OVERHEARD IN
THE WEALD
We’re always listening…
front row FASHIONS
ALL THE LATEST TRENDS FROM LONDON FASHION WEEK
APRIL 2016 WWW.SOMAGAZINE.CO.UK
DINE WITH
DAVINA
The Wadhurst star shares her healthy mealtime tips
the female BOSSES
GOING GREY
The interior shade that’s here to stay
HOW LOCAL WOMEN ARE MAKING THEIR BUSINESSES WORK
Taylor Swift
FROM COUNTRY SINGER TO THE WORLD’S BIGGEST SUPERSTAR
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MILLE MI GLI A GTS POWER CO NTROL (168566 -300 1). CHOPARD MOVEMENT, CALIBRE 0 1.08 -C
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MILLE MIGLIA
By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen J eweller G Collins & Sons Limited
Royal Tunbridge Wells
~. ~olltns & ~ons ~~~~~~~~~++~~~~~~~~~
63 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TNl lXU Tel. 01892 534018 I Fax. 01892 510536 info@gcollinsandsons.com I www.gcollinsandsons.com
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BEAUTIFUL HOMES
M A G A Z I N E
SO
EDITOR’S LETTER
16 Lonsdale Gardens Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1NU Tel: 01892 779 650 www.somagazine.co.uk
EDITOR Charlie Bond cbond@onemediauk.co.uk HEAD OF DESIGN Rowena Cremer-Price rcremer-price@onemediauk.co.uk
WELCOME TO YOUR APRIL ISSUE OF SO This time of year is one of my favourites. Aside from the inevitable April showers, the fact that the mornings and evenings are a little lighter means that even getting up for work or sitting in traffic are somehow more bearable. Our part of the world is so scenic, so it’s nice to see a bit of greenery and blossom emerging finally. I have a long list of places I’d like to
COMMERCIAL Gemma Hak ghak@onemediauk.co.uk
visit this season, so I’m just hoping those showers hold off long enough for me to get into
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Richard Moore rmoore@onemediauk.co.uk
Trust houses and gardens. This month we discover more about Smallhythe Place and its
PUBLISHED BY
the great outdoors and enjoy some of the Kentish countryside! We have some fascinating historical properties locally, including some stunning National famous inhabitant on page 158, while the calendar section has an abundance of great places to get out and about in (pg 23). Our exclusive spring fashion shoot in the March issue prompted a fantastic response – thanks for all your kind comments and thoughts. This month we have another beautiful shoot (pg 49), with some amazing pieces showcased. Again, they’re all available locally,
All rights reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions relating to advertising or editorial. The publisher reserves the right to change or amend any competitions or prizes offered. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from the publisher. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited materials or the return of these materials whilst in transit.
so you’d better get cracking with that spring clean so you can make some room for them in your wardrobe! Have a lovely April, come rain or shine!
EDITOR cbond@onemediauk.co.uk
CONTENTS 10 NEWS Cool challenge for
35 THE CELEBRITY
Goudhurst woman
The extraordinary reign of Taylor Swift
11 LETTERS Thumbs up for local
49 THE FASHION
fashion
Chic styling for the new season
14 THE INTERVIEW A day in the life of a
95 WOMEN AT WORK
Pilates queen
Why business is booming for local women
28 THROUGH THE TREES
110 THE FOOD
Spring sunshine at
Davina McCall’s
Bedgebury Pinetum
nutritious dishes
04
APRIL 2016
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-I.
I Designers and makers of handmade kitchens
The difference is in the detail
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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
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~ Best of
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SO
NEWS
Wealden
NEWS
OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT SOME OF THE LOCAL STORIES MAKING THE HEADLINES
Council has urged locals not to be taken in by attempts to divide agricultural land into small plots for sale, under the false pretence that can be used for housing. Any prospective purchasers should seek advice from the Local Planning Authority when considering buying land, without the necessary planning permission in place. Detective Inspector Mark Josse at the Metropolitan Police warns that if the high interest rate deals are ‘too good to be true, they probably are.’
WONDERFUL WINERY To celebrate English Tourism Week recently, Chapel Down in Tenterden welcomed Rt Hon Damian Green, MP for Ashford, and Tim Allen, Chairman of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, to its winery. They met for a tour of the establishment and surrounding vineyards that welcome over 50,000 visitors each year. English Tourism Week was a celebration of events showcasing the quality and vibrancy of the English tourism industry. “Chapel Down is an excellent example of a local business, showcasing our county on an international scale,” comments Damian Green. “Tourism is so important to our county, it creates over 68,000 jobs, boosting growth and attracting investment in to Kent.”
pupils in September 2017. Entry will be by means of the Kent Test for 11 year olds.
COLD AS ICE
EARLIER EDUCATION Cranbrook School is set to lower the age for its pupil intake from 2017. The school has to announced that it has been granted permission to admit 11 year olds for the first time in over 40 years. “This is the product of a lot of hard work by a lot of people, but it was very definitely worth it in the end,” says headmaster John Weeds. “I am very grateful to the numerous people who have helped make this project a success, including especially current staff and Governors. Even better is the timing – Cranbrook is celebrating its 500th anniversary in 2018. What better way to start a new era for the school!” Cranbrook will now admit its first intake of 30 Year 7
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A Goudhurst woman has spent five days trekking through Arctic Sweden for charity. Fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK, mum of three Caroline Richards took on the Ice Ultra Challenge, which consists of walking 230km in heavy snow and challenging terrain in -28 degrees as part of a small team. “Apart from the first and last night spent in tepees, on reindeer hides directly on the snowy ground, we slept in wooden huts on the frozen lakes,” Caroline says. “Warmed by wood-burning fires, these were very cosy and provided a soothing contrast to the freezing temperatures outside.” Extreme runner Caroline has raised more than £3,000 for the charity.
LANDGRAB CAUTION Landowners and prospective buyers are being warned of land banking fraud happening in the area. The Wealden District
GREEN INSTITUTION Benenden School has been presented with a prestigious environmental award in recognition of its green efforts. The school has received an ACM Environmental Greener Path Award for achieving ‘zero waste to landfill’ in 2015 and been praised for ‘exceptional environmental performance’. The award acknowledges that during 2015 none of the waste produced by the school was sent to landfill and more sustainable methods were used to recover and reuse it, including the use of dry mix compactors to recycle paper, plastic and tin. Waste that cannot be recycled is bailed and sent overseas where it is reused. “Sending waste to landfill creates methane, a powerful greenhouse gas,” says headmistress Samantha Price. “Diverting waste from landfill therefore greatly reduces its environmental impact.”
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LETTERS
SO
... AND VIEWS
THIS IS WHERE YOU HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND THE WEALD
LETTER OF THE MONTH
and the Community Matters and Partner Volunteering schemes will fund time and money to local causes. Go Waitrose! ELOISE JONES, BY EMAIL Ed: Only a short wait until we can stock up on avocados…
SUPERIOR CINEMA
EASTER HEROES I really appreciated your Easter holiday feature in the last issue – it came in handy to fill a couple of free days during the rather long break. My family and I had a fantastic themed day by dressing up as our favourite superheroes, eating batman cupcakes and watching The Incredibles. I loved the idea of going on a wildlife hunt and prompting the children to make a list of the creatures they see. Although, my littlest was very endearing and embarrassed her elder siblings by calling a butterfly a butter-die! KATE RICHARDSON, SANDHURST Ed: I’m glad we were on hand to save the day!
I am just writing in to simply praise my local cinema, Kino in Hawkhurst. It really is a fantastic venue and I like that I can watch films that I may have missed in the national cinemas. I would highly recommend it to locals, particularly as lesser known films are shown and there could be your new favourite film waiting to be discovered! KELLY MAYNARD, HAWKHURST Ed: Any excuse to order a large box of popcorn “to share”…
FOUL BEHAVIOUR The amount of times I have had to dodge a dog’s unmentionable on my way to work through the local park is getting quite tiring, and the same goes for the disgusting amount of litter strewn across our beautiful fields, parks and pavements. As much as people can blame this issue on the council due to the lack of dog fouling bins or litter bins, it is your own responsibility to dispose of your mess, not the council’s! Honestly, our rural views are ruined with this atrocity. It is a complete nuisance for all and people, especially pet owners need to stop being so lazy and think about the repercussions of their actions. DANIEL TURNER, STONEGATE Ed: Time to clean up your act
FASHION FORCE WAITROSE WIN The news that Waitrose is coming to Hawkhurst could not be more warmly welcomed by neighbours and myself. As much as I have favoured Budgens for my weekly shop, a Waitrose I imagine will really boost the local economy and closely tie community spirits. My preference for Waitrose was confirmed further after reading from your last issue that Budgens staff will stay on to the new store
The ‘Step into Spring’ photoshoot brightened up your last issue and certainly put me in the mood for the turn of the season! I liked the combination of fashion used and that there were a lot of local high street boutiques featured. It was particularly pleasing to see one of my local shops, Cashara, featured too. I’m now full of spring fashion inspiration and can’t wait to get shopping! FIONA NASH, TENTERDEN Ed: Let’s hope you’re equally as inspired by this month’s shoot on page 49.
Email cbond@onemediauk.co.uk or write to us at SO Wealden, 16 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NU Please be sure to include your full name and address. Letters may be edited for publication.
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210 Royal Victoria Place Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2SS 01892 523943
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MOM TO BLANC
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INTERVIEW
A DAY IN THE LIFE Sandrine Gasnier, owner of Sandrine’s Pilates in Tunbridge Wells tell us what exercising every day for work is really like…
I
came to Pilates with a back and neck injury. During my first pregnancy, I stayed in hospital for three months with severe back problems. I have always been into sports; used to dance for TV shows, did karate, and my favourite was athletics, but as a competitive runner I always ended up with injuries. I decided to study physiotherapy at the Australian physiotherapy institute in Hong Kong 20 years ago. That is when I discovered Pilates on equipment.
STRETCH START I wake up at 6:30am. I stretch my hamstrings while still in bed and my lumbar spine and then need my espresso! For breakfast I start my day off with a nutribullet containing spinach, celery, pears, almonds and red berries, and I scramble eggs. WORKOUT WARDROBE I get dressed into my workout clothes before work. I’m not telling you how many outfits I own though, that’s like asking me how many bags or pairs of shoes I own, and a lady never tells! PILATES PREP Depending on what time I start, I will get to work 30 minutes before to prepare my classes, my props, equipment or my massage room. If I’m taking a class, I check who is in it and will design
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their class workout around their needs, and if I’m not teaching, I respond to emails, prepare the private room and the massage room. TOP TEACHING Reformers and Chair classes are “la crème de la crème” but I am going to be biased and say that my favourite class is BarrePlus, as I created the method. It is such a functional workout as you work on your whole body. It is a great one to see fast results. My other favourite is our Foam Roller class. Being a massage therapist, I have designed this class using trigger points and to work on challenging your core and body. FRENCH FANCIES 12:30 is usually my lunch hour. Being French I do like to eat proper cooked food for lunch. I do not do sandwiches and don’t do packed lunch either. I go home to have lunch or eat locally. PERSONAL TRAINING The problem of being an instructor at the studio is you do not do the exercises when you teach, as you are correcting people at all time, so to exercise, I join classes at the studio. I occasionally run too. I also do squats while brushing my teeth!
COFFEE CATCH-UPS Most of our clients are regulars. I do go for coffee with my clients which I enjoy very much. It is very welcoming and friendly at the studio – it’s like a big family and people love meeting up afterwards. HEADING HOME If I work in the evening with consultations, private sessions or massages I will normally finish around 9:30pm. Then, I eat, as I am tired by then and need food and have a chat with my partner and my kids about their day. FAMILY TIME Time out with your family is very important in order to be happy and healthy, but it can be challenging at times to find the right balance with raising five children and having a successful business. You just need to be organised and having a good support at work and at home. My business partner is my partner in life so it helps to share the same passion for Pilates. My son Alec, who is 20, is also helping in the business with marketing and organising the everyday structure of the studio and home. He is great with his brothers and sisters... and the dogs! www.sandrinespilates.co.uk
APRIL 2016
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_JLJST SAY THE WORD
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LUXURY BREAKS AT ALEXANDER HOUSE HOTEL &UTOPIA SPA. A memorable stay for all the right reasons! A philosophy soaked up by our team who pride themselves on delivering a 'Genuine' Boutique hotel experience where you can take away a portfolio of memories. Providing a truly intimate 5 star experience for us is bringing the comforts of home to a cool atmosphere where inspiring design, award winning dining and absolute comfort marry together in a haven of pure indulgence.
FOR GIFT IDEAS AND TO BUY ONLINE VISIT
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ALEXANDER HOUSE HOTEL AND UTOPIA SPA
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At Granite Transformations, we offer a complete package for updating your kitchen work surfaces, splashbacks, cabinet doors and appliances. Fitting stunning new worktops is fast and effective, with each top custom-made to your exact specifications. There is no need to remove your old worktops, since we simply fit our beautiful, hardwearing surfaces straight on top, meaning no dust, debris or disruption and ensuring complete peace of mind. To complete the new look, we can also supply and fit made-to-measure replacement cabinet doors and drawer fronts in a wide choice of colours, finishes and styles. Visit our showroom, or call to book a free home consultation, and we'll show you how easy it is to transform your kitchen with our granite, quartz, recycled glass and porcelain worktops.
Call 01892
517 385
Local Showrooms at: Tunbridge Wells: Unit 5 Tunbridge Wells Trade Park, Longfield Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF Sevenoaks: Polhill Garden Centre, London Rd, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, KentTNl 4 7AD Sidcup: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre , Maidstone Road , Sidcup DA14 5BQ
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Some people are old at 18 and some are young at 90... We all know Tigger types who bounce about at 90. With so many of us living so
long now we should all think about the boring (but important) bits of life so we can concentrate on having fun:
I. 2.
So rt out a Will - 7 out of 10 pe ople don't bother.
3.
Advance Directive - known as a 'living will' de aling with end of life treatment.
4.
Pensions - will you have enough to live on? Spe ak to a pensions spe ciali st as thi s is very complex with so many change s to provisions in the last few years.
5.
Talk - to yo ur spouse/family about what yo u want to happen if yo u're taken ill; don't wait for a cri sis.
6.
Find a friendly adviser you can get on with if yo u don't have f amily/friend s.
7. ll.
Spring clean yo ur finance s - make sure all is in good order.
Lasting Powers of Attorney - like insurance policie s - goo d to have in case of need.
Make an ass et log - details of acco unts, passwo rd s etc fo r referen ce.
!I.
Keep active, phys ic ally and mentally - apply metaphori cal WD40.
10.
Be alert - don't be taken in by fin ancial sc am s pro mising to save care fee s/inheritance tax; if things look too goo d to be true , they usually are.
For more information please contact Gail Hall at Warners Solicitors,
01732 770660
I
g.hall@warners-solicitors.co.uk
It's all about modern thinking trad1t1onal values enqumes@warners sol1c1tors co uk
I
wARNERS _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
SO Ii Cito rs
;l ' :j
APRIL 2016
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HE VER CASTLE & GARDENS CHILDHOOD HOME OF ANNE BOLEYN
MAY DAY
FESTIVAL APRIL 30 - MAY 2
Enjoy some family fun with a Jack in the Green procession, May Day dancing and a Green Man trail.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT
hevercastle. co. uk/whatson Or call - 01732 865224
,~,-_. "\::'~~ ~~010
WEALD OF KENT
CRAFT&DESIGN
WALKING'!t:Ir
WOUNDED CYCLE HORSMONDEN
CYCLE HORSMONDEN SUNDAY 1st MAY 2016 www.cyclehorsmonden .corn
~
~~ 18
ARTEMIS The
PROFIT
Hunter
APRIL 2016
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KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & INTERIORS
SUPERIOR SURROUNDINGS
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Kiln Barn Road , East Malling, Maidstone, Kent , ME19 6BQ 01732 848444
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EVENTS
SO
APRIL
CALENDAR 8TH » Culinary Cruise
NT/PAUL HARRIS
Join Baldwins Travel group as they host an internationally inspired dining experience themed around world cruise itineraries, at the stunning Mecure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel. Travel the world through a three course tasting menu designed by local chef Neil Scott of renowned pop-up restaurant At the End of the Rainbow touching on South America, Asia and Northern Europe along the way. From 7:30pm, tickets are £30pp and available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/btg or call 01622 762 141
4TH » Crafty Birds
Visit Knole Park in Sevenoaks during the Easter holiday for a range of themed arts and crafts activities, suitable for ages five to 12 years. The little ones will have opportunities to make a parakeet collage of the birds that live in the park, listen to local birdsong, handle a nest or create their own clay bird with fantastic googly eyes. The event is free with normal admission charges to the park. From 11am to 3pm, for more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole
6TH » Little Equestrians
On April 6 and 7, Riding Farm in Hildenborough will host riding lessons for children aged between four and 10. With a range of suitably small ponies to ride and groom, children will learn how to look after their pony in a fully supervised environment. Activities will include a 30 minute group lead rein lesson and stable management sections focusing on topics such as grooming, leading, feeding and watering. £30 per child, to book call 01732 838 717 or email ridingfarmec@aol.com
9TH » Dine on Board
For something a bit different, on March 9 Kent & East Sussex Railway are offering a nostalgic experience with a delicious sixcourse meal on board their historic cars dating from the 1920s and 1930s. Departing from Tenterden Station, enjoy the sophistication of the past whilst travelling through the beautiful Rother Valley. Passengers are encouraged to dress according to the period in order to further add to the atmosphere and style of the elegant age. Tickets are £97.50pp, to book call 01580 765 155 or visit www.kesr.org.uk
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EVENTS
16TH » Vintage Finds
RICHARD HANSON
Fancy losing yourself for the day in nostalgia and hidden treasures? Step into a world of vintage goods and artistic crafts by visiting the vintage and craft spring market at Rotherfield Village Hall. Craft demonstrations are shown throughout the day making it the perfect opportunity to pick up plenty of tips, plus you may even find inspiration to start a new hobby! From 10am to 3pm, entry is £1 and children go free. For more information call 01892 852 888
17TH » Country Lunch
The Kent Velo Girls Sportive is back and giving us a good excuse to get our bikes out and raise money for Hospice in the Weald. Beginning at Hilden Park in Hildenborough, the three routes will take you on a journey through the beautiful winding lanes of Kent and Surrey with plenty of glorious scenery along the way. Whilst all riders are very welcome to join, this is an event primarily organised for women by women. Entry is from £10 and free for children. For more information visit www.britishcycling.org.uk
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20TH » Gourmet Pairings
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Master of cheese, William Cohen will be hosting an evening of delicious cheese, beer and cider matching at The Old Fire Station in Tonbridge. Joining him will be brewers and a cider maker talking through their local beverages chosen by William. Boasting four speakers, five cheeses, five beers and five ciders, make sure you book a taxi! From 7:30pm, tickets are £25pp. To book, email richard@firestationtn.com
21ST » Green Inspiration
Garden writer Jackie Bennett will conduct a writing workshop at Sissinghurst Castle near Cranbrook. For those of you who either want to write about gardens for pleasure or hope to get published, this one-day course will guide you through the basic skills of horticultural writing. Using the grounds for inspiration, expect exercises in finding your writing ‘voice’ and professional guidance on getting into print or starting a blog. Tickets are £75, to book call 08442 491 895. For more information visit www.nationaltrust. org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden
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EVENTS
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22ND » Bursting with Tulips
Now is the ideal time of spring to enjoy 30,000 tulips, from palest pink to nearly black, as they create dazzling mantles of colour in every flower bed, pot and border at Pashley Manor Gardens in Ticehurst. With over 100 varieties of tulip on show, representatives will be on site throughout the festival with a display of 2,000 cut tulips and to offer advice on growing your own. Open 11am to 5pm until May 7. Visit www.pashleymanorgardens.com
22ND » A Personal Taster
For an inspirational life story over food, Burrswood Hospital are hosting a fundraising lunch at The Royal Wells Hotel in Tunbridge Wells with Susie Flashman Jarvis speaking on her journey to faith. Once a page three model and now happily married mother of four, Susie will talk about her life then and now, as a counsellor, therapist and popular author. Tickets are £25 (including a two course lunch) and the event starts at 12:30pm. To book, call 01892 865 985 or email fundraising@burrswood.org.uk
29TH » Tall Tales
In this exhibition at Tunbridge Wells Museum, a tall tale will unfold in a miniature world, presenting a new story from a small-scale realm, told through an installation of dolls’ house furniture. The curators at the museum are working with a talented writer and artist to reimagine the large treasure trove of tiny furniture in the museum store. An opportunity for all ages to marvel at the intricate details at such a miniscule scale. Tall Tales, Tiny Tavern runs until September 3. www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org
30TH » Medieval Merriment
Celebrate May Day this bank holiday weekend with traditional celebrations and activities for all the family at Hever Castle. Join the Lord and Lady of the May on the castle forecourt and see the crowning of the May Queen then dance around the Maypole and take part in May Day dancing accompanied by 16th century music. Children can also enjoy a Green Man Trail through the castle to find out more about his origins. Gardens open at 10.30am, castle opens at 12 noon. A family ticket costs £43.60 www.hevercastle.co.uk
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PLANT LOV(;:RS PARADIS(;: Not only are we at The Walled Nursery a bunch of self-confessed plantaholics, we also grow our plants within the walls of our idyllic walled garden so you are always sure to find something different, interesting and of tip lop quality. In our potting shed, we have garden gifts galore, be it reconditioned vintage tools or terrariums bursting full of succulents. The cutting edge of gardening? Oh yes.. ..the best plant nursery surrounding Tunbridge Wells? r=or surel Go on, take a trip out to us today...you won't be disappointed. Tues lo Saturday 9am lo 5pm . Sundays 10am lo 4pm
THE WALLED OISBO 752 752
THe WALLeD NURSeRY ST. RON ANS SCHOOL, WATeR LA Ne, HAWKHURST TNIB sDH
www.lhe w al led nu rs er y.co m
NURSERY
BLUEBELL RAILWAY Monday 25th April - Thursday 28th April Tuesday 3rd May - Friday 6th May Travel in our 1913 Observation Carriage for full panoramic views of the Bluebells. Services will depart at 12.05pm and 2.35pm from Sheffield Park Station for the one hour and 40 minute return journey to East Grinstead. Adults are priced at £17.00 and Children £8.50.
Business Show 2016 Friday 22nd April, 10am -2pm
Book tickets 8 days or more in advance and receive our bluebell bonus discount, Adults £14.50 and Children £7.25.
For more details visit info@bluebell-railway.co.uk
01825 720 800 The Bluebell Railway. Sheffield1Park Station. East Sussex TN22 30L·
Email Bonnie Tarling on osl@sevenoakstown.gov.uk or call 01732 459953 for all enquiries.
Sevenoaks 26
kall kw1K® STAG b1t1lneu 4ulan • prl"1
SOl\lHS
~
Sevenoaks rown council
APRIL 2016
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Concerned about your home being sold to fund your future care fees? The Issue You probably own your home as joint tenants if you are a couple and solely if you are single. For couples this means you own it wholly, jointly and severally. Ultimately therefore you do not own it 50:50 as you might have assumed. You actually own all of it together and when one partner dies the surviving partner owns it solely and absolutely. It is sole and absolute ownership that enables a whole property to be taken into consideration as an asset by the local authority and puts the property in danger of needing to be sold to fund care.
The Reality Today The care Act 2014 introduced in April 2015 allows local authorities to assess your assets to determine if you need to pay for your own care under the new charges and assessment of resources regulations. Currently if you have assets above £23,250, you are on your own and require care, you will probably have to pay for it all - currently averaging around £1,000 per week. Savings, cash and income would be used first and then your property would need to be taken into consideration. You would be expected to pay for all of your care until such time as your assets were depleted to below the £23,250 threshold. You would then pay for a proportion of your care until your assets were below £14,250 - at which point all your future care would be paid for after any relevant income was taken into account.
The Solution For couples, simply by changing the way you own your property well in advance of any care considerations i.e. from joint tenants to tenants in common and by setting up two property Trusts either immediately or within a properly structured Will at the same time will in most cases, protect the integrity of your home should you ever require care in the future, so long as avoiding care fees was not a primary motivating reason behind the implementation fo the strategy - i.e. you should be looking to protect your half of your property should your spouse remarry after your death, or you should be looking to ensure that your children would not lose 50% of their inheritance should they be made bankrupt or divorce or for example you should be looking to prevent a generational inheritance tax burden in the future. These are all sound reasons for implementing this strategy which in themselves are not deliberate deprivation of assets, but the implemantation of which protects the integrity of the property. For sole owners the process is simply to set up a Trust now and convey your property into it which will produce the same result again this must be well in advance of any care considerations and the motivation must not solely be for the purpose of preventing your home being used to fund your care.
With our Whole of Life and Post Death Complete Property and Family Protection Package both halves of the property are conveyed into Trust IMMEDIATELY. This means the whole property is protected straight away and not just after the first party dies. The benefits of this package are that it then protects the property even if both parties go into care before the death of either. It also means that if the survivor goes into care the property does not have to be rented but if it is 100% of the income goes directly into the Trusts for the benefit of the survivor or any of the other Trust Beneficiaries and does not have to be given to the Local Authority. The most important benefit of this package though is the property can be sold at any time and the resulting proceeds be fully protected for the whole family within the Trusts and no negotiation with the Local Authority is required. Sole owners and couples who have immediately conveyed their properties into Trust well in advance of any care consideration and not solely for the purpose of preventing their home being used to fund their care (deliberate deprivation of assets) secures the integrity of the property (so long as entry into care is not within 6 months of setting up the strategy) as the property is not absolutely owned by an individual anymore and it is not legal to force a Trustee to do something that is not in the ultimate best interest of the Trust Beneficiaries. Call us now for a friendly chat about which package would be of best benefit to you and your family.
