So Tunbridge Wells April 2015 Magazine

Wheels Around the Weald Saturday 18th April, from 7.30am A 15 mile, 40 mile or 80 mile sponsored cycle for your local Hospice

Sign up now at www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk or call Sara for further details 01892 820586

Wheels Around the Weald Saturday 18th April, from 7.30am A 15 mile, 40 mile or 80 mile sponsored cycle for your local Hospice

Sign up now at www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk or call Sara for further details 01892 820586

SO T W

“DON’T CALL ME STUPID”

Model David Gandy on why he’s more than just a pretty face P ROBAB LY TH E B EST LO CAL M AGAZIN E IN THE WO R LD

BEAUTIFUL HOMES & GARDENS 84 PAGES of lifestyle inspiration

LONDON FASHION WEEK

WE REPORT DIRECT FROM THE FRONT ROW

loving later life DAME HELEN MIRREN AND HER STELLAR CAREER

THE CURLEW IN BODIAM “dining experience here is priceless”

RICHEST ROADS

ISSUE 85 - AP RIL 201 5

We reveal the most exclusive addresses in

APRIL 2015 £1.50 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK

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I

!

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I

Designers and makers of handmade solid wood kitchens and furniture for every room

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Please call for a brochure or visit our showrooms Unit 9, Chart Farm , Seal Chart Sevenoaks, Kent TN 15 OES Tel: 01732 762682

81 Calverley Road Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY Tel 01892 520730

www.rencraft.co.uk

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CONTENTS

HELLO HERE’S WHAT’S INSIDE YOUR APRIL ISSUE

30

THE CELEBRITY “As a model, you’re seen as a brainless idiot”

87

THE TRAVEL Exploring the exotic beauty of Vietnam

93

THE GUIDE Dame Helen Mirren, sharing memories and all your later life options

187 THE FOOD

117

Does Bodiam’s Michelin starred eatery live up to the hype?

Find out if you live in the Weald’s richest road

THE FEATURE

39

THE FASHION Our report from London’s trendiest front rows

135 THE HOMES

Making the best of your property this spring

208 THE MOTOR

The force is strong with the Mercedes-Maybach S600

STRICTLY TUNBRIDGE WELLS...

News – That's magic for Pembury boy Views – Cycle clash on TW pavements Local author brings history to life Calendar – Piano star comes to Frant Rocking the runway at High Rocks New Tunbridge Wells paper is a hit Why a legal mystery rests in TW

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By Appointment Ul Her Majesty The Queen Jeweller G Collins & Sons Limited Royal'funbridgeWells

C!Colltns & ---------路. ~.

~ons

---------

63 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, KentTN1 1XU Tel. 01892 5340181 Fax. 01892 510536

Email. info@gcollinsandsons.com I www.gcollinsandsons.com

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ONE MAN, ONE MACHINE. G.P.M.H.

SPONSOR AND OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER OF THE GRAND PRIX DE MONACO HISTORIQUE Untitled-5 2

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~. (!Collin~

&

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------------------路路-----------------63 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TNl lXU Tel. 01892 5340181 Fax. 01892 510536

Email. info@gcollinsandsons.com I www.gcollinsandsons.com

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NEWS

Tunbridge Wells

NEWS...

OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE LOCAL STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES

TOP DOG A Crowborough canine and her owner are celebrating winning ‘PAT Dog of the Year’ at Crufts. Marnee, an 11-year-old Golden Retriever, is part of Pets as Therapy – a charity which sends animals to visit people in hospitals, care homes and special needs schools. Marnee’s owner Noel Austin has been a volunteer for the charity for 30 years and together the pair

GYMNASTIC FANTASTIC

accepted the award, which was voted for by

Two Tunbridge Wells gymnasts have been jumping for joy, after winning gold in the

the public, at the Birmingham event. “Thanks to

MIAC (Maia International Acro Cup) world cup event in Portugal. Despite it being their

everybody who supported her,” says Noel.

first ever international competition, 11-year-old Hector Kinghorn (left) and 13-year-old Sam Large, who both train at the NDGA, fought off tough competition in the men’s pair

CIRCLE COMPETITION

category to be crowned the winners and presented with gold medals. “While this win

It really could be magic for one Pembury

is a phenomenal achievement, in many ways it represents just the beginning for Sam

schoolboy if he manages to play his cards right

and Hector,” says Head Coach Chris Rogers. “There are lots of exciting challenges

in an upcoming competition. Oliver Paice, 16, is

ahead for them and we must now work towards the European Championships.”

one of just seven youngsters who have made it through to the final of the Magic Circle’s Young Magician of the Year competition. “Around four years ago I got a little card deck for Christmas

Lion – Cathy enjoyed a glass of red wine and

and I found it quite interesting, so I looked

had her picture taken with landlord Dave Till.

into what else there was,” explains Oliver. “It

She hopes to have visited all 630 pubs by the

feels fantastic to reach the final – I didn’t really

end of June.

expect to get this far.” The winner will receive

CROWBOROUGH CRIMES Shopkeepers in Crowborough and surrounding

automatic acceptance to the Magic Circle upon turning 18.

areas have been warned by Sussex Police to

SINGING SADNESS

“keep their valuables locked away”, due to a

Those expecting to see the choir sing at St

recent spate of bogus charity collectors. Two

Mark’s Church in Tunbridge Wells may be in for

men, believed to be in their 20s and 30s, are

a shock, because the singers have been asked

Despite there being over 600 Red Lion

posing as workers for a disabled children’s

to hang up their robes. The choir, which has

pubs in the UK, one woman has made it her

charity, then distracting shop workers and

been based at the church for 150 years, is no

mission to visit them all – with a Rusthall

business owners before making off with

more, after its members were told they were

watering hole becoming her most recent

mobile phones, credit cards and cash. “We are

no longer needed, due to a shakeup when the

stop. After reading that it was the most

extremely keen to locate and speak to these

new Reverend took over. The singers bid an

common pub name in the country, Cathy

two men,” says Inspector Tony Wakefield.

emotional farewell last month during their last

Price, 55, from Lancashire set about drinking

“We would also advise people to keep their

performance at the church in St Mark’s Road.

in them all and has spent the past four years

valuables locked or hidden away and never left

It is believed the group were given the option

attempting to complete her challenge. During

in an easily visible and accessible place, such

to join in with the Sunday service chorus, but

her visit to the Rusthall local – her 537th Red

as the top of a desk or counter.”

many argued they “didn’t have enough to sing.”

LION TAMING

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LETTERS

SO

...AND VIEWS

THIS IS WHERE YOU HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR PART OF THE WORLD LETTER OF THE MONTH

anything would be better than the

TOPICAL TWITTER

ugly building site that greets drivers at present. Although McDonalds

Rachel P @archelina

are no longer involved, it would be

n Two 29 buses seem to have

a great move to introduce some

done their disappearing act

kind of eatery on the site, so I hope all the permissions are granted.

At present the A21 has very few

BELL BOTHER Twice in recent days I’ve been walking along the pavement on Mount

Wells and Lewes again. Where do they GO?

rest stops so it’s something that’s

Ash Benzaiten @ashpedantic

desperately needed.

n Someone just thanked a

GEORGE WILKINS, PEMBURY

bus driver. In London. Spot

Ed: Do you agree? What would

the Royal Tunbridge Wells

you like to see built on the site?

resident.

Dan Spracklen @ohlookitsdan

Ephraim and had a cyclist on the pavement ring their bell at me to tell me

SUSHI SADNESS

to get out of the way. Unless I’m very much mistaken, it’s them who are

Since moving to Tunbridge Wells

meant to be on the road, not me. Last time I checked I was entitled to walk

three years ago I have made a

along the pavement without a bell shrilling in my ear! Totally frustrating how

valiant effort to visit as many

these cyclists have no regard for anyone but themselves.

eateries as I can in the town

SALLY COOK, TUNBRIDGE WELLS

(mostly to avoid cooking). One firm

Ed: The trick is to get your own bell, then sound it whenever you see

favourite has always been Japanese

them on the pavements!

restaurant Kitsu on Victoria Road, so I was absolutely devastated to

TRASH TALKING

somewhere between Tunbridge

hear owners Ruby and Kai have sold up and moved on. Although I

n Today’s weather is beautiful #TunbridgeWells #sunny #dayoff Ned Alexander @Alexander_Books n @treeofhopecentr what a lovely place to rest your weary feet after a visit to Tunbridge Wells :) Laura @Blissful_laura n Woke up to an owl hooting.

We’re not in High Brooms any more Toto

If you share the anger and

understand the eatery will continue

frustration expressed in ‘Grumbler’s’

under new management, I’m

The Vineyard

letter (March) concerning the

not sure the Maki Maki will ever

@TheVineyard_H

shameful amount of litter in

be made quite the same again.

n Fact: Lamberhurst was once

our countryside and want to do

Though, of course, I’m willing to

a centre for the Wealden iron

something about it, then please take

give it my best shot!

industry, originally set up during

a look at

JON SPELDHURST,

Roman times.

www.letsdothisthing.info. It

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

is a petition for the creation of a

Lizzie M

Ed: Thankfully you won’t have

@ACaptainsWife

For the past 10 years I’ve been living

much needed and frankly overdue

to learn how to cook just

n @timesoftw Got it. Love it.

in Australia, so on my return to the UK

Government-run litter clean-up

yet, then!

#TWTimes #Impressed

I decided that rather than moving back

scheme. For the sake of ourselves

to the Big Smoke I’d have a go at

and others, let’s sort it out!

country living. Spring was absolutely

ALEX THOMSON,

the best time to come to Kent –

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

lambs and daffodils everywhere and

Ed: Let’s get rid of the litter

lots of nice National Trust properties

louts once and for all.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

to explore! Discovering So magazine has been a pleasure too; keep up the

Suzi Holland @holland_suzi n What a fantastic day in Crowborough at the South East @ParkinsonsUK local group participation event. Such inspiring #volunteers!

good work!

DRIVING FORWARD

LAUREN NORMAN, BY EMAIL

I know many people are opposed

Ed: Welcome to our part of

to the plans to build a drive-thru at

the world!

Blue Boys in Matfield, but I think

Why not tweet us yourself?

We’ll print our favourites @SoMagazines

Email jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk or write to us at SO TW, 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Please be sure to include your full name and address. Letters may be edited for publication.

APRIL 2015

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MODEL SHOWN KL38 - £27,971 * KRIEDER SHOWROOM- 3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN11YQ- 01892 619721 - info@krieder.com- www.krieder.com •price shown includes delivery, cabi net furni ture, appliances, work tops and VAT

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I<RIEDER Untitled-5 3

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NEW DISCOVERY SPORT NOW WITHIN YOUR REACH www.harwoods.uk.com

ABOVE & BEYOND

Available with 6. 9% APR Representative

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Representative example.

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Call Harwoods today and find out more.

Harwoods Tonbridge Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1TB

01732 353637 www.harwoods.tonbridge.landrover.co.uk Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the New Discovery Sport range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 38.2 (7.4)- 40.4 (7.0), Extra Urban 49.6 (5. 7)- 50.4 (5.6), Combined 44.8 (6.3)- 46.3 (6.1 ). C02 emissions 166- 162 g/km.

The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer's tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle's actual fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only. Representative 6.9% APR available on new Land Rover Discovery Sport models registered between 01st January and 31st March 2015 at participating retailers only. With Land Rover Freedom Personal Contract Purchase you have the option at the end of the agreement to: (1) Subject to the vehicle being in good condition, return the vehicle and not pay the Final Payment (ifthe vehicle is in good condition and has not exceeded the allowed mileage you will have nothing further to pay.lfthe vehicle has exceeded the allowed mileage a charge for excess mileage will apply- in this example 14p per mile for any excess mileage up to 4,999 miles and 28p per mile for any excess mileage exceeding 4,999 miles) (2) pay the Final Payment to own the vehicle or (3) part exchange the vehicle subject to settlement of your existing finance agreement; new finance agreements are subject to status.

Representative example is based upon an annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Finance is subject to status and only available to applicants aged 18 and over resident in Mainland UK and N. Ireland. This finance offer is available from Black Horse Limited trading as Land Rover Financial Services, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff CF10 SBH.

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-

LAND ROVER LAUNCHES NEW DISCOVERY SPORT

ABOVE & BEYOND

Land Rover has revealed the new Discovery Sport, the world's most versatile and capable premium compact SUV. The first member of the new Discovery family, Discovery Sport features 5+2 seating in a footprint no larger than existing 5-seat premium SUVs. Discovery Sport's progressive new design approach defines the new Discovery family with optimised volume, proportions and stance. Its design leadership combines with engineering integrity to result in a dynamic profile, the ultimate use of interior space and 5+2 seating configurability.

"Our challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility; the two attributes must work in harmony," says Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design

Coupled with supple long-travel

four-cylinder turbocharged petrol and

Director and Chief Creative Officer. "I'm

suspension, the innovative rear axle

diesel engines. Both the all-alloy Si4 2.0-litre

proud to say we've achieved that; Discovery

also ensures the Discovery Sport is

petrol engine and the 2.2-litre turbodiesel

Sport's dynamic design will resonate on an

comfortable, refined and rewarding to drive

feature stop-start technology, high-

emotional level with consumers, and this

on-road, while retaining the breadth of

pressure direct injection, low-friction

vehicle is more versatile than any other

all-terrain capability for which Land Rover is

internal components and smart

premium compact SUV on the market."

world-renowned. In fact, with approach,

regenerative charging for outstanding

departure and breakover angles of 25, 31

performance and economy.

This spirit of adventure is reflected in Discovery Sport's interior, which has been designed with customers at its core. It features high-quality materials and a strong

"Our challenge has been to combine premium design with exceptional versatility; the two attributes must work in harmony,"

vertical centre console graphic to reflect the premium design of the exterior, while the

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer.

core Discovery value of versatility is evident everywhere. Storage solutions are

and 21 degrees respectively, Terrain

integrated into the cabin and up to four

Response速 technology, and the ability

turbodiesel engine will join the range with

12V power points and six USB charging

to wade to 600mm, Discovery Sport offers

C0 2 emissions of just 119g/km*. Both

sockets can be specified for all three rows

class-leading capability in all conditions.

9-speed automatic and 6-speed manual

As with every new Land Rover, safety

transmissions are available, along with a

of seating, allowing multiple electronic devices to be charged simultaneously.

A host of innovations have allowed Discovery Sport to introduce the versatility

has been a key priority in the development ofthe new Discovery Sport, resulting in a first-in-class pedestrian airbag, autonomous

Later in 2015, a highly efficient ED4

choice of two or four-wheel-drive.

"Not only does Discovery Sport mark the introduction of the first new member of

of 5+2 seating into the premium compact

emergency braking, and a state-of-the-art

our expanding Discovery family, it also

SUV class for the first time. An all-new

bodyshell featuring both ultra-high-strength

brings the versatility of 5+2 seating to the

multi-link rear axle not only provides

steel and lightweight aluminium.

compact premium SUV market," says Phil

engaging driving dynamics but it also

This represents a fraction of the

Popham, Jaguar Land Rover Group

provides ample and flexible cabin space

advanced equipment available in Discovery

Marketing Director. "Discovery Sport's

behind the second row.

Sport, which also includes Head-Up Display,

versatility is a key differentiator. It is quite

an all-new 8-inch

simply the most accomplished vehicle in its

touchscreen

segment."

infotainment

Discovery Sport will be produced at

system, and

Land Rover's award-winning manufacturing

tilt-and-slide

facility at Halewood, Liverpool. It goes on

row-two seating

sale in early 2015 alongside the existing

for maximum

seven-seat Land Rover Discovery in over

interior

170 markets worldwide.

configurability.

At launch the Discovery equipped with

Call Harwoods today or visit www.harwoods.uk.com for

a range of

more information.

Sport will be

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20/03/2015 11:51

SO

INTERVIEW

“THERE WAS VERY LITTLE KNOWN ABOUT JOAN. SHE IS SUPPOSED TO BE THIS BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS BUT SHE SEEMED TO COME OUT OF NOWHERE AND I THOUGHT ‘WHO IS SHE?’” account records of expenditure, but there wasn’t anything so researching her was hard work,” says Penny. “There’s a lot of information about her after she became a public figure but nothing from before that time, so I spent a lot of time reading secondary material and looking through Government records which, thankfully, had been translated from Latin!”

Once Penny’s PHD was over in 2006, she

REWRITING HISTORY

returned to normal life, continuing to volunteer at the Samaritans and Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

When Penny Lawne of Tunbridge Wells took an interest in Joan of Kent, she never imagined it would lead to a publishing deal…

But it wasn’t long before she began to miss Joan, so she decided to turn her research into a book, landing a publishing deal a few years later with Joan of Kent, The First Princess of Wales.

ALTHOUGH SHE’D ALWAYS had an interest in history, after university Penny

enveloped by 14th century history.

“I was accepted to do the PHD because

“It took a while for me to pull it all together because when you’re doing research, you don’t

Lawne decided she would follow in her father’s

nobody had ever done anything on Joan of

focus on the background details,” Penny

footsteps and become a solicitor. After working

Kent,” Penny explains. “It’s a period I’ve

explains. “I had to decide whether to do an

in London, then moving to Surrey once she’d

always been very interested in but there was

academic book or something that would appeal

had her two sons, she eventually had her own

very little about her. She’s supposed to be this

to more people, but I decided to turn it into a

practice in Tunbridge Wells for a decade, so it

beautiful princess but she seemed to come out

historical biography because I enjoy them myself

wasn’t until she retired in 2002 that she

of nowhere and I thought ‘who is she?’”

and I thought other people might be interested.”

decided to return to her real passion.

For the next three years, Penny set about

While Penny is enjoying her newfound

finding out everything she could about Joan,

occupation as an author, spending time giving

did my first degree in English and History,”

who was the first princess of Wales and

talks in bookshops and promoting her work, she

Penny, 60, says. “When I retired, my husband

mother to Richard II. Joan secretly married at

isn’t sure she would put pen to paper again.

asked me what I wanted to do and I told him it

12 for love but was subsequently forced

was research, so that’s what I did!”

to wed the Earl of Salisbury - other adventures

another one,” she admits. “I thoroughly enjoyed

“History has always been my first love and I

“I haven’t decided whether I would do

included being kept prisoner in her own

doing the research but it would really be a

Masters degree while she was working, Penny

home and having a run-in with Wat Tyler.

question of which area I’d want to look at and

decided to further her education and apply to

However, despite her scandalous past, the

also who I’d want to focus on. Plus I have all

do a PHD at the Royal Holloway University. Her

research wasn’t without its complications.

these other things in my life that take up time!”

Having already completed a part-time

place was secured when she presented them with a unique idea and soon, her life was

18

“For somebody of that period you would hope to see personal correspondence and things like

Joan of Kent, The First Princess of Wales is published by Amberley books and costs £20.

APRIL 2015

SO TW_APRIL15_Interview_LocalAuthor.indd 2

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APRIL 2015

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EVENTS

SO

APRIL

CALENDAR 1ST SOCIETY SHOWCASE Come and see some of Tunbridge Wells’ finest artwork when it’s showcased in the town. Until April 12, The Royal Tunbridge Wells Art Society will be displaying their Spring Exhibition at 61 The Pantiles, including original works by professional and amateurs alike. Following on from the successful winter display, the showcase will include seasonal entries from local artists. Admission is free to the show, which is open from 10am to 5.30pm daily. For more information, visit www.rtwas.org

3RD TREAT TRAIL

3RD CRIME AND DINE

3RD STEAMING UP

Eggsplore the grounds of Knole this Easter when

Enjoy a meal with a twist, when

To commemorate locomotive no. 32678’s

they hold their Easter egg hunt on April 3 and 4.

Moneypenny Productions present a

75th anniversary on the line, Kent and

Those in search of chocolate treats can join

murder mystery evening. Held at the

East Sussex Railway are holding an

the ‘You’ll Never Believe it’ trail, where

Mercure Hotel in Tunbridge Wells,

Easter weekend of celebrations at their

participants take on the role of journalists who

guests will spend the night working

Easter Steam Up. From Good Friday (April

must spot what’s fact and what’s fiction

out whodunit over a three-course meal

3) to Bank Holiday Monday April 6, guests can visit the 135-year-old engine and ride

throughout the medieval grounds, before

as they turn detective. Dr Syn and his

being rewarded with a Cadbury’s chocolate

band of buccaneers will hold you

the tracks to Bodiam station where the

surprise at the end. Normal admission

hostage until you can discover who

steam trains will be joined by a collection

prices apply and the trail

committed the crime. The fun begins

of miniature traction engines. Usual ride

costs £3 to enter.

at 7pm and tickets cost £32.95. Call

prices apply. To book, call 01580 765 155

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole

0844 8159 074 to book.

or visit www.kesr.org APRIL 2015

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20/03/2015 15:14

SO

EVENTS

17TH TREAT TIME Give Mary Berry a run for her money and bake some tasty treats at Penshurst Place’s Spring Cupcake Creations day. Join a chef in the medieval buttery who will teach you how to make your own masterpieces. At the end of the class you’ll be able to take away six homemade cupcakes in a presentation box.

The session begins at 10.30am and lasts for two hours. Tickets cost £16 and are bookable at www.penshurstplace.com

8TH WONDERFUL WEDDINGS

10TH STAR APPEARANCE

17TH TAVERNA TALENTS Having performed all over the world, from

Spend an evening in wedded bliss at

Join TV actress Josephine Tewson on a

Salomon’s Estate in Tunbridge Wells, when

hilarious journey as she hosts a talk show at

Paris to Tokyo, critically acclaimed pianist

they host their annual Fabulous Wedding

the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks. Still Keeping

Alessandro Taverna is set to play a little closer to home when he brings his musical talents to

Showcase. Between 6pm and 9pm, enjoy

up Appearances? is set to be an entertaining

Champagne and canapés as you meet local

evening as Josephine regales the audience

Frant Church for a recital evening. Part of

suppliers who have everything on hand to

with tales of her time in TV sitcoms such as

their International Music Festival 2015, the

help make your wedding day wonderful.

Keeping up Appearances and Last of the

concert includes compositions by Beethoven,

Entry is free. To register your

Summer Wine. The show begins at 7.30pm

Debussy, Rachmaninov and Liszt and begins

attendance or for any enquiries

and tickets cost £10.50/£12.50.

at 8pm. Tickets cost £16 and are available at

call 01892 515 152 or email

To book, call 01732 450 175 or visit

www.wegottickets.com or by

reservations@salomons-estate.com

www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk

calling 01892 750 665.

22

APRIL 2015

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EVENTS

SO

25TH CREATURE QUEST Spend a weekend catching creepy crawlies and seeking out insects during Bewl Water’s Bug Hunt event. From 10am Wednesday April 25 and Thursday April 26, children can grab a jar and net and join in the hunt, where they’ll discover many different species. Throughout the weekend there will be kids’ entertainment, including a puppet show, fishing and craft activities. Normal admission prices apply. For more information, visit www.bewlwater.co.uk

22ND FLOWER FESTIVAL

25TH MONROE SHOW

If you fancy taking on a challenge this month,

Cancel that trip to Amsterdam and head to

See Marilyn Monroe as you’ve never seen her

then dig out that bike and get pedalling for

Ticehurst instead for Pashley Manor’s tulip

before and learn about her untimely demise in

Hospice in the Weald’s Wheels Around the

festival. Every Wednesday from April 22 to

The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe at

Weald day. Adults can choose the 15, 40 or

May 4 the garden will be open, boasting an

the Queen’s Hall Theatre, Cranbrook. The

80-mile cycle route through the Wealden

array of beautiful blooms, with over 25,000

one-woman performance created by Dyad

countryside, or families can ride the 15-mile

tulips on display in the grounds. In addition,

Productions, the team behind Austen’s Women,

18TH CHARITY CYCLE

path together to raise money for the charity.

gardening experts from Bloms Bulbs will be

is a candid look at the star’s life behind

Those who enter early are also entitled to

on hand to answer any questions and will be

closed doors, revealing what they think really

25% off a bike service at The Velo House

displaying over 2,000 cut tulips.

happened on the night she died. Tickets cost

in Tunbridge Wells. To take part visit

Admission is £10. For more

£10/£6 and the show begins at 8pm. To book,

www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk

information call 01580 200 888.

visit www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk

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Laser Clay Shooting- 拢5 Mini Land Rover Experience -拢10 Penalty Shoot Out and Team Tag Races*

=路

~~=路

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20/03/2015 11:54

ADVERTORIAL

SO

BACKTOBUSINESS A Corporate Law specialist has returned to Warners Solicitors in Tonbridge. We find out how Associate Solicitor, Russell Brinkhurst, has been welcomed back to the local firm with open arms SOUTH EAST BASED law firm, Warners Solicitors, has announced that Russell Brinkhurst

based in the North East of England.

“We are delighted to welcome Russell back to

is returning to the firm as an Associate Solicitor.

the firm,” says Jonathan Roberts, head of the

Russell started his career at Warners in 2005 and

corporate team at Warners. “Russell’s extensive

has decided to re-join after a short spell working

experience, combined with his legal skills and

for a firm in Sussex.

pragmatic approach, further strengthens and

Russell has eight years’ experience as a

complements the team at Warners. Russell is

solicitor and specialises in corporate and

already re-connecting and re-establishing many of

commercial work. During his career, he has

the client and professional relationships

advised on a number of complex transactions,

that he enjoyed when he was previously

including: advising the majority shareholders of a

at the firm.”

niche software development business in

MAN OF THE HOUR

Introducing Russell Brinkhurst, Associate Solicitor at Warners Solicitors in Tonbridge

connection with a buyout of investor

Warners Solicitors

shareholders; acting for a retailer on the sale of

Bank House, Bank Street, Tonbridge, Kent

one of its stores for £3million; and being

TN9 1BL

instructed by administrators to act on their behalf

01732 770 660

in connection with the administration sale of

www.warners-solicitors.co.uk

a specialist vehicle manufacturing business

clientservices@warners-solicitors.co.uk

WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN?

HOW DO YOU STAND OUT TO CLIENTS?

Corporate and commercial law. I work with

Solicitors often give the impression of being

businesses, advising them on the day to day legal

unapproachable and overly academic, not

issues they face, such as advising on commercial

appreciating the practical issues that businesses

contracts. I also advise on corporate transactions

face on a day to day basis. My aim and that of the

when clients decide to acquire or dispose of a

corporate team at Warners is to ensure that we are

company or business.

available to clients to offer pragmatic and commercially realistic advice in the most cost

WHICH PART OF YOUR JOB GIVES YOU

effective way possible.

THE MOST SATISFACTION? After long days and plenty of hard work, completing

TELL US A LITTLE KNOWN SECRET

a transaction on time for a client is great. It is also

ABOUT THIS BUSINESS THAT

really satisfying when clients go on to personally

CUSTOMERS WOULDN’T KNOW

recommend me or Warners to their contacts. In my

The origins of Warners can be traced back to 1785,

view, doing a good job for a client is the best kind of

but as times have changed, Warners has evolved

marketing a business can do.

into a modern and innovative business with both local and international clients. However, Warners’

WHY DID YOU START WORKING

heritage is not forgotten and even today manifests

AT WARNERS?

itself in the firm’s ethos of building strong and

I joined nearly 10 years ago after law school as a

lasting relationships with its clients that stand the

trainee solicitor and stayed with the firm when I

test of time.

qualified. After a short spell at another law firm in Sussex, I recently re-joined Warners as an Associate Solicitor. There is a supportive culture at

For more information, please contact

Warners, where all members of staff, support staff

Russell by calling 01732 770 660, emailing

and lawyers work as a team to look after clients

r.brinkhurst@warners-solicitors.co.uk

and take pride in delivering great service.

or visiting www.warners-solicitors.co.uk

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SO

APRIL

THIS MONTH

YOU SHOULD SCATTER… Romantic gestures don’t come much bigger than this – surprise your loved one by letting them wake up to a lawn carpeted with rose petals. For a truly unexpected amorous moment, this is hard to beat. Bear in mind, though, to keep an eye on the budget if you’re also planning to pop the question, as there might not be much left over to buy the ring after you’ve splashed out on this thoughtful tribute. Covering a 600sq ft garden will set you back £70,000, though you will get 1.2million rose petals and a lifetime’s worth of Brownie points. Or you could move to a smaller house… www.veryfirstto.com

READ…

LISTEN...

WATCH…

Bestselling crime writer Jo Nesbo returns with

It’s always interesting when a band records

Interstellar may not have received any acting

another gripping thriller. Hitman Olav lives a lonely

new material after a long absence, so Blur’s

nominations in this year’s Oscars, but it earned five

life as a ‘fixer’, unable to get close to anyone due

first studio album in 12 years ought to be

in technical categories and won the statuette for

to the nature of the job. Now he has a chance to

worth a listen. As a leading force in the Britpop

Best Visual Effects. You can find out why critics

be happy, having finally met the woman of his

movement of the 1990s, Blur provided the

and audiences alike love this movie, now that it’s available on DVD. Matthew McConaughey stars as

dreams, but there’s a hitch – not only is the lady

teen soundtrack for a generation – will their

his boss’s wife, but Olav has just been contracted

music have matured along with their original

an astronaut who is dispatched from a resource-

to kill her. Prepare for another rollercoaster ride

fan base? The album is released on April 27,

depleted Earth to find out whether a wormhole in

from the acclaimed author as Olav struggles to

so pop a copy on the stereo (or download from

space could lead to a new home for humans. The

solve his dilemma. Published on April 9, Blood on

online stores, if you’re more ‘with it’) and form

cast also features Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain

Snow is available for £10.99 at

your own verdict. Available on CD and vinyl at

and Anne Hathaway. Available from

www.waterstones.com

www.play.com, priced from £10.98.

www.amazon.co.uk priced from £10.

26

APRIL 2015

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THIS MONTH YOU SHOULD

SO

RIDE… Those who are fond of pulling wheelies may have found the bike for them in the new single-wheeled RYNO, due for release later this year.

The mono marvel, aimed at the same market as Segways, uses a low centre of gravity to maintain balance from front to back, while the rider adjusts the side-toside equilibrium and leans over to change

CARRY… Bright colours are not the only way to add some zing to

direction. Like Segways, the battery powered RYNO can

your outfit this spring. Ideal for any occasion, the new Turn

travel at a maximum speed of

Around mono striped handbag from Marc by Marc Jacobs

10mph and a six-hour charge

is eye-catching without the eye-watering neon hues. The

provides enough power for

shoulder strap and roomy interior make it practical as well

a 10-mile journey. Pre-order

as stylish, so snap up this ‘must have’ accessory before it

yours for around £3,400 at

sells out. Get yours for £485 at www.net-a-porter.com

www.rynomotors.com

EAT… Sometimes, when you’re peckish, you just need a snack and money is no object. Chef Richard Shaw must have been hoping for some pretty hungry punters, though, when he came up with his Very Important Pasty – which costs £230. Created to compete in the World Pasty Championship, held in Cornwall last month, the pricy pastry will fill a hole but empty your wallet.

Richard, from Southwick in Hampshire, sourced top ingredients from all over the world, including wagyu steak from Japan, which costs £500 per kilo. He made three of the Westcountry wonders – one for the competition, one for his family to feast on and the third to auction off for charity.

GIVE… If you missed Mother’s Day or forgot your Valentine, now is the time to make amends with a truly egg-cellent Easter gift. Even the hardest heart will melt when they unwrap Hotel Chocolat’s sumptuous Ostrich Egg on Easter Sunday (April 5) and discover all the goodies hidden inside. Weighing in at a hefty 1.1kg – heavier than a bag of sugar and containing goodness knows how much of the tasty white stuff – the decadent offering is filled with smaller eggs and chocolates, so anyone with a sweet tooth will be in heaven. At £70 it’s no cheap treat, but you’ll be flavour of the month. www.hotelchocolat.com

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RANT

SO

ON THE WRONG WAVELENGTH Here’s where readers express their opinions on contentious local issues. This month, Gabrielle from Tunbridge Wells wonders if campaigning for commuters to get free Wifi on trains should be a political priority

probably be familiar with the term

A

when, a few weeks ago, I read about MP Greg

work without the need to be connected for every

‘#firstworldproblems’. This tongue-in-cheek

Clark’s campaign to make sure Tunbridge Wells

moment of the day. Technology already intrudes

reference often follows any complaint or

services don’t miss out on Southeastern’s pledge

so much on our lives and for all the benefits it

observation that strikes the self-deprecating writer

to make free Wifi available on some trains. He

brings, many of us now find that there is no time

as a little bit unnecessary, or as having somewhat

used words like ‘insist’ and ‘demand’ when

– whether you’re lying on a beach, going on

lost perspective on the world’s greater, rather

describing TW commuters’ inherent right to

more pressing dilemmas.

connect their laptops, smartphones and tablets

I found myself mentally applying that hashtag

nyone who uses Twitter or Facebook will

For example, if someone tweets ‘The sandwich

to prepare to ensure you can get on with some

during every single second of their journey. The

shop used the wrong type of dressing on my salad

idea that people might lose connectivity via their

again’, or ‘oh no, I picked up Colombian coffee

cellular networks when the train whizzed through a

granules instead of Costa Rican!’, they might

tunnel or hit a particularly remote spot seemed to

decide to poke a little fun at themselves by

be unthinkable to him – he said it was “a bit crazy”

following the remark with ‘#firstworldproblems’.

that people travelling on some buses in town could

Bearing in mind they could be starving or dying of

use Wifi, but not commuters heading to London.

I was struck by the forcefulness of his language;

thirst – and that somewhere in the world, at that very moment, someone will be dying for lack of a

the words Mr Clark chose are the kind that I would

little stale bread or water – it’s a small, humorous

expect him to use when lobbying to improve

recognition of the fact that life could be a lot worse.

hygiene in hospitals, shelters for the homeless or education for special needs children. All things that

There’s simply no ‘down time’ anymore. Would it be so terrible to put the computer aside for a little while in the mornings?

I would agree are basic human rights that should

retreat or even relishing your honeymoon – when

be ‘insisted upon’ and ‘demanded’. I apologise if

you cannot be pestered by colleagues or clients

the rest of the world feels differently, but not being

and expected to reply, because they know you

able to manage for an hour or two without

have the means to do so.

checking your emails doesn’t strike me as being one of those essential rights.

As an office worker who occasionally attends

There’s simply no ‘down time’ anymore. Would it be so terrible to put the computer aside for a little while in the mornings, tell yourself the emails can

meetings in London and further afield, I

wait until you get to the office and pick up a good

understand how sitting on a train for part of your

book instead? I certainly think so and perhaps it’s

day can feel like a waste of working time. But if

time that MPs also took a look at the bigger picture

you know the journey is coming, there are ways

every now and then.

DO YOU HAVE A RANT YOU’D LIKE TO RELEASE? Email your views, in no more than 600 words, to Editor Jane Connolly jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk. We won’t publish anonymous letters and contact details must be supplied, but if you’d prefer not to be named in print please make this preference clear.

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CELEBRITY lTV

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CELEBRITY

SO

DAVID GANDY

MODEL BEHAVIOUR

Consider David Gandy – even if you don’t know his name, you’ll probably know his perfectly chiselled face. He earns £1million per year, he claims that David Beckham copies him and he turned down the lead role in Fifty Shades of Grey. Consistently voted one of the world’s sexiest men, it seems that he’s done pretty well from modelling underpants. So, why is the British supermodel so determined to escape the fashion world and make his mark in business?

