Sevenoaks Life Magazine January 2013 by Fish Media Group Ltd

SEVENOAKS LIFE

SEVENOAKS LIFE WESTERHAM, OXTED, BECKENHAM, CHISLEHURST, TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND THE EXCLUSIVE SURROUNDING AREAS w w w . t h e l i f e m a g a z i n e s . c o m T H E

Q U A L I T Y

L I F E S T Y L E

M A G A Z I N E

I S S U E

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J A N U A R Y

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Les Miserables

An interview with Hugh Jackman

WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ISSUE 46 JANUARY 2013

REFLECTIONS OF SCOTNEY CASTLE PENSHURST NATURAL BEAUTY LOCAL QUIZ OF THE YEAR KENT EVENTS

HISTORY

FASHION

HOMES & GARDENS

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FOOD & DRINK • TRAVEL

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WELCOME

PUBLISHED BY THE FISH MEDIA GROUP LTD

The Ridings Woodfield Lane Essenden, Herts AL9 6JJ 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 Design & Production Brian Conway-Smith Photography Adam Swaine Accounts Kathy Manning Ken Fleet Business Development Manager Lisa Westerman Sinead Shell SALES Lorna Ferrin Vanessa Lane James Marshall DIRECTORS Peter Smith Rory Smith Patrick Smith

Welcome to the January issue and a Happy New Year from everyone at the Fish Media Group. We wish all of our readers a very healthy and successful 2013 and to start the new year off with a bang we feature the very handsome Hugh Jackman on our front cover and in an interview about his sensational new film Les Miserables. Hugh tells us how he won the key role as Jean Valijean, it makes fascinating reading and makes you want to go out and book a cinema ticket immediately. As it’s the start of another year we offer you a look at the year ahead with our 2013 Horoscope Review. Your future in the stars will make interesting reading and hopefully all the positive predictions come true for you, your family and friends. Our superb Local Life team have been out and about again. This month Maureen Cole visits Penshurst and Aylesford whilst John Ruler our resident local historian meets the Wandle Ringers, a small local group of bell ringers. He takes a nostalgic look back at our local area and proves that Heritage Matters. John also offers you a Local Life Quiz to see if you remember some of the more interesting people and places from his wonderful articles Hugh tells us how he across 2012. We are pleased to announce that our superb local won the key role as photographer, Adam Swaine, starts a wonderful new photographic series Jean Valijean, it makes using some wonderful local images. fascinating reading and The first area we feature by Adam is Scotney Castle. makes you want to go

out and book a cinema ticket immediately.

The January issue has all of your favourite features and articles including Bruce Edwards Books review. John Bly’s journey into the world of Antiques. A What’s On section with a wide variety of places and events for you and the family to visit and enjoy. TV celebrity chef Nigel Slater invites us to try his recipes from his new book, Kitchen Diaries 2. We Travel to Boston for some retail therapy. Our Beauty pages help you Face up to Winter. The Fashion article offer you 13 mini make-over tips for 2013. Our Home and Garden section looks at making the very most of your spare room and our Motoring column reviews the new Bentley 4 door convertible. Once again this month we take a look at and review some more very highly professional, recommended local businesses including Bang and Olufsen in Tunbridge Wells. Chameleon Interior Design. Dennis Curry design in Brockley. County the Home Improvers in Tunbridge Wells and Annabel’s Luxury English Gifts in Chislehurst. We hope that you enjoy the January issue. Until next month...

All Rights reserved. All Fish Media Group Ltd magazines are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in any of our publications and any loss arising. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to all of our magazines the publisher cannot accept the loss or damage to such material. The Fish Media Group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be accepted for the content of these pages.

You will be pleased to know that you and your friends can now read our magazines online at www.thelifemagazines.com To advertise contact Lisa on 07904 251984 or Peter on 077111 43342 or email peter on peter@ﬁshmediagroup.co.uk

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Also in the Antique & Modern Jewellery auction An early 20th century diamond crescent brooch. Estimate £2,200 - £2,800

Vintage & Modern Wrist Watches

Monday 21st January An 18k white gold automatic gentleman’s Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust wrist watch. Estimate £10,000 - £15,000

Auction of Antique & Modern Jewellery Thursday 17th January at 11am From left to right

A brilliant-cut diamond single-stone ring, weighing 3.38cts. Estimate £7,000 - £10,000 A platinum brilliant-cut diamond single-stone ring, weighing 2.42cts. Estimate £10,000 - £15,000 An old-cut diamond single-stone ring, weighing 3.55cts. Estimate £10,000 - £15,000

Coins & Medals

Monday 18th February Military General Service Medal 1793 – 1814, 3 clasps, Talavera, Busaco, Albuhera, awarded to Isaac Jones, 7th Foot. Estimate £700 - £900

LOCAL EVENTS JANUARY 2013

WHAT’S ON... ✱ ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Featuring cellist, Leonard Elschenbroich, in the Cello Concerto No 1 by Shostakovich. Conducted by Music Director, Roderick Dunk, the RTWSO will also play works by Wagner and Dvorak. 3pm, Tickets from £11 - £20, Box Office tel. 01892 530613, For season tickets tel. 01892 545257. Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2LU. Sunday 3 Feb 2013 www.rtwso.org ✱ A RECITAL BY SUNWOOK KIM. One of the finest young pianists in the world is giving a fund-raising concert in Frant Church. This remarkable young pianist (and winner of the Leeds Int Piano Comp 2006) at just 24, has already enjoyed great success around the globewinning rave reviews. 8pm (doors open at 7.30pm), tickets £12 from Paul Barber 01892 750665. Frant Church, High Street Frant, Near Tunbridge Wells TN3 9DX. Fri 25 Jan 2013 www.frantchurch.org ✱ SPONSORED CHILLI DIP. Are you Bbbbrrrave enough to take on the coolest challenge of the year? Take an ice cold dip into the frosty waters of St Julian's outdoor swimming pool while raising money for chYps, children's hospice. Once you've completed your challenge, you'll be rewarded with a bowl of red hot chilli and a chilli dipper's certificate. Registration fee is £10.00 (minimum age 16) with no minimum sponsorship; however please pledge to raise as much money as possible. Changing facilities are available but please bring your own towels. To register now, go to tiny.cc/chillidip or ring the chYps fundraising team on 01322 221315. From 10:30am for first Chilli Dip

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at 11:00am. Tel 01322 221315 for fundraising for more information or to book. St Julian’s Club, Sevenoaks Kent TN15 0RX. Sat 16 Feb 2013 www.chyps.org ✱ ROAST AND RAMBLE SUNDAYS. Build up an appetite with a walk around the estate then enjoy a two-course roast. Meet at 11am at the Mote Restaurant. All tickets £19.75. Booking essential. For more information or to book tickets please call 01732 311314. Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks Kent TN15 0NT. Sun 3, 10 Feb, 17 and 24 Feb 2013. MUNCH AND LEARN: THE MAKING OF SPIELBERG’S WAR HORSE. Listen to Andrew Robertshaw, military historian, talk about his experience as the military advisor to the film War Horse. Lecture followed by twocourse lunch in the Mote Restaurant. 11am-2pm. £22.50. For more information or to book tickets please call 01732 810378 ext.100. Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks Kent TN15 0NT. Sat 9 Feb 2013 ST MARKS PLAYERS PRESENT... ROBINSON CRUSOE. Pull up the anchor, don’t get cast adrift and book now for St Marks Players, swashbuckling pantomime adventure, Robinson Crusoe . There are colourful costumes, lively musical numbers and plenty of audience participation promised when this enchanting family tale comes to life. St Mark’s 54th panto is a great way of extending Christmas. Selected dates until Sat 2nd February @ 7.30pm Ticket Prices: Adult £8. Child £7. Group discounts available Box Office: 020 7193 3495 or

via internet BoxOfficeDiva. com Beckenham Public Halls, 4 Bromley Road Beckenham BR3 5JE London BR3 5JE www.smplayers.co.uk BROMLEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Conductor: Adrian Brown. Suk: Fairy Tales. Mahler: Ruckert Lieder (Baritone: Laurence Meikle) Dvorak: Symphony No. 7 Saturday 26th January 2013, 7.45pm. Langley Park School for Boys, South Eden Road, Beckenham, BR4 3BP. Tickets: £8 - £12 (Children: half price) Available by phone from (020) 3627 2974, or online at: www.bromleysymphony.org/ tickets BROMLEY INDOOR BOWLS CENTRE. Open Day on Sunday 27 Jan 2013 from 10 am to 4 pm. Come and see the great facilities we have on offer and have a free try at bowling indoors on our newly laid carpet. Novices/ beginners - if you haven’t yet tried bowls please come along and have a free session with one of our qualified coaches. You don’t need to worry about equipment or shoes – that will all be provided. Experienced outdoors bowlers come and have a try indoors. Free entry and free parking. From 10 am to 4 pm. Free Parking, Free Entry, Free taster session with a qualified coach. Please phone us on 01689 834341 for more details or visit www.bromleyibc.com Bromley Indoor Bowls Centre, Bodmin Close, off Gillmans Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 4LX. COMMUNITY RIVER CLEAN FOOTS CRAY VILLAGE. A chance to join in with a Thames21 community River Clean from Foots Cray Village Downstream towards Foots Cray Meadows River Clean. Become a change maker by improving your local

river. Waders or boots and gloves are provided along with work equipment. Wear suitable winter clothing but be prepared to get dirty and a bit wet. All welcome but children under 16 must be accompanied. 11am 3pm. Free. Contact Michael 07968805751. Meet at Five Arches Industrial Estate Kent DA14 5HU. Tues 22 Jan 2013 www.thames21.org.uk/event/ community-river-clean-footscray-village/ THE MAGPIE: KATE GLASSOCK. Staged in the Great Hall, this atmospheric, one-woman performance tells the story of the women in Henry VIII's life. Followed by a two-course buffet supper. 4.30pm. All tickets £22.50. Booking essential. For more information or to book tickets please call 01732 810378 ext.100.Ightham Mote, Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks Kent TN15 0NT. Sat 9 Feb 2013 THE FRIENDLY MONDAY MORNING SHOPPING EXPERIENCE. Oxted Community Market has traders selling Plants, Beads, Costume jewellery, Handbags, Ladies Fashion & Accessories, Collectables, Hand-made Greetings Cards and many other goods and services. Enjoy our lovely modern hall where very reasonably priced refreshments are available. Disabled & Child Friendly Free Admission and Parking. Every Mon 9.30am - 13.00 pm. Admission Free and Free Parking. Oxted Community Hall, Top of Church Lane ,Oxted, Surrey RH8 9NB Until Monday 11 March 2013. The Jon Hamilton Big Band. Listen and dance to the big band sounds of the Swing Era. Beer, Wine, and Juice available at the bar. Doors and bar open 7.00pm for 7.30pm start. St Peter’s Upper Church,

Hastings Road, Pembury Kent TN2 4PD. Saturday 9 Feb 2013 MEET NICHOLAS HAWKSMOOR one of Britain's most influential architects. His 37 years at Greenwich, working with the incomparable Sir Christopher Wren, were full of incident as the magnificent buildings of the Royal Hospital for Seamen turned from plans to reality. Free event. Suitable for all ages. box office: 020 8269 4799. The Painted Hall, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, Greenwich London SE10 9LW. Saturday 26 Jan 2013 Performances at: 12.00, 13.00, 14.00 & 15.00 www.ornc.org JAZZ SINGER’S OPEN MIC NIGHT. Jazz Singers are invited to sing with a jazz pianist and a bass player. Singers should bring a lead sheet for their songs. One song guaranteed, two if time allows. Singing lists taken from 7:45pm. Listeners and singers are both welcome. Singing stars 8.15pm - 10.45pm. Singers and Listeners £5. Enquiries to John Levett 01732 460143. The Grey Lady, 70 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 5TW. www.thegreylady.co.uk ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA. French conductor Fabien Gabel makes his Fairfield Halls début to present a programme featuring three of the Romantic era’s most distinguished composers. Brahms’ darkly powerful Tragic Overture introduces Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.2. Performed by Janina Fialkowska, a pianist renowned for her brilliant interpretations of the Romantic repertoire. Finally, we travel to the countryside to revel in the glorious musical landscape of Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral’

Symphony, its popular ‘storm’ movement surrounded by music of sunny grace and rustic charm. 7.30pm. Tickets: £31.50 - £12. Box Office: 020 8688 9291.Fairfield Halls, Park Lane, Croydon Surrey CR9 1DG. Wed 23 Jan 2013 www.rpo.co.uk/event.php LOCO 2013. London will open with a special preview of Liar's Autobiography, the acclaimed 3D animated biography of Monty Python star Graham Chapman, introduced by Terry Jones. On Sat 26 Jan LOCO hosts the world premiere of British comedy I Give It A Year, starring Rafe Spall and Rose Byrine as an oddly matched couple in their first year of marriage. The Closing Night Part will be the UK premier of Movie 43, the year's biggest Hollywood comedy, an all-star, R-rated comedy epic from the Farrelly brothers with a cast led by Halle Berry, Richard Gere, Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet, Anna Faris, Emma Stone, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Knoxville, Stephen Merchant, Chloe Grace Moretz and Uma Thurman. For tickets and to see a full list of the films screening, head to locofilmfestival.com/ BFI Southbank Centre London. Thurs 24 Jan 2013 to Sun 27 Jan 2013. www.locofilmfestival.com MERE HOUSE - OPEN GARDEN FOR NGS. 6-acre garden with C18 lake. Snowdrops, daffodils, lawns, herbaceous borders, ornamental shrubs and trees with foliage contrast and striking autumn colour. Woodland walk and major tree planting and landscaping. Park and lake walks. Open:Sundays. Check website for opening days. Admission £3.50, Children free. Times:2-5. Open for charity. Mere House, Mereworth Kent ME18 5NB www.mere-house.co.uk

Contents EDITORS LETTER

WHATS ON

LOCAL LIFE Penshurst – Natural Beauty 14 Local Quiz of the Year 18 Aylesford –Remembering its Past 22 Heritage Matters 26 Wandle Bell Ringers 30 Reflections of Scotney Castle 32 THE YEAR AHEAD - 2013 Predictions

COVER STORY Les Miserables – An Interview with Hugh Jackman 40 FASHION & BEAUTY Blackburn Bridal 45 13 Mini Makeover Tips for 2013 46 Annabel’s Luxury English Gifts 48 Face Up To Winter 50 Bio Sculpture - New Year... New Nails... New Year 52 HOME & GARDEN Going Spare in Style 54 County Group – Go On – Feel Smug 56 Chameleon Design – A Passion for Interiors 58 Bang & Olufsen – A Charity Night Out 60 Antiques with John Bly 62 Dennis Curry – The very best in Design and Build 64 Crown Pavilions – A Winter Retreat 66 Extend A Room – Don’t Move Extend 68 Film The Bromley Boys - Film Interview 70 Motoring Bentley 4 seater Convertible 72 REMAP - A Charity that makes a difference 74 RECIPE Nigel Slater Diaries

TRAVEL Wales – Pretty as a Picture 78 Shop on in Boston

BOOK REVIEWS with Bruce Edwards 82

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LOCAL LIFE

PENSHURST

P Natural Beauty Truly a Village of Outstanding WORDS: MAUREEN COLE PICTURES: ADAM SWAINE

THE PRETTY VILLAGE OF PENSHURST IS SITUATED WITHIN THE SEVENOAKS DISTRICT OF KENT WITH MOST OF THE VILLAGE, NOT SURPRISINGLY, DESIGNATED AS AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY.

