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Harwoods Tonbridge, Vale Rise, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1TB 01732 353637 harwoods.tonbridge.landrover.co.uk
Official Fuel Consumption Figures for the 2014 Land Rover range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 47.1 (6.9) - 15.4 (18.3) Extra Urban 62.8 (4.5) - 29.1 (9.7) Combined 56.5 (5.0) - 22.1 (12.8) CO2 Emissions 181 - 299 g/km. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. A vehicle’s actual 2 OCTOBER 2014 fuel consumption may differ from that achieved in such tests and these figures are for comparative purposes only.
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Editor Faye Manning Assistant Editor Katie Miller Sub Editor Alex Lux Fashion Editor Kitty Shead Contributors Maureen Cole John Ruler John Bly Bruce Edwards Jack Smith Regan Maloney Design & Production Amanda Jane Spicer Photography Adam Swaine Accounts Kathy Manning Ken Fleet Business Development Managers Lisa Westerman Sinead Shell SALES Vanessa Lane James Marshall DIRECTORS Peter Smith Rory Smith Patrick Smith
H
W E L C O M E
ello and welcome to the October issue......
This month we are thrilled to feature a new, superb Vintage Car Photographic Exhibition at Chartwell on our front cover and as our main story. This excellent photographic exhibition is the work of the renowned local photographer Stella Scordellis and runs from the 13th – 26th October 2014. It’s a great opportunity for you and the family to visit Chartwell and to see this wonderful photographic exhibition – don’t miss it. Once again our Local Life team have been visiting and writing about more local towns and places of interest. Maureen Cole has been to Farningham and Eltham, John Ruler strolls down memory lane and looks at Rochester’s past and present whilst Adam Swaine focusses his lens on more beautiful visions of Kent.
.......our Autumn KITCHEN LIFE special supplement, highlighting the very best local kitchen specialists...........
The October issue also includes our Autumn KITCHEN LIFE special supplement, highlighting the very best local kitchen specialists for you to consult for advice, tips, ideas and suggestions before you decide which kitchen and kitchen accessories are right for you.
Many of our readers are keen followers of London Fashion Week so we are very pleased to bring you the highlights of this year’s show featuring the Spring/Summer 2015 collections. Once again all your favourite features and articles are in this issue. The FASHION pages have ‘Style to fall for’. ‘Roam at Home’ in our Home and Garden section. Our October RECIPES are from the Spice Master. The TRAVEL article takes us to Australia. Bruce Edwards reviews more recent BOOK releases. It’s a ‘bare faced cheek’ in the BEAUTY columns and there are more events to visit and enjoy in the WHAT’S ON guide. As you can see there is so much for you to read and enjoy in our October issue. Until next month…..
All Rights reserved. All Fish Media Group Ltd magazines are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in any of our publications and any loss arising. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to all of our magazines the publisher cannot accept the loss or damage to such material. The Fish Media Group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be accepted for the content of these pages.
You will be pleased to know that you and your friends can now read and subscribe to our magazines online at www.thelifemagazines.com To advertise contact Lisa on tel: 07904 251984 or email lisa@fishmediagroup.co.uk or Peter on tel: 077111 43342 or email peter on peter@fishmediagroup.co.uk
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L O C A L E V E N T S
What’s on... 4
OCTOBER 201
SIDCUP SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ORCHESTRAL CONCERT. Conductor James Ross Programme to include: Mozart, Overture: Don Giovanni Shostakovich, Piano Concerto No.2 (Dominic John, piano soloist) Beethoven, Symphony No.7. Concert at 7.30 p.m. Tickets at £12 & £8 (Children & students half price) from 020-8300-3268 or 01322-557458 or £12 (Children & students half price) at the door. Tickets include a glass of wine or a soft drink during the interval. St. John’s Church, Church Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 6BX. Sat 11 Oct 2014 www.sidcupsymphony. org.uk/
Stars Foundation for Cerebral Palsy bring The Dreamers to Tunbridge Wells. A brand new production it will be performed live by Virgin Soldiers and an ensemble of 21 young men and women. The story will be narrated on large LED screens by actors Amanda Redman and Christopher Beeny, with special appearances by Sir Tim Rice, Philip Glenister, Sylvia Syms and Michael Buerk.
BROMLEY PHILHARMONIC CHOIR. Autumn Concert. Sun 2nd Nov. Stars 7.30pm. Christ Church URC, Tudor Way, Petts Wood. The Music of Two Former Choir Vice-Presidents Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gerald Finzi inc “Dona Nobis Pacem” by Vaughan Williams and “Magnificat” by Finzi together with a selection of his partsongs. Tickets: £8.00 in advance and £10 on the door. Box Office: 01689 862941
JOHN MAYALL. Tue 21 Oct 7.30pm. Tickets £29.50, £27.50 (Restricted view) Blues legend John Mayall returns for his 80th anniversary tour with special guests King King in this explosive blues bill.
ASSEMBLY HALL THEATRE, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT, TN1 2LU. Tel: 01892 554127 ext: 2127. www.assemblyhalltheatre. co.uk A NIGHT OF ELO. Sat 11 Oct 7.30pm. Tickets £18.50, Concessions £17. The British rock group the Electric Light Orchestra epitomised the 70’s with their unique symphonic rock style and unforgettable pop masterpieces inc Mr Blue Sky, Livin’ Thing, Turn To Stone, Sweet Talking Woman etc. THE DREAMERS. Thu 16 - Sat 18 Oct. Tickets Adult £19.50, Child £10, Student £12.50. In the year that commemorates 100 years since the beginning of the First World War, Runner Bean Ltd and the Assembly Hall Theatre in association with
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JOE BROWN. Sun 19 Oct 7.30pm. Tickets £25.50, £23.50 (Restricted view) .Premier Rock ‘n’ Roll legend Joe Brown goes from strength to strength as his contemporary achievements continue to gather momentum.
NSPCC CRAFT FAIR. A variety of CRAFT stalls plus NSPCC stalls selling homemade cakes, bric-a-brac, books, raffle, light lunches.10am-2pm. Free admission. All Saints Church Hall, Bercta Road, New Eltham, London, SE9 3TZ. Sat 8 Nov 2014. Tel: 0208 859 0599. SOUTH LONDON WOMENS ARTISTS RESIDENCY. This event takes the archaeology of mind and memory as a starting point for a new collaborative work - a series of interventions that enquire into possession and loss and how we archive and process the metaphysical in material culture. A full programme of events lists the art-trail over 3 floors, educational workshops and academic guest speakers at the Symposium. This Arts Council England funded residency, art trail and Symposium commences in November 2014 at Conway Hall in Holborn, London.
AUTUMN FAIR, ORPINGTON. Numerous stalls including Tombola, Bric a Brac, Hand Tools, Jewellery, Jigsaw Puzzles, Books, Jams and Pickles, Cakes, Savouries, Greeting Cards, D’s. DVD’s, New & Nearly New Clothes, Knitwear, Toiletries, raffle, Light refreshments. Free entrance. 10am – 2pm. We are raising funds to assist in running the Veterans club. Crofton Halls Orpington, Kent, BR6 8PR. Saturday 18 Oct 2014 CONTEMPORARY CRAFT & DESIGN FAIR. Purchase direct from the very best craft makers and artists in the UK. 12pm - 5pm Friday; 10am to 5pm Sat & Sun. Admission £3.50, accompanied under 14s free. Sevenoaks School, High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HU. Fri 24 - Sun 26 Oct 2014.Tel: 01622 747 325 www.craftinfocus.com
CHRISTMAS FAIR IN AID OF CANCER RESEARCH UK. Celebrating our 5th successive year, we have broadcaster and journalist, Nicholas Owen, opening the Fair. This is a fantastic opportunity to buy all your Christmas presents in one place, with gifts for men, women and children plus a dedicated food hall selling locally sourced goods. Set in a lovely coaching inn dating back to the 15th century, you can spend the day here, breaking for coffee or lunch in the dining rooms.10.30 - 3.30 £3 entry plus free parking Disabled access. The Grasshopper Inn, Moorhouse, near Westerham, Kent, TN16 2EU. Wed 5 Nov 2014 www.facebook.com/ events/630364093716682/
The basic facts about British Superbikes MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP. Once again the finest twowheeled heroes in the country will go head to head with a crop of international superstars to see who will be crowned 2014 champion. Gates open at 8am Fri and Sat; 7am Sun. Tickets from £10 - Children 12 and under go free. Please see www.brandshatch.co.uk/ calendar/2014/october/bsb-1719-october-bh.aspx for more information. Brands Hatch, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent, DA3 8NG. Fri 17 Oct - Sun 19 Oct. Tel: 0843 453 9000 BRITISH TRUCK RACING CHAMPIONSHIP. The popular racing Trucks blast into Brands Hatch for their spark-tacular season finale, while on Sunday night the darkening skies will be lit up by our now customary dazzling fireworks display. Truck Racing is one of Brands Hatch’s most popular family events. Gates open at 8am on both days. Tickets from £14 Children 12 and under go free. For info www.brandshatch. co.uk/calendar/2014/november/ truck-superprix.aspx for more information. Brands Hatch, Fawkham, Longfield, Kent, DA3 8NG. Sat 1 Nov and Sun 2 Nov 2014 Tel: 0843 453 9000 MY BOY JACK BY THE OXTED PLAYERS. The year is 1913 and war with Germany is imminent. Rudyard Kipling’s dogged determination to send his short sighted teenage son, John, to war triggers a bitter family conflict which leaves Britain’s renowned patriotic poet devastated, torn between his two great
passions: his love for children - above all his own - and his devotion to King and Country. 7.45pm. 01883 724852. Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0AA. Wed 15 Oct - Sat 18 Oct 2014. www. barntheatreoxted.co.uk THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE. The Barnstormers are performing a hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. The show’s Tony Award winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes. Performances Thurs 23rd - Sat 25th Oct. 7.45pm. Tickets £15.00. 01959 561811. Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0AA. www. barntheatreoxted.co.uk
D U N T O N SOLICITORS
Inheritance Tax With property prices showing steady increases, the value of your estate can often exceed the Inheritance Tax threshold without you realising it. Here are some key questions we are asked.
What is Inheritance Tax?
Inheritance Tax is a tax charged by the Government on the value of a person’s estate at their death. Inheritance Tax is charged at the rate of 40%.
Do most people have to pay Inheritance Tax?
The first £325,000 of a person’s estate (known as the “nil rate band”) is not charged to Inheritance Tax. If an estate is worth less than £325,000, no Inheritance Tax is payable. If I leave my whole estate to my husband/wife, will Inheritance Tax be payable?
A gift between spouses or civil partners is exempt from Inheritance Tax. If the estate of a married couple/civil partners exceeds £650,000 tax will usually only be paid on the excess provided the necessary claims are made to HMRC within the appropriate time limits. Can I gift assets during my lifetime to reduce the size of my estate on my death?
You can make a gift during your lifetime; however if you die within 7 years of making the gift, its value is added to the value of your estate on death. You will also need to consider whether there is a potential Capital Gains Tax liability when deciding whether to make a gift.
YOUNG EPILEPSY CHARITY RACE DAY 2014. Young Epilepsy is returning to the beautiful Lingfield Park for another exciting day of racing. The afternoon will open at 12 noon with a Champagne Reception in the beautiful Pavilion Suite, followed by a delicious threecourse lunch, racing, afternoon tea and the chance to win some great prizes in our live auction. Come along and support this wonderful children’s charity and help us continue to create better future for young lives with epilepsy and other neurological conditions. £95 per person or a table of ten for £950. Lingfield Park, Surrey, RH7 6PQ. Wed 15 Oct 2014. Tel: 01342 831245 www.youngepilepsy.org.uk/ raceday
T H O M A S
Are there any exemptions to the “Seven year rule”?
You can gift up to £3,000 each year (known as the annual exemption). You can make gifts of up to £250 to different individuals. If your child gets married you can make a gift of £5,000. There are other exemptions which may be relevant to your individual circumstances.
For further information on Inheritance Tax please contact us on 01689 822554 or visit our website
Free 30 minute talk Planning for the future
We will be discussing and answering questions on:
• The problems you may leave if you do not have a Will • How a Power of Attorney can protect you and your family • Issues concerning long term care and Inheritance Tax
Please join us at 11am on Tuesday 21st October, Orpington Library, Walnuts Shopping Centre, Orpington. • Conveyancing • Wills & Probate • Mediation • Family • Employment • Personal Injury
217–219 High Street, Orpington, Kent BR6 0NZ
www.thomasdunton.co.uk
OCTOBER 2014 7
Contents EDITORS LETTER
3
WHATS ON
6
LOCAL LIFE Farningham – A Special Village
10
Rochester – A Dickens of a City
14
Eltham – A Popular town
18
Focus on – Visions of Kent 22 Orchard Theatre – Peter Pan Panto 24 COVER STORY - Vintage Car Photographic Exhibition
26
Sydenham High School – Enriching Young Minds 28 Wealth Management – The benefits of financial advice
32
Bang and Olufsen – Countdown to Christmas 34 FASHION & BEAUTY
TO UPDATE?
Bare faced cheek
36
Style to FALL for
42
Dominic Walmsley – Personalised Jewellery
46
London Fashion Week Highlights
47
CWJ – Not your average high Street Law Firm
50
KITCHEN SUPPLEMENT
51
Create your Dream Kitchen
52
Neptune Design Centre
53
Stoneham Kitchens – A Kitchen built for Entertainment 54 Freelands Tiles – Choose the perfect finish 55 The Kitchen Doctor
55
Granite Transformations - Instant Transformation 56
INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE FABRICS CURTAINS & BLINDS WALLCOVERINGS
Kitchens that Reflect Your Style
58
Kitchen Designs of Sevenoaks
59
MAAG Kitchens – The Future moving in 60 The Answer to a Smaller Kitchen
62
Creative Interior Design – Bespoke Service
63
La Belle Cuisine – Customer service 2nd to none
65
Krieder
66
Kitstone – Kitchens that don’t cost the earth
67
HOME & GARDEN
FURNITURE LIGHTING MIRRORS
Kent Electrical – To DIY or not to DIY? 68
WOOD FLOORS CARPETS
Origin Leisure – Its best to dive straight in 74
Roam at Home
70
Ensor Interior Design – London Style in the Country 73 Premier Shutters – Striking Shutters 76 Red Square – Design Led Construction 79 Amity – Superb Design Service
80
John Bly – Antiques 82 BOOKS REVIEW
11-12 Sundridge Parade Plaistow Lane Sundridge Park Bromley BR1 4DT 020 8466 6313 www.sundridgeinteriors.com 8 OCTOBER 2014
86
Thomas Dunton Solicitors – The Best Advice for Personal Injury
88
TRAVEL – Top Tucker served Down Under
90
FOOD AND DRINK Dhruv Baker – Spice Master 94
Luxury European Furniture since 1962
London & M25 Luxury Furniture Showrooms 020 7760 7560
wharfside.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 9
L O C A L L I F E
Farningham There can be little doubt that the villages lying in the valley of the River Darent are special to Kent. Farningham is one such village- situated roughly 17 miles from London and 10 miles from Sevenoaks. WORDS: MAUREEN COLE
PICTURES: ADAM SWAINE
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As with many villages, the position of the church reflects its importance in village life.
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village with a population of around 1,250 people, Farningham enjoys excellent travel connections. It sits on the London to Folkestone Road (A20), which links London to the Channel Ports. The A225, which follows the picturesque Darent Valley, intersects the A20 at the village. The river with its Grade 11 listed bridge is a major feature in the village. The river is shallow beneath the bridge and this is where the road forded the river, before the bridge was built. Here too, is the structure built in the mid-18th century known as the Cattle Grid, although its origin is uncertain. The cattle gate below the bridge was built to prevent cattle wandering down the river. There is evidence of activity in the areas as far back as Neolithic times and ancient tools and flint, uncovered in the area, can be seen in Dartford Museum. Calfstock Lane may have been
10 OCTOBER 2014
part of a prehistoric track that wound its way across the North Downs. If so, this would undoubtedly have brought settlers to the banks of the River Darent, where fish were plentiful and the soil was good for grazing. There is evidence of early trading taking place in the area and of an Iron Age settlement. In 1973 archaeologists unearthed the foundations of a small farmstead - along with storage pots and commercially thrown pottery and fine jewellery. At about this time the river also became known as the River Darent, with the meaning, “oak tree river.” The area was widely occupied by the Romans, with evidence of their presence nearby in Lullingstone. Farningham boasts of at least six Roman sites – three villas and three farmsteads. Not surprisingly for such a beautiful and bountiful spot there is evidence that Roman villas were built along the whole length of
L O C A L L I F E the valley. The picture built up by archaeologists reveals homesteads with ornate wall paintings, baths and heating systems, all far in advance of their times. Farningham was once a market town and at the time of the Domesday Book it was known as Ferninghame. The village dates back to Saxon times and the name Farningham relates either to the home of Ferninghas and “people living in a ferny place,” or to Friningas, meaning “free men.” A Saxon cemetery was partially unearthed in the 1930’s at Charton Manor and Saxon daggers, spears and other artefacts were recovered. It is believed that a riverside settlement is buried below the present day village. In Norman times Farningham had four manors and the largest was owned by Ansgot of Rochester. By the 12th century the most important family in the village was the De Cheriton family from Folkestone and it is believed that Charton derives its name from them. The de Freminghams held the manor in the 13th century and in 1270 Ralph de Fremingham was granted the right to hold a weekly market and annual fair. The market and fair both thrived for many centuries and provided work for the local people. However, the Freminghams also introduced sheriffs to the area, which made them less popular with the people. Sir John Fremingham was abducted in 1381 and narrowly missed assassination in the Peasants Revolt. The village continued to grow in the 1300’s and 1400’s and life at this time revolved mainly around the church and manor. However, apart from the church, little remains of Farningham before the 15th century. As with many villages, the position of the church reflects its importance in village life. The Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul, with its central position, was built from local flint. However, in 1790 when repairs were carried out to the church, they were made in red brick. The Chancel is the oldest part of the church and was built around 1240 in the Early English Period. The Tower at the west end was added about a hundred years later. Several galleries have been added to the church over the years and then later removed. In 1949 the choir war moved from the chancel to the nave and in 1965 the existing choir stalls,
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L O C A L L I F E
made from pine from British Columbia, were installed. The church font dates from the 15th century and its eight panels show the Seven Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. On the north wall of the Sanctuary is a painted, alabaster monument of Anthony Roper and his family (1519). In the 16th century the Roper family built a manor house in the village, near to the church and in 1577 Anthony Roper inherited the house from his father. Anthony was the grandson of the Chancellor, Sir Thomas Moore. He was regarded as a good landlord and generous benefactor and on his death in 1597 he left property to a charity for the poor of Farningham, Horton Kirby and Eynesford. The charity exists to this day and raises an annual income of around ÂŁ7,000. The local primary school was named after Anthony Roper. Village life is well documented in the 17th century. Many tradesmen were reported to be working in the village. These included weavers, saddle-makers, blacksmiths, and publicans, together with a miller and a butcher. Farningham had become a thriving community by the 19th century, with six stage coaches passing through the village each day. Employment was good, with enough shops to meet the needs of the local people, along with two private schools, its own police constable and postmaster. By the 20th century the population grew from 586 in 1821, to 1328 in 1901. Horse drawn carriages were replaced by cars and buses and new roads, such as the A20, were built.