W

e’ve all seen the advert – an impossibly

jealousy aside, it’s easy to see why someone whose career

toned and bronzed young man stands on the

currently depends on their looks might want to consider the

edge of a cliff, gazing down at a boat floating

future, particularly when there’s no shortage of good-looking

on a glittering azure blue sea. He’s an Adonis,

young men waiting to fill his, er, trunks.

a timeless vision of physical perfection; in the boat lies an

“Models are as popular as bankers! You’re seen as a

equally gorgeous young woman, awaiting his arrival. We’re

brainless idiot – paid a fortune to do very little. I don’t want to

treated to a lingering shot of his rather snug white trunks, before

just be known as the man in the pants.”

he dives into the water and powers his way through the waves,

He’s referring in particular to the Dolce & Gabbana underwear

to be greeted with a passionate kiss from his adoring lady. And

ad that shot him to fame in 2006. He’d already been in the

then the advert ends and it’s back to reality.

business for about four years at that time, after winning an

Chances are, the film – advertising Dolce & Gabbana’s Light

amateur modelling competition on ITV’s This Morning. Born in

Blue fragrance – made you rather cross, particularly if you were

Billericay, Gandy had harboured dreams of becoming a vet but

feeling a bit fat that day. But the man on the cliff is not an

wasn’t able to make the grades; instead, he’d been studying

impossible ideal, nor a computer-generated cheat created to

Multimedia Computing at university when his housemate

make us mortals feel like whales. He’s real and his name is

entered him into the contest, without his knowledge.

David Gandy, an Essex boy made good who, dissatisfied with

Gandy was victorious and won a contract with the major Select

simply being handsome, successful and very wealthy, has

Model Management Agency. But his muscular, rather rugged look

announced his intention to make it big in business, in order to

had been proving unpopular in the midst of a trend for slender,

prove he’s got a brain as well.

androgynous male models. However, one glance at his first

At this point one might ask, “if he’s so rich already, why

campaign for D&G and the fashion world’s head was turned. He’s

bother?” But Gandy, 35, claims to have grown tired of the airhead

been the designer brand’s muse ever since and hasn’t done much

image endured by his profession and wants to show the world

to shake off the underwear connection, having designed his own

that his abilities extend beyond walking, posing and pouting. Petty

range of briefs for Marks & Spencer last year.

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CELEBRITY

SO

me? No. It just didn’t feel right, in any way.

And in my gut, it felt right to say no.”

However, he’s not lacking a sense of humour and a willingness to laugh at himself. Last month it was announced that Gandy had been cast in the upcoming film version of Absolutely Fabulous, Jennifer Saunders’ hit 1990s sitcom that made merciless fun of the fashion and PR world. In 2013 he founded the Blue Steel Appeal, a charitable foundation that aims to raise money for Comic Relief – the fund takes its name from Ben Stiller’s 2001 film Zoolander, which parodied the pretensions of models and featured the lead character’s famous ‘Blue Steel’ facial expression.

“Male models have never had the cultural credentials of film stars or sports stars, and all those stars now want to model. They want a fragrance campaign, a clothing campaign, a beauty line – and, whatever they say, that’s modelling. No one seems willing now to take a chance on a brand new face, like Dolce & Gabbana did with me.”

It looks like Gandy is willing to share the secrets of his success, however and this is set to form the basis for one of his new business ventures. Later this year, he’s due to launch his own line of wellness and nutrition bars, to help remedy a nation that he believes is “nutritionally inept”. When striving for the perfect body, he says hydration is key and there are no short cuts.

“MY PERFECTIONISM CAN MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO LIVE WITH ME. THINGS HAVE TO BE PERFECT. THAT’S INCREDIBLY HARD TO LIVE WITH IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND IT” “It seemed natural to do my own

competition, though, and hopefully people

underwear range. In many ways that’s what

should be proud there are two Essex boys

I became known for.”

taking on the world, promoting Britishness.”

But it’s been a lucrative move and as the

Gandy has already made moves to be

second highest paid male model in the world

viewed as more than just a clothes horse –

– beaten only by American, Sean O’Pry – he’s

he’s branched out into the media, by writing

believed to have taken home around

a blog for Vogue, motor reviews for GQ and

£1million last year. Recently he’s graced the

lifestyle columns for The Telegraph. It also

covers of the world’s trendiest magazines

appears that money is not his main

and no poll of attractive or stylish men is

motivation, as he’s turned down a number

complete without his name hovering near

of lucrative film roles, most of which would

the top. His physique, while not particularly

have featured an emphasis on his physique.

similar to the average man’s, has been

The latest was unquestionably the year’s

credited with turning the tide against skinny

most talked about movie, Fifty Shades of

male models; in fact, there’s one particular

Grey, in which Gandy’s body may have been

icon whose career Gandy believes has been

the biggest star. It’s no surprise that when

personally influenced by his own activities.

casting an attractive, charismatic billionaire,

“I did the white pants and then he [David Beckham] did Armani. I became an ambassador for whiskey and now he has his whiskey brand… I don’t think we’re in

the producers thought of Gandy, but he was not keen to cash in on the hype.

“Critics and literary experts aren’t fans but I respect it for what it is. But was it right for

The world’s highest paid male model, Sean O’Pry

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CELEBRITY

“It’s very simple, just stay away from processed foods and eat as many fruit and vegetables as you can… There are no clever cheats to bring you the results you want, but small changes can make a difference.”

He’s put his money where our mouths are by investing in a sugar-free whey protein ice cream called Wheyley, although his experience seems most relevant to luxury footwear brand David Preston, which he bought after falling in love with a pair of their Chelsea boots.

Style is obviously important to Gandy and not just for professional purposes; often heard singing the praises of ‘the gentleman’, he likes to be seen as an old-fashioned type of guy. “‘We’ve become so obsessed by boys.

There’s almost a backlash against true men. Where are the Paul Newmans or Steve McQueens of the world?”

Perhaps surprisingly, given his high profile as a desirable male, Gandy seems to take the gentlemen’s code seriously and is not renowned for a particularly outrageous love life. Last year he reunited with former girlfriend Mollie King, of pop group The Saturdays, 32

APRIL 2015

following a 10-month affair back in 2011 and the two appear to be going strong, despite the critical streak that he says caused their initial breakdown.

“My perfectionism can make it difficult.

Things have to be perfect - everything in the house, every car I buy. That’s incredibly hard to live with if you don’t understand it.”

While there are thousands of women who would be prepared to put up with David Gandy’s perfectionism, it remains to be seen whether he will make it count in the world of business. Whatever happens, he’ll always be ‘the man in the pants’ to his fans and that can’t really be bad.

DAVID GANDY

BY NUMBERS Age: 35 Height: 6ft 3in Waist: 33 in Shoe size: 10 Marriages: 0 Children: 0 Estimated fortune: £7million

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CONFIDENTIAL

BY TACITUS

NOTHING ESCAPES OUR ATTENTION

WHO regrets having his drunken exploits captured on film?

This new husband left his poorly (and teetotal) wife at home while he partied, only for his antics to be posted on Facebook. The video was deleted by the time he got home, but… Outraged wife had already seen it and waited up for three hours to confront him!

WHY

WHICH

WHO

WHICH

should this faithless wife be

picky shopper needs

should pay more attention

matron of honour ended up

more generous with her tips?

to wear her glasses?

to the state of his hosiery?

blushing more than the bride?

The money madam takes her

When she failed to find what she

This immaculately

After arranging a hen party for

‘friends’ to a favourite local

was looking for in a high street

presented fashion fan likes

her sister, the tardy maid

restaurant when hubby is out of

chemist, the lady turned to a

to brag about his expensive

turned up two hours late,

town, relying on the discretion of

member of staff and issued a

suits, but when asked to

blaming work and traffic.

the staff. Fed up with getting the

two-minute rant about the poor

remove his shoes to save a

Unfortunately, a mutual friend

same £2 tip even on hefty bills,

layout of the store. To which the

friend’s new carpet, he

had spotted her drinking in her

one waiter decided to have a

‘worker’ listened patiently, before

refused. All became clear

local all afternoon. Forget the

slip of the tongue when hubby

saying, “Tell someone who cares,

when he finally took off his

bride’s garter – it was the air

popped in. Everyone has

dear, I just shop here” and went

£200 brogues to reveal

that turned blue when she

their price, madam.

off to pay for his purchases. Ouch.

holey socks!

finally arrived…

WHOSE

WHY

WHICH

WHY

reputation as a

is the bride from

dog owner needs to

is this builder avoiding

Lothario is in tatters?

hell playing dirty?

learn a new trick?

his in-laws?

This country gent has been

After replacing her fiancé’s

Both she and her neighbours have

They took pity on him after he was

spreading rumours that suggest

engagement diamond with a bigger

Labradors and for months she’s

made redundant and lent him £8,000

he’s never without a date – so

stone, now she’s got her veil in a

been emptying her poop-scoop

to buy a van so he could set up his

why did one lucky lady bump into

twist over the venue. On finding

over their fence, leaving them

own business. Funnily enough, the

him at a lonely hearts club? After

her dream church is already

to assume it’s their mess to

van hasn’t turned up yet – but the

a brief chat, guests could choose

booked out on her preferred date,

clean up. The problem?

man and his wife are due back from

who to spend the rest of the

she’s been trying to gazump the

They’ve just moved out and

their surprise trip to Mexico soon.

evening with. Sadly, the famous

unsuspecting couple with a higher

the new residents have a

We think there might be a welcome

Romeo didn’t find a Juliet.

bid. Hold firm, Reverend!

dachshund. Size matters, my dear.

committee at the airport.

Got a rumour? Pass it on via confidential@onemediauk.co.uk We never reveal our sources

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liSE JACOBSEN HORNBkK

No 6. High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1 UX I Tel: 01892 537 241 www.ilsejacobsen.com I ~ ILSE JACOBSEN UK I cllseJacobsenUK

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THE LOOK

SO

DIRECT FROM THE FRONT ROW If you want to keep in step with this year’s trends, London Fashion Week is the only place to be.

Of course, So magazine was right in the front row to bring you the hottest news from the runway.

Catherine de Crèvecoeur reports direct from Somerset House’s prestigious catwalk shows to reveal your wardrobe’s ‘most wanted’ for the coming seasons

MARGARET HOWELL

MASCULINE TAILORING With its classic, effortless edge, this trend continues to make easy, chic outfit options for work and weekends.

A

ROKSANDA

ISSA

FAUX FUR

FRINGING

From bags to scarves and coats, faux fur’s ever increasing presence was felt throughout the season, as it becomes a ‘must have’ for any winter wardrobe.

Spotted as one of the key embellishment trends this season, long and colourful or short and cowboy style, fringing came in a variety of forms.

fter months of preparation, hundreds of

again made bold statements and balanced on

fabrications, refined tailoring, rich surfaces,

runway shows, thousands of photographs

the line between controversy and extravagance.

dreamy embellishments, cosy knitwear,

and an endless amount of style inspiration,

This season, we saw many of them take us

another triumphant London Fashion Week

on a personal journey, often reflecting back on

finally came to a close. Some of the most

their roots and upbringing to find inspiration for

recognised designers – as well as emerging

their new Autumn/Winter 2015 collections.

talents taking hold of the British capital – once

The result of this is incredible texture and

exaggerated quilting and extra-long coats.

Catherine de Crèvecoeur .

PERSONAL STYLIST www.stylepourmoi.com

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THE LOOK

ERDEM

40

AMANDA WAKELEY

DAKS

SHOW THE KNEE

LEATHER

The midi skirt certainly remains a strong trend, but this time, a long off-centre split showing a bit of knee is predicted to be a big hit for AW15.

Be it the classic biker jacket or the sexy mini, leather was a key trend, teamed with florals and cosy knits to soften the ‘tough girl’ edge.

LONG COATS Elegant and sophisticated, the long, oversized coat is still a classic item but now there’s a certain cocooning element to it; the bigger, the better for comfy layering.

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MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

TANGERINE ORANGE

QUILTING From bomber jackets to evening wear, quilting has been worked into collections, reinforcing the sport luxe trend.

This bold and vibrant colour was injected throughout the collections, particularly on statement coats and dresses.

CLASHING PRINTS Forget the old mantra to never clash â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the modern way is to do just that, as many designers showed us this season.

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DESIGNER BRANDS FOR UP TO 60o/o LESS. ALL YEAR ROUND. Ashford DesignerOutlet.com

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SPRING WISHLIST Here are some of our favourite ideas for those new season fashion and beauty ‘must haves’

VACANT CLOTHING PRICES FROM £20 TO £70

Looking for something different? Pop into Vacant in The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, where you’ll find an exciting, unique selection of dresses and tops.

Choose from their own labels, Pretty Vacant and Circus, or from selected chosen brands including Traffic People and Religion. www.vacantclothing.co.uk

WELLINGHAM HERB CO

PURPLE PIGLET SCARVES

SPRING WATERCOLOUR SCARF, £21 A gorgeous showstopping piece that will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe.

Purple Piglet Scarves is your one-stop shop for scarves, wristees, bamboo socks, French body art and more.

They bring a dash of colour, every day. Find Lynne at Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, Tunbridge Wells. www.purplepigletscarves.co.uk

ENGLISH HANDMADE SOAP

HONEY & LEMONGRASS SOAP, £4.50 Fresh, handmade and smelling divine, ditch the wasteful shower gel and treat yourself to a bar of traditional, long-lasting, gorgeous smelling soap. Available in a variety of fragrances from this boutique soap emporium based in Surrey, all items are individually made and wrapped by hand. www.englishhandmadesoap.com

CRYSTAL & STONE JEWELLERY

SIGNATURE HAMMERED HOOPS, £25 These are big favourites – be on trend this spring in these fabulous hoops. The fact that they’re hand-forged just adds to their charm.

Available in yellow or rose gold fill, as well as sterling silver, these are the perfect size for work or play. www.crystalstonelondon.co.uk

LOVELL & VIE

HAND & BODY LOTION, £12.95 Beautifully rich organic, moisturising hand and body lotions are blended with a base of three oils: Olive, Sunflower and Linseed with Shea butter and Aloe Vera. They come in four heavenly fragrances, made with pure essential oils such as Lemongrass, English Lavender and Lemon. www.wellinghamherbco.co.uk

MARIE JO AVERO BRA, £64 In 2013, Serena and Kari’s stylish independent boutique opened at 46 Holly Bush Lane, Sevenoaks, selling a wide range of gorgeous lingerie and swimwear.

They offer a professional fitting service and you are assured of a warm and friendly welcome and their personal attention. www.lovellandvie.co.uk

ECLECTICA

ROBERT DEMARIO NECKLACE, £350 Here you’ll find exquisite vintage costume jewellery for modern women, personally sourced by founder Liz Wilson. This statement necklace made by Robert Demario in the 1950s is right on trend. Bursting with feel good factor, why not purchase this ‘one off’ piece? www.eclectica.biz

AMELIA JANE LONDON

POM POM BOBBLE HAT, £28 One of our top picks for chilly spring days is this fur pom pom bobble hat from Amelia Jane London. Spotted on celebrities from Myleene Klass to Cara Delevingne, we love their pastel shades for spring chic style!

Available in 11 delicious colours with interchangeable pom poms. www.ameliajanelondon.com

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WALKING~:J~

WOUNDED CYCLE HORSMONDEN

SUNDAY 3rd MAY 2015

CYCLE

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Ladies Designer Wear, Accessories and Shoes

Kitch one stop holiday shop is back!

Come and see all the new beach and holiday wear we have on offer; Melissa Odabash, Beth & Tracie and Miss June, to name a few and not forgetting Tom Ford and Balenciaga sunglasses.

1 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1UL

01892 513 613 www.kitchclothing.co. uk

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BEAUTY BULLETIN WE BRING YOU THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM THE BEAUTY WORLD

ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL

A

s the Duchess of Cambridge nears the end of her second pregnancy, many other mums will be envying her flawless complexion. But although money is no object when it comes

to the future Queen’s beauty regime, it seems that a bargain high street balm is her key to glowing skin.

Kate Middleton is reportedly a huge fan of Nivea Visage Pure and Natural Moisturising Day Cream, which comes in at a budget-friendly £5.35. Apparently she’s been spotted stocking up on the lotion at a high street chemist in Chelsea and she’s not the only one – Victoria Beckham is also rumoured to be fond of the cheap and cheerful product.

WEIGHTY SUBJECT

BEST IN SHOW

British people are more likely to describe themselves as

The recent Professional Beauty Show saw thousands of visitors

being overweight than almost

flocking to London’s Excel to discover the latest innovations. Also

any other nation, according to

taking place during the weekend were the Professional Beauty

new research.

Awards, which recognise the best in the business. The winners

In a study by Neilsen,

were announced at a glittering ceremony in the capital, but the

researchers found that 60%

victors came from all over the country – with awards distributed as

of Brits consider themselves

far afield as Edinburgh, Tyne and Wear, and Wiltshire.

to be ‘a little overweight’,

Businesses from London claimed only four of the 12 accolades:

with 22% going so far as

Coco Nail Bar in Notting Hill was named Nail Salon of the Year, while

to say they are ‘somewhat

the Urban Retreat at Harrods won Best Beauty Salon (with more

overweight’. Irish people are

than four rooms), EF Medispa

the heaviest, though

picked up the Medical Aesthetic

(at least in their eyes), with

Clinic of the Year and freelance

62% stating that they tip the

make-up specialist Tamara

scales too far.

Tott was declared the best in

If you’re Russian or Polish,

her field.

however, you’re much more

Companies in Surrey – Pennyhill

likely to be confident about

Park Hotel and Spa, and Foxhills

your body shape – people

– claimed both of the Residential

from these countries are less

Spa of the Year awards (large

likely to say they’re carrying

and small). The Grange Spa in

extra pounds, with only

Sleaford, Lincolnshire, claimed

40% and 35% respectively

the Day Spa of the Year gong.

considering themselves to

www.professionalbeauty.co.uk

be overweight.

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THE LOOK

BARGAINS BLASTED

P

aying a realistic price to

makeup brands such as MAC and

ensure you get genuine

Benefit. Fake beauty products

beauty products could be

could damage your skin, the

worth more than money.

association says, so always buy

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and

from a reputable source.

Perfume Association (CTPA)

“The problem with counterfeit

has urged consumers to make

products is that the packaging

sure they buy the real thing

and look of it can be almost

and warned against paying

impossible to tell apart from

knock-down prices for knock-

the real thing,” says a CTPA

off goods. The statement came

spokesman. “Unfortunately, the

following an operation by Trading

product inside is nothing like

Standards to seize counterfeit

the genuine product. Not only is

beauty products from a shop

it unlikely to work as well as it

in Warwickshire – the business

should, it may actually be unsafe

was selling imitations of top

and cause you harm.”

BEAUTY BATTLE

L

ooking your best during wartime was pretty tough but British women were determined to remain glamorous, as a new exhibition reveals.

Fashion on the Ration: 1940s Street Style discovers

how ladies fought back against extreme austerity to retain their femininity and self-esteem. But they weren’t just doing it for themselves – looking good was considered a woman’s duty to the nation. Not only were attractive wives and girlfriends a great morale boost for fighting men on leave, it was also wellknown that Adolf Hitler despised the use of cosmetics. Anything that supported the war effort was important, but keeping up appearances wasn’t easy.

After an initial flurry of patriotically packaged cosmetics in the early days of the war, shortages kicked in and supplies ran out, forcing females to be ever more creative with their beauty regimes. Ideas like using gravy granules to paint ‘stockings’ on their legs and beetroot to rouge their lips and cheeks are now legendary, but did you know some girls made jewellery from airplane parts?

Cosmetics firms wanted to make sure the budget solutions didn’t last beyond the end of the war, however. Although they were unable to actually supply makeup for much of the conflict, big brands continued to advertise their products and encourage women to make their dwindling supplies last, until fresh consignments eventually hit the shops once again.

Magazines such as Vogue urged ladies to stay stylish and not let standards slip, and in a Government memo, makeup was described as being as important to women as tobacco was to men. This fascinating exhibition sheds light on how British females rose to the challenge of remaining beautiful on a shoestring, even as the world was rocked by war.

Fashion on the Ration: 1940s Street Style runs at the Imperial War Museum in London until August 31. www.iwm.org.uk

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49a High Street, 2nd Floor Tunbridge Wells, KentTN11 XU T: +44 (0)1892 540055 www.aromahousetunbridgewells.co.uk

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BEAUTY FILE

TAKE A PEEK IN OUR COSMETICS BAG AS WE REVEAL OUR BEAUTY FAVOURITES Tried & Tested... Our pick of the best beauty products around this month

ST TROPEZ

SELF TAN LUXE FACIAL OIL,£23 Can’t wait for summer to come?

If you’re fed up with pasty skin, follow the catwalk models’ example and invest in this genius new oil. Apply a few drops before you go to bed and you’ll awaken with a healthy glow that lasts for days – plus it hydrates your skin too.

Available from www.sttropeztan.co.uk

PERCY & REED

TOTALLY INTENSIVE TREATMENT OIL+ 50ML, £24 Billed as ‘hair’s best friend’, this new oil claims to transform even the driest hair into shiny, silky tresses.

Containing the moisturising qualities of camellia oil, the strength of macadamia seed oil and rejuvenating, nutrient-rich carrot seed oil.

Available from www.uk.spacenk.com

ATKINSONS

24 OLD BOND STREET TRIPLE EXTRACT COLOGNE 50ML, £85 As the most full-bodied concentrate of the iconic English cologne, Triple Extract is a gorgeous mix of warm rose and woody notes. Just a quick spritz will keep you fresh and fragrant all day, so this delightful scent – which comes in an attractive smoked bottle – is well worth the investment.

Available from www.selfridges.com

PHILOSOPHY

NO REASON TO HIDE MULTI-IMPERFECTION TRANSFORMING SERUM, £48 Start repairing your complexion for spring with this exciting new serum, which evens out imperfections such as dark spots and large pores. For a really fresh look, combine with Philosophy’s new No Reason to Hide Moisturiser, £28.

Available from www.philosophyskincare.co.uk

O’RIGHT

RECOFFEE CONDITIONER 400ML, £21 This fun product not only features caffeine from recycled coffee beans to stimulate hair growth, each bottle also contains coffee seeds – so you can plant your bottle and grow your own coffee tree.

It’s the product that just keeps giving!

Available from www.o-right.co.uk

GIVENCHY

COLORECREATION COLLECTION LE PRISME VISAGE COLOR CONFETTI 10G, £38 It’s a bit early for wedding season but you can still enjoy a burst of romance with this multi-coloured face powder. The product adds instant radiance using mother of pearl and natural mica, giving a luminous quality to any complexion. And the packaging’s fun too.

Available from www.feelunique.com

KIEHL’S

PRECISION LIFTING & PORETIGHTENING CONCENTRATE 50ML, £49 Formulated with micro-filtered yeast extract, this concentrate visibly tightens the skin and reduces the appearance of pores. It claims to firm up the skin and improve the facial contours, giving you a younger, brighter look.

Available from www.kiehls.co.uk

MISS DIOR

HAIR MIST £34 For those who can’t get enough of Miss Dior’s blend of rose, patchouli and neroli, here’s a way to add the delicate fragrance to your hair too. In fact, you could even save the perfume for best and just use this for work and casual occasions, as the delicious scent really lingers.

Available from Dior counters

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EXPERT OPINION

PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON YOUR HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLBEING problems are simply joints aching due to being in a poor postural position, or getting stiff. Other times it’s due to degenerative changes in the joint that can cause a whole host of issues, like excess bony growth, cartilage damage and tendon tears. For these people, a lot can be done to protect their joints, such as maintaining a nutritious, healthy diet, regular exercise that’s not too high impact, avoiding sitting all day, and maintaining good posture.

DON’T IGNORE THE NIGGLES Seek advice straight away. Go to see your GP, or your local physiotherapist or osteopath and get your symptoms checked. In many cases, just a simple workplace adjustment or a few exercises can cure the problem. But sometimes, treatment is needed to correct dysfunction [injury] in the body. It’s also important to rehabilitate following injury. Many people suffer pain or an injury, but forget or are not aware of the importance of rehabilitation.

Don’t ignore niggles. Pain is telling you something. Your body is saying ‘something is not right’. Listen to your body and get medical advice. If you ignore it, you might be lucky and the problem goes away, or you might end up with a serious injury or chronic pain.

DON’T SKIP THOSE WARM-UPS Warming-up for exercise is incredibly important.

It simply involves increasing blood flow to muscles and joints, and generating heat into

ROCKING THE JOINT

these areas. It allows joints to move more freely and muscles to stretch more easily – this makes

Stiff, achy joints are often associated with old age, but joint problems aren’t the exclusive domain of pensioners. Physiotherapis Tim Allardyce of Surrey Physio explains why it’s important not to assume you’re too young to have joint conditions

injury far less likely.

CURE OR COPE? Not all joint problems can be cured, like arthritis.

Once damage has been done to a joint, this damage may be irreversible. However, there is still a lot that can be done to help the area, for

WE ARE SEEING increasing numbers of younger adults presenting with joint troubles.

cushion that sits between the vertebrae

example, by reducing load on the joint. This can

and a common cause of back pain.

be done by improving biomechanics of the joint

We’re also seeing a lot more people

and the other joints around it. Stretching muscles

What is more worrying, is that it

coming with shoulder problems,

next to the joint and improving posture can also

appears younger people are

mostly due to poor posture, and the

significantly improve typically incurable

coming to seek physiotherapy

increasing use of computers, laptops,

conditions. I have treated around a dozen

treatment for arthritic joints. Two of the most common conditions are degenerative disc disease [DDD], typically a

smart phones and tablets is playing a significant role in this.

When it comes to joint injuries, sports and

women with arthritic hips who were told they needed surgery and with the right management and exercises, and a course of physiotherapy,

condition you might see in your 60s, but now

degeneration are typical causes. But then there

they can self-manage their hip condition for years

particularly common in your mid-20s. DDD is a

are people who simply present insidiously – their

before needing a hip replacement.

degeneration of the discs in the spine – the

pain just comes out of nowhere. Some of these

www.surreyphysio.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

“YOGALATES IS BENEFICIAL TO ALL AGES AND ABILITIES, RELIEVING THOSE WITH MIND OR BODY RELATED ISSUES”

HARMONIOUS HEALING IN SUSSEX Harmonise Me Holistic Therapies in Frant introduces Yogalates to the South East YOGALATESTM METHOD is an award

those with mind or body related issues, such

winning exercise system created by Australian

as lower back pain, lack of core strength,

born Louise Solomon. It effectively merges the

anxiety, stress, insomnia and depression. All

ancient practice of Yoga from the East, with

classes are held in a non-judgmental,

core stabilising, posture enhancing dynamics of

supportive environment, and I advise all

Pilates from the West. The fusion offers a

participants to stick to their own pace and

complete mind and body workout that builds

listen to their bodies.”

strength, stamina, tone and flexibility.

Classes centre on a relaxed theme, aiming to connect mind, body and spirit in a soothing,

including Yogalates, Crystal Healing, Theta Healing,

restorative manner, whilst mobilising,

Reiki Seichem Healing, Intuitive Counselling,

strengthening and stabilising the body at a

Mindfulness, EFT and Relaxation techniques.

pace suited to the individual. Katie Bullen,

Yogalates classes are currently held in Frant

founder of Harmonise Me, is the only qualified

on Monday and Friday mornings. Private and

teacher in this area.

additional classes or workshops are available

“Emphasis is placed on connecting to self

on request. Contact Katie by emailing

through tools of mindfulness, while releasing

harmonisemeinfo@gmail.com, or calling

physical or emotional stress and systematically

07747 120 718 for further information.

working through muscles and joints to achieve

54

Harmonise Me aims to heal and restore balance within individuals using a variety of therapies,

You can Follow Harmonise Me on Facebook,

a whole body workout,” she says. “Yogalates

Twitter and Instagram to keep updated on

is beneficial to all ages and abilities, relieving

classes, workshops and related blogs.

APRIL 2015

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23/03/2015 11:33

A Matter of Urgency Do you suffer with bladder and bowel problems?

Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital is pleased to have a dedicated Pelvic Floor Assessment Unit combining the skills of specialist consultants and practitioners.

• Bladder and Bowel Urgency/Incontinence- Male and Female • Overactive Bladder Interstitial Cystitis • Pelvic Floor re-education • Painfullntercourse • Ante-natal/Post-natal symptoms Bladder/Bowei/SPD/PGP) • Pelvic Pain

Mr Danny Lawes Consultant Colorectal Surgeon

Mr Alex Slack Consultant Urogyn aecol ogi st

Mrs Victoria Shilling Specialist Women's and Men's Health Physiotherapist

Dr Mark Scott Clinical Scientist from The Functional Gut Clinic

• Management of painful scar tissue (Post-natal) • Chronic Constipation /Bowel Dysfunction • Proia pse • Bladder and Bowel Neurological problems (for example Multiple Sclerosis)

• Urodynamics • MRI and CT • Ultrasound • Therapeutic Ultrasound • State of the art tech no logy for studying Neu rom uscu Ia r function of the gut • Percutaneous Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation • Su rgica I and Non-Su rgica I treatment of Proia pse

For more information please contact us on

01892 741150

www.spi retu n bridgewells.com

"Our role to you is to help you understand what is going on with your body, how to control your symptoms and enable a full and active life"

S2 Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital Pelvic Floor Assessment Unit

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BEAUTY BULLETIN GASTRIC SURGERY

The real aim of gastric surgery is to get patients down to a healthy weight to ensure that they maintain a healthy lifestyle We’ve all heard in the media about the controversy and success stories, but what is gastric surgery? Christopher Sutton, a weight loss consultant at Tonic Weight Loss Centre in Harley Street, London, answers some common questions

HOW DO YOU FIND THE

AND WHAT ABOUT

RIGHT PROCEDURE?

POST-SURGERY DIET?

There are three major types of

Our motto is: “We teach you how to

gastric surgery: a gastric balloon,

eat to live, not live to eat.” A patient’s

gastric banding and sleeve gastrectomy.

diet after surgery depends, again,

At a consultation patients should be

on the procedure. A dietician will

advised which is the best solution for

give you comprehensive, tailored

them personally. Each patient will differ

advice after your procedure to help

according to their lifestyle and needs,

you work towards a healthy weight, but

so a good clinic will be able to you find

most post-op regimes include a fluid

the right procedure to plan toward

based diet for two weeks after surgery,

healthier future.

followed by four weeks of soft foods.

Simply put, gastric surgery aims to reduce

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT

WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND SIDE

the capacity of the stomach, making you feel

FROM YOUR CLINIC?

EFFECTS OF GASTRIC SURGERY?

full quicker. People should consider weight

Any type of surgery, no matter how

The risks patients run are very low as the

loss surgery as a last resort, when diets and

small, can be daunting for patients.

procedures are performed using a minimally

exercise have failed to provide results.

It is important that your clinic provides

invasive keyhole procedure, so any post-

Occasionally people may wish to consider a

comprehensive aftercare, no matter

operative pain and discomfort is very slight.

reversible weight loss procedure, such a

which surgery is performed. The more

One of the major side effects is, of course,

gastric balloon, to kick-start a rigorous diet

aftercare support a patient gets, the

weight loss! However, gastric surgery is just

and exercise regime, to give themselves an

more the weight they stand to lose.

the first step. It is up to the patient to ensure

extra push in the right direction.

Recovery times for these surgeries are

that they make the right choices to become

short; in the case of a gastric balloon,

happier and healthier in the long term.

patients down to a healthy weight to

a patient will typically be in and out of

www.tonicweightlosssurgery.co.uk

ensure that they maintain a healthy

the clinic in a day. For more invasive

lifestyle, giving them the confidence and

surgeries, such as a gastric sleeve, a

To find out more about cosmetic

quality of life that they may not have had at

patient may need to remain at the clinic

surgery clinics in your area, visit

their previous weight.

for up to three nights.

www.cliniccompare.co.uk

The real aim of gastric surgery is to get

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New Collection

47 HIGH STREET, ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS

WWW.BRORA.CO.UK

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EVENT

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the SOCIAL scene These are the pages in the magazine where we focus on events and happenings across the Tunbridge Wells. If you would like your special occasion to be featured just let us know at info@onemediauk.co.uk FASHION ROCKS An afternoon of style, socialising and shopping was held at High Rocks in Tunbridge Wells when the popular Rock the Runway event, organised by Katy Beatton and Lynne Meek returned for 2015. After a two-course lunch, 24 local women including Olympic ice skater Jayne Torvill took to the catwalk to showcase collections from a selection of local stores.

Over £2,500 was raised for the Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre.

“Rock the Runway certainly led the way in showing how local community can work together in raising awareness and funding for the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre,” says Polly Taylor from Pickering. “It was emotional, humbling and filled with love but also with the wonderful recipe of fun and excitement.”

Polly Taylor

Photos: Charlie Bond & David Bartholemew Jane Torvill

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EVENT

SOCIAL RHINO REVELS An evening of dinner and dancing was held at St Julians club in Sevenoaks when London marathon runner Sarah Sumner (below) organised an event in aid of her chosen charity Save the Rhino. As well as enjoying fizz, canapĂŠs and a three-course dinner, after their meal guests who were feeling flush played blackjack and roulette in a casino style room, before dancing the night away to a DJ set provided by Marcel Mendez.

Over 80 people attended the event, with ÂŁ2,000 raised for charity. www.virginmoneygicing\SarahSumner

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April Surprises The Ripples April Showers Sale

bathrooms

by

Ripples 12 Union Square Eridge Road The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells TN4 SHE Tel 01892 617 462 Brighton Tel 01273 841228

Reigate Tel 01737 226450

Award winning showrooms nationwide www.ripples.ltd. uk

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SOCIAL STORY CELEBRATION A night of prizegiving and performances was held at the Sackville School in Hildenborough, when mental health charity Sevenoaks Area Mind held an awards evening to commemorate the winners of their 50-word saga competition.

Participants had written short stories based on a painting of umbrellas and their interpretation of the image. As well as accolades being presented to the winners of each category, children from local theatre and performance groups acted out the successful entries on stage. www.sevenoaksareamind.org.uk

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If you are looking into cosmetic surgery, you may want to take the first step.

Come in and tell us your plans at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

We'll listen and help you decide on the best way to get the results you want. So when you're ready for the new you, talk to us.

Th e Nuffield Health Promise • We wil l match any comparable price.* ·Our all-inclusive prices are guaranteed.

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Terms and cond it ions app ly. *Not includ ing private patient un its at NHS hosp ita ls. Loca l area defi ned as wit hi n 1 5 mil es of t he Nuffi eld Hea lth hasp ita I. We will match aga inst wr itten quotes on ly. **Where poss ible, we prom ise to assist you to rece ive any fo ll ow up adv ice, treatment or care that is cl inica lly requ ired from your Consu ltant for as long as you may requ ire it. If a prosthesis is used as part of your treatment t his is guaranteed for the manufacturer's official lifetime of that prosthes is. "Cli nica lly requ i red~ ind icates where further intervention and/ or mon itoring of a patient's cond it ion is deemed necessary as a direct resu lt of surgica l intervention.

