Sevenoaks Life Magazine July 2013

sevenoaks LIFE WESTERHAm, OxTED, BECKENHAm, CHISLEHURST, TUNBRIDgE WELLS AND THE ExCLUSIVE SURROUNDINg AREAS

ISSUE 52

JULY 2013

www.thelifemagazines.com

CHARMING CHARING GLORIOUS EMMETTS GARDEN BROMLEYS FORGOTTEN SHOPS

BRAD AND ANGELINA Deeply In Love kent EVENTS

l

HISTORY

l

fashion

l

HOMES & GARDENS

l

HEALTH & BEAUTY

l

FOOD & DRINK • travel

2 JULY 2013

H

WELCOME

ello and a warm welcome to the July issue.

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 Regan Maloney Design & Production Mandy Wenman Photography Adam Swaine Accounts Kathy Manning Ken Fleet Business Development Managers Lisa Westerman Sinead Shell SALES Lynsey Saker Vanessa Lane James Marshall DIRECTORS Peter Smith Rory Smith Patrick Smith

all Rights reserved. all Fish Media Group Ltd magazines are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in any of our publications and any loss arising.

Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to all of our magazines the publisher cannot accept the loss or damage to such material. the Fish Media Group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication.

Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily 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.

This month we are featuring the fabulous ‘A’ list couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt on our front cover and we have an interview with Brad Pitt as our main story. Brad discusses his new film World War Z, family life and how he and Angelina have coped with the her very brave decision to undergo a double mastectomy. It makes fascinating reading. In addition our film critic Damon Smith reviews World War Z and gives his personal view of Brad’s new film.

In the July issue we also feature our special Health and Beauty supplement and hope that it helps you to tone up, trim up, and make the very most of yourself with tips, advice, ideas, and suggestions from some of the best health and beauty experts and professionals.

As usual our superb Local Life team have been out in Kent visiting and writing about more towns and places for you and your family to see. Maureen Cole has been to Upnor and Charing, John Ruler visits Finchcocks museum at Goudhurst and takes an affectionate look back at the Bromley shops that are gone but not forgotten, whist Adam Swaine, our excellent chief photographer, has focussed his lens on Emmetts Garden.

Once again we are pleased to include all of your favourite hobbies and interests in this issue with the emphasis firmly on the summer. We are having a Beach Blitz in our Beauty section. There are some wonderful swimsuits on offer in our Fashion pages. The sea and beach theme is continued in our Home and Garden article ‘ stylish homes ahoy’.

The highly talented celebrity chef Michel Roux ‘eggs on young chefs ‘ in our Food and Drink section. We encourage you to get out and about with lots of local events in our extensive Whats On column.

John Bly from the Antiques Roadshow takes us on another journey through the interesting world of Antiques and Bruce Edwards reviews more recent Book releases.

We have a wonderful interview with Brenda Pert from Guide Dogs in Sevenoaks who tells us about the amazing job that Guide dogs and their trainers do, it’s a great heart-warming read.

The Fish Media Group are proud sponsors of the Beach Polo Championships on July 12th and 13th so this is your last chance plan a visit to Sandbanks for this fun event, don’t miss it, its going to be a great weekend out.

Finally we look at more highly recommended, professional local businesses including Thomas Dunton the friendly professional solicitors in Orpington, Annabel’s Luxury Gift Emporium in Chislehurst and Henman Beds the reliable family bed store in West Wickham.

We hope that you enjoy the July issue.

Until next month………..

We encourage you to get out and about with lots of local events.......

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

JULY 2013 3

4 JULY 2013

JULY 2013 5

6 JULY 2013

JULY 2013 7

8 JULY 2013

Albury House Kingswood Warren Park, Woodland Way Kingswood, Surrey, KT20 6NP Albury House is a delightful new 5 bedroom detached residence with over half an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds, located within a private estate in the heart of the tranquil Surrey countryside. Close to pretty Kingswood Village and within easy reach of The City (London Bridge 47 minutes and 5 minutes from M25 Junction 8), the house has been traditionally built to Octagon’s highest standards of quality and finish and is complemented with lavish internal features.

Telephone 020 8619 2211

www.octagon.co.uk/KWP

loc a l events

what’s on...

JULY 2013

Barn Theatre, Oxted.

Kenley Holiday Workshop – Grease.

The original High-School musical, featuring all the unforgettable songs from the hit movie. Wed 14th – Sat 17th August 7.30.

Tickets £10.00 available from www. barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 01883 331400 Musical Memories. An evening in memory of Terry Rolph and John Sturgeon in aid of the Barn Theatre and Help for Heroes.

Sun 22nd Sept will be one of those very special evenings at the Barn.

The Surrey Guards Ensemble will be entertaining us with a concert in aid of the DRIP (Dressing Room Improvement Project) fund and Help for Heroes charity. They will be playing music from Broadway to the West End in memory of Terry Rolph and John Sturgeon, two lifelong supporters of the Barn Theatre. The programme will include songs from Wicked, The Jersey Boys, Phantom of the Opera, Les, Miserables, A Chorus Line, West Side Story and Barnum and it will be a splendid evening for two splendid causes.

Tickets are already selling and if you wish to be sure of a seat do book early, either by telephone on 01959 561811 or online at www. barntheatreoxted.co.uk Coco Xpress play Latin/ Salsa and music to dance for! Part of the Equator Festival 2013 Spring Programme.

Playing Salsa, Merengue, Bugaloo, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha and all popular Latino rhythms. This band will guarantee an excellent night’s entertainment, for top dancers and left-footed tropical partygoers alike.

“We defy you NOT to dance!” Coco Xpress is a lively and entertaining Latin band have travelled all over the world - from Dublin to Dubai and all around South America. They are now one of the UK’s favourite Latin bands, performing at many festivals, salsa clubs and other events. Sat July 27th 7.30pm. Tickets £12 and £9 (conc) child £4. 01634 338338, www.medwayticketslive. co.uk The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1ZZ www.equatorfestival.com

10 JULY 2013

Chislehurst Farmers Market. Held on the 3rd Sunday of the month and is open to the public between 10am and 2pm.

Produce includes seasonal fruit and vegetables, chocolates, cider and alcoholic drinks, bread, meat, cheese, preserves and sauces and much more.

10am to 2pm. Free Entry. Contact: 07775 736116. Hornbrook House Car Park, High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AB. Sun 21 Jul, Sun 18 Aug, Sun 15 Sept. www. myfarmersmarket.co.uk Were you a R.A.F National Serviceman?

Are you aware that there is an Association you can join which will put you in touch with your old comrades? The Association has many thousands of members and there are 17 local groups around the country. The cost is only £10.00 per annum and for that you get list of all the members with their contact details, service number and stations where posted as well a quarterly magazine/newsletter. There is a local group in the Bromley area if you would like to know more about the Association as a whole we meet the third Tuesday of every month at “The Crown Inn” School Road Chislehurst Kent BR7 5PQ at 12.00.

Or would you like more details contact John. W. McElroy on 0208 467 4904 Magic Show with Supper in aid of Cancer Research UK. Be welcomed with a glass of Pimms. At your table magicians will baffle and amaze with close up table magic. Following a 2 course supper (lasagne and salad, followed by strawberries and cream), there will be a floor show. Don’t miss out on this very Special event and be prepared to be mystified by members of the Bexley Magic Society, whilst enjoying supper and good company.

Bring your own drinks and glasses.

All proceeds to Cancer Research UK .7pm start, £20 per person. Carlton Centre, Carlton Road, Sidcup Kent DA14 6AH. Sat 27 Jul 2013 www. cancerresearchuk-greenwich. co.uk

Soldiers School. Air raids, rationing, evacuation - how would you have fared during WWII? Find out what life was really like during the 1940s, and learn about Eltham’s role during the war, then take part in the children’s drill and obstacle course. 11am-4pm. Suitable for Families. Booking Not Necessary.

English Heritage Customer Services: 0870 333 1181. See website for prices. Eltham Palace and Gardens Court Yard, Eltham, Greenwich, London SE9 5QE. Sun 11 Aug Tues 13 Aug 2013. www.englishheritage.org.uk/daysout/ events/soldiers-school-ep11-aug Family Fun at Crofton Roman Villa. Fun for all the family! A guided talk of the villa house for adults, which the children have an activity sessions with Roman artefacts and dressing up as Romans.

Children and adults can then do the villa quiz and win special villa badges and a joint certificate. Part of the Festival of British Archaeology.

Sessions start at 10:30am and 2:00pm and last approx 2 hours.

Adults£1.50/concessions £1. Crofton Road, Orpington Kent BR6 8AF. Sun 21 Jul 2013.Contact 01689 860939 cka.moon-demon. co.uk/villa.htm Make a Film.co.uk. Now in our 15th Year come and celebrate the London 2012 Olympic games in style and make your own action film which you will treasure for years to come. Throughout the week children will design and create their own props, learn film acting techniques, operate cameras, direct and star in their own film. On the final day of the course we will have a ‘Hollywood style wrap party’complete with an Oscar style Award Ceremony. 3-Day Film Course £80.00, 4-Day Film Course £100.00 020 8650 0940. St George’s Church Hall, Albemarle Road, Beckenham. BR3 Kent. 24 26 Jul, 21 - 24 Aug, 28 to 31 Aug 2013. www.makeafilm.co.uk

Visit a real Roman bath house. Festival of Archaeology with Bromley Museum. Visit the Roman Bath House and AngloSaxon Cemetery it’s a fun-filled weekend of archaeological activities for all the family. There will also be a historical trail. Poverest Road, St Mary Cray, Orpington Entrance in Bellefield Road Orpington Kent BR6 0HH. Sat 13 and Sun 14 Jul 2013. Contact 01689 873826. www. archaeologyfestival.org.uk/ Thomas Cheap of the Honourable East India Co. Delve deep into the past as actor John White, surrounded by 18th century furniture, charts in character the life of Thomas Cheap, a typical man of the period trying to climb the social ladder and achieve financial prosperity and social status in the 18th century. The show begins at 11:00am and tickets cost £12 per person. Places are limited so please book in advance on 01322 526574.

Danson House, Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 8HL Kent DA6 8HL. Wed 17 Jul 2013. www.dansonhouse. org.uk Our Big Gig. Together through Music. Our Big Gig is a nationwide community music event taking place across England between 11th and 14th July. Events will involve a mix of musical performances and opportunities to get involved, be that by ‘having a go’ on an instrument or taking part in a community sing-along! Learn more at www.ourbiggig. co.uk 3.00pm - 8.00pm. Tunbridge Wells Common, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 8BX. Sun14 Jul 2013 www.ourbiggig.co.uk Archaeology Day at Knole. Festival of Archaeology with National Trust. The National Trust is undertaking one of its most important conservation projects to date at Knole. Due to be completed in 2018, the project seeks to ensure that Knole and its collections will survive for centuries to come. 12.00 - 3.00pm. Knole Sevenoaks Kent TN15 0RP. Tues 30 Jul 2013.

Now is the time to

Protect yourself and your family

THOMAS DUNTON SOLICITORS

T

Go Ape for St Michael’s Hospice. Tree top adventure at beautiful Bedgebury Pinetum. Spend a fantastic 2-3 hours getting in touch with your inner Tarzan! You will be briefed for safety before you fly down Zipwires, leap off Tarzan Swings and tackle crossings whilst enjoying some of the South East’s breathtaking scenery. It’s only £8 to register and we ask you to raise a minimum sponsorship of £75. Over 10s (and over 1.4m) welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. Call Marcia on 01424 456381 or email mdart@stmichaelshospice. com to register. All proceeds to St Michael’s Hospice. Begebury Pinetum, near Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN17 2SJ. Fri 9 Aug 2013 Horse event at Redlands: Le Trec. This is a public equestrian event. Be sure to check the website page for times and latest information, especially in case of bad weather.

Redlands Kent TN15 0RX Sun 14 Jul 2013 horseeventsuk.com/ horseevent Craft and Gift Fair.

Over 35 stalls with a wide range of local crafts. 11am to 3pm Free Entry. Contact 07935 700 417.

Otford Memorial Hall Kent TN14 5PQ. Sat 20 Jul 2013 www. silvermagpiefairs.com Sunday Lunchtime Jazz. With the sounds of ‘The Cool Jazz Trio’ 12 – 3pm. £20.

Booking essential. 01732 861161.

Chartwell, Mapleton Road, Westerham Kent TN16 1PS. Sun 28 July. nationaltrust.org.uk/ chartwell Seafaring School. Anchors aweigh! Set sail on a nautical adventure as you learn the ropes of seafaring, 1800s style. Times: 11am-4pm. Suitable for Families.

Booking Not Necessary. English Heritage Customer Services: 0870 333 1181. See website for prices.

Home of Charles Darwin (Down House) Luxted Road, Downe Kent BR6 7JT. Tues 6 Aug to Sat 10 Aug 2013.www.english-heritage. org.uk/daysout/events/ seafaring-school-dh-6-aug

Meet the Darwins! You are invited to meet the Darwin’s at Down House this Summer. Enjoy tales of Darwin’s discoveries and voyages, learn about his continuing research and hear about his life at home with his adored children.

11am-4pm. Suitable for Families.

Booking Not Necessary. 0870 333 1181. See website for prices. Home of Charles Darwin (Down House) , Luxted Road, Downe Kent BR6 7JT. Tues 13 Aug to Sat 17 Aug 2013 www.english-heritage.org. uk/daysout/events/meetthe-darwins-dh-13-aug Apple Tree Pruning. Talks and demonstrations throughout the day – see board at entrance for details. 11am – 4.15pm. Normal admission applies. 01732 868381.

Chartwell, Mapleton Road, Westerham Kent TN16 1PS. Wed 24 Jul 2013 nationaltrust.org. uk/chartwell

oo often we put off planning for the future as we assume that when we are old our partner will look after us and when we die our Estate will automatically go to our spouse or children.

Why do I need a valid Will?

Because it ensures that, on your death, your estate passes to those people whom you want to benefit. Did you know that without a Will: a) Your spouse may not receive all your estate; b) If you are in a long-term relationship but unmarried, your partner will receive nothing.

Why a Lasting Power of Attorney?

Because if, by accident or illness, you cannot look after yourself, it enables you to appoint people of your choice to manage your finances and medical care.

Without it they would have to make a costly application to Court and file detailed financial accounts at Court each year

For more information, call us on 01689 822554 or visit our website www.thomasdunton.co.uk

Why choose Thomas Dunton?

Because you will be able to: • Discuss your details face to face – not just by email or telephone • Have legal advice from someone experienced and qualified • Know your case will be dealt with thoroughly • Receive legal advice based on your individual circumstances • Have one person handling your case from start to finish • Have a Solicitor who can service all your family needs

Conveyancing • Wills & Probate • Mediation • Family • Employment • Personal Injury

217–219 High Street, Orpington, Kent BR6 0NZ 01689 822554 Email: enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk www.thomasdunton.co.uk

The Barnstormers Parade. Performed by the 2010 Minack Trophy winning theatre company on ‘The Larks’ tennis courts in Oxted. Parade is the tragic, true life story of a man wrongly accused of murder, brought to emotional and theatrical life by acclaimed playwright Alfred Uhry (“Driving Miss Daisy”) and Jason Robert Brown (“Songs For A New World”, “Last Five Years”). 1.00pm & 5.00pm on 27th and 2.30pm on 28th. £10.00. Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted Surrey RH8 0AA. Sat 27 Jul and Sun 28 Jul 2013 Harcourt House - Open Garden for NGS. Colourful Victorian garden with an Italian influence, wrapped around a large Victorian house. Winding pathways, newly structured rock garden, Hercules secret garden, water features, many statues, unusual objects inc French antique lampposts, dozens of pots, many hanging baskets and large conservatory in Victorian style. Open:Sun 28 July (2-5). Admission £3, Children free. Times:2-5. Open for charity.

Harcourt House, Bromley London BR1 4BB www.fredasgarden. co.uk

JULY 2013 11

Contents EDITORS LETTER WHATS ON

3 10

LOCAL LIFE Charing – A Quiet Village

14

Upnor – Messing About on the River

18

Finchcock’s Museum – The Magic of Music

22

Bromley Shops – Gone but not Forgotten

26

Emmetts Garden – Through the Seasons

30

COVER STORY Brad Pitt – Heartthrob with Heart

32

Film Review – World War Z

36

Thomas Dunton – Holiday Expectations?

38

HEALTH & BEAUTY Supplement

39

Roakes – The High Quality Westerham Spa

40

Bio – Sculpture – Summer Beauty

41

Glow on Detox

42

The Good Life

46

Daniel Jordan – Headline Act

48

Beach Blitz

50

Annabel’s Luxury Gifts - The Candy Man

54

Fashion – Perfectly Suited

56

HOME AND GARDEN Origin – Swim at Home

I NT ER IOR DE SIG N SE RV ICE FA BR ICS CU RTA I N S & BLI N D S WAL LC OVE R I NG S F UR NIT U R E L IG H T I NG M I R ROR S BAT H RO OM SHOW RO OM

11-12 Sundridge Parade Plaistow Lane Sundridge Park Bromley BR1 4DT 020 8466 6313 www.sundridgeinteriors.com 12 JULY 2013

60

Stylish Homes Ahoy

62

Henman – The Reliable Bed People

66

Antiques with John Bly

68

Competition - WIN an MX TRIXX scooter

70

Teenage Cancer Trust

72

Books Review

74

Thackray Williams – A Question of Trust

75

TRAVEL – Caribbean

76

Guide Dogs – At Chartwell and Beyond

82

FOOD AND DRINK Regan Maloney’s Restaurant Review

84

Michel Roux – Eggs on Young Chefs

86

Antiques & Fine Art Monday 29th July

A fine late 19th century French ormulo mounted twin handled vase & cover Estimate £400 - £600

Pocket Watches & Accessories Monday 12th August

A continental white metal keyless wind full hunter split seconds ‘cronógrafo medical’ signed Ulysse Nardin.

Estimate £1,800 - £2,200

An auction of Vintage & Modern Wrist Watches Monday 15th July at 11am

A stainless steel automatic gentleman’s Rolex Sea Dweller bracelet watch issued by COMEX. Estimate £25,000 - £35,000

Visit www.fellows.co.uk/life for a complimentary catalogue Fellows Auctioneers | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham B18 6JA | 0121 212 2131 London Office (Valuations By Appointment Only) | 2nd Floor |3 Queen Street | London W1J 5PA | 020 7127 4198 JULY 2013 13

LOCAL LIFE

CHARING

A Quiet Village with a Lively Comminity Words: Maureen Cole

T

Charming Charing will captivate you with its historic manors, beautiful countryside and quaint shops.

he small but pretty village of Charing is situated at the foot of the North Downs on the Pilgrims Way, which stretches from London to Canterbury. It nestles comfortably in the surrounding farmland and although a small village there is a strong sense of community.

Charing first appears as Gorrinog in 799. The name was probably derived from either the Anglo 14 JULY 2013

Pictures: Adam Swaine

Saxon word “cerring”, meaning a bend in the road or “Ceorraingas”, meaning people of Ceorra.

Charing is one of a line of settlements at the base of the North Downs, where springs emerge from the chalk. The land was given to the Church of Canterbury in the 8th Century and remained with the Archbishops until Henry VIII’s Reformation.

The village has had four windmills over the

LOCAL LIFE centuries. Charing Windmill which was built in the early 19th century still stands and is a Grade 2 Listed Building, referred to as a “smock” mill – its shape resembling a ladies smock. The windmill is now a private residence.

St Peter and St Paul Church, is the parish church of Charing and is situated just off the High Street, next to the remains of the Archbishops Palace. The church stands at the heart of the village and has a long history dating back to the IIth Century. The nave and chancel date back to the 13th century and the transepts were added in the 14th century, followed by the beautiful stone tower in the 15th Century. The church roof and much of the church interior were destroyed by a fire in 1590 A painted beam near the chancel arch records that the nave was repaired by the parishioners in 1592.

Charing is a village surrounded by countryside with some fine, old manor houses. On the north side of the churchyard is a 14th century building that now serves as a barn. This is part of the remains of the courtyard and Great Hall of a former manor house, owned by the Archbishop of Canterbury and known as the Archbishop’s Palace. In the Middle Ages the Archbishop of Canterbury was the wealthiest

landowner in Kent, owning seventeen estates in the local area, each within a day’s ride of the next.

There was probably a manor on the site prior to this but the buildings have all gone and the present stone buildings date from the 13th and 14th century.