SEVENOAKS:
The Reasoning When you own your home as tenants in common you actually own half each. With our Post death Property Protection Package when the first partner dies, they leave their half into their Trust. The
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surviving partner is the Trustee of that Trust and also the Primary Beneficiary which means that as they own half and are Trustee of the other half they have complete control over the property and what happens to it. The children and/or whoever else is also nominated as ultimate Trust Beneficiaries will have access to that half of the property when the surviving partner dies. The first half of the property then is 100% securely in Trust for the beneficiaries and will not be at risk. As a result of this simple strategy and because it is not possible to sell just the survivor's half of the property, the integrity of the property is protected. While the "market value" of half a property is negligible, The Care Act 2014 guidelines do allow for this half to have a charge placed on it under a deferred payment arrangement for care fees which is why this package includes a Lasting Power of Attorney grant for Property and Financial affairs which will enable a pre-appointed Attorney to act on behalf of the survivor should they be unable to themselves and negotiate with the Local Authority for the property to be rented out and a percentage of the income given to the Local Authority instead of a charge being placed. The second half of the property would then ultimately go into the Trust for access by the nominated beneficiaries when the surviving partner eventually dies.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS:
www.thywill.co.uk
01732 605411 01892 278171
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OUT AND ABOUT
THROUGH THE TREES
Spring sunshine at Bedgebury Pinetum
PICTURE BY CRAIG MATTHEWS
Have you got a local picture you’d like to see printed? Email info@somagazines.co.uk
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Considering facial cosmetic surgery? Free information evening and complimentary one-to-one advice sessions available for men and women. Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital will be holding a free facial cosmetic information evening with one of our top Facial Plastic Surgeons (Maxillofacial Surgeon), Mr Darryl Coombes. The evening will consist of drinks and canapes on arrival, an introduction from the Surgeon, followed by a complimentary l O minute consultation where you will have the opportunity to talk to Mr Coombes in private about all your cosmetic surgery questions. He will explain to you the procedures most suitable for you as well as the risks and benefits of surgery.
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MY RANT
RINGING TRUE
Are our phones making us anti-social, asks Jody from Hawkhurst… I AM WRITING about young people as a relatively ‘young’ person myself and am sharing my rant with So readers about our frightening dependence on our phones. I have to admit I am slightly guilty of this myself, but want to declare this protest as a mirror to society with the headline ‘we need to change’. It seems to have become the norm for individuals in the street to be scrolling on their phones, perhaps due to the fear of being idle or simply that it is far more
interesting than their surroundings? We have accepted this, but our reliance on our phones when in company? Surely we should draw the line there. I spot it in bars and restaurants where a group of friends are mute with their eyes glued to their screens, completely infatuated with whatever is going on in their cyber world and not paying too much attention to each other. I’d like to ask why does this happen? Do they think they look really popular if they are constantly checking their apps and
texting other friends? Are their friends around them not that interesting? Because essentially, that is the impression they’re conveying. Even with my own friends, I find it particularly rude when they prefer the entertainment of a stranger’s hipster breakfast or another trivial cat video than my own story of making vegetable soups using my new machine! Is it really that hard to give our friends the attention they so lovingly deserve, even if the stories are mediocre? The problem continues when away from friends too; it has become all too easy to hide behind a phone to prevent confrontation. Too often my plans have been cancelled by a rather poor one line text message of ‘sorry I’m tired and won’t be coming out. Next time though’, despite already being on my way out! How frustrating! Of course, the counter argument is that social media, and our mobiles enhances our contact with one another. Don’t get me wrong, I have been thankful to instant messaging services that allow my friends and I to make spontaneous plans or to stay in contact with long-distance companions, however, I fear it may eventually replace the physical social contact we have. Are we facing a downward spiral which could lead us to lose the art of conversation? I really do hope not, because spoken conversation is far more enriching than restricted text language that is scattered among emojis of thumbs up and monkey’s faces. Technology is developing and expanding at a rapid pace, enabling phones to become more elaborate, which I fear will further affect our social interactions in the future. I want to finish by challenging readers to think before you take out your phone in company by default and ask ‘should I really be doing this now? Can it wait?’ I’m sure the answer is, that it probably can.
DO YOU HAVE A RANT YOU’D LIKE TO RELEASE? Email your views, in no more than 600 words, to Editor Charlie Bond: cbond@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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25/03/2016 10:34
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OVERHEARD
THIS MONTH TACITUS IS AWAY, SO INSTEAD HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST COMMENTS WE’VE OVERHEARD LOCALLY…
OVERHEARD IN A TENTERDEN CAFE “I just feel as though the garden looks a little common without a pergola.”
OVERHEARD IN PETS AT HOME, TUNBRIDGE WELLS Woman: “I haven’t got any change for the car park…I could buy a hamster to get some?” Man: “No, hamsters are a tenner. Let’s go to Halfords and buy an air freshener.” OVERHEARD IN A TUNBRIDGE WELLS BAR “You look like my ex-girlfriend Caroline, only fatter.”
OVERHEARD IN AN OFFICE IN TUNBRIDGE WELLS Woman 1: “It can’t be long until you get married now, are you getting excited?” Woman 2: “Yes, I can’t wait!” Man: “It’s not the wedding that’s the problem, it’s the lifelong commitment afterwards.”
OVERHEARD ON THE TRAIN FROM SEVENOAKS TO LONDON Mum: “Now Phoebe, don’t forget to look out for the Houses of Parliament when we get to London.” Phoebe: “Are they what daddy calls the houses of idiots?”
OVERHEARD IN MARKS AND SPENCER, SEVENOAKS “What I love about this hummus is the addition of olive oil. It just doesn’t taste right when you buy it elsewhere.”
Visit www.somagazine.co.uk every Wednesday for more overheard
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CELEBRITY
TAYLOR’S TOTALS Earnings in 2015 £56million Instagram followers 69million Grammy awards 10 Guinness World Records 5 Worldwide record sales 37million
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CELEBRITY
S
SO
The Tale of Taylor
She’s the girl next door who earns more a year than Beyoncé, Elton John and The Rolling Stones. We take a look at Taylor Swift’s phenomenal rise to superstardom he’s the international superstar
involvement in entertainment, but I was obsessed
with, among other achievements,
with it and so they did their research and read up
10 Grammy awards, a place on the
about it to help me in every way they could.”
Forbes ‘100 most powerful women’
Taylor’s determination paid off – by 16 she was
list and a mere 37million album
signed to a record label and releasing her eponymous
sales worldwide (and counting).
debut album Taylor Swift, which was instantly met
And she’s only 26. No, you didn’t
with critical acclaim. Unlike most teen stars of the time,
read that wrong. It would be easy to
Taylor was producing country music for teenagers to
assume that this list of accolades and
listen to – and both the public and critics alike were
achievements belong to someone twice, or thrice, her
impressed with what they heard. Her album sold
age, but no, Taylor Alison Swift, born in 1989, is flying
39,000 copies in its first week, and to date has sold over
high as the world’s biggest popstar, and her global
5million worldwide.
domination shows no signs of waning. Born in Pennsylvania, the first years of Taylor’s life
Swift’s success continued to mount, and when her second album, Fearless topped the Billboard 200 at
were fairly normal. She attended regular schools,
number one for 11 consecutive weeks, went seven
summered in New Jersey and had an interest in poetry.
times platinum and became the best-selling album of
Then, aged nine she developed a passion for music,
2009 in the US, it seemed she was a bona fide star.
enrolled in vocal lessons and began performing locally.
Despite being primarily a country musician, her
Aged 11, she watched a documentary on country
talent was making waves in the music industry, and at
singer Faith Hill and decided that was her destiny – she
the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), she was
needed to be in Nashville to make it as a country star.
nominated for, and subsequently won the Best Female
Luckily, her parents obliged, and when she was 14 they
Video award for You Belong with Me.
relocated to help Taylor realise her dreams. “They knew nothing about the industry and had no
Although Taylor was the only country star ever to be awarded a VMA, her win wasn’t without controversy
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CELEBRITY
I just feel like it’s not like it’s a big secret that I write songs about my life. People know when they get involved with me that, if we have some sort of significant relationship, it’s going to find its way into being inspiration at some POINT or another – namely because rapper Kanye West stormed the stage during her acceptance speech and suggested that the accolade should have gone to Beyoncé. This interruption sparked a worldwide backlash, and resulted in a press frenzy surrounding Swift – those who hadn’t heard of the rising star before the awards ceremony were certainly aware of her afterwards. “I just told myself I had to perform, and I tried to convince myself that maybe this wasn’t that big of a deal. But that was the most happenstance thing to ever happen in my career.” As controversy goes, Taylor Swift has faced very little of it. For someone so young with a career spanning a decade, you would expect there to be stories of debauchery, partying, drink and drugs, but the star barely ends up on a ‘worst dressed’ list, let alone finding herself in the papers for all the wrong reasons. This could be, in part, that she isn’t the partying type, but it also seems that she possesses a self-awareness, and an understanding that her career is precious; something that she could lose quickly. “I’m in the news every single day for multiple different reasons. And it can feel, at times, if you let your anxiety get the better of you, like everybody’s waiting for you to really mess up – and then you’ll be done. If you do something that defines your character to be not what the public thought you were, that’s the biggest risk.”
T
Now settled with superstar DJ Calvin Harris, the furore surrounding Taylor’s love life is perhaps the closest she’s come to backlash from fans and the media. Her past relationships include some high profile names, including actor Jake Gyllenhaal, singer John Mayer and most notably One Direction’s Harry Styles. Her relationship with the latter, whom she dated for a few months in 2013 saw her private life propelled into the public eye in a way that it hadn’t been before. “The only thing anyone wanted to write about me was about me and some guy. It was really damaging. You’re thinking, ‘everybody goes on dates when they’re 22. It’s fine, right?’ Nope. Not when you’re in this situation, and everything you do is blown out of proportion and expanded upon. And all of a sudden, there’s an overriding opinion that doesn’t accurately reflect how you actually live your life.” As her music began to evolve into a poppier sound, Taylor’s songwriting became more personal. Suddenly, everybody wanted to know who these hits were referencing, and speculation moved on from Taylor’s relationships, to exactly who she was referring to in her various hits. To this date she’s never divulged who each song is about, although it’s widely believed much of her 2014 album 1989 is written about Styles, while hits like We We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together from her 2012 album Red Red is thought to reference her relationship and subsequent breakup with Gyllenhaal.
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EVENTS at ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL
The Function Room is 14 2 square metres and benefits from its own exclusive bar area, cloak storage and with a neutral decor is the perfect backdrop to host your bespoke function or event for up to I80 people.
Contact us on: 01892 552 590 I info@onewarwickpark.co.uk www.onewarwickpark.co.uk
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CELEBRITY
s
“I just feel like it’s not like it’s a big secret that I
“A lot of the time I’ll reach out to people to tell them
write songs about my life. People know when they
they’re great and a friendship will come out of them.
get involved with me that, if we have some sort of
Friendship often comes from admiration and that feels
significant relationship, it’s going to find its way into
like a natural way to be friends with someone because
being inspiration at some point or another.”
you’ve established you respect what the person does.”
Post-Styles and pre-Harris, Taylor refrained from
With great power comes great responsibility, and
dating for fear of further speculation over her
there’s no denying that Taylor has power – over her
personal life. Instead, she spent these years building
carefully constructed image, over her music choices
her friendship circle. Suddenly, she was being
(her record label were against her releasing her first ‘full
pictured almost daily with a different celebrity female
pop’ album and wanted a country influence – she went
– lunching, exercising or shopping. For the girl who
against them and her 1989 album has currently sold
had often spoken about her unpopularity at school, it
almost 9million copies worldwide), and over a great
seemed as though the tables had definitely turned.
many things other stars wouldn’t have a say in at all.
Taylor’s ‘squad’ as they’re now known, has become
In 2014 she pulled her music from streaming service
one of the most coveted social circles in the celebrity
Spotify, due to the lack of royalties paid to artists, and
sphere – everyone from supermodels Karlie Kloss and
just a few months later in June 2015 she threatened
Cara Delevingne, to Girls star Lena Dunham and singer
to do the same with Apple music, as she highlighted
Ellie Goulding are part of the clan, and are regularly
the fact artists weren’t making money during the three
pictured with Swift, be it a girls’ night in plastered over
month free trial. Within 24 hours of her writing an open
Instagram or backstage at an awards party. Taylor even
letter to the music corporation and posting it online, the
enlisted the help of 16 of these friends when shooting
company agreed to change their policy and pay artists.
her Bad Blood video last year – and with an all celebrity
In business and in her personal life, Taylor seems
cast, it’s probably no surprise that it’s racked up almost
to have it sussed. Perhaps it’s because she’s been
900million YouTube views, won a Grammy and in its
a decade in the industry or perhaps it’s her unique
week of release pulled in more viewers in the US than
approach to life, but she certainly seems wise
network television shows.
beyond her 26 years.
I want to leave a trail of people behind me who had gotten better opportunities or felt better about themselves because of me or smiled because of me 38
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ADVERTORIAL
A SUPERLATIVE EXPERIENCE Opening its doors in The Pantiles area of Tunbridge Wells in June, One Warwick Park Hotel promises to embody ‘contemporary elegance’, combining the old and the new to create a truly reimagined luxury experience for guests. We find out more about what to expect this summer
O
ne Warwick Park, an elegant 39-room hotel, will open in Tunbridge Wells’ historic Pantiles district this June. The new property, designed by HMY architects in collaboration with interior architects KTB and interior designers Envy London, will offer stylish and contemporary interior design, as well as a carefully curated experience in each of its rooms, suites and entertainment spaces. The hotel will inhabit a creatively reimagined brew house and schoolhouse, taking the previously unconnected structures and creating a harmonious and unified building, filled with light. A feature gallery space will link the two buildings and promises to surprise with a stylish, shifting canvas of showcases from local, national and international artists. “Our biggest challenge is now our greatest achievement,” says Melanie
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Ellis, director of Envy London. “Creating the gallery space has been a true feat of engineering, with builders BJBabb Ltd taking the building down to basement level, and then sub-basement level – no easy accomplishment in a busy town centre – creating a unique link connecting buildings old and new. “The task of marrying the new with the period building and its features has been a wonderful success. We embraced the irregularities of the period architecture and made the most of features such as a listed staircase, which could have been so easily sealed away, to create a very special property, full of charm.” Bedrooms and suites at One Warwick Park will focus on comfort, with no detail of the guest experience overlooked, from lighting and linen, to intuitive powerpoint positioning. “We started with a list of everything
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INTERIORS
that irritated us about staying at a hotel, from poor lighting and badly designed bathrooms, to sockets in the wrong place and confusing directions,” continues Melanie. “We then analysed a guest’s practical requirements, ensuring we created a comfortable, functional and relaxing environment, where guests would feel calm and cosseted. It is this level of attention to detail that makes One Warwick Park different to the usual ‘identikit’ hotels.” Each room will be individually styled to make the most of the space, ensuring intrigue in every area. A neutral palette of five different colour schemes and the use of beautiful, bespoke furnishings sourced from local ateliers adds to the distinctive and contemporary style. A variety of room-types will appeal to the range of clientele, from business travellers to honeymooners and families. The Duplex Suite, overlooking the quaint Kent cobbles, pairs period features such as a listed staircase, with a fresh, elegant design, perfect for bridal parties or families. The three Deluxe Balcony rooms offer a private landscaped terrace with views over Tunbridge Wells’ tapestry of assorted architecture. All bedrooms will feature a king or super king bed with locally, hand-finished furnishings, large flat screen TVs, luxurious Temple Spa toiletries, complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi. Double Rooms will
be priced from £99 per night. A double-height atrium will be at the heart of the hotel; a light, flexible space for entertainment and celebration. There will be four additional locations to dine and have a drink throughout the day: a resident’s lounge, the 75-cover restaurant, The Terrace and a quieter snug for relaxation. A private dining area and a range of meeting and licensed events spaces will offer flexibility for celebrations or company gatherings of up to 180 people. The Old School House – the 140-sq m function room and archetype of beautiful simplicity – provides a contemporary white backdrop, while retaining the School House’s 19th-century timber vaults and
“There will be four additional locations to dine and have a drink throughout the day: a resident’s lounge, the 60-cover restaurant, The Terrace and a quieter snug for relaxation”
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15-ft arched windows, creating a unified space filled with light, energy and vitality. This considered approach to design extends to One Warwick Park’s staff uniforms, which have been designed by French couture designer and stylist to the stars, Nicole Manier. “The uniform complements the hotel’s contemporary interior, while being comfortable and stylish,” says Nicole. “The slim-fit suits will be made from 100% superfine navy-blue Merino wool, paired with crisp, white cotton shirts with a classic herringbone weave and gold silk ties and scarves. The result is a cool, classic, elegant ensemble.” Louise Clark, managing director of Markerstudy Leisure, owner-operators of One Warwick Park, says: “We’re incredibly excited about opening our doors in June. Every element of the hotel has been carefully crafted and curated to ensure our guests enjoy a superlative experience. We want it to feel like their home from home, where comfort, ease and beauty are priorities. Our staff will be handpicked, expertly trained and knowledgeable, to make certain our guests receive a well-presented and personalised welcome.” One Warwick Park will welcome guests from June 2016.
One Warwick Park Hotel Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TA 01892 552 590 www.onewarwickpark.co.uk info@onewarwickpark.co.uk @onewarwickpark
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24/03/2016 12:32
THE LOOK
SO
FASHION INSIDER
WITH FASHION MONTH OVER, STYLIST CATHERINE DE CREVECOEUR FROM WWW.STYLEPOURMOI.COM LOOKS AT THE TRENDS TO EXPECT OVER THE AUTUMN/WINTER 16 SEASON
u
nlike last winter’s mood, which celebrated women through big, bright and bold collections, this season brought a new sense of soft femininity, dark romanticism and a touch of old Hollywood glamour to London’s
CHRISTOPHER KANE
fashion week catwalk shows. Established as well as upcoming designers were focused on creativity and craftsmanship which resulted in a fashion fusion of metallic details, shiny fabrics, delicate lace, faux fur, sheer layers, velvet, leather
HOLLY FOULTON
and silk to name a few. Black was by far the hero colour for the season whilst hints of muted pinks, oranges and blues were spread across the collections. Here are some of the trends you can expect to see trickling into our shops this September:..
AMANDA WAKELEY
Slip dress
bomber jacket
all that shimmers
One of the hottest trends for this Spring/Summer, slip dresses were seen teamed with tougher outerwear on the catwalk for next winter.
The outerwear trend of choice, the bomber jacket, in all shapes, textures, prints and styles, is here to stay.
Head-to-toe gowns in shimmering fabrics brought cocktail glamour dressing to a new level.
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THE LOOK
DAKS
CHRISTOPHER KANE
TOGA
Velvet
faux fur
supersized coat
A sea of velvet took over fashion week. From black to midnight hues and bohemian greens, this fabric has certainly made a big comeback.
This is the trend that keeps on giving, from beautiful scarves to bold statement jackets, a must-have for Autumn/Winter.
From super-king duvet coats to oversized military jackets, the bigger, the better when it comes to coats next season.
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THE LOOK
THREE FLOOR
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PALMER HARDINGE
Gothic glamour
Sheer fabrics
Capes
A sense of dark romanticism was portrayed through lavish dresses with frilled bibs, sheer dresses, lace detailing and muted hues.
Barely-there metallic sheer fabrics brought a touch of femininity through structured outfits.
Seen in all shapes, from long ethereal evening capes to workwear ready ones, the cape was another outerwear trend that captured everyone’s eye.
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IISE JACOBSEN HORNB.fEK
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No 6. High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells TN1 1 UX I Tel: 01892 537 241 www.ilsejacobsen.com I II) ILSE JACOBSEN UK I CJ llseJacobsenUK
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THE LOOK
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r u o y p u c i Ch tyle S FROM LUXE LOOKS TO BOHO-INSPIRED OUTFITS, THIS MONTH’S FASHION SHOOT ENCAPSULATES FEMININITY WITH A MODERN TWIST. BOLD PATTERNS TAKE CENTRE STAGE, WHILE NEUTRAL SHADES PULL THE LOOKS TOGETHER, GIVING THEM A CHIC EDGE. FIND ALL OF THESE GORGEOUS ITEMS IN BOUTIQUES ON YOUR LOCAL HIGH STREETS NOW…
STYLIST: Catherine De Crevecoeur www.stylepourmoi.com STYLIST’S ASSISTANT: Helen Williams www.misshelenwilliams.com PHOTOGRAPHER: Nick Matthews www.nick-matthews.co.uk HAIR: Gary Russell, The Chapel www.thechapel.co.uk MAKEUP: David Hynes davidpatrickhynes@gmail.com MODEL: Chloe Davis
With thanks to The Chapel Hairdressing, Tunbridge Wells
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STRENSTROMS SHIRT £93 H ILSE JACOBSEN INTROPIA JACKET £260 H THE CLEVER DRESSER MAC DREAM SKINNY JEANS £99 H ILSE JACOBSEN VIMODA STAR CLUTCH £79 H KITCH PECKHAM RYE SILK SCARF £65 H THE BASEMENT PINK FACET FEATHER NECKLACE £35 H ILSE JACOBSEN TOM FORD SUNGLASSES £249 H KITCH
FW
Gilet fox, £599 Kitch
Pure Collection
Cashmere crew neck sweater, £99
Pure Collection Slim leg jean, £79
Michael Kors
Salmon pink tote, £260 Fenwick
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ALICE & OLIVIA DRESS £515 H THE CLEVER DRESSER INTROPIA WEDGE SHOES £209 H THE CLEVER DRESSER PORADA GUILDA ARMCHAIR £1,558 H LIME MODERN LIVING
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Ladies Designer Wear, Accessories and Shoes
1 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN 1 1UL
01892 513 613 www.kitchdothing.co.uk
tJnswear
Contact details are: Tel: 01732 459351 4a Bank Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN131UW
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SUNDAY MORNING OVERSIZED MAN SHIRT £219 H THE CLEVER DRESSER SUNDAY MORNING EMILIO SHORT £105 H THE CLEVER DRESSER NAVY GILET £70 H CASHARA B’CHARMD NECKLACE £65 H CASHARA INTROPIA WEDGE SHOES £209 H THE CLEVER DRESSER
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Ted baker
Sterling checked jacket, £305
Ted Baker
Sterling checked trousers, £125
Endurance
Slick Rick shirt, £60 All Fenwicks
MISS JUNE JACKET £249 H KITCH DES PETITS HAUTS JUMPSUIT £229 H ETOILE CARA TASSEL NECKLACE £49 H KITCH
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DENIM SHIRT £99 H KITCH YAYA WAISTCOAT £79 H KITCH CHLOBO PEACE PENDANT NECKLACE £129 H KITCH CHLOBO ANGEL WING NECKLACE £129 H KITCH CARA TASSEL NECKLACE £49 H KITCH
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THE LOOK
MAN ON TREND
SPRING BRINGS A WEALTH OF INSPIRATION FOR MEN’S FASHION
T
his season sees a huge emphasis on layering of varying textures. Think a combination of
khaki on denim or suede on wool. With the weather not yet warm enough to show off your arms, make a statement instead with an on-trend jacket. Denim and suede outerwear was draped over models on the catwalk during London Fashion Week and now can find their way in to your wardrobe too. Subtle styling tweaks can instantly update a look such as wearing the collar up, wearing a jacket open and rolled sleeves. Whilst skinny jeans are still permeating the high street, trousers are fashioning a more relaxed fit with a key style incorporating a straight or tapered cut.
HANCOCK JACKET, £495 THE BASEMENT
MAC JOG N’ JACKET H £140
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MAC LENNY JEANS H £89
PAMPEONO BELT H £65
ALL FROM THE BASEMENT
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Stockists
HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN BUY THE GORGEOUS ITEMS FROM THIS MONTH’S SHOOT
THE BASEMENT
6 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UX 01892 537 241 www.facebook.com/TheBasementTW
ILSE JACOBSEN
6 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UX 01892 537 241 www.ilsejacobsen.com
LIME MODERN LIVING
86 Calverley Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2UN 01892 544 846 www.limemodernliving.co.uk
CASHARA
23 High Street Tenterden TN30 6BJ 01580 761 222 www.cashara.co.uk
ETOILE
4a Bank Street Sevenoaks TN13 1UW 01732 459 351
THE CLEVER DRESSER
6 Bank Street Sevenoaks TN13 1UW 01732 453 002 www.thecleverdresser.com
KITCH
1 High Street Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UL 01892 513 613 www.kitchclothing.co.uk
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SARAH GILLMORE PERSONAL
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Are you at a relationship-crossroad, or going through a big life change, and need a lift with style, elegance and allure? Do you need advice on how to represent yourself authentically and stylishly for your business brand? Or need advice on how to move out of a style-rut which is no longer true to the person you are?