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The village and surrounding area boast some beautiful walks and places of interest. The Domesday Book records Farningham as having a corn mill as early as 1087 and Anthony Roper built a mill here in 1610, which was replaced by the Colyers in the 18th century. The mill belonged to the same family for over 270 years. The imposing building (standing opposite the Lion Hotel in the High Street) survives but has recently been redeveloped. The Lion Hotel dates back to the 18th century and it is possible to park the car and take a pleasant walk along the river bank. It provides a pleasant area to sit outside beside the river and have a drink, or meal and is reported to have been visited by Charles Dickens on a trout fishing trip. The Pied Bull was built in 1612 and was a coaching inn originally known as “The Bull�. The pub today has a pretty garden and offers a good bar and restaurant menu. Farninghan Oak is situated in a restored 18th century building next to the Pied Bull and today it houses a display of fine oak furniture. Walking out of Farningham Village along the picturesque Sparepenny Lane you can take in the scenery below. The road is narrow but has a safe walkway within the field at the side of the road. The road leads towards Eynesford and it is possible to look across the fields to Lullingstone Castle. The lane gained its name in the 18th century when it was possible to save a penny by using the lane instead of the Sevenoaks turnpike at the other end of the village. A pretty village with an interesting history, Farningham has so much to offer the visitor it is hard to do it justice. There really are too many beautiful and interesting places to mention.
maureenc411@btinternet.com
Family Law Case Study
Joanne McDonald Solicitor
KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE Choose a trusted ELECTRICIAN For all your electrical needs ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Domestic & commercial Full or partial rewires Fault finding and repairs Periodic inspection & testing Landlord certificates Extensions & renovations Mains smoke alarms External lighting & repairs Kitchen & bathroom electrics Emergency call out
Rebecca (49) and Simon (51) have been married for 30 years and do not have any children. They live in a three bedroom house. Simon works full-time as a business analyst and has a collection of old and valuable motor cars. Rebecca works part-time in a travel agency.
Recently Rebecca has spent very little time with Simon, does not help with household tasks and has also started to sleep in the spare bedroom of their house. As a result of Rebecca’s behaviour, Simon has decided that he would like a divorce, although he is concerned how a divorce would affect him financially. What does he need to consider? Simon could file a petition for divorce on the basis that the marriage has irretrievably broken down. To prove this he will have to show one of five facts: adultery, unreasonable behaviour, two years separation with Rebecca’s consent, five years separation without consent or desertion. Simon could petition based on Rebecca’s unreasonable behaviour, citing examples of her behaviour which have led to the breakdown of their marriage. Once the petition has been issued, Rebecca will be served with a copy and she will need to file a form at court called an Acknowledgement of Service. The court will firstly pronounce a Decree Nisi and six weeks and one day later Simon can apply for the Decree Absolute. The Decree Absolute is often delayed until an agreement has been reached about finances. Family finances are dealt with separately from the divorce process. In order to ascertain the full value of the family assets, both Simon and Rebecca should undertake full financial disclosure. It is important to note that the division of family finances is unaffected by the reasons for the breakdown of the marriage save for very specific circumstances such as severe financial misconduct. The court will attempt to ensure that there is a fair division of the matrimonial assets to provide adequate housing for both Simon and Rebecca. Various factors will be taken into account to determine what a fair settlement might be. The entire capital accumulated between the couple would be taken into account, to include but not limited to savings held in their respective sole names and other assets which would include Simon’s collection of motor cars. Simon should be aware that on the basis of the length of their marriage and the fact that he earns a considerably larger salary than Rebecca, Rebecca may need some spousal maintenance (monthly income) Next steps: from him to supplement her income. Simon should contact Rebecca would also be encouraged to a family law solicitor maximise her income by for example, who can provide him increasing her working hours.
Contact us for a FREE quote with no obligation
Email: enquiries@kent-elec.com
Call: 0208 309 9863
Simon should be made aware that due to the length of their marriage, Rebecca may be entitled to a share of his pension.
with legal advice about his options for the divorce and the finances.
For further information contact Joanne McDonald on 01689 887829 or joanne.mcdonald@cwj.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 13
L O C A L L I F E
JOHN RULER travels to a cathedral city full of Great Expectations
STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE: ELEVEN
ROCHESTER Here’s a Dickens of a city with a castle tower to match Autumn shot of Rochester Cathedral taken last month.
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t’s not so much what has changed, but what hasn’t when it comes to Rochester – thanks not just to its dominant role dating back to pre-Roman times, but to the Medway town’s greatest publicist, Charles Dickens.
The High Street alone is a delightful huddle of Dickensian hideaways, with a string of lively specialist shops from the likes of Peggoty’s Parlour and Mrs Bumbles to A Taste of Two Cities and Little Dorritt. No M&S and other major chain stores here: it’s left to Chatham to provide these. For as Dickens asked in The Seven Poor Travellers, when Richard Doubledick, having walked into Rochester ‘or’ Chatham, says: ‘...because if anybody knows to a nicety where Rochester ends and Chatham begins it is more than I do”. And it was in Chatham, where his father, John, worked in the Navy Pay Office at the dockyards in 1817, that Charles Dickens spent part of his highly chequered childhood. It was not until later, as a successful author, he returned to live close by at Gad’s Hill Place, the very spot where his profligate father – on whom
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Dickens based the reckless Mr Micawber – predicted that his up and coming son might one day come to live. All of which, along with Charles’ ability to walk many miles, led to him base many of his most famous novels, and characters, in and around the Medway towns, not least on Rochester. It was the unnamed town market town in Great Expectations, Dullborough in The Uncommercial Traveller and Cloisterham in the Mystery of Edwin Drood, the TV version of which was shot in the Rochester area. The High Street alone, part of the old Roman Road (Watling Street) from London to the Kent Coast, formed part of the A2 trunk road where up to 1980, as I vividly recall, traffic congestion was horrendous. Construction of the M2, and the later opening of the M20 in 1991, eased the situation in Rochester to such an extent that the casual visitor can now happily empathise with Alfred Jingle in Pickwick Papers over ‘such a fine place… glorious pile… frowning walls … tottering arches, dark nooks, crumbling staircases – old cathedral’.
L O C A L L I F E All of which has led Alan Moss, chairman of the thriving City of Rochester Society, to remark that, bar shop names and the goods on sale, Dickens himself would be hard pushed not to recognise what he saw as ‘ an ancient city, and no meet dwelling place for anyone hankering after the noisy world.’ But though hosting two high successful summer and winter Dickens festivals. Rochester, far from wallowing in olde-worlde whimsy is historically a hard–nosed fortress town whose commercial, industrial and military role along the River Medway has been honed over the centuries. Indeed, it was not until the 1970s that tourism started to take off. This was hastened by the diminishing role of the massive dockyard at Chatham, once merely a fishing hamlet, but whose soft but firm Medway mud, led to its shipbuilding role during the reign of Henry the Eighth. It was here, too, that Short Brothers, founders of the British Aviation industry, famed for their role in two world wars became part of a once powerful industrial base. Little wonder then that Historic Rochester and Maritime
Chatham (best seen at the Historic Dockyard, where scenes from TV’s Meet the Midwives were shot) are joined at the promotional hip as never before. Nor should the other bigtime attractions – and they are big – be overlooked. Dickens certainly didn’t. ‘Behind it rose the ancient castle… telling us proudly of its own might and strength,’ he wrote of Rochester Castle in Pickwick Papers and, even more poetically, of the 113 feet (34m) cathedral in Edwin Drood: ‘Changes of golden light from moving boughs, songs of birds, scents from gardens, woods and fields … penetrate into the cathedral.’ A bit OTT perhaps? But the enduring presence of not just Dickens, along with one of Britain’s best preserved castles, a Norman cathedral rivalling that of Canterbury and St Pauls’ and a string of bridges defines the defiant character of Rochester, or Durobrivae the stronghold by the bridge, as it was in Roman time. The same can be said of Chatham and other Medway towns where moves to merge them together as one great metropolis are surely doomed to failure. Each is uniquely different. Long may this remain so. The clothing gives the game away, but the High Street, pictured in 1904, remains much the same today. And the trams? Chatham & District Light Railways Company began operating them in Chatham and Gillingham in 1902. Rochester’s original distaste for their intrusion into the ancient city was dispelled by the evident success of the Chatham system. After a flurry of competing proposals during 1903, tramlines gradually extended into Rochester over the next two years.
Pre-tram days this time, with horse-drawn vehicles a far more familiar sight in the High Street around 1895.
A later form of transport shows a Green Line bus for Dartford outside the Guildhall in 1958: the postcard was reproduced from an original water colour by Geoffrey John Hall
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With a huge reputation as a military architect, he built castles including Rochester, Colchester and the White Tower of the Tower of London, along with the Priory and Cathedral Church of Rochester. The statue lies alongside other bishops in the cathedral interior; a second of him, as an older man, holding a model of the Tower of London can seen above the 800 year old Great West Door of Rochester Cathedral
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Discover ghosts of past and present
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Clasping a model of Rochester Castle is Bishop Gundulf who, following the Norman Conquest, was appointed the first Bishop of Rochester In 1077 with a token residence in Bromley.
Built around 1590 for Sir Peter Buck, Clerk of the Cheque at the Royal Dockyard, Chatham, and later Mayor of Rochester, the Grade I listed Eastgate House in the heart of the city is currently being restored prior to being opened to the public in the summer of 2015. It has been a family home, a Victorian boarding school and the town museum. It was the inspiration for the Nun’s House in Charles Dickens’ novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood and as Westgate House Seminary in The Pickwick Papers. A Swiss chalet in the gardens is where the novelist worked on some of his most famous works.
An early 20th century postcard of Rochester Bridge whose history began in the late 14th century, when the old Roman bridge destroyed by winter storms was replaced by a Medieval one with 11 stone arches and a drawbridge. In the 1820s it was altered to provide a large central arch and eventually in the 1850s to the building of a new cast iron Victorian bridge with three arches and a swing bridge. Between 1910 and 1914 this, in turn, was reconstructed with the arches moved to their present position above the roadway. Finally, between 1965 and 1970, the Rochester Bridge Trust built a second roadway bridge on the piers of the disused railway bridge immediately downstream from the roadway bridge.
Off on a coach outing in 1921 are a group from the Coopers Arms, tucked behind the cathedral. Built during the reign of Richard 1 (1189-1199), the first recorded inhabitants of the building were monks from nearby St Andrews priory renowned for brewing ales and wine. After falling into disrepair during the dissolution of the monasteries, The Coopers Arms, now a CAMRA rated pub, finally opened its doors as an Inn in 1543 and has been serving cask beers ever since. There is also the legend of a ghost, a member of the Brethren of Coopers, who was walled up and left to die for committing some unforgivable sin against the ancient order and who appears once a year in November, in the dark of night.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Medway Visitor Information Centre www.visitmedway.org; The City of Rochester Society www.city-of-rochester.org.uk; Footsteps in Time (costumed walking tours of Dickens’ Rochester) www.footstepsintimerochester.co.uk
RECOMMENDED READING
Rochester The Past 2000 Years: The City of Rochester Society.
IF YOU HAVE OLD PRINTS OF KENT, SUSSEX AND SURREY TOWNS AND VILLAGES SUITABLE FOR PUBLICATION PLEASE CONTACT JOHN RULER ON 0208 462 3452 OR BY EMAIL AT RULERED@BTINTERNET.COM
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S C H O O L S
Aiming High – Giving Girls a Leading Edge
BROMLEY HIGH SCHOOL Firing Girls’ Imagination Since 1883
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t Bromley High School we teach girls to be properly ambitious: to aspire not simply to excel but to innovate and to lead. The education we offer is one of all round opportunity but perhaps the greatest inheritance from Bromley High’s long history has been the tradition of challenging girls to take on significant leadership roles. Fundamental to this philosophy, at the pinnacle of the school, is our Head Girls’ Team, sixth-formers who provide role models of creative, fun and dynamic female leadership which sometimes run counter to the representations of women which girls encounter in modern media. This year, our youngest pupils can look up to Prefects who row or run at National Level, who are applying for Sports Scholarships at Princeton, Politics at Oxford, Languages at Cambridge, who dance at a professional level, who sing and play to an exceptional standard. These impressive young women are at the heart of our school chairing the School Council; captaining sports teams; leading assemblies; organising our charitable, entrepreneurial and environmental initiatives. Enterprising, enthusiastic and outward looking, we believe that it is not just exceptional examination results which give Bromley High girls the leading edge. Angela Drew, Headmistress, Bromley High School We also hold Open Events in March and May as well as regular Taster Sessions throughout the year. Please register for these events via our website: www.bromleyhigh.gdst.net or contact our admissions office on admissions@ bro.gdst.net or Tel 020 8781 7000 to arrange a visit.
REGISTER ONLINE
NOW! Junior and Senior Taster Days
Find out more about life at Bromley High School
For Girls 4 ‐18 years Fees Assistance & Scholarships available in the Senior School admissions@bro.gdst.net Tel: 020 8781 7000 www.bromleyhigh.gdst.netChis1 OCTOBER 2014 17
L O C A L L I F E
Eltham This busy town grew up along the London to Maidstone road and today is part of the London Borough of Greenwich. Its position, close to London and to the English Channel ports made it popular with monarchs travelling to and from France. WORDS: MAUREEN COLE
PICTURES: ADAM SWAINE
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Eltham remained a rural village until the arrival of the railway in 1866
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ltham grew up on a high, sandy ridge and until the early 1900’s it remained a rural area. The name Eltham is reported to have several possible meanings. It could mean, “Homestead or river meadow frequented by swans” or it could be derived from the name of a man called, “Elta”. The town’s popularity with royalty led to the construction of the Plantagenet palace of Eltham, of which the Great Hall and the Moat Bridge are the two main surviving structures and were built towards the end of the 15th century. Unfortunately the palace suffered in the 16th century because the Tudors preferred Greenwich Palace, which stood beside the River Thames and as a consequence, Eltham Palace became neglected. After the Civil War the palace was reduced to use as a farm, with the Great Hall
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used as a barn. The palace’s three beautiful gardens- Great Park, Middle Park and Horn Park, had all their timber removed and used for shipbuilding. Middle Park and Horn Park reverted to farmland and Great Park was leased by the financier, Sir John Shaw, who built himself a fine mansion in the park- Eltham Lodge. This beautiful building is now used by the Royal Blackheath Golf Club as their headquarters and the park is a golf course. In 1933 Stephen and Virginia Courtauld acquired the lease of the palace site and restored the Great Hall, adding a minstrel’s gallery. They also built an impressive home adjoining the Great Hall and employed Andrew Mawson and Partners to draw up an initial plan for the gardens, which were later modified to include ornamental plantations, shrubberies and a selection of
L O C A L L I F E fine, specimen trees. The Courtaulds keen horticulturalists and the gardens they created reflect their passion- with lawns, a mixed border, a spring garden, a bulb meadow, a rock garden and a woodland garden. Stephen also had a passion with orchids, which he raised in the greenhouses. The gardens provide the perfect adjunct to the house and although not extensive, they provide a beautiful, tranquil place, to wander or rest. The Palace has undergone many changes and today it represents a blend of medieval and art deco architecture (although there is little of the original medieval palace remaining).
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The Courtauld family were wealthy textile manufacturers but Stephen Courtauld decided not to enter the family business and he made his money through the many shares he visiting on many occasions. inherited. His wealth enabled him to pursue his many interests Eltham certainly has its fair share of fine historic mansions and the Palace provided him with a property near to London, and green spaces. The moated manor of Well Hall stood near to where he and Virginia could display their growing art collection. the palace and was once the home of John Pulteney, who was They employed architects, who designed a series of contemporary four times Lord Mayor of the City of London. It was later owned spaces, which reflect the Courtaulds wealth and interests. The by William Roper and his wife Margaret. William was a wealthy home boasts the most modern technological devices of the Catholic and Margaret was the daughter of Thomas Moore. 1930’s- including underfloor central heating, electric clocks and an advanced speaker system. It even has its own telephone The estate was bought by Gregory Page in 1733 and he system, although (due to the high cost of making demolished the house and built a new one outside calls), visitors were required to pay The High Street is fronting Well Hall Road. John Arnold, King George themselves,for any outside calls they made. The 111’s watchmaker lived in the house from 1899the main shopping Courtaulds moved into the house, which they 1890 and for a while it was used as a preparatory called Eltham Hall, in 1936 but with the advent area, with a good school. However, its most famous occupant in of World War 11 they were unable to enjoy it as more recent times, was Edith Nesbitt, who lived in selection of shops they planned and in 1944 they gave up the lease the house from 1899-1920 and was author of, “The and moved to Scotland. After the war, the Army Railway Children”. During her stay the house was Education Corps used the house, until English visited by many famous writers, including HG Wells and George Heritage took it over in 1992. Bernard Shaw. Woolwich Borough Council purchased Well Hall in 1930 as a public park and sadly the house was demolished. Both the garden and house reflect the wealth and lifestyle of However, the Tudor Barn, which stood on the estate, was restored the very rich in the 1930’s and 1940’s and serve to emphasise the and the gardens were redeveloped. Today the Tudor Barn is a enormous differences which existed between the rich and poor at popular restaurant and bar and a lovely venue for weddings and that time. It is very much a home built to enjoy and to entertain special occasions. in. It never fails to surprise and is somewhere I have enjoyed
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OCTOBER 2014 19
L O C A L L I F E
The Oval Hall at Eltham Palace
Avery Hill Park, which can be accessed from Bexley Road (as well as various other points around its borders) is also the site of a fine Victorian mansion, which was once the home of Colonel North, who made his wealth working in the Chilean nitrate industry. The mansion was built for him c1888 with beautiful gardens and an enormous conservatory. North initially rented the land, which extended to some20 acres but by 1891 he had expanded it to include the area known as Shooters Hill Woodlands, which was used for shooting and farming. When he died in 1896 the estate went to auction and today the mansion is part of the University of Greenwich with a hothouse containing temperate and tropical plants. This beautiful mansion retains the original marble toilets and reflects the opulence of the rich in Victorian times. Eltham remained a rural village until the arrival of the railway in 1866 and major development did not occur until Archibald Cameron Corbett bought and developed the Eltham Park Estate (1900-1914). In 1915 the Government built the Progress Estatealong with many temporary homes to house the war time workers employed in the Royal Arsenal. After World War 1 building continued unabated and by the beginning of World War 11 three large estates existed. – The Page Estate (1923), Middle Park (1931-1936) and Horn Park (1936-1950). Both Middle Park and Horn Park were built on Eltham Palace’s hunting parks. Later development included Coldharbour Estate which was built in 1947. Eltham’s parish church which
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stands at a high point at the top of Eltham Hill is not recorded in the Domesday Book (1086) and is first referred to in 1115, when the Chrysom Oil used in baptisms was delivered to Eltham from Rochester Cathedral. Little is known of the church in pre-Tudor times except that it contained a rood screen and statues of saints. Between 1872 and 1879 the old church was demolished and a new church was built. The brass lectern and original memorial plaques from the old church were transferred and the church was consecrated in 1875. The church pews are actually older than the church, having been transferred from St Mary’s Church, Lambeth and nine of the windows are the original 19th century windowshaving survived World War 11. These windows are in the north aisle and are darker in colour than those that were replaced in the mid-20th century. The High Street is the main shopping area, with a good selection of shops. Some large stores can also be found including Marks and Spencer, Boots and Debenhams. There is also a good range of smaller, independent shops to explore. Although a busy town with a population of around 88,000 people, Eltham has managed to retain large areas of open green space and woodland. It stands in an enviable position with one foot on the edge of London and the other close to rural Kent. It is little wonder that over the years it has attracted both the rich and famous.
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F O C U S O N
Visions of Kent PICTURES: ADAM SWAINE
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1. Kentish Weald (nr Penshurst); 2. Trotterscliffe; 3. Tenterden Village Station; 4. Harrietsham Village (North Down Way); 5. Ightham Mote NT; 6. Walks around Trotterscliffe; 7. Charing Village (North Down Way); 8. Teston Village (Medway Valley); 9. Groombridge Village. Adam Swaine Photographer www.adamswaine.co.uk email: adamswaine@rocketmail.com mobile: 07798 526 569 22 OCTOBER 2014
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L O C A L T H E AT R E
All aboard HMS Gannet for the Launch of
Peter Pan
Dartford’s swashbuckling pantomime! Got Talent finalist Paul Burling, and ventriloquist Dawson Chance with the loveable ‘Willy’. Jonathan Kiley, executive producer of Peter Pan said “We are absolutely delighted to have Craig Revel Horwood starring in Kent’s biggest pantomime. Craig is a first-rate actor, dancer and singer, as Dartford audiences know. We’re also excited to be joined by the comedy genius of Paul Burling and Dawson Chance, who will add yet more family-friendly comedy to our swashbuckling adventure”.
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he cast of Peter Pan, The Orchard Theatre’s pantomime, took part in a nautical press launch at the Chatham Historic Dockyard. Panto stars on board for the event were Craig Revel Horwood (Captain Hook) and Paul Burling (Smee) along with Andy Owens (Peter Pan) and Tabitha Camburn (Tinkerbell).