Charing was a staging post between Canterbury and Maidstone, where the Archbishop spent a few nights on his journey from London to Canterbury. The private apartments of the archbishop face the main gates, which give onto the former market place.

The palace must have been a very impressive building in its day and Henry VII and Henry VIII were frequent guests of the Archbishop. During the reign of Henry VII the private apartments were updated when a new brick storey was added. However, apart from this, the buildings have remained largely unaltered. In 1545 Henry VIII took the buildings from the Archbishops and it became a tenanted building until it passed into private ownership in 1629. The palace then became a working farmhouse, with the buildings adapted, so that the Great hall was turned into a barn, with a couple of cottages and animal accommodation. As a result of this, few major changes have taken place and the buildings retain much evidence of the 14th century.

JULY 2013 15

LOCAL LIFE

There has been a continued effort by local people and historians to restore the complex. In 2004 the palace was a contestant in the BBC television programme “Restoration”, where possible restoration projects compete for funds. Unfortunately the palace was unsuccessful.

This small village is packed with beautiful historic buildings- many Grade 1 or Grade 2 Listed. In the High Street there are a number of fascinating historic buildings, along with a variety of shops to explore.

Peirce House is one such building situated in the High Street and Grade II Listed. A timber framed house dating from the 13th century, it was formerly used as almshouses and an alms house window still survives on the west side. The house is set back from the road, behind high walls and over the door are the arms of the Brents and Nevilles, celebrating the wedding of Margaret Brent to George Neville in 1501.

Also in the High Street is Elizabethan Court, which was formerly the Old Swan Hotel, a 17th century coaching inn. The building dates back to the 17th century and still bears the projecting iron bracket, from which the inn sign once hung.

The variety of shops in this little village also adds to its appeal- From the family butchers and fishmongers to the wine bar and handmade chocolate shop. There is also a traditional village store and newsagents, along with a village Post Office.

Charing has a strong community spirit and many activities are organised by village groups and organisations. The Charing Guild of Players was formed in December 1946 by the Rev Peter Birkett and it was just six days later that they performed a pageant of the Nativity. No records of any further activity by the group exist until December 1952 when “Quiet Weekend”, was performed in the village hall and in the following five years there were another five productions.

The strong community spirit then raised its head and the Rev. Patrick Lury along with parishioners and Guild members, paid £100 for a 17th century tithe barn in High Halden. The beautiful timbers were dismantled and were rebuilt on a site adjoining Charing Church. The first production in The Barn took place in May 1958 and since then a production

16 JULY 2013

has taken place every year. For further information please go towww.charingguild.com/ The village also has its own gardener’s society, which is over 100 years old. Charing Gardener’s Society organises monthly talks, various trips and horticultural shows. It also maintains the Millennium Garden in the village.

For further news and information on future events please visit- www. charinggardeners.org.uk Although small this village is packed with organised activities and things to do. The County Market takes place every Thursday morning in the Church Barn, selling home grown vegetables, home-made pastries, jams, knitwear and plants.

The village has its own cricket club and Youth Centre and there are some interesting and informative walks around the village and its surrounds. ” Lost Landscape Heritage trials”, describe two circular walks around Charing and provide information on the history and heritage of the area. - www.nationaltrail. co.uk/Northdowns/uploads/charing%20booklet2.pdf With places to see and things to do- along with beautiful countryside and a strong sense of community, Charing has much to offer the resident and visitor alike.

maureenc411@btinternet.com

JULY 2013 17

LOCAL LIFE

UPNOR

Messing about on the River Words: Maureen Cole

T

Pictures: Adam Swaine

Upnor is an attractive waterside village, dating back to the 17th century and surrounded by heavily wooded countryside and centred round an Elizabethan castle. It can be regarded as two small villages – Upper and Lower Upnor.

he original meaning of Upnor in Old and Middle English was “at the bank” but this later changed to “upon the bank”- Undoubtedly relating to the village’s position on the western bank of the River Medway.

The castle was built between 1559 and 1567 as an artillery fortification to defend the Royal Dockyard at Chatham and it is believed that the village developed as a result of the castle’s construction. It was designed by Sir Richard Lee, who was a leading military engineer. In 1667 the castle was converted into an Ordnance Depot (powder store) and a small community grew up to provide accommodation for the workers.

It is possible however, that some sort of settlement existed in the area prior to this. An early document of 18 JULY 2013

around 1200 refers to Upenore and in the 13th century there is a reference to Atte Nore and Uppe Nore.

However, this may not have been on the same site, as there is no medieval church or manor at Upnor.

A sketch dated 1787 shows how the village grew during the 18th century with the addition of a group of houses and cottages at the lower end of the High Street. Additions to the Ordnance Depot also took place, with the construction of a temporary magazine and a large compound for gunpowder wagons. A new access road for the wagons was built to bypass the High Street, on what was formerly known as Powder Dumpie Hill or Powder Monkey Road. The road is now Admiralty Road, a name which seems more sophisticated if less atmospheric or personal to the area.

LOCAL LIFE By the early 19th century the village had taken its present form and by 1838 had developed to more or less its present size although it was more densely settled. Many of the villagers were employed in the Ordnance Depot or as watermen or bargemen or in the local cement works at Whitehill Creek and Lower Upnor.

In the 1800’s the river was used more frequently than it is today as a means of communication.

Visitors would frequently have arrived by river and life was more closely linked to the other Medway towns. From around 1708 until the end of 1820 a public ferry operated between Upnor and Princes Bridge (at the north end of the Dockyard) and from 1812 until 1820 the Royal Engineers used the land around Upnor for training purposes. They still have a presence in Upper Upnor and the Royal School of Military Engineering maintains classrooms and workshops.

Upnor gained Parish status in 1874 and the small, picturesque village church of St Philip and St James was built in 1884. A small graveyard surrounds the church which is quite close to the river and mid-way between lower and Upper Upnor.

Upnor Castle attracts many visitors to the area and places Upnor in the history books. The castle is situated on the opposite bank of the River Medway to the dockyards at Chatham. Queen Elizabeth I had founded the dockyard in the 16th century and in 1559 it was decided to build a fort downstream in order to protect the dockyards from attack by firing at enemy ships in the river.

The fort was built as a solid stone keep, fronted by a pointed bastion, which jutted out into the river. The castle was enlarged in 1599-1600, when a wall was built on the landward side (protected by a ditch), along with three towers. The one on the landward side formed a gatehouse to the castle and the other two were on the river front. All three towers has embrasure for guns. The fort’s main artillery platform was on the high water line so that the guns could fire directly at the hulls of enemy vessels whilst being difficult to hit from the deck of enemy ships.

The central part of the castle was the keep which was three storeys high on the river side and two on the landward side. It was here, on the tower ground floor, that the soldiers had their quarters while the second floor was divided into two lengthways. The

JULY 2013 19

LOCAL LIFE

back half was roofed over and was probably an ammunition store and the front half had embrasures for guns so that they could fire across the river.

However, when the Dutch sailed up the Medway and attacked the English fleet in 1667, the guns fired on the Dutch but with little success. As a result two new defences were built downstream and Upnor castle was relegated to the position of gun powder magazine.

Today the castle is owned by English Heritage and managed by Medway Council and although modifications have been made to it over the years it is in excellent condition overall and well worth a visit. There is an excellent sound and light show with a model of the castle and the river during the Dutch attack. Most areas of the castle are accessible and an audio tour is available. For information on visiting times and prices please visit www. english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/upnor-castle/ Today Upnor, both Lower and Upper, are mainly residential with small craft moored on the river. Lower Upnor faces Upnor Reach and is the home of two yacht/ sailing clubs. Medway Yacht Club was founded in 1880 and Upnor Sailing in the 1960’s. The latter moved into its present Club House, which was formed by renovating three existing riverfront cottages, in the 1980’s. Although the club is more currently focused on cruising, they have very good sailing facilities, with a start line from the club house. They also organise a number of fun races, in which members from neighbouring clubs can participate and a range of social events are held throughout the year.

Further information can be found at www.upnorsailing.co.uk Upper Upnor, which is on Chatham Reach, lies opposite St Mary’s Creek and has a pretty, cobbled High Street which leads down to Upnor Castle. Many of the houses here are Grade II listed with attractive Kentish weatherboarding.

Upnor has managed to maintain its strong links with the river and has developed a unique character. Its unexpected history, bound up with river defence, sits alongside today’s more leisure water activities. Cobbled streets and old houses all add to the charm of this waterside village.

maureenc411@btinternet.com

20 JULY 2013

Give your home extra security by fitting a new door and windows from County – The Home Improvers.

There’s only one person who doesn’t like our doors or windows…

Whether it’s a front door, a french door, a bifold door, or our myriad styles of windows they all come with locking systems that will protect your home from burglars targetting the average lock.

Home Office statistics state that 67% of burglars break in through the front door or window, so it makes sense to fit doors and windows that have been tested to the latest BS EN 1303:2005 security standards. Ours have.

And of course they look great – with a style to suit your home. Choose from traditional timber, aluminium or PVC – and we’re proud to announce we’re the region’s authorised retailer for the fabulous new timber-effect Storm 2 windows from Evolution.

For a free no-obligation survey and quotation call

0800 5426102

AUTHORISED RETAILER

Download our FREE guide book: “The top ten key questions to ask when buying doors or windows” Visit www.thecountygroup.co.uk/windowguide AND SEE OUR CURRENT SPECIAL OFFERS

Doors • Windows • Conservatories Orangeries • Kitchens Studies • Bedrooms

www.thecountygroup.co.uk.

Showrooms in Heathfield, Tunbridge Wells, Haywards Heath and Hailsham.

JUST INTERIORS

Was £295 Now £229

UL Y

Was £495 Now £269

Was £160 Now £125

Was £375 Now £279

Suppliers of fine furniture and home accessories

SA S ON T LE DA A Y RT 15 th S J

M

Was £995 Now £750

172 Petts Wood Road, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1LG

Was £299 Now £219

Tel. 01689 870970

Open Monday - Saturday 10am to 5pm www.justinteriorspettswood.co.uk • facebook.com/JustInteriorsPettsWoodLtd JULY

2013 21

LOCAL LIFE

Richard Burnett MB E playing the pianos at Finchcocks

Magic of music holds their key to success

Photo: Geoff Partne

Words: JOHN RULER

I

Here’s a museum which strikes just the right chord!

f the piano’s your forte then Finchcocks Musical Museum will strike the right chord. If not, simply sit back and soak up the sight of the red-bricked Georgian baroque mansion whose pastoral setting seems designed to set the likes of Mozart spinning in their graves with sheer delight.

All in all, a noteworthy place, and certainly music to the ears of Richard and Katrina Burnett when 40 years ago they turned a steadily crumbling grade I listed building into a home for the former’s ever growing collection of musical instruments.

A harpsichord and fortepianos workshop was also created; concerts, recordings and demonstrations, too, brought fresh life into a hands-on venture where visitors are positively encouraged to tinkle the ivories.

Forget for a second the history of Finchcocks, as fascinating is it is (see overleaf). Simply do as I did, and let the Burnetts’ enthusiasm wash over you in the same way as Richard’s spontaneous burst of piano playing in the panelled splendour of the main hall. The fact he was seated at an 1826 fortepiano made famous by the Viennese builder Conrad Graf came as an almost nonchalant aside.

22 JULY 2013

Pictures: Adam Swaine

But then to a concert pianist such as Richard it’s just another of his ‘babies’ – namely 100 historical keyboard instruments, 40 of them playable, covering a span of around two hundred years, from the late 17th to the late 19th century.

Be they early pianos, of which most of them are, chamber organs, harpsichords, virginals, spinets or clavichords he shares his passion for them through musical events, appealing as much as to the public as to specialist visitors.

He has his favourites. There’s Wally, a tiny travelling piano built around 1800 by Anton Walter, a friend of Mozart, which has accompanied him on concerts and lectures at home and abroad, Oh yes, and his grand grand (sorry about that) piano which, made by Collard and Collard around 1840, possesses a case of elaborate marquetry of exotic woods on a base of bird’s eye maple.

During the 1980s and 90s, after a debut at The Old Vic it was taken around the country for an Evening with Queen Victoria, scripted by Katrina and starring Prunella Scales and Ian Partridge. ‘It was not the easiest piano to take around,’ admits Richard, ‘and had a nasty habit of

r, Tenterden

LOCAL LIFE trapping one’s fingers when the main body of the piano was lowered into the stand.’

Another favourite is an 1882 grand piano whose intriguing device, the Harmonic Swell and Bridge of Reverberation, was featured on BBC Radio 3. ‘The sound of an instrument is of great importance,’ stresses Richard. ‘If you play Mozart you want to know his music is in line with the instruments he would have chosen and used.’

Many pianos of the time were full of gadgets, and though some never lasted, are ‘great fun’ which is why perhaps the Burnetts find children love the museum so much – bored perhaps by the all–too-easy gizmos of today? Richard is full of praise for today’s youngsters ‘whose standard of playing is phenomenal Some start at as early as two. We had a child prodigy of eight to stay.’

This helps dispel notions of Finchcocks as perhaps being fuddy-duddy, in much the same way as their jazz evenings, in which their jazz-playing curator Dr Alastair Laurence, has featured. Sessions are held in the cellar, a suitably snug location, too, for a smartly designed and reasonably priced restaurant.

The same can be said of the medley of concerts, featuring earlier this year the long forgotten single– stringed phonofiddle, English folk songs, an ensemble from the Osaka Light Opera Company and the London Baroque.

It’s all there for your pleasure … the theme, too, for an extensive exhibition on the first floor. Assembled and developed over the last ten years, it tells the history of Pleasure Gardens dating back to the 18th century, a

subject on which Katrina has both written and lectured on. In 1746 alone there were 60 such gardens in Central London. Ballooning, fireworks and, above all, music all formed part of their attraction, with renewed interest now being shown in resurrecting their charm. Once again, it seems, Finchcocks is well and truly in tune with the times!

Gardens provide a symphony of colour

P

lease don’t miss the gardens … they provide a symphony of colour in harmony with the house, especially in summer. It was not always so, with the main restoration carried out steadily over the past 30 years by a team of gardeners; recent innovations have included a brick courtyard to replace an old rose garden. Beyond this a double border of shrubs, around 200 foot long, planted in 1984, gives year round colour and interest.

Supplementing this is a small orchard, with the grass left uncut in summer to create a wildflower meadow; in spring it’s home to daffodils, primroses and bluebells.

The prominent feature, however, is the walled garden.

Once a 19th century vegetable garden which, saved from becoming a wilderness in the 1980s by students from Hadlow College, Kent, its inspirational design is based on the 18th century pleasure gardens already mentioned.

It is now centre–piece for a variety of outdoor functions masterminded by business and staffing manager Tyna Carpenter. This includes weddings.

Everything in the garden, you might say, is rosy....

JULY 2013 23

LOCAL LIFE

This was built on from 1950 to 1960 by David and Antonia St Clair Erskine whose friendship with Australian stage–designer Loudon Sainthill led to his dramatic painting of Neptune in the South Wing. From 1960 to 1970 Finchcocks took on another artistic role, as a ballet school under the leadership of Madame Nadine Nicolaeva–Legat, widow of Russian dancer Nicolas Legat. The young pupils in their distinctive brown uniforms and long skirts became a familiar sight in the neighbourhood.

All of which culminated in 1971 with Richard’s purchase of the property, not just for his collection but also as a joint venture with the harpsichord builder and scholar Derek Adlam to form Adlam Burnett Historical Keyboard Instruments Ltd. Ten craftsmen from both home and abroad were engaged on restoring keyboard instruments, some from Finchcocks itself; their replicas of harpsichords, virginals, clavichords and early pianos were export worldwide. It was disbanded in 1980.

History shaped their creative future

R

ecords show Finchcocks, or Finchcox, as dating back to 1256, when a family of the same name lived in a nearby farmhouse. But it was not until 1725 that Edward Bathurst – whose woollen merchant family prospered in Tudor times – first inherited and then completed ‘the new Finchcocks … at great expense and in a most stately manner.’

A London barrister, born in Wilmington, near Dartford, Edward sired two families, leaving some confusion over which one was portrayed in a group portrait sold before the Burnetts became the new owners. It was probably the first, with the second family arriving when Edward took a new partner Mary Glyles, the daughter of a doctor from nearby Lamberhurst. It is uncertain whether they ever married.

What is certain is that architecturally Finchcocks is Georgian or Classical Baroque, has similarities to others in the area, though with the east façade most likely the work of the celebrated baroque architect Thomas Archer; Chatsworth is one fine example of his work.

The central hall, with its high ceilings and doors at each end ‘through which one could drive a coach and horses’, wrote one magazine correspondent, is matched only in splendour by the magnificent staircase.

The house contains 20 rooms overall; on the ground floor they lead straight into each other, without any corridors, leading Katrina to remark: ‘it’s not as big as it looks from the front, being designed to deceit.’ It looks impressive enough me, with its oak panelled walls and an enormous fireplace probably provided by local ironworks at neighbouring Lamberhurst – the Weald of Kent being the centre if iron–smelting in Tudor times.

A succession of owners followed. These included the Springetts, already big landowners locally, the only family to remain at Finchcocks for two generations, and in 1863 Edward Hussey, who with his own mansion at Scotney (now a National Trust property) leased it out to various tenants.

Sold in 1919 to Capt Cecil, a DIY enthusiast who tidied up a host of technical and engineering problems, it went next to Francis (Peter) Lycett Green whose interest in 17th and 18th century paintings established Finchcocks’ reputation as a centre for the arts.

24 FEBRUARY 2013

NEED TO KNOW:

Finchcocks Musical Museum, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 1HH; www.finchcocks.co.uk; email info@finchcocks.co.uk; or tel: 01580 211702.

Open to those without appointment (to end of September): Sun, Bank Holiday Mons, also Wed & Thu in August 14.00–18.00, garden and restaurant from 12.30.

Charges: Adults/students/children £12/£8/5; family ticket with school age children £25; garden only £3.

Group visits by between 20- 60 people by arrangement on most days except Mondays, morning, afternoon or evening. Smaller groups can visit on the Open Days.

Your project.

From beginning to end...

Building perfect pools for over thirty years. Ring Origin on 01895 823366 or email for our information pack info@originleisure.com www.originleisure.com

Origin leisure

the original indoor outdoor pool company

&

JULY 2013 25

LOCAL LIFE

Remember, remember those shops of such splendour?

Words: JOHN RULER

ayne’s, the jewellers, a long-time local landmark in Bromley Market Square has closed. The shock news marks not just the end of 103 years of trading, but the end of another family business known to thousands as the place to get that special gift. (see picture, right).

It was where I bought my wife’s wedding ring way back in the late ‘fifties – and, of far greater significance, was where the Queen was presented with a carriage clock during her visit to the town as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations; in 1977 Prince Charles was likewise presented with a commemorative gift.

But time, it seems, was running out in an era in which the dominance of the giant Bluewater shopping centre– cited by the family as having massively affected sales – is claiming not just some famous names, but in Payne’s case a building of considerable architectural interest.

It’s not simply a fine example of 1930s’ Mock Tudor –with the wooden pegs for securing the half timbering a sign of true craftsmanship – but illustrates the last vestiges of the Arts and Crafts movement, in what was dubbed its old English style. This influence extends throughout the Market Square; by the late 1880s and 1890s the style, in a variety of forms, was at its peak.

26 JULY 2013

(See main picture above).

The listed red brick building on the corner of Church Road, home to the HSBC is very much in the Queen Anne style and bristles with familiar Flemish architecture.

The Partridge Pub also listed and previously the National Provincial Bank and subsequently the National Westminster, was built in 1927 as an alternative version of the Arts and Crafts style.

But enough of all that … though it does stir memories of shops and businesses, which are gone but not forgotten. Like

Picture credits: by John Ruler/Bromley Library

P

Gone but not forgotten....

LOCAL LIFE

❝Some old biddies didn’t think much of this young person coming in ❞

Medhurst’s or Medhursts (take your pick) whose name can still be seen on the front of Primark and before that Allders. For many the original name still lingers on; so, too, I suggest will Payne’s, strictly E.W. Payne, whatever its future holds.

Both are synonymous with Bromley, with Medhurst founded by Frank Medhurst back in 1897 leaving the biggest mark, especially Medhurst corner. (see picture above). He died in May 1931 aged 84. By 1932, the family run store had already extended considerably, with many employees ‘living in’ until 1935. The women used the top floor of the building, the men the rear.

