SO Magazine May 2022

BUSINESS

Women of substance

The female entrepreneurs putting Tunbridge Wells firmly on the map

FOOD & DRINK

Grape expectations Local vineyards taking part in the Wine Garden of England festival

CULTURE

Going for gold

Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley tells us all about his new show

GROUND FORCE HOW FAMILY-RUN GARDEN LANDSCAPING BUSINESS CORKER IS SOWING THE SEEDS FOR FURTHER SUCCESS

May 2022

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Welcome

Editor’s Letter 4 6 8

W

elcome to your May issue of SO magazine. With summer just around the corner inevitably our thoughts turn to our outdoor space. If yours is looking a little lacklustre then we have just the team to help you create an alfresco external dwelling of your dreams: step forward our cover stars Corker.

If you’re not familiar with this family-run company based just outside Tunbridge Wells then turn to page 8 to read how they have developed their business from solely being a supplier of specialist landscaping supplies into an inspiring lifestyle brand courtesy of their unique vision. Only they can make practical products like topsoil and timber something you actually need to have in your life – but that’s the clever commercial acumen of father and son Mick and Oliver Corkery who run the company. They had the vision of transforming part of their original builders’ yard into a stunning show garden area boasting 15 different designs. In this issue they tell us all about their next set of developments which are exciting!

Talking of business acumen, we also carry a special feature that shines a spotlight on some of the town’s female movers and shakers who are helping to galvanise Tunbridge Wells’ reputation as a great commercial centre to do business in. Turn to page 28 to find out who’s on our list.

Despite making some distinctly unsavoury remarks about Tunbridge Wells at the end of last

Culture vulture: what’s on where this month Festival fever: Paul Dunton reveals all about the new Crowfest event in July

Let’s go outside: Garden landscaping experts Corker tell us all about their latest plans to help you create your dream outside space

month Stewart Lee is still planning on playing the Assembly Hall on May 12. Our exclusive interview with the controversial comedian is on page 27. Another big name to tread the boards at that particular theatre this month is former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley who will perform with his fabulous TH band on May 8. Find out more on page 21.

In addition to all this there’s our usual offering of great food and drink – including a preview of the first Wine Garden of England event – plus interiors, garden and travel inspiration.

We hope you enjoy the edition!

15 17 18 21

contents May 2022

43

Social Scene: Pushkin antiques hold a fundraising event for Ukraine In pole position: This year’s Soapbox Stars race is officially launched

Food, glorious food: Eat Like A Local restaurant directory hosts an evening for friends and supporters True legend: Former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley on his upcoming show at the Assembly Hall

23

Love Where You Live: Ahead of the return of Jazz on The Pantiles this month we talk to its founder Julian Leefe-Griffiths about why he loves Tunbridge Wells

25 27

On trend: Jess Gibson of the TN Card speaks to Gray & Co on Chapel Place about being in fashion Just for laughs: We speak exclusively to controversial comic Stewart Lee ahead of his Assembly Hall show

28

Women make it work: Some of the town’s most prominent business entrepreneurs share the secrets of their success

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @somagazines

In focus: Tim Sykes of Garden Proud on how to create fabulous focal points

Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk

eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk

DESIGN David Sexton

PHOTOGRAPHY Cover: David Bartholomew Additional: Emily Harding PUBLISHED BY

21

38 41 43 45

Raise a glass: Discover all about the first Wine Garden of England event on May 31 at Squerryes Court

EDITORIAL Karen Martin Naomi Murray Tim Sykes

Cabin fever: Take a trip to Norfolk and a cool luxury cabin resort Drive of your life: Test drive the McLaren 765lt Spider

Queen for a day: Celebrate her Majesty’s platinum jubilee with a royal afternoon tea and family picnic

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All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.

49 53 55 56 58

A cut above: Meet the team at Headmasters who are celebrating their brand’s 40th anniversary Water world: Local interior designer Lucy Fribbens on her signature bathroom looks

Eileen Leahy Editor SO magazine

Issue 163 SALOMONS ESTATE Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG

EDITOR Eileen Leahy

47

A life in alternative medicine: Botanica’s Naomi Murray celebrates her inspiring herbalist father Brian Lamb

41

Dine in style: We savour a taste of The Ivy’s new seasonal menu

Communication is key: Our resident hypnotherapist Karen Martin on why it’s good to talk

17 SO Magazine | May 2022 | 3

Calendar

IN BLOOM… Up until the end of May, the National Trust is running its second annual #BlossomWatch. It is the heritage organisation’s campaign to encourage people to get out and enjoy and celebrate spring blossom, with the aim of embedding an annual cultural event similar to Japan’s ‘hanami’ in the UK. If you take any beautiful pictures of blossom please do share them on social media with the hashtag #BlossomWatch for the NT to see. The blossom can be anywhere, not necessarily at their venues.

Our edit of the most entertaining events happening this May ALL THAT JAZZ – AND MORE! The start of this month sees the welcome return of Jazz on The Pantiles – and plenty more! Held every Thursday of the month up until September this is a great opportunity to catch some live music and also meet up with friends and family to enjoy a great meal in one of the nearby restaurants on The Pantiles including the Tunbridge Wells Hotel. On the weekend of May 14 & 15 there will be the Pantiles Food Festival while at the end of the month there will be another chance to experience the Gin and Jazz Festival too. Now in its fourth year this runs over the weekend of May 28 & 29. For more info and to book tickets visit www.thepantiles.com 4 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

MEET PEPPA PIG AND PALS Over the weekend of May 7 and 8 the Spa Valley Railway will be hosting sessions with children’s favourite cartoon pig Peppa and her pals at Groombridge Station. Take a steam train ride from Tunbridge Wells West travelling to Groombridge where you can alight to see Peppa Pig as the steam locomotive changes ends of the train. Please note, there will be no service to Eridge due to engineering works taking place on the mainline and all trains will run from Tunbridge Wells West to Groombridge and return only. Tickets cost £13 for adutlts and £6 for children.To book and for more info visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? Bodiam Castle was constructed in the 14th century to defend the area against a possible invasion by France during the Hundred Years’ War.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Staying with the National Trust, a number of its venues have a number of events on this month and they include the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition at Emmetts Garden which will be held there for the first time. And as May is National Walking Month, the NT has got two new walks to try. The ‘Spring Colour Walk’ links Chartwell and Emmetts Garden taking

in blossom and bluebells, and a new accessible path takes visitors to the moat at Sissinghurst. Towards the end of the month Bodiam Castle will be hosting storytelling sessions from May 29 over the half term. Be enchanted by tales of dragons, knights, and castles. Running throughout the day and 15-20 minutes in length, these tales are suitable for young children and perfect short drop-in sessions for families.

Calendar

FESTIVAL FEVER Now is the perfect time to wander around the spectacular gardens of Hever Castle - or even play a round of golf on the Princes Course, which wraps around the estate that was once home to Anne Boleyn.

This jewel in the Kentish crown also launches its summer programme at the Hever Festival Theatre at the end of this month too! On Sunday May 29 at 8.00pm novelist Alison Weir will be kicking things off by talking about her latest book Elizabeth of York: The Last White Rose. The Three Inch Fools will perform their version of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night on May 31st (pictured) Visit Hevercastle. co.uk and www.heverfestival. co.uk for more info.

SPLASH OUT Located on the border of Kent and East Sussex, Bewl Water is the largest reservoir in the South East, boasting 770 acres of water. Enjoy a takeaway coffee from The Waterfront Café while watching your little ones explore the Adventure Playground or why not have a go splashing around on the Aqua Park or cruising around the mountain bike trails? If you’re looking for something more relaxing, fishing is now open, and the water has a history of large trout and pike as well as perch. Any fishing method is welcome, and fly fishing can be done from Bewl’s fleet of 54 motorised fishing boats. For more information and to make a booking, visit www.bewlwater. co.uk

THAT’S THE SPIRIT!

SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

DID YOU KNOW? Over the past 38 years Hever Festival Theatre has cancelled less than only 10 performances due to adverse weather conditions. The reason?

The vast majority of their alfresco venue’s seats are covered so they always try to go ahead with a performance

PURE GOLD

A HOLE LOTTA LOVE Named Kent’s Garden of the Year in 2016, Hole Park has been owned by the Barham Family for the past four generations, the gardens are steeped in history and especially beautiful at this time of year. In spring, the grounds boast a cocktail of colour from bluebells, daffodils and camellias to wisteria and magnolia. Set in over 200 acres of parkland and near Rolvenden and Cranbrook, the gardens are open every day. To book tickets, visit holepark.com.

DID YOU KNOW? The idea for Peppa Pig came to animators Neville Astley and Mark Baker in 2000. At the time they had no work – or money – and had to borrow some to make Peppa happen. It was originally due to air on CBeebies but went to Channel 5 instead

On May 8 it’s your chance to catch the former lead singer of Spandau Ballet perform live and solo at the Assembly Hall. Tony Hadley will be celebrating 40 years in the music industry and will perform alongside ‘The Fabulous TH Band’. From his beginnings at the forefront of the New Romantic movement, Tony earned himself the accolade of being one of pop’s greatest vocalists. Spandau Ballet had numerous chart-topping singles and albums all over the world, including the epic “Through the Barricades”, the international number one “True”, and the unofficial London Olympics theme “Gold”. For tickets visit www. assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

On Sunday May 15 at 2.30pm Trinity theatre will host the Nor thern Ballet’s performance of Merlin. It will take you on a sweeping epic adventure of hear tbreak, hope and more than a little magic.

Choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Drew McOnie, expect an enchanting spectacle. Don’t miss the legend reawakened through Nor thern Ballet’s blend of classical ballet and unrivalled storytelling. Trinity has lots of other incredible events happening during May including a performance by RTW Male Orpheus Choir (May 14) and a Q&A with author Esther Freud (May 18).

See www.trinitytheatre.net for more info

The Spa Valley Railway kicks off its summer gin tasting experiences on May 14. It’s an opportunity for lovers of the classic spirit to enjoy savouring three different varieties from local distilleries including Anno while passing through the beautiful High Weald countryside on a vintage steam locomotive.

Visitors will receive their very own branded Spa Valley Railway balloon gin glass and to keep hunger at bay a delightful selection of canapés will be served too. The train leaves at 14.45pm and the price of a ticket is £35 per adult. The event runs monthly throughout the summer.

For more information visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

ON THE MONEY A series of live performances of David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy will be taking place at the Assembly Hall over the half term period from May 23 – 27. The story is about 12-yearold Joe Spud, who lives with his billionaire dad, who made money out of revolutionary Bumfresh toilet paper. The Spuds have everything they could ever want but Joe is depressed as he doesn’t have any friends. He leaves a wealthy children’s school to join a local comprehensive and there he meets another 12-year-old, Bob, with whom he becomes friends… www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk SO Magazine | May 2022 | 5

35 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1LS 01892 517986

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Music

“Experiencing collective cultural joy feels more important than ever”

My Everest

Our music columnist Paul Dunton tells us all about Crowfest 2022 - a brand new community music festival happening this summer….

July 16 and 17 are the dates for the first ever Crowfest Music Festival.

This is an exciting development for the local music scene and will offer music lovers a chance to hear some of the very best local original music talent on a professional festival stage right in the very heart of Crowborough.

The event is free to attend and offers a family friendly atmosphere.

Crowborough Town Council are funding the entire cost of staging the two-day festival and have been working closely with local charity Local & Live for advice on the event plan, staging, sound and security.

Crowfest has been accepting artist submissions via its website since late January 2022 and has already had hundreds of applications from a wide range of local soloists and bands. The event will also have plenty of activities for kids and a wide range of local stall traders. I had the pleasure of recently interviewing Mia Kelly who works for Crowborough Town Council and is one of the main organisers of Crowfest….

Mia, let’s start by you telling us a little about you and your position at Crowborough Town Council…

I am the Events Coordinator at Crowborough Town council. I started working for the council in June 2021. My role is to organise and deliver the council’s events programme. The council runs a variety of things – from popular annual shows to one=off things.

Part of my role is to continue to run and improve the current events programme and to develop new ideas for potential new events.

So how did the idea for Crowfest come about?

The idea came from Peter Cunnington who is the council’s current Operations Manager. Peter

Paul Dunton

Music Editor Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

identified a gap in the market for this type of community music event in the Crowborough area.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CROWFEST www.crowfest.wix site.com/home Facebook and Instagram @CrowFestOfficial

Mollie Parker

Where is the event being held?

It will be held at Goldsmiths recreation ground in Crowborough.

The recreation ground is made up of fields, football pitches as well as a running track. Over the weekend of July 16 and 17 July Crowfest will run from 1pm to 9pm and is free to attend. On the top field at Goldsmith’s, you will find our large stage where a wide range of bands will perform throughout the day into the evening. The running track will be transformed into a childfriendly play area and a market where there will be space for 102 pitches. There will also be an Eco Hub located here which will engage its visitors in a range of activities to increase environmental awareness.

Two Weeks in Nashville

The bottom field, will feature a wide range of performers showing off their individual skills!

from including independent local traders like pizza from Doughbro, ice creams from Southern Counties, pastries from Crumbs and Treacle, crepes from Delaney’s, burgers from Chuckaburgers, Thai Street Food from Nong’s Kitchen and doughnuts from Maxime Doughnut Hut. There will also be a range of beverages from The Blue Anchor Pub.

How would you best describe it?

It’s essentially a reworking of our previous summer fairs here in Crowborough but with a strong musical emphasis too. There will be a wide range of activities to suit people from all backgrounds across all The music programme will focus on grass ages. As well as roots original acts. incorporating many “Lots of great How do you feel this elements from our grass roots local benefits the identity previous years’ musicians will be of Crowfest as a summer fairs Crowfest will provide new event? playing” visitors with a wide As this is an event for range of new exciting Crowborough and its local residents, it’s elements. important to celebrate its local How important is Crowfest for the talent. It’s important to give fledging artists a platform to showcase their local community and why? talents. The council’s events After a couple of years of on-and-off programme aims to work with local global lockdowns, the need to gather businesses and to support its local and experience collective cultural joy feels more important than ever. talents and their development.

Crowfest is a great opportunity for the community of Crowborough to come together and celebrate its town’s great music talents as well as creating a feel good factor and boosting the local economy by creating a platform for local vendors and business to promote themselves.

Do you have any local food and drink traders at the event?

Yes absolutely! There will be plenty of food stalls to choose SO Magazine | May 2022 | 7

Photographs © David Bartholomew

Cover feature

Following their two big wins at the Times Business Awards we caught up with outdoor living and landscaping suppliers Corker. Here they tell us why they are more determined than ever to be the best – and most unique - in their field…

8 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

BUSINESS AWARDS

A

rriving at Corker HQ near Paddock Wood on the day of our SO photoshoot one April afternoon it’s fair to say the place is positively buzzing.

The sunny weather has obviously prompted plenty of customer orders as there are lots of the specialist garden landscaping business’s lorries arriving and leaving Corker’s huge builders’ yard, piled high with everything from branded bags of topsoil and aggregate to carefully stacked porcelain tiles and smart composite decking.

Despite the busy scene I easily spot Mick Corkery and his son Oliver who own and run Corker as they have big smiles on their

2022

Cover feature

winner

faces. It turns out they have a lot to be happy about right now.

We last met a year ago when Mick, his wife Alice and their sons Harry and Oliver told us all about how they transformed their Small Loads business which was established in 2001 into Corker, a hugely successful alfresco lifestyle and specialist landscaping suppliers.

And now the SO team is back at their site on Whetsted Road to discover their latest plans to make Corker, which was founded in 2014, the very best in the garden construction industry.

As we move from doing a fun few pictures of the Corker team, which now amounts to 25 staff, we head over to the customer-facing show gardens area which has helped Corker elevate itself from being a run-of-the-mill

landscaping supplier to a bona fide lifestyle brand specialising in creating the most desirable outdoor spaces imaginable.

“We’re actually in the middle of refreshing a few of our show gardens at the moment,” explains Oliver, who won the Times Business Award for Young Business Person of the Year earlier this year.

“We decided that after five years it was time for a few of them to be switched up. But we always ensure that whoever we ask to do one is hyper local. We’re all about championing designers in our delivery radius and giving them our support.”

Those designers have included the likes of Garden Creations, Fairweather Garden Construction

“We’re obviously keen to make the company bigger but it’s crucial to maintain our rock-solid reputation”

and Gardenproud’s Tim Sykes who actually came up with the name Corker – a clever play on the family name Corkery. The company’s strapline is ‘Make Your Garden a Corker.’ So far, so well executed in terms of good branding.

“We’re always innovating, always developing further,” continues Oliver. “This year we have three key things going on. As well as changing a few of our show gardens we’re increasing our 13-mile radius to 18 miles and we have just launched our new bespoke design service Corker on Demand.”

As we sit down to chat in Corker’s onsite office Oliver shows me a map on his phone where you SO Magazine | May 2022 | 9

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Cover feature

can see the existing radius and then the extended one, which goes into areas as far as East Grinstead, Tenterden and the Medway towns.

“Our technical analyst Ben came up with this software. It shows where we’re currently selling and where we aren’t. Over the last three months these are all our orders,” says Oliver pointing out various pins on the map. “The cluster in the middle is where we are dominant and have been for years but then beyond that is where we’re not selling. So instead of wasting money on mass marketing we are now able to target directly.”

Oliver reveals that the new radius increase will double the postcode area they deliver to, which is why they have made an investment in a large 26 tonne lorry which can carry more goods.

“Instead of going out three times a day we can now load up and go out on a big round – it’s a lot more cost effective and will save on fuel,” explains Mick, who has been in the construction industry for decades.

“We’re obviously keen to make the company bigger but it’s crucial to maintain our rock-solid reputation. We’ve never really liked using third party couriers so by having a bigger lorry we’ll be able to control service and experience and that’s why we’re happy to extend the radius. If it proves successful then we’ll invest in more lorries.

The other exciting update the family-run business has to share is

Outside Edge

WHAT’S NEW AT CORKER FOR 2022 Increased delivery radius: The company have upped the area they deliver their goods (such as topsoil, concrete, porcelain and timber) to. They have increased their 13 mile radius to 18, which means they have doubled the amount of postcodes they can reach and will take in areas such as the Medway towns, East Grinstead and Tenterden.

Corker on Demand: this is a new bespoke offering which Oliver says will be a total game changer for the business – and also the industry.

“We’ve invested in another new vehicle which contains a number of good sized samples of the goods we sell. It’s been fitted out by a local carpenter so it is completely tailormade for us. The

idea is to get it in front of people, inspire them and give them honest advice about how we can help them create the outdoor space of their dreams.”