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NEWS

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MOVING WITH THE TIMES…

Last month saw the launch of the Times of Tunbridge Wells newspaper in a move that bucks the trend as many towns witness the closing of their local paper. We find out what the reaction to the Times has been Funding to those selected will begin from autumn 2015.

Successful applicants will be followed during the course of the next 12 months through the pages of the newspaper or So

Tunbridge Wells magazine.

They will be required to take part in PR or promotional activity to help profile the fund and they must also agree to mentor other successful applicants should the scheme be carried forward into another year.

Applications for funding will be considered by a panel of principal investors or their representatives.

T

The process will involve equity investment, he first edition of the weekly paper

“The response has been phenomenal,”

although the investors reserve the right to use

attracted attention not just in Tunbridge

says Richard Moore, Editorial Director of One

other financial structures. Funds will be released

Wells but throughout the region, with

Media, which publishes the newspaper and

as the business demands and in line with an

more than 1.5million people following events

this magazine. “It appears there’s a real

agreed structure. There is no limit on the amount

on broadcast media.

appetite among readers and advertisers for a

of funding to any individual business.

quality tabloid.”

newspaper has created a £5million fund to

And in the Financial Times:

help boost businesses across the county.

“Interesting to see that during a time when

It is designed to help limited companies,

many predict the death of print media, a

from start-ups looking for seed capital to

new local newspaper emerges in Kent.”

businesses needing cash to expand.

Social media was also awash with positive feedback and comment on the newspaper,

Think Dragons’ Den. The only stipulation for applicants is that

which is available free of charge every

they must be 18+, be operating through a

Wednesday within a 10 mile radius of the

limited company that is based within the

town centre. The first of the 30,000 printed

boundaries of Kent and have a viable, solid

copies are handed out at railway stations

business plan.

from 6am, with others available at 166

Business plans must be received by July 1

newsagents, shops, supermarkets and

2015, after which a shortlist will be chosen to

other outlets.

present their ideas to a panel of experts.

IN

Working with high net worth individuals the

title carrying that name.”

V E STME

Wells Investment Fund.

Kent readers away from a more established

• IN

perhaps the aspirational paper hopes to lure

OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

D

the paper was about the Times of Tunbridge

UN

The front page story on the launch issue of

S

T FUND •

“With its sleek design and prominent display of the word Times on its masthead,

ND • I NVE

ENT F

INVESTMENT FUND

FU

STM

the Independent:

T

EN

THE £5MILLION DRAGONS’ DEN

TM

along with comments from national titles like

N

ITV Meridian, BBC Radio Kent and Heart FM,

VE

There was coverage on BBC1 South East,

Those interested in applying for funds should send their full business plan together with a covering letter about themselves and their company to:

Times of Tunbridge Wells Investment Fund 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Applicants must be 18+ and operating a limited company within the boundaries of the county of Kent. Closing date is July 1 2015. All business plans will be received and viewed in strictest confidence.

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, TILE

AYES

www.tilematesgroup.com Untitled-4 1

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EVENT

SO

photo shoot A monthly roundup of socials and other events across our part of the world

SPRING STYLE An afternoon of socialising and style was held in the Tunbridge Wells High Street when store Caroline Charles threw a fashion event to showcase their SS15 styles.

Local ladies and loyal customers were invited to enjoy canapés and a glass of fizz while watching models display the

HISTORICAL UNVEILING

designer’s chic spring range.

A group of special guests made history at Hever Castle

After the catwalk, those

when they were invited to the unveiling of two Tudor

attending were given the

treasures. International art dealer and TV presenter Philip

chance to browse the store

Mould disclosed a rare Tudor portrait of Henry VIII as a young

and buy their favourite looks

man, before TV historian Dr Jonathan Foyle officially opened

while the Caroline Charles

the castle’s new exhibition A Bed of Roses, which features a

assistants were on hand to

bed on display is believed to be the marriage bed of Henry VII

offer style advice.

and Elizabeth of York. Following the opening, guests enjoyed a three-course lunch in the castle’s Astor wing. Among those in attendance were historian and TV presenter Kate Williams and the Guthrie family who own the castle.

PUMP POWER Dozens of Tenterden residents gathered at the Kent and East Sussex Railway to support a local group of fundraisers when they took on a Comic Relief challenge. A team of 10 staff and volunteers at the station wowed the crowds when they used a pump trolley to pump their way between Tenterden and Bodiam stations five times – covering over ANTHONY RIGG

100 miles in total. During their 10-hour challenge more than £1,800 was raised for charity and the group’s efforts were even mentioned by Chris Evans on the BBC Radio 2 breakfast show.

SHOWING OFF Two evenings of sell-out success happened in Tonbridge when a fashion and variety show was held at the River Centre. The Great British Show Off event, which featured everything from catwalk collections to choir singers, saw CHRIS DAVEY

over £14,000 raised for nominated charities Hospice in the Weald and Action for Children. “We wanted to do something that was fun and worthwhile for Tonbridge, as well as raising money for charity,” say the show organisers.

“We are over the moon with the results.”

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SO

LIFE & STYLE

We look at some of the best ways to enhance your home and lifestyle this month

DRUSILLAS PARK Crack open the fun at Drusillas Park this Easter and enjoy all the attractions, animals and events on offer at the award winning zoo in East Sussex – who celebrate their 90th birthday this year!

Hello Kitty will return to her home at Drusillas on Tuesday March 31 and Monday April 6, plus The Fat Controller will be causing a locomotion when he alights at the Park on Friday April 3. Animal lovers can also see some new faces along the zoo route following the introduction of spectacled owls and scarlet ibis, as well as lots of baby bundles. With all this, oodles of adventure play, a Thomas & Friends™ train ride and Hello Kitty Secret Garden, it’s going to be another exciting year at Drusillas Park. Located just off the A27, Drusillas Park is open daily from 10am.

Call us or visit our website for more information.

01323 874 100

www.drusillas.co.uk

OAK DESIGNS An increasing number of people are opting to self-assemble their own buildings and this is particularly the case with oak frame outbuildings, as they give the opportunity for the self-builder to take on an initial smaller project, such as a garage/workshop or home office.

CHRIS POPE (AN AUDIENCE WITH THE POPE)

At Oak Designs each oak frame comes complete with a bag containing a full set of clear and easy to follow assembly instructions and includes nails, oak pegs, stainless steel pins, drawing pack and DPC for laying under the soleplate. Plus, there is always back-up at the end of a phone from a technical expert from the Oak Designs Co. to talk through any stage of your self-build.

01273 400 411

www.oakdesigns.org

TOM HAACKE Tom Haacke is a modern acoustic singer songwriter who is looking to bring a refreshing edge to the genre. His exciting live show incorporates strong vocals, guitar, loop pedal and even some beat boxing, blended to create a show not to be missed!

Tom is recording a currently untitled two-track with plans for an EP this winter. You will see Tom playing next at The Bedford in Tunbridge Wells on Thursday April 23. Find out more about Tom, his music and upcoming performances at www.tomhaacke.com Email tomhaackemusic@gmail.com for booking enquiries.

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C O M M E R C I A L F E AT U R E

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GREEN TONES If you are looking for stylish homeware this spring, you might want to check out the eye-catching range recently launched by local company Green Tones. In addition to looking great, all of the tableware, planters and petware we supply are crafted from ‘Bamboo Fibre’, an eco-friendly alternative to plastics, glassware and ceramics.

This recycled material, which is durable, non-toxic and dishwasher safe, is best suited to sleek, contemporary designs and sharp colours. It is also biodegradable.

Once it has provided years of attractive use, Green Tones homeware will break down and biodegrade in landfill over just three to five years.

Our tableware includes complete sets, ideal for picnics, barbecues and everyday use. Plates, cups, bowls and speakers are also available separately. The planters we offer are best suited to seedlings, herbs, small plants and fruits and are available from just 45p each. Visit our website for more information. www.greentones.co.uk

SEVENOAKS TRIATHLON Knight Frank, in Sevenoaks, is delighted to be one of the main sponsors of the Sevenoaks Triathlon to be held on the morning of Sunday April 19.

George Berry, Office Head, will present the Knight Frank Trophies to the fastest local male and fastest local female who crosses the finishing line after a 400m swim, 25km cycle and 8.4km run – quite a challenge due to the hilly terrain in this area. Three brave members of the office (Edward Rook, George Berry and and Tilly Wilson, pictured) have entered a relay team and are accompanied by three Head Office colleagues.

A prize draw for a sports package to the value of £1,000, for all local competitors who instruct Knight Frank with the sale of their house before 4pm on Saturday April 18, will be drawn on the day. www.knightfrank.com

BUCKMORE PARK If it was good enough for double F1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, then it sure ought to be good enough for anyone. Buckmore Park Kart Circuit is located just off the M2 and all the family can feel like champions this Easter.

Buckmore have something for everyone, from as young as four to as old as you feel. Over Easter we have lined up Family ‘Turn Up ‘n’ Drive’ days on Monday April 6 and Thursday April 16 (ages four to 84!)

For those who are under a time constraint, we’re now offering a pre-bookable day on Friday April 10. There are open Laser Warfare sessions on Wednesday April 8 and Monday April 13, as well as Kart School, race meetings for youngsters, birthday party availability and races for adults of all abilities too.

Find out more at www.buckmore.co.uk (adults) or www.buckmore4kids.co.uk (youngsters).

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-

SO

LULLINGSTONE PARK GO LF CO U RSE

TRIAL OFFER Try Lullingstone Park Golf course for one month for just ÂŁ49. This fantastic introductory offer will enable you to try the courses at Lullingstone for a whole month for less than the price of two weekend rounds on the 18-hole course. T&Cs apply.

TIME SAVING GOLF The 9-hole course at Lullingstone provides a great round of golf for those who don't have time to spend a full day out on the course but enjoy the thrills of the game & the beautiful scenery on offer.

s

*

BROKE HILL

BROKE HILL PARTY PACKAGES

*

BROKE HILL

To discuss and receive a quote for your event, contact 01959 533225 (option 2) or e-mail sales@brokehill.co.uk

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APRIL 2015

p70 SO TW_APRIL_Ads.indd 2

23/03/2015 09:22

Intermediate &Junior Membership Unlimited Golf - Annual Subscription

Untitled-23 1

Intermediate 1 (19-25)

£450.00

Intermediate 2 (26-29)

£650.00

Intermediate 3 (30-34)

£900.00

Junior 1 (6-14)

£150.00

20/03/2015 17:04

SG>I

201

Cooper Tunbridge Wells

SO MAGAZINE BUSINESS GOLF CHARITY CHALLENGE IN ASSOCIATION WITH COOPER TUNBRIDGE WELLS BMW PROVIDING THE ULTIMATE DRIVE

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You can also call Paul Harvey: 01892 779 650 or 07720 970 056

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Member's benefits include:

Contact

• Access to 18 Hole and 9 Hole Courses*

Steven on 01732 701004 or email membership@hever.co. uk to reserve your place for 2015 and arrange a club preview round at your convenience.

• Members priority times every day of the week • Unlimited Practice included* • Junior Memberships included free with adults* • Categories to suit all lifestyles and budgets including our flexible membership • Intermediates for 18- 35 Year olds • Annual Pass to Hever Castle & Tickets for your guests

HEVER_C.AStLE GOLF CLVB

* Dependent on Membership category

Hever Castle Golf Club, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 7NP

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Quote SOTW to receive a discounted preview round

Untitled-5 2

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Dorent GOLF

alley

COURSE

WEEKDAY SPECIAL Coffee and bacon roll • 18 holes of golf • 1crs filling lunch

£29.00 per person Quote: SOMAG when booking.

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SO

ALL IMAGES SAM YARDLEY

FOCUS ON SEVENOAKS

Focus on Sevenoaks Take a stroll through the heart of Kent’s happiest town

F

Ever since being granted market town status in

or residents of Sevenoaks, there’s no

Sevenoaks came in at number 14 out of the top

doubt that this beautiful town is one of

50 UK happiness hotspots, making it the highest

the 13th century, Sevenoaks has been a thriving

the area’s best places to live, work, play,

rated Kent district – and beating nearest local rival

hub of local life with much to attract both visitors

shop and do business. Aside from its

Tunbridge Wells by an impressive 17 places.

and prospective residents. The market ethos

delightful buildings, fascinating history

Based on a broad range of factors – these

continues to this day, with a general shopping

and vibrant community, Sevenoaks has much

include life expectancy, health, employment,

experience available on Wednesdays and a

more to offer - whether you’re looking to raise a

crime rates, weather and even internet access

farmers’ market taking place in Bligh’s Meadow

family or buy a home, or simply enjoy a fantastic

– the Quality of Life Survey identifies the most

every Saturday. Those looking for Easter gifts,

day out or dining experience, you’ll find

prosperous and peaceful places to hang your

unusual ideas for the home or great local produce

everything you need in the historic town.

hat. Those who enjoy the pace of life in

will find plenty to interest them among the

Sevenoaks and its enviable amenities are sure to

bustling stores, where you can shop for

consistently ranks highly in ‘best place to live’

agree with the findings, which suggest the town

everything from antiques and jewellery to

studies. In the Halifax Quality of Life Survey 2014,

is Kent’s finest address.

sporting goods and craft supplies.

It’s no surprise that, year after year, Sevenoaks

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FOCUS ON SEVENOAKS

A fantastic night out is never far away in

products and crafts. Live music, street food and a

Sevenoaks, where the local arts and culture

beer festival will all add to the atmosphere,

scene is going from strength to strength. The

making this one of the year’s best food-focused

Stag Community Arts Centre, Theatre and

events. Find out more at

Cinema provides high quality live entertainment,

www.marketsquaregroup.co.uk

alongside the latest blockbuster films. Household

Days out in Sevenoaks are always fun,

names star in the Outside the Box Comedy Club

particularly if you’d like to soak up the

on a monthly basis, while rising and established

remarkable sense of history and heritage that

bands from diverse genres appear on the same

pervades the area. Overlooking the town and

stage as world class ballet and classical

its stunning rural environs is, of course, Knole

productions. Every winter, locals enjoy a

– the captivating 15th century stately home that

spectacular family pantomime at their much-

has been the Sackville residence for 400 years.

loved theatre, without having to travel to a larger

Now the only remaining deer park in Kent, the

town or city to enjoy the festive fun.

1,000-acre estate is cared for by the National

expansive mansions to cosy cottages, there’s

Meanwhile, the Sevenoaks Players provide an

Trust and is one of the county’s most popular

something for most buyers here and the town’s

entertaining platform for talented local amateurs.

tourist attractions. Visitors are intrigued by the

demographic represents aspirational, hard-

Every year the Sevenoaks Summer Festival

remarkable history of the house, which was

working people who love their town and their

keeps the town buzzing with live music, drama

once owned by King Henry VIII, while for many

culture.

and entertainment – keep your eye on

locals, strolling through the atmospheric and

Raising a family in Sevenoaks is probably one

www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk for details.

extensive parkland is one of the great joys of

of the best decisions a parent could make, given

Sevenoaks life.

the wealth of nationally respected schools, both

For a tasty lunch or pre-theatre evening meal, there are plenty of mouth-watering options on

In nearby Riverhill, you’ll find another, more

public and state, based in the immediate area.

offer. Here you can enjoy a virtual trip around the

modest country home with a fascinating

Dating from the early 15th century, Sevenoaks

world, with a huge array of global cuisines on the

horticultural collection, at Riverhill Himalayan

School is the second oldest non-denominational

menu – whether you fancy Italian, Japanese,

Gardens. Of course, few tourists leave the area

school in the country and counts some high

Thai, Mexican, Indian, French, Chinese,

without visiting Sir Winston Churchill’s beloved

profile figures among its alumni – these include

Malaysian, European, traditional British pub grub

former home, Chartwell, near Westerham and

the Princess Royal’s husband, Sir Timothy

or an elegant afternoon tea, you’ll find something

Sevenoaks make a great base from which to

Laurence, actor Daniel Day-Lewis, film director

to satisfy just about every appetite.

explore the gorgeous Wealden countryside and

Paul Greengrass, comedian Charlie Higson and

delightful surrounding villages.

members of the Belgian Royal family. Other

For even more gastronomic delights, don’t

If you’re smitten with Sevenoaks, moving

highly rated schools in the town include Knole

which will run on The Vine from Friday May 8 to

here permanently is a highly attractive option.

Academy, Walthamstow Hall and Sevenoaks

Sunday May 10. Here, you’ll discover the best of

With mainline rail services and easy access to

Preparatory School.

local, national and international produce, along

the M25, this is a popular commuter town and

with the chance to buy garden and kitchen

house prices are correspondingly healthy. From

miss the Sevenoaks Food and Drink Festival,

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Whatever you want from life, you’re sure to find it in Sevenoaks.

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20/03/2015 15:35

Diagnostic and Treatment Centre

Sevenoaks Medical Centre Beadle House

DELAYING NEVER CURED A WEAK HEART Don't delay getting your heart checked out-

make an appointment today and start your journey back to good health.

Call Sevenoaks Medical Centre's world-leading Cardiac Services Team on 0844 800 0676 or visit www.sevenoaksmedicalcentre.com .

Sevenoaks Medical Centre, Beadle House, London Road, Sevenoaks TN13 2JD

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SO

ADVERTORIAL

EDUCATION PROFILE

“EVERY CHILD HAS A CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SCHOOL AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO SCHOOL LIFE”

THE VERY BEST START IN LIFE

At Sevenoaks Preparatory School, tremendous academic success flourishes in a supportive, nurturing environment. Headmaster and former pupil, Mr Luke Harrison, tells us why students can enjoy the best of both worlds at this co-educational school.

school life. Drama, music, art and sport all play a very important part in a pupil’s development. Everyone has the opportunity to represent the school at sport, in music concerts and in school productions. Life in Years 7 and 8 is one of the great strengths of Sevenoaks Prep. Our older pupils play a crucial role in school life, as they are our leaders and role models, and are given responsibilities accordingly.

WHEN DID SEVENOAKS PREP OPEN?

new audiences. We work together to make

The school was founded in 1919 on a site in

sure they receive the very best start in life.

central Sevenoaks and moved to its current

We are also proud of our excellent academic

DO YOU HAVE A SCHOOL MOTTO? We have our ‘Way of Life’, which is a set of

location, in 20 acres bordering Knole Park, in

achievements. Our most recent leavers were

moral guidelines that are at the heart of

1968. We are looking forward to our

awarded scholarships for academic success,

everything we stand for.

centenary celebrations in four years’ time.

sports, arts, drama and music. We celebrate individuality and enable each pupil to find their

ARE THERE INTERESTING

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY YOU ARE

strengths and maximise their potential by

CHANGES TAKING PLACE

MOST RENOWNED FOR TODAY?

offering a diverse and exciting curriculum

IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM?

The very special, family-friendly atmosphere

within a secure community. Pupils and

Not a day goes past without something

at Sevenoaks Prep is what sets us apart from

teachers here trust each other. Fundamentally,

new happening. As education is so dynamic,

other schools. Pastoral care is at the core of

our caring and dedicated staff enjoy spending

it is essential that a school and its

what we do. We are here to make sure pupils

time with the children.

community remember the past,

learn, but also that they are confident to talk to us, to their parents, to their peers and to

78

Every child has a chance to make a difference in school and to contribute to

equips itself for the present and embraces the future.

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ADVERTORIAL

HOW ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENTS

where they explore the pond, check what is

Sevenoaks Preparatory School

TAKING PLACE AT YOUR SCHOOL?

happening in the mini bugs’ hotel and see who

Godden Green, Sevenoaks,

Later this term, we are completing the

is visiting the butterfly sanctuary. Pupils in

Kent TN15 0JU

development of four new modern classrooms

Years 1 and 2 use the trail as part of their

01732 762 336

for our Kindergarten and Reception pupils,

outdoor education lessons, which are

www.theprep.org.uk

which have been designed to take advantage

timetabled weekly. Older pupils have been

admin@theprep.org.uk

of our grounds, and so have bi-fold doors

helping to build it and learning from it as part

linking the inside space with the outside space.

of the school’s gardening and outdoor

Also, as part of our emphasis on outdoor

SO

education clubs.

education, we have also been building a nature trail for all our pupils to enjoy. It is used

TELL US A SURPRISING STORY

to teach the importance of respecting and

ABOUT THE PLACE

supporting the environment and the benefits

In the woodland around our fields, there is a

of sustainability. Pupils in Nursery,

BMX track that I helped to build when I was a

Kindergarten and Reception use this trail

pupil at the school. I would love to reinstate

regularly in class time. They have nature walks

the track, as it is a bit overgrown now!

“THE BEST THING ABOUT THE PREP IS HOW MUCH THE TEACHERS CARE ABOUT YOU AND WHAT YOU THINK.” Year 8 pupil

An independent day school for boys and girls aged 2-13 To arrange a visit, please contact Clare Harrison: admissions@theprep.org.uk 01732 762336 www.theprep.org.uk

CHALLENGE • CREATIVITY • COMMUNITY

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SO

St Julians [lub LAN fXCLUSIVE PRIVATE lMEMBERS' (LUB Enjoy spring at St Julians Club; our charming surroundings are the perfect place for families to relax together and enjoy a family meal. As the days warm up our spacious grounds are great for the kids to play and explore, and our heated outdoor pools open on 1 April for the summer season.

St Julians has beautiful listed function rooms with fantastic views for catered parties of up to 150 guests. Our versatile rooms are perfect for Christmas meals in the restaurant and larger Christmas parties. Visit our website for further information, and to find out how to join.

LA'FRIENDLY CLUB WHERE {AN 1\§LAX, 'DINE ~AMILIES

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The hottest new hair colour trend is tortoise shell, a 2015 take on ombre and highlights according to the colour specialists at Graham Webb International in Sevenoaks.

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F E AT U R E

RODRIGO MENEZES

SO

Alan Turing was an instrumental part of the Enigma team at Bletchley Park

– eventually managed to crack the code, giving the Allies access to the Germans’ most sensitive information. When Enigma was finally deciphered, this achievement had in turn to be kept secret, to prevent the Germans from discovering that their code was now useless. Experts believe the

CRACKING THE CODE

breaking of the Enigma code shortened the war by at least two years and saved millions

When British actor Benedict Cumberbatch was Oscar nominated for his portrayal of mathematician Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, it led to a resurgence of interest in the Second World War’s most important breakthrough – the operation to crack the German Enigma code. But the Allies’ codebreaking successes were not exclusively down to the team at famous Bletchley Park. We discover how a radio intercept station at Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, played an indispensable role in winning the war

of lives, but the facts surrounding Enigma remained top secret until the 1970s and some former members of staff still consider themselves sworn to secrecy.

“I believe that at the end of the century, the use of words and general educated opinion will have altered so much that one will be able to speak of machines thinking without expecting to be contradicted” – Alan Turing The recent release of the critically acclaimed film The Imitation Game on DVD will no doubt continue to inspire interest in this amazing

WHEN BRITAIN DECLARED war on

broken Enigma in 1932, that was at a time

story. This month, a notebook containing

Germany, no time was wasted in preparing

when the Germans were only changing the

Turing’s calculations dating back to 1942 goes

the country for its second major conflict of the

machine’s settings every few months. Now,

up for auction in New York and is expected to

century. With the Great War just two decades

the code was reset at least every 24 hours,

fetch at least £1million. But the ultimately

over, it was imperative that every resource at

making the task of breaking the cypher

tragic genius was not the only person who

the Allies’ disposal should be put to use

practically impossible.

contributed to the UK’s codebreaking

straightaway – these resources included the

“Machines take me by surprise with great

success. Even after Enigma was cracked, the

country’s brightest and best minds.

frequency” – Alan Turing

operation to spy on the Germans had to

Breaking the wireless codes with which the

As we now know, some of Britain’s greatest

continue and it took a cast of hundreds,

enemy communicated their movements and

codebreakers came to the rescue. At the

thousands even, many of whom were based

plans was essential, but the Germans were

Government Code and Cipher School

right here in the Weald.

using the highly efficient Enigma coding

(GC&CS)’s base at Bletchley Park in

machine. Although the Polish had already

Buckinghamshire, the team – including Turing

82

Although Bletchley Park was deliberately chosen as the GC&CS base because it was in a

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Ivy Farm House operated as a crucial radio intercept station, feeding German messages to Bletchley Park.

rural area outside London, there was still

Ivy Farm – it was also home to the

concern that the Germans might identify the

Foreign Office Research and

site and attempt to destroy it. So a number of ‘Y

Development Establishment (FORDE)

Stations’ were set up across the country, where

– and many workers never really

staff intercepted non-Morse communications

understood the importance of what they

and fed them to Bletchley Park (or ‘Station X’) as

were doing at the time, or knew that

part of the Ultra military intelligence programme.

their information was going to

One of the most important of these wireless

Bletchley Park.

intercept stations was at Ivy Farm in Knockholt

Staff worked 24 hours

Pound, about five miles north west of

a day in seven to nine-hour-long shifts,

Sevenoaks. Here, staff worked ceaselessly for

with one day off per week.

two and a half years to intercept German

By the end of the war Knockholt staff

messages, mainly those sent via the Lorenz

had collected nearly 168,000

rotor stream cipher machines.

messages and passed over 27,000 on

Beginning with just six personnel in June

to Bletchley Park – where in excess of

1942, Ivy Farm’s staff grew to over 800 by

13,000 were successfully deciphered.

May 1945 and accommodation had become

The general consensus among

rather problematic. The workers – many of

historians is that the Ultra intelligence

whom were women – were billeted with

programme, and in particular the

families in the surrounding area or put up in

breaking of the Enigma code, was the

huts built on the farmland. Eventually special

most important contribution made to

hostels were built in Sevenoaks and Halstead

the Second World War.

to help cope with the numbers; a new

Although the need for the operation

canteen was constructed at the farm in 1944

at Bletchley Park essentially ended with

and workers also frequented the nearby pub,

the war, the Ivy Farm centre continued

The Three Horseshoes. Security was tight at

to operate until 1953.

The Enigma coding machine

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IAN CAPPER

IAN CAPPER

F E AT U R E

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T R AV E L

SO

Candlelit night lanterns Hoi An

GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM From tiny tunnels to expansive landscapes, Nel Staveley discovers why Vietnam is one of the hottest destinations on the planet right now

H

onestly,” beams my guide from a

underground maze of deep, airless, water

Ho Chi Minh City, are also an indication of

suspicious - looking tunnel.

pipe-sized holes, sometimes three ‘storeys’

exciting growth.

“It’s not that bad down here.”

and 15ft deep, where Viet Cong soldiers lived,

As I sit on a terrace, looking out to the

I’m not convinced. So he tries another tack.

fought and hid from American and South

beach-lined bay and the pulsing city with

“They’ve made these tunnels twice as big

Vietnamese troops.

clanking cranes building sleek new places to

as they were back in the war. They’re tourist-sized.”

While unsure whether I’m

A few hours later, back in Ho Chi Minh City, comes the War Remnants exhibition, where I find myself in

offended or encouraged, I do at

front of the original version of ‘that’

least know that I now have no

photo - Nick Ut ‘s Napalm Girl.

choice but to edge my tourist-

Needless to say, it’s just as poignant

sized hulk down into the dark, cramped, muddy hole – and not complain about how dark, cramped and muddy it is.

in real life as all the times you’ve seen it in newspapers and books.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of

stay, it’s hard to imagine that Da Nang is where the American troops had one of their biggest air bases during the war.

“It’s changed quite a lot,” my guide shrugs.

A lot, but, thankfully, not completely. For all its post-war reconstruction and surging tourism, Vietnam is in no hurry to surrender everything to progress.

Hoi An, half an hour’s drive from the bustling

when the 20-year battle ended and the Cu Chi

Da Nang, was once a major 16th century

tunnels and War Remnants Museum are

trading centre and is now a UNESCO World

Cu Chi Tunnels – 70km northwest of Ho Chi

reminders of the pain and suffering endured.

Cultural Heritage site. With its low, tiled

Minh City – might be unbearably humid, feel

But a bigger part of this warm, energetic,

hauntingly claustrophobic and smell like damp

swarming country is also here to tell you a very

mould, but this is the sanitised version; the

different story. Because four decades on from

Disney-esque take on what, more than 40

the civil war that threatened to bring the nation

years ago, in the midst of the bitter Vietnam

to its knees, Vietnam has never stood taller.

Because the guide’s right, this maze of

War (or the American War, as the Vietnamese

Last year, the country received a record

rightly call it) can only have been

number of visitors and it still rates highly on

unimaginable hell.

every ‘destination hotlist’ for 2015. A number

Even those not particularly well-versed in

of fashionable new hotels, such as the A La

Vietnamese history will have heard about the

Carte Hotel in Da Nang, about halfway up the

infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, a 200km

country’s coastline and an hour’s flight from

IN ADDITION TO THE UNSWERVINGLY FRIENDLY PEOPLE, VIETNAM IS BLESSED WITH ACHINGLY BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES, CENTURIES OF HISTORICAL BUILDINGS AND MADLY VIBRANT CITIES APRIL 2015

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T R AV E L

TRAVEL FACTS Nel Staveley was a guest of Hayes & Jarvis (01293 735 831; www.hayesandjarvis.com) who offers a nine-night, multi-centre holiday to Vietnam (visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hue) from £1,749pp, saving up to £432pp. Offer includes some meals, all transfers and return international flights from London Heathrow. Based on an October 6, 2015 departure.

An excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels by speedboat costs £66 per person; ‘Life as a Farmer’

Fusion Maia Resort in Hoi An

experience in Tra Que Vegetable Village costs £62 per person.

houses, ancient markets and candlelit

cold flannels, and whenever we stop

night lanterns, it’s a very pretty tourist

off at an array of brick and rice-noodle

Mecca. Yet an array of backpacker bars

making villages, we’re forever met with

and trinket-selling street stalls reveal it’s

herbal tea and offers of keo dua (local

embraced the 21st century.

coconut sweets).

But hop on a small, old fishing boat and

In addition to the unswervingly friendly

half an hour later – via a few excited,

people, Vietnam is blessed with achingly

potentially boat-toppling children and a

beautiful landscapes, centuries of

sweeping river view – you’re in a tiny

historical buildings and madly vibrant

village seemingly untouched by modern

cities. There are long, tree-lined rivers and

times, with smiling people gently pulling

spawning rice fields, lovingly tended

in fishing nets and craftsmen making clay

temples, pagodas and royal palaces, and

pots with nothing but a foot-press and the

the loud, moped-frenzied, brilliant cities of

heat of the sun.

Ho Chi Minh and Hue.

Similarly, not far away, there’s Tra Que

Equally remarkable are the country’s

Vegetable Village, where you can try

often-overlooked beaches. Neighbouring

some centuries-old farming techniques

Thailand has somewhat stolen any

for yourself. To be honest, at first it looks

chance of Vietnam winning the South-

easy – just don a Non La conical hat,

East Asia beach mantle, but it shouldn’t

watch the experts rake furrows in the

be the case. A fine example of the beach

ground and follow suit. Farmers explain

properties found here is Fusion Maia

how to sow seeds, cover them up and

Resort in Hoi An. It’s the epitome of

water them. But it’s a careful, gentle,

luxury, with private pool villas, two free

ancient craft that I quickly realise I have

spa treatments a day and morning yoga

no hope of emulating.

by the beachside infinity pool.

My effort is a total failure – one

breakfast or a lantern-lit barbecue dinner,

lines of extremely thirsty ones – but as

it’s even more perfect. I enjoy sitting

with everything in this country, it’s

quietly on the sand and watching the

greeted with a hearty smile.

bustling fishing boats, while a group of local children play football a few hundred

is legendary. It’s something I notice on

yards away. It’s a scene offering a vibrant

a family-run river cruise in the province

stillness; a feeling of gentle, ambling calm

of Ben Tre. We’re kept refreshed with

alongside a joyous energy. And for me,

a constant supply of fresh fruit and

that’s what Vietnam is all about.

88

Tra Que Vegetable Village

Down on the beach, where you can take

extremely well-soaked pea shoot and four

In fact, throughout Vietnam hospitality

Cu Chi Tunnels

APRIL 2015

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~

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When you arrive, you 'll quickly realise the magnificent landscapes and coastline of this lesser known region offer a truly authentic Spanish experience, with delicious food and wine, and chic shopping. You'll also find a choice of places to stayhere's just a taste of what's on offer.

Spanish coast and mountain escapes

Luxurious Spanish Paradores

4 nights from ÂŁ164pp

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Whether you fancy breathing in the fresh Picos air, relaxing in a tranquil country village, exploring a vibrant city; or simply soaking up the glorious spring sunshine, we've hand-picked some of our customers' favourite hotels- all perfect for your first visit.

Once castles, monasteries and palaces, Spain's Par adores offer guests unique surroundings coupled with the modern luxuries you'd expect from a high class hotel. Enjoy a choice of coastal, countryside or bustling town locations.

This break includes:

This break includes:

./ Return overnight cruise from Portsmouth with your car

./ Return overnight cruise from Portsmouth with your car

./ 2 nights on board with en suite cabin

./ 2 nights on board with en suite cabin

./ 2 night stay at the Hotel Real with breakfast

./ 2 nights at your choice of hotel with breakfast

Departs Fridays, returning on Tuesdays, 27 March to 30 June Other lengths of stay available- see website for full details.

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Brintons

OFT

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Baldwins Travel Group Baldwins Travel ~evenoaks

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SO

ADVERTORIAL

HIGH HILDEN THEN AND NOW

Providing a high standard of 24-hour personal care, High Hilden in Tonbridge has undergone a number of changes over the years. We find out how the home has adapted and why it still stands as a top choice for later life care in the local area WHEN HIGH HILDEN opened as a

However, there was a bright side! Films were

decorated and furnished, and enhanced with residents’ own belongings. Many rooms have attractive views over the gardens.

A stimulating programme of events is provided in the home, including music, visiting drama groups, exercises and quizzes. Trips out

residential home in 1946 in the former

regularly shown at the home, there were

are significantly more frequent than an annual

residence of the Streeten family, there were 45

blossom tours, visiting school choirs and an

event, latterly with visits for pub lunches,

elderly residents in dormitories or double

annual outing to the likes of Hastings, or the

theatre trips and cream teas.

rooms. The washing up was done by the

London lights. Famous visitors included Tony

residents themselves and “took as long as

Hancock, who arrived in “a very grand car.”

three hours a day.” They also dusted the dormitories and laid the tables.

In 1952, a rule was made that all residents

Much has changed since the early days, not least the relaxation of the decree relating to

Anyone considering residential care for themselves or an elderly relative can find out more by visiting www.highhilden.co.uk or by telephoning the home on 01732 353 070.

alcohol and the absence of a curfew. Now, the

should be in by 8.30pm unless given leave

home is managed by an experienced Home

High Hilden Country House Living

to be late. In 1956, it was decreed that

Manager, with Care Assistants providing 24-hour

for the Elderly – Established 1946

there should be “no intoxicating liquor on

support. The care and comfort of residents is

High Hilden Close, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3DB

the premises.”

paramount. The single bedrooms are tastefully

Email: highhilden@btconnect.com

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L AT E R L I F E

SO

looking forward to later life

After decades of hard work, retirement is the long-awaited opportunity to relax and enjoy a new phase of your life. When you’ve strived, planned and cared for others all this time, it’s only right that your later years should be fulfilling, active and full of happy memories shared with family and friends FOR SOME PEOPLE, retirement is the

need to be met and overcome. Changes in

you to solve even the most difficult problems

time to put their feet up and enjoy the home

financial circumstances, health difficulties and

– this could be getting in a little daily help with

and family they’ve worked so hard to create.

the loss of loved ones are just some of the

chores so that you can remain in your own

For others, it’s about having the freedom to

issues that may arise – finding solutions to

home, or finding a place where you can live

explore new horizons or pursue long-held

these often emotive and distressing situations

independently but be safe in the knowledge

dreams and ambitions. But whether you’re

may seem a daunting task, but help is at hand

that help is at hand if you need it. Even if an

planning to travel the globe or revel in your

to assist you in making the right choices for

older person requires expert 24-hour care that

own personal world, essentially everyone

you and your family.

the family cannot provide, there is sure to be

shares the same key desires for their later

Making decisions for yourself or on behalf of

someone out there who can help.

