Darling Magazine Sevenoaks Feb-Mar 2016

darling feb|mar ‘16 priceless

NEW

FASHION EDITOR

Elaine Forino talks trends

SEIZE THE DAY

have the freedom to live the life you want

MAXINE CHAKOWA

doing it ALL with a SMILE

12 MONTHS OF KINDNESS

TAKE CHARGE

of your finances with Lisa Lloyd from Sanlam

Inspiring women from Sevenoaks to Tunbridge Wells | www.darlingmagazine.co.uk

Hello Darls, February brings all the love on Valentine’s Day, perhaps even a proposal from you on the 29th, yes it’s a leap year. There’s more love for mums at the beginning of March.

Cover Maxine Chakowa

Publisher Darling Magazine UK Editor Tam Jackson All enquiries 01892 506 894 sevenoaks@darlingmagazine.co.uk

Hos Hother have great finds both for you and mum, Devine on Dorset Street’s rails keep calling my name for an update and Cindy Knight Clinic to keep me young. (Hope hubster is reading this J ) The Osteria Italian Restaurant at Donnington Manor has a treat in store for Mother’s Day too – read my review on pg 20. Elaine Forino, our new fashion editor has all you’ll need to get on trend for the new season.

There’s nothing short of inspiration when speaking to Maxine Chakowa, hearing about her journey in business, marriage and even becoming a grandmother – yes, our cover girl is a grandmother. I didn’t believe it either.

Inspiration, business, beauty, fashion, foodie finds and home, it’s for EVERY woman. Happy love day on the 14th and to all the mothers, know that you are appreciated every day of the year.

Contributors Alex Ravenscroft Carrie Cantor Elaine Forino Fashion Editor

Connect with us on facebook, twitter or instagram and let us know your thoughts and any suggestions over at @ Darling7oaks

Photography Russell Harper russellharperphotography@gmail.com

Love Tam

Sarah Hart sarahhartphotography.com Design Abi Aldous

Contents 4 Maxine Chakowa - doing it all with a smile

Printer Steve.Everest@cpg-net.co.uk

7

Dave’s Darlings

Distribution info@3colours.co.uk

11 Fashion - Peaches and Ruffles

Darling UK and Wimbledon Karine Torr: 07930 396356

16 Business - finding Hugge in your home

8 Fromage & French - say cheese

11 Beauty - get your hands ready

Darling Kingston Marja-Leena Toseland: 07802 949836

18 Creating Space

Darling Cobham | Esher | Weybridge

23 Date night

Philippa Hennessy: 07772 633339

24 Business - Carpe Diem

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.

20 Business - Take Charge

26 Socials 30 Community - 12 Acts of Kindness 32 Conquer your clutter 36 What’s on 38 Talking Point darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb-mar 2016

3

FROM

CHECKOUT GIRL

TO LEADING LADY IN SEVENOAKS

Mum to a grown up son, Aiden, married to Bryan for 22 years, but more recently we’ve been so fortunate, with our gorgeous little granddaughter Eva coming into the world. To complete the family, there are 2 dogs, a cat and also a rabbit! That fills (if any) spare time we have.

never working in an optical environment before, it certainly was a challenge, within 1 year I was offered the very rewarding role of Manager working along side a superb team!

I started my career working in a local supermarket on the checkout and quickly rose through the ranks to management, learning from others and working extremely hard.

My knowledge of optics went from strength to strength, and I soon started travelling around the UK for Asda Opticians. It was then that I decided to go for directorship in Specsavers, my husband was already a director of Specsavers in Fulham. Once I heard that a new Specsavers was to open in Sevenoaks, which was exactly where I wanted to be. After many sleepless nights of wondering if I had done the right thing!

The day had come for our opening and the town welcomed us with open arms.

It was a good 8 years but I decided to have a career change and that was when I was introduced into the world of Specsavers (not new to the family though). I started in Woolwich as a receptionist,

It wasn’t only about running a successful business, I wanted to do something different and give back to the community that supported us.

Our first charity day was held with SSAFA.

Life has been a real journey so far. A fun, learning experience filled with meeting many interesting people along the way.

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feb-mar 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

inspiring woman

Our first charity day was held with SSAFA. It was really nice to meet Sevenoaks veteran Harry Garrett. We’ve gone on to sponsor the Christmas Lights in the Town, upon hearing from the Town Partnership that without sponsorship there would be no Christmas Lights.

This was our town and we did not hesitate!

That was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with Sevenoaks Town Partnership, we got involved with Pink Week, Sevenoaks in Bloom, and Sevenoaks Business Awards and many more and I’m sure there will be more to come.

In May 2015 I was asked if I would like to stand for Town Councillor, convinced I would not receive any votes, but because I felt very passionate about what I could do for our community, I decided to stand.

After getting over the initial shock of being chosen for Town Councillor the excitement set in. Just when we all thought that would be it, I’ve become the chairman of the Town Partnership, and I have a lot of involvement with amazing initiatives both for the community

and great causes. Like Breast Cancer Care, thanks to Steph Harrison, who organises numerous fundraising events.

