darling April | May ’16 priceless
Exclusive! REBECCA DOYLE
Multi talented award - winning, driven & gorgeous
Dear Daphne... Advice, one question at a time
VIVA LAS VEGAS Experience sin city
HOT FASHION
Must - have accessories for the season
RIGHT THIS WAY Are you starting a business?
BEAUTY
Enhance your natural beauty and fight ageing with an expert
Inspiring women from Sevenoaks to Tunbridge Wells | www.darlingmagazine.co.uk
Hello Darls, Our cover girl and inspiring woman, Rebecca Doyle shows us that with a mere 3-minutes (not months) maternity leave, with twins, you can still create an award-winning business and life. And bride-to-be, Diana at Cindy Knight Clinic helps us enhance our natural beauty - sign me up. Fashion Editor Elaine Forino has been hot on the mark with the must have accessories this season - the sunnies escape the Elton John’esque trend, thank goodness! Cover Rebecca Doyle Photography by Claudine Hartzel Hair by Kayleigh Kick Make up by Louise Large
Publisher Darling Magazine UK Editor Tam Jackson All enquiries 01892 506 894 sevenoaks@darlingmagazine.co.uk Contributors Carrie Cantor Elaine Forino Fashion Editor
Our new Agony Aunt, Daphne is answering a dilemma. Remember if you need any guidance in love, life and business email us at sevenoaks@darlingmagazine.co.uk and you could be featured in our summer issue. Looking to the future? If you’re thinking of starting a business, read all Nicola Deverson has to say and if it’s financial planning, get in touch with the team from Sanlam Private Wealth. From empty food bowls to fat carrots, there is enough food inspiration with a mix of social responsibility. Our travel gal, Beth has us jetting off to Vegas! For those at home, we’re inspired to pick up our tools with the DIY SOS Diva, Julia Kendell and getting All Organised with Heidi and Nicki. I do hope you enjoy your read. Now all that’s left is to try Jane’s delicious Vegan Coconut Cupcakes to celebrate the Queen’s birthday. yum! Let us know your thoughts, comments over on facebook, twitter or instagram @darling7oaks.
Photography
Until the summer… Love Tam
Russell Harper russellharperphotography@gmail.com Design Abi Aldous Printer Steve.Everest@cpg-net.co.uk
Contents 4 Rebecca Doyle - Multi award-winning mogul & mum 8 Beauty - Enhance your beauty and fight ageing
Distribution info@3colours.co.uk
10 Hot accessories
Darling UK and Wimbledon Karine Torr: 07930 396356
15 Julia Kendell
Darling Kingston Marja-Leena Toseland: 07802 949836
18 Starting business the right way
Darling Cobham | Esher | Weybridge Philippa Hennessy: 07772 633339
12 Dear Daphne...
16 Cut your clutter
20 Sanlam - Private Wealth 23 Create your Vegas story 26 Socials & Soirées
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Darling Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form – electronic, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from the publisher.
31 Fat Carrot 35 Important numbers 36 What’s on 38 Talking Point
darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016
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Multi award-winning mogul & mum
Rebecca Doyle We’re all faced with decisions in life and many times they take us on a journey we could never have planned or even dreamed of. From corporate lawyer to the best in the bridal business, this is definitely not your average journey. Rebecca tells Darling just how she got to helping thousands of brides find their dream gown.
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apr-may 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk
As a former corporate lawyer at one of the Magic Circle firms in the City, I probably didn’t take the most conventional route into bridal. If truth be known though, I’d never really wanted to be a lawyer. I’d wanted to be a doctor since the age of 5 but when it came to decision-making time and choosing A-levels, the fact that I often fainted at the sight of blood made me realise I probably wouldn’t have been a very successful doctor! So the fact that my heart was never in law, combined with the gruelling 40hr stints without sleep and 90hr working weeks, I couldn’t wait to leave.
inspiring woman
“I had a whole 3 hours of maternity leave, when my twins arrived unexpectedly early.” I accidentally fell into the bridal industry whilst planning my own wedding in 2006, whilst searching for the most perfect bridal accessories. It was soon after that, that I launched my first bridal business, Chez Bec, now a multi award-winning bridal jewellery and wedding accessory brand.
The work-life balance... My one and only real dream in life had been to be a Mummy. It sounds cheesy but it is absolutely the truth. People would laugh at me in the city when asking where I saw myself in 5 years time. Instead of partnership I would say “happily married with two children!” Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, when leaving my legal career behind me, I wanted to create a business that would enable me to be a Mummy and a businesswoman with a sense of work-life balance. There hasn’t always been the wonderful work-life balance I envisaged. I had a whole 3 hours maternity leave when my twins arrived rather unexpectedly early. And I ran my business singlehandedly alongside raising my twins. I never slept, or rested, there was no time in between the 20 nappy changes and 16 bottle-feeds a day! I would be packing and processing orders at midnight and in between feeds and naps.
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www.hoshother.com
Hos Hother 40 Dartford Rd Sevenoaks TN13 3TQ
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inspiring woman
The work-life balance improved dramatically when my children started pre-school. I finally focused on getting fit again, and bringing a sense of balance back to my life. Four years since we opened, Isabella Grace has been crowned the UK’s Best Bridal Boutique four times over. With a team of 8 wonderful ladies and thousands of Isabella Grace brides, I do feel an enormous sense of achievement. I still never stop and my husband has to confiscate my phone from me regularly! But I’m able to do the school run every single day and watch my children play matches. I have recently become so conscious of my children growing up before my eyes (they turn 8-years old in August) that I try to spend as much of the school holidays with them as I can. We take a lot of holidays and we have great fun at weekends with friends and family. We have a good social life and I probably drink far too much wine. But it’s all about balance and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Up close and personal... Beach or city trip? Beach, anywhere with sunshine! Champs or cocktails? Champagne always. Cinema, concert or theatre? Theatre, you cannot beat it. Favourite colour? Blue, and any shade of it. Handbags or shoes? Handbags always. I have an addiction.