Best in show gardens: Anyone who has visited Corker will know that their collection of 15 gardens are the big draw for customers looking to update or enhance their gardens. They work with a number of talented local designers who have created everything from tranquil Japanese style scenarios to a super cool alfresco entertaining area complete with state of the art BBQ and bar area. They are currently refreshing a few of them to introduce new designers to their portfolio and to further inspire their clients.

the news of the aforementioned ‘Corker on Demand’ which Oliver says will be a total game changer for them – and also the industry.

“We’ve created a bespoke service where we bring our goods to you.

“We’ve invested in another new vehicle which contains a number of good sized samples of the goods we sell. It’s been fitted out by a local carpenter so it is completely tailormade for us. The idea is to get it in front of people, inspire them and give them honest advice about how we can help them create the outdoor space of their dreams.

“Most people who we talk to here on site really like our business and our values but some customers we can only speak to on the phone.

So it’s about giving them the same experience they’d get here, on their doorstep. We want people to know that we’ll literally go that extra mile for them. At the moment we’re starting with our retail and trade partners but the idea is to eventually bring the Corker on

“We always ensure that whoever we ask to do one of our show gardens is hyper local.

We’re all about championing designers in our delivery radius and giving them support”

Demand service to people’s houses.”

Oliver says that as the business grows further and they come to update their website once again, in addition to the usual ‘add to basket’ button there will also be the opportunity to book in a personal consultation and also benefit from a discount.

“It’s just thinking about the long game really,” Oliver smiles. And given how innovative and dynamic he and the team have been in creating the Corker brand thus far he is definitely on track to achieve bigger and better.

“We’ve been roaring along for the past two years but obviously we can’t stand still. The price of products will go up and there is currently a cost of living crisis going on so we need to make smarter decisions all the time.

We’ve had the foresight to invest quite a bit and we want to keep building on the momentum we have.”

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 11

Cover feature

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Oliver goes on to say that their plans don’t just stop at what we’ve discussed so far during our chat.

They have extremely ambitious ideas for where Corker goes next and having told me off the record what they are I can honestly say they are hugely exciting and prove that Corker are utterly committed to elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary.

In the meantime, the team are doing what they do best: providing their customers with quality products and inspiration in order to create an alfresco oasis worthy of any show garden on Chelsea Flower Show’s famous Main Avenue.

“Despite all the price hikes and the dreadful things going on in the world right now we still want to try and inspire people. Your home and your garden is still the most important place for most people,” Oliver states.

“We all saw during the pandemic how gardens became a sought-after sanctuary,” adds Mick. “We all know how good they are for your general well-being and we don’t want people to forget about that.

Many people are still working remotely so we want to say the best place to invest your money is in

“We work very well together. You hear so many stories where family members don’t like one another’s ideas but we’re on the same page”

your home and garden. It’s your own oasis.”

And that definitely comes across when you tour Corker’s 15 stunning show gardens. From Japanese-inspired zen dens to country cottage style and on-trend summer kitchen garden set ups complete with a bar area - there is something to suit every taste. But Mick and Oliver never rest on their laurels which is why they have decided to change a couple of them.

“The original show gardens have been in situ since we launched five years ago. We have so many new customers now and a waiting list with at least 50 to 60 landscapers wanting a garden here,” states Oliver.

“The new people we currently have coming on board include people like Cameron Trend who’s a brilliant young designer. Then there’s Will Buss, Paul Wood Landscaping and Jake Fairweather, but the ones who have been here from the start are still like family to us.”

It’s crystal clear from chatting to Mick and Oliver they are passionate about their business and also ‘on the same page’ when it comes to how to drive it further

and galvanise its future.

“We work very well together.

You hear so many stories where family members don’t like one another’s ideas or one of them gets shut down but dad doesn’t do that - we’re on the same page.”

“We could talk all day – as you can probably tell!” laughs Mick before adding that at the heart of all the ambition is the fact this is a family business.

The pair are hoping to host a party at the end of this month and are currently chatting through lots of ideas for it.

“After two years of not being able to hold any proper social events we are determined to kick off our new season in style and say thank you to our trade partners and customers,” Oliver says.

“The plans we have “We’re all for the near future are about the something that has never people first, You bring your then come the kids, the dogs, been done with gardens products and have a coffee before. It’s super exciting. then the place. and a chat. It’s Just wait till you see what so much more In fact our motto is ‘people, than a builders’ we do next!” products, place.’” yard,” smiles Mick.

How did it feel to “We want to inspire win not just one but two you to spend more time prestigious Times Business Awards I outside, whether your space is huge or tiny. We want you to enjoy ask? “It was so lovely. We entered in 2019 and didn’t come away with it with your family and friends and to ultimately relax.” anything so it made us more As previously mentioned, Oliver determined to win this time round! has hinted throughout our chat It just shows the progress we’ve that they’ve been busy formulating made from 2019 to where we are some very innovative plans to now – and of course it’s also very boost Corker’s success - and its good for our reputation as a local share of the product and lifestyle business. market – but for now everyone will “We’re really focused on have to watch this space… growing the business but behind “We’re always testing out ideas, the scenes we’re also trying to then we get the data and we see bring in the right partners to start what works. The big plans we to really create something special have are something that has never and show people how things can be done. We want to make working been done with gardens before and it’s super exciting. All I’ll with us or buying from us an say is just wait till you see what enjoyable experience. If you come here on a Saturday it’s exactly that: we do next!”

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 13

social scene

CELEBRATE

THE QUEENS PLATINUM JUBILEE WITH US

Help us celebrate the historic moment with Her Majesty, The Queen.

Enjoy a choice of loose leaf tea or coffee served with sultana home-baked scones, clotted cream, strawberry preserve, a selection of freshly cut finger sandwiches and assorted homemade seasonal sweet treats.

To book, please contact: 01892 520 587 or reception@onewarwickpark.co.uk www.onewarwickpark.co.uk

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social scene

Auction in aid of Ukraine

Last month Alexander and Olga Pushkin hosted a special auction at their antiques emporium in order to raise vital funds for the people of Ukraine.

Joseph Trinder from Gorringe’s was the chief auctioneer on the night which saw over £11,000 raised thanks to the various lots that went under the hammer.

These included a vintage 007 James Bond poster and a special tea with antiques expert and TV presenter Eric Knowles from The Hoard, situated in the nearby Corn Exchange.

“All the money raised will go directly to people who need it most and we will keep you updated with Instagram stories of families we will be directly helping,” Alexander Pushkin told SO magazine.

“Many locals helped us to achieve auction prices we couldn’t have imagined in our wildest dreams! Our dear friends

at The Pantiles Arcade showed up in force and bid generously, while our glamorous neighbours at lumière donated an amazing Kate Spade lamp.The Warren generously donated two lunches for two with aperitifs.”

Alexander said the real surprise came at the end of the auction when one of the bidders offered two tickets for his box at Ascot. “This desirable lot galloped away for £1200!”

Magician Paul Fowler kept guests entertained with his clever tricks while the Champagne flowed. Nearby Lago restaurant provided the delicious canapés for the evening.

“Thank you to all our friends who were able to attend and for your support and donations,” added Alexander.

If you wish to make a donation please visit www.tw-ukraine-help. org

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 15

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social scene

Guests get revved up for this year’s Soapbox Stars Race The countdown to the Tunbridge Wells Soapbox Stars Race is on after a ‘hugely successful’VIP launch night hosted at the Old Auction House on The Pantiles took place last month.

Businesses, charities, schools and show sponsors turned out in force for the fun-filled evening to celebrate the popular event which returns to Dunorlan on June 25.

Hosted by its founder Nicole Piesse Turner and her marketing firm Chatty Hatter, TV chef and celebrity ambassador Rosemary Shrager and star commentator Tom Swift of Wicked Productions were the star guests along with this year’s chosen charities: Hospice In The Weald, The Nourish Community Foodbank, and the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre, which the races aim to raise thousands of pounds for.

Nicole said: "It was a hugely successful night and it was great for everyone to meet all the key players and find out more about this exciting event which is returning to Dunorlan Park on June 25th.

“Big thanks also go to The Old Auction House for being such incredible hosts."

Tickets for the event on Saturday June 25, 10am to 6pm, will be available at https://www.twsoapboxrace.com/ buytickets SO Magazine | May 2022 | 17

social scene

Fun night for

foodies Last month Loic Beuzit and Ash Greenaway, co-founders of Eat Like A Local, hosted friends and fellow foodies for a social event at The Secret Cellar.

Loic and Ash recently set up their Eat Like A Local blog with the aim of sharing news on the local hospitality scene but ultimately creating a curated list of recommended independent restaurants in the town.

“We want to build a community of foodies who love local gems,” they told SO magazine.

Last month’s event was an opportunity for people who’ve already started following them on social media to get involved by sharing their thoughts on how Eat Like A Local can benefit both restaurateurs and customers who want to eat well without having to look too hard.

Both Loic and Ash said they believed the event had been very useful, not only in terms of valuable feedback but some great ideas on how to further enhance this unique epicurean directory aimed at both locals and tourists…

18 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

social scene Calendar

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IT’S GREAT OUTDOORS

PERFECTION IN PENSHURST

Whilst Knole’s historic interior closes The glorious grounds around Penshurst Place during the winter months, its 1,000 just perfect for a winter stroll. The stately Joinare today via our brand new acre parkland is open for business. In home’s Parkland and Riverside Walks are or at with thetncard.com fact this is probably the best time to apppopular walkers of all ages and the views membership sales is donated to West Kent catch sight of the @thetncard 350-strong resident 10% ofacross the Wealden countryside areMind nothing wild deer herd who call this wonderful short of spectacular. Both walks can be place home. There are plenty of routes completed within a day, creating a figure-ofyou can take in order to enjoy your eight loop route starting and finishing at the time here and if it snows this month Penshurst Place visitors’ car park. then why not take along your sledge as the hillier parts of Knole are brilliant for tobogganing down!

| May 2022 | January SO Magazine SO Magazine 2021| |19 5

Culture

Former Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley is preparing to perform at the Assembly Hall on May 8 with his group The Fabulous TH Band.

SO discovers more about what audiences can enjoy about the music legend’s latest live gig

A

swing bands, and orchestras too. nyone who grew In 2005 he was awarded a Gold up in the 1980s Badge from the British will find it hard Academy of Composers and to believe that Songwriters; whilst 2007 saw Tony Hadley, him win a new legion of fans AKA the when he appeared as Billy former lead singer with Flynn in Chicago on the West Spandau Ballet, is celebrating End stage. just over four decades in the In 2018 Tony released his music industry. highly anticipated solo album To mark this momentous ‘Talking to the Moon’. The occasion Tony wanted to album was incredibly well embark on a huge nationwide received and became BBC tour in order to treat his fans to Radio 2’s Album of the Week him performing a slew of his with the network also making famous hits but his actual the album’s first single Tonight anniversary was in 2020 - and Belongs To Us its Single Of we all know what happened to The Week. everyone’s plans due to a Last year Tony released his certain Covid induced new single Obvious, which was pandemic…. co-written with fellow musician’s But fast forward two years Mick Lister, and was and Tony and his band again playlisted by have finally been BBC Radio 2. able to start Alongside touring their Tony’s music “In addition to Tony’s muchcareer, not to anticipated May shows he has just mention his show which announced four new work in features some dates for later this year broadcasting of his former on both radio group’s biggest in October” and TV, Tony hits. received an MBE The 36-date in December 2019 tour kicked off in in the Queen’s New March taking in venues in Bexhill, Cardiff, Sheffield and Year’s Honours List for his charitable work for the Shooting Liverpool and then Star Children’s Hospice. recommenced earlier this Tony currently presents a live month so far visiting Folkestone, Sunday morning radio show on Cambridge and Ipswich before BBC’s 3 Counties Radio, and taking in Tunbridge Wells on started a podcast and Youtube May 8 when Tony performs channel in July 2020 called with The Fabulous TH Band at ‘Stars Cars Guitars’ with Jim the Assembly Hall.

Cregan, the award-winning rock Despite being in the music guitarist, songwriter and business for over 40 years producer along with Alex Dyke, Tony’s unmistakeable voice still the veteran British TV and brims with passion and urgency radio broadcaster. as it first did all those years ago.

Tony’s podcast features the Known as one of the biggest voices in pop, Tony will perform trio talking about rock and roll adventures, their favourite cars tracks from across his career, and tales of the stars and friends both as the voice of Spandau they met on the way. It also Ballet, and as a solo artist. touches upon the themes of From his beginnings at the success, fame, family, laughter, forefront of the New Romantic memories and dreams. movement, Tony has earned In addition to Tony’s May himself the accolade of being shows he has just announced one of pop’s greatest vocalists. four new dates for later this year Spandau Ballet went from in October where he will play playing cool London clubs like the Blitz to filling out stadiums Manchester, Southend, thanks to their popular hits Birmingham, and The London which led to them performing Palladium with a full live their numerous chart-topping orchestra. singles like True, Gold and Through the Barricades all over For information on Tony Hadley’s the world.

40th Anniversary Tour and to book As a solo artist Tony has also tickets for his concert at the Assembly performed across the globe both Hall on May 8 visit www. with his own band as well as assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk SO Magazine | May 2022 | 21

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Community

Where’s your favourite place to eat locally?

Apart from the Tunbridge Wells Hotel, I enjoy eating at Sankey’s Fishmarket as is The Ram at Firle. It’s a bit of a drive but very worth it. I also hear The George and Dragon in Speldhurst, which is one of my old sites is now good again. I’d quite like to go, but it might be weird after 15 years there!

Are there any nice views nearby?

My back garden has a great view of the south downs. It's particularly special when my wife is in it.

If you’re looking to relax and unwind, where’s your favourite place to go?

I actually ride a 350cc Husqvarna dirtbike for relaxation! I

“It’s not only the town of Tunbridge Wells itself that is lovely but the people who live here too - and we have so many great places to explore”

usually go to Action Trax in Tunbridge Wells and Dessert Rose in Battle. I love it! And it’s bizarrely so relaxing because you can’t think about anything else when you’re riding a bike at that speed.

What do you do when you spend a weekend or day off in the local area?

If I’m not at work then I love a game of tennis at The Nevill. It’s a brilliant club with great facilities and courts.

Why do you love where you live?

It's a combination of things. It's not only the town itself that is lovely but the people who live here too. Although hospitality is quite competitive, you might

With the return of Jazz on The Pantiles and also a specialist food festival taking place on the town’s famous promenade this month, we speak to the events’ key organiser Julian Leefe-Griffiths, who also owns the Tunbridge Wells Hotel, about what he likes to do in Tunbridge Wells…

Where do you live?

We used to live right in the middle of Tunbridge Wells, just off the Common, but we have recently moved to a lovely spot in the countryside just outside Rotherfield. I loved living in town because it was so easy to get to work and to all of the amenities that Tunbridge Wells has to offer. But now, I do enjoy the peace and quiet of an empty field and a view of the South Downs.

How long did you live in Tunbridge Wells for and what made you move there?

We were in town for about 12 years and moved out just over two years ago. Hungershall Park was an incredible place to live because it felt like you were in the country, but a short walk down Cabbage Stalk Lane and you were right in The Pantiles, so it was a fab place. We eventually moved because we really wanted a larger garden and space to kick back in…. So now a farm in the country is where we call home.

What’s your favourite shop locally?

Now that's a tricky question… without upsetting half the town! I go to Sankey’s for fresh fish and the Bicycle Bakery for bread and pastries and Fuller’s farm shop is on my way home! They are all excellent. I still do

have a liking for the men's department in both Hoopers and Fenwick. I also think Walsh Brothers jewellers are an excellent asset to the town. If you need a watch strap repaired they are fantastic! I know it's not an everyday thing but it's a great service.

Where’s the best place to go for a Sunday stroll?

Why The Pantiles of course!

And the best place to get a cup of coffee?

Well I’m biased so as proprietor of The Tunbridge Wells Hotel I’d have to say there. There’s also a great full English to enjoy too.

Where do you take people when they come to visit?

We start at The Pantiles, then head on to the High Street and finish on The Commons.

What’s the night life like where you live?

I now live in a dark field but in Tunbridge Wells The Forum is a fantastic venue. I might be 60 but I still go - it’s a town gem.

I also, as you can guess, like Jazz on The Pantiles, which runs from the first week of May to the end of September.

It really is the number one spot to be on a Thursday night.

be surprised to know that many of us are extremely good friends outside of work. Antony Scragg (The Spa), Nick Moore (Salomons), Matt Sankey (Sankey’s) and Brian Whiting (WH Pubs) are all fantastic people.

This also might sound mental but I have two families: my work family are incredible. We’ve been together through thick and thin (especially Covid) for over 10 years. I work with some incredible and committed people and I also try to be a good and suppor tive boss. Family is also super impor tant. I have two lovely daughters and a smar t, suppor tive wife. Without that, for me, the game would not be wor th playing.

And apart from running the hotel you’re also involved in a number of other events too aren’t you….

As many people know, I run Jazz on The Pantiles and also two food festivals and two gin festivals. Without sponsorship and help from local companies this would be an impossible job, so I do think we are lucky, not only in having a great town to live in, but also being surrounded by some great companies and the people who run them. Yes, things are sometimes difficult, but with a lot of lovely co-operation from people, you can sometimes create something magic and worthwhile.

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 23

Community

FATHER'S DAY TASTING WITH JAKE'S DRINKS Celebrate Father’s Day at Balfour Winery with an exclusive tutored tasting of the Jake's Drinks range of craft beers and ciders.

Come and meet father and son team, Richard and Jake Balfour-Lynn and hear Jake tell the story of his brand with a full tasting of Jake’s Drinks. This includes a delicious sharing platter of locally sourced charcuterie, vegetables and cheese.

Enjoy a welcome drink of one of the last bottles of Jake’s Orchard Cider Rosé, and as a memento of the afternoon, you will receive a branded Jake’s Drinks glass to take home.

Sunday 19th June | 1pm - 3pm | £35 per person Visit www.balfourwinery.com to book.

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Community

A dedicated follower of fashion

Germany. We also work with an Italian shirt company and an Italian knitwear supplier. We also stock socks from Peper Harow who produce locally in Burgess Hill.

You recently expanded into women’s fashion. Who can we find on your rails?

A few of the brands we work with for menswear also offer great pieces for women, such as Holebrook, Knowledge Cotton and Mac Jeans. But we have also found new names like Milano and the fantastic Camilla Pihl from Norway - we are their only stockist in the UK.

This month, Jess Gibson, founder of the TN card, speaks to Stephen Gray of Gray & Co. the independent go-to for contemporary and stylish menswear who now also boasts a capsule collection of designer womenswear…

Steve, how did Gray & Co. come about?

After opening an Ilse Jacobsen concept store on the High Street (the first outside Scandinavia), I opened a menswear shop in the basement, which I cleverly called The Basement. After three years, I decided we needed to move the menswear to a shop with its own shop front, and Gray & Co. was born. We opened in Chapel Place, a pedestrianised gem in Tunbridge Wells which is home to some fantastic independents.