Whatever your concerns, support and

years – independence, good health and

a relative is much easier if you have plenty of

freedom to enjoy their interests.

information about the options available, which

guidance is available in the local community, to

you’ll find in the pages that follow. Leading

ensure that your later life is the safe, fulfilled

local companies explain how they could help

and happy experience you deserve.

However, life is unpredictable and growing older inevitably brings with it challenges that

APRIL 2015

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~

SUNRISE. SENIOR LIVING

THE JOY OF EVERY DAY

For over three decades we've made every Sunrise community a home from home.

Each home is a vibrant place where independence, choice, dignity and the highest standards of care are valued above all else.

We believe in giving you everything you need to live the lifestyle you want.

Take our five daily activities for example. Each offers a rich, varied and stimulating experience every single day ~ helping you make new friends and simply carry on doing the things you love.

Call 01732 748 400 or pop in anytime for a closer look at what makes Sunrise so special.

Sunrise of Sevenoaks, 64~ 70 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN 13 2PZ

sunrise--care.co.uk/sevenoaks

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us: 11 rPJGrl[!]

23/03/2015 11:27

Better than home?

A

SUNRISE速 SENIOR LIVING

THE JOY OF EVERY DAY

When the time comes to find care for yourself or a loved one, what's the best option?

Carers coming to visit you in your own house or a move to a dedicated, 24~hour care home? With an ageing population, more and more people are having to make the choice.

Sunrise Senior Living in Sevenoaks is the sort of care home that everyone wishes could be the norm.

Luxurious suites, landscaped garden, relaxing bistro, a top class restaurant and a choice of at least five activities a day are all part of the offer. There's even an area dedicated exclusively to the care of people with dementia. But, as Director of Community Relations Stephanie Seale points out: "What really matters is the care."

Emma is sympathetic to people who make the choice to have carers visiting their house. "It's only natural that people can be reluctant to leave their homes," she says.

"Everybody here is so kind and lovely," said a resident recently. "I'd tell everyone to move into Sunrise of Sevenoaks. I tell all my friends how wonderful it is. The food is lovely, I couldn't think of anywhere better to live."

Once that decision is made to move into a care setting, everyone - from the resident to their family -can relax. "The difference can be huge," says Stephanie. "Daughters, for instance, often tell me that their relationship with their mother or father improves because a huge burden of worry has lifted from their shoulders."

"But you have to be sure that it really is the right choice. If anyone needs the peace of mind of 24hour care, or is lonely, or feels they're placing an unfair burden on family members, then a residential care home - like Sunrise - is by far the better choice."

The debate over the rights and wrongs of carers visiting for as little as half-an-hour a day is surely going to grow. But, while there are residential care home settings such as Sunrise of Sevenoaks available, people will always be able to choose 24hour peace of mind.

Pop in for a tour today, or call us on 01732 748 400 to find out more.

Sunrise of Sevenoaks, 64-70 Westerham Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 2PZ

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23/03/2015 11:27

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SO

Patient Centred Care at Burrswood Hospital Independent 40-bed (single ensuite rooms) Christian hospital, providing short-term medical and nursing care to patients of all faiths and none.

Personalised, compassionate clinical care is provided with dignity and respect by our highly skilled team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, counsellors, chaplains and support staff.

Burrswoo@

We offer: • Rehabilitation following surgery or major illness • Respite Care • End of Life Care • Treatment for CFS/M E • Spiritual & Pastoral Support • Counselling, Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy on an inpatient and outpatient basis Burrswood, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9PV

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L AT E R L I F E

SO

what are your options?

People today are living longer, healthier lives, which makes planning for those future years increasingly important. We look at some of the choices for you and your family to consider

STATISTICS SHOW THAT the average life expectancy in the UK is getting higher. English males can now expect to live 78.4 years, while for English women it’s slightly higher at 82.4 years. This means that children born today are expected to live two years longer than children born a decade ago.

But it’s not just about planning ahead.

It’s also about the issues some of you might be facing today, or maybe you have older relatives unable to live without some form of support.

There are now numerous choices available, which can be hugely beneficial to the person entering this new chapter of their life, as well as to their family.

Each option can be tailored to different needs and requirements, so whether you or a family member wants to live independently or requires full-time assistance, there is always a solution.

We take a look at some of those options and give you an overview of the different services, while also providing advice on that all important question of financial planning.

DOMICILIARY CARE This is where you are looked after by a personal healthcare professional in the comfort of your own home. You are afforded the freedom and familiarity of staying at home with a few modifications to make mobility and day-to-day living easier and more convenient. Your personal carer visits once or twice a day, ensuring you are kept safe and healthy without infringing on your independence.

So, you are able to live your life in a familiar and comfortable environment, while also being safe in the knowledge that you have someone to call upon whenever you need them.

From £12-16 p/hr Appeals to: People who are capable of looking after themselves but would benefit from daily contact and check-ins

LIVE-IN CARE This means that you get to continue living at home, with your personal carer coming to live with and care for you full time.

Having someone close by at all times can make everyday tasks considerably easier. Furthermore, extended company with a carer can do wonders for your emotional wellbeing, as they come to know your habits, preferences and requirements intimately, resulting in a more effective relationship that can adapt as needed. It also means peace of mind for your family, who can rest easy knowing that there is always someone at home to look out for you.

From £600 p/wk Appeals to: People who are no longer capable of looking after themselves but don’t want to move out of their home

SHELTERED HOUSING This is where you live independently in designated grouped housing such as a block of flats. Often run by housing associations who work closely with local authorities on a not-for-profit basis, these schemes allow you to look after yourself and come and go as you wish, living your life freely from an established, reliable base.

Living as part of a close-knit housing area also allows for a more social environment, where you can be part of a friendly, supportive community.

A manager or officer also resides on site, offering assistance in the case of an emergency.

From £12-20 p/wk plus rent or mortgage payments Appeals to: People who are capable of looking after themselves but prefer to live in a more communal environment

CARE HOMES CARE HOMES WITH NURSING These are for people who are no longer able to live at Care homes with nursing are purpose-built facilities aimed home by themselves, at people with medical providing a wealth of disabilities who are no convenience in a safe, longer able to be cared for or comfortable and social look after themselves at environment. They are home. Nursing aides and staffed 24 hours a day with skilled nurses are available all your meals provided, so 24 hours a day, providing you can relax and feel right premium medical care at home, meeting new where home carers are people and making new unqualified to do so. Visiting friends along the way. The hours are generally more variety of activities on offer flexible than hospitals, means you can stay busy. meaning you can see more You can also lead a quieter of your loved ones. lifestyle in a peaceful Stimulating activities are environment. With a organised and communal communal atmosphere you’ll grounds provided, enabling be able to enjoy you to socialise with the company of others, safe fellow residents while in the knowledge you’re on the mend. that you’re being cared for From £1,200-1,400 p/wk round the clock.

Appeals to: People with From £700-800 p/wk medical conditions who Appeals to: People who are no longer capable of are no longer capable of looking after themselves looking after themselves and require day-to-day living and require 24-hour medical assistance assistance

FINANCIAL PLANNING Financial planning for later life is something that is certainly worth thinking about early.

The first step is to talk to an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) with whom you can discuss a risk assessment, evaluate your financial status and explore all the available avenues.

Pensions are generally the most popular safety net option, as this is something you can gradually save for and contribute to throughout your working adult life.

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L AT E R L I F E

journey of a LIFETIME As her latest foodie film becomes available on DVD, veteran British film star Helen Mirren talks to Susan Griffin about bad cookery, friendly Italians and an unexpected phone call WHENEVER HELEN MIRREN’S in need of

over 100 credits to her

a little pick-me-up, she searches out a slice or

name, Mirren confesses

two of eggy bread.

she couldn’t believe it

“My mother used to make it – oh, it’s amazing,” she says, a wistful look in her eye as she pictures the naughty treat.

Fried carbs might not be the first snack that

when Spielberg rang.

“It was that classic phone call of, ‘It’s Steven Spielberg on the line for

comes to mind when you think of the

you’. And whenever an

Academy Award winner but, as she states,

actor is lucky enough to

she “eats to live – I don’t live to eat”. And she

receive that phone call,

loves food, particularly “fuel-type food, like

you never believe it and

mashed potatoes and fried bread”.

think someone’s having

Today, the 69-year-old is looking healthy, trim

you on,” says Mirren,

and elegant in a fitted berry red dress and

who began her career as

heels. While you sense the Dame doesn’t

Cleopatra at the National

suffer fools, she radiates a down-to-earth

Youth Theatre, earned a

warmth. For instance, on hearing that Manish

legion of fans as DCI

Dayal (her co-star in her latest film, The

Jane Tennison in the

Hundred-Foot Journey) had preconceived ideas

1990s TV series Prime

Caption to go here

of what she’d be like before meeting her, only

Suspect and won an Oscar for her title role in

theirs, but underestimate the lengths the

to realise later that they actually share the same

The Queen in 2007.

proprietor of the establishment, Madame

“dirty sense of humour”, she starts laughing

The Hundred-Foot Journey – which was

Mallory (Mirren), will go to in her attempts to

released on DVD last month – follows Hassan

close the gaudy restaurant. But even she

(Dayal), a culinary ingénue with the gastronomic

can’t deny Hassan’s talent and ultimately

of the 31-year-old, who starred in teen series

equivalent of perfect pitch, and his family, led

helps him on a journey that brings the warring

90210 before being plucked by the movie’s

by Papa (Om Puri), as they move to a quaint

factions together.

producers, Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey,

village in the South of France with the plan of

to play the lead in the big screen adaptation of

opening an Indian restaurant.

“He’s an absolute charmer, isn’t he?” she says

the bestselling novel.

Picture: Anthony Devlin/PA Photos

Despite almost 50 years in the business and

They’re undeterred by the fact a Michelin starred eatery stands just 100ft across from

With co-star Om Puri

98

“I thought it was a charming story and loved the fact it was going to be shot in the South of France, as I’ve always secretly wanted to be a French actress and I thought it would be an

Picture: PA Photos/Entertainment one

heartily. “I’d admit to that, yes.”

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L AT E R L I F E

SO

“I DO INCREDIBLE BAKED BEANS ON TOAST, MARMALADE ON TOAST AND CHEESE ON TOAST”

Picture: PA Photos/Entertainment one

Captio

opportunity to

the same way about acting, “but I really don’t so

pretend to be

much any more,” she reflects.

that,” says

“I love my profession, don’t get me wrong

Mirren, who was

and I’m very committed. But I’m not obsessed

brought up in

the way I used to be, especially as a very young

Essex to a British

actress. It was a church for me, my religion.”

mother and

“He’s very good at cooking pasta, in the sense of knowing when to get it out of the water, which is an art form, but neither of us are great chefs.”

That would suggest the time they spend in Puglia, southern Italy, isn’t spent in the kitchen.

Although they have houses in the UK and US,

Mirren might play a woman who can detect whether someone has the potential to become

Mirren considers their Italian home a haven,

and lived in Paris as a young woman, when she

a great chef with one bite of an omelette, but

somewhere she can be herself, even if she isn’t

toured the world as part of the renowned director

she wouldn’t consider herself quite in that

entirely anonymous when she goes out there.

Peter Brook’s theatre company.

bracket in real life.

Russian father,

There are wonderful moments in the movie,

“I am known as ‘The Actress’ there, ‘l’attrice’, and that’s all they call me,” she says, smiling.

“I do incredible baked beans on toast,

not least a scene in which Madame Mallory

marmalade on toast, cheese on toast,” she

“’We saw the actress in the restaurant’, ‘we

berates one of her chefs for allowing a limp

confides, grinning. “I love food and love to eat

saw the actress in the supermarket’, but at the

asparagus to be served and then produces the

but I’ve never been a great cook. Occasionally I’ll

same time, it’s southern Italy, so they’re

offending item from a napkin. Their attitude

cook something that’s fabulous, but then forget

incredibly hospitable and welcoming.”

towards food should be akin to a passionate

how I did it because I make it up as I go along.”

affair, she reminds her staff.

Mirren reveals there was time when she felt

Last autumn she began shooting her next movie, Eye In The Sky.

Her husband, the director Taylor Hackford, who she married in 1997, isn’t much better.

“It’s about drone warfare and is as different as you can imagine from this movie,” says Mirren, who will be playing a military commander. And it will need to go some way to beat the atmosphere on set for The

Hundred-Foot Journey.

“It was a very happy film and it felt like a real Picture: PA Photos/Entertainment one

family making this movie; it’s lovely when it happens like that,” she says. “With the big movie stars, it’s very hard to get that feeling going, because they’ve done so much, they’ve seen so much, they’re so self-defensive and protected, they find it hard to be natural and easy. But with this sort of movie, people are just more relaxed.”

The Hundred-Foot Journey is available on DVD now.

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ADVERTORIAL

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“We know that we are not the cheapest, but many of the ways we deliver our service I hope provide good value,” says Director of Care, Julia Mead. “Whether it is chasing up

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Offering the best possible care in and around the Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks areas, TerraBlu supports older people who want to remain in the comfort of their home. We find out why this premium service can help you maintain an independent and fulfilling life in your later years

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L AT E R L I F E

MATTBUCK

Bernard Cribbins

A THIRD OF CHILDREN QUESTIONED SAID THEY DIDN’T KNOW WHAT THEIR GRANDPARENTS HAD DONE FOR A LIVING, WITH 37% HAVING NO IDEA WHERE THEIR GRAN AND GRANDDAD GREW UP

KEEPING MEMORIES ALIVE

We discover how a new schools initiative is bridging the gap between generations FROM FASCINATING WARTIME

head teachers.

of older people think younger people are simply not interested in what they have to say.

A third of children questioned said they didn’t know what their grandparents had done for a living, with 37% having no idea where their gran and granddad grew up.

Sadly, 14% of older people say they never

The project is being supported by the veteran

see the children in their family and 68% don’t

televisions, computers and mobile phones

actor Bernard Cribbins, 85, whose 70-year career

have any regular contact with children outside

became part of everyday life – older people

has included Carry On films, Jackanory and Dr

their family.

have so much valuable experience and

Who. The actor, who is known to today’s

knowledge to share with today’s children. Yet

children as the star of the CBeebies series Old

Primary Headteachers (NPH) organisation,

three quarters of the elderly (76%) think their

Jack’s Boat, says: “Everybody has a story to tell

says: “We think it’s vital that children have a

life experiences won’t be passed on, despite

and children love to listen to stories.

good understanding of how the world around

memories, to how we had fun before

them having advice they’d like to share with

“It’s so important to encourage new

Paul Walker, Chairperson of the National

them has been shaped and knowing how

generations to spend time speaking with their

previous generations lived is so important for

seniors. It’s not just sitting with your gran for 10

our youngsters as they learn how the world

unique and valuable accounts of recent history

minutes at Christmas; it’s about building more

has changed.”

are not lost forever, a new initiative has been

contact with older people into everyday lives.”

Steve Allen, Chief Executive of the charity

Cribbins stresses that the idea is for both

Friends of the Elderly, agrees that facilitating

younger generations.

In a bid to ensure that as many of these often

launched in schools to get children and the elderly together to chat about the past. It’s hoped

older people and children to swap stories –

the sharing of stories between the old and

that, as well as preserving individual accounts of

something each generation will benefit from.

young is a valuable exercise, pointing out that

life throughout the 20th century, the Life

“Older people still have important things to

talking to children could help combat loneliness in the older generation.

Histories scheme, created by care home

say and deserve to be listened to – as do

provider Anchor, will also help reduce some of

children,” he says. “We can all learn a lot by

the loneliness felt by older generations.

listening to each other’s stories and I strongly

change the future of loneliness by encouraging

“We believe that the opportunity exists to

believe the older generation have a wealth of

families and whole communities to stay

the country to help children find out more

life experience and knowledge to pass on.

connected,” he says. “We know that cross-

about the older people in their communities.

Encouraging a child to take part in this initiative

generational contact is especially important

Special teaching guide packs, designed to

will help them to interact more with older

and sharing stories is a wonderful way to

deliver key National Curriculum learning

people, which is hugely important for both

connect the generations.”

outcomes for children in Years Five and Six

young and old.”

For more on the Life Histories initiative,

The initiative is encouraging schools across

(ages nine to 11), have been issued to 15,000

The Anchor research found nearly half (47%)

visit www.anchor.org.uk/lifehistories

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HOMES

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SO

Beautiful Homes and Gardens Making the most of your wonderful Wealden retreat

Home is where the heart is and with the arrival of spring, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect time to give your property a new lease of life. From gorgeous gardens to inspiring interiors, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help you create the sanctuary of your dreams. Whether you want to give your rooms a refreshing makeover or create a breathtaking backdrop for alfresco entertaining, read on to find all the inspiration you need this season

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20/03/2015 12:22

WHOLESALE NURSERY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Easter Weekend 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th APRIL Opening times: Fri 9am- 5pm, Sat & Sun 9am- 5pm, Bank Holiday Monday 9am- 5pm

At Stone Green Nurseries you will discover that we are passionate about plants. We grow a fantastic range:

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You can choose your plants from our vast selection and direct from their growing beds!

You can't buy fresher" Our broad variety of garden plants are offered to you at fair prices.

Should you need help with your selection we also have knowledgeable staff to help answer your questions.

On the 17th - 18th - 19th April we will have with us a visiting nursery Northwing Nurseries of Somerset. Offering Basket plants, Planted Baskets and Containers.

FUTURE DATES 17th, 18th, 19th April For more details directions please use our website Pluckley Road, Bethersden TN26 3ET

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GARDENS

SO

GLORIOUS GARDENS

Emma Davies, who runs The Walled Nursery in Hawkhurst with her husband Monty, reveals how you could enjoy a bumper crop of vegetables this year, even in a small garden

YOU MAY NOT HAVE enough space to

prevented with regular, consistent watering,

Cavolo Nero (which is hard to find in

create an allotment style garden but,

allowing calcium to be taken up to the plant.

supermarkets but knocks the socks off curly

nevertheless, you may want to give growing

Next, runner beans and French beans – you

kale for taste and texture) will keep producing

vegetables a try. Well, why wouldn’t you? You

can have a plentiful supply, just make sure you

leaves all through summer and, if you sow again

have the peace of mind that there are no nasty

have a large container and get a tepee or line of

in the autumn, through winter too. You simply

chemicals involved, you don’t have to pay for

canes in place firmly before the beans start to

pick off the leaves as you need them – fresh as

them – beyond buying seeds and compost –

grow. They drink water like it’s going out of

you can get! You do need to watch out for

and you don’t have to drive to the shops to get

fashion, but they will keep you in beans for

Cabbage White Butterflies with your kale, so

your five a day!

most of the summer and some varieties are

netting may be required later on in the season.

very decorative too. French beans can be sown

Both crops require medium sized pots.

But what if you have very limited space – which vegetables are happy in containers?

again in July to give you a later crop and there

There are the obvious: tomatoes, peppers,

are dwarf varieties that require no staking at all.

cucumbers and aubergines, which all need a

Carrots are easy in containers, just make sure

Salad leaves, if you choose ‘cut and come again’ varieties and sow in succession, will keep you in fresh salad all summer. You don’t need a

sunny spot. You can buy growbags, especially

you have a good, free draining compost for

deep container for these as they are very

for tomatoes, although we aren’t actually fans

them to grow in. Do raise your container up by

shallow-rooted.

of growbags because we find watering tricky.

60cm (2ft), as Carrot Fly – the biggest pest

They are shallow, flat bags, however and they

when it comes to carrots – can sniff out a carrot

bath to grow carrots in, adding a quirky and

do contain all of the necessary nutrients for

from miles away. However, they are low flyers

upcycled element to our garden. You can pop

great fruiting. We deal with this by emptying the

so raising the plants up solves this problem. If

the odd veg plants in among flowers in a bed if

growbags into five-litre pots, which makes it

you are seriously short on space though, carrots

you want to. Why not give it a go? You’ll be

much easier to retain water.

are cheap to buy, so do you really want to use

surprised how easy it is.

You do need to be consistent with watering

Remember to mix it up a bit; we use our old

up your valuable space with them? Mind you,

fruiting veg such as tomatoes, as they can

once you’ve grown your own carrots, you’ll

Happy gardening!

suffer from blossom end rot, where the base of

realise the taste is hard to beat!

Emma

the fruits go black or brown. This condition is

Now, on to leaves. Perpetual spinach and Kale

www.thewallednursery.com

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INTERVIEW

SO

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A NURSERY OWNER Whether it’s making pots of tea or potting plants, Harry Cunningham, proprietor of King John’s Nursery in Etchingham, is the ultimate constant gardener…

FAMILY BUSINESS

CAKE BREAK

“One of the main reasons customers come to

“I grab lunch whenever I can. Sometimes it

NAME: HARRY CUNNINGHAM

us is the gardens, which my mum opens every

won’t be until about 3pm or 4pm, especially if

AGE: 39

day and looks after. I give her plants for the

we’ve had a coach tour visiting. I’ll either go

LIVES: ETCHINGHAM

garden and propagate plants from there, but

home and have a quick sandwich or sometimes

OCCUPATION: NURSERY OWNER

luckily I don’t have to do the gardening as well!

I’ll treat myself to a cake from the tearoom.”

INTERESTING FACT: CAN REMEMBER THE NAMES OF OVER 2,000 PLANTS

It’s great having family on site, because I can do the job I love while knowing my children are

LABEL LABOUR

(BUT IS TERRIBLE AT REMEMBERING

there in the background.”

“At the moment it’s still early in the season, so

PEOPLE’S NAMES)

I’m sowing seeds and potting things up like EARLY START

mad, and tidying things up that have been

“I have a three-year-old and an 18-month-old,

neglected all winter. I also have to do a lot of

so what time I get up depends on whether I

labelling, which is the bane of my life! The

get disturbed by them! Typically I’m woken up

plastic breaks and the pens run out, so every

any time between 4am and 7am, then the day

six months you have to re-label everything! Of

begins with helping my wife to get them up,

course, it doesn’t help when your children

fed and dressed. After the children are sorted,

come along and pull them out…”

it’s time to feed the animals – we have a bit of a ‘good life’ lifestyle here, so we have dogs,

FAIR WEATHER

ducks, chicken and even sheep.”

“When the weather’s bad I worry we won’t

“AT THE MOMENT IT’S JUST ME WHO WORKS HERE, SO I DO EVERYTHING FROM RUNNING THE SHOP TO SERVING DRINKS IN THE TEAROOM TO DOING THE GARDENING”

have any customers, but by the afternoon, GOING TO POT

when the sun starts to come out, it brings

“The nursery opens at 10am, so I’ll plan on

people out. I love working outside and don’t

potting and planting first, but usually I’m

mind the cold, but spring is my favourite time

inundated with emails so I need to get through

for everything in life. I get through winter with

those first. I head out to see what needs doing,

my plants because they’re all herbaceous

and generally I’ll just be getting into some

perennials, so they go year after year, but

propagating or potting when I’ll be interrupted

when you’re cutting the dead crinkly bits off

by customers, which obviously I don’t mind.”

and seeing new shoots come through and at the same time the birds are all singing, it’s

JACK OF ALL TRADES

impossible not to love spring.”

“At the moment it’s just me who works here, so I do everything from running the shop to serving

AFTER HOURS

drinks in the tearoom to doing the gardening.

“The nursery closes at 5pm, so I’ll head home,

Plus there’s all the advertising, PR and buying to

walk the dogs and then spend time with the

do too. Sometimes I’ll have just served a

family. Sometimes I’ll catch up on paperwork

customer in the shop and then I’ll run round and

too, or sneak back out and finish doing some

pour them a drink in the tearoom. It’s great being

potting while there are no interruptions…”

on a personal level with the customers though – a lot of them have become friends.”

www.kingjohnsnursery.co.uk

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p Four Steps to Spring 8

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PRETTY AS A PICTURE

When looking for garden inspiration this spring, there can be few better hunting grounds than Kent and East Sussex’s beautiful stately homes. Our occasional series continues with another National Trust property, Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst, where the garden is constantly evolving to reflect both past and present influences Photos courtesy of National Trust / John Miller

“WHATEVER TIME OF YEAR IT IS, THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO SEE AND ENJOY”

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GARDENS

WHEN YOU STEP into the grounds of Scotney Castle, it’s clear that this is a place where history will always be protected and preserved. At the bottom of the valley, set next to the captivating moat, are the ruins of the medieval castle – a sight that cannot help but inspire a sense of

SO

“OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IS TO REMAIN TRUE TO THE ORIGINAL INTENTIONS OF EDWARD HUSSEY III WHEN HE LAID OUT THE LANDSCAPE IN THE 1830S AND 1840S”

romance. Above it on the hill, the 19th century ‘new’ house gazes down upon the castle and the plunging landscape of Scotney’s grounds, where drama is in plentiful supply.

For staff gardener Duncan Hunt, the garden’s surprises and twists are a major part of its enduring charm. He’s worked at Scotney Castle for over five years, having joined as a trainee with National Trust’s Careership programme in 2009 and becoming a permanent member of staff the following year.

look interesting as part of their garden.”

Although some elements of the 19th century

and fruit trees, which were trained along the walls.

“Over the winter we’ve been working hard on

approach might jar with today’s gardeners, there

cutting back rhododendrons and other shrubs, in

garden you’re constantly confronted with new

can be no question about the passion that

order to maintain their health and make sure the

and interesting views,” Duncan says. “A glimpse

Edward Hussey III had for his home; a passion

different views of the Old Castle and the Park

of the ruin through the trees; the Henry Moore

that is still felt today.

don’t become obscured,” Duncan says. “We’ve

“I love the fact that as you move around the

been cutting back and maintaining the

sculpture seen across the moat; the yellow,

“Our biggest challenge is to remain true to the

orange and reds of the Ghent azaleas at the

original intentions of Edward Hussey III when he

herbaceous borders, as well as ordering new

bottom of the quarry; or in the autumn, suddenly

laid out the landscape in the 1830s and 1840s,

plants so we can continue to add new areas of

seeing the Liquidambar in its full red glory down

while recognising that gardens are in a constant

interest to the garden. This year we’re excited to

by the boathouse – whatever time of year it is,

state of change and need to develop,” Duncan

be developing a new border based around a

there’s always something to see and enjoy.”

says. “In renewing existing plantings and

number of different grasses, phlomis, kniphofia

introducing new areas of interest, in particular to

and Salvia guaranitica.”

The new house was built between 1837 and

With Easter, the visitor season begins in earnest

1843 for Edward Hussey III and in his vision for

response to the fact that we are now open 363

the garden, he was already responding to

days a year, we keep in mind the Picturesque

and there will be no rest for Duncan and the team

changing trends in horticultural design. From the

principles that influenced Hussey. We try to use

as they keep this fascinating garden in top shape

early 18th century onwards, British landscape

these to guide us as we design new planting

for the nation to enjoy.

designers had been generally taking inspiration

schemes or redevelop areas that need

from pictures, but by 1800 there had been

refreshing.”

something of a backlash. Critics such as

As ever, nature has inflicted its own ideas on

“From the end of April onwards we’ll be into the mowing season again,” he says. “As a landscape garden we have large areas of lawn

Reverend William Gilpin disliked the work of

Scotney Castle’s gardens, most notably with the

that need a lot of attention. With the warmer

‘Capability’ Brown and similar designs, as he

Great Storm of 1987. Hussey’s Picturesque

weather come the weeds and if we don’t get on

considered the idealised, Romantic movement

composition had an emphasis on bold shape and

top of them early on, we can find ourselves

notion of grassy lawns and perfect vistas to be

strong colour throughout the year, but the storm

playing catch up for the rest of the year. We’re

too smooth and unrealistic. He favoured the more

wreaked havoc on this picture. Fallen cypresses

lucky to have two excellent groups of volunteers

realistic vision of nature, believing that to truly

and cedars were replaced, but the areas newly

who focus on border maintenance and keep

emulate nature, gardens should have rough

exposed by the catastrophe offered fresh

things looking fresh and sharp.”

edges and plenty of drama.

potential for the garden.

While Scotney Castle’s grounds retain one

Today, you can enjoy a classic view of the

of the last expressions of true Picturesque

garden from the semi-circular Bastion, looking

landscape style, they also would have pleased

down to the Old Castle at the foot of the valley

Rev Gilpin with the steep and dramatic

and across to the park rising beyond the beech

slopes, sheltered quarry, open lawn and of

and oak woods. Over the coming months, visitors

course, the brooding castle ruin by the moat.

will have plenty to look forward to in the garden.

It’s the castle, in fact, that appears to

“The end of April is the beginning of the

SCOTNEY CASTLE GARDEN Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 8JN • 01892 893 820 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ scotney-castle

provoke the strongest feelings among visitors,

rhododendron and azalea season,” Duncan says.

If you’d like to learn more about the

as Duncan explains.

“So for April, May and early June, the garden is

garden while the rhododendrons are in

dominated by the great swathes of colour these

full bloom, you can join a special

shrubs provide.”

guided tour led by a member of the

“The most common question asked by visitors is, ‘Why have you let the castle fall down?’” he says. “The 17th century part of the Old Castle

Currently, work is underway to return some

gardening team on Wednesday May 27.

was partially dismantled on purpose in the 1830s

areas of the garden to the original plans of around

Beginning at 11am, the tour will be

so that it would provide a focal point for the view

1877. One project concerns the restoration of the

followed by tea or coffee in the

from the new mansion. People are usually

Walled Garden and returning it to a working

tearoom. Tickets cost £5 per person,

surprised and shocked that someone would

vegetable garden; plans dating from 1840 were

contact the castle to book.

knock part of their house down just to make it

recently discovered showing the layout of beds

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RICHEST ROADS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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DO YOU LIVE IN THE WEALD’S

RICHEST ROAD? Our corner of Kent and East Sussex is undoubtedly one of the country’s most beautiful places to live. From vibrant, characterful towns to quintessential English villages, the Weald offers just about every type of property, in every setting, that any home-seeker could wish to find. Those who crave the hustle and bustle of the city often find their dream retreats here – with quick and easy access to London, Weald residents can enjoy the best of both worlds.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CRAIG MATTHEWS

However, some areas are more sought-after than others and these coveted hotspots see prices pushed upwards as people battle to secure the most prestigious addresses. With fluctuating market values and ever-changing trends in property, a postcode’s fortunes may both rise and fall – but where is the Weald’s most exclusive road to live in right now?

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RICHEST ROADS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

If you’d like to know whether you live in the area’s richest road, read on and see where your address appears in the countdown – if it appears at all. Based on the current average property value for that road, lane, court or crescent (according to www.zoopla.co.uk), we reveal the Weald’s most affluent residences.

Will the timeless elegance of Royal Tunbridge Wells, with its thriving economy and cultural scene, be the most expensive place to live?

Perhaps Sevenoaks will reign victorious, or maybe a coveted country lane near Cranbrook trumps all other locations? Will a road in Tenterden, Crowborough or Tonbridge emerge as the priciest spot to set up home?

Read on to find out – the results might just surprise you…

The figures shown are provided by the ZED (Zoopla Estimate) Index, an informal value that is calculated using various factors, including: current values of comparable properties; current asking prices for homes in the local area; recent sold prices for nearby properties; characteristics of the property and surrounding area. For more information visit www.zoopla.co.uk Zed Index values, property availability and prices correct at the time of writing.

07 06 - The Vine, Sevenoaks, Kent Average property value: £2,925,400 Move in: Nothing available here right now, but you can still admire Downs views from a grand three-bedroom penthouse in imposing Sackville Place for £1.85million.

07 - Oak Avenue, Sevenoaks, Kent Average property value: £2,918,600 Move in: You’re in luck if you’d like this impressive address – there’s a six-bedroom detached house on the market for £1,995,000.

08 - Parkfield, Sevenoaks, Kent Average property value: £2,801,600 Move in: Move quickly if you’d like to make a splash in Parkfield – a five-bedroom house with a swimming pool can be yours for a mere £2.85million.

09 - Wildernesse Avenue, Sevenoaks, Kent Average property value: £2,772,500 Move in: You’ll go wild for a stunning Palladian

01

style five-bedroom residence on the prestigious Wildernesse Estate, priced at £3million.

01 - Phillippines Shaw, Ide Hill, Kent Average property value: £3,666,900 Move in: You currently have the opportunity to enjoy the Weald’s most prestigious address by purchasing a three-bedroom apartment in a stunning period property, priced at £3million.

02 - Dewlands Hill, Crowborough, East Sussex Average property value: £3,642,700

05

Move in: Join the in-crowd by snapping up a six-bedroom Grade II listed house for a

Move in: No properties available on Ruck

mere £5.2million.

Lane currently, but a four-bedroom detached house with a large rear garden in nearby

03 - Twitten Cottages, Wallcrouch,

Brenchley Road is on the market for a

Wadhurst, East Sussex

bargain £500,000.

Average property value: £3,281,700 Move in: None of these cottages are currently

05 - Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Kent

for sale, but you could preside over a 22-acre

Average property value: £3,029,900

smallholding with a four-bedroom detached

Move in: There are no properties on the

house off the nearby High Street, for £995,000.

market in coveted Mote Road right now, but you can enjoy village life in nearby Ightham –

04 - Ruck Lane, Horsmonden, Kent

invest in a 10-bedroom Georgian house with

Average property value: £3,060,500

Grade II listed cottage for £2.99million.

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RICHEST ROADS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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10 10 - Dux Hill, Plaxtol, Kent

11 - Allens Lane, Plaxtol, Kent

Average property value: £2,732,100

Average property value: £2,715,600

Move in: You’re out of luck with this coveted

Move in: Properties in this popular road

address at the moment, but up the road in The

are not easy to come by, but you can live

Street there’s an attractive detached house

in neighbouring Brook Lane. How about

with conservatory available for £525,000.

a three-bedroom converted oasthouse for £725,000?

12 - Woodland Rise, Sevenoaks, Kent Average property value: £2,558,100 Move in: You’ll be above average with a newly built, six-bedroom house on the Wildernesse Estate, priced at £3.85million.

11

13 - Windmill Road, Sevenoaks, Kent Average property value: £2,537,300

15 - Mapleton Road, Westerham

Move in: Nothing available at the moment,

Average property value: £2,316,500

but you have the chance to make your mark

Move in: Buyers will have to wait if they

in nearby Brattle Wood, where a 0.33-acre

want to become a resident here, but the

plot of land is for sale with a building contract

impatient can snap up a four-bedroom house

for a six-bedroom detached house – all for

set in 3.3 acres not far away in Crockham Hill

just £1,695,000.

for £1,795,000.