Top 3 Tips for Brides when dress shopping 1. Be Open-minded. When you’ve never tried on wedding dresses before in your life, its very hard to know what styles will suit you, pick out styles you hadn’t previously considered. 2. Know your budget. Wedding dress styles come in all different price ranges, from £1000 - £4000. There is no point trying on dresses well over your budget and settling for a second-best dress. Find your dream dress within your budget. 3. Don’t bring a massive entourage with you. So many brides fall victim of trying to please everyone when shopping for their wedding dress, which is impossible. Bring one or two people with you whose opinions you trust implicitly. Isabella Grace Bridal T: 01892 513023 E: info@isabellagracebridal.com W: www.isabellagracebridal.com
darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016
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Enhance your beauty Enhance your beauty and fight ageing and fight ageing Genetics and your environment leave little for you to do about By Diana Knight
how ageing affects you. However, lifestyle choices have a more Genetics and your environment leave little for you to do about how ageing powerful impact on how well your body ages. Fortunately, you can affects you. However, lifestyle choices have a more powerful impact on how control yourages. lifestyle choices. well your body Fortunately, you can control your lifestyle choices. Simple changes and being aware of these factors changes and being aware canSimple dramatically enhance your natural beauty and ofdown these dramatically slow thefactors dreadedcan effects on your skin as the years go by. The luckynatural 7 tips here, will get you back enhance your beauty to your self and loving the skin you’re in, and glowing slow down the dreaded at any age on your skin as the years effects go by. The lucky 7 tips here, will get you back to your glowing self and loving the skin you're in, at any age
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apr-may 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk
STOP STANDING IN THE SUN STOP STANDING Sun damage is the numberIN oneTHE reasonSUN for ageing Sun damage is the number one skin. More than smoking, pollution and other reason for ageing skin. environmental factors. Use at More least a factor pollution 30than SPF. smoking, We sell Theraderm SPFand 43, Avené SPF 50 and Obagi SPF 30 to 50. other environmental factors. Use at least a factor 30 SPF. We sell Theraderm SPF 43, Avené SPF 50 and Obagi SPF 30 to 50.
STOP EATING SUGAR
STOP IGNORING TECHNOLOGY
Eliminate all the high-fructose (refined sugar) sports drinks and junk foods from your diet.
Many women would like to turn back the clock 5 to 10 years but are reticent to try lasers or fillers or anti-wrinkle injections. Although a healthy lifestyle will pre-empt rapid ageing, it isn’t always enough to regain your looks from a decade ago. With a skillful combination of technology, one can avoid surgery and do easy lunchtime in-and-out procedures which result in a markedly more youthful appearance. Hope in a jar is now hope in technology. It’s safe, it works and it has stood the test of time.
STOP OVER CLEANSING YOUR SKIN Aggressive brushes and too many products strip the skin of natural oils that we need to remain supple and luminous. It’s okay to exfoliate a few times a week to maintain brightness. A gentle anti-ageing cleanser will purify the skin’s surface without removing our intrinsic moisture.
STOP THE RANDOM BEAUTY BUYS Get an educated skincare regimen instead. Too often people have a disorganised approach to beauty and skincare and they buy random skincare products that don’t work together to produce a desired result. For example, all their products have glycolic acid as an ingredient — the toner, the lotion, the eye cream, the night cream. This results in too much of one thing. In this case, one would end up dry and red. Instead, seek advice from us with expertise on how to combine your favorite products in a sane, safe, simplified system that delivers results. Make a skin to-do list and discuss it with us. Too many different products can overstimulate the skin. A simple approach is always better.
STOP RUNNING ON EMPTY Whenever we skimp on sleep, the first place it shows is in our looks. Cue sallow skin and dark under-eye circles. Most people under 60 need 7 to 8 hours of sleep. So to look your best, adopt a soothing night time regimen that reduces stress. Chamomile tea, candle light, light evening exercise, and an early meal will ensure a good night’s rest. Apply a rich moisturiser at night like Obagi Hydrate Luxe.
Diana x
STOP THE DEHYDRATION CYCLE The human body is a sponge. Think of immersing a dried sponge in water. It instantly softens and comes to life. Dehydrated skin loses its resilience and makes us appear older and tired. With adequate amounts of water intake we look and feel better. Not only will your skin and eyes look brighter but in addition your muscles and joints will feel better.
darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016
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apr-may 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk
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Tel: 01732 7402032016 darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may
11
Dear Dear Daphne... Dear Daphne... Daphne...
Many of us will have taken the Many of us will have taken the advice in the previous edition of advice in the previous edition of Darling Magazine and started to Darling Magazine and started to clear our Some of us will Many ofclutter. us will have taken clear our clutter. Some of us will the advice in the previous have made space in our edition have made space in our of Darlingand Magazine andtostarted wardrobes resolved buy wardrobes and resolved toofbuy to clear our clutter. Some us new clothes in the colours and new clothes in the colours and will have made space in our wardrobes styles we know suit us best. A few styles we know suit new us best. A few and resolved to buy clothes in the of us are still with the programme. suit us best. ofcolours us areand still styles with we theknow programme. Others are struggling. A few of us are still with the programme. Others are struggling.
Others are struggling.
Dear Daphne, Dear Daphne,
Training your brain to use Training your brain to use new programmes simply new programmes simply I don’t know how this requires practice. You I don’t know how this requires practice. You happened. I was determined consciously seek out the happened. I was determined consciously seek out the never to buy another navy new colours and styles until You arecolours changingand yourstyles shopping Dear Daphne, never to buy another navy new until jacket, yet here I am hanging it becomes an automatic habits and that takes time. jacket, yet here I am hanging it becomes an automatic I don’t how this happened. one up know in my (nearly empty) process. It’s bit like learning one in my (nearly process. It’sbrain bit like Training your to uselearning new I wasup determined never to empty) buy wardrobe and it looks just a new PIN number. You programmes requires another navy jacket, yet here I wardrobe and it looks just a new PINsimply number. You like all the other navy jackets begin by thinking of each Youthinking consciouslyofseek out am hanging one up in my (nearly like all the other navy jackets practice. begin by each I took towardrobe the charity last number individually as you new colours and styles until and it shop looks I empty) took to the charity shopjust last the number individually as you week. enter it on keypad, then itenter becomes an the automatic process. like all the other navy jackets I week. it on the keypad, then before long youadon’t have It’s bit like learning new PIN took to the charity shop last week. before long you don’t have What wrong with to thinkYou about numbers number. beginthe by thinking of Whatis is wrong with me?me? What is wrong with me? to think about the numbers at all. each number individually as you Thank you at all. enter it on the keypad, then before Thank you Carolineyou Thank longyou you don’t