How would you describe your clothing?

Our pieces are relaxed and casual. We work mainly with small companies who produce in Europe and use organic materials and are alsosustainable.

Which brands do you stock for men?

We avoid big name brands and instead work with smaller names including Emanual Berg shirts from Poland, Sunspel from the UK, Holebrook of Sweden, Knowledge Cotton from Denmark and Mac jeans from

ABOUT GRAY & CO. LOCATION: 8a Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1YQ VISIT FOR: Beautiful clothing, cool music and great conversation.

MEMBER REWARD: A complimentary pair of socks when purchasing menswear. 10% off full price women’s fashion.

Jess Gibson

Founder the TN Card

How do you choose who you work with?

I have worked in the industry now for 35 years so most of the brands I stock are well known to me now. I also enjoy visiting trade shows in Florence and Copenhagen to find new talent. I seek out high quality clothing brands with a focus on sustainability.

Why should we be seeking out our independent clothing stores?

You receive a really personal service from an independent as well as better quality pieces and also much better knowledge and passion for their offering. I have a genuine love of great clothes and have many loyal customers as a result!

Why have you joined the TN card?

I felt it was good to support a local company that works with our town’s independents, understands how difficult it is to retail in the current climate and wants to help. I also wanted to thank the Tunbridge Wells community for supporting local.

Which pieces should we be adding to our wardrobes as we head into summer?

For men we have a great selection of shirts, particularly the linen ones. Linen breathes and is very comfortable to wear when it’s warm. For women we have some fantastic dresses from Milano and Camilla Pihl which suit any occasion.

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 25

Culture

Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with an afternoon out for all the family Book your family picnic in our 36 acres of beautiful gardens and woodlands.

Indulge in a quintessentially British picnic lovingly prepared by our chefs ready for you to collect on arrival, along with our fully stocked Terrace Bar serving your favourite tipples.

With plenty to keep the kids entertained including table tennis, scavenger hunt, table football, face painting, lawn games and other fun activities.

Adult Picnics £19.50 per person Children's Picnic £10.50 per child We have a limited number of picnic benches available, please bring your own picnic blanket to sit on the lawns.

Entry is only permitted with purchase of a picnic for each guest attending. Confirmation of booking will need to be shown upon arrival.

You are not permitted to bring your own food or drink on site.

ESTABLISHED

01892 51 51 52 | www.salomons-estate.com Salomons Estate, Broomhill road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0TG

ANTIQUE PEWTER

not all just dull and grey...

Pewter has been used to produce both decorative and useful objects for very many years – dating back to Egypt’s Middle Kingdom around 1500BC - and this long history has perhaps led to its perception as being a rather uninteresting, utilitarian material, little more than a cheap alternative for silver which was primarily used for alehouse tankards and unrefined dining ware.

It did, however, enjoy a popularist heyday at the very end of the 19th century, when it was deliberately –

26 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

and quite literally – placed on the highest tables of British society.

This renaissance was driven by Liberty’s of London – the high end ‘department store’ established in 1875 which positioned itself as the standard bearer for the Arts & Crafts and Art Nouveau movements, with regard to providing a retail outlet for consumer goods designed under either of those complementary labels. Liberty’s became the patron of a number of emerging British design talents, including one Archibald Knox, born on the Isle of Man of Scottish descent. Knox’s heritage impelled him to look at traditional Celtic crafts as he developed his ideas as a young designer, and the Arts & Crafts movement which eschewed the overly ornate and florid style of formal Regency and Victorian wares afforded a perfect platform on which he could flourish.

The somewhat minimalist ethic behind Knox’s creativity was ideally suited to pewter, the rather plain, far from ostentatious material

I do hope you are able to pop in and visit us in due course. We’re in the Corn Exchange at 49 Lower Walk on The Pantiles, and can be contacted on 01892 322777 or by way of hello@ pantilesarcade.com

with which everyone was familiar.

His designs were produced in Birmingham on behalf of Liberty’s under the brand name of Tudric.

The location of the manufactory prompted a fortuitous fusion with a local pottery – Ruskins of Smethwick – whose bright, ceramic inserts known as cabochons were the perfect, colourful foil when used sparingly alongside Knox’s plumbic base-metals.

Knox also embraced influences from the near continent – notably the combination of metal and glass so beloved of the Jugensdtil designers working for WMF in Germany – and he and his colleague David Veasey created decanters, beakers, bowls and footed vases which effortlessly fused both materials, significantly broadening the scope of Liberty’s range.

With pieces of Tudric vintage now having passed the 100

year-old mark, and thus meeting the HMRC definition of being ‘antique’ (by which we must all of course abide, most rigorously), we are delighted to be able to offer many examples for sale at The Pantiles Arcade. Many of these are visually striking to the point of being quite ‘blingy’ in modern parlance – perhaps it’s time to reappraise that long standing perception of pewter simply being dull and grey…

Culture

“I want to give people a reason to leave their house…”

Comic Stewart Lee has been in the stand-up business for over 30 years so it’s clear his clever and often acerbic wit is still cutting it on the circuit. Eileen Leahy spoke to him ahead of his new show SNOWFLAKE/ TORNADO on at the Assembly Hall on May 12 You’ve been a stand-up for 30 plus years what’s the secret of your success?

I come back every 18 months with a new show that is better than the last one. People that liked it last time bring two friends. The people that didn’t like it don’t come back. My reputation grows, like a rolling stone or a festering wound.

The Times has labelled you the ‘world’s greatest living stand-up’ - would you agree with that?

It depends what the criteria for judging stand-up are. It would be possible to make the case for the Times’ assertion to be true, if you were using a judgment system based on evaluating a practitioner’s thoroughness in regard to their application of their art form, though would the ‘world’s greatest living stand-up’ be doing a local press interview to try and shift the last few tickets for a non sold-out show in Tunbridge Wells? That is my question to you.

Tell us a bit about new show Snowflake Tornado....

The first half TORNADO is a shaggy dog story in which disparate threads involving a review of me by Alan Bennet, an American sci-fi film about sharks, and the backstage rider of a successful American stand-up are woven together with breathtaking dexterity into a conclusion that leaves the audience gasping with admiration and shock; the second half, SNOWFLAKE, is a deceptively cleverly structured argument in favour of woke values, in opposition to the current government’s direction of

travel in the fabricated ‘anti-woke’ culture war, the grows ever more pernicious and cynical every day. It also includes non-offensive swearing and elongated retching. Five stars!

What do you think audiences will like about it?

In both halves the audience will enjoy the satisfaction they derive from finding the jokes for themselves, in the juxtaposition of ideas and character, rather than being spoon-fed, and they will be delighted to find out they are much cleverer than they realised. If they are liberal snowflakes they will enjoy the comfort of feeling less alone. If they are not they will enjoy laughing at the frustrations of a man who embodies the ideas they disavow, and will take pleasure in his despair.

“In both halves of the show the audience will enjoy the satisfaction they derive from finding the jokes for themselves, in the juxtaposition of ideas and character, rather than being spoonfed, and they will be delighted to find out they are much cleverer than they realised.”

comedians - Rosie Holt and Alastair Beckett King - who were using the medium of social media with an awareness of both its strengths and limitations to make comedy that was unique to that format. These days it also helps to sign to one of the big agencies who use corporate bullying tactics to strong arm their own acts into professional opportunities at the expense of more talented but more morally scrupulous performers, if your conscience is malleable enough to accommodate the guilt of that.

Those are the times we live in aren’t they?

What do you personally try to achieve when you’re on stage?

Every night I try to make it feel like something happened that only happened that night, to give people a reason to have left the house, to make them feel alive in the moment. I try to make people feel pleased that they enjoyed something that was perhaps more difficult than they expected.

Whose work are you enjoying right now in the comedy field and why?

Rosie Holt’s on-line political parodies; a forthcoming memoir by a comedian turned council funeral director which will be published anonymously; Viz comic, as usual; that sitcom Ghosts.

Do you still like to watch 1960s Italian westerns in order to relax?

Yes. The best ones are zen like meditations on the big ideas of life with cool music and fashion and insane camera angles! Fifteen years ago, when I was depressed, I told my wife I didn’t seem to have any interests as everything had become work. She asked me what I used to like when I was a teenager. I said, “Italian westerns”, which back then, before streaming and YouTube and online sales and DVDs, just meant Sergio Leone’s Clint Eastwood films, but I did once go to Paris, aged 18, specifically to visit the rep cinema that showed the full length version of Once Upon A Time In The West never shown in the UK. My wife bought me a book on Italian westerns and suddenly I realised hundreds of forgotten classics and non-classics were now available to view in a way they had never been before. I took a deep breath, and dived in and have now watched many 100s of them. Mass-producing over 600 Euro-westerns in the ‘60s and ‘70s, shot mainly in the deserts of Franco’s fascist Spain with a patchwork of pan-European money and international casting, visionaryhack directors were able to cloak experimental and political ideas in the clothes of a populist genre, subversively drip-feeding them to the Italian working class moviegoers that packed the nation’s cinemas many nights a week, and winning fans in the strangest of places. I suppose as an artist working in ‘genre’ (ie stand-up) but trying to fit ideas from outside that genre’s remit into what I do, that is why I relate to these westerns.

Snowflake / Tornado Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Thursday 12th May 2022 7.30pm

If you were asked one key piece of advice about getting on the comedy circuit what would that be?

I don’t really know anymore. I used to think the secret was relentless gigging, taking any stage time you could get to become better, and wearing the world down by attrition. But now that sounds like someone espousing the value of dry stone walling. I was dismissive of people using ‘the internet’ to get a way in but during lockdown I did enjoy the way some young

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 27

Business

Over the next few pages we talk to a variety of female entrepreneurs, working across a diverse range of professional fields, to find out what makes their business tick, how they’re bouncing back from two years of the Covid pandemic and why they love doing business here in Tunbridge Wells…

28 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

Business

NICOLE PIESSE TURNER FOUNDER & DIRECTOR CHATTY HATTER MEDIA & MARKETING

At Chatty Hatter we are all about supersizing clients’ ideas to help them dream bigger “The soapbox race is a great example of having an idea which initially seemed not only a bit mad, but unachievable but here we are four years later and it’s looking bigger and better than ever!”

The soapbox race sees different companies – and for the first time this year various schools – building and racing go karts for fun and to fundraise too. It launched in 2018 and was held the following year but Covid put paid to it running in 2020 and 2021. However Nicole and her team are determined that it will be even more successful this year.

In addition to putting on the soapbox race, Chatty Hatter, which launched in Tunbridge Wells 13 years ago, offers a ‘one-stop shop’ for all things publicity.

This could be running print campaigns and offering web design to event hosting, coaching and mentoring.

Nicole explains: “Every client will have a bespoke package from us. A lot of

agencies are more reactive than proactive, so a client will come to them with an idea and they will fulfil it - but we offer something really creative in order to open people’s eyes to other possibilities.”

Chatty Hatter also offers an in-house podcast production service, which includes an impressive stateof-the-art fully-equipped studio, overseen by the award-winning Giles PaleyPhillips, whose podcast Blank with comedian Jim Daly interviews famous guests.

Bespoke podcasts have been made for a number of local firms including The Right Tuition Company, the awardwinning TN Card and IT firm Simms International, whose podcast series Making It Happen chats to employees, customers and business leaders.

Nicole also hosts her own podcast - The Big Chat which showcases and champions businesses and entrepreneurs and is sent out to a local audience of up to 20,000 listeners.

Nicole comes with over 20 years marketing experience across a range of industries from engineering to fashion which she believes helps her reach clients and peers

outside ‘the media’.

“PR is all about communicating and that’s what we do best. Ways of communicating are changing all the time. We have longstanding b2b clients of over eight years, who want us to place ads for them in the traditional sense and that works very well for them, but we also like to show clients what else is possible - how they can supersize.

“I’ve also found people love for me to host whether it be at a live event, virtual exhibitions, or podcasts. I did a day of live podcasts in situ and it drew in exactly the right type of attention and interest and was really fun and engaging.”

Future hosting projects include returning for a second year to the Tunbridge Wells Local & Live Music Festival where Nicole hosts her The Big Chat business podcast while chatting to and filming organiser and musician Paul Dunton and his guests.

For more information on Chatty Hatter visit www. chattyhatter.com To buy tickets for the Tunbridge Wells Soapbox Stars event taking place at Dunorlan Park on June 25 visit Twsoapboxrace. com Photograph © Eden Envis

‘‘M

y company’s ethos is all about helping clients to ‘supersize’ their ideas and encouraging them to ‘dream big’,” she tells SO magazine.

And with one of her biggest projects, the Soapbox Stars Race returning to Tunbridge Wells next month on June 25 after a two-year break due to Covid, Nicole certainly knows how having the right team behind you, and taking the plunge with a business idea, can reap amazing results.

She continues: “What really drives the Chatty Hatter team is our passion for the place we live and work in – helping Tunbridge Wells companies get the publicity and recognition they deserve is truly inspiring. We also like to think outside the box.

GILLIAN PALMER FOUNDER THE FINANCE HUB You’ve started hosting specialist talks across a number of different subject matters at The Finance Hub. Can you tell us what’s coming up next?

On May 19 we are running a joint event with Office Tribe for their clients and any small businesses to talk about the Wellbeing effects of co-working and collaborations, which will be led by me at The Finance Hub, all are welcome. On June 9 Currency UK, an affiliate of The Finance Hub will be running an event about all elements of currency, including buying or selling property abroad. On June 23 Pam Loch from Loch Associates and Larry Hardcastle from Studio 44 are hosting an event about how you attract clients and staff to your business by having a website that reflects your company and values. All are welcome and you can book “We’re passionate via our website.

Tell us briefly about your business and your specific role within it?

I am the Founder of The Finance Hub, based in the 1887 building on The Pantiles. We are a collective of independent, expert financial services advisers, all committed to providing honest, intelligent and accessible advice, backed by our values of excellent customer service. This gives us the ability to provide a complete range of financial knowhow to the Tunbridge Wells community, from business loans, mortgages, pensions, insurance, foreign exchange, cash flow, tax credits and will writing — as well as build new relationships with key figures from across the local area.

Why do you believe your company offers something very different for its customers? about providing a There is nowhere else How do you personally like The Finance Hub. holistic approach to achieve that crucial The aim is to do things finance for our customers work/life balance? very differently here.

– not just a sales pitch” Now that I’m back in the We’re passionate about office I am working less doing what’s best for our hours, as I leave my desk at customers with a holistic 5pm and get home to spend time approach to finance that always with my son. Also Sandy my dog gets puts you first – not just a sales pitch. to come to the office with me which is great My thing is ‘let’s talk!’ So I’m happy for fun! I love being in our office which I like people who are wandering by to pop in. calling a ‘one-stop shop’ where time poor It’s an inviting space and we want people businesses, creatives and entrepreneurs to feel at ease here to talk about their could get advice from hand-picked experts finances. all under one roof.

Do you find the business community Where do you see The Finance Hub in in Tunbridge Wells engaging and year’s time? supportive?

Busier and busier. I would like The Finance We have had an amazing response from Hub to not only be known as the place to the community in Tunbridge Wells who come for expert financial advice, but also to are delighted that we are offering a variety learn about business and connect with of financial services and transparent likeminded people from other, local advice as well as informative seminars we industries. have planned for this year.

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 29

Business

DEBORAH RICHARDS FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR MADDISONS RESIDENTIAL

“I

am the Founder and Managing Partner of Maddisons Residential, a residential sales and lettings agent, based in Tunbridge Wells. I am very involved in the day to day running of the business.

I haven’t always been in property though. My background is in wealth management, yet in renovating a lot of properties for profit and dealing with many estate agents, I found myself thinking about creating the ultimate agency which combined proactive and honest advice with exceptional client service.

Along with my husband James, who runs the business with me, we actively seek key attributes and qualities in our staff that are past the traditional estate agency skillset – although we do look for that too.

We all work tirelessly to achieve a client’s objectives for a sale and to make it work for them. I hate losing any sale, as it results in the subsequent disruption to someone’s dreams and them having to start the process again. We have a real care and passion to do everything to the best of our ability to achieve the results for each client.

The business community of Tunbridge Wells is hugely supportive and of me being a woman running a business. I’ve got lots

NATALIE BOARDMAN OWNER & DIRECTOR BELVOIR SALES & LETTINGS What is your specific role within Belvoir?

Belvoir is a local sales and lettings agency operating in Tunbridge Wells since 2007. I am the Owner & Director and I bought the business as a franchise in 2017. I am hands on with lettings and personally manage sales instructions, from valuation to completion.

Tell us what you believe Belvoir’s USP is?

Well, a phrase that we have heard repeated several times in our customer reviews is that we are ‘a safe pair of hands’. In December we were the Gold winner for Letting Agents in Tunbridge Wells in the National Property Awards which was a huge testament to our customer service. We are a friendly and dedicated team who care about our landlords and put their needs first. My team have worked in lettings for decades. We undergo continued professional development and are all professionalyl qualified through Propertymark.

How do you find the commercial community in Tunbridge Wells?

From the minute I started with Belvoir, on Camden Road, the Tunbridge Wells community has been thoroughly supportive. When we moved to Vale Road, our launch party was attended by the (then) mayor as well as local business owners. The venue and food was provided by our friends at Soprano. And, of course, the RTW Together initiatives have played a key role in bringing the business community together.

30 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

“We want to grow our portfolio of rental properties and enable more landlords to experience our first-class service”

do, and we also embrace working from of networks of female entrepreneurs and wider networks of independent businesses, home.

During Covid, estate agency moved to too. People often say they would rather largely showing properties to proceedable support a local independent business of buyers. Yet I believe we need to have people who live in our community. I live non-proceedable buyers viewing in Tunbridge Wells, as do most of our properties again, as this is it what gets staff, and we equally want to support our them excited about moving. Currently community. I recently supported an we have a huge stock shortage Investors launch event to present and non-proceedable buyers on the economics of property “We seek key will help re-energise the development. market.

When the pandemic hit qualities in our In terms of achieving we went into survival staff that are past the that crucial work/life mode. We had to furlough traditional estate balance as a working staff as the housing mum I am very precious market was closed for agency skillset and about evenings and seven weeks but then work tirelessly for weekends as it’s all about opened again into the our clients” the family. I’ll pick up work biggest housing boom when the children are in bed imaginable! and I am also grateful for a very Our priority was in protecting supportive husband who helps me staff, customers, and the people we encountered. We supported staff who were massively and is understanding of the workload. I couldn’t get those kinds of home-schooling or wanted to work from home. We followed the rules and managed hours without him.

