SO Magazine September 2023

EDUCATION Top marks

Don’t miss our in-depth education supplement for pupils and parents

BUSINESS In paradise

Simply Luxury Escapes talk exotic destinations and offer the chance to win a holiday

LIFESTYLE Bridal path

All you need to know if you are planning your dream wedding this year

IN FOCUS

DEE AIREY CELEBRATES THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF HER SUCCESSFUL PANTILES-BASED PHOTOGRAPHY GALLERY AND SHOP

Angela Hewitt

The Jazz Sapiens

Christmas with the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra 15th December

Swinging at the Cotton Club 25th November

elcome to the September edition of SO magazine. With summer coming to an end, this month is always a good time to reflect on new beginnings. Call it that ‘back to school’ feeling if you like but somehow the new academic year boasts a good chance for all of us to hit reset. Talking of schools, we have a fantastic Education Special in this month’s edition which will provide you with a wealth of expert information regarding the area’s excellent offering of educational establishments – both private and state.

This month’s cover star is the talented wedding and portrait photographer Dee Airey who is celebrating the first anniversary of her studio and gallery on The Pantiles. She tells us about her relaxed and totally natural style of photography and how the online coaching courses she started during Covid have gone onto become

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such a huge success, attracting professional photographers from all over the world. She also reveals some news about her second book – out later this month – and tells us about a special weekend she is hosting on November 24 & 25 where families can enjoy a fun festive shoot.

We’ve also got a fabulous Wedding Special in this month’s SO magazine which has all the information you need to make your dream day a reality.

From DJs to dresses, fabulous florals and delicious food and wine, we have you covered if you are thinking about tying the knot anytime soon.

As well as all our usual lifestyle features, and so much useful expert advice from our excellent regular columnists - plus the chance to win an amazing holiday to the Caribbean courtesy of Simply Luxury Escapes - we think you’ll agree that you have plenty to ensure you start September on the right footing!

Enjoy the issue!

Culture vulture: What’s on where this month

Local hero: Paul Dunton reviews another successful Local & Live festival

September 2023

Don’t

@somagazines

THE TEAM

EDITOR

Eileen Leahy eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk

ISSUE 179

DESIGN

Jo Turfitt

EDITORIAL

Karen Martin

Naomi Murray

Tim Sykes

Molly Miller

PHOTOGRAPHY David Bartholomew

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Life through a lens: We meet wedding photographer Dee Airey who celebrates one year of trading on The Pantiles

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Let’s celebrate: The TN Card throws a summer party for its members and raises money for West Kent Mind

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Al fresco appeal: Corker hosts a series of expert garden talks

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Love where you live: Local PR expert Laura Gibson tells us where she likes to shop, stroll and socialise

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Wood works: The TN Card’s Jess Gibson meets the enterprising team at The Wood Room

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Say I Do in style: From dresses to DJs, fine food and fizz, we have all you need for the perfect wedding

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Let’s go outside: Make the most of a long awaited Indian Summer with our easy garden updates

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Turn Heads: Why Headmasters hairdressing salon is a cut above the rest

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Seasonal change: Kitch’s Charlotte Newman on key autumnal staples

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Man power: Naomi Murray from Botanica Health shares her tips on sustaining men’s health

69 Warning signs: Hypnotherapist Karen Martin on adult ADHD

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Hit reset: Fitness expert Sarah Gorman reveals ways to get you fighting fit

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In focus: Yoga expert Lucy Parker on practicing the beneficial powers of meditation

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Making the grade: Don’t miss our excellent schools guide

Child’s play: Why Bewl Water is such a fantastic day out for families

106 Dreamy destinations: We chat to Simply Luxury Escapes about their new shop in Tunbridge Wells and the chance to win a trip to the Caribbean

109 Paws perfect: Bloom Stays, Kent’s luxury rental agency, on their dog-friendly property hot spots in the county

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Baby love: The Amara Clinic announces its new partnership with LCRH fertility experts

105 Power up: Garden Proud’s Tim Sykes on the best electric tools on the market

110Drive of your life: Test drive the new Volvo XC40

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INTO THE GROOVE SOUL TRAIN

SEPTEMBER 9

The popular Pantiles’ event Soul Train is back on September 9 for one last hurrah before saying goodbye for the summer. It’s your chance to groove along with friends to some of the very best dance-floor classics of the last 50 years covering pop, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, funk and disco genres. Admission costs £5 and can be paid in person on the night. Or alternatively why not book yourself into one of the participating restaurants where you can dine before dancing the night away? Venues include The Tunbridge Wells Hotel, Kirthon and La Casa Vecchia. Booking direct is advised. For more information on this event visit www.thepantiles.com

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

PANTILES FOOD FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 16 & 17

DID YOU KNOW?

JUST FOR LAUGHS

RHYS JAMES: SPILT MILK

SEPTEMBER 13

Popular comedian Rhys James returns on a nationwide tour hitting Trinity Theatre on September 13 at 7:30pm. Best known for his appearances on Mock of the Week and Live at the Apollo, his previous tour sold out over 70 dates around the country, so grab a ticket and don’t miss out on this comedy genius. Age Guidance 16+.www.trinitytheatre.net/events/ rhys-james-spilt-milk

Richard Coles, the esteemed writer, radio presenter and Church of England vicar, first rose to fame as one half of pop duo The Communards with Jimmy Somerville. They achieved three top ten hits, including the number one record and bestselling single of 1986 – a dance version of ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’.

Back for another year of delivering delicious cuisine, The Pantiles Food Festival takes place over the weekend of September 16 and 17. On from 10am to 4pm on both days, it’s a must-attend gastro event for any foodie. For 2023 there will be over 40 different stalls selling a range of both local and regional goodies and of course there will once again be a few special guest cooks cooking live on stage – a highlight every year for most! All the family are welcome as there will also be live music and entertainment on both days to keep yourself amused while trying the many types of food that will be on offer. See www.thepantiles.com for more information

CHILD’S PLAY

SNUG & GRUB CATCH A BUG!

SEPTEMBER 17

CELESTIAL COMEDY

RICHARD COLES: BORDERLINE

NATIONAL TRINKET

SEPTEMBER 16

The Sunday Times bestselling author, vicar and Strictly Come Dancing star Richard Cole can now add a national tour to his list of achievements with his appearance at the Trinity Theatre on September 16 at 7:30pm. On his first full national tour Richard Cole will blow the lid of his life, revealing the truth behind the phenomenon of the ‘national treasure’. Get ready for an evening of laughs, madness and blistering emotional honesty. For tickets visit www.trinitytheatre.net

Garlic Theatre arrive at Trinity Theatre on September 17 at 2pm and they are ready to blow your socks off with their performance of Snug & Grub Catch A Bug! Bringing with them an original tale full of colourful puppets, a gorgeous set and exciting music, young children and their parents and carers are sure to love this charming show. It follows the adventure of Snug and Grub and the events that take place after they come out from under their rock to discover googly eyes looking through the grass. They spy the earth but what on earth is it and who lives here? This is a wonderfully wiggly adventure for all the family. Tickets can be booked at www.trinitytheatre.net

Carrie Caudell brings you the most entertaining events happening this September

RACE FOR LIFE

HOSPICE RUN 2023: RUN RABBIT RUN!

SEPTEMBER 17

The Hospice in the Weald charity run returns once again for its 17th year on September 17. The flag goes up from 8:30am and runners have the chance to compete in either the 5 or 10K race as well as the new half marathon. With the Tunbridge Wells Samba Band performing and plenty of food and drink from local vendors on sale for onlookers, this is sure to be a memorable day out that raises thousands for such a great local cause. All entry fees and money raised goes directly to supporting Hospice in the Weald care for people at the end of their life in Kent and East Sussex. For further information visit www. hospiceintheweald.org.uk

JOIN THE GREEN PARTY

OUR PLANET: CELEBRATION & CONCERT ART EXHIBITION

SEPTEMBER 18

Tunbridge Wells Friends of the Earth is curating a free three-week long environmental art exhibition, entitled ‘Our Planet: Celebration & Concern’. Starting on September 18 and running until October 8, the exhibition is open Monday to Sunday from 10am-4pm. The aim of the exhibition is to celebrate nature and also bring awareness towards the biodiversity crisis and climate emergency by showing works of art including paintings, poems, sculptures, drawings and photographs. To find out more about this show head to www.tunwellsfoe.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW?

Broadway, the longest street in New York City, was once an early 17th-century route which was used to drive livestock through the Dutch colony of New Amsterdam. It was named Brede Wegh – Broad Way – and when the British took over, it became Broadway.

FRIGHT NIGHT

DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?

SEPTEMBER 23

Prepare for a scare at the Assembly Hall Theatre on September 23 at 7:30pm where unusual ghost stories that will make your blood run cold

UNKNOWN PLEASURES

TRANSMISSION: THE SOUND OF JOY DIVISION

SEPTEMBER 23

Get ready to travel back in time to when Manchester indie collective Joy Division was the leading force in the 1970s/80s post-punk movement courtesy of the UK’s number one Joy Division tribute act Transmission. They will be playing at The Forum on September 23. Entry Requirements: 16+ (under-16s accompanied by an adult) for more info and to book tickets visit www.twforum.co.uk

GOURMET GOODIES

TUNBRIDGE WELLS FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 23 & 24

the ‘world’s greatest living explorer’ is now sharing the unseen behind these adventures at the Assembly Hall Theatre on September 26 at 7:30pm. Sir Ranulph will take the audience from his childhood right through to his explorations in what promises to be a fascinating evening.To book tickets visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

BE INSPIRED

MAKE IT YOUR BUSINESS

SEPTEMBER 29

will be told courtesy of the Do You Believe in Ghosts performance. The show will let you in on the secrets of what happens when the lights go out and attempt to discover more about ghouls and what they get up to. Look forward to a night full of fright and fear. Advised for 12+. To book tickets visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

The annual Tunbridge Wells Food and Drink Festival returns once again over the weekend of September 23 and 24. As usual there will be all manner of local producers present who will be showcasing their delicious gourmet goodies. Whether it’s a fancy condiment, some quality locallyreared beef or a tipple of homemade drink, there will be something to whet everyone’s appetite at this great family-friendly event. It takes place at Calverley Grounds between 11am and 6pm and entry is free.

BACK TO THE 80s

FLOCK OF SEAGULLS

SEPTEMBER 24

A Flock of Seagulls are a well-known 80s electro-pop outfit who were just as well known for their experimental hairdos as their many hit songs which include the iconic ‘I Ran’ and ‘Wishing’. They are bringing their music to Tunbridge Wells on September 24 courtesy of their much-anticipated gig at The Forum. Kicking off at 7.30pm, entry requirements are 16+ (under 16s accompanied by an adult)

GLOBETROTTER

SIR RANULPH FIENNES: MAD, BAD AND DANGEROUS

SEPTEMBER 26

After summiting Everest, crossing the Arctic and Antarctica, circumnavigating the surface of the globe from pole to pole and countless more events

Make It Your Business Tunbridge Wells is back. This event, happening on September 29, is a fantastic opportunity to meet local female entrepreneurs for the inspiration, ideas and support to start or grow your business from whatever stage you are at.You will also have a chance to ask them questions and get honest feedback. Host Siobhan Stirling will be joined by 4 other panellists: Teresa Wickham, Lynne Gadsden, Jane Bennett, Lucy Ames. The event takes place at The Finance Hub, Tunbridge Wells from10.30am-12.30.pm. Tickets are free and can be purchased from: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/make-ityour-business-tunbridge-wells-tickets680031471437?aff=erelexpmlt

THE STAGE IS SET BROADWAY & BEYOND

SEPTEMBER 30

Bringing a taste of Broadway to Tunbridge Wells, the popular show Broadway & Beyond is now in its sixteenth year and touring the whole of the UK including a stop-off at Trinity Theatre. This impressive stage show contains a mix of songs and dance routines from popular musicals that have appeared in New York’s famous theatre district, Broadway, over the decades. Taking place on September 30 at 8:00pm this really is a must-see event for any die-hard musicals fan. To book tickets visit www.trinitytheatre.net

Thank you for the music…

Having now had time to catch my breath, I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect on the recent 2023 Local & Live Music Festival. Following on from the success of the 2022 event, we have spent the past year working towards the goal of once again successfully utilising Calverley Grounds and the various fringe venues that included The Forum and The Sussex Mews stage at The Sussex Arms.

Local & Live is a free-entry, non-ticketed event which costs close to £65,000 to stage and the money has to come from somewhere, so we are indebted to local business Maxipay Accounting Services who signed up as headline sponsor in 2022

and renewed again for this year. This significant financial boost coupled with grants from Royal Tunbridge Wells Together, numerous sponsorships and donations from the local business community and support and assistance from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council meant that Local & Live 2023 could therefore go ahead as planned. My primary hope, year on year, is that Local & Live will be a highlight of the summer; something for everyone to look forward to and enjoy - for the musicians involved, the local traders, our sponsors and the local community.

I really enjoyed organising Local & Live 2023 and I feel that we now have a solid festival team and format all secured in place that will enable the event

Paul Dunton, founder and chief organiser of Local & Live, which took place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, reflects on what’s been hailed as the most successful one yet…

Nigel Martin Photography

Nigel Martin Photography

David Warren Photography

to develop and thrive for years to come. Calverley Grounds once again proved to be a wonderful location as a central point for the event and I know all the musicians involved really enjoyed performing on such a wonderful stage to thousands of people. Thankfully, the weather gods gently smiled on us, I can’t express how relieved I was to see the sun shining, even if it was in small doses! The event’s attendance hinges on good weather to a degree although saying that, come wind, rain or shine, Local & Live has a dedicated following that I know would turn up no matter how inclement the conditions. It is this wholehearted support for the event that gives me the confidence and belief to keep doing it every year and I am ever appreciative to everyone who came along and supported this year’s festival.

The atmosphere at this year's event was something very special – maybe I’d go as far to say that it was perhaps the best yet! We felt so much support from the audiences and there were so many amazing performances especially from our headline acts, Two Weeks In Nashville, Cyrano and Code: Marla. It was

also wonderful to see the likes of young up-and-coming acts such as Elliott Graham, Biddle and The Polygons all perform this year. There was also an array of stellar performances at The Forum and The Sussex Mews stages all weekend. I personally thought all the acts did brilliantly and whilst running to and from both stages I did manage to catch some stand out sets, in particular from Essie West, The Fiery Lights, The Ashen Keys, Sean de Burca, Kylie, Jack Leon Mackey, Doris Amy, Sean Alexander, Catching Mangoes, Shep & Co just to name a few! That is what Local & Live is all about: showcasing a melting pot of creative grassroots music from seasoned campaigners like the above-mentioned headline acts to new artists making their first steps.

This year's programme featured acts of all ages and rather incredibly our youngest performers were just 13 years old. In recent years I feel Local & Live has now developed a more laid-back, relaxed festival vibe. Calverley Grounds is definitely its natural home and sometimes it is the little touches such as having a face painter and arts & crafts for kids to enjoy. Then there’s the brilliant and ever-evolving food & drink quarter, various stalls and stands, all of which help to embellish the event and give it that ‘family friendly’ festival vibe.

Local & Live 2023 could not have happened without the help of my fellow trustees.

Peter Taylor, Barney Jameson, Nigel Bent, Charles Armstrong, Anna Howie, Paul Coe, Stephen Goodwin and Jason Dormon. Their collective support has been integral to the festival's success. Huge thanks is also owed to all our amazing volunteers, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the event running smoothly and to plan. They are all individuals from the local community who gave up their time over the weekend to help out. On the photography side of things I am indebted to

Nigel Martin, Sally Anne Low and David Warren for all of their hard work covering the event across the four days, capturing memories and moments to inspire and document the 18th edition of Local & Live. They kindly give their time for free and do a fantastic job. Huge thanks also to volunteers David & Elisa Briers, Zoe Deighton-Smythe and Jill Ramsey who worked tirelessly to create the stunning terrace bar which proved very popular. I would also like to award a special vote of thanks to all of the musicians who performed and all the Local & Live Angels, Maxipay Accounting Services, our diamond sponsors – Berry & Lamberts, G&G Vitamins, Hazle McCormack Young LLP, Amba Kali and Maddisons. All of our food, drink and crafts traders, all of our big screen sponsors, Black Deer Festival, Sean de Burca, Friends of Calverley Grounds, BBC Radio Kent, West Kent Radio and our media partner the Times of Tunbridge Wells and SO magazine for all their support and assistance.

By the time you read this, work will already have begun on next year’s festival. Roll on 2024!

Nigel Martin Photography

Nigel Martin Photography

“The atmosphere at this year's event was something very special –maybe I’d go as far to say that it was perhaps the best yet!”

David Warren Photography

Sally-Anne Low Photography

“When I opened my shop on The Pantiles I was slightly terrified,” laughs Dee Airey. I’m meeting the successful wedding photographer at her smart premises in Tunbridge Wells to chat to her about how her first year of trading on the town’s famous historical walkway has gone.

“I created my photography business in 2011 but it was only at the beginning of last year that I made the decision to be based in Tunbridge Wells. And when I first opened my studio and shop in August last year I’ll admit I really didn’t know what to expect,” she continues.

After getting the keys to the shop, which is conveniently situated next door to The Pantiles Bride, in May 2022 Dee hired a contractor to carry out a major refurbishment.

“They gutted the place and redecorated it in about five weeks –it was absolutely amazing.”

Having been to her studio a

Making memories

Successful photographer Dee Airey, who specialises in wedding and family portraiture, is celebrating the first anniversary of her shop and studio opening on The Pantiles. Here she tells Eileen Leahy how having a customer-facing premises has not only enhanced her business, which she established 11 years ago, but has also enabled her to pass on the knowledge and experience she has acquired courtesy of the weekly photography lessons she classes from there…

couple of times now I can certainly testify to that. But it’s fair to say that a lot of the credit has also got to be given to Dee as she really has done a stellar job on creating such a welcoming space in terms of the studio’s divine decor.

Everything is in white and cream tones – the walls, the plush

carpeting, the luxury button back sofas – so you immediately feel a sense of calm as soon as you step inside. “I always want people to feel relaxed when they come here,” smiles Dee. “I’m camera shy myself, so I understand how much of a challenge a lot of people find it.”

In addition to the tranquil

interiors scheme, there are lots of stunning pictures hanging up in Dee’s studio which perfectly reflect the type of work she specialises in. Her main areas are weddings and family portraiture.

“I am all about the happy things in life. I like to keep in touch with my wedding couples – forever if possible – so when they get pregnant or have children it’s nice to capture those moments. That’s what gave me the idea of setting up a studio in the first place.” Dee tells me that prior to opening her Pantiles one she had another studio in Crowborough.

Dee, who lives locally, says that since she has repositioned her business in Tunbridge Wells she has stopped ‘running all over the place’ covering weddings and the like.

“That has been a great result of being based here. This year all of the weddings I have done have been in the local area. I love shooting in Tunbridge Wells at places like One Warwick Park Hotel as it’s literally

“Entrepreneur Dee describes her creative style as natural and relaxed, truly capturing her clients’ personality”

LOVE TOKENS: DEE AIREY ON WHY YOU SHOULD SAY ‘I DO’ TO HAVING A WEDDING ALBUM:

#1 Being able to touch and feel your photo memories

just around the corner!”

Entrepreneur Dee describes her creative style as natural and relaxed which she believes helps genuinely capture her clients’ true personality.

“For me it’s about reflecting the essence of people’s relationships and who they are. I see it as part of my job to make people feel at ease in front of the camera.”

Dee tells me that there is another aspect of her job that she is really motivated by and that’s passing on her knowledge to others. And this is where her Pantiles premises have also been invaluable.

“When I first took on this place I initially I thought about renting the basement out but I am so glad I didn’t as it has been brilliant for teaching my beginners’ photography courses.” On average classes of around 8-10 people can be accommodated down there she adds.

Dee admits that when she first opened the doors to her studio and gallery she thought she would get

loads of footfall being based on The Pantiles but quickly realised that people don’t just casually stroll in there.

“They peer in the windows, see my pictures on the wall and then go home, have a look at my website and then they email me.”

But that’s something that Dee tells me has actually worked out for the best, as it means that unless people are coming in to have a shoot done or to discuss their wedding plans the space is relatively quiet for her to carry out her editing work and general admin.

In addition to the face-to-face classes she runs, Dee also coaches professional photographers online courtesy of the ClickStart 4 courses she has created. She launched these during Covid and they are continuing to go from strength to strength.

“During the pandemic I started doing Zooms and that has been an area of my work that has really grown. I now run a variety of

Facebook groups and have over 3,000 people from all over the world in my community. There are professional photographers from the USA, Australia, the Caribbean and all over Europe tuning in every week. It’s amazing!

“I’ll host lots of Q&As for those who want to improve their photography business and popular questions are things like ‘how do I grow in confidence’, ‘what do I put in my Terms & Conditions’, ‘how much do I charge’. They are mainly practical things and I am happy to pass on my knowledge.

“I have one chap from the last inperson group I ran who came to the shop after the course had finished and said he was thinking about changing careers so I invited him into my Facebook community and now he is learning things from a business point of view as he already has all the basics after doing my course.”

I remark that it’s quite unusual for successful professionals to willingly share all their knowledge and trade secrets with others.

“Most successful people don’t want to share, they hoard it to themselves but I get no joy from that whatsoever,” she replies.

“I think the way the world goes around is by sharing what we do. I genuinely like giving something back. With my experience of being a professional photographer I believe that I owe it to others to share that. I believe that the more I give, the more I get back and I teach a lot about that mindset too. What you put into the universe you will get back.”

Dee, who undertook an official teacher training course back in the 1990s says this is where her passion for passing on her wisdom, tips and tricks comes from. She also informs me that she has just finished writing an online course and is also just about to publish her second book which will be available on Amazon.

She describes it as a ‘How To’ book for budding photographers.

“It’s called Start and Grow Your Wedding Photography Business and is out later this month. It

Sometimes just touching your album, or seeing it on your coffee table brings it all back. You don’t even have to open it up, its presence keeps your magical day alive in your hearts forever.

#2 Your wedding album is an heirloom

Your wedding album is a lifelong memory for your family, and can be kept forever. If you go on to have children or if you already have children, your album will be precious to them, and as time goes by they can treasure your memory as their own.

#3 Your love story

Your wedding album tells the story of your love on your big day, and you’ll feel it every time you flick through. I always

design your album to follow the special order of beautiful events of your day and couples are amazed at how powerfully their albums tell their story.

#4 The perfect gift

You can give albums as gifts to parents, grandparents and loved ones. Not only is the couple’s memory kept alive, but also the memory of your loved ones as they flick through their beautiful gift.

#5 Preservation of memories

It’s possible to lose your images on your phone or other device. Your wedding album is a physical preservation of your memories and your love story. Yes, great quality albums are expensive, but your wedding memories are priceless.

is peppered with lots of useful information. I wanted it to reflect all my experience – even my mistakes! In it I also talk about marketing, social media, how to create a website, self-belief – and also selfdoubt. I really hope it will help others.”

The reason for this she says is that there just aren’t enough good quality wedding photographers out there.

“There are so many people taking photos but they’re not necessarily photographers. I would rather train them up properly so they can add value to our industry because if you look at the number of people getting married every year there’s definitely enough work out there for everyone.”

And when I ask Dee what her dream wedding to shoot would be she says: “I love couples who are in it for the same reason as

“Dee really has done a stellar job on creating such a welcoming and beautiful studio space”

me. That’s the love, passion and investment for having a wonderful day and wanting the memory of everything delivered back to them in photographic form to treasure for a lifetime.”

This, she adds, is where her work doing family portraiture has grown from as a lot of Dee’s couples will come back to her when they are expecting a baby or have just had one. “We’re making memories for the rest of their lives together and that really is priceless.”

And since opening her studio, Dee now has the opportunity to do these kinds of special shoots in a professional setting where everything is set up to be, quite literally, picture perfect.

“It’s been an incredible year so far and I’ve met some really wonderful people coming through the studio,” the recent Kent Women in Business Award Winner reveals.

“If I’m honest I didn’t anticipate it to be up and running this quickly but that just spurs me on to aim for even more numbers during my second year of the gallery.”

BABY LOVE: DEE AIREY ON WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A NEWBORN SHOOT

“Baby photography is more than just capturing pictures; it's about preserving cherished memories and celebrating the beauty of your little one. From the adorable keepsakes that warm your heart to the ability to freeze time and document their growth, baby photography offers countless benefits. It allows you to capture the fleeting moments that pass by so quickly, creating a treasure trove of memories that will make you smile for years to come. So, let me grab my

camera, embrace the cuteness, and start capturing those precious moments that will be treasured for a lifetime.”

#1 ADORABLE KEEPSAKES

There's something undeniably heartwarming about baby photographs. The tiny fingers, the chubby cheeks, the innocent gaze – they all melt your heart. Baby photography allows you to

capture these fleeting moments and create adorable keepsakes that you'll cherish for a lifetime. Whether it's their first smile, their first steps, or even their sleepy yawns, these photos become tangible memories that take you back to those precious early days. Whenever you stumble upon these pictures, you'll remember how you felt back then and you’ll be flooded with love for your little bundle of joy.

#2 TIME FLIES, MEMORIES LAST

It's no secret that babies grow up quickly. One moment they fit snugly in your arms, and the next they're crawling and babbling. Baby photography is your family time capsule, freezing those precious moments in time. Through beautifully captured images, you can preserve the milestones and growth of your child(ren). From the first days of their life to their curious

discovery of the world, baby photography allows you to document their journey. Looking back at these photos, you'll remember the incredible transformation and be reminded of the amazing journey you and your baby have shared.

#3 SHARE THE CUTENESS

Let's admit it, everyone loves cute baby photos! Baby photography gives the perfect opportunity to show off your little miracle. With social media platforms and digital sharing, you can proudly show off those adorable pictures for your friends and family to see. Whether it's a giggling snapshot or a candid moment, these photos spread joy and make people go ‘aww.’ These photos are also good for creating personalised birth announcements or even photo albums to share the cuteness with loved ones.

Sharing those photos not only brings happiness but also allows you to celebrate the beauty of your baby with those closest to you.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:

Over the weekend of November 24-25 Dee will transform her studio into a gorgeous Winter Wonderland for Christmas Mini Shoots for all the family!

“I believe that I owe it to others to share the knowledge I have acquired working as a professional photographer”

This year Dee will also be doing Christmas shoots for families. “I’ll run these over the weekend of November 24 – 25 and it should be a lot of fun! Families can come in and have a festive time of it. I’ll also be offering people the opportunity to have their pictures made up into Christmas cards. I want everyone who comes along to feel like they are having a really unique experience. As with all the work I do I never want anyone to feel they are just being processed. People are trusting me with so many important things – their wedding, their newborn baby - it really is an honour and that’s what drives me and my business.

“I think the pandemic made people really value memories. We want those pictures that mark life’s milestones and I am more than happy to help people do that.”

As I get up to leave I tell Dee that having such a multidimensional approach to her business is inspiring. She is not only a photographer but a benevolent teacher too.

“Well staying in one lane just isn’t interesting to me,” she smiles. “Working the way I do helps me to spread my creative wings so much more and I’m still learning every day. I always want to keep doing that and passing it on. I really want to give the best I can to both my clients and those I mentor.”

It’s no surprise to learn then that Dee’s business plan for the next 12 months is enhancing what she already does so more people can benefit.

“I want to keep improving my A Game and ideally I’d like to recruit a couple of photographers who I can train up so they can work for the Dee Airey brand as it’s a really rewarding thing to do.”

CONTACT DETAILS

DEE AIREY

36 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TN Tel: 01892 341367

www.deeaireyphotography.co.uk

FB: @deeaireyweddingphotography

Instagram: @deeaireyphotography

In sharp focus

Dee Airey also teaches ClickStart 4 photography – both online and in person. Here are her

top tips for making it as a professional photographer:

Starting a photography business from scratch is an exhilarating adventure. While it might seem daunting at first, with the right mindset, determination, and a willingness to learn, you can turn your passion for photography into a thriving business. In both my online and face-to-face classes, we’ll explore the key steps to help you navigate this exciting journey…

1. Mindset

Believe in yourself and embrace the journey. Starting a business at any age requires a positive and determined mindset. Embrace the challenges, setbacks, and learning opportunities that come your way. Understand that building a successful photography business takes time, effort, and persistence. Believe in your abilities and let your passion fuel your drive for success. Most importantly, never ever think that you’re too old – or too young - to start your photography business.