Further changes took place after World War Two; a uniformed commissionaire was even on duty until 1954 when parking put paid to this typical touch of Medhurst magic. ‘The then current Mr Medhurst was often there as well – all very gentlemanly, ’ recalled the late Gordon Reader from West Wickham – and certainly in line with the grandeur of the store which in 1950 boasted 40 different departments and numerous nooks and crannies. (see below) Some, like my wife and sister, recall childhood days sitting on animal-shaped chairs to have their hair cut.

Others like dressmaker Liz Clark (then Liz Acton) – whose mother Edith left St Mark’s School at Masons Hill to join Grout Engraving Company a major business off College Road – joined Medhurst when she tired of the train journey to London.

‘They didn’t have their own workroom so I went into the fashion department where they had just opened a new boutique for the youngsters. We were still on commission then,’ she said. ‘ Some old biddies didn’t think much of this young person coming in (she was then 20).’ Later she became more interested in the bookwork, eventually went part-time and was married in 1975. The family now live in Bromley Common.

David Greig was another household name in the Market Square for its meat and groceries, with branches in Shortlands and, until 1965, Masons Hill. The name can be spotted on the baroque style building faced with ceramic tiles built in 1912 and still listed. (see right) And it was not that long back that Kennedy, famed for its fine sausages, closed.

An earlier retail name still recognised by some today was W.F. Skilton, a farmer and butcher who took over a butcher’s business at 6 Market Square in 1905 (see below). By the ‘thirties, he had branches in Croydon, Penge, Sutton, Epsom and farms at Blackbrook, Sundridge Park and Hayes Place. ‘There was a proper market square then,’ said Bromley–born Joyce Hawkins. ‘The sheep used to come in big lorries and were herded round the back of the shop for slaughter. They made a terrible noise, poor things…’

She also recalls Maunders, (see top photo next page) now McDonalds, which, closed in the 1970s, dated back to 1773. ‘ My youngest aunt worked there. She used to bring us back a bag of cakes, all homemade on the premises. They also made my wedding cake in 1951.’

Also popular were H. Tutt and Sons, the fishmongers JULY 2013 27

who’ kept the fish wet in boxes with moss’ said Marilyn Clipston, from Keston.

‘They were famous for their boxes of live eels.’

In June 1909, nine fire engines and 43 firemen took two hours to quench the flames that destroyed Dunn’s furnishing store, dating back to the 18th century, possibly even earlier. Ironically during the massive World War Two incendiary bombing of April 16-17, 1941, the restored store, still remembered by many residents for its fine furniture, was again reduced to a charred wreck .The shop finally closed in 1980.

Not so big in size, but certainly in reputation was Wilson’s coffee house in the High Street, (see left) close to where the Churchill and Central Library now stand. This was the place to gossip over a coffee and sample what one fan described as the ‘ best doughnuts in town.’ It was rivalled only by the tempting smell of freshly ground coffee emanating from the High Street Coffee Importers where two great grey elephants’ feet about a foot high, stood in the hearth.

At Hennekeys wine bar ladies of a certain age and class imbibed copious quantities of sherry or port; some hastily deny ever knowing the place, let alone having ever been there! Ghinns was the place for buying knitting wool, while Guntons, near to where the Odeon still stands, sold fabrics of all kinds as well as carpets and curtains.

Others will recall Attwoods at 53-57 High Street which specialised in, corsets, hats and haberdashery. ’My mother never bought her corsets anywhere else,’ said the late Tony Robinson who worked for the Army & Navy, another landmark store which closed in 2004.

It was linked by bridge to close competitor Wolfe & Hollander, which built in 1935, closed in 1971.

❝ It was my first big fire… flames were coming out of the top floor ❞

Predecessor to the Army & Navy was the huge Harrison Gibson store (see top right) which is probably remembered more for the dramatic fire of February 1968 than as a rather snazzy furniture store. Among the fireman who fought the blaze was 20 year old Roger Wood. ‘ Between 25 and 39 pumps, not only from Bromley, but surrounding districts, were called out, he said. ‘It was my first big fire. We should have finished by 6.30 but we were still there around 8.30 to nine.’

Jenny Miah, then Jenny Hicks, also recalls the drama.

‘Fire engines were everywhere and flames were coming out of the top floor into sky, she said.’ Now a bank executive, Jenny once worked part-time for Cater’s Bromley’s first supermarket in the Market Square roughly where the recently closed Jessops was sited. ‘ I used to rush from school on a Friday

28 JULY 2013

night and do all of Saturday. Homework had to be done Sunday, listening to a portable tape-recorder which I had saved up for. I was on the deli counter and late on Saturdays you would get these ladies in fur coats looking for bargains that had to be 8ozs or nothing at all. They would always try to get the price reduced.’ (see Footnote) Fashion also ruled around that time: ‘Those were the days of the skin tight jeans,’ recalls Jenny. Her favourite outlet was the Jean Machine. ‘ We used to get the tightest and, if necessary, would lie on the floor and the assistant would get a coat hanger to pull up the zip.

Alternatively you took them home and shrank them …’

Later my own daughter Jenny, now in her late forties, remembers begging to be allowed to buy shoes from Freeman Hardy & Willis, spending hours at the make up counter in Miss Selfridge and having Saturday jobs at Snobs and Kemps. And as for grand–daughter Polly, now in her late teens her childhood memories some 50 years on will no doubt be of ‘the magical Glades’ (which when built back in the late ‘eighties – it opened in October 1991 – (see above) was once viewed with horror. But then history, as they say, is a foreign country; they do things differently there. Nowhere does this apply more than to the town where you live.

FOOTNOTE: Caters seemed to sink without trace, leaving virtually nothing known about its history and with no photo available either: if you have some information, or know anyone that has, do let me know at rulered@btinternet.com or phone me on 0208 462 3542. Old photos of others mentioned are also welcome.)

Remember where Nicholsons was?

The left hand corner may look familiar.

It was where the former Gaumont stands and is now home to Dreams and Wikinsons.

Your dream kitchen – from design to reality

Using the very latest CAD technology we’re able to show you a photo-realistic image of your new dream kitchen when it’s still nothing more than that – a dream.

Whether it’s an ultra-sleek contemporary style or something a little more traditional you’ll be one hundred per cent satisifed with your new kitchen every step of the way.

Each and every one of your requirements will be satisfied before you commit to purchase.

And when we come to install we use our own professional craftsmen – so no nightmare builders.

For a free no-obligation survey and quotation call

0800 5426102 This image is a simulation

Download our FREE guide book: “The top ten key questions to ask when buying a kitchen” Project3_Layout 1 05/07/2013 Page 1 Visit17:28 www.thecountygroup.co.uk/kitchenguide AND SEE OUR CURRENT SPECIAL OFFERS

Kitchens • Bedrooms • Studies Windows • Doors Conservatories • Orangeries

www.thecountygroup.co.uk Showrooms in Heathfield, Tunbridge Wells, Haywards Heath and Hailsham.

F I R ST F LO OR BAT HRO OM SHOWRO OM DESIG N SE RV ICE AVAIL A BLE 11-12 Sundridge Parade Plaistow Lane Sundridge Park Bromley BR1 4DT 020 8466 6313 www.sundridgeinteriors.com JULY 2013

29

FOCUS ON

Emmetts Garden

Through the Seasons Pictures: Adam Swaine

Emmetts Garden Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, TN14 6BA Telephone: 01732 750367 Email: emmetts@nationaltrust.org.uk Adam Swaine Photographer www.adamswaine.co.uk email: adamswaine@rocketmail.com mobile: 07798 526 569 30 JULY 2013

Freshen up your entire home

What better time to give your home a lift than spring time and by simply changing your flooring you can freshen up your entire home.

Behar, with so many years of experience behind them offers quality, service and value and has so many choices to excite and stimulate your creative instincts, choosing the right flooring for you could not be easier. There are massive choices in carpets in natural and manmade fibres – with seemingly limitless options in plain or patterns – understated neutrals to the dazzling funky.

Also, hard floors – real woods and durable laminates in every wood species that you can think of plus, Amtico flooring in every conceivable pattern and style.

And right now there has never been a better time to buy with free fitting on all carpet orders over £300 – you get tremendous value at Behar as well as incredibly low prices.

Choice, value, expert, honest advice, exceptional service – and the lowest prices in town guaranteed (see website for Price Promise details) there is only one place to go – and it has to be Behar.

Behar has just opened a second shop, namely BR Flooring, 216-218 Eltham High Street, Eltham SE9 1BA Tel: 0208 294 2660, along with its existing shop Behar Carpets, Unit 2b/2c Fairway, Station Square, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1EG. Tel: 01689 822100. www.beharcarpets. co.uk

1/2 Price Carpets *

plus FREE fitting ** on all carpets

New Shop Now Open 216-218-Eltham High Street, Eltham, London SE9 1BA Telephone: 0208 294 2660

Pettswood Unit 2b/2c Fairway Station Square Pettswood, Kent BR5 1EG

Telephone 01689 822100 Photographs for illustration purposes only * on selected items ** Free fitting on minimum order of £300 (£25 surcharge for stairs) JULY 2013 31

STA R I NT E R V I E W

The Heart-Throb

with Heart

F

amily means everything to Brad Pitt.

Once famed for being the most attractive man on the planet, these days he’s the A-list poster boy for family values, and the devoted dad of six is happy to admit that he’s prioritising his beloved brood ahead of everything else.

In fact, it was his fiancee, Angelina Jolie, who recently stole the limelight at the UK premiere for Pitt’s latest film World War Z. The event was 38-yearold Jolie’s first red carpet appearance since revealing last month that she’d undergone a preventative double mastectomy after discovering she carried the “faulty” BRCA1 gene, which sharply increased her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Her decision to “go public” led to a huge outpouring of respect and admiration for the actress with Pitt leading the praise.

“She’s doing great,” the actor and producer says today. “It’s business as usual and on to the

32 JULY MONTH 2013 2013

next stage for us.”

Asked how important Jolie’s support at the premiere was, he says: “I’ve never not had support from her. I love her, it brings you closer and makes you stronger.”

Jolie, whose own mother was 56 when she died of ovarian cancer, underwent weeks of hospital appointments, invasive surgery and recovery during the early months of 2013, but the couple are feeling positive.

“It doesn’t have to be a scary thing. In fact, it can be empowering,” says Pitt of his fiance’s surgery. “It’s been an emotional and beautifully inspiring few months. It’s such a wonderful relief to come through this and not have a spectre hanging over our heads.

“My most proudest thing is our family,” he adds, knowingly.

Pitt’s transformation from ladies’ man to family man is well and truly complete.

Once engaged to Gwyneth Paltrow, he married former Friends actress Jennifer Aniston in 2000, before they split in 2005.

It was rumoured that his relationship with Jolie, whom he met on the set of Mr And Mrs Smith, caused the break-up, and while allegations of adultery were denied from both camps, Pitt and Jolie later admitted they “fell in love” while working on the film.

The couple are parents to three biological children - Shiloh, seven, and four-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne - and three adopted kids: Maddox, 11, Pax, nine, and eightyear-old Zahara.

Pitt had his kids in mind when he signed up for zombie thriller World War Z, he says, particularly the two older boys.

As well as starring in it, he produced it through his production company, Plan B Entertainment.

“These zombies are scary as hell,” he says. “And the movie, I believe, works on numerous levels. But primarily, it’s complete summer fun and something I wanted to do for my sons to enjoy.

“Some parents have not agreed with me after seeing it, because

STA R I NT E R V I E W it’s the most intense film that you’re going to see all summer!

But my kids are savvy and I figure it’s called parental guidance... But yeah, they loved it,” he adds.

In World War Z, directed by Marc Forster (Quantum Of Solace) and based on Max Brooks’s post-apocalyptic horror novel, Pitt plays former United Nations investigator Gerry Lane, tasked with having to save his family while trying to find, and stop, the source of the epidemic that’s turning people into zombies.

“Five years ago, I knew nothing about zombies. Now, I consider myself an expert,” Pitt jokes.

“Max’s book treats the zombie genre as a global pandemic, spreading much like we’ve witnessed viruses like SARS travel.

“What happens when

everything we concern our days with is rendered useless?

What happens when power structures and societal norms are obliterated? How will we survive?”

The actor says playing someone normal, not a superhero, appealed. “Gerry can’t fly, he can’t beat up bad guys. He has no super powers. He’s a dad, with a burning need to keep his family safe. To do that, he can only rely on his intellect, his instincts and his experience,” Pitt explains.

He has kind words for his onscreen wife Karen, played by Mireille Enos, who’s starred in the US version of The Killing.

“Mireille is a brilliant partner on set,” he says. “She can embody the lovingness of the mother and flip to the ferociousness of the lioness protecting her young

in an instant. As in any great relationship, she carried half the weight - a true ally.”

As for Forster, who also directed Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland and The Kite Runner, Pitt says: “He can’t be pigeonholed as a director; his experience and interest in many genres and types of film is a rarity.

His most memorable moments on film are intimate and human.

“It was this quality, juxtaposed against our massive global apocalyptic crisis, that we believed would lead to an unusually authentic and grounded action thriller.”

Forster returns the praise, calling Pitt “the best partner”.

“He is a sublime actor and a true artist. His sensibility of what works, what is real versus what

JULY 2013 33

STA R I NT E R V I E W

rings as false, is right on point,” says the director.

“We’d never done anything like this and, in that sense, it was a challenge - to work through this genre that was unfamiliar to the both of us, and try and create something fresh and new.”

Pitt, who became a Hollywood heart-throb after appearing in Thelma And Louise in 1991, and later in films like Meet Joe Black and Fight Club, has received four Oscar nominations in his time, including two for 2011 drama Moneyball.

His upcoming roles in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years A Slave and Ridley Scott’s The Counselor, are sure to bring him further acclaim.

But awards don’t factor in his game plan. “I don’t play the Oscars game. I had a Golden Globe [for 12 Monkeys] about a decade ago, but they are never the focus,” he says.

“I believe it’s how you personally feel. You want to feel that you’ve given it your best at the end of the day. We all want to be really good.”

Extra time

Pitt’s perfect parts Thelma And Louise (1991) - Pitt’s appearance as the impossibly hot thief J.D, alongside Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon, in Ridley Scott’s iconic Oscar-winning movie, instantly turned him into a household name.

Se7en (1995) - This sadistic thriller marked the first collaboration between director David Fincher and Pitt, who later worked together on Fight Club and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.

Snatch (2000) - Pitt puts on a questionable accent to play Irish traveller Mickey O’Neil in Guy Ritchie’s British thriller.

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button (2008) Pitt’s performance as the reverse-ageing Benjamin Button earned another Oscar nomination.

Burn After Reading (2008) - He gave a comedic performance as personal trainer Chad Feldheimer in Ethan and Joel Coen’s film.

World War Z opens in cinemas on Friday, June 21

34 JULY 2013

OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS

HARDWOOD DECKING

OAK & WALNUT FLOORING

HOME & GARDEN FEATURES

www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 Round Wood | Newick Lane | Mayfield | East Sussex | TN20 6RG

JULY 2013 35

STA R I NT E R V I E W

Film Review World War Z

(15, 116 mins) Action/Horror/Thriller/Romance. Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Sterling Jerins, Abigail Hargrove, Fana Mokoena, Daniella Kertesz, Peter Capaldi, Pierfrancesco Favino, Ruth Negga, Moritz Bleibtreu. Director: Marc Forster.

Released: June 21 (UK & Ireland) Some of Hollywood's most glittering triumphs have been snatched from the slavering jaws of defeat. Gone With The Wind was shot by three different directors and suffered numerous delays, yet the sweeping 1939 romance reigned supreme at the Oscars with eight statuettes including Best Picture and Best Director.

Joseph L Manciewicz's 1963 epic Cleopatra was beset with similar problems, almost bankrupting studio Twentieth Century Fox when the budget ballooned from two million to 44 million dollars. Lead stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton began a very public affair, which incurred the moral indignation of audiences, yet the dazzling historical drama still garnered four Oscars.

Now comes Brad Pitt's post-apocalyptic zombie action horror, which has been plagued by rumours of on-set traumas and was delayed by six months to allow filmmakers to completely rewrite and reshoot the final showdown. If poisonous word of mouth could slay a picture before it has even screened, World War Z would be as lifeless as the hordes of computergenerated undead that cram every frame of Marc Forster's ill-fated film. From this mire though, Forster and three screenwriters have bolted together a compelling survival thriller that is not the catastrophe the gossip-mongers predicted - but also not as slick and suspenseful as cast and crew would have wished.

Gerry Lane (Pitt) is a retired United Nations investigator, who devotes his time to his wife Karin (Mireille Enos) and daughters Constance

36 JULY 2013

(Sterling Jerins) and Rachel (Abigail Hargrove). During a drive through Philadelphia, the Lanes witness the spread of a disease which transforms men, women and children into merciless predators with a single bite.

Gerry's old boss at the UN, Thierry Umutoni (Fana Mokoena), guarantees Karin, Constance and Rachel passage on an aircraft carrier if Gerry will agree to travel behind enemy lines to discover the source of the outbreak. The search moves from a military base in South Korea to Jerusalem and finally to a World Health Organisation compound in Wales where Gerry and an Israeli soldier (Daniella Kertesz) join four doctors (Peter Capaldi, Pierfrancesco Favino, Ruth Negga, Moritz Bleibtreu) in the frantic race against time for a cure.

World War Z boasts a cracking opening 60 minutes, directed at breakneck speed by Forster, who captures the pandemonium as the infected swarm like rabid animals. The dramatic momentum slows noticeably in the rewritten final act that feels out of kilter with the rest of the film but does at least permit close-ups of the infected.

Pitt maintains beatific calm in the eye of a pyrotechnic-laden storm, which sacrifices scenes with Karin and the girls in favour of thrills and spills - though not blood spills. There is a conspicuous lack of gore to ensure the film achieves a 15 certificate. Heaven forbid the leading man should risk being torn limb from gym-toned limb by the zombies.

often copied... never equalled Vi-Spring were the inventors of the modern bed in 1901.

Today we continue to set the standard for the most luxurious beds with perfect comfort and unique support.

Why would you sleep on anything else?

Come and view our range of Vi-Spring beds Call

020 8777 4853 for more information

www.henmanbeds.co.uk Email: Johnhenman@btconnect.com

Henman Beds Quality Bed Specialist

81 High Street, West Wickham Closed Wednesday and Sunday JULY 2013 37

expectations?

Did your holiday live up to What Thomas Dunton can do for you Our many areas of expertise include most types of claim brought by holiday clients against tour operators and travel agents.

We will consider the latest case law in advising you whether to accept a settlement or to pursue your claim through the Court system.

D

ESPITE competition, whether you are holidaying in the UK, abroad or on a cruise ship, costs are not cheap and some of us save for many years for that ‘once in a lifetime’ holiday or a special event such as a honeymoon.

The most important factor that differentiates a holiday from any other product is that you cannot see it, experience it or inspect it before you buy it.

If it all goes wrong you cannot take it back to the shop and exchange it for another one.

Therefore, you can only rely on what you are told by a travel agent or what you see from a holiday brochure or over the internet.

Bringing a claim Generally, if you wish to recover damages under the holiday contract then you can sue the tour operator for breach of contract. This means what you actually received compared with what you contracted and paid for.

In holiday contracts, the law has recognised a claim for loss of enjoyment. This may include anxiety, distress and inconvenience - important in respect of holidays involving honeymoons and anniversaries.

What you should do when things go wrong It is important to bring it immediately to the tour operator’s notice or report it to the local representative.

If you wait until you arrive home before you 38 JULY 2013 complain, you could technically be in

breach of contract. If your complaint is acknowledged by the representative, obtain proof by getting a copy of the complaint form as well as names of other holiday makers and photographs.

Keep evidence of your problem Take photographs or a video. This is crucial if you feel you have a complaint.

Retain receipts if you incur unnecessary expense. If you are ill or have an accident, try and obtain medical evidence. If you are too ill, try and get a friend or relative to get this information for you. Make sure you get names of any doctors who treat you and the address of any clinic or hospital.

What you must do when you arrive back in the UK You must immediately put your complaint in writing to your tour operator. The booking conditions usually specify a time limitation in which to register your complaint with them. It may be anything from 6-8 weeks from the date that you return to the UK.