For a warm, intuitive, positive Personal Styling experience which is really tailored to the person you are Contact Sarah via www.sarahgillmorestylist.com or sarah@sarahgi 11 morestyl ist.com
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SHOP TIPS
WITH THE SIGNS OF SPRING BLOOMING, BLUEWATER HAS TEAMED UP WITH JOHN LEWIS PERSONAL STYLIST NICKY DYE TO UNVEIL TOP TIPS ON HOW TO SPRING CLEAN YOUR WARDROBE AND UNVEIL THE SEASON’S SUMMER-READY TRENDS 1. Sometimes it’s great to have a proper
still right for you and if you’re ever
purge of your wardrobe but you don’t
likely to wear them again. It’s hard –
have to rush clearing. The sorting
clothes have sentimental value – but
process can be spread across a few
you’ve got to be brutal, especially
days, so if you need, give yourself
if you’re short on space.
the time to thoroughly look at each
4.Organise your new wardrobe and
item and make a definite and
invest in hangers and boxes. Sorting
thought-out decision.
your cupboard in a neater and more
2. Put all the contents of your wardrobe
functional way doesn’t just look great,
on the floor or bed, so that the items are
it helps you navigate your clothes and
visible. This will make it easier to
outfits better too – making it easier to
instinctively pick items that you can then
make quicker decisions in the morning!
divide into three piles – a yes pile, a no
5. Pick five irreplaceable garments for
pile and a maybe pile. Stock the yeses in
each season that you can’t live without.
the cupboard and throw out the no’s!
Whittle the selection to items that you
3. With items you’re unsure about, ask
can use in at least three different styles
yourself: have you worn them in the past
and place them in a distinct section of
year? If the answer is no, then you need
your wardrobe where they have a
to have a long, hard think about if they’re
prime position.
The personal stylists at John Lewis recommend the following picks for the new season
John Lewis
Navy Hepburn button crepe jacket £89
Hobbs
White Winifred shirt £79
Oasis
Tan suedette tab detail skirt £38
Mint Velvet
Patch pocket mini skirt £59
Kin
Blue and pink abstract print £75
Head to Bluewater to try on the latest fashion trends, and with over 300 stores, shoppers will find an unrivalled mix of fashion brands offering the latest trends and buys for every occasion.
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Georg Jensen Koppel Grande Date
BASELWORLD 2016
We profile some of the biggest brands and most breath-taking timepieces on display at this year’s most important marketplace and trendsetting platform for the world’s luxury watch and jewellery industry Each spring, the city of Basel in Switzerland
set the tone for the coming year. Such was the case with 2016’s watch
plays host to Baselworld, far and away the most prestigious event on the international
displays, which boasted cutting-edge
watch and jewellery industry’s calendar.
timepieces from the likes of Patek Philippe,
At this sparkling showcase, around 2,100
Tudor, Chopard and Breitling. Together,
exhibitors from over 45 countries present
these industry leaders captivated audiences
some of their latest and greatest pieces to
and unveiled their most recent ranges,
over 94,000 visitors.
many of which featured contemporary
This year’s event was certainly no
twists on classic designs. For a taste of which models were on
exception, celebrating the innovation and creativity that has gone into the most
display, we’ve rounded up a selection
remarkable collections on Earth over
of the market’s biggest players – along
the last 12 months. Over ‘eight days of
with some expert commentary from Her
brilliance’, the momentous occasion –
Majesty The Queen’s jeweller, G. Collins
inaugurated by Swiss Federal Councillor
& Sons – to find out more about the
Simonetta Sommaruga – introduced some
chronometers you won’t want to miss
trendsetting ranges that have well and truly
throughout 2016…
Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph Aficionados, collectors and connoisseurs of mechanical timepieces will be awed when they see the new Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph. It combines the Geneva manufacturer’s patented World Time mechanism with a proprietary self-winding chronograph movement, which comes in a round white-gold case and a dial with a blue, manually guillochéd centre. www.patek.com JEWELLER’S COMMENT, G. COLLINS & SONS: “A brand new model from Patek Philippe this year, combining the famous World Time complication and a chronograph in this 18ct white gold case. The centre of the dial is hand-guillochéd, which catches the light beautifully. Definitely one of our favourite pieces at the show.”
The Koppel Grande Date adds a new dimension to Henning Koppel’s design, incorporating content without disrupting the clarity of the original, as a result of the space offered by the 41mm. Featuring a large date between the central axis and the twelve o’clock position, the watch retains its classic Scandinavian elegance. www.georgjensen.com JEWELLER’S COMMENT, G. COLLINS & SONS: “The Koppel Grande Date small seconds displays perfect finesse. The watch has a sleek, minimalist face, mixed with the fluent lines of the case. Beneath this classic exterior lies a Swiss-made, automatic movement, giving this watch the perfect balance between style and precision.”
Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Chrono An authentic collector’s watch for modern gentlemen, our new L.U.C Perpetual Chrono combines a hand-wound chronograph and a finely crafted perpetual calendar within an unprecedented L.U.C movement. The L.U.C Perpetual Chrono flaunts one of the most sophisticated styles and constructions in the world of haute horology. www.chopard.com JEWELLER’S COMMENT, G. COLLINS & SONS: “Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the LUC collection, this is a limited edition watch with only 250 pieces being made. With a handguillochéd dial and 18ct rose gold case, this watch oozes sophistication.”
Patek Philippe Annual Calendar The second debut is the Annual Calendar, which very tastefully recalls the 20th anniversary of the patented Annual Calendar (its successful career began in Basel in 1996, and was voted Watch of the Year a few months later). Since then, the Annual Calendar has been crafted in 21 versions. www.patek.com JEWELLER’S COMMENT, G. COLLINS & SONS: “1996 saw the release of the annual calendar mechanism for Patek Philippe, so to celebrate its 20th anniversary, this piece has been launched with two beautiful new dials: grey with white gold breguet numerals, and cream with rose gold breguet numerals. Pure elegance.”
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W AT C H E S
Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860
Tudor Heritage Advisor Cognac
Our L.U.C XPS 1860 pays homage to the first watch in the L.U.C collection, the L.U.C 1860, launched 20 years ago. This model, with its hand-guillochĂŠd dial and ultra-thin case, is a contemporary interpretation of a great classic, combining discreet elegance and sobriety with our first Chopard Manufacture movement. www.chopard.com
The Heritage Advisor is a reinterpretation of the famous Tudor alarm watch from 1957. An up-to-date version of a classic, the watch retains the original shape and proportions of its case, lugs and glass, its dauphine hands and bevelled markers, as well as the design and colour of its red alarm hand. www.tudorwatch.com
Breitling Avenger Hurricane
Tudor Style Fluted Bezel
Its name sets the tone: with the Avenger Hurricane, Breitling is launching a new chronograph that pushes all existing boundaries in terms of instruments for professionals. Extreme power, with a 50mm XXL diameter, a sturdy construction equipped with lateral protective reinforcements and an all-black look, enhanced by tallow accents and aviation-inspired, stencil-type numerals. www.breitling.com
Tudor is adding a range of new aesthetic features to its Style line of classic watches with the introduction of a fluted bezel and coloured dials. The Style line provides a contemporary take on the classic and elegant wristwatch, a form of expression that Tudor has continued to tap into throughout its history. www.tudorwatch.com
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SWAROVSKI TUNBRIDGE WELLS 204 ROYAL VICTORIA PLACE , TUNBRIDGE WELLS , TN l 2SS.
Miranda Kerr
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W AT C H E S
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TIMELESS VALUES We take a look at the 10 principles that make up the Patek Philippe Seal
Independence At the heart of the brand’s spirit is total creative freedom and independence. Movements are developed and manufactured in-house, according to the company’s very own quality criteria of excellence.
Rarity At Patek, over 200 models are in regular production, produced in small series of between 10 and several hundred watches, and fitted with a vast array of in-house movements.
Value In addition to commanding a high price, a Patek Philippe retains and often increases its value over the years, making it an investment for the present and the future.
Service The company makes it its duty to provide the highest standard of after-sales service, ensuring the watch continues to receive the care and attention it requires for continued reliability.
Quality & fine workmanship From movement and external elements to technical and aesthetic aspects, the development, manufacture and assembly of the finest timepieces in the world remains the company’s goal.
Tradition A unique heritage and a combination of experience, ingenuity and passion come together to tell the story of Patek Philippe’s role in safeguarding Geneva’s fine art of traditional watchmaking.
Aesthetics The mechanical perfection of any one of these watches is reflected in its beauty. An understated, timeless style ensures they outlive passing fashions without losing their appeal and modernity.
Emotion Far from just a watch, a Patek is unique and personal to the owner, often steeped in memories and related to a personal event specific to who’s wearing it.
Heritage Each Patek is designed to last from one generation to the next, continuing a tradition, perpetuating a unique heritage and creating a bridge between the past and the future.
Innovation Patek’s pioneering role is seen in over 80 patents, 20 of which are of major importance to the history of horology. Technical progress advances functionality, long-term reliability and precision.
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BANW ELL
The Banwell Clinic is a boutique destination for skin health, anti-ageing, and cosmetic procedures. We offer the latest cutting edge technologies for body contouring and facial treatments.
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Skin Care I Skin Health Non-surgical body contouring Mole Checks I Mole Removal Breast surgery I Body contouring Mummy makeovers I Facial Rejuvenation The Banwell Clinic
01 342 330302 help@banwellclinic.com
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BEAUTY BULLETIN WE BRING YOU THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM THE BEAUTY WORLD
● BURST
YOUR BUBBLE
As
■ KEEPING KOHL One of the top pieces of skincare advice is to always remove your makeup before bed, but A-List actress Drew Barrymore has revealed that she pays heed to the advice and actually applies cosmetics before bed. The star revealed that to get her signature smoky eye look, she does her night-time skincare routine before going to sleep, but then reapplies a kohl eyeliner, so that come morning she’s left with the perfect smudgy eye makeup. We might just try Drew’s tip for ourselves…
Lovers of Prosecco, look away now because what you’re about to read may make you shed a tear into your Champagne flutes… dentists have revealed that drinking Prosecco can do serious damage to your teeth. One of the sweeter sparkling wines, not only does it contain around one teaspoon of sugar per glass, the carbon dioxide bubbles are acidic and can cause enamel erosion. The damage caused by the drink is now becoming so common, dentists are dubbing the effects ‘Prosecco smile.’
➧ FACE FOOD While we’re encouraged to use anti-ageing creams from our early 20s to retain youthful skin, research has now revealed that in order to combat signs of ageing, we should be feeding our skin the right foods too. Recent studies have found that the higher our glycaemic index intake, which comes from foods such as white bread, sugar and pasta, the earlier we’ll start to show the signs of ageing. And, while it was once believed eating chocolate had no effect on spots, there is now evidence to suggest eating sweets and unrefined sugars can cause acne breakouts. Experts are suggesting adopting a low GI diet and avoiding sugary foods could be the way to better skin.
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11 ?!JMAW/fl/?!Jtinw Thermage is for when you want to tackle the effects of ageing on your skin.
~
Thermage is for when you want to look younger and you want real results - but don't want the downtime that comes with surgery.
therm age"
Thermage fits into any lifestyle and your current beauty regimen:
Eyes
Face
Body
· · · · ·
A single treatment that delivers results Non-invasive and clinically proven to be safe Minimal downtime. so it's easy to fit into your routine Real change you just can't get from lotions and creams Targeted. effective treatment that can help address the signs of ageing on many areas of the body
Enjoy 20% off your treatment if booked before 30 April 2016.
Call 01892 513535 or visit: www.chilstonclinic.co.uk The Chilston Clinic. 12 Rusthall Road. Tunbridge Wells. Kent. TN4 SRA
SaV1driV1e's® PILATES
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CareQua1ity Commission
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massage clinic
Kent's Premier Pilates, Barre and TRX studio! with 60 classes a week, open every day! "It is always brilliant! Sandrine works the athletes hard and it is fun too!" DAME KELLY HOLMES, Double Olympic Champion
Our Classes: Mat Pilates • Reformer Pilates • Pregnancy Pilates • Mums and babies Pilates • Back rehabilitation • BarrePlus • TRX suspension training • Chair Pilates • Children & Teen Pilates • Foam roller I trigger points Our Massages: Holistic • Sports • Deep tissue • Trigger points • Hot stone • Pregnancy • Argan oil
www.sandrinespilates.co.uk I] sandrinespilates @sandrinepilates 1 st Floor, 12A London Rd, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1 DE • 01892 618493 • info@sandrinespilates.co.uk 70
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DON'T SUFFER FROM PAINFUL AND UNSIGHTLY LEGS Endovenous Laser Ablation is a revolutionary treatment that is minimally invasive and highly effective at treating varicose veins. Treatment is less than one hour and you can go home the same day. You ea n return to norm aI activity the fol lowing day with little or no pain . You can feel assured that our standards of care and facilities are of the highest quality.
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Reassurance in a heartbeat
The Wells Suite is able to offer a range of pregnancy ultrasound scans using state of the art ultrasound equipment. You might want to make sure that there is definitely a heartbeat at 6 weeks, check your baby's growth at 16 weeks, or want the reassurance of a detailed anomaly scan at 20 weeks. Whatever your reason we can offer expert advice and reassurance in a calm and relaxed environment.
What scans are available? • Early Pregnancy Scan/Viability Scan (6-8 weeks) • Growth and Well-being Scan (16 weeks to term) • Anomaly Scan (20-22 weeks)
Why choose The Wells Suite for your scan? • No referral letter required • Accredited midwife sonographers • Consultant advice available • Flexible appointment times, including evening and weekend appointments
To book a scan appointment, or for further information, please telephone 01892 635888.
The Wells Suite
The Wells Suite Your health in safe hands
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01892 635888
www.thewellssuite.co.uk
24/03/2016 12:35
THE LOOK
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BEAUTY
bulletin Here are some of our favourite new hair and beauty discoveries this month
JANE IREDALE
GREATSHAPE EYEBROW KIT, £26 Sometimes getting your perfect eyebrow shade from a product can be tricky, but this handy new kit from Jane Iredale ensures that each user gets a personalised shade, by mixing the botanical brow wax and a pigmented brow powder. The result? Natural looking, perfectly groomed brows. And sophisticated packaging too. We love. www.janeiredale.co.uk
NATURAL DERMATOLOGY
ACNE EXFOLIATOR, £18 Developed by former acne sufferer Jordan Marc Sully, this product not only helps to banish blemishes, it’s also kind to skin and smells great! Containing coconut oil and frankincense, it gently de-clogs skin and banishes impurities without being harsh and abrasive like many exfoliators. And, with anti-inflammatory properties, it’s great for calming skin too. www.naturaldermatology.com
HYLAMIDE
MASQUARA GAIN, £20 As well as giving you gorgeously long, defined and volumised lashes, due to the natural walnut extract in the formula, Illamasqua’s new mascara progressively dyes your eyelashes. After just two weeks of use they’ll be darker, even when you’re makeup-free. The perfect holiday-prep product. www.illamasqua.com
CORRECT & CONCEAL RED, £28 Many concealers work to hide under eye shadows or facial blemishes, but ReCover’s range has been specially developed to correct skin redness. Yellow-based pigments neutralise red tones in the skin, while concealing. Now available in shade 0-Very Light, this is great for using on the go and for covering any unwanted redness. www.recovercosmetics.com
BOBBI BROWN
HA BLUR, £18 Not only does this new product hydrate, plump, minimise pores and blur, it does it all without the help of silica, which can cause the skin to absorb hydration and oil. Just add a little of this finisher to skin after applying makeup for an instantly flawless look – like an Instagram filter for your skin! www.hylamide.com
ILLAMASQUA
RECOVER
NUDE FINISH TINTED MOISTURIZER SPF 15, £29.50 This gorgeous skin tint and protective moisturiser, delivers sheer coverage that makes redness and unevenness disappear, while hydrating and refreshing skin at the same time. Great for when you want glowing skin without the hassle of foundation – just smooth on, glow and go! www.bobbibrown.co.uk
ROUGE BUNNY ROUGE
RAW GARDEN ANTIGO EYE SHADOW PALETTE, ¤49 Enriched with argan oil, this eyeshadow sits beautifully on the skin and can be used wet or dry to create your desired look. The natural shades are great for everyday wear, and will flatter most skintones while enhancing your eye colour. We also how this palette is packaged – beautiful outside as well as in. www.rougebunnyrouge.com
ELEMIS
BIOTEC SKIN ENERGISING NIGHT CREAM, £85 Part of the biggest launch from Elemis since their Pro-Collagen products were unveiled 13 years ago, this new Biotec night cream revitalises the skin while you sleep. Enriched with calcium PCA, this clever cream adapts to your skin’s needs and leaves you refreshed, hydrated and replenished. www.elemis.com
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Massage • facials • manicure & pedicure lash extensions • waxing • spray tan
144 Camden Road, T. Wells, Kent, TN1 2QZ • 01892 616096
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. Semi Permanent make up by Fiona at Elite Brows, Tunbridge Wells, (., ~ HUdenborough and throughout Kent.
Elite s~~ows ro "\IV'!
Call07956984109 or visit www.elite-brows.co.uk
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This is Sally's Concept1M Facelift story I work in sales with a major property developer in London. I certainly don't feel anywhere near my 62 years of age, but I'd certainly started to look it! For quite a while I'd been concerned about how the ageing process had started to affect my face and that I'd acquired a constant 'tired' look due to saggy eyelids. Also, this sagginess seemed to have spread to my neck to the extent that I would worry about going out.
, , I was instantly drawn to the Concept™ Facelift as it offered the same long-lasting results that the traditional methods offer. but without the downsides of a long and uncomfortable recovery. This allowed me to be back at work within 7 days rather than JJ the usual 4-6 weeks. After just 7 days, I'm thrilled with my new-look face! Looking in the mirror in the morning is no longer a scary experience and I'm constantly being told how well I look! I feel so
Recent patients after just 7 days
much more confident and love the 'natural' results; very subtle, not stretched.
Breakthrough medical procedure: The same results, Traditional Facelift ~ of the recovery (SMAS) Loose skin, deep lines, sagging to cheeks, jowls and jawline
Loose skin, deep lines, sagging to cheeks, jowls and jawline
General anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic
Length of procedure
4-6 hours
2-3 hours
Drains and bandages
Yes
No
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Addresses
IDI
Anaesthetic
0 IDI
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4-6 weeks
1week
IDI
Bruising and swelling
4-6 weeks
Minimal
d\J. 0
Hospital stay
1-2 days
Walk-in/walk-out
Time needed off work
Traditional Method at Day 1
2-4 weeks
Traditional Method atWeek4
As featured on BBC One Scotland's 'Facelifts & Fillers' Watch it on iPlayer today
Drains & bandages Long scar & staples More invasive
0
Procedure Longevity
Extensive bruising & swelling Risk of hair loss (long scar) Prolonged recovery
Absorbable sutures & no staples Short scar (less invasive) Minimal downtime/bruising
7-10 years
To arrange a consultation today Call us on 01892 257 040 or text 'FACE' to 88802 for details Visit us online at www.bellavou.co.uk Copyright Š 2016. Before you consider any procedure you should consult with a physician to check your medical suitability. The above information
is only a brief overview and typical of most patients' experiences. Errors and omissions excepted.
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THE LOOK
SO
TREAT YOURSELF FOR SUMMER Dreading baring your bikini body? We take a look at some of the top treatments available to help you banish the body blues in time for the warmer weather…
A
s holiday time draws closer and bikini
plumping, smoothing and hydration for
results without you losing your
panic starts to set in, don’t stress.
sublime glowing skin without the makeup.
expression. Our face is meant for expression, it’s what makes us unique!
Whether it’s your body or face you’d
like to target, Amir Nakhdjevani,
SCULPT AWAY
Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Bella Vou
You’ve spent countless hours in the gym
NO SWEAT
in Tunbridge Wells, has some top tips so
and weeks counting calories, but still those
Feel super confident with dry, clean and
you’ll be sorted for summer in no time.
stubborn fat bits remain. Liposuction is
fresh underarms when you’re on your
Stop sweating it at the gym and opt for
one option, where excess fat is removed
summer break. Treatment of
some pamper time instead…
and problem areas are contoured.
hyperhidrosis or excessive underarm
It’s a well proven technique with
sweating is a simple and easy procedure
FRESH FACED
great results and is usually a one-off
using a botulinum toxin. Generally
Book a deluxe facial to pep the skin up,
treatment. CoolSculpting® is completely
patients say it’s like ‘having an on-off
reviving it for your trip away. Hydrating
non-invasive and freezes the fat cells,
button’, and life changes in the most
and brightening, it’s also great for a quick
which the body then breaks down and
spectacular way. Embarrassing sweat
pick me up after long haul flights, a work
removes. The treatment uses no needles
marks are banished and no more
trip, just being slammed at the office or
or incisions; it’s simply an applicator that
throwing away your favourite clothes.
busy at home. Schedule in a treatment
rests on the skin during the procedure.
before you fly out and when you get back
Most patients find the treatment
BANISH THE BAGS
from your travels. Take time out for a
practically pain-free. Repeat treatments
This treatment combines PRP (platelet
sumptuous facial to leave your skin
are required to achieve a good result, but
rich plasma) with hyaluronic acid to
feeling refreshed and revived.
this is a good alternative to liposuction if
deliver an immediate plumping effect in
you prefer a non-surgical option. The
the eye area to reduce dark circles and the
BRILLIANT BOOSTERS
results will make you look great from
appearance of eye bags, as well as adding
Skin Boosters or Mesotherapy is a gentle
every angle!
volume. Combining your own platelets and hyaluronic acid, a natural platform is
treatment using minute needles to inject hyaluronic acid, vitamins and other
FROWN FADER
created to support facial structures and
yummy properties, into the skin to
Dodge getting frown lines this summer by
tissues, which may have lost elasticity
stimulate rejuvenation, perfect for an
having a muscle relaxant treatment,
and volume from day to day living or
intensive boost of hyaluronic acid just
which creates a softer and more refreshed
accelerated ageing while future proofing.
below the skin, which ensures skin
look. It’s a specialtythatproduces natural
It’s safe, natural and more preventative.
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THE LOOK
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EXPERT OPINION
PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON YOUR HEALTH, BEAUTY AND WELLBEING
How has the industry and the treatments you offer changed in the last year? Treatments are always improving and changing, and all the consultants at The Horder Centre keep abreast of the latest developments in their specific fields. An example of this is the treatment of young patients with arthritis in a single area of the knee. Historically, they would either have had to cope with the pain or consider a replacement, whereas now there is the option to offload this debarment by performing an osteotomy (realigning the limb) to offload the arthritic area and delay the knees for implant surgery. There are unlikely to be any major step changes regarding the treatment of arthritis in the next year or so, however, the ultimate goal would be able to provide a scaffold, for bone and articular
LET’S TALK ABOUT HEALTH
cartilage to be grown on, to create a new knee rather than have to replace it.
When it comes to your wellbeing, getting the best advice and service is of the utmost importance, as consultant orthopaedic surgeon Andrew Armitage from The Horder Centre in Tunbridge Wells explains
Number of years in the industry: I have been an orthopaedic consultant for the last 13 years, clinical lead in Eastbourne for six years and have been the medical advisory committee chairman at The Horder Centre
When treating patients privately
patients can be reassured they
for the last year.
for knee replacement surgery,
are going to be treated in a
Specialism: I have always had a sub-speciality
what sort of lead-in and
centre of excellence that has
interest in knee surgery and perform significant
recovery time are private
outstanding patient
numbers of partial, total and revision knee
patients looking at?
satisfaction and excellent
replacements, although also deal with sports
Most patients are able to be
reported outcomes. There is no
seen within a couple of weeks of
need to put life on hold; patients
private referral by the surgeon of
can choose their time of outpatient
their choice or sub speciality surgeon,
and inpatient treatment to fit in with other
medicine, including arthroscopy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and multiple ligament reconstruction. Hospitals I consult for: My base NHS hospital
and are likely to be able to have their surgery
life demands. Our patients are able to be seen
is Eastbourne, where I work for the
within two to four weeks of a decision to
at The Horder Centre both through private
East Sussex Hospitals Trust carrying out
proceed. This can obviously be altered to fit in
insurance and self-pay.
trauma services.
with the patient’s needs. Patients will spend
You will be treated and looked after by a
Best piece of advice: For anyone considering
two to three nights in hospital and be walking
team of healthcare professionals who
going privately, it is important to discuss all
reasonably well, on average, 6-8 weeks after
specialise in providing care to patients with
options that are available for your condition,
the operation, with continual improvement
these conditions in outpatients, theatres and
including the pros and cons, and to come to a
over the year.
post operatively on the wards. Patients will be
combined agreement on the best form of
seen and treated by a consultant who is not
treatment for the patient and an appropriate
What are the benefits of choosing to go
only an orthopaedic specialist, but will have a
time frame to have it in.
privately through Horder Healthcare for your
sub-speciality interest related to the particular
treatment? Can patients self-pay?
orthopaedic problem. This ensures the best
Contact us on 01892 529 059
The Horder Centre, part of Horder Healthcare,
possible discussion and provision of options
Visit www.thehordercentre.co.uk
is a hospital that specialises in orthopaedic
for the treatment of any condition, and the
Horder Healthcare Tunbridge Wells,
surgery and the treatment of musculoskeletal
knowledge that the surgeon performing these
2 Mount Ephraim Road,
diseases. By choosing The Horder Centre
procedures does so regularly.
Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1EE
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SERENITY s ~
s
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
s
s
For Inch Loss, Skin Tightening, Stretch Marks, Cellulite Reduction, Skin Rejuvenation, & Pre/Post Liposuction Contouring* (*requires surgeon referral)
'
...
Using a mild low laser (cold laser) treatment to reduce your body's fat. Areas that can be treated stomach, hips, thighs, lower back, arms, double chins, ankles and male breasts.
We also offer a wide variety of other treatments ... Waxing • Facials • Threading • Manicures • Pedicures • Lash&Brow Tint Chemical Peels • Collagen Infusion Massage • Sports Massage • Aromatherapy Colon Massage • Indian Head Massage • Hot Stone Massage • Thai Foot Massage • Warm Bamboo Massage • Baby Massage • Hopi Ear Candles
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APRIL 2016
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St Julians Club LAN fXCLUSIVE PRIVATE 0'v£EMBERS' (LUE A secret hideaway in the Weald of Kent, St Julians is an elegant Georgian country house just outside of Sevenoaks. Surrounded by woodland and landscaped gardens with breath-taking views across the rolling countryside, St Julians is an exceptional venue for your event. Our beautiful listed rooms leading to a flagstone terrace are the perfect setting for music and drinks. St Julians suits dinner parties, charity balls and informal birthday parties of 10 to 150. We still have dates available in 2016 - get in touch with us to discuss availability and prices, or visit our website for further information.