Peter Pan follows The Orchard Theatre’s most recent record-breaking pantomime, Cinderella, which starred Bradley Walsh. Theatre Director, Chris Glover, explains: “Cinderella was a huge success for The Orchard Theatre with 94% of all seats sold during the run. We have been inundated with positive messages from customers who had a great time, and many immediately booked for this year!”
The cast were joined by the Mayor of Dartford, Councillor Avtar Sandhu MBE, who posed for photos with the cast on board the spectacular HMS Gannet, a sloop of the Victorian Royal Navy built in Medway in 1878. Craig Revel Horwood, who recently returned to the judging panel of Strictly Come Dancing, previously starred in The Orchard Theatre’s 2011 pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This year Craig will play the dastardly villain Captain Hook in a production once again staged by the world’s largest pantomime producer Qdos Entertainment. “After five pantomime seasons in the role of the Wicked Queen and terrifying poor Snow White, I’m delighted to set my sights on Neverland in pursuit of Peter Pan,” says Craig. “I had such a great time in the production of Snow White at The Orchard Theatre three years ago and I am thrilled to be returning for another Christmas season.” Craig added. Craig will star alongside comedy impressionist and Britain’s
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To hook your seats for this year’s strictly sensational show visit orchardtheatre.co.uk or call the Ticket Office on 01322 220000.
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L O C A L E X H I B I T I O N
VINTAGE CAR PHOTOGRAPHY AT ITS VERY BEST
“A Drive Down Memory Lane” photographic exhibition at Chartwell, Westerham, Kent. 13th – 26th October 2014
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n outstanding car photography exhibition by highly acclaimed photographer Stella Scordellis is to be displayed at Chartwell, Westerham, Kent, the country home of Sir Winston Churchill from “1922 – 1965” The photography of the classic cars that will be on display are some of the rarest and most sought after in the world. Probably the most famous of all is the Tucker 48 (nicknamed Tucker Torpedo). Of which only 50 were ever made in the 1940s by the great inventor Preston Tucker. You will also be able to see a large range of expert photographs by the highly acclaimed Stella Scordellis, a local photographer from Oxted, whose expertise takes her worldwide. This exciting exhibition will be open to the public from Monday 13th October
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until Sunday 26th October 2014. Please check the Chartwell website (www. nationaltrust.org.uk/chartwell/ ) for viewing times. Admission is free to members and those with House or Garden tickets. A car from each decade that Sir Winston Churchill was resident at Chartwell will be amongst the photographs on display. The exhibition promises to be a car lovers dream. If classic cars aren’t your interest there will also be photography on display of modern day high performance cars such as the Ferrari Enzo and Ford GT. Wayne Thornton from Chartwell says “We are delighted to be showcasing Stella’s unique car photography at Chartwell and to welcome the prestigious Tucker 48 for the launch. Sir Winston Churchill had a personal sense of style and class.” Stella Scordellis has had a passion for
photography and cars since she was a child. Her photographic career started at a small photographic studio as a Saturday girl in Croydon when she was just 15 years old. From then she has carved a career doing what she loves best and has a high profile in Oxted, Surrey where she has a had a High Street presence for the past 18 years. Her passion for the art of photography is plain for all to see. Stella says:- “I love photographing cars they have so much personality, together with their beauty, the perfect subject for me. Exhibiting at Chartwell enables me to share these stunning works of art with fans and enthusiasts alike, it’s a fantastic opportunity for so many to go for a drive down memory lane.” There will be an opportunity to win one of Stella’s unique framed photographs, with a retail value of £900, at the exhibition.
L O C A L E X H I B I T I O N
STELLA SCORDELLIS
Stella Scordellis is a highly acclaimed photographer who specialises in Classic and Supercar photography. She has been photographing for over 36 years and enjoys working with people and their passions. Although Stella has a high street studio - SMS Creative Photography in Oxted, Surrey since 1997, she also specialises in Classic and Supercar photography. Stella, born in Surrey, is the youngest of six, and comes from a big Greek Cypriot family, understands the value of a strong work ethic, having worked in her father’s restaurants from the age of five. This sparked her entrepreneurial spirit. Her passion for Classic cars started when she was just a child and her journey with photography started at her father’s restaurants where she photographed customers and events with a Polaroid camera; customers included the famous Frank Carr, who ran Carr’s Auto Sales in South End, Croydon. Stella photographs her client’s Classic and Supercar collections to create high end stunning and limited edition bespoke car photography books, books that create a provenance and a permanent collection to share and treasure. You can contact Stella Scordellis:Tel: 01883 722282 • Email books@smscreativephotography.co.uk Website - http://www.stellascordellis. com
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S C H O O L S
Enriching young minds for a successful future
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or over 125 years Sydenham High School GDST has been educating girls aged 4 to 18 from across London, Kent and the South East to outstandingly high standards with excellent GCSE and A-Level results. This Summer’s results were no exception as students celebrated exceptional exam success, prestigious scholarships and university places. A level results brought a one hundred per cent pass rate, with three quarters of Sydenham High students achieving A*/B grades and over a third securing A*/A grades. At GCSE, 65 per cent of students gained A*-A grades and 29 per cent achieved specifically A*s, with three girls gaining the magic number of ten A* grades. Ninety-six per cent of passes were A-C. However, Sydenham High’s belief that a 21st century education is about more than examining its students is equally central to its success. The school’s most recent Inspection Report (2012) judged it to be outstanding for providing a first class education that allows pupils to be intellectually fulfilled whilst offering lively, stimulating enrichment beyond the classroom. That enrichment is embedded in school life, right from Junior School, where girls are nurtured through their formative years: encouraging enquiry, fostering a love of learning and establishing the values, disciplines and attitudes that are central to their success as both learners and well-rounded individuals. With small class sizes and individual attention, education at Sydenham High Senior School continues the focus on helping each student to aspire with realism and achieve her personal best. It may be in scuba diving or being part of the hockey team; organising a fundraiser or being in the chess club; producing a school show or leading a Duke of Edinburgh expedition in Morocco. Whatever her individual talent, the school will help her discover and harness it. Headteacher Kathryn Pullen is proud of this transformational approach: “Our girls are articulate, well-informed and openminded. They are not afraid to accept a challenge and have the courage to try new things and the self-belief to see them through.
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So as well as being proud of our students’ excellent academic achievements and the fact that they gain places on the courses of their choice, be that Oxbridge, medical school or a Russell Group university, we’re equally proud of our award-winning choir; our musicians; our theatrical productions; our creativity in art and design (recently praised by the head of Conran) and our excellent sport.” The school has a scheme to support and encourage its elite performers, starting with young athletes in Year 9 and above who train and compete at club level, aspiring to be future Olympians. Similar schemes are planned for music and drama, areas in which the school also excels with a number of girls in the National Youth Theatre and National Youth Jazz Orchestra and National Children’s Orchestra. Sydenham High prides itself on enriching young minds in a way that will endure when exam grades are forgotten - something the school’s new sixth formers can readily confirm. For example, on their Induction Day, the 16- and 17-year olds were challenged to examine the causes of and potential solutions to political disengagement in a university-style day of lectures and seminars, led by a team from Southampton University. Kathryn Pullen sums up the school’s mission: “We say that what makes us different is the difference we make - to each and every girl. Our aim is to prepare them for what the future holds: by setting high expectations, providing a strong academic framework, instilling confidence and supporting every girl’s emotional development so that she gains our three R’s: resilience, resourcefulness and reliability – attributes that are vital to deal confidently with an ever-changing world.” Open Mornings will take place throughout October and November – see website for details. Sydenham High School 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London SE26 6BL 020 8557 7000 • admissions@syd.gdst.net www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net
What makes us different is the difference we make... From scientific exploration to personal discovery, our outstanding education goes way beyond the curriculum Find out more at our open events: Junior Wednesday 8 October 9.30-11am Tuesday 4 November 9.30-11am Senior Wednesday 1 October 9.30-11am Wednesday 5 November 9.30-11am Tuesday 11 November 9.30-11am See our website for bookable Taster Days 020 8557 7004 admissions@syd.gdst.net www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net 15 & 19 Westwood Hill, London, SE26 6BL
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H O M E G A R D E N
Turn your dream home into a reality Autumn is the perfect time to take a fresh look at our interiors.
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s the temperature drops and evenings draw in, more of our time is spent indoors. We want our homes to be warm and luxurious for the months ahead. And with Christmas and New Year entertaining round the corner, we want our home to look at its best.
Olivia Fawkes Interiors has widespread experience in interior design, providing a professional and personal service. Olivia will visit you at home, discuss the project in detail as well as your likes and dislikes then suggest design solutions that are as practical as they are beautiful. The company is supplied by the best names in interior design, at a range of prices to suit your budget. As Olivia says: “your home is your most valuable asset. A professionally designed interior can only add to its value, as well as making it more attractive to live in. An interior designer can save you time by sourcing wallpaper, fabrics and furniture from a range of suppliers and presenting them to you in the comfort of your home. They can also save you money by helping you to avoid expensive mistakes”. Olivia manages residential projects ranging from one room to whole houses. She has designed everything from a baby’s first bedroom to the most sophisticated living rooms, luxurious bathrooms and tranquil home offices. She would love to help you turn your dream home into a reality.
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Countdown to Christmas with
Bang & Olufsen!
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he Kent-based Beoshop group of Bang & Olufsen retailers is gearing up to make this Christmas the best ever for the region’s audiophiles. Whether it’s optimising Christmas entertainment or finding the perfect gift for a loved one, the Beoshop group’s stores in Bexleyheath, Bromley, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells have the perfect solution. From their welcoming showrooms, including Maidstone’s newly-opened flagship store in the renowned Royal Star Arcade, the stores are ready to demonstrate the very latest in audio-visual technology and the ever-expanding Bang & Olufsen and B&O PLAY product ranges. Even better, the products available from the Beoshop group have never been so varied or exciting. Guaranteed to make a big impression in every way this Christmas is the new BeoVision Avant 85” – a phenomenal television that through its incredible 85” Beovision Avant 85 screen provides four times the picture quality of ‘normal’ HD television. The elegant, fully synchronised television is also available with a 55” screen – both versions certain to make any Christmas films even more enjoyable.
Perfect party guest On a smaller scale, visitors to Beoshop retailers can choose from headphones to speaker docks and there’s even an alarm clock shaped like flute that anyone will love to wake up to on Christmas day! Highlights include the H6 ‘over ear’ headphones in three striking limited edition colours – Graphite Blush, Bronzed Hazel and Blue Stone – and the BeoPlay A9 digital audio system that packs nearly 500 watts of power and ‘plug and play’ capability, making it the perfect party guest at any Christmas gathering.
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Bang & Olufsen of Bromley Tel: 0208 466 8080 www.bang-olufsen.com/bromley
*Terms and conditions apply. Please ask in-store for details. 34 OCTOBER 2014
wide range of products are available in the cool shade, including a limited edition version of the award-winning, Apple-compatible Beolit 12 speaker dock that is available for only £429. Not only can the Beoshop group provide the perfect gift but it can help when it comes to the cost of Christmas too – offering 0% finance on a large array of products*. Many products, such as those in the fun and portable B&O PLAY line-up, are also available to take away the same day and Beoplay H6 Special there’s no Christmas shopping Editions stress either. Customers can relax with a coffee while enjoying a demonstration of the products of their choice. To literally experience what Bang & Olufsen and the Beoshop group has in-store for this Christmas, customers are invited to call in or telephone their local Beoshop showroom. Bang & Olufsen of Maidstone Tel: 01622 756756 www.bang-olufsen.com/maidstone
Bang & Olufsen of Tunbridge Wells Tel: 01892 527 525 www.bang-olufsen.com/tunbridgewells
www.beoshop.co.uk
OCTOBER 2014 35
B E A U T Y
BAREFACED CHEEK A
s the season changes and skin loses its post-summer glow, it might not be the best time to let you know that barely-there make-up is the go-to look for autumn. But don’t worry, it might look like you’ve climbed out of bed, gulped down a healthy juice and simply swept a slick of mascara over your lashes, but there’s more to this look than meets the eye.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION “The most important part of this look for me is flawless, natural looking skin. If you can see the base, it will completely ruin the whole look,” says Louise Connor, makeup artist for LOLA (available at Marks & Spencer). “I always start with a primer to really begin that perfect finish. Choose one that has a subtle glow, to give the illusion of a natural luminosity to the skin. “Go for a base that will give a natural cover, is lightweight, soft focus and blendable. Only use where you need to even out skin tone, not all over, as it will look more effective. You can then use a concealer to give extra cover under the eyes or on blemishes, if needed.” MAGIC INGREDIENTS: ✦✦ YSL Fusion Ink Foundation, £30.50 (www. yslbeauty.co.uk) Mastering the quill-style applicator takes a bit of time, but once you’ve got the knack, it minimises pores and blemishes, and stays put all day long. ✦✦ Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer, £19.50, Marks & Spencer - pictured above right - (www.marksandspencer.com) A Hollywood hit used by make-up artists and celebrities the world over, this concealer really is amazing.
36 OCTOBER 2014
✦✦ Mii Cosmetics Skin Loving BB Cream, £25 - right - (www. gerrardinternational.com) This beauty balm helps combat the signs of ageing, contains a whopping SPF 45, a built-in primer and covers imperfections, all while moisturising the skin.
B E A U T Y face look washed out. The pink will add warmth and cheer up the complexion.” MAGIC INGREDIENTS: ✦ Lanolips Lip Ointment With Colour in Rhubarb, £8.16, Boots (www.boots. com) Made with 60% pure grade lanolin, this subtle tint of colour will also keep lips hydrated throughout the winter months.
(NOT) ALL ABOUT THE EYES “Keep eye make-up to a minimum and accentuate the eye softly with a neutral eyeshadow that will colour-correct any natural redness or darkness on the lid,” Connor continues. “Next, choose a darker shadow and use this to contour the socket line to create a hint of definition. Use this colour to softly line the upper and lower lash line, to create a natural, fuller lash. Finish with mascara, using two thin coats, and be sure to brush through with a clean wand after, to separate the lashes so they don’t appear clogged and stuck together.
“Warm skins should choose yellow, peach tones and cool skins should go for cool pinks. I also use a creme blush for this look, to give a really soft, dewy finish. Avoid using too much powder to set the look - a light touch on the T-zone should be enough to prevent too much shine, and avoid mattifying the look.”
✦ Topshop Beauty Lip Bullet in Crave, £8 (www.topshop. com) This richly pigmented, selfsharpening precision lipstick delivers a delicate peachy-nude shade with a satin finish.
MAGIC INGREDIENTS: ✦ Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, below - £38, Space NK (uk.spacenk.com)
“Frame the eyes with a natural soft brow. Brush through with a comb and then very lightly fill in any gaps with a brow powder to achieve a natural looking finish.”
Topshop Beauty Lip Bullet in Crave, £8 (www.topshop.com)
MAGIC INGREDIENTS: ✦ LOLA Eyeshadow palette, - pictured top left - £26, Marks & Spencer This palette of four shades contains everything you need for a long-lasting natural eye. ✦ Lancome Grandiose Mascara, £24.50 (www.lancome. co.uk) Containing the first swan-necked wand, this mascara is designed to reach every single little lash, while allowing you to apply to both eyes with ease.
SWEET CHEEKS “Keep the blush to a natural, soft colour. Place this where you would naturally blush - so on the apples of the cheeks - and gently sweep upwards onto the cheek bone,” Connor advises.
Diffusing and softening the way the light bounces off your skin, this product uses cutting-edge technology to alter and refine the appearance of the complexion, evening out skin tone. ✦ DHC Face Color Palette in Highlighter, - pictured bottom left - £17.50 (www. dhcuk.co.uk) The three hues in each palette blend together perfectly for a natural flush of colour, while the olive and jojoba oils will moisturise and nourish every wave of winter away.
IN THE NUDE “For the perfect nude lip, block out any red tones on the lips with a little concealer on a foundation brush,” says Lancome makeup artist Shehla Shaikh. “Getting the colour right is important - it needs to be a balance of pink and beige, rather than just beige, which will make the
YSL Fusion Ink Foundation, £30.50 (www.yslbeauty. co.uk)
OCTOBER 2014 37
B E A U T Y
Tried & Tested
NISTA RECESSIO
ALERT
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♦ WITH THE CHANGE IN SEASON, HANDS CAN START TO FEEL A LITTLE PARCHED. OUR TESTERS GET HANDY WITH THREE NOURISHING CREAMS: ♦ Oh-lief Natural Hand Lotion in Lavender and Roman Chamomile, 150ml, £15.99 (www.ocado.com) Promising to be soothing and calming, this softly-scented hand cream is exactly that. A simple squirt and a mini massage into dry hands will make skin instantly softer, as the lavender scent soothes away stresses. It’s a small pamper session in a can.
3/5
♦ AVEDA Hand Relief, 125ml, £19.50 (www.aveda.co.uk) This gorgeously thick hand cream smells divine and rubs in easily to soothe my dry, sore hands. The more affordable 100ml size (£6) is perfect for popping in your handbag too.
4/5
♦ REN Citrus Limonium Prebiotic Hand Cream, £300ml, £17 (www.renskincare. com) One whiff of this zesty lotion and it’s like I’m back on my summer holidays. Just a smidgen of the luscious cream left my hands supermoisturised, and a bottle this big will last a long time.
4/5
38 OCTOBER 2014
Buy it Now! There’s nothing like a brand new perfume to make you feel scent-sational. YSL are releasing the very delicious Black Opium.. Featuring notes of coffee, orange blossom, jasmine and vanilla, the heady perfume has a unique and electrifying scent. From £44, YSL counters nationwide and online (www.yslbeauty.co.uk)
The treatments he oers include foam sclerotherapy,
or visiting www.michaelgaunt.com.
&
Look feel great Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening at North Downs Hospital Tuesday, 21st October at 6.45pm
Come along to our Open Evening where you will have a chance to meet our Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mr Simon Mackey, who will be delighted to answer any questions you may have. Places are limited so please call us or book online to reserve your space.
For more information call:
08436 585 307 www.northdownshospital.co.uk
ramsaycosmeticsurgery OCTOBER 2014 39
Sports Injury Public Information Evening Thursday 20th November 6.30pm – 9.30pm Marriott Hotel, Lingfield Park Resort, Lingfield Park, Racecourse Road, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6PQ
North Downs Hospital invite you to their Sports Injury Public Information Evening. Our consultant speakers for the evening will be Mr Ali Shafighian, Mr Bobby Anand, Mr Jared Green & Mr Paul Jairaj, accompanied by our team of physiotherapists. They will be happy to answer all your questions and offer advice on injuries and rehabilitation exercises. Light refreshments will be provided.
Places are limited so please do book on:
08436 585 307 www.northdownshospital.co.uk
4 6 Tu p w o o d L a n e , C a t e r h a m , S u r r e y C R 3 6 D P
ADAM SWAINE PHOTOGRAPHY
Interiors Weddings Landscape 07798 526 569 www.adamswaine.co.uk
adamswaine@rocketmail.com 40 OCTOBER 2014
@SENorthDowns
KEEP YOUR MOMENTUM
MOMENTUM ORTHOPAEDICS HAS NOW LAUNCHED
RICHARD BENSON
NICK BOWMAN
JUSTIN FORDER
MIKE FORDYCE
DAVID ROSE
PAUL SKINNER
Based in Kent, Momentum Orthopaedics offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
For more information please contact the team on
01892 598124 MOMENTUMORTHOPAEDICS.CO.UK Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Fordcombe Road, Fordcombe, TN3 0RD
OCTOBER 2014 41
FA S H I O N
STYLE to FALL FOR
A
high summer wardrobe is like a holiday romance. It’s fleeting and only really works in blazing sunshine. Autumn/winter trends are where your dedication and investment really pay off, thanks to the British climate. Buy wisely and your new threads will be faithful to you until next May’s T-shirt weather. This is the season to be playful with textures, snuggle up in oversized knits, and be bold with rich hues.
Time to embrace an autumnal aesthetic.
