SO Magazine January 2022

BUSINESS

CULTURE

The most popular business awards in Tunbridge Wells are back for 2022

We meet author, blogger and successful entrepreneur Jo Wimble-Groves

Award winning Wonder woman

FOOD & DRINK

On the menu

We discover plans for a new gastro business venture set to revolutionise restaurants

HOW TO PLAN YOUR BIG DAY TO PERFECTION COURTESY OF THE WEDDING EXPERTS AT SALOMONS AND ONE WARWICK PARK

January 2022

31B Hair 31B Hair in The Pantiles welcomes Tim Jones to the team We are pleased to introduce to you our newest member

experience in which to build my career upon.” Having

of our Hair Salon team at 31B Hair.

re-located from London to Tunbridge Wells, Kent twenty

Bringing extensive training with top international

years ago,

experts Toni & Guy, and over thirty years of work with

Tim has a very loyal client base, from both Tunbridge

countless discerning clients throughout London & Kent,

Wells and the surrounding areas. In the short amount of

please meet Tim Jones.

time that Tim has been working with 31B Hair, he is

Having trained with top international experts, Tim has built a reputation based on his precision haircuts. With his wealth of experience, expertise, and passion, he

already an established part of the team and welcoming both existing and new clients alike.

Tim said, “working with such a dedicated and focused

takes the time to understand what will look optimal and

team, (Rod, Amy and Roni), means that we can continue

yet keep the integrity of your hair.

to offer our clients the very best service from start to

Tim has also used his expertise to help teach other people in the hairdressing industry via specialist

finish.”

He continued to say, “hairdressing is my passion, and I

Academies; he was an integral part of the Artistic Team

can utilise my creativity as well as providing clients with

whilst training and working with Toni & Guy.

the latest style, skills and technique they can take home.

Tim said, “being able to assist other people in

31B Hair is a good fit for me and I am already enjoying

developing their hairdressing skills was both

working alongside such a highly experienced and

rewarding and fulfilling at the time; it was an invaluable

professional team.”

31B Hair, The Pantiles Rod Prager, (owner & founder), has a wealth of

Rod is also passionate about the ethical and

colour to skin tone, whilst paying close attention to

experience from his long-standing career as a

sustainability aspects of the Hair Salon.

cutting according to the client’s face shape.

hairdresser. It had always been his vision to open

To this end, 31B Hair is a valued member of the

Amy, (colour specialist), qualified as a hairdresser

his own Hair Salon and decided to fulfil this

Green Salon Collective whose key focus is finding

seven years ago and has been part of the

ambition back in 2016. 31B Hair is situated in the

circular solutions for salon waste.

31B Hair team for two years. Amy specialises in

heart of The Pantiles where Rod sympathetically

Rod said “adopting working methods, which are

renovated a beautiful example of one of the historic

more environmentally friendly, is at the forefront of

Victorian buildings.

my business and this affects all areas of 31B Hair.

Full of character and charm alike, the Hair Salon

matching hair colour to the varying cool and warm skin tones for her clients.

Roni, (Sassoon partner), qualified as a hairdresser

Consequently, we choose which products and

over twenty years ago and has been part of the 31B

has a warm and welcoming feel to it, an open-style

brands to use very carefully and are proud to have

Hair team for eighteen months.

café, (to serve clients their favourite refreshments),

partnered with the vegan brand Authentic Beauty

and carefully, hand-selected accessories

Concept.”

precision cutting.

ambience as soon as one of their clients enters the

The 31B Hair Team:

with Tim, or any of our team, please feel free to

front door.

Rod, (owner & founder), specialises in matching hair

contact us.

throughout; this all adds to the welcoming

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

Like newest member Tim, Roni also specialises in If you would like to book your hair consultation

WELCOME

Editor’s LETTER

W

In addition to all our other features which include a chat with entrepreneur, blogger and writer Jo Wimble-Groves (p19) about the publication of her inspiring new book Rise of the Girl, we have all our usual food & drink, well-being and lifestyle articles too. On that note I’d like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you to our ‘Gardening Guru’ Victoria Truman who writes her final SO column this month. She has been a valuable and long running contributor on the magazine for many years and we wish her all the best as her garden design business grows!

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @somagazines

DESIGN David Sexton

EDITORIAL Victoria Truman Karen Martin Naomi Murray

PHOTOGRAPHY Marissa Cooper

SALES advertising@onemediauk.co.uk

PRINTED BY: Mortons Print PUBLISHED BY

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

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36 37

How to flourish in life: Naomi Murray from Botanica health emporium tells you how

Back in business: The popular Times Business Awards return

P40

43

Do your homework: We meet Kate Edmondson of Home Edited – a new organisational service

Wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2022.

Eileen Leahy Editor SO magazine

January 2022

Skin deep: SO magazine meets the couple behind Ellora Skincare

Wedding belles: How the events team at Elite Leisure Collection bring their magic to marriages

Tel: 01892 779650 www.timeslocalnews.co.uk

eileen.leahy@onemediauk.co.uk

33

Local heroes: Why Loic Beuzit and Ash Greenaway want to put Tunbridge Wells restaurants on the menu

On song: Paul Dunton celebrates Tunbridge Wells as a mecca for live music

Issue 159 SALOMONS ESTATE Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0TG

EDITOR Eileen Leahy

4 6 8 14

Culture vulture: what’s on where this month

46 17 19

39 40

Social scene: Pushkin Antiques celebrate a successful start to trading on the High Street

Pet power: Hypnotherapist Karen Martin reveals why animals can help you get happy

Wonder woman: Local business entrepreneur and author Jo Wimble-Groves on celebrating 25 years in business

Blue for you: Dulux announce their colour of the year

Tree-mendous: Victoria Truman discusses why trees are such a great gardening design detail

48 50

Cream of Cornwall: Why now is the time to head west Electric dreams: We test drive the new Volvo C40

P25

23

Sweet charity: Louise Griffiths from West Kent Mind on benefitting from the TN Card’s donations

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Solace through spirituality: Author Emma Howarth on travelling to find herself without leaving home

28 31

Raise a glass to Veganuary: James Viner on our thriving local vegan wine and beer scene

Talking Turkey: We pay a visit to Zorba’s Meze Grill and discover why it’s still the best

Photo © Mollie Manning

elcome to your January edition of SO magazine. We may be a little uncertain as to what the new year may hold for us all due to the ongoing pandemic but we are trying to remain as upbeat as we can here at SO magazine!

We start by looking ahead to getting outside into the great outdoors this month courtesy of our calendar picks (p4). We’re so lucky to have so many fantastic walks on our doorstep so if we do happen to find ourselves in a short circuit breaker or another lockdown due to the virus then at least we can escape to the countryside…

Talking of beautiful locations, this month we focus on a couple of the area’s best loved wedding venues: Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park Hotel. Both are run by Elite Leisure Collection and last month we chatted to the talented events team there about all they can offer at each place. From dogs accompanying a happy couple down the aisle, to pop-up inflatable photo booths and Mexican themed wedding breakfasts they have seen it – and can source it - all. So if you’re thinking of tying the knot this year then turn to page 8.

All being well, the popular Times Business Awards return in 2022 and will be hosted by TV’s Eamonn Holmes. Turn to page 14 to find out how you can enter if you’re running your own business or part of a local organisation you feel deserves being entered and celebrated.

contents

Cover photo courtesy of Chantelle & Shane, photographed at Salomons Estate by Ross Hurley SO Magazine | January 2022 | 3

Calendar

Our edit of the most entertaining events happening this month

With the ongoing coronavirus situation it’s always best to check events are still going ahead before heading out. But remember, we are still allowed out in the great outdoors so how about discovering some of these gems on our doorstep…

REGAL LIFE THROUGH A LENS A new outdoor photography exhibition opens on January 15 at Chartwell, near Westerham.

Running until February 27, it features a series of handselected archive photographs which tell the story of the special relationship between the young Queen and Sir Winston Churchill, at his family home. In 2022 Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, having acceded to the throne in 1952 during Churchill’s second term as Prime Minister. The two had a close and genuine relationship, having first met when the Queen was just two years old. Churchill became the Queen’s trusted advisor through the earliest years of her reign, and she meant a great deal to him. This enduring relationship is illustrated by the photograph of her on her Coronation Day, which Churchill hung on the wall of his Study at Chartwell.

For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ chartwell 4 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

THE GREAT OUTDOORS The stunning Ashdown Forest is another great place to roam around. This is also located at the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it has national and international protection because of its wildlife. Nearly two thirds of its 6,500 acres are heathland, amounting to 2.5% of the UK’s extent of this rare habitat. Originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times, Ashdown Forest is now one of the largest free public access spaces in the South East – and of course it is the mythical ‘home’ of Winnie-thePooh.

A WHOLE LOTTA KNOLE Whilst Knole’s historic interior closes during the winter months, its 1,000 acre parkland is open for business.

In fact this is probably the best time to catch sight of the 350-strong resident wild deer herd who call this wonderful place home. There are plenty of guided walks around this ancient parkland to enjoy and if we have snow why not take along your sledge as the hillier parts of Knole are brilliant for tobogganing down!

DID YOU KNOW? Knole House, just outside Sevenoaks and situated in 1000 acres of glorious grounds, is thought to have been conceived as a ‘Calendar House’ which once boasted the pleasingly Gregorian statistics of 365 rooms, 52 staircases, 12 entrances and 7 courtyards.

WALK OUT TO WINTER Explore the historic parkland surrounding Scotney Castle in Lamberhurst, revealing iconic views of the Old Castle and mansion, and some secrets about the Scotney estate. A National Trust spokesperson says: “Blue-topped posts will lead you on a loop around the parkland, across fields and stiles. Keep an eye out for bomb craters and a ‘trompe l’oeil’ Edwardian bridge that isn’t quite what it might first seem. As you pass through open fields enveloped by impressive woodlands and distant views of traditional oast houses, the walk presents a picture-perfect slice of Kentish countryside that lifts the spirits in all weathers.” And don’t forget that Scotney’s tea-room serves a winter menu along with lots of delicious hot drinks and treats. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/ scotneycastle

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Photo © National Trust Images/John Miller

Calendar

BEAUTIFUL BEWL The country park at Bewl Water, located just off the A21, is the South East’s biggest reservoir and as well as all the recreational activities on offer there, it’s fair to say that it’s just a perfect place to go for a relaxing winter’s day walk.

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

Entrance costs £5 per vehicle.

Margaret Thatcher had an apartment at Scotney Castle during her time in office and that actor Richard Gere starred in a film there in 1979 called Yanks.

A GOOD ROASTING Salomons Estate invites you to enjoy a delicious roast dinner on Sunday January 16.

Whether it’s a family gettogether, a celebration, or simply an excuse to indulge, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon at this picture

MARKET VALUE The Pantiles Markets continue this month. Held every other weekend they are a wonderful way to support local producers and makers – now more important than ever. As well as being able to source all kinds of delicious specialist and seasonal food and drink there are also lots of stalls selling art, handmade jewellery and interior items so make sure you head along one Saturday or Sunday in order to enjoy a socially distanced browse and buy to help all those independents keep going.

perfect venue which also includes a Victorian theatre, fascinating mueum and lots of great walks around its glorious grounds. A two course lunch at Salomons costs just £24.50 or three courses for £29.50. For more information on this special roast dinner date visit https:// www.salomons-estate.com SO Magazine | January 2022 | 5

Music

Photo © Lauren Towner

As we head into a new year Paul Dunton takes stock of how far our town has come in cementing its reputation as a great place to see all kinds of live music in myriad local venues…

L Paul Dunton Music Editor

Follow Paul @PaulDuntonmusic

ooking back over the past 15 years, the local music scene has definitely gone from strength to strength.

But how have things changed?

In my opinion the town has continued to embellish its growing reputation as a music and arts destination and that can be seen from an attendance perspective at our summer community festivals such as Tunbridge Wells Fringe Festival, Unfest, Local & Live, The Mela and The Puppetry Festival to name just a few.

With Local & Live moving its main stage to Calverley Grounds in 2014 from The Pantiles certainly helped numbers swell as the event now offers more space and certainly attracts more families

6 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

and children than ever before.

It has also become apparent that more national and international commercial music and arts festivals have now emerged as regular calendar events across the borough.

In the last few years we have seen the emergence of new festivals including Pub In The Park, which comes to Dunorlan Park every July boasting an international roster of global music pop stars, as well as the esteemed country & folk themed Black Deer Festival which comes to Eridge Park in late June.

Despite the limitations of the pandemic over the last two years it is encouraging to see a strong resurgence in the number of pubs staging open mic evenings which is a

Photos © Nigel Martin Photography

“OUR MUSIC SCENE IS A REAL ASSET TO TUNBRIDGE WELLS”

fantastic thing for musicians, Swig, The Bedford Pub, The singers and landlords alike.