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enshurst is situated on the northern slopes of the Weald and is roughly 4 miles west of Tonbridge and 6 miles south of Sevenoaks. It lies in a valley between the rivers Medway and Eden and is probably most widely known for its ancestral home, once owned by Henry VIII However, beautiful old timber framed houses and converted oast houses also adorn the village, adding to its character and appeal. In Saxon times the majority of the Weald was covered in dense forest and there is some evidence that Penshurst may have grown up in clearings within the forest. The suffix “hurst”, is a Saxon word meaning a settlement in woodland. There are no Charters referring to Penshurst in Saxon times, although the village boundaries would have been clearly defined and by the time the Normans invaded in 1066 the village would have been well organised with a small Saxon church at the heart of the settlement. There was probably a church on the site where St John the Baptist now stands and records show that in 1170 a rector, named Willelmus, was appointed by Thomas a Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, as the first parish priest. It was probably the last act Becket performed, as he was assassinated just two days later! The church is approached through Leicester Square, which is lined with pretty cottages and stone buildings. Here too, is the Old Guild Hall, which is one of only two still standing in England. The square was named after the Sydney’s of Penshurst, who were the Earls of Leicester from 1618-1745. St. John the Baptist is a quintessential village church standing in a beautiful Kentish setting and approached through an archway. At the front of the church is a large stone table with an interesting history. The table was used once a year to distribute money to the poor and needy in the village. Within the graveyard, under a yew tree, is the grave of a farmer, Richard Sax. Mr Sax was brutally murdered in 1813, following an argument with a farm labourer. The church is entered via the porch and through a 15th century door. The beautiful chancel screen, which can be seen on entering, was erected in 1897, as a memorial to the 2nd Viscount Harding and is carved from Penshurst Oak. There is also an interesting,

brightly painted font dating back to the 15th century and a beautiful stained glass window designed by Lawrence Lee in 1970 and depicting Becket and three knights. Also within the church is the famous Albigensian Cross, part of a 13th century coffin lid which bears the effigy of a woman in prayer. The south chapel was rebuilt in 1820 and belongs to Penshurst Place. It has a lovely painted ceiling and some significant monuments, including one to Sir Stephen de Pencester, a 13th century knight. Also in the square is the Church House, which was once used to the utensils necessary for the preparation of food and drink. At one time, each parish would have had its own Church House and the Church House in Penshurst is thought to be one of only two still standing in England. Many visitors come to Penshurst each year to visit the historic mansion, Penshurst Place. This grand medieval house stands on the banks of the River Medway with spectacular views over the Kent countryside and ancient parklands. The original part of the house was built by Sir John Pulteney, a wealthy London merchant, who wanted a country house close enough to London, to permit him to ride into the city in under a day. The Sydney family have owned the house since 1552. Prior to this it was owned by two of Henry 1V’s sons, then the Dukes of Buckingham. On the beheading of the 3rd Duke of Buckingham it passed to the Crown and during the reign of Henry VIII it was used as a hunting lodge, before being given to Anne of Cleves, as part of her divorce settlement from the king. For a short time, it was owned by Sir Ralph Fane and following his execution in 1552 was gifted to the Sydney family, by Edward 1V (Henry VIII’s son). Sir William Sydney, the recipient of this splendid gift, had been a loyal steward and tutor to Edward VI. Penshurst Place suffered damage in the Second World War and much restoration work was undertaken of both the house and garden, by another Sydney also named William, when he took over the house in 1946. The current owner, Philip Sydney, continues the line of Sydney’s to have stewardship of this magnificent house.

The state Dining Room contains an interesting collection of family portraits and a copy of the La Volta painting which depicts Elizabeth I dancing with Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester. The Queen Elizabeth Room has a noteworthy display of early upholstered furniture. This room was named after Elizabeth I who frequently visited Penshurst Place and held audience in the room. The Tapestry Room has some beautiful tapestries on display and the magnificent Elizabethan Long Gallery, with its many family portraits, has some interesting Tudor costumes. Descending from here to the Nether Gallery there is a display of arms and armour. The gardens to the mansion are considered to be an example of one of the oldest and most beautiful in England, dating back to 1346. They total some 48 acres, of which 11 acres are formal walled gardens. They were re- laid out in 1580 and closely resemble their original design. Over a mile of yew hedging divides the gardens into “rooms,” each of which focus on a particular colour and season. The house and gardens will be open to the public on weekends, from February 16th - March 24th 2013 and daily from March 24th – November 3rd. For further information and prices please visitwww.penshurstplace.com/page/3106. Special events take place throughout the year and from Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th March 2013, visitors will be invited to experience life at Penshurst Place, as the militia prepare to ward off the Spanish Armada. The event is aimed at school children studying Tudor History and visitors will be invited to participate in the activity. Penshurst Farmers Market takes place on the first Saturday of the month and will run from January 5th – December 2013. The market is held outside the main visitor entrance to Penshurst Place and is open from 9.30am – 12.00 noon. There are over twenty five stalls offering a wide variety of produce including meat, fruit, vegetables, seafood and seasonal promotions. Penshurst is a village which retains its old world charm and allows us a glimpse into the past. As an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is hoped that this picturesque setting will be protected for the years to come. maureenc411@btinternet.com

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Here’s to another historic year!

2013 I T’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN. AND IF 2012 IS ANYTHING TO GO BY, THE NEW YEAR SHOULD BE JUST AS INTRIGUING AS I LOOK AT THE DIVERSITY IN LOCAL LIFE, DISCOVERING HOW LONG FORGOTTEN HISTORICAL SNIPPETS HELP SHED FRESH LIGHT ON THE PART PLAYED BY LOCAL PEOPLE IN KEEPING CUSTOMS AND PASTIMES ALIVE AND KICKING. LONG MAY IT REMAIN SO. HAPPY NEW YEAR – JOHN RULER

New Year Quiz Question 1 Who this man? He sounds remarkably like someone from Lord of The Rings. His statue stands in Rochester Cathedral, but his main connection is with Bromley.

Question 2 What does this delightful garden in a former priory form part of – and thanks to a financial windfall is now looking forward to expanding its artefacts? 18 JANUARY2013

Question 3 What has this wintry view off Shire Lane, Keston, got to do with a famous British Prime Minister?

Question 4 What animal provided Beckenham wildlife expert Gordon Burness with a best selling book back in the 1960s.

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ANSWERS Question 1 ANSWER: Bishop Gundulf, a humble Norman monk who, around 1066, was chosen as the first Bishop of Bromley. A skilled military architect, he was behind the design of the White Tower at the Tower of London. Question 2 ANSWER: Bromley Museum, off Orpington High Street, a treasure trove of borough wide items who thanks to lottery funding plan to make greater use of the flint flecked building, the story of which goes back to the 13th century. Question 3 ANSWER: It shows the distinctive shape of Holwood House, once the home of William Pitt, The Younger, who fell in love with the place while growing up at Hayes Place, home to his father William Pitt The Elder. Read Anne Manning’s book, available from Bromley Library for more. Question 4 ANSWER: A white badger which resulted in him attracting an audience of ten million when he appeared on Blue Peter in 1964. The badger was spotted at High Elms, Keston.

Question 6 ANSWER: Rochester used as a setting in many of his novels by Charles Dickens whose bi-centenary was marked in 2012. Question 7 ANSWER: Hayes, with the 774page project split into the Stone Age to 1914 and the second from then to modern times. Question 8 ANSWER: Chislehurst. The privately owned cinema seating around 300 was opened in 1930 and closed in 1960. It is now St Patrick’s RC Church.

Question 10 In which historic setting were these wonderful displays by Kent floral art clubs used to congratulate The Queen on her Diamond Jubilee? Some of the flower varieties may well be spotted in a unique world collection created by a family member.

Question 9 ANSWER: Bat & Trap, a pub based game which faced extinction at the start of the 20th century but is proving remarkably resilient. There are two main leagues in Kent – Tonbridge and Canterbury. Question 10 ANSWER: Lullingstone Castle, Kent, home of the Hart Dykes, whose son Tom Hart-Dyke became famous for creating the World Garden. He is now a familiar face at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Question 5 ANSWER: The Westerham Flyer, a victim of the Beeching cuts in the 1960s. The popular steam train line ran from Westerham to Dunton Green.

Question 9 What sort of ‘batty’ sport is this? It was, and still is, part of rural life in Kent. Question 8 Do these tip-up seats look familiar? They come from a cinema which is now used as a church. Where is it?

Question 7 What village, described in 1884 as the nearest remaining village to London, took Jean Wilson, above, and her co-author the late Trevor Woodman two volumes to fully describe its history? Question 6 In what town are these two Victorian ladies pictured? It was once known as Cloisterham by a famous author with strong Kent links. He described its High Street as ‘ being as wide as Regent Street’ though it’s really no more than a lane filled with gables, old beams, timbers – and a host of memorabilia related to his works.

Question 5 So you recognise the cap? But what well-known train is depicted in the photograph?

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LOCAL LIFE

A Village Adapting to Change but Remembering its Past WORDS: MAUREEN COLE PICTURES: ADAM SWAINE

IT HAS BEEN CLAIMED THAT AYLESFORD IS THE OLDEST VILLAGE IN KENT AND THAT ITS NAME IS LINKED TO AN ANCIENT CHIEFTAIN NAMED AEGEL, WHO HAD CONTROL OVER A STRATEGIC FORD ON THE RIVER MEDWAY. IT WAS AT THIS FORD THAT HENGIST AND HORSA (LEADERS OF THE FIRST ANGLO- SAXON INVASION) FOUGHT A BATTLE IN AD455 AGAINST KING VORTIGEM AND WHERE IN AD893 KING ALFRED DEFEATED THE DANES.

AYLESFORD

he village is situated 4 miles north-west of Maidstone and was originally a small riverside settlement, which later grew into a bustling, industrial village, with many barges travelling through it on the river. Today the village is a quaint residential area with the industry confined to the parks on its outskirts. It has expanded rapidly over the last 30 years. In the 2001 census it registered a population of 4,548 people and today the population is around 11,000. A bridge was probably built here as early as the 14th century and the river was navigable as far as Maidstone until 1740, when barges as large as 40 tons could travel as far as Tonbridge. Wharfs were built, including one at Aylesford and goods 22 JANUARY2013

including fodder, corn, fruit, stone and timber were transported by river. In recent years a modern bridge has been built in order to cope with the increase in traffic and the ancient bridge is now used by pedestrians. The oldest parts of the village can be found immediately to the north and south of the river. The Chequers Inn, and the George House, (which was once a coaching inn), are situated to the south. During the Victorian period, houses were constructed here, to house the workers at the nearby quarry. However, the brick and tile industries have now been replaced by commercial buildings and the Aylesford Paper Mills, once such a dominant feature in the village, have been replaced by television studios and a newsprint recycling

plant. The railway station, which opened to the south in 1856 and which provides a link to Maidstone and London, also resulted in more houses being built to the south. St Peter and St Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, sits on a hill to the south of the village. The oldest part of the church (the base of the tower) is Norman, although it is believed that a church may have stood on the site even before this. The chancel and 15th century naves of the church are out of alignment suggesting that they may have been built at different times. Other interesting features include the swords and helmets (which hang in the chancel and chapel), the 17th century Culpepper tomb, a beautiful brass in the chapel floor and a spectacularly painted Victorian organ.

One of the most peaceful and beautiful places in Aylesford must be Aylesford Priory, which is also known as The Friars and is situated on the banks of the River Medway. On returning from the Holy Land in 1240, Ralph Frisbane founded a Carmelite Monastery, under the patronage of Richard, Lord Grey of Condor. Aylesford Priory is believed to be the oldest Carmelite house in England and is now a refuge, a conference centre and a place of pilgrimage. Over 200,000 pilgrims journey to Aylesford every year. Many come as part of organised pilgrimages, whilst others come to visit the parish or on school trips. During the Dissolution of Monasteries by Henry VIII in 1538 the Friars passed into the hands of Thomas Wyatt of Allington

Castle. Over the years the Friars changed hands frequently and can lay claim to an interesting and varied history. However, when it was put up for sale in 1949, the Carmelites were able to buy it back. Friar Malachy Lynch set about restoring the buildings and within a short while it became a flourishing pilgrimage centre. The shrine was rededicated in 1965 and now serves as a centre of prayer for Christians. The Friars and grounds are open every day and entry is free. The Book and Gift Shop, the Tearooms and Pottery are open during the summer months (MarchOctober) as follows - Monday- Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. During the winter months (OctoberMarch) they are open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 11am-4pm. The beautiful Peace Garden is set within the 42 acres of grounds that make up the Friars. The garden was designed to provide a quiet place for visitors and is situated in what was the unused main entrance to the Friars Gatehouse. The development of the garden was aided by a Lottery Grant in 2010, of ÂŁ46,484.84. The beautiful garden is divided, by upright sleepers, into several small themed gardens, each designed with the intention of reducing stress and creating a sense of calm and restfulness. Texture, colour and scent play a big part. The garden has been designed to provide easy access and range of different seating styles, in order to accommodate the differing needs of visitors. Just east of Aylesford, at Sanding, is The Museum of Kent Life. This interesting museum provides an insight into life working on the land. An outside museum, it has a variety of buildings on display including - a barn, cottages, a forge, a granary, Oast, two farm houses, a chapel, as well as other farm buildings. Most of the buildings have been dismantled and re-erected at the museum. Various types of farming can be seen and there are two small hop gardens, apple and plum orchards, a herb garden and a variety of livestock. The museum covers some 28 acres and offers a great day out for children. There are plenty of activities to help them learn about the age-old farming traditions, whether riding a tractor or getting close to the farmyard animals. The museum is open at weekends only, throughout the rest of January, from 10am3pm. For further information please visitwww.kentlife.org.uk This is a village which seems to encompass all of life, where people may work on the land, in an office, or in industry. It is a place with a history that includes battles and pilgrimages, medieval buildings and modern factories. maureenc411@btinternet.com JANUARY2013 23

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LOCAL LIFE

AS THE NEW YEAR CLOCKS IN JOHN RULER SEEKS THE VIEWS OF THOSE FOR WHOM…

Heritage Matters

hichever way you read even begin to be part of the planning process.’ the above slogan, used by ‘We had a spate of Conservation Area Bromley for a public meeting in designations in the 1990s but so much September, a sense of local history of value remains unsung and left to the brings added interest to your hometown plus bulldozers. The remaining areas which have a whiff of nostalgia too. Old prints prove hung on with their built heritage relatively the point. intact are now being ravaged. We urgently Nor does it have to be a dusty sort of need a review of unprotected areas of subject, more an intriguing peep into the past Victorian properties and green spaces and a in much the same way as when researching strong commitment to ensure these survive the family tree. Others, such as local for us and future generations to enjoy.’ archaeologist Brian Philp, literally dig up the past, witness the finds at ‘We look to the council to use its considerable powers to give Crofton Roman Villa, Orpington, which reopens in April; the Friends Heritage the priority it deserves and needs. Once lost it is lost forever.’ of South Hill Wood Park likewise cast fresh light, literally, on the ‘It certainly doesn’t look like this now, but this view of Ye Olde Wood Victorian grandeur by clearing a tangled mess of foliage. House above, upwards of 250 years old and now on the High Street site ‘With this in mind, I have spotlighted some of those who of W.H. Smith, will be just the sort of image which Beckenham Civic keep a wary eye on the delicate balance between commerce and Society hopes to promote through a new Heritage Walk booklet for the conservation – especially when ironically the past so often reflects centre of the town, drawn up with their help, by Bromley Council.’ the ‘real world’ as opposed to the virtual one of today’s digital age... ‘There will be photographs and text which we are striving to ‘This print above never fails to fascinate. With a proverbial click make factual but also friendly with mentions of some of the wellof a finger, I can imagine early 20th century Bromley known former residents of the area’ says society springing to life in front of me, stuffed full of chairman David Wood. characters strolling in the High Street. The backdrop ‘The start and finish of the proposed walk is is the White Hart, an historic landmark heartlessly Beckenham Junction station. This was first built in torn down during the disastrous days in the ‘sixties when the1850s as a terminus for Mid Kent Railway from commerce was certainly winning over conservation. London Bridge. Some of the original features of the ‘It’s never been more crucial to protect the town’s station still exist and an application has been made heritage, warns Tony Banfield, chair of Bromley Civic to English Heritage to have the building listed. Their Society and The Friends of Bromley Parks & Gardens.’ decision is awaited.’ ‘Anyone who cares about their familiar and ‘The society also hope to establish a Heritage cherished environment must be disheartened by the Centre for Beckenham as envisaged in their booklet degree it is being destroyed by the current wave of of ‘Recommendations for the future of Beckenham demolition and development, made worse by the Town Centre’ published at the end of 2011… government’s unprecedented relaxation of planning We look forward to 2013 with hopes high.’ regulations.’ ‘Chislehurst obviously mattered in 1920,’ says Tony Banfield, chair of ‘It is crucial, therefore, that all the green and built Joanna Friel on behalf of the Chislehurst Society, Bromley Civic Society and heritage of the borough is both acknowledged and referring to the photo, top right courtesy of Peter The Friends of Bromley given legal protection by the council it needs for it to Parks & Gardens. Ribbons, of the Whit Monday ‘invasion’ of the village. 26 JANUARY2013