WINTER PASTELS Freshen up the traditional winter palette with dreamy pastels. Instead of sickly sweet, t hink cool tones like lavender, mint and ice blue. Avoid prints and detailing and reach for pale, block colour so your pastels really pack a punch. Make a bold statement with a matching suit, or co-ords set in the same hue, for a streamlined silhouette. KEY PIECE: Transform drab winter outfits with a pastel overcoat inspired by Gucci. Pick your favourite sugary hue and go for a sleek, minimalist cut or fuzzy teddy bear texture.
SWINGING SIXTIES Go back in time to a wardrobe stocked with shifts, A-lines and Peter Pan collars. The Sixties is a major influence on this season’s silhouette. The key shape is structured with high necklines. Once layering season begins, recycle a sleeveless shift dress by wearing over a rollneck sweater with a prim belted pea coat. KEY PIECE: Give a nod to mod with a Sixties A-line skirt a la Miu Miu. Try a buttery soft leather for versatility, or make a double impact with a bold, retro print.
MILITARY MODE Stand to attention for this season’s frontline-inspired fashion. U tilitarian khaki is key for daywear, so weave the colour into your autumn uniform and dismiss camouflage prints. Whether it’s coat, shirt or tunic dress, maintain a no-frills, practical aesthetic with combat-style oversize pockets. Give your khaki tones some interest by mixing up tough textures like leather and wool. Michael Kors cape, £330; Biba white shirt, £69; Linea Prince of Wales check trousers, £79; Therapy Kirsty duffle bag, £39; Ted Baker faux fur hat, £49; all House of Fraser (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)
42 OCTOBER 2014
KEY PIECE: If you can’t stretch to Lanvin’s leather trench, march into the office (or pub) in a khaki shirt dress and team with fierce boots.
CHECK MATE Forget stripes and erase spots, this is the winter of the square. Checks come in every guise from traditional, bold tartans to minimalist windowpane squares.
FA S H I O N Delphine embellished skirt, £69; knit jumper, £49; faux fur snood, £35; Chelsea boots, £79; all Monsoon (www.monsoon.co.uk)
Bronx faux fur coat, £195; Coast (www.coast-stores.com)
Check jumper, £17.99; check trousers, £24.99; shoes, £19.99; all New Look (www.newlook.com)
Tunic, £28; top, £15; boots, £30; all BHS (www.bhs.co.uk)
OCTOBER OCTOBER 2014 2014 43 43
FA S H I O N Be a true grid geek by clashing tartan and checks together for a geometric mashup. Just ensure there’s a common colour running throughout both prints to keep them coordinated. KEY PIECE: Make like a Burberry model by draping this season’s blanket poncho over your shoulders. Look for oversized checks with accents of rich, autumnal colours like berry red.
WOODLAND FANTASY Embrace a whimsical look with this season’s fairytale fashion theme. The antithesis of minimalism, folk influences on the catwalks ranged from applique woodland creatures through to handpainted floral prints. The silhouette is relaxed and flowing, so look for fringing, pleats and maxi lengths that create movement when you walk. Add texture with faux fur and woolly accessories.
Above: M&S Limited Edition geo print skirt, £35 (www.marksandspencer.com) Above: Unreal Fur dusty pink coat, £225 (www.asos.com)
Below: Definitions at Very khaki shirt dress, £39 (www.very.co.uk)
Below: Topshop folk embroidered jumper, £55 (www.topshop.com)
KEY PIECE: Follow in Dolce & Gabbana’s folk footsteps with a busy statement piece that incorporates handicraft touches and decorative detail.
FURRY FINESSE The ultimate texture for this season is shaggy. Faux fur, fuzzy knits, statement shearling - tactile touch-me fabrics have invaded the outerwear aisles. Overcoats and gilets work best, but balance out the fluff factor with a streamlined outfit underneath. Sleek leather or body-skimming silk is the perfect antidote. KEY PIECE: If you don’t want to go allout, opt for a Prada-inspired fuzzy-trim coat. Aim for a furry collar and cuffs so big that you can forgo your scarf and gloves.
BUY IT NOW
Turn your handbag into a walking gallery. The second Holly Fulton for Radley collection features embossed graphics inspired by pop art. The capsule range starts at £129 for The Scottie dog clutch, available in stores and online now (www.radley.co.uk).
FASHION FLASH
• TEN TU Say Happy Birthday to Tu! Sainsbury’s clothing brand is marking its 10th anniversary, and celebrating becoming the UK’s seventh most popular clothing range, selling four pieces a second. Gift yourself with Tu’s Core 10th Anniversary Collection, with coats from £40, handbags from £16, and knitwear from £16. Available in more than 400 stores nationwide from September 7. • RECESSIONISTA ALERT Dress your bump on a budget. Aldi has launched a Maternity Specialbuys range with leggings, £6.99 and dresses, £11.99. Available in stores from September 18 while stocks last. 44 OCTOBER 2014
THE
BRITISH QU QUEEN EEN PUB BRASSERIE
For a cracker of a Christmas celebration join us at the newly re-opened British Queen Pub & Brasserie Superb, freshly prepared, three-course menu including crackers, coffee and mince pies £27.95 per person
The Family Pendant A perfect gift These three intertwined silver hoops can be hand engraved with the names of your loved ones. £190 plus £4.30 per letter
3 The Square Riverhead 01732 779 555
www.dominicwalmsley.com
Made in London
The British Queen 427 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Orpington, BR6 8NL. Tel 01689 869560. britishqueen.locksbottom@whitebrasserie.com www.whitebrasserie.com
CHRISTMAS at
THE QUEEN’S HEAD
OCTOBER 2014 45
18ct gold hearts pendant Pretty floral initials of loved ones adorn this pretty 18ct red, yellow and white gold necklace. A much treasured piece.
Family pendant Perfect for multiple names. ÂŁ190 plus engraving.
P ersonalised jewellery from
Dominic Walmsley Special birthdays, landmark anniversaries, new births or just because they are special nothing says you love someone quite as much as a personalised piece of jewellery. Here are just a few examples of the beautiful gifts available at Dominic Walmsley.
Silver golf marker Although not guaranteed to improve your game, this marker is sure to make it more enjoyable. Hand engraved with a loved ones fingerprint they can be with you for the full 18 holes!
Dominic Walmsley Jewellery 3 The Square, Riverhead 01732 779555 www. dominicwalmsley.com
Dog collar A beautiful piece of jewellery to commemorate a very special companion.
Silver portrait stand A particularly original request, Dominic thoroughly enjoyed designing this little silver stand for a treasured miniature.
Silver & peridot heart bracelet This stunning silver bracelet has a heavy solid heart set with a peridot, the birthstone of August. It also has the lucky recipients initial engraved on the back.
9ct White gold twisted bangle This solid white gold bangle has been engraved with a special quote and three names highlighted by a sparkly diamond.
18ct White gold constellation ring
46 OCTOBER 2014
Made in London
Little white sparkly diamonds map out the constellation of Cancer - a perfect gift for the Cancerian in your life!
LONDON FASHION WEEK SPRING/SUMMER 2015
HIGHLIGHTS
L
ondon Fashion Week is always exciting and inspirational, and last month’s event proved to be just that. London Fashion Week presented another unrivalled opportunity to showcase some of the world’s leading fashion talent, with the schedule packed with shows, presentations, showrooms, events and parties from the best and brightest names in the industry. The magic of London Fashion Week is not merely thanks to the fashion designers’ and fashion stylists ’cutting-edge
FA S H I O N
A world of catwalks, celebrities, & fashion glitz
collections but the media excitement that accompanies them. The allure of the show is exceptional and continues to be the top fashion event pulling visitors from every corner of the globe. While most of us are thinking about our winter wardrobes, designers were showcasing next year’s Spring/Summer Collections, and it was one of the event’s biggest line-ups yet.
MULBERRY
OCTOBER OCTOBER 2014 2014 47 47
FA S H I O N
A round-up of some the designers and their amazing collections
JASPER CONRAN
Julien MacDonald “Bottoms are back” says Julien Macdonald, as he declared 2014 the year of the derriere. “The bum is the new it thing, it was boobs, but now it’s the bum, so if you have one - show it off!“ It’s been enforced slightly by Kim Kardashian and this really is the year of the bottom. ”Models at the designer’s show at Royal Opera House wore pieces designed to show off the new ‘it’ part of the body. Celebrities like Abbey Clancy, members of the Made in Chelsea cast and MTV’s Laura Whitmore watched as models wore soft shades of buttermilk, yellow, moss green, duck egg blue and white in Julien’s vision for Spring/Summer 2015.
BURBERRY PRORSUM BURBERRY PRORSUM
A series of figure-hugging shift dresses falling just below the knee suggested a more demure look for the King of Bling. Then came a smattering of mini dresses, as the sexiness was ramped up on knitted swimsuits and even a teeny babydoll-style wedding dress (complete with Cathedral-length veil.) Julien, who has this year dressed names like Beyonce, Megan Fox and Emma Watson, also revealed the second wedding dress on the catwalk, a floor-length finale gown covered with real diamonds, pearls and French Chantilly lace, was worth a staggering £3m.
Burberry Prorsum Burberry previewed its Prorsum Womenswear Spring/Summer 2015 collection live from its custom-built venue in London’s Kensington Gardens. The collection, named ‘The Birds and The Bees’, included bright book cover designs, oversize butterfly prints and hand-drawn honey bees, which were referenced on the hand-painted runway and illustrated on the transparent roof above the 1500 guests. The Birds And The Bees Fabrics: Printed honey gabardine, dégradé silk and suede, wing-pleat tulle, butterfly printed satin, iridescent sequins, indigo denim, glossy shell leather, shearling, textured silk Colours: Poppy red, fern yellow, pale sweet pea, dragonfly blue, beetle green, rosehip Silhouettes: Trench coats, wasp waist denim jackets, layered tulle dresses, field jackets, draped skirts Accessories: Introducing the Burberry Bee Bag, the Burberry Mini Bee Bag, book cover print pouches, the Burberry Field Sneaker, the Burberry Field Sandal, the Burberry Dragonfly Belt Eyewear: Introducing the Burberry Butterfly Shades, now available for purchase and monogramming exclusively at Sunglasshut.com (US, UK & Australia) Guests included British models Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, who appear together in the current My Burberry fragrance campaign, as well as photographer Mario Testino; actors Dakota Johnson, Vicki Zhao, Jamie Campbell Bower and Anushka Sharma; musicians Paloma Faith, Rae Morris, Rhodes, and Joey Yung; model Amber Le Bon, media personalities Cat Deeley, Donna Air, Olivia Palermo, Elena Perminova and Harvey Weinstein.
MATTHEW WILLIAMSON
Simone Rocha Simone Rocha took inspiration from quaint ‘50s housewives and gave them an edgy spin for SS15, resulting in a cool-girl’s guide to doing demure... Rocha has developed a signature style of full skirts, sheer fabric and asymmetric cuts. She didn’t stray too far from that, but this collection still felt fresh and new. In parts, there was something of the 1950s saucy housewife about it, with headscarves, fluffy mules, nightdresses and even sheer trench coats. Other looks were classic Rocha; sheer dresses with bold, floral applique designs in black, white or red. Footwear is always a highlight with Simone Rocha, too. She’s a fan of a chunky lace-up, often with the focus on a perspex or jewelled low heel. Next season we’re looking forward to her Derby lace-ups and Mary Janes. The new Rocha spin? A kitten heel. MATTHEW WILLIAMSON WITH NICOLE SCHERZINGER
48 OCTOBER 2014
Mulberry Their Spring Summer 2015 Catwalk Collection is inspired by the sheer
DAVID KOMA
PETER PILOTTO
FA S H I O N JASPER CONRAN
joy of an English country garden on a summer’s day. Floral prettiness is tempered by the ‘can do, can dig’ gardeners’ attire with practical pockets and utilitarian shapes. Laser-cut leather and substantial sandals contradict the delicacy of the intricate prints. The Mulberry Girl may be wearing the finest silk, but she remains cool, contemporary, and ready to enjoy herself whatever the English spring weather throws at her...
SORAPOL
Perennial English flowers, hand-sketched in the famous gardens of Kew, Sissinghurst and Great Dixter, inspire the new season prints. The delphinium appears as a grand monochromatic design on printed silk and lace. For an intricately woven jacquard this pretty floral is also contrasted with the uniformity of garden trellis. The colour palette works with White and Cream accented with Black and earthy Khaki, while rich Delphinium Blue offers a pop of colour. In true Mulberry style, prettiness is presented with an edge: dresses and skirts are paired with contemporary leather pieces, some with laser-cut perforations, and luxurious but casual lurex wool cardigans. Sleeves rolled up, our Mulberry girl’s style is inspired by the eccentricities of the English lady gardener. Skirts and pinafores with practical pockets nod to a gardener working in an idyllic country garden but ready for anything, tools in hand, unafraid of a bit of mud! The Mulberry Girl is wearing sandals inspired by classic gardening clogs. These practical and charming shoes are given a beautiful and fashion-forward makeover for this season’s Gardening Sandals, with soles carved from solid wood and criss-crossed leather straps. Natural Vachetta Leather is favoured for its natural and rustic finish; the perfect complement to the lavish prints and fabrics in the collection. Of course, no English country look can be complete without a Wellie, but this is no ordinary rubber boot. The upper of the new Mulberry Garden Wellie features the wild flower design, woven into a rich metallic jacquard.
Sophia Webster “Jungle is massive” For Spring/Summer 15, Sophia Webster played on different interpretations of ‘Jungle’. Finding basis in Henri Rousseau’s fantasy jungle world paintings and Henri Matisse’s whimsical leaf cut outs, Sophia metamorphoses leopard print, jungle flowers and plants with her own signature use of colour and print. Acid and techno colour palettes, coupled with Sophia’s own love of heavy rhythms and underground music, led her to invoke the hedonistic world of a 90s jungle rave. The collection is inspired by rave-wear: feminine clubcolour camo prints, fruity colours mixed with Aztec prints, girly-warrior embellishments and graffiti tags adorn caged booties, platforms and knee-padded thigh-high boots as well as speech bubble bags and fruity backpacks. MATTHEW WILLIAMSON
JULIEN MACDONALD
Jasper Conran Blocks of colour in navy and white, striped rib trims. Crisp cotton poplin and fluid jersey drawn in at the waist and hem. The t-shirt fluttering in light weight silk. Punctuated with painterly abstracts. Pigment blue projected across a palette of white. A composition of grids, stripes and spheres. Geometric skinny knit tops and skirts. Linear perspective. Coffee and bitter chocolate in graphic relief. Constructed against a backdrop of chalk white. A silhouette in cotton and silk. Falling below the knee. Abstract expression scribbled on silk. An oversized shirt, a floor length dress. Violet, Apple, Rust, and Aubergine. Structured in composition
House of Holland Plaster Casters Groupie; A young woman, who seeks to achieve status by having sex with rock musicians, roadies, security, and other band-related guys. Stadium concert or back room gig, these girls only watch from side of stage - sometimes on their knees... Days spent stalking hotels in last night’s make up and arranging outfits for the nightly pilgrimage to a dingy dressing room or backstage bar. On the list? She wrote the list. We look forward to the trends that will be hitting the high streets for Spring/Summer 2015, and re-create the look so stylishly presented on the catwalk. DAVID KOMA
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD ON THE CATWALK
OCTOBER 2014 49
CWJ - Not Your Average High Street Law Firm! Aside from the fact that they’re not on the High Street they’re just off it in Knoll Rise! Orpington’s Clarkson Wright & Jakes (often simply just CWJ) is not your average High Street law firm, a fact that they are very proud of.
CWJ is a fifth
generation family firm and although its soul is undoubtedly here in our leafy suburbs, where it relocated in the middle of the last century, its roots and commercial outlook lie in Lincoln’s Inn at the heart of London’s legal quarter. Amongst the goals in the firm’s vision statement is “to provide a challenging environment to attract, develop and retain the best people supported by a friendly, fun, flexible, fair and fulfilling work ethic”. Something that it must get right as it has appeared in the ‘Best Companies to Work For’ lists on numerous occasions. CWJ is one of the region’s leading solicitors serving private individuals, businesses and organisations. With commercial clients ranging in size from sole traders to large public companies and other institutions such as schools, charities and medical practices; it has accumulated extensive experience of the legal issues faced by businesses and other organisations. Its staff provide solution driven advice to all their clients, aiming to deliver the outcome best suited to their needs. If you are facing any issue with legal implications, it is essential that you get the best help and legal advice, no matter what it concerns. In all cases, having the right lawyers on your side can make all the difference to the outcome. The solicitors at CWJ don’t give off-the-shelf solutions, they will analyse your particular circumstances and give sound judgements based on their 50 OCTOBER 2014
specialist knowledge and experience. The firm is a member of LawNet, an exclusive community of some of the UK’s top Law firms, recognised internationally for their commitment to rigorous standards of quality and best practices. When it comes to fees and what they cover, CWJ believe in complete openness and everything is explained thoroughly without any hidden extras. This is backed up by some of the testimonials that you can read on their website such as “Dynamic, enthusiastic, young and not stuffy” and “They give clear, direct advice. When you have a dispute you feel you’re morally in the right, but they make sure you don’t waste lots of money trying to get a result that isn’t legally achievable – they’re very good at a damage limitation.” With their soul here in the Borough CWJ is actively involved in our local communities. It sponsors our top local rugby club, Westcombe Park at a variety of levels – from the first team to the annual spring Minis Festival. Many of its staff are trained Dementia Friends Champions and help train local businesses to be more aware of how dementia can affect staff and customers alike. Clarkson Wright & Jakes is a law firm with a difference; it provides the highest quality advice and service to all clients taking all concerns into consideration, they will do everything they can to help.
They truly are Lawyers that make sense…
KITCHEN LIFE THE QUALITY KITCHEN GUIDE • OCTOBER 2014
Beautiful Bespoke Kitchens Kitchens that Reflect your Style Create your Dream Kitchen The Answer to a Smaller Kitchen LOCAL KITCHEN SPECIALISTS CREATIVE INTERIOR DESIGN – Beckenham 0208 663 3393
LA BELLE CUISINE - Bexley 01322 555353
FREELANDS TILES – Sevenoaks 01732 459765
MAAG – Oxted 01883 714582
GRANITE TRANSFORMATIONS – 0208 308 9286
NEPTUNE DESIGN CENTRE - Tonbridge 01732 351866
KITCHEN DESIGN OF SEVENOAKS – 01732 741100
STONEHAM KITCHENS - Sidcup 0208 300 8181
KITSTONE – Tunbridge Wells 01892 522321
THE KITCHEN DOCTOR – Pratts Bottom 01689 850000
KRIEDER - Tunbridge Wells 01892 619721 OCTOBER 2014 51
KITCHEN LIFE
Kitchens the Create are your
new living rooms DREAM KITCHEN On average, people spend from £8,000 to a massive £20,000 on a new kitchen. It is
On average, people spend from £8,000 depending to a massive on £20,000 on a range, new kitchen. is about creating about creating a dream space…so the price what It can that buy you? a dream space..... so depending on the price range, what can that buy you?
Choosing a theme for your kitchen
Contemporary kitchens The sleek look of a contemporary kitchen provides the practical use of space allowing for more movement in the kitchen and easier access to storage areas and necessary equipment. Contemporary colours provide a more open feeling, adding into the functional atmosphere of the space. No matter what your exact tastes and preferences, there is a contemporary kitchen design that will meet all your specific needs. French country kitchen This look combines rustic country charm with a grand, chateau-like sophistication. Opt for units in an aged shade of parchment or dove grey featuring beautifully-turned, bevelled detailing. Team with natural stone or slate flooring, Aga, chunky wooden worktops and tiled splashbacks in earthy shades. This also works well with freestanding features, like an antique-style armoire for displaying tableware and an island unit with matching hood. Hang copper pans and accessorise the room with rustic oil bottles and richly coloured earthenware. Shaker Style kitchen The clean lines and rustic feel of a shaker kitchen means they appeal to those who adore both contemporary design and a classic look. The round knobs, pillow-fronted doors and beautiful woods are features that epitomise the classic shaker style kitchen. An island in the middle can make an attractive and very useful addition. This dignified, elegant kitchen is never excessive but nevertheless stunning to look at and work in. Retro Kitchen A retro kitchen is styled in a way that includes elements that imitate kitchen trends of the past. You might find psychedelic colours that hark back to the 1970s, or even appliances based on those found in American households of the 1950’s. Adding a touch of retro fun to your new kitchen can be a great way to give character to the space, and is sure to provide a few nostalgic talking points. Layout Your kitchen should be designed for whatever you are likely to want to do in it. If you’re remodelling from scratch and have a large space, think open plan and multi-purpose – somewhere to eat, work, cook and relax. Kitchen experts John Lewis of Hungerford advise thinking hard about your lifestyle. Cabinets Cabinets are the workhorse of your kitchen. Think practically as well as aesthetically when it comes to the finish (highly polished dark colours show fingerprints easily, for example) and remember, neutrals stand the test of time more than bold colours which, incidentally, rarely work in small kitchens. You can always apply brighter colours to the walls or splash-backs (glass is effective).