Spa Hotel, Grub & Liquor, The Obviously the size of this can King William Pub, The Bull Inn, massively vary from one man Cassidy’s, Geography Wine Bar, and his dog to a packed full The Masonic Hall and many house, but it is a vital platform more. for anyone wanting to take We are also very fortunate that next step from singing to have three great arts in their bedroom or venues in Trinity strumming away Theatre, The on your guitar Assembly Hall “Some recent to four walls! It and The is fair to say Forum. All exciting success that many three venues stories in TW include (probably have Slaves, The Noble thousands continually actually) of hosted live Jacks and Kitty professional music with Kittermeister” musicians across great success. the globe started The Forum is of out at an open mic course an iconic venue, evening including I imagine a central hub for local bands some of the world’s very best. and it also has the pulling The number of pubs, bars, power to attract acts from all cafés, and concert halls hosting over the world. It punches well live music has fluctuated over above its weight and it is all the years but in the last three down to the dedication and or four years it is back on the passion from Jason Dormon increase - and more often and The Forum team. than not you can now find The Grey Lady Music regular live music being played Lounge on The Pantiles has at Even Flow Cafe, Salomons, been going for around 16 The Black Horse Pub, St John’s years now and continues to Yard, The Beau Nash Tavern, host live music on average The Royal Oak Pub, Vittle & four times a week championing local singersongwriters acts in addition to local covers bands spanning a multitude of genres. The Pantiles Jazz series has been going for over 25 years and is more popular than ever, running over a four-month period over the summer on Thursday nights. I have certainly noticed an increase in numbers over the past 15 years and it is wonderful to see The Pantiles absolutely buzzing! The Tunbridge Wells Classical Festival continues to go from strength to strength and The King Charles The Martyr Church is an established venue for world class recitals and concerts.

Some recent exciting success stories include the emergence of Slaves, a local punk/rock band who have gone on to hit the big time, signing to a major label and now performing all over the world. Other acts who have cut their teeth on the local scene and have gone on to achieve nationwide success include Will Joseph Cook, The Orange Circus, Elle Watson, Katie Kittermaster, The Noble Jacks, Mike Wilton, Tom Williams, Dan Clews and many more.

But as strong as the scene is, it is also incredibly fragile, without support and investment it has no guaranteed future. I hope it will continue for as long as possible, it is truly an asset to our wonderful town.

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Cover feature

Chantelle & Shane photographed by Ross Hurley

If you’ve recently got engaged but feel a little out of your depth with all you need to plan for your big day then let SO magazine take you on an exclusive guided journey to having the most perfect wedding courtesy of the experts at Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park Hotel

8 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

Cover feature

E

arly January is a very busy time in the world of weddings given the amount of people who pop the question over the festive period.

According to UK Weddings there are approximately 278,599 nuptials that take place every year in Britain – with 41,273 happening in the South East. So if you’re one of those couples who are poised to the knot then you may be either brimming with excitement about all the planning that lies ahead, or quietly cowering in a corner hoping that someone will do all the hard work for you.

Well if you’re in the latter camp then the good news is the experts who run the wedding and events at both Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park Hotel, both part of the Elite Leisure Collection are here to help you.

TOP TRENDS FOR MODERN DAY WEDDINGS AT SALOMONS ESTATE AND ONE WARWICK PARK

Pre-pandemic they were hosting on average 130 wedding ceremonies at the two venues combined every year. And since restrictions were lifted last year the good news is they have seen a strong uptake in both the number of weddings held as well as enquiries for future events.

“Covid hasn’t cancelled weddings, it’s merely deferred them and we are ready to roll out the red carpet once again for all our wonderful guests,” Nick Moore, Operations Director at Elite Leisure Group told SO magazine last month.

“And although we may not know how the next few months may pan out due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis we want anyone thinking of getting married to know that they can do it at one of our special venues in unique style.”

Nick Moore employs a team of specialist events planners across the two sites of Salomons and One Warwick Park who in turn provide a personalised

such as sharing roasts, Italian feasts, hog roasts and all the trimmings. We can even offer afternoon tea or a themed wedding breakfast: we recently booked in a Mexican style one!

All in the detail: Typical wedding trends we’re seeing lots of demand for include dried flowers and ornamental pampas grasses in terms of the floral requests. Many people are also opting for grand, long banqueting style set ups for dining rather than traditional round tables.

We’re also getting requests for personalised cocktails for the wedding couple which is fun.

Sounds and vision: Although traditional live bands and DJs providing the musical soundtrack to a couple’s big day are still very popular we have seen more requests for karaoke and personalised playlists. In terms of entertainment we’ve seen more people asking for things like photobooths – we’ve even seen inflatable versions! And someone recently asked if they could include a bucking bronco!

Food glorious food: The most popular request is still for a three-course wedding breakfast option but there are also lots of alternative wedding breakfast options on offer at both venues too

Relax in style: There are 47 bedrooms available at Salomons Estate, which have all recently been refurbished for 2022.

There are also two luxury cottages available to hire on the estate.

The Bridal Cottage can sleep a maximum of six guests and features a roll top bath and a romantic courtyard. The Gatehouse sleeps up to 12 guests, and features five double rooms, a large kitchen/ entertaining space & a garden. At One Warwick Park there are 39 rooms and suites as well as a range of entertainment spaces which can all be exclusively hired for weddings.

Covid compliant: We have lots of safety precautions in place at both venues, staff test twice weekly, wear masks and there are many hand sanitiser stations. Both venues have high ceilings in the function spaces, and are well ventilated.

We monitor the safety of our guests and colleagues as a priority.

Email leisuresales@ salomons-estate. com or sales@ onewarwickpark. co.uk to book a viewing

There are 278,599 weddings every year in the UK

approach to any couple wishing to tie the spaces and excellent array of quality suppliers, Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park are also very knot either at the grand 36 acre country flexible too offering smaller, more intimate affairs if so estate or the chic four star hotel, both desired. She points out they can also provide a more located in Tunbridge Wells. unique and often quirky day if that’s what The team is headed up by any happy couple wants.

Fiona Massingham along “We can offer lots of bespoke with her colleagues packages and also accommodate the Courtney Smith and Over 264,000 quirkier requests too such as one Christie Timmins. weddings were couple wanting their dog to Fiona told SO accompany them down the aisle. We magazine: “Since the postponed due to also get lots of requests for dogs to be beginning of the the pandemic the ring bearer! Then of course we’re pandemic we’ve seen a big in 2020 asked for added extras to a couple’s big day increase in weddings being such as fireworks displays and once we even held from Monday to Thursday had a petting zoo for a drinks reception at but Fridays and Saturdays remain Salomons!” the most popular. We do around 80 Fiona says there are many options for couples to weddings a year at Salomons and 50 at choose from at both venues, which also hold licences One Warwick Park.” to perform civil ceremonies too.

Fiona adds that although both venues “We’re able to host outdoor wedding ceremonies on can provide the most lavish and our sun-soaked south facing Terrace at Salomons luxurious of ceremonies thanks to their Estate where guests are able to enjoy panoramic views opulent surroundings, fantastic function SO Magazine | January 2022 | 9

Cover feature

of the 36 acres of grounds and rolling parkland. With a choice of four function rooms within the main Manor House, we are able to cater for both intimate or larger wedding celebrations.”

And if you are keeping an eye on costs then the team at Elite Leisure Collection have got you covered. “Our pricing is layered to ensure you have lots of control over both the cost and the content of your special day,” continues Fiona.

“Quotations are sent over for consideration based on the number of guests and there are no nasty hidden extras. We encourage people to come in and discuss their budget and ideas in person but if this is not possible we can do this over Zoom. We guarantee wedding parties will be the only ones present on their chosen wedding day and our team of Experienced Wedding Co-ordinators looking after you for the duration.”

"We pride ourselves on providing the finest weddings but we are also flexible too"

10 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

When it comes to music and entertainment Fiona says couples still tend to go down the traditional DJ or live band route but photo booths and magicians doing turns at tables are proving popular too!

This month is their busiest with lots of enquiries from newly engaged couples seeking to find the best location for their nuptials.

“What we pride ourselves on at both Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park Hotel is our ability to not only provide couples with the finest wedding experience on every level but our adaptability too,” explains Nick Moore.

“Both venues offer packages that are tailored for each individual couple. They are created element by element, so we can build a bespoke celebration for each couple based on their requests.”

Fiona adds: “We get lots of lovely feedback about this particular approach so will be continuing this into 2022.

We are so lucky to have some very creative chefs, so we can offer so much more than your average venues such as pizza ovens, paella stations and gourmet burger bars!

We can even provide guests with a Pimp Your Prosecco station and a Pop-Up Gin Bar.” She goes on to say that the trend for ‘tablescaping’ – when you create a show stopping table set up and ‘room dressing’ when you embellish a space with a

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Chantelle & Shane photographed by Ross Hurley Charlotte & Andy photographed by Helen England Kirsty & Alex photographed by John Knight Kerry Ann Duffy More details avaliable from leisuresales@ salomons-estate. com or sales@one warwickpark.co.uk

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Cover feature

IN FOCUS: “Each wedding has its own style and its own story to tell…”

particular theme are also becoming a big trend in the wedding world.

Salomons mainly works with Bows Hire, a specialist wedding and events decorating company based in Robertsbridge. They will come in and transform any space into the room of a couple’s dreams courtesy of festooning fairylights, lighting candles and putting up incredible floral embellishments and divine drapery.

Elite Leisure Collection also work with a number of other

recommended suppliers and will let potential clients know how they can assist you with everything from hair and makeup artists to photographers too.

And finally, during the month of January they are offering an amazing discount of 22% off all weddings for 2022. So, after a torrid couple of years due to the pandemic what better treat could you give yourself as a new bride or groom than to tie the knot at one of the area’s most charming wedding venues?

SO Magazine meets photographer Helen England who works regularly at Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park as one of their preferred professional photographers…

Helen is a talented professional photographer who regularly shoots a number of weddings at Salomons Estate and One Warwick Park. She has just won Wedding Photographer of the Year at The Kent Wedding Awards and also received Best Photographer in Kent accolade in the 2018 Muddy Stiletto Awards.

She has also been highly commended as Wedding Photographer of the Year at The Kent Wedding Awards in 2015 and 2019.

How long you have been a photographer and how did you get into it?

Photography is my passion, obsession and lifelong love. I am often asked how long I have been into photography, and the answer is: forever! I was given my first camera at 14 and I don’t think I looked back from there. I’ve been passionate about taking photos for as long as I can remember and feel very lucky that this is my job.

When did you start doing photography for a living?

My professional career kicked off in 2002 when I graduated from Southampton Solent University with an honours degree in photography.

After university I worked with a leading photographic studio where I gained a professional diploma. But things got really interesting in 2005 when I photographed my first wedding! It was then that my two passions - photography and weddings - first collided, and there was no looking back.

What do you enjoy most about it?

I feel extremely lucky that this is my profession. I am utterly passionate about photography, and probably a

little bit obsessed with weddings! The thing that inspires me most about what I do are the incredible people who I get to meet along the way; each wedding has its own style and its own story to tell.

And that’s what I love, the people, the relationships and the stories.

I love the fact that the photographs I take will be proudly framed and have pride of place in homes for years to come.

Are weddings your favourite genre to work in or do you also shoot lifestyle too?

Weddings are most certainly my first love! But really, it’s the people I’m photographing who make my job interesting, and the relationships I build with my couples is so special and truly genuine.

Capturing their journey as they graduate from couples to a family is a natural progression! I offer a range of lifestyle photography that many of my couples book at various stages of their lives. It’s almost as if I’m their personal photographer - there for life’s important moments.

How did you get involved working with Salomons and One Warwick Park venues?

I photographed my first wedding at Salomons in 2009. I remember being so excited to be photographing a wedding there as it was a venue I had wanted to shoot for ages. It was an amazing wedding.

I quickly made friends with the staff, and sent them images from the wedding as well as a beautiful album for them to keep and show potential couples. I’ve maintained a close working relationship with Salomons ever since, and am privileged to be a preferred supplier.

When One Warwick Park opened, I was just as excited to shoot my first wedding there too!

Collection team?

They are wonderful to work with!

Their devotion to excellence is evident in the pride they take to keep the grounds and estate in immaculate condition. Nothing is too much trouble for them, they communicate brilliantly and we work really well together as a team to ensure the couple has the best day. Over the years I have built an amazing relationship with them which all helps to provide our couples with the best possible service.

How would you describe your wedding photography style?

I have always favoured a relaxed, documentary style, and that’s definitely the mood couples look for now – along with some artistic shots. It’s really about the balance of showing the true emotion of the day, exactly as it unfolds with a conscious effort to carve out the time to create those truly stunning couples’ portraits, too.

Happily, gone are the days of a bossy photographer running the day and telling everyone where to stand for a hundred static, posed photographs! www.helenenglandphotography. co.uk

What do you enjoy about your relationship with the Elite Leisure SO Magazine | January 2022 | 13

Business

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THE TIMES business awards

They’re BACK! The Times Business Awards are one of the biggest events on the town’s social calendar.

Due to take place on March 24, the awards are something you will not want to miss. This is your chance to raise the profile of your business and your staff while at the same time enjoying a fantastic gala night of fine food, entertainment and dancing at the Times Business Awards. And this time the celebrity guest sharing the stage and handing out the awards will be no less a TV personality than Eamonn Holmes 14 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

The Times Business Awards return after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The 2022 business awards scheduled for March next year will come two years after the country was plunged into lockdown and many businesses found themselves under pressure.

The awards not only recognise those businesses that have grown throughout such a difficult time but also those that have found themselves having to diversify due to the Covid crisis.

There are new categories alongside

some old favourites, ranging from Entrepreneur of the Year to Outstanding Business of the Year – all celebrating the wealth of talent in our area, from established businesses to start-ups.

The fifth annual Times Business Awards will take place at Salomons Estate in Tunbridge Wells on March 24.

The previous gala nights all proved to be among the most popular social events of the local calendar, with tickets selling out fast.

There are many good reasons for entering the awards.

Business

Biggest event of the year

K C A B S E C N U O B

This year’s categories Does your business deserve to be shortlisted in one of the Times Business Awards categories?

Start-Up Business of the Year Award – This award recognises new start-ups under two years old at the closing date for entries of February 14.

Creative Business of the Year – To recognise those businesses based on innovation and creative thinking.

