SO Magazine January 2021

BUSINESS

Gym's the tonic

We meet Sarah Gorman who is on a mission to get Tunbridge Wells fit

EDUCATION

Testing times

Local independent schools reveal how they and their pupils are coping with Covid

FOOD & DRINK

A healthy approach

Nutritionist Helen Ford explains why healthy eating can be fun

LAW & ORDER NEILL THOMAS OF THOMAS MANSFIELD SOLICITORS SHARES THEIR SUCCESS STORY SO FAR AND HOW THEY CAN HELP YOU PLAN FOR 2021

January 2021

BRIGHTON COLLEGE

England’s School of the Decade THE SUNDAY TIMES • INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE DECADE

WELCOME

Editor’s LETTER

W

elcome to your January edition of SO magazine.

It’s the start of a new year like no other due to the ongoing health pandemic.

On p18 we talk to some local businesses who have either remodelled or launched as a result of the Covid crisis. It’s an inspiring read as it just goes to prove that thankfully there really can be positivity in the face of adversity.

Our cover star this month is solicitor Neill Thomas from law firm Thomas Mansfield. He tells us how in just 16 years the independent law firm set up by Neill and his colleague Jonathan Mansfield has gone on to be one of the South East’s most successful practices. Turn to p8 to discover more and how they can help you plan during this testing time.

If you’re trying to recover from the festive excess of last month – or perhaps last year - then we have the perfect recipe for health success in 2021 courtesy of our fitness special with gym guru Sarah Gorman (p12) and local nutritionist Helen Ford (p42).

Talking of lifestyle changes, we also speak to local photographer Paul Sanders, former picture editor of The Times newspaper about why he swapped his highprofile job on one of the UK’s most prestigious papers for a career in photography that has helped him through the darkest of times. He is giving back by putting on a series of special workshops for West Kent Mind (p22).

Also within your SO magazine

contents January 2021

4 6

Culture vulture: Where to go walking this winter

Bringing music alive again: Paul Dunton interviews the owner of legendary TW gig venue The Grey Lady

8 12 18

Legal eagle: We meet Neill Thomas from successful solicitors firm Thomas Mansfield

this month we have an Education special which examines how some of our leading independent schools are teaching through the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

There’s also all your usual great interiors, gardening, hypnotherapy, beauty and well-being features. Oh, and we’ve also included a page on travel because let’s face it we all need a bit of hope that life will once again return to normal don’t we?

P57

Let’s get physical: top fitness expert Sarah Gorman reveals how to get into shape for 2021

Reflections and projections: Local businesses explain how they’ve coped with the challenges of 2020 and look ahead to 2021

A recipe for health success: Nutritionist Helen Ford on how to eat yourself happy

P18

52 55

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @somagazines

A natural approach: Botanica’s Naomi Murray on how to stay happy and healthy during the winter

Issue 150 SALOMONS ESTATE Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG

HEAD OF DESIGN Lee Smith lsmith8@markerstudy.com

SALES DIRECTOR Robin Singer rsinger@markerstudy.com

EDITORIAL Victoria Truman Karen Martin Naomi Murray

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@markerstudy.com

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY David Sexton Rose Bainbridge

PRINTED BY: Mortons Print PUBLISHED BY

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

Home is where her heart is: Local interiors writer Rachael Hale on why she loves her job Scotland’s for me: When we can travel again we’ll head to higher ground

Eileen Leahy Editor So magazine

EDITOR Eileen Leahy info@somagazines.co.uk

Karen Martin: Our resident hypnotherapist discusses the issue of needle phobias

P12

Wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2021.

Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk

38 42 46 49

On song: We meet rising singer/songwriter star Katie Kittermaster

57 58

22

Life through a lens: former picture editor of The Times launches a photography project for West Kent Mind

27 35 36

Motors: Discover the latest Porsche which is just a perfect drive

Green party: Gardening guru Victoria Truman celebrates the beauty of the great outdoors at this time of year

Education special: We speak to leading local schools about the issues of schooling in a pandemic Cold comfort: the beauty products to see your skin through winter Because he’s worth it: What every stylish man needs right now

P18

Cover shot at One Warwick Park Hotel. Photographs by Rose Bainbridge & Art Direction by Lee Smith SO Magazine | January 2021 | 3

Calendar

With the ongoing coronavirus situation, and new Tier 4 status most places of interest are temporarily closed. But remember, we are still allowed out in the great outdoors so how about discovering some of these gems on our doorstep…

WALK INTO NATURE The stunning Ashdown Forest is a wonderful place to roam around in wintertime. Located at the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it has national and international protection because of its wildlife.

Nearly two thirds of its 6,500 acres are heathland, amounting to 2.5% of the UK’s extent of this rare habitat. Originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times, Ashdown Forest is now one of the largest free public access spaces in the South East – and of course it is the mythical ‘home’ of Winnie-thePooh.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE The country park at Bewl Water, located just off the A21, is the South East’s biggest reservoir and set in glorious Wealden countryside. It is a perfect spot to go for a relaxing winter’s day walk.

The 800 acre site is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, right in the heart of the High Weald.

Entrance costs £3 per vehicle.

GOING ROUND IN CIRCLES If you’ve never experienced it why not give a few miles of the Tunbridge Wells Circular Walk a go over this quiet time? It’s essentially a long distance footpath - formerly known as the High Weald Walk.

The walk takes in some of the local area’s stunning countryside and lies within the High Weald - an Area Of Natural Beauty. En route you can take in Groombridge Place, High Rocks, Somerhill Park, Tudeley, Eridge Green and Speldhurst. So why not get your walking boots on and give it a try?

More information can be found at explorekent.org

DID YOU KNOW? DID YOU KNOW? Bewl Water reservoir can hold more than 31,000 million litres of water – enough to provide for nearly 200 million people.

4 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

Parts of the Tunbridge Wells circular walk take in some famous landmarks including Keyes Mill in Pembury, made famous by Turner and also Marc Chagall’s stained glass window in Tudeley.

Calendar

IT’S GREAT OUTDOORS Whilst Knole’s historic interior closes during the winter months, its 1,000 acre parkland is open for business. In fact this is probably the best time to catch sight of the 350-strong resident wild deer herd who call this wonderful place home. There are plenty of routes you can take in order to enjoy your time here and if it snows this month then why not take along your sledge as the hillier parts of Knole are brilliant for tobogganing down!

PERFECTION IN PENSHURST The glorious grounds around Penshurst Place are just perfect for a winter stroll. The stately home’s Parkland and Riverside Walks are popular with walkers of all ages and the views across the Wealden countryside are nothing short of spectacular. Both walks can be completed within a day, creating a figure-ofeight loop route starting and finishing at the Penshurst Place visitors’ car park.

SO Magazine | January 2021 | 5

Music

NOTES OF OPTIMISM FOR A RETURN TO LIVE MUSIC IN 2021 This month our resident music maestro Paul Dunton talks to local music host and restaurateur Carlos Caicha, owner of the Grey Lady Music Lounge and La Casa Vecchia on The Pantiles, to find out how 2020 affected his business and what his hopes for 2021 are

6 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

Music

So Carlos, for those not familiar with your music venue The Grey Lady, can you tell us a little bit about your business…

It’s a live music venue and bar located in The Pantiles above my Mediterranean inspired restaurant La Casa Vecchia. It has been an independent music venue since 1998. Before the coronavirus crisis we would regularly host live music multiple times a week, with acts ranging from local up-and-coming artists to established names on the jazz scene.

The music industry has taken a massive hit during the Covid pandemic have you been able to keep afloat during these troubled times?

Whilst the Grey Lady has remained closed since the UK first went into lockdown last March due to the impracticalities of hosting live music events inside, we have been fortunate enough to keep afloat through revenue derived from our restaurant, La Casa Vecchia, as well as government support such as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Have you found it to be a tough time?

Incredibly tough but we also have great sympathy for all the musicians who we would usually book for events all year round but cannot do so due to the current situation. We normally host over 250 live music events per annum, so we are really missing everyone involved from the musicians, to the sound engineers and of course the audiences! However we are determined

to keep going and reopen when the time comes, hopefully in the spring of 2021.

“The Grey Lady is very much at the heart of the local music scene and we feel very proud of that”

Have you been able to adapt your business in other ways?

After reopening our restaurant on July 4, we were able to remodel things by increasing our seating capacity outside which in turn increased our number of covers for the restaurant. As the weather got colder before the second lockdown and subsequent Tier 3 status we used the Grey Lady as an overspill room to ensure our guests could dine in a safe and COVID secure setting.

Have there been any gestures of support from members of the local community?

We’ve had a number of heart warming messages from customers and members

of the community which has been lovely.

The Grey Lady is very much at the heart of the local music scene and we feel very proud of that. We definitely feel a strong connection to all our patrons and musicians who frequent the Grey Lady.

Tunbridge Wells has a strong music community and to have dedicated music and arts venues such as The Grey Lady, The Forum, Trinity Theatre, The Assembly Hall Theatre and festivals such as Jazz on The Pantiles, Unfest and Local & Live is a wonderful thing. It has been very tough for everyone but hopefully we can all get back to hosting live music very soon.

Looking ahead to 2021 what can we hope to see at your venue in the coming months?

When we are able to reopen we look forward to once again hosting as many live music events as possible. It is obviously difficult to say when that will be exactly but we hope the Grey Lady will be open by the spring. And when it reopens we will be looking to host our regular singer-songwriter showcases and Jazz/Blues & Soul evenings as well as private functions.

“Tunbridge Wells has a strong music community and although it’s been very tough for everyone we’ll hopefully host live music very soon”

Paul Dunton Music Editor

Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

When you are able to reopen as a fully functioning music venue, how important will the support of the local community be to ensure you can survive?

The majority of our guests tend to come from Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area. Their support will be absolutely essential in ensuring that we are able to remain hosting live music in the weeks, months and years to come.

For more info visit www.thegreylady.co.uk You can subscribe to their mailing list for regular updates or follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ The-Grey-Lady-15168332030/ SO Magazine | January 2021 | 7

Cover feature

Legal duty Photos © Rose Bainbridge

J

Neill Thomas is the co-founder of Thomas Mansfield solicitors which has offices all over the South East including one in Tunbridge Wells. Here Neill reveals the story of his firm’s success and how they have diversified to emerge even stronger during this unprecedented period

8 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

anuary is traditionally the busiest time of year for any law firm, with divorces and tax being two of the biggest legal issues to have to deal with. But due to the ongoing global health pandemic, the impact of the past ten months has certainly defied legal convention.

According to Neill Thomas, founding partner of Thomas Mansfield solicitors - who have offices in London and all over the South East including one in Tunbridge Wells – lawyers are currently dealing with a much broader variety of issues.

Since the coronavirus first hit last March people have been seeking advice on everything from

redundancy and insurance issues to insolvency and real estate concerns.

Neill established his solicitors’ practice with colleague Jonathan Mansfield in 2004 initially specialising in employment law for many years before branching out into other specialist areas. However it is the firm's expertise in employment law that is something that has stood them in good stead during 2020.

“In March everybody was concerned about their jobs and employers didn’t know how long they would be able to keep staff on the books with no income coming in. When the furlough scheme was announced it came as a big relief to many but lots of businesses who were short of cash were forced to

Cover feature

close and make redundancies.

“Our employment lawyers advised mainly on job retention where possible and redundancies where it could not have been helped.”

But it’s not just employment law that Thomas Mansfield are well versed in. Since the firm was established they have added areas such as private client and family law to their portfolio which has meant they have had plenty of professionals to help clients – especially in family law.

“They certainly dealt with an influx of domestic violence cases as families were forced to face their problems behind tightly closed doors during lockdown,” says Neill.

“And the private client lawyers were busy advising about lasting powers of attorney and Wills as more and more people were being taken to hospital with COVID-19.”

A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE

The fact the firm was able to provide such a comprehensive service – mostly virtually during the first lockdown – stems from Thomas Mansfield’s cast iron commitment to provide the best expert legal advice from lawyers who also connect with their clients on a individual level.

“When Jonathan and I established Thomas Mansfield in 2004 we felt we could offer clients a more personal and cost-effective service that would make a difference to their lives.

“This simple principle still drives our lawyers’ work today. They strive to empathise with a client’s case and give their best. Our employment law team now consists of ten solicitors and three

paralegals, most of whom work in and around London and the South of England.”

In 2005, Thomas Mansfield added another unique element of expertise to its legal portfolio when it developed a range of tailormade training packages for employers on DVDs as well as publishing training manuals and expert workbooks.

“We wrote the scripts and hired actors, and the whole project was a lot of fun,” explains Neill. “The packages were bought by such organisations as the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Rolls Royce, Gleneagles Hotel and ACAS. We also developed a bespoke package for the Department for International Development. Four years later, these packages brought us a highly esteemed Excellence Award in Innovation from the Law Society of England and Wales.”

Always striving to go the extra legal mile, three years ago Thomas Mansfield added the often complex area of family law to its portfolio.

“In 2017 we hired a brilliant family lawyer called Susi Gillespie to head up the new department.

We went against perceived wisdom by creating a separate website to market Susi’s offering, hence www. tmfamilylaw.co.uk was born. The family law team expanded rapidly in Kent, London and Surrey, and we now employ nine solicitors and five paralegals.”

In 2019, the firm grew into yet another specialist area, that of private client law with the assistance of a seasoned Wills and Probate lawyer Toby Fountaine. Once again they had the foresight to develop a specific website for this area www. tmwillsandprobate.co.uk and Neill says this has proved to be incredibly successful for the practice.

WHY I LOVE TUNBRIDGE WELLS Are you personally based in Tunbridge Wells?

Yes, I moved from London in 2018 when we opened up the Tunbridge Wells office. I have worked from home since March 2020.

What do you enjoy most about working in the town?

Our office is above Pret a Manger so I don’t have to travel far for a good cup of coffee. I also like the tight knit business community and meeting up with the new friends I have made.

Where do you like to go in order to get away from it all?

I like hiking and have found some lovely walks near my new house. I also like Ashdown Forest and the Forest Way footpath between Groombridge and Hartfield.

And finally what do you enjoy most about being a lawyer and partner?

I’m always asked what I like about my job, and it is many things. It’s easy to win a case when the evidence is stacked in your favour, but I always think the mark of a good lawyer is to come out winning the game after being dealt a poor hand.

It’s a difficult but not impossible thing to pull off, and it’s what makes the law such an interesting career.

More on these packages is on our website www.thomasmansfield.com.

“We now have three lawyers in that team drafting Wills, Powers of Attorney, administering estates of people who have died and providing advice to clients about reducing their inheritance tax liabilities.”

