SO Magazine July 2022 by One Media

CULTURE:

Comedy value

The popular TW Fringe festival returns to town

FOOD:

Perfect recipe

Tom Kerridge's Pub in the Park is back for 2022

BUSINESS:

Material girl

We meet Sarah Castle of The Linen Ladder

STAR BAKER

RTW TOGETHER ANNOUNCES TASTE WELLS AS THE WINNER OF THE FIRST TUNBRIDGE WELLS CAKE OFF

July 2022

31B Hair

Let’s do our bit in caring for the planet from the start of the process. Let’s give our planet the respect it deserves and care for it together. THE PERFECT SYNERGY BETWEEN SCIENCE AND NATURE The secret behind the success of DÉNUÉE lies in the combination of science and nature. On the one hand, there’s AQUAGEL technology, an exclusive innovation by the Montibello laboratories which is a powerful water-based pigment release system that captures, retains and releases colour molecules in a gradual and controlled manner. The features of DÉNUÉE: DÉNUÉE is the first and only water-based, ammonia-free hair dye that recreates the colour and shine of natural hair DÉNUÉE offers an improved ammonia-free permanent colouring thanks to its revolutionary Aquagel technology that improves the quality of colour, independent of brightness, and avoids the risk of opacity, saturation and overbleaching

The way forward for 31B Hair 31B Hair was established five years ago and is in the heart of The Pantiles. Rod Prager, (owner and founder), was interviewed to find out his thoughts on the environmental and sustainable aspects of his business and how this is implemented in his boutique and bespoke hair salon. Rod is passionate about this topic hence, 31B Hair is accredited with the Green Salon Collective; Founded by environmental experts, hairdressers and eco campaigners, Green Salon Collective are the original authority on salon sustainability throughout the UK and Ireland. They recycle all aspects of a salon’s waste including used foils, empty colour tubes and even salon towels with 100% of any money raised from recycling salon’s raw materials, or new products made from their waste, going to charity. Another important aspect are the hair care products that 31B Hair use, on a day-to-day basis, and taking into consideration their impact on the environment. Rod said “Consumers want to be more informed when deciding which products to utilise and the hairdressing industry is no different. I offer my clients a large and diverse range of hair care products, (from colourings to serums), which I have personally chosen to work with. I am always on the lookout for partnering with products where not only are they the best at delivering the desired effect/s, but the environment, and sustainability, are also at the forefront of their core values.” He continued to say “Choosing the best environmentally friendly products, e.g., vegan alternatives, is a logical way forward to help the impact on the environment. Another advantage is that you do not have to be a vegan to enjoy the benefits of the range either!” To this end, Rod is excited to be partnering with the brand, Montibello, who have created a marketleading, ammonia-free permanent hair colouration product called DÉNUÉE:

MONTIBELLO REINVENTS HAIR COLOURING WITH DÉNUÉE

Can you imagine hair dye so natural that no one can tell your hair is coloured? Montibello reinvents hair colouring with DÉNUÉE, the first and only water-based hair dye that delivers the colour and shine of natural hair. GO NATURAL At Montibello, we believe in what’s natural and a more sustainable world. This is why DÉNUÉE is committed to driving this change and minimising the impact on the environment in all its processes. DÉNUÉE signifies “devoid of any artificiality” and, with our new hair dye, we invite you to discover a new naturalness, a new way of understanding hair colouring.

DÉNUÉE is an improvement in results: Precision and reliability with 100% natural mimetic results. A 100% sustainable, vegan and eco-friendly range It’s a new range with 76 shades that mimic the colour of natural hair DÉNUÉE is the vegan hair dye that improves hair and the planet Botanical treatment and soothing therapy: 8 botanical extracts that repair, seal and protect hair and scalp, giving better results in terms of chromaticity and sharpness of colour. 1 powerful therapeutic mineral, calamine, which soothes and protects the scalp for utmost comfort The 8 botanical extracts of DÉNUÉE are: calendula, magnolia, Japanese camellia, cherry blossom, centella asiatica, white tea, bamboo and peony With natural ingredients that protect, nourish, regenerate, and moisturise your hair Has reduced packaging, which is all recyclable. If you would like to learn more about the ranges we work with, or wish to book an appointment, please do not hesitate to get in contact. Interviewed by Claire Power

(01892) 544465 31b_hair 31bhair www.31bhair.com 31B Hair, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN2 5TD

Welcome

6 8 11

Culture vulture: what’s on where this month Party in the park: Paul Dunton previews the musical acts at Pub in the Park

elcome to the July edition of SO magazine. This month we are celebrating all the good things in life: cake, festivals and holidays - to name but a few. So let’s start with cake shall we? Last month saw The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee take place over the first weekend of June and we certainly got into the regal spirit of things! Our friends over at Royal Tunbridge Wells Together launched a fun Cake Off competition to mark Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne. The baking contest saw many of the town’s traders reach for their recipe books and grab their whisks to create a sweet treat to commemorate the grand occasion. Turn to page 11 to hear which of local cafes got involved and who ended up being crowned the inaugural winner! Talking of the Platinum Jubilee we also take a look back at some of the borough’s 70 parties for Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years on page 17. There’s also a feature on all the Americana inspired action at the Black Deer which successfully returned after a Covid-induced

absence of three years (p15). We’re very pleased to tell you that it also turned out to be the best one yet. Roll on 2023! Staying on the subject of festivals, this month we welcome Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park back to Dunorlan over the weekend of July 8 – 10. Turn to page 32 for our exclusive chat with the Michelin star chef and TV presenter to see who else will be cooking up a storm this year. On page 8 our music guru Paul Dunton gives us the lowdown on which musical acts will be taking to the stage. They include both big stars like Supergrass and Sophie Ellis Bextor as well as some of our favourite local ones such as Sun Charmer and The Charlie Rivers Band. As it’s nearly the school holidays our thoughts naturally turn to getting away from it all. This month we have a variety of escape ideas from weekend glamping at Bewl (p35), to luxury accommodation courtesy of Bloom Stays, (p51) and the ultimate island hopping trip around Greece (p56). So grab your shades and sunscreen and enjoy the issue!

contents July 2022

Rise to the occasion: RTW’s first Cake Off competition launches in honour of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

15 19 21 25

Back to Black: Celebrating the return of the Americana festival Black Deer to Eridge Park

success

Say cheers: The first Wine Garden of England festival toasts its inaugural

Love where you live: Food blogger Adam Brown tells us why he’s passionate about Tunbridge Wells

Food for thought: Jess Gibson meets the coowners of a local grocery store with a differenceP26 Take to the stage: Local playwright Cameron Corcoran tells us about his new West End play Mosquito

An in tents experience: We discover the luxurious yurts at Bewl Water – perfect for a glamping getaway

37 39

Education news: A round up of our local schools’ news Appetite for life: Karen Martin on how to control calories

GET IN TOUCH Salomons Estate Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk @somagazines SoMagazines @SoMagazines

Published by

DESIGN David Sexton EDITORIAL Karen Martin Naomi Murray Tim Sykes Molly Miller PHOTOGRAPHY Emily Harding SALES advertising@onemediauk.co.uk PRINTING Mortons Print

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.

Holistic must-haves: The essential eco products you need in your beauty regime Fabric of life: Why The Linen Ladder is your new go-to for prints

53 56 58

Glass act: Tim Sykes of Garden Proud on the practicality of a greenhouse in your garden

THE TEAM

ISSUE 165

The eyes have it: Optician James Edney on how to pick the best shades for summer

Home from home: Looking for an ideal bespoke getaway to suit your holiday needs? Look no further than Bloom Stays

Eileen Leahy Editor SO magazine

EDITOR Eileen Leahy eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk

42 45 47 48 51

Hands on healing: We meet specialist Reiki master Emma Sims

29 30

Fringe fever: We welcome back the TW Fringe festival to town

Mum’s the word: Meet the hilarious Scummy Mummies who are appearing at the Assembly Hall as part of TW Fringe

Natural approach: Botanica’s Naomi Murray reveals some alternative remedies for IBS

Hop to it: We take a trip island hopping around Greece Drive of your life: Test drive the new Toyota GR86

Tasty treats: SO magazine meets celebrity chef Tom Kerridge who tells us all about Pub in the Park

Photo © hartley-botanic

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 5

Calendar

Molly Miller’s edit of the month’s most entertaining events happening in July Girls’ night out JULY 13

Bring your passports and bikinis because we’re off on holiday! From the writers and producers of Hormonal Housewives and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, legendary Maureen Nolan, Julie Coombe and Josephine Partridge team up in Housewives on Holiday - a brand new comedy set to tour the UK. On July 13 at the Assembly Hall Theatre, the ladies will romp through a tapas selection of holiday heaven, holiday hell but most of all holiday hilarity. So, call the girls, slap on the fun factor 50 and prepare for take-off, because the Housewives are on Holiday! Standard tickets cost £31.50 and are available from assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/ whats-on/housewives-on-holiday

Strictly come Dancing stars unite

Ready to party? JULY 8-10

Get ready for the hottest foodie destination this summer. Pub in the Park returns to Tunbridge Wells’ Dunorlan Park from July 8-10 as locals get ready to celebrate the best of what the best British pubs offer : award-winning food, banging live music, and delicious drinks. With a lineup of favourite hitmakers such as Professor Green, Melanie C and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, ticket holders are in for a cracking day that will kickstar t summer in true British fashion. To book tickets visit pubintheparkuk.com 6 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

DID YOU KNOW? Eric Carle’s most famous children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar celebrated its 50th Birthday in 2019 and has been translated into more than 60 languages including Arabic, Hebrew and Portuguese.

JULY 11

BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s best-loved dancers are back! On July 11, Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice join forces at the Assembly Hall Theatre for their hit tour – Him & Me. A true dance extravaganza for all ages, the Ballroom King and the two-time Guinness World Record holder will be joined by a cast of world class performers as they bring their audience a collaboration of dance, song and light-hearted fun. For the ultimate entertaining night out, you can book your tickets from £43.00 on assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/ whats-on/anton-giovanni

What the Dickens!

Love, marriage And lies

Inspired by Charles Dickens’ classic novel Great Expectations, a groundbreaking new play, Estella will be captivating audiences on July 14 and 15 at Trinity Theatre. Diving straight to the heart of literature’s most mysterious heroine – Estella – three actor-musicians are set to lead a radical re-imagining of her story set against a backdrop of live music and song. Expect plenty of emotion and a great deal of drama during this haunting yet spectacular production. Tickets cost £18 and concessions are available.To book visit http:// www.trinity theatre.net

What better way to lift your spirits than to see Shakespeare’s best loved comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor? Facsimile Productions return to Penshurst Place on July 15 for an evening of true entertainment. The talented cast will perform on the South Lawn and guests are encouraged to bring their own seating and a blanket or two as they watch the production overlooking the beautiful Italian garden. Doors open at 5:30pm and an array of delicious food will be available to purchase from the bar before it’s curtains up at 7pm. But don’t hang around when it comes to buying tickets, the popular production sold out very quickly in 2021! Visit events.liveit.io/penshurstplace-gardens/outdoor-theatrethe-merry-wives-of-windsor/ to book yours.

JULY 14 & 15

JULY 15

Calendar

Child’s play

A musical journey

JULY 18 - 19

JULY 30 From July 18 to 19, Eric Carle’s bright and colourful world will be brought to life using a collection of 75 loveable puppets and charming music. Featuring titles loved by every child, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear, 10 Little Rubber Ducks, The Very Lonely Firefly and of course, the star of the show, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, the beautiful production will make for the perfect day out for the little ones. The vibrant celebration will cost parents just £14 and will be held at the EM Forster Theatre. emftheatre.ticketsolve.com/ shows/1173623275

Get on the lycra And let loose

DID YOU KNOW? David Bowie was voted fourth in the BBC’s Culture Show public vote in 2006 to discover Britain’s greatest living icons. Above him were Sir Paul McCartney (3), Morrissey (2) and Sir David Attenborough at number one.

Let’s dance! JULY 16

JULY 15 - 17

Dance by night and enhance your wellbeing by day – the UK’s first fitness festival is back! LoveFit, takes place in the grounds of the St Clere Estate in Sevenoaks and combines fitness and wellbeing with a passion for music. Over the weekend of July 15 - 17 participants can exercise like they never have before, joining mass workouts including cycling, pole fitness, HIIT classes and so much more. After an utterly feel-good morning, the festival transcends into a night of partying as revellers hit the dancefloor for an evening of live music and the hottest DJ sets. Of course, alcohol will be served along with a range of mouth-watering food to keep you well fuelled and energised throughout the event. This three-day adventure is perfect for total beginners and fitness freaks alike, and tickets can be bought on lovefitfestival. com/tickets

On July 16, the sensational Bowie Experience takes to the stage at the Assembly Hall Theatre in this spectacular concert celebrating the sound and vision of David Bowie. A must see for all Bowie fans, ticket holders can expect to enjoy all the hits from A to Ziggy. Set to amaze yet another audience, the renowned production brings outstanding attention to detail as they celebrate the golden years of the music legend. Prices increase with demand so book early and don’t miss out! assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/ whats-on/bowie-experience-1

Comedy gold JULY 21

A.H. Artistes presents: The Rod Stewart Songbook – an outstanding theatre production featuring Pete McCall, Europe’s foremost tribute act. The sensational theatre production is set to celebrate the music and career of Rod Stewart, one of rock music’s greatest legends on July 30. Along with McCall’s impeccable band, ticket holders will be taken on a musical journey spanning 50 years, featuring unforgettable hits including Maggie May and Baby Jane, all 100 per cent live creating an electric atmosphere like no other. You are guaranteed a night you will never forget and will feel as though you have not just seen a show but have experienced Rod himself. For tickets and more information, visit assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/ whats-on/the-rod-stewartsongbook

Celebrating culture JULY 24

On July 21 popular comedian Jason Manford arrives in Tunbridge Wells with his new stand-up show Like Me. “In these trying times it’s always important to be able to get away for a couple of hours and exercise the old chuckle muscle,” Jason says. The Absolute Radio star will have you laughing all night long as he promises to bring hilarious, laugh-outloud material to the Assembly Hall Theatre. To find out more about this event and ticket prices, visit assemblyhalltheatre. co.uk/whats-on/ jason-manford

On July 24, The Tunbridge Wells Mela returns to Calverley Grounds between 12pm and 6pm for a cultural celebration from around the world. Marking its 16th year, the festival of music, visual arts, food and dance, both on and off stage, is set to be a sure hit for all ages. The event is a free community celebration of the beautiful diversity within our borough and has been organised by Cohesion Plus with the support of local partners. For more information, visit tunbridgewells mela.com

DID YOU KNOW? Rod Stewart has had six consecutive number one albums in the UK and his tally of 62 UK hit singles includes 31 that reached the top ten, six of which gained the #1 position.