2. Identify your ideal client and niche

Understanding your target audience and finding your niche is crucial to stand out in a competitive photography market.

Take the time to explore different genres of photography and identify the one that truly resonates with you. Whether it’s weddings, portraits, nature, or commercial photography, choosing a specific niche allows you to focus your efforts and tailor your services to meet the unique needs of your ideal clients.

3. Create brand awareness

Stand out and make an impact! Building a strong brand identity is essential for attracting clients and establishing credibility. Develop a unique brand that reflects your style, values, and target market. Design a memorable logo, choose a cohesive colour palette, and create a visually appealing website and social media presence. Consistency in your brand elements across all platforms will help you create a lasting impression and differentiate yourself from the competition.

4. Market your business

Get the word out! Beautiful photography alone won’t guarantee clients. You need to effectively market your services to reach your target audience. Leverage the power of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your work, engage

with potential clients, and build a community around your brand. Collaborate with local businesses, offer special promotions, and invest in online advertising or search engine optimization to increase your visibility. Continuously assess and refine your marketing strategies to ensure you’re reaching the right people with the right message.

5. Continuous learning and improvement

The photography industry is ever-evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends, techniques, and equipment is crucial. Attend workshops, conferences, and online courses to enhance your skills and stay ahead of the curve. Seek inspiration from other photographers, connect with mentors, and be open to collaboration and feedback. By continuously improving and adapting your approach, you’ll keep your business fresh, exciting, and in line with the changing demands of your clients.

For more information on Dee’s coaching courses visit www.deeaireycoaching.com

Start and Grow Your Wedding Photography Business by Dee Airey will be published later this month and is being stocked on Amazon. Dee describes it as a ‘How To’ book for budding photographers.: “It’s peppered with lots of useful information. I wanted it to reflect all my experience – even my mistakes! In it I also talk about marketing, social media, how to create a website, self-belief – and also self-doubt. I really hope it will help others.”

“It’s important to have pictures that mark life’s milestones and I am more than happy to be help people do that”

PHOTO BY DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

Mindful thinking

The TN card celebrated raising a milestone £20,000 for West Kent Mind at its annual summer party, thanks to the generosity of its members, business partners and supporters.

Jess Gibson, who single-handedly runs the TN card scheme, sought out West Kent Mind in 2020 prior to launching in order to ask the mental health charity’s permission to donate 10% of membership sales to it. With four sons, Jess wanted in particular to help young men who can struggle to ask for help with mental health. She has also been very transparent about her own mental health journey in a bid to open up the conversation and address the stigma that often surrounds it.

The TN summer party was held at Tonbridge Old Fire Station and was attended by members as well as some of the business owners whom the TN card supports. Jess organised a raffle with prizes donated by TN businesses and managed to raise a total of £327 on the night for West Kent Mind. Amazingly, this now takes the total raised by the TN card to over £20,000.

Stevie Rice, CEO, West Kent Mind told SO Magazine: “We’re so grateful to Jess and the TN card community for their ongoing support of West Kent Mind. This money goes directly to supporting people experiencing mental health issues within our community, helping people to get well, stay well and to thrive. Community is at the heart of the TN card and we know that community is a really important driver of better mental health.”

Jess added: “I am over the moon that thanks to the generosity of the TN community, the TN card has been able to give so much to West Kent Mind since it began in 2020. I have depression and have found the last few years particularly hard running a new business, so it personally means a lot to be able to help other people who are struggling, or just need a little support. Thank you to everyone who has donated to the charity.”

Atelier de Linde: Architects

architect to refine their concepts, ensuring they align with your vision, functional requirements and contextual considerations. It is during this stage that the architectural vision begins to take shape, giving you a tangible glimpse into the potential of your project.

STAGE 3: SPATIAL COORDINATION

Once you have signed off RIBA Stage 2 design work, your architect can prepare the Planning set of drawings, the first regulatory check, which oversees the look and feel of the project.

The outcome of a planning application is determined by a Case Officer, who bases their decision on Planning Policy. This should be a straightforward task, but is in fact more akin to navigating through an escape room riddled with laser beams; the Case Officer must reconcile two lots of planning policy (the National Planning Policy Framework and Local Policy) before making a fair and objective judgement on the interpretation of the relevant policy.

If you manage to dodge the laser beams, you will be granted permission with a Planning Decision Notice.

HOW TO MINIMISE THE STRESS OF GRAND DESIGNS

If you’ve ever watched Grand Designs, you’ll know that building projects often go wildly off course, causing spiraling costs and heartache. Fortunately, if you’re planning an extension, significant renovation or new build, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has a map to help you navigate successfully through the process from concept to completion. Tara de Linde, director of award-winning architects, Atelier de Linde, explains how the RIBA seven ‘work stages’ are designed to help you realise your dream.

As a RIBA-Chartered Practice, we take pride in delivering projects from start to finish, creating spaces that inspire, function seamlessly, and contribute to the built environment. The RIBA work stages that we follow provide clarity and structure for all parties to ensure smoother projects.

STAGE 0: STRATEGIC DEFINITION

This stage is usually only deployed if you’re planning a large-scale project. Your architects will collaborate closely with you to establish a clear understanding of your project’s goals and objectives, defining the strategic context, identifying key stakeholders, and establishing an accurate brief to ascertain your

project’s feasibility, budget and desired outcomes.

STAGE 1: PREPARATION AND BRIEFING

Once the strategic direction has been established, your architects meticulously gather information about your project’s constraints and opportunities. They conduct site surveys, research planning

and regulatory requirements, and consult with specialists to gain insights into environmental factors, structural considerations, and sustainability objectives. During this stage, your architects focus on refining the project brief, ensuring that it captures your aspirations while aligning with legal and regulatory frameworks.

STAGE 2: CONCEPT DESIGN

This is where the creative magic begins, with your architect exploring various spatial arrangements, aesthetics, and design approaches, and presenting them through sketches and 3D models. Collaborative workshops and consultations enable your

certificates, manuals, and record drawings are provided for you to assume full control of your completed project. Final inspections are conducted, and any outstanding issues are resolved promptly.

STAGE 7: USE

This stage focuses on feedback and is reserved for large-scale projects where a building’s performance needs to be assessed. However, the Atelier de Linde team always welcomes feedback from clients, large and small, to ensure we provide the highest standard of quality and service on each project.

CONCLUSION

Each RIBA stage plays a vital role in the process of bringing your dream project to life. The sequence is important as it prevents confusion and/or abortive work. But more important still is the requirement for all parties to work together. A successful project is one where the client, architect, engineers and contractors all work in a collaborative, constructive manner. The Seven RIBA Stages are a very useful map, but as with my son’s DofE challenge, ultimately how the team interacts on the journey will determine the outcome.

STAGE 4: TECHNICAL DESIGN

This stage, if less risky, is the most complex part of the process. Your architects shift their focus towards the finer details and refine your chosen concept, integrating structural, mechanical, and electrical considerations. These detailed drawings are then used for three specific purposes:

1. For Tender: issued to three (or more) builders to quote from

2. For Building Control: to ensure they meet building regulation standards, such as ensuring the foundations are suitable for the soil type

3. For the chosen contractor: so they can start building

STAGE 5: MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION

Your dreams finally start taking solid form! Your architect will monitor the construction site, meeting with the contractors, ensuring any necessary adjustments are made and addressing any unforeseen challenges to ensure your project aligns with the approved plans and specifications to realise your dream.

STAGE 6: HANDOVER

As the construction nears completion, your architects will facilitate a smooth handover process by ensuring all necessary

BEAUTIFUL, SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Award-winning, RIBAchartered architects

We realise your dreams with tailored service, combining high-quality design with sustainable principles.

Experts in:

• New builds

• Passive House retrofits

• Carbon neutral buildings

• Schools, hotels, public spaces

www.atelierdelinde.co.uk

hello@atelierdelinde.com

01892

571474

“As RIBA architects, we take pride in creating spaces that inspire, function seamlessly, and contribute to the built environment”

“Each RIBA stage plays a vital role in the process of bringing a dream project to life”

PHOTO BY DAVID BARTHOLOMEW

New Visiting Angels office lands in Tunbridge Wells

Visiting Angels has been providing care across the world for 20 years. The business has been built on recruiting, training and supporting the very best caregivers and enabling them to deliver premium quality homecare.

Thousands of families have already chosen Visiting Angels and benefitted from:

Highest standards of care and support, enabling independence

Reliable regular visits from the same carer(s) that they chose

Friendly support from a family of genuine care professionals

Carers backed by a business that really cares about them

A service which is quick to react and adaptable to change

“Visiting Angels prides itself on being carer centric,” says Maxine.

“I wanted to start a business that makes a positive contribution to society and I think Visiting Angels really does. Visiting Angels wants to lead the UK care sector

as an Employer of Choice by 2030, creating an environment where our caregivers (angels) can care more, clients can live better and families can feel assured. We want to redefine the role of carers in society and by so doing deliver a new standard of person-centred care.”

“It’s long been my belief,” continued Gillian, “That well cared-for employees are the centre of any business and it is particularly important that those delivering emotional, social and physical support are well supported so that they can build the resilience necessary to continue to care for others.”

Maxine and Gillian both have extensive curricula vitae. Apart from sailing in three or four oceans and several more seas, Maxine used to be the publisher of The Moscow Times, an independent newspaper in Russia and Gillian has lived on the west coast of North America and been involved in marketing and public relations as well as social care.

“We know that Tunbridge Wells has a large elderly population,” said Maxine, “and we hope to be able to provide companionship as well as some practical support to those who need it. By putting our angels at the heart of the business, we hope to be able to offer a genuinely lovely service.”

Dutch sailor, Maxine Maters, and English lawn bowler, Gillian Douglass, have joined forces in a new proposition in care called Visiting Angels.

Outside edge

Last month Corker, the local garden and landscape specialists, hosted a successful sellout Garden Talks event. The family-run business invited a series of industry-specific speakers, who each had a 20-minute live Q&A session to discuss their personal stories, passions, and missions.

“Our audience comprised both our invited guest speakers and professionals including garden designers, landscapers, and architects,” the event’s organiser and Corker’s Managing Director Oliver Corkery told SO Magazine. “Garden Talks has proven to be an excellent platform for networking and forging relationships,” he added. “We also ensured there was a lively atmosphere with drinks and delectable canapés provided by Ben Sulston.”

The inaugural speaker at the event was Nick Ruddle, a business coach specialising in landscaping. Next up was Camellia Taylor from The Garden Taylor, a ‘remarkable’ local designer who recently secured a silver gilt at Chelsea for her Aspens Garden. “Her enthusiasm for design, utilisation of natural materials, and incorporation of custom children’s play areas into gardens was truly captivating and remarkable,” continued Oliver.

“We also had Michael Kennard from the Compost Club, an incredibly passionate individual striving to revolutionise the soil and compost market. We then welcomed Cemfree, an innovative cement alternative with minimal carbon emissions. Corker stands as one of the initial UK stockists of their bagged cement product.”

The final talk at the event was given by Carpentier, a Belgian family-operated timber company who presented their unique thermo-treated decking and cladding solutions. “These remarkable products are showcased in our show gardens, and we’re privileged to be their first UK showroom,” said Oliver.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT CURD FROM GOT THE SHOT

Does talking about money really remain a taboo?

Wealth does not protect you from worry. In Charles Stanley’s recent survey, we found that 42% of high-net-worth individuals were stressed about their financial situation some or most of the time.

Being open about financial matters can help you take control of your financial future.

Download your free guide and discover how the UK’s wealthiest approach talking about money.

Create a secure future for your family

By Katie Presland Senior Investment Manager Charles Stanley Tunbridge Wells

People choose to invest for many reasons, and one of the main aims is usually to create a secure financial future for themselves and their families.

There are often specific points along their investment journey, such as generating funds for education, property, or travel as well as providing for unexpected expenses throughout life.

Long-lasting personal relationship

When I joined Charles Stanley in 2001 and helped open an office in Tunbridge Wells, one of the families I worked with at a previous firm decided to stay as my clients.

I already had a strong relationship with them, having known them since the late 1990s.

My first contact with the family was through Simon and his wife, Anita. Sadly, both have now passed away. Simon’s sister, Isobel, is also one of my clients and is now 101. When the siblings inherited money from their parents in the 1950s and 1960s, they invested some of their wealth to provide for future generations.

Custodians of the family wealth

Now, Isobel is effectively the custodian of her family’s wealth, looking after it for the younger generations.

I’ve got to know the family individually at various stages of their lives and have also introduced them to one of our financial planners, Mia Kahrimanovic. We have worked with Anita and Simon’s children, Harry and Amelia, as well as Amelia’s children, Claire and David. As Harry and Amelia have power of attorney over their aunt’s affairs. Mia and I meet regularly with them to chat about anything related to their finances – from residential care home fees to the costs of private education and buying a new car.

Over the years, we’ve encouraged the family to talk about their money.

The meaning of wealth

We have also helped Claire and David understand the benefits and responsibilities that come with being relatively wealthy, and how I can help manage their investments.

That often means striking a balance by allowing themselves to enjoy spending money today, while also making sure there’s enough left for tomorrow.

As I’ve known the family for so long, I’ve been there for them as they’ve reached some significant milestones in their lives. Together with Mia, we have helped both Claire and David with funds for property purchases over the past few years, and we’ve also seen the family grow with the birth of Claire’s son, Myles.

We have worked with them through more challenging times too. Isobel is now in care and recently sold her flat. Following this, I helped the family invest the proceeds from the sale into her portfolio. This means the family’s money can continue to support Isobel with an income, while also being invested for the next generation.

To find out how Charles Stanley can help you and your family, contact Katie and the team today.

01892 883 987

www.charles-stanley.co.uk

The value of investments can fall as well as rise. Investors may get back less than invested. Charles Stanley & Co. Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Whereabouts do you live in the borough of Tunbridge Wells?

I live in what’s known as ‘The Village’ area, next to Claremont Primary School on a little hidden away road called Poona. I believe the road was originally the servants’ quarters for Calverley Grounds. Apparently many of them were from Indian descent, hence the name.

How long have you lived there and what made you decide to move to the area?

We have lived there for five and a half years. The timing of our move was linked to my son’s age and schooling but we have always wanted to live in Tunbridge Wells. I went to Mayfield School and therefore Tunbridge Wells was my local town.

Are there any nice views or walks near to your home?

Our house overlooks the Claremont school field so it feels very green despite being so close to town. But for real views I love going up to The Common – it’s also a good place for a very social dog walk!

When you are in town where’s your favourite place to go shopping? Which retailers you especially like to support?

My favourite shops are Anthropologie, bod & ted – which both on the High Street – and Oliver Bonas in Royal Victoria Place. But other firm favourites are Stampede for children’s shoes and a cheeky sale item, and Locality for fresh veg. Both of these are located on Camden Road. I also like Fenwick, Hotel Chocolat and Lush, all located in Royal Victoria Place.

The PR and Marketing firm you co-founded with Olivia Thornhill is very much prolocal – why did you decide to focus on supporting the town’s businesses?

“I really like a ramble down the market on The Pantiles, but for somewhere a bit further out of town then the Broadwater Down or Hargate Forest are nice places to walk and they also boast good views”

to drive visitors to all parts of the town. The most recent maps that have been created are ace!

Where do you like to grab a tea, coffee or a slice of cake?

I like The Lodge down on the High Street for a coffee and cake. They are also really dog-friendly so I can take the hound – and a laptop if I have work to do.

Do you have a preferred restaurant you like to dine in regularly?

Without the children, Soprano is a firm favourite – the food and the atmosphere are always brilliant. With the children, we still enjoy the Smith & Western near The Pantiles – and my son is a fan of the pancakes at Bills.

places to relax. And you can’t beat an al fresco drink with a friend anywhere on The Pantiles.

Where do you like to meet friends and socialise?

There are so many places my friends and I socialise but The White Bear on the High Street has recently become a favourite for its beautiful design and great menu. Framptons is lovely for brunch and The Hawkenbury is great for socialising.

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

Running Calvermont we do our best to support a wide array of enterprises all over town. We know the town’s BID (Business Improvement District) is really keen on highlighting how varied Tunbridge Wells is and we are working hard with our colleagues at another PR firm, Colley Raine,

Which places do you take people when they come to visit?

Lago on Castle Street is good when we have friends and family visiting as they make a big fuss of you and the food and service is wonderful. Another great place is The Hawkenbury on Forest Road. It was formerly The Lyle but since then a lot of work has gone into the menu. There are now some great children’s meals too and all the food is sourced locally which is a big win!

Where’s the best spot to go for a Sunday stroll in the area?

I really like a ramble down the market on The Pantiles, but for somewhere a bit further out of town then the Broadwater Down or Hargate Forest are nice places to walk and they also boast good views.

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

I would say the spa at Natural Fit, or getting my nails done at Cee Cee on Monson Road are good

I will do a workout and enjoy a spa treatment at Natural Fit on Calverley Road, followed by a lunch out somewhere like the Persian Lounge with friends. Then I’ll take a trip to either a local park or a clamber over Wellington Rocks with the children!

Why do you love where you live?

I love where I live because there is the perfect mix of live, work and play all on our doorstep. The town is 40 minutes from London Bridge but has so many thriving businesses based in the town centre and a brilliant creative and legal sector too. Contrast this with 100+ open green spaces to choose from, interesting high streets full of successful independents, a great community, exceptional educational facilities and local architecture, it’s fair to say we are really blessed!

This month SO magazine chats to Laura Gibson, co-founder of PR and Marketing company Calvermont, who talks about all the places she likes to support locally. Here Laura reveals where she likes to stroll, shop and socialise…

The Common Anthropologie

The Pantiles Market

The White Bear

Hargate Forest

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How to introduce the idea of care to someone who doesn't think they need it?

Learn from Jane's experience using Amora Care's domestic visits, and discover how she found a solution to help her father and gain peace of mind.

Q: For context, what led you to seek support for your father?

A: My father lives alone, and I was concerned about his well-being after we started seeing early signs of dementia.

Q: How did your father initially react to the idea of receiving extra support?

A: He was resistant at first, but I explained that the visits wouldn't interfere with his independence. They were primarily for cleaning and home help, with the added goal of making sure he was okay.

Q: What was your experience with the carer who visited your father?

A: The carer was extremely helpful. She helped with light housekeeping, cooking, and spent time talking to my father and keeping him company.

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A: As he became more familiar with the carers who visited him, he became more comfortable with the idea of receiving care. He even began asking for help with other tasks, such as grocery shopping and picking up prescriptions. The peace of mind we gained, to continue our lives without worrying about his day-to-day needs, cannot be overstated!

Book a free assessment:

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Excellence. Respect. Love.

works Wood

The TN card is the local loyalty scheme that rewards shoppers for supporting our independents. This month, its founder Jess Gibson chats to Amanda Sinclair of The Wood Room, located at at 29 Lower Walk on The Pantiles, to find out more about this fascinating interiors and crafts emporium…

Amanda, you describe The Wood Room as a cornucopia of bespoke furniture, lighting, beeswax candles and home furnishings. What came first and when?

The Wood Room was created many years ago by my father, John, at a different location. My brother-in-law, Alex Houlton, owner of Tunbridge Wells Interiors and The Wood Room, offered my father the opportunity of a workshop and retail shop here on the Lower Pantiles, enabling him to showcase his work.

Everything else that we offer in the shop followed on organically. We aim to promote a sustainable and environmental approach in everything that we do.

John is the craftsman behind your exquisite made-totreasure furniture and mirror frames. How long has he been in the trade?

WHO: The Wood Room

WHERE: 29 Lower Walk, Tunbridge Wells TN2 5TD

VISIT FOR: Handmade wooden furniture, mirror frames and clocks, home furnishings and gifts.

REWARD: A fivepack of beeswax tealights when spending £15 or more.

FOR MORE INFO: thetncard.com/thewood-room

My father has been working in this domain since he left school. He has worked on major food and beverage developments, built many houses including our own family home, and has followed his passion for creating beautiful items from wood.

How does your bespoke service work?

Our shop contains examples of what we can make, but our true passion is to make your dream piece of furniture for your home.

Alongside commissions, do you have ready-to-buy pieces in the shop?

Yes, we have bespoke clocks which we can have handpainted with your choice of picture, handmade letters in all sizes for handmade signs, hand-turned mirror frames and handmade candlesticks.

Tell us about your beeswax candles…

Our Beeswax candles are 100% natural beeswax, kind to the environment – as well as our own well-being - and tie in with our focus on sustainability. We are proud to be the largest stockist in our area.

You are part of a special collective of independents on The Lower Pantiles. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes, we are very proud to be based on the often overlooked but extraordinary The Lower Pantiles. It’s a great area with bespoke independents who collectively

offer a variety of items and services. We have Pantiles Oriental Carpets, 31B Hair, Yiju Antiques, Catherine Hills Jewellery and fellow TN partners, Pincushion and Fairfax Gallery.

Thank you for being a TN partner. Why did you want to join?

The TN card is an amazing and innovative scheme that really brings independent establishments and communities together. We are very proud to be part of the TN card and working with yourself. We thank your members for supporting us with a gift of beeswax tealights when they spend more than £15.

What will we find in your beautiful shop as we head into autumn?

The Wood Room is constantly evolving and we have lots of new ideas that will come to the fore for the autumn and Christmas periods, including our collection of wooden toys. Visit us to have a browse every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday – we would love to see you.

Jess Gibson

Founder, The TN card

“Our shop contains examples of what we can make, but our true passion is to make your dream piece of furniture for your home”

Earn

over £100k? Beware the ‘60% tax trap’

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, you probably think the highest rate of income tax is 45%.

While 45% is the highest ‘official’ income tax rate, the way the tax-free personal allowance is treated means that some people actually pay an effective tax rate of 60% on some of their income.

Known as the ‘60% tax trap’, it applies to earnings between £100,000 and £125,140. Here, we explain how the tax trap works and why pensions could help you manage it.

Income tax and the personal allowance

First, it helps to take a step back and understand how income tax is charged. Most people have a standard personal allowance of £12,570 – that’s the amount of income you do not have to pay tax on each year. If you have a standard personal allowance, the tax rates you’ll pay in each band of earnings are as follows:

Income tax rates and bands – 2023/24

Band Taxable incomeTax rate

Personal allowance Up to £12,5700%

Basic rate £12,571 to £50,27020%

Higher rate £50,271 to £125,14040%

Additional rateOver £125,14045%

Source: HMRC

Once you earn more than £100,000, however, your tax-free personal allowance starts to be tapered. It reduces by £1 for every £2 that your adjusted net income exceeds £100,000, and is zero if your income is £125,140 or above.

Why the 60% tax trap occurs

The tapering of the personal allowance means someone earning between £100,000 and £125,140 faces an effective 60% tax rate on that portion of their income.

Let’s imagine you earn £110,000 – or £10,000 above the threshold. You would not only pay £4,000 in higher rate tax on the £10,000, but you’d also lose £5,000 of your personal allowance. And with £5,000 of your personal allowance gone, that portion of your income is now also subject to tax at 40%, costing you another £2,000. In other words, of that £10,000, you’d only get to keep £4,000, which equates to a 60% tax rate.

If you live in Scotland, the effective rate of tax is even higher at 63%. This is because income in the higher rate tax band is taxed at 42% in Scotland. Using the same example, you’d pay £4,200 in tax on the £10,000 of income that exceeds the threshold, plus £2,100 in tax on your lost personal allowance. Out of the £10,000, you’d take home just £3,700, equating to a 63% effective tax rate.

How to reinstate your personal allowance

There is a relatively simple way to mitigate the 60% tax trap – and that’s to save into a pension. If you earn £110,000 and make a gross pension contribution of £10,000, your adjusted net income would fall to £100,000. This would reinstate your full personal allowance and give an effective rate of tax relief of 60% on your pension contribution (or 63% in Scotland).

Doing so could also help you in the longer term as you would have boosted your pension pot by £10,000. Thanks to the power of compounded investment returns, this could make a real difference to the value of your pension pot at retirement.

Bear in mind that there is a cap on the amount you and your employer can pay into your pension each year and still get tax relief. For most people, the pension annual allowance is 100% of your UK relevant earnings or £60,000, whichever is lower (this might be tapered if your adjusted income exceeds £260,000). If you exceed your annual allowance, you’ll have to pay an annual allowance charge which essentially claws back any tax relief received on the excess contribution. If you aren’t sure how much your annual allowance is, or you’re concerned about exceeding it, speak to a financial adviser.

Next steps

Understanding how different tax rules might affect you isn’t easy, especially as the rules can change frequently. A financial adviser can help you keep up to speed, explain how the various rules affect your long-term financial planning, and help you decide on the best course of action for you.

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

The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. This does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in the future. 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.

RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of Brewin Dolphin Limited. Brewin Dolphin Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number 124444) and regulated in Jersey by the Financial Services Commission. Registered Office; 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered

Interview with 31B Hair in The Pantiles: “

Rod Prager, (owner & founder), has a wealth of experience from his long-standing career as a hairdresser. It had always been his vision to open his own Hair Salon and decided to fulfil this ambition back in 2016. 31B Hair is situated in the heart of The Pantiles where Rod sympathetically renovated a fine example of one of the town’s historic Victorian buildings. He wanted to create a space which has a warm and welcoming feel for his clientele and meets the needs of his ever-evolving team and progressive salon respectively. The boutique Salon features an open-style café, (to serve clients their favourite refreshments), as well as carefully, hand-selected accessories throughout. He has adopted a culture that feels open and friendly, almost like being in your front living room, but with that extra cosy feeling of being in The Pantiles.

What future plans do you have for 31B Hair?

Rod said, “My passion is my team; they look after each other, they have a good work-life balance and are financially rewarded for their hard work. We are a team of five and we each specialise in different aspects of hairdressing skills and techniques. This enables us to offer a wealth of experience when working with our loyal clients.” He continued to say, “My next objective is to open a second Hair Salon, in Tunbridge Wells, to further expand my brand, and build it around a co-operative/partner business concept.”

He continued to say, “Our online presence is also very important to us; to this end, we have been very proactive with our social media activity, and are very proud of the strong following we have achieved, as a direct result. To capitalise

on this further, we have plans to use social media to expand into featuring educational/training content, e.g., Tutorials for our audience to apply, when at home, such as the most effective hair drying techniques, depending on hair type and length, and how to take full advantage of hair straighteners.”

Which hairstyles are on-trend at the moment for your client base?

“We have seen various hairstyles, and colour trends, evolve over the years and during the spring and summer this year, there was a move towards more layers, curls and round shapes. With young men, we saw an uptake in perms.” He continued to say, “We utilise our creativity, as well as providing clients with the latest style, skills and technique to ensure their vision and desired look is met.”

Amy, (Colour Specialist), qualified as a hairdresser eight years ago and has been part of the 31B Hair team for over three and a half years. Amy specialises in matching hair colour to the varying cool and warm skin tones for her clients. Amy said, “I have a loyal client base which means I really get to know my clients and which hair styles, and colours, really work for them individually. Whether a client is looking for a mullet, a modern cut, or a Balayage, having that continuity with is very beneficial.“

In her spare time Amy likes to keep fit, socialise with friends and spend time with her dog.

Roni, (Vidal Sassoon Partner), has been part of the 31B Hair team for 3 years. Roni earned her precision cutting skills during a twenty year career with Vidal Sassoon, where she held the position of Salon Director of the flagship in Covent Garden. She said, “I bring a unique blend of enthusiasm and technical expertise to the Salon floor. I am also a strong advocate of educating and advising guests throughout the styling process. My training was in-depth and I specialised in precision cutting, so I believe a great technical cut is the key to hassle-free style that still retains a real ‘wow’ factor, not just when leaving the Salon, but between Salon visits also. I look to create a strong style from a client’s natural look e.g., If a client has curls, or waves, I will encourage and improve that natural movement, creating a defined style that’s suitable for that client’s hair type and bespoke to them.”