Entrepreneur of the Year – The award for the most dynamic individuals who and are able to demonstrate significant success in growing their company.

Young Business Person of the Year – Entrants for this award must be aged 30 or under by the closing date on February 14, 2022 and need to show they have a clear vision/strategy for their business.

They provide a unique opportunity to showcase yourself and your company alongside some of the outstanding businesses and business people within the boroughs of Royal Tunbridge Wells.

You can be part of a vibrant annual awards ceremony that recognises, celebrates and promotes local business excellence.

Winning such a prestigious business award will add credibility to your company, raise your profile through valuable media coverage,

generate new business, inspire your staff, and provide an exclusive networking opportunity for you at the awards ceremony itself in March.

The gala evening, held in the Salomons Estate historic Science Theatre, is one of the area’s mustattend occasions.

Hundreds of local businesses have entered the awards over the last five years, with many of their bottom lines boosted. Even for those not fortunate to win, the night is among the best business networking events in town.

Resilient Business – The winner of this category will have risen to the recent challenges of the pandemic and diversified or come up with a new business strategy to adopt to the ‘new normal’.

Best in Food and Drink – For those local business that provides truly remarkable food and/or drink in the area.

Hundreds of local businesses have entered the awards over the last five years

Best Family Business of the Year – This category recognises those businesses that not only have the passion and commitment that comes with a company run by a family concern.

Best Business 25+ employees – For larger firms that have consistent growth and strong financial performance alongside an engaged workforce and a business plan.

Best Business 1-25 employees – Here we recognise owner-managers and SMEs employing up to 25 people that have maintained consistent growth and strong financial performance.

Outstanding Business of the Year – The ultimate award of all the categories will go to the business that can show outstanding initiative, boldness and imagination in the enterprise, as well as sound management practices.

KING OF BREAKFAST TV TO HOST AWARDS GALA NIGHT ONE of the most familiar and popular faces on daytime television is coming to Tunbridge Wells to present the 2022 Times Business Awards.

Eamonn Holmes, who with wife Ruth Langsford used to host ITV’s This Morning up until recently, says he is looking forward to coming to the town again for this year’s gala evening at Salomons Estate on Friday March 24.

Eamonn, who was awarded an OBE in the 2018 Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for his services to broadcasting in a career spanning nearly 40 years, will be following in the Tunbridge Wells footsteps of fellow broadcaster Ken Bruce, who presented the Times awards in 2017, as well as Michael Portillo, Edwina Curry and Strictly star Anton du Beke – who presented the last awards in 2019.

The Belfast-born journalist told the Times that he had been to Tunbridge Wells on a number of occasions.

“I’m really looking forward to visiting Tunbridge Wells again in March,” he said.

“It has been a while since I last visited, so it’ll be nice to see what has changed.

“And, of course, it is also always a pleasure to celebrate other people’s awards success.”

The television personality is no stranger to award ceremonies himself, having hosted the first National Television Awards [NTAs] in 1995 and he has picked up his fair share of gongs over the last 40 years.

The 60-year-old TV star began his career at 19 at Ulster Television in Belfast and became the youngest anchor to host a TV news programme when he presented Good Evening Ulster at the age of 21.

He moved to the BBC in 1986, but it was his switch to ITV in the early 1990s that cemented his place as a titan of breakfast TV, after he presented GMTV from 1993 until 2005.

To enter the business awards, find out more information, or to book tickets for the black-tie gala dinner, visit: timesbusinessawards.co.uk SO Magazine | January 2022 | 15

Thomas Thomas Thomas Mansfield Mansfield Mansfield

Divorce is difficult, on so many levels. But, as lawyers who help families untie bonds and reshape their future, we see the opportunity it brings for people to move on, equipped for the next phase in their lives.

One common myth we’re always keen to dispel is that divorce will be an entirely negative and hostile experience. The truth is that it doesn’t have to be.

Our experience allows us to guide you on some important steps you can take to help alleviate the impact on you of the divorce/separation process: HAVE THE RIGHT PEOPLE AROUND YOU Surround yourself with people who’ll help and support you.

Friends and family really come into their own at times like these, so lean on those that truly have your back.

Seek out the right legal and financial help, too. Divorce can be a long and intense process, so it’s worth investing time in finding professionals you click with.

BE PREPARED Go into divorce with your eyes wide open. That means

understanding what the process will involve, as well as what divorce will mean for you and your family. It also means getting your financial affairs in order. While divorce settlements are sometimes based on a ‘broad brush’ division of assets, time will need to be spent documenting those things owned jointly (the house, for example), and those owned separately - investments and valuables, perhaps.

The earlier you can get your paperwork organised (and don’t be afraid to ask for help), the better able your solicitor will be to start working towards getting you the best outcome.

CONSIDER MEDIATION Divorce doesn’t always need to be fought in the courts.

Where two people are able and willing to work together to agree the terms of their divorce, mediation can be a great way of achieving a settlement. The mediator acts as an independent third party, helping a couple work through their issues and reach a resolution. The parties remain in control, as opposed to a judge imposing

TUNBRIDGE WELLS

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terms. It can be quicker and less expensive than court. And the emphasis on collaboration can even begin to build bridges, which can be particularly important for those who need to maintain a more positive ongoing relationship with each other.

ACCEPT THAT DIVORCE WON’T BE EASY… Clients tell us that, during the most difficult parts of their divorce, they were spurred on by remembering ‘why’. That really is key.

No one embarks on divorce lightly. They do it because their relationship is irreparable, despite best efforts. And they do it to find happiness elsewhere.

Divorce is the stepping stone to getting there.

PUT YOUR CHILDREN FIRST Most separated parents are conscious of their children being caught in the middle of their relationship breakdown.

But the reality of divorce is that children’s needs and Contact us today to talk wishes are not always met; about your situation. parents can be easily and unintentionally distracted by fighting their own corner.

Our advice is always to try to step into the child’s shoes.

What would he or she want? What would be in his or her best interests?

Call us today on Sometimes this means backing down when you don’t want to, and that can be hard. But For more information visit our website: keep sight of the bigger picture.

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social scene

Celebrating a good start to a successful business To celebrate three months of prosperous trading Pushkin Antiques, located in a Grade II listed building on the High Street in Tunbridge Wells, threw a party for its clients and friends last month.

The business was launched by husband and wife team Alexander and Olga Pushkin last September who, after relocating from Essex, decided to open a retail space to showcase their impressive collection of antiques and collectibles which they also sell online.

The occasion saw guests enjoy flutes of Champagne and delicious Caviar canapes.

“The evening couldn’t have gone any better, Champagne was pouring, the Caviar was on ice, the barman was shaking, and the singer was grooving’, the shop’s owner, Alexander told SO magazine.

An avalanche of sales were made on the night including a stylish mid 20th century French football table, a monumental German silver beer tankard, not to mention various furniture pieces, vintage posters, and assorted silverware.

“Most importantly the clients left the event happy and wanting more!” added Olga.

We’ll drink to that!

SO Magazine | January 2022 | 17

Interview

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EXCITING TIMES AHEAD FOR ERIC KNOWLES ON THE PANTILES

David Hickmet

I do hope you are able to pop in and visit us in due course. We’re in the Corn Exchange at 49 Lower Walk on The Pantiles, and can be contacted on 01892 322777 or by way of ericknowles@scottishantiques.com

18 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

Winter is, of course, a time of dormancy. Recuperation after the strictures and stresses of the year just past, and the gathering of resources to tackle challenges yet to come. ScottishAntiques.com are following this same path, after their first six months as part of the community down on the Pantiles, now firmly ensconced and at home in The Corn Exchange.

Having consolidated our position, we are mustering resources, and – with particular relevance in these somewhat unfortunate and straightened times - looking forward. To this end, we can announce with undiminished fanfare that our operation will be expanding with almost immediate effect with the addition of two new partners, who will be joining us in our stately home.

By the end of this month, we will have a richer and more diverse selection of antiquities, both functional and collectable, for your edification, perusal and purchase. Firstly, Mr David Hickmet, the country’s leading purveyor of Art Nouveau and Art Deco sculptural and glass artefacts will be bringing four

generations of familial expertise to augment and enhance our little corner of Tunbridge Wells. From exceptional ornaments to striking centre-pieces to investmentgrade treasures, David’s core competence is in the provision of the very finest, the most visually appealing and the most impactful of 20th century objets d’art, and we look forward to providing a suitably evocative location from which he can continue to trade successfully having relocated from Notting Hill.

In addition to, and in perfect harmony with, Hickmet Fine Art, we will also be welcoming Jeroen Markies to our centre of operations. Another renowned business dedicated to the acquisition of exceptional examples of furniture, sculptures and decorative works created during the course of the last century, Jeroen’s astute and intuitive procurement will ensure that we are collectively able to cater for any requirement - however discerning - from collectors, designers, museum curators and members of the public who are looking for the utmost quality.

These are a pair of gamechanging collaborations for our enterprise at The Corn Exchange, and an affirmation of our commitment to manifest the most sought-after of articles, alongside the expressive, resonant artworks curated by Grant Ford, aweinspiring chandeliers from Royal Warrant holders, Wilkinson’s as well as horological masterpieces from Antiques Roadshow’s Richard Hills.

For my part, the opportunity to now work alongside these longtime associates is the epitome of an exciting and exhilarating start to the year, and I would love to invite you along with me on what promises to be quite a journey. I also hope that the coming months bring you all similar cause for optimism, and wish you all the very happiest of New Years.

Interview

Meet the woman who’s passionate about promoting girl power

Tech entrepreneur, motivational speaker, mother and now a successful author, Jo Wimble-Groves is on a mission to empower girls from a young age to strive for their goals and own their own success. Here she tells Eileen Leahy more about her quest which has also resulted in her first book Rise of the Girl

J

o Wimble-Groves is busy chatting on her phone when I arrive at the Tunbridge Wells Hotel to interview her. She waves a friendly ‘hello’ at me and I take a seat at the window table she is sitting at where she is in deep discussion about something.

I’ve never met Jo before but I’ve certainly heard a lot about her recently as she has just celebrated a milestone anniversary for the successful tech business she co-runs with her older brother and has just had her first book, Rise of the Girl,

published by DK. Jo’s also behind the popular Guilty Mother blog which now has over 55K followers and a thriving Instagram following too. If you’ve not come across it then essentially it’s a forum where Jo, expert guests and followers can share stories and explore conversations about making mothers feel – you guessed it – less guilty about being the perfect parent.

And as if being an entrepreneur, blogger, author and mother wasn’t enough Jo also finds the time to squeeze in a bit of public speaking,

host motivational talks for teens and “It was the mid 90s and he’d been playing golf professionally for England pen specialist opinion pieces for but sadly he was involved in a car national newspapers including The accident and sustained a knee injury Guardian. which temporarily paused his “The idea is to share my story,” Jo explains after she comes off the phone professional career in sport. Richard started selling mobile phones as a way and we’ve ordered some coffee. “I left of paying for his rehabilitation. He was school at 16 because I struggled doing it independently and asked if I academically. I was always in the bottom set so had to dig a little deeper would like to get involved too.”

“Being quite young I put my hand in order to do well. My parents up and took an opportunity. I think I divorced right in the middle of my said to him it would only be short term GCSES and that was a tough time for as I still wanted to do drama but I saw me. I often bring this up when I do the potential to earn a small income.” talks in schools as there’s a good Fast forward a quarter of a chance that some kids will have century and the duo’s experienced their mum and specialist b2b mobile dad not being together telecoms company anymore. But the key Active Digital has just message is your grades celebrated 25 years don’t have to define “We hold the power in business. Over who you are - or your to do so much but we the past couple of success. If university have to tell girls that decades it’s won is not right for you I many high-profile believe you can create from a young age” clients including your own success Crew Clothing, without it.”

Saracens Rugby Club and Jo, who was born in all of the Premier League Tunbridge Wells and still along the way as well as numerous lives here with her husband and accolades. Active Digital has been three children, says that it awarded a customer service gong took her a good while to every year consecutively for the realise all this and that’s why last 15 and is one of O2’s best she is now on a mission to performing partners across the whole empower young teens – especially of the UK and Ireland. Meanwhile Jo girls – into becoming more resilient has been crowned Everywoman’s and ultimately making the right Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020 and decisions for themselves. listed in Management Today’s 35 “I worked hard and did OK in my under 35 in The Sunday Times. Not GCSEs in the end but when I went to bad for the girl who found herself at a sixth form college I felt a bit lost. I’d bit of a ‘crossroads’ in life when she always loved drama and wanted to be a performer but I didn’t pursue this so was just 16 but then as I discover Jo is all about taking those opportunities I found myself at a bit of a in life and running with them… crossroads.”

When they started Active Digital in This led to Jo leaving school at 16 in 1996 Richard and Jo concentrated on order to work alongside her older getting businesses as diverse as law brother Richard when he asked her if firms, architects and chemical she fancied helping him sell a few engineers – not just locally but from mobile phones. all over the UK and Ireland - on their books as opposed to individual personal customers.

“We knew we could never compete with the likes of Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4U who were high street giants at that time,” explains Jo. “Commercial phones however became a real lifeline for companies and gradually Active Digital became known as the best-in-class for business with a reputation for focusing on excellent customer service.

“The personality behind our business – its heritage if you like - is really important and people love our story: they’ve really bought into it. We often get people telling us that they love supporting us. And whether they have been with us since the beginning or are new clients we are still very much hands on with all our customers a quarter of a century later.”

It’s clear when chatting to Jo that the importance of a story just doesn’t apply to her tech business. In fact she tells me that the all the motivational speaking, blogging and now the publication of her book are all interlinked and stem from the fact that she is a woman in tech.