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 7

Music

Let’s party!! Our music guru Paul Dunton reveals the incredible music line up, which includes local acts, at this year’s Pub in the Park happening from July 8-10…

ne of the main highlights of the Tunbridge Wells summer events calendar is the annual Pub in the Park festival. Celebrity chefs Tom Kerridge and Simon Rimmer will be hosting this year’s event which will be held once again in Dunorlan Park July 8 -10. The festival has a relaxed family friendly atmosphere and in addition to the superb live music on offer, there are plenty of other activities taking place including numerous chef demonstrations, top quality shopping and a children's area to keep the little ones entertained. This year the music line up is quite something with Faithless (DJ Set) headlining the Friday evening and the queen of the kitchen disco Sophie Ellis Bextor also on the bill. Saturday afternoon is headlined by feelgood pop-rock band The Feeling and followed by ultimate rock ‘n’ roll tribute act Noasis. Saturday night promises to be incredible

with English rock royalty Supergrass topping the bill alongside renowned British rapper and songwriter Professor Green. Sunday is headlined by none other than Melanie C of The Spice Girls. In the build up to her set there will be performances from reggae sensation Aswad and house and garage duo DJ Luck & MC Neat. But the really exciting news is that also in the music mix will be four Local & Live acts who have been chosen to perform on the main stage at this year’s event. Opening for Faithless and Sophie Ellis Bextor will be up-and-coming local band Two Weeks In Nashville. The fourpiece have enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last two years and have performed all over the UK supporting the likes of The Hoosiers on numerous occasions. Their high energy pop/rock sound takes influence from the likes of The Killers, U2 and Kasabian. “Two Weeks In Nashville drummer Ian Wilson says: "This

gig is going to be amazing! We are so excited! Opening for Sophie Ellis Bextor and Faithless is a dream come true." Then on Saturday afternoon, popular local singer-songwriter Charlie Rivers will be taking to the stage before The Feeling and tribute band Noasis. Charlie's songs are rich in pop sensibilities and he is inspired by the likes of Jason Mraz, George Ezra, Dave Matthews Band and Paulo Nutini. “Pub in the Park will be my highest profile gig to date,” says Charlie. “I cannot wait to share the stage with so many iconic music stars, I have butterflies already!” Ramping up the grooves on Saturday night will be local rockers Suncharmer. The popular local four-piece are due to headline The Tunbridge Wells Local & Live Music Festival in August at Calverley Grounds and will be opening for Supergrass and Professor Green. Suncharmer's dynamic sound fuses an array of influences which span the generations from The Beatles and The Rolling

Stones through to The Artic For all the local acts, it is an incredible opportunity to Monkeys and Blossoms. showcase their music on a Suncharmer front man Paul professional festival stage in front Crisp is super excited about of thousands of people in their performing: “We are so pumped home town. As an independent about playing Pub in the Park! The main stage is incredible and musician myself, I can definitely say on behalf of all the acts, we features a world class line up, we all feel very elated and fortunate can’t wait to open for Professor to have been invited to play, Green and Supergrass. To these are the type of play is a real honour gigs you dream and privilege!” about and nothing And I am is more delighted to “This year the music motivating then announce that knowing you my own group line up at Pub in the have a world The Paul Park really is quite class act Dunton something” following your Orchestra has performance. been invited to Time to get open the Sunday rehearsing! Huge sessions. We are thanks to Tom Kerridge and absolutely thrilled to be his team, I think it’s a wonderful warming up the crowd for the thing that Local & Live will be likes of Melanie C, Aswad, DJ represented at Pub In The Park. Luck & MC Neat. We have lots of new songs to play and will be You can find out more about the bringing a lively mix of our cinematic pop style songs to Pub festival and grab your tickets at www. in the Park. pubintheparkuk.com

Music

WHICH LOCAL BANDS TO SEE AT PUB IN THE PARK

THE CHARLIE RIVERS BAND: JULY 9 AFTERNOON SESSION “The Charlie Rivers band started in late 2008, and we have been through many different versions and line-ups between then and now. Our current one is a five-piece acoustic rock band and includes the band’s founder Charlie Rivers on lead vocals and guitar, Ashley Rushman on drums, Dalma Gebe on violin, Steve Mealing on bass and Wayne Brummer playing lead guitar. American and country bands heavily influence us but we play a very wide variety of styles. Some of our influences include Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Pearl Jam, Coldplay and Luke Coombs.” @thecharlieriversband www. thecharlieriversband.com

Photo © Grim Valentine Freelance

Photo © Nigel Martin Photography

THE PAUL DUNTON ORCHESTRA: JULY 10 AFTERNOON SESSION “I like to describe us as a unique cross-over orchestra providing an atmospheric fusion of alternative and pop with a classical twist. We take influences from lots of artists including Pink Floyd, Elbow, ELO, Turin Brakes, Massive Attack, Damien Rice and also a few contemporary composers such as Samuel Barber, Ludovico Einaudi, John Barry and Hans Zimmerman. The Orchestra also performs some of my own original compositions too. The line-up consists of 8 violins, 4 cellos, a guitar, flute, bass and percussion with Paul on vocals and piano, Charlotte Andrew and Poppy Raine as lead vocalists.” @paulduntonorchestra www. paulduntonandguests.com

TWO WEEKS IN NASHVILLE: JULY 8 EVENING SESSION “Two Weeks in Nashville is made up of Billy LeRiff, Marc Deluca and Ian Wilson. We’ve been playing together for three years and our sound takes the nostalgia bands of our childhood such as U2, Coldplay, Pulp, The Rolling Stones and The Killers, all set to a modern palette. We also look up to current artists such as Sam Fender and Inhaler. We came up with our band name after spending two weeks in Nashville. That trip really defined who we were in terms of songwriting and our band’s ethos, so it seemed only right to reflect that in the name.” @Two Weeks In Nashville www. twoweeksinnashville.com

SUNCHARMER: JULY 9 EVENING SESSION “We are a four-piece indie rock band consisting of Paul Crisp (vocals/guitar), Josh Brice (guitar), Sam Dann (bass) and Jasper Morris (drums). We have been writing and performing our own material since we were brought together on a lonely Valentine’s Day in 2016. Our sound combines influences from both music and film to create a vibrant blend of modern indie injected with 70s riff-rock and surf music. A few of our main influences include The Arctic Monkeys, Royal Blood, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin and T. Rex.” @suncharmerband www. suncharmerband.co.uk.

Paul Dunton

Music Editor Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 9

Cover feature

SOULSTICE

Colebrook Park, Tunbridge Wells

MAFALDA / Sfven / Tamzene Special Guest DJ (TBA)

All Day Breakfast cafe / Bee-sides / Cable! / dat brass Laelo black / liv johnson / mantissa / Marie White marla kether / mas que nada bros / ollie mcglashan / reviveheR rhys b2b Dj goodwill / saachi / Scarlett o’malley shalea / soulstice residents / theon bower / t.s.k

Plus more artists TBA

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Cover feature

To commemorate The Queen’s 70-year reign on the throne, Royal Tunbridge Wells Together launched the town’s first ever Cake Off over the bank holiday weekend last month. Here SO magazine discovers why so many traders in Tunbridge Wells got all fired up to be in with a chance of winning this fun competition which helped to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee…

Photos © Royal Tunbridge Wells Together

s s e c c u S t e Swe

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 11

Cover feature

“The chosen cake was an ‘Elizabeth’ vanilla sponge, with strawberry jam and rose water icing and decorated with edible rose petals and a white crown”

radio network KMFM. The chosen cake was an ‘Elizabeth’ vanilla sponge which was layered with strawberry jam and rose water icing and decorated with edible rose petals and a white crown. On winning the overall Cake-Off competition, Taste Wells founder, Sarah, who entered along with husband Derek and collaborating partner, Chef ’s Pantry, said: “We’re really, really chuffed, I told the team and they were all really pleased, it’s been amazing. “We’ve worked with Chef ’s Pantry for 15 years now. It’s just been great to take part, alongside so many other businesses, it’s just brilliant – hopefully it’ll be

Ruby’s of London

The Tunbridge Wells Hotel

aste Wells of Royal Victoria Place shopping centre have beaten The Pantiles traders to scoop the inaugural Royal Tunbridge Wells Cake Off trophy for 2022. Designed to support the town centre’s hospitality sector, while celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the Royal Tunbridge Wells Cake Off is the concept of the RTW Together Business Improvement District. It took place on Saturday June 4, from 11am-3pm, on The Pantiles, where members of the public had the chance to sample a variety of free ‘royal themed’ cakes – including three vegan varieties – and then vote for their favourite. Residents and visitors to the town

12 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

turned up in their droves to savour a taste of the brilliant bake offs created by our talented traders. After the votes had been counted Taste Wells were declared the cream of the crop – amazingly by just ONE VOTE, narrowly beating rivals The Zero Waste Company, located on The Pantiles, and their Pimm’s and orange entry. The Cake Shed, also on The Pantiles, came in as a close third. Other Cake-Off contestants included Ruby’s of London, on Monson Road, The Plant Base and Il Vesuvio both on the Camden Road, and the newly opened Bubba & Me, on Mount Pleasant. The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, also located on The Pantiles were another of the entrants and also supported the event which was hosted by Alex West from local

The Plant Base Il Vesuvio

Cover feature

something we can do on an annual there was a lot of fun with our chefs on stilts! Will there be a Cake basis, it’s good for the town, and Off 2023? Watch this plate!” for independent retailers. We’ll be Taste Wells were crowned on displaying the trophy in our shop! The Pantiles bandstand at 3pm, As a top of town business, taking and received the official Cake Off the title during an event on The glass trophy – which was specially Pantiles is the icing on the cake!” commissioned by the BID who And it was a double day of asked Glass by Claudia, based on celebrations for Taste Wells, who Monson Road, to create the also marked 18 years since they impressive piece. first opened on June 4 in 2004! In partnership with the The inaugural Cake Off event Tunbridge Wells Hotel, the also featured live music from winning business also won vintage jazz band Miss an overnight stay for Kiddy and the Cads, as two in the venue’s well as music from honeymoon suite. KMFM. Other Owner of the attractions “Taste Wells were Tunbridge Wells included free face declared the cream of Hotel, Julian painting for the crop – amazingly by Leefe-Griffiths, children, with said: “It’s great to donations collected just ONE VOTE” have a Tunbridge for local food bank Wells Cake Off. The charity, Nourish. months of May and BID Director SarahJune are always, I think, the Jane Adams, who was on most beautiful summer months!” hand to check who was whipping Fellow contestant Geff Stone, of up the dessert of dreams, told SO the Plant Base, added: “It’s great to magazine: “We’re so pleased at the have been part of the Cake Off! response the Cake Off has had We love these events that bring the – we were overwhelmed with town together – we were proud to visitors and despite having such a have joined our fellow traders and large quantity, ran out of cake enjoyed being part of such a much quicker than anticipated! friendly competition!” “It was exciting to see so many RTW Together produced a people of all generations sampling ‘cakeumentary’ film in the run up cake from across the town centre to the competition, created by and hearing about hospitality Camden Road resident Simon names they hadn’t been to before, Cossons. The idea was to follow and for families to enjoy the free the participating businesses as they face painting and live music –

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: Taste Wells winning creation

Zero Waste Company

The Cake Shed

Taste Wells

prepared for baking battle, and to also create a souvenir booklet showcasing not just those taking part, but other town centre coffee and cake stops, such as Fine Grind, Momentum, Crumbs and Treacle, Black Dog Café, Kumquat Café, Hotel Chocolat, “It’s great to have Maderia cake The Pantiles Café, been part of the Cake and from Larratt & Hudsons Bistro Off! We love these Co, Chapel Place. and Emilio’s The RTW Coffee. A events that bring the Together Business thousand copies town together” Improvement were then given District literally also away at the Cake Off flew the flag for the event in order to help Platinum Jubilee weekend promote each hospitality and the town’s local traders by venue and create a sense of supplying all the red, white and collaborative cohesion with the blue bunting that was put up along town’s many traders. The Pantiles. All in all they The promotional team also put ensured that The Queen’s on a taster event in Royal Victoria Platinum Jubilee celebrations were Place shopping centre on Friday a weekend to remember here in June 3, 11-3pm, promoting the Tunbridge Wells….. event and giving away free cherry

WATCH THE OFFICIAL RTW VIDEO

Scan the qr code or visit youtu.be/muTvlFyjI0E

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 13

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14 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

social scene

Photo © Caitlin Mogridge

South hern T comffort Photo © Nigel Martin Photography

housands descended on Eridge Park last month to be part of the Black Deer Festival after it returned following a two-year hiatus. The celebration of all things Americana ran from June 17 to 19 with over 100 acts including Imelda May, Jake Bugg, James, Noble Jacks, The Water Boys, The Dead South and Van Morrison all taking to the event’s numerous stages. In

addition to the fantastic live music on offer there was a wealth of great Southern style food to enjoy and plenty of kids’ activities to keep little Black Deer devotees entertained. According to the festival’s organisers over 18,000 people attended therefore surpassing all expectations and ensuring the festival, which was established in 2018 by Gill Tee and Deborah Shilling, returns for summer 2023.