have to think about Caroline As are learning a new Caroline Asnumbers you areatlearning a new the all. skill it’s useful to make sure skill it’s useful to make sure As youare arein learning a new skill it’s you the best you are in the best useful to make sure you are in the emotional state. Perhaps Dear Caroline emotional state. Perhaps Dear Caroline best emotional state.hungry Perhaps you you were tired, or youtired, were tired,orhungry or Dear Caroline were hungry when thirsty when you thirsty bought the Well done for clearing your thirsty when you bought the Well done for clearing your you bought the navy jacket? Well done for clearing yourspace navy jacket? Would it be wardrobe and making navy jacket? Would it be wardrobe and making space wardrobe andlovely making new space for all Would itto be have useful someone to have useful else for all those useful to someone else for alllovely those lovely new those new clothes. I’m sure someone elsehave with you? may with you? You mayYou like to clothes. I’m sure your new your newI’m jacket is lovely too, you with you?some Youphotographs may like of to clothes. sure your new like to have jacket is lovely too, you have have some photographs of have such exquisitetoo, taste! wearing your best colours toof have some photographs jacket is lovely you have you you wearing your best such exquisite taste! You are you wearing your best such exquisite taste! You are colours to remind you to changing your shopping colours to remind you to changing your shopping stay focussed. habits and that takes time. stay focussed. habits and that takes time. 12
apr-may 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk
Now you have a choice. Do Now you have a choice. Do you take the navy jacket back you take the navy jacket back to the shop and buy to the shop and buy something else? Or do you something else? Or do you decide that you love the navy remind youthat to stay focussed. decide you love the navy jacket anyway and keep it? jacket anyway and keep Now you have a choice. Do you it? take the navy jacket back The great thing about toThe the shop andthing buy something great about choosing is that you do it in else? Or do you that you choosing is decide that you do it in your first,anyway so if you love the head navy jacket and don’t your head first, so if you don’t likeit?the decision you make keep like the decision you make you can change your mind you can change your mind The great thing aboutfeels choosing is until the choice right. until feelsfirst, right. that you the do it choice in your head so if you don’t like the decision Whatever you decide, I know you make you can change yourI know Whatever you decide, youuntil will look and feel mind choice feels right. you willthe look and feel fabulous! Whatever you decide, I know you fabulous! will look and feel fabulous! Happy shopping! Happy shopping! Happy shopping! With love, With love, With love, Daphne Daphne Daphne Send your questions to Daphne at sevenoaks@darlingmagazine.co.uk
Send your questions to Daphne at Send your questions to Daphne at sevenoaks@darlingmagazine.co.uk sevenoaks@darlingmagazine.co.uk
Interior Design Professional | SelfBuild Expert |
Interior Design Professional | SelfBuild Expert | Presenter | Writer | DIY Diva Presenter | Writer | DIY Diva As seen on BBC DIY SOS ITV Peter Andre’s 60 As seen on BBC DIY SOS ITV Peter Andre's 60 Minute Home Makeover Minute Home Makeover
ave long been an advocate for women taking up tools and I have long been an advocate for women taking up tools and creating ating beautiful families. Not Not only only is it possible beautiful homes homes for for themselves themselves and and their their families. t possible save a considerable amount of money, but successful to to save a considerable amount of money, but successful decorating and diy bediy hugely tackled when correctly. oratingcan and canrewarding be hugelywhen rewarding tackled correctly. Here are a few of my top decorating hacks for making the best of your projects.
Put together a brief for a project in the same way you might for a designer. List out your outcome for ere are the a few of practically my top space both and aesthetically. Have a clear budget in mind and decide which skilled jobs corating hacks for making might need to be outsourced.
e best of your projects.
Collate a mood board of the various materials, paint chips and pictures of furnishings intended forathe room.for Playing with the balance colour together brief a project in theofsame and pattern and swapping in different finishes y you might for a designer. List out your will ensure the end result produces the desired look come for the space both practically andwill and a well-balanced scheme. A mood board thetically. clearunnecessary budget in mind alsoHave preventamaking impulse and keep jobs you onmight track andneed on budget. d decide purchases which skilled to
outsourced. Collate ideas and inspiration from
magazines and Pinterest to ascertain the style and colour palette.
late a mood board of the various Never over-extend when tackling DIY terials, paint chips and pictures of jobs. Start with basic jobs until confident to nishingsprogress. intended for the room. Playing Follow online tutorials and practise h the balance pattern skills firstof oncolour areas thatand are least visible. and pping in different finishes will ensure No one enjoys prepping surfaces, but the difference end result produces the desired look and between a quality, lasting finish and a shabby one ell-balanced scheme. A how mood board generally depends on well you prep. will Tackle o preventany making unnecessary impulse damp issues or mould before you redecorate or signs of the problem will show up again chases and keep you on track and on ruining all your hard work. dget.
late ideas and inspiration from gazines and Pinterest to ascertain the
If power are required, considersurfaces, hiring No onetools enjoys prepping but professional equipment from a local hire-shop the difference between a quality, rather than purchasing inferior tools that might lasting finish and a shabby one only be used occasionally. generally depends on how well you Using better quality brushes and rollers will produce prep. Tackle any damp issues or a far superior result even when ‘value’ paint is used. mould before you redecorate or signs of the problem will show up again ruining all your hard work.
If power tools are required, consider hiring professional equipment from a local hire-shop|rather than darlingmagazine.co.uk apr-may 2016 13 purchasing inferior tools that might
Creating your dream space
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Never leave half a wall unfinished if you nip out for a cup of tea. Always complete a whole wall to avoid paint Never leave half a wall unfinished if edges showing or wallpaper not butting you nip out for a cup of tea. Always properly. complete a whole wall to avoid paint edges showing or wallpaper not butting Cover the paint–tin or tray with a properly. damp towel whilst onunfinished a lunch-break Never leave half a wall if you niptoout for adrying cup of tea. Always a whole wall avoid out, and complete cover brushes & to Cover the paint–tin or tray with a not avoid paint edges showing or wallpaper rollers tightly with cling-film or foil. damp towel whilst on a lunch-break to butting properly. avoid drying cover & Paint a largeout, dab and of paint tobrushes the outside Cover the paint–tin or tray with a damp towel rollers tightly with cling-film or foil. of an unfinished pot of paint and mark whilst on a lunch-break to avoid drying out, and which room it was used for before cover brushes & rollers tightlyto with cling-film or foil. Paint a large dab of paint the outside storing away to make it easier to find offor anPaint unfinished of paint and mark touch-ups atpot a later date. a large dab of paint to the outside of an which room it was used for before unfinished pot of paint and mark which room it storing away make it easier find was used forto before storing away toto make it easier Interior Design Masterclass for touch-ups at a later to find for touch-ups at a date. later date.