In her spare time, Roni likes to keep fit with her running and circuit training activities. She is also very passionate about her daughter, Tilly’s, modelling career; to this end, she is an avid mentor for Tilly, as well as assisting her with auditions and photoshoots, accordingly.

Scott, (Colour Specialist), and Rod have worked together for ten years. Scott’s attention to detail, when colouring hair, is exceptional and this is reflected in his extensive, and loyal, client base. Scott said, “I am passionate about hairdressing, and I work individually with client’s and their bespoke hair colouring; I ensure they get the vision of themselves, that they’re looking to achieve, by working with the depth and tone of their hair accordingly.”

In his spare time, Scott enjoys cycling and keeping fit.

Laura, is a very experienced hairdresser, having trained as soon as she finished full-time education. Laura said, “I enjoy every aspect of hairdressing and helping my clients receive the very best service, from the moment they enter the door, to leaving with their new hair style/ look. I have always worked locally, therefore, I have a very established and longstanding client base, who have followed me throughout my career.”

In her spare time, Laura enjoys socialising with friends, keeping fit and long, coastal walks. Her favourite beach, to have some well-earned down time, is Cuckmere Haven in Sussex.

If you would like to learn more about the ranges 31B Hair work with, or wish to book an appointment, please do not hesitate to get in contact.

Interview by: Claire Power.

All our products, and the salon, are as environmentally friendly and vegan where possible and appropriate.

We are proud members of the Green Salon Collective. Everything used in the salon is recycled. Nothing is taken to landfill. All energy is from renewable sources.

”

Having the right team is key to the success of our salon

31B Hair, The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TD

The 31B Hair Team

Your wedding WITH SO

Your ultimate guide to saying ‘I do’ in timeless fashion…

If you’ve recently got engaged but feel a little out of your depth with all you need to plan for your big day then let SO Magazine take you on an exclusive guided journey to having the most perfect wedding courtesy of our comprehensive bridal special.

In this supplement we will look at dreamy venues, seek out the best food and wine to serve, speak to a wealth of experts about everything from dresses to DJs and of course take a look at how to style out your wedding to make it the most memorable day!

We hope you’ll find some interesting and inspiring information in these pages and start to enjoy the process of planning your wedding instead of worrying about it!

An appointment with us promises the ultimate and unrivalled luxury shopping experience when choosing your designer gown.

Make a day of it and after your appointment book lunch or drinks at one of the many bistros and bars to celebrate finding your dress.

Style and substance

County Clothes is a gentleman’s outfitter with stores here in Tunbridge Wells as well as Sevenoaks, Canterbury, Reigate, Tenterden and Bexhill-on-Sea. The family-run business, which was established in 1976 and has just been nominated for a prestigious Drapers Award, prides itself on offering its customers the highest standards of sartorial service. Its managing director John Lambert tells Eileen Leahy more about the company and why it is the perfect choice whether you are looking to have a custom-made suit or simply want to buy off-the-peg for a special occasion….

we can cater for a particular party in the same fabric. Our prices are also very comparable to stock suits.

As far as the formal wear brands we work with, DIGEL suiting proves to be very popular. It is a European brand offering modern and slimfit suits in formal wool and wool blend fabrics. Other labels including ETERNA and OLYMP shirts are both extremely popular too. Made in pure cotton poplin with quality pearl finish bottoms they offer a number of fits and trims.

As a company, our USP would be the ability, and the desire to talk to our customers; to really get to know them and to understand why they want to buy a particular garment. This leads to us being able to give them the service and product they deserve.

OUR HISTORY

Our first store opened in Canterbury in 1976 and over the last 47 years we have been able to increase the size of our business by opening another six stores, across the counties of Kent, East Sussex and Surrey. We have recently opened a new store in Tunbridge Wells and are now looking forward to opening our eighth shop in October in Herne Bay, Kent. The reason for our longevity is that we have been able to offer a unique combination of quality clothing and personal service, which is something we take enormous pride in.

As an independent ‘owner driver’ retail business, we are in a position to buy seasonal collections tailored to the needs of our customers in individual areas. And with the support of an experienced team of professional mangers and

their teams, we are able to get to know our customers and offer them the right choice for their clothing needs.

In most of our stores we offer ready-to-wear suiting in a range of fabrics, whether it be for sports or formal wear. In our Tunbridge Wells, Canterbury and one of our Sevenoaks branches, we also offer a ‘Personal Tailoring’ service using a system and fabrics that are supplied by ETCH manufacturers. This tailoring service allows the customer, whether it’s a groom and his groomsman, the father of the bride or guests, the ability to choose the fabric of the suit, and enhance the garment by a number of options including linings, buttons, stitching colour, trim and embroidery.

Many wedding parties choose to have the bride and groom’s name and date of wedding embroidered inside the jackets, or on the coloured Melton under the collar.

DESIGNED FOR YOU

The ability to purchase a suit ‘off-the-peg’ is always convenient, but we are finding that wedding parties often come in all shapes and sizes, and to obtain a range of off-the-peg suits is not always straight forward. A prime example of this is that we have recently made 35 suits in the same fabric for the Kent County Cricket team and some of their support team, so with our personal tailoring service

Tweed fabrics are very in vogue at the moment for grooms and their parties and we are able to offer a number of medium and lightweight tweed fabrics in our personal tailoring range. In most of our stores we offer ranges of formal and contemporary shoes, as well as tan and two-tone brogues which are proving to be very popular at the moment.

INDEPENDENT SPIRIT

The benefits of running my business are that I am in position to be more creative when buying the seasonal collections. This helps us to offer ranges and styles that customers will not find in the

larger multiple retailers. Doing this also helps us to support smaller European and British manufacturers.

There are many challenges faced by independent retailers, but staffing is probably the one at the top of the list. But I am very fortunate to have a great team of 34 members, ranging from 18 to 85 years old, many of whom have been with me anything from 1 to 35 years. It is very important to get the right person for the job, and therefore we offer good wages, clothing allowance, training and have had had several retail apprentices rise up through the ranks.

One of my most memorable wedding customers was a young man I encountered as I was locking up one of my stores at the end of trading one day. He was gazing in the window, and looking very forlorn, almost tearful, I greeted him with a smile and asked if he was OK? He explained that he was getting married in five days’ time, and that a very well-known suit retailer had let him down with his wedding suits purchase order. In short he and his wedding party, had nothing to wear.

To cut a long story short, I unlocked the shop and he proceeded to spend two hours with me looking at suits. His best man eventually joined him and his dad came in the next day. After a lot of to-ing and fro-ing by myself and my general manager – not to mention a combination of 150 mile round trips by multiple members of staff - they arrived at their wedding extremely well suited and booted! We even had the pleasure of attending his wedding reception. Now THAT’S independent retailing!

A PERFECTLY PERSONAL CELEBRATION

Tonbridge based Celebrant, Tim Davey offers a bespoke service for both formal and informal occasions. Here we discover more about how he brings a truly personal service to mark

Weddings are a joyous and memorable occasion and Tim will mark your special day with a service tailored to you and your partner, to achieve the perfect celebration of your civil ceremony. He appreciates that no two weddings are the same, as every relationship has come along its own path.

“I specialise in devising an original ceremony to celebrate your special day,” he says, “With an aim to offer a service as unique as you and your partner’s own story.”

Taking special care to find out everything that is needed to make the wedding service truly personal

and befitting the occasion, Tim guides his clients every step of the way from the initial contact, through to providing a service for approval by the couple, well in advance of the big day.

This can involve help with the order of service, the vows, deciding who is to speak during the service and other elements that can sometimes be confusing. By providing such a hands-on service, the couple can be confident that there will be no surprises on the day.

As well as performing weddings, Tim can also assist you with celebrating a new life, a a vow renewal or a funeral.

“I aim to give a service as unique as you and your partner’s own story”

Our experience and expertise gained over the last 26 years means that from the moment you enter the boutique and take off your shoes you are in a relaxed and supportive space. Our relationship starts way before you even come in for your first appointment. Your booking is personalised to your needs, which is why we like to find out as much as possible about you. From your bridal wants and needs, to your venue, colours - maybe even any worries you might have! We always say that we’re on ‘a journey together to find your gown’.

Our passion is styling brides and offering personalised options

Here comes the beautiful bride…

The Pantiles Bride is one of the area’s most popular wedding dress boutiques. SO Magazine finds out what makes them a cut above the rest…

to bring together ‘your bridal vision’. Examples are designing a bespoke veil to match your dress or changing the bodice of one gown with the skirt of another or even bespoke tweaks to add to your exact vision, we will always try to say ‘Yes’ to whatever your heart desires…

We’ve selected our luxury British and European designers because of their designs, flexibility and outstanding quality. We’re able to offer our gowns in standard sizes and made to measure. We pride ourselves on our end-to-end service, from your first appointment through to fittings and collection – all of which are enjoyed within

Wedding Rings

the boutique.

But don’t just take our word for it. We always say that we’re best summed up by our brides. Here are just a couple of typical comments we regularly receive:

“Utterly wonderful. I cannot recommend Pantiles Bride high enough. After painful experiences in London they were endlessly patient and steered me through the (millions!) of decisions to find my perfect dress. They knew what I wanted far better than I could articulate, but helped me come to my own conclusions – a true skill!”

“The girls at Pantiles Bride are not just knowledgeable but are also really funny and honest too –which has been great!”

“We’re able to offer our gowns in standard sizes and made to measure”

HATS OFF TO THIS TALENTED MILLINER

Tunbridge Wells resident Gill Stratton of Mille Fleurs tells SO Magazine why her handmade hats are the crowning glory to any wedding outfit

Mille Fleurs is a specialist hat shop and millinery studio based in the idyllic Kent village of Otford, just outside Sevenoaks. Established in 1997, that designs and makes beautiful hats and headpieces on-site using traditional millinery techniques.

“Offering a bespoke millinery service, you choose the outfit, we design the headpiece to suit, taking into careful consideration colour and style, venue, face shape and proportions, hairstyle, balance and, of course, your personality,” explains Mille Fleurs’ owner Gill Stratton.

“We create a hat that’s handcrafted exclusively for you – a piece that so many of our clients go on to cherish, reuse or

have redesigned for many years afterwards.”

Gill adds that taditional skills are always used, which have been learned from the very best in British millinery, in order to create

all of Mille Fleurs’ occasion hats.

“We hand block and stitch each piece from start to finish; hand-dye all straws, silks, and feathers to perfectly match and/or complement your outfit choice. The result is a beautiful, unique creation you will wear with confidence,” adds Gill.

“At Mille Fleurs, we believe the experience of having a hat designed exclusively for you should be a special part of any event.

“We take pride in offering a personal service with a warm welcome and we work with you to create not just a hat, but a unique piece that suits you and the occasion.”

Snap happy

Talented photographer Rachel Cushing from Shutter & Joy shares why she loves her job so much and reveals some of her favourite wedding day memories - as well as some top tips for capturing romantic shots that will stand the test of time…

So Rachel, how did you get into photography?

Photography and film have always been passions of mine. I did a Photography A Level and a Film & Media Studies degree. The passion comes from my Dad – we have the world’s most highly produced family videos! We started doing wedding videography for friends and family but I quickly realised that photography was where I wanted to be…

How long have you been a professional photographer?

I’ve been a professional photographer for five years now. Covid obviously slowed things down for me but it’s so great to see people connecting and getting engaged again! Plus, I think the restriction of lockdown is now inspiring couples to feel more free to plan the day they want, rather than one dictated by old-fashioned ideas. Love that!

Why did you decide to specialise in weddings? It really wasn’t anything that I ever even needed to think about. I never looked at all the different types of photography and pondered between wildlife or sport or whatever. To me, if you’ve got a camera, why wouldn’t you want to point it at couples having the best day of their lives? I simply adore weddings! I love love in whatever shape or size it comes in. I’m always wiping away a sneaky little tear or trying not to laugh too loudly during the speeches I get to hear. I get so invested in my couples that I feel like I’m photographing a friend’s wedding every time.

What do you enjoy most about this specific area of your work?

It’s the celebration of love that makes me enjoy wedding photography so much. Not many people stop to think about the idea of a wedding, but if you think about it, it’s a day to shout out to everyone that you’re in love, and

so much so that you want to stick a legal stamp on it! I love hiding in the shadows and capturing candid shots of guests just gushing with happiness for the couple. Taking the couple off for a private shoot is always full of such joy!

What have been the most memorable moments so far?

I had a wedding last year where the bride had been through some very, very tough times. She bravely stood up to give a speech and, through many tears, said that not many people can say that their partner saved their life, but that hers literally did. I could barely do my job I was crying so much! That, and the time I accidently sat on a thistle whilst photographing a couple in a meadow!

And what are the general challenges associated with your line of work?

You’ve got to be on your toes and constantly ready to snap an unexpected moment. You can be prepared for first kisses and cake cutting, but are you fast enough to capture that roar of laughter, or someone wiping away a tear, or falling off their chair? I also take way too many photos so whittling them down before editing is a big task. And as most weddings being in the warmer months, I’m constantly testing the limits of sunscreen!

How do people find out about you? Is it word of mouth, social media and articles or a mix of all three?

It’s a mixture really. Wedding

photography is a very competitive market; there are so many of us out there, so I sadly won’t be in the first few results if you Google ‘wedding photographer’. My favourite way to meet my couples is either at someone else’s wedding or at a wedding fair. That way we’ve already had a chance to click. Getting on and connecting with your photographer is just as important as liking their photos. They’re going to be with you on your wedding day longer than most of your guests, so you really have to get on and understand each other. I often end up being a one-woman support hub, handing out advice, a sewing kit, mints, or calming words! I need my couples to know that they can trust and rely on me for many things, not just for taking photos.

What’s the process from a couple commissioning you for their wedding right up to their big day?

Wedding photography is one of

the first things that couples should book – venue, photographer, dress (in that order) and everything else can wait a bit further down the planning timeline. In the early stages, we’re getting to know each other over a cuppa (or glass of wine) so I understand what they want from me. Then they sign an online contract and, nearer the day, fill out a questionnaire so I have every little detail. Because I’m often booked a year or two before the wedding date, it would be easy to have long periods of radio silence. But I don’t work that way. I love to send my couples tips and planning tools, and they will get many excited messages from me when we hit the year/month/ week/day of their wedding! A really fun thing to do in the lead up to a wedding is to take my couple for an engagement shoot. Nearly every couple is nervous about being in front of the camera so an engagement shoot is really great for easing that worry. Plus, they can use the photos for so many things: save-the-dates; invites; on their wedding website; in a printed guest book; or displaying at the wedding!

How does it feel to be such an important and integral part of a couple’s big day? It really is an honour. To be hand-picked and welcomed in is such an amazing feeling! I’ve had couples sit me at a table during the wedding breakfast like I’m a proper guest, and getting thanked in the speeches brings me to tears. But most importantly, knowing that I will capture their day for them so they can enjoy it and relive it for years to come is what makes this such a fabulous job!

Any dream weddings you’d love to shoot?

Italy is on my bucket list! I’ve always adored it from a far and finally went earlier this year with my husband after Covid delayed it four times! It’s such a beautiful country so to have it as a backdrop would be sublime! And it would be a pretty delicious wedding breakfast, too!

What makes you different to other photographers?

It’s a few things really. Firstly, I genuinely love of weddings and invest in my couples, which I think makes my work very passionate. I’m predominantly a documentary style wedding photographer, but I’ve really developed an artistic side too. It gives my work a luxurious edge. And that’s another thing: I consider myself to be fun (hopefully people agree) but found that that was lacking in the luxury market. I like to give my couples an unforgettable experience but I don’t see why that should mean that we don’t get to have a laugh along the way!

“Getting on and connecting with your photographer is just as important as liking their photos. They’re going to be with you on your wedding day longer than most of your guests, so you really have to get on and understand each other…”

A true gem of a jeweller

Gabriella is a well-respected, long standing jewellery business located in Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells. Its founder, Gabby Taylor, tells SO Magazine about the wealth of engagement rings and wedding bands on offer for happy couples tying the knot…

Part of an established family of fine jewellers, Gabby Taylor of Gabriella knows exactly what couples who are getting married are looking for when it comes to a timeless piece that will reflect their romantic commitment to one another.

“We specialise in and are well-known for our well-priced diamond, pearl and gemstone fine jewellery,” explains Gabby.

“Boasting over 200 wedding rings in store, customers can have the opportunity try them on and compare in store. We provide you with a service that is both friendly and informal in order to guide you through all our options to help you find the perfect rings.”

And Gabby adds that she and her team know that not one ring fits all which is why they also provide a customisation service which allows clients to alter design details and create a bespoke ring of your dreams.

“From timeless plain bands to contemporary designs, we have something that will suit everyone,” adds Gabby. “All our wedding rings are one-offs and beautifully handcrafted.”

www.gabriellajewellery.co.uk

9 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells

RINGING THE CHANGES

Why The Bell in Ticehurst is the perfect place to celebrate your nuptials if you’re after a traditional venue with a stylish twist or two…

The Bell’s design is eclectic in the truest sense of the word, as if an eccentric nobleman has travelled the world and stuffed his house full of curiosities from his travels. Old typewriters, ancient novels and safari chairs, 1930s-style suitcases and mismatched chandeliers; the result is quirky and utterly charming. The opulent Big Room can accommodate up to 90 guests seated, and 120 for your evening celebrations. The distinctive

“The Bell is eclectic in the truest sense of the word: old typewriters, ancient novels and safari chairs and mismatched chandeliers result in an ambience that is quirky and utterly charming”

wallpaper and grandiose collection of vintage lighting offer you and your guests a unique space to celebrate your partnership, enjoy a beautiful meal and party the night away.

Downstairs in the historic Stables you can celebrate your nuptials with your very own Red Carpet

Walk which is rolled out just for you along the exceptionally long wooden table. Enjoy drinks and canapes from your personal bar. And under our beautiful pink neon, ‘I will always love you my friend’ light feature is the perfect place for speeches, offering a more informal approach to the tradition.

The Bell is also equipped with 11 beautifully distinctive rooms, all with their own personality. Our amazing Love Nest lodge will be yours for the night, equipped with a fantastic copper roll top bath, which is just perfect for a long luxurious soak. Or why not warm up with your very own log burner and snuggle up in the Nest: the perfect place to end your day… To end the night, gather your guests around our firepit to toast marshmallows and wind down with a few last drinks together.

“We specialise in and are wellknown for our well-priced diamond, pearl and gemstone fine jewellery”

Dress to impress

While the bridal gown will usually be the sartorial focal point of any wedding (and rightly so), bridesmaid’s outfits are an important part of the overall aesthetic.

As a bride, not only do you want your bridesmaids’ dresses to complement yours, you also want your BFFs to feel fabulous on your big day – and depending on the size of your bridal party, you’ll have several opinions to take into account.

As with bridal gowns, bridesmaid trends come and go too, so what’s hot this wedding season?

We asked fashion experts to run down the biggest bridesmaid fashion trends of the moment. Here’s what they had to say…

1. Sage green

Six Stories Sage Halter Neck Satin

Bridesmaid Dress, £120

“Sage green is definitely the most popular colour for bridesmaid dresses this season,” says Lucy Menghini, founder of Six Stories.

Following last year’s surge in deep green shades like emerald, now softer hues have come to the fore.

“The good thing about sage

green is that it can work all year round,” Menghini adds. “While it’s a beautiful shade for summer, the grey undertones make it a perfect pick for autumn/winter weddings too.”

2. Same differentshade, styles

Gone are the days when every bridesmaid had to wear an identical dress or the exact same colour.

“With this trend, bridesmaids can wear a variety of different shape and style dresses, which are tied together by being similar hues of the same colour, or a range of complimentary colours,” says Kirsty Keoghan, global general manager of fashion at eBay UK. “I love this trend because it promotes individuality and helps bridesmaids feel their most confident selves on the big day.”

It makes shopping a whole lot easier too, adds Menghini: “It also allows the bridesmaids to have a say in what type of dress they find most comfortable and flattering.”

3. Classic black dresses

Monsoon Beatrice Crepe Bardot Maxi Dress Black, £87.50 (was £125)

While a black wedding gown might not be for everyone, contrasting the white or ivory bridal look with black bridesmaid dresses creates a modern, minimalist colour palette.

“Many people are often intimidated by a set of black bridesmaid dresses, however this look adds elegance and finesse to any wedding,” says Menghini.

“Black dresses are also perfect for those with large bridal parties, who are looking for different styles of dresses in the same colour, as you won’t have to worry about matching the shades.”

4. Pre-loved pieces

“One trend we’ve seen boom is bridesmaids wearing pre-loved wedding attire, with 58% of newlyweds looking at ways to shop sustainably and 75% of couples getting married looking to keep the costs down,” says Keoghan. Occasionwear is perfect for shopping second-hand, because many garments have only been worn once so they’re in excellent condition (plus there might be big savings to be made).

Bringing together dresses from brands like, Monsoon, Karen Millen and Ted Baker, eBay has launched a pre-loved wedding hub. Keoghan adds: “Bridesmaids can look to the hub to find unique options from the high-street, to high-end, that increase the lifespan of the dress, for a fraction of the retail price.”

5. Satin no more

Traditionally, bridesmaid dresses often had a silk or satin finish, but recently there’s been a trend for different materials and textures.

“In particular, velvet dresses have emerged as a front runner in autumn and winter weddings, as a fabric which adds a new layer of elegance and luxe to the bridal party, while also providing a bit of warmth for the person wearing it,” says Keoghan.

“Taking it a step further, we expect to see more bridal party styling to feature dresses which are made from an array of fabrics, whether it’s velvet, lace or chiffon.”

6. Style symmetryover

New Look Pale Grey Satin One Shoulder Ruched Maxi Dress, £45.99

“One shoulder silhouettes are set to take over weddings this summer – it is definitely the bridesmaid shape of 2023,” Menghini says. “Perfect for summer weddings, the asymmetric shape is stylish and sleek and is such a flattering shape.”

Also, multi-way maxi dresses are a stylish solution for bridesmaids – the ribbon ties can be fashioned into an asymmetric neckline. How should you style a oneshoulder dress? “Accessories can be pretty minimal, as the neckline is the star of the show,” says Menghini. “Steer clear of necklaces and stick with simple earrings, rings and a bracelet.”

When it comes to weddings the sartorial focus is usually on the bride but let’s not forget the bridesmaids. Here are some of our favourite looks that are currently trending down the aisle...

“One shoulder silhouettes are set to take over weddings this summer – it is definitely the bridesmaid shape of 2023,”

Timeless Elegance elegance

After having their dream day cancelled due to Covid, Jon and Claire finally got to say ‘I do’ in style earlier this year. Molly Miller catches up with the happy couple to find out why they were so happy to tie the knot in the elegant surroundings of One Warwick Park Hotel

It all started before the era of swiping left or right, within the cosy confines of their local pub. A quick pint set in motion a series of dates that evolved into a fledgling romance, and before long, Claire and Jon were destined to spend forever together after he popped the question during sunset on a trip to the West Coast of America.

“After six years together, I couldn’t wait to pop the question”

Jon tells SO Magazine.

“I knew the trip would give me plenty of opportunities but I didn’t have a specific place in mind. That was until we stopped to watch a beautiful sunset as a pod of whales were putting on a show – it was truly perfect, not like the ring size which I’d definitely over estimated!”

The couple started planning a traditional wedding but just as the big day was looming cue Covid – and the duo’s dreams came toppling down. Yet, as life often unfolds, it appeared that every twist of fate happened for a reason.

Two years later, a new wedding theme and a new baby, which Claire says gave her plenty of time to plan at 3am in the morning, the bride and groom-to-be were finally on their way to the day of their dreams.

“We knew we wanted something light, bright, and modern, but with a bit of character, and not a venue dependent on the weather. We researched a ridiculous number of

venues online but then found One Warwick Park Hotel and it ticked all our boxes,” the couple recall.

Modern, luxurious and the perfect black canvas for those who want to stamp their personality on proceedings, the boutique, fourstar hotel on Chapel Place was an obvious choice.

Style was certainly ramped up a notch or two at this wedding. Enlisting the help of her mum and sisters, Claire took it upon herself to transform the venue into something pulled straight off Pinterest.

Having undergone an extensive refurbishment in 2016, One Warwick Park Hotel brims with luxury, combining modern, marble infused interiors with original character.

The Function Room’s bare brick walls, exposed timber beams and double-height vaulted ceilings create a sensationally stylish space to tie the knot, where hundreds of ceremonies and receptions have taken place over the years.

For Claire and Jon’s big day the venue’s beautiful interiors were complemented with a palette of white, rust, and dusty pink, creating a dreamy wedding setting that transitioned seamlessly from day to night.

During the ceremony, the room was flooded with natural light, with foliage draped over the grand fireplace. Then for the evening reception the venue glistened with twinkling fairy lights and candle lit tables.

“We took the reins ourselves when styling our wedding, but our co-ordinator Karen was a fantastic support, ensuring we had considered everything in advance” Claire explains.

“On the day itself the team were involved a lot more which meant we could just enjoy our wedding without any stress. They took care

“We knew we wanted something light, bright, and modern, but with a bit of character, and not a venue dependent on the weather”

of everything and ensured it all ran smoothly.”

Boasting 39 stunning suites and hotel bedrooms, One Warwick Park Hotel offers an utterly luxurious weekend wedding experience which Claire and Jon more than made the most of.

Overlooking the hotel’s iconic glass atrium, Claire spent the morning of her wedding in the lavish Junior Suite, accompanied by her bridal party.

With its elegant period features, complimentary Temple Spa products, monsoon rain shower and fluffy white robes, it made the perfect space to rest, relax, and slip into her gorgeous bridal gown

which was heavily embellished with long sleeves.

“I actually wore two dresses, because hey, if you’ve had two dates you get two dresses, right?!” she laughs.

Perfectly complimenting Claire’s boho styling, the bridesmaids were dressed in flowy, rust-coloured gowns, while the flower girls wore soft, dusty pink. The groomsmen, equally poised, were head-to-toe in navy.

Wedding party ready, it was time for the ceremony: “In the words of our co-ordinator, I was the calmest bride she’d ever seen, and it was kind of freaking her out,” Claire says.

TOP TIP:

What advice would you give to other couples planning their dream wedding?

“Don’t be too influenced by other weddings and ensure it suits your personality – doing things yourself can help add your own unique touch to the day. Be prepared as early as possible too, this will allow you to enjoy the days leading up to the wedding!”

“Knowing all was in hand and surrounded by my friends and family was exciting and not actually too nerve wracking.”

Set to the gentle melodies of an acoustic guitar, the function room was peppered with pampas florals, creating an elegant backdrop as the couple exchanged their vows.

“I was surprisingly calm too,” adds Jon. “I couldn’t wait to see Claire, and I was excited to stand up and cry in front of everyone.”

“We took the reins ourselves when styling our wedding, but our co-ordinator Karen was a fantastic support, ensuring we had considered everything in advance”

For such a stylish soirée, only the best wedding photography suffices and for Claire and Jon they chose award-winning photographer Katie Rodgers to capture their special day.

The couple were spoilt for choice with beautiful backdrops to choose between – from the cobbled charming streets of Chapel Place where the hotel is situated, to the contemporary elegance that radiates throughout its interiors.

Meanwhile, the celebrations flowed seamlessly into the Terrace Bar before a delicious wedding breakfast was served back in the Function Room. This was handcrafted by the hotel’s talented team of chefs and specially selected by the bride and groom.

“We turned our pre-wedding tasting session into a date without the kids and really enjoyed everything we tried! Ultimately, we landed on a menu which we thought would be a crowd pleaser.”

The duo’s first dance to ‘Lucky’ by Jason Mraz followed, leading onto a night of throwing shapes (we’re looking at you Jon), and celebrating the start of forever with those they loved most.