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WEDDINGS
SO
THE SECRET DIARY OF A BRIDE TO BE This month our bride finds out whether it’s normal to feel ‘dress regret’… LAST NIGHT I had a nightmare – it’s one I’ve had quite a lot recently – and in it, I’m walking down the aisle in a dress that’s nothing like the one I chose, but it’s too late to do anything about it. Sometimes with nightmares, when you wake in a cold sweat because you’ve dreamed a dinosaur’s living in your bathroom (a childhood nightmare that still scars me to this day), it’s easy to dismiss them and get on with your day. But, with this one, I can’t seem to shake off the feeling that I’ve made a weddingdress-sized error. My dress search started with such promise – a boutique in Tunbridge Wells where I fell in love with every dress I tried, including a huge princess dress covered head to toe in embellishments. The trouble was, since long before I was engaged, I’d had it in mind that I wanted a vintage dress, ideally a 1950s style tea-length affair, so I continued my search. And search I did, dragging my poor mum and bridesmaids to shop after shop, while they made all the right noises as I tried
on every style of frock imaginable. The trouble was, there weren’t many 50s style dresses about, and any that I did try made me feel more bridesmaid than bride. Then, at a vintage wedding fair I discovered a beautiful, 1960s beaded gown, which originated from Harrods, and for a couple of weeks I obsessed about it, convinced it was ‘the one’. But, on a second visit I wasn’t so enamoured – I noticed how much work it needed, and realised that I was so caught up in wanting a vintage dress that I was sacrificing other elements I desired. So, I went on, found a full-length, non-vintage dress and thought that was the end of it. Until the nightmares started, that is. Suddenly, rather than being happy that I’d found a dress, I was in a daily panic about my decision, and people’s comments didn’t help. “But I thought you wanted vintage?” they’d say when I voiced my concerns. So then I had to reel off my reasons to them, while they looked at me sceptically. Had I made a huge mistake? Browsing wedding forums reassured me somewhat – I found plenty of brides in a
blind panic about their dress choices. A fair few were already selling the gowns they’d bought on impulse, and many more were seeking assurance over whether they’d done the right thing. I felt both comforted and disturbed by my findings – wedding dresses aren’t cheap, so the fact that so many brides were feeling resentful of their choices was somewhat concerning. Perhaps it’s because you have to find one so far in advance, so you have a year or so to dwell on your decision, or perhaps there’s just too much pressure to find ‘the one’. Either way, I’ve concluded that on the day, nobody (except for those longsuffering bridesmaids) will know about the other 20 dresses I tried, and they won’t care whether there was one with nicer detailing or a longer train. They’ll be focusing on other things, like the free Champagne…
Next month, find out why our bride is feeling hassled by hen do arrangements…
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SGI AND
1
A fabulous mix of decorative antiques & authentic brocante piecesl plus collectables of the futurel handcrafted by today s best designer-makers 1
1
HOMES & ANTIQUES
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13 & 14 MAY 2016 ERIDGE PARK, ERIDGE GREEN, NEAR TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TN3 9JT TICKETS £7.50-£11 DETAILS & TICKETS AT WWW. DECORATIVELIVINGFAIR.CO.UK f DECORATIVELIVINGFAIR "JI DECLIVINGFAIR
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P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E
SO
LIFE & STYLE
We look at some of the best ways to enhance your home and lifestyle this month
BALDWINS TRAVEL Baldwins Travel Group is very proud to
Travel Group, they are listed as one of our
have two of its travel consultants shortlisted
preferred suppliers for our clients’ Canada
in the Top 5 Agents category at the 2016
enquiries. Let us use our knowledge to help
Canada Travel Awards. Mervyn Willard,
you choose your own package of highlights.
general manager at Baldwins Travel in
Call Mervyn on 01892 511 999 or visit him
Tunbridge Wells, and Steph Witchell,
at Baldwins Travel, 27 Grosvenor Road,
branch manager at Sevenoaks Travel, have
Tunbridge Wells. Alternatively, call Steph
both received Best Canada Specialist Travel
on 01732 458 255 or visit her at
Agents awards, which is a tremendous
Sevenoaks Travel,
achievement. They both work closely with
4/5 Dorset Street, Sevenoaks.
1st Class Holidays, an award-winning, independent operator specialising in holidays to Canada. They have also recently been voted ‘Operator of the Year’ at the Canada Travel Awards for a record 14th time, and have a wealth of experience in planning trips to this incredible country. This is why, at Baldwins
CHILSTONE Chilstone is one of the main sponsors of the Meningitis Now Futures Show Garden. Inspired by the courage shown by meningitis sufferers, many of whom are children or teenagers, the garden aims to show the pathway into young adulthood. Two Cotswold dry stone walls divide the garden, with the right hand wall representing the disease. Unseen to the children approaching, one sculpture begins to pass through, reaching up for help. The second begins to pass through, but doesn’t appear on the other side, showing the high mortality rate, something the charity really wanted to get over in the finished
mortal man. The second wall represents recovery, with the
design. Between the two walls is a tapered gravel path leading
fourth sculpture beckoning and encouraging the one before.
to a covered stone seating area, appearing like a small folly.
The last will be older and setting off to run, continuing with
Chilstone has handcrafted the columns and pediment and donated all the design and stonework to the charity. The folly represents the strength of the charity, giving both a pause in the children’s lives and an area of refuge. A bespoke oak seat will bear the Latin motto of the charity with a carved stone tableau above, depicting the gods helping
her life with the help of Meningitis Now. This project allows Chilstone to show the quality of their handcrafted architectural stonework on the world stage of this famous flower show. Chilstone will also be involved in two other projects at this show. They have garden ornaments on the Griffin Glass House and Solus Decor stands.
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P R O M O T I O N A L F E AT U R E
KENT ADULT EDUCATION
want to go after a promotion and need some
floristry and interior design, we can give you
extra skills to set you aside from the
the qualifications to back up your passion
competition, we have a range of courses that
and make your business stand out from the
START YOUR JOURNEY WITH US
can help you take the first step on your
rest. Starting your journey doesn’t have to
Have you ever wanted to gain a qualification
journey. Whether you want to improve your
be a struggle. Whether you are worried
or new skills and not known where to start?
IT skills with one of our ECDL courses, or you
about fitting it in to your normal routine,
Throughout life our plans change, and
want a change of career and want to embark
or worried about how to pay for an
sometimes to achieve our goals or to realise
on a counselling course, a teaching assistant
accreditation, we have options to help.
our ambitions, we need a little help to get
course or even an accounting course,
there. At Kent Adult Education, we help
we can help.
thousands of people every year reach their
It may even be that you want to start your
For more information, visit www.kentadulteducation.co.uk/
full potential. Whether you left school years
own business, but have no idea where to
accredited16, pop into your local centre,
ago without the GCSEs you needed, or you
start! From bookkeeping to courses in
or call 03000 41 22 22.
DALE HILL GOLF CLUB
image.” Speedgolf addresses pace of play
Olympic programme after a 112-year absence
head on, with this more athletic golf format; it
makes it the perfect time to combine golf and
attracts both golfers and runners, or those
running, but competitors will need to be
who seek a fresh fitness challenge. While it is
quick to challenge the current British Open
The British Open Speedgolf Championships
more physically demanding than the
Speedgolf Champion Rob Hogan, who, at the
will take place on August 14 2016, returning
traditional golf game, providing a good
2015 championship, shot a round of 77 in just
to Dale Hill Golf Club in East Sussex for a
workout, it is also a lot of fun.
34 minutes and four seconds, giving him a
second year. Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club
Pam Painter, co-founder of British
Speedgolf Score of 111:04. Last year saw the
general manager Carl Rundgren says:
Speedgolf, explains: “The challenge in
introduction of a dedicated women’s
“Speedgolf is an exciting version of the great
Speedgolf is balancing your running pace
category, and British Speedgolf is keen to
game, and one that gets the heart racing,
with your capacity to swiftly and accurately
build on the women’s field at the 2016 event
blood pumping and takes the sport to new
play your shots to get the lowest combined
to ensure they get the same recognition
limits and away from its traditionally staid
score possible.” Golf’s return to Rio’s
as the men.
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KNIGHT FRANK Knight Frank Sevenoaks is proud to sponsor the Sevenoaks Triathlon again, one of the first of the season, which is taking place during the morning of Sunday April 17. Starting with an early morning 400-metre swim at the Sevenoaks Leisure Centre, the athletes then embark on a challenging bike ride extending 25km through the beautiful but hilly Kentish countryside, east of Sevenoaks. An 8.4km run through the stunning Knole Park completes the event. Last year, Thomas Wade, a Knight Frank employee, won the event in an excellent time of 1:17:44, which he is hoping to improve upon when he returns to defend his title. He is to be accompanied by three other colleagues, Edward Rook, Tilly Wilson and Kate Horton, who are bravely competing in the race being organised by the Sevenoaks Tri-Club. This ever-popular event, where the places sell out within hours of entries opening, has now been running for the last 30 years. Martin Brown, race director, provided a bit of historical context: “On July 7 1985, 117 people gathered at the new Sevenoaks Leisure Centre to take part in the first Sevenoaks Triathlon. Fast-forward to April 19 2015, when the 41st race took place with 385 competitors. There were three competitors that raced in 1985, who were also here again in 2015!” As well as attracting many first-time competitors, the Sevenoaks Triathlon has a special medal for those that complete 10 races: the so-called Evergreens, who come back year after. George Berry, the office head, will be in attendance to present the Knight Frank trophies to the fastest local male and female. We wish every competitor enjoyment and success.
ÉTOILE WOMENSWEAR BOUTIQUE Located in the heart of Bank Street, Étoile Womenswear Boutique radiates flair, elegance and the unique blend of a personal shopping experience with the absolute finest attention to detail, catered to every client. A warm welcome invites each customer with a smile, with rails draped with established brands such as Des Petit Hauts. Since our October opening in 2012, Étoile has provided style and comfort to all ages and sizes, with each brand carefully hand-picked to accommodate the various faces fashion may take. With new brands Javier Simorra of Spain and Ikks of France debuting last season, Étoile amalgamates international trends with the Cornish countryside of Seasalt and the chic London poise of Almost Famous to create a truly unique shopping experience. Transitional outfits cater to the busy working woman, while floor-length dresses contribute to what makes Étoile your true go-to for any shopping needs. 01732 459 351 4a Bank Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1UW
CATCHPOLE & RYE BATHROOMS Catchpole & Rye Limited was pleased to welcome The Hon. Damian Green MP for Ashford to the official opening of its new workshop facility on Friday February 19 2016. As a leading British bathroom manufacturer, the new premises will double the production capability at Pluckley, and provide huge opportunity for growth and employment in rural Kent. The dedicated building will house engineering and polishing workshops, alongside an enhanced product development facility. Allied to the imminent opening of its newest showroom in Tunbridge Wells, this represents another milestone in the company’s continued commitment to business development within Kent, and its future market development both at home and overseas. APRIL 2016
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SO PREPARED
BY
I
JACK.SON GILMOU~ WIT H A GENEROUS SERV ING OF PASSION & IMAGINATION
•
Catering fo r
t~Wt Ct1'¥4'fl4v"'~
~
& a lu xu ry se r People who love food, love Jackson Gilmour. For more info rmat ion contact: 020 8665 1855 info@jacksongilmour.com
Sissinghurst Castle Garden Inspired by bulbs ... An evening with Anna Pavom Saturday 7 May 6pm-9.30pm £75 Gardening correspondent for The Independent and the author of a number of books on plants and gardening, Anna Pavord will give a talk celebrating bulbs before you enjoy dinner in the restaurant at 8pm.
An evening with Michael Marriott Saturday 18 June 6pm-9.30pm £75 Michael Marriott has been surrounded by roses for the past 25 years in his day job as technical manager at David Austin Roses. Explore the garden at your leisure and join Michael for a talk about old roses before dinner.
Inspired by meadows ... An evening with Nigel Dunnett Saturday 2 July 6pm-9.30pm £75 Professor of Planting Design and Vegetation Technology, and the Director of The Green Roof Centre, University of Sheffield, Nigel will discuss his work on naturalistic and meadow planting. After exploring the garden,join Nigel for his talk before enjoying dinner.
To book 0344 2491895 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden
88
"Yew Topiary"
Studio Open Days 2016 16th to 24th April Noon until 5pm each day Up the Garden Studio Boughton Monchelsea KentME17 4LF www.grahamclarke.co.uk 01622 743938 Studio open by appointment all year round
APRIL 2016
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ALL THE NEWS THAT MATTERS, LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL
e
/timesoftunbridgewells
@TimesofTW
U
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS
/@timesoftw
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~
/company/times-of-tunbridge-wells
....,_
.... www timesoftunbridgewells.co uk
A unique mix of local, national and international news Collect your FREE weekly newspaper every Wednesday from newsagents, train stations, supermarkets and independent retailers within a 10-mile radius of Tunbridge Wells Or sign up for your digital version via www.timesoftunbridgewells.co.uk
GET WITH THE TIMES
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EVENT
PHOTO SHOOT
COOKING UP A STORM
To launch the new phase of five bedroom homes at Royal Wells Park, Berkeley Homes invited VIP guests prospective buyers to an exclusive event. During the afternoon, local celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager showcased her culinary skills by giving an interactive cookery demonstration, to highlight the benefits of having an open plan kitchen/dining room. She was also on hand to offer cooking tips. www.royalwellspark.co.uk
COMMUNITY SHARING More than 70 people from 50 businesses shared ideas for supporting their community at the launch of Town & Country Foundation’s Corporate Business Partner initiative, which took place at the Trinity Gallery in Tunbridge Wells. During the event, guests shared ideas of how they could work with Town & Country Foundation or other community groups, including mentoring, training and producing marketing materials, and tied them on to a decorative tree. www.tchg.org.uk
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SO
WEDDED BLISS Those looking for a little wedding inspiration found plenty of ideas when they visited the Salomons Estate wedding showcase at the historic venue in Tunbridge Wells. Guests were able to meet suppliers and gather tips for their big days, as well as see the venue dressed up as it would be for wedding celebrations. www.salomons-estate.com
PURE PURCHASES Fashion lovers were in for a treat when they visited Pure Collection in Tunbridge Wells. As part of a Mother’s Day celebration, those shopping were given special discounts, as well as being treated to fizz and canapés while they browsed the latest spring collections in store. www.purecollection.com
THE SOUNDS OF MUSIC Music lovers gathered at St Mary’s church in Lamberhurst for an evening of melodic entertainment. Harpsichordist Steven Devine gave an interesting talk on the history of the Bach Goldberg Variations, before performing, while soloist Kate Semmens sang a number of pieces from Bach’s Anna Magdalena Notebook. www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk
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Tel: 01732 773553 E-mail: robert@divemachine.co.uk I Web: divemachine.co.uk Dive Machin_e, Unit f l , Orchard Business Centre, Sanderson Way, Tonbridge, Kent,TN9 !QF
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To enter a category please visit: www.rtwba.co.uk New Business of the Year Sponsored By: Ansacom Green Company of the Year Sponsored By: Global Office Creative Business of the Year Sponsored By: Fox Marketing Services Corporate Social Responsibility Sponsored By: McMillan Williams Solicitors Business Hero of the Year Sponsored By: Easistore Family Business of the Year Sponsored By: Thomson Snell & Passmore Entrepreneur of the Year Sponsored By: Infinity Group Young Business Person of the Year Sponsored By: Russell Fewin Commercial Facilities Solutions Service Excellence Award Sponsored By: Rent Locally Outstanding Business of the Year Sponsored By: Parfitt Cresswell Solicitors Times of Tunbridge Wells Readers' Choice Award Sponsored By: MJ Exhibitions
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To nominate a company for an award or buy tickets for the gala awards dinner please call: 01892 739 764 or email: info@RTWBA.co.uk
·---· •
Main Sponsors
RSI\A
w
Times 30/03/2016 09:27
BUSINESS
SO
THE FEMALE BOSSES
We take a look at why for women in this area, business is booming… AT A TIME where the gender pay gap has rarely been out of the headlines and we’re constantly being informed that women are struggling when it comes to the world of business, it may come as a welcome surprise that in our area, not only is business thriving, but in some cases, women are actually earning more than men. New figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that women in Tunbridge Wells earn more than
anywhere else in the region and more than the national average, taking home £70 a week more than their counterparts in other areas of Kent. Nationally, female entrepreneurs are faring well too – a report from Barclays Wealth and Investment Management shows female entrepreneurs now typically earn more than their male equivalents, taking home around 14% more annually. In our area, not only are women earning more, they’re taking the plunge and
launching their own businesses too. A quick stroll down Tunbridge Wells, Tenterden or Sevenoaks High Streets reveals an abundance of businesses, from fashion boutiques to fitness centres – many which have been created by and are run by women. And then there’s all the businesses run from homes and offices, ranging from law practices to technology firms. But what is it driving these local women to realise their dreams and start their own businesses?
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BUSINESS
THE AREA Popular commuter and tourist towns such as Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tenterden and Cranbrook all boast a wealth of businesses run by women – and due to their locations, they’re seeing steady success. Some businesses, such as those in the retail and tourism sectors benefit from the levels of tourists visiting these charming towns, while others see a boost in custom from the local community. “West Kent is a great location with convenient travel links to London if that’s where your market is,” says Emma Cox, of Cox Consultancy who is Chair of networking group Women in Business West Kent. “There’s also a vibrant local economy with lots of small businesses and lots of local networking.” Claire Witz, who runs networking group Tunbridge Wells Mums in Business and business school GrowthSteps agrees: “We have a thriving community of small businesses in the town – a huge amount of collaboration and support goes on between them, and as a result networking groups and businesses support services flourish in the area,” she says. “The multitude of independent small businesses play a key part in giving Tunbridge Wells the unique character that we all love.”
NETWORKING Many of the independent businesses belong to networking groups, and throughout the area there are numerous groups, all created to bring business owners of all ages and professions together. In Tunbridge Wells alone there are over 10 groups who meet regularly, and across the region there are hundreds of meets where business owners can liaise with likeminded entrepreneurs and share tips and advice. “I believe that there is great
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support for any woman who runs her own business,” says Emma. “These groups are an opportunity to meet other people who are in the same situation as you or who have already grown their business and are happy to help you on your journey.” Taking the plunge to start up a business can be daunting, but the whole process can be made all the more easy by engaging with others who are in the same boat, or have previously started their own businesses. This is where
joining a networking group can prove vital – as well as being a great place to make new friends and acquaintances, the time spent within these groups can be crucial when it comes to getting advice and input on your ideas. “Networking is essential,” says Sue Kimber, member of the Wealden Business Group and owner of Pastel Shades Bridalwear near Tenterden. “It’s a fabulous way to spread the word, educate yourself and have fun.”
While there are many benefits to going it alone in business, the process can also be isolating at times, which is where networking can be a benefit as it gives individuals the chance to meet likeminded business associates, while using the meeting opportunities to discuss ideas. “Running your own business can be quite a lonely experience,” explains Claire. “A good networking group is like having the colleagues without the office politics.”
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MUMPRENEURS The term ‘mumpreneur’ is often bandied around in relation to women in business, and refers to mums who have created their own companies. It is a label that has been happily adopted by some mums in business, and widely criticised by others. But, whether you’re a fan of the term or not, there’s no denying that more and more mums are getting creative and launching their own ventures. “I’ve been running TW Mums in Business for six years now and throughout that period I’ve seen women setting up businesses continuously,” says Claire. “I have mixed views about the term mumpreneur – on the one hand I do believe many mums have a slightly different experience of running a business around children, but on the other hand, ultimately we’re ambitious business owners who work extremely hard.” There are many contributing factors in why many women with children are choosing to start their own businesses. For some, it may be that their children have recently flown the nest and it’s time for them to focus on their own ambitions, while for others it could be that flexible working suits them more than a nine to five would. One reason that definitely seems to affect the decision to go it alone is the cost of childcare. Recent statistics revealed that in the South
TECHNOLOGY Of course, businesses aren’t limited to those you see on the High Street – plenty of women are choosing to run online-only companies, and as technology evolves it only becomes easier to build
East, the cost of sending a child under the age of two to nursery full time is £243.87 a week, while a 2014 survey by Direct Line for Business showed that 49% of mums believed they would be better off financially if they started a business from home. “The cost of living in the South East means
it is often essential that both partners bring in a wage,” explains Sue. “With the high cost of childcare, this presents a dilemma for parents with young children or indeed with children at school. Being your own boss and being able to work from home is the obvious solution.”
a brand without the need for a physical presence. Plus, a business run from home can easily become internationally recognised, without all the overheads that come with the need for a shop or office building to run your business from.
“It’s definitely easier for a woman who wants to start up her own business now,” says Emma. “Websites are readily accessible and a reasonable price to set up, and social media helps with attracting and creating a ‘tribe’ of people who not only buy your products but recommend them to others. Clients can be local, or the internet gives access to a global network.” Some women, rather than leaving a career to set up a business, are choosing to run a company alongside their day job, and in these instances, web-based businesses are ideal as it’s something they can manage beside their existing profession. “The rise of technology and social media has led to the emergence of a new type of business,” explains Claire. “Local small businesses are also finding it’s viable to work with clients much further away who were not previously accessible through using facilities such as Skype.”
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With the future looking bright for women in business, perhaps it could be time to finally put those ideas into action. Claire, Emma and Sue have these pieces of advice for anyone considering taking the plunge…
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SUE
CLAIRE
EMMA
My advice to someone thinking of starting up their own business is to do plenty of research into what might work in your area, identify your customer, calculate all costs - start-up and running costs ie have a business plan, decide if you have enough hours in the day to run the business, forge contacts with those who could help you and who you could help in return, take a deep breath and hopefully you will enjoy the fruits of your labour and maintain a healthy status quo at home too.
• Take small steps and adapt quickly • Think “is this scalable” from the outset • Find your difference • Ask and really listen to feedback • Make sure there is not just need for your products or services, but actual demand – are people actually willing to pay for what you offer? • Understand what you don’t know and get advice or learn from someone who does – business schools like GrowthSteps are invaluable in this • Start networking with other local businesses as early as you can – don’t feel you need to wait until you can offer a fully formed “slick” business before you start as there’s a huge amount of support there and it can help you avoid re-inventing the wheel.
Do it! If you have a job at the moment, look to set up a business part time until you know you can make a go of it financially. Take some time to check you have a valid business idea and that people will buy from you. Go out networking to test ideas and get feedback. We all have something to contribute and once you’ve found out what it is there’s no stopping a woman who knows where she wants to go
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01892 514514 Linden House, Linden Close, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8HH
www.bsrb.co.uk
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BSR BESPOKE CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS
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LEADING FROM THE FRONT Now more than ever, women are making their mark in the business world, be it as founders of limited companies, or by heading up established operations. To find out what makes them tick, we hear from a selection of local high-flyers, who offer some handy tips from the top on how to get ahead
SARAH BELLAMY, INTERIOR DESIGN DIRECTOR, SKINNERS OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS My one piece of business advice is... The starting point for a business to be successful is to have a passion for what you do or what you want to do; a self belief and determination that you can make a success of your business, which will in turn enable you to put in the hard work required to achieve your goals. In an age of internet shopping, providing the very best customer service is essential in order to make your business stand out. At Skinners of Tunbridge Wells, our aim is to provide a service that cannot be found on the internet i.e. totally personal and individual.
ELEANOR HOSKIN, MANAGER, BEAUTELLIES My one piece of business advice is... I became the manager of Beautellies when I was 22 and I was ready for the challenge. Beauty has always been my passion from when I was little and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. Business is always changing and I think it is a must to constantly adapt to new ways, new treatments and new ideas by ongoing training. You have to keep evolving to be great. “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin
SARAH GILLMORE, PERSONAL STYLIST My one piece of business advice is... To give something for nothing! At least to start with, while you are getting yourself and your business known. It need not be something big or use a lot of your time, but something that may be of value or inspiration to someone. It seems to be true that if you give, you can expect to receive somewhere down the line. It is a feel-good practice to do occasionally anyway, which can generate business and attract goodwill. The other side to that is that when you do charge, keep in mind the value you are adding. People value more what they have to pay for. Remember that what you have to give is valuable.
CATHERINE GALLAGHER, FOUNDING DIRECTOR, THE BEYOND TRAVEL COMPANY My one piece of business advice is... Do what you love and love what you do. When you’re running your own business, you need to know why you’re doing what you’re doing – this will give you ‘laser focus’ and create a strong enough desire to keep you going through ‘thick and thin’.
