Sevenoaks Life Magazine September 2012 by Fish Media Group Ltd

SEVENOAKS LIFE

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

Q U A L I T Y

L I F E S T Y L E

M A G A Z I N E

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WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ISSUE 42 SEPTEMBER 2012

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Adam Swaine Photography Bea Das Coutu 07798 52656 re Sevenoaks 9 Blackburn 01732 74095 Bridal Blackh 9 eath 0208 Brides Dress 297 1188 Revisited Otford 01959 Bromley Regist 525834 er Dominic Walm Office Bromley 0208 313 4666 sley Seven oaks 01732 779555

Eastwell Manor Ashford 01233 Hayley Elizab 213000 eth Farnbo rough 01689 Fellbridge Hotel 882704 Nikolas Patrick and Spa East Grinste ad 01342 Chislehurst 337755 Rowhill Grang 0208 295 6122 e Wilmington Sundridge 01322 615136 Park Manor Bromley 0208 313 3232 SEPTEM BER2012

KENT EVENTS

HISTORY

FASHION

HOMES & GARDENS

HEALTH & BEAUTY

FOOD & DRINK • TRAVEL

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WELCOME

Hello and welcome to the September 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 Design & Production Brian Conway-Smith Photography Adam Swaine Accounts Kathy Manning Ken Fleet Business Development Manager Lisa Westerman Sinead Shell SALES Lorna Ferrin Vanessa Lane James Marshall DIRECTORS Peter Smith Rory Smith Patrick Smith

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.

Did you get caught up in the Olympics and Paralympics fever? Wasn’t it simply wonderful? Didn’t Great Britain show the rest of the world how it should be done? Everyone here at Fish Media quickly became obsessed and devoted to watching the Greatest Show on Earth so we are delighted to dedicate our Front page and main story to the Olympics stars and highlights of the Olympic games. We are honoured to feature the superb Gold Medallists Jessica Ennis, Victoria Pendleton and Keri-Ann Payne on our front cover and in our Beauty article this month. Jessica, Victoria and Keri-Anne share their beauty and make up secrets. Plus we have a nine page section featuring highlights from the opening and closing ceremonies, a list of all of the medal winners and pictures that will remind you of just how wonderful and inspiring the whole event was. This month we are pleased to publish our Special Wedding Life Supplement. So if you are getting married or know someone who is about to ‘tie the knot’ this excellent supplement includes the very best local Wedding specialists offering expert advice, tips and services to help you make the very most of your special day. We are honoured to Our Local Life team have been out and about again to some more feature the superb towns and places of interest for Gold Medallists on you and the family to visit. This we feature Tenterden, West our Front Cover and month Malling and the Eden Valley in our Beauty article Museum whilst John Ruler our much loved resident local historian visits Halstead to find out what this month. Bat and trap is all about. He also takes an affectionate look back at Bromley in the 17th century, you will see some interesting old photos which will certainly evoke some wonderful memories. There are also a wide variety of local events and shows to see in our Whats On guide. The September issue also offers you our usual mix of articles and features on your favourite subjects. Regan Maloney our Food editor visits and reviews more local restaurants. John Bly from the Antiques Roadshow takes us another journey through the world of Antiques. Bruce Edwards reviews more recent book releases. Our Fashion pages offer you advise on how to replicate Kate Middleton’s Duchess style. The wonderful celebrity chef Gennaro Contaldo shares some delicious Italian recipes. We go Island hopping in the Caribbean in our Travel feature this month and the Home and Garden section shows you how to bring your holidays home with you and make the memories last. As you can see there is so much for you to read and enjoy again this month. Until next month

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

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LOCAL EVENTS 12 SEPTEMBER 20