Don’t neglect handles They can make or break a kitchen. Small handles generally don’t work, but chrome is effective and never dates.
Worktops Avoid wood near sinks or you’ll become a slave to re-oiling, and be warned, glass worktops quickly look tired and scratched. Consider twin-edged worktops that look like glass, but are laminate.Granite remains the top worktop choice. There are so many more materials at similar prices to the ubiquitous black. For sinks, stainless steel is best. For taps, the tri-flow system provides filtered water. Kitchen Flooring To put on a fantastic floor show, start by looking at the construction of your existing floor and make sure it’s suitable for the type of flooring you’ve got in mind. Heavy materials such as stone or terracotta tiles need a solid concrete base. If you’re laying a floor over wood, go for lighter materials such as lino, vinyl or wooden floorboards. Kitchen Lighting These days, the kitchen is a hub of activity so your lighting has to be flexible: illuminating work stations for cooking and offering a warm, welcoming glow for dining and entertaining. Task Lighting Safety must come first in any kitchen. For high activity areas where you’ll be preparing food you need plenty of illumination, so work out which areas you’ll be using for practical purposes and install task lighting. To avoid task lights throwing shadows over your work surfaces, make sure you position them directly above or slightly in front of where you stand to prepare food, and on a different circuit than your mood lighting to give you more flexibility in your lighting scheme. Downlights Downlights provide a general ambient glow. Choose halogen lights if you like clean, sparkling white illumination and put them on a dimmer switch so you can adjust the clarity to change the mood in the room. If you install more than one dimmer, you can create a variety of lighting effects – almost like building layers of light to give depth and warmth to the kitchen. Light for decoration If you have features in your kitchen that are particularly attractive, show them off using light. Draw attention to shelves by installing lights underneath; fit downlights into glass display cabinets to show off a collection of china; or use picture lights on the wall to draw the eye to a beautiful print or poster. If you’re getting a kitchen made specially for you, a truly bespoke kitchen, it will be tailor made for both the space and you. For pure luxury, this is the best that money can buy. So you can create your own dream kitchen!
For expert advice contact one of the local specialists in this Kitchen Supplement. 52 OCTOBER 2014
NEPTUNE DESIGN CENTRE TONBRIDGE
Our new Design Centre is the largest Neptune Home Store in the UK and offers the full range of Neptune hand crafted furniture and accessories for the whole home. Located just off Tonbridge High Street, near Waitrose, our new showroom is 6,800 square feet.
Unit 1-2 Tannery Road Industrial Estate Tonbridge TN9 1RF
01732 351866 OCTOBER 2014 53
KITCHEN LIFE
Design a kitchen built for entertaining
As the days get shorter and the cold creeps in, winter is most definitely on its way. And when it’s chilly out, staying in and enjoying your home is all the more appealing. But if you’re dreaming of a new, multifunctional kitchen to host canapé parties, coffee mornings and time all the trimmings perfectly for your Christmas meal, this requires careful planning. Adrian Stoneham shares his tips for creating a bespoke kitchen ideal for entertaining.
1. Choose the layout carefully First things first, consider how to use your space. Open plan kitchens are certainly having a moment, and allow lots of room for cooking, dining and relaxing after the meal is over. However, if you’re short of space, there are still plenty of options; a glass breakfast bar or extended work surface complete with seating offers a happy halfway space. Clever design devices, such as cones and cylindrical drums or cantilever arms provide a stylish way of holding the work surface without compromising on legroom.
2. Get creative with colour and materials Natural materials - solid granite, marble stone and lustrous woods like oak, cherry and maple can make a real statement in your kitchen design. Or for a durable, flexible alternative, Stoneham’s new ranges, Fahrenheit and Fahrenheit Pro, feature Natural Touch technology, which traces the pattern of the wood, providing an astonishingly realistic wood-grain finish. And with Stoneham’s bespoke furniture painting service, the sky’s the limit when it comes to picking a colour! Try contrasting bright colours to make a statement, or opt for our one of our sumptuous new neutrals – pale grey, cashmere or volcanic elm.
3. Integrate hardworking appliances Of course, the food is the main event at any party, and there are lots of high-tech appliances available to help you cook up a storm. Pyrolytic ovens by Miele offer precise temperature controls so your cooking is always perfect, and built in roast probes let you know exactly when the Christmas turkey is ready. Kitchen islands with integrated appliances, such as a Miele Teppanyaki hob, and a seating area are a great idea to incorporate the food preparation into the dining experience – impress your guests with your cooking skills!
4. Hide the clutter There are a plethora of mod cons available to boost entertaining and keep your kitchen clutter free. The pop-up integrated S-box, for example, on which you can mount anything - knives, spices, even a TV or extractor fan accessible at the touch of a button. And when it comes to getting the party started, the integrated Harmon Kardon music system with ultra thin speakers can be seamlessly integrated within furniture doors to provide a discrete, highly effective sound system.
5. Add some special details Finally, remember the beauty of a bespoke kitchen is all in the detail. Make sure you think carefully about lighting in your kitchen, such as pendant lights or LEDs, as it’s a vital detail to determine the atmosphere of the room. Colour-changing LED lighting incorporated into worktops, breakfast bars and cabinetry, for example, is a smart and stylish way to change the mood. Or why not make a feature out of your drinks area – a built in wine cooler beneath the work surface, or if you have the space, a dedicated drinks cabinet to keep your overall aesthetic sleek and stylish – leaving the fridge free for extra canapés! So, what are you waiting for? Start planning a bespoke kitchen, not only perfect for entertaining but one that you will fall in love with.
54 OCTOBER 2014
Stoneham Kitchens, www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk, 020 8300 8181, kitchens@stoneham.plc.uk
R VISIT OU LARGE OM SHOWRO
Range Extensive and l al W of Floor Tiles
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reelands Tiles of Dunton Green have been supplying customers around the Sevenoaks Area since 1999.
Choosing the perfect finish!
Offering a one stop shopping experience for the discerning customer. At Freelands Tiles we are here to help you choose the perfect finish to whichever room in the house you are looking to improve. As soon as you enter our showroom you will be amazed at the choice available to you, we have hundreds of tiles for every area of your house. We have the latest designs in glass Splash backs as well as a huge choice of Mosaics and Brick tiles which are very much back in vogue In flooring we have the widest choice of tiles in the area with over 500 different floor tiles including the popular polished porcelain for that modern clean finish.
Freelands Tiles
124-126 London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks Tel: 01732 459 765 | Open 7 days a week
THE KITCHEN DOCTOR DO YOU WISH you could give your kitchen a facelift without all the kitchen? Or would you like drawers, loose hinges etc... service which means tired kitchens no longer need to be discarded. Choose from a huge range of doors which
are made to measure for your kitchen. You can change your worktops, update your appliances, sink and taps as well as upgrading to soft close doors and drawers. Whether it is a repair or a complete makeover, the
At Freelands Tiles we are proud of our reputation of excellent customer service when you visit us, we will help you wherever necessary, if it’s working out measurements, ordering samples or helping carry sample boards to your car. So why not pay us a visit, there is free parking outside the shop and we are open seven days a week including 10 till 2 on Sundays. We are confident you won’t be disappointed!! 124/126 London Road, Dunton Green, Sevenoaks . For more information Phone us on 01732 459765 or visit our website www.freelands-tiles.co.uk
The complete kitchen service...
you can choose how much you wish to change in your kitchen. savings over the cost of a new kitchen and the disruption is kept to a minimum. how this well established local business could help you, please contact 1 Sevenoaks Road, Pratts Bottom, Kent BR6 7SF Tel: 01689 850000 Web: www.thekitchendoctor.com Email: chris@thekitchendoctor.com
...from a hinge to a complete makeover 100's of Worktops l 1000's of Doors door replacement l made to measure service l worktops appliances l sinks and taps l drawer replacement bedroom doors l improved storage and access solutions door refurbishment service
The Kitchen Doctor's bespoke service supplies and fits a comprehensive range of components to give your kitchen a new lease of life.
01689 850000 chris@thekitchendoctor.com www.thekitchendoctor.com serving London and the South-East since 1984
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KITCHEN LIFE
Instant Transformation
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erving customer in Kent & South East London is Granite Transformations a owner operated company offering the ultimate in Kitchen Makeover solutions.
The multi award winning company is celebrating its 11th year of business, with its unique offering of granite, quartz and glass worktops that fit directly over your existing kitchen surface. With our exclusive 6.5mmm engineered stone fitting is achieved in just one day and often includes the upgrade of appliances such as sinks, taps and ovens at the same time and offered at trade pricing. In addition, we offer a complete kitchen door replacement service from stripping back to the bare carcass and changing doors, panels, cornice & pelmets to give you that truly new kitchen look for a fraction of the cost of a new kitchen and without the mess and demolition. With many styles of new and contemporary doors and over thirty colours to choose for the design possibilities are endless and all fitted by our own long serving professional fitting staff. Every item is made bespoke to your exact requirements and
56 OCTOBER 2014
all the worktops are manufactured in our head office in Tunbridge Wells, Kent As members of Checkatrade we also boast an impressive 700+ reputation reports posted on line with an average score of 9.9 for its remarkable service and attention to detail to provide the customer with a swift and hassle free service with stunning results. To see the very latest on what our customers are saying about us visit: www. checkatrade.com/granitetransformationstunbridgewells We have showrooms in Tunbridge Wells, Sidcup and Polhill Garden Centre, Sevenoaks where you can see our product and speak to one of our staff to discuss your requirements. We offer free in home consultations with one of our designers to show you exactly how we can transform your kitchen to suit your desired style and budget. Alternatively, visit our website at www.granitetransformations. co.uk to see how our product and service can help you or simply call 01892 517385 for more information or to book an appointment.
Call now
0208 308 9286
Showrooms open: Mon-Fri 9.00-4.30pm Sat 9.00-4.00pm Tunbridge Wells: Unit 5, Tunbridge Wells Trade Park, Longfield Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF Sevenoaks: Polhill Garden Centre, London Rd, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks Kent TN14 7AD Sidcup: 5 Sidcup High Street, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6EN Visit w w w.granitetransformations.co.uk /tunwells OCTOBER 2014 57
KITCHEN LIFE
Kitchens that Reflect your Style A NEW KITCHEN IS A GREAT INVESTMENT
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f you want to make a home buyer’s eyes light up as they enter your property, you’ll present them with something sleek, glossy, and with curves in all the right places. Naturally, we’re talking about the allure of a stylish kitchen, which has re-emerged as a key factor in selling a property. Phil Spencer from Location, Location, Location Phil Spencer advises “Branded kitchens go in and out of fashion, so be careful what you choose. You don’t want buyers dating your kitchen by the colour or style of the doors, so opt for classic designs and easy-on-the-eye colours.” And, as the fashion is for a kitchen to be the multifunctional ‘heart of the home’, he believes it doesn’t make sense to stint on appliances, worktops and tiles. He says a great kitchen can add around 5% to the value of a property and a good kitchen does sell a house faster. Estate agents say that women buyers put the kitchen at the top of the property wish list. But getting the layout right is crucial, so concentrate on putting appliances in the right place and having properly planned storage space.
ENTERTAINING? Kitchens are now as popular as dining and entertaining areas, and Kelly Hoppen, the renowned home designer has devised her own streamlined recipe for creating space, and the kitchen plays a major role in the process. “It’s definitely the theatre at the heart of my home,” she says. “To cook and entertain at home is now cool and I have a fireplace up on the wall like a painting, which is a focal point, and cosy in winter. “As I’m always hosting dinners and love having guests drinking and chatting while I cook, I wanted this to be an open and alluring space for friends to relax.
Kelly Hoppen
“The island bar is where everyone gravitates it’s not only a ‘chill and chat’ zone, it’s a place to work, read and have breakfast and so upholstered
comfortable chairs are an essential. Maximising space with an island bar on doublesided central units, using reflective surfaces such as glossy lacquer or silky polished plaster and employing the colour taupe - a perfect neutral which creates an atmosphere of harmony and calm. We have checked out kitchen trends so you can choose a kitchen to suit your personal taste and practical needs.
SOFT CURVES Hard-edge industrialstyle kitchens initially made popular by TV celebrity chefs are now waning, and a more family friendly look with softer, curved outlines is now appealing. The days of just buying a total look ‘off the shelf’ is gone. People are looking to customise their kitchens and make them as individual as they can. Curves are most certainly back in style and this versatile range allows them the freedom to do that. Accent doors come in a selection of effects from fuchsia to aubergine or wood finishes like zebrano. Glass splashbacks, and different textures from glossy lacquer to matt wood are other options.
SHINY BRIGHT Glossy, lacquer finishes are in vogue for homes, and a strong trend for kitchens. Small wonder, as this effect works brilliantly by helping to bounce light around, and can even make standard units look glamorous. One of the latest finishes for cabinets are high gloss veneers that give a rustic look with a modern edge. High gloss finish kitchens are beautiful and always deliver real impact in the home. Pure white and High Gloss White is a stunning, their streamlined appearance can be enhanced by being handleless.
MONOCHROME Despite the emergence of more colour in the home, black and white still remains a chic combination that’s unlikely to date. Black and white is a classic and the most popular choice of many buyers. The advantage is that it works in either a modern or more traditional setting. The most daring looks now are all white or all black kitchens, with striking metallics integrated.
HIGH GLOSS Colour never fails to make an impact, and there’s a kaleidoscope of shades on offer as kitchen companies embrace this trend. Many traditionalists still favour a stained wood finish, this year the red high-gloss kitchen continues to be a leading choice for those are looking for a modern space.
FLEXIBILITY Thrifty buyers are now comfortable with a kitchen that doesn’t shriek ‘off the peg’ style and has a non-matching or even free-standing look. There’s far less formality in the home than ever before and this is reflected in the trend towards freestanding kitchens. These offer a great deal of flexibility and can be configured in different ways to accommodate the changing needs of the family.
58 OCTOBER 2014
Kitchen Design OF
SEVENOAKS
Kitchen Design OF
SEVENOAKS
Kitchen Design OF
SEVENOAKS
Kitchen Design OF
SEVENOAKS
Kitchen Design
Kitchen Design
of SEVENOAKS
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SEVENOAKS
How dreams take shape Let your dreams take shape in the curvaceous and elegant form of a hand-built kitchen. Each one is made to your individual specifications, thoughtfully and meticulously designed using only the finest woods and quality finishes. At Kitchen Design of Sevenoaks we have over 34 years experience in both contemporary and traditional designs and offer a pleasing choice of innovative features and inspiring technology, each and every kitchen can be your dream come true.
01732 741100
118 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1BA Email: info@kdofsevenoaks.com www.kdofsevenoaks.com OCTOBER 2014 59
60 MONTH OCTOBER 2014 2014
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The Answer to a Smaller Kitchen
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itchens are the ultimate multi-functional room these days, where the family gather to cook, eat, socialise, and they may even double up as a work space.
That’s fine, if your lucky enough to have a kitchen the size of an aircraft hanger, like the enviable, dream spaces regularly portrayed in our magazine. But as new homes are generally smaller today than they were 30 years ago (according to a study by the Royal Institute of British Architects), many of us will be dealing with a smaller space than we’d ideally like. “Nowadays properties are getting smaller, which in turn means that consumers are searching for a smaller kitchen to suit their needs and home,” says Jason McNulty, head of product development at Wren Kitchens. “But smaller needn’t mean less functional or less stylish.” Planning how you use the space is key, so that not an inch is wasted and, if possible, has at least one area - even if only a breakfast bar - where you can eat or utilise as an extra work surface. Also consider carefully what you need to include in your kitchen. If possible, move appliances into other rooms in the house - for example, a freezer can go in a garage, a washing machine in a utility room or bathroom, as this helps free up vital space in the kitchen.
If you’re still in a stew, here’s what the experts have to say about tackling the most common kitchen dilemmas.
Space starved
Even if your kitchen feels more like a coat cupboard, you can improve the situation by making the most of the space you do have available - from the floor to the ceiling. “Too many wall units can make the kitchen feel cluttered as this is where the eye is drawn first. Choose tall wall units that provide plenty of space without taking up too much room,” says Marco Rossi, head of product for Magnet Kitchens. Shelves, racks and hooks attached to walls or ceilings are a perfect way to keep your kitchen tidy and work surfaces clutter-free. Light colours for the walls and units can also help to create the illusion of space in the most bijou of kitchens. Interior designer, Abigail Ahern suggests painting kitchen cabinets the same colour as the walls. “If the unit colour matches the walls, it gives an illusion of space,” she says. Shiny or glossy finishes on walls, units and splashbacks add to this illusion by reflecting light around the room. Top tips: As well as visual tricks, it’s worth considering smaller than standard appliances. continued on Page 64
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Bespoke Service with Quality Products C
reative Interior Designs was founded in 2003 and has continued to grow and provide a truly individual service to its many customers, both trade and retail with a wide range of suppliers covering all elements, designs and budgets. Our company philosophy is to provide a bespoke service with quality products based around each customer’s needs. Our showroom is in Beckenham but we can cover all areas and although we specialise in kitchens we have helped our customers design and install many other
rooms in their house including bathrooms, studies, bedrooms, playrooms, TV display areas and storage. Our services include a free design and consultation, site visits, supply only or full works with interior structural alterations. If you have plans for a new extension or are thinking of refurbishing your existing space then please pop in to our showroom at 71 High Street, Beckenham or call us on 0208 663 3393 to find out more about our products.
Creative Interior Designs, 71 High Street, Beckenham, Kent BR3 1AW 0208 663 3393 • www.creative-iduk.co.uk • info@creative-iduk.co.uk
OCTOBER 2014 63
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The Answer to a Smaller Kitchen - continued from Page 62 Many manufacturers produce slimline dishwashers, ovens and coffee machines designed especially for smaller kitchens. “A compact multifunction oven is a great way to make the most of precious space,” says Marco Rossi. “Try a built-in or built-under integrated fridge that will sit behind a typical unit door.”
Galley gosh
Galley kitchens are notoriously tricky with their long, narrow shape, but the right planning you can turn this to your advantage, says Abigail Ahern. “One of the secrets is open shelving on the walls so you avoid dominating wall units,” she says. “Concealing the fridge, dishwasher, washing machine behind cabinetry panels will make the kitchen feel more streamlined. “And no matter what the colour on the walls, paint the ceiling in the same hue this will open and expand the space.” While a galley kitchen is an extremely functional space (it’s a layout preferred by many professional chefs) one of its challenges is making sure it doesn’t feel too enclosed. Top tips: Enhancing lighting works wonders in these spaces which often lack natural light, advises TV interior designer Richard Randall. “Feature lighting, like up-lit shelving or hanging a mirror on a wall to reflect more light, can both work well.” Using glossy or glass-fronted units with LED downlighters or LED-illuminated shelves inside will also create extra light and ambience.
U-shaped shake-up
A U-shaped layout is one of the most functional kitchen styles.
“With three walls to work with, you can position the oven and hob in the centre of the room and the fridge and sink around it on either side, forming a compact and practical ‘working triangle’,” says Belinda Corani, founder of www. houseconscious.com. Debbie Bowden, a designer at bespoke kitchen company Barnes of Ashburton, agrees. “If you can accommodate a central island, scale it down and create a sociable place for guests to perch,” she suggests. “If the size of your kitchen won’t allow a fixed island, a butcher’s trolley is a stylish alternative, providing additional storage and worktop space.” Top tips: Make sure your kitchen still has style and character, says Abigail Ahern. “I’ve seen some incredibly odd-shaped kitchens, but what made them stand out is how the owners accessorise them just like any other room with lamps on counters, art on walls, and colourful heaps of recipe books. “It’s a good trick because, rather than focusing on the shape, your eye focuses on the cool accessories.”
