Kentlife may by Fish Media Group Ltd

The Ridings Woodﬁeld Lane Essendon, Herts AL9 6JJ

EDITORS LETTER

Tel : 0844 800 8439 Fax : 01707 655 718 www.thelifemagazines.com Email: peter@ﬁshmediagroup.co.uk 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 Creative Bonfire hello@creativebonfire.co.uk Photography Adam Swaine Accounts Kathy Manning Ken Fleet Business Development Managers Tim Lees Lisa Westerman SALES Vanessa Lane Anita Hill DIRECTORS Peter Smith Rory Smith Patrick Smith 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 repr sent 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.

It’s the May Issue and it definitely feels like Spring...

s the trees and flowers are blooming and its getting warmer, we are encouraging you and the family to get out an about more to see what’s on offer in your local area. To help you decide we are featuring the Bromley Pageant of Motoring on our front cover and as our main story this month. This annual event on Sunday 7th June is now in its 38th year and has grown into the biggest one-day Classic car show in the world. As well as our What’s On guide which is filled with a wide variety of local events we are also highlighting a variety of local places of interest that you and your family should visit including: - Ightham Mote’s 30 years of care by the National Trust. Hever Castle in Bloom. Curiosities at Chatham Dockyard. Top local Summer Gardens and the new exhibition at the Fairfax Gallery in Tunbridge Wells. Adam Swaine our resident Chief photographer has focussed his lens on some picturesque local walks, whilst John Ruler the revered local historian takes an affectionate look back at Biggin Hill. Continuing with this month’s outdoor theme we are highlighting the very best local specialists in Outdoor Living who are offering tips, advice, ideas and suggestions before you decide on a new patio, spa, swimming pool, garden furniture, garden landscaping, fencing, awnings, garden equipment and anything and everything to do with improving the outside of your home. As usual all of your favourite interests are featured in the May issue. Our Beauty pages help you to ‘Brush up your Beauty knowledge’. The Fashion columns advise you to ‘Learn your Stripes’. Our Food and Drink offer a ‘Sprig of Rosemary’. The Home and Garden section has a ‘Stylish Line Up’. Our pages show you that ‘Big Kids scream Louder in Florida’. Regan Maloney reviews more local restaurants and Bruce Edwards looks at more recent Book releases. So let’s all get out and about more this month and enjoy all that our wonderful local area has to offer.

Until next month…. You will be pleased to know that you and your friends can now read our magazines online at www.thelifemagazines.com

To advertise contact: Tim Lees on tel: 07944 129393 or Peter 077111 43342 or email: Tim on tim@fishmediagroup.co.uk www.thelifemagazines.com

| MAY 2015 3

LOCAL LIFE

Whats On... MAY 2015

Northern Ballet Elves and the Shoemaker a ballet for children. A hard-working but poor shoemaker struggles to earn enough money to support his family. Retelling the famous Brothers Grimm story, Elves & the Shoemaker is the perfect opportunity to introduce your little ones to the magic of live ballet, music and theatre. These child friendly performances will last approximately 40 minutes. Perfect for ages 3+. 12.30 and 14.15 Churchill Theatre, High Street, Bromley, London, BR1 1HA. Sat 13 Jun 2015.Tel: 08448 717 620 northernballet.com Sidcup Symphony Orchestra Orchestral Concert Conductor James Ross. Programme to include:- Brahms Tragic Overture Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, Soloist Emily Mowbray Bruckner Symphony No. 4 Starts 7.30 p.m. Tickets at £12 & £10 (Children & students half price).or £12 at the door (Children & students half price). St. John’s Church, Church Road, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 6BX. Sat 30 May 2015. Tel: 020-8300-3268 or 01322-557458 www.sidcupsymphony.org.uk Art Deco Fair Surround yourself with art deco decadence and sample the splendour of the thrilling thirties at our darling fair. EDITORS 10am - 6pm Price (includes entry to Palace & Gardens): Adult £13.30 / Child £8.00 / Concession £12.10 / Family £34.00 / Members: ART DECO FAIR Free Please note entry to the house is by guided tour only at this event. Eltham Palace and Gardens, Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London, SE9 5QE. Sat 16 and Sun 17 May 2015. Tel: 0870 333 1183 www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham

Explorers Club Maths and logic day. Age 4-11; cost £20. Beechwood Sacred Heart School, Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3QD. Sat 16 May 2015. Tel: 07973 846731. www.potentialplusuk.org Tunbridge Wells Young Artists Group workshop explore colour and what it means in art, looking at John Virtue. Age 10+ 4pm-6pm; £10 Beechwood Sacred Heart School, Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 3QD. Sat 16 May 2015. Tel: 07973 846731 www.youngartistsgroup.co.uk Labrador Rescue Kent and Borders Sponsored Walk and largest official gathering of Labradors in Kent Calling all Labrador owners in Kent to help make this sponsored dog walk the biggest official gathering of Labradors in Kent. The LRK sponsored walk promises to be fun for all humans and canines. Bewl Water, Kent,TN3AJH. Sat 16 May 2015. Tel: 07970 802745 – text. www.labrescuekent.co.uk

CHOICE:

Andy Twyman concert Wonderful one man band singer/guitarist/percussionist/harp player playing for one night only! Tickets £10. Starts at 20.00. Panacea Coffee House, Orpington High Street, Kent BR6 0JW. Sat 30 May 2015 Orpheus at Trinity A fabulous evening of rousing music--blues, jazz, show music, hymns, folk and traditional, sung by TopChoir finalists The Royal Tunbridge Wells Orpheus Male Voice Choir conducted by Richard Walshaw. 7.30pm Tickets £12 (concessions £10) Trinity Theatre, Church Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1JP. Sat 16 May 2015. Tel: 07766 313047 www.rtworpheusmvc.org Netherlands National Circus A fast paced show packed full of comedy, juggling, sensational illusions, aerial performances, acrobatics and a gravity defying flying trapeze. For discounted tickets text BIGTOP TUN to 60777. Prices from £7 on-line Show times. Tue-Fri 4:45pm & 7:30pm, Sat 3:00pm & 6:00pm, Sun 12:30pm & 3:30pm. Dunorlan Park, Kent, TN2 3QN. Tues 12 May - Sun 17 May 201. Tel: 01132602444. www.netherlandscircus.com

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Pembury Art & Craft 2015 There will be a wide range of work from both established and amateur artists and crafters, including Doodlebags upcycled fabric bags; homemade Kentish Soaps and Bazaar fairtrade goodies. Arty Crafty Café with homemade cakes and sandwiches made to order. Fri 15th May 7-8pm, Sat 16th and Sun 17th. May 11-4 2015. Entrance £2 (accompanied children free). St Peter’s Upper Church. Hastings Road, Pembury, Kent, TN2 4PD. Tel:01892 822448

Birdwatching with Tonbridge RSPB local group Join us on an all-day bird watching field trip. This internationally important mixture of reed beds, fens, ditches, wet grassland and open water could produce hobby and marsh harriers as well as many other species. Booking essential, phone 01732 365583 or email for meeting point and transport arrangements. Minimum donation £2 to the RSPB. Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, Stodmarsh, Kent. Sat 23 May 2015, Wed 27 May www.rspb.org.uk/groups/tonbridge/events One For The Road A light-hearted revisit to our favourite songs and sketches to reflect the period that the Priory Players existed. 3pm. Tickets £ 3.50 - to include light refreshments. 7.45.pm tickets £7.50 - to include a ploughman ’s supper. Matfield Village Hall, Maidstone Rd, Matfield nr Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN12 7JX. Sat 16 May 2015. Tel: 01892 532113 Picante - Latin Jazz Band Derek Nash and Dominic Ashworth lead 6-piece Latin Band Picante. Tickets £14, £12 in advance. £1 of each ticket sold goes to Marie Curie Cancer Care. Ship Theatre, Hollybush Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3UL. Sun 7 Jun 2015. www.listeningroom.co.uk SCOS at Seal Chart Etching Studio This year Mary Tyler, Michelle Sibthorp, Anita McEwen, Colin Obrey and Lawrence Jenkins will be exhibiting work created in the studio. Seal Chart Etching Studio, Chart Farm, Seal Chart, Kent, TN15 0ES. Sat 6 Jun to Sun 21 Jun 2015. Chartwell - Open Garden for NGS Informal gardens on hillside with glorious views over Weald of Kent. Water garden and lakes together with red brick wall built by Sir Winston Churchill, former owner of Chartwell. Wed 20 May (10am–5pm). Admission £6.50, Children £3.25. Telephone: 01732 868381. Open for charity. Chartwell, nr Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS. Tel: 01732 868381 www.nationaltrust.org.uk Wrotham Steam Rally Getthriftys UK Craft Fairs are organising the Craft Market for the Wrotham Steam Rally. For stall info email: thriftyfairs@yahoo.co.uk Tickets. Adult £7 Over 60 £5 Child £2. Free Car Parking. 9am - 17.30pm. Wrotham Hill, Kent, TN15 7NS. Sat 13 Jun and Sun 14 Jun 2015. www.facebook.com/ events/860521420673783 The World Garden at Lullingstone Castle Open Garden for NGS Interactive world map of plants laid out as a map of the world within a walled garden. The oceans are your pathways as you navigate the world in one acre. Sun 14 June (12am-5pm). Admission £7, Children free. Telephone: 01322 862114.Open for charity. The World Garden at Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, Kent, DA4 0JA. Sun 14 Jun 2015.Tel: 01322 862114 Masters Historic Festival + FIA Historic F1 The Masters Historic Festival returns to Brands Hatch for the traditional Bank Holiday weekend of classic racing. Find out more on our website. Children under 13 go free. Tickets: Adult weekend £28; Adult Sunday £15. Brands Hatch Circuit, Kent, DA3 8NG. Sat 23 May to Mon 25 May 2015. Tel: 08434539000

CONTENTS EDITORS LETTER

WHATS ON

LOCAL LIFE Ightham Mote – Celebrating 30 years Hever Castle in Bloom Chatham Dockyard Curiosities Blooming Lovely – Top Summer Gardens Focus on Kent Walks with Adam Swaine Theatrical Summer in Kent Recognising Old Biggin Hill by John Ruler Landing on the Grass at Biggin Hill by John Ruler

8 10 12 14 16 18 20 24

Bromley Pageant of Motoring

Henley Royal Regatta

Bang + Olufsen – Are you feeling blue?

CWJ Celebrating 40 years

FASHION & BEAUTY Brush up your Beauty Knowledge Cadenzza – Robert Cavalli exclusive collection Learn Your Stripes

36 40 42

2015 Boat Race Highlights

Outdoor life Outside interests Easigrass – Chelsea Flower Show Competition Origin Leisure – Sophisticated Swimming Pools Jo Jemmison – Quality Landscaping Homeleigh - The Complete Package Johnsons Gardens – Great quality Products Greencut Horticulture – Professional and Qualified Tanby Pools – The WOW Factor Treecraft – Keep your Trees at their best The Grub Outdoors RHS Chelsea Flower Show Preview

47 48 49 50 53 54 56 58 60 62 64 66

HOME & GARDEN A Stylish Line Up Kitchen Design of Sevenoaks The Original Sofa Co opens in Harrods Tile Mates – Quality Tiles Istana Interior Design

68 72 74 76 78

ASAHI 2015 British Beach Polo Championships

TRAVEL – Big Kids Scream Louder in Florida

Books Review

FOOD AND DRINK Restaurant Review with Regan Maloney A Sprig of Rosemary Imperial Arms – More than just a pub Indian Essence – Award winning Cuisine Rowhill Grange – A new Head Chef Taste of London – Flavours from around the World

86 88 91 92 95 96

LOCAL LIFE

IGHTHAM MOTE celebrates 30 years in the National Trust’s care 1985-2015

This year the National Trust celebrates the 30th anniversary of Ightham Mote being donated to the National Trust – and what was at the time the most extensive conservation project the Trust had undertaken – costing £10m and taking 20 years.

has been achieved.” he last owner of Ightham Mote – the American now There will be a garden party to celebrate the anniversary businessman Charles Henry Robinson - left Ightham on 19th May where relatives of the last owner Mr Robinson Mote to the Trust and passed into their care in 1985. open The Trust then set to work on preserving Ightham daily from will be attending, as will the Director General of the National Trust Helen Ghosh. Mote in Kent for future generations to enjoy – an unique 10 am The team at Ightham Mote would be delighted to hear building displaying a range of architectural developments (house opens from anyone who was involved in the project who might like from the early 14th century. from 11am to attend the party and to record their stories. Activities to celebrate the anniversary will include the loan Ightham Mote is now open daily all year (excluding Christmas of ‘The Lady in White’, by the acclaimed Victorian artist John Eve and Christmas Day) from 10am (house opens from 11am). Singer Sargent. The painting is a portrait – painted at Ightham Mote – of the daughter of the well known American General Palmer – who rented Ightham Mote in the late 19th century. THE DETAILS Bernadette Gillow, the General Manager, who has worked at Ightham Ightham Mote is in Ivy Hatch, near Sevenoaks, Mote for 18 years says about the anniversary “This feels a real milestone Kent TN15 0NT for Ightham Mote. After the 20 years of the conservation project, we Tel 01732 810378 ext 100 continue to preserve and protect Ightham Mote with ongoing conservation Email: ighthammote@nationaltrust.org.uk work, but it is good to mark this anniversary to give staff and those Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ighthammote involved with the property for all these years a chance to celebrate all that

8 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

LOCAL LIFE

Hever in Bloom ‘Hever in Bloom’ showcases the glorious gardens at Hever Castle at the height of their summer beauty.

unning from June 15th – 20th, the event is a must for plant and garden lovers, with one of the finest displays of roses and summer blooms in the

Garden of England. Join the gardeners for free daily garden tours to find out more about the award-winning garden’s fascinating history and many of the plants grown throughout the grounds. Tours last between 45 minutes to one hour and finish beside the gardeners’ greenhouse near the Courtyard Shop where many of the plants in the grounds are available for sale. Green fingered visitors can also bring their problem plants along to ask the experienced garden team for advice and to discuss any problems they may have. Aspiring florists and flower arrangers looking for inspiration can create their own fabulous hand tied bouquet to take home. The floristry workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes to one hour and costs £8.00 (includes materials). Our talented Castle florist will take you through the steps to create a unique arrangement while providing tips and giving advice. Sessions must be pre-booked. The romantic castle will be filled with glorious English flowers displays much as it would have when the Astors lived at Hever. Visitors will receive a hand-out at the Castle entrance about English flowers and the floral displays with information about the flowers used.

