaco’s Grand Prix.

We especially love Monaco during this week because it just doesn’t sleep and its vibrant atmosphere after the excitement of the racing keeps on going. Stunning cocktails, fabulous restaurants, dancing and people watching all come to the fore, but what has been missing until 2012 has been a beach party. Thankfully this year the secluded beach at Larvotto will play host to the exclusive Crazy Bear Beach Party. champagne will be flowing, along with great barbecue food,, and guests will be dancing to Boy George’s DJ set, Shuffler,The brilliant Fun lovin Criminals and Eddie Jordan on drums with his band the Robbers. All this in addition to fire, Vaudeville and burlesque dancers. What more could we ask for? Entry to this epitome of chic is on a strictly ticket only basis and numbers are limited. You need to be a part of this night to remember – I have seen what the guys at Crazy Bear are capable of and I really wouldn’t want to miss it. enquiries@crazybeargrandprixevents.co.uk Feathered Edge Events Ltd www.flygrandprix.com 01749 890053

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booK revieWs

the Bookshelf

Deeply embedded in these three are emotions not easily expressed, but our May writers each deal admirably with their subject. Any one will get you involved. Book groups take note! words By Bruce edwArds

THE YELLOW E R EmPEROR’S CU

ROOm THE HISTORY

NINEPINS

the yeLLoW emperor’s Cure KUNAL BASU ✱ PUBLISHED BY OVERLOOK DUCKWORTH ✱ HARDBACK £16.99

the hIstory room eLIZa Graham ✱ PUBLISHED BY PAN ✱ PAPERBACK £7.99

nInepIns ROSY THORNTON ✱ SANDSTONE PRESS ✱ PAPERBACK £8.99

Every now and again, a different story snaps into view. Does the title intrigue one? Odd ones do tend to attract attention, as film makers must have seen in ‘Salmon Fishing in the Yemen’. Here we are drawn to the supremely efficient Doctor Antonio practising in Portugal and therefore wonder over the significance of the Yellow Emperor. Without going into details (you must read to discover these) Antonio goes in search of ‘The Cure’, essential if he is to pay tribute to his afflicted father. To undertake such a mission at the time of the Boxer Rebellion smacks of fatalistic resolve; he becomes emotionally involved with a woman who is close to the Empress, has two eunuchs as servants, believes Xu, an exponent of Chinese medicine, will reveal all. Not all goes according to plan. The quest can grip one, carry you through the revelations of a different world, and all through writing to parallel a Booker short list candidate.

Growing up in an all-enveloping, claustrophobic world of a private school, Meredith may be forgiven for appearing ever so slightly odd. In their childhood she and her sister unintentionally vandalise a mural; painted by their father (headmaster/owner of the school), this represents a former existence, or at least what it covers up. Meredith’s mother has died, the father’s past wasn’t an easy one and we begin to see why when he returns to his native Czechoslovakia.

The story is layered, tensioned and full of subtle menace. A replica baby (these dolls apparently may satisfy the physcological needs of childless women) is found stabbed. A pupil is not who she purports to be; a student teacher takes too great an interest in matters that should not concern her. The history is convoluted, entwined with dire mental states of the characters and needs attention to realise its potential. Not one for the faint hearted but nevertheless, gripping.

This girl deserves our sympathy. No, not the daughter, the mother. On her own with a recalcitrant just-in-her teens youngster, trying her best to be a good mum, Laura has a struggle. Needing all the pennies, she rents out the old pump house to house Willow, a local authority’s problem child. We feel for her, for all three, each with problems enough to drive sanity into the wetlands. There’s an air of ‘noir’ in the miasma of fen dwelling admirably described, along with the mini delights and dismay besetting this devoted yet stressed mother. When Willow gives in to her hidden horrors there’s risk and trauma. As the girls deal with their difficult relationships, there’s many a mum out there who will empathise with Laura. A well-researched and delicately written story with deep feelings, it takes a worthy place alongside ‘Tapestry of Love’, Thornton’s earlier novel. Not published mainstream it may take some finding, but take up the challenge. Rewarding.

“Want a change? There’s a new on-line bookstore for the lovers of good British romance.

Visit www.jonbeattiey.info. Excellent quality books to read or use as presents; escapism at its very best .”

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25 TH ANNIVERSARY

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS STONEHAM PLC. SIDCUP, KENT.

STONEHAM FINE

FURNITURE

SINCE

®

1864

Penshurst Slipper Satin

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Appointed kitchen centres available locally and nationwide. For a colour brochure and details of the Centre most convenient to you call 020 8300 8181 or visit

www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk Stoneham plc, Powerscroft Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5DZ.

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