What the L!
On the face of it, an L-shaped kitchen may seem like an awkward space to deal with, but in reality it’s one of the best layouts for creating a sociable, open atmosphere, says Belinda Corani. “Include a breakfast bar to one side of the kitchen to create a small area for entertaining or dining,” she suggests. “If that’s impossible, a telescopic pull-out table which can be folded away behind a kitchen cabinet drawer front could suffice,” says Gerald Jones, managing director at Masterclass Kitchens. Top tips: “Make the most of every inch of space with integral storage solutions, such as pan drawers, curved corner units and cantilever carousels,” advises Jude Keenan, kitchen planner at John Lewis’s Oxford Street London store. She also suggests positioning tall units at the end of a run, away from windows, to avoid blocking out light.
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KITCHEN LIFE
La Belle Cuisine La Belle Cuisine THE KITCHEN & BEDROOM SPECIALIST
Free Planning & Design With Full Installation Service Including Electrics, Plumbing, Tiling, Decorating
01322 555353 42 High St., Bexley, Kent
01474 335693
78 Windmill St., Gravesend
CUSTOMER SERVICE SECOND TO NONE
W
ith 26 years of experience LA BELLE CUISINE prides themselves on offering a complete service from site survey to the completed kitchen, including small building works, plastering, plumbing, electrics, tiling and flooring. Also they will undertake worktop replacements in laminate and granite and an appliance replacement service. Call in and talk to the experts John or Keith or e-mail labelle.bexley@btconnect.com. La Belle Cuisine, 42 High Street, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1AH Tel: 01322 555353
APPLIANCES SUPPLIED Project2_HORIZ_SI_MAR14 06/02/2014 23:26 Page 1 & INSTALLED
INTERIOR SERVICE InteriorDESIGN Design Service 11-12 Sundridge Parade Plaistow Lane Sundridge Park Bromley BR1 4DT 020 8466 6313 www.sundridgeinteriors.com OCTOBER 2014
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Furniture AV6000 Polar W hite £16,000. Appliances Miele £ 6,000. Worktops Silestone Blanco Zeus Quartz £4,000.
Kitchens, sofas, beds, wardrobes, bookcases, mirrors, tables, chairs, coffee tables and sideboards... there is no end to our product range. We just love furniture and our sole objective is to create products of beauty, rich in quality and daring in combination.
For all enquiries contact us on 01892 619 721 or email sales@krieder.com alternatively view our products online at www.krieder.com
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KITCHEN LIFE
Bespoke-style kitchens that don’t cost the earth!
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f you’re looking for a bespoke-style kitchen that doesn’t cost the earth, then take a look at kitchen specialist, Kit Stone where kitchen prices might surprise you. At their Tunbridge Wells showroom, you’ll find the full range of Neptune kitchens, including two painted styles (available in a choice of 28 heritage colours) and one natural American oak kitchen.
Henley
Handmade from solid wood, utilising the most traditional of techniques, every cabinet is built upon a solid interlocking frame using mortice and tenon joints, with no mdf or chipboard. And with the average price of a kitchen just £15,000, it represents outstanding value for money too!
Chichester The Chichester is the ideal choice for a country kitchen - a classic painted kitchen, designed to complement a traditional home. Customise with a choice of 28 colours.
Henley The Henley is a confident design that marries chic, faded oak with clean, contemporary cabinet design. The texture is rich, smooth and luxurious. The effect is stylish, warm and welcoming.
Chichester
Call your local Tunbridge Wells showroom now for a free, no obligation design appointment.
7 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1BS Tel: 01892 522321 • www.kitstone.co.uk.
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Handmade kitchens, bathrooms & interiors, sensibly priced
www.kitstone.co.uk
7 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1BS LONDON
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
READING
MARLBOROUGH
tel: 01892 522321 BRISTOL
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To DIY or not to DIY? C
arrying out your own electrical work can be tempting. There’s lots of conflicting advice regarding what you’re allowed to do yourself and what has to be left to a professional. Here we explain the dos and don’ts of electrical DIY.
What electrical work can I do myself?
Get to know your electrics Electricity can be dangerous. Around 70 people are killed and 350,000 seriously injured each year as a result of an electrical accident in the home. It also causes almost half of all accidental fires—that’s over 20,000 a year. Understanding the basics of electrical safety will help to reduce your risk and protect your family. • Main switch: This allows you to turn off your electricity at the mains. • Fuses: Older homes have rewireable fuses which automatically disconnect the circuit when a fault or overload current goes above a safe level.
By law, most electrical work in the home needs to be carried out by an electrician registered with a government-approved scheme, such as the NICEIC. This electrical safety law, Part P of the Building Regulations, was introduced by the government on 1st January 2005. This brings electrical work in the home under statutory control along with other types of building work, such as gas installations.
• Circuit breakers: Newer homes have circuit breakers in the fuseboard, which switch off the circuit if there is a fault. After the fault is fixed you can simply reset the switch.
You can only carry out electrical work yourself if you can inspect and test that it is safe for use. To comply with the law you must notify your local building control office before you begin any work and pay the appropriate fee for them to inspect the work.
In an emergency
Why do I need certification for my electrical work? If you’re a homeowner and you carry out your own electrical work, should you ever move or rent your property you will be asked to present all the certification for the electrical work carried out. You cannot obtain the appropriate certification for installation at a later stage. If someone is injured or a property is damaged, your insurance will be invalid if you do not have the appropriate certification to prove the system is safe. If work has previously been done on your property and you don’t have the relevant certificates, have a registered electrician carry out an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report), as they will inspect & test all the electric installations.
What’s not covered by Part P regulations? There are certain relaxations for ‘minor work’. This is electrical work that does not involve the addition of a new circuit, for example the replacement of sockets and light switches. This work does not have to be undertaken by a registered electrician and you do not need to notify your local building control office. However, ALL electrical work must comply with BS 7671, the wiring regulations. Kitchens, bathrooms and gardens are classed as ‘special locations’ because the risk of electric shock is greater. Unless you are only replacing accessories, work in a kitchen, bathroom, garden or outbuilding must either be undertaken by a registered electrician or notified to building control.
• RCD: A residual current device prevents electric shocks if you touch something live. Under UK safety standards, all new sockets must have RCD protection. You need to know how to turn off your home’s electricity supply in an emergency. Make sure you know where the main switch in your fusebox is situated. Some homes have more than one main switch. For example, if your home is heated by electric storage heaters, you may have a separate fusebox for them.
How safe is your home? Do you have any of these... • Cables coated in black rubber, lead or fabric • A fusebox with a wooden back • Round sockets or light switches • Braided flex hanging from ceiling roses • Sockets in skirting boards • Wall mounted light switch in bathroom If so, your electrical installation is old and potentially dangerous. We’d recommend you arrange for a registered electrician to carry out an inspection of your property.
Should I attempt to carry out minor work myself?
Also remember that electricity is very dangerous, so only carry out electrical jobs if you are confident you know what you’re doing. If not, leave it to the professionals and don’t chance it to save a few pounds.
Some homeowners attempt to carry out smaller jobs like installing light switches, as they feel it would be too costly to call an electrician in for it. Be warned that what is a simple job for a qualified electrician can turn into a nightmare for a homeowner. Calling out an electrician to fix your mistakes may turn out to cost more than having them do the work in the first place.
The safest thing to do is always use a qualified electrician. Ensure they have Part P certification and ask for their scheme enrolment number and registered body. You can then check that they have the right credentials. On completion of work, ensure that you have been provided with the certification and store this in a safe place.
Why choose Kent Electrical Installations? We’re fully qualified and an NICEIC approved contractor, so all our work is backed by their 6 year guarantee. We can discuss your individual requirements and provide you with a free quote for any electrical work you require.
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Kent Electrical Installations Ltd 0208 309 9863 enquiries@kent-elec.com www.kent-elec.com
CIF_Sevenoaks_140x105_CIF_Sevenoaks_140x105 23/09/2014 11:47 Page 1
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Regain the use of this valuable space and start enjoying your conservatory again by contacting iCon Roofs today for a free, no obligation quotation OCTOBER 2014 69
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ROAM AT HOME Teal lacquer wedding cabinet, £2,395, Orchid Furniture
S
ummer sun and holiday memories can fade as fast as a tan, but there’s no need to wait until next year to recapture the atmosphere of those far-away destinations.
If you dream of the African plains, yearn for the Orient, or just like to be reminded of the excitement of discovering new places, then travel-inspired style is for you, and it can be reflected by your own souvenirs or splashing out on homeware that has a foreign vibe. Plus, if autumn’s come too soon and you can’t bear the thought of the chill of winter, this is an effective way to warm up rooms, with splashes of colour in exotic prints or patterns which, together with travellers’ touches, could create your
own ‘home away from home’. “We’re often at our happiest and most relaxed while on holiday, so why not conjure some of that feel-good vibe at home by taking inspiration from different cultures and influences?” says Sarah Quilliam, head of product design at blinds, curtains and shutters specialists, Hillarys. “Travel not only broadens the mind, it also opens our eyes to new decor interpretations, gives us ideas. We can also bring back objects which suggest a life well-travelled and give a home a unique, personal and multi-layered feel.” Colour choices are key, she says, advising that a rich palette of teals, cinnamon, ochre and blush pink can lend an Asiatic quality to a room, while an eye-catching Ikat design paired with dark wood furniture is suggestive of sultry Indonesian style. “F inishing touches, a globe or your own treasures collected from around the world, will complete the look and add a personal element that can’t be bought,” says Quilliam.
TRAVELLERS’ TALES If there’s nothing you like better than packing a case and journeying to foreign destinations - or you’re simply an armchair traveller - you’ll enjoy surrounding yourself with those voyager essentials, from decorative suitcases to globes and maps. “Furnishing your home with memories from exciting trips aboard is a great way to create a unique and inspirational space,” says Katie Watson, interior designer at furniture specialists, Fishpools.
However, there’s no absolute need to travel far afield to find pieces to
Gold Metal Globe on Stand, £79, Artisanti 70 OCTOBER 2014
transport your home to foreign climes simply check out our guide to ‘holiday’ homeware.
Set of three ivory embroidered World Map cushions, from £117, can be personalized with a fabric heart tag, £5, to mark a favourite destination, Kate Sproston
Matthew Williamson Butterfly home, Fractured Flowers bedlinen set, from £60, cushions from £26, Debenhams
The World Map Pin Board, £25, The Great Gift Company
Tribal Ikat curtains £123 and wood venetian blinds, £86 from Hillarys
Decorative storage suitcases, from £30 to £75, Oliver Bonas
“Whether you’ve simply popped to Paris or ventured a little further afield, a few foreign curiosities can evoke a contagious sense of adventure and will instantly give any space a globetrotter style that’s right on trend.
“Framed antique maps are an easy way to lay the foundations of this look; complement these with an old trunk, or a few worn leather suitcases piled on top of one another. These will not only make a fantastic side table, but also become a striking feature in themselves.” PASSPORT STYLE: Decorative Storage Suitcases, in different colours, £30-£75, Oliver Bonas. Postcards may be old hat nowadays, but there’s a nostalgic charm in a Postcard Cushion, decorated with a montage of vintage examples, £33, Grace & Favour Home. You might not be able to plot a course on the Gold Metal Globe, £79, from Artisanti, but it’s a beautiful accessory to remind you there’s plenty of places left to explore. Alternatively, a self-adhesive World Map Pin Board, £25, The Great Gift Company, could be the perfect repository for holiday photos, tickets and postcards. Take the style to the table and conjure the feel of a city break, with Ben de Lisi’s Designer Skyline Printed Placemats, £16
for set of four, Debenhams. TRAVELLERS’ TREATS: I love this set of three Ivory Embroidered World Map Cushions, from £117, Kate Sproston, particularly as they can be personalized with a fabric heart tag, £5, to mark a favourite destination.
NOMADIC RETREAT Nomadic is truly the most versatile of styles, as it mixes the exotic with the reclaimed and new - think market finds, rustic furniture and tribal rugs paired with whatever appeals to your taste, from Moroccan-style lanterns and animal prints to a vibrantly patterned kilim. “Global style is a high flyer when it comes to decorating your home this season. Many of us are using our very own travel memories and unusual treasures to seek inspiration for creating a space that’s packed with personality and well-travelled charm,” Sarah Herbert, marketing director at Multiyork.
Tesco traditional Flowers duvet cover and pillowcase set, double, £15; Manhattan headboard, black velvet, double size, £149, Tesco
important rooms which may contain an eclectic collection of treasures. Barker & Stonehouse has several exotic pieces which might inspire. Its Pashtun Chair, £1,725, is upholstered in a Suzani fabric stitched in Central Asia, with each design originally celebrating family or village events. Similarly decorative is a Nomadic Rug, in a fusion of blues and reds, from £255. A Havana 3 Door Dresser, £935, made from reclaimed Central American wood has all the right credentials. Chocolate brown shades and striking Aztec tribal patterns are combined in the Dark Natural Curtains, from £123, and
“A distinctive, eclectic piece of furniture, with captivating cultural hints, will play an important role in setting the scene and could transform a room. Distressed leathers are perfect for a travelinspired look, so a Chesterfield-style sofa, like Multiyork’s Audley Leather Sofa, is a great option, conjuring a global touch with a nod to heritage design. Richly-coloured wooden furniture and decorative finishing touches, such as heavily embellished rugs and cushions piled high, will add ethnic interest and amplify its traveller vibe.” PASSPORT STYLE: Build decor around one key piece, taking inspiration from its style or colour, and you’ll find it easy to create a cohesive setting;
Arizona zebra rug, £399, Kelaty
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ABOVE: Ben de Lisi’s Designer Skyline Printed Placemats, £16 for set of four, Debenhams RIGHT: Pip Studio large mug Chinese rose red, £10.99, Hintons Home
PASSPORT STYLE: Designer, Matthew Williamson, has long been inspired by global travel for his Butterfly Home collections for Debenhams. His latest design, Fractured Flowers, is stunning, with tropical blooms splashed on to a purple and pink background. It features on a bedlinen set, from £45. There are complementary cushions, from £26 each, in a choice of vibrantly coloured flower, butterfly and feather designs.
Havana three door dresser, £935; Pashtun chair (right), £1,725; Isla chair, £649, Nomadic rug, from £255, Barker & Stonehouse
SquareTrunk, cream lacquer, £275, Shimu
sun-filtering wood Venetian Blinds, from £86, Hillarys. If your heart lies in Africa, summon luxurious safari style with zebra prints. Sweetpea & Willow’s striking Zebra Cali Armchair, £665, with a zebra print seat and black back and arms, could be a trophy piece. Rug specialists, Kelaty, have an impressive Arizona Zebra Rug, £399. TRAVELLERS’ TREATS: Fierce Creatures Wallpaper, £79 a roll, from the Ephemera collection, features antiquestyle illustrations of jungle creatures, Wallpaper Direct. Complement it with a sepia-look Tapestry Leopard Cushion, £16, Tesco. Postcards cushion, Grace & Favour Home
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EAST MEETS WEST A profusion of plums and pinks is evocative of the richly decorative floral designs so characteristic of Eastern settings. “There are so many influences on our homes these days, as we travel farther and farther afield,” says Bethan John, co-founder of Decorator’s Notebook, specialists in homeware with interesting origins. “Global home accessories, particularly textiles, will instantly add colour, texture and warmth. To incorporate them successfully, keep the background colours neutral so that key pieces have a chance to shine. “A variety of woven, printed and knitted fabrics can be layered together for a sumptuous look, and can easily be changed with the seasons to create a different style.”
A delicately decorated fan wallpaper, Shojo, £52 a roll, Little Greene, available in a range of shades, could make the perfect backdrop for Eastern treasures. This look calls for sumptuous pieces and rich textures, but they needn’t be expensive, as Tesco proves with its impressive Autumn Homeware collection. A Julianne Loveseat, in midnight blue velvet, is a snip at £399, and a purple Fan Cushion, £14. Continue the look into the bedroom and splash out on a black velvet Manhattan Headboard, from £149 for a double, and dress the bed with a turquoise and pink double Traditional Flowers Duvet Cover and Pillowcase Set, £15. Eastern decor specialist stores abound, and Orchid Furniture has a beautiful range. Its Teal Lacquer Wedding Cabinet, £2,395, would make a statement. TRAVELLERS’ TREATS: Store holiday keepsakes in a simple Oriental-style Cream Lacquer Square Trunk, £275, Shimu. Take tea in Pip Studio Large Mug, in Chinese Rose Red, £10.99, Hintons Home. RIGHT: Zebra Cali armchair, £665, Sweetpea & Willow
London Style in the Country
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t’s not only London interior designers that have us quivering with excitement.
Frant based interior specialists, Ensor Interior Design have brought a creative London style to Kent and Sussex, just minutes from the centre of Tunbridge Wells. Boasting what may be largest pattern book library in the area, their wonderful showroom also features a fabulous selection of furniture, lighting, mirrors and accessories for the traditional and contemporary home.
Lisa and her busy team of designers, create schemes for all types of homes – from traditional country style for rural houses, to unusual, quirky furnishings sourced to suit the current midcentury modern trends in more contemporary homes. “Ensor’s aim is to provide a highly personal service. Our experience and knowledge of fabrics, lighting and furniture will help create the perfect home - designed to match the individual lifestyles and tastes of our varied clients” says Lisa.
Unlike many interior designers, Ensor is also able to provide a totally bespoke service, through their long-established, in-house soft-furnishings and upholstery workroom. This valuable resource delivers the high standards and personal service their clients have come to expect. Shopping for furniture and homewares has changed dramatically over recent years with the advent of the internet - but when creating the perfect home, nothing quite beats spending an hour or two in the wonderful, inspiring surroundings of Ensor’s interiors showroom and benefitting from the experience and sound advice of an imaginative expert …
Favourite new fabrics and wallpapers are teamed with Ensor’s own range of sofas, chairs and gorgeous accessories, to create stylish, memorable room settings. “This is where our clients can browse and be inspired” says owner Lisa Evans as she artistically places a fur throw across a sumptuous buttoned footstool.
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Ensor Interior Design, 37 High Street, Frant, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9DT. Tel: 01892 750101 • www.ensorinteriordesign.co.uk
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Mr and Mrs Henderson from Oxfordshire
Making the right decisions?
It’s best to dive straight in From the moment they step through the front door, the majority of British homeowners know that their home is ‘the one’. In fact, over half of us have already decided to purchase our dream home less than an hour after viewing the property.
I
t may seem surprising then that, while we find it so easy to make some of life’s bigger decisions, it’s often the smaller choices that we spend days, weeks or even months agonising over. Ironically, according to research from swimming pool builder Origin Leisure, we decide that a house is for us within minutes, but can spend months deliberating whether to make smaller home improvements. We trust our instinct for big decisions, but 60 per cent of us admitted to spending more time weighing up the pros and cons of the finer details rather than having the confidence to go with our gut feeling. Gary Taylor of Origin Leisure said: “Our 30 years’ experience has taught us that too much deliberating can often be counterproductive. A swimming pool is considered a luxury for some and a necessity to others, but what many have in common is that they wish they’d made the decision to add a pool to their home much sooner. Our advice is to listen to your instinct and do what will make you and your family happy.” 74 OCTOBER 2014
Two families who took the plunge and never looked back are Mr and Mrs Henderson from Oxfordshire and Mrs Shears from Buckinghamshire. The Hendersons are no stranger to building projects. The couple built their beautiful and modern home ten years ago, an experience that left them less than enthused at the prospect of another home improvement project. While both had very firm ideas about the standard of finish on the property, the builders had a very different idea. Mr Henderson explains: “The sad thing about the original house project was that the builders’ idea of finished was very different to ours. The building took over a year, and we began to think the early enthusiasm was beginning to wane slightly. So when we made the decision to add a pool house in the garden we couldn’t help remembering some of the pitfalls.” Luckily, history was not destined to repeat itself. The couple chose a striking bespoke modern pool house from Origin Leisure, who handled the project
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Mrs Shears from Buckinghamshire
from start to finish, and they couldn’t be happier with the final result. The pool house has stunning stain softwood weatherboard exterior and slate grey roof to compliment the Hendersons home and fit in with the surrounding area. Grey aluminium bi-fold doors open up the building into the garden, bringing the outside in, while the ceramic tiles, a grey washed timber roof and country cream walls finish the interior beautifully. The building, which includes an additional extension with a changing room, shower room and WC, measures a total of 128m² and includes a porch and store room. Origin Leisure undertook every element of the process, from the initial ideas to planning, construction and completion. The couple were surprised at how stress-free the project was, as Mr Henderson explains: “Origin was infinitely patient with our changes of mind, moments of inspiration, and indecisions about detail. The company is very open to innovation and are happy to consider details in length, from pool size to tiling style and the unique roof option that we developed between us. “Origin’s focus is on quality. From director to architect, project manager and the building team, the company’s experience shone through. From the very start of the project, right through to our first swim, the knowledge and understanding of this long established company gave us confidence in their numerous abilities. “Origin’s work was beyond our expectations. We would recommend them to anyone who wants to have a pool house as part of their home and day to day life.”