SO Magazine | January 2022 | 19

Interview

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Interview

and these are also the things that (Science, Technology, Engineering transpired into my book.” and Maths) community.

She adds that writing her successful “We’ve had some incredible female Guilty Mother parenting blog was the scientists – many of whom have brought us through the pandemic - so ideal outlet when it came to pitching her idea for Rise of the Girl to I think it’s really important that girls publishers. know if they want to be scientists or “I’ve wanted to write a book since I engineers, or they want to work in was ten and the blog gave me the tech, they can. And actually it’s quite chance to show publishers what I cool to do so. There’s loads of could do. Their job is to produce a opportunities for girls in these areas great book which will sell – so you but we have to tell them that. need a great platform. Thankfully I “If there’s just one child who have a very loyal following realises they can achieve what and so it was a perfect they want to, then I have storm.” done my job. We hold The book blurb for the power to do all “I felt that having Rise of the Girl says this but as women we been so successful its aim is to support take so long to figure running my own parents in helping that out. We should business I needed their daughter ‘fulfil be telling people her potential in a when they are to give something challenging world’ younger – what’s the back” – something Jo knows point when you’re 30 or all about.

40? I want to empower In the book, which was girls from a young age.” published in October and is still Jo explains that it all starts from riding high in the Amazon charts, not being afraid to put your Jo with her third and Jo identifies the seven most hand up. “You have to take a youngest child shortly common issues preventing girls chance. Girls have the edge before signing her from fully succeeding in today’s when it comes to having a fear of book deal society. There are guided conversation failure but they actually outperform starters from Jo on subjects like not boys year after year in the UK. Girls giving up, how we can learn through need to know that they can go into failure and sourcing strong, positive these types of STEM careers but it’s role models. In addition to this there important to show them the role are contributions from people who models who are doing it now.” have experienced tough challenges Jo also says that telling children and overcome them. They include they can achieve has to start at home essays from people like Anna and that is the essence of her first Whitehouse who started the Flex book Rise of the Girl which is a series Appeal campaign which encourages of conversations and stories about people to ask for more flexible empowerment and possibility. working hours, as well as Mark “As parents we talk a lot about Martin MBE founder of Black Tech children putting in the hard work, and an advanced skills tech teacher focusing on their strengths and who’s been bridging the gap between having lots of grit and determination education and the STEM industry for Jo with her brother the past 16 years.

Richard co-founded WHAT IS “I know the voice of the author Active Digital in 1996 should be the loudest but I’m such an ACTIVE inclusive person I wanted to hear DIGITAL? from others so the contributors were an important part of the book. Some “We are a specialist of them talk about their experience b2b mobile telecoms raising teenagers while others talk company who started about how they remember what it was out selling phones with like for them growing up and how a contract in 1994 and they overcame certain challenges.” made a conscious Jo says Rise of the Girl is not just decision to just sell to another parenting manual though it’s businesses. Around about laying the groundwork early so that time companies girls can grow up feeling they can were only just starting achieve whatever they put their mind to think that providing to. their employees with a “I do I feel my book is different from mobile phone would others. We all talk about be a good idea. We felt entrepreneurial spirit and getting more there was a good women represented on the whole but opportunity for an we’ve got to start young. It reminds me independent and of being young and thinking about impartial company to who my role models were. How did I provide the tech feel about being in the bottom set? corporations needed Which teachers inspired me and – as well as excellent encouraged me to bring out my and bespoke customer strengths rather than focusing on my service. Two years later weaknesses. Sometimes we are really we became a limited bad at negative thinking saying ‘I can’t company and that was do that’ but we need to rewire all that a huge milestone for and think ‘these are the things I am us.” good at and what make me who I am’.”

“When I was in my 20s and going to events I was only one of a couple of women and I felt I was standing out - and I didn’t know how I felt about that. The conversations at those events weren’t necessarily those I would have if I was around more females so I felt different. It made me think ‘well if I’m only one of a few, how is the next generation coming through and where are their role models?’”

Jo says this led to her having the idea about talking to younger people, mainly those at secondary school, about her experience in business and as a woman.

“I felt that having been so successful I needed to give something back,” she continues. “I wondered if it might be useful for me to go into schools, colleges and universities to talk. I wanted to explain what’s it’s like and how we can all create our own success.”

Jo tells me she has a particular interest in speaking to girls as there is a massive lack of them in the STEM

THE ESSENCE OF RISE OF THE GIRL Jo says the idea for Rise of the Girl ties in with her own experience in life: “It originates from being a woman in STEM, really focusing on the importance of role models and mentors, raising a daughter myself and sometimes seeing the challenges she faces - as well as seeing this imbalance with equality. All these things were whirling through my mind and I thought if I could write a book I could reach a lot more girls a lot quicker.

When I spoke to my agent I really wanted to write a book for teenage girls but she queried whether this

was the right angle, asking whether teenage girls are buying books at the moment. And the answer is no they’re too busy on Tik Tok! So the decision was made between us that the book would be written for parents and care givers of girls because if we’re thinking about raising strong resilient girls then it needs to start at home.”

Jo Wimble-Groves is very happy to give talks to local schools and youth organisations: www.jowimblegroves.co.uk www.guiltymother.co.uk www.activedigital.co.uk

SO Magazine | January 2022 | 21

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Community

health training courses and impacted our lives in so many workshops throughout the year. ways and the impact on our We are pleased to partner with mental health has been the TN card to give members considerable. receive a discount on our It is so important that we all workshops, including our next have open and honest conversations about how we are Understanding Stress workshop on January 25. Visit thetncard. feeling, that we know what help com for more details. and support is available and also that we have tools TN CARD and strategies that MEMBERS ARE can support good SUPPORTING mental health in WHAT IS WEST WEST KENT our day to day KENT MIND? MIND BY lives.

An independent mental DONATING TO health charity affiliated THE CHARITY WHAT CAN with Mind.

THROUGH WE DO IN THEIR THESE WINTER WHAT AREAS DO MEMBERSHIPS. MONTHS TO THEY COVER? WHAT ELSE LOOK AFTER Tunbridge Wells, WE CAN DO OUR MENTAL Tonbridge and Malling TO HELP? WELLBEING? and Sevenoaks districts.

We really rely The short days on the support of and cold, wet HOW DO I individuals to help weather in January CONTACT THEM? us to provide our can really affect www.westkentmind.org. services and we our moods and uk | 01732 744950 Mon are so grateful to emotions. If you – Fri during office hours everyone who are struggling and | @westkentmind on supports us. We your feelings are social media have places affecting your available in the day-to-day life, Brighton Half please do talk to Marathon on 27 February and in someone. There are some the Ride London – Essex 100 on simple things we can do to lift 29 May, for anyone who would our spirits, such as making the like to run or cycle and raise most of natural light by getting outside, making time for yourself, money for us. TN card members receive reduced registration fees catching up with friends, looking – please get in touch if you after our physical health and would like more info. managing stress.

This month Jess Gibson of the TN card speaks to Louise Griffiths (above right) from West Kent Mind about the vital work the mental health charity carries out to support those in the local community who need their help. West Kent Mind is the reward card’s chosen charity, giving 10% of its membership sales towards it LOUISE FOR THOSE NOT IN THE KNOW, WHAT DOES WEST KENT MIND DO? We are a local mental health charity, affiliated to national Mind, providing much needed support services in West Kent.

We offer support to people to get well, stay well and thrive with better mental health. We love being part of such an amazing community and the positive mental wellbeing of everyone who lives and works here is at the heart of everything we do.

Jess Gibson Founder the TN Card

WHAT HELP DOES WEST KENT MIND PROVIDE? We understand that managing a mental health problem can be worrying and isolating, so we offer clear and practical support that everyone can access. We have a passionate and knowledgeable team who deliver a range of services which include one-to-one affordable counselling; specialist mental

health support programmes such as hoarding, bereavement support and money problems; and a range of community wellbeing social activity groups such gardening, music and social groups for over 55s. We also have a crisis support café and in Sevenoaks a supported housing residential programme.

We’re here to ensure that no one faces a mental health problem alone, so we really encourage everyone to reach out to us for help and support.

DO YOU PROVIDE TOOLS TO HELP US MANAGE STRESS? Yes, we offer a range of mental

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“We offer support to people to get well, stay well and thrive with better mental health”

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT THAT WE ALL KEEP TALKING ABOUT OUR MENTAL HEALTH? By starting a conversation about mental health with our family, friends and colleagues, we can support each other. We all have mental health, and we need to look after ourselves in the same way as we do with our physical health. We know that the pandemic has significantly SO Magazine | January 2022 | 23

Well-Being

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Well-Being

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HOW TO FIND YOUR INNER PEACE WITHOUT A PASSPORT TO PARADISE Emma Howarth is a local author, freelance writer and monthly horoscope columnist for Glamour UK. Last year she published A Year of Mystical Thinking: Make Life Feel Magical Again – a funny and touching memoir recounting her journey to find inner peace without a one-way ticket to paradise.

Here she tells SO magazine why she was inspired to write about this and how you too can do it in 2022…

When I found myself burnt out and broken at the end of a truly terrible year, I knew I needed to make some changes.

A perfect storm of stressful life events (relocating across the country to Tunbridge Wells, major job moves, an untimely death in the family) had left me feeling lost, exhausted and desperate to escape. A one-way ticket to paradise sounded like exactly what I was looking for…

I wanted to disappear on an Eat Pray Love-style quest for inner peace like Elizabeth Gilbert! Or take a Wild wander through the wilderness like Cheryl Strayed did in her memoir about walking the Pacific Crest Trail! Anything but another trip between the washing machine, dishwasher and my email inbox! And yet, while I was sure I’d be able to fix everything with a few Balinese sunsets and a ton of pasta, life had other ideas.

Two young children, a hectic magazine job, a husband working all hours for the NHS and a diary filled to bursting with soft play birthday parties… There was no

disposable income, free time or way I was going to be running away to opportunities to fly off on a solo jaunt to meditate on a rock anytime soon.

Even though I couldn’t disappear off to Bali.

If you’re ready to make your life feel India, Italy or Indonesia in search of magical again this January it might just inner peace, I still wanted to find a way be the perfect read! Here’s what I to feel better and live better – and so in learnt… the eye of that storm I hit upon an idea. An idea that became Find magic in the a year-long project in mundane which I explored a “Even though I Making life more different mystical or couldn’t disappear off magical shouldn’t feel spiritual practice to India, Italy or Indonesia like another task on (everything from meditation to in search of inner peace, I your To Do list! A spiritual practice that manifestation) every still wanted to find a way turns a routine into a month from the to feel better and live ritual is the best comfort of my own practice of all. During home here in Tunbridge better” my mystical year, I found Wells. myself stirring intentions That project became a into my morning tea, turning book: A Year of Mystical baths into magical rituals and making Thinking: Make Life Feel Magical Again wishes on every candle I blew out (not – a spiritual sourcebook/mystical just the birthday ones!). memoir that tells the story of how I injected the magic back into my life and It doesn’t have to be perfect explains how you can do it too – even if Take a scroll through spiritual Instagram you don’t have much in the way of SO Magazine | January 2022 | 25

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Well-Being

acknowledge the seasons without losing the plot over stair garlands. No one ever fell into a comparison spiral over the autumn equinox, right?

Photo © Mollie Manning

and you’d be forgiven for thinking a mystical life requires fancy yoga pants, seventeen different scented candles and a permanent sunset backdrop. It doesn’t!

Trust me, there’s a reason I devoted a whole chapter to the pitfalls of perfectionism and living your #bestlife.

You don’t need to rise at dawn, spend a fortune on crystals or master a crow pose to discover the magic of the mystical world. Do it your way – I did!

Start where you are and use what you have When I first moved to Tunbridge Wells from inner city Bristol I found it hard to imagine I’d ever meet anyone on my wavelength: I was wrong.

When I started my mystical project I “I’ll be running thought I’d have to go Just say yes some super relaxing to London every time I might have set out to events in 2022 including I wanted to explore find inner peace something new: I was without buying a sessions at my favourite wrong about that too. one-way ticket to local community venue Once I started paradise but the The Inside in Calverley paying attention I universe had other found there were many ideas. You’ll have to read Adventure Grounds” wonderful yogis, healers the book to find out and alternative practitioners exactly how I ended up going right here on my doorstep. Some to Byron Bay, Australia for a long of my favourite local magic makers are: weekend but I will say it’s the best contradiction I’ve ever watched play out For Yoga in real time. Spoiler: I bought a return!

I found my perfect practice attending classes with local teacher Helen Bishop Slow down and celebrate the seasons Slowing down sounds like obvious advice (helenbishopyoga.co.uk) at The Yoga House’s (theyogahouse.co.uk) beautiful but in our hectic modern world it can be difficult to achieve. Sometimes life moves studio. When I started running guided moon meditation rituals locally in 2019, so fast we don’t even notice the seasons The Yoga House proved the perfect let alone celebrate them! And sometimes venue. I also love yoga classes at SPN those seasonal celebrations feel more (spn.fit) and hosting meditation events at stressful than they need to be (not their beautiful studios. The brand new naming any names… Christmas!).

Sevenoaks studio was the venue I chose Choosing to celebrate the festivals of the for my book launch in September 2021.

Wheel of the Year is a magical way to Emma loves hanging out at The Inside and The Yoga House (below)

For Energy Healing Read the July chapter of my book and you’ll meet energy healer extraordinaire Myra Antonia but you can also meet her in real life locally (she’s @starseed_akasha on Instagram) for transformative treatments. I also can’t recommend Dot Winter (dorothywinter.com) enough – a truly magical human.