Photo © Caitlin Mogridge

Photo © George Harrison

Photo © Caitlin Mogridge

Photo © George Harrison

Photo © Caitlin Mogridge

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 15

social scene

Soul

searching

Soulstice Festival, the flagship event of The Soulstice Collective, will take place across Friday September 2 and Saturday September 3 at Colebrook Lakes, just on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells. SO magazine discovers what makes this music and arts festival so special…

16 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

Founded in 2018 by brothers Jamie and George Oyebode who grew up in Reigate, Surrey, Soulstice Festival proudly supports the RNLI and Young Minds, having raised £12,000 to date. The two brothers built the festival from channeling a devastating situation into a force for good. In July 2012, Charlie Hutton, a dear family friend to George and Jamie, tragically lost his life in a motorboat accident. George and a friend were on the boat and the RNLI saved their lives in the rescue effort and they will forever be grateful for their service. Subsequent and other personal experiences between the two brothers and their friends is integral to why they believe in the importance of raising awareness around mental health. They are devoted to ensuring the next generation receive the best support possible. The Soulstice Collective keeps value and purpose at the centre of everything it does and the festival represents this. From its diverse line-up, to supporting local artists, to its inclusive ethos, Soulstice creates a community which welcomes all those who want to be part of it, regardless of background. Our event showcases the best emerging talent on the UK scene right now. From disco to jazz, to DJs to acoustic, the Soulstice line-up has you covered. Spanning across two stages and a tent, it champions grassroots acts from across the

CONTACT INFORMATION Tickets are available through Eventbrite: eventbrite.co.uk/e/ soulstice-festival-2022tickets Check out the Soulstice Instagram and Facebook pages: @the_soulstice_collective

nation. Headliners this year include Tamzene, Sfven and Mafalda and a special guest DJ - to be announced soon. Local singers such as winner of the 2019 Emerging Talent Competition Marie White is also on this year’s line-up. Acts taking to the Soulstice stages are also playing across other major festivals throughout the summer. Many have just recently played Glastonbury, The Great Escape and Cross the Tracks and will then go on to appear at Latitude, Houghton and Lost Village so this is your chance to see them perform in one of the UK festival’s most intimate settings. With fantastic food on offer from Brazil, Ethiopia and Mexico as well as a bar serving spirits and beverage,s sourced in different regions in Africa, you will be transported to a blissful world not just from the music but in experience and aesthetic. Soulstice keeps diversity and appreciation of different cultures at its heart. Previous attendees of Soulstice have described it as the ‘highlight of their year’ and their ‘best moment of 2021’ and we cannot wait to top that this year. Everyone who has joined the Soulstice community feels the special power behind its strong values, positive culture and great atmosphere and we can’t wait to welcome everyone this year. Soulstice’s ethos of ‘arts for good’ is kept at the heart of everything they do and the festival is the flagship event for this.

social scene

By y roy yal APPOINTMENT

he Platinum Jubilee weekend saw the borough of Royal Tunbridge Wells in full-on celebratory mood. Official proceedings kicked off on Friday June 3 with a military parade taking place in the town centre at the War Memorial which was attended by the Mayor and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Kent and thousands of local residents. This was then followed by a huge procession up through the town to Dunorlan Park where huge numbers of residents enjoyed live music and picnics as part of the Big Jubilee Lunch. Elsewhere bunting was put up, trestle tables were laid out and roads were closed so 70 street parties, marking 70 years of The Queen’s reign could take place across the borough over the bank holiday weekend. Special beacons were also lit in numerous local places as part of a na-tional ‘chain’ on Thursday evening (June 2) linking villages, towns and cities across the UK to mark this momentous occasion. SO Magazine | July 2022 | 17

To learn more visit www.vinehallschool.com

#WeAreVinehall

social scene

he first ever Wine Garden of England Summer Festival recently took place. The event, which was attended by over 1,000 guests, was a fabulous celebration of Kent wine, and took place in the beautiful surroundings of Squerryes Court in Westerham. All the wineries who form part of the Wine Garden of England organisation were present on the day and included Balfour, Biddenden, Chapel Down, Gusbourne, Simpsons, Squerryes and Westwell. Each vineyard had a tasting tent set up within the grounds where visitors could find out more about them and enjoy their delicious wine tastings. The day was soundtracked to a live jazz band and there was delicious food on offer too. “The response to our amazing wines was overwhelming and we can't wait to do it again next year,” said the event’s organiser Jo Smith of Wine Garden of England. SO readers can sign up for emails on future events by visiting www.winegardenofengland.co.uk SO Magazine | July 2022 | 19

35 Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1LS 01892 517986

w w w. e d n e y a n d e d n e y. c o m

I SEE CLEAR VISION

through Nikon spectacle lenses

Community

The Shuffle House

What’s the night life like where you live? There’s such a fantastic variety of pubs and bars in Tunbridge Wells – some of my favourites are The Guinea (best happy hour in town), the Wine Rooms and Saint John’s Yard. I also love disco music and Boogie Nights at The Forum is always a fun and joyful night.

This month we chat to Adam Brown of the popular @goodfood_tw Instagram and foodie blog about where he likes to eat, drink, socialise, shop and relax in Tunbridge Wells…. Where do you live? I’ve lived in Tunbridge Wells my whole life and moved to a few different areas during that time. I spent a decade in the St John’s area but recently moved to The Pantiles’ end of town. I love it but I will miss being so close to the fantastic independent restaurants, pubs and cafés of St John’s! What made you decide to move elsewhere in Tunbridge Wells? I wanted a change after a decade in St John’s, and a really great property came on the market. I’m extremely excited to be better located for nights spent at the best restaurants and bars on The Pantiles, Chapel Place and the High Street. Where’s your favourite shop? We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic independent shopping in Tunbridge Wells, it’s so hard to choose just one! As a passionate foodie, I love visiting Fuller’s Butchers for high-quality fresh meat, as well as The Cheese Shop on St John’s Road for a fantastic selection of delicious dairy. Where’s the best place to go for a Sunday stroll? Hurst Woods, which is a short stroll off Reynolds Lane, is a beautiful wooded area that I’ve enjoyed exploring over the past few years. There’s usually a mix of dog walkers, joggers and families exploring the vast area of woodland. It’s a beautifully peaceful place to enjoy some local nature an unwind for an hour or two.

The best place to get a cup of coffee? Being in St John’s, I usually get my takeaway coffees from Even Flow. The team there are so friendly and the oat milk hot chocolates are so rich and divine during the winter months! My local now will be Fine Grind, which I’m of course ecstatic about.

“I really believe Tunbridge Wells is the best place to live in the South East – as a foodie, the local food scene is incomparable and highly diverse. Also, the sense of community here is one of the town’s biggest strengths”

Where do you take people when they come to visit? We’ll usually start down on The Pantiles with breakfast at Framptons before walking up the High Street, through Calverley Grounds and up to Dunorlan. Oh, and with a couple of pub stops en-route of course!

Where’s your favourite place to eat locally? As a food blogger this is the question I get asked most often! It really depends on my mood and what I’m craving at the time to be honest. I’m a big fan of the Shuffle House on St John’s Road for their delicious Neapolitan pizzas and South American tapas, Kai’s Kitchen for the always-faultless Thai dishes and Kiko for the wonderful atmosphere and highquality (but inexpensive) sushi. Are there any nice views nearby? One of my favourite places for beautiful views is Broadwater Warren nature reserve. It’s a lovely place to explore and see a large variety of birds and wildlife. If you’re looking to relax and unwind, where’s your favourite place to go? Honestly I’d simply say a pub or restaurant! A delicious meal with

fantastic company and even-better wine is my way of unwinding after a stressful day. Where’s the best place to meet? The Pantiles on a sunny afternoon or evening is my favourite place to socialise with friends. I love it when all of the tables outside the restaurants and cafés are full and there’s a buzzy atmosphere all around. What do you do when you spend a weekend or day off in the local area? I’ll usually catch up with a couple of friends over brunch and then head out to one of the local villages or parks for a stroll around before heading out for dinner in the evening. Why do you love where you live? I really believe Tunbridge Wells is the best place to live in the South East. As a foodie, the local food scene is incomparable and highly diverse, with huge support from residents (myself included) for independent eateries. The sense of community is one of the biggest strengths of the town and I’m very lucky to know lots of fantastic people who are passionate about continuing to keep this as an amazing place to live. @goodfood_tw

The Wine Rooms

Even Flow

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 21

Student loan changes: how to support your child Upcoming changes to student loan repayments could make it even more important to have a solid financial plan in place for funding your child or grandchild’s university education. The proposals, which are due to come into

effect from September 2023, could add to the financial pressures that many of today’s young people already face. Here, we explain the impact of the changes, and how you can make a difference to your child’s future financial security.

Student loan changes explained

Building a solid plan

Currently, graduates in England begin paying back their student loans once they earn more than £27,295 a year. Any outstanding debt is written off 30 years after they start repayments. For those starting courses from September 2023, the salary threshold at which they start repaying loans will fall to £25,000 and the repayment term will be extended to 40 years1. The interest rate on loans will reduce by up to three percentage points. The plans mean that the proportion of graduates who are expected to repay their loans in full will rise from around a quarter to 70%, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies2. Its analysis suggests graduates with “below average but not the lowest” earnings (third and fourth decile of earnings) stand to lose the most, at around £28,000. This is because in many cases they won’t pay off their student loans, but will make repayments for ten years longer and on a larger chunk of their earnings than under the current system. Meanwhile, the highest earners would gain £25,000 on average because of the lower interest rate. The changes make it even more important to consider the best way of funding your child’s university education. For some families, student loans might still be the best course of action, whereas others may wish to pay for university out of savings. The approach that’s right for you will largely depend on your financial circumstances, but the first step is to understand how much university really costs.

If you wish to pay for your child or grandchild’s university education out of existing savings, make sure you understand how this could affect your own finances, both now and in the future. A financial adviser can give you a clear picture of the likely impact that paying for university would have on your future savings, as well as your income in retirement. This will help you decide whether it is affordable, and how to avoid neglecting your other financial goals. If your child is very young, another option is to set up a regular savings plan and build up money over time. If, for example, you invested £300 a month over 15 years, our analysis shows you could build up a pot worth just over £68,000, assuming an annual return of 3% after inflation and charges. This could cover three years’ worth of tuition fees in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, plus living costs, in 15 years’ time. With interest rates currently very low, it’s extremely unlikely you could achieve this rate of return from a cash savings account. Investing a portion of your money in the stock market will give it the opportunity to grow over the long term. Although the stock market is volatile, history shows that over periods of ten or more years it tends to perform more strongly than cash, thereby boosting your chances of making a valuable contribution towards your child’s university education.

True cost of university

Understanding how to pay for your child or grandchild’s university education isn’t always straightforward, and this is where taking some smart advice can help. An adviser will assess your personal and financial circumstances, and create a financial plan that suits the needs of both you and your family. This will help you feel confident you’re building a secure financial future for your children or grandchildren while remaining on track to meet your own goals.

Tuition fees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland currently cost up to £9,2501 per year, or £27,750 for a three-year course. For those who live in Scotland and go to university in Scotland, fees are £1,820 a year, but these are usually covered by Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)3. Additional expenses to consider include rent, bills, groceries, transport, going out, and course materials. In total, a typical UK student can expect to pay around £810 per month on living costs4. Assuming your child pays these costs for nine months of the year, this would add up to just under £22,000 for a three-year course or just over £29,000 for a four-year course (undergraduate degrees are typically three years, except in Scotland where they are usually four years). Depending on where your child goes to university, you could be looking at a total figure of around £50,000 – and that’s in today’s money. For families planning ahead, this figure could be closer to £67,000 in 15 years’ time, assuming an inflation rate of 2% per annum.

Next steps

Louise Shaw, Divisional Director T. 01892 739580 / E. louise.shaw@brewin.co.uk brewin.co.uk/royal-tunbridge-wells

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/fairer-higher-education-system-for-students-and-taxpayers ifs.org.uk/publications/15953 3 www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/finance/university-tuition-fees-and-financial-support-in-scotland 4 www.savethestudent.org/money/student-budgeting/what-do-students-spend-their-money-on.html 1 2

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. 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. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness. 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

BDM3909_2206_0.5

Calendar

Community

RST

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y t da en ur m at nt o S pm oi y t .30 pp da 5 A es – by Tu m ay n 0a d pe .3 on O 9 M & ay nd Su

Fused Glass for interior and outdoor spaces designed and made in Tunbridge Wells by Claudia Wiegand Artwork Home Accessories Personalised Gifts Jewellery Splashbacks Installations Bespoke Commissions Architectural Projects 3a Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1LS www.glassbyclaudia.com 24 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

SO Magazine | January 2021 | 5

Community

costs. We love local people, local food and our local community and have met the most amazing, talented people - many of whom are now life-long friends.

Two’s company The TN card is the Tunbridge Wells loyalty scheme which rewards shoppers for supporting local. This month its founder Jess Gibson chats to TN partners Vicki Fuller and Roo Purse - owners of The Little Green Pantry in the village of Lamberhurst THE LITTLE How do you know each other Vicki and Roo, you opened and how did the partnership your beautiful shop last year come about? and it already plays an integral We have known each other for a role in the life of the village. few years now. We worked Can you tell us more about together in our separate professions; what you offer? Roo as a nurse and Vicki as a The Little Green Pantry opened in paramedic for Hospice in the Weald. the centre of Lambehurst last During the first lockdown we would August and we offer a range of meet for our daily walk at local produce and handmade Dunorlan Park with our gifts. In our store you’ll dogs Bert and Poppy. find everything from One day Roo shared local artisan breads, a dream she’d had fruit and veg, milk in “We’re so much the night before glass bottles and more than just a shop, about being a florist, pantry essentials to we’re a community and Vicki said she’d local craft beers, always longed to spirits and wine, hub too” own a shop. A few houseplants and weeks later we found seasonal flowers and out that the Parish Office much more. We also in Lamberhurst was available support our wonderful and we thought why not take a community by offering a space to look? The rest, as they say, is history! craft and create, with regular competitions, special events and How would you describe your workshops. We are constantly business ethos? finding new suppliers so stock We feel passionate about the world changes frequently and we’ve we live in and providing sustainable plenty of new seasonal items products is part of our ethos.This is coming in. We will soon be offering why the little pantry is ‘Green’. We take away coffee too, which is use glass milk bottles that customers exciting.

GREEN PANTRY

LOCATION: The Lamberhurst Centre, High Street, Lamberhurst TN3 8EA VISIT FOR: Local produce, handmade gifts and events. MEMBER REWARD: 10% off full price purchases made in store.

Jess Gibson

Founder the TN Card

return to recycle back at the farm. All our packaging is either recyclable or has already been recycled. For example our houseplant pots are made from reused computer tech items. We are also in the process of getting a selection of food refills, where customers can bring their own containers for refill pantry supplies. We give our food waste each week to a Tunbridge Wells charity that supports low income families.

Why is local so important to you? We live in an amazing area with good quality, sustainable supplies all around us. We therefore wanted to gather as much as possible in one place to make life easier whilst supporting the local economy. It also benefits the environment, reducing packaging and transport

Speaking of community, tell us more your hub concept? Working as medical professionals through the pandemic, we both saw first-hand how isolation is a struggle for many. Making The Little Green Pantry a community hub was therefore paramount to both of us. While The Little Green Pantry is a farm shop, we are also a community hub to bring people together. For example, we have a free children’s library, we run children’s competitions and events and we also fundraise for our local hospice throughout the year. Lamberhurst loves Halloween so each year we create a village Halloween trail and scavenger hunt with goodies for the children and mulled wine for the adults! We host private events from Christmas wreath making to wine and gin tasting evenings. Do you live in Lamberhurst and how would you describe the village? Vicki lives in Lamberhurst while Roo is from Tunbridge Wells. Lamberhurst is a small and quaint village yet it has a large and spirited community, just how villages used to be. Everyone knows everyone and we support each other whenever possible. Why did you join the TN card and how do you reward members for supporting local? We joined on our opening day last August. We wanted to be involved as the TN card shares our ethos of supporting local. We give members a 10% discount on all our items. What is next in store for The Little Green Pantry? We have a lot of exciting new things in the pipeline! We have lots of fabulous events planned for July: a wine tasting with Yotes Court, a macrame workshop with TN card partner Hope & Cotton, a gin tasting with Birch Gin and a print making workshop. For more details and to book head to the events page of our website.