Having such an extensive team of experienced legal eagles, and the forethought to invest in technology a few years ago, has ensured Thomas Mansfield have managed to keep practicing throughout this unpredictable period.

COPING WITH CORONAVIRUS

“We have been very fortunate with a continuous demand for our specialist areas of employment law, family law and wills and probate,” explains Neill before explaining that this has been complemented by investing in technology.

“Two years ago, we invested heavily in our IT systems, which allowed all lawyers to work flexibly and remotely, so when the first lockdown hit we had everything we needed in place. We quickly got to grips with Microsoft Teams and Zoom.”

Although Neill says that any new enquiries came to a sudden halt in March and that the practice was much quieter than usual in April and May, they were able to continue working on existing cases.

“When the lockdown was lifted, we had a surge in new cases and that has certainly made up for the loss of work.”

But Neill admits there has been one key area that the firm has been affected by due to the ongoing global health crisis and that’s networking.

“We had to scratch our heads about that. We looked into webinars and purchased software to host our own online sessions instead. The team have worked incredibly hard putting on one legal webinar a month for our employer clients and bringing amazing results which more than made up for the loss of one-to-one networking.”

And Neill adds that working more virtually is something that will continue in the future in order to keep in contact with clients.

“Pre-Covid, most of our older clients always wanted a face-to-face meeting but now they are very happy to have virtual ones. If this continues after everyone has been vaccinated, I can’t see that we will be going back to the office environment in the same way as previously. I think it will be a mixture of mainly working from home with a couple of days in the office.

“This new working arrangement will be significantly boosted if the SO Magazine | January 2021 | 9

Cover feature

Government allows flexible season tickets so that less money and time is spent on travel.”

SUPPORTING LOCAL

And although Thomas Mansfield have offices all over the South East, Neill admits there is something special about doing business here in Tunbridge Wells.

“It is particularly good as it’s a commuter town with plenty of character, excellent schools, great places to eat and excellent entertainment - and it has the Weald on its doorstep. It’s an attractive place to live for the wealthy and those who own and operate businesses. It also has excellent transport links with Europe and is close to Gatwick.”

Currently Neill employs a team of twelve in his Tunbridge Wells office which is based in the centre of town on Mount Pleasant Road.

And despite boasting a number of diverse office locations he says the issues the Thomas Mansfield deal with are pretty similar.

“Whatever situation clients contact us about we want to ensure they receive the best possible advice and service. We do this by putting a lot of effort into recruiting people with excellent academic records who have had

extensive training, experience of life and an ability to see clients as individuals with a problem to solve.

You only need to read our client feedback to see why the firm has become so popular.”

“I think things will look more normal in the second half of the year. I am an optimist and do think we will bounce back in the longer term” FRENCH CONNECTION

Always looking to evolve, Thomas Mansfield have even opened a French arm of their business in order to assist British nationals living there with their legal affairs.

“In 2018, one of our family lawyers Anthony Kiernan introduced us to the partners at Alvarez and Arlabosse, a law firm based in Frejus, in the South of France. Anthony had known the

firm for a long time and rented an office from them. Incidentally, he is one of the very few English advocates who are members of the South of France Bar Association.

We have now taken over his practice and market our services to the British expatriate community who want to divorce in London.

“The French project has been a huge success and we are building a team of lawyers specialising in international family law to offer our services in other countries that have large expat communities.”

Despite the impending issue of Brexit, Neill isn’t too worried about what it will mean for their bureau in Frejus.

“I think Brexit will make little difference to us. Although we rent an office in France, it is mainly a place to meet clients who want a divorce in London, and so all the legal work is done in the United Kingdom.

London is known as the divorce capital of the world because the legal system starts off with a presumption of an equal spilt of assets and offers maintenance to the spouse, which is much more favourable to wives than most other countries.”

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT

And now that 2020 is behind us Neill says that he is taking a few

key pointers away with him.

“When the first lockdown happened we all pulled together and worked incredibly hard as a team to find new ways of marketing our services and to adapt to the new conditions. We have been so incredibly lucky in that the services we offer have continued to be in demand. It has meant that we have come through the pandemic comparatively unscathed and we are now recruiting again.”

He stresses it’s technology that has been a gamechanger in helping the successful independent law practice to come robustly through 2020 to start 2021 in healthy shape.

“I’ve observed that money invested in good IT systems ultimately pays 10 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

for itself because the pandemic has seen a huge shift to remote working and virtual meetings.

“I take a great deal of pride in all the success stories we have achieved on behalf of our clients in such challenging times.”

As we enter a new year in the toughest of coronavirus restrictions what does Neill think will be the primary areas of concern for people in both their private lives and businesses?

“I am concerned about the economy shrinking with large scale unemployment. Many sectors are already on their knees, yet they still have to get through a few more months before vaccination rolls out en masse.

Even then it’s not going to be a

complete transformation back to life before the pandemic. Too much has changed since then. I think it will be a very gradual transition with things looking more normal in the second half of the year. I am an optimist though, and I do think we will bounce back in the longer term.”

As for what’s next for Thomas Mansfield’s commercial development Neill believes it will be linked to the advancement of doing their job courtesy of ongoing developments in IT. “I hope we can use the experience and new-found knowledge of virtual office life to our advantage in continuing our plans for expansion whilst retaining the supportive culture in the teams.”

THE INTERGENERATIONAL WEALTH TRANSFER – WHY NOW AND HOW CAN WE HELP?

F

or some, the concept of passing on assets to the next generation may not be their desire or even on their radar. For others, it is of utmost importance with many keen to ensure that their legacies are passed down through families and Estates. However, with changing demographics and legislation, careful planning is required to make the transfer as effective as possible.

We are currently on the cusp of the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history with reportedly up to £5.5 Trillion being passed down in the next 30 years.

Those in retirement or approaching are looking to pass monies down to their next generations to help them financially.

Why this is occurring now?

The generation doing most of the gifting is the Baby Boomers. Roughly born between 1946-1964, Baby Boomers collectively enjoyed the greatest growth in asset value, shown most obviously in property prices but also in stocks and shares. Their retirement is well set, particularly for those with Final Salary Pensions which are no longer available.

A major reason for asset transfer has been to assist the next generation with their house purchase. Help with the deposit is enabling those struggling to save enough themselves, often whilst paying high rental prices, to have a substantial deposit. Covid-19 has made mortgage lenders more cautious since March making it even more difficult to get onto the property ladder. Many have experienced immediate financial family support where the younger working community have lost jobs or been furloughed.

Passing wealth to the next generation The process of transfer of assets is not necessarily straight forward. Usually, the transfers will fall into two categories, namely whilst the donor is alive or alternatively through their Will and Estate. The benefit of passing assets whilst still alive is that the donor also sees the benefit to their family.

The donor needs to ensure that their lifestyle is maintained and that there is not a detrimental effect on both current and future needs. Particular attention is needed especially with increased longevity is the impact if care costs are needed in the future.

What are the limitations and restrictions?

Ideally, families would be able to pass monies to next generations without tax implications or restrictions, but this is not the case.

The primary restriction relates to the individual gifting no longer having any control over the asset. By this, it means that to be an effective gift, it must be made outright, and the Donor retains no benefit from the asset. If not, and the Donor is still enjoying the benefit of the gift, it is a Gift with Reservation and still counts as part of that person’s Estate and could be subject to Inheritance Tax. For example, if a holiday home were given away, if used by the donor normal market rent must be paid to the new owner.

from the point of the gift being made for it to fall outside the Estate. If not, some or all of the asset will be subject to 40% tax.

This is why it may be better to gift when you are younger without overstretching than wait until later on.

In certain circumstances attention needs to be given to previous transfers as assessment of gifts inside the Estate can be based on the previous 14 years.

Options to mitigate Inheritance Tax The most effective method to mitigate inheritance Tax is to survive 7 years from the point of making the gift, but this is not always practical or possible.

The types of other options that can be contemplated would be as follows: Pensions – traditional personal pension plans, allow for assets to be retained, provide income whilst not forming part of an Estate. These should be included in overall essential planning. n

Trusts – these allow assets to be passed to the next generation with an element of control from the donor.

Though there may be tax implications.

Assets made into Bare Trusts are usually available to the beneficiary when they reach majority at 18 but with planning may be extended further. Discretionary Trusts allow for more control but have limitations and other implications. n

The impact of inheritance tax It is possible to make outright gifts without Inheritance Tax being levied but the individual gifting must survive 7 years

Flexible Inheritance Tax planning Some enhanced solutions can meet the aspect of reducing the Inheritance Tax implications whilst maintaining an

element of control. Certain investments (often requiring a higher investment risk) once held only for 2 years, are deemed to be outside of the Estate. If the Donor does not expect to survive 7 years, it can be a very useful way of reducing their Estate in a much shorter period of time or alternatively wish to pass out large amounts from their Estate.

Certain types of Flexible Trust allow for assets to be invested effectively for Inheritance Tax purposes, that still require 7 years survival but most importantly allow income for life for the Donor.

These along with other options and careful financial planning can minimise the impact on the Donor and their family to provide a significant uplift to the funds eventually passed across to the next generation.

The information above is not deemed to constitute financial advice and should not be treated as such. Any recommendation given would be tailored to your own individual circumstances. Panoramic Wealth Management is regulated and authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Ross Jefferies & Gary Jefferies

If you would like to know more about how we can help you and the next generation, please call Panoramic Wealth today on 01892 559555 or email journey@panoramicwealth.co.uk.

Fitness

‘I DO FEEL I’M GENUINELY

&HEALTHIER’

PHOTOS © Tom Miles at TMPhoto @photosmudger

HELPING PEOPLE GET STRONGER

Sarah Gorman has been working within the fitness industry for over 20 years but only recently decided to launch her own eponymous company which boasts a unique approach to exercise, a sought after clothing line and lots of clients including TV personality Davina McCall. Here Sarah tells SO magazine all about her fascinating journey and why she believes the path to physical well-being should be fun - not frustrating…

12 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

Fitness

ALL THE RIGHT MOVES My love of dance began at a very young age and I was well and truly entrenched in dance classes by three years old. I was also very sporty and so knew that a life which involved being active and movement based was for me.

I trained as an actor at university and was a professional actor for seven years. I worked as a physical theatre performer and travelled internationally, touring theatre shows that involved running up walls and creating movement sequences to pumping soundtracks - it was amazing.

But I knew that I also wanted a family and I loved the teaching aspect of the touring that I did. So I went back to university to do a second degree and became a qualified secondary school teacher. My first job after graduating was at The Brit school, the UK’s only non fee-paying performing arts school. It is an incredible school and I fell in love with working there. There is a buzz not only from the students, who are hungry to learn and create, but also from the teachers. It was a wonderful experience and I learnt so much.

I then started a family and we moved to the USA. We lived in LA

for a couple of years and that’s where the fitness side of things really took flight. I had already done my Pilates certification in the years prior to becoming a teacher and had been practising and teaching Pilates to various clients alongside the other roles that I had. However in the States I grew more interested in what was on offer out there. It seemed that the fitness industry had something to say: it was a valued career path. Some of the classes that I took were crazy, but I loved them and realised that it was something that I wanted to do more of and could have a family whilst I did it.

I began to get trained in as many techniques as I could. The more I learnt, the more I realised that I loved it. I started to think about the type of classes that I wanted to create and teach. And this is how BlendFit was born.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL I wanted to create a method that not only gave people the fitness element you need from a class but also the joy and endorphin rush that you get from dancing unabashed in a club for the night. I wanted good music - not ‘fitness style’ music. I wanted clients

ME AND DAVINA n “My partnership, and now friendship, with Davina came about through our joint love and passion for movement and fitness - and an accidental meeting. I was in Wagamama restaurant with my middle child and saw Davina dining with her family. My exhusband is an actor and so I am hugely aware of how difficult it can be when you’re out with your family and some random person comes over and expects you to chat to them. But my daughter, Nell, was encouraging me to just give her my card, so I decided that if her family left before

My ultimate dream is to build a centre of excellence for fitness training

we did I would go over - and they did so I had to follow through! n Davina was as lovely as she always is and took my card. Coincidentally, she had just started to go to a local fitness studio that I’d begun to do some classes from and she found me there. She loved my class and we started working together; and the rest just grew from there. What I love most about her is how much we laugh when we work out together. She is very funny!

And un-PC, which I adore.

And she does what I tell her -without pause - I like that!”

to want to work out and look forward to the next class, not just feel that they had to get their gym session over and done with as something they had to do.

So I thought about the techniques that I wanted to teach and built them into a class. My signature class is called BlendFit and it blends the techniques that I love. Running through the heart of the class are the principals of Pilates.

But within that you get a cardio blast from the Box & Dance section. You then get your tone and isometrics from the Barre section and finally a body weight strength training section to complete the class (with a good cool down stretch to end).

Each of these components is also a class in itself and I also offer BlendBox, BlendBarre, BlendStrong, BlendPilates and BlendDance. I choreograph each class to music and so you’ll never get exactly the same class twice. You will have an understanding of the class and know what’s expected but not know exactly which move comes next.

This means that you are also working cognitively - making the brain have a workout too. The beauty of the design of the classes is that I can read my audience; if they have come to do a BlendBox but I feel that the energy is lower than usual, or there are lots of new people in the class, then I can tailor the class to make sure it’s giving them what they want. Similarly, it might be that my regulars are all in the room together, know what they’re doing and we just go for it - that’s when the whoops come out and we are all very un-British and unrestrained!

But that’s the whole point: it should be fun. That’s what I really believe is at the heart of it.

A class act My clients are wonderful - they work so hard for me and allow me to push them when I think it’s right. Each client has their favourite classes and will endure some of the other classes

SARAH’S QUICK FITNESS FIXES n From sofa to sweating it out: To get someone off the sofa and start to do regular exercise you must inspire them to do so. I don’t want to have to drag them to a workout - I want them to want to be there. So offering up a Blend class, hopefully means there’s something in there for everyone!

The key is to make a person want to change. n It’s all in the planning: Write a schedule and take away your option for excuses as to why you can’t and make sure that you know that you can.

Don’t overdo it to begin with: start with one or two classes or workouts a week and then build on that as you progress. Do one workout well and see it as an accomplishment. n Maintain a good exercise routine: Start with workouts that you enjoy. That will mean you’ll stick with it. You can start to add classes that you find harder and more punishing as you go. It’s good to find someone that you enjoy going to classes with. n Water, water everywhere: Make sure you drink plenty of it. And when you want a snack, drink a glass of fizzy water - it will help with that craving. We’re often just thirsty when we reach for a snack. Eat three good meals a day and try to not have snacks in between.