In terms of where I see the future we’ll clients’ expectations on viewings. We continue to work hard at delivering our conducted our unique style personally guided virtual tours to support in reducing core proposition and maintain our market share. We want to grow the lettings side client contact. Essentially we learnt to be and look at other side shoots. I’m always adaptable and flexible. looking for ways to improve or diversify Since things have returned to normal the business.” video tours are something we continue to

What valuable lessons did you learn from the Covid pandemic?

The most valuable lesson from that was, whatever is thrown at us, we can adapt and cope. As a business we were operating throughout but doing many things virtually, including viewings and inspections. As a team, the challenges brought us even closer and communication was paramount when we were all operating from different locations.

Has the uncertainty of the past two years changed the way you now do business?

Luckily Belvoir had already been creating video property tours for over a year and had fully embraced social media as a means of promoting our business and properties, but these things were suddenly critical. We moved to a new client banking system at the start of the pandemic, which has proved to be very slick, and also embraced e-signing which has been a great benefit to ourselves, tenants and clients.

How do you juggle your professional and personal commitments?

I bought the business when I had a very young baby which seemed crazy to many (and me in hindsight!)

My husband, who is also in property, and I work out the childcare between us. I usually have Wednesdays off and try to keep it sacrosanct - it was so valuable to spend that time with my daughter before she started primary school. I love weekends away with girlfriends and holidays with my family as I come back refreshed and raring to go.

Where do you see your business going in a year or so’s time?

Definitely to grow our portfolio of rental properties and enable more landlords to experience the firstclass service provided by the Belvoir team. So watch this space!

Business

AIMEE STEVENS OWNER & PERSONAL TRAINER IPT FITNESS

What is your business and your specific role within it?

IPT Fitness is a family business offering Personal Training, Bootcamps, and Rugby Fitness from our indoor and outdoor facility in Eridge Park, Tunbridge Wells. Client progress is monitored via our state of the art Fit3D body scanner, and we also provide complimentary nutritional advice. The business is owned by my husband Mase and I, and we both also work actively as personal trainers in the company.

Tell us why you believe IPT Fitness is doing things differently to other gyms out there?

Our USP is our trainers! IPT Fitness personal trainers consist of former professional athletes, and are amongst the most highly qualified trainers in the UK. Our international team has worked and studied all over the world to develop a unique brand of fitness and nutrition.

Do you find the business community in Tunbridge Wells Borough supports what you do?

The Business Community is very supportive. We were extremely honoured to be named winners of the recent Times of Tunbridge Wells Business Awards. It was a fantastic evening, and inspiring to hear the ethos of other local businesses.

How did you survive the pandemic?

In March 2020 when all gyms and personal training services ceased in-person services, we launched ‘IPT Fitness online’, a full programme of both live and recorded video workouts.

When the rules changed so the public could meet on a one-to-one basis outdoors, we sourced a field from our landlord, and invested in over £10,000 of new equipment.

We also obtained a 40-foot shipping container for outdoor storage. When indoor gyms were permitted to open in July, our outdoor set up was so popular we remained outside until September. During the pandemic our clients were incredible, showing up to

train even in the snow! What made this period even more challenging, was the blessing of our second son Otis being born on the December 9 2020.

And what valuable lessons did you learn from having to switch up your business model?

The Covid pandemic highlighted the importance of offering a variety of training options, client relationships, and communication. IPT Fitness has now adapted to continue offer online training, and both indoor and outdoor training.

IPT Fitness boasts an international team who’ve worked all over the world to develop a unique brand of fitness and nutrition Have the last two years indefinitely changed the way you do business?

Many of our clients are still choosing to train outdoors with coronavirus still being

active in our community, and it is fantastic to still be able to still offer this as an option.

This year, we have launched a ‘IPT Fitness’ app on the App Store and Android. The online workouts were fantastic during the lockdowns, however we do feel as a company that there is no replacement for inperson training for both mental and physical health.

As a parent and personal trainer how do you achieve that crucial work/ life balance?

My husband and I are in a unique position in that we both own and work in the business, as well as sharing two young children with no family close by to assist with childcare. It can be challenging at times, however we thrive off the excitement of running the business and working with our clients to achieve their goals.

Where do you see the future of your business in a year’s time?

In one year from now, we will strive to maintain the consistency we have built up since the Covid-19 restrictions have been eased.

It is our goal to inform the local community of the benefits of resistance training for weight management and health.

MELISSA BANDTOCK OWNER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR LUMIERE LIGHTING GALLERY

‘‘I

am the owner and Creative Director of lumière, the designer lighting gallery in Tunbridge Wells.

As well as having our shop on the High Street we can offer lighting consultations in-house, on-site in people’s homes, on building sites, and via virtual means such as Facetime or Zoom.

I collected the keys to lumière just a few weeks before the first lockdown so I opened and grew my business during the pandemic!

There is a beautiful fable called The Oak and The Willow and in it is the line ‘In a storm the willow bent and survived but the oak could not and was felled’. In short, for me this reflects how adaptability and flexibility in line with customer and business needs were key operational skills during this challenging time.

My intention had always been for lumière to be a bricks and mortar business for people to see, feel, and touch the lighting products in the flesh.

Obviously Covid changed all that drastically. During the first lockdown I created an app with a virtual tour so people could visit the gallery from their home. This eventually gave way to our virtual consultations.

These started off as a way for us to carry out home consultations during lockdown but quickly became a tool for projects abroad too such as a key hotel project in Austria. During the pandemic I was keen to be that willow tree in the fable and the changes I implemented

have now become key features and the USP of my business. We also launched an e-commerce site in January this year.

Since we launched in the summer of 2020 I have found the local interior design community to be so wonderful in supporting lumière and placing orders with us for their projects rather than with larger London based companies.

Local residents have made every effort to shop local and the local press have been extremely supportive with this passion project of mine!

I have four young children and our home and their primary school is within walking distance from lumière which means that I can still be the person who takes them to school and picks them up every day. This is hugely important to me. I also set my alarm early each morning to give myself time for a morning run, to catch up on a few emails or to just sit in silence in the garden for a bit before the rest of the world begins to stir. Yoga is also a big part of my life.

Despite the timing I feel we were lucky to open lumière during a time in history where families were at home more – which as we know, led to many home improvements. I hope to continue to build on that realisation of the importance of lighting in the home and grow the reach of my e-commerce site. I am very excited about this year as hopefully it will be the first full year of trading with no forced closures due to Covid!

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 31

Business

LYNNE GADSDEN DIRECTOR GROVEWOOD WEALTH

AMANDA REDMAN FOUNDER & OWNER AMANDA REDMAN FINANCIAL PLANNING

“I

What is your business and your specific role within it?

My business is Grovewood Wealth Management and we are Chartered Financial Planners. As the Managing Director I run this business with my husband, Michael and between us we have 60 years of combined experience in providing clients with financial advice.

Tell us what you believe Grovewood’s USP is?

We are a truly family business. Working alongside Michael and myself, we have our elder son, George and our niece Holly. With the help of a great team we look after local families, and for many its multiple generations of the same family, which we are very proud of.

I’m a female Chartered “We have 60 Financial Planner and Fellow years of combined of the CII, with the SOLLA experience in accreditation and 30 years’ experience so I am probably providing our clients in the top 5% of advisers!

Has Covid indefinitely changed the way you do business - and is it for the better?

I think we will continue to use Zoom for some client meetings as some clients prefer it as it can be quicker, it’s been a game changer with the work that I do with families as I can see a number of family members at the same time all in one call - no matter where they are. In the past I would have met one family member and it would have been like ‘Chinese Whispers’ with them passing on what I said to others. So yes, I think this could be for the better.

with financial advice”

Do you find the business community in Tunbridge Wells engaging and supportive?

Absolutely – we have worked in Tunbridge Wells for nearly 20 years and have always found the business community incredibly supportive. As a result of this I was honoured to become President of the West Kent Chamber of Commerce and have now set up a wonderful business support group called enTWine, which we created during the pandemic to support local businesses to keep connected. It’s been so successful we are continuing with it and are currently working on developing a Next Generation Group for younger business people.

How did you survive the pandemic and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?

We have a brilliant team who all adapted very quickly and with the help of IT, the pandemic actually helped us to improve our communications with our clients and gave us the opportunity to ensure that we offer the very best client care that’s possible. We saw the introduction of our weekly client newsletter and regular on-line reviews. Our clients also saw more of us on social media channels!

We also took the time to implement new software and digitalise a lot of our business processing, which enables us to provide bespoke financial planning solutions for every individual client, and the digitalisation has made it quicker and easier for clients to do business with us.

What did we learn? That you shouldn’t underestimate the adoption rate of IT by the older generation! One of my wonderful clients who is 87 asked if I wanted to use Zoom, Teams, Skype or Facetime so you can never tell!

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How do you achieve that crucial work/life balance?

I’m not sure I have cracked that one yet! But what I have learnt is that some things just need to be outsourced and this is something that we see with our clients, they need a professional to take care of their family finances. As a very busy working mum running a business and looking after my clients there is little time and in recent years I have had to help our parents out more so all a bit of a challenge. It has led me to write a series of blogs (on our website and social media) about women like me in the ‘Sandwich Generation’ squeezed between children, aging parents and running our own lives to help them with some tips and ideas.

Where do you see the future of your business in a year’s time?

It is an exciting time for us as we have a young, dynamic team, having recently taken on two trainee advisers who are raring to go to support our clients. We are also looking to make some fantastic changes to the way we do business with clients which is truly focused on their future goals.

am the founder and owner of Amanda Redman Financial Planning, based in Tonbridge, an appointed representative of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.

I believe my business’s USP is that we give you confidence in your financial future and support you to live your best possible life.

We do this by providing financial advice and planning in a strategic and intelligent way that is bespoke to each individual client’s circumstances and goals.

The quality of advice and service we offer is underpinned by our commitment to financial fairness, education and trust. For our services, I was named as Best Woman in Financial Services at the national Best Business Women Awards 2020 and a VouchedFor Top adviser 2021-2022.

I am also the published author of Dare To Be Fair: how to know your worth and build yourself a better financial future. It’s a rallying cry for women of all ages to challenge how they value themselves and how to take control of their financial future.

Although I am based in Tonbridge I have been networking within the business community in Tunbridge Wells since 2014, and have been a member of BNI

Royal Spa since 2015. The business community here supports each other, using each other’s services extensively across their business and personal needs.

“I believe my business’s USP is that we give you confidence in your financial future and support you to live your best possible life” During the pandemic we were very busy, initially reaching out to all our clients and reassuring them when stock markets fell sharply and advising them on the best action to take (or not take) with their

investments. We learned that it is perfectly possible to build and maintain good relationships via Zoom and Teams. However, we also realised over time that personal contact and faceto-face meetings are such a key component in how we work.

The Covid experience has reinforced our core value that we genuinely care about the welfare of our clients and their families. Having a good financial plan in place, giving them confidence in their future, is a key contributor to their health and wellbeing.

Finding that crucial work/life balance as a small business owner is the eternal challenge especially as a working mum. My working hours are 8:30am till 6pm, Monday to Friday, which means that I’m available to all my clients throughout the working week.

My priority outside of these hours is always my family, and I do not compromise on that.

In terms of where I see the future of my business going, I’m continuing to grow it and in January of this year I took on a new financial adviser and a school leaver apprentice. I have another adviser in training through the St. James’s Place Academy who will join my team later this year. We operate as a very cohesive and supportive team, to each other and to our clients.”

Business

PAM LOCH SOLICITOR AND MANAGING DIRECTOR LOCH ASSOCIATES GROUP What is your business and suit them and provide what we your specific role within in? call ‘corporate hugs’ in what can I’m a Solicitor and Managing be challenging times.

Director of Loch Associates Group which I set up in 2007.

Do you find the business Loch Law, HR Advise Me, Loch community in Tunbridge Wellbeing and Loch Mediation Wells engaging and – together form the Loch supportive?

Associates Group, offer a unique The business community in combination of employment Tunbridge Wells is and business law, HR, exceptionally wellbeing and supportive. We aim mediation to source suppliers “Offering a wide services, to locally as we range of businesses provide clients know our local with pragmatic and people services clients do too. solutions from provided by experienced Myself, Lynne a single, trusted Gadsden and professionals sets us Victoria partner. apart from other Sampson have set up a business Tell us what law firms” forum, ‘enTWine’ Loch Associates for local businesses to does so differently enable them to get together. to your competitors?

“We listen, We share, We Our ‘one stop shop’ approach benefit”, as our strapline says. offering a wide range of businesses and people services Has Covid indefinitely provided by experienced changed something about the professionals sets us apart from way you do business - and in other law firms. Our team really your opinion has that been get to know our clients, their for the better? businesses and their culture, to Business life has permanently ensure we provide solutions to

NATASHA FIRMAN FRANCHISEE & MANAGING DIRECTOR WINKWORTH

changed since Covid hit all of us.

We already had hybrid working in place but the most likely permanent change is how we use Zoom and Teams for many meetings now. We changed rapidly to using virtual meetings during lockdowns but it’s definitely here to stay.

How do you achieve that crucial work/life balance?

To achieve this I believe being organised is the key to success.

My calendar is highly organised and I allocate my time in the office and at home to support my team when needed. Our office dog, Ellie, plays a big part in helping me as she needs her walks! I also enjoy cooking and socialising with friends as a way to relax.

Where do you see the future of your business in a year’s time?

By 2023, I hope the business will have continued to expand with the addition of more solicitors and HR consultants and with our Business Law services we now offer too.

I am the Franchisee and Managing Director of Winkwor th Tunbridge Wells, an estate agents on the High Street. My office is par t of a 100-strong network of Winkwor th offices owned and run locally across the UK. I believe my background and training - not as an estate agent – has a unique advantage. My 25 years of transactional experience and professional training as a Char tered Surveyor, banker and Director at PwC, has given me invaluable discipline and technical capability in transactions, for me to suppor t my clients and my team to deliver a superior service. Then of course there’s my competitive mindset: I used to race cars and event horses, so that hunger to win has never left me.

The proof of all of the above is in the numbers: 100% of our proper ty sales have resulted in a completion; save for a vendor deciding not to sell. 0% of proper ties have been lost to another agent once we are instructed. And finally the lettings book has tripled in size - only one landlord has left me, and that was a month after I bought the business.

We also provide free Matterpor t vir tual interactive tours as a complimentary service part of our standard sales package, which no other agent is doing in Tunbridge Wells. Data reflects applicants spend up to seven times longer

looking at a proper ty which has a Matterpor t tour. This has proven to bring higher quality offers, often only after a first viewing. The tour is interactive and even has a measuring tool and really allows an applicant to spend time dreaming about their new home. This has been a game changer for the service we provide, with extremely happy vendors and applicants.

My 25 years as a Chartered Surveyor, banker and Director at PwC, has given me invaluable capability to support my clients and deliver a superior service I picked the office up five months before the pandemic struck so it has been an extremely challenging time. That said, the business community has been fantastic, lots of suppor t where they can, most business owners are very open to share experiences, often popping into the office to see how I am doing. So it has been wonderful to be par t of Tunbridge Wells High Street and the wider community.

The market really did stop and

star t in line with the lockdowns, which meant it was hard to get any momentum in order to build my team and commit to that outlay monthly, therefore it was a case of scaling right down. I ran the office single handedly in the first year and then I was lucky enough to have one person to suppor t in the second year. The only lesson I’ve learnt is: don’t buy a business five months before a pandemic…. But hindsight is a wonderful thing!

As well as introducing the complementary Matterpor t vir tual tour we are also nearly fully paperless and use digital signing technology. I am very proud we have gone this way and all our clients have embraced this. I take global warming seriously and therefore it is great we can contribute in our own small way.

Through the pandemic it was impossible to find that work/life balance but now it is a case of forcing myself to take a break. I try to take at least one day at the weekend where I don’t look at my laptop, but that is hard to do! Now the summer is here, I am booking in golf and the running trainers are back out!

Now that we are out of lockdown, I am keen to network more to strengthen Winkwor th’s name across Tunbridge Wells, so my hope is that we will improve our market share more easily as we get our brand out into the town.

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 33

Business

NAT SHARP MARKETING CONSULTANT SHARP THINKING MARKETING What is your business and when did you launch it?

I founded my marketing consultancy, Sharp Thinking Marketing, in 2018. Unlike some consultancies, Sharp Thinking specialises in marketing strategy, not day-to-day execution.

Clients are small and mediumsized local businesses that want to generate significant growth or diversify and ensure every hour and pound spent on marketing delivers the highest return on investment requiring me to make recommendations where the business should focus.

Tell us what you believe Sharp Thinking’s edge is?

Sharp Thinking is not an agency; it bridges the gap between an agency and in-house function, providing senior, outsourced marketing support where there is a skills gap. As a marketing professional with 20 years+ experience gained in agencies and client-side, I bring a wealth of expertise to clients. I

immerse myself in their business to understand the issues at hand, tackling them quickly and creatively. Every strategy is based on insights acquired from the business and their customers, providing a solid rationale. Consequently, my recommendations influence a client’s business strategy, not just in a marketing capacity. My clients value my honest approach and desire to transform their business through investment in brand and marketing. My approach also ensures impartiality as I’m ‘media neutral’ meaning I take a 360-degree approach and my diagnosis covers retention as well as acquisition as I review marketing across the entire customer journey.

Do you find the business community in Tunbridge Wells supportive?

Yes, absolutely. It is extremely buoyant, entrepreneurial, and full of tremendous talent. I find it inspiring and motivating. Most

LAURA GIBSON CO-FOUNDER CALVERMONT

“I

am one of the founding directors of Calvermont, a creative brand communications and PR company, based on Mount Pleasant in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells. My fellow founder Olivia Thornhill and I set the company up in 2018 to combine our 30+ years in destination marketing, having worked in house and agency side for prime developers, agents and investors such as Knight Frank, BNP Paribas, Savills and Delancey.

Our business does everything from brand and design, messaging and strategy, public relations and crisis management, advertising and events, copy and content, to campaigns and collateral. From entrepreneurial start-ups to household names, we have created national brands and communication strategies for clients from the Government Property Agency to Turkey Mill business park.

We have led public consultation activity for Elysian Residences across the UK and launched a new property investment company 34 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

recently I loved being part of the Times of Tunbridge Wells Business Awards.

What key lessons did you learn from the lockdowns?

When companies were forced into remote working, it was about spotting a gap and developing online workshops and processes to guide clients through the transition. I widened my reach to target businesses further afield and offered support to businesses that needed to pivot. Knowing not all businesses could afford consultancy, I created blogs and even gave free business advice and a series of online presentations to local companies. This was exactly the kind of time that the local business community needed to pull together.

Has Covid had a positive change on the way you do business?

Yes, aside from personal challenges, the pandemic

enabled me to operate more efficiently, running progammes virtually and developing a multitude of business templates.

How do you ensure you have downtime from your business?

Balance is everything. To spend quality time with my children, I take the month of August off and use freelancers to support the business.