Culture

The stage

is set

could make a lot of money they weren’t, but it definitely peaked my initial interest! I’m no good at film writing. At university I discovered plays and I saw it as a really interesting art-form to discuss issues and look at contemporary society – Harold Pinter was bold and Jez Butterworth was lyrical: I liked these qualities. I enjoy telling stories and I guess I’m quite an opinionated person, so I felt writing plays was the best medium for me. You studied law – did this experience feed into your writing? I definitely think my law degree made me aware of lots of issues and so I’ve always wanted to critique and promote a conversation when I write. I like to observe people and listen to their stories, and I think this has helped me generate dialogue and understand a character’s journey when I write. How many plays have you written and had performed? I think I’ve written ten plays in total and this is the fourth that’s being performed. Plays are an acquired taste and your writing should get better, so I won’t be letting my early work see the light of day! They have to be entertaining, provocative and engaging, and I would only want to put a play on if it can create a conversation, an argument or an experience that won’t be forgotten. Anything not reaching that threshold is not worth the effort putting on for people to see. So far my writing has been pretty well received in London, we routinely get four star reviews for our plays: Lone Star Diner at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham, Stags at the Network

Local playwright and teacher Cameron Corcoran will see his new play Mosquito staged at the prestigious Seven Dials theatre in London’s West End from July 19 to 23. Here he tells Eileen Leahy all about it and reveals why he’s so passionate about playwriting So Cameron, let's start by you telling us a little bit about yourself… I’ve lived in Tunbridge Wells all my life, minus a brief stint in Sheffield, where I did my law degree. I have since been a teacher and have been writing and creating plays on the side. Outside of writing, I have a strong connection with the Tunbridge Wells rugby club, who are always amazing with me when it comes to providing rehearsal space – they’re like a family to their players and ex26 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

players. I also have a strong connection to Skinners’, my old school, and to this day lean on one of my former teachers, Craig Fleming, for help and guidance. He’s always there for his old students. I don’t feel any real need to leave Tunbridge Wells when it’s given me a lot. Have you always wanted to be a writer and if so, why? I’ve wanted to write since I was eighteen. I’ve always enjoyed films and I felt my imagination was creating good stories that

“I want to create a conversation, an argument or an experience that won’t be forgotten”

Theatre in Waterloo and Fault Lines at the White Bear Theatre in Kennington all did really well and I was really pleased with the reception received. How did the commission for putting Mosquito on at the Seven Dials come about? Rather coincidentally. An actor I worked with on a previous play of mine mentioned the Seven Dials Playhouse, which is a studio theatre in the West End). He said they were looking for new writing to programme. I thought I’d send my script in due to its relevance: it looks at mental health, gaslighting and the issues of breaking up with someone. Happily the theatre liked it. Can you briefly tell us about the plot line for Mosquito and what inspired it? Sadly, the play was inspired by my cousin’s taking of her

own life when she experienced these issues at the end of her breakup. I was angry and I felt a conversation needed to be had. So I wrote Mosquito. I think the story communicates these issues well. The theatre has been extremely supportive and so the play looks to be in amazing shape for the forthcoming performances in July. What do you think audiences will enjoy most about seeing the play? I like my plays being subtle, having a lot of subtext and of course some cutting lines that are often dry and laced in cruel humour. I like black comedies: I think they’re the closest genre to reality, often subtly showing an audience the issues in a play and how they are often overlooked in life. We ignore suffering in plain sight, don’t we? I like when someone leaves the theatre and they think about what they saw and interpret it in a certain way. Anything spelled out and thrown at the audience is no good – that’s not theatre. Fortunately, that’s not Mosquito, which will hopefully connect with the audience’s humour and emotion. It is at times a funny play but also a sad one that is painfully relevant in today’s society. How have rehearsals gone so far for the cast? The rehearsal process has gone pretty well. We have been lucky with the two actors cast in the play: Aoife Boyle and Matt Mella – both professionals with terrific experience and a confidence with the material that allows me to sleep at night. We’ve also got an immensely experienced director, Nicky Allpress, whose fidelity to the message of the play blends seamlessly with the requirement to entertain the audience. I know the story being told is the story I imagined. Things in the play can often change or

Culture

develop in the rehearsal room, but it’s only ever for the good of the play. I’m excited to see their interpretation played out on the stage.

The Production Company in association with Seven Dials Playhouse presents

Has putting on Mosquito been a learning curve for you? Something I learned early about writing a play is to not have an ego. No one wants it, no one needs it, and it only gets in the way of the story being told. Fortunately, I learnt the lesson the first time and so, if anything, I’ve further learned the brilliance of a play is entirely dependent on the collaboration of the people in the room. Things only get better when you lift the words off the page and discuss how best to move forward with the director and actors.

MOSQUITO by Cameron Corcoran

19 - 23 JULY .co .uk

“The rehearsal process has gone pretty well. We have been lucky with the actors cast”

Will you be touring Mosquito anywhere else after the run at Seven Dials? We have certainly invited a lot of theatres! We’d be very interested in moving the play to another location, whether it be in London or elsewhere. It’s quite difficult to bring a play to Tunbridge Wells though, so I would urge the Tunbridge Wells audience to venture to Charing Cross, if they want to come and see this play. They won’t be disappointed.

Is it your wish to go on and write more plays? I can’t help but write plays. I enjoy writing them and ideas always come from the world we’re living in. As long as I’m present and things move with the times, my writing will find new muses. What's next for Cameron Corcoran? We actually have another play of mine on in August. Wolf is on at the Cockpit, in Marylebone. This one considers domestic violence, but unlike Mosquito there isn’t too much humour; it’s a very serious play indeed. You can follow Cameron’s Instagram @Offmainstage, for more information on his writing, current and future projects.

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SO Magazine | July 2022 | 27

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Culture

TW Fringe

returns…

Words:Victoria Roberts

n event based on Edinburgh’s famous Fringe Festival returned to Tunbridge Wells on Sunday July 3 on the back of its success last year. TW Fringe, modelled on the world-famous Scottish capital’s arts festival, will see hundreds of events take place across Tunbridge Wells until July 17. The two-week extravaganza returns to scores of venues in the town ranging from local pubs to community halls, churches, The Forum and The Pantiles. There will be a mixture of

free and fee-paying attractions. Organisers say this year will see more artists, extra performances and new venues, in a sign that the carnival can outgrow its pandemic origins and become a permanent part of the Tunbridge Wells cultural scene. For 2022, there are some 170 events at 47 venues across the town, organiser Debbie King said. “Last year, a lot of creatives pulled together and started looking at all the amazing people we have in Tunbridge Wells. We also needed to get people back into our businesses

WHAT TO SEE AT THIS YEAR’S TW FRINGE FOR CHILDREN Cababarave! Thursday, July 14 at 2-4pm. Pitcher & Piano Live Bands Motor Raider. Saturday, July 16 at 6pm. Black Horse Pub Local singer-songwriter Biddle. Sunday, July 10 at 2pm. Brittens Music Shop COMEDY Thanyia Moore. Thursday, July 7 at 6:30pm. Zero Waste Company, Pantiles Scummy Mummies (Ellie Gibson & Helen Thorn). Thursday, July 15 at 7:30pm. The Assembly Hall theatre THEATRE A Midsummer Night’s Dream(ish). Friday, July 15 at 7pm. Tangier Wood The Comedy of Errors. Sunday, July 10 at 2:30, 6:30pm. Old Auction House.

“We have more venues – this – so many of them suffered as year, we are working at the well,” recalled Debbie, who also runs performing arts school The (1,000-seat) Assembly Hall, with the ‘Scummy Mummies’,” Talentz. Debbie noted. She works with Nell Price of Other new venues include Arty Farty, comedian Aimee Tangier Wood, Cooper, and a 10-acre Grace Simpson of chocolatier “This year TW Fringe private woodland near Goupie. are supporting The Pantiles, Stressing the Taylor Made Dreams, the Pitcher & way in which Piano on the multiFeagans and Church Road, location festival Refugease. We have Britten’s Music brought the several events just in Grove Hill town together, Road, and even Debbie added: for supporting these The Chapel “I’ve met including comedy hairdressers, businesses that I nights at Sankey's Chapel Place. never would During the have gone into and The Forum and two-week before. But it a fashion show at extravaganza, was all about Hotel Du Vin” acts and hope. performers will “In the first appear across year (2021), the town at venues from local there still ended up being pubs to community halls, restrictions, but two and a half churches, The Forum and The thousand people still ended up Pantiles. coming to see things. There will be a mixture of And, she said, the attraction free and fee-paying attractions. of the festival this year is its accessibility. “It’s affordable. You can go and see an awardwinning show. We’re helping businesses. We’re helping artists. Why is TW Fringe Seeing shows offers a win-winimportant for win all round.” Funding from RTW Tunbridge Wells? Together’s Business Improvement District – means It provides a diverse the festival now uses local programme of arts at a suppliers – strengthening the range of price to allow festival’s investment in the accessibility for everyone community, said Debbie. To provide paid work for local creatives To provide social and work experience opportunities for volunteers To bring the whole of Tunbridge Wells town centre together in a cultural community event To increase economic development for all local businesses To increase footfall in our town centre both from local residents and attracting visitors from outside To provide free street theatre and workshops to those who may otherwise not be able to access the arts To provide a stage for everyone inspiring a new generation of creatives to have the opportunity to grow To bring awareness to our chosen local charities through arts events

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 29

Culture

Double trouble As part of the TW Fringe Festival, Mums the Word presents comedy duo Scummy Mummies at the Assembly Hall theatre on Friday July 15. Eileen Leahy meets one half of the hilarious pair, Helen Thorn, (left) to find out more about their hit live show

head of speaking with Helen Thorn, one part of the brilliantly named stand-up duo Scummy Mummies, I’m feeling pretty stressed. I’ve just spent two hours waiting in my local hospital only to be told at the last minute that my appointment has been cancelled. Then, just before I’m due to dial Helen I receive a call from my son’s school telling me he’s had a fall in the playground and he needs collecting. ‘Argh – life!’ I yell before calling my husband to tell him to head to the school so I can chat to Helen. As her mobile rings I’m still feeling flustered and as soon as she picks up I blurt out how sorry I am for being late on the call, my words tumbling out in mainly the wrong order. “Oh, you poor darling,” Helen exclaims in her Aussie accent. “Those kind of nightmare days happen to all of us. Just don’t worry about it! That’s part of the pain and joy of being a parent,” she laughs. Ah, someone who actually understands the crazy world of being a parent – and a working one at that. But then again Helen and her comedy partner Ellie Gibson have based their hugely popular Scummy Mummies routine on, well just that - and in turn made it OK for others like myself to not worry about imperfect parenting. The duo met when their children were toddlers and after discovering a mutual frustration and shared humour of trying to battle through parenthood and life they launched a fortnightly podcast in 2013. The award-winning shows says Helen is how they came to start touring all over the UK including at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe and Hay Festival too. The pair have also published books and

30 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

been asked on prime time TV and radio programmes thanks to their popularity which sees them gigging until pretty much the end of this year. And one of those is happening here in Tunbridge Wells on July 15 at the Assembly Hall as part of the TW Fringe Festival which is now in its second year. But the pair – who are best known for parading around on stage in their trademark zip up catsuits – are already pretty familiar with Tunbridge Wells as some of their first cheerleaders early on in their career were Laura Swann and Natalie Mcilveen, two local sisters who run Mums the Word - a communications and events firm. They invited Helen and Ellie to Tunbridge Wells pre-pandemic and the duo proved so popular that they kept on inviting them back. “We’ve got to know Laura and Natalie over the years and they’re just divine - and brilliant to work with,” states Helen. “If they’re putting on an event you know it’s going to be a good one. They’re the most amazing organisers – we had a show with them that sold out in 7 minutes! They certainly know how to provide an amazing night out for women. Put it this way, you know you’re guaranteed a great night out if they’ve had anything to do with it as they go above and beyond.” So what can the good people of Tunbridge Wells expect from the Scummy Mummies’ show on July 15? “A joyous night out for a start,” giggles Helen. “Our style of comedy focuses on being less than perfect parents so the audience can expect a load of songs, sketches and stand-up. We have our own confessions about being parents but we also talk about us being women in our 40s, and all the

TICKET INFO: See The Scummy Mummies Show Friday July 15 7.30pm Assembly Hall Brought to you by Mum’s the Word, as part of the Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival, the hilarious Scummy Mummies are coming BACK to Tunbridge Wells,. It’s their first visit back to the town since 2019 and their last performance before they head up to the Edinburgh Fringe this summer. Tickets £20 assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

hilarious mishaps and adventures that happen because of all that. “We talk about body image and how our bodies are changing at this particular time, as well as the full spectrum of parenting. We include everything - from terrible baby shower gifts to dealing with terrible teenagers. When Ellie and I met, our kids were toddlers and now they’re either teenagers or heading there. And do you know what? That in itself is a completely different set of worries and joys! “But actually, being in your 40s you actually gain real strength. I think you’re more confident; you know who you are. The delight about our shows is that they give women the chance to get together, and it’s fair to say our audiences are always pretty lively! Our shows give people the chance to let go and know they are not alone.” Helen, who cites the likes of French & Saunders and Mel & Sue as comedy heroes, reveals the best kind of feedback she and Ellie receive from their shows is when audience members say that the comedians made them feel ‘normal’. “As parents we are very selfconscious. We’re living in an age where parenting is very public – you have people posting on social media about what crafts or baking they’re doing with their kids and I think we all feel slightly overwhelmed with guilt because we’re not being ‘that’ parent. We’re the ones who feed our kids Cheerios for dinner and say ‘that’ll do: they’re fed and they

know they are loved’!” The pair were pioneers of saying stuff people hadn’t dare say out loud to strangers until they zipped on their skintight catsuits and took modern day parenthood to task, ribbing it and being extremely candid about the pressures of parenting and not getting it right most of the time. As well as touring and writing books, over the last nine years, Helen and Ellie have seen their podcast and social media presence rocket. They’ve even launched a Scummy Mummies online merch shop which includes clutches with, you guessed it ‘Scum Bag’ emblazoned on them as well as ‘Gin Mugs’ and hoodies bearing the slogan ‘Good Yawning’. “We’ve written a new show every year and our inspiration comes from real life. Both of us keep little notebooks and scribble down observations. That can be the funny side of parenthood but also the more awkward situations as most of us know so much comedy comes from pain too. “I guess you could say that the essence of what we do is we bring lightness to the darkness. But we don’t take ourselves too seriously – we wear ridiculous gold catsuits for God’s sake! We are overtly silly and over the last couple of years I think we’ve all really craved that. So seeing our shows gives people the opportunity to do that. We want to let go: life with toddlers or teens is intense so we love afterwards when the audience say ‘oh we feel much better’. That’s the joy of comedy it really does help us to affirm we’re ok

as let’s face it we’re all riddled with anxiety as parents. “We’re a real antidote to all that overwhelming stuff so coming to see us is really just a fun night out. When we come to Tunbridge Wells it’ll be a Friday night – and nearly the end of term. There will be that sense of ‘we’ve nearly done it!’ So what better time to have a few Proseccos and give yourself a pat on the back and come and enjoy our show. We absolutely love coming to Tunbridge Wells – in fact we’ve had some of our most fun nights here. It’s always the best fun! People should concentrate on drinking and having a good time!”