See your body as a tank. You need to allow the tank to completely empty before topping it up. Otherwise the stuff at the bottom never gets cleared away. This in turn makes us feel sluggish.

SO Magazine | January 2021 | 13

Fitness

Zoom them from Oakley Fitness which is the gym in the Vale Road Church. Earlier this year I had started doing the physical classes there and it was wonderful having actual people in the room with me!

It’s a beautiful space, with huge stained glass windows and lovely sprung floors and it’s a big room so we could really socially distance and still fit enough people in the room to really feel that we had a full class. Once we are out of this current lockdown I’ll be back in there, running the classes in person as well streaming them through Zoom.

I love Zooming: it has meant that I can continue to train people local to me, but I now have clients in the US, Dubai, Manilla, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and all over the UK doing my classes. My Saturday morning BlendFit class is where I see this the most - it’s the Saturday Sweat Fest! That sense of community and being there together is incredibly important right at this moment and I think seeing all those faces together on a screen gives as much positivity to everyone as the actual class does.

I do get a sense that I am genuinely helping people get stronger and healthier. I get lots of messages from clients saying that they have never liked fitness but since doing my classes they have now discovered that they do - they have changed their mindset on what fitness is all about. That has to come first, your mindset - then you

My top tipple is…

Matcha tea! I love it. In and put summer I make a batch g some it in the fridge and addin re hot milk makes it much mo rfood indulgent. My other supe it is cinnamon - I add to everything!

can start to see the changes in your body and your health.

BACK TO THE FUTURE I am lucky enough to be doing my dream job, to a diverse group, and I want it to continue to grow. The next phase is to produce an app so that clients can have access to a whole range of classes at any given point. But my ultimate dream is to build a centre of excellence for fitness training. I want to have a space that I can train the trainers in.

A place where they can learn my methods and take them out to the world, but also have access to learn other people’s techniques and methods as well. People can learn to teach a fitness class quite easily, but I want to go further than that with my training. I want to teach fitness professionals to know how to teach, how to engage with their clients and invest in their clients.

There is so much more to teaching than simply learning the methodology. You need to learn how to communicate and engage.

This chapter of BlendFit really excites me and is the fire in my belly!

I don’t think that I have ever used the phrase ‘bikini body’ in my life. My classes are not about being or getting thin. They are about feeling good. Feeling strong.

And coming away feeling that you have achieved something that day.

Joy and strength: that’s what it’s about for me. www.sarahgorman.fit

EASY PIECES THE STORY BEHIND THE FABULOUS NEW SARAH GORMAN SG ACTIVEWEAR CLOTHING LINE:

that they know are good for them! The BlendFit is popular because they know however hard they are working, they only have 15 minus of it until I change it up to a slightly different style and format, and that pushes them on. I think that the clients also get a sense of community out of my classes - even on Zoom.

We’re all in it together there’s a sense of being a team.

In addition to my classes I’m also running a BlendHealth Series which came about during the first lockdown. I realised that people were feeling scared

and isolated and maybe wanted to be involved in something that wasn’t just a group chat but that they could learn something and make some small changes to help themselves and their families feel safer, healthier and happier. I have invited people that I really respect, find easy to talk to and who I have learnt from. These sessions have to feel relaxed and inclusive. They are about all areas of health: sleep, nutrition, healing, mindfulness, movement, massage, food! It’s about what you can do in your life to make steps to become the happiest and

14 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

healthiest version of yourself.

So far I’ve talked to Rebecca Hirst from @gloriouswellness, Nikki Wetherell @ celestialsoulcoach, Naomi Murray @botanica_health and Anna Stanford @ annasfamilykitchen.

Post lockdown I would like to open these talks up to physical workshops as I want to focus a session on the importance of mobility within the body and massage and touch.

GYM N’ TONIC During the lockdown in November we were back online with Zoom classes. I

My clothing line came about from wanting people’s attitudes towards their workout clothes to change. It’s certainly not about having to spend a fortune on your active wear, but choosing to wear something that you like, that makes you feel good. Not just something that you dig out from the bottom draw where all your bobbly leggings go!

You should try to take pride in the clothes that you choose to put on to work out in. I promise you it will make a difference to how you approach your class. If you’re feeling that you’re wearing something tatty, that makes you feel

uncomfortable or unconfident, that will come across in your physicality when you’re working out.

Wear something that makes you stand a little taller, that you are proud of wearing and you will work harder in your workout. The range of clothing that I have produced is for in class and also to wear out of class. We collaborated with the TWSeven ladies on the range. I love their T-shirts and sweatshirts so we approached them to collaborate with us. I genuinely love what we have come up with and I hope everyone else does too. I want to continue this line and start on some new colours and styles.

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business

shape

THE

ofthings

2021 TO COME IN

Last year was a tough one for all of us but some managed to find silver linings during it.

Here, a few local businesses, both established and new, tell us their 2020 story and how they predict 2021 will unfurl for them… is an outdoor venue with lots of space for people to social distance in.”

“That has been of the utmost importance for our business during “Bewl has had to adapt meaning 2020,” continues Phil. flexibility and communication “To ensure all our visitors were have been so important to our kept safe, we extended the parking success” to give a good distance between vehicles, introduced one way “One prominent message during systems in and around all of 2020 was that everyone our facilities, installed should venture into the hand sanitisers great outdoors for across the estate health and and to prevent wellbeing – and message fatigue Bewl has been regularly the perfect updated the destination to Bewl Water achieve just website with that,” says Phil the latest Daley, Phil Daley, guidance.

Operations Operations Manager, Phil goes on to Manager at the Bewl Water say that they have South East’s biggest taken on board some reservoir and country key lessons during the park set just a few minutes’ coronavirus crisis. drive from Lamberhurst, just off “Bewl Water has had to adapt, the A21. often at very short notice, to Unlike most people-facing changes in government guidance businesses Bewl was able to still meaning that flexibility and trade for the majority of 2020 as it

THE DIVERSIFYING DESTINATION:

18 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

communication have been so important to the success of our operation.

“The fantastic team here have pulled out all the stops to make sure our customers have the safest experience, whether visiting for a day’s cycling, a few nights camping or the adrenaline rush of the Aqua Park.”

And although we now find ourselves in extremely tough measures due to the global pandemic, which has yet again seen most of our favourite things to do and places to go suspended, Phil and his team remain resilient.

“Whatever happens Bewl Water will continue to focus on providing great, safe days out once restrictions are eased. Last year’s upsurge in the demand for the staycation holiday is expected to continue well into 2021 and our new campsite facilities along with added Bewl activities like ‘Have a Go’ sailing, paddle boarding, windsurfing and open water swimming will make the outdoor family experience even more memorable.”

business

THE CAREER SWITCHER:

will abruptly come to an end so the aim is to do that for the dogs.”

Kent K9 Club is located in Langton Green and boasts 70 acres “How I went from working in of private land, including woods and hospitality to running my own dog lakes. The doggy day care centre walking business” offers an extensive array of benefits A FORMER Operations Manager of including tailored play, socialisation and exercise, with a central meet the Tunbridge Wells based boutique hotel, One Warwick Park, and greet lodge, and comfortable ‘rest pods’ – where dogs can rest or has turned his attention from sleep, either alone or interlinked looking after the needs of guests to with other pods, depending on the taking care of four-legged clients. preferences of each dog.

Kent K9 Club is the brainchild of The centre operates Monday to Harry Spencer, who had the idea Friday between 7am and 7pm and during the first lockdown in March: offers a shuttle service as well as “I am lucky to have grown up with the option for clients to drop-off Labradors and French bulldogs so and collect. the thought of combining my love It costs £25 a day for adult dogs of dogs with a new business and £30 for puppies under 18 venture is a dream come true. months.

“My background is “I’m raising the bar in the leisure and in doggy day care, hospitality sector, and my skills and “Combining my and It’s this ethos that sets me apart,” experience are love of dogs continues Harry, extremely clearly loving his new transferable,” with a new business venture. explains Harry. business Since being granted “Throughout his licence to 2020, all our lives venture is operate, it’s been full were affected by a dream steam ahead, and lockdowns and Harry is certainly restrictive measures come true” looking forward to to a greater or lesser taking his business extent. I used this even further forward time to create a in 2021. business, literally from the “At the end of last year, all our ground up. hard work in creating the perfect “I identified an opportunity to environment came together, and help people who have spent every we’ve received incredibly positive day with their dogs due to working from home but who are now facing feedback so far. The start of a new year focuses the mind, and many a return to working normality of my new clients have been keen sometime in 2021. I feared that to ensure their doggy day care animals would be the losers of that place was all booked in readiness scenario and that the company and for the months ahead.” additional exercise they’ve enjoyed Harry Spencer Kent K9 Club

which has become the norm for organisations up and down the country, with most meetings now taking place via video chat. This is certainly a trend that will carry on into 2021 and beyond.

“The other significant aspect is that there’s more work-life balance these days and WFH has enabled this. As most people still aren’t commuting, and people are generally spending less time in insignificant meetings, the working day has been sliced - by half in some cases. People are starting work at 9 am and often managing to finish between 3 pm - 4 pm, getting the same amount of work done.

“Working remotely has helped a lot of people have much more flexible lives”

THE REMOTE WORKING SPACE FACILITATORS: Simon Luck of Host My Office explains why co-working offers an affordable and convenient way to work at a fraction of the cost

more people have opted to work from home. This means a few things. The first is more reliance on ‘virtual team’ technology.

Businesses have had to adapt to virtual communication for teams to effectively collaborate on projects.

Probably the most notable aspect of this has been video calling,

In 2020 the majority of officebased workers suddenly found themselves working from home – or WFH as it became more popularly referred to. One local business Host My Office tells us about how they have seen their business grow due to less people commuting…

“We all know that 2020 has been a year like no other. While a lot of the year hasn’t gone as planned, it’s certainly not all bad news. We’ve learned to work in innovative, new ways, many of which have helped us catch up with the ever-advancing pace of modern technology.

“The biggest change of 2020 has been that people all over the world have shifted from working in offices to working remotely. Because of Simon Luck lockdowns and concerns over Host My Office the virus spreading, more and

“And for those that have other commitments in the day, 2020 has enabled them to have a much more flexible workday. For example, some people have been finishing work early on Fridays and because that helps them enjoy the weekend more. Others have been working in the evenings to account for a bit of childcare in the afternoon. Working from home has helped a lot of people have much more flexible lives.

“Most office employees are in one of two camps. Some can see the real benefits of remote working and want it to continue so much so that some have moved out to the countryside - whereas others can’t wait to get back into the office, missing the busy atmosphere in which they work, the social side of office work, and the opportunities that physically being with other team members offers.

“There is also the option we provide; that of co-working spaces.

They are already popular among start-ups and small businesses and this looks set to continue. They offer people an affordable and convenient way to have access to basic office facilities, offering the benefits of this set-up at a fraction of the cost of renting or owning a full office space. Many also value the social aspect, as well as the opportunity to share knowledge and resources with fellow business owners.

“People will probably find more creative ways to socialise with each other and work together in 2021 but will value the freedoms that this year has given them - one of the very few silver linings from what has been a very challenging year.”

SO Magazine | January 2021 | 19

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DEBUNKING SOME MYTHS People put off reviewing their financial plans for many reasons. Some consider finance too complicated a subject. Others feel that they do not have enough wealth to seek advice. Some may be embarrassed about their situation or believe that it is simply too late to effect meaningful change.

• Finance can be a complicated subject and the landscape is always changing. One of the roles of a financial adviser is to help clients understand their own finances and to keep abreast of changes.

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Love who

re u t u f r u o ut y o b a d e t i c e ex b . . . e r a u yo

I CAN HELP YOU TO… • prioritize self care.

• connect with who you actually are.

• recognize, confront and overcome the things that hold you back.

• become intentional about what you hold on to.

• grow your confidence, creativity and spirituality.

• be the heroine in your life and not the victim.

e in v e i l e b o t u I invite yo

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an

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062 1 252 6 7 7 n0 call o ching.com y r e ov oa e disc inawelchc e r f r you w.n Book r visit ww o SO Magazine | January 2021 | 21

Photography

LIFE THROUGH A LENS This month local photographer and former picture editor of The Times newspaper Paul Sanders launches My Mind’s Eye, a new series of mindful photography sessions, in collaboration with West Kent Mind mental health charity. Here Paul tells Eileen Leahy why he got involved

P

rioritising mental health has never been more critical than it is now. After months of lockdown, uncertainty, loss, anxiety and stress due to Covid-19 have all taken their toll on many people’s mental health but thankfully there is help out there.

West Kent Mind is a local charity that has always supported those with issues surrounding emotional wellbeing by offering people the opportunity to join a range of different social activities and groups in a supportive, safe environment providing social contact, friendship, and access to peer and professional support.

As well as offering groups focusing on sport, gardening, nature and music, West Kent Mind also provide arts related ones too, and as of January 2021 it will be launching a new programme called My Mind’s Eye. The sessions will be run by Paul Sanders, a leading local wildlife photographer and former picture editor on The Times newspaper who started taking pictures aged 14 but has also suffered his own battles with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

“I always knew I that I wanted to work with images,” says Paul. “I first started taking photographs when I was about 14. I used to sneak my dad’s camera out on a Saturday morning when he and my mum were at the supermarket. From this enthusiastic but secretive start I knew this was the job I wanted.”

After working his way up through the regional newspaper ranks which included jobs at The Daventry Express and the Manchester Evening News, Paul joined Reuters in 1998 and then 22 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

moved to The Times in 2002.

By 2004 he was made Picture Editor. “I really enjoyed the role - it was busy but rewarding. I was responsible for the welfare and safety of a large team of photographers as well as looking through around 20,000 images everyday. Having an incredible team working around the world covering history as it unfolded is a real buzz and then watching people read and look at the work you did yesterday while on the train the next morning was an incredible feeling.”

But sadly after five years or so Paul says that the ‘buzz’ he loved so much started to transform itself into something more negative and sinister which eventually caused him to quit the job he once felt so passionate about.

“I left The Times at the end of December 2011 after suffering a nervous breakdown. This was basically due to giving everything I had to the job, working every hour God sent and neglecting my marriage. My imposter complex, that feeling you don’t deserve something or aren’t good enough, literally ate away at me daily until I was suffering with insomnia, extreme anxiety and depression.

“My mental health deteriorated to the point that I tried unsuccessfully to take my own life on three occasions,

feeling a failure in every part of it and the sense of loss after my marriage break up coupled with then not having the routine of work really played havoc with my emotional well-being.”