We love the annual Pink Party.

It’s for a great cause, creates an amazing community spirit leading up to the party day and Sevenoaks turns pink.

We’re already planning for October. We have a great team at Specsavers Sevenoaks, we all share the same love for the community. We’ve all been trained as Dementia Friends.

When I look back over my career, starting from a check out assistant at a supermarket to being a Director of a number of opticians, a Town Councillor and Chairman of the Town Partnership, I do it with pride and a smile, and I’m proof that any women can do what they set out to achieve.

“You just need to believe in yourself and always keep that smile.”

health-promo

“I have tried it all. Boot camps, running, personal training but none gave me the desired results until I discovered CrossFit and got hooked on it.”

CrossFit workouts incorporate elements from high intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, power lifting and gymnastics. You will be running, rowing, jumping, lifting and throwing hard and fast.

There are several reasons why this is so effective for women: We don’t use machines and that is what makes it so effective - you will either be moving your own body weight or you will be moving a weight around!

It’s like personal training but more affordable.

You can expect to recieve guidance on form and technique.

Everything is scalable, making it suitable for everyone.

You won’t be working out alone, there will be a group of soon to be friends encouraging you to go for that extra mile.

Your partner can join too - a good opportunity to workout together.

Be challenged. There’s no limit to the workouts.

It is not only physical, it’s mental too.

The top of the range CrossFit equipment and the community is growing very steadily at CrossFit ChalkBox Email agnes@crossfitchalkbox.com for a free taster session. Quote: Darling

Run, Jump, Lift, Pull, Push, Throw, Repeat

I wiped the tears from my face when the doorbell rang. “Hello. This is for you!”

I couldn’t help but smile, looking at the downright happy face staring back at me as I took the package with the green mint chocolate sweet on top, from the postman.

“Thanks, how’s your day?” I asked, craving some adult conversation.

Everyone Needs A Dave Beth E. Lee

I’m a single Mum to two young children, for most of the year, while my husband works in the Middle East. And to add to that, I’m an expat from the States so you can imagine the combination doesn’t allow much time to socialize. So, why not talk to the postman!

And over time, I got to know Dave, the sociable, fun, happy, and positive postman that graced my door every day. But one October day, Dave would change my life.

“Hey Dave!” I said as I opened the door for a chat.

And somehow we got on the subject of apple pie.

(How very American, I know.)

“The lady down the road gives me all her apples from her tree – would you like some?” he said nonchalantly. I couldn’t resist. And then, Dave did the most amazing thing. He told me the story of my neighbour down the road, Tina, the German lady who had just lost her husband to cancer. He told me about Louise, the South African who lived on the other side of the lane. And then Aran, the New Zealander who just bought the house up the road! All Mums, all expats, and all within walking distance of my house – who knew!

It only took a couple days before all of us were in contact with one another, adding in other neighbours, having coffee, dinner and drinks.

Expats and locals alike all bound together by one man, one postman, Dave.

We all have our struggles in life but I count my blessings that I have a postman as kind, caring, able to listen and willing to do something to make our lives just a little bit easier. I am blessed to know my neighbours and to be able to lean on them and them on me. That, after all, is what friendship is all about. Everyone needs a Dave. Look around, in the most everyday places and find yours.

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb-mar 2016

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business-promo

Juggling is nothingout out of of the the ordinary forfor Juggling is nothing ordinary Gaëlle Coyle andBelinda Belinda Raitt, Raitt, the Gaëlle Coyle and theowners of Fromage & French, a new cheese owners of Fromage & French, a newand French shop food in Tunbridge cheese andfood French shop inWells.

Tunbridge When they’re askedasked what made Wells.

When they’re whatthem made decide to take on this latest venture, them decide to take on this latest venture, they look at each other, give a Gallic they look at each other, give a Gallic shrug, and say “Pourquoi pas?” shrug, and say “Pourquoi pas?”

Both Gaëlleand and Belinda were born born in Both Gaëlle Belinda were in France and spent their childhoods France and spent their childhoods there. Gaëlle is half-French, and travels there.

Gaëlle is half-French, and regularly to France to visit her family, travels to France to visit her whileregularly Belinda’s family lives in Holland.

Fromage & French was born part outlives in family, while Belinda’s family of nostalgia for their childhood Holland. Fromage & Frenchfare was born and to bring the European attitude to part out of nostalgia for their good quality, fresh, food provenance to childhood and to bring the Tunbridgefare Wells.

European attitude to good quality, fresh, food provenance to Tunbridge Wells.

Belinda already runs her ownher own Belinda already runs career consultancy, coaching career consultancy, coaching and business advisory and business advisory company which she set up company she five and a halfwhich years ago a set up few years she moved five andafter a half years ago a from London to Tunbridge few years after she moved Wells. She helps start-ups from London to Tunbridge with their business plans and Wells.