WHAT’S ON... ✱ ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. Orchestral concert featuring organist, Simon Preston, in Poulenc’s Organ Concerto and the Symphony No 3 ‘Organ’ by Saint-Saens. Conducted by Music Director, Roderick Dunk, the RTWSO will also play works by Chabrier and Debussy. Tickets £11 - £20, Assembly Hall Box Office tel. 01892 530613. For season tickets, tel. 01892 545257. Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 2LU. Sunday 7 Oct 2012. 3pm. Website: www.rtwso.org ✱ TRINITY YOUTH THEATRE. In a safe, professional, working environment, young people are encouraged to develop performance and theatre-making skills, grow in confidence, work as a team and develop an appreciation and enjoyment of theatre. These workshops are aimed at young people with a particular interest and ability in performance. All of our workshops are run by experienced professional performers and workshop leaders who have a wide breadth of knowledge and skills. TYTC now offer Arts Awards and have recently returned from being part of the Kent Regional Youth Theatre Festival in Chichester. Term Fee Applies but the first workshop is FREE. Trinity Theatre, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1JP Monday 17 Sep 2012. 01892 678 678 www.trinitytheatre.net ✱ A DAY OUT WITH THOMAS. Meet Thomas the Tank Engine and some of his friends including Percy, Daisy and Diesel, plus Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller. From

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Eridge at 10.40, 11.45, 13.10, 14.21, 15.26 From Tunbridge Wells at 10.00, 11.14, 12.20, 13.50, 14.55, 16.00, Tea Party 17.03 Adult - £11. , Child - 18mths to 10 yrs. £9.00, Tea Party £14.01. Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 5QY.Saturday 6 Oct 2012 and Sunday 7 Oct 2012. www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

including a 3-course lunch with wine and afternoon tea. 10.00 am to 4.30/5.00 pm. £90.00 per person. No children under 16 or dogs. Contact Lisa on 01892 535432. Moon Down, Court Lodge Down, Hawkenbury Road, Bells Yew Green, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 9AP Tuesday 16 Oct 2012 www.moondown.co.uk

✱ MONEYPENNY MURDER MYSTERY PRODUCTIONS: GUY FAWKES - ZOMBIE HUNTER! Once lit... stand well back! London 1605. England is awash with puritans, traitors and....zombies! Guy Fawkes and his skilled gang are gathering together to commit a very explosive crime against Parliament! But what other malevolent forces stalk the ancient corridors of Westminster? Who will pay the ultimate price in the battle of good versus evil? Spa Hotel, Mount Ephraim, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8XJ. 19.30. Box Office 01892 520331; £45.00 includes 3 course meal and murder; www.moneypennyproductions. co.uk Friday 19 Oct 2012

✱ TEA DANCE A nostalgic afternoon of music and dancing at the Camden Centre in Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SW. Meet up with friends, have a waltz, or just enjoy the music by one of the country’s favourite organists, Chris Mannion. Admission is just £2.50 and includes refreshments. There is a raffle for a local organisation each month. The dance is from 2.30pm – 5 pm on Thursday 27th September, 25th October and 22nd November. Please contact Fiona on 01892 530330. www.vawk.org.uk

✱ WILD MUSHROOM FORAGING. Join John Wright, regular contributor to River Cottage and author of 3 River Cottage Handbooks, ‘Mushrooms’ ‘Hedgerow’ and ‘Edible Seashore’ at our Wild Mushroom Foraging Day at Moon Down. “Rather like traveling to pastures new (literally) when it comes to fungus forays so my trip to Moon Down was something I had been looking forward to immensely. Despite many of the fungi disappearing due to the very dry and unseasonal weather Moon Down was a treasure-trove of fungi. The day includes all refreshments

✱ OXTED DANCE SCHOOLS – KALEIDOSCOPE (A medley of dance and song presented by local dance schools in aid of the Orpheus Centre in Godstone) Saturday 22nd (2.00 & 7.00) (Tickets (£8.00 - £10.00) available from www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk or 07894 715655) ✱ THE CHARISMATIC KAI’S CATS resident jive band from the world-famous jazz club Ronnie Scott’s at the Stag Community Arts Centre. The band features as part of the inaugural Sevenoaks Prom. The first event, which will be 1950s-themed and is a new social event for grownups which aims to deliver London-quality entertainment in Sevenoaks. Saturday 22