Accidents abroad If you suffer an accident whilst on holiday abroad whether in a vehicle, the collapse of a poolside chair or tripping over uneven tiles, you may still be able to bring a legal claim in the UK Courts.

You may be assisted by the “Package Holidays” Regulations. This can avoid the difficulties associated with bringing a claim in a foreign country. These Regulations allow an injured victim to bring a claim against the Tour Operator in his or her own country.

Even where the holiday was purchased by another person, a Company or a Club or even won as a prize, each holiday maker still has direct rights to seek compensation.

Whatever the circumstances, seek legal advice as soon as practicable because of the many pitfalls which may apply and the stringent foreign time limits in which to bring a claim.

THOMAS DUNTON SOLICITORS Tour Operators’ responsibilities A Tour Operator may have to warn the Consumer of any known dangers he or she is likely to face in the resort in question, e.g. extreme weather conditions in certain seasons.

The holiday brochure will be important – both the description of the facilities and the “small print” of the Terms and Conditions of the Contract. Brochures usually state that local Health and Safety Standards apply and these may be lower than UK Standards.

However, not every failure can be attributed to the Tour Operator. A robbery and assault at a Hotel may be unavoidable unless the beach front hotel had been turned into a compound!

Nevertheless, Thomson Holidays were brought to account when a flight delay of 23 hours through Air Traffic Control problems necessitated a freezing night for a holiday maker.

Why choose Thomas Dunton?

Because you will be able to: • Discuss your details face to face – not just by email or Telephone • Have legal advice from someone experienced and qualified in Travel and Personal Injury Law. • Have a Solicitor who can see the effects the issue has on you • Know your case will be dealt with thoroughly to achieve the best results for you • Have one person handling your case from start to finish • Have a Solicitor who can service all your family needs

Information in this article is of a general nature and details are prone to change.

For advice on individual circumstances, please contact us on 01689 822554 or email enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk

217-219 High Street Orpington, Kent BR6 0NZ

01689 822554 enquiry@thomasdunton.co.uk www.thomasdunton.co.uk

HEALTH & BEAuty

life

THE QUALITY HEALTH & BEAUTY GUIDE • JULY 2013

Glow on Detox The Good Life Look and Feel your Very Best A Quality Spa. LOCAL HEALTH & BEAUTY STOCKISTS Aldington House Care Home Blackheath 0208 463 0641

Daniel Jordan London Sevenoaks 01732 455535

Biosculpture 0845 331 2347

Roakes Westerham 01959 565659/01959 569977

Bluebird Care Bromley 0208 315 0235 Sevenoaks 01732 471 541

Wells Medical Centre Tunbridge Wells 01892 530265

Crawley Clinic Brighton 01293 538538

JULY 2013 39

Roakes -

The High Quality Westerham Spa Roakes the Westerham Spa is located in The Courtyard under a shady colonnade opposite The Green in the historic town of Westerham . The four beautifully designed rooms enhance the skilful and professional treatments offered in The Spa. Although celebrities can be spotted in the salon, Davina McCall declared it is “an oasis on the Kent Surrey border”, part of the charm of the salon is the comfortable and welcoming atmosphere from all the staff. They have offered an excellent service since 2006 and the recently opened Cuban Room, a lovely barn located next to the salon, is proving to be a very popular choice offering nail enhancements, gel nails and manicures all at very competitive prices. Clients love the informal atmosphere enjoying the relaxing spa pedicure massage chairs providing a great chance to catch up with a friend and for an extra touch of luxury a glass of sparkling wine can be ordered to make the experience that little bit more special. Occasion make-up and spray tanning completes a full range of treatments on offer.

Roakes has always kept up to date with the latest trends and supplies excellent quality through Elemis, Guinot and Dermaquest products. In The Spa facials range from a quick hands on treatment to a full Elemis facial with a luxurious face, arm and head massage included. Guinot is well known for lifting facials and through Dermaquest a full range of facial peels is available. The salon has an excellent reputation for the wide range of massage including bespoke sports and reflexology.

The very effective Ellipse IPL for permanent hair reduction, skin rejuvenation and facial thread vein removal has always been in the salon and with Laser Care Protocols you can be assured of receiving the necessary care and attention required to undertake these treatments. The salon offers ACP with Sterex as

40 JULY 2013

an alternative for the removal of a wide range skin blemishes including skin tags and Campbel de Morgan red liver spots.

Training and high standards have always been paramount to Roakes and it seemed a natural progression to advance to a Training Academy. It is with great excitement that approval has been granted with an international awarding body to teach Beauty and Complementary Therapies at levels 1, 2, 3, & 4 along with Laser and IPL training. Roakes Academy has just been launched and is generating a great deal of interest. Such is their recognition for excellence within the industry that a preferred partnership is about to be launched with The Chilton Clinic for medical aesthetic treatments in Tunbridge Wells.

Go to their website www.roakes.co.uk and view the wide range of treatments on offer. Well worth clicking on the Facebook icon to view more current offers and if you Like the page you will receive 10% discount off your next treatment!

Roakes 5-6 The Courtyard, Westerham, Kent TN16 1AZ Tel: 01959 565659/01959 569977 info@roakes.co.uk • www.roakes.co.uk

Summer Beauty The anticipation of summer, either home or abroad is an exciting time! Ensure that you are looking and feeling your best with a Bio Sculpture Gel treatment for your fingers and toes that will look beautiful and is guaranteed to last.

Bio Sculpture Gel, the original everlasting manicure, is the perfect solution for holiday nails. The nourishing colour that lasts for up to three weeks on fingers and six weeks on toes will ensure that no time in the sunshine is wasted.

Bio Sculpture Gel, the original everlasting manicure, is a flexible and durable nail coating that dries under a UV or LED light. The treatment provides a professional and

glossy colour finish that nurtures and protects your natural nails. The treatment is tailored to suit your lifestyle and nail type to ensure a long lasting, nourishing finish. A Bio Sculpture Gel treatment is instantly dry to touch and therefore ideal for ladies on-the-go who don’t have time to sit around waiting for polish to dry.

For a traditional Summer time look, choose a French Manicure to take you effortlessly from the day to the evening. The stylish traveller might wear a classic 19 Pillar Box Red or the deeper 74 Real Red. Otherwise, for a look that is on-trend, try one of the latest colours from the Spring/Summer collection, The Hollywood Collection. The collection includes seven of the prettiest pastel colours inspired by the season’s fashion catwalks. Bio Sculpture Gel has a range of over 150 colours, to ensure a perfect choice for everyone.

Visit www.biosculpture.co.uk to find your nearest salon or call 0845 331 2347. Bio Sculpture Gel runs training courses for beginners and experienced nail technicians.

Bio Sculpture Gel, the original everlasting manicure, is a chip-free, salon treatment that cures to a strong yet flexible, glossy finish and lasts for up to three weeks.

The damage-free, nourishing treatment will protect and enhance your natural nails and is available in over 150 colours. As the original nail gel, Bio Sculpture Gel is tried, tested and proven.

For your nearest salon or further information on starter kits and training courses for beginners and experienced nail technicians visit www.biosculpture.co.uk or call 0845 331 2347

Proud members of the

@biosculpturegb

www.biosculpture.co.uk JULY 2013 41

&

H E A LT H BEAUTY

I

Glow on a Detox It might feel as though we’ve only just ditched our winter coats, but bikini season is just around the corner.

If the late onset of summer means you’re still sporting dull, pasty skin and winter excess baggage on your body, look to your larder for a seasonal change of gear.

As a Hollywood nutritionist and author of Beauty Detox Solution, Kimberly Snyder’s philosophy is that you can eat your way to radiant skin and an enviable body - no faddy diets or silly fasts required.

Having helped countless high-profile celebrities prepare for the red carpet, her quick fixes could transform you into a summer star too.

“What we eat affects not only our weight and our overall health, but also our hair, skin and nails - all the features that make us beautiful. To unlock that beauty, one needs to cleanse from within,” Snyder says.

So head to the supermarket and stock up on ingredients for a beautiful summer.

Food philosophy

Forget calorie and carb counting and look to the foods that affect how you look and feel.

“The skin is our largest organ and functions like a mirror of what’s going on inside the body,” Snyder explains. “Fruits and vegetables have powerful minerals and enzymes that promote beauty from the inside out.”

The fibre-packed glowing green smoothie (see recipe below) is one of Snyder’s beauty detox foundations. It’s an easy way to incorporate a large amount of greens into your diet - just one serving contains more than three cups of dark leafy green vegetables, which is more than most people eat in a week.

Snyder says: “All the nutrients and vitamins and minerals get into your system and the fibre cleans you out. Even if you don’t change the rest of your diet and have this smoothie instead of your usual breakfast, this can make a real difference.”

A beauty detox is about making progress, not perfection, according to Snyder. She suggests starting off by drinking hot lemon and water in the mornings, swapping dairy cheese for goat’s cheese, and if you can’t resist chocolate, switch to good quality dark stuff.

Quick fixes

You won’t wake up looking like a supermodel after a day of healthy eating but there are quick fixes to help kick-start your body beautiful mission.

Snyder says: “If you’re gearing up for summer there are speedy tricks to give you a boost but often people start to feel and look good and want to continue.”

She suggests aiming to consume the juice of two lemons a day, whether it’s with water or squeezed onto salads or spinach: “Lemon supports your liver and has lots of vitamin C so it will assist with your beach body goals.”

Aim to order your meals light to heavy, throughout the day, avoiding a big lunch you will struggle to digest. If you’re feeling bloated, drink natural cranberry concentrate an hour before bedtime, diluted with water.

“A lot of people hold ‘water weight’, which makes you look puffy, especially if you consume a lot of salt,”

42 JULY 2013

Kimberly Snyder's Glowing Green Smoothie.

Snyder explains. “Cranberry concentrate makes your kidney push out the excess salts and water.”

Just a few tweaks to your daily diet and you should see results in as little as three days, according to Snyder: “The combination of losing the water weight and getting the energy from the glowing green smoothie - your skin starts to glow, your eyes look brighter, and extra weight starts to fall off.”

Beauty boosters

Certain foods and ingredients have beautifying properties that you can incorporate into your everyday diet.

Snyder recommends: • Pumpkin seeds are a major beautifying food, as they are loaded with our beauty minerals zinc, calcium, potassium and magnesium, as well as B vitamins and collagen-repairing vitamin C and vitamin E. • Lemon is an amazing cleanser with more than 200 enzymes. It is one of the most restorative foods for the liver.

• Parsley is rich in beauty vitamins A and C, folic acid and has flavonoids that act as antioxidants to help stop free radicals that can damage cells and speed up ageing.

• Turmeric is an ayurvedic spice that has amazing antioxidant properties.

It inhibits oxidation and protects from free radical damage, and also helps clean up metabolic waste and supports the liver.

• Red peppers are bursting with vitamins A, C and K. The important antioxidant vitamins A and C help prevent cell damage and premature ageing, and reduce inflammation. They can also help strengthen collagen, helping to reduce cellulite.

Tried & tested

April Gray goes sci-fi in the bathroom with an LED whitening toothpaste.

May 20 marks the start of National Smile Month, and quite frankly, my teeth aren’t up to par. They aren’t particularly stained but they’re far from a Hollywood smile, being more ‘beige’ than bright white. Before shelling out on expensive teeth whitening, I decided to try Blanx’s White Shock, a whitening toothpaste with a difference...

It tastes the same as other toothpastes but it certainly didn’t look it, with an LED accelerator that glows every time the cap is unscrewed. The blue light is easy to attach to the refillable toothpaste and made cleaning my teeth a bit of a novelty! The idea is that the Actilux ingredient binds ‘microcrystals’ to

&

H E A LT H BEAUTY

Glowing Green Smoothie

Snyder swears by the GGS (Glowing Green Smoothie) to really make a difference to your diet.

“It’s an amazing thing to do for summer and bikini season. You get a lot of energy and your skin starts to glow,” she says. Here’s how to make one using a blender: 500ml water ½ head of organic spinach 1 head organic romaine Juice of ½ organic lemon 3-4 sticks organic celery 1 organic banana 1 organic pear 1 organic apple Method Fill the blender with the water, spinach and romaine and blend until smooth.

Add the celery, apple and pear and blend until smooth.

Add the lemon juice and banana for the final blend and enjoy!

Beauty Detox Solution by Kimberly Snyder is published by Harlequin Nonfiction, priced £12.99, available now

Hollywood nutritionist, Kimberly Snyder.

the tooth enamel, forming an all-day invisible barrier that dissolves the stains that cause yellowing. Actilux is activated by light, so it works even in daytime but the LED intensifies the whitening action every time you squeeze toothpaste onto your brush. I used the toothpaste for almost four weeks and noticed my staining lifted a little but the effects weren’t dramatic.

If you want results faster, the LED light can be used directly on your teeth by holding it in front of your month for one minute each day. With a refreshing minty taste and no abrasive silicon or peroxide, I’m giving this toothpaste the green light to use between professional whitening treatments or to keep pearly whites gleaming.

• BlanX White Shock with LED, £7.49, from ASDA or www.feelunique.com

JULY 2013 43

Dear Debbie Call our professional teams in Bromley Call our professional team in

DEBBIE MOULTON, CARE MANAGER OF BLUEBIRD CARE BlueBird her aDviCe OFFERS Care HER ,offers ADVICE Debbie Moulton, Care Manager of

0208 315 0236

bromley@bluebirdcare.co.uk Sevenoaks 01732 471 541 Sevenoaks 01732 471 541 sevenoaks@bluebirdcare.co.uk sevenoaks@bluebirdcare.co.uk

Dear Debbie

My elderly father lives alone and still manages to achieve a high degree of independence. He has mobility problems though and my concern is that he has become quite housebound and i think depressed – he only gets out when i can visit to take him out. is this the kind of problem that home care can help with?

Yours sincerely Sarah Murphy

Dear Sarah

a modern care agency is equipped to take a holistic approach to the well-being of a vulnerable person, dealing not only with basic needs, but also seeking to improve life quality, for example, through trips out to favourite locations. Many care agencies insist that all carers taken on have to have their own transport – the costs of which are reimbursed on a per mile basis by the care agency. losing the ability to keep in touch with the local area and the people that live there can contribute to depression, once ageing makes people frail and vulnerable. just getting out to the local café for a cup of tea every now and again to watch people going about their daily business can make a big difference. as long as the carers’ own car insurance arrangements stipulate that they are covered for “business use”, a carer should be able to take your father out in the car whenever he wants either to the shops, the library, the garden centre, or wherever he wishes.

44 JULY 2013

Best wishes Debbie Moulton Care Manager Bluebird Care (Sevenoaks)

Laser Treatment for Fungal Nail Infection People may not be aware but 3% of the population

suffer from Fungal Nail Infection.

There are different types of Fungal Nail Infection which cause this embarrassing problem. In the last 3years people can benefit from Laser Surgery to treat this condition quickly, safely and with minimum discomfort.

Our clinics are run by medically qualified staff and not sales people.

We would invite you to visit our website, there you can view our video and download the brochure.

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us on: 01892 530265 or 01293 538538.

This healing laser penetrates the nail into the nail bed killing the fungal infection, more than one treatment is required, usually between 3-4 treatments, it depends on the number of infected nails and the duration of time they have been infection.

You have to be patient as nails grow slowly, it may take between 4-6 months to see the benefits of this new treatment. The Laser is much safer and more effective than the ointments and creams prescribed by doctors because it gets under the nail bed.

To date we have treated nearly 1000 patients over our four clinics. We do not claim 100% success rate, our success rate is approximately 72%.

Laser Treatment for the Fungal Nail Infection and Warts COMING SOON

A safe, effective treatment for toes and feet including toenail fungus and warts.

ROAKES

The treatment involves painlessly passing the laser beam over the infected nails. Treatment sessions will take approximately 15 minutes .

GenesisPlus is very safe.

No side effects or adverse reactions have been reported. Most patients describe the procedure as being painless with a small hot pinch at the end.

Wells Medical Centre 71 London Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1DX Tel 01892 530265 Email: info@wellsmedicalcentre.com Crawley Clinic 16a Brighton Road, Southgate Crawley, West Sussex. RH10 6AA 8TN Tel 01293 538538 Email: Infor@crawleyclinic.com

ACADEMY Professional, High Standards in Teaching and Learning

50% OFF a course of treatments* 3 treatments 3 weeks apart

Beauty and Complementary Therapy Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Short Courses, CPD and Bespoke, Individualised Training to Suit Your Needs.

5-7 The Courtyard Market Square Westerham TN16 1AZ 01959 565659/ 01959 569977 www.roakes.co.uk

*terms and conditions apply

www.wellsmedicalcentre.com | www.wellsclinic.com JULY 2013 45

&

H E A LT H BEAUTY

The Good Life

✹

Amanda Lamb, 40, presenter of UKTV Home’s My Flat-Pack home, says: “My husband, Sean, and I love southern Italy and we have a little place in Puglia where we

✹

go with our daughter, Willow, four.

It’s the perfect holiday spot as it’s beautiful, quiet, and off the beaten track.”

✹

46 JULY 2013

✹

Chelsee Healey, 24, the actress who’s appeared in BBC’s Waterloo Road and competed in

✹

Sarah Beeny, 41, a TV property expert who’s backing a campaign

by Keep Britain Tidy and cleaning equipment company Karcher, says: “France is definitely my favourite country for a holiday.

“My husband, Graham, and I are going this summer and will drive over in a car fully loaded with our four sons and too much luggage!

“We love the cities such as Paris as much as the countryside.”

Lisa Snowdon, 41, copresenter of Capital FM’s Breakfast show, has joined forces with Belvita Breakfast Biscuits to campaign for better mornings. She says: “It has to be Kamalaya Koh Samui Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa Resort in Thailand.

ITV weather presenter Sian Lloyd, 54, says: “Kangaroo Island, south-west of Adelaide, Australia, is the most amazing haven.

“It’s a pristine wilderness which offers protection to native Australian animals and so you can see sea lions basking on white beaches, koalas dozing in lofty eucalyptus, pelicans soaring over shimmering lagoons, and, of course, kangaroos bounding around.

“I fell in love with Australia when I appeared in I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here in 2003 and I’ve been back to the country about seven times since.”

“The spa’s amazing and the resort is set in the most beautiful grounds, with exotic sweet-smelling flowers everywhere.

“You can be comfortable going there alone or with a partner and I never fail to feel wonderful when I return.”

“You can go there just to chill and holiday, as I do, but there is also a wide selection of programmes to help people with a wide variety of specific problems such as burn-out, diet or stress.

Strictly Come Dancing, says: “Dubai is a regular destination for me because you can enjoy everything there from shopping to chilling.

There are amazing buildings, great beaches and it’s always hot.”

✹

Lulu, 64, the singer who’s recently helped launch a new range of glasses, Specsavers Aurora, says: “A cruise on the Bosporus in Turkey in a traditional three-masted wooden sailing boat, a gulet, stands out in my memory as a fantastic holiday and a beautiful destination.

“I went with friends and it was fun and relaxing at the same time.

&

H E A LT H BEAUTY We sailed to Istanbul and saw all the sights, which was a brilliant conclusion to my visit to Turkey as it was fascinating.

“It was a trip I’d never have dreamt of myself but I’d do it again in an instant.”

✹

Actress Angela Griffin, 36, says: “Last summer for the first time in years I took two weeks off, because of work I never normally get more than a week. I went with the family to Valencia in Spain.

and visiting the film studios there including Universal.

“It was fascinating and I’ve promised myself I’ll return to explore Miami as well.”

✹

Caroline Flack, 33, presenter of ITV2’s The Xtra Factor, says: “I love travelling and want to see the world, so I’ve got a big list of places to get through!

“I’ve particularly enjoyed Kerala on India’s Malabar coast, which is absolutely beautiful. But I love the buzz in Sydney, Australia.

“Variety is essential for me. I’ve just come back from a spa trip to Miami so my next trip will probably be a city break.”

✹

Chris Beardshaw, TV gardener, 43, says: “I don’t get a break in the summer as we’re always busy with flower shows and filming.

“I’m not a beach person so we had a villa with a pool and spent lazy days swimming and eating and others travelling by car to explore the area. It was a brilliant break and our two daughters, Tallulah, eight, and Melissa, five, had a ball. I’d like to go back this year.”

✹

Gardener Charlie Dimmock, 46, says: “I travel quite a lot, giving lectures, so I often don’t holiday.

Instead, I prefer to stay at home in Hampshire and catch up on all the gardening I’ve missed.