She helps marketing strategy andstart-ups small businesses to grow, as well plans as with their business and volunteering asstrategy a business and small marketing mentor for two youth businesses to grow, as well as enterprise charities, Kent volunteering as a business Foundation and Young mentor for two youth Enterprise. enterprise charities, Kent Foundation and Young Enterprise.

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feb-mar 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

In she also time to play Inbetween, between, shefinds also finds drums with a local samba band and time to play drums with a deliver emergency NHS supplies as a local samba andShe deliver bloodrunner withband Serv Kent. is emergency NHSofsupplies as a enjoying the challenge putting her own advice to the test in her latest bloodrunner with Serv Kent. business She isventure. enjoying the challenge

of putting her own advice to the test in her latest business venture.

business-promo

Gaëlle’s background is in sales Gaëlle’s background is in sales and marketing, but her and marketing, butdream her dream was to to open a French food shop was open a French food shop inin Tunbridge Wells, something Tunbridge Wells, something similar to an As As similar to épicerie. an épicerie. dreams so often do, this dreams so often do, this particular oneone joined othersothers on particular joined on the shelf. Babies arrived, and the shelf. Babies arrived, and sadly her husband became ill sadly her husband became ill with cancer in 2013, dying six with cancer in 2013, dying six months after his diagnosis. months after his diagnosis.

Gaëlle decided that their daughters would bethat her one Gaëlle decided their and only priority for the daughters would be her one foreseeable – that and and onlyfuture priority for the organising the town’s Poppy foreseeable future – that and Appeal every year. Two years organising the town’s Poppy on and a chance conversation Appeal every year. Two years with Belinda, all this changed on and a chance conversation and she felt that now more than with Belinda, all this changed ever was the right moment to andher shetime feltand thateffort nowinto more than invest evermaking was the right moment to finally this dream a invest her time and effort reality.

Life is short, a cliché she into finallyknows making this dream certainly to be true, and a reality.

Life is short, a she is looking forward to cliché she certainly knows to be true, and making Fromage & French a success, that if you put she isproving looking forward to your mind to it, and work hard, a making Fromage & French anything is proving possible, whatever success, that if you put your circumstances, your mind to it, whatever and work hard, your dream. anything is possible, whatever your circumstances, whatever your dream.

Fromage & French aims to supply Fromage & Wells Frenchshoppers aims to supply Tunbridge with Tunbridge Wells shoppers with things they just can’t find unless things they just can’t find unless they go to London and or France. they go to London and or France.

Belinda and Gaëlle are spending Belinda and Gaëlle are spending time getting to know their time getting to know their customers, making sure people customers, making sure people feel when they feelwelcome welcome when they visitvisit Fromage & French, and Fromage & French, and providing feel-good factor, providing aafeel-good factor, a a taste holidays, a little tasteof of summer summer holidays, a little bit inTunbridge Tunbridge Wells. bitof of France France in Wells.

And speakFrench French with Andthey they can can speak with their customers They theirFrench French customers too!too!

They know they they will to to work hardhard know willhave have work keep sourcing sourcing interesting andand totokeep interesting unusual stock stock totokeep customers unusual keep customers coming back, back, to Fromage & & coming tomake make Fromage French an an every destination French everyday day destination rather than than aa special rather specialoccasion occasion shop. And alongside that, keeping shop. And alongside that, keeping prices competitive with the prices competitive with the supermarkets and online supermarkets and online competition, who obviously have competition, who obviously have more purchasing power, or lower more purchasing overheads.

But theypower, are no or lower overheads. are no strangers toBut hardthey work… strangers to hard work…

You can find Fromage & French at 52a High Street, You can find Fromage & French at Tunbridge 52a High Street,Wells, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2NY. TN1 2NY. www.fromageandfrench.com Website: Website: www.fromageandfrench.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb-mar 2016

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WELCOME TO THE BONBON BAKERY SEVENOAKS

fashion-promo

Peaches and Ruffles Darling’s Fashion Editor Elaine Forino updates our wardrobes...

Spring/Summer is turning up the heat with romantic ruffles.

This has filtered down by Miu Miu and Micheal Kors and being brought to the high street for by romantic label Noa Noa, who have designed a soft peach cotton top with ruffles. Team this with soft indigo boot cut denim creating a soft casual look.

Denim has a big impact this season with dresses, jackets and casual shirts.

Whether its high waisted figurehugging jeans, boot cut to lengthen the leg or girlfriend jeans for a more relaxed look, all are bang on trend.

Double denim which used to be a fashion faux pas is now casual chic when layered with colours.

Fringing, tassels and textures are seen on tops, summer boots and handbags.

Movement and fun is the theme.

Metallic summer ankle boots add the hippy chic glamour to any outfit.

Lots of summer sparkle straight from the catwalk to the high street using iridescent sequins and high shine fabrics - which are always a favourite.

Embellished knitwear, dresses and tops are more experimental than ever.

Slip dresses are back. Beautiful soft satins, longer lengths and are a great look under your wardrobe staple - the denim jacket.