Suppliers

Venue:

One Warwick Park Hotel

Photographer: Katie Rogers

Dress:

ASOS and H&M

Hair stylist: Kate Beaumont – hero hairstylist

Makeup artist: Lydia Rae

Bridesmaids:

ASOS

Suits:

Moss Bros

Floristry:

The bride herself!

Entertainment:

Mint DJs

Venue styling:

The bride, her mum, and sisters

Wedding cake:

The groom’s mum

Stationery and signage: The bride and groom (“But mostly the groom!” says Claire)

Proud to sail their own course

The world of cruising is changing...

Cruise ships that are ever bigger, ever busier and (some would say) ever brasher, are beginning to dominate and there are many guests looking for an alternative. Fred. Olsen stand up for the smaller ship experience because they know that is what their guests would rather choose: an experience that makes the most of the beauty of the journey and the nature and culture of the destinations along the way. An experience that’s elegant and relaxed, rather than busy and brash.

So, their purpose at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is to stand up for a different way of cruising. They call this way The Olsen Way.

Imaginative and unusual itineries

Fred. Olsen’s Journey Planners change their itineraries every year. In 2024, join Fred. Olsen as they arrive at the perfect time to watch the fascinating bird migration cross the Straits of Gibraltar. And their Captains will always navigate to

show you local wildlife or beautiful scenery along the way.

Their Norwegian heritage and knowledge of the beautiful coastl ine also means no one can show you the fjords quite like them.

As a result, they have won Cruise Critic’s award for best itineraries 5 years in a row.

Want to learn more about the Olsen Way?

Join the Fred. Olsen expert Kerry as the Baldwins #HolidayInspirations show held at Sevenoaks School on the 24th September, plus don’t miss the chance to WIN a Fred. Olsen Cruise and experience the Olsen Way for yourself.

A VINE ROMANCE

Fine

Wines Of Mayfield tell us why they are the perfect choice whether that’s curating a wine list for a special occasion or simply picking a suitable bottle for a simple supper…

Fine Wines of Mayfield has been established in the Heart of Mayfield Village for almost a decade and in that time has almost become the heart of the village. Jacqueline, who is in the Mayfield shop on Fridays and Saturdays, tells SO Magazine that ‘having a thriving popular shop in the heart of such a lovely village is an idyllic role’ and that she’s ‘honoured to be a part of such a lovely community’.

But now following on from its initial success, Fine Wines of Mayfield has expanded into Tunbridge Wells, with a new shop in Royal Victoria Place.

Owner Paul says the decision to move to Tunbridge Wells was both ‘exciting and scary’ as the difficulties on the High Street are there for everyone to see. “But everyone should have a good wine merchant,” he adds.

“We’ve had such a warm welcome from Tunbridge Wells, so many customers saying they

Luxury Wedding Cake Designer

need a good wine shop. Every day I meet interesting people in the shop. Some know a lot about wine, others are looking for a little bit of help with a present or a special wine,” explains Paul.

“It’s great talking to them and assisting them and hopefully recommending the right bottle of wine. Everyone is different and we can usually help them if only to show them where they can get that special bottle of wine they are trying to track down. We do great wines at great prices.”

Paul further explains that Fine Wines of Mayfield have just started to roll out a very superior tasting programme with a recent tasting at the Hotel Du Vin, with Chateau d’Esclans (of Whispering Angel fame).

“The evening was a great success and we now plan to have other brands including CVNE, Pulenta and Piper Heidsieck do separate tastings in the months leading up to Christmas. Cheers!”

“We’ve had such a warm welcome from Tunbridge Wells, so many customers saying they need a good wine shop”

Lorraine Osborn of Rare Nature Floristry explains why her flower business is blossoming

“After a successful career in the corporate world, with a ‘side hustle’ in floristry with London’s top event florists, I finally took the plunge in 2016 and set up my own business. The name, Rare Nature, was born of my love of the natural world.

“I feel privileged to do what I love. I work from the heart with wonderful venues and fantastic clients who entrust me to bring their dreams to life.”

Lorraine goes on to explain that she and her team provide professional and artistic floral arrangements for weddings, events, birthday and anniversary parties

and bouquets.

“We can create individually crafted, perfect and uniquely designed flowers to suit any occasion, venue or style. Where possible we always use flowers that are responsibly sourced from local pesticide-free growers and have a foam free preference in our approach. In addition to our occasional flower services, we can deliver regular flowers for home or flowers for the workplace. As trained florists we also hold regular floristry workshops where you can start your own personal journey to creative flower arranging.”

FLOWER POWER

The Rare Nature Floristry Wedding Brief:

• We’re here to surprise and delight you

• We’ll start with an informal chat followed by a meeting in person, usually over fizz and cake in our

studio. Together we’ll chat through ideas and concepts, what you love and what you don’t

• We’ll create a bespoke mood board for you from which we can select your favourite concepts. It’s a collaborative process to meet both your brief and your budget

Sail Away with Fred. Olsen in 2024

14th August 2024 | Borealis

|Sailing from Dover | 8 nights

Visit the mountain plateau of Hardangervidda from Eidfjord In Flåm, join a boat tour along the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord Take the funicular railway to the top of Mount Fløyen for a hike

Prices from £1,249pp

PLUS FREE DRINKS*

4th April 2024 | Bolette| Sailing from Southampton| 13 nights

Explore volcanic sites in the Azores

Look for whales and dolphins from Bolette with ORCA

Cross the path of the fascinating Solar Eclipse

Prices from £1,999pp PLUS FREE DRINKS*

27th June 2024 | Borealis

|Sailing from Dover | 14 nights

Visit Helsinki for the Tall Ships Races and Kiel for Kieler Woche

Uncover World War II history in Gdansk

Enjoy time in the wellpreserved cities of Visby and Tallinn

Prices from £2,099pp PLUS FREE DRINKS*

Come and see us at the Baldwins Travel #HolidayInspirations Show

RISE TO THE OCCASION

Newington Cakes is a luxury wedding cake designer based in Tonbridge which specialises in highly intricate creations that will create a show-stopping centrepiece at any celebration. Here its Creative Director Deborah Newington reveals her key steps to sweet success...

• DREAM

Allow the dynamic dreams of your ideal cake to come to life as you explore the Newington Cakes portfolio and gallery of previous creations via our website. Remember, you can never dream too big during the early stages!

• DISCUSS

Let’s discuss your visions, solidify some of your ideas and explore the array of options you have for your cake, from flavour options to styles, this is our moment to talk it out and start coming up with a plan that gives you butterflies!

• DESIGN

Together, we’ll collaborate and

design your dream cake in fine detail. During an in-person meeting we’ll delve deeper into your wedding theme, confirm your colour palettes, experiment with flavours and decide on your ideal cake size.

• DECIDE

This is the moment to make those all-important final decisions regarding your cake, and place down your £100 ‘Save the Date’ booking fee to secure your date in our diary. From this moment you will gain exclusive access to your personal portal which contains your design concepts, sketches, payment information and cake progress!

Create your wedding to remember with Kent’s Best Florist 2023

We are proud to create incredible, hand-made wedding displays and bouquets, tailored specifically for your special day – working with a range of materials including fresh and dried flowers.

With experience of supporting premium and unique event locations, our team help tackle all advanced planning, flower visualisations and selection, budgeting and on site installations.

www.thecove.shop

At The Cove, we offer free, non-obligation consultation with our friendly, experienced team.

Creating wedding experiences ranging in all sizes from bridal bouquets to floral archway displays, we are proud to have been awarded Kent’s Best Florist reflecting our personal and passionate service.

A unique approach

away by how perfectly we had been able to capture his vision.

Are there any big trends you are seeing in engagement rings at the moment?

Jennifer Kata from KATA Jewellery on St John’s Road tells SO Magazine about the magic involved in creating bespoke engagement and wedding rings for her clients…

How does the making process work for customers looking for custom-made designs?

Why do you think more people are choosing bespoke for their engagement rings and wedding bands?

I think it’s because they are looking for a more personal touch. If we are all so unique in who we are, and who we love, then why should the forever symbol of our commitment be any different?

Choosing bespoke means your engagement ring and wedding bands will be tailor made to you as a couple. You don’t just have to pick something off the shelf or have the same as everyone else. Having them custom made means they will be as unique as your relationship.

What could be a more thoughtful and meaningful way to symbolise your love than by having the most important rings you will ever buy handmade just for you

Finding a jewellery designer that you trust and enjoy working with is key. A well-trained designer will be able to get to know you and discern your heart’s deepest jewellery desires. At KATA Jewellery, we will have an initial consultation, then I will produce a selection of designs for you to choose from and source a selection of gemstones and diamonds that suit your chosen look and budget. The process of selecting your design and gemstones truly is a magical one. I will help you through the process of selecting the perfect gemstones, educating you about the different properties of each stone. But to be honest it is normally very much a decision of the heart not the head. My clients are always instinctively drawn to the gemstone that speaks to them. Once we have finalised all of the elements, our in-house jewellers can begin work hand-making your ‘forever’ piece of jewellery in our workshop. Depending on the complexity of the design, this process takes approximately six-eight weeks.

What is your favourite bespoke engagement ring you have made to date?

At KATA Jewellery we have been thrilled to be able to make some truly romantic and wonderful engagement rings. When clients choose us to bring their dream ring to life, it is up to us to make magic happen. My favourite pieces that we have made recently, since we opened our St. John’s Road boutique last year, have been engagement rings where my client has come to me with a romantic idea and has chosen us to make it happen.

My client, Dan, sent the most wonderful introductory email asking if it were possible to make the engagement ring he had literally been dreaming of. He had been to other jewellers who all told him the level of detail he was asking for was impossible! Well, this isn’t a word in my vocabulary, when you have enough knowledge and skill everything is possible! His girlfriend has a great love for cherry blossom and every time she sees it, it brings out a childlike joy and wonder. Dan wanted to capture this special emotion in the ring. Using an heirloom diamond from his mother as the centre piece, we then designed a ‘Cherry Blossom’ ring with tiny blossom flowers scattered along the branch-like band, each with a tiny pink diamond set in the centre of each. When we presented the engagement ring, Dan was blown

There’s definitely a big resurgence of using coloured gemstones in engagement rings. My clients are being a lot braver with their choices of stone, not just sticking with the classic sapphire, ruby or emerald. Sapphires aren’t just blue – they also come in a whole rainbow of colourful hues: from a vivid hot pink to serene sea-green shades. A uniquely coloured sapphire definitely seems to be the current gemstone of choice - especially when it’s paired with smaller diamonds for extra added sparkle! Another current trend is the use of an heirloom or family ring as part of a new engagement ring design. Quite often we have ‘Granny’s Diamonds’ from her engagement ring to use as part of a new design. This is always wonderful and it gives the new ring a heritage and story to tell from the beginning.

How can a wedding band be bespoke?

When you choose to have your wedding bands uniquely made, they are done so by hand and totally tailored to you as a couple. The options and possibilities are endless and that’s why we are here to help you discover the perfect bands to symbolise your love. Want matching bands?

Two that are totally different? A bit wider? A bit slimmer? With diamonds? Engraving? Gemstones? Enamel? When you realise the options available to you, you will never want to settle for ‘off the shelf’ again! A wedding band is such a timeless symbol of your commitment to each other, and something you will hopefully wear forever. Why not make it exactly what you’ve always dreamed of?

What do you love most about being a personalised jeweller?

KATA

The best thing is the people I design and make these special pieces for. Each ring (or pendant or earrings) is completely different because each person I design for is different. When you are designing bespoke jewellery it truly is a rewarding process; it pushes me every day to design something unique and create one off pieces for my clients, which are a reflection of themselves and their personal style. I love being part of ‘Life’s Special Moments’ with them. From the engagement ring and wedding bands, through to eternity rings, special birthday and anniversary gifts. Being a bespoke family jeweller means that people come back to us time and time again for unique, quality pieces of jewellery that are made to last the test of time, and become heirlooms of the future.

Jewellery, 48C St John’s Rd, Tunbridge Wells www.katajewellery.com

“A wedding band is such a timeless symbol of your commitment to each other, and something you will hopefully wear forever. Why not make it exactly what you’ve always dreamed of?”

WEDDINGS AT SALOMONS ESTATE

Nestled amongst the picturesque landscapes of Royal Tunbridge Wells, our spectacular manor house, four ceremony and reception rooms, and 36-acre rolling gardens create an unforgettable backdrop for your dream wedding. Contact our award-winning wedding team to start planning your special day.

In perfect Harmony harmony

From their teenage days when friendship blossomed into romance, Molly and Craig have been the definition of love’s young dream. Their special day at Salomons Estate was nothing short of magical, graced with bursts of sunshine and a bright, colourful aesthetic to match. Molly Miller meets the happy couple to find out what made their wedding so wonderful

Love story

As many happy couples will testify, the best relationships start off as friendships, and this was very much the case for teen sweethearts Molly and Craig. Initially meeting while lifeguarding together, their closeness then developed into a blossoming love story. However, unlike those far-fetched Hollywood films, it wasn’t love at first sight that brought this bride and groom together, but the occasional party, an old school music mix and an undeniable connection.

“We didn’t have a lot in common, however as we got to know each other our friendship grew. Word slipped out at my 18th birthday party that I liked Craig and it started from there!” Molly tells SO Magazine.

The proposal

“I remember our first date,” she continues. “Craig had picked me up and made a garage playlist for

“I loved our ceremony, though it went so quickly! I was fairly nervous but as soon as we saw each other we both burst into tears”

us to listen to in the car as we both had very different music tastes.” Quite the romantic, Craig didn’t spare any details when popping the question to his future wife six years later.

After dining at Brettington’s Steak and Lobster House in Rochester to celebrate their anniversary, the pair headed home to open a bottle of Champagne for one last toast. It was then Craig got down on one knee, marking the start of their 15-month engagement before tying the knot on March 18 this year.

Wedding planning

Steering away from tradition, Molly and Craig didn’t settle on a specific theme for their wedding at Salomons Estate, and instead embraced the vibrancy of their chosen season. From pastel tones to bright and bold floral arrangements, the idea was to reflect all the natural beauty of

springtime.

“My bridesmaids wore three different colours: I wanted light pastels and Craig wanted green. It looked so bright and colourful all together on the day,” Molly explains.

Surrounded by the rolling gardens and lush flowerbeds, the

newlywed’s aesthetic was perfectly complimented by the grounds of their wedding venue which they found on Bride Book.

“We chose Salomons Estate as we loved how spacious the ceremony and reception rooms were. They had lots of bedrooms too for our guests to stay in and let

their hair down!”

Located on a private 36acre estate, Salomons offers an utterly unique weekend wedding experience, complete with six beautifully refurbished holiday cottages.

With a history of hosting hundreds of ceremonies and receptions, the award-winning venue set the stage for Molly and Craig’s special day. The couple had the opportunity to personalise their wedding package and exchanged their vows in the spectacular Drawing Room.

Flooded with natural light, this space exudes elegance courtesy of its large arched windows and glittering lights that created a fairy tale ambiance for their walk down the aisle.

“I loved our ceremony, though it went so quickly! I was fairly nervous but as soon as we saw each other we both burst into tears,” smiles Molly.

Styled timelessly with tall wisteria canopies and fabulous

TOP TIP:

What advice would you give to other couples planning their dream wedding?

“We created a spreadsheet outlining our budget for each category which really helped. We paid for things as we went along too. For example, we bought all our little accessories like flip flops six months prior, so all the money didn’t come out at once! It’s important not to get too stressed; even if something doesn’t go perfectly, it’s likely that no one will even notice!”

draped linen, this wedding ceremony was all about the minimal effect for maximum impact.

“We were lucky to have my mum who helped with a lot of the organising. Our wedding co-ordinators were very helpful too and supplied us with a list of recommended suppliers,” adds Molly.

Overlooking incredible views of the estate’s rolling gardens, the customary confetti shot post ceremony followed on the south facing terrace before a dreamy photoshoot set happened against the backdrop of the surrounding woodlands.

Once the formal part of the day was done, Molly and Craig headed to Salomons’ Victorian Theatre where they made a grand entrance at the wedding breakfast. With napkins twirling and guests on their feet, the celebration was in full swing as the couple danced

SUPPLIERS

Venue:

Salomons Estate

Photographer: Lois Brown Photography

Dress: Dress Dreams Bridal

Hair stylist: Eloise Mae Hair Mua

Makeup artist: Woolnough Beauty

Bridesmaids: ASOS

Suits: Marks & Spencer and Bluewater Bespoke Tailoring

Floristry: Paula Florist & Imogen Florist

Entertainment: Kent Event Packages

Venue styling: Bows Hire

Stationery and signage: Jemima Woolnough

Favours: Noyesalicious

their way into the tune ‘Hey Baby’.

The venue’s theatre can accommodate over 200 guests for seated meals, with an additional 150 guests welcomed for evening receptions. With double-height ceilings and a grand stage, it sets the scene for an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

The natural beauty of Salomons Estate was ideal for the happy couple’s aesthetic vision, providing an ideal canvas for their spring-inspired decor choices. From ceilings adorned with twinkling fairy lights to stunning blush and green floral centrepieces, Bows Hire, the estate’s recommended supplier, brought the duo’s vision to life in fabulous fashion.

With all their guests seated, the wedding breakfast commenced, featuring an exquisite menu that was meticulously created by the estate’s talented team of chefs.

“We attended a tasting session with my mum and dad at Salomons Estate around six months prior to the wedding where we sampled various dishes and then voted on our favourites,” reveals Molly.

Indulging in a sumptuous feast of roast sirloin of beef, roasted turkey and all the trimmings, Molly and Craig selected a guest from each table to participate in the meat carving, complete with aprons and hats for a full-fledged experience. “It was very funny to watch!” Molly laughs.

The celebrations then transitioned into a night of dancing, accompanied by timeless wedding classics performed on the saxophone. Their first dance was to the one and only ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ by Elvis, with Molly saying it was the best day of their lives.

“We were lucky to have my mum who helped with a lot of the organising. Our wedding coordinators were very helpful too and gave us a list of recommended suppliers”

SAY YES TO THE PRELOVED DRESS

Sarah

Wood, founder of Brides Dress Revisited, on why more of her clients are opting for an environmentally friendly frock for their big day…

With current levels of inflation and social trends, what should you consider when planning your 2024 wedding?

In the years preceding Covid, the wedding industry grew as increased disposable income allowed couples to plan more extravagant celebrations with extensive guest lists and elaborate finishing touches.

Then the pandemic came along and gave us time to reflect on our values and lifestyle choices. Since then, we have not only seen a marked rise in inflation, but a definite upsurge in environmental awareness, resulting in a change in the way couples are now planning

their wedding.

In a survey carried out last year by the Sustainable Wedding Alliance, 98% of couples asked, told them that sustainability was a factor when planning their wedding*. Another survey carried out by Bridebook.com revealed that the average wedding spending for 2023 grew by 15% to an alltime high of £19,184, largely driven by inflation**.

Sarah Wood, owner of Brides Dress Revisited, tells SO Magazine: “We have been trading since 2009 and have dressed thousands of eco-brides and brides on a budget.

“In previous years, brides would

ask us to keep their purchase from us a secret. Now, with the increase in brides wishing to reduce the carbon footprint of their wedding whilst bagging a bargain, they are positively singing it from the rooftops that they chose to buy a second-hand wedding gown.”

“The increase in brides wishing to reduce the carbon footprint of their wedding means many more are choosing to buy a second-hand wedding gown”

Are you looking for a DJ for your Wedding? It is essential to book a reliable, and experienced DJ for your big day, as it is what the guests take home with them. It is very important to have a DJ that listens to all of your needs and reads the room, mixing and blending the tracks to keep people on the dance floor.

Mint DJs is a multi awardwinning company boasting a team of highly experienced, reliable DJs covering the South-East of the UK. They play the music that YOU want, and use their experience to keep the dance floor as energetic as possible.

They also provide some great

extras to really add that extra WOW factor, and ensure the day runs smoothly.

- Award winning DJs playing all genres from Motown & Disco to House, RnB & Garage to Indie Rock & 80s / 90s club hits

- Professional sound and lighting

- Microphones for speeches & ceremony

- Live sax/percussionists to play alongside DJ

- Selfie mirrors

- Starlit dance floor hire

- Fully insured and PAT tested

Get a quote – www.mintdjs.co.uk

Let us ensure your big day goes off with a BANG!

IN A SPIN…

Award-winning Mint DJs on why it’s so important to have a professional sonic soundtrack to your big day…

“We play the music you want and keep the dance floor as energetic as possible!”

Bridal path to success

The special place you choose for your wedding is just as important as the dress and the type of celebration you want. But it can be a minefield if you’ve never done anything like this before. Don’t panic though as here at SO Magazine we have it covered. Read on to discover how you can make your dream day a reality…

Wedding venue checklist

Getting engaged and then planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times of anyone’s life and finding the perfect wedding venue is the first step in ensuring you have your dream wedding. Because of the importance of finding the right venue for your wedding, we have listed some key questions asked by bridal parties…

Is there onsite accommodation?

One of the main considerations when choosing a wedding venue should be where will the bride, groom and guests stay both before and after the wedding.

How much parking is there at the venue?

Many of your wedding guests will likely travel some distance to get to your venue so making sure your wedding venue has plenty of onsite parking is a key questions to ask.

What transport links are nearby?

Know what transport links are nearby and whether the venue has anything in place such as links with a local, reliable taxi companies.

Does the venue offer a complimentary tasting?

It is definitely worth asking if the venue offers a complimentary tasting. You should also find out if it sources its produce from

reputable local suppliers and if you can bring in your own caterers.

Does the venue have a dedicated wedding planner?

A wedding can be a time consuming and stressful event so a good wedding planner will help take much of the stress away...

What is the venue capacity?

This is a key consideration, and the venue clearly needs to be able to accommodate the number of weddings guests you want to invite.

How late does the venue stay open until and what are the restrictions? You need to think about this when

Five top tips for future brides and grooms

Some advice for couples planning their dream wedding…

• Enjoy the planning process, and make it fun, it then feels so much more than just one day

• Invite the people you want to invite! Not the people you are expected to invite. You want to be surrounded by the people you love the most

• Consider setting up a website. It’s a great way to communicate with your guests in the lead up

to your wedding

• Meet with your suppliers before booking them. It’s important to have a good rapport with them. This is especially the case when it comes to sourcing the photographer, videographer, hair and make-up artist etc

• Take some time out during your wedding day to really take everything in, and to spend some time together just the two of you as it goes so quickly

booking your venue as you may want to party on late.

Does your venue hold multiple weddings on the same day?

This is a really important question – especially if you don’t want to bump into another bride in the bathroom.

What is the payment schedule?

Budgeting for a wedding can be an onerous task, and however you do it you are probably going to have a list somewhere of all your payments and when they are due so you’re able to make sure you don’t run out of money.

Is your venue insured?

Last but not least this is a crucial consideration. Most venues who regularly hold weddings should have Public Liability Insurance but it is worth double checking.

Breasts, Bellies & Botox: The Aesthetic Desires Storming Britain

In an exclusive interview with SO magazine the renowned plastic surgeon and TV star, Mark Solomos M.D, shares insights into the world of plastic surgery.

Here, Mark shared his answers to the questions:

What has been the biggest change you’ve seen in the plastic surgery industry? Things are moving forward at a fast pace. Changes are happening on many fronts as we understand more about new materials, surgical and non-surgical techniques and most importantly, how our body works. Trends go in and out of fashion but natural beauty will always be the ultimate goal. I have seen a lot of advancements in anti-ageing in a holistic approach that involves general well-being, minimally invasive treatments and improvement on a cellular level. People will live longer, be healthier and look better, so the future looks bright.

What are the most common procedures for professional males & females?

Treatments for facial rejuvenation, definitely. For a professional, on top of their game, looking healthy and radiating that inner confidence can be a big success factor.

Starting from non-surgical treatments like injectables, volume replacement (fillers, fat or substances that promote your own body to do the work), stem cells, skin treatments (and not just in the face, let’s not forget the hands and the chest), they all work and there is an indication for all of them. From surgical treatments, most people start with eyelid and facial rejuvenation surgeries. These can be done in a nearinvisible way, with a quite remarkable overall result. “You look good!” is what a patient wants to hear after having had a treatment, which takes real skill from the surgeon, as the line between looking natural and looking overdone and somewhat obvious is very fine.

How many years of plastic surgery experience have you had? What training have you had and where are you currently based?

I have been a plastic surgeon for 17 years, almost all of it in private practice, and almost exclusively

in London.

I had my training in the United Kingdom with frequent travels abroad to broaden my knowledge and experiences. The first part of training is general surgical specialties, then reconstructive surgery, and at the end aesthetic surgery. But the training never ends, and as a wise man once said, ‘When you think you know it all, this is when you stop being good!’

We saw you recently on Channel 4’s UNTOLD: My Big Boobs series, how was that experience?

It was really enjoyable and fun actually, and most importantly we helped an individual in a life-altering way! It was all very smooth, I think we managed to share some information with the wider public and disperse some myths.

What is the biggest satisfaction from your work?

Oh, that’s easy, it’s the heartfelt “Thank you, you have changed my life” words that come out of the patient’s mouth at the end of their journey. There is no amount of money that can buy me this happiness and satisfaction.

Tell us about a surgery you did last week…

I did a few, but one that stands out was a “mummy makeover” procedure. For the unaware this involves overall torso rejuvenation after pregnancy or

significant weight loss. Usually deals with the breast, tummy and back and most commonly involves a lift/reduction with or without implants on the breast, 360 liposuction for volumetric correction and skin tightening procedures. It can all be done in one go. In this particular patient, we removed a grand total of 9.5 kg (1.5 st) and reshaped everything. Truly life-changing.

What are the common queries people have when approaching you?

Patients usually want to know what is the possible result, the level of safety and the recovery period required. My consultation is usually a double session, and the patients have a bit of preparation to do as they are given reading material in advance.

This makes the conversation easier and more in-depth. The objective is to educate and inform in a realistic way so the patients understand what we are going to do and why, what is achievable, what are the risks and the timeline of the whole journey.

What has been the most popular procedure in men and women in the past 12 months?

For men, Rhinoplasty is quite common, and we perform a few. And the indication is not always cosmetic as I perform a functional septorhinoplasty for most patients that addresses both the function and the form

of the nose.

For women, I guess breast surgery is most common, followed by rhinoplasty/facial surgery and torso reshaping/ mummy makeovers.

For those who are new to plastic surgery or have had it before, how do let people know about your approach? It’s all about education and realistic expectations.

My approach to the whole patient journey is quite personal and individualised (hence the name Bespoke Plastic Surgery). As I tell my trainees on a regular basis, one should know to perform surgeries in different ways as it is very rare that you will do the same thing in two different patients - for example, there are about 10 different ways one can perform lower eyelid surgery..!

In general, who do you mainly help and in what way? All my patients are special to me, but some have more specific needs than others. I deal with a lot of high-profile patients who need something effective, safe and invisible, with fast and efficient recovery, and we manage to marry all these requirements most frequently. I also perform a lot of third-line surgeries in the breast/ nose/ torso areas in people with previous unsuccessful attempts, as a last line of defence and I take pride in that. For these people quite often we are their last chance of success, which is associated with a huge sense of responsibility and duty of care.

Consultations can be booked with Mark Solomons by calling 020 4553 2107 and visiting www.marksolomos.com

Consultations can be booked with Mark Solomons by calling 020 4553 2107 and visiting www.marksolomos.com | You can scan the QR code too.

• Rhinoplasty

• Face Lift

• Abdominoplasty

• The Mummy Makeover

• Arm Lift

• Thigh Lift

• Breast Enhancement

• Breast Reduction

• Breast Adjustment

• Breast Uplift

Meet Mr. Mark Solomos, a renowned plastic surgeon and TV star, who

is leading the way in aesthetic surgery

Considering plastic surgery? Have questions and unsure who to ask, where to go or even what to ask. Mark Solomos, MD invites you to book a consultation with him.

Mark Solomos, M.D., an acclaimed London-based plastic surgeon, is available for consultations to guide, answer and comment on all your questions.