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Gorringes Tunbridge Wells LLP, 85 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PX
Hilden Park
Chartered Accountants
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APRIL 2016
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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
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BUSINESS NEWS OUR MONTHLY LOOK AT WHAT’S GOING ON IN THE LOCAL BUSINESS WORLD
● WORTHY CAUSE An intrepid team of six from Tunbridge Wells law firm CooperBurnett is set to tackle the Three Peaks Challenge this June in aid of charity ellenor, which offers home support and care to families facing terminal illness. The group will be climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England and Snowdon in Wales in 24 hours, having embarked on a 16-week training programme. Trainee solicitor Katie Hilsdon says: “We are hoping that our mission will raise a significant contribution towards our overall goal to donate £10,000 to ellenor this year.” To support the CooperBurnett team, visit www.justgiving.com/CB3Peaks
Baby boom Tunbridge Wells-based luxury baby changing bag brand Jem + Bea has scooped a Small Business Award from Nick Brown, the business expert from BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine Show. Jem + Bea was founded in September 2015 by ex-lawyer Dominique Hughes and accessories designer Rebecca Da Silva Lima, when they saw a gap in the market. Dominique and Rebecca say: “We are so honoured to win this award only six months after launching our brand to market. It is a real accolade to be selected by such a well-regarded business expert at this stage in our journey.” www.jemandbea.com
FAMILY BUSINESS
A new emporium showcasing local artists and craftspeople has opened in Tunbridge Wells. Zaven’s, on Mount Ephraim, is owned and run by Christina Gudenian, with the support of her two daughters. The shop sells gifts, cards, collectibles, artworks, locally handmade jewellery and candles. A floristry service is also available, offering readymade bouquets, arrangements and plants. Christina says: “Having spent 30 years working in offices, Zaven’s is a culmination of everything that is ‘me’.” Zaven’s is open from 9am until 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday and some Sundays. For more information, call 01892 457 205 or 07906 017 753.
TRAILBLAZING TIPPLES Tenterden-based Chapel Down is the first wine producer to be recognised in the London Stock Exchange’s ‘1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain’ report, which recognises the UK’s most dynamic small and mediumsized businesses. The estate’s 2014 crowdfund was quoted as having ‘blazed a trail in England’s winemaking and craft beer market’, and the winery was recognised for welcoming over 50,000 annual visitors to Tenterden. CEO Frazer Thompson says: “Being recognised by the London Stock Exchange as one of Britain’s most inspiring companies is a great honour, and it is humbling to be the first wine producer to feature.” www.chapeldown.com
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THE TRADING
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FOOD NEWS Our monthly look at what’s happening on the local culinary scene
● TIME FOR TEA Foie gras, cucumber jelly and bacon jam might not be foods you’d expect to see on an afternoon tea menu, but Alexander House Hotel in Turners Hill have decided to shake up the traditional scone and sandwich scene by offering a range of eclectic foods as part of their new premium seven course afternoon tea experiences. With items such as foie gras and rhubarb macaroons and sandwiches containing truffle mustard available, the hotel will be offering this new taste sensation on April 16 and 30. www.alexanderhotels.co.uk
FITTING THE BILL If all goes to plan, the longawaited opening of Bill’s in Sevenoaks should take place this month. The eatery, which is situated on London Road, had been rumoured to be coming to the area for a while, and this was confirmed when an eight week building project began in February. It is now believed the restaurant will begin trading from early April, providing the necessary works are
➤ TOP TASTES A number of local food and drink businesses are celebrating after scooping prestigious Taste of Kent awards. The awards, which recognise the best producers from across the county, saw accolades given to Chapel Down in Tenterden for their Bacchus wine, and Hush Heath in Staplehurst and Hollin Root farm in Cranbrook for the Kent Countryside award. Benenden-based Hinxden Dairy were named winners in the dairy class for the Kent Food Product award, while Anno Distillers from Marden were winners of the specialist drinks category for their 602 gin.
completed on time. Bill’s, which originated in East Sussex already has establishments in Tunbridge Wells and Bluewater, and is set to open a further 25 premises this year. APRIL 2016
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COME DINE WITH DAVINA Local star and health food aficionado Davina McCall talks serving up nutritious treats…
PA PHOTO/ ANDREW HAYES WATKINS
A
fter 15 years of marriage, Davina McCall surprised her husband Matthew by arranging to renew
their vows in Las Vegas last spring. Romantic as it sounds, the TV presenter and fitness fanatic insists it was quite the opposite. In fact, the whole day was a family affair, with their three children – Holly, 14, Tilly, 12 and nine-year-old Chester – secretly writing the vows on the plane, and two “really great friends” who couldn’t come to their wedding
like, ‘right that is it – you are going to cook
in 2000 joining in on the surprise.
for me a bit more!’ He’s very good at
“I said to Matthew, ‘we’re going to renew our vows’, and his face sort of fell,” McCall,
cooking, Matthew.” McCall – who recently hosted Channel
48, recalls with a laugh. “He said, ‘Oh my
4’s winter sports show The Jump – is
God, that’s so cheesy. No!’”
also a dab hand in the kitchen of course,
“I said, ‘darling, we’re just going in our clothes, you don’t have to change into anything, we’re going to have a real laugh,
After this long together, the couple have a good rhythm at home – but McCall notes that there’s always room for improvement... “It’s funny because recently, when I’ve worked a couple of nights, Matthew’s cooked for friends or cooked for the kids, and I think, ‘hang on a minute, how come you never cook when I’m there?!’ “He’s actually quite a good cook, so I was
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“It’s interesting, you think, ‘oh well, the got more adventurous with the new stuff I
Written out of frustration at the confusing
Smart Carbs seeks to simplify the issue. “I’ve always been telling everybody about eating a balanced, healthy diet [one that includes carbs], and then I suddenly thought, ‘have I been telling people the wrong thing?’ Then a nutritionist told me that there are good carbs and bad carbs, and we came up with this idea of smart carbs. “It makes total sense; there are smart carbs, ones that are good for us – and there are some very simple changes we can make.” These changes include swapping white bread, rice and pasta for brown varieties (“That’s a no-brainer”) and using sweet
“It was brilliant because it was very casual,
parmesan topping – but actually they loved it.
cookbook to her repertoire.
‘actually, that’s quite cute’, and we all piled
we didn’t make it into a great big thing.”
crumble with a cauliflower, quinoa and
kids aren’t going to like it’, but the kids have
advice surrounding carbohydrates, Davina’s
our way through our wedding vows.
McCall recalls how she thought her kids would “baulk” when she first made a chicken
recently adding another healthy-eating
the kids have written the vows’, and he went, down to the Little White Chapel and laughed
potato in place of regular spuds.
give them. They’re into trying new things.” She acknowledges mealtimes can be a battleground, however. “I’ve got three kids and quite often, two of them like something and one of them doesn’t. I don’t make them something different – I just say, ‘have some of the veg and have a bit more of this if you don’t like that’. “I always try and get them to try it,” McCall adds. “The more somebody tries something, the more likely they are to like it in the end.” Fancy trying one of McCall’s recipes yourself? Here’s a tasty recipe from
Davina’s Smart Carbs...
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LAMB AND AUBERGINE CASSEROLE (SERVES 4)
• 2 aubergines, cut into 2.5cm cubes • Olive oil spray • 1tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, finely sliced • 600g lean lamb leg or shoulder, trimmed of fat and diced • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1/2tsp ground allspice • 1/2tsp ground cumin • 1/2tsp ground coriander • 1/2tsp cayenne or hot chilli powder • 1/4tsp ground cinnamon • 400g can of chopped tomatoes • 200ml chicken stock or water • 1tbsp pomegranate molasses • 1tbsp lemon juice • Small bunch of parsley, leaves only, to serve • Salt and black pepper
Preheat the oven to 220°c/200°c Fan/Gas
Add the tomatoes and the stock or water.
7. Put the aubergines in a bowl and spritz
Bring to the boil, then turn down the heat,
them with olive oil spray, then turn them
put a lid on the casserole dish and simmer
over and repeat. Spread the aubergines on
for an hour until the lamb is becoming
a baking tray and roast them in the oven for
tender. Add the aubergines and the
about 20 minutes, until they’re starting to
pomegranate molasses, cover again and
brown.
cook for another 30 minutes.
Heat the olive oil in a large flameproof
Remove the lid from the casserole. If the
casserole dish. Add the sliced onion and
sauce is very liquid, simmer until it has
cook it slowly over a gentle heat for about
reduced slightly, then add the lemon juice.
10 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent,
Serve sprinkled with parsley.
then turn up the heat and add the lamb. Cook until the lamb is well browned, stirring regularly, then reduce the heat and
Davina’s Smart Carbs by Davina McCall is
add the garlic and spices. Season with salt
published by Orion Books, priced £16.99.
and pepper.
Available now
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Spring Offer at the Best Beech Inn Book a table for two or more* on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and ...
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UNDERCOVER EATER You never know where our foodie spy will be headed next...
opt to share the sake nigri (£5.80 for four pieces) which is seasoned sushi rice with salmon, the tekka avocado maki (£4.40 for six pieces) which consists of raw tuna and avocado in a seaweed roll and duck springs rolls (£5.40) on a bed of shredded cabbage and carrots served with sweet hoi sin sauce. In addition we order the asparagus nigiri (£2.60 for two pieces), which is slightly bland and my personal favourite fuji maki (£6 for eight pieces) consisting of prawn, crabstick, cucumber, omelette, avocado and oshinko. The flavours and textures merge perfectly in this dish and it satisfactorily hits the spot.
➢ PRICE
Our bill comes to £26.70, which we both feel is great value for money and an affordable price for two people dining. If picking and choosing sushi dishes doesn’t take your fancy/appeal, set menus are available and range from £10.40 to £31.30.
➢ STAFF
Our waitresses are attentive, but perhaps
Here’s where we send one of our resident foodies into a local eatery and they tell it like it is. This month Undercover Eater visits Kitsu in Tunbridge Wells
a little too much before we order when we want to catch up for five minutes. Overall though, we were happy with the service provided and had the staff’s attention when we needed it.
➢ INTRO
eatery is near capacity on a Monday
A catch up with a friend who is fairly
evening. On top of this, people regularly
new to Tunbridge Wells was planned for
pop in to collect their takeaway orders.
a quiet Monday evening. I suggest
Kitsu is a particularly tiny venue, so
options that are strikingly similar as a
independent eatery Kitsu, for its
much so that we have to disrupt the
mix and match of only a handful of
renowned authentic sushi and the only
diners next to us in order to gain a clear
ingredients. However, I believe that once
restaurant in town that exclusively
pathway to the exit when we leave.
you work out which dishes you enjoy
serves the popular Japanese dish.
➢ LOCATION
➢ MENU
➢ THE ONLY THING IS…
I find the extensive sushi menu offers
and complement one another, Kitsu can certainly satisfy your sushi needs. If the
To begin with we order a green tea each
sound of raw fish doesn’t appeal to you,
Tucked away opposite the Royal Victoria
(90p), and our cups are generously
don’t be put off as there are a plethora of
Place car park entrance, this sushi and
refilled throughout the duration of our
options for cooked fish sushi.
noodle bar can easily be missed. Despite
meal. My friend’s dietary requirements
being situated centrally in town, the
are dairy free and she also has a sesame
curry dishes and yaki noodles are
restaurant feels on the fringe and is not
allergy, so we’re pleased to learn that
also on offer.
in a particularly desirable location.
the restaurant can easily cater for us.
➢ DÉCOR
I’m reliably informed that the decor is
Alternatively, a range of soup noodles,
Staff eliminate sesame from the appropriate dishes and we intentionally order sushi without cream cheese.
82a Victoria Road
similar to the aesthetics of a typical
Even with this reducing our choices,
Japanese restaurant, however, it is
an overwhelming extensive sushi menu
TN1 2PW
reminiscent of a school canteen. This
still baffles us for a while.
01892 515 510
doesn’t put off punters though, as the
As we want to eat a variety of fish, we
Tunbridge Wells
www.kitsu.co.uk
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FOOD
SO
THOUGHT FOR FOOD This month, our celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager is making a splash about wild salmon
I
would like to talk about wild salmon this month. At Easter we always have salmon gravlax – it seems to have
become a family tradition. When I was working on the Isle of Harris at the castle, I would look out of the kitchen and watch the salmon getting ready to jump – it was like watching hundreds of mini sharks! You would get the odd one jumping high into the air, and I could sit on the rock watching for hours. I always regretted not taking a photo. To me, it was one of our natural wonders. They could not jump until the water was the exact height; it was normally after a rainfall and with the high tide in tow so they could swim up against the current on to each ledge containing a pool of water. What surprised me was how little water they needed. The wild salmon have a longer body, and not as many spots on the body as on the farmed salmon. When they are filleted, the wild salmon have very little or no fat lines; this is a much
“When they are filleted, the wild salmon have very little or no fat lines; this is a much drier fish so more care has to be taken when cooking it”
drier fish so more care has to be taken when mostly die; this is an arduous task – they
about 5cm to 8cm, and when they’re around
don’t always make it because of
a year old they become known as Parr.
– it has big fat lines and is oilier. It also
exhaustion. Once in the river they will then
The salmon can stay in the river from two to
doesn’t taste nearly as nice, but because of
wait until the spawning occurs. The female
five years, and during this time they go
the fat content it is easier to cook. You can
selects her spawning site away from
through a huge transformation. Eventually,
buy good farmed salmon but it’s always
predators. They find some loose gravel
they become known as Smolts, and prepare
worth finding out where it comes from as
with the water flowing steadily; this is
themselves ready for the big wide ocean
the farms do differ. However, if you want a
important for the oxygen.
with the salt water. The spots on their
cooking it. It’s also more expensive. The farmed salmon is a cheaper product
treat then I would go for the wild. The life cycle of a wild salmon is
The salmon do not feed the whole time they are in the fresh water. They are extremely fit
gills start to disappear, whereas farmed salmon spots stay. The wild salmon now heads out with the
fascinating. As I mentioned, the wild salmon
and fat from the ocean life when they first
find their way upstream to the river of their
arrive; this is a must to survive the journey.
water, remembering as its goes how to
birth to spawn and then
The colour on their bodies starts to change too
come back. When it’s ready to spawn it will
– the male salmon become quite red and the
make the journey upstream. In the
females dark brown.
meanwhile, it will feed on eels, herring and
To spawn the female digs a 10cm to 30cm
crustaceans which determines the colour of
deep nest deposited in the gravel with her
the flesh. I have had a white salmon, so it
tail, and she may lay up to 1,500 pea-sized
obviously didn’t eat any prawns! The wild
eggs. As they develop these are called Alevin – they feed off their sac,
salmon will swim thousands of miles ready for its return to spawn.
then emerge four to six weeks after hatching. They’re now about 2cm in length, have eight fins and are called Fry. The Fry eat microscopic life in the water, they get to
www.rosemaryshrager.com
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Start your
journey with us Ever wanted to gain further qualifications or new skills? KAE have a range of Accredited courses to help you achieve your goal, or realise an ambition. KAE offer GCSEs in English and maths, or Accredited courses in accounting and counselling.* Your first step is to take a look at the range of courses available; there are even courses in the evenings and at weekends. For more information visit kentadulteducation.co.uk/Accredited16 one of our local Kent Adult Education Centres or call 03000 41 22 22
Kent
County Council kent.gov.uk
Kent Adult Education is part of Community Learning and Skills
Bringing learning to life
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*Advanced Learner Loans are available for enrolment on courses that are Level 3 or above, subject to status. Please see the website for more details.
24/03/2016 12:39
SCHOOLS
SO
EDUCATION NEWS
GOOD FORM
Bethany School in Goudhurst is celebrating the opening of a new extension to its dedicated Sixth Form Centre, The Orchard. The project, which has been several years from planning to completion, offers Sixth Form pupils at Bethany modern facilities in which to socialise and study, including a brand new kitchen, common room
and six new dedicated study rooms. “This new Sixth Form Centre is far superior to what even most universities can offer, and I am proud of the standards we have set at Bethany,” says headmaster Francie Healy. “I look forward to it becoming the new place of camaraderie and friendship that so epitomises the character of Bethany.”
HOME VISITS Rose Hill School in Tunbridge Wells has developed a connection with Mount Ephraim House, a local residential care home. Children from year 4 have been volunteering to go and
➧ WINNING WORDS
spend time with residents each
A Tunbridge Wells school has taken second prize in the second World Book Day Award,
Tuesday after school, as part of
winning £5,000 of new books. Judges, headed by internationally bestselling author James
their PSHE (personal social health
Patterson, awarded Wells Free School £5,000 to spend on new books for its school library after they were impressed by
and education). The pupils spend time talking to and playing games
the school’s video submission entitled ‘I
with the residents during their
Open a Book and I Am.’ Prize conditions
visits, and some have brought in
state the award must be spent in a local
photos to share.
bookshop, and Wells Free School has chosen Mr Books of Tonbridge. “We are thrilled to win this wonderful
“Our residents enjoy seeing children and visitors from the
prize, especially so soon in our school’s
local community,” says Karen
history,” says Ani Lawrence, headteacher
Cooper, home manager at Mount
at Wells Free School. “Reading is key to learning, and new books are always vitally needed. Our pupils will be so excited when
Ephraim House. “They have really loved the visits from Rose
they see the wonderful new books that
Hill and seeing the children each
their efforts have earned them.”
week brightens up their day.”
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APRIL 2016
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SCHOOLS
SO
SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT Choosing the right school for your child can be one of the biggest decisions you’re likely to make as a parent. And with some top institutions on our doorstep, you couldn’t be better placed to give your son or daughter the best start in life. Here are some outstanding academic options to consider
SKIPPERS HILL MANOR PREPARATORY SCHOOL Skippers Hill Manor Preparatory School is a non-selective, co-educational independent day school in Five Ashes, Mayfield, for children aged two to thirteen.
Above all, we aim to provide a happy, busy, stimulating and structured environment, where our children feel valued and secure, and where they
thrive and achieve to the best of their ability. We pride ourselves on the warm and harmonious family atmosphere at our school, where strong and lifelong friendships are formed. What makes Skippers so special? •We cherish individuality •We have an outstanding team of teachers •We are set in 22 acres of idyllic countryside To gain a true insight into school life at Skippers Hill, interested families are encouraged to visit us, sample the atmosphere and, most of all, meet our staff and pupils. Contact the school office on 01825 830 234 to arrange a personalised tour with our headmaster, Mr Hammond. We look forward to welcoming you.
THE ICT REVOLUTION AT RUSSELL HOUSE It is said the only constant in life is change. So it has been at Russell House, where development in recent years has included a major regeneration of ICT teaching. These improvements have sparked something of an ICT revolution at the school. The upgrade of hardware included over 70 new machines, and a collaborative learning zone, library and story-telling zone called The Hub. New interactive whiteboards, video recording equipment and mobile laptops have transformed how the school delivers computing. Essentially, the use of computers, laptops, tablets, visualisers and smartboards in the classroom occurs in two ways: either to teach
or to learn, and ideally lots of both. The spirit of adventure has certainly arrived; a reflection of the changing times around the world and the wealth of digital resources at our teachers’ fingertips. Now, ICT covers a much broader range of skills, with a heavy emphasis on coding. ‘Digital tasks’ are included in all subjects. This might include writing blogs from the perspective of a fictitious character from the class novel, or movies created to depict an interview between a doctor and victim of the plague, scripted, played and edited by the pupils. The result for the children? Vastly increased engagement, creativity and self-confidence. APRIL 2016
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W H AT ’ S O N
APRIL ENCORE HERE’S A LIST OF KEY EVENTS TAKING CENTRE STAGE THIS MONTH
14TH » Marcarbe Portayal
The Birthday Party, a cryptic thriller directed by Harold Pinter is showing at Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. Set in a shabby boarding house in a small English seaside town, an elderly couple see the arrival of two guests offering a distraction from their mundane existence. But when an impromptu, seemingly innocent birthday party abruptly turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse, there are horrifying repercussions. Start at 8pm and tickets are £17, to book visit www.trinitytheatre.net
7TH » Barrel of Laughs
The next installment of comedy shows at The Bell in Ticehurst will be a hilarious evening on Thursday April 7 boasting three acts. All London based, comedians Mo Gilligan and George Lewis will be performing highly amusing stand up with cult cabaret comedy favourite Fake Bush as MC. There will certainly be something for everyone and dinner is included in the £30 ticket price. Show starts 8pm. To book, call 01580 200 234 or email culture@thebellinticehurst.com 120
7TH » Thrill on Film
Experience an evening of extraordinary short films from the world’s most prestigious Mountain Film Festival bringing its international tour to The Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells. Ignite your passion for adventure, action and travel through an exhilarating collection of the latest films from the most talented adventure film makers of today, whose expeditions have taken them across the far flung corners of the globe. Showings begin at 7pm and tickets are £12.50. For more information and to book, visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
10TH » Shall we Dance?
Don your finest vintage dress and head down to the Stag Plaza in Sevenoaks on April 10 for a fun afternoon tea dance. The Jean Bentley Dance Orchestra will be playing popular classics spanning from the 20s to 40s, and you won’t be able to resist moving your feet! Through the afternoon, Ballroom and Latin dance tutorials will take place leading to social dances and a short cabaret. Doors open 2pm and tickets start from £6. To book visit www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk
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W H AT ’ S O N
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18TH » Folk Festivity
As part of the Tonbridge Folk club, popular duo Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer will be performing in the upstairs function room of the Foresters Arms in Tonbridge. In addition to their effortless blend of traditional material with contemporary sounds, Vicki and Jonny will showcase original self-penned toe tapping tunes with a variety of instruments. Expect a light hearted evening with this fresh take on the folk tradition. Shows starts at 8pm. For more information visit www.tonbridgefolkclub.org
20TH » Spoken Words
For literary types, Javabean Cafe in Tunbridge Wells will be hosting a wonderful evening of live poetry and prose readings penned by local writers. Read Your Words is an open mic night with the opportunity to share your own short stories on the night or simply sit back and relax with drinks and nibbles to enjoy the readings in the audience. Doors open at 7pm and entry is free. For more information visit www.javabean-cafe.co.uk
22ND » Piano Perfection
Known as ‘the doyen of Classic FM’, Ji Liu will be performing in the Lamberhust Music Festival’s programme at St Mary’s Church in Lamberhurst on Friday April 22. A permanent fixture on Classic FM, Ji Liu’s debut Piano Reflections was released by the radio show to critical acclaim and immediately went on to become No.1 in the classical charts. This extremely talented pianist is not one to miss! Starts at 7:30pm, tickets are £20. To book, visit www.lamberhurstmusic.co.uk
26TH » Choral Composition
An ensemble of Sevenoaks School’s classical choirs will perform and be led by the Sevenoaks School Choral Society on Tuesday April 26. Set in the atmospheric Pamoja Hall of The Space in Sevenoaks, the Sennocke Consort will perform Mendelssohn’s much loved classic anthem Hear My Prayer with its famous solo O, for the Wings of a Dove. This Alan Adler memorial concert is a must-hear for lovers of choral and orchestral music and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7. For more information visit www.thespacesevenoaks.co.uk APRIL 2016
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C U LT U R E
SO
INSIDE VIEW This month, Paul Dunton gives us an insight into the life and times of local musician and photographer CJ from Code: Marla
C
hris Thorpe aka ‘CJ’ is a popular and
enjoyed very positive reviews and the sound
renowned musician based in Tunbridge
evolved considerably during this period.
wells. CJ started performing live 15 years
CJ called upon several local musicians to
CJ cuts his trade as a professional photographer and co-runs Sandgoose Photography with his friend and colleague
ago with his emo/indie rock influenced band
be involved in the Code: Marla project
Chelle Lane. The duo work throughout the
Dysuria. The band gigged locally, mainly at
including Fraser Hall on guitar, Millie Davis
Kent and Sussex region, specialising in
The Tunbridge Wells Forum and a few other
on vocals, Frances Yonge piano/vocals,
product photography, portraits and
venues across the county.
Mystery Clarke (guitar) and`Richard Smyth
composites. CJ studied photography
adding further samples and synth ideas.
and media at college, graduating in 2005,
began to change direction and he took a
The sound had a Massive Attack/Portishead
and has since worked as a product
large interest in various forms of Electronica
feel at times, and when watching
photographer and graphic artist for
music and in 2005 he formed a new project
Code: Marla live you’re in for a unique
several different companies before
Code: Marla, inspired by a new influence
soundscape experience.
establishing Sandgoose.
Over the next few years, CJ’s music tastes
named Red Snapper, who in the early 2000s
Watching them for the very first time,
Sandgoose are also keen supporters of the
were making serous waves in the UK as a
I felt completely absorbed within the sound;
local music scene and are working closely
live drum and bass outfit. There appeared to
the music almost has a hypnotic effect,
with many musicians offering their services
be elements of dub step, trip hop and
drawing the listener in effortlessly. Since the
for album artwork and design, band profile
ministry of sound ‘chill out’ vibes within CJ’s
band’s beginnings in 2005 they have gigged
shoots and live gig photography.
songwriting style and the Code: Marla live
extensively across Kent and Sussex at a
sound was rich in heavy bass lines and full of
range of venues. CJ has been a strong
music by candlelight series at the Grey Lady
ghostly, atmospheric samples.
supporter of the local music scene for many
music lounge on The Pantiles.
In 2011 the first Code: Marla album was
years and can be often found cheering on
They are also proud sponsors of the local
To find out more about Sandgoose visit
successfully self-released and two ep’s
other local groups and musicians at their gigs
their website www.sandgoose.com and
followed in 2013 and 2014 on independent
and also performs with fellow musician
check in with all the latest goings on with
label Bit Normal records. All three releases
Mystery Clarke in his band.
CJ’s band at www.codemarla.com
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T H E AT R E
ENCORE
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Shout! Lulu, the singer-songwriter from the 60s still has plenty to shout about. The Grammy-nominated singer will be performing hits from her 50 year career, such as To Sir With Love, The Man Who
Sold The World, Relight My Fire and, of
This season’s top theatre picks
course, Shout. As well as performing
T
songs from some of her musical heroes, heatre, music, comedy, spoken
such as soul legends, Ray Charles and
word, entertainment…you name it,
Otis Redding, she will also be taking us
The Assembly Hall Theatre has it!
on a musical journey recalling personal
Whether you’re a music fan, theatre
anecdotes, song writing experiences, and
fiend or comedy fanatic, the Assembly Hall Theatre has something to offer you.
other entertaining stories. Renowned elephant conservationist
Following a £1.5million refurbishment, the
and wildlife television presenter, Saba
theatre stands as the cultural and
Douglas-Hamilton, will be talking wildlife.
economic hub of Tunbridge Wells, proudly
Known to millions of television viewers
hosting world-class performers from
for This Wild Life and Big Cat Diaries,
thrilling and diverse backgrounds.