✹

Kara Tointon, 29, who’s currently starring in West End play Relatively Speaking, says: “I’d always pick a ski holiday over a summer holiday.

“I enjoy being active and burning off lots of energy and I always feel brilliantly refreshed when I return from the mountains.

“Even when I go on a beach holiday, I hate lying around, so I’m in and out of the water and I’m always looking for activities to try such as jet skiing.

“Luckily, my boyfriend (Artem Chigvintsev) is the same as me.

Having the same taste in holidays with your partner is so important!”

✹

Aston Merrygold, 25, former JLS member and judge on Sky1 talent show Got To Dance, says: “For a holiday with my mates, it’s got to be Ibiza; it’s such a fun island.

“But the holiday I’ll always remember and would love to repeat is going with my family to Florida

my friend’s wedding at the luxury resort Sandy Lane, Barbados, and I’m determined to go back one day.

It was incredible - she looked like a film star and I felt like one being in a place like that.

“I also love a bit of Tenerife, that’s the Essex girl in me, but as we’re filming the series through the summer, I won’t get far this year.

“If I get a break, I’d love to visit Sardinia and enjoy wine, pedalos and chatting to the locals.”

“But when I do, I like visiting new countries and my ideal is somewhere warm with a mix of great scenery and a range of activities.

“I’ve been diving in Britain and abroad for more than 12 years, so it would need to be somewhere coastal, with the opportunity for eating plenty of fresh, delicious food.

“In fact, the more I talk about it, the more I would really like a holiday!”

✹

Gemma Collins, 32, star of reality series The Only Way Is Essex, says: “I saved up for a year to go to

“I prefer to be active and busy, but I take short breaks, such as seeing my family in Portugal.

“My sister and I once took a break in Jamaica. We spent the entire week relaxing and reading. I have to admit that was bliss!”

JULY 2013 47

Headline Act:

Morning show, and has worked on The X Factor live finals. He has also undertaken numerous sessions for Tatler, Vogue and Marie Claire, and helped Nicky Clarke to launch his hair-care products in the United States. While still working with Nicky, he assisted Guido Paulo, the fashion session guru, on catwalk shows for Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Prada and Alexander McQueen.

Daniel has grown up with glamour hairdressing at the highest level and has recently undertaken one-to-one instruction with the world’s best former Vidal Sassoon trainers to fine-tune his technical ability. His vision is to marry the glamour of the Mayfair salons with the avantgarde technical brilliance of Vidal Sassoon. The result is his unique approach: traditional feminine glamour and softness underpinned by creative and technical excellence, with exceptional attention to detail.

“I firmly believe that every woman, regardless of background or budget, deserves to feel beautiful and special,” says Daniel, “and that modern hairdressing means being individual rather than uniform.” He adds: “We’ve created a luxurious and spacious regency feel in the new salon, and we offer a quality and service seldom seen today. Because I hate the conveyor-belt mentality of some salons, our clients enjoy a full hour of dedicated service. Anyone who leaves our premises will not only experience the difference, they’ll feel it as well.”

Helping Daniel in the Sevenoaks salon are John Gooderham and Louise Green, both trained from an early age by John Frieda. Daniel quickly recognised John Gooderham’s creativity and service ethos – central features of Daniel Jordan brand – while Louise has a rare gift for colour and a superb eye for detail. As for products, the salon offers a wide range from Bumble and Bumble with colour supplied by Wella.

The Sevenoaks salon has already made a big impact – particularly through word of mouth. “Not only have we had tremendous repeat business in the first month,” reports Daniel, “new clients are coming to us because of recommendations.” That may well be the essence of the Daniel Jordan brand: an experience that’s not only worth repeating, but also one you feel compelled to tell others about.

Daniel Jordan Daniel Jordan is a name with a distinctive ring. It speaks of retail refinement, superior consumer style, and the kind of bespoke service that discerning people love. Which is precisely the image that Daniel aspires to.

As the eponymous creator of a new hairdressing brand, Daniel Jordan is hoping to emulate the success of Nicky Clarke, Vidal Sassoon and other industry greats.

Daniel certainly has the personality and the pedigree to bring something new, vibrant and refreshing to the high-street salon. So why is Daniel Jordan different?

What makes his brand and philosophy – and there’s no better phrase for it – a cut beyond the rest?

First, consider Daniel’s credentials. The 35-year-old enjoyed a stellar apprenticeship and his natural talent was honed by the best in the business. He started at the age of 15 in John Frieda’s Mayfair salon, learning his craft from Clifford Stafford, who trained many of today’s elite hairdressers. Nicky Clarke spotted his talent and took him on as his assistant and then made him his right-hand man.

In his 20-year career, Daniel has worked on both sides of the Atlantic and been eagerly sought by film stars, royalty, media personalities and other A-list clients.

Pierce Brosnan, the Duchess of Kent, Paula Yates and Martine McCutcheon are just some of the many celebrities whose hair has passed through his creative hands.

Daniel was responsible for makeovers on ITV’s This 48 JULY 2013

Daniel Jordan London 143c High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1UX 01732 455535 www.danieljordanlondon.com

INTRODUCING DANIEL JORDAN LONDON. A NEw SALON THAT bRINGS THE CLASS AND SOpHISTICATION Of THE fINEST wEST END HAIRDRESSERS TO SEVENOAKS HIGH STREET. wE ARE pASSIONATE AbOUT SERVICE AND STyLE. wE SET SUpERIOR STANDARDS AND pURSUE EXCEpTIONAL qUALITy. AbOVE ALL wE bELIEVE THAT EVERy VISIT TO OUR SALON SHOULD bE SpECIAL. wE’RE NOT JUST ANy HAIR SALON. wE’RE DANIEL JORDAN LONDON. COME AND EXpERIENCE THE DIffERENCE.

01732 455535 1 4 3 c H I G H S T R E ET, SEV ENOA KS, KENT T N13 1UX DA N I E L J O R DA N L O N D O N . C O M @ DJLond on1

JULY 2013 49

&

H E A LT H BEAUTY

Beach Blitz

i

women’s biggest f tights are L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze bugbears when your security it comes to bikini blanket and tent- Firming Body Lotion Tan Optimiser, £6.99 (Boots) season. like maxis your “It’s not just about wardrobe saviour, exercise - you are what you eat,” stop and embrace summer. says Fiona Hunter, nutritionist The slow start to the for Simple. season has given us longer “Cut out sugar, booze to hide our sins under layers, and carbs and start taking making the transition to bodya probiotic supplement baring bikinis even more two weeks before daunting than usual. your holiday to help More than half of boost levels of friendly women (59%) have bacteria in your avoided wearing a digestive system, which bikini in front of people can help reduce the because they didn’t dreaded bikini bloating.” feel confident enough, Abs of steel won’t according to a body happen overnight but survey by Bio-Oil. And a faux golden glow can one in five women work slimming wonders. admitted that they worry Look for a tanning lotion about their body every with toning and firming day. properties to give your Whether your catalyst belly a boost. is a vacation or daring Try: Famous Dave’s Tan summer dress, avoid the and Tone Lotion, £24.99 panic and start prepping (www.famousdave.co.uk); your figure now for the or L’Oreal Paris Sublime ‘big reveal’.

Bronze Firming Body Toned tum Lotion Tan Optimiser, £6.99 Muffin top alert! Wobbly (Boots). stomachs are one of

50 JULY 2013

Perfect pins

Forget being glued to weather forecasts. You’re never going to be inspired to let the sun see your legs if they’re camouflaged in a layer of fuzz and dead skin.

“Take the time to exfoliate to keep skin looking rejuvenated and radiant,” advises Nathalie Eleni, Venus & Braun beauty therapist.

“Exfoliate daily by using a gentle scrub, massaging the skin in circular motions to remove dead skin cells and leave you with the perfect base for tanning.”

A smooth base will make buffing your limbs into Famous Dave's Tan and shape easier, with Tone Lotion, £24.99 a firming potion to (www.famousdave.co.uk) tighten. Wow with contouring trickery

&

H E A LT H BEAUTY using a subtle stroke of shimmer or highlighter down the front of your shins.

Try: USculpt Bum Legs & Tum, £39.50 (Boots); or Dr. Ceuticals Leg Tone & Shimmer, £16.99 (Boots).

Sculpted arms

Bingo wings, be gone. Nobody wants to experience the dreaded flapping Dr. Hauschka Rosemary effect waving to Leg and Arm Toner, £24.95 someone on the (www.drhauschka.co.uk). beach. Pick up baked beans cans or shopping bags and get your arms moving.

Celebrity trainer Efua Baker says: “Upper arm definition gets worse from your mid-30s as your body starts to lose muscle mass at the same time as your skin loses elasticity.

“To ensure shape and definition, you have to work your arm muscles regularly.”

Aim for arms like Michelle Obama with toning potions to smooth skin and diminish back of the arm bumps.

Try: Soap & Glory The Firminator Targeted Arm Firming & Toning Formula, £12 (Boots); or Dr. Hauschka Rosemary Leg and Arm Toner, £24.95 (www. drhauschka.co.uk).

Smooth bum

Even skinny minnies aren’t immune to cellulite. The orange peel effect is often hereditary and around 95% of women have some type of cellulite on their body, but as our bottoms are fleshiest the effect is heightened.

De-dimple a bumpy bum with daily body brushing and massage to increase fat dispersion.

It’s also important to get active before you hit the beach: “Get moving and you’ll find the cellulite potions you invest in work better,” advises dermatologist Dr Ariel Haus.

“Following exercise, your metabolism and blood circulation are stimulated and products you apply will be better absorbed, helping to activate the celluliteUltimo USculpt Bum fighting ingredients.”

Legs & Tum, £39.50 Try: Bliss Fat Girl (Boots)

Shiseido Advanced Body Creator Super Slimming Reducer, £53 (House of Fraser)

Slim Lean Machine, £120 (www. blissworld.co.uk); or Shiseido Advanced Body Creator Super Slimming Reducer, £53 (House of Fraser).

Try using a bust cream daily to keep your cleavage perky and lifted. Getting into the routine of moisturising will help avoid decolletage creasing that can worsen with age.

Try: This Works Perfect Body Collection with Perfect Cleavage Firming Lotion, £38 (www. thisworks.com); or Mamo Mio Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer, £29.50 (www.mamamio. com/ uk).

Beautiful bust

Ignore the potions that promise an increased bra size in weeks.

Treasure the chest you’ve got and treat it in the same way as your face.

“The skin on your decolletage is very similar to the skin around your eyes,” says Tanya Mackay, Mama Mio co-founder. “It’s thin and delicate with very low levels of inherent strength and elasticity, so get into the habit of treating this area in the same way you use an eye cream This Works Perfect Body Collection with Perfect every day to keep skin youthful.”

Cleavage Firming Lotion, £38 (www.thisworks.com)

JULY 2013 51

&

H E A LT H BEAUTY

Tried & tested

Buy it now

Claire Macdonald tones up for beach time Cancel the snooze button and give your with a cellulite-busting treatment: hair blow-dry bounce with Philip Kingsley’s A food-filled extended winter and the One More Day. While the trichologist has dread of bikini season led me to seek out always advocated daily hair washing, his dry some drastic help in the form of a detoxifying shampoo refreshes and soothes the scalp, and firming treatment for unwanted lumps absorbs excess sebum and adds volume and and bumps. At Imagine Spa, I plumped texture. Available now, £14, or travel size, £6 for the Anti-Cellulite Firming Treatment to (Marks & Spencer). try and combat the orange peel situation Beauty bulletin blighting my bikini body. I confirmed the areas I wanted to target with the therapist :: Confidence building and relaxed on the warming stone slab. An Does your mascara wand or red lipstick exfoliating salt scrub was applied to my hold the key to extra courage? The majority thighs to stimulate the circulation and help of British women (65%) want to exude a look shift the toxins, which cause bumpy skin. of confidence over any other trait, including After it was washed off, I was treated to an appearing sexy, intelligent, or youthful. More invigorating massage on the front and back than a third (37%) believed make-up was a of my thighs. My problem areas - stomach Philip Kingsley One More leading tool to convey confidence, according and muffin top - were wrapped with cloth Day Dry Shampoo, £14 bandages containing detoxifying mineral-rich (www.marksandspencer. to the survey by QVC. The Voice judge and singer Jessie J was voted beauty icon who algae powder that stimulates the skin into com) best represents the look of confidence with action. While they got to work, a soothing head and decolletage massage helped me to 64%. The moments that women wanted to relax. A soothing moisturiser finished off the treatment look their most confident included job interviews, nights and it was clear to see where the wraps had worked out with friends and dates. their magic as my skin looked pink and felt tingly :: Recessionista alert afterwards. There was no miracle weight loss but my hot Make your nails sun, sea and sand resistant with spots definitely felt smoother and firmer. A great shortShellac’s gel polish that lasts up to two weeks. Dove is term confidence fix before bikini season. offering a professional application for just £15 (usual • Anti-Cellulite Firming Treatment, £55 for 60 price, £35), with a £5 soak-off removal cost. Offer minutes at Imagine Spa at Dower House Hotel, available for the hands only in a solid colour, from June Knaresborough 9-August 10. For your nearest Dove Spa location, visit • Available at Imagine Spas nationwide, from £44. Visit www.imaginespa.co.uk www.dovespa.co.uk (excludes Bromley and Chiswick).

52 JULY 2013

JULY 2013 53

The Candy Man is Calling!

O

n Friday 7th June, Chislehurst saw the opening of Sweet Sundae, a traditional sweet shop, offering a large selection of sugary delights!

Sweet Sundae, not only offers an extensive range of traditional confectionary, but also boasts a super cool, smoothie & milkshake bar along with a vintage style ice cream bike filled with a delicious range of New Forrest ice cream flavours.

The latest addition to Chislehurst High Street, has a nostalgic feel, with it’s endless shelves of glass jars, filled with a range of old fashioned sweets that will instantly take you back to your childhood!

Add your own toppings from the retro sweet cart and choose to enjoy your ice cream sundae in the seating area upstairs or takeaway your favourite flavour in a cone or a tub!

Whether you’re a liquorish lover, a fudge fanatic or mad about Milkshakes, Sweet Sundae is open seven days a week and has something for every sugar addict!

Sweet Sundae 13 Chislehurst High Street, BR7 5AB

54 JULY 2013

JULY 2013 55

F AS H I O N

Perfectly Suited

T

hourglass shape to the max and make you look instantly cinched in.

But if you hate the thought of exposing your bottom and thighs, look for skirted swimsuits. An extension of the one-piece, there’s an in-built extended frill that covers your modesty and looks retro sexy.

When body concerns aren’t a problem, why not showboat on the beach? Look for statement swimsuits with contemporary cutout detailing, or a plunging neckline that draws attention to your best assets.

he key to a carefree holiday is sunshine, ice cream and ‘the’ perfect swimsuit.

It’s the only outfit you need for basking on the beach or taking a dip in the hotel pool, and gives you sunny feelings the instant you put it on.

Shopping for that wonder bikini or one-piece, however, is no vacation... Sweaty changing rooms, multi-way mirrors and ill-fitting costumes can dampen the holiday spirit.

Two-thirds (66%) of women plan to buy a new swimsuit this summer, according to a recent survey by Lands End. One-pieces came out on top as the preferred swimsuit silhouette, favoured by almost seven out of 10 people.

Whether you splash out on a bikini, tankini or one-piece, take the plunge with beachwear that transforms your body and boosts your confidence.

Half-way heaven

One-piece wonder

The beachwear equivalent of the LBD in your wardrobe, one-pieces are swimwear dressing made easy.

Slip into a control swimsuit that aims to skim off a dress size with clever ruching and taming panelling.

They might feel more restrictive and structured but there will be no need to breathe in when you’re slurping your super-sized gelato.

A belted swimsuit will flaunt an

56 JULY 2013

Hawaii swimsuit, £175; Marianna G (mariannagswimwear.com)

Marks & Spencer tummy control ruched swimsuit, £23.60 (www.marksandspencer.com)

Tankinis are the answer to your prayers if you feel too covered in a swimsuit and too exposed in a skimpy bikini.

A longer top is especially ideal if you’re tummy conscious. Seek out clever suck-you-in panelling for extra body confidence.

Minimise love handle overhang by avoiding bottoms that sit too low on the hips or are too snug in size. A well-fitted mid-rise brief will bring definition to the waist and look more flattering.

Inspired by retro styling, bikini bottoms have risen up the tummy to almost rib height, for another halfway option offering extra coverage.

Thigh thinning and hip slimming high-waisted styles are especially suited to bottom-heavy bodies as the eye is drawn to the cheeky

F AS H I O N exposed flash of flesh just under your bust.

Most high-waisted bottoms, often with tummy toning waistbands, Jette underwired print are also versatile bikini, £45 (www.swimwear365. enough to roll co.uk) up or down depending on your mood and how washboard flat you feel your stomach is that day.

Bikini smart set

The beauty of bikinis is that you can play mix and match to your heart’s content. This not only multiplies your swimwear options when it comes to suitcase packing, it also ensures that you get the right sizes for your top and bottom half if they vary.

Experimenting with different Khaki fringed swimsuit, £26; Next (www.next. co.uk)

colours can also balance out your proportions. If you’re top heavy, wear a darker top and team with light, bright or print bottoms and vice versa for instant figure trickery.

Bikinis are never going to look stylish if sagginess is a distraction. If you’re fuller busted and need extra support, look to brands like Panache (www.simplybe.co.uk), or Jette (www.swimwear365.co.uk) that offer styles with individual cup sizes for fit precision.

If support isn’t an issue, beat tan lines with a strapless bandeau style.

Boyish shapes may want to create the illusion of extra curves using frills, ruffles or heavily embellished styles.

Swimwear styling tips

No matter what your chosen style, look for these swimwear shortcuts to make a splash on the beach: • Never underestimate the power of ruching. Smart folds and tucks can camouflage your hot spots to make them look more streamlined.

• Halterneck swimsuits can elongate your body, instantly balancing out your proportions and showing off your shoulders and chest.

• Steer clear of big, busy prints if you want to look slimmer. Look for beachwear featuring ditsy pretty patterns to scale everything down.

• Employ colour blocking to create optical illusions.

Resort shapewear Use floral bikini top, £28; contrasting high-waist shorts, £12 dark and (www.isme.com) bright sections that draw attention exactly where you want it.

• Stripes can be a styling godsend.

Look for vertical and diagonal stripes that slim your middle and elongate your torso.

Ipanema padded bandeau bikini, £110; bottoms, £85; both Heidi Klein (www. heidiklein.com)

Spot skirted one piece, £32; M&Co (www. mandco.com).

JULY 2013 57

Buy it now

F AS H I O N

Fashion Flash Queen Kate

The Duchess of Cambridge has been crowned top fashion icon. Kate Middleton beat catwalk queen Victoria Beckham and pop princess Cheryl Cole in a poll of more than 2,000 people by fashion search engine StyleinView.co.uk. Conversely, glamour model Katie Price has been voted the least fashionable celebrity in the UK, followed

by Jodie Marsh and Madonna. Co-founder of StyleinView.co.uk, Dexter Grima, says: “Kate Middleton demonstrates a keen eye for knowing what suits her and dressing for the occasion. From her wedding day style to more formal royal appointments, and even her maternity choices, she has remained consistent.”

Going good

All bets are off when it comes to racing form. Women rely on lucky charms and eyecatching fashion as the basis for making their horse racing selections. Almost one fifth (18%) pick a horse based on the colour of the jockey’s silks, according to a survey by Coral. Other ladies rely on pure luck, with 6% wearing lucky underwear, and 7% wearing lucky jewellery when they place their bets.

58 JULY 2013

Fall into the tourist trap this summer with a snazzy camera around your neck. Yumi has got it covered with the camera print summer knit, £40, or floral and camera print tee, £32. There are even camera print bags, £30, to keep your kit in. All available now from www.yumidirect.co.uk

Get the look

She’s back. Sharon Osbourne proves she’s got the X Factor as she returns for her judging role in a blue leather biker jacket. Embrace your inner rock chick with La Redoute’s leather-look jacket, £49 (www.laredoute.co.uk).

Monday: Closed Tuesday: 7 Course Tasting Menu £50pp Wednesday: Jazz and Blues Pianist

After

Thursday: Harpist

Before

Friday/Saturday: Set Lunch Menu as usual Sunday: Italian Feast at £20.00 for 2 courses, £24.50 for 3.

Children 11 and under eat free of charge!