Shop the looks at Devine on Dorset Street, 3 Dorset St, Sevenoaks TN13 1LL Phone:01732 740203

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb-mar 2016

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beauty-promo Beauty Promo Beauty Promo

Get your hands ready for Get your hands ready for Get your hands ready for the big day the big day the big day

I am getting married this year – at 50!

I am getting married this year – at 50!

first and only time; and I amMy getting married this year – at 50!although My first and only time; and although we and are having a themed wedding My first only time; and although we are (Elvis having we are having a themed wedding (Elvis in Vegas) I still want to look my best. a themed wedding (Elvis in Vegas) I still want to in Vegas) I still want to look my best. look my best.

My hands are something I need to

Myhands hands something need to My areare something needI to concentrate on, concentrate on, asI they are one of the concentrate on, as they are one of the your as they are one thegive areasaway that can giveage away areas thatofcan your as areas that celebrities can give away your as age as many testify to.age many celebritiescan can testify to. many celebrities can testify to.

The skin on the back of your hands is The skin on the back of your hands is different from the skin in the palm of different the skin the palm The skinfrom on the back of in your hands is of different your hands. There are no hair follicles your hands.

There noofhair from the skin in theare palm yourfollicles hands. There in the palm of your hands and the skin in the palm your in hands andofthe skin are no hairof follicles the palm your hands and is thicker, which makes the skin on the is thicker, makes skin the skin iswhich thicker, which the makes theon skinthe on the underside more resistant to wear and undersidemore more resistant resistant totowear andand tear. Not underside wear tear. Not so, for the back of your hands. so,Not for the of your hands.

The hands. hands are tear. so,back for the back of your The hands are parts of the body that we parts of the that expose a lotwe of wear, The hands arebody parts ofwe the bodytothat expose to a lot of wear, for example by for example withexample soap and doing expose to a lotbyofwashing wear, for by the washing with soap and doing the dishes. dishes. with Thesesoap stresses contribute to skin dryness washing and doing the dishes.

These stresses contribute to skin whenstresses the natural fat in the to skin barrier is These contribute skin dryness when the natural fat in the skin diminished. dryness when the natural fat in the skin barrier is diminished. barrier is diminished.

Up until recently, it has been difficult to make the

Up until recently, it has been difficult to younger, and earlier methods have Uphands until look recently, it has been difficult to often make the hands look younger, and not the givenhands satisfactory results. make look younger, and earlier methods have often not given earlier methods have often not given satisfactory results. satisfactory results.

beauty-promo

The Great news is...

There is a scientifically proven and effective treatment using micro injections of stabilized hyaluronic acid (Restylane Skinboosters) into the skin, especially designed to deliver deep skin hydration and lasting improvements to the overall quality of the skin.

By moisturising the skin from within, it improves the skin’s structure and elasticity.

RESULTS AFTER HAND TREATMENT WITH RESTYLANE SKINBOOSTERS Diminished appearance of veins

Prefer using skin creams? Then there are various creams from the Obagi medical skin-care range, which will improve skin tone and reduce pigmentation and age spots.

You want to look fantastic on your wedding day, those pictures last a lifetime.

Pop over to the Cindy Knight Clinic website and book in for your free consultation. The Cindy Knight Clinic has been treating patients for almost 20 years so if you want to look your best for your upcoming nuptials we are the place to come to. Many of our clients have been with us for a long time and won’t go anywhere else.

You are in good hands!

Improved skin tone and lustre Increased skin elasticity If you are someone who is not comfortable with needles then we also have IPL treatment for pigmentation on the hands. This is a laser-light treatment, which will reduce any pigmentation on the hands significantly and activate the collagen, which will improve the skin’s tone, lustre and elasticity.

Cindy Knight Clinic 174 Tonbridge Road, Hildenborough.

Tonbridge, TN11 9HP 01732 832004 info@cindyknightclinic.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb-mar 2016

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www.hoshother.com

Hos Hother 40 Dartford Rd Sevenoaks TN13 3TQ

01732 668054

business-promo

Finding hygge in your home with Hanne - owner of Hos Hother I love taking a wonder through the Danish shops, when I am home, to find inspiration and finding items that are relatively new to the Danish market, for example the OneLeg stool and the Vita lampshades that I stock. Besides the Danish design classics I love to find a good product story, like the recycled car tyre baskets from Dacarr and the waterproof recycled paper vases/plant pots from Lubech Living.

I have several architects and designers as regular customers, and they appreciate being able to purchase beautiful items that will last them a lifetime. I believe that is a good reflection on how Danes shop in general; they’ll rather save up for a few months to buy that special item that they know they will love and treasure for many years.

Thinking of recreating that Danish feeling of hygge in your home?

Hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.

The warm glow of candlelight is hygge.

Try to enhance the natural daylight, with mirrors or possibly glass features (glass bricks or maybe an old window) on the wall. Alternatively, if you have a darkish room, create a cosy den with plenty of candles and maybe a bio ethanol fireplace as a focal point.