Saba will entertain audiences with
“2015 has been an exceptional
exciting animal stories and intimate behind the scenes tales of life in Kenya
year for me, in a 50-year
with her young family. Born in the Great
career. From performing at
of conservation charities and has
Glastonbury, releasing my first self-penned album and
Rift Valley, she has worked for a variety appeared in wildlife documentaries and
Magicians Pete Firman, Kiwi compere Jarred Christmas and unbeaten legend, Never Mind The Buzzcocks team captain and one of Channel 4’s ‘100 Greatest Stand-Ups in the World’ Sean Hughes. Antony Costa best known for being one of the members of the group Blue stars in a new UK tour of rock ‘n’ roll musical Save the Last Dance for Me, sweeping audiences back to the 1960s. From the same team that brought audiences Dreamboats and Petticoats comes Save The Last Dance for Me, a show that brings the swinging 60s back to life – including some of the biggest hits of the decade. The new UK tour is an opportunity for audiences to get nostalgic, as they follow the journey of two teenage sisters through the summer of 1963 and features the classic hits of Pomus & Shuman including A Teenager in Love; Sweets for my Sweet; Here I go Again, Can’t Get Used to Losing You to name but a few. A great night, guaranteed!
is currently a director of Elephant Watch Camp in Kenya’s Samburu National
LULU: Mon April 18
Reserve. A Life with Elephants includes a
ALL STAR STAND UP: Sun April 17
fabulous band for the first
Q&A session.
SABA DOUGLAS-HAMILTON: Wed April 20
time in 10 years. I had so
The All-Star Stand Up tour presents
OTIS REDDING JNR: Wed May 11
four heavyweight comics in the biggest
SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME:
much fun, I’ve decided to get
comedy tour of the year. Featuring
Mon 4 to Sat 9 July
touring the UK, solo with my
back out there to do it again, and I can’t wait!” - LULU
double Sony Award winner and star of
Mock The Week Gary Delaney, top comedy trickster and star of BBC 1’s The
www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk Box office 01892 530 613
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ADVERTORIAL
The Fairfax Gallery will be starting the Spring with an exhibition to brighten up the season. Further images of the original paintings from the artists featured and many more can be viewed on our website www.fairfaxgallery.com The gallery offers services for private clients, interior designers including a home trail service to view art works in your own home or office to ensure the perfect piece.
ON THIS PAGE Adam Hargreaves Wild Garlic Flowers Oil on Canvas 150 x 108 cm David Atkins Late Evening on the Ashdown Oil on Canvas 122 x 135 cm Gemma Harwood Tunbridge Wells in Gold OS Map with Gold Leaf on Panel 110 x 120 cm Jenny Pockley Steel Grey London Oil on Panel 31 x 41 cm
Open seven days a week • 23 The Pantiles (Lower Walk), Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TD
2
1 2 6F E B AR PU RAI R L Y2 2 00 1 164
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ADVERTORIAL
The Fairfax Gallery will be holding a solo exhibition of paintings by Shaun Ferguson between 19th - 23rd April at 8 Duke Street St James’s London. A graduate from the Royal Academy Schools and previous outright winner of the Discerning Eye, ‘New Discovery Award’ (at the time the largest financial award bestowed on any artists in an open competition in the UK) Shaun’s work has been praised by critics and is held in major private and public collections around the world. Further information regarding the exhibition can be viewed on our website.
ON THIS PAGE Shaun Ferguson Books Acrylic on Canvas 66 x 61 cm Shaun Ferguson Headdress Acrylic on Canvas 76 x 76 cm Shaun Ferguson Sheet Acrylic on Canvas 66 x 61 cm Shaun Ferguson Boxer Oil on Canvas 65 x 60 cm
Tel: 01892 525 525
www.fairfaxgallery.com
3
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Sardinian Paradise an Island of Unique Beauty
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Europe&UK Compendium
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L U X U R Y T R AV E L
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
SO
EXPLORING EUROPE You don’t have to travel to the other side of the world to discover some stunning destinations
T
aking an escorted land tour is a
architectural treasures beyond compare,
GERMANY
perfect way to discover Europe.
along with a cultural and culinary
River boat tours are one popular way to
Relax in supreme comfort and allow
heritage that is the envy of the world.
explore Germany, with options including
yourself to be guided along on expertly-
From Norway’s glacier-carved northern
voyages along the Rhine or Elbe. With
planned itineraries. River cruising gives
coast within the Arctic Circle, down to
European breaks like this, you’ll get the
an alternative perspective to the
the compelling variety of scenery across
chance to learn about the history of the
continent’s myriad delights and, with
Turkey to the south, from majestic
places you pass through, as well as
multiple destinations visited in a single
Russia in the east, the geological marvel
getting to see some of the most
trip, the sense of value is unmatched.
of Iceland to the west and everything in
spectacular settings from an entirely
Both allow you to literally watch the
between, Europe offers a complex blend
new perspective. From the Black Forest
world go by and enjoy an evolving
of culture, cuisine, countryside and
to the busy streets of Berlin, medieval
backdrop of awesome scenery whatever
creativity virtually at our front door.
villages, and fairytale-like castles sitting
the weather. They say that home is where the heart
Here are some of our favourite destination ideas:
high atop steep cliffs, there are a vast array of sights to enjoy on a river cruise through Germany.
is, and when you consider the characterful collection of islands that we
FRANCE
have the privilege of calling our home, it
There’s no doubt that France lives
SCANDINAVIA
is no surprise that for some, the perfect
up to its reputation as a romantic
With scenic landscapes and regions that
holiday means exploring the many
country with a unique, serene beauty
seem completely untouched by humans, a
charms that surround us in the UK. Be
and plenty of history, in addition to fine
tour of Scandinavia is a popular choice for
inspired by the spectacular beaches of
foods and many of the world’s most
those who enjoy spending time in the
the Cornish coast or the captivating and
renowned wines. Whether you are
great outdoors. You’ll also get to experience
intricate wealth of history to be found in
intrigued by fashion, history, architecture
many of the metropolitan areas of
our great cities. Opt for a short break to
or simply the Parisian way of life, a
Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Or why
have a little something to look forward
trip to Paris won’t disappoint – and a
not opt for a Baltic cruise that sails from
to, perfectly highlighting the wonders
cruise along the Seine is a fantastic way
Dover to St Petersburg, with stops in
within our own geographical back yard
to see landmarks like Notre Dame, the
Copenhagen, Stockholm and Helsinki?
and generate travel memories that
Hotel de Ville and the Eiffel Tower.
redefine ‘domestic bliss’.
Alternatively, you could get away from
Wherever you want to go, escorted
the hustle and bustle to see what else
European tours from Titan are a great
choices at home and across the globe, it
the country has to offer. Normandy,
way to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
is easy to overlook the pleasures to be
Burgundy and the Rhone Valley are
For more information please contact
enjoyed in our own extraordinary
three excellent destinations, while those
Baldwins Travel Group
continent. Yet the countries of Europe
looking for some sand and sunshine
www.baldwinstravel.co.uk
present scenic splendour and artistic and
could head to Nice and the Riviera.
#HolidayInspirations
With virtually unlimited holiday
Panoramic image of Dresden, Germany during sunset with Elbe River in the foreground.
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L U X U R Y T R AV E L
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
SO
SPOTLIGHT ON ITALY When it comes to booking an Italian escape, not all roads lead to Rome…
A
captivating and stunning country,
from boutique to boutique, people-
LAKE MAGGIORE
Italy boasts some of the most
watching over a coffeem and
AND LAKE COMO
spectacular landscapes in Europe. The
sitting on the beach at the edge
The Italian lakes are magnificent.
soaring mountains and glittering lakes
of the sparkling sea.
Lake Maggiore, stretching for
of the north give way to pretty
40 miles and straddling the border
vineyards set amidst rolling
CAPRI
between Italy and Switzerland,
countryside and glorious beaches
Off the coast of Positano you’ll find the
is a natural phenomenon that has
lapped by sparkling turquoise
island of Capri. Take a trip to Villa
drawn visitors for years. Many
waters. Packed full of unforgettable
Jovis, the best preserved Roman villa in
people’s first stop is Isola Bella –
highlights, a holiday to Italy might
Italy, to discover its charms for
‘Beautiful Island’ – with its sumptuous
take you to world-famous cities and
yourself. You can also wander around
palace and breathtaking gardens.
traditional hilltop villages. Along
the gardens of Caesar and then take a
A few miles east of Maggiore is Lake
the way, ancient historical wonders
chair lift to the highest point on the
Como. Shaped like an inverted Y, it
await you at every turn and the
island for dazzling views of the
boasts incredible scenery and two
delicious regional cuisine can be
mainland.
notable towns, Como and Bellagio.
SAN GIMIGNANO
LE MARCHE
Heading north from the Amalfi coast
For an authentic Italian experience look
POMPEII
and past the beautiful city of Siena
no further than Le Marche, which is
The ancient city of Pompeii was frozen
you’ll soon come across the unique
just as beautiful but offers a slower
in time on August 24 79AD when it
hilltop village of San Gimignano.
pace of life and has fewer visitors than
was smothered in volcanic debris,
Studded with 14 medieval towers – the
the country’s hot spots. Enjoy this
killing the inhabitants and casting
result of a feud between two warring
stunning coastline and head inland to
their forms in great ash dunes. As you
families – its silhouette is striking to
discover an unspoilt region with
explore this vast area, boasting well-
say the least. The narrow streets are an
beautiful vistas, lush vineyards and
preserved buildings still displaying
inspiring setting and play host to
intriguing historic sites.
colourful frescoes, you get a palpable
amazing coffee shops and gelateria.
enjoyed with a glass of exquisite local wine.
sense of life in Roman times.
Wherever you choose to explore, FLORENCE
join Travelsphere on a tour of this
POSITANO
With world-renowned galleries
romantic land and we’ll help you fall
‘Picturesque’ is the go-to word
and exquisite architecture at every
in love with Italy’s enchanting
when describing Italian towns
turn, each winding street leads to
atmosphere and breathtaking beauty.
but when talking about Positano
another jaw-dropping sight in Florence.
Contact your local Baldwins Travel
it doesn’t come near to capturing
If the bustle of this fine city – home to
Group branch for a brochure or to
its beauty. It’s a popular spot that
some of the greatest art in the world
discuss any Italian itinerary.
clings to the cliff’s edge, where
– gets too much, the peace of the
www.baldwinstravel.co.uk
the best activities are popping
Tuscan hills is within easy reach.
#HolidayInspirations
Tuscany hills and meadow
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L U X U R Y T R AV E L
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
A VAST ADVENTURE With so much to see and experience in Canada, you might just have to book a return trip to fit it all in…
C
anada is the perfect place to
Newfoundland, which is actually
explore with family and friends.
closer to us than to Vancouver on
As the second largest country in the
the West coast! One of the great
world, this hugely diverse
train journeys of the world is ‘The
destination has something for
Canadian’ which travels from
everyone and will certainly provide
Toronto to Vancouver and takes an
memories to last a lifetime. A visit to
incredible five days!
Canada also guarantees great value
132
The seasons in Canada are the same
for money and a warm welcome,
as ours, although the difference
with most visitors quickly planning
between seasons is much more
a return trip to this huge land.
pronounced. They have warm, sun
The main tip when planning a
filled summers and ice cold winters
holiday to Canada is to realise just
(with exceptions), so make sure you
how big the country is and try not to
plan to go at the correct time,
include too much in one trip. The
depending on the type of experience
closest point to the UK is
you are looking for.
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L U X U R Y T R AV E L
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
SO
Beautiful Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
from Calgary, Banff or Jasper to
rated as one of the best places in the
spectacular area to visit is the mighty
Vancouver on the west coast and
world to live and has a vibrant feel with
Canadian Rockies. Striding the border
provides a ‘once in a lifetime’
a stunning backdrop. Canada’s largest
between Alberta and British Columbia
experience. There is also a new route
city, Toronto, is found in the east and is
these snow capped peaks provide some
that travels along the Fraser River from
a perfect place for a shopping break. It
of the most incredible views on earth.
Jasper to Whistler and offers the same
offers a huge selection of museums,
The resort towns of Banff and Jasper are
impeccable service with a different type
theatres, restaurants and galleries and
the perfect place from which to explore,
of stunning scenery.
is only two hours from one of the
The most popular and perhaps
with a visit to Lake Louise and its world
If you are looking to get off the beaten
wonders of the world, Niagara Falls. The French influenced Montreal and
famous hotel a must. Keep your camera
track or experience some close up
ready for grizzly and black bear, moose,
wildlife viewing then activities such as
Quebec City are perfect places to
elk and much more when exploring this
heli-hiking or a visit to see the Grizzly
discover some of Canada’s rich history
area, and find time to set foot on the
bears of Knight Inlet are a must. For
while enjoying some wonderful cuisine.
Athabasca Glacier.
something a little different, board one
There are excellent rail links from here
of the Alaskan Cruises to explore some
to Toronto, Niagara Falls and the
breathtaking surroundings is to take a
of the most spectacular and unspoilt
capital city, Ottawa. Travelling in
trip on the two day Rocky Mountaineer
scenery on earth. Choose from a
Canada couldn’t be easier.
train journey. Described as the most
selection of state of the art ships with a
spectacular train trip in the world, it
wealth of facilities and offering great
1st Class Holidays operate
offers a daylight only service with a
value for money.
through Baldwins Travel
A wonderful way to experience these
choice between comfortable Silverleaf or luxurious Goldleaf service. It travels
Canada also offers some wonderful city experiences. Vancouver is often
www.baldwinstravel.co.uk #HolidayInspirations
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Baldwins Travel Group have 2 of th e Top 5 Canada sa les consultants in the country, so for speciali sed advice and personal servi ce ca ll: MERVYN AT BALDWINS TRAVEL TUNBR IDGE WELLS: 01892 511 999 OR STEPH AT SEVENOAKS TRAVEL: 01732 458255
Baldwins Travel Group
134
Our experienced travel consultant s ca n also help with your Canada enquiries at: BALDWINS TRAVEL - TONBR IDGE: BALDWINS TRAVEL - UCKFIELD: BALDWINS TRAVEL - MAIDSTONE: TRAVELUX OF TENTERDEN: GRACE TRAVEL OF CRANBROOK:
www.baldwinstravel.co.uk
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#Holidaylnspirations
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JOIN US FOR • Coffee & Bacon rolling on a rolling basis• 18 Holes Championship Course• 2 Course meal with presentation of prizes • Competitions: Hole in 1 • Beat the Pro • Hickory Challenge.
Excellent opportunity to bring your colleagues for the day or invite guests. Package costs £260 incl VAT for a team of4 Limited Spaces xlO teams now booked on. www.hever.co. uk/sobusinessgolf
PLACES ARE LIMITED, PLEASE CALL CLAIRE ON 01732 701003 TO RESERVE YOUR TEAM OR EMAIL GOLFDAYS@HEVER.CO. UK CLOSING DATE: 30 APRIL 2016
*T&C'S APPLY - For Hole in One Competitions only.
HEVER CASTLE GOLF CLUB, HEVER ROAD, HEVER, ED ENBRIDGE, KENT. TNS 7NP Untitled-7 2
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ADVERTORIAL
A GOOD WALK SPOILED For seasoned players and first-time beginners alike, golf is a terrific way to spend an afternoon, developing or learning a new skill and meeting likeminded people along the way. We find out about some local courses that are offering new and exciting initiatives to get you into the swing of things LULLINGSTONE PARK MORE THAN JUST A GOLF COURSE Lullingstone Park might be one of the best established and – according to some – one of the most exciting golf courses in the South East, but it’s also a great destination for anyone looking to spend time in beautiful Kent countryside. With the 18-hole castle course and its nine-hole valley course companion, Lullingstone Park is an ideal spot for both the serious golfer and families, as Mark Watt, head professional, explains. “Over the past few years, we’ve invested heavily in our grounds maintenance programme, and our dedicated green-keeping team have worked hard to
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improve playing conditions and enhance the golfing experience. “Our wonderful setting also makes us an ideal spot for families to enjoy the outdoors, and maybe have a game of pitch and putt, while The Lodge provides a setting in which to enjoy a coffee, some lunch or an afternoon drink with friends.” Participation in golf is often restricted by the time involved, especially in a world in which many of us lead increasingly full and busy lives. That’s no reason not to enjoy the game at Lullingstone, says Mark. “Our nine-hole is a big hitters’ course that many find challenging and rewarding. A round can be completed in two to three hours, making it ideal for the longer spring and summer evenings.” For further details on activities and events at Lullingstone Park Golf Course, call 01959 533 793 or visit www.lullingstonegolfcourse.co.uk
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ADVERTORIAL
SO
HEVER CASTLE GOLF CLUB HEVER CASTLE GOLF CLUB is proud to be the flagship venue for Golf Like a Girl events. Golf Like a Girl was set up with the aim of encouraging and inspiring more women to enjoy golf. The events at Hever have been very well attended since spring 2015 and continue to grow throughout 2016. Founder of Golf Like a Girl, Tanya Wright, identified Hever Castle Golf Club as a perfect venue for women, from complete beginners onwards. It can be daunting coming along for the first time, so the warm welcome that all the women receive aims to puts everyone at ease. Events start off in the clubhouse over coffee and a chance to meet the rest of the group, many of whom have never played golf before. The Castle Golf School professionals then teach 90 minutes of coaching in a relaxed, ‘no pressure’ way. Covering all the
friendly group is key to what we do. The numbers of women returning after the first, often nerve-wracking session speak for themselves, as there is now a thriving community of women at Hever, both on and off the course. For more details about our upcoming events, please go to www.golflikeagirluk. com or call Hever Castle Golf Club Professional Shop on 01732 700 771.
main golf shots, everyone can have a try without worrying about how they do, as everyone is in the same boat. Women can progress on to ‘Game On’ sessions, which are two-hour lessons played entirely on The Princes nine-hole course. All events end with a delicious lunch in Hever Castle Clubhouse. Learning to play golf in a sociable,
Join us for a Golf Like A Girl event at Hever Castle Golf Club, Kent
For more information please visit www.golflikeagirluk.com Contact Tanya, Peter or Marisa at Hever Castle Golf Club on proshop@hever.co.uk / 01732 700771
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ONE WARWICK PARK HOTEL
Grand
OPENING JUNE 2016 For advanced room or event reservations contact us on: 01892 507 691 I info@onewarwickpark.co.uk To keep up with the latest hotel developments go to www.onewarwickpark.co.uk
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Model shown is the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider at OTR £63,600 which includes Alfa Red pastel paint at £600, Carbon fibre halo at £1,800, 18-19" Multi-spoke alloy wheels with dark finish at £1,350, Red brake callipers at £350. Range of official fuel consumption figures for the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider: Urban 28.0 (10.11/100km); Extra Urban 55.4 (5.11/100km); Combined 40.9 (6.91/lOOkm). C0 2 emissions 161 g/km. Fuel consumption and co, figures are obtained for comparative purposes in accordance with EC directives/regulations and may not be representative of real-life driving conditions.
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MAKE MINE A BENTLEY Matt Kimberley takes this super new SUV for a spin…
T
he Bentley Bentayga –
SPACE AND PRACTICALITY
pronounced with a capital ‘A’
A big boot and useful cabin storage
sound in the middle – is the
combine to make good on the
newest, fastest and most luxurious
Bentayga’s promise of space. The boot
SUV you can buy. It’s packed with
lip is high, but you can customise it
exquisite detailing that lifts it above
with a practical fold-down ledge for
the rest of the SUV crowd, plus
sitting on. Beyond that is a capacious
technology that helps it drive
boot, three rear seats with loads of
shockingly well.
legroom and the back half of four-zone
It’s more than 5.1 metres long, two metres wide, even excluding the
climate control. Just be careful with the beautifully soft leather, won’t you?
mirrors, and weighs 2.5 tonnes with a driver on board. Under the bonnet is
BEHIND THE WHEEL
an all-new 6.0-litre W12 engine that
The 12 cylinders deliver near-instant,
shares not a single nut, bolt or screw
crushing, relentless torque that’s
with its predecessor. Two banks of six
seamlessly delivered to the road via
cylinders diagonally interlaced provide
four independently electrically-
600bhp and a creamy 664lb/ft of
controlled wheels of up to 22 inches
torque courtesy of two twin-scroll
across. It’s breathtakingly quick. You
turbochargers.
can’t completely escape 2.5 tonnes, but the Bentayga stays implausibly flat
THIS CAR SUMMED UP IN A SINGLE WORD:
LOOKS AND IMAGE
through corners thanks to a 48-volt
Here’s the divisive bit. The back is a
electrical system that tweaks the
little bland and could belong to a few
ever-plush suspension while you drive.
other brands if you squint, but small
Carrying indecent speed through
tweaks to the front since the concept
corners without body roll is the big
stage have improved it no end. It’s
Bentley’s party piece, but the rest of
colour-sensitive, though, and you’ll
the package is sublime. The multi-way
want to pitch for one of the beautiful
adjustable seats are all-day comfy, the
reds, greens or blues. Bentayga brown
driving position is perfect behind the
is a choice you might come to regret.
slightly-too-chunky steering wheel and
clouds rubbing together. It doesn’t
Either way, the lustrous paint finishes
the obviously Volkswagen Group-
sound as good under power as the
are utterly gorgeous.
sourced satnav interface is a dream to
Mulsanne and the brakes should be
use. There’s even a good sense of feel
stronger, but otherwise, it’s
and feedback at the wheel.
exceptional.
There are no image worries here. It’s a Bentley in every way; true to what the modern brand stands for and true to the
MIGHTY
It’s also so quiet that you’ll think
direction the company’s founder W.O.
you’ve gone deaf. In traffic, you’d think
VALUE FOR MONEY
Bentley would have wanted for it. If you
it was electric, and even at 70mph and
For a starting price more than double
like the idea of a luxury SUV, there’s
1,500rpm in the eighth of the buttery-
that of the Range Rover, it depends
nothing more appealing in the world.
smooth gearbox’s ratios, it’s like two
how much you want that exclusivity,
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FACTS
SO
BENTLEY BENTAYGA, FROM £160,200 Engine: Turbocharged W12 petrol producing 600bhp and 664lb/ft Transmission: Eight-speed automatic driving all four wheels Performance: Top speed 187mph, 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds Economy: 21.6mpg Emissions: 296g/km
that badge and the mind-boggling
a Range Rover seems a bit budget by
to reach adequate profitability –
attention to detail on offer here.
comparison.
they’ll easily shift all 5,000 they can build every 12 months. People with
But £1,400 to have a craftsman pick up a different colour of thread with
WHO WOULD BUY ONE?
the means will buy the Bentayga
which to stitch the dashboard does
SUVs are so popular the world over,
simply because it’s the best.
seem a bit unreasonable – and that’s
that when you think about it, it’s
just one of up to £70,000 worth of
surprising it’s taken car makers like
options on the press launch cars.
Bentley so long to build a hyper-
If this car was a... hotel it would have
luxury one. The company has already
five stars, a peerless interior and
raised its target of 3,600 units a year
tangible heritage in its workmanship.
Price issues aside, nothing can touch its combination of qualities and
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SBI Verandas & Awnings
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so
AND
EVENTS
SIMPLY SMALLHYTHE
SO
58
Why this National Trust property is a must-see
PAGES OF HOMES, INTERIORS & GARDENS
PAGE 158
THYME TO PLANT
How herbs can enhance your cooking PAGE 199
GREY’S ANATOMY
The essential new shade for your home PAGE 148
BEAUTIFUL WEALDEN HOMES…OUTDOOR SEATING…GARDEN ARTWORK…CONTEMPORARY LIGHTING… F E B R UA RY 2 0 1 5
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Untitled-19 2
NEPTUNE
24/03/2016 12:46
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INTERIORS
557 SHADES OF GREY
Why experts are dubbing grey the ‘new magnolia’…
O
nce upon a time, magnolia ruled in homes. The warm peachy shade was for years apparently the only choice for walls – until out of the shadows came grey. “It’s an interior designer’s murder mystery – did grey kill magnolia?” teases Kate Watson-Smyth, whose new book, Shades of Grey, focuses on the power of a grey palette and explains in crystal clear fashion, spiced with a liberal dash of humour, how to use it stylishly. “Nowadays poor old magnolia’s a byword for all that is bland, blah and boring in interiors, even though in its heyday it was lauded as being practical because it didn’t show the dirt, and its soft colour instantly suggested homeliness. “Unfortunately, new lighting in the nineties, not grey, was the real culprit, which gradually brought about its demise. The harsher, cooler, clearer
148
light of halogen, LED and fluorescent lamps, which replaced incandescent bulbs, simply made magnolia look terrible and left the field clear for grey, which now rules the roost. Our love of all things Nordic and the popularity of grey in fashion has also played a part in our passion for this palette.” Fresh, modern and easy to match to other colours, it’s perhaps hardly surprising that elegant, sophisticated grey is currently regarded as the perfect neutral. There’s only one snag – deciding which shade to choose. As if the names for shades weren’t baffling enough – take these, ‘Elephant’s Breath’ is actually mid-grey, ‘Blackened’ is actually pale blue, bestselling ‘Down Pipe’ is dark grey while ‘Clooney’ (named after George, natch) is a bluey grey – the number on offer can induce paint chart paralysis. Fifty shades? Forget it – Dulux recently expanded its range and now offers a
mind-boggling 557 greys. “Grey’s one of the hardest colours to get right when it comes to decorating your home. Get it wrong and the effect can be cold and energysapping, but if it’s right it will look ultra-chic and modern, so although it takes a bit of mastering, it’s well worth it,” says WatsonSmyth. “To find the best shade, you need to consider a few key things, including which direction your room faces, what time of day you’ll be in there, the prevailing weather and, last of all, the actual shade you like! “Hopefully, by understanding grey, you’ll be spared from buying a zillion expensive sample pots, having walls daubed with confusing splashes of paint, or painting a whole room in the wrong shade and finding it resembles a prison cell! I’ve done it myself in my kitchen and had to repaint it. Just be warned, once you’ve gone grey, you’ll be hooked.”