Another happy customer is Mrs Shears, who also took advantage of Origin Leisure’s ability to manage the whole project from start to finish in the design and build of her barn-style pool house. The impressive 120m² pool house has been designed to blend perfectly with the surrounding Buckinghamshire countryside with a stained softwood weatherboard exterior and a charcoal grey shingle roof tile. Mrs Shears choose bi-folding doors to open up the whole side of the building during the summer, as well as a bar and seating area, perfect for entertaining friends and family. Since the project was completed Mrs Shears hasn’t looked back and has enjoyed every minute of having her own private swimming pool right on the doorstep. She explains: “The finished building matches our home and adds enormously to the look of our gardens, and that’s before you get inside and appreciate the sheer joy of it. Swimming every day is good for your health and it doesn’t get much better than spending the early evening relaxing in the pool house with your family.” Both the Hendersons and Mrs Shears are over the moon with their finished projects and happy with the decision they made to add a swimming pool to their homes, helped by the experts at Origin Leisure. With over 30 years experience creating spectacular domestic swimming pools and pool houses, the company manages every stage of the project from concept to completion, giving you the confidence and freedom to enjoy your decision. To speak to the experts at Origin Leisure call 01895 823366 or visit www.originleisure.com OCTOBER 2014 75
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Create a statement... with striking shutters
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tylish and sophisticated, plantation shutters are the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to an interior. With a wide range of natural woods and man-made materials to choose from, including traditional teak, eco-friendly LDF and waterproof ABS, there is a shutter to suit every room in the home. Choose stained hardwood to create a classic look, or go for a sleek, painted finish for a modern twist. There are an endless number of ways to customise your shutters too - from shape, style and louvre width down to hinge colour - so your shutters can truly become the focal point of your home. A practical choice But it’s not all about looks, shutters are incredibly practical too. They provide excellent control over light and privacy and offer fantastic insulation properties – perfect for homes with draughty windows. Not only that, they are expertly crafted from the finest materials to ensure they are built to last. If you’re sold on shutters but you’re not sure whether they’re within your budget, think again. With so many ranges to choose from, shutters can be an achievable option for all. 76 OCTOBER 2014
Local expertise Based in Fulham, Premier Shutters pride themselves on providing unrivalled experience for anyone looking for shutters for their home. With 10 years’ experience, you can be confident that you’ll not only get professional advice, you’ll be delighted with the finished product too. Their specialist surveyors bring their expert knowledge, as well as a wide range of samples, to you in your home at a time that suits you. They’ll take precise measurements, offer guidance and leave a competitive quote – all without the pressure of a hard sell. They’ll make sure you get the best option for your home – and at a price you can afford. You can book a no-obligation home survey or simply request a brochure by calling 0800 916 7770 or visiting their website at www.premiershutters.co.uk. Visit the Premier Shutter Showroom at 139 Munster Road, Fulham, SW6 6DD
OCTOBER 2014 77
MULTI-AWARD WINNING DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION UK Pool Contractor of the Year 2012. Family Company celebrating 48 years of excellence.
Splash
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Swimming Pools, visit the The Pool free site consultation and look forward oil Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9DS elves. Centre at 620-622 Limpsfield Road, to a long hot Summer spent around Even when we changed our Warlingham, Surrey CR6 9DS or h the pool with friends and family. mind about certain features call 01883 622335. You can also visit y 78Tanby OCTOBER 2014 e information about the installation, thethrough website www.tanbypools.co.uk y halfway
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47
Call us for a no obligation FREE site survey on
01883 622335
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DESIGN LED CONSTRUCTION THE KEY TO SUCCESSFUL RESIDENTIAL REFURBISHMENT & CONSTRUCTION
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efurbishing a home is an exciting and rewarding experience. It is often a once in a lifetime opportunity to create a unique living space completely personal to you and your family. This article highlights the importance of taking time to research and select the right designers and builders for your project and argues the case for appointing a specialist, established design and build company as a one-stop-shop for the entire process. You only have to turn on the television or talk to friends and family who from experience will highlight the frustrations and pitfalls of the traditional design, tender, build approach. Projects often run over budget and over schedule, turning what should be the realisation of a dream into a very stressful experience. Consequently, more and more people are seeking a fresh approach to creating their new home. Design led construction - often referred to as design and build - provides a full service through a single company, where design is fully integrated into the construction phase. This approach ensures all parties understand the design, detailing, cost, quality and time issues involved thus
eliminating problems that traditionally occur once responsibility is divided amongst individual professionals and contractors. Red Square Design and Build is an example of a firm that has employed design led construction for over 14 years and offers a comprehensive service under one roof. Red Square’s experienced team comprises a collective of professionals ranging from architects, interior designers, furniture designers, structural engineers and construction managers to experts in home automation technology, all required to successfully complete a residential project. At Red Square, because the design and construction teams are part of the same business this means reduced risks and fewer frustrations for the client. The build management team are involved throughout the design process so any potential problems are literally designed out and addressed prior to work commencing. Investigative works are performed early in the process to ensure the design team consider any constraints within the existing structure of the property. In this way any unexpected issues are avoided and the final design of the project is never compromised.
A design led approach also allows the client greater flexibility, permitting changes to be considered throughout the term of the project. This is a huge advantage in areas of innovation such as home automation (centrally controlled entertainment, lighting, climate and security systems) where products are constantly being updated. The design team are able to review the market prior to ordering goods to ensure these are still the best available in terms of quality and function. This gives the client an opportunity to make informed changes without causing delay to the project programme and allows the very latest products and finishes to be incorporated into the final build. For these reasons, design and build is now considered the best option for the client, delivering both innovative design and peace of mind that the project will be completed to brief, on time and within budget. Contact RedSquare Squarefor for further information Contact Red further information and to toarrange arrangeaafree, free,no noobligation obligation consultation call020 01892 consultation call 7385860511 8500 enquiries@redsquaredb.com enquiries@redsquaredb.com
www.redsquaredb.com
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We design, we source and we make it happen, let us do the work for you
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ules are made to be broken. Our interior design team can open your eyes to exciting ways of decorating. Introduce new techniques that achieve the look you want. Reveal a range of styles for every room, your main living space, your bedrooms and bathroom. With our extensive experience in quality curtains, blinds, furniture, lighting, paints, tracks, poles, carpets, rugs and awnings we can provide an excellent tailor made solution. It’s all part of our service. No project is too small or too large and we can oversee everything from the Design to the implementation. Put your feet up and relax. Let us do the rest. Our team has over 40 years’ experience in creating stunning interiors, from traditional to modern contemporary. Our hands on approach means we are with you every step of the way, from initial consultation through to finished product. View our portfolio page to see images of our work. To book an appointment call Carly Jackson (BA Hons) on 01689 878418 Having an established knowledge of the interior and window furnishing markets from both a trader’s and a customer’s perspective, the Amity team have strived to establish the highest standards of quality and expert service. We are dedicated to providing up to the minute products of superior qualities. While the friendly personalised service of our design advisors and measure and fit experts continues, our ranges of products is constantly expanding. Our long established international connections allow us to bring you the latest interior styling technologies and aesthetics from across the globe.
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Because we are a bespoke company all of our professional services are tailored uniquely to you. This starts with our showroom advisory service and concludes with the offer of our expert measuring consultation and installation service. The Amity showroom offers a spacious and pleasant creative environment with over 2500 fabric, wallpaper, blind, pole and accessory collections we have books, swatches and designer displays to inspire your choices. You will also find fully working showroom models of blinds, awnings, electronics and more which our technical advisers use to demonstrate your mechanical and installation alternatives, in the quest for your most functional and reliable, as well as stylish, option. Whatever your question our extensive product ranges can provide you with the answer. This experience also means you can have confidence in our minimum disruption, maximum efficiency `on location` services. Starting with our detailed measure consultation for every kind of window including conservatories, design intensive pelmets or swags and tails, and outdoor awnings, you can be sure we only recommend the most suitable and effective items to suit your unique practical needs and design desires. The Amity team are happy to travel to anywhere, nowhere is too far! Come along and see for yourself. Amity Solar House, Church Hill, Orpington, Kent BR6 OHE Tel: 01689 878 418 • www.amity.uk.com • info@amity.uk.com
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ANTIQUES
John Bly O
nce upon a time I had a 1951 MG.TD. It was my pride and joy but I managed to put it through a wall headon, spun it round and went into the wall again, this time backwards. That way I even buckled the spare wheel. It was such a lovely car, black with a red radiator grill and red leather interior. I had a reduced silencer fitted to give it a throaty sound when climbing through the gears and a horn that played the signature tune to the Radio programme ‘Take it from Here’. Sadly I can recall the crash in every detail even though it was over fifty years ago, but there we are.
most important of all…he was afraid of heights. Which brings to mind yet another use for the wind tunnel; the safe structure of tall buildings all – hopefully – sorted out by means of lengths of yarn, air bubbles or strands of smoke blasted through an enclosed space at and around scale models to make visible the airflow before you and I venture into them.
There can be no question that the 1950’s decade was the age of the sports car and the whole range of MGs, from the TA to the TF were among the very best looking. They were quite small but perfectly proportioned and once in the driver’s seat there was this long bonnet in front, big headlamps, running boards and doors cut low to accommodate the casual elbow leaning out. Even the more sedate town cars and shooting-brakes (estate cars to you and me now) were handsome, to my eyes nothing like the funny characterless bubble shape things we drive around in today. But of course they were not aerodynamic. Had they been so my MG might not have gone into the wall. Research and development into the effects that shape has on stability and economy has resulted in the modern car being probably as safe a machine to drive and inexpensive to run as we could possibly have.
All of this above is in response to the considerable interest shown by so many readers when I mentioned military, naval and aeronautical objects in my last article. Naturally it was only a mention – let’s face it, it’s a far cry from 18th century furniture - so for more details I went to a friend of mine at Hatchwell Antiques, a long established firm that enjoys an international reputation as a leading specialists in such things. For the amateur enthusiastic or connoisseur collector their shop is a Mecca.
The definitive study of aerodynamics has been made possible by the development of the wind tunnel, the basic origins of which can be traced back to Leonardo da Vinci, but in England to the early 18th century when one Ben Robins (1707 -1751) invented a whirling arm apparatus to witness the effects of drag. Sometime later Sir George Cayley (1773 – 1857) improved on this but both men were actually studying an object moving through static air whereas the wind tunnel allows the opposite. This occurred to Francis Herbert Wenham (1824 – 1908) during the 1870’s when he built the first enclosed wind tunnel. Its primary use was to improve the possibilities of manned flight and to this end a Swede, Carl Nyberg (1897 – 1922) used one to formulate lift for his early aeroplane, the ‘Flugan’. Probably the most significant development came when Osborne Reynolds (1842 – 1912) showed that a scale model, given the parameters were the same, could be used to replicate wind effects on something full size. This data is still used and known as the Reynold’s Number. Poor Mr. Nyberg however, some thirty years ahead of the Wright brothers, could only manage a few short hops in his steam engine powered flying machine. Several things were against him it seems; one was a poor wingspan ratio, another was an inefficient propeller but worse and
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Here you can see how things that were intended for scientific development in peace and war can become objects of great beauty with decorative as well as historical significance. One thing I thought could easily fit into a design scheme with an ancient and modern theme was the wind tunnel model used to test the external airflow over a jet engine. See Pl.I. Talking again of wind tunnels it was interesting to see just how massive these machines were. In Pl.II you can see a pair from the set of 18 laminated Sitka spruce fan blades made in 1975 for the High Speed wind tunnel at NASA Langley research centre, Virginia, USA. These could produce a wind speed of over 650 mph, but mounted as they are they become monuments to an age of discovery, for each stands 325 cm high. When I look at the illustration Pl.III I think of the line of dialogue in the movie Crocodile Dundee when he says “Now that’s a Knife”. I say “Now that’s a model aeroplane!” In fact it’s a 1/5 scale aluminium and steel wind tunnel development model of a Douglas “Destroyer” XSB2D-1 dive bomber, circa 1942 and it’s big – 264 w x 221 d x 135 h cm. The full size aircraft itself has a fascinating history for it was instrumental in the cut-and-thrust of the war in the Pacific. From my point of view as an archivist, it is reassuring to know that this and all such documentation will be forever available for historians in the future. There will be no room for the speculation, vague provenance based on family legend and approximation of age formulated by supposition, all of which have plagued the antiques business to some degree since the late 19th century. From now on everything is and will be recorded in infinite detail. Thankfully the guidelines as to what may be termed an antique, and therefore revered, have been relaxed and things of historic importance as well as works of art can now qualify. Just think of Classic Cars. Oh dear, that’s just reminded me of my M.G. TD and that wall! I am indebted to Richard at Hatchwell Antiques, 533 King’s Road, London for his help and illustrations. John Bly Antiques 1891. Tel: 01442823030 Mobile: 07831 888826 Website: www.johnbly.com Email: john@johnbly.com
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OCTOBER 2014 85
BOOK REVIEWS
The Bookshelf “ Sometimes we need to explore the limits - go beyond your comfort zone . . .” WORDS BY BRUCE EDWARDS
Beautiful Fools R. Clifton Spargo
Doctor January Rhoda Baxter
The Windsurf Girl M A Meadowcroft
• Overlook Duckworth
• Choc Lit
• Matador
• £8.99 Paperback
• £7.99 Paperback
• £7.99 Paperback
Every budding writer should read and take note of what may herein befall one - within the first few pages, Spargo has epitomised the dilemmas facing those with literary urges, Beware! Zelda has a ‘round Indian face and slightly slanted eyes’, Scott crucially has a new pair of Florsheim shoes. He books her into a mental hospital and proceeds to take a lover. Years later, when it’s time for a marital reunion, the lover slams the door on him and the stage is set for a trip to Cuba with his wife. Here intriguing adventures befall them, largely orchestrated by Aurelio with his new wife Maryvonne. There’s some fine, lazy, exotic descriptions of life and love - written in such a relaxed and sensuous style it’s easy to just drift along . . . until there’s a cock fight and the loss of a Moleskine notebook. Ah, hard times have to be pleasurably borne . . . .
Amongst the complexities of genres science fiction, historical, crime, fantasy and a host of others, lies the rather demeaning one of ‘chick lit’. Rarely in these columns will you discover a work of such elementary fiction, for plainly written ‘boy meets girl’ tales tend to lack the subtlety and nuances of a well written story, aiming more at our instinctive reactions to the basic intimacies which form the hard core of such a genre. Occasionally one may offer that little ‘something extra’, a variation on the theme, and the strength of this intriguingly titled novel lies in the background as well as characterization. Advice often offered to new writers is ‘stick to things you know’ and if the boys and girls work in a lab, then an author who’s a D.Phil in microbiology should get things right for them. Her characters play around, in every sense of the phrase, but finally our Beth sees sense at the same time as her experiments with Doctor January succeed.
Another good example of writing a story around the things you love doing - and set in scenery you know, ‘the windsurf girl’ is a debut novel and self-published. The aura of doubt about self-publishing is slowly ebbing away as our larger publishing houses struggle under the weight of circumstances which are not doing any of us readers many favours. As so many people can now write and publish their efforts on line we are drowning in a sea of mediocrity - so why not surf? At least it is a ‘she who pays piper calls the tune’ and the print and bind quality here surpasses that of many another small publishing house. Fran flees to Suffolk, to a remote beach hut, to escape a downturn in marital affairs and is joined by her brother and sister-in-law. There’s some property dealing, some frank descriptions of interesting liaisons, an amount of rushing around the scenery and not too much water sports. Does she discover her depth, get her feet on dry land once more?
ISBN: 978-1-4683-0880-8
ISBN: ISBN: 978-1-781891-24-7
ISBN: 978-1-78306-369-7
Suggestions and queries to writerselect@gmail.com. We’re always happy to consider specific titles for review, though without obligation. Can’t find a title? E-mail your details and we’ll help. Need a new source for a romantic read ? - Try www.novelsforromance.co.uk
86 OCTOBER 2014
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OPENING NOVEMBER 2014 Bambinos Nursery, located less than 1 minute walk from Beckenham Junction Station We will be offering child care for children aged 3 months to 5 years from 7:30am to 6:30pm each day OPEN WEEK INVITATION Bambinos would like to invite you and your family to come and view our brand new nursery and child care facilities OPEN WEEK Monday 20th October - Friday 24th October from 10am to 6pm each day To make an appointment, please contact:
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Advertiser’s Announcement
T H O M A S D U N T O N SOLICITORS
For more information and full details of funding options, please visit our new and dedicated Personal Injury website at www.injuryadvicelawyer.co.uk
Where to get the best advice about your Personal Injury Discussing the problem
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For example, if you were ill, would you want to discuss your condition with someone by email, possibly hundreds of miles away, or would you want to see a local doctor?
With Personal Injury claims, a meeting is essential so that your solicitor can see the effects your injury has on your life, not only medically but financially and socially. We can also visit you at home or in hospital.
Meet the experts With Thomas Dunton you will have the advantage of face-to-face meetings where you can ask questions, get immediate replies and ask for clarity where necessary. You have the convenience of calling in to our local office or if you telephone you will speak to the person handling your case, not a call centre. Robert is Head of the Personal Injury Team. He qualified as a Solicitor in 1992, joining Thomas Dunton in 2004. He has Senior Litigator Approved Status with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and is an Approved Member of the Law Society's Specialist Personal Injury Panel. ROBERT SARDO
Specialist Personal Injury Team: Our specialist team is headed by Robert Sardo who has Senior Litigator Approved Status with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and is an Approved Member of the Law Society’s Specialist Personal Injury Panel.
With today’s technology, replying to advertisements on TV, in the national press or a pop-up on a web page couldn’t be simpler. However, buying a product is one thing; is it always such a good idea to use people you don’t know, and will never meet, for more complex services?
Similarly with legal advice, the benefits of using local experts can far outweigh the initial convenience of the internet and can be just as cost effective.
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Treated as a person In all legal matters where you need reassurance, professional advice and a resolution that is tailored for you, a call to your local lawyer should be your first step; you will be treated as a person and not a file number.
Do you have a claim? If you have suffered an injury that was not your fault, you may have a claim for compensation. You may also have a claim if you have been the victim of a criminal assault or suffered through clinical negligence. Generally to pursue a claim the injury must have occurred within the last three years. However, there are exceptions, for instance for children or where the consequences were not immediately apparent. We have been advising the public with Personal Injury claims throughout Kent and south east London for over 35 years. Our reputation is founded on the tradition of a personal service and affordable costs. For all Personal Injury inquiries, please call Robert Sardo and his team on Freephone 0800 146340 or email accident@thomasdunton.co.uk
Qualified lawyer: When you speak to us you will be talking to a qualified lawyer, not a legal advisor at a call centre. Free one hour face to face interview: We offer you a free one
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Should you be unable to attend our offices, we will be pleased to meet you at your home or hospital.