September 2012. 8pm - 12am. To be eligible guests must register using the online guest-list and will then be sent an invitation. www.sevenoaksprom.com ✱ MURDER ON THE NILE. Now in its seventh thrilling year, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company present their latest show. On board a steamer, cruising under the scorching Egyptian sun, honeymooners Simon Mostyn and his wealthy socialite wife Kay find themselves being pursued by an old flame of the newly wedded groom... Then tragedy strikes... A body is discovered. Sept 17 – 22. 2.30pm 7.30pm.£22.50 - £27.50. Ticket office 01892 530613/ 532072 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk ✱ TOY SOLDIER AND WARGAMERS FAIR. Twice a year in Sidcup traders and individuals selling and trading surplus , new and collectible Toy Soldiers including wargame items and models. Sun 10.00-3.00pm. For info call Gerry 07739 998 01.Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, Hurst Road (A222), Sidcup, Kent DA15 9AG.Sunday 23 Sep 2012  www.srptoyfairs.co.uk ✱ THE OXTED PLAYERS PRESENT LIFE X 3 BY YASMINA REZA. A couple turn up for a dinner party on the wrong evening causing embarrassment which turns into something darker as the veneer of polite society cracks in this hilarious and sophisticated Parisian comedy of manners. Tickets £7.00 £9.00. 7.45pm. 01883 724852. Barn Theatre, 25 Bluehouse Lane, Oxted Surrey RH8 0AA. Wed 17 Oct to Sun 21 Oct 2012. www.barntheatreoxted.co.uk

✱ BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY. Featuring The East Coast Boys and a fully live band in the internationally acclaimed tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. If you loved The Jersey Boys you cannot miss this great show featuring hits including ‘Sherry’, ‘Grease’, ‘Oh What A Night’, ‘My Eyes Adored You’ and many more. 8.00pm Tickets £18 Box Office 01732 450175 www.stagsevenoaks.co.uk Stag Theatre, Stag Community Arts Centre, London Road, Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1ZZ. Sat 6 Oct 2012  ✱ MELVYN EVANS EXHIBITION. Selling exhibition of Sevenoaks artist’s Melvyn Evans stylish linocuts of Knole’s collection, park and wildlife. Knole house, Sevenoaks Kent TN15 0RP. 01732 462100. Tues 11 Sep 2012 to Saturday 20 Oct 2012 www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ knole ✱ OLDBURY HILL FORT GHOST HUNT. Experience a night of ghost hunting. Participate in Séances, Vigils, EVP Experiments and much more. This is a serious overnight ghost hunt (paranormal investigation), and is conducted with our team of professional Mediums and paranormal investigators. Tickets £10 per person. Over 16s only. Start time: 10.30pm until 2.0am. Event includes tea/coffee. Sevenoaks Kent TN15 0HB. Fri 5 Oct 2012. Book at www.ghosthuntevents.co.uk ✱ SENIOR SCHOOL OPEN MORNING. Discover Kent College Pembury in rural Kent with a visit on our Open Morning.

Headmistresses’ presentation at 10.45am, tours of the school, refreshments & the opportunity to meet staff and pupils. 9.30am - 1.00pm, tours stop at 12 noon. Head’s presentation and Question & Answer session at 10.45am Contact Admissions on 01892 820218 to book your places. Kent College Pembury, Old Church Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN2 4AX. Sat 13 Oct 2012. www.kent-college.co.uk ✱ DINNER JAZZ WITH PIANIST OLIVER STEVENSON. An entertaining programme of jazz standards. The Royal Oak Hotel, Upper High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HT. Fri 28 Sep, Fri 26 Oct. 7.30pm £26 for 3-course Meal, Coffee & Jazz. Table Booking 01732 451109 www.listeningroom.co.uk/ jazzsinger.asp Lyric Club 42nd Street at The Churchill. The Lyric Club, one of the UK’s top amateur musical companies present the taptastic song and dance extravaganza 42nd Street. Set in the depression there will be nothing depressing about this production. Oh no! Lyric has pulled out all the stops. Spectacular scenery, stunning costumes and a sensational cast backed by a live orchestra will all combine to ensure you enjoy a fabulous night of top-quality entertainment. The Churchill, 108 High Street, Bromley Kent BR1 1HA. Tues 16 Oct to Saturday 20 Oct 2012 See website for prices and details. www.atgtickets.com/883/651/ bromley/the-churchill/lyricclub-42nd-street

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Contents EDITORS LETTER

WHATS ON

CONSERVATORIES from 2 days TO BUILD!