A morning of fun for a thorough look at interior design techniques, Interior DesignMasterclass Masterclass Interior Design andof know-how to produce A morning of fun for a thorough look Atheory morning fun for a thorough at interior design techniques, theory and your home design schemes at look atown interior design techniques, know-how to produce your own home Hotel du Vin Wimbledon and theory and know-how toVin produce design schemes at Hotel du Tunbridge Wells. your own home design schemes at Wimbledon and Tunbridge Wells. Hotel du Vin Wimbledon and Join Julia Kendell to discover how to be confident with colour, learn the secrets behind Tunbridge Wells. successful lighting and create balanced and beautiful schemes you will be really proud of. We promise you’ll leave feeling inspired. Aimed at anyone who is interested in learning more about design on acolour, new project of their own, Julia’slighting Join Julia Kendell to discover howor toembarking be to confident with learn the secrets behind successful and Join Julia Kendell to discover how be confident with colour, learn the secrets behind create balanced and beautiful schemes you will be really proud of. We promise you’ll leave feeling inspired. Masterclass offers the perfect opportunity to learn tricks and tips for a truly successful lighting and create balanced and beautiful schemes you will be really proud Aimed at anyone who is interested in learning more about design or embarking on a new project of their own, professional finish. of. We promise you’ll leave feeling inspired. Aimed at anyone who is interested in Julia’s Masterclass offers the perfect opportunity to learn tricks and tips for a truly professional finish. learning more about design or embarking on a new project of their own, Julia’s £145 person including including tea,tea, coffee and pastries on arrival,on a two coursealunch and a glass of wine andaall £145 perper person coffee and pastries arrival, twofor course lunch and Masterclass offers thea perfect opportunity to learn tricks and tips a truly the materials to make mood board to take away with you plus a goody bag glass of wine and all the materials to make a mood board to take away with you plus a professional finish. goody bag
£145 per person including tea, coffee and pastries on arrival, a two course lunch and a glass of wine and all the materials to make a mood board to take away with you plus a goody bag Tunbridge Wells - from 9:30am Wednesday 13th April events.tunbridgewells@hotelduvin.com
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07785 darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016 528608 15
With summer in sight and entertaining just around the corner, now is the time to reorganise your kitchen. Here are some handy tips from decluttering experts, ALL ORGANISED, who have been helping residents to get organised for the past 5 years. An efficient, convenient kitchen must be pared to the bone. During the declutter process, resolve to dump delusions, sentiment, and indecision along with the expired coupons and never-used cookbooks.
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apr-may 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk
CUT CLUTTER IN YOUR KITCHEN A kitchen should work ergonomically harder and limit unnecessary movement. Use the triangle principle where your dishwasher/sink, your cooker and fridge make up the three points of the triangle.
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tart by taking everything out of cupboards and drawers. Once you have decided what you tartwant by totaking everything outlifestyle of keep, think carefully about your and how to utilise space most effectively, cupboards andthe drawers. Once like keeping cutlery in a very accessible space and you have decided what you want to tuck the Christmas cookie cutters and to keep, think carefully fondue set in a corner cupboard. about
your lifestyle and how to utilise Under the kitchen sink is usually an organisational the disaster. spaceAmost effectively, like cheap and easy way of addressing the mess is to add a tension rod in the cupboard. keeping cutlery in a very All your trigger handle sprays can be hung, accessible space and to tuckstorage the allowing space underneath for plastic baskets that can be categorised and removed Christmas cookie cutters and easily without disturbing everything else. fondue set caddy in a iscorner A cleaning perfect forcupboard. products you use on a weekly basis which can be taken out with contents ready for cleaning.
Under the kitchen sink is usually Think twice before buying that milkshake maker an organisational disaster. A or parmesan grater! These usually promise the cheap and way of addressing world, but easy if they take longer to clean it than to use it, it is isn’tto worth theaeffort of having it. You the mess add tension rod in will usually have an alternative item or method the cupboard. All your trigger that works just as well. handle sprays can be hung, allowing space underneath for plastic storage baskets that can be categorised and removed easily without disturbing everything else. A cleaning caddy is perfect for products you use on a weekly basis which can be taken out with contents ready for cleaning.
Let All Organised help you declutter and organise your home. Call 01732 779611 for a free consultation or visit www.all-organised.co.uk
tart by taking everything out of cupboards and drawers. Once you have decided what you want to keep, think carefully about your lifestyle and how to utilise the space most effectively, like keeping cutlery in a very accessible space and to tuck the Christmas cookie cutters and fondue set in a corner cupboard.
Think twice before buying that Under the kitchen sink is usually milkshake maker or parmesan an organisational disaster. A That top shelf These ofand high kitchen cupboards grater! usually cheap easy waypromise of isaddressing frequently dead space. Reclaim it by purchasing the world, but if take longer rod in thereach mess is they to add a tension some easy storage caddies with handles. to clean it useyour it, ittrigger isn't These can be than used forto spices, cake thethen cupboard. All decorating or even medicine storage high up, worthhandle the effort of having You sprays can be it. hung, out of the reach of small hands. willallowing usually have alternativefor spacean underneath Countertops can also be a dietary aid! If food is item or method that works justcan be plastic storage baskets that stored behind the closed doors it is “out of sight, as visual well. categorised easily out of mind”. If the fruit and bowl, isremoved the only stimuli, you are more likely to go for that, than without disturbing everything the That biscuit tin! top shelf of high kitchen
else. A cleaning caddy is perfect cupboards is frequently dead for products you use on a weekly space. Reclaim it by purchasing basis which can be taken out with some easy reach storage contents ready for cleaning. caddies with handles.These can then be used for spices, cake decorating or even medicine storage - high up, out of the reach of small hands.
Countertops can also be a dietary aid! If food is stored behind the closed doors it is “out of sight, out of mind”. If the fruit bowl, is the only visual stimuli, you are more likely to go for that, than the biscuit tin! Let All Organised help you declutter darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016 and 17 organise your home. Call 01732 779611
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STARTING IN BUSINESS
THE RIGHT WAY
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any women start their own business in order to live the lives they want. Being your own boss allows flexibility, freedom and control and can therefore fit well with other responsibilities such as raising a family or caring for an elderly relative. It also allows creativity and may bring fulfilment in so many ways.
There are of course the financial rewards that a successful business brings and the positive impact that this can on your life and those around you.
• A lack of systems • Poor sales and marketing processes • No real differentiation in the market place, which means competing on price
The reality however can be very different and more than half of new businesses fail within the first five years.
• Non-payment of taxes – it’s easy to get behind with payments and HMRC are never gentle with you when you do
So what are the reasons for this? The top three reasons cited are: • Our tax system – it is a minefield full of complexity and traps for the unwary
• Emotional pricing – a lack of understanding of pricing strategy and reacting to gut feel rather than the facts
• The lack of bank lending – the cash quickly runs out without the right funding
Business failure is too common in the UK and the pain is severe.
• The cost of running a business – most startups under estimate the working capital required.
However, it has been found time and time again that businesses that plan and seek professional advice from the outset have a greater chance of being successful.
But there are so many other deeper reasons for the high failure rates, including: • Lack of business and strategic planning • Little or no knowledge of record keeping
Business failure in the UK is all too common and the pain is severe.
The Start Up Service Based upon many years of helping entrepreneurs build successful businesses, our Start Up service gives them the access to the knowledge and advice they need to do things right from the outset. If you are a start-up business or have been trading for a while and now need more support please contact Nicola Deverson on: 01732 448696 / 07894 522973.
darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016
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High quality investment management on your doorstep. Speak to us about how we can build a tailor-made investment portfolio, designed to meet your individual requirements.