Rehabilitation: Apart from striving for the maximum compensation, we will be actively pursuing the defendant to fund additional medical treatment to enable you to get back to full health as quickly as possible. Information in this article is of a general nature and details are prone to change. *(Source: The Law Society 2013)
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WORKPLACE INJURI SLIPPING & TRIPPING
CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service Call our professional teams in Bromley 0208 315 0236 bromley@bluebirdcare.co.uk Call our professional team in Sevenoaks Sevenoaks Call our team in 01732 471 professional 541 01732 471 541 sevenoaks@bluebirdcare.co.uk Sevenoaks sevenoaks@bluebirdcare.co.uk Tunbridge Wells 01732 471 541 01732 808 947 sevenoaks@bluebirdcare.co.uk tunbridgewells@bluebirdcare.co.uk
Dear Dear Debbie Debbie
Debbie Moulton, Care Manager of
BlueBird offers CARE her aDviCe DEBBIE Care, MOULTON, Debbie Moulton, Care Manager of
MANAGER OF BLUEBIRD CARE
BlueBird offers her aDviCe OFFERS Care, HER ADVICE
Dear Debbie Dear Can you Debbie explain why some people are given money to I have recently heard a lot about home care but for amitnot Dear Debbie help them with care costs and others have to pay
familiar with what it is. My mother has Alzheimer’s and all themselves? it doesn’t seem veryare fair - they are allto Can you I care forexplain her fullwhy timesome but Ipeople need to gogiven backmoney to work. I oaP’s after all.a residential help them with care costs and forchoice it thought that careothers homehave was to thepay only Yours sincerely, forthemselves? her at this stage. Could youvery let me about all it doesn’t seem fairknow - theymore are all Claire homeChester care and what it actually is?
oaP’s after all.
Yours sincerely, YoursChester sincerely Claire
Les P Dear Claire
We offer good old fashioned service A realistic cost effective alternative to residential care. With familiar friends, relatives and possessions around. We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or social visits. Our staff are caring, trained to give medication and police checked.
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the reason is that social Care is considered to be different Dear Claire from Health Care, which is covered by the NHs and is Dear Les universally available without charge. “Fairness” is adifferent the reason is that social Care is considered to be difficult in social Care! at present, youand from Care, which is covered by the if NHs is Care Health atconcept home, home care or domiciliary care ishave a service more than £23,250 in savings or capital, you have to that is increasing popular and is a realistic alternative universally available without charge. “Fairness” is a pay to your residential care. In the past at it was generally for own social ifCare! your savings areifbelow that difficult concept in Care. social present, youthought have that when someone started to become less able, that level, you may qualify for some assistance from your local more than £23,250 in savings capital, you pay moving into a residential careorhome was thehave onlytoviable authority which will provide guidance. for your own social Care. if your savings are below that option. Care at home is exactly what it says it is. People evenremain if you have to pay yourassistance own social Care, youlocal can in qualify their own homes for as long as possible level, you may forfor some from your withqualify support a provide care agency withwhich their is Care may forfrom attendance allowance, not workers means authority - which will guidance. visiting them. tested. to be eligible, you must be 65 or over and have even if you have to pay for your own social Care, you The benefits areorthat people can maintain their enough either a physical mental disability thatwhich is severe may qualify for attendance allowance, is not means independence and retain their quality of life while receiving for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to tested. to beon eligible, must 65 or over and have assistance thingsyou they maybe now struggle with for supervise you, foror your own orofsomeone safety. the either a physical thatelse’s is severe enough example getting in mental and outdisability the shower, putting socks payment is presently either: on,you preparing medication and even shopping. for to needmeals, help caring for yourself or someone to A care agency will always be able police l good £53 per week if you need frequent helptoelse’s orprovide constant supervise you, for your own or someone safety. the checked, fully trained, kind and considerate CareorWorkers. supervision during the day, or supervision at night, payment is presently either: Nowadays the need for support no longer means going l £79 per week if you need help or supervision l £53 per week if you need frequent help or constant into a care home but receiving assistance in the comfort throughout both daythe andday, night, or you are terminally supervision supervision night, orill. of your ownduring home which isorusually more at cost effective You can claim byiffilling in Form available from the l £79 per week you need helpaa1a, or supervision too. Post office, or by going online at www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/ throughout both day and night, or you are terminally ill. You can claim by filling in Form aa1a, available from the
Kindwishes, Regards Best Post office, or by going online at www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice/ Debbie Moulton Debbie Moulton Care Manager Care Manager Best wishes, Bluebird Care (Sevenoaks) Bluebird Care (Sevenoaks) Debbie Moulton Care Manager Bluebird Care (Sevenoaks) a u g u s t 2 0 1 3 XX
OCTOBER 2014 89
T R AV E L
Neville Poelina at Kimberley outback in Western Australia
TOP TUCKER SERVED DOWN UNDER
H
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ow about we cook a kangaroo tail for afternoon tea, Pete?” suggests my charismatic aboriginal host Neville, as I cast a fishing rod into the river and keep an eye out for crocodiles. It seems a strange choice for a pastime usually associated with sandwiches and cakes, but having developed a taste for ‘roo burger’ on a previous trip Down Under, this is one bush tucker trial I won’t be turning down.
90 OCTOBER 2014
As I continue trying to catch what proves to be an elusive barramundi, Neville sparks up a fire, wraps the kangaroo tail with river gum leaves, then buries it in the ground to cook. The results are fantastic, and it comes as no surprise to discover that some of Australia’s top chefs are now turning to indigenous dishes to spice up their menus. The food scene here is exploding, and according to research conducted by Tourism Australia, British tourists rate the
country as a top destination for food and drink. Keen to discover the culinary heritage for myself, I’ve come to Western Australia, home to some of the best restaurants, top wine producers, and an indigenous community whose traditional diet is arousing so much interest. Aborigines are experts in foraging for survival, and have lived from natural resources for the past 70,000 years. Neville refers to his 3,000 acre
T R AV E L property in the Kimberley outback as “my supermarket and pharmacy”. During a morning walk, he points out plants used as medicine to cure various illnesses and plucks tasty berries from the trees to snack on. “My people never had saucepans and plates,” he laughs.
❛
On my previous trip to Perth, I had been underwhelmed by the city centre, which appeared soulless and lacking character, but I’m taken aback by how much it has changed five years on.
Broome has developed into a thriving destination, where Australians flock for winter sun
While bush tucker is by no means served up on all 10 courses of my delicious marathon meal, I am presented with the now familiar kangaroo tail, which tastes every bit as good with a glass of shiraz. Chef and owner Kiren Mainwaring says a passion for foraging influences his menu, and his Welsh accent provides more proof that you don’t need to be native to appreciate the food on offer in Australia. Rainbow trout and rabbit liver parfait are a couple of the other tasty dishes
❛
But it’s not only aborigines who are benefiting from the ‘fat of the land’; something I experience first-hand at Co-Op Dining in East Perth.
which are served, along with wines from Margaret River and Bickley Valley.
I take a leisurely stroll with my guide, Ryan, from Two Feet & A Heartbeat Walking Tours, visiting classy restaurants, noisy bars, pubs and coffee shops.
Following an afternoon walk along the beach, I wander through the bustling markets and stop off at the Sail And Anchor pub, where I try Lark’s Foot and Monkey’s Fist ales.
Above: Peter Thompson at Kings Park in Perth Below: Peter Thompson at Kimberley outback in western Australia
As I set off for dinner later that evening, an enthusiastic nod of approval from the receptionist at the Hougoumont Hotel confirms Bread In Common is likely to live up to its hype. The laid-back ambiance makes an immediate impression as I walk through the door of the vibrant restaurant and
Neville Poelina at Kimberley outback in Western Australia
OCTOBER 2014 91
T R AV E L discover what all the fuss is about. I’m soon tucking into barramundi, pork shoulder, kangaroo (of course) and hogget loin - all good enough to give my own nod of approval to the chef. Bread In Common proves to be a gem, but I unearth more jewels in the busy tourist town of Broome, a two-and-a-half hour flight from Perth. Built on the back of the pearling industry, Broome has developed into a thriving destination, where Australians flock for winter sun. Bread in Common in Fremantle, Western Australia
I check into the classy Pinctada Cable Beach Resort & Spa, where lovely aromas emanating from the kitchen soon lure me into the restaurant. I’m pleased to discover the spiced pearl meat starter tastes every bit as good as it smells; fine preparation for a main of grilled fillet of Kimberley beef. Cable beach looks idyllic as I take a morning walk in the glorious winter sun, with just a scattering of people on the white sand and even fewer enticed into the turquoise Indian Ocean. Having worked up an appetite, I head to Zoo Bar, where sous chef Rocky McKenzie talks me through a tasting plate featuring crocodile and camel. The environment is a world apart from the wild bush which Neville calls home, but some of the key ingredients served are essentially the same; it’s just that here, people eat with silverware, rather than using their hands. While I can’t ever imagine developing mid-afternoon cravings for kangaroo tail, I do end my trip having developed a taste for the more unusual foods of Western Australia, whether prepared in restaurants or cooked in the ground.
PHOTOS ABOVE - LEFT TO RIGHT: Broome, where the outback meets the ocean in western Australia Neville Poelina at Kimberley outback in Western Australia Kiren Mainwaring, owner and chef at CoOp Dining in East Perth
TRAVEL FACTS ♦ Peter Thompson was a guest of Tourism Australia (www.australia.com). ♦ Etihad Airways (www.etihad.com; 0845 608 1225) flies from London and Manchester, via Abu Dhabi, to Perth from £729. Fly from Perth to Broome from 89 AUS dollars each way on Etihad’s Skypass (usual price 269 AUS dollars). ♦ Stay at Neville Poelina’s bush camp (www.aboriginaladventures.com) at Udialla Springs, 200km from Broome, from 420 AUS dollars (£235)pp, including a full day bush survival, two nights’ accommodation in safari tents, kitted out with king beds and an en suite, and all meals included. ♦ Doubles at Pinctada Cable Beach (www.pinctadacablebeach.com.au) from 306 AUS dollars per room per night. Doubles at The Sebel Residence East Perth (www.accorhotels.com) from 179 AUS dollars per room, per night ♦ For more information on Western australia visit www.westernaustralia. com ♦ If you’ve been inspired by Western Australia’s culinary delights, discover more about Restaurant Australia at www.australia.com
92 OCTOBER 92 OCTOBER 2014 2014
Pinctada Cable Beach Resort & Spa in Broome, Western Australia
OCTOBER 2014 93
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SPICE MASTER P acking up the contents of his kitchen for a recent house move, former MasterChef winner Dhruv Baker found that his spice collection needed a cull.
“It was ridiculous. Like any person’s spice cupboard, there were about four jars of cumin, because you go to the supermarket and think, ‘Do I have any cumin? I’ll just buy some more’. And probably five jars of coriander for the same reason,” the chef confesses.
Like the rest of us, Baker was also guilty of harbouring “ancient spices” at the back of his shelves. “It’s usually mums who are the worst I’ve seen stuff from the Eighties,” he adds. “They don’t taste of anything. You may as well add dust to your cooking.” Spices matter a lot to Baker, who was born in Mexico and has also lived in India, Spain and Tanzania. He was described as having ‘the palate of an angel’ when he picked up the
94 OCTOBER 2014
MasterChef trophy in 2010, and has now published a book called Spice: Layers Of Flavour.
“The word spicy seems to have morphed into meaning something hot. It’s doing food an injustice - to me, it means so much more,” says the chef, who lives in Surrey with Glaswegian wife Aileen and their two sons, aged six and three. Among the spices Baker recommends we all have in our kitchen are star anise, whole coriander, fennel seed, chilli powder and turmeric. “Hopefully the book will go some way to showing that spices are much more versatile, and to look on them as ingredients in their own right,” he adds. The 38-year-old was “bored to death” working in media sales before he entered MasterChef, which gave him “the most amazing opportunity, for which I’m eternally grateful,” he says. Since winning, he’s made TV appearances, set up a catering company and is working on taking over a pub in
southwest London, doing “good, honest food that people want to eat”. “For the next six months, I fully expect to be in the kitchen seven days a week and running both the catering side of things and the pub,” he says. It was MasterChef judge Gregg Wallace who Baker has to thank for his ‘palate of an angel’ moniker. “Good old Gregg,” he says with a smile. “That was completely overwhelming and very flattering; I should probably have had it put on a business card.” Baker has also become good friends with MasterChef’s John Torode, and the pair occasionally cook for each other. Does he still feel the pressure to impress the Australian judge? “Every time he comes round and I’m cooking, I get nervous. I shouldn’t, but I do. I guess it’s a good thing, it shows you care.” Fancy giving Baker’s Spice recipes a go? Here are three to get you started...
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F O O D D R I N K
BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH RED ONION, FETA & CORIANDER (Serves six as a starter or four for lunch) 1tsp coriander seeds 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 4cm cubes 3tbsp vegetable oil 2 sprigs fresh thyme 3 cloves garlic, unpeeled 1 red onion, finely sliced 150g feta, cubed Juice of 1 lemon 50ml olive oil Small bunch fresh coriander, roughly chopped Salt and freshly ground black pepper 50g soft dark brown sugar Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas mark 4.
In a small pan, dry roast the coriander seeds, over a low heat, until they release their aromas. Allow to cool and then grind to a powder using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder. Put the cubed butternut squash in a roasting tray with the vegetable oil and salt and pepper and toss to coat. Add the thyme sprigs and garlic cloves and cook in the oven for 20-25 minutes. After 10 minutes, stir through the ground coriander seeds - don’t add them right at the start as they can burn and become bitter. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs and set half the garlic aside. Mix together the red onion and cooked butternut squash, then carefully stir in the feta cubes, taking care not to break up the cheese too much. To make the dressing, squeeze half of the now softened garlic from the skins into a bowl and add the lemon juice and olive oil; whisk together. Pour the dressing over the butternut squash and scatter with the chopped coriander.
TERIYAKI-GLAZED SIRLOIN (Serves 4) 500g sirloin, in one piece 2tbsp vegetable oil 1tsp sea salt 2 spring onions, very thinly sliced 4tsp sesame seeds For the teriyaki glaze: 500ml beef stock 1 star anise 1tsp Sichuan peppercorns 4tbsp dark brown sugar 5tbsp mirin 5tbsp sake 5tbsp dark soy sauce Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas mark 6.
Pour the stock into a pan and add the star anise and Sichuan peppercorns. Bring to the boil and leave to simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the liquid has reduced considerably. You should end up with about 50-100ml concentrated beef stock. Strain and discard the spices. Mix the stock with the remaining glaze ingredients and bring to the boil. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes and then remove from the heat. Place a griddle or frying pan over a high heat until it is smoking hot. Meanwhile rub the sirloin with the vegetable oil and season with sea salt. When the pan is really hot, place the beef, fat side down, in the pan and leave for two to three minutes. Turn and sear for two minutes on all other sides. Place the beef in a roasting tin and cook in the oven for 12-15 minutes, then remove and allow to rest. After 15 minutes, add the resting juices to the teriyaki glaze. Slice the beef into thin slices, arrange on a plate and pour over the teriyaki glaze. Scatter over the sliced spring onions and sesame seeds and serve.
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F O O D D R I N K
GLUTEN-FREE CHOCOLATE & CINNAMON TORTE (Serves 6-8) 150g dark chocolate, minimum 70% cocoa solids, broken into small pieces 125g unsalted butter 170g light brown sugar 175g ground almonds 5 eggs, separated 200ml amaretto Pinch ground cinnamon 200ml double cream Icing sugar, for dusting Raspberries (optional), to serve Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/ Gas mark 2. Lightly butter a 23cm loosebottomed round cake tin and line the base with non-stick baking paper.
Put the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl and place over a pan of just simmering water. Once melted, remove from the heat and allow to cool. Add the sugar and ground almonds to the chocolate mixture and then stir in the egg yolks, 150ml of the amaretto and the cinnamon. Whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form and then fold into the chocolate mixture with a metal spoon. Pour the mixture into your prepared tin and cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for a few minutes before turning out. Whip the cream into soft peaks and stir in the remaining amaretto. To serve, place a slice of torte on a plate with a spoonful or two of the cream. Dust with icing sugar and serve with a few raspberries scattered over, if using.
Spice: Layers Of Flavour by Dhruv Baker is published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, priced £25 (e-book, £12.99)
Three of the best Chutneys and Relishes
M Signature Spiced Fruit & Balsamic Chutney, £1.39 for 280g, Morrisons This tasty chutney contains warmly spiced apricots, dates and sultanas, and nicely contrasting balsamic vinegar of Modena. Works well smeared on a cracker with some soft cheese.
Ballymaloe Country Relish, £2.80 for 310g, Tesco Add this much-loved relish from Ballymaloe House in County Cork to a burger, a posh sausage roll or your favourite sandwich, and enjoy its rich mix of tomatoes and gentle spices.
Tracklements Fig Relish, £3.99 for 250g, Ocado This relish from Wiltshire-based Tracklements is made by soaking figs in spiced vinegar before gently cooking them with dark sugar. Makes a great starter or light lunch with some brown bread and goat’s cheese.
96 OCTOBER 2014
Come and celebrate the festive season in style at
Aqua
MEDITERRANEAN BAR & GRILL
CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU A
CHRISTMAS PARTY MENU B
CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH MENU
NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA MENU
1st until 24th December 2014 3 course lunch £19.95 Available Mon – Fri 3 course dinner £23.95 Available Mon-Thur
1st until 24th December 2014 3 course lunch and dinner £26.95 Available Mon-Sat
3 course meal £60.00
Dinner and Dance with DJ 3 courses £60.00 Half price Earlybird 6pm-9pm
Celebrate the festive season at Aqua and we will ensure you receive a warm welcome and your visit is a memorable one. We are proud to serve carefully sourced meat, game and fish from which we produce quality, tasty food cooked to perfection and presented beautifully. All our beef is British and dry aged for 28 days. The centrepiece of the
BOXING DAY LUNCH MENU 3 course meal £24.95
When dining from set menu. After your meal enjoy the rest of the evening at the bar area.
kitchen is a bespoke charcoal grill that gives a unique flavour by cooking over the finest embers to be able to bring you insatiable taste of Mediterranean cuisine. Our restaurants are decorated to a high standard and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, you will be able to have a west end experience that is just on your doorstep.
Book your table now
BROMLEY 020 8460 2346 4-6 Market Parade East Street, Bromley BR1 1QN www.aquabarandgrill.co.uk
BLACKHEATH 020 8318 1143 3-5 Montpelier Vale Blackheath SE3 OTA www.aquarestaurantblackheath.co.uk
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Open Christmas Day £50.00 per person
LUNCH MENU
£10 deposit required
Boxing Day 3 courses £24.95
2 courses £12.50 3 courses £14.50
TUE, WED, THUR & SUN EVENING
TRADITIONAL SUNDAY LUNCH
2 courses £18.50 3 courses £21.50
2 courses £14.50 3 courses £16.50
Murinci Murinci Italian & Mediterranean Brasserie The Estate Office, Station Square, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1LZ Tel: 01689 833271
www.murinci.com
Closed Mondays Ideal venue for Weddings – please call for further details 98 OCTOBER 2014
F i n e
I n d i a n
D i n i n g
&
C o c k t a i l
“What a rare find in suburbia! – offering a great modern twist on Indian cuisine”
B a r
Diwali Sunday Buffet 26 October 12 - 4pm
3 courses £25
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATIONS PARTY MENUS FROM £26 CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH £39 NEW YEAR'S EVE DINNER & DANCE £57 46 Plaistow Lane, Bromley, BR1 3PA t: 020 8289 0322 e: info@cinnamonculture.com w: www.cinnamonculture.com Saffron Culture Catering e: info@saffronculture.co.uk w: www.saffronculture.co.uk
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Holwood – Anthracite Oak/Darwin – Classic White
Designed for living At Stoneham, the values we’ve been building into our bespoke kitchens for the last 150 years haven’t changed. Every hand-built Stoneham kitchen fulfils its own streamlined elegance both effortlessly and exquisitely. It’s about making the very best of the best – the finest woods and natural materials, the most innovative features and latest technology, supremely crafted by the most knowing and capable hands. Appointed kitchen centres available locally and nationwide. For a colour brochure and details of the Centre most convenient to you call 020 8300 8181 or visit:
www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk
Stoneham plc, Powerscroft Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5DZ. Factory Showroom Opening: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 12 midday. 100 OCTOBER 2014