I do like a physical challenge and find exercise a great release as well. At the moment I’m training to do the East Grinstead Triathlon which will be my second triathlon. I’m using the opportunity to fundraise for a vital cause.

What’s in store over the next 12 months for Sharp Thinking?

SMEs need expert marketing help more than ever as many move to flexible and costefficient outsourcing.

Businesses are still needing to pivot after the pandemic and go through digital transformation, requiring marketing expertise, so I will adapt my offering accordingly.

I also plan to make Sharp Thinking more accessible to different types of organisations. during the first wave of the Lateral, as well as the ELIE SAAB pandemic – which we recognise is Residences for Gulf Islamic contrary to the experience of many.

Investments.

Personally, as a creative and a One of our core values is to working mother, I found it collaborate with other agencies and impossible to work effectively within creatives – so we feel exceptionally the home and as for home schooling, lucky to be amongst such a hotbed of creative talent here in Tunbridge the less said about that the better!

Wells. In fact, the business We have now upgraded our office community in Tunbridge space and expanded the team Wells is one of the most so our business has collaborative and changed for the better. engaging I’ve seen in has also helped “Our business does This my 20+ years of with our work/life everything from working in the balance – when we creative sector. go home, we can brand and design, to We were very more easily switch public relations, lucky during the off. There’s still the advertising, events and occasional late night pandemic to pick up a number of new email or column so much more” clients from launching drafting exercise but a new Hyde Park with a bigger team and development with Elie Saab, more effective working practices, we are able to be a four to introducing the property day working business and spend industry’s first ever fully virtual Fridays – for the most part – getting planning consultation. This was a ready for the weekend. fantastic experience and due to its Having doubled our team and success has become the first of many. our turnover in the last 12 months, The most important lesson learned we want to spend the next year from the pandemic was that being ensuring our clients are happy and flexible and responsive is crucial – that we are delivering for them to for instance we set up the virtual the best of our ability. We also have consultation with just two weeks’ a number of new business notice! opportunities in the pipeline, so We also learned that not every may continue to grow our team as person is the same and while home we actively seek to grow our client working has been a blessing for roster both within property and some, others perform better in an other sectors, locally and office setting. As a business we nationally.” actually took physical office space

Business

FIONA MASSINGHAM EVENT MANAGER SALOMONS ESTATE Can you tell us a little bit about your role as Event Manager at Salomons Estate?

I have been with the company for over three and a half years and my role involves planning, developing and managing the weddings and events, ensuring that myself and the team deliver a consistently high quality of service to clients. Salomons is a large manor house, located in 36 acres of beautiful gardens, woodlands, and parkland. With a choice of function rooms and spaces, the Estate is a versatile venue for guests to host their private events, conferences and weddings. We also have 47 bedrooms onsite and two beautiful self-catering cottages with the option of guests dining in our Pub & Dining Rooms.

What services does your business offer to make it stand out in a crowded market?

We pride ourselves in offering thoroughly personalised services.

All of our event and wedding packages are bespoke and flexible, so each client’s event is unique meaning they can tailor make their booking to suit them,

“We pride ourselves in offering thoroughly bespoke and flexible services so each client’s event is unique”

such as adapting food menus and working in additional extras. Our team is personable and approachable, ensuring we provide every guest with an unforgettable stay or event.

This is reflected in the positive reviews we receive for our staff and that we also won Best In-house Events Team at the Kent Wedding Awards in 2021.

communication with clients as well as internally with each other’s departments.

How do you achieve that crucial work/life balance?

I find it is extremely important to switch off, therefore I ensure I take time off within the busy seasons and take a breather.

It’s so important to take time out, Having a supportive network around is important and having a strong team is extremely helpful, as I can trust them with my responsibilities when I am off and fully relax.

I am very lucky to work with a fantastic team of ladies in the Events team here at Salomons.

How did you survive the pandemic and what valuable lessons did you learn from it?

The first lockdown I was furloughed, as many were in the hospitality industry, so I kept myself busy with being creative and getting back into painting.

The pandemic really showed me how much I missed interaction with different types of people and that I am in the right line of work.

Can you forecast where you’ll be in a year’s time?

Salomons Estate is growing each year, which is great to see. We are hosting more events and weddings each year, this year we currently have 64 weddings booked.

We have exciting renovations in the pipeline and looking to grow the onsite accommodation, so we have one of the highest number of bedrooms for a venue in Kent.

We aim to continue developing our reputation as a highly sought after venue for guests to host their large events and weddings.

Has Covid indefinitely changed the way you do business- and is it for the better?

Throughout the pandemic our bookings team went above and beyond to help postpone client’s dates, on numerous occasions, ensuring the process was as stress free as possible.

We also had to keep wedding clients updated with the everchanging rules.

Therefore, I think it has strengthened our

DON’T LET YOUR JEWELLERY GATHER DUST. INSTEAD, GIVE IT A NEW LEASE OF LIFE AND WEAR THEM WITH CONFIDENCE Gavin and Lorraine of The Diamond Setter believe that every piece of jewellery should tell a story. Pick up a piece from your collection and let it bring back a memory.

Better yet, wear it with confidence.

ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS: Have I been holding on to a jewellery but not knowing what to do with it?

Do I have old gold sitting around that I want to turn into a new jewellery design?

Where can I go to help me design and make a new piece of jewellery?

The Diamond Setter takes pride in rekindling the life and sentiment of jewellery, transforming it into something new that will be lovingly worn. With customer’s approval, we can transform an old piece of jewellery into a custom design that they will wear and treasure for life.

Our no obligation consultation allows you to bring in your old jewellery and start conceptualising what’s possible. In most cases, having the gemstones and precious

metals available for re-use will make the process of acquiring a new piece of jewellery more economical.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS WE TAKE IN JEWELLERY REMODELLING? First, we assess the integrity of the metal and the gemstones and truthfully advise you what can be used.

Next, we codesign the piece with you. We ask relevant questions to learn about what you like. In most cases, we will present 3D models of your new jewellery. This will allow you to visualise and really appreciate the transformation.

We will make sure that your design and budget requirements are adhered to. You can expect that any unused materials you provided will be returned to you.

Lastly, hallmarking. This is a legal requirement for every remodelled piece unless exempt and acts as the guarantee that you are receiving the metal you agreed to.

Our expert advice and guidance will ensure you make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs. You speak directly with the maker, meaning your visions are

understood right from the beginning. You get first hand advise on what’s possible and practical.

“Seeing the jewellery transform in Gavin’s hands is incredible but the rewarding part is when we see our customer’s reaction upon collection”, says Lorraine, cofounder of the family-owned jewellery studio.

HERE’S A RECENT TESTIMONIAL FROM A CUSTOMER: “Gavin and Lorraine took their time exploring my thoughts about the pieces I had gathering dust and what I wanted to achieve. We came up with a plan and I left everything in their hands feeling excited and hoping I had done the right thing.

On my appointment for collection, tears sprang to my eyes and I felt overwhelmed. My stones and earrings and ring had taken on a new life. I completely love them. The emerald ring and cross are constantly worn by me. I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to Gavin and Lorraine for their care, attention, workmanship and empathic recreation and fusion of past present and future. I truly believe they have that one special ingredient which permeates their work. Love.” – Chris Harker

Gavin Marsh is the master jeweller of The Diamond Setter. He has 20 years of jewellery making experience and his studio is located at Salomons Estate where you will see him hands on creating jewellery and diamond setting.

The Diamond Setter Studio 3 Salomons Estate TN3 0TG 01892 458 042 customercare@thediamondsetter.co.uk www.thediamondsetter.co.uk

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 35

Inves

£800,

£700,

£600,

£500,

£400,

£300,

£200,

£100,

Sourc

2. T

Four reasons to invest in an ISA this tax year The new tax year has begun, bringing with it a fresh ISA allowance that enables you to invest more of your money tax efficiently.

For the 2022/23 tax year, the ISA subscription limit is once again £20,000. Many people wait until the last minute to maximise their ISA allowance, but the sooner you act, the better your chances are of realising your financial goals.

Here are four reasons to invest in an ISA today.

1. Greater potential for long-term growth

as up, history shows that over periods of ten or more years, it tends to perform more strongly than cash and above the rate of inflation.

Investing in an ISA early on gives your money the opportunity to produce tax-free returns over a longer period. This is especially important in the current environment of high inflation and low interest rates.

Money in a cash savings account could lose its real value over time as inflation erodes its purchasing power. Although the stock market goes down as well

The chart below shows that if you invested your full £20,000 ISA allowance every year for 20 years, you could build up a pot worth nearly £700,000, assuming a return of 5% per year net of charges and before inflation.

The r powe hold (CGT your year. divid tax fr an IS your

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If you inves to gr howe mont the im

Even most ISA c cons temp that i

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Brewin Author Registe

Investment growth over 20 years £800,000 £700,000 £600,000 £500,000 £400,000 £300,000 £200,000 £100,000 £0 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

£5,000 annual investment

9

10

11

12

13

14

£10,000 annual investment

15

16

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18

19

20

21

£20,000 annual investment

Source: Brewin Dolphin. For illustrative purposes only.

2. Tax-efficient growth and income The reason why investing through an ISA is especially powerful is that your investments can grow free of tax. If you hold investments outside an ISA, you’ll pay capital gains tax (CGT) at up to 20% on the profits (‘gains’) you make above your CGT exemption, which is £12,300 for the 2022/23 tax year. If your investments generate income – for example, dividends from shares or interest from bonds – this is also tax free when inside an ISA. In a nutshell, investing through an ISA ensures more of your money goes towards meeting your goals.

3. Choice of lump sum and regular investing If you have a large lump sum of money ready to go, investing it in an ISA early on will give it the opportunity to grow tax efficiently over a longer period. You might, however, prefer to invest your money gradually over several months. Known as ‘drip-feeding’, this may help to reduce the impact of a sudden market downturn on your portfolio.

Even if you don’t have a lump sum, you could make the most of the new tax year by setting up monthly Investment ISA contributions. This is a great way of ensuring you’re consistently saving for your future, and it removes the temptation of trying to time the market, which is a strategy that is fraught with risk. Setting up a standing order makes

this process simpler and means there is one less thing for you to remember.

4. ISAs have a ‘use it or lose it’ allowance The ISA allowance is a ‘use it or lose it’ allowance, which means you can’t carry it forward to the next tax year. By taking advantage of your allowance earlier in the tax year, you won’t face any last-minute decisions when April 2023 approaches. Whether you prefer to invest your full £20,000 allowance in one go or drip feed it each month, having a plan in place will ensure you invest in a way that suits your individual needs.

Next steps An Investment ISA is a great way to save money for your future, but it isn’t always easy to decide how much to set aside, when to invest, and how to build an investment portfolio that is right for you. Taking some smart advice will give you the confidence that you’re doing the right thing with your money, so you can focus on enjoying life today.

brewin.co.uk/gatwick Paul Cannon 01293 661323 | paul.cannons@brewin.co.uk

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. Neither simulated nor actual past performance are reliable indicators of future performance. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy.

Brewin Dolphin Limited is a member of the London Stock Exchange, and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number: 124444). Registered office: 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered in England and Wales – company number: 2135876. VAT number: GB 690 8994 69

BDM3839_2204_0.1

Food & Drink

“Time to celebrate

Kentish wine”

At the end of this month the first Wine Garden of England festival takes place. Here its brand manager and organiser Jo Smith tells James Viner all about this exciting event which will bring together a number of local vineyards to toast their success You’re the brand ambassador for Wine Garden of England.

How did you get involved in promoting local wineries?

I’d worked in the wine industry in the 90s on the London Wine Trade Fair and after a couple of decades doing various other jobs I returned to it in 2018. By then I realised how far English, and particularly Kentish wine, had come. I took some indepth exams and started organising events for Kent wine producers to meet their local customers. All was going well until Covid put a stop to it, so I started interviewing our local wine producers and talking about Kent wine on BBC Radio Kent. I started to become known as a ‘useful person’ amongst Kent wine producers, so when the job at Wine Garden of England (WGE) came up I was approached to apply.

Wine Garden of England is made up of eight different vineyards - what do you love most about working with them all?

My favourite thing about this job is bringing this diverse group of passionate wine producers together to create a cohesive team working 38 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

towards various goals. It’s great to see the generosity everyone has in sharing ideas, time and support.

Why is it such an exciting time for English wine right now?

England is widely recognised by the trade as the world’s most interesting up and coming wine region, and Kent is at the forefront of it, due to the favourable growing conditions.

We are warmer and drier than anywhere else, and our soil is either exactly the same as that of Champagne, or a mix of Tunbridge Wells greensand. Both are fantastic for growing grapes.

Our wines generally have a racy acidity which makes your mouth water, goes excellently with food, and tastes super fresh.

The long ripening season means that there are layers of complex flavours that you don’t always see in hotter climates.

Jo Smith

So what prompted the Wine Garden of England collective to put on the Summer Festival on May 29 at the iconic Squerryes Court?

The WGE Summer Festival is our opportunity to show off! Seven of our eight producers will be there to offer lots of tastes of their sparkling

The Wine Garden of England is a collection of Kent Vineyards that welcome visitors. It is made up of the following wineries: BALFOUR WINERY AT HUSH HEATH ESTATE

GUSBOURNE

Staplehurst, TN12 0HT

The Luxury Escape: Take a buggy tour through the slopes that give you breathtaking views out to sea on a clear day. You can have a delicious picnic and bottle of vintage sparkling wine among the vines. A real treat.

The Rural Masterpiece: Stroll through immaculate vines, immerse yourself in the Balfour art collection, and relax in the restaurant with stunning views. Guided tours range from a couple of hours to full days of eating and drinking.

BIDDENDEN VINEYARDS Biddenden, TN27 8DF The Family Vineyard: Take a selfguided tour around Kent’s oldest vineyard, choose a wine flight from a huge range of white, red, rosé and sparkling wines and experience the bustle of a working vineyard.

CHAPEL DOWN Smallhythe, Tenterden, TN30 7NG The British Icon: England’s largest wine producer has a stunning range of award-winning wines for you to try, and a fascinating wine tour through their vineyards and winery.

You can also eat at the acclaimed Swan Restaurant.

Appledore, TN26 2BE

SIMPSONS WINE ESTATE Barham, CT4 6PB The Contemporary Boutique: Take a sunset tour around the beautiful vineyards, then back to the uber cool tasting room overlooking the winery to sample award winning still and sparkling wines.

SQUERRYES Westerham, TN16 1QP The Ancestral Estate: Find out more about the history of the estate and the motto, “It is permitted to be joyful…” You’ll certainly feel the joy as you sip their Blanc de Blancs on the Terrace enjoying perfectly paired seafood.

WESTWELL WINE ESTATE Ashford, TN27 0BW The Indie Label: An exciting, experimental, down to earth winery run by creative music industry veterans. Tour the vines, taste wine from tank, and marvel at the art that is woven through everything they do.

Food & Drink

and still wines, paired with a selection of cheese and charcuterie from Kent. One of our producers isn’t ready to show their wine as they only planted in 2017, and it takes years to bring a sparkling wine to market. We are all really excited to be hosted by the Warde family at their ancestral home, Squerryes Court.

Rosé - you’ll be bowled over by its aromas of ripe strawberries and lively acidity that gives it a mouthwatering freshness that I don’t find in French rosés. Try Simpsons Railway Hill Rosé, Chapel Down’s Discovery Series Rosé or Balfour’s Nanette’s Rosé.

Squerryes Court

What’s next on the agenda for the Wine Garden of England?

We won’t be resting after the Festival! There’s English Wine Week on June 18-26, so look out for lots of events run by all our Kent vineyards during that week, including the Canterbury Wine Festival on June 25. We’ll be at the Wine Weekend in Maidstone on July 16, Broadstairs Food and Drink Festival at the end of September, and Rochester Festival at the end of October. Follow us on Instagram or subscribe to our email updates to keep up with us.

Why did you choose to host the first Wine Garden of England at this particular location?

Squerryes is one of the wine producers in our membership, so it makes sense for our first event to effectively be ‘at home’. Squerryes Court (right) used to be open to the public but is now just a family home.

It’s rare for the gates to be open now and the gardens are exquisite. It’s the perfect place to enjoy award winning Kentish wine, local food, live music and great company.

Can you talk us through the running order for the day?

The Festival will be at Squerryes Court in Westerham from 11:30 on Sunday May 29. Each guest will receive a free glass to “England is widely take home, and recognised by the trade during the event as the world’s most they can use it to taste lots of wine! interesting up and coming Seven of the top vineyards and their wine region, and Kent is wine Kent wine list reflects at the forefront of it” their research. They producers will be giving guests tastes of always have a resident their award-winning wine from WGE sparkling and still wines, and featured, and if possible, answering questions about their they run an event with the estates. There is a bar serving the winemaker too. Macknade on the wines, but also cider and soft drinks. first floor of Hoopers has an Our Kent food producers include extensive selection of wines from Cheesemakers of Canterbury, North Kent. All of the WGE wines are Charcuterie, Simply Ice Cream and featured on their shelves, and they Goupie Chocolate. We also have often run tasting events to introduce Corban Coffee. There’s live jazz the wines to customers. playing all afternoon and we’ve got wine writer and TV presenter English wines are usually more Aleesha Hansel meeting all the expensive than their producers and filming some exciting counterparts in Europe. Do you food pairings. There’s a workshop for feel this is justified? people who want to know more about Prices generally reflect quality and the Anglo French alliance with scarcity. Due to our marginal climate, Champagne Taittinger. the production of wine here is still tiny compared to Europe because our How important is tourism to yield is as low as one bottle per vine. the Kentish wine trade?

In the south of France it is four times English wine producers need visitors. that. With low production comes If you visit a vineyard, you learn hand harvesting and complex, high about what goes into the production quality fruit. For me, the price is of the wine, who’s behind it, and entirely justified but I do understand what it tastes like and why. It’s such that without the experience of tasting a wonderful experience, and people the wine and getting to know the become lifelong ambassadors for vineyard that has produced it, a £5 those producers. It’s considered to bottle of Prosecco may seem like a be a very important part of the better deal. Happily, the trend to growth of our industry. drink less and focus on the quality is pointing consumers to try wines Tunbridge Wells has a thriving produced on their doorstep. hospitality scene. Do you have any partners who champion What is your top tipple for drinks from WGE members? drinking this summer?

Geography Wine Bar in the High Rosé is so popular in the warm Street works closely with us. Fleur weather, and many people love the and Aubrey have always been keen Provencal style. But let me to get to get to know their local encourage you to try a Kentish still

Heard it on the grapevine

WHAT IS THE WINE GARDEN OF ENGLAND?

The Wine Garden of England was borne out of two Kent wine producers chatting through some ideas, and then realising that there was no formal group of producers that could benefit from sharing ideas and support. After a few phone calls, six producers were sitting around a table - Balfour, Biddenden, Chapel Down, Domaine Evremond, Gusbourne and Simpsons.