‘Our heritage still matters today. near Farnborough. Could the Hopefully people will always cellar at Pear Tree Cottage or the find our village High Street underground tunnel connected charming and our other places to the Bull’s Head have been of historical interest worthy of used to hold him captive? We a visit.’ will never know, but it is fun to ‘But will we forget to speculate.’ remember? Are we capturing ‘Another story was the front important moments today and page report in the Morning storing them for all to see, not Herald of October 11, 1798, of just on Facebook to be lost in a highway robbery in which a the electronic ether? Are we post-boy carrying the mail from asking our parents to tell their stories now, not “in a minute” and Bromley to Sevenoaks was stopped by a highwayman two miles from then neglecting the task?’ Farnborough and threatened at pistol point to hand over the mail. She concludes: ‘Will our environment be neglected in the face of ‘The Turnpike man at Pratts Bottom revealed it was probably the austerity and will the conservation area that is Chislehurst become same man who had passed through the turnpike gate at Pratts Bottom meaningless in the light of relaxed planning regulations?’ towards Riverhead. A reward of two hundred pounds was offered, it is ‘We must all respect and understand our past in order to retain the unlikely that the man was ever caught. unique heritage that characterises our village.’ Heritage certainly matters to the customers of Bromley Local Studies This delightful old print of drivers and stable lads at the now and Archives as archivist Catrin Holland’s recent diary entries show. long gone Hayes Place, above, helped Jean Wilson as co-writer on a • Last week it mattered to the Year 1 classes of Hayes Primary School history of Hayes. who were using archives to explore what it was like to be a child in ‘Awareness as a Hayes local historian of the importance of the past helps in Bromley during the Second World War. understanding the present. One of my hopes for 2013 is that those who • On Monday, heritage mattered to Mr E whom we helped to find a move into Hayes will find that they enjoy and understand its heritage. photograph of the children’s home that he lived in as a child. ‘New people bring new ideas. My fear is that in the desire • On Tuesday it mattered to Mrs R who’s producing a pamphlet on to build large extensions to meet modern needs or to demolish the History of Pickhurst Infants School for the children as part of properties to create more housing, insufficient concern will be given the schools anniversary celebrations. to the existing local architectural styles. • On Wednesday it mattered to Mr I who’s using the Parish Registers ‘Fortunately in Hayes we have a number of to trace his wife’s family back to the 16th century. conservation areas, although not all the remaining • On Thursday it mattered to Mrs T using estate important historic buildings are listed – a hope papers to research agriculture in 18th Century perhaps for 2013. Chislehurst for her Open University History ‘Personally, I would like to see a local heritage Degree. centre where not only photographs but also models • On Friday it mattered to Mr A and his grandson and 3-D maps can show the younger generations the who discovered from the street directories that a Mr changes that have occurred.’ Smith lived in their house in Victorian times. ‘By bringing local stories such as Alan Wheeler’s • On Saturday it mattered to Miss G who is using the delightful sketch of smugglers into her book Pratts historic maps to complete her homework on the Bottom: A Journey Through Life, Sue Short rapidly changes in Bromley High Street. ‘realised how important it was to both record and • Every morning it matters to Mr E who’s taken value peoples’ memories of the past. In studying on the tricky task of researching the Traveller the history of the buildings, like the Bull’s Head, it Community in Orpington. became clear that we should all try to preserve our heritage for future generations. See www.bromley.gov.uk ‘And the smugglers: ‘In 1740 they captured an Sue Short: local characters 020 8461 7170 | localstudies.library@bromley.gov.uk excise man and held him overnight at Sprats Bottom should never be forgotten. JANUARY2013 27

28 JANUARY2013

JANUARY2013 29

LOCAL LIFE

AFTER THE SWINGING SUCCESS OF THE JUBILEE YEAR

Handbells ringers in tune for an even more notable future! WORDS AND PICTURES: JOHN RULER

re-Christmas shoppers at the Whitgift Centre, Croydon, were greeted with what could aptly be described as an appealing sound – that of festive bells, not played through a Tannoy but by a small group from the Wandle Ringers whose 21-strong membership is drawn from handbell followers throughout South East London, Kent, Surrey and Sussex. They were there not just to provide a medley of seasonal tunes and carols but also to help raise cash for the British Heart Foundation amid the festive glitter. And in true ‘Ding dong, merrily on high’ style they ‘ Let steeple (or in their case handbells) be swungen ‘ much to the delight of harassed mums or those relaxing over coffee at the nearby Starbucks. A giant Christmas tree provided a sparkling backdrop. It proved a jolly two-hour session as befits the setting; the same can be said for the Ringers’ annual concerts at the Hayes Free Church Christmas Festival. But then nothing can beat a good bit of bell ringing in the hands, literally, of a professional bunch of enthusiasts. 30 JANUARY2013

Director Sandra Winter, from Sanderstead, who originally formed the team in 1986 as an evening class group, fell, like others, for the dulcet handbell tones at the tender age of 16. Though never lucky enough to play them at school, she did at least form a local church team in her former life as a music teacher, after studying violin and piano at Trinity College of Music. She also modestly admits to having written and arranged handbell music both as a team member and a soloist. After 35 years of ringing, she is also national secretary of the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain. The Wandle Ringers – whose membership, though especially strong around Sanderstead and Selsdon, covers a wide area, including Edenbridge, Banstead, Epsom and Tunbridge Wells – rang as the South Norwood Belles until l988. But a change of rehearsal venue and an influx of men inevitably led to a change of name. Since then they have performed at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon, have represented the Southeast at national level and played for the European Bell Founders. For the record, the team

play a five octave (61) bell set of Whitechapel Foundry handbells, plus duplicates and five octaves of Malmark handchimes. The large base bells range from 16 to 20lbs in weight; the smallest is the 007D, nothing to do with James Bond, though it delivers a killer sound, but the English registered code number. The cost of a 12-bell set from the Whitechapel foundry is around £3,700. In 2011 they celebrated their 25th anniversary with several concerts, including one in St Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey. Last year the group took part in a TV programme with Jools Holland, worked with the British conductor Charles Hazlewood and finished in a truly noteworthy manner with a date at Kensington Palace. WITH HISTORY RINGING IN THEIR EARS… here’s more to handbell ringing than meets the eye … or should that be ear? Forget for one moment, town criers, and the school and bar-room ‘drink up’ bells. You need only go back to the heady days last summer when a boat carrying eight specially cast bells, each named after a member of the royal family, took part in the raindrenched Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations with churches alongside the Thames returning the peal as it passed. It was the same with the Olympics: Big Ben chimed 40 times in three minutes as part of a mass bell-ringing event marking the start of the games. This meant it had to be rung by hand, unlike the hourly chimes, which are automated, Though not quite the accepted handbell style, it was part of an art project encouraging everyone to ring a bell, a timely reminder of the role bells have played from time immemorial – from religious purpose to the warning one used by lepers and their doleful sound at funerals. ‘According to a nice but plausible story, though nothing much is documented’ said Sandra Winter ‘ we believe handbells go back to the mid-week tower bell-ringing practise in Victorian times.

Since this was not much fun when it was cold and frosty with an icy blast blowing, many churches provided small boxes of handbells matching those in the tower. ‘ This meant the chaps – generally farm workers and others looking to earn a few pennies – could sit round and practise in the warmth of the vestry. In fact, you can still find boxes of handbells in some churches today.’ This also led to a growing demand away from the traditional, ding, dong, ding, dong sound of the tower bells to the more melodious sound of handbells. Basically this meant ringing the changes, almost literally, from a somewhat complicated musical development more for aficionados than the average fan, like myself, who simply finds the freer sound of handbells deeply moving. Fortunately it didn’t prove a hand-wringing matter – with many players being both hand and tower bell ringers. Some tunes, too, suit a more traditional approach, especially in the United States where it s more common to read tunes in the numerical form rather than from written music. Hand bell ringing is also popular in Canada, Korea, Japan and in Australia and New Zealand, just some of the places her love of handbells has taken Sandra. Handbells, too, are included in orchestral scores. British composer Benjamin Britten, a handbell enthusiast himself, included a special section for handbells in Noyes Flude one of his best known works. Bells, in fact, be they in the belfry or in the capable hands of the Wandle Ringers have, one way or another received a ringing endorsement. NEED TO KNOW Ring 020 8657 1344 for enquiries about the Wandle Ringers; they also feature on the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain website www.hrgb.org.uk JANUARY2013 31

FOCUS ON

Reflections of Scotney Castle PICTURES: ADAM SWAINE

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HOROSCOPES

YEAR AHEAD HOROSCOPES FOR

2013 BY CASSANDRA NYE

34 JANUARY2013

Aries (March 21 - April 20) Aries, you really will be springing into action as this year begins! Communications are buzzing and life runs fast, just as you like it. Although there is a strong emphasis on family and friends, this is a year for you to blossom personally. A steep learning curve at work brings satisfaction and leads the way to more cash. Although there are times of restlessness, this can be balanced with exercise and a good diet. Romance runs a thread through the whole year, bringing new influences and strengthening existing relationships. There is something about you that is fresh and inspiring. Partners see about you a kind of innocence that they want to protect. There is the need to jump into situations with both feet and heart, regardless of the cost. If your sense of adventure tempts you to take on too much, remember that it is a good idea to take a practical approach. Plan carefully to stay ahead of your personal needs. As the autumn comes there is something to learn from the past. Extra energy comes from living in the present but there is nothing wrong with slowing down from time to time. See where you are. Ask any questions about where you are going and then get on with life. Overall: An exciting and passionate year in which you should aim to grow and nurture your talents. Taurus (April 21 - May 21) A boost to finances early in the year gives a sense of optimism. Doors are open that would have been closed before. This period dwindles towards autumn so make the most of any opportunities to get a head start. Family and friends become especially important as you aim to include them more in your life. Those who value your friendship may have particular need of it in the months to come. Taking a practical approach and not overstretching your resources is the best approach. It is much easier to help others if you first consider yourself. Any insecurity will show itself by the tendency to hold on to things and people that no longer give real support, so be prepared to give some of these things to charity or take a step back from people who drain your spirit. Love and romance revolve mainly around established relationships or the beginnings of them as you are not in a flighty frame of mind this year. Long-term satisfaction is the aim and as close ties become closer, your peace of mind increases. Even so, your more adventurous side demands travel or changes that could be quite spontaneous. Perhaps that is just what you need to stimulate ideas and your imagination! Overall: A time of personal growth and stability. Aim for what you need rather than what you desire. Gemini (May 22 - June 21) The year begins with a dynamic boost to optimism and prospects. Perhaps a change at work brings with it new opportunities or you decide on learning something new. Whatever it is, your brain buzzes with ideas through the spring. Make it a time when you take control of your money. Use it wisely and also save. Sometimes this is best done by simply spending less when tempted! Treat your health with respect and it will work well for you. Get any checks that are needed to keep on top form. People

and communications bring the most happiness and satisfaction and the more you do for others, the more you will prosper in spirit. Looking for someone special? The summer brings the best chance. Meet like-minded individuals in unusual places. Although people come and go from your life, you enjoy the novelty. There is little you like more than constant mental stimulation and fresh physical company. You will probably use your media less for social contact, preferring the raw joy of live interactions. Approaching a flirtatious autumn, you need to seek out companions who are both intelligent and attractive and what speed does not bring to you, patience will. Discovering a new talent may surprise you, but it shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. You have still yet to use your full potential. OVERALL: An inspiring and intelligent year and one in which you may find a new direction. Cancer (June 22 - July 22) This is a year of celebration and good fortune. Loveable people are often at your side as your enthusiasm for life attracts likeminded folk in droves. For this to take off, however, you must make an effort. Get out and keep talking as finding out about others gives you a wonderful insight into their feelings and needs. The summer brings a dynamic character into your life who may be a little bit demanding. Spend less time with them and more with your friends to keep a balance. Seek romance with a soft-centred individual. If you go for looks in a lover, it could bring disappointment. A good relationship needs effort. With a big emphasis on your personal life, business may just plod along. Perhaps you can involve your partner to bring up fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Likewise, a trip abroad fires up those little grey cells! One good idea is all you need to set the cash flowing. The autumn demands that you take care over legal matters and that you are sure to read that small print. Cash is not king but it helps life run smoothly. Overall: A time to grow in stature and make wise decisions. These should be based on facts, not fantasy. Leo (July 23 - August 23) Seek out the wise and supportive this spring. Why bother with negative people and situations when you have the chance to bloom? Always aim to take the path of progress, especially in building good and long-term relationships. A soulmate is close so appreciate who and what you have. Those with an open mind will find opportunities. There is no need to compromise in this area and certainly donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accept anything that is not in your best interests! Although day-to-day living is busy, especially in the summer, give yourself time for thought. Look at what you believe in and check that you are on the right path. Be yourself, especially around loved ones. Remember that important thoughts are there to be shared. Yes, really! The autumn brings changeable moods, but this is natural for your sign at this time. Again, share those hopes and dreams. Admit your disappointments. Being vulnerable at times only serves to make you more loveable, so go with it. Being supportive of others emotionally helps to redress any imbalance. See how appreciated you are and how much there is to look forward to. Planning travel with a loved one reminds you of unfulfilled ambitions. There is always time, you know. Overall: A loving and supportive year. Satisfaction comes from those around you and their appreciation.

JANUARY2013 35

HOROSCOPES

Virgo (August 24 September 23) Both home and career are in the spotlight this year. Some opportunities will not come as easily for some time so make the most of what is on offer. Cash should flow more easily but make sure that it is mostly flowing in, not out! Look out for big promises that come to nothing. Your good judgment of character serves you well here! Talking of promises, those you make to yourself are very important, especially if they concern your health. Take care of what you have in any area that is essential. Romance is never far away but you will have to reach out for it. Make things happen rather than sit and wait in this area. Meetings through your work bring the most satisfaction when summer throws up someone on your wavelength. This person brings new energy and inspiration through example. There could also be some romance, even if it is fleeting. Enjoy! When thinking of travel, short breaks can be as enjoyable as long stretches away. There is no need to splash the cash if you can take a working holiday or do a house swap. Technicolor dreams bring flashes of inspiration during the autumn. Following the progress of a relative gives your imagination a boost. Overall: A sparkling and thought-provoking year. Think where you want to be in five years’ time. Libra (September 24 October 23) Home life and cash dominate the year. Getting organised is important, especially if you plan to travel. Indeed, travel in the spring is not only likely but desirable. It is a time to seek and find things out. Someone from another culture has knowledge that intrigues you. A hunger to learn by chance sees the opportunity for increased wealth. This will satisfy your need for the better things in life. Having said that, Libra, it is also a year in which you declutter. Spirituality becomes more important and having the time to appreciate nature. With a sharp mind and infinite curiosity, it is possible to really open up your life. You could be lucky and find love but it may be fleeting. Even so, every chance for happiness should be taken and enjoyed. Basking in someone else’s glory in the autumn sparks some ambitions of your own. At this time working with a partner seems the best option, especially financially. Check the small print in any agreements and then get on with it. Keeping up with digital media brings an opportunity to use your artistic skills and to develop them further. Your most important communications should be face to face rather than through media - much more effective emotionally. Overall: A time to enjoy moving ahead and leaving behind what is outmoded and ineffectual. Scorpio (October 24 November 22) Be lucky as the year begins and through the spring. Use your enthusiasm to make the most of opportunities and show others that you are serious. Chances come your way that seem charmed, but they are real and need to be made the most of ! As money comes in, try to hold on to some of it as the temptation to spend will be strong. Finding a new position on the work front, maybe even in an existing company, brings changes. These may at first seem a step back

36 JANUARY2013

but give it time. Sometimes going in a different direction fires the imagination and sense of purpose. Aim to be more flexible in all areas to sidetrack stress and avoid burning yourself out intellectually by working with others. Take note of their needs but avoid getting into a ‘tug of war’ situation. You do not need so much to control your emotions as to channel them. Friendships have the best chance to develop if you give them a chance. Being overly attracted by appearance can be a mistake. Go, instead, for those who have bothered to develop their personalities and have fun! Work is not the be all and end all. Rediscover a sense of fun by being in younger company and letting your hair down. Love your life! Overall: A sparky and spiky time ahead. Would you have it any other way? Sagittarius (November 23 December 21) Embrace life, love and new friends this year! Romance is more likely if you resist having preconceived ideas. When going out to learn something new, perhaps at a course, develop friendships. If these are with much younger and much older people, so much the better! Get to know others in a targeted and even intense way. This approach brings you understanding that has perhaps been lacking in the past. People are not things that happen to you, they are influences that you can control. Take charge with forward planning and charm. Who could resist your smile? Be serious about work and money. You cannot afford to play fast and loose with your responsibilities! Keeping spending under control brings satisfaction. A sense of your own worth comes from realising your talents and developing them. With the emphasis on home through summer and autumn, you get an amazing amount done. When reading about people and subjects that interest you, inspiration can strike. Use it, develop it and have fun with it. This winter, wisdom comes through play. The outdoors is attractive, especially when in loving company. A social group may seem tame now but it brings a kind of stability. Overall: You are on a journey to discover yourself. Often this is seen through the eyes of others. Capricorn (December 22 January 20) Amazingly close relationships with loved ones spin delight right through this year. Close to home is where your heart is. Even those who still seek love feel comfortable and have moments of great content. Making your life in your own image is the aim. You know what you want and need to aim high, but if you fall a little short, you should still be happy with the result! Ambition takes a back seat to a need for peace of mind, as it should. When it comes to career moves, what you want may not be what you need for happiness so allow yourself some flexibility. Let your lighter side enjoy the summer and autumn. Young people give a fresh perspective, a new way of looking at life and a happy heart is soon full of delight! Friends will notice another side of you come winter. This is when you seek to bring out the more spiritual and artistic side of your character. These are areas that are normally given secondary consideration. Right now, though, there is a desire to seek new ways to live your life. Of course you still have strong ambitions but they are becoming more balanced with home life. Overall: A time to take charge of your own wellbeing and be honest with yourself about your needs.

Aquarius (January 21 February 19) A good, well-balanced year ahead gives you plenty of time to relax. Aquarians can have their fill of love and learn to enjoy different aspects of romance. A jovial and happy soul is very attractive, especially to those seeking someone special. Don’t expect all encounters to be lasting, however. You are being encouraged to find your happiness through being open-minded and adventurous. Existing relationships strengthen as you find your way forward emotionally. Keep a balance between work and leisure in the second half of the year with the emphasis on communications with colleagues. There may be some bumpy times here that you can smooth over with a calm approach. When life gets busy, resist the urge to cut corners either at work or home. Words are cheap but the wrong ones this winter could see you in hot water. Be discreet and if you are unsure of a situation, investigate. If you are expecting a change or promotion at work, be patient. Maybe the time is not right in financial terms for your boss, so don’t take it to heart. Instead, plan to make moves to learn more about your job and how technology can help and bring your ideas to the attention of someone in charge. There is much to gain by being one step ahead.