Call Simon Lee on: 01732 740700 www.sanlamprivatewealth.co.uk Investing involves risk. The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the original amount invested. Sanlam Private Wealth is a trading name of Sanlam Private Investments (UK) Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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apr-may 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk
business-promo
Meet our Sevenoaks team E enquiries@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
Simon Lee, MCSI, Head of Sevenoaks
Charles Brand, Director, Head of Portfolio Management
simonle@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
charlesb@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
Hugh Weston, Chartered FCSI Senior Portfolio Manager
Kathie Langfield, ACSI, Senior Portfolio Manager kathiel@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
hughw@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
Kenneth Fry, Chartered FCSI, Senior Portfolio Manager
Paul Stevens, Chartered FCSI, Portfolio Manager
kennethf@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
paulst@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
James Mercier, ACSI, Portfolio Manager & Structured Products Analyst
David Vance, ACSI, Assistant Portfolio Manager
jamesm@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
Chris Beecroft, Chartered MCSI, Business Development Associate
davidv@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
Kelsey McIlgrew, Branch Administrator & Co-ordinator
chrisbe@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
kelseym@privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk
16 South Park | Sevenoaks | Kent | TN13 1AN
www.sanlamprivatewealth.co.uk 01732 740700 darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016
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Create your Vegas Story
“Whooo hoo”, shouts a prancing 30 something brunette in a white bikini, plastic tiara and white tulle veil. I smile as she cheers the pool crowd, sitting among the fake Roman colonnades, at Caesars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas.
“Getting married?” a man shouts from behind me.
As I sip on my Pina Colada (because when in Rome – even if it’s a fake Rome) I think about how Vegas really IS the worlds playground.
“What do YOU think? Do you want some of THIS before it’s gone?” she laughs as she holds up her pink drink intending the double entendre. I laugh out loud with everyone else and start to look at the people around me. Is she another Mum on business? They’re definitely hung-over 20 something’s. Could HE be the billionaire, the bartender mentioned last night? They’re all here in Vegas and the best part is, everyone is creating their Vegas story.
You can do absolutely anything here, from eating at one of the 3,700+ restaurants to riding a roller coaster. There are kids activities, adult activities and of course golf and other various sports taking place on the outskirts of the city. Seeing a show is a must and there is something for everyone, from magicians, comedians, to famous DJ’s. And whatever your taste in music, you will find an act playing on the strip. darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016
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WELCOME TO THE BONBON BAKERY SEVENOAKS
This is my 3rd trip to the city, and I think the best part of Vegas, is taking some time to discover the “old town” where you can still find an old pawnshop selling everything from guns to engagement rings, never mind the characters you meet along the way. So, that’s where I decide to begin my Vegas story
“Have a great time girls.” I say as I pass them walking back toward the hotel. A chorus of “Whoo Hooo” comes in tune as they finish their drinks and snap the back of the bride’s bikini top, which of course, leads to laughter around the entire pool. Actually, this is the beginning of my Vegas story… where will yours begin?
VIVA LAS VEGAS TOP 10 If you’re planning a trip to Vegas, here are some ideas for every type of traveller. Yes, even as a family.
5. Take in a show. Many of the hotels along the Vegas strip have live music, magic, and theatre.
1. Hop-on Hop-off bus. No matter where I go, if there is a hop-on hop-off bus, it’s the first thing I do. You’ll get to see all the landmarks and then decide where you’d like to spend more of your time.
6. Golf at one of Vegas’ many world class golf clubs.
2. Gamble at a Casino. It would be a sin to not spend some time at the slots or the tables in any of the hotels and casinos.
8. For the kids, bring them to the Mini Grand Prix speed track, the Children’s Discovery Museum, the Trampoline park or just to your hotel pool.
3. Only 4 hours away on bus, see natures beauty at the Grand Canyon National Park.
9. Visit the Old Town and haggle at a pawn shop. Head to Pioneer Pawn Shop, the oldest in Vegas and get yourself a little something.
4. Shop! Even if it’s just window shopping. Some of the most exclusive brands have shop fronts in the malls and will let you try something on, with security guards standing next to you.
10. Get Married! There are many chapels, Elvis impersonators, and limo’s to go around, so why not tie the knot Vegas style!
7. Choose a Theme Park. If your thing is roller coasters hit New York, New York. If you prefer water parks visit Cowabunga.
Beth E Lee www.bethelee.com Twitter: @TravelerBethLee
darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016
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Socials & SoirĂŠes
Sanlam Private Wealth Champagne Reception and Private Screening Sanlam Private Wealth Champagne Reception and Private Screening for Singing in the Rain at the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks
for Singing in the Rain at the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks
WANT TO BE SEEN IN TONBRIDGE | SEVENOAKS | TUNBRIDGE WELLS? Cheers for new estate agent in Tonbridge! Cheers for Jackson new estate agent in Tonbridge! Robinson celebrated its arrival to the Robinson Jackson its arrivalfor to local the High Street with celebrated a drinks evening High Street with a drinks evening for local businesses and influential community figures.
businesses and influential community figures.
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN DARLING contact: sevenoaks@darlingmagazine.co.uk
socials & soirĂŠes Official unveiling new Official unveiling of of thethe new looklook Specsavers on Sevenoaks High Street Specsavers on Sevenoaks High Street with SevenoaksMayor Mayor and Maxine with Sevenoaks and Maxine Chakowa, herteam teamand and guests. Chakowa, her guests.
Event Photography Event Photography Russell Harper Photography Russell Harper Photography www.harperphotography.co.uk www.harperphotography.co.uk Twitter @harperphoto Twitter @harperphoto Facebook /russellharperphotography Facebook /russellharperphotography
Celebrating International Women's Day in Celebrating International Women’s Day in Tonbridge with women of the world right here.
Tonbridge with women of the world right here.
Sevenoaks Chamber Commerce Sevenoaks Chamber of of Commerce welcomes new members to the welcomes new members to the Chamber with Mark Tuvey. Chamber with Mark Tuvey.
socials & soirées
Athena Sevenoaks ladies with new Athena Regional Director Nicola Powell
Newly launched Tunbridge Wells WI networking
The final gig held at Zed Music Cafe, Sevenoaks. Aaric Snook and Jon Hart. Jon is the first artist to have been signed up to Zoe Ashfield’s new company, Zed Music Management
Siobhan Atkins’ Well Styled workshop with Emma Bennett, Jessica Fearnley, Alison Nixon, Jenny Kitchen, Sarah Beevers, Helen Rutherford, Louisa Steward, Laura Brunger, Sarah Fry. darlingmagazine.co.uk | apr-may 2016
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community
FAT CARROT THE FAT CARROT THE FAT CARROT The Fat Carrot was created in 2012 having The Fat was Carrot was created in 2012 having The Fatbeen Carrot created in 2012 having always interested in food and myself always been interested in food and myself vegetarian always in food myself vegetarian from the age of 14and for ethical from been the ageinterested of 14 for ethical reasons. I knew from vegetarian from the age of 14 for ethical the beginning that I wanted vegan food to reasons. I knew from the beginning thatbe I reasons. I knew from the beginning that I an important part of the product offering. wanted vegan food to be an important part wanted vegan food of to be important part thean product offering. of the product offering.