LOCAL LIFE Tenterden The Jewel in the Weald 14 West Malling Flying back to the past 18 Eden Valley Museum Turns up trumps 22 Bat and Trap It’s not quite cricket 26 Historical Bromley Town and Country’ 30 WEDDING SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT 33 Bea Das Couture 34 White Hot 36 Blackburn Bridal 38 Eastwell Manor 43 Celebrity Wedding 44 Felbridge Hotel and Spa 46 THE OLYMPIC GAMES From start to finish The Greatest Show on Earth 49 HEALTH & BEAUTY Personal Bests from our Gold Medal Winners

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FOOD & DRINK Regan Maloney Restaurant Reviews 76 Recipes The Italian Job 78 TRAVEL Island Hopping in the Caribbean

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“The Jewel in the Weald” WORDS: MAUREEN COLE

TENTERDEN

I FIRST VISITED TENTERDEN WHEN I WAS INVITED TO A FRIEND’S HOUSE AND I CAME AWAY THINKING HOW FORTUNATE SHE WAS TO LIVE IN SUCH A CHARMING AND INTERESTING TOWN. I HAVE VISITED MANY TIMES SINCE BUT ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING NEW IN TENTERDEN TO CAPTIVATE ME.

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This intriguing market town is situated in the Ashford District of Kent, some 15km south-west of Ashford and 25km south-east of Maidstone. Perched on the edge of the Weald, on a plateau of rising ground, Tenterden must surely rate as one of the most beautiful of the Wealden villages or towns. The town is divided into four wards - North, South, West and St Michaels. The suburb referred to as St Michaels was known as Boresisle until Victorian times and the church of St Michael was built in 1863 to serve the local community there. The earliest reference to Tenterden is in a Charter, dated 968, in which it is mentioned as a parcel of land granted to Christ Church Priory’s manors of Brooke and Appledore. Although there is no mention of Tenterden in the Domesday Book of 1086, since 1027 it had formed part of the holdings of St Augustine’s Abbey, Canterbury. The name Tenterden can be traced back to the Old English name, Tenet wara-denn, meaning, “the pasture or forest clearing belonging to the men of Thanet”. The original settlement appears to have grown up at a point where two early tracks crossed, close to the Saxon bridge over Newmill Channel. The Parish Church of St Mildred may have been founded as early as AD 750-850, with the settlement growing up around it. The church is dedicated to St Mildred who was the abbess of Minster-in-Thanet Abbey c700-725. However, the first written reference appeared in 1240 and in 1254 the church was appropriated by St Augustine. The oldest surviving parts of the church are the chancel, parts of the south chapel and the south arcade of the nave, which date back to the 13th century. Alterations and extensions to the church have taken place over the years and between 1449 and 1495, the great west tower, which is 33m high, was constructed of Bethersden marble. The tower is made up of four stages, topped by four octagonal corner turrets with pinnacles. The beautiful carved wooden ceiling to the nave is supported by tall posts, rising from huge tie beams, which span the width of the nave. The wool trade brought Tenterden affluence in the 13th century. The rich pastureland to the south of the town and on Romney Marsh provided valuable grazing land for sheep and there was a ready market, for the wool produced, on the continent. Tenterden benefited due to its position, having good transport facilities. The small ports of Smallhythe and Reading Street, just outside the town, provided access to the sea. In the 14th century both ports were used to transport lumber from the Wealden forests and Smallhythe had a well-established boat building industry. In 1332 Edward III prohibited the export of unwashed wool and he invited weavers, fullers and dyers from the continent to come to England and teach the English their crafts. Tenterden and some of its neighbouring villages soon became important for their broadcloth making and the industry flourished for over 350 years. The town was granted its Royal Charter of Incorporation by King Henry VI in 1449 and became a limb of the ancient Ancient Town of Rye. The citizens were also granted the right to their own court which was to be presided over by an elected chief or magistrate. Today Tenterden is a prosperous town with a beautiful tree lined High Street, with many of its historic shops and houses dating from the 15th – 18th centuries. It is a town which has retained its identity and not been subjected to sudden growth and changes. At the time of the 1991 census it had a population of 6,983 and this had grown to 7,600 by 2001. The town has a variety of shops, including quaint antique shops, small boutiques, book shops and craft shops. The town also has some major supermarkets, including Waitrose and Tesco and at Christmas time a truly festive atmosphere is conjured up with lights, stalls, music and entertainment. As well as its shops, Tenterden has a host of other things to