Paul goes onto say that leaving the fast-paced corporate world of newspapers after having his breakdown eventually led to him rediscovering his boyhood love of getting out in the open air and taking photographs for pleasure again.

“Landscape photography became my escape; my quiet place, a time when I could express my feelings without saying anything to anyone,” he explains.

“It is scientifically proven that being outside in nature is good for you, being able to focus on something creative is also very good at relieving stress and allowing self-expression.

“Like most men I struggle to talk about my emotions but through my photography I was able to explore the isolation and confusion I was suffering.

My therapist was incredible, she tapped into the expression through my photography to help me open up about the battle I was having and as a result I started to recover.”

This has led Paul down the route of working as a professional photographer in this particular field and to him also helping to curate the new My Mind’s

“I have found photography to be my place of solace in difficult times.”

Eye workshop sessions for West Kent Mind which start next month.

“I have run photography sessions for a number of years all over the UK and have constantly talked about the way photography has helped my struggle with mental health.

“I have always wanted to build on that with a charity, as I believe it is really important to put back into the world, share your knowledge and support others.”

Paul says the idea started to percolate when one of the trustees at West Kent Mind who is a friend of a friend got in touch to discuss photography and their shared experience of mental health battles.

“We started discussing the idea of a series of workshops with West Kent Mind as part of the programme of Community Well-being groups that they offer. I am so excited about this and I really hope that people in the area will get involved.

“I will be leading a course of mindful photography sessions designed to help participants reconnect with the world through photography. No previous experience or specialist equipment is required, the sessions are fun and accessible to all, and aimed at working to the strength of the individual.”

The My Mind’s Eye sessions are free

Photography

focus on being in the moment and and will be a mix of online, and if engaging with your surroundings but guidelines allow, there will also be a participants will also be able to few outside workshops taking place. access expert support from those at The first series will run six sessions over 12 weeks, beginning on Tuesday West Kent Mind.”

The mindful photography January 19 from 10am-12noon. workshops are open to anyone, no “The group is open to any adult matter what ability or experience living or working in West Kent who feels it will positively impact on their and they can use a smart phone or a camera. mental health,” “Very simply adds Paul who mindful exclusively works in photography is you, black and white “It’s scientifically in a location, taking because he enjoys proven that being pictures of the simplicity of the outside in nature is something for medium.

“As demand for good for you, and yourself, without fear of judgement the limited places is being able to focus or criticism. We expected to be rarely give ourselves on something high, we will be running some short creative is also very permission to slow down and masterclasses which good at relieving appreciate the will be available on stress and allowing beauty of a single the West Kent moment. With Mind website and self-expression” many people having social media access to a smart channels available phone we can now to everyone.” take a few minutes to photograph In terms of the benefits people the scene without drawing attention will gain from taking part in one of to ourselves. Just by noticing the the Mind’s Eye sessions Paul says things around you and their unique there are plenty. beauty allows you to pause in your “Our aim is to support people daily life, taking time for yourself experiencing mental health and empowering you with choice.” problems to improve their quality Full details of all the services of life, try something new, meet others and regain some confidence. provided, community well-being and I have found photography to be my training programme can be found online www.westkentmind.org.uk place of solace in difficult times.

For more information on Paul “The idea is to reconnect with the Sanders visit www.discoverstill.com world through photography, with a

THE PANDEMIC AND MENTAL HEALTH Research carried out by the national Mind charity with 16,000 people, shows that more than half of adults (60%) and over two thirds of young people (68%) said their mental health got worse during lockdown

n

Many people developed new mental health problems as a result of the pandemic and, for some, existing mental health problems have got worse

n

Figures from the Office of National Statistics have found that rates of depression have doubled during the pandemic

n

Almost one in five adults (19.2%) were likely to be experiencing some form of depression during the coronavirus pandemic in June 2020; this had almost doubled from around 1 in 10 (9.7%) before the pandemic (July 2019 to March 2020)

n

WHAT IS WEST KENT MIND? The positive mental wellbeing of people and communities living and working in West Kent is at the heart of what the charity which supports various projects including Paul Sanders new photography sessions My Mind’s Eye. The charity provides help and resources to people living with mental health problems to enable them to get well, and to nurture and sustain their mental health. Through a network of counselling services, support groups, training, partnerships and opportunities West Kent Mind equips people with the tools they need to stay well, to maintain their own mental health, and to support others.

If you are affected by any of the issues discussed in this piece you can call the Mental Health Matters helpline 0800 107 0160 or the Samaritans on 116 123 for 24 hour support.

SO Magazine | January 2021 | 23

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Education Guide

Have lessons been learnt from how the pandemic has impacted schools so far?

One of the key areas of debate during the coronavirus crisis has been centred around the effects it has had on our children’s education.

Here we talk to some local independent educational establishments about how they have coped through this unprecedented time and how they are formulating plans for the future

When Boris Johnson announced in March that all pupils - with the exception of those whose parents were key workers or deemed as ‘vulnerable’ – would have to study from home in order to help stop the spread of the deadly Covid-19 virus history was instantly made.

Never before had a government ordered schools across both the state and private sectors to close – not even during wartime.

GCSEs and A Levels were cancelled as teaching staff and students across the spectrum found themselves in an unprecedented situation, suddenly having to set up virtual classrooms at home in order to respectively teach and follow a limited curriculum online.

Many independent schools were quick to switch to virtual classrooms, teaching children remotely. They also welcomed back pupils earlier than the state sector thanks

Many independent schools were quick to switch to virtual classrooms, teaching children remotely.

to smaller class sizes and that they they were able to invest in game changing technology such as Covid-19 testing machinery.

Over the next few pages SO speaks to a number of leading independent schools about how they have fared through these testing times, what they prioritise in terms of children’s learning and what lies ahead for the future of primary and secondary education in a global pandemic …

A culture of kindness at Brighton College I

magine a school in which every child consciously sets out to love every other child they meet. Imagine the impact on a child’s self-confidence to know that, however quirky or awkward they might regard themselves, others still reach out to them, not just accepting their difference but celebrating it.

Imagine a school where awkward teenagers wrestling with hormones, identity and self-worth feel able to talk openly about whatever is on their minds. Imagine a

school where children achieve more than they could possibly imagine because they can be true to themselves, utilising every talent bestowed upon them.

In reality, we all know that no such school exists.

Schools are communities of imperfect human beings, capable of kindness and unkindness. But the best of schools can create a genuine culture of kindness but only by focusing with equal energy on both kindness and unkindness.

Schools must tackle

Marlborough House Head Eddy Newton

unkindness with the same energy as they promote kindness. Pupils need to know that systematic bullying is something for which they can expect to lose their place at the school.

They need to understand that unkindness is, at heart, a desire to diminish another human being.

Anne Frank, who died at Bergen-Belsen in 1945, wrote that “the sharpest weapon of all in life is a kind and gentle spirit.” Nurturing that spirit in our pupils is the single most important thing we do.

“Using ongoing tech we are able to effectively educate our pupils”

I

t was a wonderful feeling, being able to complete the whole Autumn Term with minimal disruption at Marlborough House. The normality of school every day was most welcome and it became apparent that the emotional stability of the children needed to be our number one concern.

As we have adapted to hybrid learning, teachers have become more varied in their approach, showing greater flexibility and commitment to children in different settings. For any remote teaching, the 30 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

challenge has been to make sure that pupils feel part of things while cooped up at home. Having a seven year old join a form assembly online, able to see their friends and take part remotely, has been more important than worrying about their maths tables or handwriting. Remote teaching also reminds us as a profession how children learn in different ways some children enjoy the independence, while others flounder without the teacher support that they have become very used to.

There is a stronger partnership between school and home

During the lockdown, at the start of the Summer Term, emotional support proved more important than academic progression, but it was gratifying to see that the Marlborough House pupils had lost almost no technical ground. Using Microsoft Teams ongoing, we are able to effectively educate our pupils and balance their involvement from home, while simultaneously keeping the parents in the picture.

There is a stronger partnership between school and home, even we see less of each other!

Education Guide

Reading, writing and technology... “How we’ve

T

he silver linings of lockdown learning have been multifarious for both teachers and pupils at Holmewood House School.

Our rapid adaption and delivery of Holmewood@ Home provision to ensure high quality learning for all our pupils during lockdown has not only allowed our pupils to foster their love of learning beyond the parameters of the classroom but has also inspired us to explore increasingly diverse approaches to enhancing

pupils’ learning.

This term, teachers and pupils have reflected on the key learnings of lockdown.

Pupils loved how remote learning blurred the lines

Our rapid adaption and delivery of Holmewood@ Home ensures high quality learning for all our pupils between subjects and skills domains and facilitated a wide array of different approaches to showing what they know. Thanks to the rapid learnings of lockdown, pupils and teachers returned to Holmewood highly literate in a wide array of collaborative learning platforms such as Microsoft Teams. Such platforms have become central to our

provision and have enabled hybrid learning, with teachers skillfully catering to those in the room whilst also live streaming lessons for any pupils forced to stay at home.

Our pupils have had the opportunity to develop their cross curricular skills, from designing Macbeth- inspired potions in English, requiring them to harness their Shakespearean language, performance skills and technical video editing skills to scripting and filming a French weather forecast, making use of any props available to them to bring to life each weather phenomenon! Activities such as these have allowed every learner to grow their confidence when presenting, removed as they are from the live audience of a classroom setting through the prerecording of content. We have seen that harnessing the newly acquired digital skills of our community and thinking beyond the domains of the subject and classroom space delivers memorable learning experiences for our children.

New Ways of Learning “When the pandemic hit, most conventional teaching methods had to be shelved and everyone was forced to start ‘thinking outside the box’.

There is no doubt that technology has had a massive part to play and has enabled Hilden Oaks to adapt to a ‘blended’ learning approach - a mix between face-to-face and on-line learning. Although children are currently taught in their respective ‘bubbles’ they come together for virtual assemblies and other whole school events, using Microsoft Teams. It has also meant that should children need to self-isolate at home, they are still able to attend lessons, virtually, with their peers. The School has invested heavily in technology, making iPads available for each child, and upgraded laptops for every member of staff. The staff also receive regular Microsoft training in order to keep abreast with the latest software.

Children learnt to take more responsibility for their learning during lockdown and we are seeing a greater level of independence since they have returned to the

classroom. IT is playing a more prominent role in every lesson and pupils’ IT skills are highly developed. Pupils and staff have shown that they are exceptionally creative and hugely resilient. They know they can achieve anything if they put their minds to it.

Family is at the heart of Hilden Oaks and therefore it is no surprise that the school community has pulled together to support one another during this extraordinary time.

Keeping everyone safe has been a priority and communicating regularly with our families has enabled us to identify and support areas of particular need. Our small classes and excellent pastoral provision ensure that every child has a trusted adult they can talk to.

We are really proud of our School and particularly proud of everything we have achieved

during this time. Pupils and teachers have adapted, created and continued to deliver an outstanding curriculum and pupils have continued to make excellent academic progress. It is these achievements, along with our Values-based focus and family ethos that keeps us motivated and looking forward to the future.”

adapted to the new way of teaching”

M

eeting the needs of the age has always been our motto at Mayfield and 2020 has been no exception.

The lockdown in March saw the introduction of remote teaching for all our pupils.

Teachers used Microsoft Teams to deliver lessons, with girls logging in from the UK and abroad. OneNote Class Notebooks replaced the traditional exercise book, with girls being given resources and assignments electronically. Our PE department gave Joe Wicks a run for his money, and ‘Cooking with Ms Theobald’ became a regular feature, vying with ‘Saturday Kitchen’ for the girls’ attention. Returning to school in September saw all girls with laptops in lessons, enabling us to reduce our paper usage, and online submission and marking has now become the norm. Online collaboration tools

have allowed girls to complete project work and they have showed considerable prowess in filming, recording and photographing their work, which has allowed the creative subjects such as Drama, Music and Creative Arts to continue to flourish. During 2021, our refurbished Performing Arts Centre and new Media Suite will come on-stream and we are also expanding our Innovate Programme, which aims to introduce our Year 9 girls to the world of technology, and help prepare them for the changing world and their future careers. This year the girls have learnt how to use 3D CAD software and have designed tools and devices that could assist individuals with specific disabilities. They have used their creativity to produce everything from a bag hook for crutches to braille labelling systems.

Next year they will be focussing on applying coding to create environmentally useful devices – I’m looking forward to seeing their imaginative designs.

Annabel Bunce, Director of Studies, Mayfield School

One Note Class Notebooks replaced the traditional exercise book

Unlock the door to your child's future...

Virtual Tours Available with the Headmistress Please call 01732 353941 to book.

Limited plafocres available n 2021.

Receptio

Hilden Oaks

Preparatory School & Nursery 38 Dry Hill Park Road Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3BU

Hilden Oaks Head Katy Joiner

registrar@hildenoaks.co.uk www.hildenoaks.co.uk

SO Magazine | January 2021 | 31

“

Energy, creativity and a genuine love of learning.”

- TATLER

HOLMEWOOD HOUSE

Self Belief • Aspiration • Kindness www.holmewoodhouse.co.uk • 01892 860000 #NoPlaceLikeHolme

Education Guide

MINISTERS HOPE PUPILS’ STAGGERED START TO NEW TERM WILL RESULT IN FAR LESS INFECTIONS After millions of people were put into the toughest Tier 4 measures to try and stop the spread of coronavirus the start to the new year at school has been delayed for most secondary and college students

W

ith coronavirus infection rates escalating, a mutant variation of Covid now in full circulation and tougher tier restrictions, secondary school and college pupils’ return to class in England has been put back this month.

Exam-year students, in Years 11 and 13, did however go back to school as normal after the Christmas holidays, but the majority of secondary school pupils have started the term online.

The reason for the staggered return allows headteachers to roll out mass testing of children and staff this month.

But education unions are concerned about the logistics of setting up a mass testing programme and so criticised the Government for making a last-minute announcement at the end of last term.

At the time of writing, children in nursery and primary school were due to go back to class as normal this month alongside students in exam years, key workers’ children and vulnerable pupils in secondary schools and colleges.

All specialist settings and alternative provisions have also been advised, where possible, to prepare for full-

time on-site provision for all pupils from the start of term.

But the Department for Education (DfE) has said secondary schools and colleges offered remote education to all other students during the first week.

In a written ministerial statement, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said schools would be allowed to use an extra inset day on January 4 to prepare for the testing of pupils and staff at the start of the spring term.