A consultation is done in person at his London location or can be done via Zoom. There is no time limit on the consultation as Mark prides himself on being thorough. His dedication to his patients shines through in consultation, surgery and aftercare.

“I want my patients to feel comfortable, at ease and happy. I am pleased that, for me, all my patients are ecstatic with the results and always say how I have changed their lives for the better.”

Mark was recently featured on Channel 4’s UNTOLD: My Big Boobs episode, where he shares his knowledge about the considerations, lifestyle and aftercare he goes through with his patients when they consider surgery.

Mark is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, a member of the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery and a member of the GMC specialist register in plastic surgery. He has performed over 16,000 surgeries and has an incredible catalogue of before and after photos.

SCAN ME FOLLOW ME

Mark Solomos. M.D specialises in Body, Face and Breast surgery including:

The Best Sofas

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DURESTA TRAFALGAR

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How to bring a touch of the

Mediterranean to your garden

Drought-tolerant plants, terracotta pots and gravel will make you feel like you’re on holiday.

The heatwave may still be unbearable in some parts of southern Europe – but you can enjoy a touch of the Mediterranean without sizzling in your own garden, with some thoughtful planting.

Drought-loving plants always conjure up images of the Med, from hot pink pelargoniums to vivid blue agapanthus, spiky sea holly and sizzling red crocosmia, hardy hibiscus and fragrant rosemary and lavender.

As long as they don’t get too wet, Mediterranean gardens are low maintenance and offer plenty of colour and form during the summer months.

Try trees

Olive trees are a must in any Mediterranean-style garden. Their elegant silhouettes and evergreen leaves make them a beautiful focal point, says Sutton Manor Nursery, a leading supplier of olive, topiary and Mediterranean trees.

“Pencil cypresses – often seen in Italy – are another Mediterranean favourite, and you can get hardy palm trees such as the dwarf fan palm (Chamaerops humilis),” adds Caroline Mazzey, RHS horticultural adviser.

“If you have enough space and you have somewhere to place a large planter in the winter, such as a conservatory, consider growing some citrus trees, such as lemon trees. This can help to add a truly Mediterranean appearance, as well as a beautiful scent,” says landscaping and gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote. co.uk.

Be bold with colour

Warmer tones are commonly used in Mediterranean gardens. Play around with lighter shades of straw or sandy beige and dark brown, the nursery advises. Other popular colours include rich yellow and muted red hues, including ochre, peach, terracotta and brick red.

Mosaic tiles are also often seen in Mediterranean countries, so you might choose metal furniture with a mosaic-style table or even some coloured plant pots and containers, especially if you don’t want to paint your walls and you have a habit of moving your pots around.

Make use of terracotta planters

Terracotta planters are a great way to bring a Mediterranean feel to your garden, says Jenkins.

“Choose pots and planters in a range of sizes and shapes to add variety. Add a range of different-coloured plants and flowers in your pots to create a vibrant display.”

Consider seating

Avoid contemporary, shiny furniture, as this doesn’t quite fit in with the theme, Jenkins advises.

Instead, opt for simple furniture such as wooden benches, which will weather with age and fit in perfectly with the overall aesthetic.

“Consider growing herbs such as oregano or thyme close to the

Use pops of colour

Pelargoniums are droughttolerant and will provide bright pops of colour, along with red salvias and the purples of rosemary and lavender, Mazzey suggests.

“The best things are silveryleaved plants such as lavender, rosemary, phlomis – if it’s silvery it’s already adapted to cutting down the amount of light it absorbs.”

Go for gravel

Gravel is a very popular element in Mediterranean gardens and is an ideal medium for free-draining soil, favoured by Mediterranean plants. Some well-placed gravel can look great – especially when teamed with terracotta pots.

“You definitely need good drainage because these plants don’t like cold wet feet over winter, because the Mediterranean geology is a stony, well-drained environment which gets hot in the summer but doesn’t stay wet in the winter. The water drains away,” says Mazzey.

“This can be tricky if you have clay soil – in which case, pots are the way to go.”

Be creative with water

“Water helps to create a cool and relaxing atmosphere, plus it also has reflective value, helping to brighten your space and spread the sun around your garden. Stone fountains are often seen in Mediterranean gardens,” says Jenkins.

“If you have enough space, consider installing an ornate water fountain or a tiered structure. When water flows out of a fountain, it creates a beautifully relaxing sound, making your garden feel like a true oasis.

“If you’re limited on space in your garden, consider adding a bird bath or an alternative smaller water feature.”

Look after your plants

“Just because they are droughttolerant doesn’t mean you don’t have to water them,” Mazzey warns. “You will still need to water but that water needs to drain away. Even pelargoniums, which love the sun, will need watering.”

seating and dining areas. These will add a fragrant scent in the area that smells delicious. Plus, you can use them to add extra flavour to your dishes when serving food to guests,” she says.

If you want colourful accents, choose cushions in warm shades of orange, stone, red, yellow or even lavender.

Create shade

Train your trees to create an umbrella of shade, or have a pergola with a climbing plant over it to make the shade – perhaps a grapevine, Mazzey advises.

A Sofa For Every Space

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People’s changing attitudes towards sustainability mean they are looking for more eco-friendly methods and products

Greener farewells

If you have an interest in protecting the environment and reducing your carbon footprint, then you may prefer a greener funeral or natural burial over traditional methods. Simon and Rebecca Welham – the father and daughter team behind Welham Jones Funerals and Memorials –share their insights into this growing trend for a green ending

What is a greener funeral?

A greener funeral aims to reduce the impact that managing and delivering a funeral, burial or cremation has on the environment. People’s changing attitudes towards sustainability mean that the funeral industry is adopting more ecofriendly methods and products to meet changing demand.

Greener funerals can also be considerably cheaper and more creative than a traditional funeral, which makes them increasingly attractive.

How can a funeral be greener?

There are several elements to a traditional funeral that can be changed to make it greener. You could select a locally sourced biodegradable casket or urn, using formaldehyde-free products which are considered less harmful when embalming – or not use embalming chemicals at all, opting for special types of burial or alternatives to cremation.

The location of a burial might also be different, for example you could choose a special woodland area with the absence of a headstone, helping to minimise your loved one’s lasting imprint on

the environment.

The use of eco-friendly products – such as biodegradable clothing or a shroud, recycled paper products, locally grown organic flowers or food –and lowering emissions by carpooling or arranging a small memorial gathering in a natural setting all play a part.

What is a green burial?

A green or ‘natural’ burial can take place in a traditional memorial ground or cemetery, in a woodland or on private land.

The deceased is buried without embalming in a shroud of organic cotton, rather than in a burial vault or outer burial container, to ensure that the body has contact with the soil. If used, the coffin is often of an easily biodegradable material.

The burial is in a shallower grave to encourage the natural microbial activity to occur, like that found in composting. Sometimes, a biodegradable memorial is allowed upon the land to mark the site.

What is a green cemetery?

Definitions of “green cemetery” vary. Many conventional cemeteries offer green burial

options and features, such as sustainable landscape design and natural memorialisation, alongside traditional burial practices.

Some dedicated green cemeteries can be considered natural burial grounds, as they don’t permit vaults, nonbiodegradable caskets or the use of toxic chemicals.

Just over half of the natural burial sites in the UK are run by local authorities, the remainder being run by landowners such as farmers, charitable trusts and both commercial and non-profit organisations.

Is

cremation

green?

In general, cremation is not

considered “green” as the process uses non-renewable fossil fuels and produces airborne emissions.

However, a funeral including cremation may use fewer resources than conventional ways of disposition and cremated remains do not need to be interred in a cemetery, which reduces land use. Biodegradable urns can also be used.

Which coffins are biodegradable?

There is now a wide range of biodegradable coffins, from wicker and bamboo to pine and willow, or wool and cardboard. The personal aspect of a cardboard coffin has been popular as children, relatives and friends are asked to sign or decorate the coffin before it is used. Checking air miles is important, as some wicker and bamboo caskets are flown or shipped in from Asia and so will have a bigger carbon footprint. Better options include coffins made from Somerset willow, which is fully renewable, or cardboard from recycled pulp sourced in the UK.

How can I plan a greener ending?

Think about the options you are interested in and do some research online.

Visiting your local funeral director and talking to them about your wishes is useful, as they will help you understand what venues and burial grounds are available in your local area.

They will have up-to-date industry information on greener funerals and standards that need to be met. The National Association of Funeral Directors established the Environmental Advisory Group to help support funeral sector-related businesses to be more environmentally aware in their practices.

They can also work through options to help you create the endof-life farewell you want.

A lasting legacy

A green funeral may take more planning, but they are increasingly popular as an affordable and desirable option for many people who want to leave a natural legacy behind.

It can be an emotional topic to raise, but perhaps have a family discussion to explore ways that your wishes can be met. Enabling your family to understand your views will help them undertake the greener ending you hope for.

Support at an emotional time 01892 300330 | tunbridgewells@welhamjones.co.uk www.welhamjones.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells ¦ Tonbridge ¦ Sevenoaks ¦ Chislehurst ¦ Borough Green ¦ Swanley ¦ Chelsfield

“Your local funeral director can help you find green burial grounds in your local area”

Wild

life!

With summer fading away and the kids heading back to school, the crazy Monday morning rush is making a strong comeback – you know the drill, school bags being tossed around, PE kits mysteriously vanishing, and you’re left searching for just one shoe!

But even though some parents might be breathing a sigh of relief after scrambling to fill six weeks with excitement, others are still faced with the challenge of looking after little ones who stay home while their older brothers and sisters return to their usual schedule.

If you’re looking for something different to keep them entertained, head to Bewl Water, the largest reservoir in southeast England tucked away in the gorgeous countryside

of Lamberhurst. It boasts 800 acres of stunning scenery and loads of things to keep kids busy, like the indoor soft play area.

Found next to the Waterfront Café, the play zone offers two exciting levels of fun and adventure, along with a dedicated area for babies and a breakout for toddlers. It’s a hit with kids aged 0-8, and sessions only cost £5 for 50 minutes of play, while babies under 12 months enjoy free entry.

Crammed with interactivity, different play features, and many climbing routes up and down, it’s the perfect space for children to dive into. They’ll be racing through the play structure, dodging biff bags and exploring the twists and turns of each level.

Hanging snakes add an element of excitement as they swing through, whilst the stepping stones help master the art of balance and coordination. With funfair mirrors, windows to wave out of, plenty of slides and winding tunnels, soft play at Bewl Water has been designed especially for little adventurers with every corner packed full of fun.

Sessions can be booked online at bewlwater.co.uk and whilst car parking for the day costs £7, the outdoor playgrounds give little ones even more to explore during

the visit. Built to develop skills like balance, agility, memory, and teamwork, toddlers can let their imagination run free on the rocking boat and navigate their way up the climbing frame before sliding back down again.

There are tunnels to crawl through and plenty of interactive elements to keep them occupied, plus a giant sandpit for hours of messy fun! You can find it over by the pirate ship – Bewl Water’s second play area but for slightly older children. Both free to enjoy, the playgrounds are surrounded by picturesque views and landscapes where parents will find an ice cream parlour for a sweet treat after their day out. Delicious snacks and tasty lunch items can also be enjoyed in the Waterfront Café for hungry tots looking to refuel.

While you’re there, make sure to pick up a complimentary trail map for Ranger Bear’s latest adventure. It’s perfect for inquisitive little ones who enjoy exploring the great outdoors and will lead you through the enchanting woods at Bewl Water. There, you’ll encounter incredible wildlife, meet his friends at the bug hotel, and have to solve the secret code to finish the quest!

There’s still time to enjoy the outdoors fun at Bewl Water. Molly Miller tells you what your little ones can enjoy this month…

“The play zone at Bewl Water offers two exciting levels of fun and adventure”

FEATURE

Turning heads

Headmasters on Monson Road tell SO magazine why their balayage specialists and general in-salon service ensures clients enjoy an experience that’s a cut above the rest…

different techniques. Balayage is a freehand technique that allows your stylists to use a variation of techniques with foils, and tissue to provide a perfect blend of tones to suit you – from super-natural sunkissed to full-on ombre.

and brighten and enhance facial features.

BBrighten up your hair this autumn with Headmasters Tunbridge Wells. Book in for a custom balayage whatever your hair colour or texture and length.

The Creative Ambassadors at Headmasters have launched a balayage collection showcasing

“Luxe Balayage is one of the hottest hair trends this year,” explains Headmaster Colour Ambassador Sian. “This year we are seeing more high-definition colour trends with clients asking for brighter face framing along with a full head balayage, with warmer tones that reflect sun-kissed colour. The key to maintaining the luxe finish is to keep hair wellconditioned.”

If you are new to colour or prefer to keep a more natural keeping your natural root colour but ask your Headmasters’ stylist to add a few ribbons of colour using tissue lights, this can provide depth

Sian explains: “The trick to this colour is keeping a very soft tone that is simply a few shades lighter than your own natural colour without going too warm the great thing about this technique is that it grows out very naturally.”

Visiting Headmasters salon gives you the chance to relax and unwind at the spa area and enjoy the massage chairs, while your stylist double cleanses your hair and provides you with the Headmasters’ head massage, created to relieve tension through eight key steps to stimulate the scalp and release tension. Enjoy complimentary refreshments during your appointment and when sipping your chosen drink, why not enjoy flicking through a variety of magazines?

22 Monson Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1ND

www.headmasters.com

Luxe Balayage is one of the hottest hair trends this year.

Balayage is a freehand technique which allows your stylists to use a variation of techniques with foils, and tissue to provide your dream hair.

Book your bespoke balayage at Headmasters Tunbridge Wells, and enjoy a complimentary colour consultation so that your stylist will create a bespoke colour to help enhance and compliment your facial features.

“Luxe Balayage is one of the hottest hair trends this year”

Seasonal shift

As we head into a new sartorial season, Charlotte Newman from Kitch fashion emporium on the High Street asks us to embrace the autumn with a few pieces from Me369’s stunning new collection…

With the days growing shorter and the temperatures beginning to dip, Me369’s new collection arrives as a breath of fresh air. As summer gracefully gives way to autumn, this brand’s collection stands ready to guide you through the seasonal shift.

Their autumn collection is a symphony of comfort and sophistication, skillfully weaving together the essence of the season with contemporary fashion trends. From thoughtfully designed silhouettes to striking prints, each piece encapsulates the brand’s dedication to creating clothing that empowers wearers to embrace their own individuality.

The heart of Me369’s autumn collection lies in its colour palette, which evokes the essence of the season. Warm, earthy tones dominate, echoing the russet hues of falling leaves and the cosy embrace of autumnal landscapes. From warm cinnamon to rich burgundy and forest green, the collection’s colours mirror the

changing outdoors; harmonising with the season’s natural beauty. The collection also reimagines classic silhouettes with modern flair, giving your wardrobe a fresh perspective as you transition into the new season. In short, these pieces seamlessly bridge the gap between timeless elegance and contemporary trends, making them a perfect addition to your wardrobe.

As the weather transitions, layering becomes not just a practical choice, but a style statement in itself. Me369 offers a range of versatile pieces like lightweight maxi dresses, chic sweaters and tailored jackets that can be easily layered over your favourite summer pieces. This blend of seasonal pieces not only keeps you warm but also adds depth and dimension to your outfit, creating a look that is both stylish and weather-appropriate.

For a chic daytime look, pair the Natalie Keyhole Chocolate Dress with a denim jacket in a complementary shade. Slip into a pair of ankle boots for a touch

of casual elegance. Complete the ensemble with minimalistic accessories – a dainty pendant necklace and a pair of gold stud earrings. To elevate the dress for an evening affair, opt for bolder accessories. A pair of statement earrings and a chunky cuff bracelet can add a touch of drama. Choose strappy heels in a metallic finish to elongate your silhouette and let the dress take centre stage by keeping the colour palette harmonious with earthy or metallic hues.

The collection arrives as a reminder that clothing can be both indulgent and expressive. Transitioning into autumn with Me369 is not just about changing your wardrobe – it’s about embracing the spirit of the season and infusing it into your personal style. Through thoughtful layering and an array of versatile pieces, Me369 empowers you to step into the new season with confidence, grace and an unmistakable sense of sophistication.

“As the weather transitions, layering becomes not just a practical choice, but a style statement in itself and Me369 offers a range of versatile pieces”

www.kitchclothing.co.uk @kitch_clothing

Autumnal Days and Cosy Nights

Autumn showcases Tunbridge Wells in a beautiful light and as the leaves on the trees turn auburn and the golden hour before sunset reflects our streets in a warm glow, people’s minds turn to preparation for the milder weather ahead. Basking in that glow, we have put together our recommendations for a smooth transition to the Autumnal days ahead…

BE BRIGHT

Nothing says Autumn better than lighting candles, stoking the fire and cosying up as the days get shorter and the evenings turn cooler. We are so fortunate to have so many brilliant homewares shops in Tunbridge Wells, so here are just a few candle sellers handpicked from a great bunch: Fenwicks, Royal Victoria Place

www.fenwick.co.uk

Hoopers, Mount Pleasant Road

www.hoopersstores.com

Le Petit Jardin, Chapel Place

www.le-petit-jardin.com

DRINK

What is better on an Autumnal day than taking the time to watch the world go by with your hands around a mug of delicious, hot chocolate or a Pumpkin Latte? Some of the best in town can be found at:

Taste Wells, Royal Victoria Place

www.tastewells.co.uk

Arte Bianca, Chapel Place

www.artebianca.co.uk

Juliets, The High Street

www.julietsandmore.com

Caffe Nero, RVP & The High Street

www.caffenero.com

Whether you want to create something yourself or buy something prepared, the breadth of flavours in autumnal meals cover every food taste. From butternut squash to pumpkin, wholesome soups to rich casseroles, wild mushrooms to the last of the berries. Our recommendations to shop with the Season are: Sankeys Autumn Harvest Food Festival www.thepantiles.com/whats-on

The Pantiles (16-17 Sept)

M&S www.marksandspencer.com

Royal Victoria Place COOK!

www.cookfood.net/shops/TunbridgeWells

Monson Road

Biggie Best, Mount Pleasant Road

www.biggiebest.co.uk

Anthropologie, The High Street

www.anthropologie.com

Settle, Chapel Place

www.settlehome.co.uk

The White Company, The High Street www.thewhitecompany.com

, Mount Pleasant Road

, The Amelia & The High Street

Supported By:

Why not follow us on Social Media to keep up with the latest news in the town centre @rtwtogether

BE COSY

There are a wealth of fashion retailers who have some beautiful Autumn clothing ranges. For cosy knits head to: Anna Poulsen @poulsen_anna on Chapel Place, Bod & Ted @bodandted, Kitch www.kitchclothing.co.uk on the High Street, County Clothes www.countyclothesmenswear.co.uk or for outdoor gear, Blacks (www.blacks.co.uk) on Monson Road and Millets (www.millets.co.uk) on Camden Road are both great options.

Getting the right footwear is also important, and we suggest a trip to Jones Bootmaker www.jonesbootmaker.com or Russell & Bromley www.russellandbromley.co.uk on Mount Pleasant Road, Clarks www.clarks.co.uk in Calverley Precinct, Office www.office.co.uk/footwear Royal Victoria Place or Stampede www.stampedeshoes.co.uk Camden Road, will give you what you need.

GOING OUT

@rtwtogether

@Royal Tunbridge Wells Together Business Improvement District

If you want the BEST cosy settings when you are out for an evening, then we heartily recommend pulling up a chair and settling down in any one of these great local places:

• The Mount Edgcumbe, The Common www.themountedgcumbe.com

• Beau Nash, Mount Ephraim www.thebeaunash.com

• The Barn, Lonsdale Gardens, www.barn-pub-rest.co.uk

• The George, Mount Ephraim www.thegeorgepubtunbridgewells.co.uk

• Hotel Du Vin Bar, Crescent Road www.hotelduvin.com

• Sankey’s Bar & Restaurant, Mount Ephraim www.sankeys.co.uk

#Lovelocal Support Tunbridge Wells Businesses

Man power

Naomi Murray from Botanica reveals her top tips to ensure men are maximising their optimum health on a daily basis...

Men’s health is quite often sidelined. We assume that they are tough and resilient, the stronger sex, and in many ways they are, but like women, with their unique makeup, they face health trials and worries.

Sadly suicide remains as the most common cause of death in men between the ages of 20-49 in the UK. A horrifying statistic clearly indicating a need for men to be both seen and heard.

Maintaining physical and mental well-being will go some way to hopefully reducing these statistics.

As with the female sex, nutrition, sleep, exercise, emotions and surrounding environment have a huge impact on physical health.

Naomi Murray Co-founder of Botanica Health botanicahealth.co.uk

It is apparent that taking responsibility for one’s own health is paramount. With the discovery of epigenetics we know that we can influence our genes on a daily basis, for better or worse.

A few simple tweaks and the adoption of healthier habits can make all the difference, to life and longevity. Here are a few tips which I would suggest you doing…

SIX WAYS TO LIVE BETTER:

1. Sleep – it just might be the first pillar of health. It is clear that broken sleep leads to a decline in physical and mental health. Coping mechanisms reduce, whilst cognitive function declines. Sleeplessness in men is associated with erectile dysfunction, sleep apnea, coronary heart disease, lower urinary tract issues, male infertility, depression and low testosterone. Studies show that men with sleep disorders are more prone to prostate cancer.

Having less than six hours a night in middle age is also linked to the development of dementia. During the hours of sleep the brain literally rids itself of waste, (associated with Alzheimer’s) via the glymphatic clearing system. Sleep must be a priority, with support in place to remedy any issues.

2. Nutrition – Avoid Omega 6 seed oils which promote oxidative stress, chronic low-grade inflammation, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Consume butter from grass-fed cattle, olive oil and coconut oil instead. Ensure the inclusion of berries and bright coloured fruit in your diet. Eggs are ideal for supporting eye health. They are a superfood in their own right. They have been demonised in the past but are a significant source of carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect against cataracts and macular degeneration. Consume meat from pasture-raised animals and a good variety of organic fruit and

vegetables. Don’t forget the huge benefits from herbs and spices. If you are concerned about cholesterol I recommend reading The Great Cholesterol Con by Dr Malcolm Kendrick.

3. Heart – Poor sleep, stress and inflammation can have a devastating effect on heart health. Adopt a healthy exercise routine. It was found over a 20 year period that men who engaged in physical leisure activities were up to 21% less likely to develop cardiovascular disease or to die of any cause during the study period. Removing inflammatory foods that drive heart disease, i.e. vegetable oils and margarine is of great importance. It is vital to note that magnesium is depleted through stress, alcohol consumption and exercise. Replenishment is necessary considering magnesium is essential for maintaining a steady heartbeat and normal blood pressure. It keeps bones strong, muscles working properly and can help anxiety and depression.

4. Prostate – An adequate dietary intake of zinc is essential for men over 50. Studies show that maintaining zinc status helps prevent prostate disease from developing or progressing further. Interestingly vegetarians may have a 50% greater need for zinc due to the high level of phytates in beans and pulses, which reduce zinc absorption. Similarly a commonly prescribed drug, Omeprazole for lowering stomach acid, has a detrimental effect on zinc absorption. In patients taking omeprazole there was a marked increase of zinc deficiency (from 16 to 50% within two months) upon beginning treatment with the drug. Red meat, shellfish and pumpkin seeds are good sources of zinc.

5. Gut – Researchers have found that the gut microbiome of men and women differs significantly. This is more than likely due to the hormonal influence of oestrogen in women and testosterone in men. Poor gut health effects mental health. And poor mental health has a detrimental effect on the gut. The vagus nerve sends signals up and down, brain to gut and gut to brain. A healthy gut microbiome is vital for a healthy immune system and mental resilience.

6. Get it off your chest – it’s not only good to talk, it could actually be life lifesaving. I am encouraged that I now meet men seeking help for anxiety disorders. Work pressure, troubled relationships, money concerns and low self-esteem can all lead to feelings of despair. The adage ‘a problem shared is a problem halved‘ is true and offloading worries and voicing them is the beginning of recovery.

“Men’s health is quite often sidelined. We assume that they are tough and resilient, but like women, with their unique makeup, they face health trials and worries”

MONEYPAUSE!

Menopause is certainly a “hot topic” at the moment and what a welcome relief that is.

As a menopausal woman myself I feel this is something to be celebrated as finally something that affects half of the world’s population is now not a hidden taboo (like past whispers of ‘the change’). It’s a subject that my friends, female clients, and I often chat about but something I never heard my Mother or her friends discussing – if only they had, life might have been easier for them!

It also comes at a time in life when things can get very demanding for the ‘Sandwich Generation’, a subject of which I have firsthand experience and have covered extensively in my previous blogs which are available to read in full on the Grovewood website. Managing children/teenagers, your own life, work, aging parents, caring responsibilities and sometimes bereavement too, and then the menopause is thrown at you as another ball to juggle!

Thanks to the increasing coverage of menopause in the media, such as our local friend Davina McCall’s ‘Sex, Myths and the Menopause’ Channel 4 documentary and her wonderful book ‘Menopausing’, much work on educating and destigmatising the topic has started.

Women of menopausal age will experience symptoms that reach far beyond the often-dismissively quoted ‘hot flushes’ from joint pain and heart palpitations to brain fog, anxiety, depression and difficulty concentrating. But one area not often discussed is the huge impact menopause can have on our financial health and wellbeing.

Whether you’re early, peri, during or post menopause, it’s not just the physical and mental

effects of the menopause that women must contend with; the menopause has the potential to hit us in the pocket too!

These symptoms not only affect performance at work but are also often pivotal in family and relationship breakdowns which have financial consequences of their own.

With many women focusing on saving for their retirement in the years leading up to it, coupled with us reaching the peak of our careers at this time, it goes without saying that reducing your working hours, deferring a promotion or leaving a job altogether, as a result of menopause symptoms can be detrimental to pensions and savings and negatively affect financial security.

There is no way of knowing what, if any symptoms you might encounter throughout the menopause, however preparing for the worst and hoping for best seems like a sensible strategy to me! This way, no matter what the future holds, you’ll at least be able to face it with more confidence - from a financial

perspective

at least.

So, what can you do?

The best thing you can do is plan ahead and stay informed - talk to a menopause expert about any symptoms and get good advice. It’s beyond the scope of this article, but make sure you get all the help you need in avoiding, where possible, or managing your symptoms.

On the financial front, the best advice is always to start planning early. Make sure, if you need to take a career break or reduce your hours, you have enough funds to support you. Building a “what-if scenario” into your financial forecasting can help.

Fund your pension early so that if you need to take a break you have pre-filled your ‘pension pot’. The government wants us to save for our retirement and provides generous tax breaks to do so. And think about combining your pensions if you’ve collected a few in your working career. Bringing them together could make them easier to manage and could work out cheaper for you.

Review your expenses ahead of and during your time off to ensure you have enough to cover your costs and have an emergency fund available –ideally 3 months income.

Seeking good financial advice is fundamental. Find someone you like dealing with and who you trust: someone you can have honest conversations with who can be the guide in navigating your financial journey, knowing they understand you and your situation. Let them take some of the emotion and the worry out of your money, by allowing them to make decisions, or at least suggestions, for you.

Money is important, but how you look after it and what you do with it is far more important. Getting good, professional advice is a very good place to start, whatever your stage in life.

To receive a complimentary guide covering wealth management, retirement planning or Inheritance Tax planning, contact Lynne Gadsden on 01892 750750 or email lynne. grovewoodwealth@sjpp.co.uk.

Lynne Gadsden FPFS Grovewood Wealth Management Ltd

Pay attention to the deficit

This month our resident hypnotherapist Karen Martin, who is based at Salomons Estate, discusses Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder…

More and more of us are being caught in the ever-widening net of neurodiversity. As we discover the glitches in the machine of the human mind, we’re learning to better understand the complexity and chaos of our thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

And now children are more effectively diagnosed and treated for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, many parents are identifying symptoms of the same condition in themselves. So it’s not surprising that we’re seeing a surge in the number of adults with ADHD.