Images: Adam Swaine Photography

LOCAL LIFE

attract the visitor. The Kent and East Sussex railway is a wonderful example of a rural light railway. The line winds its way for ten and a half miles, from Tenterden, through the picturesque Rother valley to terminate near Bodium Castle. The railway is operated by the Kent and East Sussex Railway Company which is a charitable company whose objectives are to preserve the railway and to promote interest in it. The railway has provided location services for a variety of film and television productions over the years, including such well-known films and dramas as, “Jude” (1996), and Downton Abbey (2010). The railway also offers a range of hand on experiences, such as their one day Introductory Steam Locomotive Driving Course or their More Advanced Driving Course. These are a great idea for someone interested in steam trains. If like me, you prefer something a little more relaxed, what could be more enjoyable than a meal on board a steam locomotive, as you wend your way through the countryside? I did this with friends some years ago, on Firework Night, with a stop at Bodiam to watch the fireworks. It proved to be a wonderful night and one to remember. The K&ESR offer a wide variety of events and experiences, so it is well worth giving them a call (01580 765155) or visiting their web site (www.kesr.org.uk). Although many plans for a railway station at Tenterden had been made in the past, none had come to fruition and it was not until 1900 that Tenterden Station opened. Its name was changed three years later to Rolvenden Station, when the line was extended north and a new station closer to Tenterden was built. The new Tenterden Station opened on 16th March 1903 but it closed to regular passengers in January 1954, although goods were still hauled on part of the early track and the occasional passenger train still ran, carrying hop-pickers and ramblers. However, by 1961 traffic had completely ceased and the line was closed. In 1974, the Tenterden Railway Company purchased the line and opened the station again, which now houses the Kent and East Sussex Railway’s, Carriage and Wagon Works.

Colonel Stephens Railway Museum is also located nearby. The museum records the career of Holmen Fred Stephens, a promoter of the light railway and includes artefacts from the railways and from his personal life, including a reconstruction of his Salford Terrace office. Tenterden Museum is located in Station Road and is housed in a two storey weather boarded building, which was built to represent the type of industrial building to be found in the area in the late 19th century. The museum is run on a voluntary basis and records Tenterden’s fascinating history including hop-picking, farming and the Cinque Ports. Tenterden is not short on other entertainment either. The town’s Music festival is a great, free family festival, which takes place in the summer, usually in July. The Tenterden Folk festival is a four day long festival of folk song, music and dance, which takes place in October each year, at various venues around the town. Among the many events included are concerts, sing-a-rounds, music sessions and special shows. There are also dance displays by Morris men and other folk dancers. The Festival this year is taking place from Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th October. With such a wealth of beauty and history, alongside great facilities, it is little wonder that Tenterden is referred to as, “the jewel in the weald”. SEPTEMBER2012 15