Double Gold Winners Double Gold Winners Maddisons Residential are proud to announce that we have won gold awards for both Maddisons Maddisons Residential Residential are are proud proud to to announce announce that that we we have have won won gold gold awards awards for for both both sales and lettings in the Best Estate Agent Guide for 2023. sales sales and and lettings lettings in in the the Best Best Estate Estate Agent Agent Guide Guide for for 2023. 2023. This means our performance has been ranked as ‘Exceptional’ for both sales and lettings. One gold puts us in the top This means our performance has been ranked as ‘Exceptional’ for both sales and lettings. One gold puts us in the top This our performance been asagencies ‘Exceptional’ for both lettings. in One in the top 5% ofmeans over 15,000 nationwidehas sales andranked lettings – double goldsales ranksand Maddisons an gold evenputs moreus elite group! 5% of over 15,000 nationwide sales and lettings agencies – double gold ranks Maddisons in an even more elite group! 5% of over 15,000 nationwide sales and lettings agencies – double gold ranks Maddisons in an even more elite group!

Our double gold is recognition of the expertise and dedication of the Our double gold is recognition of the expertise and dedication of the Our double gold isResidential recognitionteam of the expertise and you dedication of the whole Maddisons – so a big thank from James whole Maddisons Residential team – so a big thank you from James whole Maddisons Residential team – so a big thank you from James and Deborah to their fantastic team for consistently going the extra and Deborah to their fantastic team for consistently going the extra and to theirsellers, fantastic teamlandlords for consistently going making the extra mileDeborah for Maddisons’ buyers, and tenants, mile for Maddisons’ sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants, making mile for Maddisons’ sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants, making achievements like this a reality. achievements like this a reality. achievements like this a reality. We would also like to extend our congratulations to Bracketts, We would also like to extend our congratulations to Bracketts, We would alsoTunbridge like to extend congratulations to aBracketts, the only other Wells’our estate agent to receive double gold the only other Tunbridge Wells’ estate agent to receive a double gold the other Tunbridge estate agent this! to receive a double gold – weonly know how hard youWells’ worked to achieve – we know how hard you worked to achieve this! – we know how hard you worked to achieve this!

01892 514100 01892 01892 514100 514100

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Our exceptional, double Our Our exceptional, exceptional, double double Gold performance Gold Gold performance performance Our performance in both sales and lettings was Our performance in both sales and lettings was Our performance in both sales and lettings was judged against other estate agents nationwide judged against other estate agents nationwide judged against other estate agents nationwide on the following criteria: on the following criteria: on the following criteria: • How well we market properties for our • How well we market properties for our • sellers How well we market properties for our and landlords sellers and landlords sellers and landlords • Effectiveness in selling and letting properties • Effectiveness in selling and letting properties • Effectiveness in selling and letting properties • The quality of the customer experience • The quality of the customer experience • The quality of the customer experience • Market share • Market share • Market share

info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

• ••

www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk www.maddisonsresidential.co.uk

Culture

Over the weekend of July 8-10 Dunorlan Park will once again be transformed into a ‘gastro and grooves’ wonderland courtesy of Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park festival. Eileen Leahy caught up with the Michelin star chef and popular TV presenter to find out what’s cooking for 2022…

ater this month Dunorlan Park will be transformed into a majestic mecca of gastro goodies and great grooves as Tom Kerridge’s Pub in the Park returns to town. Happening over the weekend of July 8 to 10, the three-day festival, co-hosted by Michelin star chef Kerridge and Sunday Brunch’s Simon Rimmer, it promises to be an unforgettable weekend. And when I caught up with the Michelin star chef, TV personality and successful author, he was positively brimming with excitement, telling me that he can’t wait to return to our town. “This is the fourth time we’re coming back to Tunbridge Wells,” 32 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

Tom smiles. “We’ve always found you guys to be so supportive of Pub in the Park. It always goes down very well here and we wouldn’t be coming back if we weren’t always made to feel super welcome and super loved. We can’t wait!” And why does Tom think that the festival, which boasts great food, live music of all kinds and artisan shopping, goes down so well in this part of the country? “I think quite simply it’s because of the demographic: people here are really into good food; they love music; they enjoy being out and about and like supporting smaller businesses. Pub in the Park ticks all the boxes: it’s family-based, welcomes some great top-rated

Michelin star chefs but also local independent ones too and we always have great music. It hits the sweet spot perfectly for people,” explains Tom. And on that note, visitors to this year’s festival can expect to savour tasty treats from plenty of local establishments including The Tanner Brother’s from The Kentish Hare in Bidborough, Will Devlin’s The Small Holding at Flimwell and also Sankey’s. In addition to being able to buy and try exclusive epicurean offerings from each venue’s designated pop-ups, there will also be the opportunity to watch lots of specialist cooking demos which Tom will be co-hosting with Simon Rimmer. “Yes, he’ll be there cooking and chatting away! He’s just fantastic and this is the first time he’ll be coming along to the Tunbridge Wells event.”

Culture

Pub in the Park kicked off last month in Dulwich and will also take place in various other venues including Chiswick, St Albans and Brighton – a new venue for 2022 – over the rest of the summer. Pub in the Park began in 2017 in Marlow, Buckinghamshire, where Tom Kerridge runs his two Michelin star pubs The Hand & Flowers and The Coach. Over the past four years it has successfully branched out to other locations thanks to its great mix of fab food and brilliant live music. Talking of which, taking to the stage in Tunbridge Wells this year will be Sophie Ellis Bextor, Supergrass, Faithless, The Feeling and former Spice Girl Melanie C. Local bands “We’ve always found you appearing include Two guys to be so supportive of Weeks in Pub in the Park. It always Nashville, goes down very well here” Suncharmer, The Charlie Rivers Band and the Paul Dunton Orchestra (see page 8) for more info on this. Anyone who’s been to Pub in the Park before will know that Tom likes to get totally involved in proceedings. If he and his famous friends are not cooking up some amazing gastronomic fare, they’re doing cookery demos, and this year Tom reveals that there will be a new addition to proceedings… “We’re introducing fire pit cookery demos. This type of cooking is always super exciting but during the lockdowns it became a big thing as more and

ON THE MENU

The fantastic foodie line-up for the Tunbridge Wells Pub in the Park will include chefs from the following: Tom Kerridge’s The Hand & Flowers will be serving a menu featuring a pork belly and smoked cod’s roe taco, served with apple ketchup, crackling and pickled red onion as well as his rendition of a classic British Steak & Ale Pie.

The Kentish Hare brings Mexican vibes in the form of a blazing king prawn taco,: a dish of spice battered king prawns, salsa lime coriander, sour cream The Small Holding tempts taste buds with slow cooked pork ribs, miso glaze and crackling. Their vegetarian alternative offering will be a delicious courgette bhaji with mint yoghurt.

Atul Kochhar will return with his best-selling Murgh tikka masala pie - tikka masala, mash, berry chutney alongside Malabar Meen Kari – spiced fish curry with tomato & coconut.

Cue Point will be taking centre stage at the fire pit shows with their incredible 16-hour oak smoked brisket naco and oak-smoked chicken poutine

Sankey’s serve up Po Boys; Panko King Prawns with chipotle mayo, fresh lime, lettuce, brioche roll and also oysters three way: diablo verde, champagne and panko and brown butter béarnaise

For further information on the Pub in the Park bands playing at Tunbridge Wells visit pubintheparkuk.com/ tunbridge-wells

more people spent a lot of time at home and in their gardens. There’s a lot more to it than just BBQing so we will be doing both regular cooking demos and fire pit ones as the stages will be next to each other. “We want to create a really fun and interactive environment that will be filled with gorgeous smells,” states Tom. “And plenty of sunshine of course,” I quip. “Ah yes, that’s right,” laughs the talented chef before adding: “But then the sun has always shone for us here in Tunbridge Wells. We can’t wait to return!” SO Magazine | July 2022 | 33

Lifestyle

AN EVENING WITH THE WINEMAKER Join us at Balfour Winery for an evening of wine tasting and canapés with our Winemaker, Owen Elias. A great opportunity for you to taste our new 2022 Winemakers' Collection. Visit www.balfourwinery.com to book. Saturday 23rd July | 7pm | £35

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

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING Tuesday 12 July, 4:00 - 6:00pm

Visit our Sixth Form Centre to find out more about the courses that interest you Meet our dedicated Sixth Form team and talk with specialist subject leaders Exceptional teaching and attainment. Outstanding pastoral care. Expert guidance.

BEACON ACADEMY SIXTH FORM, GREEN LANE, CROWBOROUGH, EAST SUSSEX TN6 2DY Visit www.beacon-academy.org for more information. Tel: 01892 603 000 Email: opendays@beacon-academy.org

34 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

Lifestyle

their own food and drink to enjoy as each yurt boasts a private dining space overlooking the beautiful grounds of Bewl Water. Everything you need, the Yurts have got: toilets, washing facilities and clean drinking water are just a stone’s throw away, making any glamper’s stay super convenient and hassle free.

The yurts at Bewl Water boast a unique and charming experience glampers will fall in love with

Pitch perfect…

Making the most of Bewl Water Famous for their beautiful woodland walks, watersports and laser challenge, there are tons of activities to get stuck into when visiting Bewl Water. Why not hire a bike and take a scenic ride to soak up the glorious

‘Glamping’ - or glamorous camping - is loved by outdoor enthusiasts who want a more luxurious experience under canvas. And the good news is you don’t have to travel very far to find out what it’s like thanks to the luxury yurts now available to hire at Bewl Water says Molly Miller

What is glamourous camping? From yurts to tree houses and everything in between, glamping – or glamorous camping - is far more luxurious than traditional camping. Glampers can enjoy all the comforts of their own home whilst getting up close and personal with nature. It’s a way to experience the most untamed parts of the world and reconnect with the outdoors – all without having to sacrifice a comfy mattress or a hot shower! A wonderful retreat right on your doorstep Surrounded by 800 acres of gorgeous woodland and fresh open water, Bewl Water is an area of outstanding natural beauty, which is what makes this space the go to place for glamping in Kent. The reservoir’s two beautifully furnished Mongolian yurts are as

HOW TO BOOK: Visit bewlwater. co.uk/book-now. Glamping facilities are open from April 29 – September 30, 2022.

views? Or take on the challenge and beat the UK’s best Wibit outdoor, floating, sports aqua park? Whether you’re after a relaxing retreat or an action-packed stay, there are plenty of activities to try before heading back to camp to relax in your supercomfy, glamping get away.

luxurious and romantic as they are picturesque and relaxing - and perfect for families and couples alike. Each one is suitable for up to four guests, with one double bed and two singles – all dressed in crisp white linen ensuring the most comfortable night’s sleep. Pair this with stunning rustic furniture, a wood burning stove, and a viewing point for stargazing, the yurts at Bewl Water boast a unique and charming experience glampers will fall in love with. And therefore couldn’t be any different from your usual camping experience! And the luxury amenities don’t stop there. Included with your stay is a continental breakfast (pain au chocolate, fresh yogurt, fruit and juice) as well as your very own tea and coffee making facilities. Guests are also welcome to bring

Bewl Water is part of the Elite Leisure Company who also own SO magazine SO Magazine | July 2022 | 35

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD THIS CHRISTMAS Get ready to eat, drink, dance & be merry… Book your Christmas event full of glitz & FROM p p 0 5 . 2 glamour at One Warwick Park Hotel £5 ✶ Welcome Drink ✶ Three Course Festive Menu ✶ DJ & Dancing ✶ Exclusive hire of our function spaces available

For more information please contact sales@onewarwickpark.co.uk 01892 520 587 I onewarwickpark.co.uk I @onewarwickpark

Education

Education news:

WITH SO MAGAZINE In this month’s Education round-up we bring you news of a new educational partnership, a special student charity fundraiser and details of an exciting sixth form expansion…

“This is an exciting moment in Vinehall school’s rich history”

Vinehall day and boarding co-educational prep school near Robertsbridge in East Sussex has joined the Repton Family of Schools. Headmaster of Vinehall, Joff Powis, continues to lead this thriving coeducational boarding school and says: “This is an exciting moment in Vinehall’s rich history. Whilst the fabric of our School – our dedicated staff, values, picturesque location, uniform and name – will all remain the same, becoming part of the Repton Family of Schools marks a new and exciting era as we join a global network of worldclass schools.” Repton, which was established in 1557, already has two prep schools within the UK – Repton Prep and St Wystan’s School, and seven schools internationally, with a further three due to open in the next few years. Repton has established a growing family of schools, both internationally and here in UK, that share an

outward-looking, forwardthinking philosophy focussed on giving children the very best chances in the world that awaits them. Vinehall’s educational philosophy is already closely aligned with Repton’s and this move will enable Vinehall to continue to ensure outstanding provision, bolster admissions and safeguard the School’s future and traditions. The newly appointed Vinehall Chair of Governors and Managing Director of the Repton Family of Schools, Daniel Lewis, says of the partnership: “We recognise that there is a shared educational and pastoral ethos focusing on the development of each child’s talents in order to better serve the community. This exciting collaboration will help Vinehall and Repton pre-empt the demands of a rapidly changing independent schools sector and defend against the uncertainty of political and economic factors outside of our control.”

ST GREGORY’S STUDENTS CLIMB SNOWDON

our former students of St Gregory’s Catholic School have successfully climbed Mount Snowdon to raise funds for Hospice in the Weald, a charity that is close to their hearts. Chrissy, Nancy, Gemma and Mia, who all attended the school from 2010 onwards, were motivated to undertake the challenge in order to raise money for the Hospice in the Weald after it provided palliative care for Nancy’s Mum, Clare, during the last weeks of her life. The team of girls made

the eight-hour journey to Snowdonia in Wales in order to climb the mountain - despite one of the group suffering with severe asthma. “With determination the former St Gregory’s students successfully reached the summit in just over five hours, beating the average eight hours it normally takes,” a spokesperson for the school based in Reynolds Lane told SO. Their climb has raised an incredible £1,390 for the Hospice, an organisation which supports patients

with terminal illness and provides emotional help to those around them. Talking about the care her mother received, Nancy praised the Hospice saying: “They made sure she was comfortable and pain free, so that we could all make the most of her last few weeks. “They ran many different activities, which did help to make us smile during such an awful time. This included making keepsakes for us, which we still treasure to this day.” After her mother had passed away Nancy, along

with her friends, was inspired to raise money to support the hospice. “We chose to fundraise for Hospice in the Weald

because it is so vitally important that others in this position receive the love and care that my mum did.”