Pisces (February 20 March 20) It is a big year for learning new things, and this applies as much to people as work. Gaining knowledge in both areas brings chances to get ahead. Keep an open mind and constantly look for opportunities. Home life is important and you are urged to consider at length any move or agreement. Act rashly and you could regret it. It is not all sober thought, however. The summer encourages you to get out and play, exploring new things and people. A hobby can bring passionate contact but don’t necessarily expect new love to last forever. Enjoy each moment for its own worth. Make this a year of realising more of your potential. There are many talents to develop and many lives to touch. Some form of voluntary or community work is on offer in the autumn. Don’t dismiss it out of hand. Give it a try. Normally you don’t have much time to study how people ‘tick’. Well, this could be your chance to learn something about human nature (including your own!) Cash flow can be erratic but you are still looking for that long-term security. Some ‘quick fixes’ may be necessary but should not be considered an answer. When seeking out big household items, look for bargains. Make being thrifty a choice, not just a necessity.

Overall: It is a year to be open-minded and experimental. What you learn is very valuable.

Overall: A year in which you grow emotionally and expand intellectually. Read, learn and act.

JANUARY2013 37

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The thin, delicate skin around our eyes is a tell tale sign of age! Dermatologist Dr Ariel Haus has an array of Eye-Tech solutions to quash speculation and banish those blinker bugbears…

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JUST a 10 MINUTE treatment!

What? Restylane Vital is a natural beauty treatment that gently replenishes Hyaluronic acid, reversing the tell-tale signs of ageing and creating a fresh, replenished & youthful skin appearance. How? The clear gel is gently introduced into the skin in tiny amounts with an extra-fine needle creating a fresh, natural & more youthful appearance. The site is injected several times to ensure full coverage of the treatment area.

What? The under eye treatment for treating dark circles commonly known as bags or panda eyes. How? Carboxytherapy involves the injection of a small amount of carbon dioxide gas just beneath the skin’s surface delivering results by increased oxygen flow to the area. Minimally invasive Pain- free No Down time Fast results (Between 2-4 treatments required.)

38 JANUARY2013

EYELID OVER-HANG?

CO2RE Madonna Eye Lift 1 hour treatment

What? A hit with the A-list stars, Botulinum toxin (commonly known as Botox) smoothes the crows feet area of the eyes, rejuvenating and widening the eyes appearance. How? Dr. Haus prides himself on his unique technique of strategically placing the muscle relaxant in this area, giving the client natural, discreet results- avoiding both the ‘frozen’ look and down time.

ALL TREATMENTS AVAIABLE AT

www.drhausdermatology.com

CROW’S FEET?

Call: 020 7467 1525

What? The CO2RE Madonna eye lift is the non-surgical solution to improving drooping skin, wrinkles and signs of ageing around the eyes - in a single treatment. How? The CO2RE fractional laser works on the upper dermis tightening the skin, reducing dark circles and elevating the eyebrow. Results will continue to be seen up to 3 months after treatment as new collagen is formed.

10 Harley Street, London W1G 9PF

Land Agents We are always on the lookout for new opportunities in order to satisfy the requirements of our clients on our extensive database and would be pleased to hear from you with any potential sites for development or refurbishment. (Commission paid where required) We also offer a site finding service for clients who require assistance in finding a building plot or property with development potential in a specific area and would be pleased to hear from you to discuss your requirements in greater detail.

Typical Development Opportunities Required: Land with or without planning Back gardens with potential Barns, oasts and other rural buildings Commercial buildings Farms and agricultural land Office blocks Pubs/Hotels Nursing Homes Properties requiring refurbishment/conversion Amenity land Garages

Upper Hartfield, East Sussex £750,000

Sevenoaks, Kent Offers Invited

Crowborough, East Sussex £800,000

Detached property for sale on the basis of a replacement dwelling STP or refurbishment set in grounds of approx. 0.8 acres within the Ashdown Forest offering complete seclusion and tranquillity.

Unusual proposition to knock down an existing toilet block and replace with a detached house close to the town centre and the station.

Site with planning consent for 8 houses and 2 apartments in a popular location within Crowborough with an estimated GDV in excess of £2m

Sevenoaks, Kent £195,000

Sittingbourne, Kent Guide Price iro £590,000

Claygate Barn £125,000-150,000

Approximately 25 acres (tbv) of woodland with a timber saw mill and sporting and shooting rights.

Site measuring approximately 1.5 acres with full planning for 11 private houses and no affordable element.

Brick barn with planning permission for 2 bedroom holiday accommodation in rural setting and grounds of approximately 1 acre (tbv).

01892 619289 info@chapelplacelimited.com www.chapelplacelimited.com JANUARY2013 39

, Here s looking at Hugh

FILM

BY SUSAN GRIFFIN

IF YOU’VE BEEN KNOWN TO LATHER UP AND ENJOY A GOOD OLD SING-SONG IN THE BATHROOM, THEN YOU’RE IN GOOD COMPANY.

“I always sing in the shower,” says a smiling Hugh Jackman. “I sing most days of my life and the shower’s where I spend a good 10 minutes.” He showcases his vocal prowess in the much-anticipated movie adaptation of the long-running musical Les Miserables, playing the story’s protagonist, Jean Valjean. “You follow him for a 20-year span, and throughout that time you see all the ups and downs, the pain and the ecstasy that life brings,” says Jackman, who puts in a tour de force performance as the reformed convict which has already garnered him a Golden Globe nomination. “Valjean’s like a Hamlet; he’s one of those parts that you hope one day you’re going to get to play apart from in your bathroom.” Although best known for his movie roles, notably as X-Men’s Wolverine, Jackman, 44, boasts an impressive theatrical background, having starred in productions such as Sunset Boulevard and Oklahoma. Only recently he performed a oneman show on Broadway. He even got to do a few song and dance numbers at the Academy Awards four years ago. 40 JANUARY2013

Above: Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean. Above left: Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean and Anne Hathaway as Fantine. Left: Hugh Jackman, left, director Tom Hooper, center and actor Russell Crowe posing for a photo as they walk down the red carpet at the premier of “Les Miserables” in Sydney, Australia.

“All the things I’ve done leading up to [Les Miserables] whether it be on stage or in film, I feel came together in this role. It’s the role of a lifetime,” says the Australian native, looking ruggedly handsome in a blue jumper and dark trousers. “I’ve been in musical theatre for a number of years and I’ve done movies for a number of years, so there have been two sides of my career that’s felt slightly schizophrenic,” he explains. “For a long time I’ve wanted to combine the two and I’d dreamt of being in a movie musical.”

But the Emmy and Tony-award winning actor didn’t think a big screen adaptation of Les Miserables was possible. “It’s been around 27 years, it’s so iconic and the idea it could be made into a film wasn’t even on my radar,” he says of the production that’s been seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and 21 languages. Then Jackman’s agent heard a potential movie was in the pipeline. “I immediately rang Cameron [Mackintosh, the theatre producer] and said, ‘Oh my God, I’ve got to do this’. “Then I rang Tom Hooper and said, ‘I need a meeting’. I’ve never been so aggressive going for a part,” he says, grinning. The Oscar-winning director, fresh from his success with The King’s Speech, agreed to meet. “I came into the room and I was like, ‘Mate, I’m so excited, I CONTINUED ON PAGE 42 u

JANUARY2013 41

FILM

Above: Hugh Jackman during filming of the New Year’s Eve edition of the Graham Norton show, filmed at the London Studios, London

really want to audition for you’, and Tom went, ‘Woah!’” recalls Jackman laughing. “He hadn’t even signed on [to the film] yet but was thinking about it. “Anyway, I auditioned for him about a month later and the rest is history.” The director has since described Jackman as “a genius at both acting and singing”, but he cringes at the mention of this. “Good actors don’t know that stuff but it’s very kind of him to say that,” says Jackman, who has two adopted children - Oscar, 12 and Ava, seven - with his wife of 16 years, Deborra-Lee Furness. “I’ve certainly learnt from some incredible people. Theatre director Trevor Nunn, who I’ve done two musicals with, really taught me how to make a lyric of a song feel like dialogue, so it’s not just a pretty song any more.” Based on the novel by Victor Hugo and set against the social and political upheavals of 19th century France, Les Miserables is an epic tale about broken dreams, unrequited love and a timeless testament to the endurance of the human spirit. It begins with prisoner Valjean being released by Javert (Russell Crowe), an officer in charge of the convict workforce who tasks himself with hunting Valjean down when he later breaks his parole and vanishes. “There’s the old adage that great actors make other actors look good, so trust me if you’re ever in a movie and you can get Russell opposite you it’s a good thing,” says Jackman, who credits his fellow Aussie co-star for mentoring him early in his career. 42 JANUARY2013

Crowe also recommended Jackman as his replacement when he turned down the role of Wolverine. “It was one of the great, most generous acts for me I could imagine,” says Jackman, who looked to his father, Chris, for inspiration in creating Valjean. “My father’s quite a religious man but, like Valjean, wasn’t really religious growing up, and then when he was about 30 had some kind of an epiphany and was converted,” says Jackman, who’s talked openly about the fact it was left to his father to raise him and his four siblings when their mother walked out. “I never heard him talk about religion,” says Jackman. “He said once, ‘Religion you talk about means nothing, religion that’s in your actions means everything’.” Though Jackman’s bulked up for a series of action roles, the 6ft 2in star insists Les Miserables was one of the most physically demanding roles he’s ever undertaken - not least because Hooper wanted him to look unrecognisable in the opening scenes. “What you can do on film that you can’t do on stage, obviously, is show the expanse of time and Valjean’s an incredible internal, as well external, transformation,” says Jackman. “He starts as a prisoner filled with hate and even though he’s strong, he’s emaciated with his head shaved and a long beard, so we just went for it and I lost a lot of weight.” Then the story moves on eight years and Valjean’s reinvented himself as a respected mayor and factory owner, which meant Jackman needed to put 15kgs back on. “That bit was fun,” he adds with a grin. Unusually for a movie musical, the cast - which includes Anne Hathaway as factory worker turned prostitute Fantine, Eddie Redmayne as politically-minded student Marius and Amanda Seyfried as Valjean’s ward Cosette - sang live on set. For that reason Hooper insisted on an intense nine-week rehearsal period before the cameras started rolling. “Normally on a film, rehearsals can be a little half-hearted but it wasn’t like that. Tom was literally moving his chair to be three feet away from us and we did a lot of exploring, which made us really focused on set,” says Jackman. “I remember on day one of rehearsals, Russell said, ‘Man this is what you wait for, this is the feeling’, because we knew we were doing something that’s never been done before. It had that frisson in the air.” But while he enjoyed every minute of the experience, he admits he’s never had a role “require more of me, or take as much of an emotional commitment”. It’s why he’d spend quiet evenings indulging in a new found passion for jigsaws, not only to wind down but to preserve his voice. “It’s not a sexy pastime but I really enjoyed it. I’d light a fire, do some pastoral mountain scene and find myself engrossed in it,” he reveals, before adding with a grin: “Not very rock ‘n’ roll, is it!” EXTRA TIME - LES MISERABLES Les Miserables opened at the Barbican Theatre on October 8, 1985. In 2006, it surpassed Cats as world’s longest-running musical. The movie rights were sold 25 years ago but the option lapsed and the rights reverted to Cameron Mackintosh who agreed this time round, with the assurance the actors would sing live. Anne Hathaway follows in her mother’s footsteps playing the tragic heroine Fantine. Eddie Redmayne sang his big solo number Empty Chairs At Empty Tables more than 20 times to ensure he’d nailed it. JANUARY2013 43

44 JANUARY2013

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ith Christmas out of the way and that summer wedding coming up there is no better time to be thinking about that special outfit for your daughterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding! So from Sunday 20th January to Saturday 26th January Blackburn Bridal couture will be holding a Designer Sale for occasion wear outfits at their Boutique Studio in Blackheath Village, By Appointment only for one week. So if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for that special outfit as a Mother of the Bride or as a guest of a wedding or for a special event. Then this is your opportunity to purchase an outfit with prices reduced up to 75%! For more Information on making an appointment please call 0208 318 2333 or email info@blackburnbridal.co.uk

JANUARY2013 45

FASHION BEAUTY

2. Thou shalt not... Ignore your body shape

132013 Mini Makeover Tips

For

BY LISA HAYNES

BEFORE YOU GO MAKING THOSE LIFE-CHANGING RESOLUTIONS, SLOW DOWN - AND THINK ‘MINI MAKEOVER’ INSTEAD.

ore than three-quarters (78%) of people who give up on their resolutions are doomed to fail because they try to make over-ambitious changes, according to research by the University of Hertfordshire. But if you plan smaller, specific changes - to say, your closet or bathroom cabinet - you’re likely to achieve a much higher success rate. Undo the damage of a festive fashion and beauty hangover. Whether it’s one, two or all 13, tick off these commandments for a stylish 2013.

1. Thou shalt not... Covet too many clothes

Give the January sales a wide berth if you have a penchant for false economy wardrobe ‘bargains’. Calculate potential cost-perwear when you’re about to splurge on yet another fashion fad with a limited shelf life. Dressipi stylist Natalie Theo says: “It’s all about versatility and making that hard-earned cash go further at this time of the year. “A little black dress, particularly a shift, is both a wardrobe investment piece and a great fashion blank canvas. It can easily be re-styled to create completely different looks.” 46 JANUARY2013

Love handles, muffin tops and bingo wings... all wobbly bits that can be minimised with clever styling. Do away with unflattering fashions for 2013 by paying special attention to your reflection. “We all come in different shapes and sizes so it’s about finding clothes to flatter your physique and accentuate your assets,” says Julie Donnelly, head of womenswear buying for Isme.com. “Something as simple as the right cut and fit can give women that ultimate body confidence to dress how they really want in the New Year.”

3. Thou shalt not... Overspend on seasonal trends Catwalk fads come and go but staples just keep delivering, no matter what the season. Seek out timeless classics that will enhance your wardrobe for years to come. “The high street will be stocking vertical striped blazers, which are flattering and just scream spring/summer 2013, however, it’s a classic that will see you through,” suggests Mark Heyes, stylist on ITV’s Lorraine. “You can be wearing an old T-shirt and weekend jeans and instantly look smart with one of these. If you’re a cardigan wearer, replace it with a striped blazer and it can take 10 years off.”

4. Thou shalt not... Overpack

When it comes to holiday packing, two thirds (67%) of UK women not only fill up their own suitcases but hog a third of their partner’s too, according to research by Sunshine.co.uk. Don’t succumb to another year of panic at the excess baggage counter. “Check the weather forecast before you go to minimise all those ‘just in case’ items,” advises Emily O’Brien, editor of Styloko.com. “Wear your bulkiest items to the airport - if you’re taking a jumper and jacket, this is the time to wear them. To avoid carrying excess clothes that don’t go with anything, try and pack outfits rather than throwing in random items.”

5. Thou shalt not... Be a wallflower Special occasions sometimes call for a statement dress that you can just throw on and go. Seek out a one-piece wonder for 2013; something that doesn’t require lashings of accessories or fuss so you can be ready in record time. Bobbie Malpass, editor of MyCelebrityFashion.co.uk, says: “Our fashion advice is don’t start the New Year without a LRD - that’s Little Red Dress. “It’s a stand-out colour and one that will get you noticed with minimum effort.”

Goddiva red peplum dress, £36

6. Thou shalt not... Hoard a redundant wardrobe

10. Thou shalt not... Collect pointless potions

No excuses for keeping clothes that are collecting mothballs in the back of your wardrobe. A clearout could even boost your bank balance for a new purchase. Mark Pearson, chairman of MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, says: “Selling items online can be a great way of getting rid of unsuitable clothes, particularly if you’ve nabbed yourself an item that’s in high demand - often a bidding war will mean you get a higher return than you paid in the first place. “Be aware that selling online often incurs additional selling fees, particularly with eBay, so you need to be careful it’s not costing you more than you realise.”

If 2012 was the year of the BB (beauty balm) cream, get set for CC (colour corrector) creams in 2013. Downsize your product haul with multi-tasking products for a simpler skincare routine. “Nowadays, with all the hybrid make-up that combines skincare and colour, you don’t have to layer your skin with numerous products,” says Jemma Kidd, make-up artist. “If you make addressing redness and uneven skin tone your main aim, you can’t go far wrong.”

7. Thou shalt not... Be stuck in a style rut Almost half of women (46%) admit they’ve never tried changing their appearance, according to Groupon research. It’s easy to go on autopilot and throw on the same clothes and make-up, so ensure you bring your 2013 look up to date. “New Year is a great opportunity to think about what’s in our wardrobe and make-up bag,” says Seven Suphi, life coach and behavioural change specialist. “You need to wear clothes and make-up that will work for you now. Think about the image you want to portray and whether your style matches that - or ask someone else if you want an honest opinion.”