For Sound Baths My friend Alice Rose (alicerose.space) creates the most amazing crystal sound baths and runs events with me locally.

Watch this space for plenty of magic from both of us in 2022.

Fancy joining me in 2022?

I’ll be hosting free monthly online live events throughout 2022 featuring special guests, giveaways and a whole lot of magic. I’ll also be running some super relaxing events locally too including sessions at my favourite local community venue The Inside in Calverley Adventure Grounds (the-inside.co.uk). Find me on Instagram or Facebook (both @ mysticalthinking) for all the details.

A Year of Mystical Thinking: Make Life Feel Magical Again is published by Hay House and priced £10.99 You can find Emma on Instagram @ mysticalthinking SO Magazine | January 2022 | 27

Food & Drink

VIVA VEGAN WINE!

What inspired you to become a winemaker and what is your winemaking philosophy?

I started by thinking of myself as a vine grower focusing on growing delicious, richly-flavoured grapes and slowly became more confident of what I wanted for my wines. Our philosophy of winemaking is simple: minimal manipulation in the winery, let the grapes speak for themselves, make them for everyone to enjoy (which is why they are vegan and vegetarian).

Minimal manipulation includes taking time to let wines develop and we don’t do malolactic fermentations. That way we keep as much of the taste of the grapes as we can.

When it comes to dining, how would you pair your awardwinning Inspiration Brut Blanc de Gris 2014?

Vegetable tempura with a spicy dip or just fresh limes to squeeze over.

It’s also great with vegan Thai food or curries.

Are you listed on the online vegan directory Barnivore.com?

Yes we are! Barnivore.com is the world’s biggest vegan alcohol database, which relies upon its readers to update it whenever possible. They also list the contact details of winemakers, breweries, and distilleries, so that you can easily call up the manufacturers and producers if you are unsure.

ALSO WORTH CHECKING OUT IS: Davenport Vineyards Organic Horsmonden Dry White 2019, Kent (around £15.95, davenportvineyards. co.uk & grapebritannia.co.uk, 11.5%) “From the Weald of Kent, this is Davenport’s biggest volume wine, varying from 12,000 to 25,000 bottles (‘depending on the weather!’ Will says).

Suitable for vegans and organic-certified by the Soil Association.”

James Viner chats to Jonica Fox of vegan winery Fox & Fox in Mayfield and selects some top local stockists so you can raise a glass to Veganuary this month…

E

very year hundreds of thousands of Brits sign up for the Veganuary campaign – a pledge to embrace plant-based diets for a month and beyond. A record 580,00 people got involved in the 2021 campaign from over 200 countries. A big landmark of the last campaign was the involvement of all of the UK’s major supermarkets in promoting the event, which began in 2014.

And the good news is the wine industry is also getting in on the act producing more and more vegan wines than ever before. One local winery who can claim their vinious offerings are totally vegan are the good people of Fox & Fox vineyard in Mayfield.

Here co-founder Jonica Fox tells me why she was inspired to create great award-winning wines and what makes them vegan friendly…

Are all your wines suitable for vegans and how do you tell if a wine is vegan?

Yes. All of our wines are registered with the Vegan Society so all are appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. The Vegan Society logo is on all of our back labels too [The Vegan Trademark has been helping consumers to establish whether a product is free from animal ingredients since 1990]. You can be 100% comfortable that all our wines meet your ethical standards.

What farming methods do you use?

At Fox & Fox we use natural fertilisers, either plant-based compost or lime-rich soil additions like chalk or limestone. We work hard to grow the healthiest vines we can, we focus on plant nutrition with foliar-feeds derived from seaweed to keep the vines in top form.

Do you filter or fine your wines?

No, we don’t do either: we let time do the work. We make sure we use vegan certified sugar in those years when we need to help the first fermentation along and for supporting the second fermentation in the bottle which adds those all-important bubbles.

Taking time adds to the costs but we believe that it’s worthwhile to take extra time and care with the wine-making. We think the results speak for themselves.

28 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

“The wine industry is producing more vegan wines than ever before”

Viner’s must-try vegan top pick from boutique winery Fox & Fox in nearby Mayfield, East Sussex.

Meticulously crafted vegan ‘Inspiration’ Brut Blanc de Gris 2014 Sparkling Wine, Fox & Fox, Mayfield, E. Sussex “This is our unique English sparkling wine, probably the first

commercial Pinot Gris (PG) fizz made in the UK” Jonica tells me. “It celebrates the wonderful, rich and ripe PG that we grow here in East Sussex. There is a small addition of Chardonnay too from the parcel immediately beside the PG, just to lift the finish.” £39-£39.99, Quercus, Fox & Fox & Fine Wines of Mayfield www.FoxandFox.wine

Food & Drink

YOUR LOCAL VEGAN DRINKS ADDRESS BOOK In addition to local winery Fox & Fox specialising in vegan wines you might want to know about a few more local sellers who are embracing the plantbased buzz right now: Fuggles Bottle Shop – “vegan beervana in TW” Fuggles Bottle Shop opened its doors on October 21 this year. It’s a great place to find quality vegan beers, ciders and wines and a wonderful addition to the Fuggles bars here in Tunbridge Wells and also Tonbridge. Founder Alex Greig, told me: “90% of our beer range is now vegan – and our wine and cider too! Great vegan choices include Balfour Luke’s Pinot Noir, Floc Brewing ‘Never US’ IPA and Kentish Pip High Diver cider.” Alex reminds me that Fuggles’ two pubs also sell “great vegan toasties using vegan cheese, kimchi and gochujang.

And of course, most of the beers in the pubs, including a lot of the cask, are vegan too!” Salivating stuff for vegans. fugglesbottleshop.co.uk

LOCAL INDIE WINE SPECIALIST WITH VEGAN WINES APLENTY Elementary Wine Co. – “purveyors of delicious ethical beverages” Based in Tunbridge Wells, Elementary Wine Co. (EWC) is a family-owned and run indie selling wines online (‘curbside pickup’ is possible too apparently) from highquality biodynamic, organic and sustainable producers. It’s a very promising brand-new local business from the former owner of The Secret Cellar, Mike Watson, who seeks out ‘ethical and sustainable producers, most of

OUTSTANDING VEGAN RESTAURANT: The Plant Base Wholefoods Restaurant & Bar: “at the heart of Vegan Food in Tunbridge Wells” Geff Stone opened The Plant Base Cafe in February 2017, bringing mouth-watering whole food and fresh cold-pressed juice to Tunbridge Wells. His dream was to create an eco-friendly cafe with up-cycled furniture, biodegradable takeaway packaging and an all plant-based

menu. “A massive part of why I went was vegan was down to the environment and so everything we use here is recycled and our packaging is compostable,” he says.

“Having moved to a bigger premises earlier this year up further up the Camden Road The Plant Base now offers a bar service too and tapas menu in the evening. Geff says: “All of our wines are organic and vegan friendly. We’ve only recently opened our bar floor, focusing on organic

wine and cold-pressed cocktails. Our favourites at the moment are a Chilean Chardonnay produced in the Casablanca Valley by Emiliana Orgánico. It leads with pineapple and is rich but very easydrinking. And our Tempranillo from La Mancha, Spain, has proven to be a crowd-pleaser, popular at our recent wine tasting event. It’s a sulphur-free wine, rich in ripe black fruits.” theplantbase.co.uk

which are small’. Starting from around £10, EWC boasts a brilliant list and is another bright addition to the local fine wine retail scene, especially given Mike Watson’s peerless and very personal guidance. Well worth a root around, EWC is a veritable treasure trove of classy vegan gems, including their fine Chablis selections from Moreau-Naudet (a personal fave) and Vrignaud – both sublime with freshly baked gougères and crab linguine.

Sign up for the Watsons’ newsletter and receive a code for 10% off your first order. elementarywine.co.uk

Follow James on Twitter @ QuixoticWine and the hashtag #Veganuary More information at www.veganuary.com SO Magazine | January 2022 | 29

Food & Drink

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Food & Drink

Turkish delight...

Zorba Meze Grill is one of Tunbridge Wells’ most popular places to eat, and as Richard Williams discovers despite increased competition in the town it still remains among the best… but also the quality.

The philosophy of using seasonal local ingredients wherever available certainly pays off when you sample the freshness of the Ezme salad [£4.95] with its just-picked parsley and crisp red onions.

Not to mention the traditional flat bread. If you have found fresher, tastier and better prepared Mediterranean bread in Kent, do write in because I would find it hard to believe.

But the quality of ingredients and skill of the kitchen staff at Zorba’s is never more apparent than with their grilled food.

Z

orba Meze Grill, or as it is simply known locally, Zorba’s, has been delighting foodies in Tunbridge Wells with its take on traditional Turkish cuisine for more than half a decade.

Since it evolved from a café into the stylish eaterie it is today, it has gone on to enjoy continued popularity - constantly ranking among the top restaurants in all of Kent, according to Tripadvisor.

But a lot has happened since its owner Sedat expanded his small café into a 150-seat restaurant and introduced meze and grillbased cooking to the local restaurant scene.

A whole raft of places, offering all sorts of Mediterranean cuisines, have opened up over the years -

THE MAIN EVENT Yes, there are plenty of other dishes on the mains menu at Zorba’s, ranging from Mussaka [£11.95] and Incek (braised lamb shank) [£13.95] but it the grill that generates all those aromas that have you salivating as soon as you step inside the restaurant.

A glance through to the open kitchen - perhaps more of a novelty a decade ago than it is today - and you will see masters of their craft.

The chefs at Zorba’s certainly know exactly how hot their coals are and how long every morsel

some more successfully than others, but the increased competition has done little to dull the appetite at Zorba’s for providing top-quality food and excellent service.

STARTERS ORDERS Relaxed dining is an oftenoverused term, but Turkish cuisine cannot be enjoyed in anything other than a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

The whole purpose of meze – the hot and cold selections of simple tapas like dips, salads and vegetarian dishes – is to share.

It is not only the range that Zorba Meze Grill has on offer, with all the favourites from hummus [£4.95] Babaganoush (smoked pureed aubergine) [£4.95], and Taramasalata [£4.95],

needs to be cooked.

You won’t find any pink meat here, and even the fish, so easy to overcook above intense coals, does not stay on the grill a second longer than it has to.

The Adana (lamb skewers) [£13.95] and chicken shish [£13.95] are delicately seasoned and a cut above the usual kebabs offered by many other Turkish restaurants.

But if you really want to sample a good selection, then try the Surf n’ Turk [£29.95], a playful take on the more traditional steak and scampi, but with a selection of skewers (lamb and chicken), seasoned and gently grilled salmon, as well as grilled king prawns.

FRIENDLY FARE The food, location and modern, spacious restaurant are not the only things that warrant a fivestar rating at Zorba Meze Grill, but the restaurant team seem to go above and beyond to ensure your stay is a relaxed and friendly as possible.

You will certainly feel welcome at Zorba’s and the smiling faces are almost as much a draw to return as the high-quality food and fabulous service.

The whole purpose of eating meze is to share it with others

SO Magazine | January 2022 | 31

DIZZI PERSIAN CUISINE

Why not come and try our delicious Hot & Cold Starters, Stews, Seafoods, Grills and Kabobs?

We are open 7 days a week from noon until midnight.

Please book early to avoid disappointment!

01892 520 220 37 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells TN4 8AA

Food & Drink

Table talk...

Can you tell us a bit more about the Crowdfunder you set up to get things off the ground?

The crowdfunding campaign lasted a month and ended at the beginning of November. We exceeded our target of £10,000, thanks to the generosity of friends, family and local people who we don't know, but love our idea. The crowdfund campaign included rewards which we're delivering and have considerable costs attached, so sadly not all of the money raised will go to our start-up.

It'll be enough to get the first part of the website and app. We're therefore seeking more investment for the next stages.

Eat Like a Local is a new initiative established by friends and fellow foodies (left) Loic Beuzit and Ash Greenaway. The idea is simple: to offer the people of Tunbridge Wells great restaurant recommendations and up to date info on our wealth of independent eateries - all in one place. Ahead of its launch later this year they tell SO magazine why they believe there is a genuine appetite out there for such a good gastro idea…

So let's start by you telling us a little bit about yourselves. What is your background and are you based in Tunbridge Wells?

We're old school mates who left The Skinners' School quite some time ago and caught up again in Sydney in 2010, where there happened to be a thriving Tunbridge Wells ex-pat community. I moved back in 2015 and Ash moved back with his family last year. My background is in events and I've also worked intermittently in food and drink, having worked in a number of local restaurants and helping my sister Gaelle out when she opened the French deli Fromage & French a few years ago. Ash is a project manager and has long been interested in restaurants - he is also a qualified sommelier.

How did the idea for Eat Like A Local come about?

When lockdown restrictions eased we decided to have lunch for a longoverdue catch-up. I was freelancing and the events sector had taken a hit, Ash was keen to explore new career

To discover more about Eat Like A Local follow them on social media at: Twitter: @eatlikealocalTW Instagram: @eatlikealocaltw Facebook: @eatlikealocalTW The website where people can sign up to our free weekly newsletter is www.eatlikealocal. co.uk

opportunities. Having been away for most of the past decade we were keen to try one of the more recent additions to the Tunbridge Wells dining scene, but found existing review sites clunky, out-of-date and not necessarily brimming with indisputable recommendations. What you need, wherever you go, is a trusted foodie friend you can message, to help you find those gems only locals know about. So Eat Like a Local was born, with the simple mission to recreate those trusted and quick recommendations.

When did you launch it and can you tell us a little bit about the concept of it?