Our set menu at £14.50 is available every day except Sunday

Anything is possible

Elegant bespoke jewellery created with only you in mind

3 The Square  Riverhead 01732 779 555

www.dominicwalmsley.com

Made in London

5a High Street Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1UL 01892 549199 info@signorfrancorestaurant.com signorfrancorestaurant.com

ADAM SWAINE PHOTOGR APHY

07798 526 569

w w w. a d a ms w a ine. co .uk adam swaine@rocketm ail.com I N T E R I O R S

•

W E D D I N G S

•

L A N D S C A JULY P E2013

59

considered second to none, by customers and the pool industry alike.

Architect designed.

Built to perfection…

Swim at home every day of the year.

An Origin pool makes it all possible…

Origin has been in the business of constructing indoor and outdoor swimming pools for over thirty years. In that time they have progressed from simple timber buildings to the impressive architect design schemes of today.

As well as redesigning and updating their interactive website, and producing a new range of publicity material, Origin has also committed to a monthly email newsletter, eNews, to announce the latest and greatest improvements the company has been working on, and of course show the pick of the recent triumphs.

What makes the difference…

The company still handles every element of the design and building process, without bringing in any outside contractors whatsoever. From the first meeting, to the sketch ideas produced as a result, to the architectural drawings and finished visuals, to the guidance through the planning procedure, to the earthworks, the building and completing. Origin takes the process from beginning to end - and all you have to do is jump into the state-of-the-art heated pool at the end of it all.

Origin has become Britain’s longest established, best known pool company because it has accepted every challenge, crossed every hurdle, and with great experience and ingenuity created a product that is 60 JULY 2013

Origin’s architects and designers bring a wealth of experience and bright ideas to every aspect of this complex and demanding business. The teams who build the final pool houses have been involved since the very early days of the company.

Building an indoor pool house is a complex business, so many of Origin’s buildings are based on the company’s established styles. For example, The Panorama has a light, airy construction with a bright glazed lantern roof – and is created to coordinate with the style of your home. The Barn has all the appearance of a country barn conversion, but is built to current construction standards to be the perfect home for a superb heated pool. The Olympic has exceptional designer looks and a wide expanse of glass bringing a real indoor/outdoor feel to your swimming. These established styles come in a wide range of standard sizes, and form the basis of many of Origin’s bespoke projects. Your heated pool will be in a style of your choice.

Custom designed…

Origin is recognised as the foremost designers of one-off buildings and extensions, designed and developed to co-ordinate with their surroundings perfectly. Materials and finishes are carefully matched with the existing structure – so the finished result is a handsome extension to the property, hiding a luxurious heated pool.

Outdoor pools too…

Origin is aware that many people prefer to swim in the sun (or under the stars) and an outdoor pool can be one of the most aspirational features a home can have.

The level of skill and understanding of pool technology has helped Origin to become one of the country’s foremost outdoor pool providers.

Get in touch. Find out just why the original is usually the best.

Contact us

For full details of all Origin’s pool houses the very best way to start things off is to get in touch with Fiona on 01895 823366, or email fiona@originleisure.com Fiona will send you brochures, fill you in with all the details, and even arrange for you to meet one of our directors on site to get the whole process going.

Or visit www.originleisure.com to see our constantly changing and updating interactive website.

Origin Leisure Harefield Middlesex UB9 6TH

JP01 Sofa– £8,018. JC01 Coffe table Gloss– £794. JCT01 Small Coffee table Gloss– £349. JM01 Book Shelf Matt lacquer– £2,875.

Kitchens, sofas, beds, wardrobes, bookcases, mirrors, tables, chairs, coffee tables and sideboards... there is no end to our product range. We just love furniture and our sole objective is to create products of beauty, rich in quality and daring in combination.

For all enquiries contact us on 01892 619 721 or email sales@krieder.com alternatively view our products online at www.krieder.com

JULY 2013 61

&

HOME GARDEN

Next's collection of coastal style accessories including beach hut cushion, £12; reversible deckchair cushion, £12; reversible Catch of the Day cushion, all from Next.

Stylish Homes Ahoy

T

here’s something special about being close to water, wide expanses of sea and sky, and living with open doors and broad horizons.

Coastal homes are the fantasy of many, and the privilege of few. But so captivating is their style that it returns every year, sending a wave of seaside-inspired looks through interiors both near and far from the

62 JULY 2013

coast.

“Cool, calming colours, natural materials, whitewashed floors and soft flowing linens are all indispensable elements of such homes, but so too is a robust practicality,” says Sally Hayden, author of At The Waters Edge, which features 12 glorious waterside homes.

“These are spaces that allow

At The Water's Edge by Sally Hayden, photography Earl Carter, is published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £19.99.

us to be completely relaxed and carefree. They have an informal ‘kick off your shoes’ simplicity that invites relaxation.”

While the trend endures, like ocean ripples, the breadth of interpretation is ever expanding.

It ranges from the jaunty pastiche - with blue and white stripes, seaside signs and nautical paraphernalia - to a sophisticated,

&

HOME GARDEN understated approach, which relies on natural materials, sun-bleached colour palettes and beachcomber finds.

“Open-plan living is well suited to waterside or holiday homes, which are often places for an escape from everyday life,” says Hayden.

“It promotes an easy flow, as well as optimising the available light and space. Practical, hard-working kitchens extend into airy, unfussy living spaces, which ideally have large windows offering the best vantage point for the surrounding landscape.”

Here, experts in seaside chic share their ideas, to help steer you on a stylish course.

Watery hues

Calming shades which reflect the ocean are often incorporated into coastal colour schemes, to capture the sense of tranquility and harmony we associate with water.

“Large stretches of water reflect the colours of the sky and provide a broad palette to inspire interior decoration,” says Hayden.

“Opt for tones ranging from muted blues through to soft greens and subtle turquoises, which bring to mind the sparkle of water and wide cloudless horizons.”

Greys also work well, she points out, as they’re reminiscent of water and stormy skies. Opt for cooler hues with pale aquas and sea greens, while warmer shades complement stronger colours like navy, terracotta and brown.

Shore thing: Go into the wide blue yonder with the pale blue First Dawn, Dulux Matt Emulsion, £18.98 for 2.5 litres. Go grey with Dulux Timeless Emulsion in Wishing Well, £21.98 for 2.5 litres, both B&Q.

Ahoy Mug Set, £8.50 set of four, Sabichi.

Seagulls placemats, set of four, £27, Anorak.

Tu Navy Beach Arrow Sign, £5, Sainsbury's.

Lowestoft Cushion, £55, Michelle Mason.

Gisela Graham, blue and white painted wooden boat ornament £30, Debenhams.

Whiter shade of pale

An all-white interior is an obvious choice for a waterside home, says Hayden, because it creates a cool, crisp and airy environment, as well as a blank canvas against which to display collections of marine treasures.

“White doesn’t have to mean stark and cold. Combine it with natural materials like wood, linen, coir and seagrass, and their sunbleached tones suggest a summery, beachy palette,” she says.

“Warmer whites and creamy tones work wonderfully in cooler climates, as they have more depth. A neutral scheme offers an opportunity to introduce the odd splash of bold colour, such as deep turquoise or coral pink.”

Rocky Sea Roller Blind, from £119, DigetexHome.

JULY 2013 63

&

HOME GARDEN

Ice Blue shutters featured in the Shutterly Fabulous range, starting from £290 a square metre, for standard colours and custom finishes, from £320.

Echo the atmosphere of the seaside of yesteryear with retroinspired Beach Wallpaper, £150 a roll, and a matching Lowestoft Cushion, £55, Michelle Mason.

Beachcombing finds

Resilient, hard-wearing natural textiles will enhance rooms, with cotton an obvious choice.

Striped ticking works well too, Hayden suggests, and linen sits harmoniously beside rustic wood and unpolished stone.

Shore thing: Plantation shutters let light flood in and ensure privacy, or screen an outlook which may not be shore-side! The Shutterly Fabulous range starts from £290 a square metre for standard colours, and from £320 for custom finishes.

Alternatively, fake a sea view with a realistic Rocky Sea Roller Blind, from £119, DigetexHome.

Complement a serene setting with Linea’s Rennes light wood furniture range, currently on sale from £299 (normally priced from £369), and a brilliantly appropriate Postcard Cushion, £12.50, all House of Fraser.

Buoyant & beachy

The allure of the seaside is also about having fun, and that can 64 JULY 2013

apply to rooms.

“Blues are a natural choice for a nautical look. Create the illusion of warm, clear skies in your home, by keeping your walls more muted and adding a bolder blue to the ceiling, for a fresh and dynamic style that will take you away to your dream destination,” says Rebecca Thompson, senior colour and design manager at Dulux.

This can work well in bathrooms and bedrooms, as well as living spaces, to promote a carefree spirit and create a calming environment.

Shore thing: For a bold feature wall or ceiling, the deep turquoise Striking Cyan Dulux Matt Emulsion, £12.98 for 1.25 litres, B&Q, is ideal.

Alternatively, paint a wall with two colours which echo exotic skies, such as Sapphire Springs 3 Matt Emulsion and Bermuda Cocktail 2, both £24.99 for 2.5 litres from the Dulux Paint Mixing range. Divide the wall into two and ‘feather’ the join with a brush or roller for a dip-dye effect.

The pieces we display are an expression of our individual taste, and they can range from tasteful to witty, says Hayden.

“Sun hats, vintage tennis racquets, wooden oars and other beach paraphernalia can be displayed as decorative elements in a coastal retreat,” she says.

“Maps or navigation charts are popular adornments, while nostalgic postcards have a similar effect.

Nautical artwork grouped together can create a dramatic effect on a wall.”

Shore thing: Float the style without breaking the bank with Sainsbury’s accessories, which include a Tu Navy Beach Arrow Sign, £5, while Matalan has a white and blue Light House ornament, £8.

No shore retreat’s authentic without seagulls, and a couple of Anorak Seagulls Cushions, £37 each, from John Lewis, could add instant coastal atmosphere.

Take the look to the table, ideal for conjuring a coastline vibe, with Seagulls Placemats, £27 for a set of four, Anorak. Set the captain’s table with the four-piece blue and white striped Ahoy Mug Set, £8.50, from Sabichi.

At The Water’s Edge by Sally Hayden, photography Earl Carter, is published by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £19.99. This book is available to readers for £17.99 (including p&p) by calling Macmillan Direct on 01256 302 699 and quoting ref GLR 7XF

Ports of call

Anorak On Line: 020 8299 2416/ www.anorakonline.co.uk B&Q: 0845 609 6688/www.diy. com Dulux: 08444 817 817/www.dulux. co.uk House of Fraser: 0870 160 7270/ www.houseoffraser.co.uk John Lewis: 0845 6049 049/ www.johnlewis.com Matalan: 0845 330 3330/www. matalan.co.uk Michelle Mason: www. michellemason.co.uk Sabichi: 01909 544 570/www. sabichi.co.uk Sainsbury’s: 0800 636 262/www. sainsburys.co.uk Shutterly Fabulous: 0800 012 6615/www.shutterlyfabulous.com

JULY 2013 65

Henman Beds

The Reliable Bed People –

Henman Beds have been established for over 43 years and have become firm local favourites as the reliable family run business in West Wickham. Their aim is to provide an excellent range of beds for the home where a keen price never compromises quality.

They stock a wide variety of beds, including fantastic beds from the Vi-Spring range and a wide variety of headboards for people who want a headboard to match their new bed and bedroom decor.

Henman are proud stockists of Vi-Spring. Vi-Spring was founded in 1901, and was the very first company to produce an interior sprung mattress using a system of individually pocketed springs. This changed the way that beds are made, and is often regarded as the very first modern bed.

Vi-Spring has never wavered from its original philosophy of using the very best craftsmanship and the highest quality natural materials to produce some of the finest beds in the world. Vi-Spring sources the finest fleeces for the wool that softens and insulates its beds, and the search begins close to home. Britain’s changeable climate makes wool from these isles uniquely soft, springy and strong, and renowned throughout the world for its superiority. Vi-Spring is the only bed manufacturer to use pure Platinum Certified British fleece wool exclusively in the production of its beds – and the only company to use a minimum of four full fleeces in a typical mattress.

All Vi-Spring beds are made with premium 100% fleece wool. Fleece wool is obtained by shearing the wool coat that sheep grow. In Britain this is done once a year, and is a necessary part of good animal husbandry.

The sheep is not harmed during this process. Vi-Spring only selects wool that has been awarded Platinum Certification by the British Wool Marketing Board. It is also the only bed maker to use real Shetland wool – over one quarter of the annual Shetland Isle wool clip is destined for a world-class Vi-Spring bed.

Vi-Spring is one of the very few bed manufacturers to make its own springs, ensuring that only the finest 66 JULY 2013

grade steel and highest standards of workmanship go into their production. Each spring works to shape your Vi-Spring mattress to your body, adjusting to your movements to provide constant, cradling support without areas of pressure. The springs work with the bed’s upholstery, providing a perfect balance of strength and softness.

The supple springs return to their original shape after use, maintaining the structure and integrity of your mattress for longer.

Every mattress border has genuine side-stitching by hand – a skill that takes craftsmen years to master. It gives each mattress an exquisite, tailored finish. It is not just cosmetic though, unlike that found on many beds today. It gives supportive strength to the mattress edges that lesser beds need a metal rod to achieve.

Vi-Spring was voted the top mattress brand by members of the consumer body Side Stitching Which? in both 2011 and 2012. The company received a satisfaction score of 85%, with five stars for both comfort and durability. Vi-Spring was also awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2012 for the growth of its export markets, and was recognised within the bed industry with the accolade of the National Bed Federation Bed Manufacturer of the Year.

Henman Beds pride themselves on their Threading experience, service and quality so if you Packing Wool are looking for a bed contact: Henman Beds 81 High Street, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0LS Tel: 0208 777 4853 www.henmanbeds.co.uk Closed Weds and Sunday

Call us now on 0845 45 99444 to book for FREE site visit www. johnsonsgardenbuildings.co.uk

JULY 2013 67

a n t ique s

John Bly

T

here’s nothing new in young people taking a while out to travel abroad between finishing school and embarking on a career. It was highly recommended by Henry VIII as being most beneficial for a young man’s education. There was particular stress on visiting those areas where ancient civilisations had left remnants of their scholarship. The essential fact was that you had to learn something useful and mind-improving. This is less stringently the case today, and the Grand Tour is considerably less grand, but the idea is the same, and the same hazards exist. Young tourists were and sadly still are fleeced, robbed, raped and murdered but, for the majority the experience was fulfilling and by all accounts a great deal of fun, and long may it remain so.

But it was during the second half of the eighteenth century that the Grand Tour had its heyday. On their way, each young traveller accompanied by his tutor or “bear-leader” as they were called would stop off at Nice where it was known to be of a climate “good for the breast”. Thomas Smollett who loved the place was the first person recorded as swimming in the sea there, much to the great anxiety of the locals 68 JULY 2013

who immediately called for the doctor who in turn foresaw instant death and called for the undertakers and the priest.

Naturally Marseilles was on the route but here the most popular attraction was to get on board a ship and look at the galley slaves….”all naked and chained together”.

Strictly for the tourists of course, for when the slaves were unchained they had their own little shops on the quay and were constantly given custom or gifts from the erstwhile ‘passengers’.

But it was to Italy that the tourists had to go, having seen Arle or the 2nd Rome, the real thing was next. For over two hundred years we had seen the wonders of the ancient and noble orders of architecture above ground in Greece and Italy, giving Inigo Jones, Vanbrough, and Lord Burlington their inspiration. But we knew not what the ancients used as domestic artefacts until excavations began in the 1750’s, exposing the wondrous interiors and objets in the Baths of Caracella and Diocletian, the basilicas and vaulted temples at Herculaneum, and Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli.

Surely the most notable of all Grand Tourists,

a n t ique s for the duration of his explorations and his extreme influence on English interior decoration was Thomas Hope 1769 – 1831. Of Scottish origin and wealthy background he was able to out-tour most of his contemporaries by travelling for eight years and enjoying the various delights of Asia, Europe and Africa. By the age of twenty six he had studied architecture in Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Greece, Sicily, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany and England. His further education centred on the arts and antiquity to such an extent that he was able with justification to claim influence on architecture, interior decoration and furnishings in London where he arrived and settled in 1795.

Indeed some of his designs were still to be seen in fashionable houses three generations later and of course remain highly sought after today. He had a great talent for drawing which is clearly evident in his book Household Furniture and Interior Decoration published in folio form in 1807, the exemplary work for students of the period.

He is best remembered for his spectacularly furnished two houses, Duchess Street in London and The Deepdene near Dorking in Surrey. Duchess Street, bought in 1799, embodied his unequalled mastery of the language of architecture; the symbolism of each carved capital and column, the historical environment of each furnishing piece, giving a meaning and a story of a passage through time and culture as you went from room to room. In 1807 he bought The Deepdene near Dorking in Surrey where he could indulge his love of the Picturesque House and Garden. It was no less impressive than his London home and included arcades, terraces, parterres and avenues with an orangery, laboratory, an oratory and a conservatory.

An idea of the interiors is preserved for us today in Household Furniture and this is where we come to the point of my story.

This year I have had the honour of once again being invited to take part in the judging of the prestigious “Object of the Year” competition at the Olympia International Art and Antiques Fair organised by LAPADA, the London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association and Country Life.

As you can imagine there are wonderful museum quality pieces of great historical value up for the prize, but while a perfect example is the one we all seek, the most interesting to me is something that has escaped from a sanctuary to become part of the everyday life of a family. During this time it has been adapted to better perform its purpose and in this year’s selection of items to be judged there was one wonderful example of such a piece; a carved

wood and gilt chandelier so precisely compatible in form with designs in Thomas Hope’s book that it can be directly linked to one of his interiors. As most of such pieces are already known and recorded this is a fabulous find. As you will have gathered, in the world of interior design, Thomas Hope remains an iconic figure and anything connected with him to this degree remains highly important. During the Regency period in England, stylistically from 1784 – 1830, there were many pattern books and journals published which enable us to date quite accurately the three or four different developments in style. From its depiction of Grecian mask heads and lamp bowls this chandelier is clearly 1807 – 1810. Originally, in my opinion, there were facsimiles of Greek vases around the central stem which acted as oil reservoirs to feed the lamps. But by the late 1820’s the (presumably) new owners decided that ancient oil lighting was too much fuss and bother and so added multiple candle branches, thus increasing the light emission.

We know this because the branches are cast and gilded brass rather than carved wood and the style is distinctly that of both Decimus Burton and George Smith, two luminaries of the Late Regency period.

This would have been an item of ultimate luxury and expense, and if only it could talk what tales of high society throughout the 19th century to the present day it could relate. Quite a Grand Tour of its own.

Speaking of which I cannot close this issue with out relating something of my own recent Grand Tour. It has taken me from Woburn Abbey to the end of the world. Or to be more accurate the World’s End, at No 533 on the King’s Road, Chelsea. I have been helping son James set up our new showroom space in the Furniture Cave, which is more like an Aladdin’s Cave filled with fabulous furniture from all ages. Like the Tour, the journey was quite eventful and I shall regale you with details next time. We are thrilled to be back in London and there’s no excuse for you not to visit next time you’re in town. I’ve included a couple of images of our current display and we look forward to seeing you there.

I am most grateful to Denton Antiques of Kensington Church Street for use of their chandelier illustrations and Desmond Brambley Photography for the views of our new gallery.

John Bly Antiques 1891.

Tel: 01442823030 Mobile: 07831 888826 Website: www.johnbly.com Email: john@johnbly.com JULY 2013 69

WIN

TRIXX to keep your kids happy with Micro Scooters!

Win an MX TRIXX scooter from Micro Scooters - the coolest two wheeled stunt scooter around, and the perfect bit of kit for the summer holidays!

T

here’s nearly one million children scooting to school every day in the UK, and now scooters are becoming more than just a fun way to get from A to B - for many children and teenagers scooting and especially practising stunts on their scooters has become one of the most popular alternatives to playing computer games, spending hours on Facebook or watching TV. This increasingly popular cult sport is keeping children busy in parks and playgrounds across the globe, where they happily spend the days perfecting their skills and competing with their friends this is great news for parents, as their children are more active and entertained while out and about in the fresh air.

As the official distributor of the Mini and Maxi Micro Scooter in the UK for the past eight years, Micro Scooters has now introduced a whole new range of incredibly light stunt scooters under the MX brand. This includes the MX TRIXX scooter which is suitable for children aged from five years old.