8. Thou shalt not... Yo-yo diet

11. Thou shalt not... Be unkind to your skin Give your skin back its sparkle for the New Year. Make a clean start by always ensuring that your head hits the pillow with a freshly-scrubbed face. Celebrity facialist Nichola Joss says: “Cleansing the skin is super-important to clear away impurities such as dead skin cells and dirt from the day, which can dull the complexion - imagine the dull surface of a mirror and then the sparkle of one that’s been polished. “Use a deep cleansing product to remove debris from the skin, and massage in using fingertips in a circular motion. Spritz with a facial mist to rebalance your skin.”

Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t just essential for squeezing into your favourite dress but for your face too. Avoid a rollercoaster ride on the weighing scales. Never underestimate the power of re-charging “Repeatedly gaining and losing weight can take its your batteries. Aim to set aside one evening per toll on the skin’s elasticity, leaving behind stretch marks week when you lock the bathroom door for a La Redoute sleeveless black and jowls,” warns dermatologist Dr Tess Mauricio. well-deserved pamper. dress, £20 0844 842 2222 “Yo-yo dieting also causes premature ageing www.laredoute.co.uk “Sunday nights - the repeated weight gain and loss stretches can work your skin and makes it loose and saggy. A loss of facial fat causes well and it’s a great time to sagging and a gaunt, aged appearance so aim to keep your weight prepare yourself for the week in the normal BMI range.” ahead,” recommends Geraldine If you do need to slim down, aim to lose weight sensibly and slowly, Howard, co-founder of Aromatherapy rather than crash dieting, as this is more likely to be sustainable. Associates. “A bath with essential oils can be wonderfully relaxing to the body and restorative to the mind. Use this time to take some Extreme January 1 plans for wheatgrass shots combined with deep breaths and just focus on Sanctuary Dual Performance twice-daily gym visits means that you’re likely to fall off the detox Body Brush, £12 Boots yourself with no distractions.” wagon in no time. Aim for a skin-transforming resolution that doesn’t inflict any suffering. “Three minutes a day body-brushing will change your skin,” says Newby Hands, FeelUnique.com’s editorial director. The skin surrounding your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate “Work from the feet upwards, always brushing on your face, meaning wrinkles appear faster than anywhere else. towards the heart, and Eliminate tell-tale signs by vowing to use an anti-ageing eye work gently to target cream daily. the lymphatic system “Use your ring finger for applying eye creams, as this has the for smoother limbs and lightest touch and is least likely to pull the skin,” advises Josephine softer skin. Do this daily Fairley, co-author of the Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible. and you’ll see the “Starting at the inner corner, dot the cream from just below difference in just two Clarisonic Mia 2 sonic cleanser in pink, £130 your lashes to the outer corner of your orbital bone, patting it onto weeks.” the skin. Do the same above the eye.” Space NK

12. Thou shalt not... Dismiss ‘me’ time

9. Thou shalt not... Make unrealistic detox resolutions

13. Thou shalt not... Neglect your eyes

JANUARY2013 47

GROOMING

MURDOCK M urdock’s signature collections, like their unique stores, combine traditional English sensibilities with modern discernment. Focusing on handcrafted and British made goods, Murdock products are renowned for exquisite workmanship and commitment to quality. When Murdock established their first barbershop in London’s creative hub of Shoreditch in 2006, their aim was to create an environment for men wanting to make the best of themselves that was less feminine and less sterile than a unisex salon; A stylish, masculine space for a modern gentleman to take the time to relax, build a relationship with his barber and enjoy the full Murdock experience. Murdock now has three more stores in the capital, a store in Covent Garden, one in Soho and another in Mayfair. Each store offers a range of unique barbering services such as luxury wet shaves, classic grooming products and artisan accessories. Murdock has now firmly established themselves as a primary destination for the new gent-about-town. Murdock’s signature fragrances include Avalon, a refreshing citrus-based scent, Fougere, a classic scent that is reminiscent of the English countryside and Patchouli, a spicy sumptuous fragrance with a velvety and decadent scent. Murdock’s collection of fragrances, shaving tools and accessories have been developed to equip the modern gentleman with everything he needs to prepare himself for a day in the office or an evening’s entertainment. These Murdock essentials provide the foundations of style, individuality and confidence, one step at a time. An extensive range of Murdock fragrances and accessories are stocked in Annabel’s II in Chislehurst.

Annabel’s II 15, High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AB 07733 014 565 Email: clients@annabelsluxuryenglishgifts.com www.annabelsluxuryenglishgifts.com

48 JANUARY2013

JANUARY2013 49

BEAUTY

FACE UP TO

WINTER BY LISA HAYNES

THE HOLIDAY’S OVER AND ALL THAT’S LEFT IS AN EMPTY WALLET AND BULGING TUMMY. IF YOU’VE GOT A BAD CASE OF THE JANUARY BLUES, IT’S LIKELY THAT YOUR SKIN HAS TOO.

STINGING SKIN After a day shivering in the cold, a piping hot bath can feel like heaven but the contrast in temperatures can be hellish for your skin. For a more skin-friendly wash, go easy on the hot tap. “As nice as a long soak feels in freezing temperatures, the hot soapy water strips away GLACIAL GLOW the natural oils, making dry skin worse,” Winter frosts bring more than just a rosy explains Steve Riley, glow to your cheeks. Think Rudolphpharmacist and Care style red nose, spokesperson. uncomfortable “Use lukewarm dryness and flaking water instead of hot Ole Henrickson Skin Insulator SPF15, skin. When the when having baths or £35 John Lewis. weather is really showers, and always biting cold, a moisturiser may not be make sure you carefully pat yourself dry enough. instead of rubbing.” “Apply a serum beneath your Your skin is at its most vulnerable daily moisturiser to give dull winter straight after lathering up so apply a complexions an extra boost of nourishing body lotion right away to hydration,” advises Bao-Tam Phan, maximise hydration levels. Try a sensitive pharmacist and Eau Thermale Avene formulation if you’re prone to irritation. spokesperson. “It’s also important to keep skin CHILLY LIMBS hydrated during the winter months by Tucked away under five layers of clothing, ensuring you drink water regularly.” it’s easy to forget about When your skin is really tight, apply a your arms and legs. mask overnight for an intensive treatment. “Skin that has been concealed away If you can’t resist cranking up the for months can become dry, dull and heating, leave a bowl of water close to lacklustre,” says Paul Banwell, skin Neutrogena Norwegian the radiator to put water back into the health expert. Formula Intense Repair Aveeno Skin Relief atmosphere, or snuggle up with a hot “The slowdown in cell renewal during Body Lotion Moisturising Lotion, Sensitive, £7.55 Boots. from £5.49 Boots water bottle instead. the winter means that exfoliation is he party season has taken its toll, it’s the bleak midwinter and, to add to your skin’s woes, the central heating is blasting out. Book your face and body in for some New Year TLC that will keep your skin in great condition all the way through to spring.

50 JANUARY2013

essential to bring it back to life.” Dry skin means that you have dry cell build-up. Exfoliate regularly to sweep away the dead cells and create the perfect smooth base for deep moisturisation. Aim to exfoliate your skin once or twice a week - it might feel like a chore now but you’ll be rewarded with fresh, radiant skin come spring. FROSTY FINGERS Unless you’re a market trader, ditch the fingerless gloves and Dove Winter Care give your digits a Nourishing Body fighting chance by Lotion, £3.99 wearing protective Boots. gloves or mittens on cold, windy days. The skin on your hands has fewer oil glands than other parts of the body, which can lead to dry, chapped hands in winter. “Being constantly exposed to the elements, hands are particularly susceptible to dryness in cold, windy weather,” explains Andrew Saynor, Dove technical expert. “Carry hand cream with you in your bag for extra nourishment.” If your nails are unusually dry and brittle, it’s because talons can also be affected by a drop in temperature. Ensure you Yes Nurse Intensive Moisturising Hand don’t forget Formula, £5.49 to rub hand www.victoriahealth.com lotion into your nails and nail beds to keep them soft. BUY IT NOW Zaggora are in the business of toning with their technology-enhanced activewear and best-selling ‘Hotpants’. Now the brand has launched two new body-sculpting treatments to help women on their quest for enviable pins. Introducing Svelt Melt and Motion Lotion, both £35, designed to be used in conjunction with exercise (www.boots.com). MAD MEN Forget 2013, women are harking back to the Fifties for an ubergroomed gent. Today’s women believe the men of the 1950s were the best turned out, according to Nspa Deep Hydrating Facial a recent survey by Oil, £7 Asda. male grooming brand Scaramouche & Fandango. More than half (61%) of women believe the Fifties was the most desirable era for men and would like to see more coiffed Mad Men-style gents around today.

BODY IDOL If you need any more inspiration to hit the gym in the New Year, Jessica Ennis has scooped another gong for Britain’s ‘perfect body idol’. The Olympic athlete, who was second in the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year contest, topped a national poll by MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, beating other stars such as Beyonce and Kelly Brook with 65% of the votes. The study polled 2,103 British women to discover more about their body preferences and which celebrity they feel has the ‘perfect’ body.

WINTER LAYERING

Just as we wouldn’t leave the house without layering clothes to protect against the elements, the same should apply to our winter skincare regime. Try adopting these skin insulating tips:

T Central heating may keep you toasty but the dry

atmosphere can play havoc with your skin. Aim to apply moisturiser daily in the morning to quench dry skin.

T Skin regeneration peaks when you’re fast asleep so apply a

layer of intensive moisturiser or body butter before bed for overnight nourishment.

T Give bed socks a soothing update by applying foot cream

generously before bed. Don’t rub in and wear cotton socks overnight to soften your tootsies by morning.

T Valentine’s Day isn’t far away so avoid chapped lips and

keep them primed for pouting by carrying a repairing lip balm containing shea or cocoa butter with you.

T The sun might be missing but you still need the protection

of an SPF. Try a clever UV protector with skin brightening properties to cheat a winter glow.

JANUARY2013 51

BEAUTY

New Year…New Nails… New You…

BE A STEP AHEAD OF EVERYONE ELSE WITH PERFECT NAILS FROM BIO SCULPTURE GEL – THE ORIGINAL EVERLASTING MANICURE. CELEBRITIES AND FANS ALIKE ARE DISCOVERING THE BENEFITS OF THE UNIQUE GEL FORMULA.

HOW IT WORKS Unlike other finishes that chip or peel, Bio Sculpture is a durable Gel available in 150 colours, that is applied as an overlay or “coating” onto your natural nails by a qualified nail technician. The Gel is then cured under LED or UV lamp, which dries it instantly guaranteeing no smudges and no waiting around. You are left with a permanent colour gel that is strong and flexible, with a glossy finish, which lasts for three weeks. Should you wish to change the colour, you can choose from one of the 150 different colour nail polishes available and apply it over the top of the permanent colour gel. The polishes can easily be removed with non-acetone nail polish remover taking you back to your permanent gel colour. Your gel will last three to four weeks, after which time the new nail growth will start to show and you will need an infill or alternatively you can soak it off and have a fresh set of gels 52 JANUARY2013

applied. The gel is thin, strong and allows your nails to have the flexibility they need to carry out all your daily duties. Bio Sculpture Gel contains no Formaldehyde, Toluene, Acetone and Phthalates and will give you a natural looking finish without damaging the natural nail underneath. ADVANTAGES OF BIO SCULPTURE GEL • O ver 150 beautiful colours – including delicate shimmers, French Manicure and Glitter Gels • Time factor – it dries instantly under LED and UV lamp, also great for toenails • Sculptures – nails can be lengthened with gel sculptures that are strong and flexible • Reliability – permanent nail colour that will not chip or lift if correctly applied • F lexibility – change your nail colour by simply applying one of the colour varnishes over the top of your gel • Long lasting – well groomed nails for up to three weeks, saving you time and money • Removal – soaks off in just 15 minutes with no damage to your natural nails • Satisfaction – there is nothing more satisfying than glancing at your hands and seeing a perfect manicure

Bio Sculpture provides long wearing, chip-proof nails making it perfect for those going on holiday. it enables your toes to go from daytime on the beach and in the sea, through to evening in either summer sandals or stilettos, without having to touch up you colour. Each season exciting new colours are launched. Bio Sculpture Gel is a simple nail treatment with incredible results and with all its health and grooming benefits is a very worthwhile treatment for your nails! A full range of professional treatments and consumer products are available at professional salons nationwide. For your nearest salon and for information on training courses for beginners and experienced nail technicians: Contact: 0845 331 2347 www.biosculpture.co.uk

JANUARY2013 53

HOUSE GARDEN

GOING SPARE IN STYLE BY GABRIELLE FAGAN

THE KIDS MIGHT BE RUNNING AROUND THE HOUSE IN SCHOOL HOLIDAY-INDUCED EXCITEMENT, AND FRIENDS AND RELATIVES POPPING ROUND WITH ALL THE GOSSIP - BUT CHANCES ARE YOU’LL HEAR NOTHING AS YOU SINGLE-HANDEDLY FIGHT YOUR WAY THROUGH THE CLUTTER IN THE SPARE ROOM.

iving it a makeover so it’s fit for guests is often the lastminute task of the season, with the rest of the family mysteriously melting away as soon as it’s mentioned. Unfortunately, all too often we haven’t even got a clue what’s accumulated in there and dread clearing it, according to a survey by Spaceslide, online sliding wardrobe systems and storage specialist. “These rooms are usually a repository for things that no one can find a space for elsewhere, from seasonal clothes to sports kit and board games,” says Jon Gough at Spaceslide, where shelving systems start from £83.40. “Often, it’s a room only used around five times a year for visitors so the clutter easily mounts unnoticed. “Adequate storage, which maximises space, helps hugely whether it’s wardrobes with sliding doors or open shelving. Making the most of every inch of room, from under-bed storage to better use of room in an existing wardrobe, will all make it easy to organise possessions.” It’s not too late to transform the spare room into a cosy sanctuary with the addition of new, attractive bedding and accessories, and a bit of decor TLC. In the New Year you could take advantage of the sales and invest in kit which could significantly improve the room and render any more of those frenzied seasonal sort-outs unnecessary. Follow our guide to bringing style to the spare room - with short-term and long-term solutions. 54 JANUARY2013

SLEEP EASY A comfortable bed is a vital ingredient for the spare room - guests who’ve slept properly will be much better company than those who haven’t. “The popularity of the fold-away bed rocketed in 2012 and is tipped to continue in 2013,” says Jamie Dean, head of design at Betta Living, fitted furniture and storage specialists. Their fold-away beds start from £1,494, and can be bought as part of a room design. “These beds are now very affordable, comfortable and robust and have the great advantage of allowing the room to be used for other purposes,” says Dean. “Many people want to use the spare room as a craft or ironing room, exercise room or home office for most of the year and don’t want the space cramped by a bed. “While they often have to be practical spaces it’s not expensive to bring the ‘wow’ factor with small touches such as plinth or headboard lighting.” A sofa bed is another easy way of increasing sleeping space and can be used anywhere in the home but works particularly well in a room which doubles as an office. John Lewis’s Bizet small sofa bed with a foam mattress is currently £799 online.

collection, with a bold rose print pattern on white, starts from £22.99. Add punchy colour with a cable-knit throw, £40, in either orange or green, part of the new House range by John Lewis. BY THE BED It’s key to have everything in easy reach of the bed - visitors won’t appreciate stumbling around in a strange room in the dark to locate a glass of water. If style’s paramount, and your guests are truly special, you could splurge on a bedside chest upholstered in lush pink velvet, L’Amour 2-drawer chest, £595, Alexander & Pearl. Alternatively, simply give a second-hand or old bedside unit a new lease of life by spray-painting it in a dazzling shade. Plasti-Kote has an excellent range of colours and finishes, £7.98 for 400ml, B&Q. SPARE ROOM SNIP: Rosalie Felt Flower table lamp, £9.99, Dunelm Mill. Newgate Home Comforts alarm clock, in oyster, £20, John Lewis.