Having successfully crowdfunded, we are working with a London-based agency which specialises in helping start-ups get to a Minimum Viable Product and approach any new concept from a customer-first angle.

We hope to have a prototype to test and refine very soon, with a tried and tested product ready to launch in the spring.

some way off from this. Initially we hope the main beneficiaries will be visitors to an area who want to eat well and of course those independent restaurants who may not always benefit from passing trade. We'll keep the site up-to-date so locals will also benefit from new announcements about new openings or events, amongst other news.

Why do you think it's so important to support local eateries?

The restaurant sector is tough. There are so many talented chefs and owners who just can't compete with the marketing and rental budgets of the chains. I grew up in France and both We’re basing Ash and I have Which restaurants travelled extensively. and cafes are our restaurant We both value the behind the idea it recommendations unique experiences so far?

Of the more than purely on places we you get whenever you have a great 100 independent love and would meal, which needn't restaurants and food-led pubs in the happily recommend cost a lot of money.

Eating great food is Tunbridge Wells to others the highlight of any area, we've selected holiday. How 30 to recommend. miserable would the No money has world be if changed hands. everywhere you went was identical We're basing our recommendations and the food on offer overpriced and purely on places we love and would served by people who aren't happily recommend if we were asked where to go by out-of-towners. passionate about food and their There's something for all tastes and unique offering. budgets. We're not looking to compete with the Michelin Guide!

What are your hopes for 2022 with Eat Like a Local?

Will you be running guest blog spots Once the first Tunbridge Wells from chefs and restaurant owners version is ready to test we'll ask those online and what will these aim to who were kind enough to support achieve? our Crowdfunder to test it and tell us We have big aspirations that the what they think about the product platform will become not just a and how we might be able to recommendations site with national improve it. We'll also build a network or even international reach (a few of like-minded foodies who want to Sydney foodies are already help us scale nationally. interested), but evolves into a diningfocused social network. This would lead to content being generated by restaurants and diners. But we don't want to get carried away before we've proved the concept. For the first stage it would be fantastic if we achieve our aim of having trusted, unbiased recommendations in every corner of the UK. Independent restaurants have, like many other businesses, suffered greatly due to the pandemic. It would be great if the local gems could be rewarded and helped to thrive. After all, we don't want our high-streets to look identical, offering the same average food from non-descript dining rooms.

And will you encourage local foodie diners to submit their reviews too?

We have plans to convene regular local foodie meet-ups to chat about the local dining scene and make sure our listing stays fresh and accurate.

How do you think Eat Like a Local will benefit the local foodie scene?

The site will be driven by input from foodies and in time will hopefully give them a revenue stream, but we're SO Magazine | January 2022 | 33

Advertising Feature

READY, SET, SLOW: THE SWEAT IT GUIDE TO OPTIMISE YOUR HEALTH 34 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

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odern-day living is driven by coffee, calls and putting in the grind from dawn til dusk, and for many into the night. The pressure of life means we can't take our foot off the gas to get results, and we expect to see constant improvements ... fast.

We cram in all the tasks and hobbies we need to in order to fulfil our "health quota" - and that health quota is the accumulation of our social, mental & physical aspects that we use to quantify a wholesome life. Being better in our jobs, more money, promotions, a bigger house, hot physique, great holidays - we have all opted for at least one of these ideal lifestyle factors; and we have probably got so caught up in the tunnel vision of getting there that we have lost sight of significant moments along the way.

If the last two years have taught us anything, it is to invest time into what really matters - our health and happiness. Of course, certain factors make it easier or harder to accomplish this, but more often than not, we are able to adapt and make changes to prioritise a long term healthy lifestyle.

Let’s go back to our health quota; we all want to live a happy & healthy life, however, we can often overlook the actions to facilitate it.

OUR TOP 3 ACTIONS FOR HEADING INTO 2022: Action One - Be Kind To Yourself Yes, it’s January, the start of a new year and time of reflection but it shouldn’t impose any additional pressure to achieve ALL of your goals right now. If anything it’s the perfect time to stay consistent.

Carryover those good habits from last year and identify future aspirations.

Don’t beat yourself up for an indulgent Christmas Don’t start setting yourself dozens of unrealistic expectations Don’t compare yourself to others Don’t feel guilty for the things you haven’t done Action Two - Slow Down December is a whirlwind and January comes around quick.

After New Year’s antics, before we know it, we are in the middle of the month and we’ve ignored our good intentions of ‘getting back on track'. We should never feel like it is too late or that we have failed. Reflection, in any form, is a powerful tool. We can acknowledge where we are at now and where we want to be.

This puts us in the best position to implement change.

Action Three - Take Small Steps It is not in our nature to multitask, especially when the tasks are out of our norm. It takes time to incorporate a new structure and ultimately reinforce new habits. It is so easy to get to January and tell yourself all of these life changes you’re going to make but trying them all at once is unfortunately not the set-up for success. Limit stress by focusing on one thing at a time.

HOW CAN WE HELP? Many people fall into the category of thinking 'the gym is not for them', in fact, lots of our community started with this opinion. They've 'never been any good at exercise' or 'not been able to see any lasting results' due to inconsistencies.

This simply isn't true. You just haven't found a method that suits you. We do things differently because we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to improve their quality of life.

Improved Mood - Mental Health - Confidence - Sense of Belonging - Identity - Achievement LEARN & EXECUTE How many times have you walked into a gym and jumped on the treadmill for a half-hour, wandered around aimlessly, pulling a few handles on a machine and leaving

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ACCOUNTABILITY With a busy schedule, it can be hard to motivate yourself to even get to a gym, let alone come up with an exercise plan or even

NOW’S THE TIME TO MAKE A CHANGE. WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP YOU! consistently follow one. You might choose the 'easy' option and skip the not-so-sexy moves to get out the door quicker.

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SO Magazine | January 2022 | 35

BEAUTY

natural coverage and hydration as well as cleansers and moisturisers – all of which use as many natural ingredients as possible. “Each one works on the olfactory system, has proven biotech ingredients and vitamins and is made in the EU,” adds Anastasiya as she talks me through the collection.

Praveen then reveals that Ellora Skincare is developing a new acne line which is still in the design stage but will be made up of some very innovative products. “Again these will boast a number of properties like tea tree oil and sulphur to combat problems more naturally.

We are currently testing extensively and hope to launch in March.”

Although the clinic may be small it certainly punches above its weight when it comes to attracting a loyal client base who are predominantly from Tunbridge Wells, but also make the journey there from Tonbridge, Crowborough and Orpington.

Business has mainly grown through word of mouth but now Anastasiya and Praveen are looking to get the message out to more people through a well thought through marketing campaign which started last month. This also reflects their belief about good skincare being so much more than just what you put on it topically. Their ads

promote the skin as being the body’s largest organ and therefore a vital ‘interface between the outer world and not just our inner bodies but also our souls.’

It’s all about taking a more holistic approach the couple tell me - and not just a quick fix. So how did Anastasiya, who gave up her highflying job in finance and her husband Praveen whose background is strategic investment and digital marketing get involved in the world of skincare?

“I suffered from really bad acne when I was a teenager,” explains Anastasiya who is mother to their two small boys. “I was severely affected by lack of self-confidence and this is what made me want to do something with skincare. That made me start looking into how the skin is affected by stress and diet and I found myself wanting to find out more about a more comprehensive approach to skin wellness.”

Alongside doing an MSc degree in finance, Anastasiya also has diplomas in expert skincare studies courtesy of her CIDESCO and CIBTAC qualifications.

“There was a moment where I had to take a decision: to either continue down the banking route or prioritise my family and pursue my passion with skincare. I chose the

latter as it gives me the space to be more creative but also because of how badly my skin affected my teen years.”

You can go along to Ellora Skincare Clinic and have a variety of treatments but each one will be tailored to your specific skin type and needs says Anastasiya. In other words she is keen to stress that what she is offering is a truly bespoke service for each client. So for an older person she may suggest enjoying a Supreme firming treatment for mature skin, or a melanin peel if you need help correcting pigmentation issues or a rebalancing facial if you have oily or combination complexion.

The Ellora ethos is to look at the bigger picture, targeting not just ageing or acne issues on a cosmetic level but having a look at other factors in life that might be triggering or accelerating certain conditions.

That’s why they will be hosting two new Ellora wellness bootcamps focusing on yoga and nutrition to further complement what they already offer at the clinic. As long as current Covid restrictions don’t change they will be taking place on January 14 and 28 at the Southborough Centre. See www. elloraskincare.com for more details.

Beauty that’s more than skin deep...

Anastasiya Youkova and her partner Praveen Telang from the Ellora Skincare clinic in Southborough tell Eileen Leahy all about their entrepreneurial business and why a great looking complexion starts from within…

T

he start of a new year is often when many of us think about giving our lifestyle, diet and beauty routine a bit of an overhaul. Many of us will cut out fatty foods, start a new exercise routine or invest in some pricey beauty products to make those changes, but we need to remind ourselves that in fact all three areas need addressing together if we are to see - and sustain - any lasting changes.

Business and life partners Anastasiya Youkova and Praveen Telang could not agree with this approach more.

They believe good diet, combatting stress, hydration and regular exercise all go hand in hand in order to achieve a happier and healthier you which is why they are so keen to help people do just that.

Their business Ellora Skincare is a smart bijou clinic and retail space located on the London Road in Southborough and the couple are on a mission to educate people about 36 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

the comprehensive approach we need to take to general well-being.

“Good skincare is interlinked with what you put it into your body, how you are feeling emotionally as well as how you look after your complexion,” explains Anastasiya, who is from Bulgaria and gave up working in the world of finance to pursue her passion for beauty and well-being.

Established in 2018 the Ellora Skincare Clinic boasts a range of both non-invasive and results driven treatments - some of them exclusive to the UK such as the French brand GENXSKIN targeting common complexion issues. All facials are carried out by Anastasiya who is a qualified therapist and skincare specialist.

Ellora also boasts its own eponymous selection of skincare products too. They are sold in the clinic, on the brand’s website and via Amazon and are divided into Ellora Naturals and Ellora Actives ranges.

There are tonic waters to invigorate and tone the skin, CC creams for

Our products boast proven biotech ingredients, vitamins and natural elements to promote healthy skin

WHY

WELL-BEING

THREE

IS THE MAGIC

NUMBER WHEN

IT COMES TO FLOURISHING IN LIFE

With the start of a new year many of us reassess where we’re at and where we’re going. This month Naomi Murray from Botanica Health in Rusthall encourages you to look at three simple ways you can really flourish in 2022

W

e often begin a new year with good intentions.

As human beings we are a work in progress and there is always room for improvement, and yet before January is out 64% of New Year resolutions will be abandoned.

There is a reason for this, so don’t be disheartened. Often resolutions are based on others expectations, or there is too much pressure - or we may just have unrealistic goals.

As Einstein said: “We cannot solve a problem on the level of consciousness that created it.” We need to be realistic in our goals. And as we begin another year which may prove challenging, as Viktor Frankl stated in his book Man’s Search for Meaning, “When we are are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

If we can become stoical in spirit and healthier in body, we are in better stead for life when unexpected challenges occur.

The 3 A Stars to Embrace in 2022:

Naomi Murray Co-founder of Botanica Health

Autophagy: the path to renewal - the name Autophagy is derived from the Greek meaning ‘eating of self.’ As frightening as it sounds this is a natural regeneration process that occurs when we have a clear ‘window’ between meals. In the space in between the body begins repairing at a cellular level.

Scientific studies show this to be a healthy way to lose weight and prolong life. It is advised that for two or three days a week all of your dietary food intake for a day should be within an 8

to 10 hour window. So you could have breakfast at 10am, and refrain from eating beyond 8pm. During this time of fasting the body recycles damaged cells and will sometimes destroy those that no longer serve a purpose. New cells are formed, metabolism is maintained, cardiovascular health improves and this process is protective against neurogenerative diseases.

Adaptogens: are a category of herbs that help the human body adapt. They support metabolism and increase resistance to physical, biological, emotional and environmental stressors. These are remarkable herbs and knowledge around them dates back thousands of years. Like all herbs they are multi-modal, not just one trick ponies at all.

Let’s look at just one adaptogenic herb, Holy Basil (Tulsi). In Ayurvedic medicine it is revered as an ‘herb for all reasons’ - it acts as an anti-depressant, is anti-viral and anti-bacterial, a carminative (soothes the digestive tract), expectorant (helps remove excess mucus from the lungs) and is an immune balancer. Adaptogens include Ashwagandha, Rhodiola rosea, Ginseng, Liquorice and Reishi mushroom. There is an adaptogen to suit everyone and they can make a huge difference to emotional and physical health.

Awe: the route to happiness through reverential respect mixed with wonder. We think of awe as an emotion saved for those extra special moments and yet every day we can be in awe of the world around us, of daily encounters; the night sky, the exquisite fungi sprouting on the fallen tree, the sound of the Robin singing in the trees. To be present, to stop, pause and look closely we encounter an emotion that has been shown to lower biomarkers linked to depression, cardiovascular and auto-immune diseases.

A child-like wonder really is good for your health. It is time to look up and around. You don’t have to count calories or take part in gruelling workouts to set foot on a fresh path of well-being. Perhaps it’s time to ease in to the new year in a gentler way that can still produce profound positive effects. www.botanicahealth.co.uk SO Magazine | January 2022 | 37

Hypnotherapy

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Hypnotherapy

Animal Magic We’re all susceptible to the joy of pets. Funny cat and dog videos and pictures are popular on social media because they cheer up the dullest or most difficult day. Here’s how pets enhance our lives in many ways:

The

joy

Increasing physical activity Walking a dog every day is a fun way to stay healthy.