June 15th – 20th

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Not to be missed are the colourful summer displays of bedding in the Italian Garden or the romantic walled Rose Garden containing over 4,000 roses. Planted in blocks of colour from palest pink to deep crimson and rich purple, varieties range from the Alba and Bourbon to Hybrid Tea and Floribunda including our very own ‘Hever Castle Rose’ (Horquinsey) launched by Dame Judi Dench. Hever Castle’s gardens were laid out between 1904 – 1908 by Joseph Cheal and Son to display William Waldorf Astor’s unique collection of Greek and Roman statuary collected while he was American Ambassador to Italy. At this time of year, it’s easy to imagine you’re in the Mediterranean as you wander through the Italian Gardens before returning to the charm of the quintessentially English Rose Garden, followed by traditional afternoon tea and castle-baked cakes in the Pavilion Restaurant. THE DETAILS Gardens open at 10.30am; Castle opens at 12 noon. Last admission 4.30pm; final exit 6pm. For further information please visit the website: hevercastle.co.uk or call Hever Castle on 01732 865224.

LOCAL LIFE

Fairfax Gallery Summer Exhibition marks 20th Anniversary of Fairfax Gallery Fairfax Gallery, set in the heart of Tunbridge Wells’ historic Pantiles, celebrates its 20th Anniversary this June.

o mark the occasion, the gallery will hold an exhibition of recent work from twenty of its leading artists. Running from 12th June to 8th September the show spans styles ranging from contemporary figurative through to stunning abstract work. A mong those exhibiting are artists who have supported the gallery from the start including Royal Academician, Fred Cuming, and established artists Helen Sinclair, David Atkins and Alice Scrutton, Many have produced work especially for the show and catalogue, with new pieces being introduced over the summer to replace those sold. The exhibition will show new work from winners and finalists of awards such as the National Portrait Gallery’s BP Portrait awards alongside emerging talent. Gallery owner, Andrew Fairfax Scrutton, believes the gallery’s continuing success is due to its recognisable style that

has gained it a loyal following. He loved the idea of juxtaposing a contemporary gallery with such an historic setting and says: “When we opened twenty years ago, the Pantiles was about to start some major renovations and the majority of retailers were antique shops. The question was whether the town could support a contemporary art gallery.” The spacious listed building has two floors of exhibition space and offers work of a standard rarely seen outside of London.“Whilst our artworks range from contemporary figurative to abstract work the important theme is that they are all strong examples of their genre,” says Andrew. He considers himself lucky to spend his working day surrounded by ever changing work and says it is a pleasure to work with such talented artists who trust the gallery to represent and promote them. Andrew’s proudest achievement, businesswise, is to still be running the gallery on the Pantiles despite seeing so many businesses come and go. “The result has been to make sure I raise my game to create a gallery worth visiting from further afield. In addition to having another permanent gallery in Norfolk the Fairfax Gallery also exhibits at major international art fairs in London, New York, Hong Kong exhibition & Singapore, enabling us to promote our opens on artist to a wider audience. There will be S aturday some of the strongest work ever exhibited 13 th of at the Fairfax Gallery for the show and we look forward to welcoming visitors old June and new to our exciting 20th Anniversary Exhibition this Summer.” THE DETAILS For further information about the Fairfax Gallery’s 20th Anniversary Exhibition, Tel: 01892 525 525 or visit the website: www.fairfaxgallery.com

www.thelifemagazines.com

| MAY 2015 11

LOCAL LIFE

‘Curios ’ ies it to be found on the “The Dockyard History Detective Trail” this May Half Term!

June 15th – 20th

Over the years, many curiosities have been recovered from the more ‘secretive’ areas of The Historic Dockyard Chatham and during the May half term, a selection will be placed around the site for visitors to find.

the normal dockyard admission price. Visitors can collect their Dockyard History Detective Trail Map on arrival and once they’ve found the ‘objects’ around the dockyard, they can deduce the origin of them by answering some questions and check their answers with dockyard experts. Alex Patterson, Collections and Galleries Manager at The Historic Dockyard Chatham said; “This trail allows our visitors to explore and discover the archaeology of the dockyard which is all around us and not just underfoot. Archaeology is more than just objects – it encompasses buildings too, that make up the very fabric of our dockyard”.

nce these ‘objects’ have been found, budding ‘Dockyard History Detectives’ can use their best detective skills and investigative powers to guess the objects’ original purpose, some of which are quite unusual! The highlight of the trail is the one object that remains unidentified … visitors will be able to enter a competition to put forward their suggestions as to its purpose for the chance to win a special prize. Children will also be able to take home a memento of their time as a ‘Dockyard History Detective’! This brand new activity runs throughout the holidays from Saturday 23rd May until Sunday 31st May and is included in

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THE DETAILS More information on all The Historic Dockyard’s galleries and attractions can be found at www.thedockyard.co.uk

LOCAL LIFE

Blooming lovely:

top summer gardens reveled by the National Trust

Celebrate the arrival of summer with the National Trust’s selection of top gardens to visit in Kent during June.

ational Trust gardens are at their peak during the summer months, with vibrant colours, scented displays, bountiful borders and relaxing spaces with wonderful views. With the long, refreshing days of summer to look forward to, it’s time to make the most of nature – with scented rose gardens and striking summer borders first to bloom. Each and every visit to a National Trust place helps support the charity’s work to care for special places for future generations. So celebrate summer with the National Trust’s top spots for summer garden delights:

collection, with its complementing pastel herbaceous borders and spring bulbs that its original creator, Frederic Lubbock, designed for his wife. For the first time this summer, the pops of powder pink and blush blooms will demonstrate the hard work that 30 volunteers and staff put into this restoration Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent – famous for its intimate garden rooms and the rose garden filled with old rose varieties. Old fashioned climbers and shrub roses were among owner Vita Sackville West’s favourite flowers. The white garden, which peaks in late June, is home to ‘rosa mulliganii’ cascading over the central arbour and covering it with thousands of single, white, scented blooms. Don’t miss the first plant that Vita and Harold planted at Sissinghurst - a rose on the wall of the south cottage, which 80 years later is still looking superb.

National Trust gardens are at their peak during the summer months, with vibrant colours, scented displays, bountiful borders and relaxing spaces with wonderful views

Roses Chartwell, Kent – flowering from June to October, Lady Churchill’s rose garden is filled with a mixture of soft pink and white floribundas and hybrid tea roses and was her favourite part of the garden. The heavily scented ‘ice cream’ and ‘royal William’ varieties are some of the most popular, alongside the dramatic climbing roses around the walled garden – an affect designed and planted by Lady Churchill herself with help from her head gardener. The golden rose walk, planted with 32 varieties of yellow roses, was a golden wedding anniversary gift to the Sir Winston and Lady Clementine from their children. Emmetts Garden, Kent – the small formal rose garden, planted in a classic style, is affectionately known as the ladies rose garden due to its abundance of pink hues. Using photographs from the 1900s, the Edwardian rose garden has recently been restored to recapture the delicate pink rose

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Summer borders Scotney Castle, Kent – a mix of colours burst from the herbaceous borders around the picturesque medieval castle ruins. Its inner courtyard is famous for its roses, clematis and geraniums, and the itea that climbs and clings to the walls. 23 different species of dragonflies around the moat add to the colourful scene THE DETAILS For more information please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

LOCAL FOCUS

Adam Swaine Photography www.adamswaine.co.uk adamswaine@rocketmail.com | 07798 526 569

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First Class Taxi and Airport Transfers

bba Dart is a 24 hour, fast efficient and reliable minicab & airport transfer service licensed by TFL. Abba Dart are proud to have served the residents of Bromley and Bexley Boroughs for over 30 years and are the ideal taxi company for both local and long distance travel. Abba Dart operate strict office controls and ensure that their drivers are NVQ qualified to make sure that you will be in safe hands take you to any UK destination without difficulty. With their simple and effective state of the art booking and dispatch system, with top class booking apps for android and iphone users, Abbadart have kept in the forefront of technological advances in the industry to provide modern and convenient service to all of our corporate and personal customers. They will always have a vehicle to suit your needs, from a standard saloon to large 8 seated vehicles. Abba Dart offer some of the most competitive taxi prices in the area with an automated card processing system that enables you to pay by debit or credit card, as well as cash. Don’t just take Abba Darts word for it, Mr P Singh from Chislehurst said “I am a frequent flyer and have used Abba Dart for many years as they are a great company to deal with and very cost effective. They are really easy to book with on phone or net and very flexible. I feel secure dealing with a firm who are up to date with the modern age and respond quickly to emails 24 hours a day especially when I have been with my family and experienced delays or flight cancellations in the past, one email and things and re arranged” THE DETAILS Ordering a cab or private-hire taxi from Abba Dart couldn’t be simpler, so if you need a cab, taxi, minicab or airport transfer service then book by calling us on 0208 300 1982, 01689 777777, 01322 329000 or online at www.abbadart.co.uk

LOCAL LIFE

Encore!

Theatrical summer ahead in Kent One of the highlights of the summer season with the National Trust in Kent, a series of open air theatre and musicals is set to begin in June.

rom Shakespeare to Jane Austen, and Alexandre Dumas to children’s classic tales , there is a wide range to choose from, with something to appeal to all ages. Be entertained in colourful summer landscape at Emmetts Garden, at a moated medieval manor house at Ightham Mote or even on the stage of the only working theatre owned and operated by the National Trust, the Barn Theatre at Smallhythe Place. Emmetts Garden – outdoor theatre: Twelfth Night Thursday 20 August, 7.30pm-10pm Join the Lord Chamberlain’s Men as they perform Shakespeare’s much loved romantic comedy. Bring a picnic from 6.30pm, light refreshments available from the kiosk Tickets £15 per adult, £8 per child with admission to the garden included Booking essential on 0844 249 1895 Ightham Mote – outdoor theatre: The Three Musketeers Saturday 11 July, 7pm-10pm C an D’Artagnan and the King’s elite guards foil the plan of Cardinal Richelieu and Milady de Winter? Join us for Illyria’s open-air theatre performance of Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale about romance, intrigue, swordplay, murder and betrayal. Don’t forget to pre-order your picnic hamper from the Mote Café. Tickets £15 per adult, £9 per child Booking essential on 0844 249 1895

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Sissinghurst Castle Garden – outdoor theatre: Pride & Prejudice

Smallhythe Place – indoor theatre: Crocodiles in Cream

Saturday 13 June, 7pm-9pm The Pantaloons perform their adaptation of this Jane Austen classic. Tickets £15 per adult, £8 per child Booking essential on 0844 249 1895

Friday 7 August, 7.30pm-9.30pm David Horlock’s one man show delves into the fascinating world of Lewis Carroll, in the Barn Theatre. Tickets £12 per person Booking essential on 0844 249 1895

Sissinghurst Castle Garden – outdoor theatre: Treasure Island Friday 24 July, 7pm-9pm The Pantaloons are back with a swashbuckling rendition of Treasure Island, suitable for all ages. Tickets £15 per adult, £8 per child Booking essential on 0844 249 1895 Smallhythe Place – indoor theatre: As you like it Thursday 25 June, 7.30pm-9.30pm East 15 Acting School perform this Shakespearean classic in the Barn Theatre. Tickets £8 per person Booking essential on 0844 249 1895 Smallhythe Place – indoor theatre: The Taming of the Shrew Friday 26 June, 7.30pm-9.30pm East 15 Acting School students perform this well-loved classic in the Barn Theatre. Tickets £8 per person Booking essential on 0844 249 1895

Smallhythe Place – Outdoor theatre: Much Ado About Nothing Sunday 23 August, 7pm-9pm The Pantaloons return to put their unique spin on this well-loved Shakespearean tale. Tickets £15 per adult, £8 per child Booking essential on 0844 249 1895

LOCAL HISTORY

Old Biggin Hill is begging to be recognised Okay, so Biggin Hill will forever be remembered as home to the boys in blue – Churchill’s famous ‘few’ whose Biggles style bravery during 1940 helped win the Battle of Britain, and ultimately the second world war.

WORDS: John Ruler

ut while hardly of hurricane force – at least in relation to high profile neighbours such as Westerham – its history certainly shows a spitfire spirit as our gallery of local scenes illustrates. For what some see solely as a straggling string of shops bordered by bungalows, simply disguises a revealing story of how an area dating back to the Domesday Book albeit not yet in name – that came far later – became embroiled in speculative early 20th century development which was to change its rural nature for ever, It began when, in 1895, Frederick Henry Dougal from Wandsworth snapped up the Aperfield Court Manor Estate for £11,320 from the Christy family, the latest in a long line of generally paternalistic gentry. Not so Mr Dougal : he smartly sold off as many around a tenner-a-time plots as possible, the money payable back over ten years. Better still, they were free from building regulations. All good news for the wave of weekenders eager for a place in the country. But though some substantial homes were built, summer houses, shacks, sheds and similar frontier style buildings were much more common. Even old railway carriages and the shells of lorries were eagerly seized on by the

majority there simply for picnics, cycling and walking. And TB suffererers, too, came for the fresh air, with a sanatorium of sorts near Tatsfield. Like Topsy, Biggin Hill grew and grew – and it was only after World War One that restrictive covenants were firmly in place. This involved Main Road being saddled with shops on one side only. What has never suffered is a shortage of support for a village whose history is worthy of recording, warts and all. For this I am indebted to Mick and Shelia Blundell, of Grub Ground Farm and to David Haslam, a former councillor whose unique insight into Biggin Hill’s past is published in booklet form at £4. This includes a £1 donation to Biggin Hill & District Residents’ Association of which he is now president. See bigginhill.co.uk/residents.htm. The majority of prints featured in a highly popular six-day exhibition held last August to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the association. Recommended reading: Grandfather’s Biggin Hill by John Nelson. A unique collection of photos taken by his grandfather in the borough’s Bromley Local Histories series, it costs £8.