As company we havewe several strings to ourstrings bow. Wetocan be bow. found at local Farmers’ Markets Asaaspecialist specialist company have several our We can be found at local such Tonbridge, Penshust Shipbourne where we sell hand made savouries (mostly cakes As aasspecialist company we have several strings to our bow. We and can be found local Farmers' Markets suchand as Tonbridge, Penshust and Shipbourne where wevegan) sellat hand and desserts. At theseand I such sometimes getvegan) the opportunity to give cookery demonstrations and Iwe cansell happily Farmers' Markets as Tonbridge, Penshust and Shipbourne hand made savouries (mostly cakes and desserts. At these Iwhere sometimes get the talk foodsavouries for hours! made and cookery (mostly vegan) cakes andand desserts. these talk I sometimes get the opportunity to give demonstrations I can At happily food for hours! opportunity to give cookery demonstrations and I can happily talk food for hours! I also run pop-up events and will II also run pop-up events and willand be hosting a meal also run pop-up be hosting a meal events on the 16thwill April on the 16th April at the very special Tonbridge be hosting a meal on the 16th at the very special Tonbridge April Old Old Fire Station venue. Recently these two strings at theStation very special Old Fire venue.Tonbridge Recently these have crossed at Cranbrook Farmers Market as I Fire Station venue. Recently these two strings have crossed became the marketing manager at at the end of last two strings have crossed at Cranbrook Farmers Market as I cafe area year. This means we have added a pop-up Cranbrook Farmers Market as I aat became the marketing where customers can sit, relaxmanager and enjoy meal became thelast marketing manager at the end of year. means we or cake as well as our usualThis take home offer. the end of last year. This have added a pop-up cafemeans area we have added a pop-up cafe area where customers can sit, relax and where can as sit,well relax enjoy acustomers meal or cake as and our enjoy a meal or cake as well as our usual take home offer. usual take home offer.
Many pubs and restaurants seem to be a little uncertain Many pubs restaurants to uncertain be a little of vegetarian and particularly food. The Fat Many pubs andand restaurants seem to seem be vegan a little of uncertain vegetarian of vegetarian and particularly vegan food. The Fat service and particularly vegan food. The Fat Carrot offers a consultancy Carrot offers a consultancy service or we can produce or we canoptions produceamenu optionsFor for service them. Forthat those that find vegan and Carrot offers consultancy or we can produce menu for them. those find vegan and vegetarian options daunting for an an event we offer catering and I menu options for them. For those that find vegan and vegetarian options daunting for an an event we particularly enjoy helping clients selectfor foodenjoy and ‘artisticwe bit’ when it vegetarian options an anthe event offer catering and Idaunting particularly helping clients comes to presentation. We are versatile to the customer’s needs and can offer catering and I particularly enjoy helping clients select food and the 'artistic bit' when it comes to supply just the vegetarian/ vegan options or cater the whole event. select food and the 'artistic bit' to when it comes to needs presentation. We are versatile the customer's I enjoyed a vegan buffet we served last year as the bride was just so presentation. We are versatile to the customer's needs and can supply just the vegetarian/ vegan orwe happy she could eat everything and as she so rarely gotoptions to eat cake, and can supply just the vegetarian/ vegan options or caterher the whole event.tower I enjoyed veganflavours buffetand wethree made a vegan cupcake of three adifferent cater the whole I enjoyed vegan buffetshe we could served last year event. as the bride was a just so happy vegan desserts! served last year as the bride was just so happy she eat everything and as she so rarely got to eat cake, could we eat everything andcupcake as she sotower rarelyofgot to eat cake, we made her a vegan three different made herand a vegan tower of three different flavours threecupcake vegan desserts! flavours and three vegan desserts!| apr-may 2016 darlingmagazine.co.uk 31
Community
EmptyBowls Bowls Empty An exciting event is being planned to An exciting event is being planned promote SEOS (South East OpentoStudios) promote SEOS (South East Open Studios) in the Tonbridge area and beyond. in the Tonbridge area and beyond. Hildegard Pax and Mike Evans have Hildegard Pax and Mike Evans have initiated the Bowls event, initiated thefirst first Empty Empty Bowls event, scheduled for the 11-12th May at scheduled for the 11-12th May at thethe OldOld Fire Station ofTonbridge. Tonbridge. Fire Stationininthe the heart heart of The idea is based on 'Empty Bowl' events that are very popular in the USA. The idea is based on ‘Empty Bowl’ events that are very this popular in the USA.potters For this donate event SEOS For event SEOS a number potters donate a number of soup bowls, of soup bowls, chefs prepare somechefs delicious prepareasome soup, some a local bread. baker adds soup, localdelicious baker adds Entry will some bread. Entry will be via pre-booked tickets be via pre-booked tickets and all monies raised and all monies raised go to charity. go to charity. On the day each guest selects one of the handmade bowls, hasday soup served in the bowl, which they On the each guest selects one of thetake handhome with themhas afterwards to remind thembowl, of thewhich made bowls, soup served in the idea oftake ‘Emptying a bowl fill someone else’s’. they home withto them afterwards to remind them of the idea of 'Emptying a bowl to fill someone else's'.
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Three chefs have come on board: Three chefs have come on board: Michelin star chef Daniel Hatton Michelin star chef Daniel Hatton from Tunbridge Wells, Ben Sulston from Tunbridge Wells, Ben Sulston specialising in in super foodsfoods and Jamie specialising super and Jamie Halsall bringing a traditional French Halsall bringing a traditional French cuisine flavour to the event. cuisine flavour to the event. All monies raised from this event will monies be donated to thefrom Bridgethis Trust, All raised event a charity which hasto been will be donated thesupporting Bridge Trust, homeless people Westsupporting Kent asingle charity which has in been for 25 years. single homeless people in West Kent for 25 years.