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INTERIORS
SO
{ SEE THE LIGHT {
Grey’s enduring popularity over the last decade is partly down to the cold, clear northern light we enjoy in this country – put simply, grey just looks good here – but always evaluate how much natural light a room gets and the direction it comes from.“For a small and dark north-facing room, don’t fight the space by painting it a pale colour,” says Watson-Smyth. “Instead, embrace its cosiness. Pick a strong shade of grey – as near to black as you dare – and use on every wall. The warm light of a south-facing room allows you more freedom of choice – pale greys can work as well as dark ones. East and west-facing rooms can be tricky, as the light will change from warm to cold as the sun moves across the sky. The secret is to look for a shade which will warm the cool and tone down the warm. For east-facing rooms, try greys with a blue or green base.” A shade to consider, she suggests, is Little Greene’s French Grey, a warm pale grey which won’t dominate or darken a space. Absolute matt emulsion, £19.25 for 1L (www.littlegreene.com). EXPERT VIEW: “I started by painting one alcove in my house grey – it’s a good way to experiment with a shade - and then fell in love with the colour and painted the whole house in dark grey. It’s the best interiors move I ever made,” enthuses interior designer Abigail Ahern. To be safe, buy a sample pot and apply a generous amount in various places in a room, to see how the colour alters at different times of the day.
{GREY MATTERS{
PA FEATURE/RYLAND PETERS & SMALL
Always consider the effect that your existing furniture, textiles and flooring may have on a paint shade – no grey is ever seen in isolation. “Grey goes with all the other colours on the wheel, so you could throw in some pink until you feel like a change, and then maybe swap it for orange or yellow. It’s probably more affordable to swap the accessories than the wall colour,” suggests Watson-Smyth. “Be aware, though, that light will bounce off a bright pink sofa and turn walls slightly violet. Modern LEDs often throw out light with a blueish tinge, which will add to the pink purple effect. If you’re concerned a room may look too plain painted all grey, use a textured wallpaper as a base to add interest. Skirting boards and radiators painted the same grey as walls will open up and enhance a space and painting a ceiling a paler shade of the wall colour, rather than white, can also be effective.” EXPERT VIEW: “Grey has a mercurial personality. It can be masculine or feminine, strong or subtle, depending on how it’s used and the overall design palette,” says American designer Kelly Wearstler. “I love playing shades of grey off metallic, marble or handpainted silk wall coverings in a room. A monochrome palette of grey and white allows geometric forms, patterns and textures to have a stronger voice.”
{ MAKING GREY WORK {
How you use a room has a bearing on the intensity of grey you should use. “If you’re in a room mainly in the evening, or always have the lights on, you can afford to opt for a dark shade,” advises Watson-Smyth. “Rooms in use all day long and beyond, such as a kitchen where you also eat in the evening, require a grey which works with natural or electric light. For daylight hours, dark grey will work particularly well if you have a reasonably light room to start with. Dark walls in a kitchen work well with a light floor and cabinets – choose warm greys for north-facing rooms and cool greys for south-facing rooms. Dining rooms, which often suffer from lack of light, can be painted in dark greys which will conjure an intimate, cosy atmosphere but if this room’s also used in the day, opt for a lighter grey.” EXPERT VIEW: “Grey paint is like the chocolate on a biscuit. Just as that will bring out the flavour of the biscuit, so grey brings out the depth of the other colours it sits with,” says Marianne Shillingford, creative director of Dulux. APRIL 2016
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SO There's nothing quite like the warm glow of a wood burning stove to make your home feel really welcoming. At our Tunbridge Wells showroom you will find on display a fine selection of stoves and fireplaces to suit every home, taste and budget. Our knowledgeable staff will be pleased to help you choose the right stove for your home and all our HETAS installation engineers have years of experience.
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Come and talk to us to see how we can help keep you warm with a beautiful new stove or fireplace.
II
The Old Wine Vaults, 58 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8BB
Tel: 01892 534434
www.adenafires.co.uk
Spring Offer - The Piltdown £4,900 + VAT List Price: £5,390 + VAT
Offer expires: 30th June
Excludes: groundworks, bricks, roofing, assembly, delivery & VAT.
• Over 480 designs in our Acorn Range • Free planning drawings with every order • Free site survey subject to location Try our 'Quick Quote' on our website
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INTERIORS
SO
BLOOMINGVILLE
White flower pendant ceiling light, £300 www.amara.com
DESIGN MY WORLD LTD Jeeves pendant light, £195 www.designmyworld.net
BRIGHT START
KENSINGTON DESIGN
Virginia Casa luminarie baroque tureen lamp, £258 www.kensingtondesign.com
A selection of quirky lighting accessories to brighten your home
MADE WITH LOVE
Glass bell jar cloche lamp, £99.95 www.madewithlovedesigns.co.uk
RUME
Large construction lamp, £3,001 www.rume.co.uk
NEXT
Wooden star feature light, £40 www.next.co.uk
DESIGN 55 INTERIORS
Customisable cinematic lightbox, £34.99 www.design55online.co.uk
DOWSING AND REYNOLDS
Giant illuminated heart, £299 www.dowsingandreynolds.com
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EDMONDSON INTERIORS Showroom and workshop in Go11dh11rst, Kent TN17 1EU
Bespoke Kitchens & interiors since 1994
01580 212934
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www.edmondsoninteriors.co.uk
Learn a trade or improve your skills with the CITB CSkills Award for wall and floor tiling training courses with our qualified professional tutors.
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TENTER DEN • • TILING TRAINING SCHOOL
Showroom at Leigh Green Industrial Estate Appledore Road Tenterden TN30 ?DE
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Featured Designer
interiors by
sk1ri'riers
OF TUNBRIDGE WELLS
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NT/JOHN MILLER
INTERIORS
THE PLACE TO BE Susannah Mayor is the House Steward at Smallhythe Place near Tenterden. Here, she explains what’s involved in maintaining the National Trust property, which belonged to actress Dame Ellen Terry… How have you been preparing for the season ahead? We spend the winter checking and cleaning every object in our collection – over 9,000 items. It is also the time that we plan events and create new exhibitions. What tasks will you be undertaking around the house this April? Every Saturday I will do a tour of our costume stores to reveal more about the fantastic theatrical costumes in our collection and the stories behind them. This has to be booked as there are limited places but it is a chance to share some of the collection which is not normally seen. What is your approach to the property, both in terms of preserving its heritage and moving forward? We have a particularly special collection at
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Smallhythe which belonged to Dame Ellen Terry – it is indigenous and irreplaceable. This governs certain aspects of how we do things – for example many N.T properties with sacrificial elements to their collection now encourage visitors to sit on the chairs, play the piano etc. We can’t do this without damaging what we have, but we don’t have ropes and we do try to make everything as accessible as possible and to preserve the very special atmosphere of the house. Which original features still remain in the property? The house is very well preserved and looks at the front as it would have done in 1515 when it was built. The wooden slides on the upstairs windows survive from a time when there were shutters but no glass, the old inglenook remains and the majority of the structure of the
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house and its layout is original. The charming 17th century barn in the grounds which houses the theatre is a good example of a Wealden barn which once accommodated livestock, crops and animal feed. The theatre was created in 1929 and is a wonderful intimate space with a remarkable history; Sir John Gielgud performed here many times and was the patron from 1947 until his death.
NT/JOHN HAMMOND
What is the biggest challenge at Smallhythe? The biggest challenge is looking after the 250 Victorian theatre costumes. Wood, metal, paper etc is comparatively straight forward but textiles are more complicated. They are susceptible to insect damage, mould and deterioration due to age. We keep them in a specially designed store where the temperature and humidity are carefully monitored. The conservation of the costumes can be very expensive if they need specialist attention. The Beetle wing dress which is on display is one of the most famous pieces of theatre costume in
NT/J WHITAKER
NT/JOHN MILLER
INTERIORS
England and cost tens of thousands of pounds to be conserved five years ago. The money was raised with many kind contributions from supporters and from the theatrical world. What’s your favourite area or element of the property? I love the calm of this house; there is a particular quality to the garden too, a very real sense of wellbeing. My favourite element is possibly the collection of scripts in the library; they belonged to Ellen Terry and are heavily annotated in her lovely handwriting. They give a great insight into her thoughts when approaching a part, she also treated them as scrap books so they contain much of interest.
Is there anything in particular that visitors should look out for this season? In June Dame Eileen Atkins is coming to perform here in the Barn Theatre – Ellen Terry with Eileen Atkins which she recently performed at the Globe. With this in mind we have put on display E.T’s original lectures which were adapted for this production; they accompanied her to America and Australia and again are covered in extra notes and comments. We have a very busy events programme featuring lots of Shakespeare to commemorate 400 years since his death as well as family entertainment and activities for children. How can visitors recreate something of the Smallhythe feel in their own homes? Ellen Terry had very good taste and furnished this house in country oak furniture to suit its simplicity, she loved cut flowers from the garden to be in the house and even had daffodils sent up from Smallhythe to her house in Chelsea when she wasn’t here . What’s the most popular time for visitors at Smallhythe Place? The roses are beautiful in June and this is a popular time but we are always busiest in the summer when our visitors can enjoy the garden, a picnic or an outside production as well as visit the house.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place
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@) AQUALISA Untitled-19 2
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BEAUTIFUL HOMES
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HOME FRONT
I
t may seem as though we’re only seeing the first shoots of spring, but keep that sunshine at the forefront of your mind, because now is the perfect time to think about buying a new home in time for summer, where you can enjoy beautiful interiors as well as embrace the outdoors. Our selection of properties this month are filled with opportunities to do so with
glorious gardens, terraces ideal for alfresco dining and space for recreational activities with enticing swimming pools and tennis courts. Let us be on hand to assist in your search for your perfect new Wealden home, with properties that are bound to tempt you and your family. From historic architecture to country houses, we’re sure there’s something for everyone.
GRAND DESIGN
RUSTIC RETREAT
CREATIVE COUNTRY HOME
WOODLAND RETREAT
GOTHIC GRANDEUR
Handsome 19th century
Striking Grade II Listed
An attractive 1930s
A contemporary family
A Victorian country house
Regency style mansion
farmhouse and annex
Arts and Crafts style
house situated in the
in a wonderful elevated
in Cranbrook
in Hawkhurst
house in Oxted
glorious Ashdown Forest
setting in Kilndown
Price: £2,999,995
Price: £1,295,000
Price: £2,750,000
Price: £1,750,000
Price: £2,950,000
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Phillip McKnight
INTERIOR
•
EXTERIOR
•
DOMESTIC
•
COMMERCIAL
01892 539 389 • 07970 729 114 • www.McKnightdecorator.co.uk
Tunbridge Wens Property Services Painting & Decorating
Plastering & Rendering
Carpentry & Joinery
Covering all aspects of interior and exterior decorating including hand painted kitchens and paper hanging, carpentry repairs to handmade furniture and all types ofplastering and rendering. We will provide you with a free detailed quotation and our work will be carried out to the highest standard and fully guaranteed. Call 01892 525 487 or 07939 299 629 for a free quote info@tunbridgewellspropertyservices.org I www.tunbridgewellspropertyservices.org
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24/03/2016 12:51
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BEAUTIFUL HOMES
GRAND DESIGN Handsome 19th century Regency style mansion in Cranbrook A CLASSIC COUNTRY mansion nestled in the Kentish Weald area, Ellerslie House has undergone a recent renovation that compliments the period detailing and grandeur of its original features with sophisticated interiors and modern technology. The property boasts high ceilings with decorative cornicing, tall sash windows, mahogany internal doors and marble fire surrounds that sit alongside the limestone masonry on the ground floor. The elegant reception rooms are of gracious proportions, including the sitting room which doubles as a cinema with a projector and surround sound system. The kitchen is fitted with handcrafted cabinetry and opens to the elegant orangery. Double bedrooms are spread over the first and second floors
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of the house with the principal suite connecting to en suite and fitted dressing room with a luxurious pedestal mounted bath. Bedrooms have access to contemporary bathrooms with underfloor heating. On the second floor is a kitchen, tank room and eaves storage. Ellerslie House benefits from a self-contained cottage which is attached to the main building via the utility room. The accommodation is spread over two floors and includes a sitting room, kitchen, two bedrooms and a bathroom. Among the 10 acres of land there are landscaped gardens predominately south facing, a particular part walled croquet lawn, children’s play area and tennis court. A highlight is the series of tiered ponds which flow in to the small lake.
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PROPERTY: Ellerslie House LOCATION: Gills Green, Cranbrook GUIDE PRICE: £2,999,995 BEDROOMS: 9 (including cottage) BATHROOMS: 8 (including cottage) BEST BITS: One of the many secluded spots can be found in the pool pavilion which comprises a stunning mosaic tile outdoor swimming pool and sunbathing area. n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Orangery Cottage Sonos sound system Gymnasium block Wine cellar Pool pavilion Tennis court Children’s play area Electric gates Landscaped gardens Croquet lawn Rose garden Cranbrook school catchment area Around 10 acres of land
For full details contact: Hamptons • 01892 516 611 • www.hamptons.co.uk
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lL[J WOOD & PILCHER
Heathfield
Guide Prices £260,000 - £280,000
Available now. 2 Contemporary homes having been completely refurbishec and extended to provide beautifully appointee accommodation throughout over 3 floors. 3 BEDROOMS (2 double), KITCHEN/ BREAKFAST ROOMS, SIDING ROOMS , GROUND FLOOR WC'S, COURTYARD GARDENS, 2 ALLOCATED OFF ROAD PARKING SPACES. UNIT 1: ENJOYS 1 BATHROOM AND A CELLAR PROVIDING STORAGE. UNIT 2: ENJOYS 1 BATHROOM AND 1 EN-SUITE SHOWER ROOM. VIEWING ESSENTIAL. Heathfield is a traditional market town lying in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and in a convenient position south of Tunbridge Wells and north of the South Coast. Nearby train stations at Buxted and Stonegate give access to London.
Heathfield Office I 01435 862211 heathfield @woodandpilcher.co.uk
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Other offices in Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Southborough, Crowborough & associated London Branch
woodandpilcher. co. uk
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BEAUTIFUL HOMES
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PROPERTY: 36 Glenmore Park LOCATION: Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE: £895,000
Perfect family home in a desirable location of Tunbridge Wells
BEDROOMS: 4 BATHROOMS: 4 BEST BITS: The detached converted loft space has ample opportunities as either a studio, gym or office and conveniently includes a kitchen sink as well as a bathroom.
THIS STUNNING EXECUTIVE family home sits within the prestigious Glenmore Park on the desirable south side of Tunbridge Wells. Enviable views across the town are provided as the property is situated in an elevated position. Stylishly decorated throughout, this home comprises a generous entrance hall and an open plan kitchen/dining area with wooden worktops, a ceramic sink and built-in dishwasher. The cosy separate sitting room hosts rustic details such as the feature brick inglenook fireplace and exposed ceiling beams. Situated on the first floor are the four bedrooms, with the master benefitting from extensive built-in wardrobes and an en suite with double shower enclosure and heated towel rail. The further three bedrooms share a contemporary family bathroom fitted with a tiled panel bath. Of particular note is the attractive tiered rear garden with several patio areas including a covered barbecue and bar space, ideal for entertaining whatever the British weather brings. This is all amongst delightful greenery, which decorates both the front and rear of the property.
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PARK HEIGHTS
Elevated position Entrance porch Cloakroom Wooden flooring Inglenook fireplace Open plan kitchen/dining room Wine cooler Master bedroom with en suite Detached studio/office Double garage Tiered garden Several patios Covered bar area Desirable location
For full details contact: Wood & Pilcher • 01892 511 211 • www.woodandpilcher.co.uk
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jackson-stops.co.uk Jackson-Stops &: Staff
Nutley, East Sussex An exciting character house extended and refurbished and creating a contemporary styled family house in a spectacular location in the Ashdown Forest with wonderful views
People Property Places Untitled-1 1
About 3,932 sq ft • Open Plan Kitchen/Dining/Living Room • Utility Room • Library • Drawing Room • Conservatory • Master Bedroom Suite • Two Guest Bedroom Suites • Two further Double Bedrooms • Single Bedroom • Family Bathroom • Detached Heritage Style Garage • Gardens Swimming Pool with Pool House and Changing Room • Two Gatehouse Rooms
Guide price: fl,750,000
Tunbridge Wells 01892
521 700
tunwells@jackson-stops.co.uk
Local &: National reach through a network of London&: Regional offices
30/03/2016 11:51
BEAUTIFUL HOMES
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PROPERTY: Little Gassons LOCATION: Nutley, East Sussex GUIDE PRICE: £1,750,000 BEDROOMS: 6 BATHROOMS: 6 BEST BITS: The drawing room enjoys wonderful
ASHDOWN FOREST RETREAT A contemporary family house situated in the glorious Ashdown Forest LITTLE GASSONS IS a wonderful detached house brimming with character and based in the spectacular location of the Ashdown Forest allowing excellent panoramic views and picturesque walks. The impressive property is built of brick and features weather boarded elevations under the tiled roof. Restored and modernised with honey coloured oak joinery, powder coated aluminium leaded light double glazed windows. The heart of the home is the large openplan contemporary styled kitchen, dining and living area and features exposed beam ceilings and travertine tiled flooring. A beautiful oak staircase leads up to the first floor which hosts five bedrooms, two with en suite and a family bathroom. The master bedroom suite situates the second floor with walk-in wardrobe and tiled shower room. On top of being in the desirable location of the Ashdown Forest, Little Gassons boasts thriving gardens and an outdoor swimming pool, a paved seating area and a detached pool house with changing and shower room. The privacy of the property is enabled by the boundary hedging and is approached over a forest driveway.
views over the surrounding areas and benefit from a statement recessed fireplace with a large Dovre log burning stove. n Forest views n Entrance hall n Library n Open plan kitchen/dining/living area n Corian worksurfaces n Travertine tiled flooring n Master bedroom suite n Conservatory n Outdoor swimming pool n Pool house n Two gatehouse rooms n Electric oak gates n Open garage n Tranquil location
For full details contact: Jackson Stops & Staff • 01892 521 700 • www.jackson-stops.co.uk
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RENT
LOCALLY?
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01892 841040
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The Better Letting People
24/03/2016 13:13
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have identified the need to increase the amount of housing planned for its administrative area as commissioned in a recent report.
Sites exercise. Sites will be assessed for their suitability under a process known as Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA).
The requirement for 12,960 houses (648 per year) has been identified by The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) in Tunbridge Wells between 2013-2033.
If you own land within the Borough and would be interested in having it promoted for potential development, please contact us. The deadline for submissions is 1 August 2016.
As a result of this housing need, Tunbridge Wells are now inviting submissions to identify sites within the Borough as part of a Call for
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CONNELLS.CO.UK
TUNBRIDGE WELLS High Street, Lamberhurst
SOLD 2016
Waiting Buyers‌. We have waiting applicants looking for property in the village area and the St Johns, St James and St Peters area of Tunbridge Wells. If you are contemplating a move this year, and would like an appraisal of the present value of your property then we would be delighted to come and discuss the various marketing packages we have available including our Home Finder Service.
Call 01892 547966 today. Apartments and cottages required for waiting applicants looking for this sought after village location.
Albany Hill, Tunbridge Wells
SOLD 2016
Newcomen Road, Tunbridge Wells
SOLD 2016
More 3 and 4 bedroom town houses with off road parking urgently required in the St James area.
We have couples and families looking to buy two-four bedroom houses in the St Johns area.
Ravenswood Avenue, Tunbridge Wells
Warwick Park, Tunbridge Wells
SOLD 2016
Semi-detached family homes urgently required in this area for waiting buyers.
SOLD 2016
Apartments and houses required in the village area of Tunbridge Wells.
01892 547 966 tunbridgewells@connells.co.uk 5 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1BS
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BEAUTIFUL HOMES
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PROPERTY: Dorking Road
TEMPTING TOWN HOUSE A semi-detached period property in a desirable location in Tunbridge Wells SITUATED IN THE sought after St. James area of Tunbridge Wells, this house spans three floors and comprises six bedrooms and plenty of living space for the whole family. The house is within a close proximity to St. Barnabas C of E primary school and an easy walk of local amenities and shops. Inside, wood flooring lines the entrance hall leading into the bright and spacious kitchen with island breakfast bar overlooking and providing easy access to the rear garden. Two receptions rooms consist of the living room with open fireplace and feature bay window at the front of the property and adaptable dining/TV room. Situated on the first floor is the master bedroom which benefits from a bay window, two further bedrooms and a contemporary family bathroom with bath and a seamless walk-in shower unit. Upstairs on the second floor are three additional, well-proportioned bedrooms or alternatively, the property can be adapted into a five bedroom home by converting one of the rooms into a study. Outside there is a rear garden which is fully enclosed complete with patio area, lawn and a raised gravel area at the back, ideal for alfresco dining.
LOCATION: Tunbridge Wells GUIDE PRICE: £595,000 BEDROOMS: 6 BATHROOMS: 3 BEST BITS: Neutrally decorated throughout, this family home proves the perfect blank canvas for home buyers. n Two reception rooms n Three floors n Bay windows n Open fireplace n Cloakroom n Kitchen with island breakfast bar n Spacious bedrooms n En suite shower room n Patio n Enclosed rear garden n St. James area n Tunbridge Wells school catchment area
For full details contact: Andrews • 01892 515 144 • www.andrewsonline.co.uk
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j ackson -stops. co. uk Jackson-Stops &: Staff
Leeds
Offers in Excess of £1,100,000
Biddenden
Guide Price £1,050,000
An exquisite Grade II * country house of immense atmosphere in a semi rural setting affording wonderful views to the front
An extended Grade II listed country house amid beautiful landscaped gardens and grounds
* 3 Receptions * Kitchen/ Breakfast Room * 5 Bedrooms * 3 Bathrooms * Detached Home Office * Generous Garaging * Outbuilding * Gardens and Grounds inc 2 Paddocks of 1.8 acres
* CSCA *No Onward Chain*3 Reception Rooms * Conservatory * Kitchen/ Breakfast Room * 6 Bedroom s* 2 Bathrooms * Garage * Tenni s Court * Outbuildings * Ponds * Gardens and Grounds including Paddock of 3.6 acres in all
Benenden
Offers in Excess of £1 ,000,000
Quietly situated, a delightful Grade II listed country house of immense charm overlooking it s own land and beyond * CSCA * 2 Reception Rooms * Kitchen/ Breakfast Room * Study * 5 Bedrooms (1 En Suite) * Family Bathroom * Triple Garage * Period Outbuildings * Summer House * Pond * Landscaped Gardens and Grounds * Paddocks * About 9 acres in all
Broad Oak
Guide Price £895,000
An individual contemporary family home providing spacious accommodation in a peaceful rural location with stunning southerly views
Hawkhurst
Guide Price £575,000
The west wing of a picturesque Grade II listed village house steeped in history and benefiting from planning permission to extend amid pretty cottage gardens * CSCA * No Onward Chain * 2 Reception Rooms * Kitchen * 4 Bedrooms * 3 Bathrooms * Landscaped Gardens * Off road parking * EPC:D
Bethersden
Guide Price £995,000
An individual equestrian property providing about 4,000 sq ft of well presented accommodation and excellent equine facilities in a convenient rural location
* No Onward Chain * 4 Reception Rooms * Kitchen/ Dining Room * 4 Bedrooms * 3 Bath/ Shower Rooms * Double Garage * Gardens and Grounds * 3 Reception Rooms * Conservatory * Kitchen * 5 Bedrooms * 2 Bathrooms * Study * Garage * Workshop * Music Studio * Pond with fountain * including Ponds and Fountain * Approximately 0.7 acres in all * EPC: D Swimming Pool * Stables * Hay Barn * In all about 16 acres * EPC D
Cranbrook 01580 720000 cranbrook@jackson-stops.co.uk Local &: National reach through a network of London &: Regional offices
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Coll Carol@ Firefiy Properties 01892 838363 for details carol@fireflyproperties.co.uk Untitled-1 2
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BEAUTIFUL HOMES
RUSTIC RETREAT Striking Grade II Listed farmhouse and annexe in Hawkhurst DUVALS FARMHOUSE IS a fine Grade II Listed property
dating from the 16th century or earlier and was built at the peak of Cranbrook’s great broadcloth industry for farmer and clothier John Duval. The timber framed farmhouse hosts ample space with lofty ceilings, leaded light casement and mullion windows creating a bright and airy atmosphere. Duvals Farmhouse retains period features including oak beams and timbers, latch doors and several stunning inglenook fireplaces. Situated over three floors, the house benefits from a large dining room, kitchen/breakfast room with oil fired Aga and drawing room with brick fireplace housing an electric ‘wood-burner’ style
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stove. Upstairs, there are three spacious first floor bedrooms all with fitted wardrobes. The part vaulted attic rooms consist of two bedrooms and family bathroom, while next door is the selfcontained annexe with open plan sitting room and kitchenette, plus a bedroom with en suite shower room. Surrounding the property are 18 acres of beautiful grounds and gardens landscaped over the years to provide colourful displays throughout the seasons. The terrace at the rear of the house provides a delightful outlook of the grounds. A striking feature is the natural pond and stream, providing lovely focal points and encouraging wildlife visitors.