Why is he looking so pleased ? Well, why not when he’s working on a new St Mark’s – the “Moving Church’, as it became known, when Rev Vivian Symons, pictured pick in hand, replaced Biggin Hill’s sadly neglected ‘Tin Tabernacle’ with stonework from All Saints, North Peckham, lying neglected after being badly damaged in the war. To find out why flip back to 1951 when the tiny corrugated iron church, built in 1904 to serve just 200 villagers was by then catering for 4000. But in post–war Britain money was tight and costs rising. And a rebuilding fund stood at a mere £2,600, Despite efforts of regular worshippers, provision of a new church seemed as far away as ever – until along came Vivian, an ex-Army major from Cornwall, with the ‘crazy idea’ of pulling down an old church and rebuilding it in Biggin Hill. And on August 12, 1952, he duly drove down the Old Kent Road in a borrowed Morris lorry to start dismantling All Saints, North Peckham, 19 miles away. Some three years on, thanks to a small

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band of voluntary and inexperienced helpers but more often than not working on his own, 125,000 bricks, cleaned and stacked, mostly by the ladies of St. Mark’s, 200 tons of stonework and all of the roof timbers, were safely stored behind the Vicarage. By 1958 all was set to start the actual building. Plans had been prepared and passed, and the building fund had risen to £5,330, thanks to the generosity of those who heard about the Moving Church from worldwide press and TV coverage. On Saturday, April 25, 1959, the bells rang out for the first time for the Consecration of the church by the Bishop of Rochester. Biggin Hill at long last had officially become a Parish with the finest ‘village cathedral ever built.’ But then it did have at its helm a man who was also Chaplain to the illustrious fighter station just down the road. This had likewise fought against seemingly impossible odds – as indeed has Biggin Hill in protecting its all too often forgotten history.

Every picture tells the story ….

You can’t miss the giant cedar of Lebanon tree in Aperfield Road one of the Great Trees of Britain. It may not have been brought back from the Crusades as popularly believed, but more likely planted some 250 years ago, it at least shows where the ancient Aperfield Manor House stood. This‘ reduced to a very mean residence,’ was, in turn, rebuilt by the Christy family. Pictured is David Haslam with a section on the famous airfield which featured in the exhibition.

(See also page 24)

Around 1900 a proposed railway link from Orpington to Biggin Hill was rejected, possibly due to the steep gradients involved. But it didn’t stop the number 95, until around 1913 horse-drawn, providing a bus service between Bromley and Biggin Hill, with stops at Bromley Common, Keston Common and Cudham. For many years the Green Line 410, remembered by many, was the only service between the two. Today Biggin Hill is linked by bus with Croydon, Orpington, Sevenoaks and Westerham

Sign of the times… a pastoral portrait of Christy Road as buildings of all shapes, sizes and styles sprouted up in what by then was Biggin Hill. The name was seemingly derived from a merging of part of Cudham with the Aperfield Court Manor Estate – though there are references to an ancient Biggin Hill Farm and a Biggin Hill Green going back several hundred years,

Though a haven for droves of post war cyclists, the Salt Box – one of 20 odd cafes catering for outdoor enthusiasts – is also remembered by some as the landmark for returning wartime pilots. Motor-cyclists recall it as a club catering for all aspects of the sport throughout the 1960s and 70s. Many left with bunches of bluebells tied to the back of their bikes, a timely reminder of the rural setting. Although the club officially closed in the early ‘eighties, a hardcore group of original members regularly get together for social occasions.

There’s no doubting Biggin Hill once produced bumper crops of strawberries, So much so that when asked in a TV documentary for her most vivid wartime memories as a ten year old local girl Sheila Blundell smartly retorted: ‘The smell of strawberries.’ But then, as her husband, Mick whose family moved to Grub Ground Farm way back in 1846.‘ We could get them up to London by horse and trap.’ he said. ‘They couldn’t do that in Essex, and even when the railways started they didn’t saturate the London market.’

Nowadays we have supermarkets… of which Temples Stores, of which there two, was, in its own way, an early 20th century version selling everything ‘ from a drawing pin to a grand piano.’ Opened around 1908, it continued trading until around 1970. Such was its popularity not just among a growing number of local shoppers but outsiders, including quite possibly myself, that its name is commemorated by Temple Road near the top of Stock Hill.

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| MAY 2015 21

Doctors at Petts Wood, private practice Tel: 01689 897901

time to listen, time to care GP Consultations. Home Visits. Vaccinations. Skin clinic. Child health. Travel clinic. Anxiety treatment. Panic attack management. Specialist Referral. Medical Certificates. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. Gynaecology. CBTâ&#x20AC;Ś. 183 Petts Wood Road BR5 1JZ Mon to Thur: 8:00-7:30 | Fri: 8:00-5:30, Sat: 9:00-12:00

www.doctorsatpettswood.co.uk

LOCAL HISTORY

TWICE ACES OF THE AIR 1

01: There it goes again … this three dimensional teapot, a familiar landmark, was regularly taken into ‘protective custody’ by, among others’ pilots from both world wars. | 02: 1940, a time of waiting followed by a period of action. | 03: By 1973 the Air Show with its derring-do displays was a popular annual event. | 04: Cockahoop … 141 Squadron or the Cock Squadron so called after Mr and Mrs Nevard of the Salt Box Tea Rooms presented them with a cockerel. The year: 1918. | 05: Another year, another war … pilots of 72 Squadron pictured in 1941. |

Photo acknowledgements: where known: Imperial War Museum, Sevenoaks Chronicle, Kentish Times; colour picture by ADAM SWAINE

espite the current interest in World War One the spotlight rarely falls on the role of the Royal Flying Corps – and how a large field of about 80 acres sitting above a steep valley was spotted as an ideal test site for ground to air wireless communications, at the time located close to Dartford . It was also apparently designated as a night emergency landing ground, though records showed it had never been used as such. On December 16, 1916, the Royal Flying Corps arrived, with the first aircraft, an RE7, landing on the grass strip on January 2, 1917. The birth of Biggin Hill as a vita aerodrome, and now a classified civilian airport, had begun. A school of telephony was started, with the first operational squadron moving to Biggin Hill as part of the air defence of London against the growing threat of German bombing. On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Navy Air Force merged to become the RAF. Biggin Hill was one the founder stations, which in World War Two was

credited with the highest number of enemy aircraft shot down in the Battle of Britain between July and October, 1940. Though the most heavily bombed fighter station, it claimed never to have been closed by enemy action. On May 15, 1943, the 1000th enemy plane was shot down. Their final tally of 1,400 was never surpassed. In 1958 military flying ceased, with the famous fighter station finally closing in October, 1992. The RAF, however, contributed to the popular Biggin Hill Air Fair until 2010 when it was decided to suspend them in favour of a smaller family based show. Our picture gallery gives a flavour of just how fast the years have flown by …

Though the most heavily bombed fighter station, it claimed never to have been closed by enemy action

24 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

Recommended reading: Biggin on the Bump by Bob Ogley, just one his books on the aerodrome, along with others on Kent generally. See: www.frogletspublications.co.uk.

“Connecting with the natural world in an urban environment such as Sydenham has provided an invaluable opportunity for the girls to consider the principles by which they live,” said Head of Junior School, Claire Boyd. “Just as we can flourish and fly by building positive relationships with those around us, so we can also work together to ensure a sustainable and engaging local environment for all members of our community.”

Learning to be principled through nature From little acorns mighty oaks do grow, goes the saying, and students at Sydenham High Junior School are determined that more such beautiful trees will flourish in coming years.

s part of their latest Flourish and Fly activity week, girls from across the school planted tree saplings for the local community as part of the Earth Restoration Society project. Each girl is now the custodian of a silver birch, an oak or a cherry tree sapling until it is mature enough to be replanted at a restoration project in the local area. The tree planting was the flagship event in the school’s second co-curricular activity week

under the Flourish and Fly banner, this time focusing on the theme: Be Principled. Throughout the activity week, girls from Reception to Year 6 have been exploring and celebrating the natural world, working together to devise a principled approach to protecting and enhancing the local environment. As well as tree planting, their activities included devising a campaign to raise awareness of a Fairtrade initiative and constructing a sustainable bamboo art installation for the school playground.

THE DETAILS Sydenham High Junior School 15 Westwood Hill London SE26 6BL Tel: 020 8557 7000 www.sydenhamhighschool.gdst.net

LOCAL EVENT

Bromley Pageant of

Motoring Sunday 7th June 2015

The Bromley Pageant of Motoring is still the biggest one-day Classic car show in the world and has become the one of the highlights of classic car calendar. It is promoted exclusively by Peter James Insurance.The first Pageant was held in 1977 in celebration of the Queens Silver Jubilee. It was, by todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s standards a modest affair with approximately 150 cars on show. 26 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

Sunday 7th june 2015

he pageant now in its 38th year, has become something of an institution amongst enthusiasts from all over the world. With a staggering 3000 cars in one place it is a superb celebration of this wonderful way of life and offers a true flavour of a by-gone age. The show provides a great opportunity to soak up the wonderful atmosphere that only this type of show generates. There really is something for everyone, not just people who are interested in cars: Friendly club stands, classic and vintage cars, classic motorcycles, military and commercial vehicles, cars for sale area, fun fair, steam engines, trucks, motorcycles, modified cars with hundreds of Autojumble stands, trade stands including the latest products, parts, services, new vehicles on display and lots of fellow enthusiasts on hand to talk to you about their passion. There is so much to see and do so it is easy to see why the Bromley Pageant has become the biggest classic

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| MAY 2015 27

LOCAL EVENT

DON’T MISS THIS SUPERB DAY OUT FOR YOU AND THE FAMILY. Bromley Pageant of Motoring, Norman Park, Bromley, Kent, BR2 9EF. Ticket prices are £12 for Adults when booking in advance or £15 on the gate. Children’s tickets are £5 in advance and £6 on the gate. There is also a family ticket on offer for two adults and two children at just £29 when booked in advance and £35 on the gate. Under 5’s free. The show opens from 9.30am to 5.30pm and parking is free. Dogs allowed on a lead

vehicle trade shows in the UK The Bromley Pageant is also famous for its one-make section where vehicles of each make and model can be entered and parked together. From Ford Cortina’s to Aston Martins more than 1600 cars were featured in this area last year. Many car clubs from Kent, South London and across the Thames in Essex bring their prized motors for a day of fun and all things classic car. So whilst you’ll see plenty of cars from the 1960s and 1970s, newer cars are staking a place too, including modern-day classics like Subaru Imprezas, Mitsubishi Evos and the highly popular Mazda MX5.

28 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

The Peter James Insurance Bromley Pageant of Motoring welcomes the return of the Hot Rod Review of the ‘best of the best’ Hot Rod’s on display at 2015’s event, with 10-15 carefully selected finalists to compete on the day with trophies up for grabs. All the Hot Rods on show are already multi award winning but only one can take home the coveted Hot Rod Review Best of Show Trophy. Judging for this prestigious award will be undertaken by one of the UK’s leading show organisers and judges, who has over 30 years’ experience both here in the UK and over in the USA. The Hot Rods on display show not only amazing paintwork, fabulous interiors, awesome engines and superb chrome detailing; they also demonstrate the very latest in technology from industry leaders when it comes to vehicle safety. Just take a few minutes to look past all the shiny parts and admire some Great British Engineering and whilst you’re looking please take the time to ask our owners any questions. Some of them might look a bit scary but trust me there’s nothing they like more than talking about what they do. Hot Rodding roots are firmly set over in America where it all began and indeed still flourishes today with some great Rods being built. The cars on display today, it would be fair to say, would give any show car from the states a run for their money. They really are that good. THE DETAILS To book tickets contact ticketscript direct on support@ticketscript.co.uk For all other enquiries info@livepromotions.co.uk

HENLEY REGATTA

30 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

games consoles and even send small advertisements from Bluetooth-enabled advertising hoardings to other, discoverable Bluetooth devices. Sending files and pictures via Bluetooth has become very popular but for those with a fondness for music, Bluetooth presents a fantastic opportunity to quickly access it from your mobile telephone, computer or tablet and enjoy it through wireless loudspeakers.

Are you feeling

‘Blue’? When it comes to enjoying your music with absolute ease, you’ll certainly warm to the possibilities of Bluetooth.

irst established in 1994, Bluetooth has become the most common way to exchange data wirelessly over short distances and millions of every day devices are now compatible with the technology. Although a relatively new advancement, Bluetooth actually takes its name from the 10th Century King Harald Bluetooth who was famed for uniting previously clashing Danish tribes into a single kingdom. Using his name for the communications technology was proposed in 1997 by Jim Kardach who was developing a system that would allow mobile telephones to ‘talk’ to computers. At the time of his work he was reading about the Vikings and King Harold Bluetooth and chose the name as he likened how the Danish King united tribes into one kingdom to how his technology took communication channels and merged them into one universal standard. Mostly widely used platform As Bluetooth technology has developed, so have its applications. Considered to be the most widely used platform for sharing data between compatible equipment, Bluetooth became known to many through its ability to wirelessly connect a mobile phone and hands-free headset, while it can also instantly link a mobile phone and a Bluetoothcompatible car stereo system, join wireless controllers to

32 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

Fantastic music experience Bang & Olufsen is an audio-visual manufacturer that taps into the full potential of Bluetooth to offer its customers a fantastic music experience that combines exemplary sound with convenience. The brand’s innovative and portable BeoPlay range perfectly demonstrates the powerful pairing of Bluetooth and Bang & Olufsen, its newest products incorporating the very latest Bluetooth 4.1 technology. All it takes is a few quick taps on a Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephone or tablet to send it searching for nearby, similarly-enabled devices and a connection can be quickly established to such products as the BeoPlay A2 portable loudspeaker, BeoPlay H8 wireless headphones and the Beolit 15 and BeoPlay A9 audio systems. All a user needs to do then is select the music that they wish to send wirelessly and the Bang & Olufsen sound experience begins instantaneously! The locally-based Beoshop group of Bang & Olufsen retailers will be pleased to run through the benefits of Bluetooth at their showrooms. Anyone who would like to hear how their Bluetooth-enabled mobile telephone or tablet can have a truly fantastic connection with Bang & Olufsen products is invited to call in for a personal demonstration.

40 years celebration Peter Giblin, the Senior Partner at local solicitors CWJ recently celebrated 40 years with the firm.

eter’s first steps at CWJ were on a month’s work experience placement in 1975, and he was made a fully-fledged member of staff later that year at the age of 24. He obviously excelled as he was made a partner in 1979 when only 27. In January 2007, Peter was appointed Senior Partner and has proved to be a great envoy and leader. However, in his own inimitable style he claims that: “I don’t actively lead, but people do follow!” He is especially well known in and around Petts Wood where he ran CWJ’s office in Station Square in what is now Murinci’s. At a presentation to mark Peter’s milestone with the firm, Managing Partner, Andrew Wright reflected: “Peter has been an excellent ambassador for the firm, and for a very long time! He is the glue that holds CWJ together; I think the firm is in his DNA. He has done some fantastic work as a conveyancer - one of the most stressful disciplines for any lawyer, yet Peter shows no sign of slowing down. It is a real pleasure to have been in business with him since I became a partner over 25 years ago.”