DISCOVER BEACON ACADEMY’S SIXTH FORM

Beacon Academy Sixth Form are hosting an Open Evening on Tuesday July 12, from 4pm to 6pm. Prospective students and parents will have opportunities to hear from current students and talk with specialist subject leaders about the range of academic and vocational courses and opportunities on offer within the inclusive, supportive, challenging and stimulating environment of the dedicated Sixth Form site. At Beacon Academy Sixth Form, each student is supported to combine their skills and interests into the programme of study that is right for them. A Sixth Former who was new to Beacon Academy in Year 12, comments, “The school has been really supportive. No matter what you want to do, they will help you achieve whatever you want to achieve; whether you want to go to university or not, they will help you.You become the person you’re meant to be, and I just think that’s so important in a school.” Headteacher, Anna Robinson, comments: “We are incredibly proud of our students’ attainment and progress in the Sixth Form. These exceptional outcomes have consistently ensured that our hardworking and determined students have been able to secure their futures at their first-choice destinations, including the most prestigious academic and creative institutions, high quality training and employment.” To register your interest and find out more, please visit www.beacon-academy.org. SO Magazine | July 2022 | 37

PROJECTS PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING SURVEYS PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING PLANNING SURVEYS

PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS Residential, and Commercial Residential, Agricultural Agricultural and Commercial Planning Design Consultancy SURVEYS SURVEYS SURVEYS SURVEYS SURVEYS Planning and and Design Consultancy SURVEYS SURVEYS SURVEYS SURVEYS SURVEYS We offer a wide variety of services for projects such as: We offer a wide variety of services for projects such as:

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Planning Consultancy

Architectural Design

Topographical Surveys

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Hypnotherapy

PLANNING PROJECTS SURVEYS An appetite for

A clever hormone called cortisol causes us to crave high calorie food then convert it quickly to fat and hold on to it until needed. Not much use in times of such abundance when we’re constantly under stress but rarely starving.

a healthier life

Residential, Agricultural and Commercial Planning and Design Consultancy We offer a wide variety of services for projects such as: Home Extensions, Internal Alterations, Conversions, Garden Rooms and Structures, Residential Development and Agricultural projects. All tailored to best suit our clients and our individual projects.

WHERE THERE’S A WILL

Logical, rational, conscious thinking has very little influence over our overeating habits. It’s our unconscious, emotional self that makes the decisions so none of us have much willpower and it tends to let us down after a while. Hypnotherapy can help achieve unconscious change so you can make healthy food choices.

FIT FOR PURPOSE

ll calories are not equal. There’s no one size fits all when it comes to controlling weight. Fat doesn’t make you fat. Stress and sleep deprivation do make you store fat. Willpower doesn’t work. Overweight people are not greedy, lazy or stupid. There’s no such thing as naughty food. Diets don’t work. Exercise doesn’t make you thin. Let’s look at how some of these points of view hold up and smash a few myths along the way:

WHAT SIZE ARE YOU?

There are no two people on the planet with all these variables the same: genetic make-up, personal food preferences, level of activity, fitness and health and other lifestyle factors. This means our metabolism is uniquely individual. This month A research programme called ZOE identifies these variable our resident factors and is rolling out in the hypnotherapist UK this year after successful trials in the US. It provides Karen Martin, at-home tests to identify gut health and blood sugar and who is based at blood fat levels. Salomons These include specially formulated muffins to assess Estate, looks at how individuals process fats and DO CALORIES the delicate sugars in their diet. Along with COUNT? issue of weight… Different calorie sources can have blood and stool tests, the muffins reveal all you need to vastly different effects on hunger, know to improve gut health and hormones, energy expenditure reduce dietary inflammation. and the brain regions that control https://joinzoe.com/why-zoe food intake. Even though calories This new science will are important, counting them or hopefully make dieting obsolete even being consciously aware of in years to come. them is not necessary to lose www.sjmplanning.com www.sjmprojects.com weight.

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BIG FAT LIES

It is now widely recognised and scientifically proven that snacks, processed food, refined starches and sugar are the cause of the obesity epidemic in this country. These types of food are ‘hyperpalatable’, overloading us with fat, salt and sugar by creating a ‘bliss point’, a kind of insatiable ‘mouth feel’ that makes it hard to stop eating even when full to bursting. Many ‘functional’ or health foods only contain a tiny amount of whatever healthy ingredient they contain. Become a label reader if you want to know the truth about what’s in the packet.

“In many cases, simple changes in Topographical Surveys food selection can lead to the same Measured Surveys or better results Setting Out Surveys than restricting GPS Mapping your calorie intake”

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UNBURDEN YOURSELF

The human body is truly a work of genius. In primaeval conditions, stress was caused by anticipation of deprivation. As a result, we’re all genetically Karen Martin hardwired to see food and eat it www.sjmsurveys.com in case we starve tomorrow. Hypnotherapist

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By preventing cancers, improving blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar, bolstering sleep, attention, energy and mood, and doing so much more, exercise has indisputably proven itself to be the world’s best drug. Sadly though, exercise is not a weight loss drug. Countless gym memberships, fitness tracking devices, sports drinks, and workout videos have been sold on this promise. The truth is, you cannot outrun a bad diet. Here are some examples to press the point home: you’d have to swim for 45 minutes to burn off one slice of Domino’s pepperoni pizza or play football for an hour for a bacon sandwich. There’s a compensation factor which means, if we exercise, we tend to loaf around more the rest of the time and eat more because we’ve earned it. Moving around more and eating a wide variety of fresh, nutritionally balanced ingredients is the answer to obesity but easier said than done. Food is one of life’s great pleasures: we’re inundated with food porn and this isn’t going to change any time soon so weight control is down to a personal commitment to eat less. Just make sure everything you eat is deliciously nutritious. SO Magazine | July 2022 | 39

WELL-BEING

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WELL-BEING

Natural approach This month Naomi Murray from Botanica Health in Rusthall discusses the issue of IBS and suggests a few natural remedies which can help you if you’re suffering

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is one of the most common digestive complaints. Stress, poor diet, food intolerances, dysbiosis (an ‘imbalance’ in the gut microbial community) and pharmaceutical drugs all contribute to this growing health complaint.

DEFINING IBS

According to recent diagnostic criteria IBS can be diagnosed when a patient complains of recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation and or change of stool appearance and change in toilet frequency. There are also three IBS subtypes – IBS-C; mostly constipation IBS-D: mostly diarrhoea IBS-M: a combination of both of the above A recent review revealed that IBS is one of the most common disorders of gut-brain interaction, effecting around 1 in 10 people around the world. Interestingly the prevalence of anxiety in patients with IBS was 44% and that of depression 84%. Therefore gut health and mental health are intimately connected and this can be explained more when you understand the workings of the amazing vagus nerve.

AETIOLOGICAL FACTORS

In Medical Herbalist Kerry Bone’s book, Functional Herbal Therapy the aetiological (causes) factors involved in IBS are listed – Host factors altered gastrointestinal motility heightened pain of inner organs altered gut-brain interactions increased intestinal permeability (sometimes known as “leaky gut”) gut mucosal immune activation psychosocial distress

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS food medications supplements antibiotics enteric infection

REMOVE OBSTRUCTIONS TO CURE The phrase ‘you are what you eat’ was first mentioned a few centuries ago and science continues to show us that this is so true. But not just what we eat, but how we eat and the functionality of our digestion.

For many sufferers following the FODMAP diet can be very beneficial. The main principle of the diet is to avoid foods high in specific short-chain carbohydrates that tend to be malabsorbed because they are indigestible or slowly absorbed from the small intestine. If this diet is too strict studies show that avoiding gluten improves symptoms. Consuming gluten was shown to alter gut barrier function in IBS patients experiencing diarrhoea. A gluten free diet has been shown to improve overall IBS symptom severity score. Keeping a food diary and tracking symptoms can be helpful when addressing gut irritants. Interestingly patients often report that stress combined with an irritating food can exacerbate symptoms.

FUNCTIONAL THERAPIES FOR IBS: Consider adding soothing herbs to your diet to improve gastrointestinal motor function; chamomile, fennel, mint, ginger. These can be in the form of herbal teas. Support the nervous system with herbs like lemon balm, Holy basil and Valerian. Improve overall digestion and gastric acid barrier with bitter herbs. Best taken 10 minutes before each meal. Consume bitter foods like dandelion greens, artichoke, leafy greens, olives etc. If symptoms seem exacerbated around the menstrual cycle consider supporting with Chaste tree tincture, the hormone balancer. Ensure regular bowel movements. Address inflammation issues and gut barrier weakness with herbs like Turmeric and consider the healing benefits of collagen. Slippery elm is a gentle demulcent (removes inflammation or irritation) herb for IBS with constipation. It is one of my favourite all round digestive herbs, soothing and antiinflammatory. In fact it is the ideal IBS herb. If SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) is present Clove and Oregano capsules can be extremely beneficial. The correct probiotic can be extremely helpful. As always seek your health care providers advice and help on any medical matter.

Naomi Murray

Co-founder of Botanica Health

botanicahealth.co.uk

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 41

Well-Being

of energy in the body. Reiki Master Emma says it is a rarer practice and its main focus is to remedy deep emotional trauma and support spiritual development. Emma explains that in addition to her energy healing work she also specialises in crystal therapy which she says gives her a unique holistic edge. “I combine all these elements to really get to the root cause of the problem in the body so I can help my clients go on a journey of deep healing.” And then, she reveals something rather fascinating: that she has the ability to ‘see inside a person’s body and that this has been verified on many occasions by Osteopaths and Doctors. “I use this ability as a guide to understand where the energy is being held in the body,” Emma continues. “This usually shows up in the physical body as pain, emotional discomfort or problems with sleep for example.” Thoroughly intrigued by all this I ask her when she first knew she had this particular gift. “Before I trained as a Reiki practitioner I worked in the advertising industry. I ran a photographic production company in Dubai and London and worked with

Healing powers

Eileen Leahy meets qualified Tera Mai™ Reiki Master, Seichem Practitioner and Crystal Therapist Emma Sims who reveals all about her hands on healing work which she practices from her home in Langton Green and how it can help people to find peace and balance in their life

tepping into the tranquil Soul Star Sanctuary treatment area located at the Langton Green home of Emma Sims, a qualified intuitive Energy Healer and Tera Mai™Reiki Master, I can instantly feel my shoulders drop and a sense of serenity sweep over me. Her inviting healing space is a far cry from the traditional rooms therapists operate from. Far from being sombre and clinical it boasts appealing teal and purple decorative tones and many aesthetic touches – think glimmering scented candles and polished crystals. And the fact the

42 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

space boasts pleasant views over Emma’s gorgeous garden, which is currently brimming with billowing wild foxgloves is another big bonus. As we sit down to chat over a cup of herbal tea, the mother of three explains that her work specialises in blending the very powerful and ancient Japanese art of healing known as Reiki along with Tera Mai Seichem, a transformative healing system practiced in Egyptian Temples. The former is the more common type of ‘hands on healing’ which helps stimulate the body’s ability to regenerate itself. This is done by inducing deep relaxation techniques and bringing back balance to the flow

“I combine different healing techniques to really get to the root cause of the problem in the body so clients can go on a journey of deep healing”

many high-profile brands and photographers including Rankin. “I have always been spiritually connected and from a young age could feel a presence in the room or read people clearly. This all came to a head when I started to experience very bad anxiety myself and one night on the way home from a photoshoot I suddenly noticed I could see inside people’s bodies, their energy and flashes of what was happening in their lives.” Emma says she intuitively knew this was her real calling in life but at that particular time she had no idea how to channel this into something tangible. “Mentally and spiritually I knew I

Well-Being

personality had been affected by this. I realised then that there wasn’t much support for children other than counselling or play therapy – certainly nothing that would balance their energy system. “By juggling life, work and love is essentially how I found my gift. The Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said: ‘When the student is ready, the teacher appears’ and that’s what happened to me.” Emma says that when she discovered the powerful effects of Reiki she could finally control the destructive waves of anxiety. “I found a space where I could bring myself back to feeling whole.” “The more I learnt about energy, the more I realised there was something bigger unfolding. I felt no one was going to protect my daughter or listen to what she needed, other than me. “And that’s why with Soul Star Sanctuary I wanted to create a safe space for both women and children. A place where they could come and be heard, seen and held.” With younger clients Emma creates art and works with crystals to help with any anxiety, eating disorders and mental health issues. “It’s about moving children through difficult stages in their lives, teaching people how to use self-healing as a skill for their own life and developing tools to use when we can’t always Create and Meditate and Crystal Magic are communicate our children’s workshops and are both a space for emotions.” children to feel free with their emotions Emma says that business in now Corporate workshops include the following: flourishing. She has her Intuition & Business, Amplify your Energy and own virtual shop where Create & Meditate she sells a selection of mood enhancing Soul Collective is a community initiative essential oil sprays that where Emma invites other talented therapists to she has created and due be part of her workshops to the pandemic is also able to treat people Emma teaches Tera Mai™Reiki Levels 1,2&3. online as well as in More info can be found at www.emmajanesims. person. com Emma often carries out corporate well-being sessions with businesses in London too had to do something to help myself - and she also hosts regular well-being through this difficult time but I workshops in that glorious Langton couldn’t find anywhere to turn to Green garden of hers. other than counselling. I discovered “My mission is to make energy Reiki through a friend and used this healing accessible to everyone to enable me to reduce the feelings of anxiety. I eventually started to become through the practice of Reiki, crystal therapy and intuitive work. more in tune with my body and that “I have been fortunate to learn helped me feel calmer and more able from some of the best teachers in to cope. I then began to learn Reiki and during the seven years of training their field and share my knowledge and findings over the years,” she I practiced on friends and gradually started to set up Soul Star Sanctuary.” declares. “We need spiritual connection now Emma admits that her anxiety was once again triggered later in life by an more than ever. It’s time to be connected, tune in to our intuition issue with one of her three daughters and love ourselves on a deeper level. who was experiencing bullying at her The ancient art of hands on healing local primary school. helps you do this. Energy is “When you have a child who is transformative, powerful and connects experiencing a very difficult time us to our true potential. When you everything around you closes in,” come to a challenging time in your Emma states. life I can help you find your way, keep “It was at this time that I noticed your energy moving and find your how anxious my daughter had truth - just as I found mine.” become, she couldn’t sleep and her

SOUL STAR SANCTUARY WORKSHOPS

THE SOUL STAR SANCTUARY

e c n e i r e p ex

irstly Emma explained how she works: intuitively using crystals and Tera Mai™Reiki and Seichem healing powers which bring together all four elements of fire, earth, air and water. Just like a plant needs sun and water to thrive so we too need the aforementioned elements within us to stay healthy in mind, body and spirit.The idea of Emma’s specific hands on healing technique is to move pent up energy channels discovered in the body and reroute them in order for a patient to feel less stressed, less anxious or depressed. Once Emma had explained all this we then had a lovely honest conversation about me and my life and I shared a couple of problems that I felt Emma might need to focus on. We started the treatment with some breathing exercises and selected some essential oils for Emma to work with. I chose lavender, geranium and clary sage as I was naturally drawn to the scent of each one. Emma mixed these with a coconut carrier oil and then asked me to ‘set an intention’ for the session and focus on a question I might need direction with. Emma then laid out a selection of Oracle cards – a kind of selfreflective Tarot reading - and asked me to select one which we then looked at more deeply and

intuitively. It read: ‘Healing is happening:You’re not broken, trust the process. It’s safe to soften.’ In a strange way I felt like my mind had just been read! Emma then ‘grounded’ me asking me to stand still, feel connected to the earth and to visualise myself like a tree. She asked me to lie down on the bed and the treatment began. She placed a sheet over me and gave me the option of wearing an eye mask. I’m glad I did as it helped to immerse myself in the experience. Emma asked me to imagine I was on a beach to help me relax and at first I felt my chest get very heavy and I struggled to get in the zone. But after a few minutes I could sense myself drifting off, exhaling deeply as requested in order to get rid of any negative energy and soon I found a breathing pattern that helped me relax. “As soon as I connected to you I could feel your soul lifting from your physical body,” Emma revealed afterwards. “It was almost an out of body experience which is a sign to me of deeper work being needed. I was guided to your heart and head and I connected with the angelic realms and guides to assist in clearing any emotion that needed to be moved through your body. “I placed a Rose quartz crystal on your heart chakra to move the energy from this area. Rose quartz is the crystal of love and compassion, it comforts and heals emotional trauma and helps re programme the heart in selfacceptance. I felt here the heart needed the energy to be amplified and then raised to a different vibration.” She went on to say that many other techniques and prayers were used to enable the energy to be moved through my body to create a sense of calm.