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LOCAL LIFE

FLYING BACK TO THE PAST WORDS: MAUREEN COLE

WEST MALLIN

t is a small town with plenty to attract the visitor with its historic buildings, beautiful scenery and wonderful variety of events. It also boasts a good range of pubs and restaurants and most of its centre is designated a Conservation Area. The town is referred to in the Domesday Book as Mallengetis and in many deeds, following the Conquest, as Millinges Parve, to distinguish it from East Malling which at that time was a larger and more important town. West Malling retains many of the characteristics of a medieval town and many of its buildings date from the early medieval period and later. In 1190 however, much of the town was destroyed by fire and had to be rebuilt. The plans probably followed those of the earlier town. The Parish church of St Marys lies to the south of the town. A church is mentioned as far back as the Domesday Book. Much of the original medieval structure collapsed in the 18th century and the two blocked windows in the chancel and the herringbone stonework at the bottom of the West Tower (both dating from c1100) are the oldest remaining parts of the church. As with many old churches, alterations and extensions have taken place over the years. The chancel was lengthened in the 13th century and the vestry built in the 14 century, had alterations made to it in the 15th century. One of the many interesting old buildings within the town is the Norman keep, known as St Leonard’s Tower. The tower was built by Bishop Gundulf (c1180), who also founded St Mary’s Abbey (c1190 ) in West Malling, for the benefit of Benedictine Nuns. Gundulf is also noted for building the White Tower of The 18 SEPTEMBER2012

Tower of London. St Leonard’s Tower is situated beside Manor County Park, which covers 52 acres and was formerly the private gardens of the nearby Douce’s Manor. The County Park is divided into four areas - the Lake, Douces Meadow, Ice House Field and Abbey Field and Chestnut Paddocks. The lake runs the length of St Leonards Road and is surrounded by woodland. The area is a haven for water wildlife. Douces Meadow is a large parkland meadow, whilst Ice House Field is a smaller meadow, which takes its name from a former building on the site, used to store ice taken from the lake, for use by those who lived in Douces Manor. During the World War II the field was used as a prison for interned Germans. Ice House was capped in 1963 and was concealed under an earth mound. It is listed however, as No. 40, on a list of 64 known Ice Houses in Kent. Abbey Field and Chestnut Paddocks are two large fields, mainly used for cattle grazing and for promoting further wildlife and plant diversity within the park. The 18th century Douces Manor is a Grade II listed building, owned by the Douces family until 1916, when it was bought by the Trustees of Fredrick Andrews and converted into a convalescent home for ladies. In World War II the house was used to accommodate airmen and was the Headquarters and Mess for officers flying from the nearby RAF West Malling Airfield. The wine cellar of the Manor was converted by the pilots into the “Twitch Inn”. The name was given by the pilots and related to the nervous twitches which many of them developed, as a result of constantly having to look out for enemy aircraft. Many of the pilots etched their names into the walls, including such well-

Images: Adam Swaine Photography

THE PRETTY MARKET TOWN OF WEST MALLING LIES IN THE DISTRICT OF TONBRIDGE AND WEST MALLING, 8.5 KM FROM MAIDSTONE AND 56 KMS FROM LONDON. THE TOWN HAS GOOD LINKS TO BOTH LONDON AND THE FERRY PORTS OF DOVER AND FOLKESTONE, BEING CLOSE TO BOTH THE M26 AND M20.

known pilots as Stanford Tuck, Guy Gibson (A Dambuster’s Pilot), and John “Cat’s Eyes” Cunningham (a night flight pilot). The Inn is designated as a Heritage Centre and is opened 20 times a year to the public. It displays artefacts donated by the Malling Society, including Guy Gibson’s uniform. The Malling Society will be opening the “Twitch Inn” for Heritage , on September 8th and 9th 2012 (11am – 4pm each day) but if you miss this, it will be open again on Remembrance Sunday, 8th November (11am – 5pm). Admission is free but access can only be made on foot and there is no parking at Douches Manor. The Malling Society will also be staging an exhibition in the Clout Institute, situated in the High Street, on September 8th and 9th. The exhibition will depict life in West Malling at the time of the Census in 1841. RAF West Malling was a Royal Airforce station, originally