14 - Grove Road, Seal, Kent

16 - Seal Drive, Seal, Kent

Average property value: £2,453,500

Average property value: £2,304,100

Move in: No one wants to give up their home

Move in: Nothing available at the time of

here right now, but up the road in Park Lane,

writing, but you can experience Seal life in

a five-bedroom detached house with a home

the nearby High Street by investing in a

office and extra accommodation is yours

three-bedroom flat with scope to extend,

for £2.75million.

priced at £310,000.

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RICHEST ROADS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

17 - Wrens Warren, Chuck Hatch,

21 - Pound Lane, Framfield,

Hartfield, East Sussex

East Sussex

Average property value: £2,289,600

Average property value: £2,112,900

Move in: You’re in luck – but move quickly to

Move in: For the time being you may have

secure a fabulous six-bedroom country house,

to content yourself with a six-bedroom house

with delightful views of, and direct access to,

in Framfield Lane, priced at £595,000 –

Ashdown Forest, on the market for £2.45million.

although the superb gardens are sure to be a consolation.

18 - Rotherhurst Lane, Rotherfield, East Sussex

22 - The Crossway, Nevill Court,

Average property value: £2,227,300

Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Move in: It’s not easy to find a home in this

Average property value: £2,082,900

coveted road, but not far away in High Cross,

Move in: Want to live here? No problem –

you could take advantage of the potential to

all you’ll need is £1.75million to pick up the

extend a two-bedroom semi-detached house,

keys to a four-bedroom detached house with

available for £319,950.

two garages.

22

19 19 - Hamptons, Park Road,

23 - Black Hill, Crowborough,

25 - Waller Hill, Frittenden, Kent

Hadlow, Kent

East Sussex

Average property value: £2,050,400

Average property value: £2,226,300

Average property value: £2,074,300

Move in: Prospective buyers need to be

Move in: There’s a chance to create your

Move in: There are two great opportunities to

patient if they want to live on Waller Hill, but

dream home from scratch and at least be

build your ideal home here. Currently on the

you could entertain yourself on the tennis

close to this sought-after spot – in nearby

market are 27-acre and 22-acre plots of land,

court of a five-bedroom 16th century home in

Roughway you can buy a plot with a proposal

priced at £270,000 and £225,000 respectively.

Grandshore Lane instead.

for a four-bedroom house, all for £1.25million.

24 - Akehurst Lane,

26 - Yeoman’s Meadows,

20 - Snag Lane, Cudham, Kent

Sevenoaks, Kent

Sevenoaks, Kent

Average property value: £2,221,500

Average property value: £2,056,000

Average property value: £2,040,000

Move in: It’s not quite in Snag Lane, but you

Move in: No one’s in a hurry to move out of

Move in: A 0.6-acre plot comes with

can live just moments away in Cudham Lane

this road, but a stylish 1930s detached house

permission to demolish the current property,

North, where a five-bedroom house with a

with four bedrooms is available in nearby

offering potential to create your own perfect

0.33-acre plot will set you back £735,000.

Knole Way, on the market for £1million.

residence – price on application for this one.

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RICHEST ROADS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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AND THE REST… Did your address make the top 50?

31 - Enfield Road, Leigh, Kent Average property value: £1,913,900

32 - Rectory Lane, Brasted, Kent Average property value: £1,868,400

33 - Pocket Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent Average property value: £1,852,900

34 - Moat Lane, Chiddingstone Hoath, Kent Average property value: £1,833,800

35 - Clarks Lane, Tatsfield, Kent

27 - Mill Lane, Westerham

28 - Wheatsheaf Hill,

Average property value £2,016,600

Ide Hill, Kent

Move in: No properties available here

Average property value: £1,994,800

currently, but who wouldn’t want to live in

Move in: Available properties here are thin

Westerham’s beautiful High Street? You can

on the ground, but there’s a quaint Victorian

join the distinguished residents by moving

style, two-bedroom cottage for sale in

into a three-bedroom character home, with a

Nightingale Lane, not far away in Goathurst

37 - Kippington Road, Sevenoaks, Kent

£775,000 asking price.

Common, for £475,000.

Average property value: £1,811,900

29 - Nunnery Lane,

38 - Kippington Close, Sevenoaks, Kent

28

Penshurst, Kent Average property value: £1,929,300 Move in: If you can bear to not live in Nunnery

Average property value: £1,828,800

36 - Buckland Hill, Cousley Wood, Wadhurst, East Sussex Average property value: £1,815,400

Average property value: £1,789,800

Lane itself, there’s a great chance to build a

39 - Gracious Lane End, Sevenoaks, Kent

detached house of over 2,100 sq ft on a

Average property value: £1,782,800

five-acre plot in nearby Penshurst Road – yours for £825,000.

30 - Calverley Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent Average property value: £1,915,400 Move in: Here you can enjoy not only a prestigious address but a particularly notable property. A five-bedroom detached house designed by Decimus Burton himself is on the market for £2.85million.

40 - Hollyhill, Colemans Hatch, Hartfield, East Sussex Average property value: £1,782,200

41 - The Midway, Nevill Court, Tunbridge Wells, Kent Average property value: £1,763,400

42 - Tatsfield Lane, Tatsfield, Kent Average property value: £1,739,400

43 - Marle Place Lane, Brenchley, Kent Average property value: £1,721,200

44 - Pump Lane, Framfield, East Sussex Average property value: £1,707,100

45 - Chiddingstone, Kent Average property value: £1,703,700

46 - French Street, Westerham, Kent Average property value: £1,701,000

47 - Bramble Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent Average property value: £1,700,600

48 - Holtye, Cowden, Kent Average property value: £1,695,200

49 - Sackville Place, Sevenoaks, Kent Average property value: £1,670,000

50 - Gover View, Roughway, Tonbridge

30

Average property value: £1,657,800

APRIL 2015

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INTERIORS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Consol table, Havana pom pom cushion, Lucia table lamp, Luna rug – all Fearne Cotton for Very Living

Fresh looks for spring Give your home a magnificent makeover with this season’s most vibrant interiors trends

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INTERIORS

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SO

is grounded in a modern palette of black, white and grey,” says Emma Mann, Head of Home Design at Sainsbury’s. “Striking patterns on textiles and ceramics have a distinctly tribal feel, while brass and copper detailing lift the colour palette and add a subtle sense of luxury.

Concrete, matte and gloss finishes are mixed throughout our collection to add depth to this sophisticated, fashion-forward look.”

DECOR TIP: While white walls and black paintwork have impact, dressing windows with black blinds or shutters brings real drama. Hillarys has a selection of made-to-measure blinds and shutters in dramatic black (www.hillarys.co.uk).

SUPER SHORE Blend together perennially popular coastal style and the more edgy global/traveller style for an irresistible decor combination, appropriate for any location, urban or seaside.

“Pure, simple and timeless, the old maritime look is a fresh interpretation of the classic Papilio 11079 wallpaer, Folio velvet fabrics on chairs – both Harlequin

geographical map-inspired style,” says Ysanne

J

Jenkins, Executive Director for Home at House ust like relationships, homes suffer over

combined look is with leather chairs, chunky

of Fraser. “Red and navy striped linens are

time from familiarity and once that early

chests and fashionable copper accessories

balanced with washed, earthy tones for a

passion for decor and DIY has faded,

– so that it’s solid, swaggering and has almost

sophisticated nautical feel. Leather and rope

rooms can end up sad, pale shadows of

a gentleman’s club or captain’s cabin feel.

detailing work alongside tarnished metal

their former selves.

Plump for whichever appeals, or take an

Who wants an interior that, while it may be as

element from each trend, and you could breathe

cosy as a pair of slippers, doesn’t pack a punch in

new life into jaded schemes and fall in love with

style terms and says nothing about your taste

your home all over again...

surfaces, to add a New England take on key home accent pieces.”

DECOR TIP: Stripe fabrics for cushions, upholstery or tablecloths instantly evoke images

now? To stay fresh and appealing, it’s good to shake things up every now and then and – timing

SPRING GREENS

is all – this year’s trends have just burst onto the

Nature’s still a hot trend, with rich greens and

scene with plenty to inspire.

florals featuring on a variety of designs. This look

PINK & PASTELS

retains a hold on our rooms because of our

Colour goes pop this year, as punchy pinks and a

now - colour, especially exotic, rich pink, is taking

continuing desire to ‘bring the outdoors in’, but

parade of pastels battle for attention and look set

centre stage, sweeping away blandness with

this year, there’s a variety of options to choose

to finally win over even those who’ve forsworn

clashing shades and zingy hues. If that’s too

from. Gather bold, bright blooms or opt for the

anything but neutrals.

adventurous, there’s a charming botanical look

most sophisticated interpretation, which

featuring blooms birds, and bees, or you could

emulates pin-sharp accurate botanical designs,

you’ll need to stay calm or buy sunglasses, as

see things simply in black and white and

depicting flowers, foliage and insects, especially

the colours that are coming through are bold,

embrace sophisticated, sleek monochrome.

butterflies.

bright and even clashing,” says Sarah Quilliam,

Lovers of all things neutral should look away

of beach huts and deckchairs.

“If you love pale colours and soft neutrals,

Classic coastal’s taken on board elements of

“We’ve taken inspiration from antique,

global style and the smart way to interpret this chic

botanical illustrations for our collection,” says

specialists, Hillarys. “Bringing a pop of colour into

Claire Roberts, Print Designer at Marks &

your home can liven up every room in very

Spencer. “One of my favourites features delicate

different ways. Colours in blocks are a significant

nature – fern leaves mixed with an ultramodern

way of working with vibrant shades, but you’ll

black base, for a design that works effortlessly.”

also see graphic monochromes combined with

Head of Product Design for blind and shutter

sharp punches of a single bright accent colour, DECOR TIP: A group wall display of botanical

like chartreuse, yellow and bold pink. Loud

prints in matching frames is an easy fast-track to

and proud, this trend is not for shrinking

this look.

violets! And it’s time to throw out the rule book when it comes to what goes

MASTER MONOCHROME

with what.”

Chic black and white is still the most striking way

Willow natural wallpaper, Cayman wooden chandelier, Greenwich padded chairs and dining extending table – all Marks & Spencer

to update a room; this versatile scheme is a

DECOR TIP: Show how style-savvy you are

trend leader and works particularly well with

by reflecting two trends, such as botanical

Eastern touches in accessories or furniture.

patterns and zingy colour. Alternatively, show

“Simplicity is key for this graphic trend, which

your commitment to pink by painting a wall in

APRIL 2015

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gently warming.

Bathing rooms in natural sunlight and a sublime feeling of well-being, Hehku are the pioneers of creating luxury kitchens within bespoke glazed structures, transforming properties into exceptional, living environments. Sourcing only the finest materials and epitomising the very highest standards of service, our experienced designers, passionate specialists and meticulous construction team combine our Cucina kitchens with our Illume aluminium bi-folds, sliding doors, windows and roofing systems to create stunning orangeries and conservatories enveloping simply beautiful kitchens.

www.hehku.co.uk 0800 542 0852 enquiries@Jhehku.co.uk

KITCHENS

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ORANGERIES

CONSERVATORIES

ALUMINIUM BI-FOLD DOORS/SLIDING DOORS/WINDOWS/ROOFS

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C O M M E R C I A L F E AT U R E

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FINISHING TOUCHES

Meet the leading local companies whose products can add that extra touch of class to your exceptional home

CATCHPOLE & RYE Catchpole and Rye Ltd, manufacturers of bespoke

SKINNERS OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS

luxury bathroom-ware, have come out on top yet again, by

Having recently visited London Design Week it was satisfying to

offering this exquisite single marble washstand in a beautiful

know that Skinners of Tunbridge Wells are completely up to date

black marble with nickel basin. The whole washstand emits

with the current collections in our showroom. Drawing inspiration

an air of contemporary classic chic that will look good for

from traditional designs, the current trend featuring animals and

years to come. Brimming with exceptional bathroom pieces,

vibrant colours has been given a modern makeover, bringing the fun

a visit to either our London or Kent showroom is

back into interiors. Companies such as Voyage and Cole & Son offer

not to be missed.

an inspirational selection of themed wallcoverings and fabrics, while

Saracens Dairy, Pluckley Road, Pluckley, Kent TN27 0SA 01233 840 840

fantastic use of colour. Visit our showroom or call us for advice.

282-284 Fulham Road, London SW10 9EW 0207 351 0940 info@catchpoleandrye.com www.catchpoleandrye.com

6 Castle Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1XJ 01892 532 003 www.skinnersoftunbridgewells.co.uk

Liberty and Manuel Canovas will brighten any room with their

MOUNTS HILL WOODCRAFT & DESIGN When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re buying a bespoke kitchen, you really want to be sure that everything is truly made to measure, not premade or bought in. At Mounts Hill Woodcraft the proof is visible and audible â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the workshop is always in action; saw blades spinning, sawdust flying, machines humming! Nothing but raw materials are bought in, yet the most beautiful kitchens, staircases, furniture and windows are brought out. The processes are fascinating and exciting and we like nothing better than showing it all off, so come and see for yourself!

Oakhurst Farm, Turnden Road, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2QL 01580 715 911

www.mountshill.com

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9 BARRIERS & BOLLARDS

9INTRUDER ALARMS

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The Gate House 93-97 Homesdale Road Bromley Kent BR2 9LE 020 8290 5050

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Ace House 28 London Road Southborough Tunbridge Wells KentTN4 OQB 01732 600 600 01 892 280 280

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HOME FRONT

This month brings Easter and with it, the promise of fresh starts as

stunning Wealden homes coming up in this month’s issue.

nature bursts into life all around us. The spring holiday is a fantastic

Those who love the Kent and East Sussex countryside will be spoiled for

excuse to get the family together at home and, weather willing, enjoy

choice with the delightful rural retreats on offer, many offering

the garden perhaps for the first time this year.

spectacular views. There’s the Georgian country house in Goudhurst that

It’s also an opportunity to take a fresh look at your home and think about

comes with its own tennis court, or the Grade II listed Sussex farmhouse

the seasons to come – is your property everything you would wish it to

in Ticehurst with inspiring reception rooms. Perhaps a 16th century

be, or is it time for a change? When the chocolate’s all eaten and the egg

timber framed house in Biddenden is more your style, with its beautifully

hunt is over, you might decide to take flight and begin the search for a

tended landscaped gardens? Read on for more inspiration and you’ll be

new nest elsewhere – in which case, you’re in for a real treat with the

packing your bags for pastures new in no time…

GOUDHURST

TICEHURST

BIDDENDEN

MAYFIELD

ROBERTSBRIDGE

Georgian detached house

Grade II listed former

Six acres of land surround

Views over an Area of

You can have grand designs

with tennis court and cottage

farmhouse in an acre of land

this 16th century retreat

Outstanding Natural Beauty

on this rural Huf Haus

Price: £2.5million

Price: £1,425,000

Price: £1.95million

Price: £835,000

Price: £1,695,000

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

CHARMING 16 CENTURY GEM

TH

Discover a Grade II listed heritage home just a short distance from beautiful Ticehurst

FORMERLY KNOWN AS Gravel Pit

this character home warmth and charm.

Farm, the delightful Baber House is

The dining and drawing rooms are

believed to date from the late 1500s and

notably appealing spaces, plus there’s an

is Grade II listed, due to its extensive

excellent family room, sitting room and

period features and stunning Sussex

small study.

farmhouse style of architecture.

Located just a third of a mile from

Integral appliances and a former inglenook are key features of the

Ticehurst village, Baber House is

kitchen/breakfast room, plus there are

approached via a sweeping driveway

two downstairs cloakrooms and access

surrounded by lawns, mature hedging

to a useful cellar.

and shrub and rose beds. The attractive

Upstairs, you’ll find that all five

grounds extend to just under an acre,

bedrooms are doubles and there

with a pond and summerhouse at

are two good sized bathrooms. In the

the front.

attic room, you may find potential to

Inside you’ll find a wealth of period

create yet more accommodation if

features, such as inglenook fireplaces

required, subject to the necessary

and exposed beams, which really give

planning consents.

For full details contact: Hamptons International • 01892 516 611 • www.hamptons.co.uk 136

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

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Property: Baber House, former Sussex farmhouse Location: Ticehurst, East Sussex Offers in region of: ÂŁ1,425,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 plus WCs Land: Just under one acre Extras: Library area, cellar, attic space, parking area, detached garage, garden store, pond, summerhouse Best bits: Entertaining at Baber House will be a joy, thanks to its wonderful reception rooms.

The drawing room is a particular highlight, with its good ceiling height and adjoining library area where you can display your favourite books and read in peace.

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PLANNING DECISION NOTICE

Description: Good use of underdeveloped land Type:

Any size and number of units

Location:

Anywhere in the South East

If you have been refused planning permission for what on the face of it would seem a reasonable application, SJD Projects may be able to assist.

Through our network of developers and investors, we have been instrumental in achieving planning on sites that otherwise have not achieved their full potential.

For a no obligation assessment please contact our offices on our freephone number 0845 456 8969.

Mobile: 0773 951 4350 Website: sjd-projects.com

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LAND & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS

Freephone: 0845 456 8969 Email: steve@sjd-projects.com

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Property: Hawksden Lodge, 17th century detached cottage Location: Witherenden Road, Mayfield, East Sussex Price: £835,000 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 1 plus shower room Land: About 0.92 acre Extras: Double garage, barn with workshop and stores, large terrace, vegetable garden, pond Best bits: Dating from the 1600s, this Grade II listed cottage is packed with charming period features that make this home feel like a piece of living history. The drawing room and one of the bedrooms have inglenook fireplaces and other features include exposed oak beams, oak framed leaded light windows, drop-latch doors and vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms.

FORGING AHEAD IN COUNTRY STYLE

History comes to life in this Grade II listed cottage in a rural spot near Mayfield

JUST A SHORT drive from the attractive

bedroom. An archway opens to the

village of Mayfield lies Hawksden Lodge,

adjacent breakfast room, which also has

an exceptionally charming 17th century

a door to the terrace.

cottage. Being in the High Weald Area of

Upstairs, the master bedroom benefits

Outstanding Natural Beauty means this

from views over the front garden and an

home offers a splendid outlook over its

en suite shower room. There is a currently

own secluded ground and the countryside

disused connecting door to the

beyond..

neighbouring bedroom, which is double

Stepping through the oak front door,

aspect and has an inglenook fireplace fitted

you’ll find a lobby giving access to the

with a wood burner. In the attractive family

double aspect drawing room on one side

bathroom there’s a free-standing roll top

and sitting room on the other; this room

bath and separate shower cubicle.

has a glazed door opening to the

Outside, the terrace is a real asset,

generous brick and flagstone terrace.

providing the ideal place for alfresco

Beyond the drawing room is the

entertaining and enjoying views of the

traditional style kitchen, with its red brick

garden. The rear garden backs onto

floor, electric two-oven night storage AGA

woodland and there’s a section of pond

and secondary staircase to the master

towards the southern boundary.

For full details contact: Savills • 01892 507 000 • www.savills.com APRIL 2015

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

WEAVING THE MAGIC

For a traditional Kent lifestyle, look no further than this 16th century timber framed house in Biddenden

SET IN STUNNING GROUNDS of

window, a triple aspect morning room

about six acres, Weavers Cot is a

also with inglenook fireplace and a dining

charming Grade II listed country house

room – offer great spaces for

that exudes a sense of Kentish heritage.

entertaining or relaxing. Bespoke oak

Four oriel windows make the frontage

cabinets are a feature of the kitchen/

particularly appealing and the interior is

breakfast room, plus you’ll find a study

packed with period features, from

and cloakroom on this level.

exposed beams and inglenook fireplaces to the original oak Tudor staircase.

Already a spacious home providing

Upstairs, there are seven bedrooms and the master chamber has an inglenook fireplace and an en suite

more than 5,000 sq ft of accommodation

shower room. Two family bathrooms

arranged over two floors, there’s

mean everyone can get ready in the

potential to create a self-contained area

mornings, while the balcony is a

in the versatile attic rooms, currently

charming and unusual feature of this

used as a playroom/sitting room,

house. Another original staircase leads

bedroom and storage area.

up to the attic storey.

On the ground floor, the attractive

Those who work at home will love the

reception rooms – comprising a drawing

detached studio and the numerous

room with inglenook fireplace and bay

outbuildings provide plenty of potential.

For full details contact: Jackson-Stops & Staff • 01580 720 000 • www.jackson-stops.co.uk 140

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BEAUTIFUL HOMES

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Property: Weavers Cot, Grade II listed country house Location: Biddenden, Kent Price: ÂŁ1.95million Bedrooms: 8 Bathrooms: 2 plus shower room & WC Land: 6 acres Extras: Attic rooms, balcony, extensive outbuildings, glass house, double garage with storage area, studio with shower room, wildflower meadow, natural ponds, walled kitchen garden, irrigation system, within Cranbrook School catchment area Best bits: Landscaped over a period of 30 years, the gardens and grounds are a real highlight of Weavers Cot â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from growing your own produce in the delightful walled kitchen garden, to strolling along the raised Cob Nut walk or bluebell lined woodland walk, this is a fantastic place to enjoy the nature of the Weald.

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Property: Crowbourne Grange, Georgian detached house Location: Goudhurst, Kent Guide price: £2.5million Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 plus 2 shower rooms & WC Land: 3 acres, plus up to 30 acres available by separate negotiation Extras: English Heritage complex with two-bedroom cottage, garaging, tennis court, paddock, manicured gardens, apple orchards, Cranbrook School catchment area Best bits: The beautiful grounds are an outstanding element of Crowbourne Grange – not only can you admire stunning views towards Horsmonden Church and the surrounding countryside, you can also enjoy a game on the tennis court and there’s space to install a swimming pool if you wish.

FINE COUNTRY HOUSE OFFERS SPECIAL LIFESTYLE Perfect for entertaining, this period home is on the rural fringes of sought-after Goudhurst

FROM THE MOMENT you arrive at

access to the kitchen/breakfast room, which

Crowbourne Grange, you’ll be stunned by the

is spacious, beautifully presented by Bespoke

spectacular views and this unique

Kitchens of Goudhurst and has large folding

masterpiece of a house. Crowbourne Grange

doors to the garden. This in turn opens to the

was built during the Georgian era and was

contemporary dining and family room. Retrace

completely remodelled and extended at the

your steps to the hall and you’ll find a drawing

turn of this century, to create a magical family

room, further dining room, double aspect

home in a truly magnificent pastoral setting.

sitting room, laundry room and an office/

The current owners, Stephen and Vanessa

games room with lots of hidden storage

Gibson, have commissioned architect Stephen Langer to draw up designs to change the

space.

Upstairs, all five bedrooms boast en suite

façade into a classical Georgian country

bath or shower rooms and two of the

house. These plans are available but at this

bedrooms have mezzanine levels. Beautiful

juncture, if the buyer so wished, the designs

views can be enjoyed from all the bedroom

could be tailored to fulfil their own dreams.

windows and there’s plenty of built-in storage,

On the ground floor, the entrance hall gives

plus there’s also a playroom on this floor.

For full details contact: Country Property • 01580 211 888 • www.countrypropertygroup.com APRIL 2015

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

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Property: Little Shaw, detached ‘Huf Haus’ Location: Willards Hill, Ludpit Lane, Robertsbridge, East Sussex Price: £1,695,000 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 2 plus 2 shower rooms Land: About 2.9 acres Extras: Games room, balconies, underfloor heating with individual thermostatic controls, external shutters to ground floor, open bay garage, storage room, greenhouse, pergola, hot tub, three stables, tack room, mower store, field, electric gate, parking Best bits: Designed by City Escapes of Burwash, the stunning landscaped gardens are a real highlight of this property, featuring specimen trees, Indian slate paving and beach pebble. Water features include a rill, plus there’s a pergola adorned with white roses, wisteria and honeysuckle.

GRAND DESIGN FOR LIFE

Stylish contemporary living near Robertsbridge with a rare Huf Haus

DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT Peter Huf and one of only 200 in the country, Little Shaw is a

working from home.

Down on the lower ground floor, there’s

striking contemporary house that provides

plenty of space to relax in the family room and

spacious, open plan accommodation of more

games room. Two of the five bedrooms are on

than 4,500 sq ft, arranged over three floors.

this floor, along with a shower room, utility

With double height ceilings and floor to ceiling

room, store room and plant room.

windows, the home is flooded with light and

A beech staircase takes you up to the first

feels at harmony with its stunning gardens.

floor, where all three bedrooms have access

On the ground floor there is a fantastic dining

to a balcony. The master bedroom benefits from

room which opens to the sitting room, where

a dressing room and luxurious bathroom with a

you’ll find a Boley wood burning stove. The

Philippe Starck bath; a second bathroom serves

downstairs shower room and boot room are

the remaining two bedrooms.

conveniently located near the kitchen, which

Equestrians will be pleased to learn there are

comes with Gaggenau and Ceran appliances.

stables, a tack room and a field on the property,

Here you can enjoy superb westerly views.

so they can keep their own horses in this

There’s also a study on this level, ideal for

peaceful rural idyll.

For full details contact: Savills • 01580 720 161 • www.savills.com APRIL 2015

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Property: Realm Park, detached country house Location: Bidborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent Price: £2.25million Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 plus shower room & WC Land: About 9.85 acres Extras: Cinema/playroom, wine cellar, two-bedroom log cabin, all-weather tennis court, outdoor heated swimming pool, summerhouse, patio, hot tub, ménage, stable block, paddocks, pond, garaging for two cars, open barn for two cars, electric gates, sunken garden, terrace Best bits: Relaxing in the grounds at Realm Park is a real joy, thanks to the attractive sunken garden with its central fountain and pathways. A heated swimming pool, summerhouse and hot tub are located to the east of the house, with the adjacent tennis court. Other delightful features include a stone bridge leading to a pond to the north.

KING OF THE REALM Leisure facilities and wonderful views are among the charms of this generous house in Bidborough

BENEFITING FROM A private and elevated

room also offers delightful views.

position, Realm Park is an impressive family

A vaulted ceiling, slate flooring and double

home that offers far-reaching views and well-

doors to the terrace are among the highlights

arranged, versatile accommodation. In the

of the striking kitchen/breakfast room. The rest

beautiful grounds extra living space is available

of the ground floor accommodation comprises

in the log cabin, which has two bedrooms, a

a sitting room, study, shower room, utility

shower room, a kitchen/living room and

room, wine cellar and cloakroom.

separate access. Plus, the playroom/cinema

Views of the garden can be enjoyed from the

room on the ground floor of the main house

five bedrooms, four of which are on the first

could be used as a self-contained flat for staff

floor. The master bedroom has the use of an

or relatives.

en suite bathroom, while a family bathroom

A wood burning stove adds extra charm to the entrance hall and there’s another in the dining room. The drawing room is a fantastic

serves the other residents. The fifth bedroom, with en suite bathroom, is on the second floor.

Equestrians will delight in the stables,

space for entertaining, boasting an open

paddocks and ménage, plus there’s plenty of

fireplace, exposed beams and doors to the

garaging and off-road parking for those who

terrace; like the other reception rooms, this

enjoy their cars.

For full details contact: Knight Frank • 01892 515 035 • www.knightfrank.co.uk APRIL 2015

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~ KNIGHTS WOOD ROYAL

TUNBRIDGE

WELLS

NEW PHASE THE LANES - NOW RELEASED

The Lanes, the next phase of contemporary homes at Knights Wood, is released for sale.

This charming collection of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes are set amongst tree-lined avenues, enveloped in over 205 acres of established woodland.

CALL NOW TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

Each home features the high level of specification and attention to detail that is fast becoming synonymous with this landmark development.

Register your interest now to avoid disappointment!

knightswood.co.uk 01892 800 580

Prices from ÂŁ295,000. Legal fees paid on selected homes, ask for details.

by

dandara

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~Knight

. . Frank

20/03/2015 15:26

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

BEAUTIFUL HOMES

SECURITY

ELEGANT LIFESTYLE IN SPA TOWN

This magnificent Decimus Burton style home in Tunbridge Wells offers timeless style along with versatile family accommodation

SO

The long gravel driveway leads you past the attractive lawned front gardens, where you can

Property: Fernclyffe House, detached

relax on the veranda or terrace and enjoy the

Regency villa

view. At the rear of the house, a paved limestone

Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent

terrace surrounds the outdoor swimming pool

Guide price: £3.6million

and there’s also a colourful rockery to admire.

On the ground floor, the entrance and reception

Bedrooms: 8

halls give access to the impressive reception

Bathrooms: 4 plus shower room & WCs

rooms – these comprise a drawing room,

Land: About one acre

morning room, dining room, study and

Extras: One-bedroom integrated apartment,

conservatory. Steps lead down to the lower

wine cellar, playroom, burglar and fire alarm

ground floor where you’ll find the Mark Wilkinson

system, heated outdoor swimming pool,

kitchen/breakfast room, wine cellar, utility room,

triple car port, parking, terraces,

playroom and cloakroom. A private entrance

conservatory, veranda

opens to the integrated apartment, which WITH ROOMS ARRANGED over four floors,

features a bedroom, sitting room, kitchen/

Best bits: Designed in the style of Decimus

Fernclyffe House is an exceptional example of

breakfast room and bathroom, in addition to the

Burton by his protégé William Willicombe,

Regency living at its very best. Just a 10-minute

main house accommodation.

this house is a stunning example of Regency

walk from the town centre, the property is

The eight bedrooms are located on the first and

architecture. Period features include high

Grade II listed and dates from the 1850s,

second floors, with two bathrooms serving each

ceilings, deep skirtings, cornice work, original

retaining all the most elegant features of that

level; the master bedroom on the first floor has

window shutters, oak and parquet floors, and

period while functioning as an excellent family

the use of an en suite shower room and there’s a

the magnificent porticoed entrance.

home in the 21st century.

dressing room nearby.

For full details contact: Brooks Peacock • 01892 531 199 • www.brookspeacock.com APRIL 2015

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IN ASSOCIATION WITH

SECURITY

Property: Link detached house Location: Fountains Park, Westerham Road, Westerham, Kent Price: £1.1million Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 2 plus WC Land: 0.3 acre Extras: Integral double garage, parking, communal grounds, underfloor heating, 10-year NHBC warranty dating from 2013 Best bits: This property is flanked on two rear sides by the attractive private landscaped garden, which in turn flows into the communal parkland grounds, where you’ll find ideal play areas and chances to admire the wonderful views.

ENJOY THE NATURAL BEAUTY

Contemporary family house in Westerham benefits from outstanding parkland views

JUST TWO YEARS OLD,this impressive

French doors to the garden. The kitchen/

contemporary home is located in an

diner is a real highlight of this property,

exclusive gated community within five

fitted with walnut Stoneham units, granite

acres of stunning communal grounds. As

work surfaces, an island and Siemens

Fountains Park is situated in an Area of

integral appliances; plus there’s a separate

Outstanding Natural Beauty, residents can

utility room and access to the garage. A

enjoy fantastic views and all the benefits of

dining room, study and cloakroom

living in such a charming area of the Weald.

complete the ground floor layout.

This house was built by Mapleton Homes

Pampering yourself will be a delight in

in 2013 and so any prospective buyer will

this house, which boasts two luxurious

have the peace of mind provided by the

bathrooms – one is en suite to the master

remainder of the NHBC 10-year warranty.

bedroom, which also has a dressing room

Inside, you’ll be impressed by the natural

attached, while the other has a Jacuzzi bath

light admitted by the large windows, while

and mood lighting to help you relax. Both

high ceilings give this home a fresh and airy

bathrooms have underfloor heating, as

feel.

does the whole of the ground floor. Of the

On the ground floor there is a good sized family room with a wood burner and

four bedrooms, three are doubles and one is a single.

For full details contact: Hamptons • 01732 280 801 • www.hamptons.co.uk 150

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There are more than 50 Shades of Moving

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Call the â&#x20AC;˘box officeâ&#x20AC;˘ for a free market valuation!=

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--------- - 01892 838363

20/03/2015 15:27

LANGTON GREEN

£1,500,000

Ancroft is a handsome detached fam ily house with sweeping gravel drive located in one of the fi nest private roads in the Tunbridge We lls area.

ROTHERFIELD

£985,000

Huntington is an attractive and beautifu lly posit ioned period house dating from the late 1920's in th is qu iet country lane close to the villages of Rotherfie ld and Mayfield.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£425,000

A beautifu lly presented apartment located in the handsome period house within an easy walk of the Grove Park, High Street, Claremont School and Tunbridge We lls Station.

48 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, TN4 8AU Twitter: @alexandre_boyes Facebook:Aiexandre Boyes

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20/03/2015 15:28

01892 525522

ASHURST

£2,250 PCI\1

A tastefully appo inted spacious ground floor apartment located close to Tunbridge Wells town centre, and with in walking distance of the station.

The property benefits from its own garden and parking.

SOUTHBOROUGH

£2,250 PCI\1

A spacious four bedroom detached house sitting in 2/3rds of an acre in Vauxhall Lane between Southborough and Bidborough, a short drive from Tonbridge main li ne station.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

£1,700 PCI\1

A beautifu lly presented garden apartment located in th is handsome period house with the benefit of off road parking, a private garden and ample storage.

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20/03/2015 15:28

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TUNBRIDGEWELLS OFFICE: Tei:OI892 515670

TUNBRIDGE WELLS GUIDE PRICE £350,000 - £375,000 Two newly converted elegant Victorian Town Houses in the popular St James's quarter ofTunbridge Wells. EPC C

SOUTHBOROUGH OIRO £500,000 A four-bedroom semi detached Victorian house only a short walk of Southborough High Street EPC F

Tunbridge Wells 01892 515670

Tunbridge Wells 01892 515670

TUNBRIDGE WELLS ASKING PRICE £700,000 A four-bedroom semi detached Victorian house with 30ft South-West facing rear garden situated within a much sought after central town location. EPC E

GROOMBRIDGE GUIDE PRICE £450,000- £500,000 A detached Grade II listed 'Norman Shaw' cottage believed to date back to 1865, occupying a generous plot of approximately three-quarters of an acre, situated in an idyllic rural location. EPC G

Tunbridge Wells 01892 5 15670

Tunbridge Wells 01892 515670

I I offices in Kent, Surrey, Sussex & london

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SUPPLEMENT

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www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk 01892 525 522

ALEXANDRE BOYES SPRING LETTINGS FEATURE

Over the next eight pages, we guide you through an exclusive property supplement from local letting agents, Alexandre Boyes. With their knowledge and expertise of the Tunbridge Wells market, it’s no surprise that they’ve become a leading name in the town. Read on to find out why…

I

t is the start of spring and therefore the

past few years – a sign that the expat

first signs of what we refer to as the

relocation market is moving again, which,

‘summer lettings season’ at Alexandre

from my experience, is a sign of a booming

Boyes. The lettings ‘season’ is just that, and

lettings market. In addition, pension freedom

is different every year, responsive to the

reforms from April 2015 are well placed to

economy, housing market and politics. Over

see a bubble in the buy to let market in

the past 12 years, I have seen ‘peak’ rents

Tunbridge Wells, with further investment into

rise and fall by 25%, depending on these

property. In anticipation of this, we have

influences.

included key property purchase ideas for Tunbridge Wells for budgets of £250,000,

If you are thinking of renting your family home this summer, the timing and price that

£500,000, £750,000 and £1million plus as a

you choose is key to securing the best rent

guidance note of Tunbridge Wells buy to let.