“Emotion was felt on a very deep level by yourself and I feel we not only brought this into the light but moved it through your physical body.” I can honestly say that once I’d sat up and had some water I felt pretty tearful, like something had been stoked deep within me. But they were tears of relief and not sadness. I found the whole experience incredibly impactful and if it’s not too trite to say I think I could genuinely feel anxiety being pulled from out of me. Before leaving, Emma once again ‘grounded’ me like a tree in order to feel closer to the earth and advised me to drink plenty of water. She handed me a posy of wild fox gloves, mint and sage from her garden and an affirmation card which read ‘I have the power to create change’. She asked me to stick it to my fridge and to say it to myself every day. I’m doing so and definitely feel lighter in both body and mind every time I read that quote, knowing that it is indeed possible to create change if you are willing to stop, breathe and deeply connect with yourself. Emma recommends a series of three of these treatments, saying: “The first one opens the door, the second drills deep down and the third enhances and really makes you fly,” she says. SO Magazine | July 2022 | 43

Style

e are all aware of how harmful the sun’s rays – or UV - can be and I am sure most of us use the appropriate SPF and cover up, when necessary, to help protect against painful burning and even more serious skin conditions. This same level of care should also be considered for your eyes as it is vital to protect them against harmful UV rays as these can easily accelerate conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Rightly so, sunglasses are commonly associated with the warmer weather. However the need to protect our eyes is just as important during those winter months – as even cold frosty mornings with a clear blue sky and low blinding sun can equal lots of harmful UV rays.

100% protection against UVA and UVB should be sorted when purchasing your sunglasses. If you are having them made as prescription, then the lenses used should have the same level of protection. So now we’ve established that wearing sunglasses is very sensible I want to talk about how wearing them can be enjoyable too! Styled correctly, they can form a key part of your wardrobe, from completing a ‘look’ for the beach, a barbecue, summer festival or sporting event to adding a touch of luxury or super style to a wedding, holiday or al fresco dining. The world of sunglasses is vast, from off-thepeg accessories to all the ‘big hitting’ fashion and sports brands. Scratch beneath the surface however and you can find an elite ensemble of designers and manufacturers worldwide that are innovating and designing beautiful pieces both luxurious and highly collectable or stylishly quirky and avantgarde. Enjoy the summer – enjoy the sun – protect your eyes – oh, and have fun!

Exclusively yours: Jacques Marie Mage is an artisan brand that’s designed in Lafayette Park, Los Angeles and handcrafted in Japan. Each pair of sunglasses requires a 300-step process enriched by the expertise of nearly 100 artisans over 18 months. These highly collectable pieces give the wearer years of style and sophistication but due to their rarity can also hold a significant resale value

WHAT’S IN STORE NOW…

Shady characters… In his second specialist column for SO, optician Jamie Edney - who runs Edney & Edney with his optometrist wife Ayshah on Monson Road – reveals how to source the perfect sunglasses…

Embrace the difference: theo from Belgium, FACE A FACE Paris and l.a.Eyeworks has you covered Prescriptive measures: Most opticians will offer the standard ‘solid’ grey and brown through to polarised tints but at Edney & Edney we offer so much more including custom polarised colours like rust, khaki, plum, teal and many more.

GET IN CONTACT: www.edneyandedney.com | @edneyandedney @edneyandedney | @edneyandedney

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 45

ADVERTISING FEATURE

TRAIN DIFFERENTLY:

e distance ourselves from being called a gym. We revised the SweatIT brand as a training club because we are so far in comparison to what you might have experienced in the past. “I’ve never enjoyed exercise before”, “I actually look forward to coming to the gym”, and “I didn’t think I’d be able to do what am able to do now” - are regular feedback we get from our fantastic members. And that is exactly why we do what we do. We believe that everyone and anyone should have the opportunity to access fitness and improve their quality of life by increasing flexibility, and overall strength and reducing risk of injury and illness. We often speak about the common faults of your standard commercial gyms; the downfalls that lead to loss of retention, autonomy and zero results. Recent data discloses that a whopping 4

billion pounds are spent on unused gym memberships. What this really tells us is that people have good intentions but they’ve not had an experience worth sticking with. So what divides us from the rest? We recognise the challenges that everyday people tend to face when joining and attending ‘the gym’. A gym can be an intimidating environment. Feeling unwelcome, out of place or unsure of what you’re trying to achieve are critical influences of inactive memberships. What is also evident is that beyond the barriers of uncomfortable entry, a drop in membership after the January spike is mostly due to a lack of motivation and direction. With no plan, no specificity on your personal goals and very little encouragement & enjoyment - is it any wonder why the success rate is so low? We care about people, and our main priority is to help everyone achieve a long-term healthy lifestyle.

We notice the significant exclusion of people who want to implement change but haven’t found the right method to get there. We have built a product that is for everyone, no matter their exposure to fitness.

“NO MORE WASTING PRECIOUS TIME AND MONEY, TAKE ACTION AND MOVE TOWARDS A BETTER YOU”

Beginners feel confident and experienced feel challenged, and here are our 4 main factors of how we are different: 1. Our coaching. Expertly designed programming, delivered by a professional fitness coach. Gain results, develop understanding and feel motivated in your training. 2. Our community. Welcomed into a friendly community who all

support, encourage and motivate each other to keep you pushing towards your goals. 3. Support. Continued care and help you wherever you are on your journey to building a better version of yourself. 4. We often speak about the common faults of your standard commercial gyms; the downfalls that lead to loss of retention, autonomy and zero results. Recent data discloses that a whopping 4 billion pounds are spent on unused gym memberships. What this really tells us is that people have good intentions but they’ve not had an experience worth sticking with.

Victoria Croker Photography Victoria Croker Photography Victoria Croker Croker Photography Photography Victoria

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Beauty

This month we pick our favourite s holistic must-have

THE EYES HAVE IT Former MasterChef finalist Angela Langford developed her natural skincare range in 2015. And just like the ethos at Olverum, her brand’s main thrust is to also create products which are as natural as possible, vegan and cruelty free but also help to boost your mood and sense of well-being thanks to ingredients being ‘sourced from nature’s larder’. That means no horrid chemicals but instead a slew of natural ingredients – from almonds and juniper to pumpkin and sea salt – acting as solutions for your skin – whatever its type. Within Angela’s range you’ll find remedies for anti-ageing, congested complexions, rosacea and visible pores. Some of her stand out products range from cult hero cleanser Clean Sweep (£18), to Scrub Up exfoliator (£27.50) and the super luxurious night balm Rest and Regenerate (£39.00). All of Angela’s products are created by hand at her workshop in Pembrokeshire. We’ve been recently trialling her Angel Eyes rollerball (£19.50) product which gently glides over the delicate eye area

and deposits its blend of cooling cucumber, argan and rosehip to repair and smooth accordingly. It’s also great to keep in your handbag for when you want a little pick me up half way through the day - and we have definitely noticed it helps improve the appearance of those pesky fine lines. The beauty line from this talented chef really is a recipe for success… For more see www.angelalangford. com

SMOOTH THINGS OVER… With over nine decades of experience in spa culture, Olverum has long understood the connection between wellness and beauty. The sought-after holistic brand very much believes that what you put on your skin should make you feel fantastic – both inside and out. And so it will come as great news to its many fans that the 90 year old beauty brand has finally released its at-home spa Firming Body Moisturiser. Packaged in a sleek black bottle that will enhance the look of any bathroom shelf, this vegan and cruelty-free product’s main aim is to target those areas of the

body which, to put it bluntly, are starting to sag and appear crepe like. Harnessing the disciplines of botanical cosmetic science, aromatherapy and aromachology, this new and sustainable body moisturiser glides on and not only helps combat loss of tone and elasticity thanks to its special toning crowberry extracts but also helps to create a sense of well-being thanks to its senseinducing, divine smelling formulation. This includes winged kelp extract, papaya enzymes, meadowfoam oil and rice extract in order to soothe the skin – and your sense of self too. If that’s not a winning combination we don’t know what is! Olverum Firming Body Moisturiser, £40 (200ml) available at SpaceNK and www.overum.com

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP Instead of popping a load of supplements and vitamins that are pumped full of synthetics why not

invest a little bit more in products that ensure the purest of ingredients – and also the best results? Advanced Nutrition Programme is just that: a scienceled, results-driven, high-quality range of supplements designed to be the ‘support act’ if you like of your skincare and wellness routine. Every one of its products’ ingredients can be traced back to its origins therefore ensuring complete transparency – and that your body can easily absorb each one. Choose from a number of capsules and soft gels in order to boost your complexion, promote good nail and hair health and support your joints too. Other bonuses of this wonder brand that celebrates ageing include no synthetic colours or genetically modified ingredients – oh, and all packaging is completely plasticfree and made of 100% recyclable paper. Prices start from £30 and orders can be placed via www. cultbeauty.co.uk SO Magazine | July 2022 | 47

Interiors

FABRIC OF LIFE: Sarah Castle of The Linen Ladder

Prints

charming… Four years ago, Sarah Castle of The Linen Ladder combined her passion for pattern and her love of linen to launch her own fabric design company. It was a leap into the unknown but has proved to have been the right thing to do. Interiors expert Rachael Hale caught up with Sarah to discover how it all happened

What prompted you to become a fabric designer? In my eyes, there's nothing more beautiful than a good linen, and I've been hooked on pattern since I worked in Liberty in my early twenties. I have a fabric collection in the loft from India, France and all the places I've lived and travelled. It's an innate love of mine. Before you started The Linen Ladder, had you ever designed fabric before? No! I was thinking about returning to work and my husband said to me: 'Why don't you do something with fabric because you know you love it' and I thought, 'gosh, what would I do?' I then took a field maple leaf from the garden, painted it and flat printed it to see what would happen. I can draw, but I'd never done any block or screen printing before, so I learnt as I went along.

48 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

Was it a relatively straightforward process for you? There were lots of mistakes but some designs that are now in my 'Sissinghurst Collection' were really successful. It took me about two years to perfect my techniques and create a cohesive design collection. What do you love most about the design process? The simplicity of it. How a beautiful design can evolve from something in the natural world that you wouldn't necessarily pay any heed to. A feather, shell, leaf or flower… all it takes is a moment for a shape or colour to catch my eye, and then I'm drawn in. I'm always collecting things. What makes your business unique? Every design has been created from scratch and inspired by where I live. I've drawn or painted it and made

Interiors

numerous lino cuts and changes before printing it in my own colour palette. Every design also has an intertwining 'thread' that will make it work with my entire collection. I can offer a truly bespoke design service too. If someone wants me to adapt one of my designs for them, I can, and if they want it in a different colour, size or on a different weight of linen, I can also make that happen.

“My business is completely sustainable and I offer a truly bespoke design service too”

What would you cite as other special elements of what you do? I'm committed to making my business as environmentally friendly as possible, which is why I work with linen. It's completely sustainable. All it needs is good soil, sun and rain. The supplier I use has a CO2 neutral factory, and my printer is eco-friendly too. On top of that, I also only use recycled or recyclable packaging. What have been your proudest achievements so far? My cushion collaboration with Fine Cell Work, a charity that employs prisoners to make beautiful handstitched items. They work with lots of incredible designers, such as Cath Kidson and Kit Kemp, and during lockdown I approached them with one of my designs. Fortunately, they loved it and over the next few

HOW TO GET IN CONTACT WITH SARAH: www.thelinenladder.com hello@thelinenladder @thelinenladder

Why I love Tunbridge Wells SARAH CASTLE

Favourite place to eat? I really like Gail’s because they do the best almond croissant. I also like going to Côte Brasserie for their steak and chips. Favourite places to shop? I love to shop locally, but if I’m in Tunbridge Wells, I always pop into The White Company, Anthropologie and Waterstones.

months we worked together to create a hydrangea head design. The result is so beautiful and tactile; I've only got a few for sale now. Any other interesting projects to tell us about? I've also just worked with stylist and writer Selina Lake to create four Fern Tip stripe cushions for the National Garden Scheme display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. What are your goals for the future? I want to get word of my designs out into the world so they can be used and enjoyed. In the meantime, I'm working on a Victorian house in South London, another venture in Chelsea, and a potential project in Florida. Offering a bespoke service means my work is so varied there's always something new to enjoy. SO Magazine | July 2022 | 49

Travel

Bloom Stays is a holiday letting agency that looks after more than 80 houses in Kent. SO magazine discovers why it’s a cut above the rest…

hether you’re looking for a grand country house, a beach bolthole or a chic city apartment Bloom Stays has you covered. This relatively new luxury holiday letting agency was launched by industry experts Rowena and Nicky after they saw a gap in the market for beautifully appointed, Kent-based, short and mid-term quality property rentals. Within their impressive portfolio you’ll find huge range of venues to choose from: think renovated barns that are perfect for celebratory gatherings with family and friends; chic beach houses just a stone’s throw from the ocean and a collection of cool pied à terres that are perfect for exploring a city like Canterbury or a foodie destination like Faversham. Bloom Stays offers a totally bespoke customer service for

anyone renting through them and also works closely with each property’s owners to ensure a very personal experience - on all levels. “Our mission in promoting self-catering holidays in Kent to a wider audience starts and ends with excellent service at every stage of finding and booking a holiday let to suit an individual’s needs,” Rowena and Nicky tell SO magazine. “We have carved out a name for ourselves in overseeing every aspect of letting. We’ve been busy these last nearly two years implementing our vision around excellent service and a collection of ‘extras’ for guests that really make self-catering a special experience right here in Kent.” Which means when you step inside a Bloom Stays rental you really are entering a home from home. And a very stylish one at that too whatever your holiday or accommodation needs. www.bloomstays.com SO Magazine | July 2022 | 51