The back drop. There is a reason why Danes love painting their houses white. It is a perfect background for any type of interiors. Personally, I love structure in the walls, in the shop for example, part of a wall was a lovely old yellow/red brick, so we left this partly exposed, instantly bringing some roughness but also warmth through the colour. This gives the room character.

Keep it simple! Balance masculine versus feminine.

Adding Vita lamp shades to a room creates a super balance between white and almost industrial roughness versus the feminine feathers and organic shapes of the lights.

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb-mar 2016

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Creating your dream space ColemanClarkeStudios, a RIBA Chartered Practice based in Tonbridge, was established in 2014 by enthusiastic and talented Architects, Stuart Coleman and Christopher Clarke who have since been delivering projects throughout the South East of England.

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feb-mar 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

They know what women want when it comes to their home and help their vision become a reality.

Specialising in domestic residential projects varying in size. Whether you are after more space for a growing family, or splashing out on a state of the art, bespoke new build house.

business-promo

Director, Stuart Coleman says, “We are currently finding many of our clients are looking to enlarge their homes, rather than move. We love creating exciting new spaces such as open plan kitchen and dining spaces.

No matter the scale of the project Coleman Clarke Studios will take an individual approach to each client, investing time in the early stages of the project to develop the client’s brief and fully understand their needs and requirements.

We look to bring in as much natural light as possible by connecting the inside area with the outside environment.

The current relaxation of the Permitted Development Laws and soaring house prices is a great benefit if you’re planning on taking on a new project for your home.

Coleman Clarke Studios provide a highly professional service with a refreshing approach to design that leads to a highly creative end product.”

www.colemanclarkestudios.co.uk

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb-mar 2016

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business-promo

Taking control of your finances Lisa Lloyd BSc (Hons), DipFA Wealth Planner from our sister company, Sanlam Wealth Planning, discusses the importance of having a financial plan in place.

Women are more ‘in tune’ and taking control of their finances more than ever before, I believe. We now live in a world where women are consummate ‘multi taskers’ – and are quite used to and adept at working full time in part time hours, having one to four children of school age, running a busy household and any number of other daily tasks which seem to frequently pop up when you’re not expecting them. Not forgetting to mention looking after a partner, little ones or in some cases elderly parents.

Some of you may remember Nicola Horlick telling us in the 90’s that ‘we can have it all’ and be a ‘superwoman’, I didn’t believe that for one moment at the time and I still don’t today. It’s simply too exhausting trying to live up to that expectation.

So, as a modern day working woman with or without children, how do we ensure that our daily finances are looked after as well as planning for the future and making sure that we can afford all of the lovely things that we want to do, when we reach the point that we don’t have to go to work anymore? The female clients that I work with are either in charge of the family’s finances because they’re more knowledgeable about them or they’ve come out of a relationship i.e. postdivorce or separation and are dealing with them for the first time.

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feb-mar 2016 | darlingmagazine.co.uk

Either way, having an organised financial plan in place makes you feel confident that day to day finances are covered as well as providing for the future.

To illustrate this in practice, let’s look at an example case study scenario: Lucy (38) and Alex (42) from Sevenoaks are married with three children of school ages. Alex works in London earning £150,000 as a basic salary with an annual bonus of £60,000. Lucy works part time earning £40,000, she intends to return to full time work when the children are all at senior school. They pay school fees for all of the children at a cost of circa £55,000 per annum (paid termly from salary and bonus). They have income of circa £9,800 per month after tax. They have monthly expenditure of £6,000 pm leaving them with circa £3,800 net disposable per month.

Helping Lucy and Alex to produce an effective long-term financial plan will involve detailed discussions about their medium and long term objectives and aspirations and, essentially, will require regular review.

However, given the above scenario, the following basic considerations would be appropriate for Lucy and her family: • Continued Financial Security: It is important to ensure the continued financial security of Lucy and her family

business-promo 16 South Park | Sevenoaks | Kent | TN13 1AN

www.privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk 01732 740700

in the event of a life changing event such as long term illness or injury, or the premature death of either parent.

Protecting against such eventualities is a key part of any long term financial plan.

Another essential part of any family’s financial plan is making sure that wills are kept up to date.

• Long-Term Planning: Lucy and Alex currently enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

In order to maintain a similar lifestyle in retirement meaningful planning needs to start in good time. A review of their long-term savings/investment strategy should ensure that they are both taking maximum advantage of any pension facilities and contributions offered by their employers and also the personal tax advantages offered to each of them through pension schemes. This is especially true for Alex who pays tax at the additional tax rate.

• Medium-Term Planning: Whilst Lucy and Alex are meeting major outgoings such as school fees out of ongoing income and bonuses, medium term savings/investment planning might help to address such expenditure more efficiently, especially when tax is taken into consideration.

• Tax Efficiency: Lucy is currently under the 40% tax threshold so a review of how the couple’s finances are structured would be a worthwhile exercise. Although this might change when Lucy returns to work on a full-time basis any tax savings made now will be helpful, especially whilst Alex remains an additional rate tax-payer. On the longer term horizon, based on their current circumstances, inheritance tax issues may arise in the future and it may be that planning for this could be investigated whilst Lucy and Alex are still young.