Not long after, Squerryes

joined, and most recently, we’ve welcomed Westwell.

Although the group love to chat about everything that’s going on with their businesses, the main aim that was agreed was to improve tourism to their vineyards, and to Kent as a whole.

The tickets are just £25 per person, and you can buy them through the WGE website, www.winegardenofengland.co.uk.

DID YOU KNOW? Canterbury is twinned with Reims. This connection was made 45 years ago when Jean Taittinger was Mayor of Reims, and now his son Pierre Emmanuel is proud to be establishing a new vineyard nearby in Chilham. The first harvest was in 2018 and the wine will be ready to drink in 2024.

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 39

Food & Drink

By royal APPOINTMENT...

The Platinum Jubilee takes place at the start of next month. We discover two venues who’ll be hosting special events that are fit for a queen

T

o celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s staggering 70 years on the throne there will be plenty of special events and activities taking place across the UK and the Commonwealth – both official and unofficial.

The celebratory extended bank holiday weekend runs from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5 and in addition to events such as Trooping the Colour and the Platinum Party at the Palace, there will also be thousands of street parties, special afternoon teas and picnics happening to toast her majesty’s reign.

Locally two venues are pulling out all the stops to ensure the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is one you’ll never forget.

At One Warwick Park Hotel from June 1 to 5 you can indulge in a Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea in order to mark the longest reigning monarch in the history of the UK. In addition to its traditional offering (£25 per person) you can upgrade to a Prosecco afternoon tea (£28.50) or a Champagne one (£28.50) which includes a glass of Louis Roederer Brut. Each one offers a selection of home baked sultana scones, freshly cut finger sandwiches and assorted homemade seasonal sweet treats.

The four star hotel located just by The Pantiles is also offering a Children’s Afternoon Tea priced £12.50 per person.

Over at Salomons Estate there will be a fantastic family and friends picnic on June 4. Running from midday to 4pm guests are invited to enjoy a delicious picnic prepared by the chef and his team on arrival at the 36-acre-estate on Broomhill Road.There will also be a bar on the terrace serving refreshments all day at the ticketed event and plenty of activities to

“Locally venues are pulling out all the stops to ensure the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is one you’ll never forget”

keep the kids entertained including table tennis, scavenger hunt, table football and lawn games.

Adult picnics cost £19.50 per person while children’s ones are priced at £10.50 per child. There will be a limited number of picnic benches available but visitors are also advised to bring their own picnic blanket so they can sit upon the lawns. They are also advised to dress according to the weather forecast for that day.

Entry is only permitted with the purchase of a picnic for each guest attending and confirmation of booking will need to be shown upon arrival. Guests are not permitted to bring their own food or drink on site.

One Warwick Park Hotel and Salomons Estate are part of the Elite Leisure Company who also owns SO magazine 40 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

HOW TO BOOK Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at One Warwick Park Hotel on the afternoons of June 1-5: Call 01892 520 587 or email reception@onewarwickpark.co. uk to book or visit www. onewarwickpark.co.uk/whats-on Indulge in a quintessentially British picnic while celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at Salomons on June 4 from 12pm to 6pm: Call 01892 515 152 or email reception@salomons-estate. com to book or visit www.tickettailor. com/events/markerstudy/685513

CONSIDERING WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY? Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells offers specialist care in weight management

to find out If you would like ns available tio op e th t more abou Wells Hospital ge rid Tunb Nuffield Health ere our online event wh is holding a free Ahmed r M n, eo rg tric Su Consultant Baria th t e different are insights abou Hamouda will sh estions: qu ur answer yo treatments and T TO KNOW ABOU ALL YOU NEED Y ER RG SU SS WEIGHT LO June 6pm-7pm Thursday 09th t please contact ace on this even To book your pl 8199, email: 88 am on 01892 the enquiries te .com nuffieldhealth tw.marketing@ ite or visit our webs .com/events lth ea dh el ffi nu

Weight Management is a topic on which most people have an opinion, but these opinions can be overgeneralised and sometimes detrimental rather than helpful. Stereotypical views of weight as a reflection of laziness and greediness, combined with diets that have been unsuccessful in the longer term compound a personal sense of failure and shame. Often the more times a person goes round the cycle of weight loss the harder it is to believe that anything can change.

Additionally, individuals who have been suffering obesity for a long period of time find it really difficult to access services within the healthcare system.

Nuffield Health Hospital in Tunbridge Wells offer access to specialist care, where we will listen to a patient’s story and give them a tailored solution to fit their needs. A patient will have an initial consultation with our Consultant. This pre assessment is comprehensive and will look at a patient’s history, eating habits as well as their physical and emotional health and wellbeing, then the procedure can be tailored to their specific needs. Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells have a Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT) which is led by our Consultant Bariatric Surgeon and they bring the skills and experience to deliver as near perfect patient experience as is possible, this team also includes a dietician, nurse specialist and clinical psychologist.

Mr Ahmed Hamouda, Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells comments “There is nothing more fulfilling and pleasing than seeing a patient a year after they’ve had surgery and their life is completely transformed. You can see their self esteem and confidence has increased, they have a good social life. They are more active, energetic and able to do more with their kids. There is no limitation like there was before and that to a me

is one of the most pleasing things that can happen and why I do the job that I do.”

There are four main procedures, each is a special procedure that has its own advantages:

GASTRIC BALLOON

A gastric balloon is an inflatable medical device which is temporarily placed into the stomach. It is helpful for weight loss when other dietary approaches have not been helpful and surgery is not wanted or recommended.

SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY

This procedure removes a large section of the stomach, leaving a sleeve shaped section that is closed with staples. This reduces appetite in the short term, reduces the amount of food able to be eaten at any one time and affects the gut hormones.

GASTRIC BANDING

Gastric banding involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper part of the stomach. It works by making a person feel full sooner so that they eat less and ultimately lose weight as a result.

GASTRIC BYPASS

This procedure involves creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach which is then connected to the small intestine. As a result, the rest of the stomach is bypassed.

This not only reduces the amount that a person is able to eat but also changes the gut hormones which are linked to hunger. It results in rapid weight loss in the first six months, which stabilises over time.

For more information on these procedures please visit our website nuffieldhealth. com/tunbridge-wells/weightloss-surgery-in-tunbridgewells

Food & Drink

Buy delicious grass fed meat. Reared to the highest welfare and nutritional standards.

From our Farm to your Plate, Truly Natural Living. Free local deliveries.

Shop online or in-store at the farm. Paley Farm, Cranbrook TN17 2LX | www.paleyfarm.co.uk | 01580 891046

SUMMER COCKTAIL EVENING In the lead up to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, join us at Balfour Winery for our Summer Cocktail Evening and the start of the four-day Bank Holiday Weekend.

Enjoy views from the balcony overlooking Nannette's Vineyard, whilst sipping on specially crafted cocktails made with Balfour Wines alongside delicious canapés.

Thursday 2nd June | 7pm - 10.30pm | £45 per person Visit www.balfourwinery.com to book.

Open 10am - 6pm daily | 01622 832794 Balfour Winery, Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst, Kent, TN12 0HT

42 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

Food & Drink

Experience a taste of the

good life…

The Ivy has launched its new seasonal menu so we went along to discover what gastro delights await its many foodie fans this month

E

ver since it opened its doors in November 2017 The Ivy has been a very popular fixture on the restaurant scene here in Tunbridge Wells.

Its curvaceous mirrored bar area is the perfect place to sit and sip a cocktail or two, while the beautifully appointed restaurant, which seats just over 100 covers and boasts The Ivy’s trademark art deco design features – think plush leather banquettes, glimmering antique lanterns, foxed mirrors, exotic palms and eclectic artwork - is the perfect place to lunch with friends or enjoy a romantic evening à deux.

Situated on the High Street, right in

the heart of Tunbridge Wells, the brasserie forms part of The Ivy Collection, a group of ‘satellite’ eateries all over the country which are based on the original spirit of the famous restaurant on West Street in London’s Covent Garden.

Frequented by the likes of Laurence Olivier, Joan Collins, Dame Maggie Smith and Victoria and David Beckham over the decades, the original Ivy exudes palpable glamour and gastronomy – something its sister site in Tunbridge Wells also achieves I’m very pleased to say.

The menu is also predominantly modelled on its West End namesake and serves up a selection of culinary Ivy classics including its famous Shepherd's Pie, Eggs Benedict, and decadent

“The Ivy’s new menu cleverly reimagines firm favourites and a selection of new dishes reflecting all the spring season has to offer”

Chocolate Bombe dessert. There are also modern British offerings and internationally-inspired dishes to choose from, meaning there is something to suit all tastes and requirements.

But every season the all-day, allencompassing menu gets a little epicurean tweak, bringing in dishes which feature ingredients that are available at that particular time of the year.

For spring and early summer the new menu features a host of fresh seasonal favourites all grown and

produced by artisanal British suppliers. Starters include Garden Pea & Nettle Soup (£6.95) and Grilled Asparagus with Szechuan mayonnaise, capers, flaked almonds, quail’s egg and watercress (£8.50).

When we visited we enjoyed the latter and would heartily recommend it thanks to its beautiful presentation and palate-pleasing textural flavours which were perfectly complemented by a flute of the Ivy Collection fizz (£11.75).

Talking of drinks, some of the restaurant’s cocktail offerings have also been given a seasonal twist too.

Diners can choose from a French Garden 75 (£12.25), which incorporates Hendricks Gin, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, sugar, lime, cucumber or The Ivy Collection Champagne and a Sparkling Peartini (£12.50), which features a sumptuous blend of Grey Goose Le Poire, Italicus Bergamot Liqueur, Lillet Blanc, lemon & The Ivy Collection Champagne.

There is also a choice of limitededition daily specials. On the evening we visited there was a Pan-Fried Lemon Sole with brown shrimps served with beurre noisette, lemon and capers (£25.95) which was deliciously light yet bursting with flavour. For my hungrier guest the Truffled Burger was a decidedly decadent affair which was further enhanced by a silky fried hen’s egg, rich truffle mayo and moreish shoestring fries (£18.95).

Despite feeling satisfied and sated we still found room to share a portion of new Black Bee Honey and White Chocolate Cheesecake (£9.25), which features UK-based Black Bee Honey and was accompanied by mango sorbet, honeycomb and edible flowers.

James Chard, General Manager at The Ivy Royal Tunbridge Wells told SO magazine that the menu cleverly reimagines firm favourites alongside a selection of new dishes reflecting all the spring season has to offer: “A visit to The Ivy is the perfect reawakening of the senses after a long winter.”

After such an enjoyable experience which was further enhanced by great service from our waiter Louis (pictured) we would certainly agree with that.

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 43

“ To book call 0345 459 7731 or visit headmasters.com

To celebrate 40 years of

HEADMASTERS New clients can enjoy a £40 cut and style along with prosecco and chocolates at Headmasters Tunbridge Wells

Terms and conditions: Valid until 31.5.2022, with selected stylists, offer cannot be used with any other offers or discount, valid on first visit to Headmasters Tunbridge Wells. Salon can be located at 22 Monson Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1ND

Hypnotherapy

This month local hypnotherapist Karen Martin, who operates out of Salomons Estate, looks at the issue of parenting anxious children…

‘W

e’re only as happy as our unhappiest child’ is a refrain that rings true for many parents desperately seeking help for their beleaguered offspring. More to the point, ‘Anxious children make parents anxious’. And the reverse is also true.

The predisposition for anxiety runs like a genetic thread, no different to hair colour, down through the generations. So, I don’t ask if an anxious child has anxious parents, I ask ‘which one?’. That said, you can’t ‘catch’ anxiety like a cold.

There are multiple environmental factors which mean different generations experience anxiety in different ways.

Articulating emotions is difficult.

Our language is better at explaining doing than feeling things. Small children express feelings in behaviour which often makes them appear naughty. And they get told off. This is when Freud’s definition of repression kicks in, creating a lifetime of misunderstandings and confusion.

the importance of maternal comfort by giving them wire monkey ‘mothers’ and testing how they reacted to them. Amongst important findings from this research was evidence of the need for comforting contact. Blanket covered wire monkeys were chosen over the mother with a feeding bottle but no blanket to snuggle up to.

Of course, we don’t need scientists to tell us to hug our children. But it’s sobering to realise that, without that human comfort, we shrivel up or even die. When a child is misbehaving, it’s worth taking a moment to check what might be stressing them and provide reassurance and guidance rather than a telling off. Not only will they calm down more quickly, their behaviour will improve going forward if the problem that caused the anxiety has been solved.

Parents aren’t to blame. They will have packed away their own difficult emotions and won’t always recognise that feelings have a point and a purpose. Emotions are like our five senses, helping us make sense of our experiences. Ignoring them cuts us off from vital information that helps us survive and thrive. Achieving emotional maturity is a lifelong process and learning to deal with anxiety and helping our children with theirs is part of the journey.

what might be troubling them. This is when active listening becomes a vital parenting skill. At the end of a school day, an eight year old will be full of accounts of ‘she said this’ and ‘they said that’ and then ‘I did this’.

It’s easy to just glaze over and nod while thinking about what’s for tea.

In fact, this inane banter is incredibly influential as children start to figure out how to build friendships and deal with conflict.

Children don’t always have the emotional intelligence to cope with playground power struggles and sometimes need an adult mentor to coach them through this social minefield.

Social development is dependent on learning how to form secure attachments. The anxieties of many school age children are often related to peer behaviour and a fear of rejection. Academic progress generally ticks along nicely if children skip into school looking forward to seeing their mates.

Having play-dates and sleepovers, giving advice on how to deal with arguments and rivalry in friendship groups helps a child to navigate the social minefield of school. By the time children step up to secondary school, if they haven’t got those basic skills, years seven and eight can be hell.

SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Older children are much chattier about their stressful lives so it’s much easier to get to the crux of

“Why it’s good to talk” ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE?

The early stages of development determine how useful emotions are going to be at safeguardiing us from harm. Studies conducted on Romanian orphans adopted by British parents show how early deprivation in a loveless institution with little physical contact affected the brain development of these children and made them vulnerable to mental health issues, despite being subsequently raised in loving families. The absence of emotional support in the early years caused neurological damage and stunted their feelings.as surely as starvation stunts physical growth.

In the last century, experiments with baby rhesus monkeys showed

TEEN TRIBES

“Inane banter is incredibly influential as children start to figure out how to build friendships and deal with conflict”

After puberty and throughout the teen years, the most important influence on a child isn’t parents or teachers, it’s their friends. Humans are tribal and never more so than in teens and early adulthood when belonging and fitting in are essential to wellbeing. Having instilled beliefs and values during early years, to a degree, parents are helpless bystanders at this stage.

When teens are wayward, distant or unhappy, they take risks that can be harmful and may struggle to take personal responsibility for themselves. A natural parental response is to bail them out, fix their problems, bawl them but this can have the opposite of the intended effect as they quickly learn that someone else will pick up the pieces if they mess up..

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Karen Martin Hypnotherapist

In our child centric world, it’s hard to know when to let go and give children responsibility for their own wellbeing. There’s no one size fits all so no parenting guru has all the right answers for everyone. Taking study as an example, if a parent nags a child about homework, said child will typically choose to avoid it if left to their own devices.

Anyone encouraged and rewarded for hard work is more likely to be self-motivated. Whether academic or not, children fulfil their potential by working on their skills and abilities. Confidence comes from proving what they’re capable of. Parents enable this by backing off and letting their offspring achieve their own victories and make their own mistakes.

Young adults are far more motivated by friends and influencers. Social media is their judge and jury. Friends sentence them to social Siberia if they don’t conform. As parents, we can also help by giving them encouragement and support when they need or ask for it and a safe base at home where they can lick their wounds and take off their game face before returning to the fray.

Instilling confidence, resilience and robust self esteem is a passport to happy, well balanced adulthood. This work, at the coalface of parenthood, is mostly done during the early formative years. Identity and core beliefs are already formed and robustly defended by puberty and are therefore harder to fix or change..

Greek philosopher Aristotle said: ‘Show me a boy of seven and I will show you the man’. This is still largely true more than a thousand years later.

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 45

Are you fed up with all the pulling, the lunging, the aggression or the anti-social issues, the bad or non-existent recall, the excessive barking, the lack of real bond between the two of you. The over excitement, the jumping up, the why doesn’t my dog ever listen to me, the I really haven’t got time for this anymore, and the I wish my dog was better behaved?

If so, the quickest, most successful and rewarding way for you to turn things around, is by taking a good look at both yourself and your relationship with your dog, only this time, take a little time to understand exactly how things look from your dog’s perspective.

They may look enthusiastic as they half choke themselves busily doing their best to pull your arm out of its socket, but no dog actually wants to be walked this way. Each and every one of them would much prefer to be walking happily by your side, with you taking them for a walk, instead of the other way around. What makes this human canine misunderstanding evermore unfortunate, for both dog and owner, is that the reason they pull, will have a lot more to do with the person holding the lead than it ever will the dog.

Achieving genuine human canine harmony, often has little to do with any form of dog training at all, but rather, it will have a lot more to do with a canine loving human, finally taking the time to actually understand the minds ways and needs of the animal they say they love.

When you look back on the days when your dog used to pull you, you may well find somewhere wrapped up in all the pulling, along with the discomfort, inconvenience and frustration of it all, that your dog was trying to deliver a very special message to you. Dogs being dogs, they will of course, have put a lot of effort into trying to deliver that very personal message too. Understanding that message, will very likely lead you to understanding exactly what rehabilitation by canine means.

It doesn’t really matter what the behaviour issue is, or even where it stemmed from. The most important thing right now, today, for both you and your dog’s future together, is that you learn how to make all that unwanted behaviour become a thing of the past. Replace the chaos with calm, the frustration with understanding and enjoy the peace and the feel-good factor that comes with you becoming the best thing that ever happened to your dog.

Nobody enjoys the stress of walking a dog that pulls, it can make hard and uncomfortable work of something that should be enjoyed by both you and your dog. The less you enjoy it, the less you’ll want to do it, and the less you do it, the harder it then becomes to do. Resulting in a negative confidence eroding downward spiral, with both you and your dog then being left in a situation that neither of you really want to be in.

I wrote The Undoing of Everything to help give fed up and frustrated dog lovers a fighting chance of enjoying the relationship they really wanted with their dog, instead of the one they sometimes find themselves having to endure.

Because the reality is that you probably don’t have to endure anything at all. You, yourself can make it stop, knowledge is power after all, so understand how dogs think, recognise how they see you, and you’ll find that the only thing stopping you then from having your dream canine relationship, will be you.