There’s also a whole host of fun safety accessories, including helmets, hi-visibility vests, lights and bells – so what better way to keep everyone happy over the holidays?

As a mini version of the PRO scooters, the MX TRIXX has a robust and strong aluminium frame. Designed with a smaller deck, and 70 JULY 2013

shorter handle bars for easier riding it’s the ideal scooter for younger riders and those new to the sport, helping them to refine those beginner tricks and stunts.

Competition We have 10 MX TRIXX scooters to give away, to be in with a chance of winning please answer the following question: How many children are scooting to school every day in the UK? Please email your answer to microscooters@fishmediagroup.co.uk by 15th July to enter the competition.

Winners will be chosen at random and notified by email on this date.

Good Luck!

To see why Micro Scooters are continually winning awards and to get a glimpse of their new scooters and accessories, please visit the website – www.micro-scooters.co.uk

us O at P pe o n lhi 7 ll da G ys ard a en w C ee e k nt re

Se e

WE HAVE THE

PERFECT BLEND TRANSFORM OF WORKTOP STYLES TO

YOUR KITCHEN

o r kto p s w e k o p B es o n to p th a t fi t ay w i th d e n o n F i tt e d i s o r d e m o l i ti o n no mes o olours t c 0 6 r e Ov r om choose f l fe s s i o n a o r p n w O u r o fi t t e r s t y e xper F r i e n d l fr e e h o m e nd a d v i c e as u l t a t i o n con o fi t n e w s l a n a We c h e n d o o r s ki tc

Book a free home consultation with our product consultants and we’ll show you how easy it is to transform your kitchen worktops.

Call now 01892 517385 At Granite Transformations we offer a complete package for updating your work surface and appliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and effective with each top custom made to fit your exact requirements. There is no need to remove old surfaces, we fit directly over your existing surface. We guarantee complete peace of mind from start to finish. Let us show you how we can transform your kitchen with our simply superior surfaces.

Anywhere Showroom: Anywhere Road, Road, Sat Anyplace, Anywhereshire. AN2 3QF Showrooms open: Mon-Fri 9.00-4.30pm 9.00-4.00pm Open:5,Mon-Fri 9-4.30pm 9-4pm Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays Unit Tunbridge Wells Sat Trade Park, Longfield Road, www.granitetransformations.co.uk/anywhere (next to Build Center), Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF Anywhere Showroom: Anywhere Road, Road, Anyplace, Anywhereshire. AN2 3QF 5 Sidcup High Street, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6EN Open: Mon-Fri 9-4.30pm Sat 9-4pm Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays

w w w.granitetransformations.co.uk /tunwells www.granitetransformations.co.uk/anywhere

Granite Transformations manufacture and install Granite, Stone, Quartz and Glass worktops JULY 2013 71

I WAS TERRIFIED. ALL I HEARD WAS CANCER. BUT THANKS TO TEENAGE CANCER TRUST, I KNEW I WAS GOING TO BE OK. When Charlotte was diagnosed with cancer, we were able to give her expert care and support as she fought for her life. There are other young people, just like Charlotte, who are terrified right now and need our support too. As the only UK charity who does what we do, we need your help to be there for them.

PLEASE DONATE TODAY Text TEENS to 70300 to donate £3 and The Body Shop will match your donation*. You can also make a donation in any of The Body Shop stores or online at teenagecancertrust.org/charlotte

This advert has been donated. *Donation match runs to 31st July and is capped at £20,000.

The donation will cost £3 plus a text message at the standard rate. Teenage Cancer Trust (Registered Charity no: 1062559, SC039757) will receive 100% of every donation. Please ensure you have the bill payer’s permission before making this donation.

Photo by Ashley Jouhar

72 JULY 2013

14 Kingsway Coney Hall Parade West Wickham BR4 9JF

Tel: 0800 011 4635 0208 4629790

Email: info@paulturnhamkitchens.co.uk

CREATIVE DESIGN

Using state of the art software, we can design your kitchen using 3D and `walk through’, producing images that will make you feel like you are actually in your new kitchen. This gives a real sense of space, form and function, which will ensure that your kitchen design is precisely how you want it.

BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS

We offer a variety of kitchens including Schuller – the premium German kitchen manufacturer and bespoke kitchens suppliers Stori, Second Nature and Davenport, offering the best of traditional British design. Our appliances include Atag, Miele, Siemens, Neff, Gaggenau, Franke, Barazza, Falmec and our designers, with their wealth of knowledge, can recommend the right appliance to meet your requirements.

OUR SERVICE

We understand how important it is to achieve the perfect kitchen, both aesthetically and practically.

With over 25 years of experience, our designers can produce unique and individual kitchen designs and, combined with our highly qualified installation team, you can be assured that we will create a finished kitchen for you to be proud of. We also have a team of qualified builders, so if your project includes an extension or any kind of building works, we can manage your project from start to finish.

www.pau ltu r nha mki t c he ns.c o.uk

JULY 2013 73

BOOK REVIEWS

The Bookshelf

“Eclectic month - for those who like to explore the hidden depths away from the norm” WORDS BY Bruce Edwards

Criminal London - A sightseer’s Guide to the Capital of Crime Kris & Nina Hollington Aurum Press £10.99 Paperback Unsure whether the Met Commissioner or the London Mayor - will appreciate the appellation, ‘Capital of Crime’, or if they’ll include it on the office bookshelf, but its handy (pocket) size indicates the intended user. Happily, the quality outweighs the downside 400 gms - a third heavier than a conventional paperback. On clay-faced paper to allow good reproduction, there are many photographs of some of the most obscure and interesting locations, and it’s full of fascinating detail about London’s murky past. Divided into four compass points, with a suggested walking tour in three, this splendidly researched little book will keep a Londonphile occupied for days if not weeks. It covers many aspects too, both in topic and period. The authors are well qualified - and to share their enthusiasm is a delight. A tour guide with some very inspirational content, be one artist, writer, photographer or plain absorber of fact; this is one not to be left at home.

* *

1SBN 978-1-84513-778-6

Overheard: Stories to read aloud Ed: Jonathan Taylor Salt Publishing £9.99 Paperback Capturing the essence of modern prose writing, this, a compilation of the work of some three dozen exponents of the short story genre, takes the reader (in every sense of the word) on a different journey.

Different, in so far there is an attempt to explore new territory not perceived by many who will perhaps only purchase a soft-back or two prior to the package tour flight.

Different, as such a collection of modern authors is not readily available in any other place. Different too, in that the expressed raison d’etre is the encouragement of ‘reading’ aloud the written word.

Historically, it is from where our books first emanated (biblical stories read in church) reading as a personal skill could be said to be a post middle-ages development. Now we are finding a resurgence of such a public phenomena, albeit slow. Experience the joy of the spoken word anew, visit the unseen terrain and make of it what you will, for here it is, and different.

* *

ISBN 978-1-907773-26-6

Storme Bel Ravenne Troubadour £7.99 Paperback New territory - a debut novel originally with the middle to late teen market in mind, this very original story can be seen to have a significance beyond its conceptual origination. In today’s all toodifficult and uncertain world for the next generation a pre-conceived regime exists, where all is fine if you ‘fit into the norm’, but once away from the ideal specification, trouble ensues. In Ravenne’s thoughtful story, two ‘misfits’ are expertly constructed, cast into an uncaring world and have to make the best of their peculiar talents.

The novel’s strength lies in the way these two girls each match their individual disadvantages to the needs of the other.

There are elements of naivety, as expected from a teen-aged structured storyline, but these add to the unique charm.

Underlying tensions appear, friendships blossom, characters develop. Many a social worker or parent with a ‘difficult’ child would gain much encouragement from the way ‘Storme’ develops. Watch out for the next one . . .

ISBN 978-1-78088-445-5

* *

“Suggestions and queries to writerselect@gmail.com.

We’re always happy to consider specific titles for review, though without obligation.”

74 JULY 2013

A Question of Trust

Creating trusts for everyday family situations For most people, the act of setting up a trust is not something they can see themselves doing. It gives the impression of being the preserve of the rich and famous – something that film stars might do to ensure that their offspring, a gaggle of (possibly undeserving) "trust fund babes", don't come into the money at too young an age.

But for a private client solicitor, a trust is just a useful tool. It can solve some of our clients’ tricky problems and may also reduce their inheritance tax bill.

Providing for children with disabilities Take the Baker family. The youngest child Joel, who is 16, has an autism spectrum disorder and will never be able to live independently.

Mr Baker's mother, who is very fond of Joel, wants to leave him a handsome sum in her will. The Bakers realise that this kind gesture may backfire – if Joel inherits a significant sum of money, not only will he forfeit his right to receive means-tested benefits, but he will also be unable to handle it wisely and may possibly, as a vulnerable adult, be subject to financial abuse. So Mr Baker has a word with his mother, suggesting that she asks her solicitor about leaving Joel's money in trust for him instead. He points out that he and his wife could act as trustees, and later, their older daughters could take over.

They all have Joel's best interests at heart and can ensure that the money is used to his best advantage.

Buying a flat for children – the smart way Their friends Mr and Mrs Jennings have different concerns. Their elder child, Tom, is soon to start his second year at university. But finding the right accommodation is a problem – Mrs Jennings thought about buying a flat for Tom, but doesn't want to put it in his name, in case it gives him ideas above his station. Mr Jennings realises that if he and his wife buy the property themselves, they won’t have reduced the size of their estate or

made any wise tax planning moves.

And when they sell the flat in years to come, they may well be faced with a capital gains tax bill. This is where a trust can help. By setting up a discretionary trust, and making sure that the trust owns the flat, the trustees (who can be the parents) can allow Tom to occupy it as his main home. So Tom has a suitable place to live, the parents can look forward to inheritance tax savings in seven years’ time, and whenever the property is sold, there won't be any capital gains tax. If Tom is ungrateful, the parents, as trustees, can decide to buy a flat for their daughter instead. Quite an incentive for Tom to be a model tenant!

Children - a first priority in second marriages The Bakers’ neighbours, Heather and Bob, are shortly to marry. Each is divorced and has children from their previous marriage. They are preparing to make new wills, but secretly, they are both concerned: if they leave everything to their new spouse, how can they be sure that their share of the estate will eventually come back to their own children? Anything could happen – their spouse might marry for a third time, or need expensive care in later life, or simply change their will, and leave everything to their own children. Each feels nervous about raising the issue with the other.

However, they need not worry. Their solicitor has experience of this type

of problem and may recommend using a life interest trust to overcome their concerns. The couple can, in their wills, give their new spouse the use of their home during the survivor’s lifetime, allow them to move house, but make sure that the value of the property reverts to their own children when the second of them dies. They can extend the arrangement to the whole of their assets, and, in addition, give the trustees the power to make gifts directly to their own children during their surviving spouse's lifetime, if that spouse has no need of the assets in question.

So trusts, far from being the preserve of the elite, can help people like you and me tackle a wide range of life’s problems – whether we live in Hollywood, Hayes or Hildenborough.

Jill MacMahon advises clients on Wills, trusts and Inheritance Tax planning.

Contact Jill MacMahon by email: jill.macmahon@thackraywilliams.com NEW ENQUIRY ADVICE LINE 7 days a week – 8am to 8pm Conveyancing quotes only:

020 8461 6140 All other new enquiries:

020 8461 6143 www.thackraywilliams.com

JULY 2013 75

T R AV E L

Dining Out on

Delicious Views

T

here’s no shortage of impressive beaches and stunning scenery in the Caribbean, famous for its warm waters and laid-back way of life. But for spectacular views and awe-inducing landscapes St Lucia has the upper hand.

Covered by a thick blanket of rainforest, with jagged mountains rising from the ocean, it’s a unique proposition for even the most seasoned Caribbean traveller. Mountains abound and you can visit sulphur springs in a volcano at Soufriere. Then there are the beaches - loads of them, easily accessible and with good swimming conditions.

What’s more, the majority of hotels and restaurants on the island have been carefully positioned to capitalise on the wealth of great views on offer. It was my intention to sample as many as possible on a recent visit to the island.

During a 90-minute journey from the international airport to our first hotel in the north west of St Lucia, we travelled through the busy capital Castries, a bustling town where a number of huge cruise ships dock. We passed several, looming over the town and disgorging hundreds of tourists into the hands of eager local traders.

With tight, narrow streets, Castries is very much a working town, with most tourists heading off to other points on the island.

We were heading for St James Club at Morgan Bay, just north of the capital. With rooms perched over a lovely bay, the hotel has recently been taken over by the Elite Island Resorts hotel group and given a spruce up.

The resort is spread out, but golf-style buggies are on hand to get you to your rooms if the stepclimbing becomes too arduous.

We had a suite with flower-strewn hedges outside and west-facing views of the beach and sea.

The next day, we drove a few miles up the coast to Rodney Bay. This area was named after British Admiral Rodney, who beat the French in a naval battle off the coast of St Lucia in the 1780s.

A number of posh resort hotels have sprung up in this area, along with shopping malls to entice the cruise passenger market.

There are plenty of restaurants and we had lunch at one of them, Spinnakers, right on Reduit Beach.

Watching boats bobbing on the water, we dined on shrimps and

a

A view of Gros Islet, Saint Luci

76 JULY 2013

Sunbeds and sailboards at St James's Club, Morgan Bay, Saint Lucia

fish so fresh they were probably plucked from the ocean only hours before.

Afterwards, we travelled up to Pigeon Island, a rock promontory that is actually no longer an island as it is joined to the mainland by a causeway. It is a lovely spot with clear, turquoise-coloured water and swaying palm trees.

On the way there we passed Rodney Bay Marina - a clear reminder that the world is divided into the ‘haves’ and the ‘haveyachts’.

Those looking for a little local colour can visit the nearby fishing village of Gros Islet. On Friday evenings, holidaymakers turn up to join in the “jump-up”, where roads are closed and stalls sell seafood. Music plays and everyone parties.

A Deluxe Ocean View room at St. James's Club, Morgan Bay, Saint Lucia

Half-way through the trip we had a holiday within a holiday. We had been invited by British-born Michael Thom and his Italian wife Maria to sample C’est La Vie - an exclusive retreat the couple have created in secluded grounds at Trouya Pointe on the north-west coast.

Given our own butler, we lapped up the luxury of a stay which included the Thoms hosting us for dinner.

There are just a handful of rooms at C’est La Vie, which are invariably taken up by groups with something to celebrate but

A view of Morgan Bay from St. James's Club, Saint Lucia

who want to do it in relaxing circumstances. As well as the attentive butlers to wait on them, guests get a pool in the grounds and plenty of peace and quiet.

But possibly one of the most scenic restaurants in the world is Dasheene, part of the Ladera resort, high up near the town of Soufriere. It’s one of tourism’s most envied locations. The food was pretty good but the view was something else - overlooking two towering volcanic peaks - the Pitons.

To our left was Gros Piton, 2,600ft, and to our right Petit Piton, around 200ft smaller.

Most people only glimpse these picturesque mountains on the front of Caribbean holiday brochures, but here we were gazing directly at them.

A view of Pigeon Island in Saint Lucia

The St James's Club, Morgan

Bay, Saint Lucia

Castries harbour, Saint Lucia.

JULY 2013 77

T R AV E L

C'est La Vie at Trouya Point, Saint Lucia

Next day, we travelled to another island beauty spot Marigot Bay. Just a little south from Castries, the bay is a protected cove immensely popular with visitors. It was here that the 1967 film Doctor Doolittle, starring Rex Harrison, was shot.

We ate by the waterside in a restaurant aptly named Doolittle’s and gazed across at the boats sailing into the bay and the expensive properties dotting the hillside opposite.

You have to pay the ferryman to take you across the bay to the smart village complex across the water.

There was still one more lovely location to see. It was at Cap Maison and was another of those St Lucia specialities - a secluded resort in a beauty spot.

With its white-walled buildings, there is just a hint of Spain about the place. Those staying there have the benefit of seclusion, yet also have the shops and restaurants of Rodney Bay a short journey away.

With so many trails and viewpoints to explore, St Lucia never disappoints. It’s no surprise so many artists and photographers come here seeking inspiration. Holiday brochures and paintings can hint at the island’s beauty, but to really understand its magic you have to visit and see for yourself.

Travel facts - St Lucia

• Peter Woodman flew to St Lucia courtesy of Virgin Holidays who offer seven nights at St James Club Morgan Bay from £1,131 pp (based on two sharing) on an all-inclusive basis including transfers. Prices are based on departures on June 28, 2013. Visit www. virginholidays.co.uk or call the Late Offer Hotline 0834 557 3870.

• A seven-night stay at C’est la Vie starts from £1,209 (based on two sharing) including breakfast and flights with British Airways. Book through Undiscovered Holidays (www. undiscovered-holidays. com/0207 193 7674) • Contact Affordable Car Hire (www.affordablecarhire.com) for car hire on the island.

• For more information, visit stlucia.org

78 JULY 2013

Morgan Bay, Saint Lucia

The pool at C'est La Vie, Trouya Point, Saint Lucia

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 JULY 2013 7969

SANDBANKS YACHT CO.

S

EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED FROM LIVING BY THE SEA

andbanks Yacht Co. is fast becoming the most anticipated marine lifestyle development of its kind on the South Coast.

Luxury residential properties will sit alongside bespoke dining, boating and fitness amenities, resulting in this development having huge appeal to both property hunters and local residents alike.

Nine architect designed coastal properties form the centrepiece of the development, which will also encompass a Restaurant, Café, Gym, Boatyard and 155 swinging moorings. Developer, Roundset Westingly explains the vision for the development. “e brief for the scheme was to create nine contemporary coastal homes, taking inspiration from the surroundings, offering high end specification, modern contemporary design and incorporating lifestyle amenities to compliment them. e three waterfront properties, Newport House, Lulworth House and Rhode House are already an iconic feature of Poole Harbour and match their stunning location in every detail of their design and specification. e exteriors are dramatic

80 JULY 2013

with some echoes of ships bows, which resonate with the waterfront location.” e Newport House show home, on the waterfront recently launched to rave reviews, with praise in particular being given to the quality of the build and specification. Gemma Martin, interior designer and owner of GM Designs explains the interior design concept, “e design ethos behind this project was to be sympathetic to the environment, serene and calm, without drawing away from the show stopping view. e space is light, airy and bright so that when the sun is shining, the design compliments the view and yet when the sea is rough and stormy, you feel warm and sheltered. It was really important to show a lifestyle rather than a show home”. e development is not only about luxury living, it also boasts a restaurant, café with decked sun terrace, members’ lounge, state of the art gym offering personal training expertise, a therapy room and a dry berth boatyard with 155 deep and shallow swinging moorings.

Sandbanks Yacht Co. will be offering membership packages, which

will include gym membership and discounts at the restaurant and café. “e focus of the club will be on family and getting out on the water” says Ellie Taylor, Membership Manager, “we offer plenty of opportunities for people to relax at SYC and unwind and look forward to inviting boaters and non-boaters alike. Whether your idea of enjoyment is getting out on the water by boat, kayak or paddleboard or enjoying a relaxing drink and taking in the view, Sandbanks Yacht Co has something to offer everyone. In the coming months members will be invited to a range of activities and events, and we look forward to making the club an all year round destination.” Jem Mills, Boatyard Manager, points out that SYC is not only for the experienced boater. “Don’t be afraid to come and ask for help, whether it be assisting you in buying the right boat, gaining more confidence with the boat you own or broadening your knowledge on the fabulous sailing waters in the area. Sometimes joining a new yacht club can be intimidating, but we pride ourselves on being friendly, helpful and professional.”

Nigel Still, from Stephen Noble, sole agent for SYC says “is development is hugely exciting for Sandbanks. Never before has there been a development of this magnitude offering such a superb facility to the local community. It is a truly unique development combining residential with leisure facilities, all in one stunning location.” He goes on to say “A five year club membership and

access to an annual swinging mooring is being included in the property sale, which makes it an attractive option for both home owners and second home owners alike. We can also offer bespoke concierge services, arranging everything from housekeeping, laundry and key holding to private dining, airport pick ups and personal assistant services.” e first waterfront show home, Newport House is open for viewings every weekend from 11-4pm and weekdays by appointment. e shore side show home, No.2 e Peninsula will also be available for viewings from Saturday 6th July.