WIN Fortnum & Mason hamper worth £250 Visit: privatewealth.sanlam.co.uk/hamper Investing involves risk and 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. Sanlam Wealth Planning UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb-mar 2016

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business-promo

The Perfect date night It’s not often that we get to escape on a school night, especially not on a print deadline, for a date night. However, Italian food that includes wine and seafood is all the excuse a woman needs to escape for a couple of hours.

T

he Osteria Chartwell, based in the newly (extensively) refurbished Donnington Manor in Dunton Green, Sevenoaks is a little jewel of intimacy. The character of the old Tudor beams against white walls makes the perfect setting for dinner.

We were greated with a smile and seated promptly at our choice of table.

The menu is extensive.

Italian classics include pasta and pizza but there is something for everyone.

It’s difficult to decide but we start with Calamari Delizia – squid cooked in white wine, chilli and tomato sauce.

It was a delight as the name suggests. Firstly, rarely do you find calamari that isn’t deepfried in batter.

The hint of chilli lends itself to pack a punch and compliments the tomato sauce perfectly. It took my mind back to Cape Town, I could taste the nostalgia.

Followed by Salmon Tagliatelle. Note: The Italian Chef is not too keen on my need to have parmesan on my seafood pasta (It’s only so that I didn’t have to share it with hubby) But, the reason I’ll be coming back, is for the meal my other half had.

Steak. The perfectly medium rare char grilled cut with peppercorn sauce – sides of chips and spinach. Wow. Osteria, we’ll be back. Service attentive, value for money but that menu is perfect for any occasion.

Address: London Rd, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks TN13 2TD Phone:01732 462681 www.osteriachartwell.com

darlingmagazine.co.uk | feb-mar 2016

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BUSINESS Promo

Carpe Diem

business-promo

W

hen we take on a new business client one of the first things we ask is ‘’What are you trying to achieve?’’

W

The initial answers for those hen we take on a new business starting out in business are often client of increase the first things we ask ‘to gain more one clients, is ‘’What are you trying income or have enough money to to achieve?’’ pay the bills’. They, however, are not the answers we are seeking.

The initial answers for those

What we are looking forbusiness is the starting out in are often emotional connection.

For the increase ‘to gain more clients, majority of smallorbusiness owners money to income have enough their business is often simply a pay the bills’. They, however, are vehicle that enables them to not the answers we are seeking. achieve something greater. One of our clients wants to leave a legacy looking for is the for herWhat familywe andare another wishes emotional connection. to educate her children privately. For the of small business owners Many majority business women simply want to be financially their businessindependent is often simply a and have the freedom to live their vehicle that enables them to lives onachieve their own terms. something greater. One of our clients wants to leave a legacy

When we ask the question to for her family and another wishes established business owners the to educate her children privately. answers are frequently very Many business women simply different and not financially want to be financially related. Often they want to work independent andsohave the can freedom less hours that they spend to live their liveswith on their theirfamilies own terms. more time or pursue other interests.

When we ask the question to established business owners the answers are frequently very different and not financially related. Often they want to work less hours so that they can spend more time with their families or pursue other interests.

Have the freedom to live your life on your own terms Reducing their and and stressstress Reducing theirworkload workload levels is common theme. levels isanother another common theme.

For some it is about regaining the For some it is about regaining the fun that that they to feel about their their fun theyused used to feel about work. work.

It is only when we understand what

Itour is only we understand clientswhen are trying to achieve thatwhat we can workare withtrying them to it a that our clients tomake achieve reality. develop we can We work withstrategies, them tohave make it a regular We meetings to keep them reality. develop strategies, have accountable and help them regular meetings to keeptothem monitor their progress. Often small accountable and help them to changes, such as getting the pricing monitor their progress. Often small levels right, can have a significant changes, as getting the pricing impact onsuch the business. levels right, can have a significant impact on the business.

Do you know what you are trying to achieve but are struggling to to Do you know what you are trying make it a but reality?

Do you want anit achieve are struggling to make a reality? youwith wantyou an accountant who will Do work accountant who will you workdesire? with you to build the business to build the business you desire? If If you have answered yes to both you have answered yes to both of of these questions touchwith these questionsget get in in touch with Nicola Deverson atDeverson at Nicola nedeverson@envision-uk.com or nedeverson@envision-uk.com call on 07894 522973 or call on 07894 522973

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Socials & SoirĂŠes Darling Sevenoaks | Tunbridge Wells launch party held at the Old Fire Station in Tonbridge with proud sponsors Sanlam Private Wealth in Sevenoaks. A touch of magic added by Showman Ian and photos by Russell Harper. Our guests were an integral part of our launch issue, including Cheryl Baker and the The Mayor and Mayoress of Tonbridge.

socials & soirĂŠes

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Socials & SoirĂŠes

Sevenoaks Chamber of Commerce Meeting sponsored by A Plan Insurance.