Vegan moussaka (gluten free) Serves 4 Preparation 45mins Cooking 25mins Ingredients Base. 250g potatoes 1 aubergine 100g green lentils 400g tinned chopped tomatoes. 1 small onion 1 garlic clove Pinch salt 1 tsp dried mixed herbs 3 tbs sunflower oil Topping 25g vegan sunflower spread 250ml soya milk 25g rice flour 75g grated Vegan ‘cheese’ of choice. (Optional) 2 tsp dried mixed herbs 1 tomato sliced for decoration 1) Bring green lentils to the boil reduce heat then simmer for 20-25mins until soft topping with water if needed. Strain them. 2) Dice the onion and fry with the garlic in a large saucepan in 1 tbs of oil until soft. 3) Peel the potatoes and thinly slice by hand or in a food processor. Add the remaining oil and potatoes to the onions and cook on a medium heat stirring constantly. 4) Once potato is cooked add sliced aubergine and cook until soft. 5) Add chopped tomatoes,the cooked lentils, salt and herbs and cook for 5minutes. 6) In a separate saucepan melt the vegan sunflower spread, add the rice flour and stir with a whisk. Add in the soya milk and keeping the temperature fairly high stir continuously until it thickens. Add vegan ‘cheese’ If using. 7) Heat the oven to 200c. Place the base ingredients in a large oven proof dish. Spread topping evenly over it. Add tomato slices and sprinkle with herbs to decorate. Bake in the oven for approximately 25mins.
RECIPES These are two recipes we used as part of that event which you can try at home.
Vegan Coconut Cupcakes Makes 6-8 200g plain flour 1/2 tbs baking Pinch salt 170g granulated sugar 50g vegan sunflower margarine 2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp coconut extract 100ml coconut milk 100ml soya milk 20g desiccated coconut Frosting 60g vegan sunflower margarine 85g sifted icing sugar 1/2tsp vanilla extract. 1) pre heat oven to 180c. Line cupcake tin with cases. 2) mix together all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. 3) spoon into cupcake cases so they are 2/3 full. Place in the oven and bake for approximately 20mins 4) leave to cool. 5) for the frosting beat vegan margarine & icing sugar together and then stir in vanilla extract. Once frosted cakes can be dusted with a little extra desiccated coconut if desired.
If you’d like to find out more contact: Jane Apps at The Fat Carrot ltd. www.thefatcarrot.co.uk
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Important numbers Sevenoaks District Council 01732 227000.
Electricity Contact your local supplier.
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council 01732 844522
Highways Call Kent County Council 0300 0418 181 or view the highways winter services page on the KCC website.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council 01892 526121 Police, fire or ambulance In an emergency always call 999 www.kent.police.uk View details of local hospitals at www.kentcht.nhs.uk Gas leaks Call the National Grid on 0800 111 999. Water South East Water 03330 000 365 (Sevenoaks, West Kingsdown and surrounding areas) Sutton and East Surrey Water 01737 772000 (Edenbridge and surrounding areas) Thames Water 08459 200 800 (Swanley and surrounding areas and Westerham and surrounding areas)
Social services emergencies Call Kent County Council on 08458 247 247. View Kent County Council’s Social care and health web page. Flooding Environment Agency 0845 9881188. Animals RSPCA (cruelty hotline) 0870 5555 99
Missing Your Darling? Specsavers Sevenoaks Fromage & French Tunbridge Wells The Old Fire Station Tonbridge Hos Hother Sevenoaks Donnington Manor Hotel Dunton Green Fleur De Lis Pub Leigh Village email sevenoaks@darlingmagazine.co.uk to become a Hot Spot Collection point
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What’s on... out and about in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells The Old Fire Station - Tonbridge Pop Up Event Details: www.facebook.com/Old-Fire-Station531356273682618/events/ 16 April - The Fat Carrot 20 April - Cheese, beer and cider matching with Master of Cheese ‘William Cohen’ Wed 19:30 11 & 12 May - Empty Bowls Tonbridge in aid of The Bridge Trust 13 & 14 May - Amsterdam to Tonbridge with Chef Justin Brown 2 nights ONLY Fri & Sat 19:30 Ellenor Colour Run - The Hop Farm Sunday 1 May for our first Colour Run event at the Hop Farm, Paddock Wood. The Colour Run is all about wearing your biggest smile, getting messy and supporting families facing terminal illness in Kent. www.thehopfarm.co.uk/events/ellenorcolour-run Weald of Kent Craft & Design Show Penshurst Place & Gardens from Sat 30th Apr 2016 until Mon 2nd May 2016 www.penshurstplace.com Keep it Local Craft Fair at Coolings from Fri 1st Apr until Sun 3rd Apr www.coolings.co.uk
Sevenoaks Food & Drink Festival Event Dates 06/05/2016 - 08/05/2016 - 3 day(s) Opening Times Friday 11.00 until 18.00 Saturday 09.00 until 18.00 Sunday 10.00 until 17.30 What’s Going On The Sevenoaks Food and Drink Festival was launched in 2015 and was an immediate hit with the visiting public. Great setting, fantastic selection of foods, mouth-watering street dining and a craft beer festival to wash it all down - so we’re doing it all again this year - twice in fact, May and September. Wellbeing Show - Sevenoaks Sevenoaks Town Partnership will be hosting a Wellbeing Show at the Stag Plaza on Saturday 14th May from 10am till 3pm. This free entry event aims to increase public awareness of activities for Wellbeing and provide networking for professionals. Along with exhibitors at the event there will be free talks and demonstrations at the HITB Youth Café. Event sponsor Better Body Group will give a talk about ‘The truth about fat loss’ Admin.tp@sevenoakstown.gov.uk 01732 459 953 The Sevenoaks Business Show Will take place on Friday 22nd April 2016 at the Stag Plaza. The Business Show will be opened at 10:00am by the Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, patron of the Sevenoaks Town Partnership.
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Chef Justin Brown 2 nights ONLY Fri & Sat 19:30 Ellenor Colour Run - The Hop Farm
mouth-watering street dining and a craft beer festival to wash it all down - so we're doing it all again this year - twice in fact, May and September.
Sunday 1 Mayand forCoastal our first Colour Run Landscape Photography by event at the Hop Farm, Paddock Wood. Rich Clark The Colour Run is all about wearing your Tunbridge Wells High Street biggest smile, getting messy and until Thu 14th Apr 2016 supporting families facing terminal www.richclarkimages.co.uk/ illness in Kent. photographyexhibition-tunbridge-wells/ www.thehopfarm.co.uk/events/ellenorcolour-run Vine Farmers Market - Sevenoaks GRAND OPENING Gloria Hunniford, Weald of Kent Craft Design Show JB Gill will assist the&Mayor of Sevenoaks Penshurst Place & Gardens The event will take place from 9:30am on from Sat 30th Apr 2016 until Mon 2nd the 24 April 2016. Thereafter, fourth Sunday May 2016 each month from April - September www.penshurstplace.com
Farmers Markets KeepSevenoaks it Local -Craft Fair at Wednesday & Coolings Saturday 9:30am from Fri 1st Apr until Sun 3rd Apr Hildenborough - Tuesdays 9:30am www.coolings.co.uk West Malling - fourth Sunday of every between 9:30am - Show 1pm The month Sevenoaks Business Will Tonbridge take place on Friday April - every second 22nd Sunday of 2016 at the Stag Business everyPlaza. monthThe 9.30am - 1pm Show will be opened at 10:00am by the Rt Hon Michael TonbridgeLamberts Yard Market - Town Fallon MP, patron of the Sevenoaks every Friday 9:30am to 12:00 Partnership. Hildenborough - every Tuesday 9am - 11am
Shipbourne - every Thursday 9am - 11am St Mary’s Platt - every Friday 10am - 1pm Offham - second Saturday of every month 10am - 12.30pm The Market takes place on Civic Way (outside the Town Hall) Royal Tunbridge Wells, on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 9am-2pm The Queen’s 90th Birthday Beacons The Queen celebrates her 90th Birthday on 21 April 2016. We will be celebrating this event with a beacon on top of Tonbridge Castle.