Mr Williamson said: “This targeted testing round will clamp down on the virus as students return from the Christmas break and help stop the spread of Covid-19 in the wider community.”

The announcement came after Mr Williamson threatened legal action against Greenwich Council last month after it advised schools to switch to remote education for most pupils in the last week of term.

Council leaders in Waltham Forest and Islington – who had also advised schools to move to online learning for the last few days of term amid rising coronavirus rates – were told to retract their advice.

When he was challenged on his decision to threaten councils with legal action, Mr Williamson told BBC News: “By taking these measures in

secondary schools and colleges it means that we’re going to be able to maximise the amount of time children are in the classroom.

“And at every stage, we will take a robust and strong stance to ensure schools are open because as the Chief Medical Officer for England said that actually children are best in schools.

“It is the safest place for them to be. That’s why we continue to have a laser-like focus in terms of making sure children are in the classroom.”

Schools and colleges will now be able to offer students two rapid tests three days apart as part of the rollout of testing.

Testing is optional but strongly encouraged, particularly in areas of higher prevalence of the virus such as Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas. Consent will be required from the student or parent.

The DfE has provided guidance to schools and colleges on how to set up and staff the testing sites.

Armed forces personnel are supporting the initiative through planning with schools and colleges and ‘reasonable’ workforce costs will be reimbursed, it said.

In a written ministerial statement, Mr Williamson said: “Schools and colleges that opt in will need to provide a few members of staff to support the testing programme.”

Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union said the Government’s announcement on the last day of term demonstrated “ministerial panic rather than rational and responsible action” in response to the rise in Covid-19 rates among pupils.

“By taking these measures in secondary schools and colleges it means that we are going to be able to maximise the amount of time children are in the classroom”

She said: “Armed with a 30-minute training video, they are being asked to administer tests to adolescents – who may have their own views about what is quite an invasive procedure.”

Dr Bousted added: “The presence of year 11 and 13 pupils on the school site at the same time as the testing arrangements and procedures are being put in place will be extremely problematic.”

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders said: “We are very concerned about the feasibility of setting up a testing programme at the scale envisaged.

“We welcome the limited support we understand will be available, but this is a huge exercise requiring processes to be established and communicated, parental permission to be obtained, and doubtless innumerable other logistical issues to be overcome.”

Secondary school pupils have among the highest infection rates, but early findings from a study suggest that the proportion of pupils and teachers with Covid-19 mirrors the proportion in the local community.

Of the 105 schools in England in the survey, 1.24% of pupils and 1.29% of staff tested positive for Covid-19 between November 3 and 19, according to the Office for National Statistics.

At the time of going to press there were a number of reports in the media suggesting pupils may not go back as planned. But Home Secretary Priti Patel countered these by saying she had ‘no doubt’ that pupils will return to school in January.

SO Magazine | January 2021 | 33

ADVERTISING FEATURE

THE GALLERY

This year has been a tough and testing period for everyone in our industry. To have to close and re-open (three times now…) needs a huge amount of teamwork and planning.

In the first lockdown, I spent most of my time strategising how to re-open, with the main focus on the safety of our team and customers. I wanted to do this without compromising the quality of our service whilst keeping our environment as creative and inspiring as ever.

Communication within the team and between ourselves and our customers has been key.

The feedback we have had on all occasions has been overwhelmingly positive and, at the time of writing, the salon has had zero cases reported within the team or reported back to us from customers.

I am both grateful and relieved; we’re pulling together and weathering the storm.

Trading through the pandemic has taught me some incredibly valuable lessons. We are nothing without our team and our customers. Profitability has taken a back seat for me during this time as the safety of GET IN TOUCH: T. 01892 514 900 E. INFO@THEGALLERY.ME 34 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

everyone has had to take priority, hence halving our capacity within the salon while extending our working hours to still accommodate demand.

There has never been a time like it for me and The Gallery, when we have witnessed such amazing loyalty, good wishes and gratitude. Some, jokingly, have referred to us as the 4th emergency service and we really feel incredibly valued as a result. You only have to look at social media channels to see how important we are as a business and as a service.

Moving forward, not just as a business but as an industry – and this applies to businesses across all sectors; we have to take a few things from our experiences this year. The importance of listening, the requirement of clear direction and communication and most crucially, the value of our collective health and wellbeing.

I would like to say a huge thank you to our team and our customers for their support, love and encouragement throughout this testing time and wish them and all of your readers a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2021.

Health & Beauty

5

of the best face oils for keeping skin looking fresh this winter Soothe dry, flaky and blemish-prone skin with Liz Connor’s pick of the best cold weather skin boosters

I

t might seem counterintuitive to put oil on your face, especially if you suffer from acne, but many face oils have evolved from the gloopy, pore-clogging formulas of the past.

Now a skincare must-have, today’s oils tend to be cleaner, more refined and distilled with super nourishing ingredients, like rosehip and marula. Think of it as a superfood for your skin. Find the right oil and you could potentially balance out skin insecurities and create a healthy-looking glow, even in the depths of winter.

Whether you’re on the quest for firmer skin, a brighter complexion or better hydration, here’s our pick of the best face oils out there…

1.

1. Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil, £34, cultbeauty.co.uk Cult beauty brand Drunk Elephant’s feather-light marula oil packs a powerful antioxidant punch thanks to its high vitamin E and flavonoid content. The coldpressed formula sinks into skin beautifully, while Omegas 6 and 9 help moisturise and nourish skin that’s been dried out thanks to hopping between cold weather outdoors, and indoor central heating.

We found it was particularly helpful in

2.

reducing redness and blotchiness, creating a better all-round complexion.

2. Oio Lab The Future is Bright Oil, £62, myza.co New on our skincare radar, Oio’s brightening oil is supercharged with 15% vitamin C (derivative), which can stimulate collagen production to help reduce fine lines and boost radiance.

It has a dewy, non-sticky formula that’s great for people who hate the feeling of heavy oils sitting on their skin, but want a hint of glow beneath their foundation. It also contains a blend of milk thistle, borage, cranberry and wild rose seed oils that Oio say helps support the skin’s regeneration process.

3. The Ordinary Rosehip Face Oil, £6.93 (from £9), theordinary.deciem.com Face oils, notoriously, can be some of the priciest products in your skincare stash, but Deciem’s 100% pure Rosehip Seed Oil won’t break the bank.

Cold-pressed and organic, its hero ingredient is Rosehip Seed Oil, which happens to be rich in linoleic acid, linolenic acid and pro-vitamin A, which the bods at Deciem say can reduce signs of photo-aging.

4. Votary Super Seed Facial Oil, £70, votary. co.uk

4.

Votary’s hero oil regularly appears at the top of beauty editors’ lists, and for good reason too. If you’re looking for a deeply nourishing skin hydrator, this one is made using 22 different seed oils that help create the most radiant, ‘I woke up like this’ glow. Its gentle, plant-derived goodness is designed to work for skin that’s sensitive, in hormonal flux or unsettled – but of course, always test new products to see how your skin will react, before slathering them on. We also like that it has a very subtle, earthy fragrance that isn’t overpowering.

5. BeautyBio Radiance Facial Oil, £80, harrods.com If you’re looking to help prevent fine lines, this oil is a no-brainer for your Christmas wishlist. Also containing rosehip seed (yep, it’s having a moment) and vitamin E, the ultra-luxurious formula was a real treat to slather on stressed-out skin first thing in the morning.

Aiming to boost radiance, tone and texture, its other secret weapon is ‘brightening omegas’, which can help banish skin woes. It’s on the pricier end, but a few drops onto the palm and smoothed onto the face go a really long way, so a bottle of this will see you well into next year.

SKIN DEEP: these powerful products will help nourish and transform your skin

5.

3.

SO Magazine | January 2021 | 35

Men's Style

5 OF THE BEST MEN’S PUFFER JACKETS A padded coat is practical and stylish, says Katie Wright A sturdy coat that will keep out the cold is an essential in every man’s wardrobe, especially this year, when pandemic restrictions mean that many of us are spending more time outdoors.

Whether you’re walking the dog, stretching your legs at lunchtime or embarking on a bracing

Fatface Rigden Puffer Jacket, £89 In dark navy with large patch pockets and hardware detailing, this hoodless jacket is stylish and durable, and is available up to size XXXL.

Regatta Men’s Volter Loft Insulated Quilted Hooded Heated Walking Jacket in Ash, £79.95 (was £160) For the ultimate in winter outerwear, this quilted jacket comes with a removable battery operated heated panel in the back, providing more than two hours of warmth when you need it most. The water repellent outer and synthetic filling provide protection against the wind and rain, too.

M&Co Padded Jacket, £44.99 An affordable option for urbanites, this funnel neck jacket comes with three zipped pockets and doesn’t have a hood, so it’s ideal if you prefer to pop on a beanie hat.

Burton Dark Green Puffer Jacket With Recycled Polyester, £65 Thickly padded with cuffed sleeves for extra warmth, this puffer jacket is made with 45% recycled polyester and is available in six colours, from light grey to orange.

Mountain Warehouse Henry II Extreme Men’s Down Padded Jacket, £79.99 (was £159.99) Made from waterresistant fabric and padded with down filling, this all-weather jacket has been tested at temperatures as low at -30 degrees and can be squashed easily into its drawstring stuff bag.

36 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

hike, a puffer jacket is the ideal outerwear, offering maximum warmth without the weight.

Choose wisely – eschewing trendy prints and oversized silhouettes in favour of muted colours and classic shapes – and your padded pal will serve you well for years to come. Here are five of the best puffer jackets for men…

Happy New Year from Winkworth Tunbridge Wells…

0.75% +VAT sales fee* this January Plus Winkworth Tunbridge Wells are providing Virtual Tours FREE during the ongoing government restrictions.

Visit Winkworth.co.uk/tw/3dtour to see an example of our virtual tours

Hi, I’m Natasha Firman and I took over Winkworth Tunbridge Wells 1 year ago... and what a year to take on a new business! Despite the lockdown last March, I’ve been very lucky - I now have a great team and we have agreed sales on 26 properties since May 2020 when the first lockdown lifted.

What’s most important is that my clients are happy - please go to Winkworth Tunbridge Wells Google Reviews to see what they are saying about us. And by all means, find me at linkedin.com/in/natashafirman to see my background - the cornerstone of our values is to provide a professional service and to not cut corners, instilled in me through a 23 year long career in real estate.

If you are thinking of selling or letting in 2021, then please do call and I hope you will take us up on our New Year promotional sales fee of 0.75%+VAT, available until 31st January 2021. Giving a little back after such a tough year for everyone!

Wishing you all a safe and well New Year.

Natasha Natasha Firman MRICS Director of Winkworth Tunbridge Wells

For more information contact

Natasha on 01892 519600 or twells@winkworth.co.uk *Sales fee promotion on all properties over £500,000 instructed

by Winkworth Tunbridge Wells before 31 January 2020.

Culture

THE SINGER SONGWRITER WHO’S HITTING ALL THE HIGH NOTES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MUSIC CAREER

K Katie Kittermaster is a talented local singer songwriter who has toured with the likes of Olly Murs, Boyzlife and The Kaiser Chiefs. Here she tells Eileen Leahy about how she has channelled the negatives of the Covid crisis into something positive, by stepping up her own songwriting, streaming performances and releasing her first EP 38 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

atie Kittermaster may have only been writing and recording for a few years but already her stellar talent has seen her supporting the likes of Olly Murs, The Kaiser Chiefs, Rick Astley and Soul II Soul on tour.

But, as was the case for most musicians last year – famous or otherwise - getting out on the road and performing live has been blighted by the Covid-shaped curve ball we’ve all been thrown.

Happily though Katie has still managed to keep putting out new material including singles One of a Kind in September, The Problem in October, a cover of The Police classic Every Breath You Take in December and now her latest single Lukewarm Lover.

Katie, who is from Hawkhurst says she has been keenly supported

by BBC Introducing who scout for local talent both on a national and regional basis and has enjoyed a lot

of lucky breaks along the way.

Prior to releasing her new music, Katie toured with artists such as former X Factor star Lucy Spraggan, the hybrid band Boyzlife, made up of both Boyzone and Westlife members, and has also opened for Jools Holland, Olly Murs and Ronan Keating.

“I started singing from a young age; my first ‘public’ performance was aged three at Sutton Valence Prep School during the Christmas nativity, dressed as an angel,” she laughs.

Katie’s first proper exposure came at the tender age of 11 when she and her family were living in Dubai: “I was lucky enough to get asked to perform on morning television. From that appearance I was then asked to open the Global Gift Gala hosted by Eva Longoria and Ricky Martin which was attended by artists like Maxwell and 50Cent!

“I think this was the moment I realised that this is what I wanted to do. People often ask if I get nervous

but I can honestly say that most of the time I don’t. When I was supporting Lucy Spraggan and Boyzlife, at times it was daunting as the audience were not there to see or hear you and therefore it sometimes took a while to win them over. Performing to a chatty crowd can be quite hard but you quickly get a thicker skin!”

But then of course last March, just as Katie was on tour, lockdown happened but far from sitting around she says she got stuck into working and performing virtually.

“I was touring with Boyzlife when the initial lockdown was imposed and it was very disappointing not to complete the tour. But instead I used the time to do a lot of writing, collaborating, live streams and thankfully I got to perform at a couple of socially distanced events supporting The Kaiser Chiefs, Soul II Soul and Rick Astley at Tom Kerridge’s Garden Party events this summer; it was strange performing to cars!”

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Culture

Before the second lockdown was announced last December Katie was meant to be getting ready to tour with the popular pop group Scouting For Girls but obviously that couldn’t happen so instead she threw herself into getting her own material written and released.

Last month she put out a cover version of The Police 1980s classic Every Breath You Take and the reason for choosing this particular song is very poignant.

“I decided to do a version of this classic song due to my dad being in China. He is a headteacher in Chengdu and due to the ongoing pandemic and travel restrictions my family and I have been separated from him for almost a year. The last time we saw my dad was February this year. It is likely that the earliest we will see him is June 2021.”

Katie goes on to say that the song’s lyrics which include the line ‘I’ll be watching you’ have taken on ‘new meaning’ for the musician.

“The song has taken on new meaning to me as we continue to celebrate birthdays, driving tests, relationships and Christmas through FaceTime, which has been our lifeline, without dad here.

“It has been a very odd for sure. I know that many other people globally have much worse situations to contend with right now, but I hope my version of this song resonates with many who are missing loved ones.

“Dad last came back during Chinese New Year when the virus was taking hold over there. He did not return to

China until mid-February. We had no idea at that time that it might be a year and a half until we would next see him. I feel lucky that when he was here last January he was able to come on the tour with Brian and Keith (from Boyzlife) for a few days – that was very special.”