Sanlam Private Wealth and Bridge Trust Charity Winter Collection

Charity Fashion Show - Elaine Forino and models wearing Devine on Dorset collections held at The Old Dairy, Westerham.

Sanlam Ladies Race day held at Lingfield Racecourse.

Athena Kent Ladies networking.

socials & soirĂŠes

Sevenoaks Mums in Business.

Peter Pan Party

Sevenoaks Mums in Business Fromage & French

Fromage & French launches in Tunbridge Wells.

Peter Pan Pantomine After Party, Stag Theatre Sevenoaks.

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12 Acts of Kindness 30

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Anna Masters will be giving away an original art work every month as a thank you for donations received for a variety of worthy charities, including local children’s hospice charity, Demelza, as part of a year-long fundraiser, 12 Acts of Kindness. The winner of which will be drawn at random from the all donations above £2.

community

The Kent-based mixed-media artist, who is represented by galleries across London and “12UK, Acts of Kindness is exhibited her Through the and who has work January’s at really aboutinternational the little fundraiser, we raised numerous art fairs. Working things we can all do to over £100 for homeless from a studio in Shoreham, her work uses support the causes we charity, Crisis, which is organic and found materials, including love. I wanted to use enough to support a watch and clock parts, exploring themes my skills to raise homeless person into ofmoney timefor anda variety change. of employment. I’m charities that are close “12 Kindness is really about toActs myof heart. the little things we can all do to Sometimes it love. feels like support the causes we difference can I the wanted to use my skillswe to raise money for a variety of charities make as individuals is that are close to my heart. inconsequential, but Sometimes it feels like the this project wasas looking difference we can make individuals is inconsequential, at ways that we can all but this project was looking at make a small ways that we can all make a small contribution contribution to make ato bigmake change. a

big change.

thrilled that one month Through January’s fundraiser, in, we’ve raised enough we raised over £100 for homeless to make a charity, Crisis,money which is enough to tangible to support a homeless person difference into employment.someone’s I’m thrilled that one life. month in, we’ve raised enough Everyone’s donation, money to make a tangible no matter difference to someone’s life. how small, Everyone’s donation, no matter will make a difference how small, will make a difference to these fantastic to these fantastic charities, and may even and may evencharities, win them an art work too!” win them an art work

too!”

The charity to be supported in February is the British Red Cross. Anyone can donate throughout February by visiting www.justgiving.com/Anna-Masters-Feb, and can follow the project throughout the year by following Anna’s blog http://www.annamasters.com/about/blog Further information about Anna’s work can be found at www.annamasters.com

When the sky turns brighter our thoughts turn to spring cleaning and decluttering.

Living with clutter can have a very negative impact on daily life.

Start by identifying the area that causes the biggest aggravation.

Then, try and break it down into manageable chunks.

Start by clearing a drawer a day and gradually work your way through any problem areas.

This is very rewarding and you’ll quickly see a result.

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CONQUER YOUR CLUTTER Look at your space with new eyes. Be brave and experiment by changing the lay-out or function of the room.

Investing in expensive storage options doesn’t necessarily address the root of your storage problem.

business-promo

A

ttempt to utilize existing storage in more efficient ways.

Be true to yourself when you re-organise your house. It is not a show house, but your living space and you are streamlining it according to your lifestyle – no matter how unconventional!

Enjoy your possessions.

Although we all have linen or crockery we save for special occasions, we need to at least use it sometimes.

When re-arranging your belongings, always keep the regularity of which you use something or the importance of an item in mind and prioritise space accordingly. It will save you a huge amount of time and effort.

When re-organising, be thorough. Mark the boxes in your loft clearly and draw up a diagram with an inventory.

When changing the contents of cupboards, stick post-it labels on doors so that the whole family can be involved in the make-over.

Sort items into these categories: Keeping, giving to charity or recycling and selling.

Ask these questions to help you decide: Have I used it in the last year?

Does it reflect my personality?

If I lose it, would I replace it?

Can I change the use of it?

Does it make me happy?

Following through is an important part of the process.

Don’t leave boxes with unwanted goods in the garage.

You need to make the trip to the charity shop or tip straight away – otherwise you have just shifted clutter.

When clutter has gotten the better of you, call in the experts. All Organised is a local decluttering and home organisation consultancy. As professional organisers we’ll tutor you during the process, empowering you to maintain the systems put in place.

Call All Organised on 01732 779611 for a free consultation or visit our web site www.allorganised.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 www.facebook.com/Old-Fire-Station531356273682618/events/ FEB 11 - 14 Daniel Hatton Popup Restaurant at 19:30 MAR Sankeys Popup www.sankeys.co.uk APR 1 & 2 Tony Rodd - MasterChef 2015 finalist Outside the box - Comedy at the Stag Theatre Sevenoaks February 2016 The Dance Act Variety Show ‘16 at the Stag Theatre 07 Feb 2016 11:30 07 Feb 2016 16:30 The Close-Up Show Sevenoaks District Drama Festival Young Musician of the Year This event features highly talented performers from around Sevenoaks and throughout the UK aged 12-21, and also from the surrounding area. 20 March 2016 Happy Days Are Here Again!