THE DETAILS Clarkson Wright & Jakes Ltd Valiant House, 12 Knoll Rise, Orpington, Kent, BR6 0PG Tel: 01689 887887 www.cwj.co.uk

34 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

BEAUTY

BRUSH UP your beauty Knowledge Cosmetics-obsessed vloggers, like Tanya Burr and Zoe Sugg, have taken the world by storm with their step-by-step YouTube makeup tutorials - inspiring us all to get a bit more adventurous with our beauty routines.

36 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

ut pulling off a perfectly blended smoky eye, or cheating your way to sharp cheekbones with clever contouring, requires more than just a fingertip smudge here and there. It’s all about the brushes, but with such a bogging array available, where to begin? From bloggers to brands and everything in between, this definitive A to Z guide is here to help... A - Angled approach. The slanted handle of the Laura Mercier Angled Eyeliner Brush, £16 (www.selfridges. com), allows easy and precise eyeliner application. B - Best for blusher. The Bobbi Brown Blush Brush, £35 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk) is soft, sturdy and perfectly shaped for buffing on blusher. C - Contouring masterclass. Look for a midsized head with a pointed tip, like Charlotte Tilbury’s Powder & Sculpt Brush, £35 (www.charlottetilbury.com), if you’re after Kim Kardashian-style cheekbones. D - Disguise blemishes effectively with a densely packed short-bristled brush, like the Body Shop Lipstick & Concealer Brush, £9 (www.thebodyshop.co.uk). E - Expand eyelashes by combing through with a lash comb. Metal teeth are best - they’re less likely to break. F - Flawless foundation can only be achieved with a flat brush like the Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush, £32 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk). Dampen with water first to stop the bristles absorbing the product. G - Goss, as in professional make-up artist turned vlogger Wayne Goss, has more than two million subscribers to his channel (www.youtube.com/gossmakeupartist). His expert videos describe how to make the most of your face shape and features.

Beauty Bulletin

H - Highlight the tops of cheekbones using probably the most misunderstood of all make-up tools, the fan brush, so designed to allow a fine dusting of powder to a narrow area.

FOR EVERYONE lists w specia May, eyebro Throughout profits of e th te dona Benefit will tments to in po ing ap el all brow shap ok Good Fe Lo d an ge fu who has charities Re er om st cu y ever Better, plus free full-size take home a a shape will ments start nt oi Gel. App arest Gimme Brow find your ne from £11.50; at n tio ca lo o.uk. tcosmetics.c www.benefi w BENEFITS

I - Incredibly expensive is one way to describe the Suqqu Face Brush, made with super-soft squirrel hair, which costs £168 (www. selfridges.com). J - Japan, specifically the region of Kumano, is famed as the place where make-up brushes - including Wayne Goss’ own collection - have been hand-crafted for the last 200 years.

K - Kabuki brushes also originated in Japan, where they were used to apply make-up by actors in the traditional Kabuki theatre. Try the Lola Brocha Kabuki Brush, £19 (www.marksandspencer.com), for perfect powder application.

L - Look for a round-tipped lip brush that comes with a cover to protect it (and the rest of your products) in your make-up bag, like the Illamasqua Lip Brush With Cover, £18.50 (www.illamasqua.com).

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| MAY 2015 37

BEAUTY P - Plastic replaces hair on the Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush, £5.99 (www.boots.com), allowing for smooth straight lines. Get practising your cat-eye flick. Q - Queen of YouTube, Zoe Sugg, aka superstar vlogger Zoella, is so popular she’s soon to be immortalised in wax at Madame Tussauds. Nearly eight million followers tune in to watch the ‘self-confessed beauty junkie’ in chatty tutorials, showing off the results of her regular shopping sprees (www.zoella.co.uk). R - Real Techniques is the brush brand beloved of vloggers and fans alike, not least because it was created by vlogging sisters Sam and Nicola Chapman. The latest kit to hit the shelves is the Real Techniques Collectors Edition Sculpting Set, £20.99 (www.superdrug.com). S - Stippling brushes are a must if you suffer from acne or scarring. Dip into your foundation or concealer and dot onto your skin (rather than painting in strokes), for an airbrushed finish. M - Mini brush sets are a great space-saver when travelling, and you can pick them up for less than a tenner. Limited Collection Mini Brush Set, £8.50 (www.marksandspencer.com).

T - Tightlining is a favourite YouTuber technique, where you apply eyeliner right in between the upper lashes. Grab the MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush, £19 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk) and watch Wayne Goss’ ‘How to: apply eyeliner like a pro’ and have a go.

N - Natural isn’t always best, especially if you want to avoid animal products. EcoTools brushes, available at Boots, are cruelty-free because they use synthetic hair with bamboo and recycled aluminium handles.

U - Under-eye concealing requires a different technique to blemish disguising. Choose a small, tapered brush like the Clinique Concealer Brush, £14 (www.clinique.co.uk) to ensure even coverage.

O - One drop at a time is all it takes with the BareMinerals Perfecting Face Brush, £24 (www.bareminerals.co.uk), designed with an indent in the bristles. Pump foundation into the head then buff on to your face, building coverage with each drop.

V - Value for money can certainly be found with the Models Own brush range. A 5 Piece Brush Set will set you back just £9.99 (www.modelsownit.com).

TRIED TESTED

Our testers go in search of smooth, shiny locks with three new hair oils. w Avon

Supreme Oil Duo Treatment 100ml, £6.50 (www. avonshop.co.uk) “I’ve used oils before and they can make my fine hair limp and greasy, but this one was light and I didn’t have to worry about how much I used. It gave my locks a good shine and still left it with body. Great value too.” 5/5 w Keratin

Revolution Argan Oil Illuminate, £19.99, available in salons nationwide “A luscious, light Argan oil that not only smoothed my hair but also gave it a lovely shine. It’s a bit more pricey than I’d usually pay, but I only needed one pump of product for my long hair and I loved the delicate scent.” 3/5 w Liz Earle Botanical Shine Nourishing Hair Oil, £17.25 (www.lizearle.com) “I’ve been using Moroccan oil for years and didn’t think anything could better it, but this blend of natural oils is heavenly, creating a noticeable shine on my bleached (and therefore very parched) hair and leaving smooth and soft” 4/5

38 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

W - Washing brushes regular gets rid of product residue and bacteria which can cause spots. If you use your brushes daily, they should be rinsed weekly with cleaning solution like Clinique Make-up Brush Cleanser, £13 (www.clinique.co.uk), and left to dry thoroughly. X - is for Pixiwoo (OK, we cheated with the alphabet system there a little), where sisters Sam and Nicola recreate celebrity make-up looks for their nearly two million followers at www.youtube.com/pixiwoo. Y - YouTubers’ most-used brush has got to be the MAC 266 Small Angle Brush, £16.50 (www.maccosmetics. co.uk), the essential utensil for dramatic eyeliner and shadow application. Z - Zoeva is a relatively new player on the beauty scene but the brush brand has quickly become a major hit with the vlogger crowd. The range offers more than 50 tools, including some vegan brushes (www.beautybay.com). BUY IT NOW Serum, SPF and foundation - that’s three steps in your morning routine, right? Well, not any more, thanks to Bobbi Brown’s latest innovation. Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40, £39, combines skinsoothing properties, sun protection and make-up in one, without sacrificing quality at any stage (www.bobbibrown.co.uk).

Joint Replacement

Bespoke or off the shelf

f we had he choice of that special suit or dress and money was not an object I’m sure that most, if not all of us would choose the bespoke or fully made to measure option. The reason is that we are not all made the same. Think of the number of times when you have seen, tried on, or even bought an item and thought it needed to be adjusted, didn’t buy it because too much adjustment was needed or worse still even regretted buying because when you got home it really didn’t fit. Would you believe that hip and knee joint replacement implants are just the same in fact some would say there is even less choice. Each company makes around 6-8 sizes of hip and knee implant where each option has around 4 finer adjustments. The next issue concerns how your surgeon decides what fits you. Again in this day an age of technology he is making his decision off an x-ray i.e. a 2D picture where we know there can be issues with magnification i.e. could 5- 20% out! Add to this that 50% of Surgeons don’t even template their patients x-rays then you can imagine the accuracy level will drop further still.

Templating is the process of working out what implant is going to fit again please note this is in 2D. On the subject of surgeons it is important to know if n this is his specialty as most surgeons believe they can do a hip or knee replacement (when actually they are the elbow surgeon) n where he did he do his training or even a fellowship as we are all trained in apprenticeships (bad teacher = bad student) n how many cases are done on an operating list (are you on a conveyor belt being rushed through - is your surgeon taking care and time over you (there is this misbelief that if you are fast you must be good or that if you do lots of cases that’s a good thing – it could all be done badly !) n what surgical approach is being used (is muscle cut or separated as the former could give a limp for life) OK so I am not making a good case for Joint replacement surgery. This is backed up by the fact that limb length discrepancy (a leg too long or too short after surgery) is the biggest cause of litigation in the United States after Total Hip replacement and that 25% of all patients are dissatisfied after Total Knee replacement. One of the solutions to the above problems

is bespoke implants. A CT scan with 3D reconstructions is performed, which allows us to either match an implant to fit or construct an implant to fit the patient exactly. I have been using a bespoke Hip implant system for 4 years and bespoke Knee implant system for 2 years and now have one of the largest UK experiences and have no doubt that the results are in a different category. This is not surprising given we are using implants that fit the patient exactly and have been planned with computer guided precision. The surgery is performed with the latest minimally invasive techniques learnt from fellowship training at centers of excellence in the United States However please note, it is still significant surgery that must be performed for the correct indications. That said we are finding that the patients are having a faster better recoveries because the implants are where they should be and that means the muscles and ligaments are at the correct tension so they function better. The result is a better functional result The result is better function and the potential for a more active lifestyle afterwards. If you have a hip or knee problem and wish to book an appointment with Mr Paul Jairaj, an Orthopaedic Consultant based at North Downs Hospital, ring 08000468036 or enquire online www.northdownshospital.co.uk

FASHION and unique stone setting methods – the brand uses diamond setting techniques for Swarovski® crystals – making this luxury collection as strong and beautiful as the women who wear it. Combining classic elegance with a contemporary pop, these pieces transmit a hint of wild nature and showcase the brands creative and stylistic innovation. With these exclusive designs, Cavalli continues to distinguish his work from all other designers that has got him a huge celebrity following. Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyonce, Victoria and David Beckham, Lenny Kravitz, Taylor Swift, Charlize Theron and supermodel Cindy Crawford are all big fans. Cadenzza’s collaboration with the Roberto Cavalli brand promises to add signature Italian glamour to any look, and aims to inspire confidence in every woman who accessorizes with these unique and exclusive, luxury pieces. Exclusively available at Cadenzza stores in the UK from May 2015 About Cadenzza Cadenzza was founded in 2012 as a multi-brand retailer of fashion jewellery in the premium segment. Its exceptional stores showcase the latest handpicked jewellery collections from world-famous designers and emerging talents on the fashion scene. This makes Cadenzza the brand of choice for trend-conscious women who value quality and know how to express themselves through their own unique style. As part of the Swarovski® group, the Cadenzza brand can draw on more than 115 years of quality, innovation, and trend expertise in the jewellery industry.

Cadenzza Exclusive Collection from Roberto Cavalli For over 40 years, Cavalli has been one of Italy’s favourite fashion powerhouses.

nd after developing a close partnership with the brand, Cadenzza is now proud to present their first exclusive collection designed by the famous fashion icon. The glorious “Serpent” collection – available in two colour variations – is smart, original and pays homage to one of the brands strongest and most famous signature motifs. Here Cavalli, renowned for its vibrant use of exotic prints and bold femininity mixes innovative, modern and geometric forms with Cadenzza’s seasonal colours to create unique, wearable pieces of art. The gorgeous 8-piece statement collection, made in collaboration with Cadenzza, reflects the spring/summer 2015 themes and features iconic looped snakes decorated with sparkling, faceted crystals. The gold-plated bracelets, pendant necklaces, rings and earrings are available in either clear crystal or amethyst crystal and highlight Cavalli’s trademark shimmering reptile designs

40 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

FASHION

LEAR YOUR STRIPES

There was a clear winner in the print stakes on the spring/summer catwalks. Stripes were seen everywhere, from Louis Vuitton (rendered in patent leather) and Chanel (long cardis and matching boots) to Paul Smith (natty blazers and drop waist dresses).

et largely against a white background, these linear designs did have a whiff of the nautical about them, but simply whacking on an old Breton top won’t cut it this season. It’s time to go bold with your printed pieces, layering up contrasting colours or pairing matching separates - from graphic coordinates to feminine frocks, there’s a look to flatter every figure. Forget what you think you know about this misunderstood motif and listen up, these are the new stripy styling rules... SET YOUR COORDINATES Coordinates have been around for a few seasons now but if you still haven’t given these matchy-matchy two-pieces a go, now’s a fine time to try, because spring’s runway-inspired editions are chicer than ever. A candy striped skirt and tee makes a great pairing for work or play. Add brogues or pointed toe flats by day, then switch to ankle-strap heels and finish with a hefty necklace for evening. For something casual but still decidedly fashion-forward, look to stripy shorts or culottes coordinates. Keep the rest of your look fuss-free: add a utility trend jacket and backpack for a minimalist silhouette. DOUBLE UP The other way to work two stripes in one is by contrasting your motifs, a bit like double denim. Layer up on your top half by wearing a loose striped shirt open over a cami in a similar print, or a kimono over a tunic, but make sure the palettes of the pieces match, and keep your bottom half one block colour. Or, tuck a horizontal-striped blouse into a skirt or pair of wide leg trousers emblazoned with wide vertical bands for a directional distinction. SKIRT THE ISSUE A striped skirt is a must for spring, but we’re not talking the same sedate pencil skirts we’ve seen for seasons - these statement separates are swishy, sexy and stylish.

42 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

Get The

LOOK

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BUY IT NOW

Remember Jackie, the teen weekly that had its heyday circa 1972? Well, it’s back (although sadly not in magazine form, so you’ll have to send your Dear Doctor letters elsewhere). The publication, which folded in the 1993, is being revived as a ‘lifestyle brand’, including a clothing collection with ASOS, right on time for the Seventies style revival. Relive your youth with billowing palazzo pants, cutesy playsuits and adorable ‘love’ print pieces, available from May 4. We adore the Jackie Collaboration Love Print Polo Dress, £35 (www.asos.com).