Yet although the family are currently separated Katie says that they stay in very regular contact.

“We all speak every day either on FaceTime or Skype.

Time differences make it difficult but my dad is amazing and very resilient, but I do see sadness in his eyes. We are focusing on him coming home for good in June – he has resigned as this is too tough especially for my mum It will be some homecoming for sure!”

On January 15 Katie is releasing another self-penned single called Lukewarm Lover.

“It’s a track about a relationship where the spark has fizzled out and both parties are bored but don’t know how to bring it to its natural conclusion,” she explains.

Lukewarm Lover will form part of Katie’s first EP Coming Home at Dawn.

“It was written almost entirely by me – some of the songs, I wrote when I was 15! More recently, I have been writing with other people which has definitely been a beneficial experience.

“Writing via Zoom was very odd to start with, especially if you hadn’t met the person face to face – but it’s become the new norm. I have written a couple of songs in the past few weeks which I cannot wait to release, but sadly

“I was touring with Boyzlife when the initial lockdown was imposed but I used the time to do a lot of writing, collaborating and live streams”

“I get a huge buzz from performing and it’s great that many fans have commented that my lyrics are relatable and have helped them in some way”

40 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

this will not be until the new year.”

Despite all that last year threw at Katie she still remains upbeat about the future and can’t wait to get back on stage.

“The first live audience was a few years ago at The Big Day Out in Maidstone. I hadn’t realise the size of the event and had never performed live before! Stepping on stage and singing to 4,000 people was quite a moment and one I totally loved.

“I get a huge buzz from performing and it’s great that many fans have commented that my lyrics are relatable and have helped them in some way.

Meeting the fans and selling my merch is always great fun – I will always remember selling my first t-shirt!”

In terms of who Katie’s idols are in the world of music, that’s simple she says: “If I could perform with anyone, it would be Ed Sheeran - every day! I love his writing and also his vocal.”

To find out more about Katie’s material visit /linktr.ee/katiekittermaster

WEB: www.brewin.co.uk/royal-tunbridge-wells CALL US ON:

01892 739 580

FIVE TIPS FOR INVESTING DURING UNCERTAINTY It may seem easy to remain calm and focused on your long-term financial goals when your investments are doing well.

But during periods of uncertainty, with the potential for market volatility, it can be tricky to keep your focus.

Here, we look at how you may still maximise returns and manage your portfolio, whatever the future holds.

1. STAND FIRM Periods of uncertainty risk prompting a knee-jerk reaction to sell investments and save in cash. But no matter what crises are endured, as the graph below shows, global markets at some stage undergo a recovery.

Selling during a downturn risks crystallising any losses and potentially missing out on a recovery. After all, as the old adage goes, it’s about time in the market, not timing the market, when it comes to long term gains.

2. LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES The price of some investments may remain depressed, even with the hope of a sustained recovery from the pandemic on the horizon. However, if you use a wealth manager, they will be using their expertise to seek potential for profit on your behalf.

There may be opportunities in specific sectors, such as technology and the companies of the future, as the impact of Covid-19 has changed the way we work and live our lives.

Source: Brewin Dolphin

3. BE PATIENT WHEN IT COMES TO DIVIDENDS Many of the UK’s biggest companies have reduced or stopped paying dividends to shore up their balance sheets during the pandemic. This could have had a dramatic impact on your income if you are relying on shares for payouts.

The value of investments and any income from them can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. If you invest in currencies other than your own, fluctuations in currency value will mean that the value of your investment will move independently of the underlying asset.

Opinions expressed in this document are not necessarily the views held throughout Brewin

CONTACT:

Dolphin Ltd. This information is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. No investment is suitable in all cases and if you have any doubts as to an investment’s suitability then you should contact us. The information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness.

No-one can be sure when companies will restart or increase dividend payments. But if you have carefully invested in those with plenty of cash on their books and the potential for gains when life returns to a more normal state, be patient.

4. CONSIDER READY-MADE PORTFOLIOS It can be tricky to know which mix of investments is best for long-term returns.

Plenty of wealth managers offer ready-made investment portfolios across a range of risk spectrums, so you know you have a balanced portfolio without having to do the work yourself. They will have a sensible mix of investments, although ensure you are comfortable with your risk category and what you hold.

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

VAT number: GB 690 8994 69

Graeme Hayden • Graeme.hayden@brewin.co.uk • Tel. 01892 739580 Louise Shaw • Louise.shaw@brewin.co.uk • Tel. 01892 739580

5. SPREAD RISK During uncertain times, diversification is more important than ever. This means spreading portfolios across a wide range of assets, including cash, fixed interest and shares, across global markets, so that if one area performs poorly, gains elsewhere should make up for it. While volatility and uncertainty may be high in difficult times, markets move beyond this and investors can still benefit from companies with strong balance sheets and potential.

No-one can know with any certainty what lies ahead. However, a wealth manager may give you the assurance that events are being closely monitored and appropriate steps will be taken to protect your wealth.

Food & Drink

“What you eat shouldn’t just provide nutrients and energy, but nourish the whole body, mind and soul” Helen Ford is a qualified nutritionist who is determined to spread the message that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring – in fact quite the opposite as she tells Eileen Leahy

PHOTOS © Rose Bainbridge

42 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

T

Food & Drink

health expert Marilyn Glenville at her raditionally this is practices which are based in the time of year Tunbridge Wells and London’s Harley where we decide to purge ourselves after Street.

“For the last 17 years or so I’ve an indulgent worked my way up to Head seasonal period Nutritionist at The Glenville Nutrition where we’ve eaten Clinic. I specialise in women’s health, rich, gastro goodies supporting women from fertility that leave us feeling a few pounds through to the menopause and heavier – and with a few less in our everything in between. purses.

“I started working with Marilyn in But there is another way to eat 2004. It’s funny looking back because I healthily without missing out in the was only 29 and supporting women on taste stakes – or giving up after a few their hormone and health journeys, days, according to local nutritionist thinking that the menopause was a Helen Ford.

“I come from a family of foodies and lifetime away for me. Now I’m 45, peri-menopausal and working in the eating well and cooking together has best possible place!” always been key,” says the Helen says that her main mother of two. role is working in the “From an early age, I “By the end of clinics, although due to was really interested in Covid-19 she is food and health. I my virtual healthy currently working studied Food and eating sessions, viewers from home and Management at will be educated and running Zoom university in Brighton consultations. and was then offered a inspired to get into “My clinic days are place at The Institute of the kitchen” busy and so fulfilling, Optimum Nutrition, seeing both new patients graduating in 2000 with a and lots of lovely loyal followdiploma in Nutritional up ones too who have been with me Therapy,” explains Helen. for 17 years. Pre Covid I would also But instead of going down the usual run events with Marilyn but these – and often unsustainable - calorie have now become specialist webinars.” counting career route, Helen has Helen also gives talks locally, writes always insisted through her work as a for local and national press and often nutritionist that eating healthily is appears on BBC Radio Kent offering achievable - and something that can her expert advice and has recently easily become part of your lifestyle. started her own company Helen Ford “I love helping people to achieve the Nutrition which she does in tandem best of health through realistic dietary with her Glenville Clinic work. changes. For those who know me, I’m And although all her work has had not radical in my approach to to switch to virtual sessions over the nutrition, and always make sure that last ten months, Helen says that what I recommend is sustainable. lockdown has actually had its benefits.

“I see so many people who are on “I think it’s allowed people to reflect very restrictive diets and as a result and focus on what’s important in life. I are pretty unhappy. I’m such a was running healthy eating cookery passionate foodie and although workshops and classes before nutrition is core, I firmly believe that lockdown and the initial frustration of what you eat should not just provide not being able to offer them, has now nutrients and energy, but nourish the turned into a new venture of online whole body, mind and soul.” workshops.

Helen’s journey into working as a “All this amazing technology we nutritionist started 20 years ago at The Women’s Nutritional Advisory service, have access to has made me realise that I can run my classes and people which specialises in female health. can join in from the comfort of their She then moved to work within a own homes.” multi-disciplinary team of health Helen says that her own specialist practitioners at Boots the Chemist cookery classes, which will run within their Wellbeing centres before remotely for the foreseeable future, all joining the world-renowned female

HELEN’S HOT SUPERFOODS FOR 2021 I think we have all got a little too fixated on so called ‘Superfoods’ like goji berries, spirulina, wheatgrass but actually most foods have some therapeutic benefits. My top three are: Porridge oats couldn’t be a simpler, traditional grain but they are amazing for digestive health, balancing blood sugar, lowering cholesterol and supporting a healthy immune system Berries are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants for immune health, skin health and a healthy cardiovascular system Dark green leafy veg (my absolute favourite being Cavolo Nero) again, packed full of magnesium and calcium, fibre and folic acid carry a particular theme ranging from menopause and hormones to healthy snacks, breakfast ideas and how to create delicious super salads.

“This will enable people to choose the class which is most relevant to them. They are packed full of nutritional information so by the end of the session, viewers will be educated and inspired to get into the kitchen.

Helen adds that she also offers one-to-one cookery classes for those who want a more bespoke approach.

“I run what I call full ’Kitchen Detoxes’, similar to a wardrobe one but with food instead of clothes! I help people navigate what they already have in the fridge or cupboard and guide them through better options and make food shopping more enjoyable and therefore reduce food waste too.”

Although Helen has had to adapt her relatively new business model due to the pandemic and communicate with her clients via technology instead of a consulting room, she remains upbeat about the position she now finds herself in.

“There are pros, particularly at the moment, because I’m able to do my own classes from home which fits around the school runs and my

Glenville clinic work. The cons however are trying to juggle family life, an adorable new puppy called Chilli, my work and achieve the right balance - for everyone!”

Given the amount of new clients Helen is taking on herself and the fact she is still running popular Zoom consultations at Glenville Nutrition in Tunbridge Wells she seems to be achieving that balance.

“The Zoom consultations actually work incredibly well with all of our patients saying they enjoy the process.

They can do it from home - in their PJs if they wish and they are not wasting time travelling to an appointment.”

And as it’s now the new year, and hopefully the start of a brighter post pandemic future, what does Helen hope to achieve in 2021?

“I want to inspire people to feel confident in the kitchen and learn how certain foods can balance hormones, reduce anxiety, support bone health, improve energy levels and so much more.

“Food is always first and foremost on our journey to better health and making small steps can have the biggest rewards. Because the classes/ workshops are offered remotely, it means I can reach a wider audience which is so exciting.”

Helen says that she is currently writing a cookery book – with a difference: “It will be moving away from the traditional macro counting of carbs, fat and protein and instead will focus on the nutritional benefits of each dish.” It sounds like the perfect recipe for sustainable success . . .

Contact info: www.helenfordnutrition.co.uk Instagram helenfordnutrition

“Food is always first and foremost on our journey to better health and making small steps can have the biggest rewards” SO Magazine | January 2021 | 43

Food & Drink

We should all be working towards a more plant-based diet.

Now, I’m not suggesting we need to cut out meat and fish entirely, but we generally consume too much meat in our Western diets. So try the following: n Aim for two meatfree meals a week, using natural substitutes including tofu, beans and pulses, rather than some of the more processed meat substitutes n Swap meat for Puy lentils in a bolognaise

or shepherd’s pie, to increase plant protein.

This is also a great way to encourage children (and adults!) to eat more pulses Drink more water - so many people really struggle with this. Start the day with a large glass of water with fresh lemon and perhaps some grated ginger. Natural flavour can also be achieved by adding berries, lemon, lime and mint.

Don’t forget that herbal teas also count to your aim of drinking at least six to eight glasses a day

n

HELEN’S MENU FOR EATING WELL ALL YEAR ROUND What top tips can you give us for eating well?

Cook from scratch whenever you can: People get fixated by ‘clean’ eating but to my mind ‘clean’ eating is simply knowing what you are putting into your body, rather than cutting every conceivable food group out

“I want to inspire people to feel confident in the kitchen and learn how certain foods can ce balance hormones, redu alth, anxiety, support bone he improve energy levels and so much more”

Meal planning: this can be very useful to help keep you on track and reduce food waste Try one new recipe each week: to keep you and the whole family inspired… I get lots of my recipe inspiration from Waitrose, Jamie Oliver, Anna Jones, Delicious and Olive magazine Always add some colour to your meal, whether it’s berries on your porridge, handful or rocket with your lunch

44 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

or roasted sweet potato with your evening meal.

We want to eat a rainbow because the brighter the colour, the more nutrients like beta carotene, Vitamin C and Magnesium Don’t label foods as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ because this leads to food guilt and obsessional habits ENJOY your food... it’s not just about fuelling your body, it’s about making you feel good and nursing the whole body, mind and soul Don’t miss meals... this can really interfere with blood sugar balance and increase our stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol. My general rule is to eat three meals with healthy snacks in between, i.e. oatcakes with hummus, energy balls (homemade if possible), apple and walnuts

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Your Questions Answered Tunbridge Wells employment law specialist solicitor Kate Lawson of Element Law provides advice to employer and employees on arrangements and rights in relation to working from home during COVID.

With so many of us working from home over the last month due to the varying restrictions, including during lockdown and in the tier system, Kate Lawson answers some key questions on this issue for employers and employees.

What are the health & safety duties of an employer for employees working from home?

The employer must take reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of, and to provide and maintain a safe system of work for, all of their employees, including those who are working from

home. Employers should undertake at least a basic homeworking risk assessment.

The Health and Safety Executive has updated guidance in relation to the protection of home workers which looks at issues around lone working without supervision, ways of reducing health risks associated with screen work, and mental health implications. ACAS has also introduced new guidance around working from home.

Does an employer have to provide employees with equipment to use at home?

There is no general legal

obligation on employers to provide the equipment necessary for homeworking.

Most employers have during COVID allowed employees to take home equipment from the office or provided employees with a budget to purchase work equipment to use at home.

Must an employer reimburse employees for additional homeworking expenses such as heating, lighting, phone and internet?

Again, employers are not legally required to reimburse employees for such costs. If an employer decides to reimburse employees for these additional costs incurred working at home during COVID, the employer may pay up to £6 per week free of income tax and NICs without the need to see receipts or records of expenditure. This exemption is only available for additional costs and would not include charges which the employee was paying for prior to working from home, such as already existing broadband contract charges.