Celebrate International Day of Happiness by joining Kent Police Band on their return to the Stag 20 March 2016 Box Office : 01732 450175 Email : enquiries@stagsevenoaks.co.uk

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PAMPER EVENING IN AID OF THE ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY: The event will take place from 5pm to 9pm on the 4th March 2016 at Jo & Co Hair and Beauty Salon, The Limes, Sevenoaks, TN13 3UB. hairbyjoandco.co.uk 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.

What’s on... out and about in Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells

Ultra 90’s - 90’s Dance Tribute Band Tunbridge Wells Venue: The Forum, Royal Tunbridge Wells Address: The Forum, Fonthill, The Common, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 8YU Ticket Prices: £10 (Only 16 years & over) The 1st and ONLY 90s Dance Tribute show in the UK and possibly the world! Ultra 90s Live! takes you back to the dance era of the 1990’s. It’s fresh, new, unique and not to be missed!

Farmers Markets Sevenoaks - Wednesday & Saturday 9:30am Hildenborough - Tuesdays 9:30am West Malling - fourth Sunday of every month between 9:30am - 1pm Tonbridge - every second Sunday of every month 9.30am - 1pm Tonbridge- Lamberts Yard Market every Friday 9:30am to 12:00 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 Tunbridge Wells Farmers Market Sat 13th February Tunbridge Wells Town Centre The Pantiles Market from Sat 20th Feb until Sun 21st Feb The Pantiles Commercial

French Flea Bringing beautiful French Vintage products to The Village Hall Penshurst in the style, atmosphere and flavour of a French Brocante.

Penshurst Village Hall, Tonbridge (4.6 miles) Sat 5 Mar Free / 01892 870250 10:00 – 15:00 Living With Birds 2016 from Sat 13th Feb until Sun 21st Feb Hever Castle, TN8 7NG tel: 01732 865224 email: mail@hevercastle.co.uk Comme un Avion (The Sweet Escape) Wed 10th February Trinity Theatre The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 Thu 11th February Trinity Theatre Half Term for the Kids at the No.6 Shop from Tue 16th Feb until Fri 19th Feb Tunbridge Wells Merry Opera: La Boheme Sun 21st February Opera House Opera House 88 Mount Pleasant Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RT tel: 01892 511770 Annie from Tue 1st Mar until Sat 5th Mar Assembly Hall Theatre Crescent Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LU www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk tel: 01892 530613

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muddy PAWS FOR THOUGHT...

by Carrie Cantor Well we’re definitely into 2016 now and there’s a slight glimmer of hope that Spring is finally on its way. Whilst I’m glad that the evenings are getting a little lighter and that we even get to see a glimpse of blue sky, I still approach the coming months with some trepidation.

I have a dog. What’s worse, I have a white dog or at least he’s meant to be white.

Throughout the darker and wetter months of the year, he is usually more of a mix between dark grey and jet black. Every day he goes out for his walks or into the garden and comes back absolutely rotten. He’s got quite the collection of raincoats and I’ve thought about buying him doggie wellington boots but, quite honestly, he’s only got little legs and I’d hate him to look ridiculous.

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Keeping this animal clean is a full time job.

I am forever having to wash his feet (all four of them) or – on an especially wet day – trying to bath him.

Bathing him is especially difficult: firstly I have to catch him in order to physically get him into the tub, then struggle to wash him whilst watching the bath water turn into a colour reminiscent of a dirty puddle and then I have to try and get the towel onto him before he shakes every drop of water all around the bathroom and, finally, I have to clean the bathroom from top to bottom.

H

owever, cleaning the dog is a whole lot easier than trying to keep the house free of mud and muck. My poor light-coloured carpet regularly has to bear the shame of grubby footprints and most items of furniture have covers strewn over them to try and protect the upholstery.

some days it “ On would simply be

easier to redecorate.

And, lucky me, I get to repeat the whole process two or three times a day.

”

To add insult to injury, my closest friends have just taken delivery of a brand new puppy – a Golden Doodle (part Golden Retriever, part Poodle; who knew?).

This young whippersnapper and my 14 year old Westie have become firm friends and there is nothing they like more than running round and round my garden and then racing indoors; bringing in with them most of the mire from what was once my lawn.

So now there are eight feet that need cleaning and somehow the dirt just multiplies. A word of advice, if having a clean house that you are not constantly apologising for is important to you, then don’t get a dog.

So, whilst I welcome the arrival of Spring, what I’m really holding out for is a very hot, very dry and very mud-free Summer.

On reflection it probably wasn’t a good idea to purchase a white sofa although, admittedly, I haven’t actually seen the colour of the sofa for some time as it is permanently covered with a variety of throws and old sheets which is fine, it just means that the dog and I can both sit amongst the dirt he’s brought into the house.

I’m sure you’ll agree that any television viewing is definitely enhanced by the faint aroma of wet dog on the soft furnishings.

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