There is strong evidence to support a genetic predisposition for this sometimes debilitating condition. ADHD can have a profound impact on the quality of life of the sufferer and those close to them. It is also now clear that it is not a curable childhood issue but a lifelong state of mind.

Social media and the internet are awash with tests and quizzes to self-diagnose. Whilst knowledge is power and it’s often a relief to

put a name to something which has been a lifelong challenge, it’s difficult to get a formal assessment and appropriate treatment. There’s a long waiting list for NHS assessments and private clinics charging in excess of £1,000 have been criticised for overdiagnosing ADHD.

What is Adult ADHD?

Similar to childhood ADHD, the condition in adults affects the ability to focus, concentrate, and control impulses. Whilst children with ADHD fidget in class and disrupt home life, adults may struggle with responsibilities like holding down a job or paying the bills on time. The following symptoms can have far reaching consequences:

• carelessness and lack of attention to detail

• continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones

• poor organisational skills

• inability to focus or prioritise

• continually losing or misplacing things

• forgetfulness

• restlessness and edginess

• difficulty keeping quiet, and speaking out of turn

• blurting out responses and often interrupting others

• mood swings, irritability and a quick temper

• inability to deal with stress

• extreme impatience

• taking risks in activities, often with little or no regard for personal safety or the safety of others – for example, driving dangerously Planning, motivation, multitasking, flexible thinking, monitoring performance, memory, self-awareness, and detecting and correcting mistakes are executive functions the ADHD brain doesn’t handle well. And these skills are essential in our post-industrial age.

In times when much of the workforce was labouring manually or serving in the military under authoritarian rule, ADHD wouldn’t have been the problem it is today. When women were chattels chained to the kitchen sink and men were cannon fodder or clocking on at the factory gate, those executive abilities wouldn’t have been so necessary.

The tech revolution may also be fuelling the rise in ADHD according to recent research. Most digital media users multitask and flit from one item to the next. This habit reduces attention span and changes the way our brain functions. Smartphones are related to impaired working memory and decreased performance in cognitive tasks.

Today, ADHD sometimes coexists with mental health issues like bipolar disorder and OCD so assessments in adults can be blurred by similar symptoms and

the differing labels attached to them. A combination of improved understanding, research, and innovative therapeutic approaches is needed to pave the way for a brighter future for those grappling with the condition.

Treatment

Medication effectively treats many ADHD symptoms and talking therapies help adults develop coping strategies, time management skills and organisational techniques. Psychological support is also beneficial to treat the anxiety, depression, relationship issues, career setbacks and feelings of low self-worth that are commonly experienced by the 3-4 percent of the population with ADHD.

Lifestyle modifications including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep relieve ADHD symptoms and mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga improve focus and emotional regulation.

The digital age has opened up a new frontier in managing adult ADHD. Smartphone apps are available specifically to help with setting reminders, time tracking, and creating task lists. They also incorporate features like meditation exercises and brain-training games to improve cognitive functions.

A Superpower or Kryptonite?

People with ADHD have specific strengths because the way they process information is neurologically different. They are more spontaneous, creative, energetic, intuitive, imaginative, and inventive. These superpowers can lead to great success in life if appropriately channelled. Or, like kryptonite, they can drain resources and lead to a life of frustration and unfulfilled potential.

A number of media personalities have recently been diagnosed with ADHD, including comedian Johnny Vegas and TV presenter Sue Perkins. But the majority don’t have the same opportunities or career choices. Statistically, ADHD sufferers are more likely to be unemployed, be fired from their jobs or quit on impulse. A quarter of those on sick leave for stress show symptoms of ADHD.

It is also becoming clear that ADHD is significantly underdiagnosed in adults and is therefore untreated. The self-care and commitment required to manage symptoms are difficult when the neurological default is chaotic and unpredictable. The structure, order, routine and consistency that calms the chaos can be achieved through learning and practising new habits. We all suffer from behavioural and emotional instability at times but someone with ADHD has to learn how to get out of their own way to achieve any form of balance in their day-to-day lives.

Karen Martin Hypnotherapist hypnotherapykent.co.uk

“ADHD can have a profound impact on the quality of life of the sufferer and those close to them. It is also now clear that it is not a curable childhood issue but a lifelong state of mind”

Healing

powers

Matt Hillier set up The Humble Bear to support people in finding happiness, peace and joy and sustaining it for life. Here Matt tells SO magazine about the catalyst that led him to turning his own life around and how he can help you too, courtesy of his coaching, and inspiring retreats. The next is on October 7 & 8…

• Wants to explore new ways of being in their life as a whole.

• Feels saturated and overwhelmed in day to day life.

• Needs some time and space to recoup, reset and realign.

• Has the urge to find more purpose and passion in their life.

• Is struggling to know the right path and looking for direction.

• Is open to new experiences and wants to expand their being.

• Is ready to face their fears and stride forwards with courage.

• Simply wants more out of life than they are already getting.

So Matt, please can you tell us in essence what The Humble Bear is all about?

The essence of Humble Bear is to empower and support people to find more happiness, peace and joy in their lives. My aim is to liberate people from the trappings of the mind and the ego, help them centre in the heart and free themselves from the negative self-talk and limiting beliefs that prevent them from living the life they have always wanted.

When did you start it and why?

I started my business in 2021 because I saw a world that craved healing. My personal journey started in August 2018 when I narrowly survived a suicide attempt whilst trying to escape the abyss of addiction I was personally in and that was wreaking havoc in my life, and the lives of my loved ones. I spent some time in a rehab centre followed by committing to a 12-Step program for recovery and began working on the elements of my life that were causing my unhappiness and anxiety. For the next three years I studied myself, my patterns, esoteric teachings, philosophies and spiritual practices of all origins to deepen my understanding of life, energy, healing and all it entails. I studied life coaching, various types of Reiki and energy healing as well as being initiated into the art of holding space with Cacao (the powerful medicine that is chocolate in its purest form). Since 2021 I have been hosting regular events and retreats all over the country as well as coaching and healing people all over the world. Are most of your clients

local to the Tunbridge Wells area?

My 1:1 clients are international and as far as Hawaii and mainly facilitated online. I host regular in person events in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area and have my next ‘Chocolate Meditation’ in Crowborough on October 13th at Tranquillity Yoga. My retreats are hosted about an hour from Tunbridge Wells at the beautiful location that is The Birch in Hertfordshire. This hotel boasts understated luxury in the Hertfordshire countryside whilst having easy access from London and the M25.

What types of services and gatherings do you offer and which are the most popular?

My main 1:1 services are Life/ Spiritual Coaching and Quantum Energy Healing. These can be conducted both in person or online. I also guide people through Cold Water Therapy and Wim Hoff Breathwork for their physical and mental health and to show them how they can overcome adversity in life. My events consist of Human Optimisation weekend retreats, day retreats, and Chocolate Meditation events with the weekend retreats and chocolate meditations being the most popular. The Human Optimisation Retreat is really the crown jewel in the arena. It offers clients a get away from life and space to work deeply with their mind, body and spirit. It allows them to reconnect with the deeper part of their being, shedding fears, traumas, limitations they have put on themselves and giving real and valuable tools to use in everyday life. One previous

participant told me: “I felt more rested than after a two-week holiday” and that “the retreat repaid itself almost instantly in the peace that I got.”

In your opinion what makes The Humble Bear’s offering so unique?

My offering is unique because it comes from true and honest experience. From someone who has been to the depths of despair to living a happy, abundant and peaceful life. I want nothing more than to show others how this is possible and guide them on their path to liberation.

What do your clients get from being part of your community?

Clients get to really experience their true being. They get to experience things that they would not normally encounter in everyday life and they get time for themselves in a crazy and busy word. They get wisdom and knowledge for both new and ancient traditions as well as meeting the plethora of like-minded people who are also treading this path and looking for more.

Why do you believe mental health is so important for us to focus on?

Having been to where I have been, rubbed shoulders with death and worked hard to climb back to a space of great mental health, I truly understand that mental health is everything to a happy and abundant life. Without it, even the greatest riches in the world would seem dull and depressing. In a world full of fear and trauma, there is an incredible need for mental and spiritual healing to allow the world

to become a brighter, more vibrant and heart centred place.

Can you tell us what plans you have for the rest of 2023?

2023 has been a powerful year so far for me. The rest of the year promises at least one retreat on the weekend of October 7th & 8th. It is a Human Optimisation retreat which aims to help people work through their fears. It will work on the mind, body and spirit and involve a number of different sessions including cold water therapy to help people push through fears, yoga, hypnosis with a live DJ courtesy of silent disco, sound healing and a cacao ceremony. The event will take place at Birch Community in Hertfordshire. I will also be hosting regular Chocolate Meditations at Tranquillity Yoga. There will also be a regular monthly men’s group, giving space for the men of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area the space to share, support and connect with each other…

ARE YOU READY TO OPTIMISE YOUR LIFE?

Join us at The Human Optimisation Retreat and experience a transformation like never before. Your path to the next level of holistic wellness starts here!

More information at: www.humblebear.co.uk/ho-retreats

Contact number 07921559517

“I am so blessed to have met Matt exactly when so needed, not knowing what I was needing but my soul knowing it was to be. Matt has introduced me to a world I am meant to be in, through his simplisticaly powerful cacao ceremonies, energy healing, cold water therapy and wisdom - he is helping me live my true life, my aligned life. For that I’ll be forever grateful and a dedicated believer. The greatest testimony is that I mention his work to anyone that will listen.”

ELIZA BEATTIE

THE HUMBLE BEAR’S HUMAN OPTIMISATION RETREAT IS PERFECT FOR ANYONE WHO:

“I truly understand that good mental health is everything to living a happy and abundant life”

Reframe your thinking

SO’s resident fitness guru Sarah Gorman, who has just been revealed as one of P&O’s new celebrity fitness ambassadors, tells us why September is the perfect time to hit reset on your fitness routine…

September is upon us. The summer is all but a distant memory and suddenly Halloween is just around the corner – have you seen how much tat is already filling the shelves in every shop on the high street?! So, let’s take a breath and work out where we’re at.

After any big moments in the year, i.e. the summer holidays and Christmas, we often need to pause and reflect and then regroup. I call this the ‘ReFrame’.

It’s the moment that we look back on what we did over the last six months or so and reflect on what worked well, and what did not, and what we want to achieve

Sarah Gorman Fitness professional and entrepreneur @sarahgormanblendfit sarahgorman.fit

in the next six months.

And if we reframe how we look at these moments, it can help us with the way we move forward. So, rather than thinking that we failed because we didn’t do the exercise plan that we had intended or that we failed when we fell off the good nutrition wagon (or perhaps never even made it onto the wagon at all), why not try to reframe the thought and reflect on why it didn’t work? Maybe the goals were set too high? Perhaps you had set yourself up to fail. I think it’s important to try not to see any of these as a failure at all, but simply a first attempt.

Following this, we need to consider how we will set ourselves up differently this time, in order to succeed. I’m a huge fan of being kind and gentle with ourselves and making small, consistent steps towards glowing good health.

That’s why I don’t go in for the big detox/diet/radical overhaul

thing. I’ve found from my years of coaching clients in fitness and nutrition that those dramatic all-ornothing plans rarely last for long. Instead, for me, it’s the cumulative effect of small, consistent steps that add up to lasting changes.

The same goes with a fitness regime. Rather than busting out a huge price tag on an annual pass that might sit there nagging at you when you haven’t used it for three months, take smaller steps. Schedule walks into your diary, even walks to work, the school run or the local shops. Start wearing a back-pack and put bottles of water in there to add weight (strength training at its easiest). Once you have started moving your body in these small ways, you will find it easier to increase the intensity of your exercise and fitness.

My suggestion from here would be that month by month you set yourself a new challenge with one…ONE…single overall goal. Remember we are in this for the long haul, not to fit into a bikini!

And if you are in need of accountability, which many of us are, why not get a Personal Trainer for a couple of sessions to give you tips on form and how to get started. Or another cheaper option is to subscribe to an online platform (such as my BlendFit App) that has a beginners’ programme that has levels for all abilities. It’s also important to remember the following:

BE KIND TO YOURSELF. TAKE SMALL STEPS. REFRAME YOUR FITNESS.

MOVE

OF THE MONTH: Balance challenge

Balance and proprioception are incredibly important to work on as we age so get your practice in now – here’s how:

1. Begin standing in a parallel position and find your stability. Draw in your core muscular system

2. Ground the weight through one leg and float/lift the other leg up to a table-top position if possible

3. Place the foot back gently on to the floor with control

4. Transfer the weight to the second side and float/lift the second leg.

CHALLENGE 1: Do the same steps but with the eyes closed.

CHALLENGE 2: Add a weight. (See photo) Weight should be in the same arm as leg raised.

“Month by month, you set yourself a new challenge with one single overall goal. Remember we are in this for the long haul, not to fit into a bikini!”

Back to school

babies and young children

who are shy, cling to parents at the school gates and feel they are being abandoned.

Anacardium/Arg-n/Ambra grisia 30c: A combination to relieve symptoms of anxiety and panic and very useful around exam times where the child or teenager might find it difficult to concentrate and have nervous exhaustion from overstudy.

We are hoping for a late summer at Helios to soak up the wonderful healing power of the sun before autumn arrives and our children return to school. Going back to school, college or university after the long summer holidays can be very stressful for some children. Heightened further if they are starting a new school, going to nursery for the first time or have impending exams. Schools can also be a melting pot for infections, especially during the winter months so supporting and boosting the immune system is advisable before and

during term time. We have put together some top homeopathic remedies for common children’s ailments, along with immune system boosters and supplements to support nutrition, cognitive function and reduce stress.

Homeopathy is gentle, safe and effective in children of all ages. It is holistic in that it treats the whole person and works on both emotional and physical complaints. For common emotional and physical ailments, homeopathy can be used with confidence at home.

Helios ABC is a combination of three remedies Aconite, Belladonna and Chamomilla. It has a long history of traditional use for fevers, sore throats and earache and teething pains in

Aconite 30c: The number one remedy for nipping colds in the bud, if they start suddenly after exposure to cold and cold winds.

Helios Injury is a combination of Arnica, Rhus tox and Ruta and used for injuries to soft tissue, for example bruises and strains and sprains of muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Bryonia 30c: For those irritating dry and often painful coughs.

Pulsatilla 30: A catarrhal cold and cough remedy with thick creamy coloured discharges.

Gelsemium 30c: The main remedy for heavy colds and typical flu symptoms of shivering, aching muscles and bones, often with a temperature, sore throat and cough.

For those emotional upsets and anxiety, the following remedies can be very helpful:

Pulsatilla 30c: This is an excellent remedy for children

To boost immunity, we recommend Sambucol, a delicious tasting liquid made from black elderberries, full of vitamin C and antioxidants, a good quality Vitamin D supplement and a Multivitamin. We recommend BetterYou products which are available in a convenient spray form. In addition, to support cognitive function, Eskimo-3 Bright Kids Omega 3 orangeflavoured jelly splats are very popular and Higher Nature’s Energy and Focus lemon and lime flavour effervescent tablets. We have a wide range of remedies, flower essences and supplements to keep your children in the best of health this autumn, backed by friendly, expert advice from our qualified homeopaths. We look forward to seeing you soon.

“We have homeopathic remedies for common children’s ailments, along with immune system boosters and supplements to support nutrition, cognitive function and reduce stress”

month the homeopathic experts at Helios suggest a selection of beneficial remedies and immune boosters for children returning to the classroom…

Keep focused Keep focused

Do you find yourself thinking meditation is not for me? Now read that sentence back again. We all find ourselves thinking so much, so much of the time. If you find yourself thinking more than you would like then meditation really is for you, whatever you might think.

Meditation is a skill that can slow down your thoughts and bring you more into the present moment. It can alter the speed of your brainwave pattern and begin to quiet and steady both your nervous system and emotional state. It’s how you approach it that needs to be tailored to you so that it’s helpful to still your unique ‘monkey mind’, taking you away from thinking and towards being. For those not familiar with the term ‘monkey mind’ it is a Buddhist term used to describe a restless, confused or unsettled mind.

The word meditation itself can be quite off-putting, weaving magical mystical illusions of some unattainable ‘enlightened’ state. It also comes in many shapes and sizes, much like yoga, which can make it confusing when you want to get started!

My advice, as always, is to keep it simple. Research is showing

that as little as five minutes of sitting quietly in meditation five times a week can be beneficial to steady our busy brains and start to find a place of stillness that we can call home.

Perhaps now that the kids are weaving their back to school, and you’re rediscovering your daily routine, is a great time to give meditation a go. Scheduling a five-minute window in your diary each day to sit and be with yourself in the present moment is hugely beneficial.

The tricky thing to get your head around is that in meditation you’re not looking to achieve anything. You’re not going to do it wrong and you’re not going to do it perfectly. You can’t be the best and you can’t suck at it.

All you need to do is practise regularly until it begins to feel familiar and can seamlessly fit into your daily routine like brushing your teeth or drinking your morning coffee. Without even trying too hard you might soon find that five minutes turns into 10 and you’re sitting like a pro!

So, let’s help you get started and begin to feel more comfortable, settling into the rhythm of the practice and

tuning into the here and now. Both practices below have been designed with one main consideration in mind, to give your thinking mind something to do keeping it less easily distracted. With a focus, your thoughts are less likely to wander, and you can enjoy a little peace from the monkey mind. Give it a go, I can’t wait to hear what happens….

BREATH

Sometimes our busy brain gets in the way and demands our full attention, diverting us away from the present moment. Like a child having a tantrum, when our brain is too full or too demanding it’s hard to step off the thinking train and get into feeling what is truly going on for us right here and now.

Try this super simple and wonderfully effective breathing trick, I call it Nose: Nose-Nose: Mouth:

It couldn’t be easier, here’s how…

• Breathe in through your nose

• Breath out of your nose

• Breath in through your nose

• Breath out of your mouth

• Repeat for as long as you need, whenever and wherever you like.

GO DEEPER!

If you find you can sit calmly with the practice above try this next step, perhaps beginning with the breathing as above and progressing onto this…

• Sit comfortably in a chair, or on the floor, with your spine upright

• Set a timer for five minutes, or so

• Imagine a lava lamp bubble slowly moving up the length of your spine and then back down again

• As you breathe in the bubble rises

• As you breathe out the bubble falls

• Repeat, keeping your mind softly and steadily tracing the slow movement of the bubble up and down your spine

LEARN MORE?

Perhaps this practice has left you curious to learn more about meditation and other ‘stilling’ techniques to help you stay focused, calm, and steady. If you want to learn more, why not join one of my new LIVE WELL workshops? We will cover easy and accessible breathing techniques, meditation skills and other life hacks to help you to live your life full of presence, awareness, and health.

Lucy Parker from FLOW discusses the benefits of meditation and how it can be really useful for everyone…

“In meditation you’re not looking to achieve anything. You’re not going to do it wrong and you’re not going to do it perfectly. All you need to do is practise regularly until it begins to feel familiar and fit into your daily routine”

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Education WITH SO MAGAZINE

The value of extra curricular studies Advice on choosing the right school Why learning goes beyond the classroom

In association with Langford Russell www.langfordrussell.co.uk

Over the next few pages some of our best local schools tell us what makes them – and their approach to learning – stand out from the crowd.

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the biggest decisions that parents have to make, and more often than not it can seem like an extremely daunting prospect.

But it needn’t be as here in Tunbridge Wells we are fortunate to have so many excellent schools, both state and independent, selective and non-selective –all of which achieve very good academic results.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect prep or seeking a senior school option we have plenty of advice within the pages of this special education supplement which looks at everything from how to engage young children in a formal learning environment to sourcing the best secondary school so your teen can thrive in both their GCSE and A Level exams.

A first class

education

Welcome to our SO magazine Education Special. Every September we provide our readers with a wealth of expert information regarding the area’s excellent offering of educational establishments – both private and state...

In addition to achieving good grades, parents and pupils will also need to consider how their extracurricular and sporting talents can be nurtured and developed.

Good schools will do this intuitively, providing a supportive learning environment alongside a personalised approach to each child in order to ensure that all students are an integral part of the community. Within this guide, many of our local educational establishments will talk specifically about this…

And remember that when visiting a school it is just as important to get a sense of ‘fit’ as, don’t forget it is individual teachers we remember long after we leave, and very often subjects are chosen because pupils are inspired by those teachers.

The most important factor when choosing a school is to make sure that you are matching the school to the needs of your child, rather than the other way

Claremont School celebrates excellent A Level and BTEC results

Claremont Senior School in Bodiam is celebrating an impressive set of A Level and BTEC results, which will enable 88% of this year’s cohort to access their first choice destination.

The School in Bodiam has built up a significant reputation as a centre for academic success in recent years and this high level of performance has been maintained this year, despite the national picture seeing a post Covid drop in grades. 44% of the results were graded at A*/A (or equivalent) and there was a 100% pass rate across all A Levels. Students are heading to a wide range of further education institutions including Oxford, Durham, King’s College, UCL, Exeter, BIMM and

Leeds, with Russell Group members accounting for a third of all university destinations.

Notable individual successes include Andy Wong who achieved A*/A*/A in Maths, Chemistry and Physics and will study Biomedical Sciences; Natalia Ramus who will study Law at Exeter following a string of Distinction*s; and Fenton Sinclair who will study Electronic Music Production following outstanding grades in Music Technology and Sports Science. Rebecca King also achieved a string of A grades in History, Biology and Maths and will be studying History at Durham next year.

Some of the most impressive results came in the Creative Faculty reflecting the school’s award winning Performing Arts programme. In both Acting and

round. First and foremost, your child needs to be happy, nurtured and challenged – all future success stems from this.

We are lucky that many of our local schools also have extensive facilities to enhance a child’s education meaning they can provide an unrivalled range of sporting, artistic, musical and dramatic activities. Read on to discover which of our local seats of learning can best match your child’s needs… We feel confident that you, as parents or guardians, will feel that many of the questions you have if you have a child is about to start prep, primary or secondary school will be answered over the next few pages of essential school information.

Best wishes,

Eileen Leahy Editor, SO magazine

Dance, students achieved spectacular outcomes with more than 95% of results graded as Distinction or Distinction* These come on the back of equally stunning results in LAMDA exams and 100% pass rate for Rambert Grades, a pioneering contemporary dance syllabus introduced to the programme this year. Lucy Butterworth clocked up an extraordinary 256 UCAS points having achieved full marks in her LAMDA Gold Medal, Acting and Dance BTEC awards to complement A and B grades in History and Politics.

Ed Dickie, Head of Senior School at Claremont, said ‘This has been a time of real anxiety for these students. The media

In association with Langford Russell langfordrussell.co.uk

is full of reports of grades being ‘managed down’ and university places being cut back, yet our students have demonstrated that, at the end of the day, hard work and ambition will deliver success. Once again we are incredibly proud that students have achieved in such a wide range of different academic disciplines. Their achievements are all the more significant given that this cohort have never taken public exams previously. Claremont continues to provide the opportunity for our young people to achieve beyond what they thought was possible’.

The success and growth of Claremont since its founding in 2011 indicates the changing nature of education. Offering a dynamic and varied curriculum students are encouraged to place as much value on the development of skills and life competencies as they are on grades. The Claremont student has been genuinely prepared for a life outside of school, whether in the workplace or at university. It has been an impressive and exciting journey for a school that is focusing relentlessly on helping young people become their best, regardless of their interests or areas of expertise’.

Historically, a private tutor might be brought into the home to support a child with a specific subject or subjects, to enhance their attainment and to achieve exam success. However, the growth of Kip McGrath Education Centres is changing the face of private tuition, bringing it out of the shadows and onto the high street. Such tuition centres are not a new phenomenon (the Tunbridge Wells centre opened in 2011), but their place within the private tuition market have noticeably developed in recent years.

New research from Brunel University London has explored

the role of tuition centres and found they are having a key role in making private tuition accessible to more families. The research found that the increasing emphasis and role of tests and exams in primary schools has created a more pressured classroom environment, which often propels families to engage with tuition centres.

“Private tuition can simultaneously encourage and alleviate parental anxieties around educational attainment,” said Dr Wainwright of Brunel University.

In some parts of the world, notably parts of Asia, extra academic work or tuition is a regular part of childhood, but it is still a taboo subject in the

UK. Families often choose not to discuss their weekly visits from a tutor due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.

Kip McGrath Education Centres are keen to change these negative mindsets, with staff keen for tuition to be seen as a regular part of childhood, in their permanent and obvious premises.

“The high visibility of tuition centres helps to dispel the perception that private tuition should not be discussed or that it should be hidden,” added Dr Wainwright.

The research also found that the support tuition centres offered to families went beyond academic attainment. “Private tuition can be used to assist families as children develop

their communication skills and self-efficacy, in addition to their subject knowledge,” revealed Dr Wainwright.

For example, Kip McGrath Tunbridge Wells’ tuition is also geared towards fostering confidence and helping children to self-motivate and work independently, building life skills for secondary school and work beyond.

For more information about Kip McGrath Education Centres, call the Tunbridge Wells centre on 01892458184, email tunbridgewells@kipmcgrath.co.uk or head to www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/ tunbridge-wells

“Private tuition can be used to assist families as children develop their communication skills and selfefficacy, in addition to their subject knowledge”

Why the Kip McGrath Education Centre in Tunbridge Wells wants to bring tuition out of the shadows and normalise it for both pupils and parents

St Gregory’s students celebrate inaugural success in national language contest...

Two students from St Gregory’s Catholic School have been specially commended in the University of Oxford’s annual Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators.

Bella and Libby, both from Year 9 at St Gregory’s Catholic School, achieved success in the prestigious national competition which saw thousands of entries from schoolchildren around the country. The result is particularly impressive as this is the first year the school has participated in the contest.

The Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators is an initiative of the Queen’s College Translation Exchange and runs across four levels in five languages, covering all year groups at secondary school from ages 11 to 18.

The Queen’s College Translation Exchange’s mission is to inspire lifelong engagement in languages and international culture, and in particular to encourage young language learners to continue with their studies through their schooling and beyond.

St Gregory’s teacher Jane Barraud, who is also the school’s Subject Leader in

Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), explained about the competition; “Queen’s College, Oxford, has been running a creative translation competition for young translators for the past four years, but this is the first year St Gregory’s has participated.”

“Between January and April, a group of aspiring linguists in Year 9 attended an extracurricular creative translation club run by some of our school’s MFL teachers. They included Mr Card and Mrs Jotischky for Spanish and myself for French,” Mrs Barraud explained.

“The five best entries for each language were submitted and out of 15,000 participants and 3,500 entries, two of our students received a special commendation for their translation of the 1865 Victor Hugo poem La Méridienne du Lion.”

“This is a fantastic achievement given the number and standard of entries received this year,” Mrs Barraud continued, before adding that a team of undergraduates and professional translators judged the entries to this year’s competition.

TONBRIDGE SCHOOL’S UPPER SIXTH FORMERS ACHIEVE EXCELLENT A LEVEL EXAM RESULTS

Tonbridge’s students put in outstanding performances in this year’s A-levels, with 42 per cent of all grades awarded to the Upper Sixth at the highest grade of A*. In total, 79 per cent of all grades awarded are A* or A, while nearly all grades (97 per cent) achieved by Tonbridge students are either A*, A or B.

James Priory, the School’s Headmaster, said: “We are proud of the character and motivation the boys have shown throughout their Sixth Form studies. At the same time as continuing to enjoy co-curricular pursuits and contributing to the wider leadership of the School, our Upper Sixth have shown tremendous

intellectual creativity, worked hard and achieved impressive academic results.”

He added: “I wish our leavers every happiness and success during the next chapter of their educational careers.”

The large majority of Tonbridge’s leavers have once more secured their first-choice university

“We

destination and are heading to leading institutions across the world, including Oxford and Cambridge. In the US, the School’s leavers have gained places at Princeton, Columbia, Chicago, Duke, New York University Abu Dhabi and the University of Southern California.