opened as a private landing area in 1930. It was known then as Kingshill (the name given to the new residential development which stands on the former air base) and was home to Maidstone School of Flying, until it was renamed West Malling Airfield. In 1932 the Airfield was renamed again and became Maidstone Airport. Many displays and airshows took place at the airport, with famous aviators such as Amy Johnson and Alan Cobham taking off and landing on the grass runway. As war approached the airfield was taken over by the Military and in 1940 it became RAF West Malling. After the war it continued to see service with some of the RAF’s first jet squadrons and later as a US Naval Air Station. In 1969 the airport closed as an operational air station and adopted a more civilian role until it eventually closed as an airfield. There is certainly much to see and do in West Malling. The town has its own Farmers Market, which takes place on the 4th Sunday in the month, from 9.30am-1.30pm. The market is situated in the High Street and with over 30 stalls, it sells an array of farm produce, including meats, fruit, vegetables and cheeses, together with cakes, handmade breads and jams. Records indicate that there was a market in the town as early as 1105 when the right to hold a market was granted to the abbess of the convent of the Virgin Mary. There are also a variety of good pubs and eating places to visit. The Farm House is an Elizabethan House situated in the heart of the town, offering a traditional English cuisine as well as some continental specialities and the Swan, once a 15th century coaching inn, offers a comfortable and elegant place to dine. With its excellent leisure facilities, including a golf course and historic cricket ground (first opened in 1827), West Malling has something to offer everyone. The beautiful countryside and High Street make it feel more like a village than a town and yet it has all the facilities at hand that anyone could wish for. SEPTEMBER2012 19

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LOCAL LIFE

MUSEUM TURNS UP TRUMPS IN THE EDEN VALLEY

DESPITE SPORTING TWO RAILWAY STATIONS AND A HIGH STREET BOASTING HALF-TIMBERED MEDIEVAL BUILDINGS STRETCHED ALONG AN ANCIENT ROMAN ROAD TO LEWES, EDENBRIDGE WAS ONCE REGARDED AS A BIT OF A BACKWATER, HANDY FOR A COFFEE BREAK AND A BROWSE AROUND ITS SPECIALIST SHOPS. WORDS: JOHN RULER IMAGES: ADAM SWAINE

ot any more it isn’t. Now the hub for a 30-plus circular drive round the Eden Valley, it is also home to The Eden Valley Museum which, housed in a 14th century farm probably rebuilt in the early 16th century, encapsulates a region rich in idyllic Kentish villages. Better still, its eclectic collection of artefacts, some begged and borrowed from the tourist towns of Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks, is based solely on items used or made locally. The result: a truly community museum which grew from a simple desire to mark 100 years of the parish council in 1995 to the opening in 2000 of a centre-piece renovated and professionally kitted out thanks largely to a substantial sum from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Slipping in neatly with the quaintly timbered courtyard complex which also includes the council chamber and offices, 22 SEPTEMBER2012

Doggetts Farmhouse, built soon after 1380, was until its restoration in pretty bad shape – but with more history than you could shake a stick at. Drawing on the strength of a strong local history society – whose original centenary exhibition back in1995 prompted the project – is a volunteer staff whose individual skills are carefully honed by curator Jane Higgs, a professional stage manager. ‘I’m not a trained historian,’ she said. ‘But coming from the theatre I know how to put on a show. You’ve got to grab the audience from the start.’ Which is just what the museum does. Quickly pitched into the 16th century world of one Robert Seyliard, a model of whom faces you across the table, the twisted beams, wooden stairs and panelling provide not just the perfect foil to your brush with the past but open up tardis-like individual rooms or galleries

NEED TO KNOW: Eden Valley Museum, Church House, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5AR T: 01732 868102 E: curator@evmt.org.uk www.evmt.org.uk; W: www.edenvalleykent.org

OPENING TIMES

‘ What is nice about our collection is that so much has been given by local people.’ Jane Higgs, Curator

14.00 –16.30 (Wed & Fri) 10.00–16.30 (Thur & Sat), closed Jan and Good Friday. Sunday opening Jun, Jul & Aug.

ADMISSION: FREE. The museum is accessible to wheelchair users on the ground floor; touch screen displays provide further access to the collection. Also available: leaflets on the Historic Town Trail (with help for a children’s version coming from the primary school) Time Travelling Through Edenbridge and the Eden Valley Villages Trail

EVENTS: PILLS, POTIONS AND POISONS is the title of a new exhibition this month which looks at the history of hospital and healthcare in the Eden Valley. Sep 27: Talk on Octavia Hill, founder of National Trust, who lived nearby at Crockham Hill, 19.30. Tkts £8 Oct 9: Talk on Gertrude Jekyll’s garden. 19.30. £8.