With 20 years’ experience as an employment law specialist solicitor, Kate Lawson of Element Law provides effective and tailored advice to employers, including SME’s, professional partnerships and not-for-profit organisations, and to employees, taking care to understand their specific situations and needs. Kate also provides training to business owners, HR and managers on key employment law matters including homeworking policies and arrangements. You can also hear Kate’s podcasts on Employment Law matters by finding the link on her website – www.elementlaw.co.uk Kate can be contacted on 01892 516216 or katelawson@elementlaw.co.uk

What other issues are important in relation to homeworking arrangements?

During this extended period of wider homeworking due to COVID, there has been an increase in instances of employees being dismissed for gross misconduct associated with confidentiality and data protection breaches, so these areas are key to bear in mind.

Other relevant issues include the method and communication of monitoring productivity and output, whether proper rest breaks are being taken in accordance with regulations on working time, and specific measures required for employees with a disability.

An employer or employee making arrangements for working from home should seek advice from an employment law specialist. It is important for employers to have in place a homeworking policy.

Stay Home and Release Equity is this a way forward?

The last few months have seen such immeasurable changes in every element of our lives and the Equity Release market has certainly adapted to try and cope with the ongoing demand for applications.

Local adviser, Sarah Ferrell, has been speaking with an increased number of people who are concerned about their own finances but who are also looking at their properties as a means to helping their children financially as a result of the impact of the coronavirus.

So, how might Equity Release be a solution?

There are two “new” reasons why people may be considering Equity Release.

In order to be eligible for Equity Release you need to be 55. Many

MORTGAGES

people who have been furloughed or whose businesses have taken a downturn are worried about how they are going to continue to pay their mortgage. Whilst it is generally advisable not to consider Equity Release at too young an age, there are a number or routes available that will enable people to continue to service the loan and for those home owners over age 55 who are concerned about their ongoing mortgage and the affordability of this, Equity Release may be an option to consider.

Not only are people finding they need financial assistance for themselves but may retired people have seen their children struggle financially over the last few months and are looking at using the equity in their own homes to help their children.

EQUITY RELEASE

Whatever the reason for considering Equity Release it isn’t right for everybody. Many schemes allow ongoing payment of interest and capital and the long-term figures do not have to be as “scary” as many people think. This said, in many situations Equity Release will have a longer-term impact on the equity remaining in a property and should only be considered after seeking full advice as to the variety of routes available.

Sarah says, “I have seen Equity Release do so much good for so many clients however I have also spoken to people who have entered into schemes without seeking appropriate advice and have been confused”.

In Sarah’s opinion somebody considering Equity Release needs advice, guidance and information that is relevant to their particular situation.

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With 27 years’ experience in finance and over 6 years specialising in Equity Release, Sarah takes pride in the time and care she takes with her clients. She is happy to visit your home and she is not just available 9-5, but will offer flexible times to suit her clients.

For more information or a free initial consultation, please call Sarah on 01622 631372, 07789 007447 or e-mail her at info@sarahferrell-equityrelease.co.uk

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SO Magazine | January 2021 | 45

Hypnotherapy

to hurt

(a bit)

Following the roll out of the Covid vaccine last month our resident hypnotherapist Karen Martin discusses the issue of needle phobias and suggests ways to overcome them

A

s we put a difficult year behind us and emerge blinking into the light of a new and better year, measures to immunise the population against the ravages of Coronavirus are under way. Given the heroic efforts of the scientific community to produce vaccines in a matter of months which would normally take years to develop, you’d think we’d all be rushing to join the queue.

But more than ten percent of us are likely to be quaking in our boots at the prospect. Needle phobia, or ‘trypanophobia’, is one the most common fears I have helped people to overcome and never more so than now.

And yet the use of vaccines has saved us from many of the most dangerous diseases known to mankind which damned our forebears to short and unpleasant

46 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

lives and often painful, lingering deaths. So having a vaccination against a deadly virus is a no brainer, right? Wrong. If you have a needle phobia, that is.

PHOBIAS MAKE NO SENSE The definition of a phobia is an exaggerated or unrealistic sense of danger which creates an overwhelming and debilitating fear.

It’s the lack of logic and reason that confounds most phobia sufferers.

Being terrified of the momentary discomfort of an injection makes no sense. Anyone who has been reduced to a gibbering wreck at the prospect of this simple, perfectly safe, commonplace medical procedure will be embarrassed and humiliated by their fear.

And I should know. I went to the doctor with a nasty bout of tonsillitis while on holiday in France some years ago expecting to be prescribed oral antibiotics.

When he got out a horse needle (it must have been at least a foot long), I instinctively backed away clutching at my arm. With an evil glint in his eye, he pointed at my bum. That is how I ended up whimpering in a corner with my jeans around my knees thinking I’d rather die than let that doctor anywhere near me.

I got over the tonsillitis but the trauma of that experience is etched in my memory. My reaction to being stabbed by a needle was purely instinctive. Luckily, because of some simple hypnotherapy techniques, injections are no longer a problem.

SURVIVAL INSTINCT Our basic need for survival is neurologically hardwired to protect us against any perceived threat. The trouble is, the evolution of the human brain’s defence systems hasn’t caught up with the evolution of science and technology and we’re still programmed to react as if living in primeval conditions. This can cause a few complications.

For example, the flight or fight response overrules logic or reason to enable us to react instantly, without pausing for thought, to a predatory attack. This accelerates our bodily functions and increases the production of inflammatory hormones. Not useful when you’re sitting in a doctor’s surgery with no man-eating bears in the vicinity.

This turbocharging of our senses and physical ability gives us the strength and energy to run or defend ourselves. Like a vehicle being driven at top speed, we overheat and our parts wear out more quickly. Luckily, our nervous system can counteract

TAKE

Hypnotherapy

CONTROL OF FEAR

There are some simple techniques to deconstruct those triggers, dissociate from the situation and desensitise the emotions to make the experience of having a vaccination tolerable (bear in mind, having a vaccination is never going to be a fun way to spend the afternoon):

“When someone wearing a white coat tells us something will hurt, we believe them.”

Think of a time or place when you were having an amazing time and vividly recall how that felt, focusing on memorable details of that positive experience. This can then be a ‘happy place’ to take yourself to while being vaccinated

n

Play a few bars of a piece of music you find empowering or sing the lyrics of something inspirational in your head. If it makes you smile like Miranda singing ‘Search for the Hero’ all the better. This is described as an ‘ear worm’ and is a powerful way to tap into confident emotions

n

When you feel panicky, take three long, slow, deep breaths and repeat the words ‘calm, confident and in control’ (or words to that effect) with each breath

n

this tendency but not without some equally uncomfortable side effects.

A nerve called the vagus connects our brain and body, affecting the functioning of our senses, vocal cords, heart, lungs, blood vessels and abdominal organs. As the vagus nerve calms down the flight or fight response, it causes our heart rate to slow right down, blood pressure to drop, waves of nausea and the possibility of fainting.

When the fight or flight response is activated in the waiting room and then the vagus nerve kicks in to slow things down, lots of needle phobics will faint as their blood pressure crashes from high to low. There are many different triggers for this seesawing between what are described as the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) parts of the autonomic nervous system.

A typical example of the needle phobic’s anticipatory anxiety about a vaccination goes something like this: from the moment an appointment is made is a roller coaster ride of panic symptoms, including heart palpitations and clammy hot and cold sweats. There will be restless nights, bouts of loose bowels and nausea and a sense of dread which disturbs sleep and fills every waking moment. These will increase in intensity as the day approaches.

TRUST ME, I’M A DOCTOR Medics are trained to heal and managing the pain caused by treatment is a secondary priority.

Also, they often use medical jargon and language which doesn’t take into account the emotional impact on their patients. There is little training in what’s euphemistically described as

‘bedside manner’ and busy doctors and nurses may not always have time to show empathy and understanding of a needle phobic’s terror.

Interestingly, these days dentists are somewhat better in that regard because their effective management of anxiety and pain makes it much easier and quicker for them to treat worried patients. Most dental phobics I see are older and have experienced more brutal dentistry in childhood.

There is much that could be done through training in use of language and how to communicate with patients which would improve the experience of painful medical treatment. When someone wearing a white coat tells us something will hurt, we believe them. If they say ‘this won’t hurt much’, we don’t believe them because they’ve just told us something will hurt and our unconscious mind fixates on that without caring how much!

Clinicians will often describe an injection as a ‘sharp scratch’. That description would make anyone wince and tense their muscles which then causes more resistance and discomfort as the needle goes in. This is described as the ‘fear, tension, pain cycle’ and is one of the reactions that increases pain in childbirth, for example.

In any event, injections of any kind are rarely that painful and needle phobics will report that pain is not the problem. Like any phobia, their fear is irrational, illogical and defies any reason. It may be triggered by memories of circumstances or environments which are associated with the fear. This can lead to a fear of the fear and its symptoms as the sufferer recalls feelings of panic and lack of control.

Swipe any tendency to overthink out of your mind just like you’d swipe something off the screen of your phone (or swipe left on a dating app).

n

If the vaccination is in your left arm, focus your attention on your right arm (or your big toe or any other part of your body which isn’t having a needle stuck in it)

n

There are various other hypnotic techniques which, with a bit of practice can rid a needle phobic of their fear so they can have life-saving treatment and protect others from contagion. The survival of millions depends on all of us being vaccinated at the earliest opportunity. This is the fastest and most effective way of stopping the Covid pandemic in its tracks. With such high stakes, it’s in all our interests to suffer the momentary discomfort of a little prick.

HOW TO GET IN CONTACT WITH KAREN: www.hypnotherapykent.co.uk karen@hypnotherapykent.co.uk

Karen Martin Hypnotherapist

SO Magazine | January 2021 | 47

A Different Approach...

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Interiors

Photography by Nina Callow

INTERIOR MOTIVES

Rachael Hale made the most of 2020. While most of us hunkered down and wished the year was over, Rachael was busy gaining a City & Guilds qualification in interior design and launching herself as a freelance home interiors business writer. Nicci Kimmel talks to her about renovations, doing what you love and the rewards of working with local businesses How did being a home interiors business writer come about?

I’d been a freelance article writer for nine years and found the experience a bit like dating; you get to know someone really well but then, once the article is published, you don’t talk anymore. You feel like you’ve got to start over. I grew up surrounded by my parents’ renovation projects and have been hooked on houses and everything related to them ever since, so it was the obvious direction to choose.

Who doesn’t want their day job to be about something they really enjoy?

Now I work directly with local businesses, build relationships with them and help them on a long term basis. In 2021 this will be more

important than ever as the pandemic has hit the home interiors sector hard, and many wonderful businesses are really struggling to be noticed.

What sort of businesses do you work with?

Anyone with a link to home interiors.

They range from architects, designers, builders, decorators, furniture makers, craftspeople. This industry is full of talented people who are brilliant at what they do, but many of them don’t know much about how to market themselves or to use a website effectively. Now more than ever, everything is online and if you don’t have a strong online presence, you’re likely to get left behind. Websites have had to become showrooms. So, my

“The most enjoyable thing about working in the world of interiors is helping local businesses raise their profiles and attract new customers”

main aim is to make it easy for businesses to promote themselves, to take the strain away so they can focus on keeping clients happy.

What services do you offer?

Blogs posts, web pages, testimonials, houzz profiles, case studies... Making content search engine friendly is particularly important as it makes your website more visible; it’s all very well having lots of great posts and pages but if the Google bots can’t find it, nor will your customers! I’m currently working with Helen McClure of At Home by Design, an interior designer who was previously a journalist. She specialises in designing for expats, something that has its own unique challenges. Obviously she could write SO Magazine | January 2021 | 49

Interiors

established professionals to gather their experience and advice on working in the industry for those still learning. The first is with Holistic Design What do you enjoy expert Phoebe Oldrey most about what “I grew up of Smart Style you do? surrounded by my Interiors. I’m on the It’s a fantastic job. I parents’ renovation lookout for other get to spend time projects and have been industry figures to visiting houses and feature, so if anyone talking to business hooked on houses and is willing please get in owners, seeing their everything related to touch with me! The work and learning them ever since” most enjoyable thing about their passions though, is helping local and goals. People’s businesses raise their profiles motivations are endlessly and attract new customers; seeing interesting. I’m also really excited about a new series of posts I’m writing them gain the recognition they deserve is incredibly rewarding. for my own website, working with posts herself, but I’ve been able to help her with SEO and allowed her to focus on her clients.

TOP INTERIORS TRENDS FOR 2021 It’s not just businesses that get revamped in the new year, our homes do too. In the running for this year’s top predicted trends are: Cottagecore - If you can’t go outside as much as you like, bring the outdoors in! This trend sees our homes filled with plants; real, faux and printed all over our soft furnishings.

Dried flowers - Love nature but lack a green thumb? The dried flower craze is perfect for you.

Dip into colour - Dark green walls, deep blue kitchens and, of course, the Pantone colours of the year ‘Illuminating’ (yellow) and ‘Ultimate Gray’.

Macrame - Wall hangings, lamp cords, coasters and plant holders will all add texture and interest to you home. So, grab a kit and get knotting!

Roof lanterns and windows - Bring the light in with these features that are bound to add a touch of ‘wow’ and lift your spirits on darker days.

How to get in touch with Rachael: www.homeinteriorswriter.com rachael@homeinteriorswriter.com 07885 055169 Insta – @homeinteriorswriter 50 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

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Travel

Scotland top staycation

When we are finally able to travel freely Scotland will be a great escape says Sarah Marshall

N

avigating local restrictions is proving to be a headache for planning holidays. But anyone considering a staycation for 2021, can look forward to open spaces and guaranteed social distancing in Scotland.

The country is geared up for Covid-era travel, with natural attractions lending themselves to a new desire for freedom and wilderness. Even cities have ramped up their pandemic game, with businesses adhering to government safety standards given a stamp of approval. The ‘We’re Good To Go’ logo has been designed to offer travellers greater peace of mind.

As travel slowly rebuilds, escapes close to home will have great appeal. Here are a few reasons why Scotland might be your first port of call.

52 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

URBAN ESCAPES CAN STILL BE SAFE

City breaks will undoubtedly look different in 2021, but sticking to restrictions doesn’t mean you need to miss out on all the fun. Edinburgh hotel The Balmoral (roccofortehotels. com) has launched a series of inroom dining experiences called The Curfew Club, available to diners after 10pm. Enjoy a movie night accompanied by a cinematic menu or join a virtual whisky tasting with the hotel’s Scotch ambassador.

AL FRESCO DINING CAN BE AN ALLWEATHER ACTIVITY

Outdoor dining has become a safe solution for guaranteeing social distancing and maximum space. To accommodate unpredictable Scottish weather, many hotels have introduced heated pods and domes.