Sofa Workshop’s Cairo Stool-bed, £679 for a single, £924 for a double size, is available in range of attractive furnishing fabrics. SPARE ROOM SNIP: Ikea’s smart, single PS Lovas chair bed, on wheels, is £190. GO BEDDY BUYS A bedroom with a well-dressed bed - think cuddly textures like wool, velvet and cashmere - will instantly turn a spare room into a comforting retreat. This time of year, many shops are already running sales, and it’s a great opportunity to bag bargain bedding. Just don’t get overwhelmed by sale fever and buy a luridly patterned duvet set simply because it’s on offer - there’s probably a reason why the store’s got loads left. Bedding featuring silhouettes of robins is nice and wintry and an Anorak Kissing Robins duvet cover is well-priced at £45 a single duvet cover, £14 a pair of pillowcases, John Lewis. Debenhams currently has up to 50% off on selected bed linen sets bought online. It’s always worth browsing HomeSense stores which are a good source of discounted designer bed linen. Brilliant lemon and pink lightweight quilts, £68, from online company Reason Season Time can’t fail to brighten a dull space. SPARE ROOM SNIP: Dunelm Mill’s Red Fairford bed linen

BEDTIME STORY It’s always helpful if a spare room is more than just somewhere to sleep so that visitors will feel encouraged to retreat to it for a break or when the intimacy of the season is wearing a little thin. If you have space in the bedroom, give over a corner for somewhere to sit and read, listen to music or make phone calls. Oliver Bonas has a handsome velvet Tub Chair, £385, available in a variety of colours including eye-popping brights such as raspberry pink. If there’s not much room, a multicoloured Pop footstool, £179 from Dwell, could be handy for perching on. Don’t overlook the small finishing touches. A pile of new towels, decorative padded coat hangers in the wardrobe, and a couple of pretty cushions on the bed may be all that’s needed to create an inviting atmosphere. And if there’s seasonal decoration throughout the rest of the house, don’t leave out the spare room. A string of twinkling fairy lights around a bedhead or mirror is enough to hint at festive style. SMART SPARE SOURCES Alexander & Pearl: 020 8508 0411/www.alexanderandpearl.co.uk Betta Living: 0808 159 3416/www.bettaliving.co.uk B&Q: www.diy.com Debenhams: 08445 616161/www.debenhams.com Dunelm Mill: 08451 65 65 65/www.dunelm-mill.com Dwell: 0845 679 9090/www.dwell.co.uk HomeSense: www.homesense.com Ikea: www.ikea.com John Lewis: 0845 6049 049/www.johnlewis.com Oliver Bonas: 020 8974 0110/www.oliverbonas.com Reason Season Time: 0203 651 8194/www.reasonseasontime.co.uk Retreat Home: 0870 803 3428/www.retreat-home.com Sofa Workshop: 0844 249 9161/www.sofaworkshop.com Spaceslide: 0800 980 3499/www.spaceslide.co.uk

JANUARY2013 55

HOME GARDEN

GO ON – FEEL SMUG!

THE DARK AND GLOOM OF OUR BRITISH WINTER CAN OFTEN SEEM INTERMINABLE, AND JUST ONE RAY OF SUNSHINE BRINGS WELCOME RELIEF. BUT IMAGINE BEING INSIDE YOUR OWN SNOW GLOBE WHERE YOU CAN BE PROTECTED FROM THE ELEMENTS AND ENJOY NATURE’S BEAUTY – WHATEVER THE WEATHER.

here’s nothing quite like enjoying the slightly smug feeling of casting off your slippers, sipping your favourite beverage and reading a newspaper – whilst sitting “outside” in a snow storm! That’s the joy of having a conservatory or orangery. Not only does it give you extra space for entertaining or relaxation, it also gives you the uniquely pleasurable feeling of being snug and warm even if it’s freezing cold outside. If it’s relaxing being in your new conservatory or orangery, is it as blissful to have one designed and built? Well, yes; that’s when using a firm like County – The Home Improvers makes sense.

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They have an incredibly wide range of styles to choose from – traditional wood and aluminium through to modern maintenance-free timber-effect PVC (in ANY colour!) from leading brands such as TimberWindows.com and Evolution Storm 2. County deal with the complete planning and design process taking care of any planning consent issues that may affect your home. They subsequently undertake all works from digging footings, laying brickwork through to final erection of the conservatory or orangery itself. The project is then completed by their own skilled tradesmen: electrical wiring, plumbing,

heating, plastering and flooring. Finishing touches supplied by County include blinds and awnings, solar controlled glass and climate control, to give you a comfortable living space that really is useable all year round – whatever the weather. For more information on the wide range of home improvement products available from County – The Home Improvers either phone free on 0800 5426102 or visit their website www.thecountygroup.co.uk. For a free downloadable guide book on conservatories and orangeries visit www.thecountygroup.co.uk/guides.

Also at Polhill Garden Centre, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 days a week

NOVEMBER2012 57

HOUSE GARDEN

Interiors...

A Passion For

BASED IN SE LONDON, CHAMELEON DESIGNS IS A LOCAL HIDDEN GEM THAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF BEFORE. THEY ARE A PRACTICE OF INTERIOR DESIGN PRODUCING INDIVIDUAL AND RESPONSIBLE SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENVIRONMENTS.

hameleon Designs anticipates your needs and know exactly what todays properties and spaces should be about, their creativity is balanced with a realistic approach and strong co –ordination skills. They combine creative flair with strong commercial sense and create dynamic interiors by skillfully combining architecture and interior design to produce individual and timeless interiors; they also instinctively know how to add genuine value. Their philosophy is always to work with their clients and listen to what they are trying to achieve with their individual space. Chameleon Designs try to ‘think outside the box’ by not always using the obvious solution - sometimes doing something that is a ‑little bit different can bring huge rewards. As Interior Designers we are not tied to any one supplier or manufacturer, and being completely independent, we can assess all products in the market, selecting the best option for each project based on quality, timescale and cost. Allowing us to focus on the creation of sustainable and long-term design solutions, whilst exceeding your expectations in design, innovation and level of service.

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Here are some testimonials from their clients, they speak for themselves... Mr and Mrs Headley told us that “Emile at Chameleon understood my brief immediately and transformed a cold, dark, uninspiring basement room into a warm and beautiful family room, which we now really enjoy spending time in. He not only advised on and sourced fabrics, furniture and fireplace, but he rearranged the whole focus of the room, introducing a symmetry and harmony which made all the difference. Emile was at all times responsive, sympathetic and attentive to our requirements and we have been very pleased with the result.”

Mr and Mrs Pettican. “We called upon Emile to help us transform our home as the fittings, furniture and decor were tired and dated. We lacked the vision and time to take on and manage this large project ourselves. This was a major renovation project encompassing most of our home (lounge, dining room, 3 bathrooms, large kitchen, large utility room, hall stairs and landing and 2 of the bedrooms). After an initial 2-hour consultation I was convinced that Emile ‘got’ us, what we were aiming for and a real sense of the colours and style of decor and furnishings that would reflect our personalities. Emile has worked magic on our house, nothing short of. His eye for design is second to none, and everyone who has seen the results has commented on the ‘wow’ factor. The house now flows, with each room complementing the other. It is chic, yet still a very inviting and comfortable family home. Not only were Emile’s designs exceptional, but his enthusiasm and commitment were faultless. The team of builders, decorators, plumber and electrician that carried out the work were reliable, friendly, highly skilled and open and responsive to any feedback and suggestions we had. Any project hitches (and there will be some in any project of this scale and nature) were handled proactively, promptly and professionally by Emile and his team. So saying, the work was completed within the 7-week project schedule timeline. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Emile and would certainly use him again for any such design and refurbishment work.”

Chameleon Design are also members of the British Institute of Interior Design, the recognised professional trade body for practising Interior Designers in the UK. The trade body representing standards and practices for Interior Design and its members and pride themselves on excellent service. For more information on how Chameleon design can transform your home look at their website or call Emile.

www.chameleondesignsinteriors.co.uk emile@chameleondesignsinteriors.co.uk 020 8473 1363 (Office) or 07956 020273 (Mobile)

MADE TO MEASURE Kitchens, bedrooms & living furniture

Enquiries 01892 619 721 sales@krieder.com krieder.com

NOVEMBER2012 59

Bang & Olufsen retailers spy an opening for a great charity casino night

BANG & OLUFSEN OF BEXLEYHEATH, BROMLEY & TUNBRIDGE WELLS HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED ITS MISSION TO RAISE FUNDS FOR KENT’S CHYPS CHILDREN’S CHARITY AFTER HOSTING A JAMES BOND-THEMED CUSTOMER CASINO NIGHT.

elebrating all things to do with the legendary secret agent, the event took place on the evening of Thursday 29th November at Brands Hatch’s Thistle Hotel and raised £1,000 for the children’s charity. It is the second casino night that the audio-visual specialists have organised in aid of CHYPS. Thanks to ‘play’ money being used on the casino tables, nearly 100 customers were able to make sizeable bets that would call the bluff off any James Bond villain, while they could also check out the latest gadgets from Bang & Olufsen and try James Bond’s favourite Aston Martin Vanquish for size thanks to the support of Sevenoaks Aston Martin. In addition to providing a 50 years of James Bond Blu-ray boxset to the customer who was the most successful on the casino tables, Bang & Olufsen of Bexleyheath, Bromley & Tunbridge Wells also awarded bottles of champagne to the best dressed ‘Bond’ girls and guys – two glamorous ladies and one gentleman dressed as ‘Q’ being declared the winners. The majority of the £1,000 donation to CHYPS was generated through a customer raffle where visitors had the chance to win a number of cool gadgets, which included the Bang & Olufsen

CMY

BeoSound 8 speaker dock, an iPad and the innovative Bang & Olufsen BeoTime alarm clock that actually looks like a flute! The total was also bolstered by customers who once they had used all their allocated 30 chips were able to buy another for a £5 donation to the charity, which enables children and young people with life-limiting and lifethreatening conditions to receive full hospice care in their own homes. “The night was very successful and the roulette tables were immensely popular, especially as visitors were gambling with play money and could make some very big bets,” explained Paul Blake, Dealer Principal of Bang & Olufsen of Bexleyheath, Bromley & Tunbridge Wells. “Feedback to the event has been excellent and one customer enjoyed themselves so much that they are actually looking to add £500 to our donation to CHYPS through their employer’s charity support scheme.” Paul continued: “CHYPS was very pleased with the result as the donation is much greater than they have received through higher profile campaigns and I’d like to thank our customers for entering into the spirit of the night and their generosity in helping us to once again support such a worthwhile local cause.”

Bang & Olufsen of Bexleyheath, 155 Broadway Bexleyheath, DA6 7EZ Tel: 0208 303 2760 bexleyheath@bang-olufsen.co.uk Bang & Olufsen of Bromley, 62 High Street, Bromley BR1 1EG Tel: 0208 466 8080 bromley@bang-olufsen.co.uk Bang & Olufsen of Tunbridge Wells, 66 Mount Pleasant Road Tel: 01892 527 525 tunbridgewells@bang-olufsen.co.uk 60 NOVEMBER2012

of Bexleyheath, Bromley and Tunbridge Wells

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Bang & Olufsen of Bexleyheath 155 Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7EZ Tel. 0208 303 2760 Bang & Olufsen of Bromley 62 High Street, Bromley BR1 1EG Tel. 0208 466 8080 Bang & Olufsen of Tunbridge Wells 66 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1RB Tel. 01892 527525 NOVEMBER2012 61 www.bang-olufsen.com

ANTIQUES

John Bly I

t seems as soon as Christmas is over we start to browse through holiday brochures and dream of summer. But before that we have the most magical of British seasons; springtime. Writing this I realise that the word itself is onomatopoeia. It’s so full of bounce and youthfulness. I’m not sure I’m quite ready for it yet but for gardeners and farmers, cricketers and all of summer’s sports people this is the time of hopes and anticipation of great harvests, livestock births, runs and catches of every sort. And of course a sight of the legendary Spring or March Hare. To me, however, the word brings to mind a different sort of irrepressible energy; the coiled metal spring which, once invented, enabled the production of portable timepieces and chronometers giving invaluable advancement to navigation, and in the early 19th century, the most luxurious seating that had ever been experienced. By 1833 large quantities of coiled springs were being produced in Birmingham for upholsterers to use in the construction of chairs, sofas, settees and bedding. To put the importance of this development into context we have to remember that in the preceding quarter of a century the population in England had almost doubled to around eighteen million. So in one generation twice as many people needed housing and those houses had to be furnished. The industrial revolution affected the production of household furniture as much as any other aspect of Victorian life, and by the middle of the century there were over fifty thousand men, women and children involved in the furniture industry. The change in the appearance and comfort of seat furniture was breathtaking. Whereas 18th century upholsterers complemented the lines of a chair with minimum horse hair filling placed onto interlaced webbing fixed over the top of the seat frame, sacrificing comfort (but not necessarily healthy posture) in the cause of elegance, the coiled springs were attached to webbing fixed under the seat frame and topped with a filling of anything to hand. Dog and other animal hair, straw and even the residue of materials swept up from the workshop floor were all fair game for the stuffing according to the price level of the finished article. The result was a seat resembling a sort of marsh mallow on legs. This was further complicated within a few years by the practice of deep-buttoning, which created a dimpled marsh mallow effect, attractive but a nightmare to keep clean. The now universally popular Chesterfield type settee is a good example. On an academic note therefore a quick glance will

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enable the viewer to recognise that any such upholstery will be after the turn of the 18th to 19th centuries and not before. Unfortunately in the early years of this revolution, not everyone could afford even the cheapest versions of the newly fashionable furniture, so thousands of 18th century and earlier chairs, which now we would prize most highly, were stripped and adapted to take the latest sprung seats. Sacrilege we cry, but of course in the Victorian period there was little veneration of old furniture, which accounts for the large number of Georgian chests of drawers ruined by handles being replaced simply to make them look fashionable. But that’s another story. So too is the aforementioned development of timekeeping due to the spring. The manufacture of fine steel springs small enough to be encased in portable timepieces occurred during the late 16th century and within one hundred years had become sufficiently viable to enable the wealthy classes to own such a power symbol as a pocket watch. A spring balance mechanism introduced during the last forty years of the 1600’s gave greater accuracy and together with further sophistications to the mechanism, prompted the government in 1713 to offer a prize of an astounding £20,000 to anyone who could produce a chronometer. This instrument could well be described as the perfect watch, for it had to keep accurate time at sea and at any point on the globe. The forty-year lifelong struggle of clockmaker John Harrison is well chronicled. Suffice to say despite the most outrageous and underhand attempts by his competitors to sabotage his every effort Harrison was eventually awarded the full amount in 1773 following a personal intervention by George III. Harrison’s masterpiece can be truly appreciated in the light of the next fifteen years, within which time his model was refined to a degree that enabled the general production of marine chronometers that remained unsurpassed until the development of radar. So springtime can bring to mind a wide variety of thoughts…from hairsprings to March Hares to hair mattresses and Victorian sprung beds. I wonder if there is any connection with the 19th century fashion for calling children ‘offspring’… John Bly Antiques 1891. Tel: 01442823030 Mobile: 07831 888826 Website: www.johnbly.com Email: john@johnbly.com

HENMAN BEDS QUALITY BED SPECIALIST FAMILY RUN BUSINESS FOR OVER 42 YEARS

Suppliers of headboards, traditional and contemporary furniture. FREE DELIVERY

www.henmanbeds.co.uk 81 HIGH STREET WEST WICKHAM • 020 8777 4853 • CLOSED WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY

NOVEMBER2012 63

HOUSE GARDEN

THE VERY BEST IN DESIGN BUILD AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT WHEN IT COMES TO IMPROVING YOUR HOME, THE FIRST DECISION IS GENERALLY ‘WHAT’ TO DO, THE SECOND DECISION IS ‘WHO’ TO DO IT.

enis Curry Design provides a solution to this problem by combining a design, build & project management service. Operating throughout London & Kent. They professionally undertake and handle projects from kitchen/bathroom installation right through to complete house refurbishment. It is clear to see that classic & elegant lines form a consistent thread in the majority of their projects with period features playing a big part in the style and influence of their work. Wherever possible they try to make the most of the existing original aspects of the property, and if these features are missing or have been removed they are keen to reinstate them. These include cornices, high profile skirting boards, period radiators all of which add a real sense of grandeur and provides a classic timeless feel. This principle at Denis Curry Design also works particularly well when it is incorporated into a modern kitchen or bathroom design, because it is – done correctly, the combination of old and new forms that compliment each other in a seamless fashion. A perfect example of this is if when fitting a high gloss white kitchen, they offset the ultra modern kitchen units by installing a parquet wood block floor and possibly run ornate cornice work to the top of the kitchen wall units, or to reintroduce reclaimed cast iron column radiators, they find that by keeping it simple and classic is always the best way. To try & offer a more rounded service than the established mid to high-end kitchen suppliers, Denis Curry Design decided the time was right to offer their own kitchen supply & installation service. They provide a complete kitchen package, covering every possible trade & finish required in order to deliver their Clients brief - from actual kitchen design & installation to type of floor finish, lighting plan to radiator position, wall tiles to wall colours - everything that goes into the make up of the room, Denis Curry Design do it all. By taking on the whole detail, they manage to not only reduce cost & lead time, but also to eliminate the grey areas 64 NOVEMBER2012

of cross over trades that often arise when dealing with many of the subcontractors. Providing a professional, friendly and approachable manner, the Denis Curry Design team pride themselves on reputation above all, and approach every job with both care and respect no matter what the project size or brief. If you want to make the very most of your home call the Denis Curry team about any of your potential or forthcoming projects. deniscurrydesign.co.uk 07966 396 068 020 8691 6224

NOVEMBER2012 65

HOME GARDEN

A COSY WINTER

RETREAT

You don’t always think of retreating to the garden during the long winter months, but a garden room can make this a real possibility

old, rain, frost, snow – usually we leave the garden to hibernate during the winter and stay curled up in our centrally heated houses. But often our winter gardens offer stunning views, and we can get a bit fed up with being indoors all the time. With a garden room from Crown Pavilions you can enjoy garden living all year round. Luke Dejahong, Managing Director of Crown Pavilions, explains, “Outdoor living is an all-year possibility with our garden rooms. We manufacture in the UK using Canadian Western Red Cedar as the main basis of our structures. It is one of the best natural insulating

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materials and one of the most durable timbers for the outdoors. It is perfect for the UK climate. And we now offer fully insulated, doubleglazed argon gas-filled windows and doors, and solid oak rustic flooring”. Crown Pavilions manufacture a whole range of garden rooms which can feature sitting rooms with plasma screens, studies with storage and internet connection, screens and fold back doors, mood lighting for evening entertainment, heating, hot tubs, home gyms, and outdoor kitchens or barbecues for when the weather warms up.