Understanding exactly why your dog pulls you on the lead, will open the door to you not only being able to make all the pulling stop, but will also allow you to then go on to actually enjoy walking your dog. For your walks together to become a more relaxed and pleasurable experience for you both, rather than them often being just an exhausting and stress inducing challenge.

Come out of the dark and enjoy life with your dog, don’t be too quick to write them off as the problem. Understand why they are misbehaving for you, and give yourself the long overdue break that you and your best mate both rightly deserve. The sooner you understand them, the sooner you’ll find peace, the sooner you find peace, the sooner you’ll wish you’d found it sooner.

WELL-BEING

“My father, herbal medicine and me” This month Naomi Murray from Botanica Health emporium discusses how her dad Brian Lamb, a world-renowned medical herbalist, has been not just an influence in her life but also her career…

M

Dr Sa

y first experience of plants as medicine began more than 50 years ago when, as a young baby, I developed whooping cough.

At the time my father was beginning to study herbal amb lL e u medicine and m discovered a plant called Coltsfoot, specific against whooping cough.

He made me a warm infusion from the leaves, delivered it to me in small doses with honey from my bottle and for a natural antibiotic he cut very fine slices of garlic and applied them to my feet, using Vaseline as an adhesive.

He put my socks on and within 20 minutes my breath smelt of garlic and shortly afterwards I started coughing and expelling mucus. I live to tell the tale!

At the age of one my parents moved north, to the windswept isolation of the raw and beautiful Scottish Highlands. Our home overlooked the North Sea, with the Orkney Islands beyond. It was here that my father, at the age of 4,5 began his degree in Herbal Medicine training under the famous herbalist Hein Zeylstra who as it turned out set up The Tunbridge Wells School of Herbal Medicine in the 1970s.

The inaugural meeting took place

in The Spa Hotel, a few minutes’ walk from my shop Botanica Health, where I carry on the herbal tradition.

Growing up in the Highlands with my parents and three sisters we spent our time immersed in nature. The air is clean and the sky seems endless, the sound of the skylarks so comforting in the evening air.

We lived near windswept dunes, heather topped hills and stark landscapes bereft of trees. Many of the plants my father uses in his practice grow locally and I remember us picking Bogbean, Coltsfoot, Meadowsweet and the tiny star-like Eyebright, as the name implies for the eyes, especially irritated through hay fever. It would take forever to fill a bin bag as they are so small!

Our home was warm and welcoming, the big red AGA a source of comfort and a place to gather.

Herbs would often be laid out on special trays to dry over the top, emanating the fragrance of the plant as they slowly dried. The bookshelves were laden with the most interesting books on anatomy, biology, plants and disease and differential diagnosis.

Patients would travel from all over the country to visit my father, some from oversees.

In between seeing patients and running his practice, my father also

“...EVERY LIVING PERSON HAS HIS OWN PECULIARITIES AND ALWAYS HAS HIS OWN PECULIAR, PERSONAL, NOVEL, COMPLICATED DISEASE…’ Tolstoy

Naomi Murray Co-founder of Botanica Health

botanicahealth.co.uk

lectured all over the US to doctors and health professionals.2 At the age of 85 he is now Scotland’s longest practicing medical herbalist, still working full-time in his herbal practice where his dispensary has over 200 herbal tinctures.

He still makes a few of his own plant tinctures now; Echinacea, Elderberry, Milk thistle, Cat’s claw, (a herb which comes from the Peruvian rainforest, so unique and amazing whole books are written about it). And of course his famous Thyme syrup which has preserved the health of many lungs and is a jewel in the crown for coughs. We come from a long line of doctors and in the 1800s my great, great, great grandfather Dr Samuel Lamb was known to stand outside his surgery at the end of the day waving his white handkerchief to signal the pony and trap.

I took up the baton along with my sister Sophie Lamb, the only second generation herbalist in the UK here in Tunbridge Wells. We know that healing comes about through a multi-factorial approach. A holistic approach where people are seen as whole and individual beings. It is so important that a person is seen and heard. The power of human touch, encouragement, nutrition and herbs can go a long way in bringing about healing. And now more than ever, this is not only necessary but vital. We are unique, complex, amazing beings.

“In between seeing patients and running his practice, my father also lectured and at the age of 85 is now Scotland’s longest practicing medical herbalist”

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 47

Advertising Feature

E ID U G T S E N O AN H G IN T T E S L A O TO G

A

ccording to an online survey, an estimated 54% of the UK population will have set themselves a New Year’s resolution for 2022.

That’s 28 million people taking deliberate steps to better themselves as the year kicks off.

More than half had made the same resolutions, or similar ones, among the common theme of addressing health behaviours in either diet or exercise.

lifetime transformations’, James Clear.

Too Much Distraction, Clouding Your Priorities Make sure you know what matters right now. Focus on what is going to drive you forward. If it’s not important don’t invest your time and effort worrying about it.

You Don’t Believe in You Can Do It If it is a ‘New Year’s resolution’, it might not be the first time you’ve set yourself this goal, which means you’ve not been successful. The feeling of

With that being said, around 80% of the participants abandon their New Years’ Resolutions within the first month - so why is it people are falling short?

Treating The Goal Like A Sprint, Not A Marathon You’ve committed to the idea and you want results fast, however, the real commitment is to the journey, not the outcome. If you want to succeed you need to stick to a realistic and consistent system.

‘Success is the product of daily habits not once in a

failure can be consuming but reworking methods, being more specific in what you’d like to accomplish and adopting a positive mindset is enough to overcome a resolution-relapse.

Too Much Thinking, Not Enough Doing The 1% is the marginal gain that you are going to get from trying the latest diet FAD and paying out for the best spin bike. Buying is the easy part, the action of applying it to your life is what makes the difference. For best results, implement a pattern of

48 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

behaviours that work for you now. Everything successful starts off with little and often.

You Don’t Enjoy It Ever heard of the phrase ‘work that doesn’t feel like work if you enjoy it?’ The same goes for exercise and good health.

Finding the optimal balance between the foods you need and the treats you love is what is going to lead to success. If you hate every minute of working out, you’ll find any excuse not to go.

Changing your lifestyle doesn’t have to be an endless battle.

Too restrictive, Cutting Out The Fun The cold turkey method isn’t the only way to reach your goals. In fact, it has been proven that if you restrict yourself completely of the treats you love, you are more likely to binge and reverse any progress you made during the time of restriction.

You Don’t Track Your Progress Progression isn’t always linear and comes in many forms. Your achievements may be overlooked especially if we are looking at the bigger picture. Keeping a notepad, photo diary, journal or even old clothes can act as a good reminder that you are on the right track and still making progress.

You Have No Social Support It is important to have a support system that understands your why and what it is you want to achieve. Having family and friends onboard reduces friction and stress and increase your success rate.

Priority Shift, Procrastinating Change How easy it is to lose sight of the goal. How often does that goal start shifting its way down the list? Keep sight of why you chose to implement change and that it should remain your top priority don’t put it off.

Too Vague, Not Identifying Your Why The goal can typically be too vague to be able to achieve

“EVER HEARD OF THE PHRASE ‘WORK THAT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE WORK IF YOU ENJOY IT?’ THE SAME GOES FOR EXERCISE AND GOOD HEALTH”

it. Getting fit is a common choice at the beginning of the year, with no measurement of what fit is to them. If the goal is this vague, it is likely that there has been as little consideration to the investment and compromise it takes to reach such a state.

Be specific and the actions will follow.

HOW TO SET A GOAL It’s never too late to start and it's definitely not too late to set yourself a goal.

1. Work out what it is you want.

2. Ask yourself why you want to achieve it.

3. What actions will you take to get there?

4. How realistic is it? Be specific and understand the time it may take to reach it.

5. When will you know you are achieving/progressing?

Work out early on as to how you are going to measure your progress.

6. Who is going to help you reach it? Make it clear to your family and friends that you would like their support in whatever it is you want to achieve. We continue to support our members with their life goals. Whether it is to fit into a wedding dress, change careers, become a fitness competitor or simply live pain-free; we invest time into each person, understand their why, and strategise a plan to help them get there.

Set yourself up for success.

If you need any advice or support, we are here to help.

Here’s to still a happy, healthy 2022.

Beauty

Headmasters is celebrating 40 years in business. Eileen Leahy visited its Tunbridge Wells salon to find out why it’s a cut above the rest…

F

orty years ago Headmasters opened its first store in Wimbledon village. Its aim was to bring stylish, expert and affordable haircare to the general public. It’s a formula that clearly worked as since then the hairdressers has amassed an impressive 55 salons, 800 plus staff and also three training academies across the South East. Since it was established in 1982 it now treats the tresses of an impressive 10,000 clients a week.

One of Headmasters’ 55 salons is based here in Tunbridge Wells on Monson Road. It opened in 2008 and since then has established a reputation for not only providing excellent treatments for its loyal clientele but for boasting one of the most friendliest and talented teams in the local area.

I’m lucky that last month I got to experience being at the hands of Headmasters Tunbridge Wells as I was

invited to have a cut and colour courtesy of the chain’s HQ. I arrived on a sunny Wednesday afternoon sporting a hairdo that can only be described as frazzled in terms of its texture and most certainly in need of a colour pop. The highlights I had done last summer had all but grown out which means I was left with a head of mousy brown hair and blonde tips. Not a good look!

Despite the gorgeous weather the salon was buzzing – quite literally with lots of stylists blowdrying hair and chatting away to customers.

I was greeted by the salon’s joint manager Becca Rixon who told me she’d be carrying out my hair treatment. I was offered a coffee and a magazine and settled down for a brief consultation with Becca about what I wanted to achieve.

She suggested I go for a selection of natural highlights and also a ‘balayage’ which comes from the French word

she thought the secret of the salon’s success was.

“It’s a number of things,” she said. “We have a very low turnover of staff and the team here is really great - we all get on so well. Our customers know that this is a very special salon which is why we are always so busy.”

Becca revealed there’s 21 staff including apprentices and despite the majority having been in the industry for years they are always learning.

“Because we have three Headmasters academies the company is great at continuously updating techniques and educating about new styles.”

Talking of which what are the current trends she is seeing in salon at the moment?

“Would you believe the mullet is back?” she laughs referring to the questionable early 80s favourite of having a shorter crop at the front and a longer style at the back – much loved by footballers like Glen Hoddle and Chris Waddle back in the day.

“Thanks to the many trend courses we go on at the Headmasters academies we are lucky to have some really talented technicians as a result.”

Another unique element of Headmasters’ success is that their salons are open seven days a week – something that’s not that common in hairdressing.

“Sundays are really busy,” says Becca as she expertly put on the foils in order to highlight my hair.

“On Monday to Thursday we’re open from 9am to 9pm. I think it suits so many people that we’re so flexible.”

Becca has been at Headmasters for eight years, and worked for the past five as a joint manager. She encourages her stylists to think outside the box she said applying the aforementioned balayage assuring me it creates multi tonal colour. “This particular light and shade freehand technique is bespoke for each client and that definitely attracts customers.”

What’s Becca’s favourite part about her job I ask her? “I love a transformation - either through a colour or cut. That’s always very exciting. Things are always changing in the hairdressing world so we like to stay ahead of the game.”

Once Becca had washed and trimmed my hair she set to work blowdrying and styling it – something I wish I had her skills to do myself. The transformation from frazzled to fabulous looking hair is impressive and the new colour she enhanced my locks with is just gorgeous – and crucially for me very natural looking.

I left the busy salon with a pep in my step feeling so much better than when I arrived. Becca worked her magic on me and kindly gifted me some samples so I can continue the TLC for my tresses at home. With service and results as good as this you can see why Headmasters has been in the business for four decades. And I’ll bet that they’ll be around for many more to come too...

‘balayer’ which means to sweep. Becca explained this is a clever technique where hair colour is hand-painted onto Throughout the month of May 2022 Headmasters will various sections in order to create a be offering a number of special deals to celebrate its graduated, more natural-looking 40th anniversary. Visit www.headmasters.com or follow highlighted effect. the hashtag #headmasters for more info Becca then added that she’d be using a series of products to really treat the hair, restoring its natural softness and vitality. A pre-treatment metal detox spray by L’Oreal was used in order to neutralise the existing colour and Olaplex 3 helped to seal the cuticles on my hair thus making it look smoother and in better condition.

While Becca got to work transforming my tired tresses into luscious TEAM WORK: Manager Becca Rixon (middle) with staff members locks I asked her what

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 49

Beauty

Experience an exclusive regenerative skincare treatment

The Vivace microneedling promises to tighten and brighten ageing skin and deliver impressive immediate results. The good news is it’s now exclusively available in Tunbridge Wells at the Retreat Aesthetics clinic.

Eileen Leahy went along to see if it could help her restore radiance to her lacklustre looking skin

50 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

As we start to spot those inevitable visible signs of ageing – saggy jawline, wrinkles and pigmentation - most of us will want to do something about it. Many will up their daily beauty routine to ensure skin stays cleansed and nourished but as the complexion’s radiance starts to fade due to a decrease in collagen production the good news is there are other treatments out there that can be beneficial – without being invasive.

After turning 50 last year I certainly noticed that my skin was starting to sport those tell-tale signs of getting older such as more visible thread veins spreading across my cheeks and more regular patches of dryness here and there. Bearing in mind I have always followed a regular beauty regime, trying out lots of different lotions and potions thanks to my years as a beauty editor on a national magazine, I should really have been able to future proof my skin but alas it would appear not.

So when I discovered that Maryna Cole, a qualified aesthetician specialising in cosmeceutical treatments, microneedling and face peel procedures had launched her new business Retreat Aesthetics in Tunbridge Wells I was keen to discover whether her expertise might be able to give my skin – and also my well-being – the boost I was looking for without having to do anything more drastic.

Maryna’s new business is all about bringing the latest innovations in regenerative skin care, anti-ageing, body contouring and aesthetic devices to her clients. In addition to exclusively offering the Vivace Experience facial Maryna also carries out Theraderm face peel, anti-ageing injectables, Soma fat melting advanced massage and hair and scalp treatments.

“Thirty-six ultrafine gold-plated needles penetrate the dermis, delivering the highest radio frequency power available to stimulate collagen production”

I paid a visit to her bijou clinic which she opened last month at One Warwick Park Hotel after being invited to go along in order to experience and review one of the treatments she is most passionate about: the Vivace Experience; a multi-award winning contouring, tightening and brightening treatment which combines micro needling and radio frequency.

Now, as an old school beauty junkie who usually relies on cosmetic creams, scrubs, lots of water and the odd bit of face yoga to keep my skin looking and feeling reasonably good, the sound of the Vivace procedure did initially make me slightly wince but Maryna was quick to calm my nerves.

“Although it uses a lot of groundbreaking technology to achieve its excellent results it is far from invasive,” she assured me as we chatted ahead of the 90-minute treatment.

“Micro needling has long been known as a way to stimulate skin cells but often it has been quite aggressive, leaving the complexion red and sore – and with quite a considerable amount of recovery time post treatment,” she explained.

“But because the Vivace Experience has been specifically designed to minimise any discomfort there really is no need to worry.”

She added that thirty-six ultra-fine gold-plated needles penetrate the dermis, delivering the highest radio frequency power available to stimulate collagen production.

“It’s a really effective scientific skincare treatment which gives really good immediate results.”

Prior to having the treatment, Maryna continued to tell me about what was involved at each stage. It

Beauty

Maryna’s clinic may be small but it’s perfectly cosy and within a couple of minutes – thanks to the soothing music she put on - I felt very relaxed as she cleansed my skin free of make-up.

Maryna then applied a numbing cream all over my face. This she said was purely precautionary in case I felt any slight prick from the needles. The sensation of it going on felt cool and in no way uncomfortable. After a few minutes it had set and Maryna got to work with the revolutionary Vivace Experience needle equipment.

Initially I did feel a mildly uncomfortable sensation as the needles started to glide across my face but within a couple of minutes or so I had got used to the rather hypnotic sensation of the microneedling session (around 30 minutes) and even found myself drifting off a couple of times.

Throughout this element of the treatment Maryna also worked

“The microneedling and products applied in this treatment really penetrate deep down and do all the hard work under the skin’s surface”

Retreat Aesthetics’ Maryna Cole

around my jaw line area to encourage skin tightening and lifting.

Afterwards my skin was left for around 15 minutes to settle and once again the tranquil sonic soundtrack helped me feel thoroughly relaxed. It’s important to note that although this is a cosmeceutical procedure it definitely had a pampering aspect to it thanks to Maryna’s deft touch and her clinic’s ambient atmosphere. It came as no surprise to learn afterwards that before Maryna retrained as an aesthetician she worked for Champneys. She also ran The Royale Retreat in town for a number of years.

But back to the treatment… Next a regenerative exosome serum was slathered all over my face. This stimulates the skin cells to produce up to 600% more collagen in treated areas and boosts elastin levels by up to 300% – thereby increasing the thickness of the dermis.

Finally an exosome rich mask was then applied. It has holes for the eyes and airwarves and helps to fur ther boost all the good work done by the Vivace treatment. Unlike when you apply a normal cosmetic cream, which tends to sit on the surface of the skin this way the products applied can really penetrate deep

SKIN DEEP:

involves a series of fractional micro needles being strategically placed over the skin to really penetrate deep down and then a exosome loaded serum and then a mask being applied to really boost skin cell renewal and radiance.

Any initial fears I had about large needles poking into my skin were allayed as Maryna told me that the Vivace Experience uses an array of superfine almost soft baby brush like ones whose application and penetration are robotically controlled and fine-tuned to each patient’s skin.

“It is very clever because it can detect specific skin issues, such as wrinkles, large pores and scarring, just to name a few,” Maryna added.

Suitably at ease I lay down on the treatment bed in her treatment room and was ready for my skin to be given the supercharge it desperately needed after a long winter, exposure to central heating - and yet another year on the clock.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Maryna will be appearing at the following shows in London :

May 20 & 21: Aesthetic Live at Olympia, Kensington London June 17 & 18: FACE Conference O2 Arena, Greenwich London

What is the Vivace Experience?

It is an advanced skin rejuvenation and skin tightening treatment, using microneedling with radio frequency that’s clinically proven to improve the appearance of: Fine lines and wrinkles Scars, acne and skin lesions Skin texture and pore size Redness, skin irritation/ inflammation and pigmentation Overall skin brightness and hydration

down and do all the hard work under the skin’s surface. It felt cooling and refreshing and again I was left to lie back and relax. After 20 minutes Maryna worked in any remaining product left after the mask had been taken off and I could immediately feel my jawline felt lifted and stronger.

When I looked in the mirror my skin appeared noticeably firmer but the real results for me came a few days later as I noticed a really good glow from my complexion. As I type this a week on after the initial treatment, my skin continues to look more luminous and taught – and the best result is my jawline is still looking beautifully defined.