Waterfront homes - Prices start from £3.95m No’s 1-6 e Peninsula - Prices start from £1.25m For Residential Sales, call Nigel Still at Stephen Noble on Tel: 01202 557766 www.sandbanksyachtcompany.com 30-32 Panorama Rd, Sandbanks, Poole, BH13 7RD Membership and Club enquiries contact Ellie Taylor Membership Manager on Tel: 01202 611262 For Boatyard enquiries ask for Jem Mills, Boatyard Manager GM Design www.gmdesigns.eu info@gmdesigns.eu ■

JULY 2013 81

Leading a (Guide) Dog’s Life –

the staff required to run this exceptional organisation.

Guide Dogs receives no Government funding and operates with a huge army of around 10,000 volunteers. With Fundraising Branches all around the UK, including fundraisers, puppy walkers, boarders who provide family homes during training or when Guide Dog owners go into hospital, and other amazing volunteers: Stud Dog & Brood Bitch Holders whom Guide Dog mums and dads live with. They keep the dogs fit and healthy and go through each pregnancy with the brood bitches, making sure all is well.

Puppy Walkers have the puppies for their first year and teach them the basics – socialising, good toilet routine and obedience exercises including sit, stay, down and discouraging jumping up at people.

From the start, every time pup pees or poos, the command ‘busy-busy’ is given. Ultimately the pup relates this to the action. so on hearing ‘busy-busy’ the dog will perform, if it needs to! Simple? Yes! Easy?

Well, let’s just say it takes a huge amount of patience and perseverance. This is done so that the visuallyimpaired owner can ensure the dog’s comfort when out and about, and know the exactly the location used.

Having a new pup roughly each year, Puppy Walkers go through 4 hourly feeds, clean-up puddles, make vet visits for neutering.

They give the dogs confidence to deal with all of normal life – shops, streets, trains, buses, cars, various noises, children, other animals, etc. Guide Dog Puppies in Training all wear blue coats.

All these Volunteers are always ready to show the dogs to the public, and they turn out constantly for fetes, street collections, talks, and any other fundraising activities – like the Go Walkies at Chartwell, where each walk was led by

at Chartwell and beyond!

Would you go for a 3 mile or 1 mile sponsored dog walk, if you couldn’t see? No, of course you wouldn’t!

But what if you had a Guide Dog?

Winston Churchill’s former home Chartwell, a National Trust property, played host for Sevenoaks branch’s Go Walkies for Guide Dogs fundraising event.

General Manager Zoe Colbeck, with her dog Tally, started each walk, and Emily Arscott, Events Officer, took part with her dog Wispa Christmas.

With a purpose built-breeding centre which breeds 1200 pups every year of which 850 will be trained as Guide Dogs either with Children or adults. Guide Dogs has a lifelong commitment to their dogs and the breeding, training, feeding and veterinary bill costs around £50,000 for each dog. So Sevenoaks’ Organiser Marion Clayton was delighted when some 80 people and 40 dogs turned out with pledges of £1,500! The Charity depends on public support and many people do all sorts of fundraising – from sponsoring all kinds of activities, or leaving legacies in their Wills, to payroll giving. All are vital to ensure that blind and partially-sighted people can get out and about on their own terms.

Why £50,000? Well, first, the gene pool has to be renewed and mixed effectively – at Leamington Spa there is now a state-of-the-art breeding centre (opened

by Princess Alexandra left), then board and lodging for all dogs, plus Vet bills and all 82 MONTH JULY 2013 2013

First puppies born at Guide Dogs National Breeding Centre

3 Dogs, 3 miles

Puppy Walkers, and a German Shepherd puppy. These experiences are excellent preparation for the dogs.

So Guide Dogs are around 2 years old when they qualify and are matched.

Guide Dogs are all ‘Special’:

A Training Manager reported his final conversation with a new Guide Dog owner, asking what difference his new Guide Dog would make?

He said: “My world used to end at the front door.

Now it begins there”.

A 21 year old student, blind since birth with Alstroms Syndrome, said: “I was very isolated before I met Guide Dog Lily... when I wanted to meet my friends, my mum had to come too, which is not something any teenager wants.

But now I go all over the country by myself [with Lily]. I am so much more independent, and it makes me more visible as well.”

She is studying health and social care at Canterbury College, and also works as part of the college’s welcome team, stewarding events and other activities. She said: “I don’t think I could do it without Lily. It is not the kind of job where someone could hold your hand.

And some Guide Dogs are ‘Extra Special’:

You may recall Guide Dog Tom who led Mike to safety amongst the terror and chaos of the July 7th Tavistock

Square, London bombing, even though their normal route was blocked and the roads strewn with debris.

And a couple of years ago, Stephanie (26), from Torquay in Devon, was a prisoner in her own home, lacking confidence and isolated from the outside world until the arrival of Vegas – a five-year-old black Labrador.

Miracle dog Vegas was the first registered assistance dog to perform the dual roles of guiding a blind person and helping a wheelchair user; trained in a groundbreaking project between the charities Guide Dogs and Canine Partners. Stephanie said: “Vegas has transformed my freedom, mobility and independence.

Vegas is a super dog – and I’m so grateful to Canine Partners and Guide Dogs for this miracle.”

Guide Dogs have also recently formed an alliance with National Blind Childrens’ Society to continue their Building Extraordinary Partnerships Strategy, and combine expertise to deliver the successful Movement Matters programme to support parents of children who are blind or partially sighted. Guide Dogs are committed to grow the number of guide dog partnerships, and to helping more people through services such as Buddy Dogs.

The Guide Dog service will always be at the heart of what they do, and Guide Dogs remain committed to growing the number of amazing guide dog partnerships.

Further information, local and head contacts at www.guidedogs.org.uk.

Or you can meet the Sevenoaks team: Saturday 20th July - Coolings Nursery Collection Saturday 3rd/Sun 4th August - Hever Fete Sunday 25th/Mon 26th Aug - Edenbridge and Oxted Show Sunday 1st September - Heavy Horse Show, Shoreham Sunday 15th September - Guide Dogs Fun Day, Leeds Castle Stephanie with Vegas

Marion Clayton : marion@marion87.wanadoo.co.uk Guide Dogs, Sevenoaks Branch: 01732 457217

MONTH JULY 2013 83

&

FOOD DRINK

Restaurant Reviews

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

If you own or have a local restaurant that you’d like to recommend for reveiw, please email regan@whatiatelastnight.com

Ambiance

Service

Food

Drink

Overview 84 JULY 2013

BRANDED HIGH STREET BECKENHAM

the poet at matfield maidstone road matfield

Branded has an informal feel, with wood walls and an open kitchen. The restaurant was buzzy when we arrived, with people celebrating and regulars enjoying a good steak on a weeknight.

Situated in a very pretty village and Grade twolisted building, the Poet offers the warmth of a country pub upon entering, and the cosyness of a local restaurant with miss-match wooden chairs and cushioned window seats. A framed picture of Heston Blumenthal and the Chefs from the Poet takes pride of place on the mantel giving an indication to the quality of the food.

The owner is very personable and he’s supported by an efficient and friendly team.

Drinks were topped up, recommendations were made and their cheery manner helped to lift the mood of the guests.

Both the manager and the waitress who served us were extremely friendly and helpful. Their passion for locally sourced produce, being a part of the community and ensuring high standards really rang through.

As well as high quality 28 day hung Aberdeen Angus Scotch beef from only the happiest of cows, Branded also has a tasty selection of fresh fish and seafood on the menu. There’s even a roasted vegetable lasagne to keep the noncarnivores happy – but this is definitely a place for the serious meat eater.

There is a well put together menu that changes around four times a year and with a daily specials board. We began with some warm perfectly baked homemade rolls - one sultana and walnut, the other rosemary and poppy seed. To start, our favourite was the ‘Asparagus’ – a tart of thin crispy pastry filled with a light cheesy filling of Old Winchester, and a crispy fresh topping of finely sliced apple and watercress.

I started with the seared diver caught scallops – they were meaty, perfectly cooked and served with ultra fresh asparagus and a sweet oriental sauce. For main we opted for the Chateaubriand – 600 grams of pure melt in the mouth heaven, shared between two and enjoyed with a béarnaise sauce and sides of creamy umptuous mash and a bowl of rocket and parmesan. There was no room for dessert after this, but the tempting sound of great British favourites like apple & blackberry crumble, and sticky toffee pudding will certainly see us going back for more.

For main, the star of the show was the ‘Chicken’ – roasted chicken breast that had been cooked first in a water bath to retain its moisture and then pan fried to give a deep rich tasting skin. It was the by far the best, most perfectly cooked chicken I have ever tasted. It came with what the menu referred to as ‘chicken ravioli’ which was an almost pate like chicken filling wrapped tightly in a cabbage leaf and served with spring vegetables, wild mushrooms and a rich delicious gravy. For dessert, we shared the ‘Strawberry’ which consisted of two shortbread biscuits filled with a strawberry bavios, vanilla ice cream and strawberries marinated in a fresh strawberry syrup that had a lovely zing and took me back to my childhood when I used to enjoy long strawberry sherbet straws.

A good selection of wines by the bottle or the glass, served in cute glass carafes that make you feel a little like you’re on holiday. The Italian house red was plenty good enough to complement the meaty flavours with notes of berries and plum.

The food menu cleverly recommends wines to accompany each dish sold by the glass and there is a well-stocked wine cellar. You could be forgiven for leaving the car at home and enjoying a long evening of wine tasting here. There are some great English wines on the menu, but we opted for the Pinot Noir, Wingspan which had a good depth of flavour.

The perfect place to enjoy great steaks and fresh fish.

A friendly local restaurant serving exceptional food that makes the most of what’s on its doorstep.

DESPERADOS MEXICAN CANTINA & COCKTAIL BAR

LETS ROLL THE FAJITA AND SLAM THE TEQUILA MEXICAN STARTERS • TAPAS • NACHOS & TACOS FAJITAS • GRILLS • SEA FOOD TORTILLA & CHILLI • BBQ • BURGERS

2 COURSE LUNCH SPECIAL

£7.95 SUNDAY LUNCH 3 COURSES

£12.95 TUESDAY

LADIES NIGHT ALL COCKTAILS

£2.95

WITH MEAL

WEDNESDAY

Homemade Sangria Night Glass Of Sangria on the House With Every Meal

Famous for bbq baby rack of ribs (not on Photograph)

DESPERADOS 6 Station Square, Petts Wood, Orpington BR5 1NA

01689 836655 info@desperadospettswood.com

www.desperadosrestaurants.com JULY 2013 85

&

food dri n k

Alain Roux, Michel Roux Jnr, Michel Roux and Albert Roux during the final of the Roux Scholarship at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London

Michel Roux Eggs On Young Chefs When your grandfather is Michel Roux, celebrated chef and elder statesman of the Roux family of cooks, fish fingers aren’t going to cut it.

So it came as no surprise to Roux that his toddler grandson Paul should already enjoy feasting on fine food.

“Paul, my grandson, eats practically everything,” laughs Roux.

“It’s fantastic. I live in Switzerland and travel a lot so my son Alain and his wife send me photos. They sent me one of Paul holding a leg of

Michel Roux Jr, Michel Roux Sr and Alain Roux

86 JULY 2013

roast duck in one hand and chewing it. He was so happy!”

Paul comes from a long line of food fanatics, headed by his grandfather and great uncle Albert Roux. Together, Roux and his older brother Albert moved to the UK from France in the 1960s and opened classic French restaurant Le Gavroche in London’s Mayfair.

After working together for many years, Albert became sole owner of Le Gavroche, while Roux took over ownership of The Waterside Inn, another of their prized restaurants, in Berkshire.

“You don’t choose your family, you choose your friends,” he says. “I had the best time of my life with my brother as a partner for 17 years, but we wanted our own space, so decided to branch out. The love between the two brothers is there and we’re very cheeky when we’re together.”

With so many cooks in the family, including Alain and Roux’s nephew Michel

Roux Jr, things could feel a little claustrophobic.

But when the opportunity came to work with his family and televise The Roux Scholarship 2013, Roux Snr gladly took it.

The scholarship, founded back in 1983 by the brothers, is an annual cooking competition for budding chefs. To mark its 30th anniversary, the contest is being shown on the Watch TV channel for the first time, and from June 24 will be repeated on Good Food.

In the series, the Roux family and a host of famous judges, including the first ever Roux scholar Andrew Fairlie and Rick Stein, put chefs through their paces. The winner will go on to take up an apprenticeship under the supervision of a chef in a three-starred Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world.

“We’re doing something for the trade, for the chefs and for the country, because we will have better food and better recognition abroad,” says Roux. “Me and Albert are there as chairmen and the children - I call them children but

&

food dri n k my son is 45 and Michel Roux Jr is 53 - have taken over.”

While Roux, who has an OBE and cooked for the Queen’s 70th and 80th birthdays, has plenty of relatives around him professionally, he also has a habit of ‘adopting’ the chefs he’s worked with over the years.

“The Roux Brothers are a family to all our chefs,” says Roux. “When a chef leaves our kitchen, they never leave us.”

“If a chef needs us, we’re there.

It could be over Twitter, a phone call, an email, a card at Christmas, news of a first baby, news of a new restaurant... I love hearing about it. It’s marvellous. I’ve got more children than anyone I know!”

Roux may not be on speed dial, but if you fancy cooking up something special, try these three challenging recipes from the serie

The Roux Scholarship 2013 Judges (l-r) Angela Hartnett, Michel Roux Jr, Rick Stein, Michel Roux Sr, James Martin, Alain Roux and Andrew Fairlie.

The Roux Scholarship 2013 is on Watch until Friday, June 21 and is repeated on Good Food from Monday, June 24

Rick Stein’s Naked Duck Breast

(Serves 4) 8 dried Agen prunes, soaked in cool water in a covered bowl for 2 hrs 4 duck breasts, about 150g-200g each 150g carrots, roughly chopped 1 onion, roughly chopped 3 shallots, roughly chopped 5 garlic cloves, roughly shopped 600ml red wine, such as a Languedoc or Corbieres 3 cloves 1 large sprig thyme 2 bay leaves 15g plain chocolate Heat a large, heavy based frying pan over a high heat. Season the duck breasts on both sides with salt and pepper and sear, skin-side down, then lower the heat slightly. Fry for two minutes until the skin is nicely brown.

Turn over and brown them on the other side for two minutes, then lift onto a plate and set aside.

Add the carrots, onion, shallots and garlic to the duck fat left in the pan and fry over a medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until soft and golden brown.

Add the wine, bring to a rapid boil, then light with a match and shake the pan for a few seconds until the flames have died down. This burns off the alcohol. Then lower the heat, add the cloves, thyme and bay leaves, and leave the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 100C/fan 80C/gas mark 1/4. Return the duck breasts to the pan, skin-side down, cover and simmer for two minutes. Turn the duck breasts over, re-cover and cook for a further two or three minutes. This will give you duck that is still pink in the middle, but if you like it a little more cooked, cook for up to one minute more on either side.

Lift the duck out of the sauce onto a plate, cover with foil and leave to rest in the oven while you finish the sauce. Add the chocolate to the sauce and simmer for two or three minutes more. Then pass through a fine sieve into a small pan, pressing out as much liquid as you can with the back of a ladle.

Drain the prunes, add them to the pan, and simmer over a medium heat until they have heated through and the sauce is nicely reduced and well flavoured. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

To serve, lift the duck breasts onto a board and cut, on the diagonal, into long thin slices. Lift each one onto a warmed plate and spoon two of the prunes alongside it. Spoon some of the sauce over and around the duck and prunes, and serve.

JULY 2013 87

&

food dri n k

Michel and Albert Roux’s Piperade

(Serves 4) 4 thin slices of Bayonne ham, or other cured ham, fat trimmed and cut into small dices 300g red and green peppers, stalks and seeds removed, halved lengthways, peeled with a sharp potato peeler and finely diced 4tbsp olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 750g very ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeds removed and chopped 250g onions, chopped 8 eggs Put the diced fat into a heavy pan with three tablespoons of the olive oil and heat gently. Immediately add the onions, cover the pan and sweat for 10 minutes.

Add the pepper to the onions, together with the crushed garlic. Cover the pan and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring half way through. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the juices have evaporated. The vegetable mixture should be melting and soft but not liquid. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then transfer two thirds of the vegetables to a saucepan and keep warm.

To make the Piperade, break the eggs into a bowl, season with salt and pepper, beat lightly with a fork and tip into the pan containing one third of the vegetable mixture. Cook over a low heat, stirring with a wooden spatula as though you were making scrambled eggs. As soon as the eggs start to set, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stop cooking when the piperade has the consistency of a creamy puree.

Divide the Piperade between four deep plates, spoon the reserved vegetable mixture into the centre, and put a slice of the ham on top. Place the plates in a warm oven for one minute to warm the ham and serve immediately.

TIP: The vegetable mixture can be prepared and cooked a day or two in advance and reheated when you add the eggs, which can be very convenient when you are entertaining guests.

Michel Roux Jr’s Floating Islands with Strawberry Compote

(Serves 4) For the Creme Anglaise (makes 750ml): 500ml milk 1 vanilla pod, split 6 egg yolks 120g caster sugar For the Floating Islands: 100g granulated sugar or to taste 500g strawberries, washed and stems removed 6 egg whites 640g caster sugar, plus 2tbsp for sweetening the water For the Creme Anglaise, bring the milk to the boil with the vanilla pod. Remove the pan from the heat, cover and leave to infuse for 10 minutes.

Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until thick and creamy. Bring the milk back to the boil and pour on to the yolk mixture, whisking continuously. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over a low heat, stirring continuously with a spatula, until it thickens slightly. Chill in the fridge until needed.

For the Floating Islands, put the strawberries in a saucepan and sprinkle the granulated sugar over them and bring to the boil. Immediately take off the heat, cover and leave to cool.

Place a large saucepan of water on a medium-high heat with two tablespoons of caster sugar and bring to the boil.

In separate heavy-based pan, heat 300g of the caster sugar on a low heat until it becomes liquid and golden to create a caramel.

In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a whisk until frothy, then add 340g of the caster sugar and continue to whisk until firm and smooth.

Using a big kitchen spoon dipped in cold water, scoop out a big island of meringue and plunge the spoon into the saucepan of simmering sweetened water. The island should come off the spoon and poach in this liquid. Flip the island after three or four minutes. Carry on doing this until all the egg white is used.

Once cooked, gently take the islands out of the liquid with a slotted spoon. Place on a rack to cool and drain.

When cold, pour the freshly-made caramel over the islands.

To serve, place some strawberry compote in each bowl, followed by Creme Anglaise flavoured with vanilla, and finally the caramel-coated Floating Islands.

88 JULY 2013

A la Carte Menu

LUNCH MENU

TUE, WED, THUR & SUN EVENING

TRADITIONAL SUNDAY LUNCH

2 courses £18.50 3 courses £21.50

2 courses £12.50 3 courses £14.50

2 courses £14.50 3 courses £16.50

Murinci Murinci Italian & Mediterranean Brasserie The Estate Office, Station Square, Petts Wood, Kent BR5 1LZ Tel: 01689 833271

www.murinci.com

Closed Mondays Ideal venue for Weddings – please call for further details JULY 2013 89

e th u e n r fo me 0. e e 0 b lf atr 15. e e £ s ur e-th nly o t y pr at o a re urse – S t t o n no 2 c Mo hy ? le W ow lab sh vai a

25% OFF food bill

with this voucher Only valid when dining from a la carte menu expires 31.08.13.

31.3.13

Book your table now.

020 8460 2346 Aqua Bar & Grill 4-6 Market Parade East Street Bromley BR1 1QN www.aquabarandgrill.co.uk

90 JULY 2013

F i n e

er m Sumis e! her

I n d i a n

D i n i n g

&

C o c k t a i l

Buy 1 Get 1 25% off

Food

Free

*

*

BBQ Lunch in the Garden Tandoori Platter ÂŁ9 Sat - Sun

Wed - Fri

Sun - Tue

B a r

*Valid on a la carte menu when minimum two courses per guest are ordered (offer exclusive of Travancore lobster). Advance booking required. T&Cs apply. Expires 30 August 2013

46 Plaistow Lane, Bromley, BR1 3PA t: 020 8289 0322 e: info@cinnamonculture.com w: www.cinnamonculture.com Saffron Culture Catering e: info@saffronculture.co.uk w: www.saffronculture.co.uk

R e c o m m e n d e d

i n

t h e

M i c h e l i n

G u i d e

2 0 1 3

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

STONEHAM FINE

FURNITURE

SINCE

®

1864

Strata Black Walnut

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

92 JULY 2013