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Outside edge

The greenhouse e This month, Tim Sykes from Gardenproud, praises having a great greenhouse in your garden

f you are keen gardeners like my wife and I then a greenhouse is a must have. It's the place where you can sow seeds, nurture young perennials and plug plants, then pot these up ready for the transition to the garden. This is not only enjoyable and rewarding, but it also saves you hundreds of pounds! The greenhouse is also the place where you can grow fruit and vegetables, such as tomato plants and courgettes. You can even grow more exotic plants, such as lemon and orange trees. It's also a safe haven where you can overwinter less hardy plants in readiness for the next season. A greenhouse helps harness both the light and heat of the sun to

54 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

create a more stable environment for your plants to grow. You can extend its use into the autumn and winter periods by adding heating, so this is a consideration when planning its use. We use our greenhouse predominantly as a feeder for our Kitchen Garden. So it is situated in the midst of this area of the garden. Every year my wife plans out her crops for the Kitchen Garden, orders seeds at appropriate times, then propagates these in trays in our greenhouse. Once the young plants are large enough they are transferred to small pots, then once the timing is right these are transferred to the raised beds outside. This year we have grown from seed leaks, spring onions,

radishes, tomatoes, courgettes, sugar snap peas and butter head lettuce. Apart from its practical use a greenhouse can also be a very attractive focal point in the garden, in fact it can be the catalyst to designing a whole new area. Obviously cost can be a factor and the more attractive, and more sophisticated it is tends to be reflected in the price. It could be traditional in its looks, or contemporary. So think about your environment, the style and look of your house and try to match the design of the greenhouse to suit this. When planning your greenhouse size is a consideration. You need a minimum width of 6ft, but 8ft is better. An ideal length is 10, or even 12ft. This gives you room to move around and enough space for at least 2 areas of staging, with room below for

“Apart from its practical use a greenhouse can also be a very attractive focal point in the garden”

storage of pots, or further growing if your greenhouse choice doesn't require dwarf walls. Siting the greenhouse is important. Don't make it too far from the house so its easy to get to. The best orientation for growing crops all year round is to line up the ridge East - West, as this will help optimise light in the winter months. The greenhouse needs a firm, flat base. If it has dwarf walls it will need proper footings. If not a combination of a firm flat base to fix, or lay the frame and a pathway to work from, with sufficient drainage, or inset beds for plants and planting. If you are going to work all hours, you'll need a safe electricity supply for lighting and heating. You may also benefit from an insulated water supply, or rainwater tank to supply your watering cans or irrigation system.

Outside edge

Contemporary or Traditional: The Hartley Botanic, Opus Glasshouse is a statement piece, but alongside a bronze windowed contemporary house it will look stunning. The Palmako Glasshouse in treated wood is equally contemporary, but could suit a tighter budget. Alitex have for many years been building beautiful Victorian style greenhouses that blend seamlessly with older properties. They come with every bell and whistle and a huge range of sizes to suit the garden. By comparison Robinsons make an affordable range of Victorian greenhouses that may suit your pocket. Both Alitex and Robinsons are made in powder coated Aluminium. Dual purpose: The Potting Shed/ Greenhouse Combi is an attractive option for lots of people, as it combines a compact shed with a greenhouse, so a place to store all your garden tools and have a potting area, all in the vicinity of the greenhouse or Kitchen Garden.

Choice of material: This is an important factor. Powder Coated Aluminium is practical and can be attractive. Or, wood (typically Cedar, but increasingly Accoya) can be similarly attractive, stained or painted in the case of Accoya. Wood also helps hold the heat longer so this can be useful when conserving energy.

Things to do in the garden this July: Dead head repeatflowering perennials to encourage fresh blooms Get into a regular watering regime to keep your pots and beds moist Start to think about your Spring Flowering strategy and plan your bulbs Give your lawn a summer feed and keep it watered at night Set the mower at a slightly higher level and keep mowing Harvest fruits

We have spec'd a number of these in gardens and used Woodpecker Joinery as our partner. They make some really nice Victorian style greenhouses and combi units in cedar wood. If your budget stretches further then also look at Gabriel Ash, their RHS Rosemoor Combi is very appealing.

Make sure the greenhouse has plenty of ventilation during the day, water early evenings if possible Stake taller plants such as Delphiniums and Fox gloves to enhance displays and prolong their beauty

Practicality: If this is what guides your thinking then your best option is a Rhino Greenhouse. These are superbly

Plant out Autumn flowering bulbs Give your pots and containers (including hanging baskets) a liquid feed

designed and made greenhouses, now in a number of powder coated colours, that come with staging, blinds, everything you need to make for a safe and workman-like environment for your fledgling plants. Budgets: (Excluding bases and erection) vary from an 8ft x 10ft Rhino Premium greenhouse at £4,250, to a similar sized Robinsons Victorian Rushmoor greenhouse for £8,200, to £18,000 for the Hidcote from Alitex. A useful list of website addresses: www.alitex.co.uk www.woodpecker-joinery.co.uk www.hartley-botanic.co.uk www.greenhousesdirect.co.uk www.robinsonsgreenhouses.co.uk www.gabrielash.com For further information about greenhouse choice, designing and building a Kitchen Garden and maintaining a kitchen garden then contact Tim Sykes at Gardenproud on 07725 173820, or email him at reallygardenproud@ btinternet.com

Tim Sykes

Garden Proud

SO Magazine | July 2022 | 55

Travel

Greece is the word From ancient Greece to modern-day life, island-hopping gives a flavour of what’s on offer in the Aegean Sea, says Aine Fox

itinerary in place, accommodation taken care of and no need to think about traipsing around the streets with luggage in tow. Celestyal invites passengers to enjoy an “experience that invites you to indulge in our Hellenic heritage”. While our sailing is short – longer trips are available – it involves both the wonders of ancient and modern Greece. A stop off at the Turkish port of Kusadasi sees us step back in time to the ruins of Ephesus, dating to around the 10th century BC. Standing in the middle of an amphitheatre with the hot sun beating down, you can’t help but imagine the Gladiators striding forward as the crowd of thousands packed into the stone seats cheers them on. A day later, in Heraklion on the island of Crete, we visit the ancient Knossos Temple where we learn of the origins of the famous Minotaur, which according to

s the Aegean sea glistens and shimmers in the sunshine, the view becomes more breathtaking with every narrow turn the tour bus makes, high up into the hills of Santorini. Arriving by cruise ship, the whitewashed houses dotted along the cliff in the distance had resembled a snow-capped mountain. But the 30C heat quickly reminded me I am in Greece, on an island-hopping adventure. Our tour guide Thea tells us cruising the Greek islands is like an appetiser, giving us a taste of what

56 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

is on offer, each with a different flavour. From the chic streets of party island Mykonos, to the stunning views of the quieter Patmos, and the historical ruins of Crete – I am already planning my return for a longer stay. The main course, if you will. Our three-night all-inclusive sailing with Celestyal Cruises sees us setting off early from Athens for a jam-packed exploration of the Aegean Sea, taking in some of Greece’s most beautiful islands. It’s possible to do a DIY version by taking ferries between islands of course, but an organised cruise takes the pressure off, with an

“There is certainly something to be said for drawing back the curtains to a new scene every morning”

Greek legend, roamed the tunnels under the sprawling palace. As fascinating as ancient Greece is, it’s the modern-day island experience I’m most keen to sample. Our stroll through the streets of Mykonos brings to life the picture-perfect postcard image I had in my head. The paved streets are spotless, the whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant blue rooftops and doors, while fuchsia-coloured bougainvillaea drape over laneways and outdoor stairwells, making for the most beautiful scene against a clear blue sky. Coloured cushions are placed on whitewashed seats and benches, which jut out from the bars and shops, in an effortlessly stylish version of cafe culture. Cat lovers are in for a treat as moggies – lots of gingers – laze in the evening heat, stretching themselves along walls or in shop doorways. Their relaxed demeanours are a reflection of the

Travel

with 6am breakfasts and 7am departures, but it’s worth it to see as much as possible, and there is always time for a nap back on the boat between stops if needed. Otherwise, there is plenty to keep guests entertained on our ship, Celestyal Olympia. Whether that’s a dip in the pool on deck nine, a cocktail while watching the sunset from the Horizons bar on deck 12, or a treatment at the beauty centre on deck five. The all-inclusive dining package aims to give guests a selection of international cuisine, blended with Greek gastronomy.

slow pace of life and holidaymakers’ mood around them. Dining outdoors by the waterside is already pretty atmospheric, but when the restaurant lights flicker just as the baked aubergine in a delicious tomato sauce is being served, things take a more magical turn. A temporary blackout sees half the eateries nearby suddenly plunged into darkness but for candles on the table and the twinkling lights of the villas on the other side of the harbour. Our 10pm departure time to the ship means we don’t quite get to

sample the party reputation Mykonos (where celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio and Beyonce are said to have holidayed) is famed for. But that leaves all the more reason to return. Sleeping on the ship also makes for a more economical holiday, with our tour guides telling us overnight stays in the likes of Mykonos and Santorini are on the pricier side. There is certainly something to be said for drawing back the curtains to a new scene every morning. Adventuring means early starts,

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP

A three-night Iconic Aegean cruise on the Celestyal Olympia, departing Lavrion port in Athens, starts from £257 per person, which includes two excursions and unlimited classic drinks and food, as well as gratuities. Visit celestyal. com. Celestyal requires all guests to be triple vaccinated and take a rapid antigen test within the 24 hours before embarkation. Flights with Sky Express depart daily from Heathrow Airport in London to Athens, with prices starting at £48 per person one way. Visit skyexpress.gr.

Among the delicacies we enjoy are Greek salad (of course), falafel souvlaki, and traditional baklava for dessert. Off the ship, a must-have is bougatsa – a Greek custard pie with filo pastry, dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar. As we sit outside a cafe in Crete, with locals emerging from a nearby church to get a morning coffee, we feel we really must try the savoury cheese-filled version as well, and we’re not disappointed. No Greek Odyssey would be complete without some olives, cheese and wine. At the Venetsanos winery in Santorini, they offer all of the above, and even throw in an epic view for less than €30/£25.60. Sipping the third offering, a sweet dessert wine, we gaze from our clifftop spot out over the Aegean Sea, where the ship sits awaiting our return. Back on-board, the night can be rounded off with one of the entertainment shows, featuring music and acrobatics, or with a nightcap in one of the bars, as guests mull over the sights and sounds of that day, and the new adventure tomorrow will bring. SO Magazine | July 2022 | 57

Motors

First Drive:

the edges of the display. There’s also a small driver display ahead of the steering wheel, which relays some key information and changes to a racier design when Track mode is selected. Again, it’s not as intricate as the displays on other current sports cars, but it’s clear and easy to read.

TOYOTA

VERDICT

The GR86 feels like an extension of the original. This is no complete rewrite, more a cleverly revised second edition. The extra power hasn’t made the GR86 feel too ‘grown up’ but instead allows you to fully exploit the balance and poise that the chassis has to offer. It was a bit of a concern to learn that the GR86 would be wearing more performanceorientated tyres too, as there was the potential to take away some of the ‘fun’ of the original GT86, but these worries have been put to bed with this test. It’s just a shame the GR86 will only be on sale for a short time. This is the kind of car that needs to be enjoyed while it’s still here.

The first GT86 has gone down as one of the all-time greats. Jack Evans finds out if the GR86 replacement is just as good WHAT IS IT?

The original GT86 proved to be somewhat of a hit for Toyota. Its lightweight ethos, relatively lowpowered engine and more slippery, eco-focused tyres meant it was beloved by enthusiasts, who could appreciate the GT86’s drivercentric approach. So, how do you deliver the tricky second album? Well, for the newly-named GR86 – enabling it to fall under Toyota’s Gazoo Racing range of vehicles – that means more power, more grip and much broader use of lightweight materials to make it a little more focused than its predecessor. But does that make it any more fun?

WHAT’S NEW?

Though the GR86 will only be on sale in the UK for two years, due to more stringent safety tests coming into force, Toyota has done a great deal with this car over the one it replaces. The engine is more powerful (more on that later), while grippier Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres replace the Primacy rubber fitted to the GT86, which famously were the same ones you’d get on the hybrid Prius. Inside, there’s a little more technology than before, while the steering, suspension and braking 58 | July 2022 | SO Magazine

FACTS AT A GLANCE MODEL: Toyota GR86 PRICE AS TESTED: £29,995 ENGINE: 2.4-litre ‘Boxer’ petrol POWER: 231bhp TORQUE: 250Nm 0-60MPH: 6.1 seconds TOP SPEED: 140mph ECONOMY: 32.1-32.5mpg EMISSIONS: 198-200g/km

have been revised to make the GR86 even more capable. Even the car’s rigidity has been boosted, up 50% on the GT86.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

It’s here where things have been given a real push. The naturallyaspirated engine uses the same basic block, but capacity has been increased from 2.0-litres up to 2.4, with power increasing to 231bhp from 197bhp as a result. Torque has gone up too, rising from 205Nm to 250Nm – and it’s delivered earlier, in order to give a more linear, progressive acceleration. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox, though an automatic version is available too. When it comes to performance times, the GR86 returns a respectable 0-60mph time of 6.1 seconds and it’ll carry on to a top speed of 140mph. It’s not too bad in the efficiency stakes either, with Toyota claiming up to 32.5mpg combined and CO2 emissions of between 198 and 200g/km.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

Behind the wheel was where the old GT86 really shone, so it’s

pleasing to note the same can be said for the GR86. That boost in power only worked to emphasise the car’s balance, with its nimble steering and well-managed body control working in tandem to make it very good fun to drive. We drove it on a circuit too, and found it to be just as capable there. The engine note is a little muted – it’s piped in on the GR86 rather than being sent through a plumbed-in ‘tube’ directly from the engine as was the case on the older car – but it doesn’t stop you from stretching the engine out whenever the opportunity strikes. The six-speed manual is accurate and easy to use, but it’s the GR86’s balance that really makes its presence known in the whole experience. The grippier tyres don’t diminish the GR86’s involvement, either.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The big upgrade to the GR86 is its infotainment. It’s based around a new eight-inch screen and has been made quicker and more responsive. In truth, the native menu is quite plain and can be a little tricky to navigate, but fortunately, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, so you can use this to easily mirror your smartphone on the screen. It works well, and expands right to

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