FASHION FLASH

MUMMIES IN JAMMIES While stars may swan around looking glamorous as ever seemingly minutes after having a baby, 82% of mums say celebs’ post-pregnancy wardrobes are unrealistic, according to a survey to coincide with the launch of George at Asda’s nursing nightwear range. In fact, 70% admitted that for a month after giving birth, they stayed mostly in pyjamas.

STYLE STEAL

Handmade, unique and affordable, Wolf and Moon jewellery is just to ticket if you’re looking for an antidote to the mass-produced accessories that pervade the high street. Each piece in the new decoinspired Fjordland collection is made to order and available in a variety of materials and colourways, with prices starting at just £14 for earrings.

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FASHION

Whether pleated, full or maxi, make your skirt the focus of your outfit. If dressing down for day, a short-sleeved blouse and leather or suede jacket are all you need to lend a cool, retro edge. To dress up for an evening do, swap the blouse for a silk tee and finish with heels in a shade that picks out the colour in the stripes.

FACEBOOK AUX-PAS

Have you ever gone shopping purely because you didn’t want to risk being seen in the same outfit twice on Facebook? Then you’re not alone. A survey by TK Maxx reveals that 28% of us admit to buying clothes to avoid being tagged in the same togs twice, while 18% said they wouldn’t wear an ensemble again, in case it ended up in photos online. On the plus side, 37% of those questioned said that perusing social media sites encourages them to be more adventurous with fashion.

SPLICE YOUR STRIPES While the old adage does generally apply that vertical bands are more slimming than their horizontal counterparts, if you’re still not sure about stripes, then a flattering way to play it is with patchwork-effect prints. For instance, irregular diagonal bands on a fitted dress are better suited to larger figures, because they give the illusion of skimming over your curves rather than emphasising them. Likewise, carefully spliced stripes on a maxi dress help break up the expanse of fabric, thereby fooling the eye into thinking your waist is slimmer. Add wedge heels underneath and you’ve got height on your side too. DRESS FOR THE OCCASION Shake off the casual connotations of stripes with a gorgeously girly Fifties-style dress, perfect for a late spring w 1) Black Brush Stripe Midi Skater Dress, £34.99 (www.newlook.com) w 2) Navy Stripe Wide Leg Trousers, £40 (www.topshop.com) w 3) Sophia Prom Dress, £119 (available in store; www.monsoon.co.uk) w 4) Ripple Necklace in Mint, £26 (www.wolf-and-moon.com) w 5) Jackie Collaboration Love Print Polo Dress, £35 (www.asos.com).

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wedding or garden party. Lift a monochrome frock by adding acid bright accessories, or pair a beige dress with tonal metallic heels - rose gold scores extra trend points. Don’t be tempted to load up on jewellery, however. Choose between either necklace or bracelet (a simple stack of bangles neatly mirrors the linear print), and belt a soft trench over the top if it’s chilly.

3 5 1

BOATRACE

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OUTDOOR LIFE THE QUALITY OUTDOOR GUIDE | MAY 2015

Fabulous Pools and Spas The Grub Outdoors Outside Interests Awnings and Gardens of distinction.

BOATRACE

Outside Interests

In a triumph of hope over experience, we plucky Brits persist in defying our unpredictable weather, eating, socialising and relaxing al fresco as soon as there’s a glimmer of sunlight.

ut while we can’t guarantee good weather, it is at least possible to make a stylish and comfortable setting a dead cert, by lavishing some love on your outdoor space. As well as the advantage of creating another ‘room’ - always welcome in our space-starved times, investing in a patio could also literally help you ‘grow’ money. ...Continued on page. 52

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Outdoor Life

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OUTDOOR LIFE

...Continued from page. 48 A garden can increase the value of a property by up to 20%, according to research by RatedPeople.com, the UK’s largest online trade recommendation service, which also found that the majority of buyers (66%) say outdoor space would be a key deciding factor when it comes to buying. “People can always tell the difference between a house and a home, and it works the same way with a garden,” says Rated People ambassador and Location, Location, Location presenter Phil Spencer. “Don’t be afraid to add personality to your outdoor decor and accessories - this is your space and says as much about you as your interior. Wall decorations, interesting plant pots and special features will make your garden eye-catching and, just as important, more enjoyable for you to spend time in.” A simple test can tell you if that space is fit for purpose: plant yourself down on your outdoor furniture and decide whether you’re as comfortable as you would be indoors, and could linger there as long over a meal or drinks. If the answer’s a resounding ‘no’, it’s time for revamp. Choose from one of this year’s top outdoor trends... DOWN TO EARTH Natural materials - wood and stone - are always a sound choice for a patio, as they look more beautiful as they weather and their colour tones blend into the surroundings. “The blurring of the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces means that entertaining is no longer confined to one area of the home, and now commonly involves using kitchen, dining and outdoor spaces to create a flow through the home,” says Nicola Gidlow, buyer for outdoor living at John Lewis. “Furnish this space as you would an indoor room and, ideally, choose colours and prints that echo your indoor scheme. This will unify all the spaces. If you haven’t got green fingers, a collection of faux trees and plants in pots grouped around the boundary of the patio could delineate the space.” BOTANICAL KITSCH Whatever the weather, your patio will have a tropical twist with

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furniture in neon hues and playful accessories. “This season’s tropical trend has found its way into our gardens, with bold and bright accessories leading the way. From jewel-hued cushions to colour-pop parasols, these fun additions are a great way to add character and style to al fresco spaces. They can also be mixed and matched with ease,” says Kate Watson, interior designer for furniture specialists, Fishpools. “Choose two ‘key’ colours - and don’t be afraid to be bold - then complement with small splashes of accent colours to add interest.” WHITE HOT Lighten up and look beyond dark brown and black furniture (so yesterday!), and give a more spacious feel to even the most compact space. “Neutral shades - white, taupe, varying shades of grey - are a strong trend this year,” says Tina Mahony, director of garden furniture company, Go Modern. “These are natural partners with sleek, streamlined furniture, which truly turn a patio into an outdoor room. This is a contemporary, chic interpretation and can look spectacular on a light stone floor, and makes a cool contrast to the colour and interest of the garden beyond.”

2 4

w 1) Oliver Bonas’ Paloma Egg Hanging Chair £350 w 2) Fishpools’ colourful Savona Lounger Chairs, £25 w 3) 2 Seater Garden Bench, Habitat, £395 w 4) Flamingo Ornament, available from Dunelm. w 5) Tesco’s Metal Pineapple Tealight Holder, £8

QUALITY BESPOKE LANDSCAPE DESIGN Jo Jemmison is an award winning garden and landscape designer based in Sevenoaks providing a bespoke design and consultancy service in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London.

o undertakes all kinds of domestic and commercial projects, ranging from renovating beds and borders to drawing up master plans for country estates. In 2014 Jo Jemmison won an RHS Silver Gilt Medal and a Best in Category award for a Metamorphosis Show Garden at BBC Gardeners World Live for her first show garden. Experience Following a degree in Visual Arts and Information Technology, Jo Jemmison was employed by Eurostar in Facilities Management and Personnel Services. Jo made the leap into horticulture as a career in 1997 when she decided to train as a professional gardener at Capel Manor. Jo soon set up her own garden maintenance business in North London. Jo recounts â&#x20AC;&#x153;I became really interested in the design and construction of the gardens I was working in and after undertaking a City and Guilds course in Hard Landscaping I began to design and build gardens too. Following a move to Kent I decided to

refine and develop my design skills, I completed a degree in Garden Design at Hadlow in 2008â&#x20AC;?. Whether you require a full set of detailed plans or a quick sketch and a point in the right direction Jo Jemmison can tailor her services to suit your needs. If you need help finding a good contractor, some hands on garden renovation and planting, project management or just the occasional site visit to give advice as you undertake the work yourself, Jo Jemmison is happy to help.

THE DETAILS Jo Jemmison Landscape Design 07710 798345 | www.jojemmison.com

Thoughtful Design, Timeless Materials, Beautiful Plants

Award winning garden and landscape designer based in Sevenoaks providing a bespoke design and consultancy service in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and London. Undertake all kinds of domestic and commercial projects ranging from renovating beds and borders to drawing up masterplans for country estates.

07710 798345 www.jojemmison.com

Outdoor Life

Homeleigh

The complete building, gardening and DIY Group 40 years of Quality and Service hey stock a massive, comprehensive range of building supplies including Timber, Bricks, Blocks, Fencing, Tools, Fixings, Landscaping, Aggregates, Plumbing, Drainage, Ironmongery, Decorating and everything you will need for your home and garden. Building Materials Homeleigh pride themselves on their fast supply of high quality, building materials of all types, for any project wherever and whenever you need it. From all types of bricks, varying density blocks and damp proofing through to bulk orders of aggregates, sand, cement and other building consumables we can supply what you need for any size or type of construction project.

omeleigh’s have been in business since 1975 and have become the go-to builders merchants in Kent with branches in Staplehurst, Cross-at-hand, Aylesford near Maidstone and a new depot in High Halden. Homeleigh offers a comprehensive range of building materials for the trade and DIY customers. Because Homeleigh are experts in their field you can trust them to provide the very best in quality and service at competitive prices.

DIY and Gardening products Home Leigh’s will make sure that you get the right tools and quality products to make a success of your home or garden project because they have built a solid reputation across Kent as the place to come to for a superb range of DIY and gardening supplies, they offer excellent value, low cost options for those on a budget to a complete stock of famous brands and market leading products. Fencing and landscaping Homeleigh can help you to create the garden of your dreams with an amazing selection of fencing & landscaping products. Make your

Aggregates If you need large quantities of aggregates for professional building needs or an attractive selection of gravels, stone chips or decorative shingle, Homeleigh stock a wide variety of materials at highly competitive prices and for the building trade they have everything builders need for any size of project, including high quality building sand, cement and sharp washed sand, they also stock a range of specialist materials with more and more emphasis being placed on using environmentally friendly materials. Bricks and Blocks Homeleigh stock a wide range of bricks and blocks for building and construction in a range of styles, densities and finishes, they also include reclaimed. Whatever you’re building Homeleigh quality bricks and blocks will stand the test of time, so whether you need standard or specialist bricks for external, internal, cavity walls, foundations or floors they have a huge range of stock to match your exact requirements. Homeleigh can help you choose the type of brick to match your needs or budget.

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garden bloom with their superb range of fencing and landscaping supplies from attractive block paving to stunning natural slabs, an impressive stock of flag and kerb stones which will fit strikingly into a lovely path snaking across the lawn or choose from a range of colourful rockery stones. Painting and decorating Homeleigh are the first stop for high quality paints, varnishes, woodstains and painting supplies for all your decorating needs. They will

give you all the help you will need with expert advice and highly competitive prices to give you the perfect finish to any painting project. Plumbing and drainage Homeleigh say that they are the first people to come to for all your plumbing & drainage needs and it’s hard to disagree because they provide a watertight solution to your plumbing or drainage needs and have an unbeatable selection of plumbing and drainage solutions at competitive prices. If you are looking for sanitary ware, tools, spares or sundries and everything you could need for your heating, drainage or plumbing. Timber and sheet materials Hardwood, softwood, plywood, MDF, C16/C24 carcassing, doors, mouldings, Homeleigh are there to help. Because they have the complete solution to all your timber, wood and sheet material requirements. Homeleigh are the leading stockists in Kent of a wide selection of timber, wood and sheet materials for use in the building trade, construction and DIY. THE DETAILS Babington House School Grange Drive, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5ES Tel: 020 8467 5537 www.babingtonhouse.com

Outdoor Life

Johnsons Garden Buildings

Johnsons is a family run business that has been established since 1960. We pride ourselves on supplying a good quality product at affordable prices.

ohnsons Garden Buildings are based in Kent and we supply and install amongst the highest quality log cabins and garden buildings in the UK. We have six beautiful display villages, showing over 120 buildings, to suit all requirements and budgets. You cannot beat seeing what you’re buying, so pay a visit to one of our display villages and receive expert advice on all your cabin enquiries from our experienced staff. With over 150 different sizes, shapes and designs available to choose from, there will be a cabin to suit you. We also specialise in bespoke buildings, offering a made to measure service allowing you, the customer to make your own choices. Design your own cabin with our free bespoke service. Let one of our sales team help you utilise your space and design your very own unique building. You can choose the size, where the doors and windows are positioned along with any internal walls and internal door openings you may wish to include. When you have decided and the design has been agreed, we can then provide a drawing from our mill showing you all the elevations etc. We include the cost of construction of all our buildings in our Package deals. We offer package prices of varying degrees to show the customer exactly what they would be receiving.

The “total project cost“ is what the majority of people are interested in, so do not get caught out by hidden extras. Unlike a lot of our competitors, we offer a free home site survey with full written quotations, on request. It is imperative when buying a garden building you would make sure that it can fit, looks aesthetically pleasing and also suits its purpose, so let Johnsons take the strain and confirm the building is the right one for you and your garden space. We can supply and install roof and floor insulation and also double glaze your building, as well as full electrical packages and air conditioning. We would be pleased to do the base work required and with lots of other options available, Johnsons are the perfect company to choose for when you just want the whole project dealt with professionally and at a reasonable cost. You can use our buildings to house your own home office, provide much needed extra space for the kids to play in or just utilise as a chill out den. Maybe you have a hobby that is taking over your house or you are using indoor space as a workshop and are running out of room. Consider a Johnsons log cabin and make use of your existing outdoor space and with the majority of buildings not requiring planning permission, we are here to guide you every step of the way. We get great pleasure seeing a customer’s face when they see the finished article and how one of Johnsons garden buildings can, not only totally transform their garden space, but also their home and business life too. Our latest fantastic display village is now open at Hawley Garden Centre, Dartford ….. it is amazing. Come and see what we can do for you…. THE DETAILS Discover outdoor space with a Johnsons log cabin, visit our website or call us now for a brochure, Tel. 0845 4599444 www.needextraspace.co.uk sales@needextraspace.co.uk

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Outdoor Life

Greencut Horticulture Professional, Qualified and recommended.