New Alexandre Boyes initiatives for 2015

to the most suitable tenant. Agents can make the mistake of marketing too early and

will see us focus on continuing to improve

for too much rent, which can result in the

our client service experience by offering an

property sitting empty for too long, letting for

in house maintenance team to respond to

too little or to the wrong type of tenant.

our clients’ property repairs. You will see our vans around Tunbridge Wells from April 1.

Over valuation is a recurrent problem. Not

Our lettings manager, Emma Child, has also

only does it result in assets that don’t pay, but it actually costs you as the landlord to

accepted our invitation to become a Partner

stand empty. I have always been an advocate

of Alexandre Boyes. Emma shares my desire

of marketing the property at its market rent,

to do something more than just turn up for a

so that it achieves its market rent to the

nine to five. Lettings is about people and

most suitable tenant from the largest

much of what we do is develop relationships

possible pool of suitable applicants.

with both our landlords and tenants, and make each individual landlord and tenant

Don’t underestimate the impact of the subtleties of internet marketing, and how

relationship a success as its own

marketing at just £100 more than its market

microbusiness. As a partnership, we have

value can affect the viability of the property

committed to opening new sales, lettings

to the most number of applicants. As a firm,

and estate management offices in

we made a decision five years ago to focus

Sevenoaks in 2016, returning to the town

our property marketing online and our

where Peter Boyes spent 25 years with Alan

experience in this area has resulted in us

de Maid and where Dan and I spent many

being ranked the number one letting agent

years counting half pennies for sweets (yes,

on Rightmove, Zoopla and Primelocation for

really!) in the newsagents at Station Parade.

the majority of 2014 in Tunbridge Wells.

Watch this space…

The May election has caused its normal uncertainty in the sales market with a mood of caution. Tenancy terminations are notably lower than the same month last year. New applicant registrations are up and the number of corporate tenants, in particular families relocating for schools and from overseas, are at a peak compared to activity for the last five years.

The summer season has started early, with our family house pipeline in multiples of the

“NEW AENDRE BOYES INITIATIVES FOR 2015 WILL SEE US FOCUS ON CONTINUING TO IMPROVE OUR CLIENT SERVICE EXPERIENCE BY OFFERING AN IN HOUSE MAINTENANCE TEAM TO RESPOND TO OUR CLIENTS’ PROPERTY REPAIRS”

I hope you enjoy reading our lettings supplement in this edition of So Tunbridge Wells. Please do contact myself or Emma Child MARLA for any advice or questions on the lettings market in Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, or the ‘golden triangle’ of villages in between.

KATE BOYES MRICS FARLA kate@alexandre-boyes.co.uk 01892 525 522 APRIL 2015

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SUPPLEMENT www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk 01892 525 522

LETTING AND MANAGEMENT

When renting your property it is important for you to feel assured that your property is in safe hands.

Having been trading in Tunbridge Wells for 16 years, our team will provide you with their professional insight into the local rental market, local amenities and help you feel reassured about the decisions you make.

Our aim is to provide services to our customers based on our company values, which are: our expert knowledge, the personal service we offer, our trusted reputation and the time we spend investing in our staff.

We understand that good communication is essential throughout the process.

We offer three levels of service to our clients, so you have a choice of which service best suits your requirements.

LET ONLY •

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•

A GUIDE TO OU R

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Advising on the likely achievable rent from the property, and preparing the property for renting, including advice on safety regulations and insurance.

Marketing the property on all of the major property portals and on our own mobile friendly website.

Meeting with prospective tenants, and once an offer has been negotiated we use an independent referencing service to provide references from previous landlords, employers and credit history.

Once satisfactory references have been obtained we will produce and execute the tenancy documents.

We can arrange for contractors to visit to ensure your legal requirements are met, in addition to services such as professional cleaning and inventory arrangements.

Preparing a standing order mandate for the tenant to sign and forward to their bank on their behalf, or obtaining proof of an online instruction to the tenant’s bank.

We will manage the collection of the month’s rent and deposit and ensure the deposit is protected in accordance with current guidelines.

Once we are in receipt of cleared funds and signed contracts we will proceed with moving the tenant into their new home.

Towards the end of the tenancy we will contact the tenant to discuss renewing the contract and negotiate a rent increase where possible.

At the end of the tenancy we will arrange for the inventory clerk to check the tenants out of property and advise on the return of the deposit.

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www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk 01892 525 522

RENT COLLECTION •

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•

This service will include all of the services offered on the Let Only agreement but will also include Alexandre Boyes collecting the monthly rent on your behalf.

Rent will be transferred to the Landlord along with a statement outlining monies received and any necessary deductions made for fees or maintenance / repairs.

We will chase any late payments on your behalf.

As a client of Alexandre Boyes you would also have the opportunity to speak with our in-house Chartered Accountant. Rachel has been with Alexandre Boyes for a number of years, working closely with the staff and their clients, providing taxation advice on all aspects of property ownership. Rachel is a unique asset providing specialist advice to our clients, which many agents are not able to offer in-house.

FULL MANAGEMENT •

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This service will include all of the services offered on the Let Only and Rent Collection agreements.

Our full time property managers will be the point of contact for your tenants. They offer hands on, tangible, professional support with strong relationships with local contractors.

We will carry out property inspections twice a year to ensure the property is being looked after. Any issues will be reported to you and addressed accordingly.

Any necessary day to day repairs and/or maintenance and management matters will be dealt with on your behalf. All works will be confirmed with you prior to instruction unless they are an emergency.

We offer a 24/7 emergency call out service to all tenants in our managed properties.

THE NEXT STEPS

Alexandre Boyes engages fresh, contemporary marketing with traditional values utilising Google, Twitter, the major internet portals, the Kent & Sussex Courier and SO Tunbridge Wells Magazine, with over one third of our applicant network from London.

Issue 1 of AB Living, our new online magazine, was emailed to 15,000 subscribers in October 2013. It showcases our sales and lettings properties, in addition to contributions from our local network of property professionals in and around Tunbridge Wells, who add a depth of support to our clients on a day to day basis.

JEREMY TIMMS - TORPEDO JUICE LTD.

Hopefully the services outlined above give you an insight into what we can offer you as a landlord.

If there is anything that you would like to discuss further then please do not hesitate to contact us to speak with a member of the team.

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BUYING TO LET

If you’re thinking of purchasing a property to rent out to tenants, Tunbridge Wells is a great location, attracting a wealth of potential interest from professional couples and London commuters. Here, Alexandre Boyes look at some of the town’s main benefits and best areas to let out your home

“What should I buy to let?” is a question that

number one reason why so many families

PROXIMITY TO A STATION – a huge

we are asked on a daily basis. Key features to

relocate to Tunbridge Wells. Purchasing a house

proportion of tenants in Tunbridge Wells

consider in the Tunbridge Wells buy to let

within one of the school catchments, or located

relocate from London, or commute to London.

market include:

within walking distance or on a bus route to one

Demand is highest for properties within walking

of the key schools, will protect the value and

distance of the mainline station and within a

demand of your investment.

school catchment.

SCHOOL CATCHMENTS – probably the

Budget: £1.5million

Key features: Walking distance of town

Location: Boyne Park, TN4

centre and mainline station; new build

Estimated rental value: £4,250 to £4,500 PCM

with high specification interior, including cinema room; off road parking in central location Typical tenant profile: Company let or insurance relocation Family relocating from overseas

Budget: £950,000

Key features: Village location with

Location: Fordcombe, TN3

good primary school; bus route to local

Estimated rental value: £2,400 PCM

grammar schools; large family garden of half an acre in the ‘golden triangle’ to the west of Tunbridge Wells Typical tenant profile: Family relocating for schools and ability to commute

Budget: £250,000 to £300,000

Key features: St James’ school

Location: Stratford Street, TN1

catchment area; houses are a USP

Estimated rental value: £1,100 PCM

in this price bracket due to lack of supply; garden Typical tenant profile: Professional couple Professional sharers

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www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk 01892 525 522

PARKING – off road parking is ideal, but,

Tunbridge Wells than on properties in the

FEES – As a landlord, you should expect to pay

depending on the location, it can be hard to

surrounding villages.

between 7% and 10% for a let only service, 9% to 12.5% for rent collection or 10% to 15% for

come by. Demand in the town is higher for properties eligible for parking permits.

TIMING – The average yield achieved on a buy

full management, of the gross rent agreed for

to let in Tunbridge Wells is currently between

the tenancy period, all subject to VAT

FLATS/APARTMENTS – before committing,

5% and 7%. Depending on the time of year that

make sure that you check the length of lease,

a property is marketed, the monthly rent for mid

Additional fees will include:

whether it is share of freehold/leasehold, the

to high end properties can fluctuate by

• Energy Performance Certificate

annual service charge and balance of reserve

approximately 10%. The peak ‘summer’ market

• Gas Safety Certificate and any necessary works

funds. Service charges and ground rents will

when family homes achieve their highest

• Electrical Safety Test(s) and any

automatically have an impact on the yield

demand and rental value is May through to

achieved, so make sure this is accounted for

August, in preparation for the new school year

• Professional cleaning of the property

when budgeting your return.

in September. Top tip: don’t market your

• Professional carpet cleaning

property too early for the summer season,

• Chimney sweep certificates

TOWN OR COUNTRY? – Price per square foot

which is a mistake some agents make to the

• Rent and legal costs insurance

is higher on the lets that we achieve in central

detriment of their clients.

• Professional inventory and check in

necessary works

Budget: £525,000

Key features: Traditional Victorian

Location: Stephens Road, TN4

property; within catchment and

Estimated rental value: £2,250 PCM

walking distance of key primary and secondary schools Typical tenant profile: Family with children at local schools Relocating from London or overseas

Budget: £275,000

Key features: Popular Pantiles location, with

Location: The Pantiles, TN2

its boutique bars, restaurants and shops

Estimated rental value: £995 PCM

appealing to young professionals; walking distance of the mainline station; contemporary and fresh interior Typical tenant profile: Professional couple London commuters

Budget: £750,000-£800,000 Location: Arundel Road, TN1 Estimated rental value: £2,250 PCM

Key features: Walking distance of Claremont School – In 2014 we achieved £50,000 over the asking price on a property located within the catchment for Claremont Primary School; ‘Old Village’ location a short walk from the Pantiles and High Street; close to Grove Park with its playground and strong local family community Typical tenant profile: Family relocating from London or overseas; Claremont School catchment requirement; London commuter

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MEET THE TEAM

At Alexandre Boyes, you’ll be greeted by a group of knowledgeable, friendly and passionate professionals who can look after your every need. We say hello to some key members of the family and find out why their unparalleled expertise has made them one of Tunbridge Wells’ leading letting agents

SKILLS

Kate Boyes

• 12 years’ Tunbridge Wells lettings experience

BSc (Hons) MRICS FARLA

• Specialises in overseas

Partner landlords and letting of family homes kate@alexandre-boyes.co.uk

Emma Child MARLA

Lettings Manager emma@alexandre-boyes.co.uk

Kate oversees the residential lettings team

Emma has been working as a

for Alexandre Boyes, having established

Lettings Negotiator in Tunbridge

the department in 2003. She has lived in

Wells since 2007, joining

Tunbridge Wells for 34 years and is the

Alexandre Boyes in 2009 and

managing partner of the only residential

being promoted to Lettings

property company in Tunbridge Wells

Manager in 2011. Emma has

approved to train staff towards

also just accepted our invitation

membership of the RICS.

to become a Partner of Alexandre Boyes.

QUALIFICATIONS • Chartered Surveyor and Fellow of ARLA

QUALIFICATIONS

SKILLS

• Member of ARLA

• Member of RICS and regulated by the RICS

• Market appraisals

• Associate RICS membership training

• First class degree in Land Management

• Responsible for day to day running of the lettings department

• Sunday Times award winning for lettings

• Eight years’ experience in residential lettings

SKILLS • Negotiation skills are an asset to our lettings team • Market knowledge

Philippa Baston Renewals Administrator philippa@alexandre-boyes.co.uk Philippa has lived in the Tunbridge Wells area her

Laura BateS

whole life. She joined

Lettings Negotiator laura@alexandre-boyes.co.uk

as Property Administrator

Alexandre Boyes in 2014 and is now PA to Kate Boyes and oversees our

Laura joined Alexandre Boyes

tenancy renewals.

in 2013 as a Lettings Negotiator and assists with arranging viewings, tenancy negotiation and overseeing the overall process.

QUALIFICATIONS • Training towards ARLA membership • Degree in Real Estate Management

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SKILLS • Strategic advice on renewal, considering dates, values and landlord and tenant preferences • Current market updates • Knowledge in deposit legislation

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www.alexandre-boyes.co.uk 01892 525 522

SKILLS

Charlene Glanfield Property Maintenance Co-ordinator charlene.glanfield@alexandre-boyes.co.uk Charlene joined Alexandre Boyes in 2014 to focus on liaising

• Ensures good relationships with landlords, tenants and contractors to ensure a reliable and reactive service • Carries out routine property visits for managed properties

between local contractors and landlords in our property management portfolio.

QUALIFICATIONS

SKILLS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Business Economics

• Audit, accountancy and taxation advice

• Training towards ARLA membership

• Training towards ARLA membership

• Landlord tax advice • Overseas landlord tax advice

Rachel North Property Manager rachel.north@alexandreboyes.co.uk

Rachel Wallis FCA

Rachel joined Alexandre Boyes in

Chartered Accountant rachel@alexandre-boyes.co.uk

January 2014 and is responsible for the management of approximately

Our ‘in house’ Chartered Accountant,

250 properties in the Alexandre

Rachel trained with Ernst and Young in

Boyes lettings portfolio.

London and has held her full practising certificate since 1988.

SKILLS • Experienced in handling safety compliance, deposit regulations and dispute mediation • 16 years’ lettings experience, career beginning with JD Wood in 1999

Mark Bryant Property Maintenance mark@alexandre-boyes.co.uk Mark has worked as a multi trade professional for 25 years. Alexandre Boyes recognise the importance of

Lisa Godin

being able to offer a quick, reactive and

Negotiator lisa@alexandre-boyes.co.uk

clients’ needs can be met, and

reliable service to ensure all of our therefore have introduced our in house property maintenance team.

Lisa spent the main part of her career in the marketing world before SKILLS • Expert knowledge of Tunbridge Wells • Experience of local schools valuable to clients relocating to the area

moving to London, where she was introduced to the world of property, working for a leading Chelsea based relocation agency.

SKILLS • Multi trade professional • Specialises in carpentry and joinery • Property refurbishment

Alexandre Boyes also offers teams in Residential Sales, Estate and Block Management and so please contact Kate, should you require assistance in any of these areas.

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A PERSONAL TOUCH

Since joining Alexandre Boyes six years ago, Lettings Manager Emma Child has become an integral part of the team. Now, she has been made a Partner and is looking forward to the new experiences and challenges to come. Kate Boyes explains why she was perfect for the position and interviews her valued colleague

W

e are thrilled to announce the promotion

to focus more on location for their commute.

of Emma Child to Partner. Emma joined

Whatever your requirements may be, we at

Alexandre Boyes in 2009 as a

Alexandre Boyes can sit down with you and

negotiator in our lettings team. She was

work with you to identify your requirements

promoted to Lettings Manager in 2011.

and pinpoint the best location for you.

Emma has been a key contributor to the management and operations of our lettings

WHY WOULD YOU RECOMMEND

department over the last six years, proving

ALEXANDRE BOYES?

invaluable in keeping staff performance,

I feel very proud to become Partner at

administration and the operation on track.

Alexandre Boyes and look forward to continuing to maintain and grow the reputation that Peter

Her work ethic, attention to detail, understanding of the lettings market, clients

Boyes and John Alexandre built 16 years ago. I

and suppliers, as well as her understanding of

was recently offered an opportunity to work for

Alexandre Boyes’ values and their delivery, is

a large corporate agent in the area, however I

core to our lettings business and Dan and I are

feel that what we have built here at Alexandre

thrilled to give recognition to Emma’s value

Boyes is unrivalled and I am looking forward to overseeing some of the exciting changes that

though her promotion to Partner. need an inventory, as the property is

we have planned for the next few years. All the

WHAT DO YOU ENVISAGE FOR

unfurnished. I cannot express how important it

staff at Alexandre Boyes pride themselves on

ALEXANDRE BOYES LETTINGS

is to have a thorough, independent clerk

being able to give a personal touch and offer

OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS?

compile a schedule of condition for the

complete understanding of client requirements

We have some really exciting projects planned,

property, so that landlords are protected in the

and expectations. The lettings market in

the most current being the introduction of our

event of a claim against the deposit.

Tunbridge Wells is extremely competitive and, as a team, we benefit from many years’

own in house property maintenance team, providing a reactive response to repairs and

ANY ADVICE FOR LANDLORDS

experience letting and managing property in and

maintenance. We are due to open our second

LOOKING TO RENT THEIR

around Tunbridge Wells. Alexandre Boyes are

office this month, and a third office next year.

PROPERTY IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS?

proud members of the Royal Institution of

Our lettings team will all be members of ARLA

Choose an agent who is professionally qualified

Chartered Surveyors and Association of

and I am currently working towards my RICS

and regulated by a professional body –

Residential Letting Agents. Our award winning

membership, so our combined knowledge will

preferably ARLA or the RICS. The market is

team consists of myself, two experienced

be a great asset to Alexandre Boyes lettings.

increasingly competitive, which makes it a great

property managers, three negotiators and an in

time for landlords to let their property, but do

house Chartered Accountant, specialising in

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE

not be tempted by the agent with the lowest

overseas tax advice.

RENTAL PROPERTY?

fee. The quality of marketing that your agent

That’s a really hard question! I am very lucky,

can offer must be better than their competitors.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS ALEXANDRE BOYES

as we have some fantastic properties in our

Alexandre Boyes launched a new website three

CHANGED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS?

portfolio. We manage a beautiful barn

years ago so that we can offer mobile friendly

I have seen so many changes throughout the

conversion in Groombridge and I fell

advertising and showcase our clients’ properties

company as a whole. We have grown to the

completely in love with it as soon as I saw it.

to their full potential. We encourage professional

point where we have had to open a second

The barn was renovated throughout, but still

photography and we also have strong social

office in Tunbridge Wells, have launched an

retains many of the original features. The

media marketing strategies so as to maximise

in house maintenance team and now offer

galleried entrance hall is my favourite.

the exposure of your property.

block management as an additional service.

IS THERE A CLASSIC MISTAKE

HOW ABOUT FAMILIES LOOKING TO

and we were proudly appointed the letting

LANDLORDS MAKE WHEN TRYING

RENT IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS?

agent for Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in

TO RENT THEIR PROPERTY?

Everyone is different and has different

2013. We also launched our own in house

Probably the most common misconception

requirements. Some may need to focus on

magazine, ABliving, to showcase everything

landlords have is assuming that they don’t

school catchments, whereas others may need

Alexandre Boyes.

The lettings portfolio has grown considerably

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TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT Elegant Victorian house well placed for grammar schools + MLS about 1 mile + contemporary finish + 3 reception rooms + playroom/study + kitchen/d ining room + 6 double bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + front and rear gardens + off street parking + 4,256 sq ft + EPC=E

Savills Tunbridge Wells Amanda Wyatt acwyatt@savills.com

01892 507009

Guide ÂŁ1 .35 million Freehold

MAYFIELD, EAST SUSSEX Off the beaten track + rarely found rural position + development potential STP +southerly aspect with views+ Mayfield Village 2 miles+ Wadhurst MLS 4.7 miles +about 3.40 acres+ 2,522 sq ft inc garage+ EPC=E

Savills Tunbridge Wells Charlotte Melrose-Cantouris cmcantouris@savills.com

01892 507001 Guide ÂŁ895,000 Freehold

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SAND HURST,

KENT Beautifully presented attached home + 2 reception rooms + kitchen/ dining area + 4 bedrooms + 3 bath/shower rooms + gardens + about 4 acres + EPC=E

SISSINGHURST,

Guide £895,000 Freehold Savills Cranbrook jlloyd@savills.com 01580 720161

Offers in excess of £849,500 Freehold Savills Cranbrook ssimmonds@savills.com 01580 720161

ID EN GREEN'

KENT Lovely Grade II listed house + 3 reception rooms + 5 bedrooms + 3 bath/shower rooms + PP for replacement of conservatory with sun room + attractive garden + garage

CRANBROOK,

KENT Beautifully presented home + rural location + 5 bedrooms + 3 bath/shower rooms + secluded garden + garaging and outbuilding + 223 sq m (2,401 sq ft) + EPC=C

Guide £775,000 Freehold Savills Cranbrook ssimmonds@savills.com 01580 720161

Offers in excess of £795,000 Freehold Savills Cranbrook jlloyd@savills.com 01580 720161

HAWKENBURY,

KENT Grade II listed barn + planning for conversion + proposed: 4 bedrooms, open plan living area+ garden of about 0.6 of an acre + further land available by separate negotiation

GOUDHURST,

KENT Charming unlisted barn conversion + far reaching views + 2 reception rooms + 4 bedrooms + 3 bath/ shower rooms + garden + 205 sq m (2 ,208 sq ft) + EPC=D

Guide £650,000 Freehold Savills Cranbrook jlloyd@savills.com 01580 720161

Guide £825,000 Freehold Savills Cranbrook jlloyd@savills.com 01580 720161

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KENT Period property of 328 sq m (3,535 sq ft) + 3 reception rooms + 5/ 6 bedrooms + 4 bathrooms + gardens +garaging +recreation room + 0.77 of an acre+ EPC=E

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BEAUTIFULLY SITUATED LISTED COUNTRY HOUSE PEASMARSH, EAST SUSSEX Peasmarsh 3.4 miles; Rye 6 miles; Tenterden 12 miles; Ashford lnternational24 miles + set in glorious gardens with views + 4 reception rooms + 8 bedrooms + 3 bathrooms + cottage/annexe +tennis court + garaging + stables + about 4.5 acres + 556 sq m (5,985 sq ft) + Annexe EPC=F

Savills Cranbrook Patrick Baily pbaily@savills.com

01580 7201 61

Offers in excess of £1.795 million Freehold

RURALLY SITUATED GRADE II LISTED FARMHOUSE BIDDENDEN, KENT Tenterden 3.7 miles; Headcorn station 5.8 miles; Ashford lnternational12.2 miles +sought-after rural location + 4 reception rooms+ 5 bedrooms+ 2 bathrooms+ tennis court+ Cranbrook School Catchment 2015 +gardens and paddocks+ about 2 acres + 388 sq m (4,180 sq ft)

Savills Cranbrook James Lloyd jlloyd@savills.com

01580 7201 61

Guide £1 .25 million Freehold

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Looking for a bigger nest?

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

CROWBOROUGH

23 High Street, Tunbridge Wells KentTN11UT Sales 01892 511211 tunbridgewells@woodandpilcher.co.uk Letting & Management 01892 528888 lettings@woodandpilcher.com

The Cross, Crowborough East Sussex TN6 1AL Sales 01892 665666 crowborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk Letting & Management 01892 664666 lettings@woodandpilcher.com

SOUTHBOROUGH

HEATH FIELD

LONDON

124 London Road, Southborough Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 OPL Tel: 01892 511311 southborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk

27 High Street, Heathfield East Sussex TN21 8JR Tel: 01435 862211 heathfield@woodandpilcher.co.uk

121 Park Lane, Mayfair London W1K 7AG Tel: 020 70791568 admin@121 parklane.co.uk

Residential & Commercial Estate Agents

I Letting & Management I Land & New Homes IValuers

woodandpilcher.co.uk Untitled-1 2

23/03/2015 12:35

andrewsonline.co.uk ~ /andrewsonline ~ @andrewsonline

BELGRAVE ROAD, TNl

£1,500 PCM

WOLSELEY ROAD, TN4

£1,200 PCM

Set in a town centre landmark building, this first floor, purpose built apartment has three double bedrooms and gated underground parking. Located opposite Fenwicks and the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre, with the mainline station less than two thirds of a mile away, the property has undergone a program of upgrading and improvement by the current owners. The custom fitted kitchen with integrated appliances is of particular note, as are the bathroom and en-suite shower room.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

This three bedroom, semi-detached house is located on a no through road 0.2 miles from High Brooms train station. The downstairs accommodation comprises entrance hall, dining room with a tiled feature fireplace and built in cabinets, a living room with wood burning stove and kitchen with integrated appliances. On the first floor you will find the bathroom, master bedroom, second double bedroom and a single bedroom, which has previously been used as a study and which offers views over the town. Other benefits include double glazing throughout, gas central heating and a tiered rear garden.

Energy Efficiency Rating: TBC

UPPER GROSVENOR ROAD, TN1

GOODS STATION ROAD, TN1

£950 PCM

LET ON THE 1ST VIEWING-SIMILAR REQUIRED A two double bedroom, ground floor apartment located 1.1 miles from Tunbridge Wells train station & town centre and 0.5 miles from High Brooms train station. The accommodation comprises lounge/diner with an opening to the kitchen with a full range of integrated appliances including: fridge/freezer, washing machine, oven, hob and stainless steel extractor hood. The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room and there is a family bathroom.

Other benefits include: double glazed windows, allocated parking.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

£1,500 PCM

LET ON THE 1ST VIEWING -SIMILAR REQUIRED Located just half a mile from the mainline station, this newly built terraced town house has allocated parking to the front. The accommodation comprises entrance hall and downstairs WC, living room with doors to the courtyard garden and a fitted kitchen with integrated appliances. On the first floor there are a double bedroom and a further single bedroom, which would also work well as a study, as well as a family bathroom with a comer shower cubicle. On the second floor, there is a master bedroom with an en-suite shower room and a further double bedroom.

Energy Efficiency Rating: C

Tunbridge Wells 01892 525551 tu nbridgewells.lets@a nd rewsonline.co. uk

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20/03/2015 15:42

ANDREWS

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TN2

£399,995

Four bedroom detached home with detached garage on a corner plot nestled at the end of a cul-de-sac. living room, separate dining room, kitchen and entrance hall with cloakroom. Upstairs there are 4 bedrooms (the master having an en-suite shower) and a family bathroom- NO CHAIN Energy Efficiency Rating: D

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TN2

£335,000-£350,000

End town house set back from the road on the favoured south side of town. With double garage, hallway and cloakroom, through living room/dining room, kitchen, landing, 3 bedrooms and bathroom. Tiered garden to rear.

Energy Efficiency Rating: D

GROOMBRIDGE, TN3 Individual detached bungalow offering potential, in private road on village outskirts. 3 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, bathroom, living room with inglenook and log burner, double garage, gardens and summerhouse. No chain.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

WATERING BURY, ME18 Detached family house set in a cul-de-sac location in the popular village of Wateringbury.

The property comprises entrance hall, 3 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining room, downstairs cloakroom, upstairs bathroom, garage with driveway and gardens to front and rear.

Energy Efficiency Rating: E

Tunbridge Wells 01892 515144 tunbridgewells@andrewsonline.co.uk

Untitled-5 3

20/03/2015 15:42

jackson-stops. co. uk jackson-Stops &Staff

Boughton Monchelsea Guide Price £2,ooo,ooo Harrietsham fl ,ooo,ooo Excess A handsome early Victorian former Vicarage in a tranquil setting with An expansive triplex apartment within this prestigious Palladian style breathtaking views over the Weald and neighbouring deer park building with roof top terrace affording 360 degree views * 5 Reception Rooms * Kitchen/ Family Room * 7 Bedrooms * 3 Bath/ Shower Rooms * Double Garage with Store above * Swimming Pool * Tennis Court * Gardens and Grounds surrounded by deer park on two boundaries * EPC: F

Marden Thorn

Guide Price £815,000

A Grade II listed cottage where 16th century origins meet with stylish interior design and contemporary flair amid lovely gardens * CSCA * 2 Reception Rooms * Kitchen * 3 Bedrooms with En Suite Bath/ Shower Rooms * Detached Home Office * Garage with Work Shop * Greenhouse * Gardens of over half an acre flanking farmland *

£630,000 Excess

Hawkhurst

A beautifully presented period cottage amid enchanting gardens abutting open farmland located in walking distance of amenities * CSCA * 2 Reception Rooms * Kitchen * Master Bedroom with En Suite * 2 further Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Delightful Gardens and Private Off Road Parking * EPC E

Cranbrook 01580

* 2 Reception Rooms * Kitchen/ Breakfast Room * 3 Bedrooms * 3 Bath/ Shower Rooms * Lift * Conservatory * Rooftop Terrace * Double Garage * About 9 acres of shared Gardens and Grounds * EPC: D

Guide Price £750,000 Marden A fine example of an attached converted oast providing well presented accommodation in a rural setting with lovely outlook over neighbouring fields * 2 Reception Rooms * Kitchen * Master Bedroom Suite with Mezzanine Room over * 3 further Bedrooms* Family Bathroom * Double Garage * Gardens and Grounds of about 0.6 acres

Grafty Green Guide Price £599,000 An extensively renovated and beautifully presented period residence in the heart of the village with convenient access to mainline stations * 3 Reception Rooms * Kitchen * Master Bedroom with En Suite * 3 further Bedrooms * Family Bathroom * Landscaped Gardens and Grounds and Period Outbuilding * EPC: D

720000

cranbrook@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices

Untitled-5 2

People Property Places 20/03/2015 15:43

SALES & LETTINGS

jackson -stops.co. uk Jackson-Stops &Staff

Chartwell Lodge Guide Price £345,000 A well presented 2 bedroom ground floor retirement apartment within easy reach of the town centre.

Grecian Road Guide Price £55o,ooo A pretty terraced house in the popular 'village area' of Tunbridge Wells within walking distance of the The Pantiles, train station and High Street

More properties like these required for a buoyant town market

Fast Find 60097

Claremont Road Offers in the region of £775,000 A charming period townhouse offering about 1,600 sq ft of family accommodation within one of the more desirable spots of Tunbridge Wells

Royal Chase Guide Price £1,50o,ooo An attractive family house with potential for updating and improvement in a popular residential area within walking distance of the town centre

Call us now for your free market appraisal People Property PlaceS Untitled-5 2

Tunbridge Wells 01892 521700 tunwells@jackson-stops.co.uk Local&: National reach through a network of London&: Regional office

Ci)nTheMarket.com 20/03/2015 15:44

A beautifully presented country house, situated within the gated Wrens Warren Estate Entrance hall, reception hall, drawing room, dining room, family room, study, kitchen I breakfast room, utility room, cloakrooms. Master bedroom suite with balcony, guest bedroom suite, 3 further bedrooms, 2 further bathrooms. Gym. Games room. Triple garage. Summer house. Immaculate gardens and grounds. Direct access to the Ashdown Forest. EPC rating C. In all about 2.1 acres.

Hartfield A family house beautifully situated within the Ashdown Forest Reception hall , drawing room, dining room , kitchen I breakfast room, library I cinema room , study, games room, garden room, boot room , wine store room . Master bedroom suite, 4 further bedroom suites, bedroom 6, laundry room, drying room. Garage. Attractive formal grounds.

Swimming pool. Pond. Garden sheds. EPC rating E. In all about 1.1 acres.

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High Hurstwood An enchanting period house within a highly sought-after village setting Entrance porch, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, study, garden room, kitchen I breakfast room, utility room. 5 bedrooms (2 with dressing rooms), 3 bath I shower rooms, family shower room. Separate 1 bedroom flat. Snooker room. Garaging.

Greenhouse. Heated swimming pool. Pool house. Lovely gardens and grounds.

EPC rating E. In all about 3.13 acres.

Forest Row A magnificent family house on the edge of Ashdown Forest Entrance porch, entrance hall, cloakroom, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, pantry, study, sauna shower room, impressive kitchen I breakfast room, large conservatory I garden room, utility room, secondary kitchen, boiler room. Master bedroom suite, 7 further bedrooms, 5 further bathrooms, shower room. Cinema room. EPC rating D. In all about 1.75 acres.

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20/03/2015 15:46

Linden Chase, Sevenoaks

Garth Road, Sevenoaks

A spacious and recently updated family house in a sought-after private road .

4 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Double garage, driveway for several cars, delightful established level gardens. EPC rating E. In all about 0 .33 acre.

An excellent family house in an elevated and private position. 3 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Open bay garage, level private gardens and terrace.

EPC rating C. In all about 0.34 acre.

Windmill Road, Sevenoaks

Oakhill Road, Sevenoaks

A charming family house with pretty Ragstone elevations on the edge of Sevenoaks Common with an annexe and outbuildings. 4 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Annexe, garage, stores. Superb gardens and grounds. EPC rating D. In all about 3 .9 acres.

Construction commencing April 2015 and completion due in Spring 2016. A stunning modern house in one of Sevenoaks' most sought after private roads with excellent accommodation being crafted to exacting standards by TJK builders and an opportunity to add your personal choices to the specification.

Untitled-5 2

20/03/2015 15:48

Beyond your expectations -.

www.hamptons.co.uk

THESVNDAYTI'MfS

Tm:.-.TIMES

French Street, Westerham Kent

:T-~AMPTONS

11

INTERNATIONAL

Guide Price ÂŁ2,950,000 Freehold

Set within a most sought after location a short drive from the historic market town ofWesterham and close to Chartwell, the home of Winston Churchill, a handsome, recently refurbished country house of quality with lovely views over gently rolling Kentish countryside. EPC: E

Sevenoaks Office

Sales. 01732 423 102 I sevenoaks@hamptons-int.com

Untitled-3 2

DC 23/03/2015 11:11

Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk 111ESUN~mn~ TilE . . .TIMES

Wadhurst, EastSussexÂŁ2,200,000 At the head of a long and sweeping private drive, set within approximately 30 acres of gardens and grounds and in a sought after location, a handsome Edwardian country house with elegant, spacious accommodation together with a pair of staff cottages, tennis court and swimming pool. EPC: E

Wadhurst, EastSussexÂŁ1 ,425,000 A superb detached house situated in an extremely convenient location along a prestigious and sought after lane just under a mile from the centre of this highly regarded village with farreaching southerly views and beautifully presented accommodation. EPC: D

Tunbridge Wells Office

Sales. 01892 597607 Untitled-3 2

I tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com 23/03/2015 11:12

Tunbridge Wells, Kent ÂŁ1 ,475,000

A very distinctive and delightful house which dates from about 1860 and located in the highly regarded private Nevill Park, adjoining Tunbridge Wells Common and convenient for the town centre. EPC: F

Rye, EastSussexÂŁ2,250,000

In an elevated position with inspiring, panoramic views across open countryside to the sea beyond, a superbly renovated period house of quality with gracious reception rooms together with a detached Studio Annexe, set in lovely landscaped grounds in total in excess of 4 acres. EPC: D

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23/03/2015 11:12

Connells

Sevenoaks

£1250pcm

Impressive two double bedroom spacious apartment, located perfectly for commuters within easy walking distance of Sevenoaks station with direct links to London. You will have the best of both worlds with all that Sevenoaks town centre has to offer with many bars/ restaurants and shopping facility's , also beautiful walks close by.

Culverden Park

£1150pcm

Spacious two bedroom executive apartment conveniently located for the town centre and main line station. This beautifully presented property offers open plan living room, fitted kitchen, master bedroom with en-suite, one further double bedroom and bathroom.