Other top UK universities which will be welcoming Tonbridge boys this autumn include LSE, Imperial College, Bristol, Bath, Edinburgh, Warwick and York.

their studies”

Tonbridge was ranked as the 8th best school in the country in Parent Power, The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2023, which is based on A-level and GCSE performance. It was also the country’s top performing boys’ boarding school.

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are proud of the character and motivation the boys have shown throughout

Great team work makes the dream work…

Staff and pupils at the Sacred Heart school in Wadhurst reflect on another successful year of sport, shows and STEM endeavours

Looking back, we have had an eventful and exciting year at Sacred Heart School. There have been many highlights: our continued excellent academic results; winning a category of the ISA Art competition; the magical production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed by our talented Year 5 and Year 6 children as well as reaching the finals of the in the national ISA football

competition, yet again!

We have also had many ‘firsts’ too: the introduction of LAMDA lessons which help inspire pupils to find their voices and to speak with confidence; there was a record number of our pupils to enter to the Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival where our pupils enjoyed fantastic success and where our Junior Choir was awarded a prize in a special category. We have also introduced a new and popular STEM club, allowing the children to develop their Scientific and Mechanical skills. Forest School has been hugely popular: children have dug ponds, toasted marshmallows and built shelters - all whilst embracing the great outdoors. Next year we have a fully-trained member of staff who will lead Forest School and there will be an after-school Forest School club too.

Finally, we now welcome children from their second birthday to our re-branded Nursery which is still very much part of our mains school; it will now be known as ‘The Little Hearts’ – small people with Big Hearts!

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:

If you would like to find out more about our thriving little school and nursery, come and visit us! We would love to show you around and introduce you to our team and our children. Book your place for our Open Day, 29th September. Contact our office: 01892 783414, admin@sacredheartwadhurst.org.uk www.sacredheartwadhurst.or.uk

In association with Langford Russell langfordrussell.co.uk

A SENSE OF PRIDE…

Sophie Bradshaw, Head at The Dulwich School Cranbrook, reveals why the co-ed independent school for 3-16 year olds is now a social media free zone and why so much emphasis is being placed on pupils having pride in whatever they do…

Being proud is something we often get mixed messages about. Pride... and Prejudice. Pride... comes before the fall. Pride... the 7th deadly sin!

Pride is also something we often associate with praise. But the danger of believing that being proud is something that we need other people’s

“From September, every child will have a ‘proud peg’ – a simple clothes peg with their name on - to display something that makes them proud. This could be a certificate, a photo, a great piece of work or something they struggled with –because the struggle itself made them proud”

permission for is a big problem for our children. The dopamine hits that our teens experience on social media from ‘likes’ and ‘views’ is addictive. And it compounds the idea that we need external validation in order to feel proud of ourselves.

At Dulwich Cranbrook, as well as making our school a social media free zone, we are making intrinsic pride a whole-school project. We want children to feel proud of their efforts, their progress, and their success – however small, or personal – even when there is no award, no fanfare, and no ‘like’.

From September, every child will have a ‘proud peg’ – a simple clothes peg with their name on - to display something that makes them proud. A certificate, a photo, a great piece of work or something

FROM DRONES

they struggled with – because the struggle itself made them proud. These pegs will reflect the individuality of our children. They will celebrate their differences, talents and interests.

But more than that, they will teach our children about the importance of developing an intrinsic, internal sense of pride. A pride which is forthcoming, even when a trophy is not.

TO ROCKETS

Arrange

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How to be a more independent learner and think outside the box

Eddy Newton, Headmaster at Marlborough House School on the benefits of Years 7 and 8 children studying for the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate

Education is not just about exam results and a 13-year-old is more than a series of scores. Developing the whole child and instilling in them a range of skills and characteristics that will serve them well for life has become the new challenge, and one that we aim

to meet at Marlborough House through our well-established PreSenior Baccalaureate (PSB).

Now that all senior schools are selecting their pupils in Year 6, forward-thinking Prep Schools can look at how and what the children learn in Years 7 and 8, without being dominated by the demands of a final exam at the end of Year 8.

The PSB aims to cover the same material as Common Entrance, maintaining academic rigour, but encouraging a wider range of skills. Why revise volcanoes again solely in order to turn a B grade into an A – is that really the best use of the last 3 months of Year 8? Instead, why not develop

2023 OPEN EVENTS

a child’s ability to research and present, far more valuable skills than rote learning for a one-off exam?

The PSB looks at the whole child, assessing their ability in academic subjects as well as the arts and sport, while simultaneously providing pupils with an opportunity to hone skills that will serve them well in later life - how to present, how to collaborate, how to be a leader, how to be more independent, how to think out of the box.

This approach means that not only will senior schools receive the type of learners they want; but children will leave Marlborough House with a much clearer awareness of their strengths, skills and learning habits.

Marlborough House is offering a reduced termly fee of £4,995 for Years 7 and 8.

For further details or to join their 29th September 2023 Open Day, visit marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk

In association with Langford Russell langfordrussell.co.uk

The Sevenoaks Property Experts

Westerham, TN16

£1,500,000 F/H

Tonbridge, TN12

Guide price – £750,000-£795,000 F/H

A wonderful chain-free investment opportunity, this Grade II listed Georgian fronted farmhouse comes complete with a stable block conversion comprising two self-contained apartments.

A stunning detached property, located in a sought after rural setting in Toys Hill, adjacent to numerous woodland walks and National Trust’s Emmetts Gardens.

“WE SEE OUR SCHOOL’S PASTORAL CARE AS INEXTRICABLY LINKED TO ATTAINMENT”

The Good Schools Guide 2023 described Holmewood House as a ‘passionate, busy community that people put their heart into’. New assistant Head Simon Jervis explains why pupils experience an enriched education here…

“Children are encouraged to understand and deal with their emotions, to understand how they learn and about their responsibility to the planet”

Holmewood House is a coeducational, day and boarding Preparatory School for children aged 3-13 situated in 32 acres of glorious grounds in Tunbridge Wells. Under the leadership of new Head, Ruth O’Sullivan, the school has developed a curriculum that empowers children to

be idea generators and creative, resilient human beings. It encourages intellectual curiosity and expects the pupils to ask questions, solve problems and work collaboratively.

“We see pastoral care as inextricably linked to attainment”. The bespoke programme, My Heart, My Mind, My World benefits pupils from pre-nursery through to year 8.

“Children are encouraged to

understand and deal with their emotions, to understand how they learn, and to understand their privilege in the world and their responsibility to the planet.”

The co-curricular programme “allows pupils to develop individually

and collectively through a range of experiences, whilst being both stretched and challenged, helping them to prepare for a life beyond Holmewood House”, says Mr Simon Jervis, the new Assistant Head – Co-Curricular and Logistics. “Through the performing arts, sport, charity and personal development activities, Holmewood House pupils will be more enriched and more experienced in dealing with issues of personal and social development, team building and leadership”. Holmewood House continues to secure places for pupils to top senior schools both locally and further afield such as

Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Brighton College, Hurstpierpoint, Worth, Eastbourne College, Benenden, Harrow, Eton and Millfield. The school has a strong record of scholarship success to destination schools at 13+ in Academics, Sport, Drama, Art and Music and even one for Chess this year!

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:

Please do come and visit us to see our wonderful school for yourself. To book a place on our Open Morning on 13th October 2023, contact Admissions on 01892 860 006 or e-mail admissions@ holmewoodhouse.co.uk

An inspiring seat of learning

If you want an education that will stretch your child beyond the traditional academic arena then Somerhill ticks all the right boxes...

At Somerhill we grow amazing people, by offering the best of co-education and single-sex schooling in one setting. Our enquiry-based learning encourages inquisitive minds and inspires each child to find their own amazing.

Our approach puts emphasis on building skills, investigating and self-reflection, resulting in creative and collaborative learners at every age.

Located in Tonbridge Kent, we are a direct 40-minute train ride from London, with a strong record of academic success placing children in both grammar and independent schools at 11/13+.

We have also been rated ‘Excellent’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and described as a ‘Seriously impressive’ by Talk Education. You have the opportunity to see what we do here at Somerhill first hand next month when we will host an Open Morning.

Taking place on Friday October 6 you can

meet our nurturing staff and take a tour of the facilities with our Year 6 and Year 8 pupils. See for yourself how our children thrive on a typical day at our busy school.

For further information about our school, please contact our admissions team on 01732 375951 or email admissions@ somerhill.org.

“Our approach puts emphasis on building skills, investigating and selfreflection, resulting in creative and collaborative learners at every age”

Do your homework...

Langford Russell, sponsors of this month’s SO Education special, tell us about an exquisite 6-bedroom detached family home that is ideally located for outstanding schools…

for vehicles. To the rear, there is a meticulously landscaped oasis where a pristine swimming pool beckons during warm months. The outdoors is further enhanced by an outbuilding/ pool house, complete with a bar and bi-folding doors. Elevating outdoor gatherings to a new level of luxury, there is large paved area within the garden which sets the stage for outdoor entertainment and relaxation. Whether it’s hosting lively family barbecues or indulging in serene evenings, this space offers a versatile canvas for all requirements.

Nestled in the tranquil and highly sought-after village of Benenden, this extraordinary 6-bedroom detached family home offers an unrivalled living experience. With an impressive array of features, from its spacious rooms and historical accents to its outdoor haven, this property is an embodiment of refined living, all while being conveniently situated within the catchment areas of exceptional schools.

The property boasts six generously sized bedrooms, ensuring ample space for family

members and guests alike, and providing a harmonious blend of comfort and aesthetics. There are three versatile reception rooms which can be adapted to various needs, from formal gatherings to casual relaxation, catering to every lifestyle requirement and perfect for families. With a total of five bathrooms, including one bedroom with an en-suite, convenience and privacy are paramount, ensuring that daily routines remain seamless. The property pays homage to its heritage through the preservation of original architectural features such as

elegant fireplaces that stand as a testament to the property’s timeless charm.

Externally to the front, the property provides the convenience of off-street parking and a garage, creating secure storage and easy accessibility

ESSENTIAL INFO

£2,300,000 langfordrussell.co.uk

The property’s prime location secures its position within the catchment areas of a number of esteemed schools including Cranbrook Grammar School and Benenden Church of England Primary School. Ideal for families prioritising top-tier education, this setting ensures children receive the finest learning opportunities. Beyond the confines of this captivating property, the surroundings offer a harmonious blend of picturesque tranquillity and convenient access to urban amenities and transport links. This balance ensures a lifestyle that encompasses both natural beauty and modern convenience.

In association with Langford Russell langfordrussell.co.uk

“The property’s prime location secures its position within the catchment areas of a number of esteemed schools including Cranbrook Grammar School and Benenden Church of England Primary School”

“Our school values of respect, excellence and determination underpin all that we do”

more than just examination results and feel that academic attainment in isolation is not enough. Our approach to education is holistic: excellent teaching underpinned by the positive care that every student receives.

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys focuses on the whole child, producing students who are ready to enter the real world as well-rounded, confident individuals and who grow into adults embodying our vision of All-Round Excellence. The rich, broad and ambitious curriculum at

Providing

our selective grammar school set across two campuses, (Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks) ensures that teachers use their expert subject knowledge to spark students’ curiosity and deepen their understanding.

We are proud of our academic record and are committed to achieving the highest standards, however, we measure our success on

OPEN MORNINGS

Thursday 21 September 2023

Tuesday 3 October 2023

Wednesday 4 October 2023

Thursday 19 October 2023 9.00am - 10.30am

OPEN EVENING

Thursday 28 September 2023 4.30pm to 7.30pm

SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING

Thursday 2 November 7.00pm

Booking is advisable for our Open Events. Please scan here or visit: www.sgschool.org.uk/open-events/

Having been awarded the Optimus Wellbeing Award for Schools, our commitment to the mental wellbeing of students and staff has been recognised and remains a priority. We provide a safe and supportive environment where all students are encouraged to achieve their best personally, socially and academically. Our school values of respect, excellence and determination

underpin all that we do. Our co-educational Sixth Form offers a broad range of subjects as well as a cocurricular programme to support personal growth, which will equip the students with the skills and understanding required to achieve their aspirational pathways: higher education, an apprenticeship or to enter employment. The school site has undergone considerable transformation with an injection of over £27m of investment resulting in some outstanding facilities.

broad and ambitious curriculum at our selective grammar school, set across both Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, ensures students’

is

“Our child has been truly blessed by the love and understanding afforded by this wonderful school. We are thankful every day that they have a safe and supportive school environment in which to grow and develop. ”

In association with Langford Russell langfordrussell.co.uk

“The rich,

curiosity

sparked and their understanding is deepened”

“A joyful dental experience

78MPR, a dental practice suitable for the whole family, are proud to have officially opened their doors in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

In an era where innovation meets relaxation, a new paradigm in dental care has blossomed here in Kent. 78MPR offers specialist, general and family dentistry by a group of dedicated, experienced dentists, in a luxurious and tranquil environment. As a second location under the 76 Harley Street Group, an established specialist only, multi-disciplinary practice on Harley Street, this

space reflects the practice’s ethos, reputation and priorities. Practice founder and specialist prosthodontist, Dr Farid Monibi, understands that fostering positive dental habits early, can set the stage for a lifetime of confident smiles. This is why the practice has designed a space tailored for all age groups; with a spa-like, relaxing, front of house environment to dedicated paediatric and adult dental suites.

The children’s dental room is a setting designed to cater exclusively to young smiles with an interactive play corner, an abundance of age-appropriate books and toys, and Netflix playing on the ceiling, creates an atmosphere of excitement and comfort. With this ethos at the core, 78MPR has emerged as a beacon of hope for parents seeking exceptional paediatric dental care.

The team at 78, possess a unique ability to connect and educate younger patients and understand that each child’s dental journey is met with compassion and patience. Whether it’s a first dental visit or a

“We are committed to improving the oral health of our community”

for the little ones is here”

routine dental check, the 78MPR team are dedicated to going the extra mile to make children feel at ease.

What’s more, this clinic boasts a range of treatments, centred around a minimally invasive, painfree approach, at a competitive cost. Whether it’s routine dental checks, oral hygiene, to teeth straightening treatment’s or a full smile transformation, they offer it all!

Under the skilful hands of 78’s dental hygienist and therapist, Meera Makwana, patients can also enjoy the latest innovation in dental oral hygiene, where dental cleaning meets comfort, no sensitivity and effective results.

Introducing ‘Guided Biofilm Therapy’; GBT is a modern and advanced approach to dental hygiene that uses cutting-edge technology and techniques to remove dental plaque and other harmful biofilms from the teeth and gums. It is a highly effective treatment that not only helps to prevent dental diseases such as cavities and gum disease, but also improves the overall health and appearance of your teeth and gums. The hygienist will engage patients in the treatment process with an 8 point protocol and dye solution, helping patients to understand the extent of the treatment carried out. Enjoy a spa-like experience by selecting

your very own water temperature with 5 levels to choose from, between unheated, 25°C, 30°C, 35°C and 40°; ideal for children and sensitive patients.

Dr Farid Monibi, who founded 76 Harley Street in London, back in 2007, wanted to create a dental practice where relaxation and comfort were paramount to the patient journey. Gone are the days of sterile, clinical environments that evoke anxiety and tension; Farid believed things could be different. Fast forward 16 years, 76 Harley Street is now a leading, specialist only, referral practice in the heart of London and opening its second clinic on Mount Pleasant Road, TN1, bringing the same level of care and service to our doorstep. With the support of 78’s sister practice on Harley Street, where complex cases arise, patients have comfort that a multidisciplinary, specialist team are on hand to provide expert opinion on their oral health and a detailed treatment plan will be arranged.

Begin your dental journey today and receive comprehensive dental services by a group of highly-skilled individuals, who strive for an unparalleled patient experience with a compassionate approach, using the latest cutting-edge technology. Trust 78MPR for the whole families dental needs.

Located at 78/80 Mount Pleasant Road, TN1 1RJ, 78MPR is available for appointments Monday - Friday, with late night and Saturday appointment availability upon request.

“CREATING POLYMATHS IS CENTRAL TO OUR IDENTITY”

Ed Wesson, head teacher at Skinners’, tells SO magazine about the educational ethos of this historic grammar school

Having spent my teenage years in Kent, joining Skinners’ in 2013 felt rather like a home coming. It has also given me the opportunity to broaden the range of opportunity to each pupil at the school. As a result, I am as proud that we have produced dozens of engineers, but have also been national chess champions and that our performing arts centre is a hotbed of activity.

There is great pleasure to be had in working with young men who are eager to learn, have spirit, curiosity and camaraderie. Creating polymaths is central to our identity. It is not unusual for a student to arrive at 8.15am, complete a band rehearsal, attend five lessons, play chess

“It is not unusual for a student to arrive at 8.15am, complete a band rehearsal, attend five lessons, play chess at lunch time and train with his sports team after school”

at lunch time and train with his sports team after school.

But we retain a clear academic priority. Our A level and GCSE results are outstanding, reflective of our hard working and dedicated students and staff, and we pride ourselves on matching the right university and employment destination to each student.

In order to be part of our thriving community we require a strong performance in the 11+ exam, after which places are largely allocated on the basis of distance lived from the school. Following recent adjustments, we now recruit from a wider area in West Kent and East Sussex (with pupils attending from Sevenoaks and Crowborough).

In association with Langford Russell langfordrussell.co.uk

Edward Wesson joined Skinners’ as Head in 2013, moving from an independent/ academy conversion in the north-east. He attended Tonbridge School, before reading Law at Cambridge University.

Supporting young people

to make their MARK

“As a trust, we seek to know and serve our communities well; developing successful schools with their own unique identities that are the school of choice for their local community and the employer of choice for the best professionals,” says Beacon Academy’s Executive Headteacher, Anna Robinson.

“Via collaboration and sustaining a culture that is ambitious for excellence, our vision is to provide the best possible education for our students, preparing them for life in the 21st century, so they can stand equally alongside their peers, locally, nationally and globally.”

Both the Beacon Academy in Crowborough and Uplands Academy in Wadhurst are dedicated to promoting values which ensure that students develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility. The trust’s high expectations and inclusive culture ensures that students are supported to “Make Your MARK” by being motivated, articulate learners, developing

MARK Education Trust schools, Beacon Academy in Crowborough and Uplands Academy in Wadhurst, are proud to be working in partnership to share expertise and improve outcomes for young people. Executive Headteacher, Anna Robinson, leads an experienced, committed and thriving team with a clear vision. SO finds out more…

“Both the Beacon Academy in Crowborough and Uplands Academy in Wadhurst are dedicated to promoting values which ensure that students develop a strong sense of social and moral responsibility”

resilience and taking pride in their growing knowledge.

Beyond the classroom, the schools’ excellent enrichment programmes are designed to complement the academic curriculum and provide opportunities for students to extend their knowledge and understanding, contribute to the community and improve their skills.

Beacon Academy and Uplands Academy invite prospective students and their families to attend their forthcoming school and Sixth Form open events. For further information and to book a place on a Year 6 Open Morning Tour, please visit www.beacon-academy.org or www. uplands-academy.org

BENENDEN SCHOOL TURNS 100

The world-renowned Benenden School is celebrating 100 years at the forefront of British education this year. SO magazine finds out how they will be celebrating their centenary…

Based in 250 acres of beautiful parkland just outside Cranbrook, Benenden School is one of the finest girls’ schools in the world and now welcomes day students as well as boarders. It was founded in 1923 and ever since has been inspiring future thinkers and leaders to shape a better world. The School is marking its centenary throughout the 2023/24 academic year with a wide range of initiatives, including a progressive new curriculum which truly prepares its students for the workplace and life. With an emphasis on professional skills, inclusive leadership and developing a lifelong love of learning - in addition to its proud record of outstanding exam results and higher education destinationsBenenden’s Complete Education is innovative and highly regarded. Other centenary highlights

“Centenary highlights during the next academic year at Benenden include a global conference, held in partnership with the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, for Sixth Form students from around the world at which a series of outstanding speakers will be inspiring future female leaders”

include a global conference, held in partnership with the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools, for Sixth Form students from around the world at which a series of outstanding speakers will be inspiring future female leaders.

The School’s site boasts world-class facilities including a purpose-built theatre, allweather sports pitch, state-ofthe-art Science Centre and the stunning new music school and Centenary Hall concert venue.

The School is committed to making sure its facilities and students continually benefit the community, through its Hemsted Park public events brand, its enormous network of community partnership activity and through its bursary provision.

For more information on the global conference at www.benendenschool/globalconf

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Open Days are being held throughout the Autumn, including a Sixth Form Open Evening on 14 September. Details at www.benenden.school

In association with Langford Russell langfordrussell.co.uk

How strong relationships shape success

At Skippers Hill, we believe that strong relationships are the cornerstone of transformative educational experiences, and a value woven into the very fabric of our ethos.

It begins with our children experiencing our teachers’ deep desire to guide, inspire, and uplift. Our educators don’t just impart knowledge; they cultivate confidence, curiosity, and character.

This develops into trust and from here our teachers transform aspirations into achievements. It’s a bond that fosters an environment of exploration and creativity, where students feel safe to challenge themselves, take risks, and step out of their comfort zones.

are committed not just to the academic journey, but to the holistic development of each child”

We understand that trust is the catalyst that allows a child’s potential to blossom, creating an environment where they can thrive.

Our teachers are committed not just to the academic journey, but to the holistic development of each child. From offering a helping hand during challenging times to celebrating every triumph, this commitment lays the foundation for

a lifelong love of learning.

Our new Deputy Head Fred Quirk, previously of Holmewood House, commented on this as the most important element in his decision to join Skippers Hill. Especially as this is also a family move and Fred and his wife are delighted that their two boys will be joining the Skippers’ community.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:

To come and see these powerful and transformative relationships for yourself, please register for Skippers Hill’s next Open Week which will running from the 2nd – 6th October. We arrange personal appointments for all prospective parents including time with our Headmaster, SLT and relevant teachers.

“We continue to confound stereotypes”

Mayfield, the leading Catholic independent day and boarding school for girls aged 11 to 18, has been shortlisted for the Independent Schools of the Year Awards for the second year running in the Girls’ School of the Year category.

This follows a year in which the girls have continued to confound stereotypes. A group of budding sixth form engineers won a national accolade for their plan to reduce carbon emissions and make Mayfield village more sustainable, placing second out of 140 Schools from across the UK in this year’s Institute of Civil Engineers CityZen Competition.

Three Lower Sixth pupils then went on to win a coveted gold award at the British Physics Olympiad, placing them in the top four nationally.

The Mayfield environment encourages girls to expand their interests and talents while nurturing their individual voices

Complementing the curriculum at Mayfield are a huge variety of extra-curricular activities. These activities range from coding to debating to learning sign language, alongside a comprehensive programme of sporting opportunities catering to all abilities and interests.

This environment encourages girls to expand their interests and talents while nurturing their individual voices. The School provides a supportive atmosphere where girls learn the value of making mistakes in order to contribute to their learning.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:

To find out more about Mayfield, please join our Open Morning on Friday 22nd September. Register at www.mayfieldgirls.org

Mayfield has been shortlisted for Independent Girls’ School of the Year Award. SO

magazine discovers why this long-standing educational establishment has made the grade

In association with Langford Russell langfordrussell.co.uk

“Our teachers

Experience a culture of

educational excellence

Discover a world of opportunity at The Skinners’ Kent Academy...

Embarking on the journey to select the perfect secondary school for your child can feel like a daunting task, but for parents and students seeking a fulfilling educational experience, The Skinners’ Kent Academy is an excellent option.

Shortlisted as Secondary School of the Year at the 2022 Education Today awards, the Academy is built on a foundation of high standards and

aspirations, where every student is supported and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Its innovative and internationally-focused curriculum makes learning exciting and engaging, and is taught by dedicated teachers who not only have a passion for teaching, but also for staying current in their fields of expertise.

At The Skinners’ Kent Academy, the world becomes a classroom as we broaden horizons and create memories that last a lifetime. We offer an abundance of

extra-curricular activities that cater to all interests and talents and provide a diverse range of experiences for students, including exciting adventures to destinations such as Madagascar, Barcelona, New York and Switzerland.

The recent launch of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy this September further enriches the Academy’s offerings and equips Sixth Form students with the practical skills and experiences needed to excel in the working world.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:

If you’re interested in learning more about The Skinners’ Kent Academy and what it has to offer, be sure to attend our Open Evening on Tuesday 3rd October. This will give you the opportunity to experience first-hand the culture of excellence and aspiration that shapes our students into confident individuals.

In association with Langford Russell langfordrussell.co.uk

Claim

Step into our enchanted Christmas, where a tale of magic unfolds…

Santa’s Grotto Special gift from Santa Gingerbread decorating in Mrs Claus’ Bakery

Make your own Christmas decoration Festive storytelling performances

Letters to Santa Reindeer food making Magical photo opportunities and so much more in our enchanted wonderland!

In July The Amara Clinic, which is located near The Pantiles and was founded by Consultant Gynaecologist Anne Henderson in 2022, announced that it would be entering a special partnership with the leading LCRH fertility clinic which has bases in London’s Harley Street and Chelsea, as well as Beaconsfield.

“The idea behind this unique collaboration is to bring exceptional fertility services to the heart of Tunbridge Wells,” a spokesperson for the new venture tells SO magazine.

Combined services offered will include IVF/ICSI and IUI, male and female fertility profiling and testing, egg and sperm freezing and storage, donor programs and complementary therapies.

The new partnership unites these top level clinics that offer a bespoke, holistic and caring approach to healthcare to women, couples and families in Kent and the South East.

“The Amara Clinic is a centre of excellence dedicated to women’s health and wellbeing, and LCRH is a fertility clinic that offers a wide range of fertility and assisted conception services to its patients,” explains the spokesperson.

Anne Henderson said she is ‘delighted’ about the new services she and her dedicated team will be offering in collaboration with fertility specialist Jane Holman of LCRH.

“I’m absolutely delighted to announce the new partnership between The Amara Clinic and LCRH. At The Amara Clinic, our mission is to make it easy for all women to access the quality healthcare they need.

“Fertility care is an important part

A special

partnership…

The Amara Clinic recently announced that it has partnered with renowned fertility clinic LCRH to offer bespoke services to clients here in Tunbridge Wells. SO Magazine discovers more about this exciting new endeavour…

Anne Henderson and The Amara Clinic

The Amara Clinic is a centre of excellence dedicated to women’s health and wellbeing in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The clinic is led by Miss Anne Henderson, a highly qualified Consultant Gynaecologist with over 35 years of clinical experience. Anne is joined by her hand-picked team of medical experts and other healthcare professionals to deliver seamless healthcare and menopause management at the highest level.

After graduating from the University of Cambridge, Anne spent four years doing a postgraduate specialising in menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and post-natal depression.

of the female healthcare experience, so I am proud that we are now able to offer fertility services alongside general gynaecology, perimenopause and menopause care, cervical screening and Well Woman health checks.”

Jane Holman adds that LCRH can offer all aspects of fertility health and well-being for both women and men.

“We provide boutique and bespoke treatments with the emphasis on individual care and attention to detail, supported by the most advanced scientific practices in the field.

“We have had ongoing collegiate relationships with Anne Henderson and other gynaecology colleagues in the area for many years, and this partnership is the result of natural progression. We identified the lack of provision of bespoke services for women’s health in the area and our partnership grew from a like-minded wish to remedy this.

“At LCRH and The Amara, we are all passionate about wanting the

She was a consultant gynaecologist within the NHS for 17 years and now practises privately. Anne is passionate about women’s health, HRT and complementary therapies including herbal medicine, diet, lifestyle changes and supplements, which she discusses in her 2021 book ‘Natural Menopause’, published by Dorling Kindersley.

She established The Amara with the aim of providing a one-stop clinic that is safe, regulated and highly effective in treating all women. “I wanted to create a clinic which is centred around a core expertise but also provides a seamless in-house process with a full range of holistic services to deliver exactly what women want.”