Greencut Horticulture are professionally qualified and environmentally conscious tree care specialists with over 30 years practical and training experience in the industry.

stablished in 2009 and now based just outside Sevenoaks at the Coolings Nurseries garden centre, the company has grown into one of the leading tree care and management companies in the local area for both domestic and commercial clients. This status will be further enhanced in June this year with the addition of a new Division offering Tree Reports and Consultancy in relation to tree safety, risk assessment, local authority planning recommendations and general arboricultural or woodland advice. Greencut Horticulture Ltd is a business that is endorsed by recognised industry bodies, is fully insured against liability and only uses qualified and experienced arborists. Greencut carry out tree work to British Standards and puts exemplary customer service at the heart of everything they do, that’s why they have become one of the South-East’s fastest growing, privately owned arboricultural companies. Their commitment to excellence in the arboricultural industry and focus on continuous improvement is demonstrated by their status as an Approved Contractor of the Arboricultural Association. Assessment to achieve this standard is rigorous and on-going and assures clients of good quality tree care undertaken safely and efficiently. For further confirmation of their desire to meet expectations at every stage of contact, clients need look no further than their three prestigious ISO standards, kite marks are more usually associated with multinational companies employing hundreds of staff. Awarded following an extensive audit of all facets of the business in autumn 2014, these

international standards collectively recognise the company’s emphasis on quality management (ISO9001), effective and efficient environmental management systems (ISO14001) and health and safety management (OHSAS18001). Operations Director Navin Sehmi told us that “ It’s been a lot of hard work to open up our business to such high level scrutiny, but we are confident an accomplishment of this size sends out a clear message as to how we think business should operate, ensuring the best possible back office processes translate to the best possible experience for our clients. “adding that when local people choose Greencut Horticulture they can be assured they are dealing with a company that prioritises its customers and is committed to outstanding service. Mr Sehmi continued “There are numerous tree surgery companies packed into a small catchment area around Sevenoaks, Bromley and South East London but few, if any, are more advanced than us in terms of being able to meet customers’ ever increasing expectations in terms of health, safety, environment and quality management. From the outset our motivation was to ensure the ISO framework was used to bring genuine value to our clients, rather than focusing on just getting another certificate to mount on the office wall. We genuinely believe the customer will be the big winner from our ISO certification,” Greencut has also been successfully vetted in order to join Check-a-Trade, a directory of recommended and trusted tradesmen. Their membership of this nationwide directory is driven by their desire for Greencut to be viewed as a trustworthy and reputable business. On

completion of work, Greencut provides every client with a Check-a-Trade feedback report form which scrutinises not just the quality of work, but also the important fine detail including arriving on time, being polite and courteous and realistic about how long the job will take. They are happy for the results to be made public on the Check-a-Trade website for other consumers to read and benefit from. They are also authorised to display the TrustMark logo. This is a Government endorsed quality mark for reputable tradesmen and gives consumers’ confidence in their local tradesmen. Greencut has a wide range of clients from Government departments, schools, local authorities, housing associations plus, of course, individual homeowners. They offer a range of comprehensive tree management services for both domestic and commercial clients alike. Customers come to Greencut for a variety of reasons - some are bothered by a tree blocking light from their garden or are concerned about the potential of damage from a failing tree. Others use the company as part of an ongoing programme to guarantee the long term health of trees or woodland at their property. Whatever the start point, their team of competent, skilled arborists are passionate about the service they offer, striving to provide highly effective solutions for any tree work THE DETAILS Greencut Horticulture Main Road, Knockholt, Kent TN14 7LJ 020 8290 0242 www.greencuthorticulture.co.uk

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Outdoor Life

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Outdoor Life

To keep your trees

at their best…..

As an arboriculturist, Richard Arnold of Tree Craft Ltd appreciates how lucky we are to have so many trees in our corner of England and to have a climate that lets us grow a wide variety of trees, both native and exotic, in our domestic gardens.

ew would disagree that trees are one of the things that make life worth living. Apart from their vital role in the ecosystem, trees give us shade and screening; fascination; beauty and adventures. Their form; size; great age; foliage; flowers; bark; scent and seasonal colour lift our spirits, inspire us and enhance our parks and gardens. It is late April; the buds on beech trees in the ancient woodland behind Tree Craft’s yard are bursting to reveal the delicate fresh green of the new leaves and shoots and the enormous wild cherry on Richard’s dog walking route is just coming to the end of its spectacular show of white spring blossom. As the trees slowly come to life with new leaf and blossom it brings a sense of anticipation for the long summer and (hopefully) warmer weather ahead. During the summer, trees are fully employed, converting sunlight into growth, fruit and stored carbohydrates. The shade of their crowns cools us down on hot summer days. Their leaves, sap and timber provide food for countless insects and birds. As autumn creeps in, decorative fruit adorns some species and changes in leaf colour become the focus of interest. Field maple, hornbeam and beech become buttery yellow; Japanese maples turn brilliant crimson and the Liquidambar changes from green to yellow, red and purple before letting go of it’s leaves and bowing out for winter. Winter lets us really appreciate the structure of large mature trees as they are silhouetted against the sky and the decorative bark of the Himalayan birch comes into it’s own at this time of year. During the cold weather, coniferous species, including our native yew, provide shelter for insects, birds and mammals. In our gardens at home a well-chosen tree species, planted in the right place, can provide year-round interest and offer many of the benefits that have been mentioned. Trees growing in suburban locations can, on the other hand, also outgrow their location; drop leaves; block out sunlight; annoy neighbours; become unstable or decline in health, often as a result of the tough environment in which they may have to

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grow. Even the ideal tree in a domestic garden will require a little care and attention to make sure that it remains at it’s best. A professional arboriculturist can help in this regard by providing expert advice as to the extent and timing of work to balance the needs of the tree with needs of the tree owner. Your arboriculturist can help at all stages of a tree’s life, from recommending a suitable tree species and planting it properly, through formative pruning of the young tree, ensuring that future problems are avoided, to expert pruning of mature trees, maintaining their aesthetic value and safety, and eventually when necessary, removing a tree, from which the process starts again. Tree Craft Ltd is an Arboricultural Association Approved Contractor and has been providing it’s expertise to it’s clients for over two decades, helping them to get the best from their trees and gardens. Richard, Russell and their team of experienced arboriculturists are on hand to provide you with qualified advice and excellent service.

THE DETAILS Please visit their website for more details; www.treecraft.co.uk

Outdoor Life

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Outdoor Life

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HOME & GArden

Life may never follow a straight line, but this year, your decor should.

LINE-UP

A Stylish tripes are decorating every surface right now, from walls to floors. And not only are they the most fashionable choice of the season - and a smart way to bring colour and personality to rooms - they have the power to ‘stretch’ walls too. It’s all a visual trick, of course, but vertical stripes can make ceilings appear taller, creating the illusion of height, while horizontal stripes elongate a space, making rooms feel wider. “Stripes are a perennial favourite both on the catwalk and for interiors, and are particularly on trend this year,” says Mike Constable, managing director of fabric specialists Jab Anstoetz. “Their popularity isn’t surprising, because they’re versatile and have the power to completely change the look, feel and mood of a room, depending on their direction, width, colour and pattern sequence. “Stripes can be elegant and sophisticated when monochrome, conjure sail-away style in blue and white, or be playful and wild in bright

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stripes are a perennial favourite both on the catwalk and for interiors, and are particularly on trend this year,â&#x20AC;?

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HOME & GArden

colours. Bands of colour in the same width help create a classic look, whereas a mix of stripes in different widths are more modern.” So if you thought zebras, pedestrian crossings and bar codes had the monopoly on stripes, think again, and bring decor into line with this expert guide. STRIPES AHOY Blue and white’s a classic combo for stripes, which evokes a coastal feel, and this year its popularity reflects our passion for blue shades. “Crisp, clean stripes are synonymous with seaside interiors and can be mixed and matched for breezy, summer looks which are appropriate all year round,” says David Collinge, managing director at fabric specialist Ian Mankin. “Consider a thin ticking stripe as a neutral and match with a stripe of a different scale or density. To enliven a scheme, add pops of red in accessories or contrast navy blues with details in sky blues.” BLACK & WHITE VISION Monochrome’s also one of the fashion’s big trends, which means black and white stripes are everywhere, and these work just as well dressingup rooms. “Stripes particularly suit monochrome, as black and white’s a sophisticated, powerful colour combination, which adds a formal and polished element to a space. It works particularly well in traditional settings,” says Constable.

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“Accent colours added to a monochrome scheme will bring warmth, but in general, stripes look so graphic and bold on their own, it’s better to avoid cluttering a setting, or distracting with too many colours.” RAINBOW STRIPES Take a shortcut to summer with stripes in zingy colours reminiscent of beach huts, deckchairs and parasols. “Colour’s come to stay in homes, and stripes are a fun way to introduce it. Make stripes work as a creative statement and try some interesting painting effects which can give you a look unique to you and your home.

“There’s no rule that says stripes have to be rigid straight lines, and I think wavy, softer bands of colour are just as effective,” says Marianne Shillingford, creative director at Dulux. “Try a simple dragged technique, using horizontal layers of colour, to get a stunning effect in the bedroom. Alternatively, make your own decorating tool by taping a row of artists’ brushes to a block of wood, and use it to paint finer layers of colour on smaller areas and architectural 5 details.”

6 1 3

w 1) Aqua Print Mug, £4, Sainsbury’s w 2) The Tiny Collection Painting Mug, £12, Luku Home w 3) Oliver Bonas’ Small Stripe Mirror, £60, Sainsbury’s w 4) Monochrome Stripe Table Runner, £12, Sainsbury’s w 5) Grain Sack Club Chair, £1,800, Kelly Swallow w 6) Breton Table Lamp, hand-painted with blue stripes, £45, Next

HOME & GARDEN

Kitchen Design E

When we start looking for a new kitchen most of us have a basic idea of what we want to achieve. Kitchen Design Of Sevenoaks aim to help by developing those ideas using years of experience and a great deal of product knowledge. Using each of their displays from local furniture maker Stoneham Plc to explore and discuss the possibilities. Each display reflects the diversity of design and innovation on offer.

verything is presented in a clear and open way so that clients care fully involved at each stage to clearly understand various options and benefits available. Before anyone commits to a project the will know what they are getting, when the project will commence and have total confidence that the end result will meet their expectations. Kitchen Design of Sevenoaks offer a concept-tocompletion service, potentially project managing the entire operation from kitchen design, through to building and structural work including, associated electrics, gas and water. However they are also happy to work in tandem with the customer’s architects and builders, to ensure a complete and totally satisfactory project whether supply only or supply and fit. The sole aim of this is to achieve happy customers. Nothing more nothing less. They know the power of personal recommendation and by investing time and effort looking after each customer it often leads to future business. After 35 years there are now clients who have returned for a second and third time.

Over the years the way we use our kitchens has evolved and in many cases an open plan solution is favoured. This changes the kitchen into a family room aiming to keep the family together in one space. Kitchen Design Of Sevenoaks, has stayed at the cutting edge of modern kitchen design and individual planning. When the customer walks away from an initial consultation, they may have a totally new set of ideas, a better understanding along with hand drawn plans and elevations. In addition they’ll have specifications and costings, presented in “plain English”. Highly experienced teams of fitters ensure each project ends in a result we can all be proud of. After all, Kitchen Design of Sevenoaks, has enjoyed success for many years through word of mouth recommendations.

Kitchen Design Of Sevenoaks, has stayed at the cutting edge of modern kitchen design

THE DETAILS Kitchen Design Of Sevenoaks 118 London Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN3 1BA www.kdofsevenoaks.co.uk

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HOME & GARDEN

Tilemates

For Quality Tiles and Expert Advice, Trust Tilemates.

stablished in 1983 Tilemates retail tile showrooms take great pride in being part of the dynamic tile distributor, Square Foot Ceramics. Tilemates advisors have a wealth of experience and expertise of the tile industry. This, combined with technical knowledge, leads to an established customer base that both regularly uses and recommends Tilemates. Tilemates showrooms are stylishly designed to show quality beautiful European wall and floor tile designs on the high street.

All Tilemates tiles are made in the very best European factories, so you can be sure of authentic style, excellent quality and a beautiful finish.

QUALITY Tilemates is the perfect choice for quality wall and floor tiles and accessories on the high street. Whether you are looking for stylish porcelain and ceramic wall tiles, stunning stone and mosaic, or wow factor statement floors at affordable prices, then Tilemates is the perfect choice. All Tilemates tiles are made in the very best European factories, so you can be sure of authentic style, excellent quality and a beautiful finish. EXPERTISE Come and visit your local Tilemates showroom today and let our experienced advisors help you choose your perfect tiles and accessories in a relaxed, friendly environment. Tilemates showrooms across the South East also benefit from easy parking and free local delivery. View the stunning Tilemates Stock Collection with our easy to use online brochure. TRUST Since Tilemates has proudly served the tile industry since 1983, you can trust Tilemates. Quality combined with technical knowledge has lead to an established customer base that both regularly trusts, uses and recommends Tilemates. THE DETAILS Visit www.tilematesgroup.com to find your nearest showroom details

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HOME & GARDENS

ISTANA INTERIOR DESIGN Transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary spaces

hat’s your colour palette? As an interior designer, understanding the complexities of colour is fundamental in creating a successful interior. It has long been an intense area of study for scientists, artists and designers, at the same time it remains subjective as everyone has their own favourite colours.

So how do I determine the colours I will use for a client? KYC - “know your client” is critical. I spend time listening to a client; understanding their likes, dislikes, places or times that have specific emotive qualities and personality - all will be linked to colour and therefore impact the colour choices. Colour theorist and teacher Johannes Itten developed the concept of ‘subjective colour’ concluding that personality leads us to prefer particular colours. He devised four harmonising groups that can be likened to the four seasons of the year - this has been successfully applied within the fashion industry with colour analysis now very popular. So how does this translate into interiors and which is your most preferred?

LOUISE MACONACHIE Founder of Istana Interior Design

To the right depicts each of the 4 seasons showing some of the main colours that sit within each ‘Season’. Take a look and see which image appeals to you most and then take a look around your home - do you see mostly these colours? This is a great starting place for me understanding a clients personality is key to unlocking the colours that will resonate for them and evoke positive responses. Colour, if done well, can create a fantastic visual impact, so go on, ditch the cream and add some colour into your scheme.

Colour theorist and teacher Johannes Itten developed the concept of ‘subjective colour’ concluding that personality leads us to prefer particular colours.

Which three words sum up your style? Elegant, colourful, relaxed.

SPRING

SUMMER

What’s your colour palette? I move between a summer and winter! What’s your favourite colour combo? Hot pink and navy. A feature wall or statement piece of furniture? I’ve done both but love a one off chair in a fabulous fabric.