Also benefiting from allocated parking.

Available end of March

Untitled-5 2

Grantley Court

£1100pcm

The beautifully presented apartments offers a large living room with curved bay windows, modern fitted kitchen with space for small table and chairs, modern bathroom with shower over bath and two double bedrooms, one with built in wardrobes. Property also benefits from off road parking for one car, lift in the building and concierge service.

Groombridge

£895pcm

Connells are delighted to offer this stunning two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in the prestigious development in the centre of the sought after village of Groombridge. The accommodation comprises of open plan living room , superb fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, master bedroom with en-suite shower room , second double bedroom, family bathroom with shower over bath and allocated parking to the front of the property.

20/03/2015 15:51

Connells

Wad hurst

£410,000

Situated in a sought after village location this detached two double bedroom bungalow which is set in an elevated area is sure to appeal. Features include wooden flooring , a wood burning stove, modern kitchen and shower room.

Outside there is a garage/ driveway and a west facing landscaped garden.

Please contact 01892 547966 to arrange a viewing.

Bells Yew Green

Tunbridge Wells

Southborough

£425,000-£450,000

£325,000 Freehold

Modern 4 bed semi detached with 2 ensuites, parking and garage. Excellent condition, situated in the small hamlet of Bells Yew Green on the outskirts of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The property is very conveniently positioned for Frant station with trains to central London.

Favoured St John's/ Lakes area, a two bedroom semi detached bungalow with scope for improvement offering two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and bathroom. Outside, mature rear garden, garage and driveway.

Situated in a popular road , this Period Semi detached house offers flexible living and versatility. Currently set up over three floors with a one bedroom, 2 reception apartment on the ground floor and a further 3 beds, 2 bathrooms of accommodation on 1st and 2nd floors. Garden and off road parking.

Please contact 01892 547966 to arrange a viewing.

Untitled-5 3

Please contact 01892 547966 to arrange a viewing.

£475,000

Please contact 01892 547966 to arrange a viewing.

20/03/2015 15:52

Heath Wood, Felbridge

Prices from ÂŁ1,250,000

An exclusive collection of eleven luxury homes set in Felbridge. Set back from a peaceful country lane this exclusive private development offers tranquillity, yet being within reach of key commuter links including Gatwick Airport.

For further information or to arrange a viewing please contact EAST GRINSTEAD on 01342 32S911.

Untitled-5 2

20/03/2015 15:53

Barnes Kingsnorth

NORTH TONBRIDGE £560,000 FAVOURED CUL-DE-SAC. Near open countryside, yet within walk of local amenities.

Detached family home with open aspect and lovely south facing garden. Living room, dining room, spacious kitchen / breakfast room, 4 double bedrooms, bathroom and cloakroom. Garage & parking. Scope to update and re-style. NO CHAIN EPC: E Apply Tonbridge

PEMBURY £540,000 LARGE FAMILY GARDEN. A substantial Edwardian semi-detached house offering scope for further improvement. Entrance porch and hallway, sitting room with archway through to dining room, modern kitchen/ breakfast room, conservatory, cloakroom, 5 double bedrooms, large bathroom and separate shower room. Gated driveway parking and integral garage. Internal viewing recommended. EPC: E Apply Pembury

NORTH TONBRIDGE OlEO £650,000 BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED & ATTRACTIVE semi-detached home. Generous accommodation with impressive sitting room, separate dining room, conservatory, kitchen / breakfast room, utility & shower room to ground floor. Upstairs there are 5 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms. Garage, parking & delightful south facing garden. EPC: C Apply Tonbridge

PEMBURY £465,000 SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION, 4 bedroom detached family home in Woocll1i.ll Park, with good size west facing garden. Beautifully presented and maintained. Kitchen / breakfast room, utility, sitting room, dining room, conservatory, cloakroom, modern bathroom and useful attic room. Driveway parking and garage. EPC: D Apply Pembury

NORTHTONBRIDGE £625,000 STUNNING GARDEN at this inunaculately presented 1930's detached home. Ideal for the growing family with 4 double bedrooms, bathroom, 2 spacious receptions, kitchen / breakfast room and cloakroom. Integral double garage & super large garden. Good location for countryside walks and popular primary school. EPC: F Apply Tonbridge

TUNBRIDGEWELLS OIR0£750,000 LARGE FAMILY GARDEN. A detached 5 bedroom house offering well-proportioned accommodation which would now benefit from some cosmetic updating. Set in a popular cul-de-sac on the edge of the town with driveway parking, double garage and a carport. 3 reception rooms, kitchen, breakfast room, utility, cloakroom, principal suite with en-suite bathroom and dressing room, family bathroom. EPC: E Apply Pembury

Pembury 01892 822880 e. pembury@bkea.co.uk

Tonbridge01732 771616 e. tonbridge@bkea.co.uk

Residential Sales & Lettings Untitled-1 2

Lettings 01732 771616 e. lettings@bkea.co.uk

www. bkestateagents.com 23/03/2015 12:49

c c:.

HELEN BREEZE THE LETIINGS & MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS

DUNTON GREEN ÂŁ1275 PCM

ARE YOU THINKING OF LETTING YOUR PROPERTY THIS SPRING? We have been assisting landlords in the Sevenoaks area for the last 25 years.

We can help you through the letting process, giving you clear guidance on how best to prepare your property. Contact our lettings team for more information!

To search for our properties online, please visit our website:

www.helenbreeze.co.uk or come in to our office in Sevenoaks.

12 London Road, Seven oaks, Kent TN 13 1AJ T: 01732 740789 F: 01732 740742 W: www.helenbreeze.co.uk

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20/03/2015 15:54

ADVERTORIAL

SO

“THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT HOMES TO CHOOSE FROM ON THE RENTAL MARKET AND CUTTING OUT THE STRESS OF THE WHOLE PURCHASE PROCESS IS MUCH MORE APPEALING, ESPECIALLY IN THE SHORT TERM”

• Garden maintenance is often included in the monthly rent, so you can get on with enjoying the fresh air as soon as you arrive – leave the weeding to someone else • Landlords have usually chosen rental properties based on their location to good schools, so you are likely to find top educational facilities right on your doorstep • It also pays to find a local letting agent to help with your search Like most local independent agents, we

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

survive on our reputation alone and always tailor our service to suit individual needs.

Moving your family to a new area can be very daunting, especially if locating for a new job or a complete change of lifestyle, so it often pays to try before you buy. Here, Hilary Breeze, of Helen Breeze Property Management in Sevenoaks, tells us more

With a lower turnover of staff, local agents can also ensure you’ll receive good continuity of service. Also, agents are usually part of the local high street and will want to help build and grow their communities.

Local letting agents will certainly have an extensive knowledge of their area.

It’s vital if you are moving for schools

SEVENOAKS AND THE

home ownership. There are so many

or good transport links that agents

great homes to choose from on

understand what you need and have the

destinations for couples

the rental market and cutting

answers to your questions immediately.

moving out of London to

out the stress of the whole

It cuts down on unnecessary viewings

raise their children and for

purchase process is much

and ensures you receive a highly

parents working in the city

more appealing, especially in

bespoke service.

who want space in the great

the short term.

surrounding areas are popular

outdoors, while making their daily commute as easy as possible. Questions they ask

Lastly, make sure your local agent is ARLA approved. ARLA agents have client money

There are other added benefits as well, including:

protection, separate clients’ accounts and, most importantly, ARLA trained staff.

themselves always include: “How will I know where exactly to

• Monthly outgoings and costs are much

Helen Breeze Property Management

buy? Have we chosen the best location?

more controlled, with guaranteed fixed

12 London Road, Sevenoaks

What if we change our minds?”

overheads and maintenance on tap. No need

Kent TN13 1AJ

to spend out on costly repairs or find the

01732 740 789

money to replace the boiler in the first month!

www.hbpm.co.uk

These are the reasons many families now look to rent before they take the leap into

APRIL 2015

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23/03/2015 12:00

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20/03/2015 15:55

MADDISONS RESIDENTIAL

Excellence is not a skill. It's an attitude . ..t:ltJj;l..

THE SUNDAYTIMFS

THE. .TIMES

Single Office South East "Estate Agency of the Year 2014"

Rolls-Royce Motor Car$

"Maddisons is a shining example of how the industry could be represented and wants to change public opinion on how estate agents offer value for money. The team invests hugely in the clients before the instruction stage and pays a huge amount of attention to the finite Mol y n e ux Place

details. With 95% of instructions for this new agency

Bre dbur y llous e

coming from personal referral it seems the service and personal touches are paying dividends. The business owner has a background in high wealth banking and is bringing this precision to detail and level of client

service to the property industry. She is very passionate with excellent attention to detail, and has a clarity of Cromwe ll Road

Culverdcn Park

vision for the future of the business that sets her apart from the competition. The team share her vision and ethos and take pride in playing their part in building 1'1addison's reputation. The panel's comment was that this innovative agency is a star of the future."

Judging Panel's Comments Ma tficld

Ospringc Place

We have a proven track record in successfully selling properties in and around Tunbridge Wells and would simply love to help you make your next move. So please, call us today.

You'll feel the difference immediately.

www.maddisonsresidential.co. uk

Royal Victoria House, 51-551he Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, KentTN2 5TE Telephone: 01892 514100 Email: info@maddisonsresidential.co.uk

Untitled-5 2

20/03/2015 15:55

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20/03/2015 15:56

FOOD

SO

FOOD NEWS

Our monthly look at what’s happening on the local culinary scene

EASTER TIPPLES Take a break from the chocolate and indulge in some wonderful wines instead with an Easter visit to Hush Heath Estate.

The vineyard in Staplehurst is offering walks around the estate, where spring blossoms will be giving a delightful display, followed by a visit

FAMILY AFFAIR

to the winery and a fully tutored tasting of Hush Heath’s award winning wines, from Good Friday (April 3) to Easter Monday (April 6). You can round off the day with lunch at their new country pub, the Goudhurst Inn. From late April to early May, you can enjoy a free Vineyard Trail, giving you the chance to enjoy the carpet of bluebells while learning about the tasty produce.

Tours are available between 11am and 5pm and must be pre-booked. To find out more call 01622 832 794 or visit www.hushheath.com

Visitors to Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest will have a tasty new option at the site’s revamped Café.

Now able to seat 100 people – quadruple its previous capacity – the new Café is part of a two-year, £600,000 redevelopment and is due to open in time for the Easter holidays. The eatery will be a real family affair, with new catering tenants John and Sally Hall at the helm, along with their son, three daughters and son-in-law. On the menu will be homemade dishes, including delicious cakes and scones, plus

FRUITS OF LABOUR

the team will be providing catering across

Residents of Tunbridge Wells helped to plant a variety of fruit trees to create a new food

Bedgebury Café because it is such an

resource for the town.

incredible opportunity to create something

the whole site.

“We’re very excited about taking on the

As the first phase of community planting, volunteers dug in and commemorated 25

special in a unique location,” John says.

Lottery funded fruit trees at Grosvenor and Hilbert Park’s Community Orchard. This

“We want to build a reputation for the

follows the planting of 15 semi-mature trees back in December. A variety of cherries,

Bedgebury Café to be a destination, where

apples, plums and pears were planted; a second phase of community planting is due to

the food and service are as good as the

take place next winter.The participants also had the chance to take part in the ancient

Pinetum’s views.”

tradition of wassailing, in which cider is poured over the tree to ‘bless’ it and ensure a good crop.

“The Community Orchard is

Constructed in line with Bedgebury’s sustainable principles, the Café has underfloor heating provided by biomass

going to be a wonderful resource

sourced from Bedgebury’s sustainable

for the local community and for

forest timber.

schools,” says Community

www.forestry.gov.uk/bedgebury

Engagement Officer, Cally Fiddimore. “We look forward to lots of fun events such as Apple Day and pruning workshops.”

If you’d like to get involved with the orchard or sponsor a tree, visit the Friends of Grosvenor and Hilbert Park’s website www.fogh.org.uk

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FOOD

SO

THE UNDERCOVER EATER

GREAT EXPECTATIONS Here’s where one of our resident foodies visits a local eatery and tells it like it is. Michelin starred Thackeray’s is commonly viewed as Tunbridge Wells’ most prestigious restaurant, but can it live up to the hype?

INTRO

decadent mirror in the bathroom and indulge in

cheapest meal in Tunbridge Wells, but I would

No pressure Thackeray’s, but we’re visiting with

several birthday selfies.

almost go so far as to say that it’s the best.

For fine dining there isn’t a comparison or a

great expectations. For one thing, I’ve wanted to sample what you have to offer ever since

MENU

competitor – it stands out a shiny Michelin

I moved to Tunbridge Wells nearly four years

Richard Phillips’ note at the start of the menu is

starred mile.

ago. Plus, it’s both my birthday and our date

helpful and endears him to me as a diner.

night. Add the fact that we’ve just been to the

Passion for local produce, sustainability and

STAFF

spectacularly splendid Alyn Williams at The

culinary excellence is apparent and is applauded

Helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, competent

Westbury in Mayfair, which matches Thackeray’s

by Yours Truly. While the tasting menu is

– so no bother there.

in terms of the Michelin star, last night and we’re

tempting, we’re still full from Friday, so we opt

wondering if this place can live up to the hype…

for starters, mains and obviously, cheese. Lovely

THE ONLY THING IS....

warm bread and chorizo butter trigger the taste

Tunbridge Wells is the calm antidote to London’s

LOCATION

buds into activity. The spiced Scottish

buzz. While London is thrilling and spending big

This is such a quaint building steeped in historic

langoustine with confit pork belly, onion bhaji,

bucks suits the mood there, Tunbridge Wells

significance; the oldest house in Royal Tunbridge

lime, mango, pine nut crunch, parsnip espuma

gives out the more mellow, chilled, ‘let’s settle

Wells. It faces the Common and is on a corner, so

(£15.95) is wonderfully presented, a culinary

down and get a dog’ vibe. With prices this high,

it really stands out and is walkable from station. It’s

artwork of balanced colour and delicately picked

perhaps it’s worth getting on the train and going

also opposite Dominoes, in case you hated

and placed herbs – a real joy.

to one of London’s glittering eateries to enjoy a

Thackeray’s on entry and opted for a takeaway instead – which would make you a bit weird.

This is followed by roasted loin of Chart Farm venison with sautéed fois gras, potato fondant,

fine dining experience.

Then again, it’s handy being able to wander

butternut squash, honey glazed parsnip, dark

home down the hill in 10 minutes. The real

DECOR

chocolate and juniper jus (£27.95). Never a huge

verdict will depend on how swiftly Undercover

Wonky floors and low ceilings provide character

fan of chocolate with savoury, I find this dish

Eater makes a return visit – though I have to

charm, while private dining rooms add to the

pleasant but not breathtaking. The cheese plate

say that I’m already wracking my brains for

feel of nooks and crannies. The adorable and

(£15.95) is varied and satisfying. A bottle of

an excuse...

interesting wallpaper comes complete with

Chateau Brane-Cantenac, 2002 (£95) is a

monkeys. Quality white linen adorns the tables,

deviation from the norm, but we go with the

Thackeray’s

but avoids stuffiness with creative colourful

recommendation of our waiter and it’s fabulous.

85 London Road

adornments, such as a single rose head in a

Tunbridge Wells

glass cube, tealights and modern glassware and

PRICE

Kent, TN1 1EA

crockery. It’s all interesting but classic, the right

Dinner for two with a bottle of wine and

01892 511 921

balance of Kentish and neutral. I like the

pre-dinner aperitifs weighs in at £270. Not the

www.thackerays-restaurant.co.uk

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PRICES AT A GLANCE Starters: from £8 Mains: from £15.50 Desserts: from £8.50

STARS IN THEIR EYES Michelin starred restaurants might be rare in the Weald, but what marks the decorated few out from the crowd? Joe Murphy embarks on a journey into the culinary cosmos to find out – with a visit to The Curlew in Bodiam

F

or the astronomic gastronomic, the

enviable reputation.

think the castle has aged better than me in the

The precise definition of what a restaurant

time since. I’d allow about 40 minutes for a

must offer in order to gain a star is a closely

comfortable journey from Tunbridge Wells,

clear night. A 20-mile radius from my

guarded secret of Michelin. However, it has

which, let’s be honest, is still closer than

observatory in Tunbridge Wells only yields

become a highly coveted accolade, partly due

London or Brighton.

three heralded stars from the undisputed guide

to its perceived integrity – unlike many guides,

to the culinary universe. This may come as a

Michelin takes no advertising and no hidden

a coaching inn where travellers rested their

surprise to many, as we are genuinely blessed

fees. As a general guide, however, the entry

weary, moustachioed heads and warmed their

with a galaxy of local food heroes running

level one star is awarded for “very good

spirits while on the rain-sodden route from

some outstanding eateries in the area.

cooking in its category”. If, to those aspiring

Hastings to London. But now, Mark and Sara

However, it’s an exclusive club and competition

chefs and restaurateurs hoping to join in, this

Colley have given The Curlew another life. It is

for entry is fierce; the fight to stay a member

sounds somewhat accessible, it’s not. The

a place where formal food meets informal

can be even fiercer (The Curlew has been

most recent guide, published in 2014, featured

dining, where the city and country brush

starred since 2011).

only 17 new entries with one or more stars,

shoulders and style meets stile. On arrival a

nine of which were in London and none in

well-lit and nicely surfaced car park rewards

from the challengers? Why have the feared

the south east. The Curlew, therefore, is a rare

the traveller and during the short walk to the

restaurant inspectors garnished some and

bird indeed.

building, our great expectations build.

Michelin constellation over Kent and East Sussex can only be seen on a very

So, what sets these mythical places apart

ignored others? The answer lies in the detail,

I must admit, I do have to get the map out

In a previous life The Curlew restaurant was

Inside, the Curlew team have crafted a clean

the fine line between good, very good and

before I set off. Bodiam is perhaps best known

and quirky dining space. There is a charming

outstanding; and for The Curlew – our bright

for its wonderful moated castle and I do have

pre-dinner chill out area and beyond, an

star of the south – it’s about delivering on an

recollections of day trips in the 1980s, though I

understated dining room enjoys an open

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window into a busy kitchen. This all leads to a deliberately disarming experience; clean lines, unfussy furniture and walls studded with contemporary design cues. As well as being rather good looking, The Curlew also has a good sense of humour and good taste in music. You get the immediate impression that

“It is a place where formal food meets informal dining, where the city and country brush shoulders and style meets stile”

and organic wines. He has uncovered these

Next up for me is the hake with pork belly,

sucker for chocolate. Enter the walnut whip,

persuade my wife to sample. The cheese

parmesan gnocchi and fennel (£21.50). For me

Valrhona 64% Majari hot chocolate fondant,

soufflé – a dinner party nightmare – turns out

this is all about portion and proportion. The

walnut and mallow ice cream (£9). A sense of

to be a 1970s retro fantasy; locally sourced

flavour combinations and precision from

immense fun executed with immense

Sussex fromage injected with billowy warm air,

Michael Mealey on this plate is for me enough

seriousness, eaten with 100% concentration.

puffing like an adder with each fork puncture.

to merit The Curlew’s decorated status on its

Alongside it is a well of sweet and sour cherry,

own. Translucent and buttery hake perched

‘Sussex’s Best Eating Experience’. The eatery

and artisan bread is on hand to mop up the

over delicate braised fennel, golden nuggets of

continues to earn national accolades, having

cast iron skillet. A triumphant marriage of light

al dente parmesan gnocchi with a chewy shard

made it into the Guardian Travel’s 10 best

and shade, broody yet forgiving. Across from

of pork belly. Eye catching, palate pleasing – a

destination restaurants in Britain, and earns

me, the scallop sits resplendent among its

glorious expression of locally sourced and

local adulation by offering some of the most

finery, a solitary jewel in an open shell, gilded

seasonal ingredients.

considered and exciting modern British food

the whole concept is around the diner and not about egos in the kitchen; a kitchen led impressively by Head Chef Michael Mealey, while a beautifully warm front of house welcome comes from Restaurant Manager Beata Winiarskaa.

I begin with the Sussex farmhouse double baked cheese soufflé with kirsch cream (£8.50). It’s a close call between that and the

and eaten slowly to prolong the pleasure. A

Vineyard, just a grape’s throw from the front door, to many small, yet dedicated and passionate regional producers around Europe and the New World. We share a Fattoria San Lorenzo Verdiccio, Marche, and Italy 2012 (£9.25 per glass, £37 per bottle) – an inspired choice from Beata.

I do not have a sweet tooth, but I am a

scallop with roast chicken jelly, Granny Smith and hazelnut (£12.50), which I obviously

wines from as near as Sedlescombe Organic

The wine list is personally curated by owner

striptease of a starter, sent away naked with

Mark Colley and constantly evolves; it also

only the shell remaining.

proudly champions independent, biodynamic

In January The Curlew was again crowned as

found anywhere in the country.

Committed to sourcing and using local produce, The Curlew celebrates its Sussex location. The kitchen produces food that is stylish and noteworthy. The compellingly concise menu responds to the changing seasons, offering diners of all ages an opportunity to sample The Curlew’s unique cooking. Visitors should keep a particular eye out for The Curlew’s set menu, which offers two courses for £20 and three for £25, available lunchtimes Tuesday to Friday and evenings Tuesday to Thursday. Stargazing, therefore, comes at an affordable price; the experience, though, is priceless.

The Curlew Junction Road, Bodiam, East Sussex TN32 5UY 01580 861 394 www.thecurlewrestaurant.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

LIVING LA DOLCE VITA In the mood for some authentic Italian cuisine? Then head to La Dolce Vita in Lamberhurst, where traditional recipes and quality ingredients are given a modern twist, accompanied by an extensive selection of delicious wines. We hear about what they’ve got coming up on their menu

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FOOD (THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAINS)

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All our dishes are freshly prepared and cooked

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When writing about La Dolce Vita,

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You enter into the beautiful bar lounge,

Dolce Vita serves one of the best steaks to

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which has the most comfy sofas, where you

perfection in the whole of Kent.

Diana, which the maître d’ flambés in front of

can have a drink to start your dining

you, is a real treat for everyone’s eyes, and

experience and choose your food to eat.

is back now with the art and passion of

the mouth-watering aroma spreads all around

When the starters are ready, the waiter will

cooking he gained in the last 24 years of his

the restaurant, which invites customers to

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with the drinks to enjoy the most delicious

Dubai and India – you won’t want to miss it.

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He is now working on new dishes to include

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TUESDAY TO SUNDAY

followed by different herbs in summer.

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The flow of the river Teise next to the

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GREAT TASTE OF KENT It’s the moment local food and drink producers wait for with bated breath – the Taste of Kent Awards.

Here we find out which top tipples and delicious delicacies have put Kent on the culinary map this year had some challenging decisions Other Wealden companies can to make. From the record congratulate themselves on reaching the number of businesses top three in their category via votes from nominated, to the thousands of happy customers. The Milk House in people who took the time to vote Sissinghurst narrowly missed out to for the three finalists in each Molash’s George Inn in the Dining Pub of category, this year has again the year category, while highly praised demonstrated the public’s Great Preservations – based in Tonbridge enthusiasm for good quality – saw Hot Face Sauces from Maidstone Kentish produce.” take the Food Producer of the Year award.

Chapel Down Winery in “The awards highlight the very finest Tenterden are no strangers to produce the county has to offer,” adds praise and this year they saw Stephanie Durling. “For the winners, the off competition from local rivals Taste of Kent Awards are the ultimate Biddenden Vineyards to win accolade in the Kentish food and drink Best Kentish Wine, with their sector, but it is not just about celebrating Bacchus. Biddenden Vineyards great tasting food once a year. If we all were also finalists in the Best sourced 10% of our weekly groceries from Kentish Cider or Perry category Kent producers, retailers and farmers’ with their Strong Kentish Cider, markets, we could help to generate over Josh Donaghay-Spire of Chapel Down Winery in Tenterden accept the award from Annabel Clarke of class sponsor, but Wise Owl Cider from £185million for our local economy.”

Investaco Ashford took away the crown.

Marden based Anno Distiller www.producedinkent.co.uk EVERYONE LIKES THEIR WORK to can put the Best Food Product trophy on be appreciated and for the ever-growing their mantelpiece, thanks to foodie scene in Kent, it’s great to know that their triumphant Kent Dry Gin, they’re hitting the flavour nail on the head. which also won the Specialist The Taste of Kent Awards, run by Produced Drinks class. The Kentish Blue in Kent, aims to give a pat on the back to Cheese produced by Kingcott those producers who are making a meal of Cheese in Staplehurst our natural resources and showing the impressed in the Catering culinary world what Kent can do. category, while the Double After months of public voting, three finalists Organic Cream from Silcocks in each category were put before an expert Farm in Tenterden was judged judging panel to decide who would earn the the cream of the crop in the prestigious winners’ accolades this year. At a Dairy section. stylish awards ceremony at the Kent County Fruit was not overlooked – Showground at Detling, the victors were Richard and Clive Edmed from announced and it was revealed that a Horsmonden won the Top Pear number of Wealden businesses have been award with their delicious named flavour of the month.

Concorde variety, while Lower Stephanie Durling of Produced in Kent Ladysden Farm’s Glen Ample says: “The competition this year has been variety raspberries earned the Steward Tricker (left) from class sponsor Shepherd exceptionally close and all the judges, Marden company a gong in the Neame with Barnaby and Hannah Loades of Silcocks mystery shoppers and secret diners have Soft Fruit classes.

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THOUGHT FOR FOOD This month our own celebrity chef, Rosemary Shrager, reflects on remarkable rhubarb and lording it over her old boss

I

enjoy Easter – it’s like a new beginning. The

whites at the meal because he was

leaves are nearly all out or coming out and

so tired – but I was very proud of

the winter is properly behind us. I’m now

his endeavours.

looking forward to lots of sun!

Recently I had a wonderful weekend bossing around my old boss, Lord Ivar Mountbatten. He had invited me down to his home in Devon to teach him to cook, so I’d told him to ask no more than eight people to

doesn’t look so good when it’s cooked, so people sometimes put strawberries

By the way, he produces some delicious venison

with them to give a better

charcuterie on his estate.

appearance.

Here’s a delicious pie for

You can taste it for yourself by visiting www.touchofhart.com

Easter – enjoy!

This month I would like to talk a

Speak next month

dinner so that we could concentrate on the

little about rhubarb, one of my favourite

teaching – but 16 guests turned up! This was

fruits. Technically, it’s a vegetable – until

a nightmare because it was only me and him

the United States Customs Court ruled that

in the kitchen, but I chose some very simple

it’s a fruit in 1947.

dishes, as I wasn’t intending to cook! He

slightly better flavour, although it

www.rosemaryshrager.com

Rhubarb is a beautiful colour, very pleasing

worked hard all day and was exhausted by

on the eye and it tastes delicious; plus, it’s so

the end – he even wore my too-big chef’s

versatile. I think the outside rhubarb has a

First, make the filling. Cut the apples into 4mm slices, place in a saucepan with the apple or lemon juice and sugar and bring to a simmer over a low heat. Cook gently for five minutes; now add the rhubarb and cook for a further five to 10 minutes. Allow the juices to drain well back into the saucepan, bring up to the simmer to cook until it’s reduced to a thick syrupy consistency. Put the apple back into the pan with the butter, then set aside to cool.

Put the flour into a bowl or food processor, add the butter and rub together or pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and water and mix or process into a dough.

Cut the pastry in half, place it on a lightly

APPLE AND RHUBARB PIE YOU WILL NEED A LARGE PYREX OR TIN PIE PLATE SERVES 6-8

floured work surface and roll out to fit a buttered 20cm pie dish, leaving it slightly overhanging the sides. Roll out the other half, 250g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 140g cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 tablespoon caster sugar 4 tablespoons cold water 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon milk, for glazing For the filling: 6 large Bramley apples, peeled and cored 500g chopped forced rhubarb 2 tablespoons apple juice or lemon juice 250g caster sugar, plus extra for dusting 50g unsalted butter

ready to put over the top.

Fill the lined pie dish with cooled apple and forced rhubarb, then brush the beaten egg around the edge. Place the pastry lid over the top and press all around the dish to make sure it’s well sealed.

Using a sharp knife, trim off the excess pastry. Brush the top with beaten egg and cut a small steam hole, about 5mm in diameter, in the middle of the pastry. Then bake in an oven preheated to 200C / Gas Mark6 for 30 to 35 minutes, until golden. Dust with caster sugar before serving.

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A NEW WAY OF COOKING WITH CHOCOLATE Luxury cocoa grower and chocolatier, Hotel Chocolat, introduces an exciting selection of recipes to its Tunbridge Wells store A NEW WAY of Cooking with Chocolate (£20)

Split into nine chapters, the book includes

is the brand new cookbook from Hotel Chocolat,

energy-boosting breakfasts, innovative savoury

with recipes from their chocolatiers’ kitchen and

starters and mains, to-die-for desserts and an

award winning restaurants in London, Leeds and

array of cocktails. From a simple supper for two

Saint Lucia. With stunning food photography and

to a Saint Lucian style ‘Jump Up’ dinner party,

nibs, from cocoa powder to chocolate bar. There

more than 100 individual recipes, the cookbook

the cookbook will equip readers with the

are also step-by-step instructions on how to roast

reveals a glimpse into the inner workings of this

know-how and confidence to introduce cocoa

your own cocoa beans at home and make

dynamic British brand, along with inventive new

cuisine into their kitchen.

chocolate entirely from scratch.

dishes and much-loved classics.

People have adored cocoa for more than 3,000

Uniquely, each recipe has a ‘Cocoa Factor’ to

years, but it was only in the last 500 that we

indicate the depth of flavour, as well as the

started getting sweet on it. Long before anyone

cocoa percentage and region that will best suit

added a grain of sugar, cacao beans were loved

the dish. Colourful anecdotes and stories are

for their deep, savoury

weaved throughout the book, taking the reader

richness. They were

on a vibrant chocolate journey from pod to plate.

roasted, shelled and eaten like nuts, and crushed for

Hotel Chocolat Tunbridge Wells

use as an infusion, garnish

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and subtle spice.

Tunbridge Wells,

Readers will discover

Kent TN1 2SS

how to use the whole

01892 541 000

bean, from the shell to the

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A First Class Education at Claremont School

Claremont Independent School is set in 100 acres of grounds across two sites, St Leonards on Sea and Bodiam, and offers excellent and extensive facilities, enabling children to participate and flourish in all aspects of school life. The school offers a Nursery, Preparatory, Senior and Sixth Form, with a new 50 place boarding facility in Battle opening in September 2015, accommodating both English and international students.

Pupils receive a first class education at the Preparatory School up to the age of 13 years and then make a smooth transition to our Senior School in Bodiam at the start of Year 9. Equally, the Prep School will prepare a pupil for their Senior School of choice.

Claremont Senior School boasts impressive facilities including a state of the art Sixth Form Centre, formally

opened in September 2014, a £1.5m Sports Hall, which houses an indoor fully equipped cricket training facility, a fitness gym, four badminton courts, a S-a-side football pitch, an indoor tennis court, netball and basketball courts. There is also a Performing Arts Centre, including a 250 seat theatre, a Photography Centre and an additional new science laboratory.

There is also one of the finest 6 lane indoor swimming pools in the area. An extensive transport service operates at both sites, with multiple collection points across East Sussex and Kent.

In the latest GCSE league table, Claremont Senior School in Bodiam is ranked first amongst all local secondary schools in the Rother District area and third overall in East Sussex. 79% of all students achieved five, or more, A*'s to C grade, including English and

www.claremontschool.co. uk NURSERY I PREPARATORY

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• • • • • • • • •

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Maths. Headmaster, Giles Perrin said "We are absolutely delighted to achieve such fantastic results at our first time of asking. It is a testament to the wonderful atmosphere which exists at the school. We expect to now go from strength to strength and this latest success has given the whole school community tremendous confidence."

We welcome tours and taster days for children of all ages. Please do not hesitate to contact either school to arrange a suitable time for you to visit. To arrange an appointment to view the Prep School and Nursery, please telephone 01424 751555 and for the Senior School and Sixth Form, please telephone 01580 830396.

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Independent school for children aged 1 to 18 Over 100 acres of grounds Full academic and co-curricular programme Study centre in France Term-time or 50 week nursery schedules Enlarged two acre Forest School NEW Sports Centre & Performing Arts Centre NEW Sixth Form centre now open NEW Boarding facility opening September 2015

20/03/2015 16:28

E D U C AT I O N

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EDUCATION NEWS WE TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE WORLD OF EDUCATION

n THAT’S MAGIC Children from Rose Hill School in Tunbridge Wells enjoyed a kind of magic with the 18th Sir Humphry Davy Lecture.

Running since 1998, the event has played host to a diverse range of scientists, lecturers and educationalists, all presenting topics related to science. However, the school had never invited a magician to speak until Tony Charles took the floor.

During the day Tony used science to create awe-inspiring ‘magic’ for the Pre-Prep children, before explaining how

n Bandana Brigade

he had achieved his incredible feats. Then,

Students and staff at Bethany School were determined to ‘wear it out’ last month in support of a

in the evening, children from Years 6 to 8

charity that is close to their hearts.

joined students from eight other primary

Harry Graham, who is a Year 13 student at the school in Goudhurst, survived a brain tumour as a

and prep schools in the theatre, where he

child and is now a Young Ambassador for The Brain Tumour Charity. On March 6 thousands of

amazed the young audience with his

people donned bandanas in support of the Brain Tumour Awareness Day and Bethany School took

‘conjuring’. Topics covered included

part in the event, raising both awareness of the condition and £1,000 for the charity.

Mobius bands and using inertia to discover

Harry was thrilled with their efforts, saying: “Once again, a huge thank you to Bethany for all the support I have received during my time here as a pupil at the school and also a heartfelt ‘thank you’

if an egg is raw or hard boiled.

“It was a great evening,” says Laura, of Year 8. “My favourite part was when

from The Brain Tumour Charity.”

His parents added their thanks to the Headmaster, staff and pupils for hosting the fundraising day.

Tony made a rocket in slow motion to the

“It is events like this that provide not only invaluable funding in the fight against brain tumours, but

music from 2001: A Space Odyssey.”

also raise awareness, which is key to early diagnosis and subsequent survival of this awful illness,”

www.rosehillschool.co.uk

Mr and Mrs Graham say. www.bethanyschool.org.uk

n DOUBLE HEADED Two Crowborough primary schools welcomed a new Executive Headteacher as they prepare for a possible merger.

Currently run as a federation, Whitehill

FREE EDUCATION

expected to open next year. The location has

Infant School and Herne Junior School are

Prime Minister David Cameron announced that

yet to be confirmed, but the school will be

now being led by Kate Owbridge, who

there will be 49 new free schools across the UK

based in a new building created with the help

previously worked at a school in

and one will be in Tonbridge.

of Government funding.

Rotherhithe, London. Following a public

The new 420-place primary school will be

It will be one of only two new schools

consultation, a decision has yet to be made

managed by the Bishop Chavasse Trust, which

announced for Kent, the other being a

about whether the two establishments will

already runs the Bennett Memorial Diocesan

science and technology focused secondary

amalgamate to become one school.

secondary school in Tunbridge Wells, and is

school in Maidstone.