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focus, giving us more time to concentrate and appreciate the beauty of wild and undeveloped places. Anyone actively seeking to make a positive contribution to the environment can participate in a range of volunteering opportunities available in Scotland.

Trees For Life (treesforlife.org.uk) offer Conservation Weeks, allowing participants to help WILD SWIMMING preserve the ancient Caledonian CAN BE A DAILY Forest. Working holidays PURSUIT with The National Trust The absence of foreign for Scotland (nts.org. holidays hasn’t uk) offer the chance stopped people to live and work in jumping into rivers “The country is some of the most or the sea; in fact remote places in it’s made them geared up for Scotland, while embrace cold water dips even more Covid-era travel” making a real difference to the enthusiastically. country’s natural Scotland is fringed by heritage. white sand beaches, easily mistaken for the tropics – even if temperatures tell a THERE’S ALWAYS different story; inland lochs and TIME FOR A TIPPLE streams are safe enough for a Early in the pandemic, many paddle. For beginners, guided wild distilleries switched to making swimming adventures can be a sanitisers, many of which can be great option: local operators include found in hotels and restaurants Soak Up Skye (toursbylocals.com) across Scotland. Find out how on the Isle of Skye, SwimWild Scotland’s first carbon neutral gin (swimwilduk.com) in the Highlands and vodka are made by visiting and Immerse Hebrides the new The Arbikie Distillery (immersehebrides.com) in the Experience (arbikie.com/visit) in Outer Hebrides.

Angus, which opens in 2021. At the top end of the country, there’s a chance to savour the UK’s most IT’S A GOOD PLACE northerly dram at 8 Doors TO GIVE BACK TO Distillery in John O’Groats. The NATURE whisky on offer was inspired by The pandemic has pulled the the legend of Jan de Groot. importance of nature into sharp com) in Aberdeenshire offer an Under The Stars experience in their transparent domes, providing a clear view to the night sky. Fonab Castle (fonabcastlehotel.com) in Perthshire have also gone for a scenic approach, by dotting pods strategically around the estate, which looks over Loch Faskally.

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BEAUTIFUL CONVERSIONS, RESTORATIONS AND NEW BUILDS BEAUTIFUL CONVERSIONS, RESTORATIONS AND NEW BUILDS

Get in touch Gettoday in touch to talk today to us to about talk toyour us about project: your project: 01580 857718 01580| 857718 07587 272928 | 07587| 272928 mike@phoenixdc.co.uk | mike@phoenixdc.co.uk | phoenixdc.co.uk | phoenixdc.co.uk 54 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

WELL-BEING

ADOPTING RESILIENCE THROUGH THE WINTER MONTHS:

Embrace THE

n Enjoy an early morning walk in daylight n Spend time in uplifting company n Listen to your body clock and retire to bed in the evening when it feels right to n Consume nourishing, warming foods and drinks n Take an adaptogen like Ashwagandha or Holy Basil to nourish body and mind. n Keep your immune system strong n Stay warm, wrapping up when leaving the house n Stay grateful for even the smallest things n Always remain hopeful

‘THINK POSTIVE’:

After a difficult year, many of us are looking for ways to strengthen our resilience and boost our positivity for 2021. Botanica Health’s Naomi Murray explains why nature can be a great healer and help when it comes to bolstering both your mental and physical well-being

R

eturning from a trip to Loch Lomond in Scotland I noted the adaptogenic qualities of the landscape around me.

Winter is coming. The hills were turning warming hues of orange and brown, snow caps the mountains, the nights are drawing in and the air is sharp and clear.

The plants are changing so they can survive and emerge again strong and bountiful. For many the winter months call for resilience.

When I think of the word resilience, men of courage like Louis Zamperini and Viktor Frankl come to mind.

Both are heroes to me. Their fortitude, endurance and attitude in the most dire of circumstances is so humbling.

I often wondered how Louis

endured the beatings, weakened from hunger and the horrendous dysentery in the Japanese Prisoner of War camps. But he did, and he came out the other side and lived to a ripe old age – even learning how to skateboard in his 80s. His story offers hope to so many who live with chronic physical and emotional conditions.

“People tell me, ‘You’re such an optimist’. Am I an optimist?” questioned Louis.

“An optimist says the glass is half full. A pessimist says the glass is half empty. A survivalist is practical. Call it what you want, but just fill the glass.

I believe in filling the glass.”

Viktor Frankl was a Holocaust survivor and reading his words leaves you aghast at the ability he had to somehow survive in the most inhumane conditions.

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves,” he wrote in Man’s Search for Meaning.

But it is not failure to struggle either. We are fragile beings and so we have to be kind to ourselves and others who find themselves in trying circumstances.

Like nature, which ebbs and flows, changes and adapts with the seasons, we too can adopt habits to be resilient and come out the other side.

The sun will come again but in the meantime we can embrace the change and love this new time of the year; the bright moss at the base of the trees, the beautiful lichen embracing the branches and the sight of little buds appearing. We can be encouraged and comforted by the constant of nature. www.botanicahealth.co.uk

“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.”

Robert Jordan (The Fires of Heaven)

Naomi Murray Co-founder of Botanica Health

SO Magazine | January 2021 | 55

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56 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

Motors

First Drive: Porsche Cayman 718 GTS 4.0 Porsche has given its Cayman GTS model a detuned version of the GT4 engine. Darren Cassey finds out if this is as exciting as it sounds…

WHAT IS IT? They say variety is the spice of life, and if that’s the case, Porsche’s 718 range is spicier than a vindaloo. That nomenclature refers to the Cayman and Boxster, Porsche’s ‘entry level’ sports car coupe and convertible.

The range mixes and matches engines and equipment so you can get everything from a (relatively) slow, more affordable model, to a hardcore, track-focused GT4. In between, there’s a little pick ‘n’ mix so you have options whatever your needs, in theory.

So what we have here is the new 718 Cayman GTS 4.0. It gets the GT4’s engine but in a more road-focused package. Disappointing compromise on performance, or the sweet spot in the range? There’s only one way to find out.

WHAT’S NEW? On paper, it’s an intoxicating recipe. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox – Porsche is great at these – and a sports exhaust system so the soundtrack matches the pace.

Then you get Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which also drops the ride height by 20mm, as well as Porsche Torque Vectoring, a mechanical limited-slip rear differential, stability control, and active drivetrain mounts. It all sounds impressively performance-focused.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET? This being a 718, the engine actually sits in the middle of the chassis, just behind the driver. The 4.0-litre unit has been detuned compared with its use in the GT4, but it still makes a heady 394bhp. That makes it good for a 4.3-second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 182mph.

It’s a six-cylinder boxer engine and it sounds utterly fantastic through the sports exhaust. In the mid-range there’s a guttural bark that gives the GTS an aggressive character, but spin round to the 7,800rpm and this gives way to a more refined roar that makes you want to hit the redline on every shift.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE? The first thing that hits you is that, in a straight line, it doesn’t feel particularly fast. In the modern era, 394bhp isn’t gut-punch-quick, but that’s almost a relief. It falls under the headline of ‘more than fast enough’ and allows you to truly make the most of the GTS’s handling abilities.

The control weights are all perfectly judged.

Every shift is satisfying to slot home and the clutch bites with smooth accuracy even when pressing on, but the highlight is the throttle pedal which has enough resistance to make minute adjustments mid-corner easy.

The gearing is still a little too long – you’ll hit licence-bothering speeds long before you need to shift up from third – but at this performance level it’s less frustrating than in some other 718 models. In Sport mode, downshift auto blips are perfect every time and contribute to the feeling that this car is beautifully judged for road driving.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE? Drop into the cabin and it’s typical Porsche quality.

There’s an unmistakable air of subtle class – nothing too fancy, just great materials and subtle design.

There are no digital dials yet, just an old-school tachometer in the centre of the instrument binnacle that makes it easy to know when to upshift.

The wheel is the perfect size, too, and the driving position is spot on. However, taller drivers might find longer distances a little uncomfortable. That being said, it’s far from claustrophobic, with two passengers able to travel without constantly bumping elbows.

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model as tested: Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 Price as tested: £74,343 Engine: 4.0-litre sixcylinder boxer Power: 394bhp Torque: 420Nm Max speed: 182mph 0-60mph: 4.3 seconds MPG: 26.2 Emissions: 246g/km CO2

headlights and LED headlights. Inside, you get Porsche’s infotainment system with navigation as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alcantara upholstery, heated sports seats and a GT sports steering wheel.

Our test car had about £10,000 of optional extras fitted, including cruise control (£228), ‘Crayon’ GTS interior (£1,242) and LED headlights (£1,397). One option that was a little disappointing was the sound quality from the Bose sound system upgrade (£834), so it might be worth sticking with the standard equipment here.

VERDICT The Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 looks great on paper, but it’s even better from behind the wheel.

Losing a few of the GT4’s mechanical upgrades and aero trickery do nothing to dull the experience on the road.

It’s one of the most perfectly judged performance road cars we’ve ever driven, resisting the urge to go overboard with the power so you get usable pace coupled with unrivalled composure in the corners.

If you’re not planning to drive on the track too often where the extra cash for a GT4 is arguably justified, the GTS might just be the best sports car on the market right now.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE? The GTS 4.0 starts at £64,480, which makes it about £10,000 less expensive than the GT4 and starts to almost make it look like a bargain.

Performance equipment on top of that already mentioned includes six-piston aluminium brake calipers at the front and four-piston ones at the rear, Sport Chrono Package with drive mode selection, and dynamic gearbox mounts.

Styling-wise there are 20-inch alloy wheels, an automatically extending rear spoiler, bi-xenon SO Magazine | January 2021 | 57

Outside Edge

GREEN This month our gardening guru Victoria Truman celebrates how gardens continue to be places of inspiration and why evergreens help to create fabulous focal points During most of 2020 we witnessed the positive effect that greenery – and indeed green space - can have on our mental well-being.

When all we could do during the first lockdown, which lasted from March well into the early summer, was go for an hour’s walk outside, suddenly a stroll around a park or field became a true highlight of the day.

As the weather warmed up more and more people sought solace in their gardens too, no matter how small.

They became places of refuge – even though for many months we couldn’t actually visit a garden centre due to the coronavirus shutting all but essential retail down.

We’ve always been a nation of gardeners and that has never shone through more than in 2020 when even those who’d never picked up so much as a trowel before suddenly felt an enormous compulsion to turn their outdoor space into a thriving oasis of flora and fauna.

This positive connection with

the garden has certainly continued into winter with aforementioned garden centre and nursery sales still buoyant.

Talking of winter, I personally use this particular season as my planner for the next year so by the following summer I can relax in my garden, well that’s the idea anyway!

So this month, at the start of 2021, I thought it would be apt to write about the use of winter flowering shrubs in the garden because on a dreary, grey, winter’s day the smell of a viburnum, skimma or Daphne will lift the spirits and add another layer of interest and depth to any planting scheme.

The use of evergreen in a garden adds structure and colour all year round, and acts as the constant frame for the finer month’s blowsy borders. So, make those shrubs count and remember to add ones that boast great flowers and scent!

Try and plant at least three of any type together to give you the wow factor. Here are a few of my favourites: Edgeworthia chrysantha (paper bush) This gorgeous plant is closely related to Daphnes. It is most highly prized for its flowers, which appear in clusters on the tips of the bare stems, and open in late winter. The flowers have a strong scent which will help attract the toughest, winter insects, and when in bud the covering of silky white hairs makes them look as if they are covered in frost.

Daphne odora ‘Aureomarginata’ The scent of a Daphne is intoxicating so plant close to your front door. Clusters of small, sweetly scented, pale pink flowers open from purple-pink buds in January. Keep pruning to a minimum and it will thrive in a sunny, sheltered position.

Witch hazel: Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Diane’ & Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’ There are many witch hazels which

58 | January 2021 | SO Magazine

PLEASANT LAND

Victoria Truman Garden Designer

Jobs for January It might be cold outside, but there are still plenty of jobs to do in the garden this month. Here are the main ones: 1. Put your new-year enthusiasm to good use by cleaning pots, tools, water butts and greenhouses in preparation for spring. It’s not the most glamorous of tasks, but it will set you up for a great growing season 2. Start planning what you want to do with your garden in the months to come. Now is the time to order seeds and plants from the comfort of your armchair 3. Check your winter protection is still working for you – survey any stakes, supports and ties that might have been damaged in bad weather aren’t evergreen however they deserve a mention as they are superb winter-flowering shrubs – both for their scent and structure.

There are various colour of flowers to choose from but a couple of my favourites include Hamamelis × intermedia ‘Diane’ and Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Jelena’.

In winter, the Diane’s vaseshaped, deciduous shrub has clusters of sweetly scented, rich coppery-red flowers clinging to bare twigs. In autumn, the bright green leaves turn spectacular shades of yellow, orange and red.

This award-winning variety of witch hazel is a lovely specimen plant for a sunny winter border or woodland edge. The flowering twigs can be cut to perfume rooms in winter.

The leaves on the Jelena variety turn bright red and yellow in autumn and have fragrant, spidery

blooms in a rich shade of copperorange in January.

Sarcococca confusa With its jasmine scented, pure white flowers which are in bloom from December to March and its lustrous, dark green leaves this wonderful, winter-flowering, dense, evergreen shrub is perfect for a shady border or woodland garden. To fully appreciate the fabulous, fragrance plant close to an entrance or path.

Viburnum tinus Fragrant winter flowers and glossy, evergreen foliage, this is reliable and easy to grow, as is skimmer ‘Kew Green’ which flowers from March into May heralding the start of Spring with clusters of highly scented white flowers, perfectly suited for a shady border and woodland garden.

4. Continue looking after wildlife – put out food for hungry birds and continue to leave some areas of your garden uncut for shelter until the spring 5. Prune rose bushes –January is the perfect time to do this as roses are still dormant. Cut back to just above a bud and remove any crossing or dead branches 6. Cut back ornamental grasses.

Clip the old foliage from ornamental grasses before new growth begins – cut back to within a few centimetres of the ground 7. Tidy up perennials. Cut down the old stems of perennial plants like sedum– be careful of any new growth 8. Remove old hellebore leaves – this will make new blooms more visible as they emerge this spring 9. Cut back willows. Trim the damaged, diseased and the oldest stems of brightly coloured willows, and thin out overcrowded stems 10. Deadhead winter pansies.

Remove any faded flowers from your winter pansies to stop them setting seed. www.victoriatruman.com

SURGICAL RESULTS

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E: hello@bellavou.co.uk T: 01892 257357 W: www.bellavou.co.uk