Providing companionship Pets are an antidote to loneliness, offering love in exchange for time and attention.

Reducing anxiety The company of a pet can ease anxiety and boost selfconfidence. Pets listen and are non judgemental.

of pets...

Improving social contact Dog owners are often friendly and stop to chat when out walking. All pets connect their owners through a shared interest or passion, whether it be for alpacas or tortoises.

Creating structure and purpose Feeding, exercising and caring for a pet creates a daily routine and sense of achievement.

Teaching important life lessons Childhood pets show us how to take responsibility, be kind and caring and deal with the pain of bereavement.

This month our resident hypnotherapist Karen Martin, who runs her practice from Salomons Estate, discusses the joy of pets and how they have helped so many during the Covid crisis…

P

Karen Martin Hypnotherapist

uppy mania has been a feature of the pandemic with over three million households acquiring new pets to pass the time with during lockdowns.

There’s plenty of evidence of the mental health benefits of having a furry friend and never has there been a greater need for the comfort and companionship they provide.

It’s dogs that pull at our heartstrings the most, followed by cats. Around a third of us have dogs and more than a quarter of homes have a cat. Just stroking a much-loved pet is therapy. Numerous studies show how caring for animals reduces loneliness and stress.

Animals were used in mental health institutions in the late 18th century to encourage socialisation. Today, therapy dogs are used to support treatment for a range of mental health disorders including depression, schizophrenia and addictions.

Some traumatised people relate to animals better than

people. Pets also help with specific conditions. For example, ADHD sufferers benefit from the structure and routine that a pet needs. Taking responsibility for feeding, playing with and exercising a pet is a great way to relieve stress and burn off excess energy. The unconditional love of a pet helps those with autism build social skills and confidence, creating a sense of calm and reducing sensory overload.

I’m always reassured when a traumatised client going through difficult times has a much-loved pet to focus their attention on.

In times of divorce or illness, for example, a dog, cat, lizard or budgie can seem like an only friend in an otherwise cold and heartless world.

Researchers have discovered that the bond between owner and pet is similar to that between a mother and baby. Oxytocin, the so-called ‘hug’, ‘love’ or ‘cuddle’ hormone has a key role in both mother-infant and human-pet bonding. This is no surprise when you think about

how soppy and besotted the owner of a new puppy or rescue cat becomes. We also make incredible sacrifices for our pets, in some cases spending more on them than our children.

The boom in animal ownership has resulted in unprecedented growth in sales for pet food manufacturers and other animal products and services. It seems that keeping a pet is more expensive than ever.

A dog is for life, not just for lockdown but 5 percent of new pandemic pet owners have chosen not to keep them, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association.

It reports that more than a third of all new pet owners found their new acquisition more trouble than they anticipated. On the positive side, 74 percent said their pet helped them stay mentally healthy while coping with coronavirus curbs.

The RSPCA predicts a ‘crisis’ for animals purchased in lockdowns when owners return to work and no longer lavish so much attention on them. Walk

“Some traumatised people relate to animals better than people.”

round any neighbourhood in the middle of the day and you’re likely to hear the lonesome bark of a solitary dog shut away for eight hours or more.

Pack animals like dogs need company, as some owners will discover when they come home to find furniture chewed and soiled carpets. Cats, on the other hand, thrive in solitude. As busy life resumes, many will discover they’ve barely got time to feed a goldfish, never mind tend to the needs of a once cute puppy grown into a great big hound.

If you’re too busy to own a pet, there are other options.

Pet sitting for friends or signing up with ‘Borrow My Doggy’ gives you the benefits without the responsibility. The Cinnamon Trust needs volunteer dog walkers and foster homes for pets.

In many ways, pets are as important as family and friends to our wellbeing. We need them as much as they need us for the love and joy they bring.

SO Magazine | January 2022 | 39

Interiors

1.

Blue

Note

From deluxe appliances to soft furnishings or a lick of paint, it’s easy to introduce Dulux’s Colour of the Year Bright Skies to your living spaces, says Sam Wylie-Harris

40 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

Interiors

T

he benefits of blue are well storied, and now Dulux has named Bright Skies its Colour of the Year for 2022 – something we’re probably all craving more of right now!

A versatile, uplifting shade that’s easy on the eye, this blue entices us with the promise of, well, something bright and beautiful.

“Bright Skies is the perfect Colour of the Year for 2022 because it captures the essence of freedom we’ve all been craving for the past 12 months, while we stared out of the window,” says Marianne Shillingford, Dulux creative director.

“After so long trapped indoors, we’ve come to appreciate the power of nature to uplift and revitalise us, and a clear blue summer sky is possibly the ultimate colour of nature.

“This colour also melts the walls away to reconnect us with the great outdoors and makes small spaces feel much bigger. It’s perfect for a ceiling too, and anywhere in your home that needs a much needed injection of light and positivity.

“Bright Skies pairs beautifully with all natural materials like wood and stone as well as subtle cool and warm neutrals,” adds Shillingford.

Dulux Paint Mixing Matt in Bright Skies, from £31.09 for 2.5L, Dulux Destined to make a splash, Shillingford says the brand’s COTY – Colour of the Year – is always influenced by what’s happening around us, and to us. “We’re inspired by commonly shared experiences as much as emerging design trends, and seek to find synergy between the two.

We’re also uplifted by the simplest pleasures that nature has to offer,” she explains.

“Who doesn’t smile and feel good when they see a beautiful sunset or clear blue summer sky? We aim to choose a Colour of the Year that captures what we all need in our homes for the year ahead, and Bright

2.

Skies is a colour saturated with pure joy.”

Here’s what’s on our blue edit, including a couple of top-notch collaborations with Dulux, some household names, and designer decos…

1. DFS Java Four-Seater Velvet Sofa in Bright Skies Dulux Colour of the Year 2022, £799 (footstools and swivel chair from a selection, other items part of room set), DFS A celebration of chic colour coding, furniture retailer DFS has teamed up with Dulux to launch the popular Java range in Bright Skies, including a two, three or four-seater sofa (as pictured), swivel chair, armchair and footstools. To bring the look together and transform a seating area, you can choose other key pieces in complementary shades.

To work the paint colour into your existing scheme, Shillingford says to use Bright Skies where you would love to have had a window or simply more light: “Perfect for brightening up

4.

3.

alcoves, and on walls you look at from your favourite chair or sofa, and dream about summer holidays to come.”

2. House Beautiful Heritage Sky Blue Self-Adhesive Glass Splashback, from £175, Splashback Decorative, practical and a pretty alternative to tiles, this Sky Blue splashback is easy to install by peel, stick and seal technique – and makes a real feature when placed behind your hob, sink or basin.

by American designer, Jonathan Adler? Upholstered in an icy blue velvet with polished brass legs, this investment piece will bring a club-class finishing touch to your creative endeavours. The stuff of blue sky dreams…

5.

3. Stoves Richmond Deluxe Range Cooker in Bright Skies Dulux Colour of the Year 2022, from £2,099 depending on size and fuel type. For full list of stockists, visit Stoves.co.uk The latest addition to Stoves Colour Boutique line, Bright Skies is the 10th colour in their luxe line-up. Available across induction and dual fuel Richmond Deluxe range cookers, it’s bang on trend with home entertaining so big right now, and many of us appreciating the heart of the home more than ever.

4. Jonathan Adler Ether Chair in Bergamo Ice, £1,750 (other items from a selection), Sweetpea & Willow Could there be a more attractive accent chair than this glammy model

5. KitchenAid Mixer Tilt-Head 4.8L in Blue Velvet – Artisan with Extra Accessories 5KSM175PS, £499, KitchenAid With the Great British Bake Off back on screens, chances are you might be tipping your pastry hat and whipping up a storm. But even your red velvet cake could benefit from a touch of blue, and every star baker needs a KitchenAid mixer in their life.

6.

7.

8.

6. Throw Eranthis in Blue, £25 (was £39.99), JYSK With the days getting chilly, a faux fur throw in a calming blue-grey will look wonderful draped at the end of the bed, and make you want to snuggle down even more.

7. Georgette Round Footstool in Heather Blue Smart Cotton, £522 (was £580), Sofa.com For more soft furnishing inspiration, even a buttoned footstool with soft rounded edges in Heather Blue can be a starting point for your colour story – and this works like a dream with Bright Skies. After all, you’ll want to put your feet up after poring over all those swatches.

8. Stone Blue Ticking Linen Bedding Bundle, £224, Chalk Pink Linen Company While keeping your sleeping space fresh and airy: “In a bedroom, wrap this colour around you on all the walls, woodwork and doors, for a breezy look that puts a smile on your face first thing in the morning and last thing at night,” suggests Shillingford. Striped bed linen in Stone Blue will tie everything together… think a beach hut or cottage by the sea, for that dreamy laid-back vibe.

SO Magazine | January 2022 | 41

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Interiors

The new year is the ideal time to get your life – and home - organised. Here local decluttering specialist Kate Edmondson of Home Edited tells us why streamlining your space leads to better well-being…

Let's begin by you telling us a bit about yourself…

I’m a mum of two little ones and am passionate about making a difference to people’s well-being through the art of decluttering and organisation. I have lived in Tunbridge Wells for over 15 years now, and love it here. Prior to having my children and starting my own business I worked in the busy world of digital and eCommerce but took a leap of faith just over a year ago to launch my own decluttering business Home Edited.

What gave you the idea to launch an organisational solutions operation?

I have always wanted to start my own business, especially since having children.

As a busy mum, I am not afraid to say that clutter and mess makes me anxious and

You launched your business just over a year ago when we were still in lockdown due to Coronavirus. Why did you take the plunge then?

Some might say why launch right in the middle of a pandemic? But for me it was actually the best time! During the various lockdowns our homes became the centre of everything - from the hustle and bustle

social media channels! Working heavily on word of mouth initially worked well but as with starting any new business it has had its ups and downs, and so realigning my vision has been hugely important.

Understanding my worth, what I can add to people’s lives as well as being willing to learn along the way has been integral to the growth of Home Edited.

of working from home and home schooling, to our sanctuary. It was the perfect time to show that we all deserve a home that offers us a calm haven.

What is the USP of your company?

A clear space and a clear mind. Home Edited exists to create calm in our homes and is driven by the fact that clutter can have an impact on our levels of stress and anxiety. I am keen to make a positive impact on people’s lives as well as their well-being through the process of introducing systems into our homes or workspaces, which allow us to develop healthy habits and restore calm. Every

stressed, and being organised is hugely important for my mental health. For me, when my home is organised and everything is in its place, it gives me a clear mind and allows for inner calm.

What is the driving force of Home Edited?

As well as creating order, there’s a lot to be said for experiencing the positive feeling that decluttering and organising can have on people. That’s where my idea for Home Edited was born - mixed in with the most incredible group of friends that empowered me to take the jump.

They include my very good friend and creative genius, Kerrie Kent at The Brand Studio, who helped me with my branding and enabled my vision to come to life.

Have you found it easy or challenging to source clients?

The Tunbridge Wells community is something to be reckoned with and I’ve been lucky enough to receive amazingly positive feedback on my Home Edited

SO Magazine | January 2022 | 43

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Interiors

client’s needs are bespoke, we advise people to get in contact and I can discuss their requirements. I also offer remote sessions too.

Can you reveal a little bit about the process involved when you visit a client?

Every client’s needs are bespoke. That is what I love about my job. Our process starts with an initial consultation to understand our client’s requirements, which involves getting to the heart of what is needed from the space and what storage maybe required. Then it is all in the planning - which is what I do. I use software to design spaces and rooms, then liaise with the client until we get this right. I suggest different storage solutions, organising strategies and creative concepts for specific

HOME EDITED’S CHECK LIST

Before

Before

rooms, all of which is about making the space work better. Then it comes to the big day, which is when I go into the home and work on bringing the plan to life. The client can be involved as much or as little as they like, but will be needed for some decision-making.

Have most Home Edited clients managed to keep their homes streamlined after you have helped them out?

I do check in with them to make sure the spaces that we have created are still working - and “As a busy mum, I am not so far they are all doing afraid to say that clutter and fantastically well. It’s about mess makes me anxious and developing a healthy and positive habit that can have a stressed, and being organised big impact on individuals as is hugely important for my well as their household.

mental health”

After

LET’S STICK TOGETHER: For example, store all your medicines together, your cosmetics, your underwear, your jewellery, your gift wrapping and so on. This allows for finding things easily and clearing up quickly as there is a ‘home’ for everything.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Labelling can ensure that other members of your household keep this system in place. This can sound like common sense, however the idea of Home Edited is to help you make it common practice.

STICK BY THE RULES: I use a rule for anything that is coming into my home: I ask myself do I consider this useful or beautiful? If neither

applies, then why should I keep it? Personal guilt has a huge impact on clutter accumulation. So, always ask yourself why you are really keeping an item.

LAUNDRY DAYS: Systems for washing can be a real bug bear and having an allocated place for this really helps create a process for all the family. For some people it works well to have wash baskets in each bedroom, this is all dependant on the size of your home. However, allowing your children to take responsibility of this is also important and a good life skill.

WARDROBE WONDER: When it comes to wardrobes, Home Edited’s advice is to hang a much as

you can, allowing you to visually see what you have, then roll the rest. Our wardrobes should be filled with what you want to wear, so opening your wardrobe should be like arriving at a party, where everyone you see is someone you like. This can also be applied to anywhere around your home.

Why do we all need a bit of organisation in our lives?

Well let’s be honest: life happens, mess happens, and things can feel out of control in so many ways. Having our homes organised, with a place for everything and everything in its place, really does allow for a clear space and clarity. This is certainly another aspect of selfcare; it helps us to take control of our homes and our belongings, which improves our overall well-being.