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Skippers Hill Manor Preparatory School, Five Ashes, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6HR

www.skippershill.com

Fat Fox is a new publisher bringing magic to children everywhere! We are proud to unleash our latest list from the den - more sensational stories that will have kids across the globe sniffing around for more.

Also from the publisher who brought you Happy Hooves, Ta Dah! and Oh! Oh! Oh! (books read by the future King of England) coming early 2015 ...

Lili

By Wen Dee Tan 2-6 years Lili is an o rd ina ry little g irl. Well exce pt fo r fi ery red hair. O ne day, Lili find s the village c hildren lost in the deep dark woods and her bravery (a nd hair) lead s th em all home safe ly. Lili won third place in the Ma cmillan prize 2013.

ISBN 978-0992872847 £10.99

202

ISBN PB 978-0992872809 £7.99 HB 978-0992872816 £10.99

Prankenstein vs Yankenstein

By Andy Seed Illustrated by Richard Morgan 8-11 years

ISBN 978-0992872823 £10.99

Little Bell And The Moon

By Giles Paley- Phillips Illustrated by Iris Deppe 2-6 years

Soa py Tho mpson's prank playing mo nster is back. But there is another beast out there and w ar is unleashed.

Can Soa py's best friend s, the Tw ince save him?

Every night the Moon takes Little Bell's hand and together they fly off o n adve ntures. Little Bell grows o ld and frail but o ne last flight w ith th e Moon makes som ething very special happen.

ISBN 978-09928728S4 £6.99

ISBN 978-0992872861 £10.99

APRIL 2015

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ADVERTORIAL

SACKVILLE SCHOOL, HILDENBOROUGH INFLUENCING LIVES, INSPIRING FUTURES

TYPE: Independent co-educational school

When Sackville was established 27 years ago it

for ages 11 to 18 years

was in response to a demand for a school which

FOUNDED: 1987

could provide a bespoke secondary education for

COST PER TERM (DAY): £4,540

children in the West Kent area. In the ensuing

TEL: 01732 838 888

years Sackville has seen students travel from ever

WEB: www.sackvilleschool.co.uk

greater distances to benefit from the individualised

EMAIL: office@sackvilleschool.com

teaching which is core to the school’s ethos.

HEAD: John Hewitt

Sackville’s distinctive family atmosphere sets the school apart and this is evident from the strong bonds forged there. Former students regularly return to share their experiences and recent visitors have included a Business undergraduate on a placement year with IBM who gave a

from Investment Banker to Teacher, from

presentation to Sixth formers, a postgraduate

Engineer to Chef and Professional Musician to

student at Warwick University researching for her

successful Novelist!

Master’s dissertation and a student on a flying visit from at the University of Minnesota.

An Alumni lunch was held this month which saw

John Hewitt with a former student

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Headmaster, John Hewitt, said “This was my first alumni event and it was a pleasure to meet so many former students and share in their

students from over the years reuniting and

enjoyment at returning to Sackville. It

reminiscing on their time at the school. Former

confirmed that this is a special place which

students have gone on to a wide range of careers

remains in the heart of all who come here.”

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MOTORING MATTERS

OUR ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM THE MOTORING SCENE VANTAGE POINT Aston Martin has revealed the first details of its most potent and uncompromising Vantage to date: the track-inspired Vantage GT3 special edition. With production strictly limited to just 100, the new model combines all of Aston Martin’s learning from its years of sports car competition around the globe to produce its most performance focused road-going Vantage. Equipped with a new iteration of the brand’s 6.0-litre V12 engine – capable of generating up to 600 PSI – the car weighs in at 100kg less than a standard V12 Vantage S. Comprehensively re-engineered, as well as significantly restyled, the GT3-inspired special edition is lower and wider than any of its siblings in the Vantage family.

FLYING START

JAGUAR LAND ROVER

TEAM WORK

A1 STANDARD

Bentley Motors is building on

Jaguar Land Rover has

Porsche has awarded GKN

Weighing up the pros and cons

the global demand for the

announced its line-up of

Driveline ‘Technology Partner’

of petrol and diesel power is

Continental GT family with a

vehicles set to feature in

status for its development of a

now a little harder for Audi A1

suite of contemporary design

Spectre, the 24th James Bond

high-performance eAxle for the 918

customers, as a new super-

updates and new exquisite

adventure. These will include

Spyder, an advanced plug-in hybrid

frugal, 97g/km TFSI version of

features for its most successful

the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover

supercar. GKN Driveline’s eAxle

the three or five-door

model. Bentley’s luxurious and

Sport SVR and Defender Big

module supports full-electric mode,

subcompact becomes available

powerful Flying Spur also

Foot, which have been provided

all-wheel drive and provides a

in the UK. Equipped with a

receives a set of features for

by Jaguar Land Rover Special

boost function, to supplement the

characterful new three-cylinder

2015, focusing on powertrain

Operations. The Jaguar C-X75

918 Spyder’s hybridized 4.6-litre V8.

engine – the first petrol unit with

development, on-board

will feature in a spectacular

The module has maximum power of

this configuration ever to be

technology and interior comfort.

car chase sequence through

95kW and up to 1500Nm of torque.

installed in an Audi model – the

The stunning new models were

Rome, alongside the Aston

A specially developed compact

latest A1 variant promises to

unveiled and displayed to

Martin DB10.

differential engages the torque

bring 67mpg-plus economy,

impressed crowds at the

The C-X75 vehicles used in

seamlessly, giving the 918 Spyder

peppy performance and the

Geneva Motor Show last month,

filming have been built in

optimum power distribution. At

premium hallmarks that

with deliveries starting this

collaboration with Williams

speeds above 164mph, a clutch

distinguish every Audi, within

summer for those lucky enough

Advanced Engineering facility

isolates the electric motor to

even easier reach with an OTR

to purchase one.

in Oxfordshire.

prevent it over-spinning.

price starting from £14,315.

APRIL 2015

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23/03/2015 14:42

''

'' THE "ELECTRIFYING" MAN OF KENT TELLS YOU WHY THE NISSAN LEAF AND THE E-NV200 COMMERCIAL ARE GAME CHANGING VEHICLES

(? (?

lJ lJ

Untitled-3 2

It is the best selling all electric car in the world, 150,000 sold to date and 95% of those owners who have driven over 1billion km recommend leaf!

23/03/2015 11:18

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Motorline

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-Alex Yates Room for the whole family "Its a full five seater with plenty of space, the new leaf even has a bigger boot too. Peaople are surpised by how roomy it is."

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23/03/2015 11:19

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FACTS AT A GLANCE MERCEDES-MAYBACH S600, £167,000 Engine: 6.0-litre V12 petrol unit producing 523bhp and 612lb/ft Transmission: Seven-speed automatic driving all the rear wheels Performance: Top speed 155mph, 0-62mph in 5 seconds Economy: 24.1mpg combinedE Emissions: 274g/km of CO2

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU THE MAYBACH NAME IS BACK WITH THE MERCEDES-MAYBACH S600 – AND THIS TIME IT MEANS BUSINESS, AS MATT KIMBERLEY DISCOVERS

T

he old standalone Maybach was

long-wheelbase S-Class. So no, it’s not short

taken up by the fridge unit, but being able to

flawed from the very beginning, built

of legroom. The roof line is higher and stays

keep your Champagne chilled is clearly far

as it was on a platform old enough to

that way for longer, the rear doors are a

more important. To drink it there are two

have been shared with the Ark. But

different length and there are small

what you see here isn’t a Maybach: it’s a Mercedes-Maybach.

It’s the new flagship Mercedes S-Class,

The Force is strong with the finest S-Class and always has been. Apparently customers

silver-plated Champagne flutes in a fold-down tray between the two rear seats – but only if you specify the £7,200 First Class rear seat setup.

There’s enough legroom to allow your St

built under a double-barrelled name that

wanted more exclusivity and even more of

could, if consumer demand is there, mirror

the stuff that makes the S-Class such a

Bernards to curl up at your feet and they’ll

the Mercedes-AMG badge with multiple

stalwart at the top of its class, so Mercedes

be comforted by the standard luxury lamb’s

models atop various ranges. AMG cars are

has combined the famous badge with

wool floor mats that replicate an expensive

built for high end luxury and giggles, but the

another one to form the new standard

living room feel. You’re actually meant to

Mercedes-Maybach is all about comfort and

bearer. Where the old Maybach had image

take your shoes off to appreciate it (and it’s

exceptional indulgence.

problems, its spiritual successor has big-

totally worth it).

It’s a long old thing, adding another 20cm between the wheels compared to the

208

‘double-M’ badges on the C-pillars.

time pedigree – albeit in a less showy way.

Nit-pickers will note that part of the boot is

To be frank, few owners will actually drive it themselves, but if they did they’d be

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This car summed up in a single word:

IMPRESSIVE astonished at how relentlessly fast it is,

seat moves forwards, the leg rest rises

statement-making looks of a Rolls-Royce,

thanks to a 530-horsepower V12 engine.

and you eventually find yourself as comfy

but not everyone wants those.

Refinement and comfort in any seat is

as if you were in your own reclining

amazing, with the softest leathers and

armchair at home; probably comfier,

exclusive chauffeurs and more will all

seats that, in the rear, can give you six

even. All the toys you’d expect on the

want to get their hands on a Mercedes-

different types of back or shoulder

King Among S-Classes are standard. Go

Maybach, although only 100 or so will

massage. Six! And don’t forget seven

forth and meddle.

sell in the UK every year. Any S-Class is a

colours of ambient lighting, of course.

When you look at what you get, £167,000

Media moguls, Mafia kingpins, ultra-

brilliant luxury car, but the new maestro

is a steal. Bear with me on this. The big

is a bit special. Below-the-radar on the

of backrest tilt are also rather nice, but it’s

double-M is built as well as a Bentley but

outside but above all but the loftiest of

the leg rest that steals the show. Hold a

has more technology and is arguably even

expectations, this is the sober thinker’s

button down and the front passenger

better to drive. The only thing it lacks is the

Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Heating, cooling and up to 43.5 degrees

If this car was a vineyard... It would be one of the Champagne region’s finest: magnificent to behold and full of rich bounties

APRIL 2015

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23/03/2015 12:04

Cooper Tunbridge Wells

Untitled-5 2

The Ultimate Driving Machine

20/03/2015 16:50

BMW 4 SERIES CONVERTIBLE. IMPRESSIVE. FROM EVERY PERSPECTIVE. Elegant styling, aerodynamic details, sporty proportions- the BMW 4 Series Convertible delights your senses visually too. Inside, choice materials, elegant leather upholstery and atmospheric interior lighting are always a feast for the eyes.

The new BMW 4 Series Convertible accelerates through each bend and immediately captivates attention, from whichever angle. It exercises an irresistible aesthetic appeal with a distinctive design that expresses a readiness to leap in to action.

With the Retractable Hard-Top open or closed, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is prepared to take the world by storm. The state-of-the-art technologies from BMW Connected Drive and an interior perfectly tailored to the driver's needs make for a superbly comfortable drive and enhance the unique driving experience in the BMW 4 Series Convertible.

Every detail of this car evokes one thing above all: the irresistible feeling of pure freedom.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE*, PLEASE CONTACT COOPER TUNBRIDGE WELLS TODAY. Cooper Tunbridge Wells Longfield Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UE 01892 629 503 www.coopertunbridgewellsbmw.co.uk

BMW EfficientDynamics Less emissions. More driving pleasure.

Official Fuel Economy Figures for the BMW Range: Extra Urban 26.2-83.1 mpg (1 0.8-3.41/1 OOkm). Urban 14.664.2mpg (19.3-4.41/1 OOkm). Combined 20.3-7 4.3mpg (13.9-3.81/1 OOkm). C0 2 emissions 325-99g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions. *Test drive subject to applicant status and availability. BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.

Untitled-5 3

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SO

Berwick Devoil Healthcare, based at LamberhurstVineyard has launched a new and dedicated International Health Insurance arm and brand BD Global Medical, www.bdglobalmedical.com A newly focused employee benefits team has been created to further develop Berwick Devoil Healthcare's strong reputation in the International markets.

BD Global Medical is an Insurance Broker specialising in worldwide Health Insurance, Group Income Protection and Critical Illness as well as Group Life. Its expertise is not limited to private and company clients but extends to specific industries including Aviation , Marine, Oil & Gas.

"We will tailor solutions for high net worth private clients and companies with specific on shore & off.shore International Health & Risk Insurance requirements.

Working with leading insurance pmviders!Jvm around the world allows BD Global Medical to provide the best available and the most comprehensive range ojJ JJ.roducts and services."

BD Global Medical has a London base in the City's Devonshire Square but will work hand-in-hand with BDHL's Kent base for its administration.

Contact our Kent office +44 (0) 1892 891900 for further information

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BUSINESS

SO

BUSINESS NEWS

OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS WORLD

n FLYING HIGH

n CULINARY ADVICE

n EXPANSION PLANS

A Tunbridge Wells travel agency has

The icing on the cake for a national

Growth plans are underway for a

expanded with the acquisition of a

company’s expansion has come from

Weald-based health service provider.

Wealden business. Baldwins Travel,

a local audit, tax and advisory firm.

Berwick Devoil Healthcare, based at

which has offices in Grosvenor Road,

In a £4million deal, Real Good Food

Lamberhurst Vineyard, has launched

welcomed Cranbrook-based Grace

(RGF) plc acquired cake decoration

BD Global Medical, an international

Travel into the company, recognising a

company, Rainbow Dust Colours

healthcare arm. The newly focused

similar ethos and success. Joint

Ltd, with due diligence and tax

Employee Benefits team has been

Managing Directors, Nick and Chris

advice provided by Crowe Clark

created to further develop BDH’s strong

Marks, comment: “There is much

Whitehill, which has offices in

reputation in the international market.

synergy in the way that we all work –

Tunbridge Wells and has advised

Directors Caroline Weiss-Jones and Guy

offering high quality customer service

RGF for many years. CCW Director,

Jones say: “The launch of this new and

that is unrivalled in the county – and

Rob Lee-Davey, says:

dedicated brand to cater for our global

the country. We now have seven

“In Kent, the food industry remains

clients is a significant milestone for

locations and offer a comprehensive

a buoyant sector for M&A activity

BDHL’s development and a

and excellent service to all travellers,

and we see continued consolidation,

demonstration of our intention to

both retail and corporate and, of

as well as some interesting new

continue to invest in growing our

course, also provide an extensive

initiatives and concepts coming

business in an area we believe to be of

Foreign Exchange facility.”

to market.”

significant importance.”

www.baldwinstravel.co.uk

www.crowehorwath.net/uk

www.bdglobalmedical.com

KINGS OF THE CASTLE Double celebrations are in order for a financial advice firm in Tonbridge. Castle Corporate Finance, headed up by Directors Mike Norrie and Stuart Stepney, picked up the prestigious Corporate Finance Advisory Team of the Year award, while Stuart Stepney was named Corporate Finance Advisor of the Year for the third year in a row at the Insider South East Dealmakers Awards 2015. Mike Norrie says: “As a boutique firm, we are proud to have won two more awards following our successes in 2014. We really appreciate the support of all our professional friends and colleagues.” www.castlecf.com

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20/03/2015 15:07

Make it a happy new tax year this April.

There are few certainties in this world, with the exceptions of death and taxes. Most people aim to enjoy life in the meantime; some live the dream of early retirement.

As chartered accountants and tax advisers, we help our clients run more profitable businesses and achieve greater tax efficiency- personally and professionally.

BSR Bespoke is a people business first and foremost. To find out more- contact us to book a free initial consultation.

01892 514514 Linden House, Linden Close, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8HH

www.bsrb.co.uk Untitled-5 2

BSR BESPOKE CHARTERED

ACCOUNTANTS

20/03/2015 16:51

BUSINESS

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SOCIAL GOOD BUSINESS The Wealden Business Group’s annual charity dinner at The Little Silver Country Hotel, Tenterden, was a sell-out success, raising over £4,000 for the Pestalozzi International Village Trust in East Sussex. More than 100 guests attended the function, which featured an auction with items including a signed England Test team cricket shirt, a bottle of House of Commons whisky bearing the signature of Prime Minister David Cameron and gift vouchers.

“The evening was a tremendous success,” says Wealden Business Group Chairman, Simon Hammond. “It’s particularly brilliant that we raised more at our charity dinner than ever before.”

Photography by Nikos Photography www.nikosweddings.com

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C U LT U R E

CULTUREVULTURE OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE AREA

arresting paintings, he makes for marvellously entertaining company. It is a delight to spend an hour in the company of this hilarious and magnetic comedian. As the show comes to a theatre near you very soon, you’re in for a rare treat.

The five years away from the live arena have only whetted Noel’s appetite for stand-up. He can’t wait to get back in front of an audience. The performer, who has spent the last few years occupied by the meticulously produced, semianimated E4 show, Noel Fielding’s Luxury

Comedy, begins by underlining that nothing beats the rush generated by live work.

“The problem with TV is that it takes years to make and after a while you can’t remember what it’s like to tell a joke and get a laugh from it. The great thing about live comedy is that it cuts out the middle men – all those TV producers and directors.

It takes out everything that gets in the way, so it’s just you and the audience. It’s a really pure set-up.”

The show promises a typically uplifting variety of disparate elements, along with music that Noel has composed with Serge Pizzorno from Kasabian and some characteristically entrancing stand-up routines.

Noel, who for many years performed with his close friend Julian Barratt in The Mighty Boosh – once dubbed “the funniest comedy double act in Britain” by the NME – discloses some of the themes he will be addressing in this part of the show.

“I touch on turning 40 and my Peter Pan complex. Because I’m now 40, I try to do a bleak bit, but of course it soon becomes completely fantastical. I attempt to go gritty, but I can’t help going fantasy.”

Noel’s comedy is always richly imaginative, but can he tell if he’s gone too far?

LUXURY COMEDY AHEAD

“No! Locked away in North London for years making Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy, we’d

Comedian Noel Fielding has embarked on his first solo tour for five years and later this year, he’ll be coming to Tunbridge Wells.

Thanks to his work on The Mighty Boosh, Noel Fielding’s Luxury Comedy and Never Mind the Buzzcocks, he has an enormously loyal following, but what drives his surreal and unique brand of laughter? James Rampton finds out

F

think, ‘Let’s do something based on William Blake’s painting, The Ghost of a Flea.’ That could be very self-indulgent. But it could only exist on telly. Doing stand-up, you’re edited by the audience. If you take too mad a line, you’ll lose people. But on the other hand, if something is getting big laughs, it’ll never leave the show.”

An Evening With Noel Fielding can be eaturing Noel’s inimitable blend of stand-up,

miss out. Come along, bring your Nan. Fancy

seen at the Assembly Hall in Tunbridge

animation, music and appearances by some

dress optional.”

Wells on Friday November 13 and at the

of his best-loved characters, including The

Noel and I are chatting in his north London studio.

time of writing, tickets – priced at £25 –

Moon, The Dark Side of the Moon and Fantasy

Surrounded by props – including life-size cardboard

were selling fast.

Man, An Evening With Noel Fielding is a blinding

cut-outs of a robber with a stripy jumper and a swag

To book call 01892 530 613 or visit

show. As Noel himself puts it, “You’d be a fool to

bag and a nun wielding a huge gun – and his own

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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FISHY GOINGS-ON Fantasy blurs with reality when two bizarre lives collide in The

Gig

Secret Lives of Henry and Alice, by David Tristram. From President of the United States to spy, Henry can be anyone he

OF THE MONTH

wants and he’s not afraid to experiment. But if his life is far from dull, housewife Alice’s is completely the opposite – until men… Only their pet goldfish Orca knows

ABSOLUTE TREAT

what’s really going on in this hilarious and

Blues fans have the chance to experience one of the hottest rising bands on

she starts to meet some rather exciting

entertaining play. You can see it at the Oast

the scene when Absolution come to Sevenoaks on Saturday April 25. This

Theatre in Tonbridge from Saturday April 18

modern blues power trio won the ‘One to Watch’ and ‘Best Guitar Solo’

to Saturday April 25. Tickets cost

accolades at the WRC Awards in 2013 and they’ve appeared at the Great

£10/£9/£7.50 and can be booked by

British Rock and Blues Festival, so here’s an opportunity to catch these up-and-

calling 01732 363 849 or visiting

coming stars in action. The concert starts at The Stag at 7.30pm and tickets

www.oasttheatre.com

cost £10 in advance or £12 on the door. You can book online at www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk or call 01732 450 175.

BABY JANE Acclaimed for her

HAPPY HUNTING Hot on the heels of his BBC show Songs of the

entertaining lectures on

South, in which he explored the music of his

18th century writers and

homeland by travelling from North Carolina to New

diarists, actress Karin

Orleans, Reginald D Hunter returns to offer up

Fernald was delighted to

his unique and hilarious view of life. A regular guest on shows such as QI,

discover Jane Austen’s

Hunter’s laconic style belies his razor sharp wit, so this gig at Tunbridge

juvenile attempts at novel

Wells’ Assembly Hall on Thursday April 30 is sure to be packed with

writing. Anarchic and

laughter. Tickets cost

farcical, the works make great material for an informative and

£24/£22. Book online at

fun show about one of English literature’s greatest figures.

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

We Fainted Alternately on the Sofa: Jane Austen in the

or call 01892 530 613.

Making can be seen at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells at 2.30pm on Wednesday April 22. Tickets cost £14/£13/£10. To book call 01892 678 678 or visit www.trinitytheatre.net

ON SONG FOR CHARITY

LAUGH IT UP

Pupils from Bennett Memorial School will join the

Treat yourself to some chuckles when Lonestar Comedy Club brings

Jubilee Singers and the Police Band for the Mayor’s

three more top acts to The Sinden Theatre in Tenterden on Friday April

Charity Concert at St John’s Church in Tunbridge

17. Stephen Grant, Stefano Paolini and Paul F Taylor will be providing

Wells. The performance starts at 7.30pm on Saturday

the laughs in cabaret style and there’s a supper available in the interval.

April 25 and tickets cost £10. To find out more visit

Tickets cost £15 with supper, or £10 without. To book call 01580 763 826

www.burrswood.org.uk

or visit www.sindentheatre.com

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20/03/2015 15:28

ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE

The Illegal Eagles

Dylan Moran

Sex In Suburbia

Count Arthur Strong

Reginald D Hunter Thu 30 April

La Traviata

Fri 1 May

Madama Butterfly

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

Sally Morgan

Thu 16 April

Fri 17 April

Wed 29 April

Sat 2 May

Sun 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mon 4 May

Sat 18 April

Tue 5 May

TW400

Book online at: Box Office:

01892 530613/532072 Untitled-5 2

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Follow us:

20/03/2015 16:52

C U LT U R E

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INSIDEVIEW This month our music columnist, local singer songwriter and promoter Paul Dunton, reveals one of his favourite developing music destinations in Tunbridge Wells – the Cross Keys pub

A

t the north end of St Johns Road lies the Cross Keys pub and it’s undergone something of a transformation. For many years this pub didn’t enjoy a very

favourable reputation and to the best of my knowledge, it just about survived each year thanks to its regulars.

But in 2011 the Cross Keys was taken over

by Jerome and Collette Mohamed, who immediately breathed new life into the place with their passion and energy. The pub went through a complete overhaul, inside and out, and it wasn’t long before it visually looked like

Motown, soul and funk bands – definitely a

holiday craft activities, hosted musical bumps

a completely new venue. With a whole new

night made for those dancing shoes!

and NCT classes.”

team of staff and an exciting new food and

“Music is at the heart of the Cross Keys, with

On the back of the pub’s growing success, in

drink menu, word soon began to spread about

live shows at least three nights a week. Our

late 2014 the Cross Keys was named the regional

the new and improved Cross Keys. The pub is

main focus is on jazz, blues, Motown, R&B,

winner of the Enterprise Community Heroes

definitely now a family friendly environment

funk and soul, however, we are also lucky to

award, after introducing a number of initiatives that

offering baby change facilities, an inside play

play host to the Acoustic Reverbs Collective

have made it a focal point for families, music and

area and a beautiful garden away from the

events and open mics, plus the largest ukulele

the arts. The £5,000 award has allowed Jerome

road.

group in the area, TWUNTs, plays regularly.

and Collette to purchase new equipment, a

Sonny’s Newcomers night takes place once a

purpose built stage for live performances and a

continuing success of the venue is Jerome’s

month, supporting talented artists that want

marquee for community events, and invest in soft

passion for live music, with jazz and blues at

the experience of a real gig. We are keen to

play equipment for the under-fives.

the forefront, coupled with many other popular

promote local musicians and link with musical

themed nights and a broad mix of genres.

schools and colleges in the area.

However, the other key ingredient to the

“A dream I have had for many years is to

“We host open mic nights for music, comedy

The Cross Keys has now become an integral destination for live music within the town. This is fantastic news for musicians and music

own and run a jazz café, my very own Ronnie

and poetry, providing a safe environment for

lovers alike, and further evidence of the

Scott’s – well, you know what they say, think

local talent to practise, showcase and learn.

continued development and evolution of the

big!” Jerome says. “Sonny’s Jazz was born in

We also provide free space for lots of events to

flourishing Tunbridge Wells music scene.

the summer of 2012 and ever since there has

local community groups, local businesses and

been a wide variety of local and national

schools. Mums have a relaxing space to meet

musicians taking centre stage every Thursday

while the kids play in our indoor and outdoor

evening. Sonny’s Blues and Groove is our

play areas or take part in entertainment, such

For details of Paul’s upcoming showcases see

weekly Friday night treat, showcasing blues,

as wizard school (with a local magician), school

www.paulduntonandguests.co.uk

Find out what’s going on at www.crosskeystw.co.uk

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ADVERTORIAL

Through April the Fairfax Gallery will be running with a mixed exhibition featuring original paintings and sculpture from established, award winning and emerging artists. The contemporary paintings and sculpture will include landscape, figurative and abstract works.

We are always delighted to help you find the perfect painting and continue our home trial service throughout Kent, Sussex and London to help you find the perfect piece or help with a larger project.

ON THIS PAGE Chris Macauley ‘Hozizontal’ Oil on Canvas 55 x 80cm Barry Wilson ‘ Grace’ Oil on Canvas 100 x 120 cm Chris Macauley ‘Three Swans’ Oil on Canvas 85 x 122cm Chris Macualey ‘Tumbling Dice’ Oil on Canvas 37 x 20cm

Open seven days a week • 23 The Pantiles (Lower Walk), Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TD

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ADVERTORIAL

The Fairfax Gallery was founded in 1995 on the elegant Lower Walk of the Pantiles. While the Fairfax Gallery has another gallery in Burnham Market, as well as exhibiting in London, New York, Singapore & Hong Kong, the original Pantiles gallery always ensures it has the latest and strongest examples on display in its spacious gallery set over two floors with a large stock behind the scenes...

ON THIS PAGE Gemma Harwood ‘Spike’ Map Construction on Panel 50 x 50cm David Eichenberg ‘Jason’ Oil on Panel 18 x 15cm Alice Scrutton ‘Holkam Spring’ Oil on Canvas 101 x 101cm Helen Sinclair ‘Cream Tea Philosophy’ Stone Resin Height 94cm

Tel: 01892 525 525

www.fairfaxgallery.com

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C O N TA C T S

M A G A Z I N E

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16 Lonsdale Gardens Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Tel: 01892 779 650 www.somagazine.co.uk Editor Jane Connolly jconnolly@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Design Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@onemediauk.co.uk Senior Journalist Charlie Bond cbond@onemediauk.co.uk Publishing Design Manager Xela Ruy xruy@onemediauk.co.uk Junior Designer Ameila Giddings agiddings@onemediauk.co.uk Production Co-ordinators Lauren Howe lhowe2@onemediauk.co.uk Becky Wells bwells@onemediauk.co.uk Writer Frederick Latty flatty@onemediauk.co.uk Commercial & Digital Marketing Manager Laura Plane lplane@onemediauk.co.uk Head of Sales Joe De Kwant Stoner jstoner@onemediauk.co.uk COMMERCIAL TEAM Team Leader Gemma Hak ghak@onemediauk.co.uk Team Leader Patsy Kelly pkelly@onemediauk.co.uk Jake Short jshort@onemediauk.co.uk Clara Higgs-Prosser chprosser@onemediauk.co.uk Laura Welstead lwelstead@onemediauk.co.uk Robin Singer rsinger@markerstudy.com Distribution Co-ordinator Harry Lamb Contributors Valerie Thacker • Catherine de Crèvecoeur • Daniel Gee David Bartholomew • Paul Dunton • Matt Harding Penny Ireson • Lee Smith • Tim Feeley Publishing Director Nick Moore nmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Editorial Director Richard Moore rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk Like us on Facebook facebook.com/SoMagazines Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/SoMagazines

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T H E AT R E

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ENCORE

CREATING A WINTER WONDERLAND It’s not every day that a theatre gets to do something entirely different. Next month, the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells will give a frosty reception to a very special show

T

his May, the Assembly Hall Theatre

the night to level it. Then the level of the

stage is to be transformed into an iced

auditorium needs to be raised to allow the

stage and the challenge will be to

audience to see the skates.

creatively adapt the theatre space

The build is a lengthy and complicated

– the reason being, the Russian Ice Stars’

process and a strict timetable needs to be

production of Snow White comes to

followed. Two 45ft trucks will arrive on site

Tunbridge Wells next month.

early on Tuesday morning. They will unload

Before the arrival of the ice show, the theatre

the scenery, props and costume truck (known

has to level the stage – this is known as

as the ‘dry truck’) and start rigging lights, set

‘anti-rake’. There is a slight slope to the stage,

and flying equipment. In the afternoon, the

so scaffolders will come in and work through

‘wet truck’ containing the floor system and surround is unloaded and the task of building the ice rink begins.

Two 15m x 15m industrial pool liners are laid

process takes approximately 14 to 18 hours.

Once the rink is completed, the surface

on the stage and side supports from wood are

temperature is constantly monitored day and

built to create a large but shallow swimming

night throughout the stay at the theatre. In

pool. The most difficult part of the build now

addition to this, during the interval and after

begins, as 15km of flexible rubber pipe is laid.

each performance of the show, the surface is

The position must be exact to ensure even

scraped and resurfaced with hot water to keep

freezing of the ice. The pipes are connected to a

it as smooth as possible.

header system connected to two chiller units.

Chief Electrician Morgan Jones says: “It’s imperative on a build like this that you do not fall behind with the schedule. At the end of the

Facts at a glance: • 14 tons of ice are used on stage, equalling the weight of two double-decker buses

build it can be quite strange to look around and

• 14,000 litres of water are used to build the

see the stage has been transformed into an ice

rink – enough water to make more than

rink. It’s what I love about working at the Assembly Hall, every week is different.”

Once everything is in place, the pipes are filled with a mixture of glycol (antifreeze) and

56,000 cups of tea • 2,500 litres of antifreeze are used in the pipe systems, enough to fill 100 RollsRoyce radiators

water, chilled to -15C and circulated through the floor pipes. At this point, the rubber pipes

Snow White on Ice runs at the Assembly Hall

begin to frost over. Four tons of crushed ice is

Theatre from Thursday May 21 until Sunday 24

then spread over the floor pipes, providing a

May. Performances start at 7.30pm daily, also at

head start in the freezing process. From this

2.30pm on Friday and Saturday.

point, the rink is sprayed with water every 20

01892 530 613

to 30 seconds until it reaches 7 to 8cm. This

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

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SO

Gorringes Tunbridge Wells LLP, 85 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PX

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ADVERTORIAL

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225

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APRIL 2015

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SO

JACK1956; MAULL & CO PHOTOGRAPHERS, CIRCA 1872

TAKEN FROM FAMOUS TRIALS: THE TICHBORNE CLAIMANT… AND OTHERS BY JOHN TORREY MORSE, 1974

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Lady Tichborne

Was the Claimant (right) really Roger Tichborne (left)?

most influential supporter and his income.

The court case over the Claimant’s true identity opened in May 1871, but the following March the jury threw out the Claimant’s case. Not only had he failed to prove that he was Roger Tichborne, he was now to be put on trial for perjury.

Lasting for over 10 months, the perjury trial was one of the longest in English legal history, but the jury’s deliberations lasted a mere 30 minutes. They concluded that the defendant was Arthur Orton. He The Claimant

was sentenced to 14 years in jail, while his lawyer,

in around 1872

Edward Kenealy, was disbarred for poor behaviour.

The Claimant was released after serving 10 years

SECRET

CLAIM TO FAME Missing heirs, imposters and disputed family fortunes – possibly the most outrageous claim in British legal history seemed to finally rest in Tunbridge Wells…

W

and in an 1895 interview, he confessed to being hen 25-year-old English nobleman Roger Tichborne was

Upon his death from heart disease in 1898, at

lost in a shipwreck off the

the age of 64 – destitute and destined for a

Brazilian coast in April 1854, his

pauper’s grave – it was assumed that one of the

parents, the baronet Sir James and Lady Henriette

most famous claims in legal history would die with

Tichborne, were naturally devastated. But his mother

him. However, there was one person who still

persisted in her hope that Roger may still be alive –

fervently believed in his right to inherit the

this was fuelled by rumours that survivors had been

Tichborne estate - his daughter, Theresa.

picked up by a passing ship and taken to Australia.

More than a decade later, Lady Tichborne received

Convinced that she was a wronged heiress, the sometime actress used the surname Tichborne and

word that a bankrupt butcher called Thomas Castro

remained obsessed with the case. During the 1910s

was claiming to be her long lost son.

and 20s she faced charges of blackmail and threats

Over the next few years, at least three possible

of violence against the Tichborne family - in the first

identities were attributed to Castro, so he was more

episode, she wrote a letter threatening to shoot the

generally known as ‘the Claimant’. He arrived in

fiancée of the current baronet, Sir Joseph Tichborne,

England in 1866 and on their first meeting, Lady

‘rather than Joseph shall marry her and they shall live

Tichborne immediately accepted him as her son. She

on my money’. She later libelled Sir Joseph by

gave him an income of £1,000 a year – equivalent to

claiming he had encouraged her to commit suicide.

around £80,000 today.

There were some other believers, but the vast

Theresa served two prison sentences of between six and 12 months, but nothing would

majority of the Tichborne family insisted the Claimant

persuade her to drop her claim. In 1924, she told a

was nothing but a greedy imposter, mainly due to the

newspaper that, 40 years earlier, her late father

numerous mistakes he made when questioned about

had confessed to having shot Arthur Orton dead

his former life. There was much at stake – the heir to

during a quarrel in Australia, which was why he

the baronetcy (at that time, Roger’s infant nephew,

was unable to give an explanation of Orton’s

Alfred) would inherit not only the title, but also an

disappearance for fear of prosecution.

income of more than £20,000 per year (around £2million in today’s money).

Investigators working for the Tichborne family

226

Arthur Orton, but soon retracted the statement.

Miss Tichborne spent her last days in the tranquillity of Tunbridge Wells, but went to her grave in 1939, at the age of 73, still convinced that

suspected that the Claimant was in fact Arthur Orton,

her family had suffered a miscarriage of justice

a butcher’s son from Wapping whom the Claimant

and she had been robbed of her rightful life as a

said he’d befriended in Australia. But the biggest blow

noblewoman. Could she have been right? The

to the Claimant’s hopes came in March 1868, when

debate over the Tichborne inheritance continues

Lady Tichborne died, leaving him bereft of both his

to this day.

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