I’m really pleased with the results from just one Vivace Experience treatment so can only imagine how it

Other treatments available: Theraderm face peel Anti-ageing injectables Soma fat melting advanced massage Hair and scalp treatments Follow Retreat Aesthetics on Instagram @retreataesthetics Appointments available: Monday-Friday: 9am – 3pm

must feel after the recommended five. I have a feeling I might just have to find out…

For more information on Maryna’s treatments visit www.retreataesthetics.com or email clinic@retreataesthetics.com

One Warwick Park Hotel 1 Warwick Park, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN2 5TA Free consultation – please call Maryna Cole on +44(0)7946 081410

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 51

We’ve got designs on your garden

Bespoke oak pergola design and dining terrace

Interiors

Traditional or contemporary, large or small, the team at Gardenproud can help you create a garden you’ll be proud of. Established in 2007, we design, build and maintain gardens throughout Kent, East Sussex and Hertfordshire.

See our Show Garden at Corker Outdoor Living, ask for our e brochure, Google our website, or call Tim Sykes on 07725 173820

52 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

Interiors

Photos © @surreybrandphotography

Making a splash…

What bathroom trends are you manage the entire process, I make spotting this year? what can be a stressful time as easy Faux wood tiles are very as possible. I’m also an fashionable at the moment independent designer which and metro tiles are still hot, means I’m not tied to any but people are moving one shop or brand, away from the standard enabling me to give me HOW TO GET IN ‘tube station’ layout and clients exactly what CONTACT WITH LUCY: exploring different tile they want. I’ve built up a fantastic network of www.swatchinteriordesignuk.co.uk patterns. I’m currently doing a vertical layout suppliers over the Insta – @swatch_interior_design with some gorgeous years and also have a FB – swatchinteriors green tiles in a wonderful team of bathroom in Pembury tradespeople I regularly and herringbone, cross work with. It’s usually the hatch and chevron patterns unforeseen aspects that are proving popular too. clients find challenging, so I do When it comes to design, people everything I can to minimise those are really falling into two camps. stresses and make each project run They’re either seeking a calm and as smoothly as possible. peaceful environment, created with a pared back Scandi somewhat minimalist style, or going really bold with bright funky pops of colour.

Metallics are also big, but people are moving away from copper to brushed golds and nickels. To be honest though, you just need to choose things you really love.

LUCY’S TOP Styling Tips: As a talented local interior designer, Lucy Fribbens of Swatch Interior Design UK can work her magic on any room, but the one she’s become renown for is the bathroom. Rachael Hale caught up with her to discover her top design tips and trend advice Why did you become an interior designer?

I’ve always been creative and have an art degree from Goldsmiths but until about 10 years ago I was a primary school teacher. I absolutely loved it but once I had children of my own, I felt like my whole life had become consumed by little people and wanted to do something more creative again.

Whenever friends and family came over, they would say ‘you should be an interior designer’ and one day I thought why not? My mum kindly looked after my son, and I went back to college. I loved it and gained my first clients whilst training.

What rooms do you like designing the most?

I love them all, but I particularly enjoy designing children’s bedrooms as kids aren’t afraid of colour and they’re happy to push design boundaries, and bathrooms as I love seeing what’s often a dull, tired space, that’s been the same for years, change into a tranquil haven.

You’ve also created quite the name for yourself designing many bathrooms and cloakrooms – why do you think this is?

Fortunately, people seem to love my designs and because I project

Regardless of the colour or style you choose, all the best bathroom schemes (even the neutral ones) have layers of colour, texture and pattern. They also have several points of focal interest, so if you have the opportunity to create a niche in your bathroom, take it.

Stud walls can help you create extra storage, but even the smallest ledge can be perfect for storing your favourite products or displaying stylish objects.

Plants or flowers are also a must as they bring a sense of life to your room. A pop of green works with any colour scheme and faux florals are particular good for bathrooms as they always look great, can cope with steamy, wet environments and you can’t kill them! I often source mine from Stephanie Dill of Away With The Fairies Floral Design.

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 53

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Outside Edge

Things to do in the garden this May:

Focal Points…

May is a time when the garden is really active so you need to be busy!

You need to remember to water your pots and raised beds and any new plants. Water early in the morning, or late at night to protect the plants Regularly hoe off weeds Mow lawns, weekly if necessary. Keep the edges trimmed Sowing new lawns or patching damaged areas can be carried out early May Plant out summer flowering plants including Dahlia’s, lift and divide overcrowding daffodil bulbs Be aware of any late frosts and protect any new crops in your kitchen garden Liquid feed plants in pots and containers

This month Tim Sykes, garden designer at Gardenproud, looks at how carefully considered focal points can help make a garden really come into its own…

I

Tim Sykes

Garden Proud

n a photograph, or painting the focal point is the point of interest that helps make it unique. A garden is no different, here we are creating our own organic picture, that hopefully pleases and engages for years to come.

It’s more complex, because in that it lives and breathes and changes throughout the seasons.

Where we look and admire, can be helped by the judicious use of focal points and how we surround and frame these.

Focal points can be objects, or features situated inside, or outside a garden that draw the eye. They can be a tree, pond, a Chilstone fountain, a sculpture, a bench, a summerhouse, rose gazebo, an architectural feature, some distant object, or even a building that commands your attention.

In a small garden, or courtyard a singular focal point maybe sufficient. In a large garden you might create a number of focal points, using each one to draw the visitor from one interesting part of the garden to another. Sissinghurst Gardens are an excellent example of this, where carefully positioned trees create avenues that guide the view. Urns, benches and garden features help the visitor navigate their way through the various outdoor rooms.

In our own garden we soon discovered how lucky we were to

border the Kent rolling countryside and in particular enjoy potential views of apple orchards receding towards the horizon. One of the first things we did when we moved in, some seven years ago was to open up the hedge line to reveal and frame this amazing vista. It was very simple we took a line of sight from our rear terrace and gained permission to reduce the height of the hedge over a specific section.

We helped frame this by planting two specimen trees either side of the opening. It was a simple and cost-effective way of utilising the borrowed landscape to create a stunning focal point and extend the enjoyment and spacial impression of the garden.

Great garden designers such as Repton, made significant use of the borrowed landscape. If you are lucky enough to be invited you can see this in the flesh locally at Bayham Hall, where the Marquis of Camden built a beautiful Gothic Mansion then employed Repton to design a parkland style garden and consider the landscape beyond. It’s uncanny how trees are planted.

Visionaries like Repton would never have lived to see the fruits of their labours, but these days we just buy more mature trees!

Many established artists and manufacturers help us to create focal points. I was extremely lucky recently to be invited to one of David Harber’s insightful tours and

discussion sessions, designed to help us become more informed as to how best to feature objects in the landscape.

David has very cleverly created a range of sculptures that are available in different sizes and finishes to suit clients preferences and the location. His sculptures are appreciated globally and he works in both residential and commercial environments. The contemporary nature of his sculptures help to give contrast to their natural surroundings. The ability to change the scaling and even deliver more bespoke solutions allow the garden designer and client to make the focal point more dramatic.

Perhaps his most well-known sculpture is his “TORUS” that can stand as large as 2m in diameter.

This is made in a mirror-polished stainless steel and can come with an opposing side featuring inlaid heather-blue slate slivers. At Great Fosters the Torus sits at the end of an avenue of trees, in front of a sculpted lawn amphitheatre in style of the great landscaper Charles Jencks - PERFECT In our own garden we have an archway that frames the picture. A beautiful oak bench made by one of our skilled landscapers and a metal sculpture designed and commissioned by us and expertly made by local blacksmith artist Michael Hart.

“Focal points can be objects, or features situated inside, or outside a garden that draw the eye. These include a tree, a pond, a sculpture, or a summerhouse”

Prune spring flowering shrubs such as Choisya, Japonica and Viburnum when they have finished flowering Start the spraying regime for hedging and topiary such as Buxus to protect against box blight and box caterpillar Prune, or trim Box hedges late May, or early June to avoid the risk of frost damage

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 55

Travel

First look at Norfolk’s new luxury cabin escape Banish the blues and flee to the countryside, says Claire Spreadbury

I

can’t actually remember the last time I had a bath with a friend, but it was probably about 35 years ago.

It’s not an opportunity that crops up very often, but that’s set to change at Congham Hall’s brand new Orchard Cabins, as the star attraction of the sleek open-plan spaces is an outdoor bathtub.

Wiggling into skin-tight swimming costumes – after a three-course meal of roasted beetroot, goat’s cheese, plump pillows of ravioli and a decadent assiette of (not so) mini puddings – seems like a good idea at the time. (That might have had something to do with the delicious lashings of Fleurie we washed it down with.) And once the the stainless steel silver taps are splurting water into the ginormous tub, there’s no turning back.

Bubbles spill over the top as we hurl ourselves in, seconds away from deciding an outdoor bath is exactly what every single one of us needs in our lives right now. Putting the world to rights while trying to stay above water, we fight back the giggles while debating the monstrosities of life in 2022.

The apple trees watch over us, swaying disapprovingly at the drowning slippers and robes mopping up our overspill, and the shrieks we can’t bear to keep in. The stars twinkle from a distance, promising a 56 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

“We’re then encouraged to sup on aperitifs by the bar before heading over to our table in The Samphire Kitchen – a two AA Rosette restaurant”

better display in brighter months, as we lay back and savour the dark night sky.

The Norfolk hotel has built five luxurious new rooms with outdoor bathtubs, all overlooking the beautiful apple orchard at Congham Hall in Norfolk. Launched to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the hotel’s management

by Nicholas Dickinson (previously of Le Manoir and Luxury Family Hotels) and his team, the timing couldn’t be better.

As ‘The Great Resignation’ rumbles on, with people choosing to move away from cities and into the countryside, it offers a great taste of Norfolk life.

Already, Burnham Market in north Norfolk has been nicknamed ‘Chelseaon-Sea’, due to vast swathes of Londoners upping sticks and moving there.

Although Congham Hall is in the west of the county, there’s still an abundance of fresh air and green spaces, beautiful beaches, hugely affordable stunning houses, and it’s teeming with nature at every twist and turn.

As well as the outdoor bath, the new rust-coloured cabins (which look like house-shaped shipping containers from the outside), give you the option of bathing inside, like a normal person.

Much less fun, but because one roll-top is sometimes not enough, you can take your

Travel

We peruse the menus, shortlist wine pick from the brushed tin tub outside, or and nibble on salty edamame beans. the pretty pink bath in the bathroom, Game and fish feature heavily because of both big enough for multiple bathers. the location – Congham aims to source Inside the cabin, a squashy bed awaits 80% of ingredients from within a our weary limbs, beside a large 20-mile radius, as long as pink sofa, marble-topped they’re the best available. circular coffee tables and And there’s a separate comfy spinning chair; the “The Secret Garden vegetarian menu, too. perfect spot to sit and Spa features Mains cost between take in the views of the £20 and £30, starters orchard. A green a 12-metre swimming £10 and bistro table and chairs pool, steam room, saunas, around desserts about £9, but sit out on the balcony treatments rooms and a room rates that for morning brews include dinner are a and sundowners. It new outdoor deck with good idea. Wine is well really is a place to relax, hot tub” chosen, around £40 for a and the slow pace makes really good bottle, and staff you feel like you’re on an are attentive. The co-owners actual holiday. also wait on tables – either a sign of “We’re in Norfolk, there’s no such their hands-on nature, or the post-Covid thing as late,” Nicholas tells us as we impact on hospitality. apologise for our tardiness at dinner.

The Secret Garden Spa features a We’re then encouraged to sup on 12-metre swimming pool, steam room, aperitifs by the bar before heading over saunas, treatments rooms and a new to our table in The Samphire Kitchen – outdoor deck with hot tub. Roomy a two AA Rosette restaurant, which has enough not to feel awkward when you recently had a restyle.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP

The Orchard Cabins are currently available to book on an introductory offer of £399 per night, including breakfast and dinner, rising to £450 per night from April 1. Contact Congham Hall Hotel (01485 600 250; conghamhallhotel.co.uk).

Stay two nights (Tuesday to Friday) in March and receive two miniature WhataHoot gin bottles and tonic to sample in your room, and a complimentary tour of WhataHoot distillery. Prices from £498 for a standard double room, including a three-course dinner on both nights and a full English breakfast.

Additional gin experiences at Whatahoot can be booked online at whatahoot.co.uk.

Great Northern runs an hourly direct train service between London King’s Cross and King’s Lynn, taking around 1 hour and 50 minutes. clamber in among other guests, it’s the perfect spot at dusk, when pink skies light up the surrounding woods and meadows and the warm, gentle bubbles heat up our cold bodies.

If you feel the need to explore further afield, local walking routes are available from reception, along with pairs of Dubarry boots. We blow the cobwebs (and hangover) away on a flat three-mile loop, taking in the old railway line and local woodland. We’re told Old Hunstanton Beach is worth the 25-minute journey, but we choose to while away an hour or two at the local distillery, Whatahoot, instead.

Whatahoot is an award-winning distillery and gin school, set in a beautiful 15th century building in Kings Lynn (about seven miles away from the hotel).

We gather on sofas with AJ, who talks us through the history of gin, and the brand, and why husband and wife team Nicky and Jason decided to set it up.

“In the summer, Norfolk is beautiful,” AJ tells us. “But in the winter, everything closes – people need something to do.”

And doing gin comes highly recommended. Whether you pop along for the distillery tour to learn all about how gin is made (£15), upgrade to a cheeky Cocktail Masterclass (£35) or go the whole hog and book into the fourhour gin school (£95, or £135 for two) where you make your own gin, you’re likely to wobble out with a big smile on your face.

My lips feel like they’re bubbling with dryness as the alcohol warms my throat.

For someone who’s not a fan of doing shots, I seem to be sampling the straight gins without any trouble at all. Fiery but smooth, each variety is really quite delicious, and even better when you add a splash of tonic.

Back at the hotel, waking up to the early morning sky – light dancing on the fruit trees as I sit with a cuppa on the

balcony – feels like a moment out of a self-care manual. And before we leave, there’s time to squeeze in one more bath.

The cabins are positioned so each balcony area is private and not overlooked, although I do almost come a cropper when relaxing in the tub and a couple bring their dog for a walk in the orchard. Thankfully, the size of the bath and the enormous number of soap suds surrounding my naked body save my dignity. And it’s easy for my heart rate to return to normal as I sit amid the bubbles, watching a family of blue tits flit from one apple tree branch to another, the sunlight falling on their fluttering wings, nature’s soundtrack of birdsong filling the air.

Undoubtedly, I am an outdoor bath convert. So much classier than a hot tub.

More peaceful, more sustainable, more stylish. It’s self-care on tap, if you’ll excuse the pun, and I really want one in my garden.

SO Magazine | May 2022 | 57

Motors

First drive:

MCLAREN 765LT SPIDER The 765LT Spider offers fearsome performance with that wind-in-your-hair thrill. Jack Evans has been finding out what it’s like

WHAT IS IT?

A company like McLaren isn’t one to rest on its laurels. So while it dealt out a killer blow to competitors with the 765LT Coupe, it hasn’t wasted any time in creating a drop-top version to appeal to even more buyers – the 765LT Spider. Incorporating the same mad-hat engine as the coupe version, but with the added flexibility of a folding metal roof, the Spider aims to be an ever-soslightly more road-focused model compared with its track-devouring stablemate. So, what does this £310,000, 205mph Spider bring to the table?

WHAT’S NEW?

Obviously, the most striking difference between this car and the Coupe is the addition of a folding carbon fibre roof. It’s a really striking piece of engineering – and one which works in that efficient and precise fashion you’d expect from McLaren.

But despite this addition, a variety of weight-saving measures – including a full titanium exhaust system which we’ll look at further on – mean the Spider tips the scales at only 49kg more than the Coupe. Plus, McLaren has given the Spider its own setup for steering and dampers, ensuring 58 | May 2022 | SO Magazine

that it feels slightly different to the fixed-top version.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Needless to say, the 765LT Spider has performance on its side. It uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 755bhp and 800Nm of torque, sending power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. As a result, the Spider’s acceleration figures are impressive with 0-60mph coming in 2.7 seconds and 0-124mph taking just 7.2 seconds. Flat-out, it’ll do 205mph.

When it comes to efficiency,

things aren’t quite as bad as you might expect. Sure, this is no ultra-efficient plug-in hybrid, but 23mpg combined isn’t all that atrocious, and during our time with the car, we actually exceeded that.

Emissions stand at 280g/km.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The first thing you notice with the 765LT Spider is the noise – and boy, what a noise it is. Even with the roof in place, the titanium exhaust gives the V8 engine a proper edge, rasping as it starts up at the press of a button. But moving off, the ride quality seems

to contrast this race feel, with the 765LT’s dampers soaking up the worst of the bumps impressively well. It’s even comfortable on the motorway.

But find a clear stretch of open road ahead of you and it’s a car that’ll gain pace with a fearsome hunger. However, this brutal acceleration is backed by wonderfully judged steering and powerful brakes. It feels slightly less nervous than the Coupe, which makes it into the ideal road car – albeit a massively fast one.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

Stripped back and lightweight, there’s not an awful lot of extra furnishing inside the cabin of the 765LT Spider. Our car came with super-lightweight carbon bucket seats – a £6,250 extra – which despite looking quite fearsome, are actually quite comfortable.

There’s Alcantara and carbon everywhere you look, while the thinrimmed steering wheel is both great to look at and great to use too.

There’s not a lot of space for your things, mind you, though the 150-litre storage area under the bonnet is square and easy to access. There’s also an extra 58 litres under the tonneau, but whichever way you look at it, you’ll be travelling light.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? FACTS AT A GLANCE MODEL: McLaren 765LT Spider BASE PRICE: £310,500 MODEL AS TESTED: 765LT Spider ENGINE: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 POWER: 755bhp TORQUE: 800Nm MAX SPEED: 205mph 0-60MPH: 2.7 seconds ECONOMY (MPG): 23 EMISSIONS (CO2): 280g/km

At over £310,000, the 765LT Spider occupies a space at a very premium end of the motoring spectrum. Of course, a bulk of that price is going into the engineering and performance that this car offers, with the Spider’s huge acceleration and accurate handling feeling every bit what you’d expect from a car of this price.

Though air conditioning and the audio system are removed as standard, you can add these back in at no extra cost. You also get an eight-inch touchscreen display, but as we’ve found in other McLarens it’s clunky and doesn’t offer the same level of smartphone integration as you’d get from cars costing a tenth of what the Spider commands.

VERDICT

It’s often the case that the convertible version of a car is the lesser option. They can often be wallowy, a little inaccurate and not as engaging, which is why many enthusiasts lean towards hard tops.

However, this isn’t the case with the 765LT Spider – it’s just as involving as the Coupe, but feels more rounded and better suited to life on the road rather than the track. It’s exciting, dramatic to look at and brutally fast, which makes it one of the very best supercars around.

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