Even in the winter you can enhance your use of outside space. One of the very important details is the landscaping. “When we install a garden room we are especially mindful of how it fits into your garden design,” says Luke. “Our sister company, Crown Gardens, will look after every aspect of planting and creating a beautiful setting. We advise and design the planting around the garden room to fit in with the style of your existing garden. You can landscape around the structure to create an integral part of your garden, at every season of the year.” Crown Pavilions have created some wonderful garden rooms for many UK and international clients. They specialize in providing a tailored, bespoke service. All the products are manufactured in the UK. A garden room should be an extension of your home, and you can put it wherever you want. Planning permission is not usually required but you should always contact your local planning officer, or let Crown Pavilions do that for you. They provide a seamless hassle-free product and service from order to completion.

All that is left is for you to turn up the heat, light some candles, decorate with some winter foliage, and you have a warm winter garden retreat for whiling away the long winter afternoons.

Luke Dejahang

Managing Director of Crown Pavilions

For more information Crown Pavilions 6b Lys Mill Farm, Watlington Oxfordshire OX49 5EP Call 01491 612820 or mobile 07828986035 enquiries@crownpavilions.com

www.crownpavilions.com

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HOME GARDEN

EXTEND DON’T MOVE AS HOUSE RENOVATION AND IMPROVEMENT CONTINUES TO TRANSFIX THE NATION; HOME OWNERS EVERYWHERE FANCY A LITTLE TOUCH OF THE SPACE CREATING TALENTS OF TV’S GEORGE CLARKE OR KEVIN MCCLOUD IN THEIR OWN PROPERTIES.

xtend A Room has proved – thanks to almost 6,000 successful installations – that delivering extra space can be as simple as a classic conservatory, but as stunning and bespoke as an architectural lifestyle extension to offer that highly-coveted ‘wow’ factor. This family owned business offers a complete range of options which can be erected within specific budgets, guaranteed timeframes (depending on the type of extension) and with incredible results. The Extend A Room approach is designed to offer the home owner the greatest array of opportunities to maximise their living spaces in a way that ideally suits their requirements. The conservatory is a firm favourite for those seeking to extend their homes without breaking the bank; but home owners are increasingly seeking ever-more imaginative ways to make the home they love and live in, a home that grows with them and their changing needs. Classic conservatories from Extend A Room are also the fastest way to enjoy more dining, relaxing or entertaining space. The process starts with a free on site survey and design service to develop the concepts that bring the most impact to the available space. Customers choose from two core building options; steel base construction or traditional concrete base. Both options have their benefits depending on the size of the design and the type of ground it is being built on. The steel base option is fast, as all elements are delivered on site prior to build day and these can be completed within just two days. 68 NOVEMBER2012

Concrete or traditional base builds take longer and can be impacted by the weather, but, remain a popular choice for more traditional build fans. As the notion for ‘improve don’t move’ continues to ring true for many UK homeowners, many are turning to Extend A Room for an innovative, more design-led space which is an attractive and interesting as the uses it was created for. Sunrooms and other bespoke ‘architectural extensions’ are growing in popularity as they lend a complete new lease of life to an existing home. These options, especially when combined with Extend A Rooms bi-fold door options, deliver unrivalled potential for seamlessly marrying homes and gardens, creating spaces with impact and bringing more traditional homes into contemporary design realm. Sunrooms are a huge hit. Their lack of solid walls makes them bright, fast to erect and they create a seamless marriage between outside and inside. Buyers can choose from a range of styles from lean-to conservatories to gable fronted, or period styles (and more) as well as a range of glazing options. Nothing Extend A Room does is ‘off the shelf ’; the team invests time in developing the best solution for each customer and the designs reflect the wealth of knowledge and expertise within the business. Operating all over the UK, Extend A Room is cementing its reputation for the finest selection and execution of simple, beautiful home extensions. 6,000 people can’t be wrong. www.extendaroom.co.uk

Give an original painting Have you ever thought of having an original painting of your pet or child or grandchildren or special place or event? A painting makes a wonderful and lasting gift for special occasions such as birthdays or wedding anniversaries.

David Smith is a professional artist who paints a range of subjects from portraits to landscapes in almost any medium. Call David direct on 01759 318553 to chat about your requirements or email david@davidsmithart.co.uk www.davidsmithart.co.uk NOVEMBER2012 69

70 NOVEMBER2012

FILM

AN OBSSESSION AN INTERVIEW WITH TJ HERBERT

THE BROMLEY BOYS IS A FUNNY YET TOUCHING COMING OF AGE FOOTBALL MEMOIR PLAYED OUT TO THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF EARLY 70S BRITAIN. ADAPTED FROM THE HILARIOUS NOVEL BY DAVE ROBERTS, IT RECOUNTS THE AUTHOR’S HIGHS AND THE LOWS SUPPORTING HIS BELOVED BROMLEY FC THROUGH THEIR WORST EVER SEASON.

umping along at the bottom of the bottom non-league division, and effectively the worst football team in Britain, Bromley had reached breaking point. Producer TJ Herbert explains: “The film could be best described as Gregory’s Girl meets The Full Monty. At its heart The Bromley Boys is a love story between a boy… and his team. But this is no ordinary team – Bromley were letting in so many goals that even the taunting opposition fans were losing count of the score!” The film which will be directed by Academy and Emmy Award winning director Matt Lipsey (Little Britain, Psychoville, Saxondale) will begin shooting April of next year. Approaches arre currently being made to key ‘name’ cast. TJ continues “there are big ambitions for the film in not only getting the movie to the big screen but in making The Bromley Boys the funniest football film of all time! Now that’s going to be no small feat but we believe we have the screenplay to do just that. We’re also inviting the local community to get involved through our crowdfunding platform”. Crowd funding allows individuals and corporate sponsors

to contribute in return for money can’t buy perks. These range from a credit on the film, to being at the grass/red carpet premiere to having the opportunity to actually be in the movie. TJ says “its a great way for people to get involved, become a part of The Bromley Boys community and ultimately have a direct influence in getting the movie made.” For detailed information and watch TJ’s video presentation go to www.filminteractor.com and search The Bromley Boys. Bromley FC have also given the film their blessing: “We’re on a mission, not to show how bad Bromley were back then, but to raise awareness of NonLeague football as a whole. This is a story about good old fashioned football fandom – love ; obsession ; expectation. Three characteristics that will resonate with any real football fan – because any supporter can sing when their team’s winning but only a true fan keeps going when their team are bottom of the league” says TJ. The Production Company Itchy Fish Film are also currently offering investment opportunities - so you can own a piece of movie magic and enjoy any profits made from the film.

For more information contact tj@thebromleyboys.com or visit www.thebromleyboys.com. NOVEMBER2012 71

BENTLEY UNVEILS WORLD’S FASTEST FOUR-SEAT CONVERTIBLE

BENTLEY HAS UNVEILED THE FASTEST FOUR-SEATER SOFT-TOP IN THE WORLD WITH ITS NEW 202MPH CONTINENTAL GT SPEED CONVERTIBLE.

Featuring a twin-turbo W12 engine tuned to produce an astonishing 616bhp, the convertible version of the GT Speed that was unveiled last year shares most of its technology with its hardtop sibling. The engine has been improved in every respect, and despite packing 175kg of extra weight over the current hard top version the latest Convertible is still 15% more efficient than the first GT Speed was. The new 2.5-tonne flagship records 19.5mpg on the EU standard test cycle, with CO2 readings of 347g/km. The efficiency gains amount to around a 15% increase in the car’s range; an improvement that could increase further with steady cruising. Fuel tank capacity is 90 litres. Top speed is down 3mph compared to the hard-top GT Speed, while the 0-62mph sprint is just 0.2 seconds slower. The hard-top hits 100mph 0.7 seconds faster, though. Like its enclosed counterpart the GT Speed Convertible uses an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox for incredibly fast, reliable and 72 NOVEMBER2012

smooth changes both up and down. Paddles are present behind the steering wheel for semi-manual shifts if desired. It is also capable of ‘block-shifting’, for example from eighth to fourth. The famed Bentley ‘wave of torque’ is maintained, with a monumental peak of 590lb.ft sustained between 2,000rpm and 5,000rpm. The four-layer acoustic fabric hood is said to keep road noise to a minimum. During its development it was tested in temperatures from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius, with Bentley claiming it can withstand monsoon rain and maintain ‘draft-free warmth’ even on the coldest winter days. Handling improvements over the standard Continental GT Convertible come from stiffer suspension bushes and stronger anti-roll bars, while the ride is set up 10mm lower. Prices have yet to be confirmed but are expected to sit around the £160,000 mark. As per the Bentley norm, the options list will be extensive and expensive.

ASTON MARTIN AND MINI TO MARK CENTENARIES Two major motoring milestones will be reached in 2013 by makers still producing cars in the UK. One hundred years of car-making at Cowley in Oxford will be marked by Mini and its parent firm BMW, and Aston Martin will also be celebrating a 100th anniversary, having been founded in January 1913 The focal point of the celebrations at Cowley - now known as the Oxford plant - will be on March 28, which is 100 years to the day when the first Bullnose Morris Oxford rolled off the production line. Now the home of the Mini, the Oxford plant boasted workforces as big as 26,000 in the 1950s and 1960s. Famous brands produced at Oxford have included the Austin Healey, the Wolseley, the Riley, the Austin, the Rover and the original Mini. Since 2000, two million of the new-wave Minis have been made at Oxford. As part of the commemorative exhibition at the plant, the Mini company is keen to hear from any ex-employees and their families who would like to share photos and memories from Cowley/ Oxford over the last 100 years. Aston Martin will be staging a number of events at its plant at Gaydon, Warwickshire - and elsewhere - to mark its centenary. The January 15 centenary date for the company will be marked by the appearance of the oldest surviving Aston Martin - an A3 at the company’s original home in Chelsea, south-west London. The A3 will appear alongside the company’s new Vanquish model and a commemorative plaque will be unveiled. From July 15-21 there will be a week-long centenary celebration festival at Gaydon. Then on July 21 there will be a major event in London featuring up to 1,000 Aston Martins. The Aston Martin has long been the car of choice for James Bond, and one features in the new 007 movie Skyfall. A James Bond-themed drive around England and Wales taking in some Bond film locations will be part of the centenary events. Aston Martin was founded by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford. They called their company Bamford & Martin which later became Aston Martin, acknowledging Bamford’s success at the Aston Clinton Hillclimb in Buckinghamshire, where he had successfully raced their very first cars.

HONDA CR-V GRABS 4X4 AWARD Honda’s British-built CR-V has scooped the ‘4x4 of the Year’ honour from respected publication Total 4x4 Magazine. The judges put the CR-V up against several respected rivals, and after being picked as the best in the ‘Medium SUV’ segment it became a contender for the overall ‘best of the best’ title which it duly won. Total 4x4 Magazine’s testing process is comprehensive, ranging from interior quality, comfort and practicality to repeated drives of a set road route by different judges. The publication’s editor, Alan Kidd, commented: “Never before have there been so many likely candidates for the overall title. However, from the moment we started crawling around inside the CR-V, it was clear Honda had hit the jackpot. The quality of its interior is on a par with the best, and its flexibility is exceptional and that was before we actually drove it.” He continued: “Seldom has a new 4x4 put such a big tick in so many boxes. It takes an awful lot to impress us these days. The new CR-V didn’t just impress us - it made our jaws drop.” Dave Hodgetts, Managing Director of Honda (UK), was thrilled with the honour. “For the new CR-V to take its first award so soon after launch is a real festive treat for everyone and a fantastic way to end the year. We hope it will be the first of many.” The new CR-V is in dealerships now with prices starting from £21,395 OTR for the entry level 2.0 i-VTEC S grade 2WD model. NOVEMBER2012 73

REMAP

A Charity that really makes a difference REMAP IS A NATIONAL CHARITY, BASED IN SEVENOAKS, WHICH MAKES EQUIPMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. By working through local groups of skilled volunteers to help people with disabilities Remap helps people achieve independence and obtain a better quality of life. Remap make or modify equipment when nothing suitable is available through mainstream sources. Each item is tailor-made to suit each individual’s needs. This equipment makes a real difference to people’s ability, helping them to rise to a particular challenge and achieve something not otherwise possible for them. Remap has a network of around 1000 volunteers organised into 80 local panels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Remap volunteers are professional engineers, craftspeople, technicians, healthcare professionals and skilled helpers, who freely give their time and expertise to improve the lives of others. The projects volunteers undertake a range from the very simple, such as a cat’s feeding bowl with long handle to enable a lady with arthritis to feed her pet more easily, to the more complex, such as a throwing frame for a serviceman who lost his legs in a landmine explosion. Using Remap’s frame, Derek Derenalagi won the gold medal at the European Championships in June 2012. Susan Iwanek from Remap said “Remap has a network of 1,000 volunteers working in 80 groups across the country. Many of them have a professional engineering background but increasingly the charity is attracting people whose passion is model engineering. Their skills can make a huge difference to the quality of life of people with disabilities, enabling them to 74 NOVEMBER2012

manage better in their daily lives around the house, engage in a hobby or take part in sport. “We are hoping to attract more like minded volunteers from the show to help build on the total of 4,000 people we already help each year across the country.” When a referral is received by a Remap panel a visit to the client is arranged to discuss what it is they want to be able to do and what barriers stand in the way of their doing it. If possible, the visit will be a joint one with the client’s occupational therapist or other health professional, but in any event the panels have clinical expertise to draw on where necessary. The challenge will be discussed and solutions considered, drawing where necessary on the wealth of experience the whole network possesses. Equipment is designed and made to solve the client’s specific problem, or a standard product can be modified to suit. Remap will not be able to help if there is a suitable solution to the problem commercially available; we do not aim to replicate items available from other sources. For a more comprehensive collection of Remap’s work, go to www.Remapedia.org. uk To find your local panel and for more information on Remap visit www.remap. org.uk Note: Remap will be will be exhibiting at the 2013 London Model Engineering Exhibition which runs from 18-20 January, they aim to attract volunteers with engineering-type skills who can make a huge difference to the quality of life of people with disabilities.The show which is set in the prestigious Alexandra Palace, London will feature more than a thousand stunning models and attracts over 15,000 model enthusiasts and visitors. 10am-5pm daily. See http://www. londonmodelengineering.co.uk/ for further information or call 01926 614101.

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FOOD

SLATER’S DAYS LATER TIPS

ONCE THE BIG DAY IS OVER, CHANCES ARE YOUR CUPBOARDS WILL STILL BE PACKED WITH THE REMNANTS OF FESTIVE FOOD. WITH THE HELP OF NIGEL SLATER’S LATEST BOOK THE KITCHEN DIARIES II, WE SHOW YOU HAVE TO WHIP UP SOME TASTY DISHES THAT WILL HELP SEE YOU THROUGH TO THE NEW YEAR. BY DIANA PILKINGTON

hristmas food is the gift that keeps on giving, especially if you’ve Bought a whopper of a turkey. And for Nigel Slater, getting to grips with the leftovers is as much a part of festive tradition as roasting a goose and baking mince pies. The cook and food writer loves the prospect of picking at the bones of his roast and transforming it into lunch the next day, whether the scraps end up in a stock, wrapped in a pastry crust, thrown into a frying-pan hash or incorporated into a sizzling curry. “Stripping the Christmas carcass ranks - along with stirring the Christmas pudding, baking potatoes for Bonfire Night and making pumpkin soup for All Hallows Eve - as one of the great kitchen rituals of the season,” he writes in his latest book, The Kitchen Diaries II. “I start at the breast, pulling any large pieces away whole, then gradually pull and tug every piece of meat from the breast and legs before turning the skeleton over and starting on the undercarriage.” With its “chubby oysters of brown meat”, this crucial part of the bird is “a glorious feast that is all too easy to miss”, he says. But it’s not just the turkey or goose that can be turned into a variety of mouth-watering meals. Try these recipes from Slater for some tasty ideas that can be enjoyed just after Christmas, into the New Year or beyond...

• The Kitchen Diaries II by Nigel Slater is published by Fourth Estate, priced £30. Available now.