AUTUMN

WINTER

THE DETAILS Louise creates bespoke designs which are functional, fluid and undeniably beautiful. To find out more, visit her website where you can see her portfolio, blog and contact her for a free initial discussion about your design project.

www.istana.co.uk

78 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

Which apps are a good start for inspiration? IPinterest and Houzz are fantastic platforms - follow me and you can see what inspires me! Instgram is also a great platform as well as fun. I often put photos up of what I am currently working on and design ideas.

BEACH POLO

THE ASAHI

BRITISH BEACH POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015 The Asahi British Beach Polo Championships is due to return to Sandbanks on the 10th and 11th July 2015. Now in its 8th year, this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.

rena polo is a high adrenaline game, and when played on a stunning Blue Flag beach brings out the very best from the players, ponies and guests. Unlike grass polo, arena polo is played within a smaller area with 3 rather than 4 players per team. The games are always very physical as the players are in close proximity to each other. Arena polo is a great spectator sport as the fans are so close to the action at all times. Jack Kidd, professional polo player says; “Top polo players are keen to return to Sandbanks to play incredibly

competitive polo in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. The setting is spectacular and I can’t wait for July!” The ever popular Beach Volleyball will return again for 2015, this year hosted by Revo and Barnabys, The REVOlution Sandslam promises to deliver top class beach volleyball on both days to entertain the large crowds. Once the sun goes down, the legendary beach parties begin. Due to the success of previous years Coco Loco will be hosting both nights, bringing in top DJs from around the UK. Guests will party into the early hours with DJ EZ headlining on Friday. Whether visitors are dining in the waterfront Sandpolo Hospitality marquee, enjoying the exclusive VIP experience, soaking up the atmosphere with General Admission tickets, or just choosing to sit outside the fence on the purpose built beach viewing area, it is a chance for polo, beach volleyball and the Jurassic English coast to show off its attributes. Johnny Wheeler, director of Sandpolo says; “We are delighted to be returning to Sandbanks again. Each year the event gets more popular and introduces more people to the exciting game of polo. The regular polo crowd love the atmosphere at Sandbanks with its glorious beach, and of course our parties are the talking point on the polo circuit.” THE DETAILS www.sandpolo.com

80 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

TRAVEL

Big kids

SCREAM LOUDER IN

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funny that, while suspended 335ft above the beautiful Florida skyline, I can neither see nor hear a single shrieking child.

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nBut as I sit on the edge of the world’s first vertical drop tower - complete with 90-degree tilt function - I don’t really notice anything that’s going on around me. Up until now, I’d convinced myself that Falcon’s Fury - internationally renowned theme park Busch Gardens’ towering centrepiece would be a breeze. I’d already bottled it three times, but now, looking down at the ant-like crowds below me, there’s no turning back. Summoning an imaginary shield of courage, I grip tightly onto the buckle around my waist. I can still taste the waffles I had for breakfast, and I fear I may be reunited with them very soon. An invitation to spend the halfterm holiday at a theme park popular with children would normally be met with a series of excuses from me: Sorry, I’m cleaning out the loft; Sorry, grandma is coming to stay; Sorry, there’s a Peak Practice omnibus running on UK Gold. But I’m surprised to discover that Florida’s popular theme parks are not heaving with small, screaming children.

In fact, most of the “screaming” appears to be coming from adults - including myself. I’m visiting Discovery Cove, SeaWorld and Aquatica to find out why scary rides and animal attractions are still just as much fun for adults. It’s not that these venues are childfree zones at all. In fact, during my stay, I bump into several school trips, as well as families crossing the Atlantic to enjoy a welcome bit of much-needed Vitamin D. But the parks are so vast and well laid out that there’s enough space for everyone. Like the best children’s films, laced with references that will have mums and dads nodding wryly in recognition, the USA’s top tourist attractions seem to cater for all tastes. I’m just amazed so many kids are brave enough to tackle these rides. I’m certainly pushed to my limit at Aquatica’s daunting Ihu’s Breakaway Falls. The set-up is simple - a cylindrical, vertical-drop flume with twists, turns and a countdown clock. The trudge up to the summit of the ride - which, for

I’m just amazed so many kids are brave enough to tackle these rides. I’m certainly pushed to my limit at Aquatica’s daunting Ihu’s Breakaway Falls.

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| MAY 2015 83

TRAVEL those wanting a distraction, allows the chance for magnificent views of the Orlando landscape - is conducted in silence. Three participants at a time are then placed into solo tubes, upright and facing each other. As the countdown clock ticks away in inverse proportion to the ascending heart rates, so too the tension builds. Then, one by one, trapdoors open under each flume and the twitching riders disappear from sight. Fortunately, the pace is altogether more tranquil across the road at Discovery Cove, where the Lazy Rapids represents the most terrifying thing in the whole park. Floating effortlessly like an autumn leaf on a stream, it’s almost possible to drift into a slumber as the 15-minute course loops around the park again and again. One of my highlights though, is a safari through Busch Gardens. I’m able to glimpse rare and

84 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

endangered animals and learn about their plight at the hands of poachers. As our 4x4 limbers over uncertain terrain, my guide explains that much of his daily work is dedicated to educating people about wildlife and spreading awareness. There are also opportunities for close contact with animals. At Discovery Cove, I’m able to swim with dolphins, while at SeaWorld, I’m invited to help feed the stingrays. It’s my first encounter with the pancake-flat fish, and I find the whole experience quite daunting. But in a week where my courage has been tested to new heights, I’m more than ready to embrace new adventures. The stingrays seem to enjoy it too.

BOOK REVIEWS

The

BookShelf

“People, places, passions; all will be found in various guises and provide fascinating insights to different worlds.” WORDS by Bruce Edwards

The Wedding Cake Tree Melanie Hudson Pub. by: P/b:

Nora Webster Colm Tóibín Pub. by: P/b:

Penguin £7.99

Not all stories are quick-fire revelations of someone else’s world, those novels commonly found on the ‘buy one, get one at half price’ tables in the central arena of your local chain bookstore. Watch the casual browser choose a title from suchlike piles of short life-span offerings, and wonder what logic or attraction works best. No such thing as the ‘best cover design’ despite marketeer’s best efforts, for we’re all individuals and as such, choose subjectively. Would you choose Nora, a woman standing alone on a seashore who - according to the revealing back cover blurb - has just been widowed, something that may take you a fair few pages or three to discover otherwise? Quick-fire reading this is not. There’s splendid detail here, couched in neat everyday language, of an almost hour by hour revelation of her thoughts, how she discovers her new self in the reflection of others and how the turn of life’s journey affects her husband-less future. Its very intimacy absorbs one into her world; Tóibín’s revelation of a world well worth exploring ISBN:

978-0-141-04175-9

Choc Lit £7.99

The loss of anyone near and dear will affect us in different ways - as we’ve seen with Nora - and bring life-style changes we may not initially appreciate. Grace - seen sitting here, calmly poised in another cover-designer’s concept of ‘quiet reflection’ - has lost her mother and the reading of the Will brings both opportunities and hurdles she’d not expected. There’s an appetizingly new concept of a potential romance here, taking the girl out of her fashionable photographer’s job and into a well-scripted journey back over her mother’s undiscovered former hidden life. Knowing that her daughter would try and side-step the Will’s requirements, her mother designed a series of challenges; provides her with a mentor to ensure they were carried out and, guess what, he’s a likable male. Predictable ending? Maybe - but you’ve got to travel alongside the pair to appreciate exactly how it is achieved. A refreshingly lovely tale written without the treacly smoochiness beloved of chick-lit authors and thus a worthy comparison to Nora . . . ISBN:

978-1-781-89224-4

Flirting With French William Alexander Pub. by: P/b:

Duckworth Overlook £9.99

Still on the subject of places and passions, stories do not always have to be fictional to provide these essential elements for a good tale. A fascinating title, this, for flirting and ‘French’ may suggest a weekend in Paris with a favourite lady; here she’s initially eclipsed by the cycle ride into Normandy. The passion here may not be for the ladies, though they feature in less provocative ways, but it’s for the romantic language they - and others use, in the manner and the subtleties which provide hilarious incidents when the accent is misplaced. Words in most languages chase each other around, meanings can shift in emphasis (recall what use we originally made of ‘gay’) but in French . . .! There are all sorts of adventures to be had whilst pursuing a quest to understand la français and Alexander is master of the art of being a raconteur even if, by his own admission is not a complete master of French. C’est la vie. . .

If you wish to comment on any title reviewed, or suggest new titles for possible review, or you have a problem locating any title, contact us at ‘writerselect@gmail.com’ And, if you’re hungry for a new author of romantic tales, try www.jonbeattiey.co.uk. ‘Melisande’, a new concept in romantic fiction, is now available direct. Details from writerselect@gmail.com 85 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

FOOD & DRINK

Restaurant Review

This month, Food Editor Regan Maloney has visited two restaurants in Kent to give you her verdict on their menus. Full reviews of both restaurants, along with other great recommendations, recipes and dinner party game ideas can be found at www.whatiatelastnight.com

Cardamom

ts Wood 7 Chatsworth Parade, Pet

Ambiance

b The Bull’s Headtts Pu Bottom

Rushmore Hill, Pra

Cardamom has a modern, yet comfortable feel. We visited on a Thursday evening and although not full, the restaurant was still buzzy and busy.

The Bull’s Head was purchased in 2013 by two local businessmen. Since taking over the lease, they have refurbished the restaurant and added welcoming touches to attract locals as well as new customers.

This is an independent, family owned restaurant and that came across in the extremely warm welcome that we received. All of the waiters were passionate about how they source their produce, the unique dishes that their Chef has created, and wanting to keep their locals happy and coming back.

We were welcomed at the bar and taken to our table in the restaurant by a very friendly barmaid. She then took us through the specials board and kept our drinks topped up throughout the meal.

Food

The menu contains curry restaurant favourites such as Biryani’s, Balti’s, Tikka’s and Tandoori specials, however we were drawn to the more unusual Cardamom speciality dishes. To start, we enjoyed their array of homemade chutneys and poppadoms, followed by Sheek kebab beautifully spiced minced lamb barbecued in the Tandoor and served on a bed of salad with spiced onions and a yoghurt and mint dipping sauce. For main, our favourite was the King prawn Gingga, consisting of two giant king prawns the size of your hand, marinated and cooked in fresh ginger, herbs and capsicum (peppers), served in a perfectly spiced sauce. We paired it with pilau rice and the creamiest, most moreish of homemade saag paneer I have ever tasted. Our eyes were clearly bigger than our bellies as we couldn’t resist ordering a side of perfectly cooked garlic naan bread after seeing it when delivered to the table next to us.

The menu contains pub favourites like breaded mushrooms, steak and kidney pudding and apple pie. We didn’t expect to find fresh oysters served three different ways (natural, Kilpatrick or Mornay) and so opted for oysters to start - they were extremely fresh, perfectly opened and of a decent meaty size, served with a wedge of lemon. For main, our favourite was one of the specials - Bourbon and maple ribs with onion rings, fries and salad. Portion sizes were generous and there was a choice of thin or chunky chips. For dessert, we shared a rhubarb crumble with hot custard - it was nice to have a proper flour, sugar and butter topping rather than oats and other ingredients that are so frequently used to add crunch nowadays

Drink

There is a small bar area to the front of the restaurant with spirits and beers available, and they have a reasonably priced wine menu with certain wines available by the glass or the bottle. We opted for a bottle of Malbec which was strong and fruity and accompanied the spices in the starter and main dishes well.

There are a good selection of beers and wines available as well as a well stocked bar. We opted for a bottle of ShirazCabernet Sauvignon from South-Eastern Australia with good depth of flavour.

A top-notch Indian restaurant and takeaway in the heart of Petts Wood

A friendly local with large garden and solid pub menu.

Service

My Overview

86 MAY 2015 | www.thelifemagazines.com

FOOD & DRINK

A Sprig of

Rosemary “One thing I can’t bear is standing on ceremony,” beams Rosemary Shrager, as she ushers me into her Kent cookery school. “There’s none of that here.”

“I just love it, I just love kneading bread - You need to treat food with reverence... like a baby.”

he’s right of course. Warm, approachable and lively - if slightly nutty - company, Shrager is ever the show-woman. I’ve been invited along for a baking class, and no sooner has she doled out smiley introductions, coffee and pastries, she’s grilling me on the nitty-gritty of my bread-making skills. Having worked with top chefs Pierre Koffmann and Jean-Christophe Novelli, appeared on Hell’s Kitchen, hosted countless of her own cookery series and helped whip some unpolished young women into shape on Ladette To Lady, Shrager isn’t about to stand on ceremony when it comes to cajoling me into baking better bread. “Come on now, turn, roll, push,” bellows the 64-year-old, who regularly performs cookery demonstrations at food roadshows, pops up in pantomimes and in 2012, was even a contestant on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out

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Of Here!, as I weakly slide the dough around the work surface. But my kneading skills clearly aren’t cutting the mustard. “TURN! ROLL! PUSH!” Shrager repeats in her best panto Fairy Godmother voice, as she bustles over to show me how it’s done. “There, that’s better. Isn’t it lovely cooking with people?” And yes, with Shrager at the hob, it is a pleasure cooking with people. “I just love it, I just love kneading bread,” she enthuses. “You need to treat food with reverence... like a baby.” And while Rosemary’s bready babies are baking away, we gossip about her famous cookery school alumni (both Paul Hollywood and Janet Street-Porter have been), and then make a rich tomato soup to accompany our bakes. As the delicious aroma of baking bread fills the room and the soup simmers away, Shrager is in her element, regaling the room with stories of being pulled over by the police when she first

passed her driving test for having part of the engine missing, and then going into a robust rant about her dislike of slow road-users. “I just love cooking,” she says. “I love the whole feel about the products, the freshness, how they should taste, and I love working with the latest whatever it is and learning what to do with it.” And the cook, who recently took her grandchildren to Italy (they had great fun picking olives together), has a set idea on what makes a good cookery teacher - somebody just like her! “I wish I’d had a me to take me to where I am today,” she says, smiling. Once the rolls are out of the oven, we sit down on a big table and break the bread together, feeling right at home. If you fancy making some homely bakes, here are three recipes from Shrager’s Bakes, Cakes And Puddings...