And finally what kinds of rooms do you typically work in?

I have worked across a variety of spaces, from nurseries to playrooms and wardrobes, right through to makeup rooms, and each one has offered a fresh and exciting new challenge. The feedback has always been positive, not just on how the space looks, but more importantly how that space has impacted on the client; whether it be from a financial perspective, being able

to utilise a space in a different and more positive way, or a play room organisation where it has impacted on a child’s play and how the child uses that space. Home Edited aims to get customers to enjoy and make the most out of their home.

Any tips on how we can weave this into our everyday chores and tidying routines?

Simple tasks such as writing a to do list can have a huge impact on our accomplishment levels. And organisation is not just for us adults.

It’s key at any age and can have a positive impact. Our children respond well to routine, structure and to spaces that are decluttered as much as we do. We all strive for beautiful homes; however, it is how your home functions for you that will have the biggest impact on how you feel.

Follow Kate on Instagram at @home.edited

SAFE SPACE: Finally remember just because you have created and cleared a space, it doesn’t mean you need to fill it. And be sure to communicate your systems with your family members so they can take responsibility of restoring calm too. Your home is meant to be your happy and calm space… don’t allow clutter or disorganisation to impact on that.

After SO Magazine | January 2022 | 45

Outside Edge

BRANCH OUT BY PLANTING SOME TREMENDOUS TREES

Garden tips for January 1. Curl up indoors, make the most of this quiet time in the gardening season to read inspiring books on gardens 2. Browse summer bulb catalogues. Now is a perfect time to start selecting new varieties – and a few old favourites – for spring 3. Walk around your garden as now you can see the bare bones of its layout and this helps formulate ideas 4. Don’t be afraid to change your garden: You can mark out where potential new borders might work. It’s much easier to visualise when the garden is dormant 5. Plan which gardens to visit in 2022, chose those that relate to you and you can bring some of that inspiration into yours

Although it might be cold and damp out there right now, January is the perfect month to start your grand designs.

Start your plans by planting some interesting tree species says Victoria Truman

A

s January approaches this is the time many gardeners and garden designers will be planting out trees whilst in their dormant state. If you’re looking to do the same then consider those trees with the added bonus of beautiful bark. Of course they can add another dimension to your planting schemes at any time of year, but really come into their own during the winter months.

The paperbark maple, Acer Griseum, is one of the most desirable. A beautiful small tree, a perfect choice for small gardens and restricted spaces, the bark is the colour of cinnamon, and peels away naturally in thin layers, hence this tree’s common name, paper bark. It looks absolutely lovely when underplanted with hellebores.

Cherries are a cheaper alternative and Prunus serrula has the most striking bark of all. Its polished

46 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

mahogany coloured bark, which peels away in bands with age, is especially valuable in winter, when it will add a splash of much-needed colour to the garden. I have used five of these as a multi stem tree planted in a long border among Pennisetum alopecuroides ’Hameln’. A very simple, hugely effective long border with interest all year round.

Silver birches still hold their appeal, especially the white barked Betula utillis var. jacquemontii. In smaller spaces a real multi-stem is a better choice than a standard or a group of standards.

However, where space allows, groups of individual specimens create a dramatic effect, especially underplanted with low, evergreen planting.

Ferns also look fabulous. If you plant Acer palmatum’ Atropurpureum’ near these birches, the leaf that turns brilliant red in autumn makes for a striking contrast against the white of the birch.

6. Remember good design always starts with one idea: that may be a single flower or a beautiful landscape which resonates inside you Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year!

THANK YOU VICTORIA: This is Victoria’s last monthly column for SO magazine.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all her hard work over the years. She has been a great and much valued contributor and we wish her all the very best with her burgeoning design business. See more at www.victoriatruman.com

Victoria Truman Garden Designer

Outside Edge

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Call: 01580 850394 Or Visit: www.kibblewhitegardens.co.uk SO Magazine | January 2022 | 47

TRAVEL

Head on out to

Cornwall

Hugely popular during the pandemic for summer escapes, Cornwall is magical in winter too, as Katie Wright discovers

D

ucking into the diminutive St Ives Bakery, where rows of pink and white marbled meringues are stacked in the windows, the inviting aroma of freshly baked pastry envelops you like a warm hug.

Rumour has it that the Fore Street bakery sells the seaside town’s finest pasties, and when I arrive in the early afternoon there are only a handful of the day’s shortcrust delicacies left.

Keen to expand my horizons, instead of the traditional Cornish 48 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

variety I select a steak and stilton pasty, devouring the thick pastry pocket filled with chunks of tender beef, root vegetables, gravy and tangy blue cheese straight from the brown paper bag while perched on a low wall at the seafront, a few minutes’ walk downhill from the bakery.

These baked goods are popular with the locals, too, I discover, when a huge seagull swoops down behind me and grabs the last chunk of mine right out of my hand.

Later, as I wander along the winding cobbled streets of St Ives, I spy in the

window of a gift shop an apron illustrated with a seagull and the words: ‘Pasty thief of St Ives’. If only I’d known.

There’s lots to see as you munch and mooch your way around West Cornwall’s picturesque fishing port.

Since the late 19th century, it’s been a magnet for painters wanting to take advantage of the beautiful light, and is now home to many small, independent galleries as well as Tate St Ives, showcasing works by modern artists linked with the area.

Hiking along the rocky path that leads around St Ives Head, it’s not hard to see why artists flocked to the region. On the other side of the steep promontory, bright sunshine illuminates beautiful Porthmeor beach,

Since the late 19th century, West Cornwall been a magnet for painters

where scores of surfers are scattered in the sparkling, jade green waves.

Even more breathtaking, Gwithian Towans beach is located on the other side of St Ives Bay. There, grassy sand dunes make way for a huge, flat expanse of white sand. In the distance, whitewashed Godrevy Lighthouse (made famous by Virginia Woolf ’s novel To The Lighthouse) sits atop a tiny outcrop. A few brave wetsuit-clad surfers limber up then jog out, boards under arms, into the whitewash.

Feeling a chill just watching them dive in, I head in the opposite direction back to the dunes and the Hungry Horsebox, a mobile café housed in a converted horse transportation box, to indulge in their ultimate hot chocolate, a cup of silky-smooth hot

TRAVEL

into that night (and every other night) cocoa topped with whipped cream, on the terrace of The Gate House, the two wafers, a flake and toasted three-bedroom former rectory in marshmallows on a stick, plus crumbled homemade praline, sprinkles which I’m staying on the Clowance Estate. and more marshmallows – the perfect Situated at the far end of the antidote to Gwithian’s bracing 97-acre estate, surrounded coastal winds. by trees that are starting If surfing or wild to shed their autumn swimming aren’t your “With renewed leaves, the property cup of tea, there is feels secluded and one way to take a dip travel restrictions, cosy yet spacious, with in Cornwall without staycations are looking an open-plan kitchen/ having to brave biting even more attractive dining area and sea temperatures. conservatory that Opened last year, the again” opens onto the terrace.

UK’s first geothermal With delightfully comfy lido, part of the art deco beds (the sheets are five-star Jubilee Pool complex, hotel-level soft) and virtual silence extracts water from a 410-metre at night, the luxurious bedrooms are well to keep the shallow saltwater ideal if catching up on sleep is top of pool at a balmy 30 to 35 degrees C. your holiday priorities.

The water feels wonderful when I The main Clowance manor house first wade in, but I have to keep was the seat of the St Aubyns family paddling to stay warm enough during until 1839. Now the building houses a the hour-long session (£11.75 for an reception, a café-bar, the swimming adult; jubileepool.co.uk). pool, gym and spa.

Even more steamy than the From Scandi-style A-frame lodges to geothermal pool is the hot tub I sink

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP

Luxury Lodges is a collection of hotelquality, self-catering lodges in the UK’s most spectacular and desirable holiday destinations, with two night stays starting from £1,075. For more information on Clowance, visit luxurylodges.com/ clowance.

converted houses, all properties are self-catered, meaning the kitchens are very well-equipped (I get particularly excited about the immaculate drawers full of cutlery and utensils) and supermarket delivery drivers are used to dropping off grocery orders straight to your door.

Last year, the estate was forced to close due to coronavirus restrictions, but once lockdown ended and UK travel opened up, Cornwall became a hugely popular summer staycation destination.

“It’s been a bit up and down,” says resort manager Wayne Gilbert. “The impact on the business was massive.”

Now though, Clowance is almost

back to full capacity and the team is relishing being in the spotlight.

“It’s given us a good opportunity as a company to show people what we’re all about,” says Gilbert, who enjoys welcoming back guests who “love the sights and the quirkiness of Cornwall”.

With renewed travel restrictions due to the Omicron variant, staycations are looking even more attractive again, and as my visit proves, Cornwall makes for a brilliant break all year round, not just in summer.

If country walks, stunning scenery and charming seaside villages float your boat, you’ll find a lot to love here – just make sure to watch out for the seagulls.

SO Magazine | January 2022 | 49

MOTORS

very little road or wind noise means that the cabin is quiet and refined.

But boy, is this car quick. In fact, the merest hint of throttle application can leave you rocketing forwards in a time that’ll leave the average hot hatch wondering what on earth has happened. In truth, it feels a little over-powered for a car of this type, but you can’t help but smile as the C40 races towards the horizon.

VOLVO C40 RECHARGE First Drive:

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

As we’ve already mentioned, the C40 is Volvo’s first leather-free car, but there’s no less premium feel as a result. In fact, the combination of natural and recycled materials gives the C40 a robust, wellmade feeling, while everything is put together nicely too. There are also cool new inlays – exclusive to the C40 – which have topography-style graphics etched into them.

Space in the rear is decent too, while boot space stands at 413 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,205 litres if you were to load the car to the roof with the seats down. That’s quite a bit down on the 540 and 1,290 respective litres you get from the XC40 as a result of the sloping roof, so it does falter somewhat in terms of outright practicality. However, the boot is easy to access and doesn’t have an awfully high load height, so placing heavier items in there shouldn’t be too tricky.

There is, however, an extra 31 litres in the front luggage compartment, ideal for storing charging cables in.

The C40 is the latest car in Volvo’s electric line-up, but what has it got to offer?

Jack Evans heads to Belgium to find out WHAT IS IT?

Volvo certainly isn’t hanging around when it comes to electric vehicles.

Spurred on by the release of its first fully electric model – the XC40 Recharge – it has introduced this, the C40 Recharge, billed as Volvo’s ‘first compact crossover’ and effectively a lower and more dynamic-looking version of the XC40, for those who want a car with a little extra focus on style.

It’s underpinned by the same Compact Modular Architecture and is driven by the same dual-motor setup as the XC40. So, should you opt for the C40 instead?

WHAT’S NEW?

The bulk of the changes between the XC40 and C40 reside around the looks. The rear end is far sharper on the latter, with a raked roofline giving the whole car a more concept-like appearance. It also arrives as the first Volvo to be entirely leather-free and benefits from an entirely Googlebased infotainment system.

All C40 models boast a fixed panoramic sunroof, which really does transform the feel of the cabin. Volvo is pushing its subscription service for the C40 too, covering aspects such as tax, replacement tyres and servicing for a fixed three-year monthly fee of £679. You can also opt for an open50 | January 2022 | SO Magazine

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

ended three-month rolling contract for £779 a month.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The C40’s propulsion comes courtesy of a twin-motor setup, with one at both the front and rear of the vehicle providing all-wheel-drive. It’s impressively powerful, too, with 402bhp and 660Nm contributing to a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed limited to – as it is on all Volvo models – 112mph.

Those motors are hooked up to a 78kWh battery – of which 75kWh is useable – which should return up to 272 miles between top-ups. The ability to charge at speeds of up to 150kW means that 80% of capacity can be added in 40 minutes. Connect to an 11kW home charger and you’re looking at a full charge in around eight hours.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The C40 is pleasantly understated in its driving mannerisms to begin with.

The ride can feel a little fidgety at lower speeds but gain some momentum and it’s composed and well supported, but with enough suppleness to the suspension that it just glides through long bends. The steering is well-weighted too, while

FACTS AT A GLANCE MODEL: Volvo C40 Recharge MODEL AS TESTED: C40 Recharge Twin AWD PRICE: £57,400 ENGINE: Twin electric motors linked to 75kWh battery POWER: 402bhp TORQUE: 660Nm MAX SPEED: 112mph 0-60MPH: 4.5 seconds RANGE: 273 miles

As a tip-top Volvo model, the C40 gets plenty of standard equipment. In fact, there are no options to select other than a tow bar, should you need one.

So you get a nine-inch central touchscreen running Google Maps and a variety of other Google-based functions – it’s just a shame Apple CarPlay isn’t included, therefore not allowing you to mirror your phone.

Elsewhere, you’ve got a 12.3-inch driver display, a premium sound system by Harman Kardon and heated front and rear seats. There’s an allencompassing amount of standard equipment with the C40 but, given its £57,400 starting price, you’d kind of expect there to be.

VERDICT

The C40 is an attractive electric car that does well to further Volvo’s presence in the battery-powered segment. If you’re after an EV that looks a little different, then this could be the car for you. It also backs up these looks with an exciting powertrain, plenty of range and an impressive level of standard equipment.

But given its shortfalls when it comes to practicality – as well as that rearward visibility and chunky price – we’d be surprised if people didn’t just immediately go for the XC40 Recharge.

That said, if a less powerful and slightly cheaper version of the C40 were introduced – and Volvo is expected to do just that – then we could see the C40 being quite the hit.

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