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CHRISTMAS BUBBLE AND SQUEAK Makes enough for 4-6

Ingredients: 1kg potatoes A quarter of a red cabbage, or 250g leftover cooked red cabbage Butter, oil or goose fat 1tbsp red wine vinegar An apple, cored and chopped About 6 juniper berries 250g goose or turkey trimmings Instructions: If you are cooking from scratch, peel the potatoes, cut them into quarters, then boil in deep, salted water for 10-15 minutes. When they will easily take the point of a knife, drain them, then cover the pan with a cloth while the potatoes lose their steam. Mash thoroughly with a potato masher or use a food mixer fitted with the flat beater attachment. Shred the cabbage coarsely and fry it in a little butter, oil or, better still, goose fat, until it starts to wilt. Add the vinegar and the chopped apple. Crush the juniper berries and stir them in. Leave to simmer, covered with a lid, for 15 minutes or so. Drain and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, stir the mashed potatoes, cooked red cabbage and the bits of goose or turkey meat together. Add a little stuffing if there is some to use up, and season generously. Get a little butter or goose fat hot in a frying pan. Shape the mixture into small, thick patties and fry till pale gold, turning once to cook the other side. Drain on kitchen paper, then transfer to a hot oven, about 200&#176;C/GAS 6, for 45 minutes, until crisp and sizzling.

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SWEET POTATO SOUP, POTATO SKINS AND COCONUT Makes enough for 4

Ingredients: 1.5kg sweet potatoes Rapeseed or groundnut oil 600ml coconut milk, maybe a little more A little freshly grated coconut Set the oven at *200&#176;C/GAS 6. Re-

move four wide strips from one of the potatoes with a vegetable peeler, place them on a baking sheet, then brush with a little oil and season with salt. Bake for 25 minutes or so, until crisp, then remove and set aside. Peel the remaining potatoes, cut them into large pieces and place in a roasting tin with a little rapeseed or groundnut oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Roast for about an hour, until soft enough to mash.

TIP: The potatoes into a blender or food processor and reduce to a puree with the coconut milk, adding enough to bring it to a thick pouring consistency. Put the soup in a pan over a moderate heat and stir gently, checking the seasoning as you go. It should be thick and sweet. Ladle into bowls and place some of the potato skin on top with a spoonful of fresh coconut.

A HAM AND CABBAGE FRY UP Makes enough for 2

Ingredients: 30g butter 1 onion 4 cloves 15 juniper berries A large, sharp apple: about 250g 2tbsp white wine vinegar 1tbsp demerara sugar A hard, white cabbage: about 800g 250g leftover cooked ham 1tbsp balsamic vinegar A small handful of parsley, roughly chopped Melt the butter in a large, heavy-based pan over a low to *moderate heat. Peel the onion and thinly slice into rounds, then

add it to the butter. Throw in the cloves and the lightly crushed juniper berries (squash them flat with the side of a kitchen knife or in a pestle and mortar) and cover with a lid. Leave to cook, still over a low to moderate heat, with the occasional stir, for 7-10 minutes. The onion should be soft and lightly coloured. Halve, core and thickly slice the apple. There is no need to peel it. Add it to the pan, then pour in the white wine vinegar and the sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Shred the cabbage, not too finely, add it to the pan and mix lightly with the other ingredients. Cover with a tight lid and leave to soften over a low-ish heat for about 20 minutes. The occasional stir will stop it sticking. Tear or chop the ham into short, thick pieces. They are more satisfying if left large and uneven. Fold them into the cabbage, continue cooking for five minutes, then pour in the balsamic vinegar and toss in the chopped parsley. Pile into a warm dish and serve.

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A SALAD OF PEARS AND CHEESE WITH SPROUTED SEEDS Makes enough for 2

Ingredients: 2 crisp pears 4 handfuls of bitter leaves such as frisee or trevise 150g firm, fruity cheese such as Berkswell A couple of handfuls of assorted sprouts (radish, alfalfa, sunflower, amaranth, etc) For the dressing: 150ml natural yoghurt 2tbsp olive oil A handful of herbs, such *as chervil, parsley, chives. Put the yoghurt into a bowl and whisk in the olive oil and a little salt and black pepper. Chop the herbs and stir them into the yoghurt. Halve the pears, remove the cores and slice the pears thinly, then add them to the herb and yoghurt dressing. Put the salad leaves in a serving dish. Pile the pears and their dressing on top. Using a vegetable peeler, shave off small, thin slices of the cheese and scatter them over the salad with the assorted sprouted seeds.

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NOVEMBER2012 77

TRAVEL

PRETTY AS A

PICTURE! WHY WYE AND WILD WALES PROVIDED THE PERFECT SHOTS FOR PHOTOGRAPHER ADAM SWAINE WORDS: AS TOLD TO JOHN RULER

t’s just as well I leapt at the chance to meet up with an old friend, now in his eighties but coming up 50, at his 19th century North Wales hideaway, once the home of the Bishop of Wrexham. If not, I would have missed out on both the raw beauty of the magnificent Mawddach Estuary and the groaningly green contours of the Wye Valley as it meanders its way through the English borders into Monmouthshire, part of Wales since 1974. But then I did a lot of leaping – at least in and out of my car – during my mid-August B-road sortie. There was so much to see and photograph, as the accompanying shots aptly show. With me was Kim, my photographic partner, and Ronnie, my Lhasa Apso dog. He, too, lapped it all up, especially our stay at the dog friendly Forest House at Colesford, Gloucestershire, well worth the £250 for two nights. Blessed by blue skies, Symonds Yat, straddling the Wye, was looking as divine as ever: on the west, canoe trips show the Herefordshire side of the river at its very best. A ferryman will get you to East Yat, which is in Gloucestershire, using an overhead rope. Drop in for a meal at the bankside Saracen’s Head. After two days amid the stunning Wye scenery, we followed familiar B roads beloved by Richard (Victor Meldrew) Wilson in his TV drive in his old 50s style car across the sharply contrasting moorland landscape of the Brecon Beacons to Arthog. Never heard of it? I’m not surprised. It’s so remote. But 78 NOVEMBER2012

this tiny village, six miles south-west of Dolgellau on the A493 is the eight-bedroomed dream retreat of my friend Harry, originally from Litchfield, and now relaxing amid the jaw dropping setting of the Mawddach estuary, surely one of the most beautiful settings in Britain. It is linked to Barmouth – a blowsy Victorian seaside resort, not my cup of tea, but with great beaches – by the Grade II listed wooden Penmaenpool toll bridge built in 1879. You pay the princely sum of 60p to cross what has been rated in Wainwright’s Walks as the best in Wales. And the second best? The walk back! But then the whole region, much of which falls within Snowdonia National Park, can spring a spadeful of mind-blowing images. To the south, are the spectacular Dolgoch Falls (or Red Meadow in English) a series of three waterfalls near Tywyn in Gwynedd, Mid-Wales. Then there are the Cregennan Lakes, fed by lakes from the mountains with their glorious views. Owned by the National Trust, they sit on the northern slopes of Cader ldris, some 800 feet above sea level, overlooking the Mawddach Estuary. They are also stocked with blue and rainbow trout. My fishing was confined to catching mackerel, my first ever, from Harry’s boat moored a mere five minutes from the estuary. But the real catch was to capture on camera this gem of a region which, along with the Wye Valley, will, like the green, green grass of Tom Jones fame will draw me back again. Further Information: www.visitwales.com www.wyedeantourism.co.uk Adam Swaine is a Londom based photographer to see more of his work go to www.adamswaine.co.uk and click Flickr

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TRAVEL

SHOP ON IN

BOSTON JET LAG CAN HAVE IT PERKS, AND STANDING ON THE BANKS OF THE CHARLES RIVER, WATCHING THE SUNRISE OVER THE BOSTON CITYSCAPE AS WINTRY NIGHT GAVE WAY TO CRISP EARLY MORNING MADE THE TRANSATLANTIC INSOMNIA A LITTLE EASIER TO BEAR.

A band of hardy joggers and dog walkers were already well into their daily exercise routine around the non-tidal waterway that snakes its way between the north side of the port city and Cambridge, the college town home of Harvard and MIT. But while the fitness fraternity had eyes firmly on the treelined paths provided for their exertions, my unscheduled dawn stroll across the Longfellow Bridge turned out to be the perfect way to soak up one of America’s most historic cities, before venturing into its beating heart. Tax was the key issue for Bostonians as the bitter dispute between Britain and her American colonies escalated into revolution in 1775, with the War of Independence. More than two centuries on, the city is again raising another matter of taxation with her cousins across the pond, albeit a rather less inflammatory one. Boston is urging British and Irish shoppers to eschew New York’s Fifth Avenue this winter and head to Massachusetts instead. And the reason - you won’t be subject to the same rates of sales tax applied in shops in many other US states. The proprietors of the designer outlets in the chic Newbury Street hope this financial incentive is enough to attract bargain hunters, and that perk - along with the promise of a city rich in culture - persuaded me to choose Boston for a winter break. Dubbed the walking city, it is smaller than many of the US’s major metropolises. Compact and with fewer of New York and Chicago’s towering sky scrapers, a leisurely walk back from the Charles River into the grand Victorian streets of the Back Bay through into the city centre and on to the harbour on the other side takes less than an hour. Newbury Street cuts through the Back Bay and its brownstone facades makes it an experience whether you buy anything or not. My hotel was on the nearby Boylston Street - The Mandarin Oriental. Counting Tom Cruise among its recent clientele, this five-star haven was voted the third best hotel in the US in a recent poll. While it provided a luxurious central location to stay, its restaurant and bar are also well placed for shoppers looking for refreshment after a day in the Newbury boutiques or the close-by 80 NOVEMBER2012

Prudential Centre. The Mandarin’s spa has a reputation as one of the finest in the state and, with the jetlag still raging, that was where I spent a long afternoon. Linking the Back Bay and downtown is the picturesque Boston Common. It was a great place to start my second day. Navigating around the fearless geese that roam the 380-year-old park, it felt a bit like Central Park in miniature.

The newly constructed Entrepreneurial Walk of Fame at MIT’s Kendall Square is ample proof of that. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Thomas Edison are among those immortalised on this boulevard of notable Americans. A trip to Cambridge is not complete without a visit to Tory Row at Harvard, a street of colonial 18th century wooden mansions, where many British loyalists lived during the revolutionary war. The 250,000 students resident in Boston and Cambridge during term time explains how the area can sustain four professional sports teams - one of the few American cities that does. The Boston Celtics basketball team and Boston Bruins ice hockey franchise play at the TD Garden in the North End while across town the baseball players from the storied Boston Red Sox entertain at the game’s oldest professional arena in the US, Fenway Park. I took a 40-minute train ride south to Foxborough to sample an American football game at the home of the New England Patriots. And while baseball is a summer sport, a tour of the quaint 100-year-old Fenway Park was hard to resist. Its opening in April 1912 didn’t make many headlines - it was the same week the Titanic sank. That is one anecdote among countless provided by the highly entertaining New York Yankee-hating guides. As arguably the crucible of the American revolution, modern Boston makes much of its past. The Freedom Trail - an easy to navigate walking route around all the main sites of significance related to the War of Independence - can be completed in an afternoon and I found it a great way of taking in Boston’s sights and sounds at the same time as learning about its past. A new museum to commemorate the Boston Tea Party - when a band of colonists infuriated at another British tax stormed ships in the harbour in 1773 and dumped their cargos of tea into the water - opened at the site of the famous ambush earlier this year. In more recent times, the history of Boston is of course synonymous with that of the Kennedy family. A trip to the city would not be complete without a visit to John F Kennedy’s Presidential Library and Museum at Dorchester Bay and I was determined to see it before flying home. The I.M. Pei designed building on the waterfront houses a vast collection of artefacts from JFK’s life before and during the White House years. Interestingly, the museum is also home to the papers of Ernest Hemingway. His family donated the valuable collection in recognition of JFK’s support in an audacious bid to recover it from the late author’s home in Cuba using a shrimp boat. It is another intriguing story from a city brimful of them, and further proof that a short break in Boston has far more to offer than just tax breaks. Just off the Common’s north edge is the exclusive Beacon Hill, a beautiful neo-Georgian neighbourhood still illuminated by gas lamps. A wander up its steep streets was hard on the calf muscles, but well worth it, just for the glimpse into the world of Boston’s patrician elite. Former Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry lives here while New England Patriots star American football quarterback Tom Brady and his supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen recently put their home on the market for 10.5 million US dollars. If old money is resident in Beacon Hill, the new money is being made across the Charles in Cambridge - home of some of the best minds in world. Boston boasts a remarkable 57 different colleges and universities and some of the most prestigious now sit in Cambridge. Like England’s Cambridge and Oxford, Harvard and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) have become tourist attractions as well as revered seats of learning.

TRAVEL FACTS British Airways offer three nights at the 5-star Mandarin Oriental in Boston from £859 per person, based on two people sharing, for travel between December and March. Includes return British Airways flights in economy from London Heathrow and room only accommodation. Or the same package with Club World flights (business) costs from £1,999 per person if you book by November 30, or £2,919 per person if you book after. British Airways flies three times a day from London Heathrow to Boston. Visit ba.com/boston or call 0844 493 0758 For further information on the Mandarin Oriental please visit www.mandarinoriental.com/boston For more on Boston information visit: www.BostonUSA.com

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BOOK REVIEWS

The Bookshelf

“ Seeking inspiration for a New Year’s reading? Look no further than a well-produced book, not an ephemeral electronic e-book but something to keep and treasure . . .” WORDS BY BRUCE EDWARDS

D BOMBER COMMAN AL RI MO ME E TH LUGGALA DAYS Luggala Days Robert O’Byrne Cico Books £35.00 Hardback Not often one comes across such a treasure. The story of a Guinness House in Co. Wicklow, Southern Ireland, ‘Luggala Days’ possesses all the qualities of the true tour de force. It is well produced, easily read and extensively and beautifully illustrated throughout - perhaps in possession of all the essential components for the ‘coffeetable’ masterpiece, including an impressive format. Not content with an historical exposition of the estate, O’Byrne also takes us deep into the history of the family, revealing aspects of the intricacies of life in this remarkable location with fascinating and intimate detail; he even briefly takes us on board a Guinness yacht. Accurate descriptions of architecture, decoration and furnishings abound. There is, however, a sense of sadness within the pages, a feeling we’ve lost something of a segment of the past we’ll never see again. So despite the remote location unknown to many, it is, truly, a treasure to be guarded.

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Bomber Command The Memorial (Five authors - Gibb, Dooley, Rayner, Darlow, Feast) Fighting High Ltd £19.95 Hardback Though this book’s publication necessarily post-dates the unveiling of the Memorial itself ( 28th June, 2012, Green Park, London, one sunny day in a month of rain), it is nevertheless, an achievement in itself and worthy of an acknowledgement in these pages at the start of another year. With immense support from the Heritage Foundation, fulfilment of this project, the establishment of a permanent memorial to the men of World War II’s Bomber Command became a realisation. This book will commemorate that achievement in tangible form, in a format that allows a constant and usable reference to some of the personnel who sacrificed their right to life in the war-long campaign that without doubt became one of the crucial factors in the achievement of victory after a hardfought campaign. The description ‘coffeetable book’ may also apply here - certainly it should be easily accessible and regularly opened, if only for some thoughtful twominute perusals of any one man’s life out of the of the 55,573 lost. (Review Copy supplied by: The Aviation Bookshop, Royal Tunbridge Wells)

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GREAYS HILL Greays Hill Jon Beattiey Matador £13.50 Paperback This fast-paced book, set in 1790s Northumbria is a joy to read – compelling and realistic, with a wonderfully diverse group of characters. Historical novels can be difficult to write effectively, but here Beattiey manages to successfully convey the era in an imaginative, yet accurate way. The countryside is beautifully described – ‘rolling up towards the Scottish border’ - and the protagonists are realistic and ‘lovable’. The storyline in itself moves well - romance sparkles amidst intrigue, murder and mayhem - and the subtle (and comprehensible) addition of Northumbrian dialect allows the reader to almost magically ‘drop’ into the book. The subjects of inheritance and community are fully explored within the plot and the central character ‘Jack’ truly comes alive. Overall, this is a wonderfully written book with an excellent storyline. The accurate backdrop of the scenery is superb and the characters equally accurate and appealing. ‘Greays Hill’ should attract a wide audience and will make an ideal holiday read. (Words: Annabelle Walker)

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Further information on reviewed details is available on request to ‘writerselect@gmail.com’ For ‘Jon Beattiey’ titles direct, go to ‘jonbeattiey.info’ or jonbeattiey.co.uk.’ 82 NOVEMBER2012

NOVEMBER2012 83

BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN FURNITURE MANUFACTURERS STONEHAM PLC. SIDCUP, KENT.

STONEHAM FINE

FURNITURE

SINCE

1864

Evolve – Stone/Macassar

Designed for living Achieving simplicity can be the most complex of challenges, yet every hand-built Stoneham kitchen fulfils its own streamlined elegance both effortlessly and exquisitely. It’s about making the very best of the best – the finest woods and natural materials, the most innovative features and latest technology, supremely crafted by the most knowing and capable hands. Appointed kitchen centres available locally and nationwide. For a colour brochure and details of the Centre most convenient to you call 020 8300 8181 or visit www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk Stoneham plc, Powerscroft Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5DZ. 84 NOVEMBER2012

Factory Showroom Opening: Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm, Saturday 9am - 12 midday.