“The Amara Clinic is a centre of excellence dedicated to women’s health and wellbeing, and LCRH is a fertility clinic that offers a wide range of fertility and assisted conception services to its patients”

DR LYNNE CHAPMAN & JANE HOLMAN FROM LCRH

LCRH is a fertility clinic based in Harley Street, Chelsea, Beaconsfield and now The Amara Clinic in Tunbridge Wells, offering women, couples and families a bespoke, caring and personalised approach to fertility care. The clinic was set up by leading reproductive consultant Dr Lynne Chapman following her own fertility journey.

About Dr Lynne Chapman:

She is a UK clinical leader with more than 15 years of experience in evidence-based gynaecology, reproductive medicine and assisted conception.

Her extensive personal, professional and clinical experience gives her a uniquely holistic insight into the challenges of the fertility journey.

Lynne began her training at University College London Medical School and went on to work in obstetrics and gynaecology at University College and Whittington hospitals. At The Royal Free Hospital London, Lynne was a Fellow in Minimal Access Surgery. She has published several related scientific papers and given presentations on the subject.

Lynne has also acted as a specialist in reproductive medicine for the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health (CRGH), the Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecology Centre (ARGC), IVI RMA UK, The Lister and LCRH. Lynne is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, (MRCOG) the British Fertility Society and the Royal Society of Medicine.

She has successfully guided thousands of couples and families on their journey to conception, working closely with fertility specialist and nurse manager Jane Holman, who will be heading up the fertility clinic in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

About Jane Holman:

Jane Holman’s nursing experience includes 25+ years within the field of Women’s Health from medical and surgery through to family planning and specialising in Fertility and Assisted Conception. During this time, she has been at the forefront of rapidly advancing reproductive medicine and clinical science.

Jane trained at UCL University College and the Middlesex Hospital in London, and after a number of placements post qualification decided to specialise in Women’s Health. This allowed specialist skills in Ultrasound and onto performing Oocyte Retrieval and Embryo Transfer in patients at the pioneering unit at Kings College Hospital. The Team were one of the first to develop a complete Nurse Led service from consultation through to follow up and were involved in establishing clinics overseas with staff training.

Jane went onto lead the IVF services at the Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, and as NHS Gynaecology Lead of Women’s Services. After moving into the Private Sector, she was involved in establishing and project managing various IVF Services. During this time she supported many families through their fertility journey to conception with IVF, egg freezing, gamete donation

and fertility therapies.

Working alongside Dr Lynne Chapman at LCRH together they collaborate with leading specialists, laboratories and multidisciplinary teams to provide outstanding personal care for patients at every stage of their journey.

This also includes some of the UK’s foremost providers of fertility therapies including dieticians, acupuncturists and counsellors.

Jane is a member of the RCN Fertility Nurses Forum, The British Fertility Society, previously as a trainer in Ultrasound, and the Senior Infertility Nurses Group. www.lcrh.co.uk

best for women’s health. We want to enable and empower women - and in LCRH's case, couples too - to make educated decisions about their health, supported by our caring and scientifically informed approach.”

Both clinics are passionate about offering a new standard of excellence for women’s healthcare both here in Tunbridge Wells and in the South East.

“We can offer a full range of fertility services,” continues Jane. “These start at point of care male and female fertility assessments for couples or individuals who would just like to know more about their current fertility health.

"A fertility assessment includes all blood tests, investigative scans, and an on-site semen testing facility in Tunbridge Wells. We also offer full preparation for IUI (intrauterine insemination) IVF, ICSI, IMSI, Egg Freezing, Egg Donation and Reciprocal IVF for same sex couples. Per embryo transfer, we have a much higher success rate than he UK average.”

Jane, who has over 25 years

experience in women’s health, reveals that LCRH is a small, female-lead, all female team, which puts compassion, individual care and attention to detail, and science at the core of everything they do.

“When undergoing treatment with our team, you will very soon become part of the LCRH family. Unlike many other clinics, will always see the same faces, undergo care with the same highly experienced clinical staff and speak to the same dedicated and knowledgeable support staff throughout your treatment journey.”

She says that both she and LCRH founder Dr Lynne Chapman are looking forward to bringing that exceptional service to Tunbridge Wells thanks to the clinic’s new partnership with The Amara.

Dr Lynne Chapman, who is a reproductive medicine consultant tells SO magazine: “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Amara Clinic. Jane and I are passionate about providing personalised end-toend care, and The Amara Clinic is the perfect home for LCRH in Kent.

"It offers a peaceful, private

“We provide boutique and bespoke treatments with the emphasis on individual care and attention to detail, supported by the most advanced scientific practices in the field”

and safe environment for bespoke, holistic care, and we are so excited to welcome new patients through our doors.”

For more information, please contact: gynae-expert.co.uk lcrh.co.uk

Book appointment

Have an initial consultation

Patient Journey

Our clinical experts will develop a bespoke, holistic treatment plan and support you through your patient journey.

Design I Build I Planting

THE BIG QUESTION

Ahead of Free Wills Month in October, we look at the benefits of wills and the importance of good practice in this field

Q. What should people consider when writing a will and why is it so important?

Emma: Without a will, your estate will pass under intestacy law and may pass to next of kin or relatives that you do not want it to pass to.

Sarah: You need to consider who to name as executors and trustees, choosing guardians for minor children and who you would like to inherit your estate on your death.

Q. At what age do you advise that people should consider writing a will?

Sarah: You can write a Will from the age of 18 and there are many important reasons to put one in place at any age.

Emma: Once you have assets in your name you should write a will as a security measure to ensure they pass to whom you would want them to.

Q: What are the common issues you see families face where a will was not in place or wasn’t valid?

Emma: This can lead to disputes between persons who would have been entitled under the will or under intestacy law, which can be a costly legal exercise.

Sarah: The Intestacy Rules will then determine what happens to an estate, which may not produce the outcome you or your loved ones would have wanted.

Q. Free Wills Month in October gives anyone 55yrs+ a chance to book an appointment to have a simple will written up in exchange for a donation to a charity, how do you get involved and how does someone book?

Emma: You can find details of participating solicitors and charities on the Free Wills Month website, visit www.freewillsmonth.org.uk.

We prefer to support our chosen local charity (2023 is Taylor-Made Dreams) in a similar way but at different times throughout the year.

Q: Why should a Financial Advisor help with writing a will?

Sarah: Your Will is only part of your estate planning. Having a Financial Advisor on board, as well as a Solicitor, could be of great benefit.

Emma: This can help as a collaboration with the solicitor to advise on inheritance tax and tax planning.

With our grateful thanks to:

Alex Green CEO Royal Tunbridge Wells Together

VISIT US IN ROBERTSBRIDGE! WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO HELP WITH MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN AND GARDEN.

A cut above...

gardening.

Another obvious bonus is they are lightweight and easy to handle, making them suitable for gardeners of all builds and skill levels. They often come with ergonomic designs and adjustable features, ensuring comfort, and reducing the risk of strain or injury during use. Even those with limited physical strength can more easily operate them.

This equipment is available in a wide range of options, allowing gardeners to choose tools that meet their specific needs, with a powered option for just about every gardening requirement. Additionally, most manufacturers offer interchangeable attachments, plus common battery types between tools, providing versatility and allowing for multi-functional use.

In his column for September, Tim Sykes of Gardenproud, discusses the pros and cons of using electric gardening tools. Read on to find out all you need to know…

As we approach the autumn and winter months, leaf fall and tree debris becomes something of a daily chore in the garden. But this time of year is also great for planting hedges, trees and topiary too. But you’ll need to be armed with the right specialist equipment for each job to ensure they are as stress free and efficient as possible…

I was recently dining in the beautiful parkland garden of one of our great friends. As we sampled the delights of our prawn cocktail starter she remarked on the irritating noise of a distant petrol hedge trimmer.

Unbeknown to me she had recently purchased a Stihl rechargeable strimmer and had become accustomed to its comparatively silent operating. She was convinced that electric was the way forward…

I’ll admit that electric gardening tools have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience and efficiency. With the push of a button, you can effortlessly trim hedges, mow the lawn, or blow away leaf debris. But, like any technology, there are

both pros and cons to using them.

So it is important for gardeners to be aware of these factors before making a decision. Therefore for this month’s column I have tried to explore the advantages and disadvantages of using electric tools in order to providing you with the information you need to know…

The benefits of using electric gardening tools:

While traditional gardening tools have their merits, electric gardening tools offer numerous benefits that can greatly enhance the gardening experience.

One of the biggest advantages of electric gardening tools is the convenience they provide. These tools can quickly and efficiently perform tasks that would typically require significant physical effort. They will help make the job easier and less time-consuming.

Unlike petrol-powered tools, electric devices do not require regular refuelling, or as much maintenance, saving both time and money in the long run.

They are a greener alternative to traditional petrol-powered tools. They produce zero emissions and are much quieter during operation, reducing noise pollution in residential areas. Therefore switching to electric helps reduce your carbon footprint and

Typical run times for a Stihl topiary trimmer (AS26) is 110 mins, while the Stihl HSA 56 hedge trimmer with an AK 20 battery will give you up to 100 mins. That’s more than enough between charges to get a number of topiary balls shaped up, or a run of laurel hedge completely sorted.

While electric tools may have a higher upfront cost compared to the traditional petrol engine tools, they tend to be more cost-effective in the long run. With lower maintenance and fuel costs, along with improved energy efficiency, they will help save money over time. Additionally, the durability of these tools ensures they have a longer lifespan, further maximising their value.

In brief, while there are some initial investments involved, the convenience, efficiency, and environmental advantages make the electric option a worthwhile addition to any gardening routine.

The disadvantages of using electric gardening tools:

While electric gardening tools offer numerous benefits, it is important to consider their drawbacks before making a purchase decision.

These tools can have a lower power output compared to their petrol-powered counterparts. While they are often sufficient for regular gardening tasks, they may struggle with heavy-duty tasks, or when dealing with thick vegetation. In such cases, petrol-powered tools may provide more power and better performance.

Electric tools can have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional petrol-powered tools. This is especially true for highquality electric tools that are built to last. While these tools may have long-term cost savings due to lower maintenance and fuel costs, the initial investment can be a barrier for some gardeners.

Some batteries have a limited run time, which may restrict the duration of continuous use. If you have a large garden, or extensive

gardening tasks, you may need to have additional batteries or take breaks for recharging. This can disrupt your workflow and extend the time required to complete your gardening tasks and increase the cost of the equipment.

While electric equipment is more environmentally friendly during operation, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of battery disposal. Batteries contain hazardous materials that can be harmful if not disposed of properly. It is important to follow proper recycling and disposal guidelines to minimize the environmental impact of battery waste.

So maybe it is time to go electric. Let me know how you get on and if any of you have good and bad experiences to report and I will do my best to pass on these remarks to our suppliers.

Some key electric brands to look out for:

If you’re making the switch to a greener choice of garden tool then why not consider brands such as Stihl www.stihl.co.uk and Husqvarna www.husqvarna. com. Both of these have been providing equipment geared to the trade and the homeowner for many years. Their electric ranges include hand mowers, ride-ons, robot mowers, strimmers, blowers, hedge trimmers, topiary trimmers, long-armed pruners and chainsaws.

Both our gardeners and tree surgeon partners are switching over from traditional petrol to electric-driven machines from these two brands and seem very pleased with the performance and additional freedom they provide.

Locally you can buy these brands from Lamberhurst Engineering www.lameng.com (01892 890 364) or Kidmans Garden Machinery www.kidmans.co.uk (01892 530771) or Godfreys in Sevenoaks www.godfreys.com (01732 741177). Check out their websites for further information.

Another brand worth considering is EGO Power+. They manufacture homeowner and professional ranges. See www.egopowerplus.co.uk They sell electric blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, strimmers and brush cutters, long armed pruners, hand mowers and ride-ons.

For further information or help with your garden design contact Tim Sykes at Gardenproud on 07725 173820, or at tim@gardenproud.co.uk

“While electric tools may have a higher upfront cost they tend to be more cost-effective with lower maintenance and fuel costs, along with improved energy efficiency”

Paradise found Paradise found

Jetting off to sunnier, more exotic climes and staying in the lap of luxury is one of life’s ultimate pleasures – and no one knows that more than Natasha Griffin, the founder of Simply Luxury Escapes Eileen Leahy caught up with the successful business entrepreneur at her new retail premises on London Road to discover more about her high-end holidays business which specialises in long-haul destinations including the Caribbean, Maldives, Mauritius and Africa…

There’s nothing more frustrating than arriving at a far-flung hotel you’ve spent a lot of money on, and hours flying to, only to discover it’s not what you’d hoped it would be. The bedroom might be poky instead of palatial, the pool noisy and overcrowded, the staff disgruntled and the food substandard. In short, nothing like the dream destination you bought online. But thankfully with Simply Luxury Escapes this type of scenario doesn’t happen as the company, which was set up 15 years ago by Natasha Griffin, prides itself on having

expert knowledge of the many destinations it sends its clients to, with incredible attention to detail and transparency coming as standard.

Natasha initially launched her business as Simply Caribbean Luxury Holidays given her wealth of experience travelling to this part of the world. Over the years this has proved to be such a successful endeavour that Natasha, and her small team, now offer luxury bespoke trips all over the world including The Maldives, Mauritius, Africa, Asia and Europe.

We are meeting in her smart new Simply Luxury Escapes premises

which are located on the corner of London Road and Tunbridge Wells High Street. It is the first time Natasha has had a customerfacing office and she is excited at the prospect of it opening later this month.

“When I first started the business I worked in a garden office at my home in Plaxtol, but as we expanded and took on more staff we then moved to a bigger barn in the village and we were there for ten years. Now having somewhere people can pop in and have a chat is very exciting!”

Natasha adds that Simply Caribbean Luxury Holidays is still very much a driving force of the business, specialising in both classic Caribbean destinations such as Antigua, Barbados and St Lucia, and also the smaller islands of St Kitts & Nevis, Grenada and St Vincent & the Grenadines.

“We know the Caribbean and

its luxury destinations really well which is why we can confidently create bespoke trips for individual clients. But it’s also exciting to be venturing into other destinations which over the last few years we have got to know really well. Our aim is always to find a perfect holiday that suits everyone we work with,” explains Natasha.

“Everyone in the team has a passion for travel and wants to get the right destination for our clients. We will have a small expert team operating from our new offices in Tunbridge Wells, and we have destination experts working remotely from Manchester and Hertfordshire. The online side of our business is very successful and we have clients from all over the country but to now have this office means we can attract more customers from this area.”

Natasha adds that she and the team take real pride in getting

“We put every effort into making your dream holiday a reality”

to know their clients and their individual needs. This could be from ensuring a hotel has interconnecting rooms for a young family, or state of the art spa facilities for those looking to pamper themselves. Or it could be a comprehensive offering of adventurous activities for thrill seekers or the opportunity to discover more about the area’s rich culture and heritage courtesy of expert guides. Whatever the requirement, Natasha and her team will make it happen.

“We put every effort into making your dream holiday a reality,” smiles Natasha.

And as for the reason Natasha started her own travel business? Well, she says that it happened when she ended up creating a tailormade holiday for her own family.

“I had just had my fourth child and my husband and I wanted to go away with our kids. But I got so frustrated that there wasn’t anything out there if you had more than two kids! We didn’t fit the traditional mould so I ended up sourcing everything. I thought to myself well if I can do this for me I can do it for others.”

Natasha admits that she had a head start on things having travelled extensively with her former job in the City.

“I was working on public offerings at Morgan Stanley for 15 years so working at that level already gave me an eye for detail, perfection and quality. But I believe these are something that should be available to all – not just for the people spending big money. When I started my business I was determined to give the same level of service, whatever people were

spending.”

Natasha explains that Simply Luxury Escapes isn’t a travel agent but a tour operator.

“When you’re talking to an online travel agent many are after a sale – they’re on commission, so travellers’ expectation are sometimes not met. But with our service it’s about ensuring people’s expectations are met and exceeded – and that’s where we differ.”

We realise if someone is spending hard earned money on a two week luxury memory-making trip then it has to be spot on.

“One of our big philosophies, in addition to incisive knowledge and details, is we treat people the way we wish to be treated. When you’re talking to travel agents online or on the end of the phone most are after a sale – they’re on commission so they’ll tell you what you want to hear. But with our service it’s about getting people’s expectations right – and that’s where we differ.”

Natasha adds that her team are different to anything else on the high street when it comes to travel.

“The hotels we work with are all four star and above. And although we may be Simply Luxury Escapes it doesn’t mean that luxury is all about price, it’s about the service we’re offering too - and that’s really big for us. The clients aren’t paying any more for that, they are getting it as a prerequisite because that’s what we do… we deliver an outstanding service.”

It’s clear this is a winning formula as Natasha says that their client retention is very high.

“Another difference with the way we do business is that we get to know our clients incredibly well over the years. I don’t need to send a list of 10 hotels to someone as we know what works well for them.

“We have a very personal approach and although we are not a volume operator we will still send over 1000 people a year on holiday. And when they return and want to book with us again we remember what they like. In tour operating there’s a lot of regulation being government bonding with ATOL, so we have to make sure our clients’ holidays are right from the start.”

WIN… A FREE TWIN CENTRE CARIBBEAN HOLIDAY!

Enter the prize draw and you could be the lucky winner of a seven-night break for 2 adults. You will spend 4 nights at Saint Peters Bay in Barbados, in one of their one-bedroom suites which have the most spectacular sunset views. Then you will take the amazing Bequia Air interisland flight to the stunning island of Bequia for a 3-night stay at Bequia Beach Hotel. This is a hidden gem in the Caribbean and a firm favourite amongst us and our clients.

To enter, scan the QR code with your smartphone and follow the instructions online. Best of luck

Terms and conditions: The prize is a complimentary stay for two people for seven nights. Breakfast buffet included at Bequia, room only at St Peters Bay. Included are Bequia Air interisland flights, private airport transfers & Economy international flights with BA or Virgin from Gatwick/Heathrow. All other charges including Government Levy will be the responsibility of the prize winner and must be settled prior to departure. Prize subject to availability and is valid from 01.9.23 to 30.9.24, although cannot be taken during Easter, Eid, Christmas and New Year (contact us for details of excluded dates). The prize may not be extended, transferred or exchanged for cash.

“We know the Caribbean really well and can confidently create bespoke trips, but it’s also exciting to be venturing into other destinations”

NEW HORIZONS: Simply Luxury Escapes will open their new Tunbridge Wells store, pictured, on September 7. It is located on the corner of London Road and the High Street

Paws for thought

Kent’s best places to eat are dogfriendly too so now so there’s no compromises needed. Here are some of the best ones we know about which give a good range of places to eat out to suit every budget.

– The Spotted Dog, Penshurst

… A country pub that welcomes everything from spots to stripes

– The Dirty Habit, Hollingbourne. A dog’s treat throw from Leeds Castle making it perfect for a post-walk pint and more

– The Sportsman, Seasalter Fine dining from a muchawarded chef in a relaxed setting overlooking the sea

– Tiger Inn Stowting, fresh from a renovation which has seen a huge resurgence in popularity for this country pub, both man and dog will be wowed

– The Three Mariners, Oare An established country pub gem and brilliant for those post walk dinners

TWO BLOOM STAYS DOGFRIENDLY COTTAGES:

We’re back! After a very busy summer for Bloom Stays we’re looking forward to a fantastic autumn which, along with the cooler weather, brings for us, apple picking, the last of the garden visits, quieter beach walks and delicious harvest festivals and farmers markets. Later in October comes pumpkin picking, Halloween fright fun and before we know it, fireworks night in November.

Until now you may have overlooked places to stay and explore just because they’re on your doorstep, but we’re hoping to inspire you to get out and explore Kent and the South East through these dedicated travel pages. This month we’re looking for great stays for your four-legged friends as we’d all prefer to take them with us rather than leave them at home. Whether you take friends, family, just the dog or you’re off on a solo adventure, we’re sure you’ll enjoy what you find. There’s always something to see, do, taste and explore here.

PAWS PERFECT: THE BEST BREAKS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG(S) THIS SEPTEMBER

Wet noses, muddy paws and an insatiable appetite for ballchasing aren’t necessarily the vital requirements for a holiday companion, but they are no longer a hindrance when it comes to choosing somewhere to stay. Gone are the days when our canine companions were confined to the

kennel outside (or even worse, left at home), now, we’re seeing the doors to our holiday houses flung open for waggy tails of all types to cross the threshold. Em-bark-ing (sorry) on a UK holiday just got a lot dog-darn easier.

Kent, and the wider southeast region, is rich with accommodation, events and attractions that welcome dogs. Here many of our beaches, castles, fantastic walking routes, pubs and restaurants are widely accepting of our canine needs and increasingly realise how important they are to making our holidays the relaxing breaks they should be, so you can leave the worry (and expense) of a kennel stay at home. Here’s our guide to how to find the best canine-friendly breaks in Kent to make the best holiday here completely paws-ible.

DOG-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION – WHAT THE BEST HOUSES ARE DOING FOR THEIR CANINE VISITORS.

Stop barking up the wrong tree when it comes to choosing holiday accommodation for you and your dog or dogs (25 per cent of our visitors have one or more dogs).

Bloom Stays’ dog-friendly houses have the following as standard:

– Comfortable dog beds

– Dog feeding and water bowls

– Completely enclosed gardens or portion of fenced-off garden

– Extra towels for muddy paws

– Some have spare collars and leads

“Wet noses, muddy paws and an insatiable appetite for ballchasing aren’t necessarily the vital requirements for a holiday companion, but they are no longer a hindrance when it comes to choosing a Bloom Stays property”

BEACH DAYS FOR DOGS

Coastal days out are a brilliant way to burn off some energy for our four-legged friends (not to mention any children in tow) and although some beaches restrict where dogs can go in the summer, by the autumn some of those restrictions are lifted as the crowds drift back home. The following beaches are open all year round:

– Whitstable

– Camber (there is one restricted area May-Sept)

– Kingsgate Bay near Broadstairs

– Dungeness

– Abbots Cliff (Folkestone)

– Shakespeare Beach (Dover)

The following beaches (just a selection from a longer list) are closed to dogs in the summer but open again from October 1:

– The Warren (Folkestone)

– Botany Bay

– Littlestone

– Minnis Bay

– Joss Bay (Broadstairs)

– Ramsgate Main sands

– St Margaret’s Bay

THE BIG CHEW: DOGFRIENDLY RESTAURANTS

Fine dining or pub lunches; a hearty brunch or a speedy supper, it’s great to know that many of

North Vat, Dungeness. Sleeps six adults and welcomes two dogs.

Once a fisherman’s cottage, this magical black timber house is a true original at Dungeness. A large double-height living and dining area opens out onto a privately-fenced shingle garden with space for an outside dining table. A glass atrium elegantly connects two double bedrooms, whilst the mezzanine master bedroom (with en-suite), spans the top floor of the house giving guests a spectacular view to France. There are designer beds for the dog(s) and the promise of long, long walks across the shingle beach on your doorstep.

Prospect Cottage, Hythe. Sleeps six adults and welcomes one dog.

A seaside escape with that feeling of being in a home from home is assured at Prospect Cottage. A charming detached two-bedroom holiday home that offers ample living space along with parking for two cars.

Hythe is home to seafront cycling, cream teas and trips to Romney Hythe and Dymchurch miniature railway. The latter whisks its riders to the funfair of Dymchurch or down to the fascinating beachscape of Dungeness.

This month our travel section sponsors Bloom Stays – the specialist Kent holiday home agency – talk us through some of the very best dog-friendly mini-break ideas in the county...

FIRST DRIVE:

Volvo XC40

Now that Volvo has discontinued all its estate cars in the UK, Jack Evans finds out if the XC40 SUV is worth considering instead

WHAT IS IT?

If you’ve seen a Volvo on the road lately, we’re pretty sure it’ll have been an XC40. The Swedish firm’s compact SUV really hit the nail on the head from the moment it was revealed back in 2017, entering into a segment which has only gone from strength to strength in recent years.

Volvo has recently gone SUVonly in the UK, so the XC40 stands as one of the brand’s ‘core’ models. But as its most compact model, can the XC40 deliver the kind of roominess and practicality that we’ve come to expect from Volvo? We’ve been finding out.

WHAT’S NEW?

You might say that Volvo has taken the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach with the XC40. Of course, newer, cleaner engines have been introduced to this model since its reveal in 2017, but the styling hasn’t changed all that much. Its interior hasn’t been tweaked all that much either but, again, it made such an impression when it was first showcased that it didn’t really need much changing.

We have seen a greater level of technology in the latest XC40 models, however, while Google’s Automotive services – with inhouse features such as Google Maps and Assistant voice control – have now been integrated into the car’s infotainment system seamlessly.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

You can get the XC40 with a number of efficient electrified powertrains – including a series of plug-in hybrid and also as an EV – but the one we’re driving

today is the B3, which uses a mildhybrid setup combining a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with a very compact electric motor. Driven through an automatic gearbox, it sends power to the front wheels alone in this XC40.

Performance is respectable, with zero to 60mph being conducted in 8.4 seconds. As with all of the latest Volvo models, the top speed is capped at 112mph, too. Efficiency-wise, Volvo claims up to 42.7mpg, while CO2 emissions of between 151 and 166g/km –depending on wheel size – actually feel quite high for what is a relatively compact engine.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The XC40 is an approachable kind of car, particularly if you’re new to the world of SUVs. Though it has that upright driving position that you want from this type of model, it doesn’t feel overly large or wide – so people who need a confidence-inspiring model will no doubt find it appealing.

It’s comfortable and easy to drive, too. We did notice that the XC40 can be upset by higherspeed lumps and bumps in the road, but once you’re at a steady cruise it’s pleasantly quiet overall. The four-cylinder petrol engine can be a touch vocal when you need a lot of acceleration, but for the most part, it settles into the background well. The steering is light in its standard setting, too, though you can add some extra weight to it via an in-screen menu should you want to.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

You can instantly tell that the XC40 is a Volvo. There are those eye-catching ‘Thor’s Hammer’

FACTS AT A GLANCE

MODEL: Volvo XC40 B3 Plus

PRICE: £41,615

POWERTRAIN: 2.0-litre fourcylinder petrol

POWER: 161bhp

TORQUE: 265Nm

MAX SPEED: 112mph

0-60MPH: 8.4seconds

EMISSIONS: 38.6-42.7mpg

CO2 EMISSIONS: 151-166G/KM

Volvos. It combines good materials with an intuitive, ergonomic design which feels natural from the moment you step in. Our test car came with cloth seats, too, which were comfortable and supportive while some flashes of silver helped to brighten up what was, overall, quite a dark interior.

Rear-seat space isn’t too bad, though taller passengers might find that legroom could be better. At 578 litres, the boot area is of a good size and it’s not blocked by a load lip either, so loading heavier items inside is a breeze. You can also push it up to an impressive 1,328 litres by folding down the rear seats, too.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Prices for the XC40 start from £35,895 for an entry-level ‘Core’ model. Though it does kick off the range, you still get alloy wheels, LED headlights and the main central display which uses all of those Google-based services. The system itself is really easy to use, too, while the smartphone mirroring it provides works very well.

Our test car came in ‘Plus’ specification. Priced from £40,040, this version adds in a 360-degree camera and more intricate alloy wheels. However, you do get the vast majority of features that come on the Plus also feature on the Core, so you might be better off just opting for the entry version.

VERDICT

headlights which have become a hallmark of the Swedish brand, while the prominent grille design with integrated Volvo badge is hard to miss. The whole car has some quiet boxy, upright proportions which give it a bit more presence than the car’s relatively compact size might make you think. Our test car came in a one-colour design, too, though we’re quite fond of XC40 models with a contrast black roof.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The XC40’s interior uses a design which has become central to modern

Though many enthusiasts may have mourned the loss of Volvo estate cars in the UK, you can’t argue with how well executed this firm’s range of SUVs – XC40 included – is. Though previous estate models like the V60 were slightly better to drive as a result of their lower centre of gravity, the XC40’s ease of use, chunky design and practical interior all mean it’s still a great choice.

This four-cylinder petrol version might not have the electric-only running capability of the more expensive plug-in hybrids, but as a day-to-day engine which won’t cost the earth to run, it feels like a great fit for the XC40.