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BEAUTIFUL HOMES
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PROPERTY: Duvals Farmhouse LOCATION: Whites Lane, Hawkhurst GUIDE PRICE: £1,295,000 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 5 BEST BITS: Situated down a peaceful country lane, Duvals Farmhouse offers a high level of privacy and tranquillity. n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Period features Wood burning stove Utility room Cloakroom Annexe Cellar Detached office Triple garage Natural pond Terrace Cranbrook school catchment area Tranquil location Around 18 acres of land
For full details contact: Jackson-Stops • 01580 720 000 • www.jackson-stops.co.uk
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BEAUTIFUL LISTED HOUSE WITH DETACHED OAST SMARDEN,KENT Smarden 1.5 miles; Headcorn 2.5 miles; Ashford International 11.7 miles + 4 reception rooms + 6 bedrooms + 5 bathrooms + kitchen/ breakfast room + 2 bedroom oast house + outdoor swimming pool + recreational barn + unconverted listed thatched barn+ about 9.3 acres+ 521 sq m (5,612 sq ft)
Savills Cranbrook James Lloyd jlloyd@savills.com
01580 720161
Guide £1 .85 million Freehold
CHARMING LISTED OAST HOUSE BENENDEN,KENT Benenden 1.6 miles; Cranbrook 5.3 miles; Tunbridge Wells 17 miles + 4 reception rooms + kitchen/ breakfast room + master bedroom & en suite + 4 further double bedrooms + 2 bath/ shower rooms + attractive garden & paddock + triple garage + approx 15,000 sq ft outbuilding + about 5 acres+ 350 sq m (3,763 sq ft)
Savills Cranbrook James Lloyd jlloyd@savills.com
01580 720161
Guide £1 .395 million Freehold
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BEAUTIFUL HOMES
GOTHIC GRANDEUR A Victorian country house in an wonderful elevated setting in Kilndown BUILT ORIGINALLY AS the vicarage to Kilndown church in 1849 to 1855, Kilndown House is an impressive Victorian Grade II Listed property brimming with gothic revival style, such as its Ashlar sandstone elevations enhanced with climbing roses, hydrangeas and mature wisteria. The house enjoys a raised yet private position with wonderful far reaching views toward the historic village of Goudhurst. Elegant reception rooms lead off the long reception hall, including a beautiful drawing room, formal dining room, southerly facing morning room and study with bespoke cupboards and book shelving. All provide suitable areas for entertaining whilst enjoying views over the grounds. A principal stone staircase overlooked by a superb leaded light window and featuring a part carved wood and carved stone handrail, leads to the first floor where there are six attractive bedrooms, and three bathrooms, two being en suite. The gardens and grounds are a delightful feature of the property providing an outstanding setting. Highlights include a heated swimming pool, multiple terraces and an orchard planted with varieties of apple, pear and cherry trees. To the west of the main house lies a charming listed former coach house and stable courtyard, benefitting from separate access, a garage, two reception rooms, two bedrooms and a private garden.
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PROPERTY: Kilndown House LOCATION: Kilndown GUIDE PRICE: £2,950,000 BEDROOMS: 8 (including coach house) BATHROOMS: 8 (including coach house) BEST BITS: Kilndown House hosts high ceilings with ornate cornicing and ceiling roses, in addition to beautiful mullioned trefoil windows and moulded arched inner doors throughout. n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Elevated views Historic note Picturesque drive Detached coach house Five reception rooms Laundry room Stone staircase Cellarage Park-like grounds York stone terraces Triple garage Heated swimming pool Orchard Rose Garden
For full details contact: Savills Cranbrook • 01580 720 161 • www.savills.co.uk
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Tunbridge Wells
All Saints Road, TN4
£475,000
3 bedroom re-modelled and modernised detached house with 2 bathrooms, gardens and garage. Energy Efficiency Rating: D
Forge Road, TN4 £299,500
I '
Brand new end terraced home in village setting, in a one-way street just off the High Street. Hallway, downstairs cloakroom, living room, fitted kitchen, landing, 2 double bedrooms, family bathroom, enclosed garden to rear. Energy Efficiency Rating: B
£295,000
2 bedroom 1st floor apartment with open plan living space and 2 bathrooms. Energy Efficiency Rating: B
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Richardson Road, TN4
Jackwood Court Guide £215,000-£225,000
Two bedroom end of terrace house in the popular St Johns area with extended living room, kitchen/dining room, upstairs bathroom and gardens to front and rear. The house is set to the end of a pathway tucked away from the main road. Energy Efficiency Rating: D
Burdett Road, TN4
Guide £220,000
2 bedroom terraced cottage. Living room with open fire, dining room, kitchen, shower room, attic space. Energy Efficiency Rating: E
Claremont Court, TN2 Guide £160,000 - £170,000
2nd floor apartment with double bedroom, 16'x 10' living dining room and under croft parking. Energy Efficiency Rating: C
Tunbridge Wells Sales 01892 515 144 Tunbridge Wells Lettings 01892 525 551
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Andrews >
£1,200 Upper Grosvenor Road, TN1 A split level maisonette only 200 yards from the Royal Victoria Place with allocated off road parking space. Energy Efficiency Rating: E
£975 Victorian mid terrace two bedroom cottage tucked away in the heart of StJohns. Energy Efficiency Rating: C Richardson Road, TN4
North Farm Road, TN2 £500 Ground floor studio apartment located within 0.1 mile walk of High Brooms train station. Energy Efficiency Rating: E
£895 Two double bedroom property located near Greggs Wood School with two parking spaces. Energy Efficiency Rating: E Sherwood Road, TN2
£1,150 Two bedroom top floor apartment set in the favoured area to the west side of Mount Ephraim. Energy Efficiency Rating: C Bo\:jne Park, TN4
£1,400 A three bedroom house set in a private cul-de-sac in the town centre benefitting from private parking. Energy Efficiency Rating: D Lansdowne Square, TN1
To view more properties available from all 85 of our offices, visit andrewsonline.co.uk
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TUNBRIDGE WELLS
I REGION ÂŁ1.75 MILLION
A substantial and much improved late Victorian detached property with a wealth of period original features situated a short walk from The Pantiles and mainline station with a large mature garden. Drawing Room. Sitting Room. Kitchen/ Breakfast Room. Dining Room. Utility Room . Master Bedroom with En Suite Shower Room and Dressing Room. Guest Bedroom with En Suite Shower Room. 4 further Bedrooms. Family Bathroom . Study. Cellar. Ample Off Road Parking. Grounds in all 0 .3 acres. EPC E APPLY: TUNBRIDGE WELLS OFFICE
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Battle 01424 775577
Haywards Heath 01444 453181
Pulborough 01798 872081
Tunbridge Wells 01892 512020
London Mayfair Office
battle@batchellermonkhouse corn
hh@batchellermonkhouse com
pulb@batchellermonkhouse corn
twells@batchellermonkhouse corn
mayfa1r@batchellermonkhouse corn
24/03/2016 15:43
BEAUTIFUL HOMES
CREATIVE COUNTRY HOME An attractive 1930s Arts and Crafts style house in Oxted WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS across the Weald, Crabbett Wood is situated in an enviable elevated position on the outskirts of Oxted in Surrey. The property dates back to the 1930s and retains charming period features of the Arts and Crafts style. A wealth of wood panelling and exposed timber beams can be found throughout the receptions rooms and study on the ground floor. The bright and contemporary kitchen is fitted with white units, black granite worktops and electric Aga. Leading off of this room is the conservatory, providing ample space for a dining table and access to the garden. The carved wood panelled staircase leads to a spacious landing, with three double bedrooms, a family shower room and master bedroom. The master suite is generously proportioned with a large stylish en suite bathroom and dressing room. Both the master bedroom and adjacent double bedroom have access to a terrace, which enjoy superb views. Additional accommodation can be found on the second floor, providing a guest bedroom with en suite bathroom and double bedroom. The formal gardens have been beautifully landscaped offering a variety of established plants, shrubs and trees and areas of paddock. There is a delightful ornamental stream and pond, with a meandering path leading towards the enclosed swimming pool and tennis court.
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PROPERTY: Crabbett Wood LOCATION: Itchingwood Common Road, Oxted GUIDE PRICE: £2,750,000 BEDROOMS: 6 BATHROOMS: 5 BEST BITS: Crabbett Wood benefits from a summer house providing an excellent pool room and sauna. n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Entrance hall Double glazed heritage windows and doors Study Brick fireplaces Conservatory Two cloakrooms First floor terrace Summer house with sauna Outdoor swimming pool Tennis court Vegetable garden Landscaped gardens Stunning views About 12.8 acres of land
For full details contact: Strutt & Parker • 01732 459 900 • www.struttandparker.com
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••Knight ~Frank
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Earls Road, Tunbridge Wells
A large and attractive period townhouse in a prime location Entrance hall, drawing room, family room, dining room, breakfast room, kitchen, cloakroom. Master bedroom with dressing room, 2 further bedrooms, family shower room, family bathroom. On the 2nd Floor - 2 further bedrooms, bedroom 6 I office, further bathroom. Established rear garden. Cellar. EPC rating F.
Langton Green
An attractive and spacious family home occupying a large plot in a prime residential area Entrance hall, sitting room, family room, study, garden room, dining room, kitchen, utility room, cloakroom. Master bedroom with en suite bathroom, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, separate WC. Impressive rear garden. Integral garage. EPC rating D. In all about 0.95 acres.
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BEAUTIFUL HOMES
HARMONIOUS HABITAT Attractive and spacious detached family home in Langton Green THIS FIVE BEDROOM house is situated along a quiet tree-lined road in the popular village of Langton Green, just west of Tunbridge Wells. The property is set well back from the road offering privacy and providing a large gravel driveway for a number of vehicles. Inside, the ground floor boasts four reception rooms including a large sitting room, homely family room, drawing room with French doors opening up to the garden and garden room providing tranquil views of the lawn. At the rear of the property is the spacious kitchen featuring units with oak worktops. The garage is built within the property and can be accessed via the utility room, which is situated off from the kitchen. On the first floor are five bedrooms with fitted wardrobes and family bathroom, additional shower room and separate WC. The principal bedroom has built-in wardrobes and an en suite with a luxurious corner bath and separate shower unit. Outside, the beautiful garden has an array of colourful trees and plants – in total it extends to just under an acre of land. There is ample space for whatever your needs, whether that’s a tranquil zone to relax in, or an area for children to play.
PROPERTY: 14 Dornden Drive LOCATION: Langton Green GUIDE PRICE: £1,195,000 BEDROOMS: 5 BATHROOMS: 4 BEST BITS: In spring, a delightful carpet of bluebells appear in the charming wooded dell at the far end of the garden. n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Desirable location Set back from road Large driveway Integral garage Entrance hall Four reception rooms Open fireplace French doors Study Utility room Master bedroom Corner bath Spacious garden
For full details contact: Knight Frank • 01892 515 035 • www.knightfrank.com
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Beyond your expectations www.hamptons.co.uk llU: St.l~
lUIES
THE .....TIM ES
Tunbridge Wells - £1,495,000 Substantial and beautifully presented 6 bedroom Edwardian house situated on the popular southern side of Tunbridge Wells with spacious accommodation and many fine period features . EPC: E
Dormans Park- £1,325,000 Delightful 5 bedroom house situated within this exclusive private park with a self-contained one bedroom annexe. The property enjoys outlooks over the garden and grounds, approx. 5.5 acres. EPC:E
Hartfield - £885,000 Situated in an elevated position, off a no-through lane atthe heart of this idyllic Sussex village, this detached former British Legion hall is now a light and spacious 4 bedroom family home with a stunning interior. EPC: D
Crowborough - £995,000 A highly individual 5 bedroom detached family house with a beautifully presented light and spacious interior approached through electric double gates at the end of a short private road . EPC: C
East Grinstead - £895,000 Beautifully designed 4 bedroom contemporary home built to an exacting standard with energy efficiency in mind. The accommodation is set out over one floor creating versatility with well-proportioned rooms. EPC: C
Tunbridge Wells - £695,000 Situated in a sought after road in the popular St. James' area, this deceptively spacious 4 bedroom Victorian house offers superb accommodation, off street parking and an 85ft rear garden. EPC: D
Tunbridge Wells Office
Sales. 01892 597607 I tunbridgewells@hamptons-int.com
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Mayfield - ÂŁ985,000
This 5 bedroom fine, former Vicarage is a substantial family house probably dating from the late Edwardian period around 1910. The property is towards the west side of this highly regarded and sought after village. EPC: F
Tunbridge Wells - ÂŁ1,895,000
A substantial 6/7 bedroom Edwardian family home situated within a quiet cul-de-sac in a prime central location offering both spacious and versatile accommodation throughout with many fine period features and superb mature gardens of just over quarter of an acre. EPC: F
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we open doors for you ...
Barnes Kingsnorth
CENTRAL TONBRIDGE £1,175,000 UNIQUE 18TH CENTURY FAMILY HOUSE in tucked away location just a stroll from the High Street and mainline station. The property has undergone complete transformation in recent years with sympathetic extension and contemporary improvements throughout yet retaining the original character of the stunning period features. 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 4/5 receptions including magnificent drawing room and stylish kitchen opening into a fabulous family I dining room. Mature & private garden, ample parking, garage and self-contained apartment ideal for au-pair, teenager or visiting relative. EPC: C Apply Tonbridge
NORTH TONBRIDGE £950,000 SUBSTANTIAL FAMILY HOME WITH ANNEXE Situated in a favoured road on the Northern side of town with wonderful countryside walks nearby this detached property offers exceptionally generous and versatile accommodation with 5 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, sitting room & dining room both of which open to garden, a kitchen with breakfast area and a further family room/ office. In addition there is a separate ground floor annexe with 1 bedroom, bathroom and kitchen opening into living room. Large front garden with plenty of parking, double garage and wide, secluded rear garden. EPC: C Apply Tonbridge
NORTH TONBRIDGE £575,000 SUPERB LARGE GARDEN at this detached 'chalet style' bungalow. Ticking a ll the boxes with space, potential, convenience and countryside on the doorstep, the property enjoys farmland views opposite, yet is within easy access of the town, local shops and favoured Primary School. Spacious sitting/ dining room with feature fireplace, double aspect and doors to a courtyard terrace, large kitchen/breakfast room, 3 ground floor bedrooms, family bathroom and further bedroom and shower room to the first floor. Lots of scope to adapt or extend and create your ideal h ome (subject to necessary pp). EPC: D Apply Tonbridge
'B) Primel ocatior
Residential
t hightmove,... Sales & Lettings 11,.v."...-...,.,...,..., ..i,,·,.
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Pembury: 01892 822880
Tonbridge: 01732 771616
Lettings: 01732 771616
e.pembury@bkea.ca uk
e.tanbr,d 9 e@bkea.ca uk
e. lettings @bkea co uk
www.bkestateagents.com
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lL[J WOOD & PILCHER
TUNBRIDGE WELLS 23 High Street, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN11UT Sales 01892 511211 tunbridgewells@woodandpilcher.co.uk Letting & Management 01892 528888
SOUTHBOROUGH • 124 London Road, Southborough KentTN4 OPL Sales 01892 511311 Lettings: 01892 528888 southborotfh@woodandp~cher.co.uk
HEATHFIELD
TONBRIDGE
CROWBOROUGH
27 High Sfreet, Heathfield East Sussex, TN21 8JR Sales: 01435 862211 Lettings 01435 868899 heathfield@woodandpilcher.co.uk
38 High Street, Tonbridge KentTN91EJ Sales 01732 351135 Lettings 01732 351135 tonbridge@woodandpilcher.co.uk
The Cross, Crowborough East Sussex TN6 1AL Sales 01892 665666 crowborough@woodandpilcher.co.uk Letting & Management 01892 664666 lettings@woodandpilcher.com
Associated Park Lane London Office
•
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Cottage Door From £495 Fitted
External front and back doors supplied and fitted from £295 Price includes Door, Glass, Letter Plate, Hinges, Lock & Fitting. Staining and Painting Service Available 1. Security hinges 2. 3 way multi -point locking system 3. Vectis locking system 4. Stormguard trimline 5. Weather bar I rain deflector 6. Optional letter plate
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194
Freelands Tiles 124-126 London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks Tel: 01732 459 765
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A tn1ly magnificent country residence situated on the outskirts of Lingfield backing onto the Racecourse and surrounding countryside. The property is believed to originate circa 1300 as a hunting lodge with additions in the 1500s and 1800s. This family home has been completely renovated by the current vendors to provide spacious, versatile and beautifully presented accommodation over four floors. The accommodation comprises utility/store , wine store , large family room, cinema room, study, reception hall , dining room, drawing room, study, cloakroom, kitchen/ breakfast/family room , five bedroom suites all with en.suite bathrooms and three with dressing rooms , two further bedrooms and bathroom. Outside the property will benefit from electric gates, circular driveway with restored Victorian gardens, detached triple barn style garage and large fonnal gardens to rear.
Asking Price ÂŁ2,400,000
A unique opportunity to acquire an attractive country residence in an idyllic semi-niral setting surrounded by beautiful countryside and within the grounds of Chartham Park Golf Course & Country Club. The property comprises entrance hall , living/family room, study, dining room, re-fitted kitchen open plan to breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom, five bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property sits on grounds of approximately 2 .5 acres that include double garage , outbuilding formal lawns, kitchen garden; fruit tree orchard and paddock with barn.
Asking Price ÂŁ1,200,000
T: 01342 324616 E: sales@colesestateagents.com W: colesestateagents.com
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GARDENS
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THE HERBACEOUS BORDER AT HAMPTON COURT
RAVELLO, RUSTHALL, TUNBRIDGE WELLS
Glorious Gardens This month, Tim Sykes from Gardenproud is considering something different for the garden…
particular interest to me as we are lucky enough to help maintain this beautiful parkland setting. Unfortunately the stunning herbaceous border along the lower rear terrace is no more, although this painting has already inspired the residents. So watch this space, it could be our next project!
H
ave you ever thought of having your garden painted? Well, for the
well-heeled Victorians of Tunbridge Wells this was a must-have! So, if you live in or around the area and you’ve got a rather nice watercolour hanging on your wall as
Arthur Rowe had many important paintings, but importantly a story
admirers at the time, including royalty.
about his life and work around
In fact, Queen Mary is known to have
Tunbridge Wells and through
purchased at least 15 of his paintings.
his travels across Europe. Ernest Arthur Rowe, known as Arthur, was born on August 21 1862 at Forest Lane, Stratford, Essex. He was one of a small group of Victorian artists who
More recently Queen Elizabeth II held an exhibition in 1989 at Sandringham entitled The Royal Gardens of England at which four of Arthur’s paintings were displayed. Thankfully, the concept of using painting to help record the splendor and beauty of
a memento of your garden, the chances
specialised in painting the great gardens of
gardens has not vanished. I was recently
are it was painted by Ernest Arthur Rowe.
England, Scotland and Ireland. While the
very pleased to see the works of Peter
owners of these gardens strove for
Brown in a gallery in Tunbridge Wells.
perfection in the design, Rowe represented
Peter had developed a captivating and
their vision with his unique employment of
almost surreal way of depicting his
light and shade in his watercolours.
garden landscapes.
I came across Rowe’s work recently by chance and it is seriously good. One of my church friends moved house and invited me round to help with a planting scheme. I turned up at the house
In 1907, having achieved some success,
to take the brief and noticed the plaque on
he commissioned an architect to design a
For more information about
the wall. ‘Ernest Arthur Rowe 1862-1922,
new home. Arthur moved into the Arts and
Arthur Rowe’s work visit
Garden Artist and lithographer, built this
Crafts inspired house in Rusthall, Tunbridge
www.ernestarthurrowe.com
house and lived here.’
Wells. The house was named after Ravello,
For more information about
one of his favourite places in Italy. Arthur’s
Peter Brown’s work, visit
friend fortunately had some history of the
trips abroad took him to places like
www.storestreetgallery.com
house and a book published in 2009, by the
Switzerland, Spain and Italy. He spent
With great thanks to Derrick Rowe
artist’s grandson, Derrick Rowe.
much time in Italy where he made many
and Peter Brown.
It was enough to gain my interest. My
I got in touch with Derrick straight away
paintings, including of course Ravello,
and bought a copy of the book, titled Ernest Arthur Rowe – The Life and Work of a Victorian Garden Painter. This is a beautiful hardback book with many large printed copies of Rowe’s
Naples, Amalfi, Sicily, and Lake Como. His local paintings include commissions
Tim Sykes is a director of Gardenproud, a Tunbridge Wells based company that
at Blackhurst Park, Penshurst Place, Old
helps design, construct and maintain
Place Lindfield and Hever Castle.
gardens situated in the area.
The picture of Blackhurst Park is of
www.reallygardenproud.com
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Large range of machinery on display • Competitively priced - pop in and talk to us • Full support available from our expertly trained service team •
There's so much more
in your local country store... We're online too: ernestdoeshop.com
Hurst Green The Foundry, Hurst Green, East Sussex THl 9 7QP
t-) ernest100E power
Tel: 01580 860495
I
v-oud
OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
Traditional or contemporary, large or small, the designers at Gardenproud can help you create a garden you'll be proud of. Our project managers will take you through design, approvals, hard landscaping and planting. Gardenproud was established in 2007 and is based near Tunbridge Wells. We look after over 100 properties throughout Kent and East Sussex.
LANDSCAPING 8c BUILDING SUPPLIES
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IF YOU ARE PLANNING A NEW GARDEN FOR 2016 THEN CONTACT TIM SYKES ON 07725 173820, OR .JUST GOOGLE GARDENPROUD
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GARDENS
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Cotinus coggygria ‘Lilla’
Thyme to get herby Kris and Angela from Arthurs restaurant at Coolings tell us how you can add some hints of herbs to your dishes…
I
t’s becoming increasingly popular to
slightly floral edge to the sponge, like a
introduce more herbs, vegetables and
taste of summer. Also, thyme infused into
edible flowers into menus these days. As
the double cream of a crème brulee adds a
bakers here at Arthurs, we are often looking
new dimension. Why not try adding some
for and experimenting with new ways of
fresh raspberries to the brulee for
bringing the outdoors and nature into our
something really special?
cakes, pastries, desserts and tray bakes. Growing your herbs close to your kitchen
BASIL
will encourage you to use them more often.
Basil grown indoors not only makes your
CHIVES
Using more fresh herbs in your cooking can
kitchen smell lovely in summer, but its oils
Chives are packed with the antioxidants
add flavour, without adding more salt,
are also believed to have anti-
vitamins A and C. They have a light onion
butter or cheese to your dish. Adding a little
inflammatory effects. Why not add a
flavour and can be added to many dishes.
green to your meals not only makes it look
handful of whole basil leaves to your
You can use them in salads, soups,
prettier, but it can give you awesome health
salads to give them an extra zing. Always
coleslaws, sauces and risottos.
benefits too. While dried herbs are
use basil whole, or tear the leaves, to stop
convenient, vitamins and antioxidants are
the leaves from bruising.
lost in the drying process. So buying fresh
If you have a lot of basil, why not try
plants or growing your own has other
making homemade pesto? Pesto tastes
benefits than just looking good.
amazing added to pasta, salads or homemade pizzas.
THYME Thyme is a traditional herb usually used
ROSEMARY
in savoury dishes, but it is now being used
Rosemary is a very versatile herb. It can be
in sweet dishes too. You can use thyme in
used in mashed potatoes, added to your
cakes such as lemon and thyme loaf cake.
roast potatoes and even infused in oils.
The addition of thyme gives you a
Try adding some to your Sunday roast.
www.coolings.co.uk
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p Four Steps to Spring 8 I
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Select a Prepared Pot of Bulbs •
rt JI
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Dig Hole
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Plant Pot
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s Job Finishecl
Enjoy
Earlv Season Favourites
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for all garden aspects
Pr=
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0 Seeds -Seed Potatoes - Onion Sets ~r.
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Fruit Trees/Bushes - Veg Plants Plus all the essential I~redients ~7~7~~7~7
Summer Flowering Bulbs - Alpines Hedging - Heathers - Conifers Roses - Trees - Climbers
p Fu1IRawue~rGart1~DiSS8ndals Tools -Fertilisers -Weed & Pest Controls I Compost - Pots and Containers etc TASTE BUDS a
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where you can enjoy a hot beverage - light lunch afternoon tea and a choice of homemade cakes E'e ~f? E'e E'e ~p ~r'
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We are situated on the A265 between Heathfield and Burwash Monday· Saturday 9am-5.30pm, Sunday -10.30am-4.30pm
www.petalsforplants.co.uk
S Burwash Road, Broad Oak, East Sussex TN21 SXG ~
200
0"1435
884111
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GARDENS
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ARE YOU SITTING COMFORTABLY? Sit and watch the world go by with these sweet outdoor suites
MADE.COM
RIVERSIDE OUTDOOR LIVING
Copa outdoor dining chairs, £150 www.made.com
Alexander rose ocean wave outdoor hut, £2,025 www.riversidegardencentre.co.uk
MARKS AND SPENCER Capri chair, £199 www.marksandspencer.com
MIAFLEUR Heart garden chair, £94 www.miafleur.com
indian ocean
Palma chair and footstool, £820 www.indian-ocean.co.uk
INDIAN OCEAN
Palma chair and foostall, £820 www.indian-ocean.co.uk
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