BANOFFEE PIE Ingredients: n 180g unsalted butter n 75g caster sugar n 200ml caramel-flavoured condensed milk n 3 large bananas, sliced n 50g pecans, roughly chopped For the base: n 1200g digestive biscuits n 50g pecans n 80g unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the topping: n 250ml double cream n 65g icing sugar, sifted For the chocolate sauce: n 100g dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa solids), broken into pieces n 25g unsalted butter n 1tbsp double cream

Line the sides of a 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin with baking parchment.

Serves 6-8

To make the base, crush the digestives and pecans into fine crumbs, then stir in the melted butter. Spoon the mixture into the tart tin and press evenly over the base and slightly up the sides. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, make the filling. Slowly melt the butter with the caster sugar in a saucepan, stirring all the time, and bring to the boil. Continue boiling until it becomes a caramel colour, then fold in the condensed milk and take off the heat. Fold the bananas and pecans into the caramel sauce, then spread the mixture over the biscuit base. Chill in the fridge for one hour. To make the topping, whip the cream to soft peaks and fold in the icing sugar. Spoon this mixture over the banana filling. To make the sauce, melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (make sure the bowl does not actually touch the water). Fold in the butter, then stir in the cream. Drizzle the sauce over the pie and serve.

Serves 6-8

CA RR OT CA KE WI TH MA SC AR PO NE IC IN G AN D CO NF IT OR AN GE Ingredients: n 250g runny honey n 100g carrots, finely grated n 180g dried stoned dates, chopped n 1tsp ground nutmeg n 2tsp ground cinnamon n 100g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing n 200ml water n 200g plain flour n 2tsp bicarbonate of soda n 100g walnuts, roughly chopped n 3 eggs

For the icing: n 200g mascarpone n 200g icing sugar n 1tsp vanilla extract n 200g thick creme fraiche n Zest of 1 orange For the confit orange: n Zest of 3 oranges, cut into very fine strips n 150g granulated sugar n 200ml cold water

Place the honey, carrots, dates, spices, butter and water in a saucepan and heat until the butter has melted. Simmer for five to seven minutes, then set aside until lukewarm. Put the flour, bicarbonate of soda and walnuts into a large bowl. Beat the eggs into the honey mixture, then pour into the flour mixture and mix well. Butter a 20cm springform or loose-bottomed cake tin, then line the base with baking parchment. Pour in the cake mixture, level the top and bake in an oven preheated to 180C/Gas 4 for 45 minutes, or until firm to the touch. Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until cold. To make the icing, put the mascarpone in a bowl and sift in the icing sugar. Add the vanilla and beat until smooth. Fold in the creme fraiche and orange zest. To make the confit, place the orange zest in a heatproof bowl and cover with fresh boiling water. Leave for 30 seconds, then drain and refresh in cold water. Repeat twice more, using fresh boiling water each time. Put the sugar and cold water in a small saucepan, bring slowly to the boil, then add the orange zest and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until translucent. Drain and leave to dry. To serve, spread the icing over the cake and garnish with the confit orange.

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FOOD & DRINK

3BEST... of the

Baking ingredients Taylor & Colledge Vanilla Bean Extract, £3.79 for 100ml (Ocado) This strong scented pure vanilla extract adds a sumptuously creamy taste to bakes.

Green & Black’s Dark Cooking Chocolate, £2.49 for 150g, available from all major supermarkets This luxurious tasting chocolate adds depth and a hearty stamp of quality to cakes and tarts.

Morrisons Gold And Silver Shimmer Powder, £2.30 for 35g (Morrisons) Put on the ritz with this edible shimmer powder, which transforms the plainest looking bakes into dazzling displays of perfection.

WARM CHOCOLATE TART Ingredients: n 1 blind-baked 22cm sweet shortcrust pastry case (either shop-bought or home-made) n 200g unsalted butter, cut into pieces n 200g dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa solids), broken into pieces n 2 eggs, plus 3 (additional) egg yolks n 80g caster sugar

Serves 8

THE DETAILS

Melt the butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Set aside to cool down to about room temperature. Whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks and sugar until just combined, then fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and pour into the pastry case. Bake in an oven preheated to 150C/Gas 2 for about 30 minutes. The filling should be smooth and creamy with a slight wobble, just setting. Set aside to rest in a warm place for 30 minutes before serving.

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Bakes, Cakes And Puddings by Rosemary Shrager is published by Octopus, priced £18.99. Available now Rosemary Shrager will be appearing at the Cake & Bake Show in Harrogate, London, Manchester and Edinburgh. To find out more about her cooking school, visit www.rosemaryshrager.com

IMPERIAL ARMS CHISLEHURST

More than just a pub

The Imperial Arms is an outstanding Pub and Wine Bar based in Chislehurst and has recently been refurbished to a very high standard by family member and Interior Designer to the Stars, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, This beautiful pub features in Martins TV programme Million Dollar Decorators.

he Imperial Arms has been beautifully restored and has two cosy, warm and inviting bars - the Library Bar and the Catherine Bar which is named after the Mistress of Napoleon 111 who stayed here when he was exiled to Chislehurst in 1870. The Wine Bar is housed in the Original Coach House in the grounds of the Garden. Delicious, reasonably priced homemade food is available daily. Monday to Friday they offer a meal deal of a main and a drink for just £9.95. You can order from an excellent Sunday Lunch Menu and wine list offering no less than 14 wines by the glass! Their perfectly kept

Real Ales have been awarded the Cask Marque recently for Doombar, Harveys and Marstons Pedigree. The lagers on offer are Peroni, Super Chilled Fosters, Meantime pale Ale, Budweiser, Stella, Guinness and Aspall Cider. They offer guest Real Ales along with a fine selection of bottled beer, Ciders and Spirits. They are now selling Brewers Pale Ale from the local Brewery Greenwich Meantime. The Imperial Arms are VERY PROUD to have been selected as the first Chislehurst Pub in FIVE YEARS to make it into CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide (whatpub.com/pubs/BRO/12567/ imperial-arms-chislehurst) .

The Imperial Arms serve Roast Dinner from 12.30 to 6pm on Sundays, you can choose to dine in either the Pub or the Courtyard Wine Bar. The Wine Bar was refurbished in May 2014 as has developed into the most beautiful, romantic, cosy restaurant. They serve a delicious menu of homemade small plates and sharing platters including lobster and steak. There is also live music with a variety of artistes in the pub from 5.00 to 8.30pm every Sunday and on most Saturdays from 8.00 till 11.00pm. Plus an acoustic singer in the Wine Bar every Thursday. There is a fun quiz with music and prizes on Wednesdays from 9.00 till 10.30. Make sure that you see the events page for full details of music and other special events. www.imperialarms.co.uk If you have something special to celebrate you must look at the Courtyard Wine bar. It is available for hire and holds up to 60 people for a buffet and 24 for a sit down, offering a selection of delicious buffets or tailor made food to your requirements. The Courtyard Wine bar lends itself perfectly to Birthdays, Christenings, Baby Showers and Wakes, it also includes the use of the private walled garden. I can thoroughly recommend the Imperial Arms so why not make a date to visit them soon. THE DETAILS Imperial Arms 1 Old Hill, Chislehurst, Greater London BR7 5LZ, United Kingdom

MORE THAN JUST A PUB

The Imperial Arms Chislehurst Pub and Courtyard Wine Bar

Outstanding food, the finest wines & real ales in an exceptional Gastropub and Wine Bar in Chislehurst. With our wide range of exceptional food alongside our perfectly kept real ales and fantastic wine list the Imperial Arms is the finest pub in Chislehurst and the surrounding area. We look forward to welcoming you soon

opening hours:

First Chislehurst Pub in FIVE YEARS to make it into CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide

Thursday and Friday 6 till 11.30. Saturday 12.30 till 1130 Sunday 12.30 till 6.

1 Old Hill, Chislehurst, Greater London BR7 5LZ 020 3605 7899 www.imperialarms.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

AWARD WINNING INDIAN CUISINE AT

INDIAN ESSENCE

Indian Essence’s chef patron, Atul Kochhar is no stranger to culinary awards, as the very first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star, accomplished during his tenure as Head Chef at Tamarind in 2001, he then went on to open the highly acclaimed Benares Restaurant & Bar for which he was awarded second Michelin star in 2007.

ow, Indian Essence his much-loved neighbourhood restaurant in Petts Wood has been recognised with a coveted Bib Gourmand, which for those in the know is an indication of being one of the Michelin inspectors’ favourite eateries, offering great food at moderate prices. Essentially, it’s the award that says this is a place for discerning diners who appreciate fantastic food, exemplary service – and value for money. The menu stays true to Atul’s groundbreaking style whilst showcasing the very best of traditional Indian cuisine, inspired by a huge variety of ever-evolving regional dishes and prepared with the finest ingredients, seasonal and local wherever possible. The unique signature style is informed by Atul’s love of British produce combined with his heritage, resulting in innovative, modern Indian cuisine with a truly authentic essence. From the subtle spicing of dishes such as Shahi Murg (Supreme of Chargrilled Corn-Fed Chicken, stuffed with Spiced Asparagus Tips, Cooked in a Aromatic Saffron Korma Sauce) and Chemeen Alleppy Kori (Pan-Seared Jumbo Prawns, served in a Kerala Alleppy Sauce, Cabbage Thoran), through to the beautifully handled bold flavours

of more familiar dishes like Rogan Josh and Tandoori Murg, there is plenty to excite both adventurous diners looking for something new and those with a more traditional palate. In addition to the extensive a la carte menu featuring a wide choice of appetizers, mains, desserts and sides, there is also a very tempting tasting menu and a great value set lunch menu. With the Midweek Dining Offer, diners can enjoy two courses for £21.95 or three courses for £24.95, available from Sunday Thursday evenings from 6pm. The dishes from this menu are chosen from the A la Carte menu, including the most popular dishes with diners. Moderately priced, deliciously authentic and innovative cuisine from the first Indian chef ever to win a Michelin star in a friendly, welcoming local restaurant… Little wonder that Indian Essence has received the nod from the one and only Michelin man himself.

The menu stays true to Atul’s groundbreaking style whilst showcasing the very best of traditional Indian cuisine

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THE DETAILS www.indianessence.co.uk 176-178 Pettswood Road, Pettswood, BR5 1LG 01689 838 700

Situated in the heart of Petts Wood, Indian Essence celebrates the best of traditional Indian cuisine with a contemporary approach by Chef Patron, Atul Kochhar. This summer sees the launch of our New A la Carte, Summer Grill and Sunday Lunch menu featuring Atul’s favourite seasonal dishes.

Live Music

Savour the Jazzy tones of resident artist Matt Dibble whilst indulging in our 6 course tasting menu. £29.95pp or £54.95pp with paired wine*. Every Thursday from 7pm *this price is for Thursday nights only.

Father’s Day

Treat Dad to something a little different this year with a 3 course meal created by Atul Kochhar especially for the occasion. Adult- £23.95pp, Child- £15.95pp Lunch 12:00pm - 5:30pm. Dinner 6:00pm - 10:30pm Proudly awarded a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2015 Take Away Available – Collection Only | For full details visit – www.indianessence.co.uk

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Forget Our Pratts t Bo tom Fete Event on May 16th

FOOD & DRINK

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NEW head chef

at Rowhill Grange

Chef Ewan Simpson, despite being just 27, brings more than 11 years’ of experience to his role, gained within London’s top landmark hotel’s, including most recently Claridges. In his first few days as head chef at Rowhill Grange, Ewan has already been spotted bringing his passion for local ingredients to life, foraging the hotel grounds and surrounding countryside. In his role as Executive Chef at Rowhill Grange, Chef Simpson will oversee all culinary aspects of the hotels various food and beverage offerings which include RG’s Restaurants, Elements Bar & Lounge and the hotels extensive private dining and banqueting facilities. Ewan Simpson, Executive Chef, Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa, commented: ‘‘Coming to Rowhill Grange has given me the privilege to lead this already established kitchen to the next culinary level, I hope to nurture and inspire my team so that we can build together for the future.’’ James Perry, General Manager, Rowhill Grange, commented: ‘’I am thrilled to announce Ewan as our new Executive Chef, and am extremely excited to welcome his passion, creativity and flair to our Kitchen.’’

wan describes a number of personal influences which have shaped his career, with his passion first stemming from his great grandfather’s career as a chef; then absorbing the skills and influences from his career mentors as well as having been inspired and influenced from a young age by Jamie Oliver’s passion for food and flavour. In Ewan’s 11 years in the industry, he has achieved both the iconic Acorn award, celebrating the top 30 chefs under 30, as well as the highly acclaimed Academy of Culinary Arts, Award of Excellence. Before joining us to lead the brigade at Rowhill Grange, in his position as Senior Sous Chef with Claridges London, Ewan was one of the leading forces behind the London 2012 collaborative pop up restaurant with world renowned Chef Rene Redzepi of Noma, Copenhagen.

Upcoming events

uring May we we are celebrating Asparagus Month Come along during May to find all your favourite aparagus dishes! More details to follow on this including menus... It is Fathers Day on the 21st June, and here is our menu for this - it is sure to be popular so book your table now! We like to theme our menus to be seasonal and varied - and we offer a variety of specials and these are now mostly spread over a month to ensure that everybody gets a chance or two to join in! These regular themed events offer special menus depending on the occasion, and are very popular and so usually it is necessary to book. Please come and join us, especially if you have not been to one before. THE DETAILS Come and visit us, or visit www.thebopeep.com to discover more.

At the Ming restaurant, you can be sure of a warm welcome and fantastic Chinese food. A perfect environment for a romantic dinner for two, or a place to celebrate or relax with family and friends.

Wed 27th May

Sunday lunch eat as much as you can from 12-2:30pm

TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME 01689 820 427 | 01689 828 986 Restaurant Opening Times: Open 7 Days A Week Open Bank Holidays

Karen Bizzell

sings Barbara Streisland/ Bassey and the Divas show free live music every month

Monday – Thursday: 12pm-2:30 & 5:30pm-11pm Friday – Saturday: 12pm-2:30 and 5:30pm-12:00pm Sunday Eat As Much As You Like Lunch:12:00 -2:30pm £15.80 per Adult, Children under 11 Half Price Sunday Dinner: 5:30-10pm Bank Holidays: 12pm-2:30 and 5:30pm-10pm We are closed on Christmas day 25th December and Boxing Day 26th December We are open on New Years Eve and New Years Day.

23 Station Square, Petts Wood, Kent, BR5 1LY w w w. m i n g r e s t a u r a n t . n e t Keep up to date with Ming Restaurant news and offers via our web site. You can also join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.