Buddy Holly & The Cricketers Fri 1 Apr 7:30pm Mister Maker & The Shapes Live Sat 14 May Pinocchio (Ballet Theatre UK) Sun 29 May 3:00pm www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk/whats-on Kings Hill Community Centre Open Evening Friday 22nd April, from 7pm , Free, Kings Hill Community Centre Open evening to celebrate the new look hall, free wine tasting, pamper/beauty treatments and shopping. Further details on the Kings Hill Parish Council website
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Room for
Room for aa little one? little one? Spring is definitely here – hurrah! The clocks have turned to British Summer Time and the days are getting longer. Another harbinger of Spring is that I’ve been invited to a wedding. This (obviously) is Spring is definitely here - hurrah! The clocks have turned to British good news. Two of my dearest friends have decided Summer Time and the days are getting longer. Another harbinger of to tie the knot delighted for them and veryis Spring is that I’ve and been I’m invited to a wedding. This (obviously) much looking to friends buying a new outfit good news. Two offorward my dearest have decided to tieand the knot and I’m delighted for them and very much looking forward to buying sharing their special day. a new outfit and sharing their special day.
However… (come on,knew youthis However… (come on, you knew this was coming!), was coming!), here’s the tricky bit. here’s the tricky bit. The The wedding is just outside Bath, wedding is just outside in a very beautiful part of theBath, country anda itvery will involve an overnight in beautiful part ofstay thein an award winning boutique hotel. an country and it will involve It doesn’t sound tooinbad far I hear overnight stay ansoaward you say. Myboutique difficulty ishotel. that theIthotel winning – and indeed the day does notI doesn’t sound tooitself bad–so far allow dogs and therefore I have to hear you say. make arrangements for my four legged friend. My difficulty is that the hotel – andmyindeed itself Now, dog is a the very day sociable little– chap and, his credit, would does nottoallow dogs andcertainly have an outfit suitabletoformake this type of therefore I have occasion (secretly I’m bit worried arrangements foramy fourabout him). Still, this event is a definite legged friend. no-go for him and I therefore have to make other contingencies. Now, my dog is a very sociable little chap and, to his credit, would certainly have an outfit suitable for this type of occasion (secretly I’m a bit worried about him). Still, this event is a definite no-go for him and I therefore have to make other contingencies.
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Even this isn’t of a problem as he’s Even this isn’t too too muchmuch of a problem as he’s extremely extremely adaptable and my friends are adaptable and my friends are always very willing to always help out. very help out. that It’s the sleeping It’s thewilling sleepingto arrangements can be hard. arrangements that can be hard. My dog, Oscar, likes to sleep with strangers. In many ways, he’s like some of the men I have known over the years. My dog, Oscar, likes to sleep with strangers. In many ways, he’s like some of the men I have known over the years.
apr-may 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk
A A
t home, whilst he has a choice of t home, has a choice ofbeds over of 3 over 3 whilst very he comfortable veryown comfortable beds of histhe ownsofa) (not his (not counting counting the sofa)probably he, as you’ve probably he, as you’ve guessed, guessed, prefers to spend the night onmy my prefers to spend the night on bed. And, even though he is only small bed. And, even though he is only (he’s a West Highland Terrier), he still takes small (he’s a West Highland up most of the space. This can be awkward Terrier), he still takes up most of when we go to visit friends as, not only the doesspace. Oscar expect to sleep in a proper
human bed, so far as he is concerned, only This can bedroom be awkward the master will do.when we go to visit friends as, not only Consequently, whenevertowesleep stay anywhere, does Oscar expect in a when it’s time to turn in for the night, I proper human bed, so far as he head to the spare room whilst Oscar skips is concerned, only the master straight in to my friends’ bed. In some bedroom do. of for one of them cases, it’s notwill unheard Consequently, to have to ship out whenever for the night we and sleep stay anywhere, when it’s plenty time of to on the sofa so that my boy has turn for the night, I head to room in to spread out. the spare room whilst Oscar On one memorable weekend, we stayed skips straight in to my friends’ with the parents of one of my friends (a bed. some it’s before). not Even coupleIn who I hadcases, never met unheard of for one of them to night then, my dog insisted on spending the have to ship out for the night with them much to their shock and surprise. and sleep on the sofa so that my boy has plenty of room to spread out.
“Not only does Oscar expect to sleep in a proper human bed, so far as he is concerned, only the master bedroom will do.”
So please spare a thought for my long-suffering So please spare a thought for my friends who will have to look after this animal long-suffering friends who will have whilst I’m having a jolly old time toasting the to look after this animal whilst newlyweds. None of these people have a dogI’m of having a jolly old time toasting the their own, if anything they are cat lovers, so it these reallynewlyweds. is a big ask forNone them toofhave himpeople for the have a dog of their own, if anything night. Not only will he almost certainly kick them so itsnores really is a out ofthey theirare owncat bed,lovers, but he also quite loudlybig andask has for a rather nasty of him biting for his the them tohabit have feet (again, likeNot several of the men come across). night. only will heI’ve almost
On one memorable weekend, we stayed with the parents of one of my friends (a couple who I had never met before). Even then, my dog insisted on spending the night with them much to their shock and surprise.
"Not only does Oscar expect to sleep in a proper human bed, so far as he is concerned, only the master bedroom will do. "
certainly them of wedding their own I know I will havekick a lovely timeout at the bed, but he also snores quite loudly though as we all wave off the happy couple as and has rather nasty of biting they embark onathe first night of habit their married lives, his I willfeet be painfully that somewhere (again, aware like several of the out there, dogcome is also across). spending the night in a menmy I’ve marital bed. I know I will have a lovely time at the wedding though as we all wave off the happy couple as they embark on the first night of their married lives, I will be painfully aware that somewhere out there, my dog is also spending the night in a marital bed.
Carrie x
Carrie x
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