dedicated to separate themes. There’s the Eden Valley of Stone Age times, probably woodland, swampy in the winter but consisting of bone-hard clay in the summer. Then there’s the prosperous Middle Ages, with fine houses and even cottages of the less well to do still standing today. Improved communications with London later attracted both the gentry, with their Arts and Crafts homes, and expansion of the long-established tanning industry near the river, the essential source of water and, after World War Two, forming the industrial area north of the town. Light industries still flourish here. Hops, hopping, brewing and pubs, too, packed a powerful punch. In the Edenbridge parish alone, there were 225 acres under hops in 1846. Doggetts farm itself had nine acres, and one family were still growing hops in 1905. All is revealed through a lively collection of objects, visual

images and interactive displays, not ultra high-tech but fun and family friendly which is what Jane and her staff aim for. ‘What is nice about our collection,’ she said, ‘ is that so much has been given by local people.’ ‘ Some might even say we’re a bit lowbrow, but you need to pitch at all ages and skills. It’s a community museum so anyone can come in and help. The little ones from the primary school are interested, even if you lose them when they go to secondary school. They’re interested in now, not then. I am desperate to get an education officer in here…’ I have little doubt she’s on a winning wicket. With cricket balls and bats produced in the Penshurst and Chiddingstone area, it simply wouldn’t be cricket if this thriving museum did not build on its already growing reputation. Remember, too, the town was once the national centre for bare-knuckle prize-fighting… SEPTEMBER2012 23

HOUSE GARDEN

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

enis Curry Design provides a solution to this problem by combining a design, build & project management service. Operating throughout London & Kent. They professionally undertake and handle projects from kitchen/bathroom installation right through to complete house refurbishment. It is clear to see that classic & elegant lines form a consistent thread in the majority of their projects with period features playing a big part in the style and influence of their work. Wherever possible they try to make the most of the existing original aspects of the property, and if these features are missing or have been removed they are keen to reinstate them. These include cornices, high profile skirting boards, period radiators all of which add a real sense of grandeur and provides a classic timeless feel. This principle at Denis Curry Design also works particularly well when it is incorporated into a modern kitchen or bathroom design, because it is – done correctly, the combination of old and new forms that compliment each other in a seamless fashion. A perfect example of this is if when fitting a high gloss white kitchen, they offset the ultra modern kitchen units by installing a parquet wood block floor and possibly run ornate cornice work to the top of the kitchen wall units, or to reintroduce reclaimed cast iron column radiators, they find that by keeping it simple and classic is always the best way. To try & offer a more rounded service than the established mid to high-end kitchen suppliers, Denis Curry Design decided the time was right to offer their own kitchen supply & installation service. They provide a complete kitchen package, covering every possible trade & finish required in order to deliver their Clients brief - from actual kitchen design & installation to type of floor finish, lighting plan to radiator position, wall tiles to wall colours - everything that goes into the make up of the room, Denis Curry Design do it all. By taking on the whole detail, they manage to not only reduce cost & lead time, but also to eliminate the grey areas 24 SEPTEMBER2012

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

WWW. HAWESANDCURTIS. COM

£5 OFF

WHEN SPENDING £50 OR MORE ONLINE OR IN OUR BLUEWATER STORE, UNIT 114, BLUEWATER SHOPPING CENTRE Cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount. Present this voucher in store to claim. To claim the discount online enter the promo code “HCBLUE12” at the online checkout. Valid until 31/10/12. SEPTEMBER2012 25

LOCAL LIFE

IT’S NOT QUITE

CRICKET…

MORE ONE WHACKING GREAT SLICE OF RURAL LIFE RAISE YOUR GLASSES TO BAT AND TRAP! WORDS & PICTURES: JOHN RULER

n the corner of the Rose & Crown’s cosy bar in Halstead, a TV interviewer was enthusing about Michael Phelps latest gold medal. But the real action was taking place outside – in the garden of the 19th century flint fronted pub where the home team were limbering up for a key match of bat and trap against the guys and gals from the Five Bells, Chelsfield. Never heard of it? Well, it may not be of Olympian proportion. But for a game peculiar to Kent which faced extinction at the start of the 20th century, it is proving remarkably resilient in the face of closing pubs and hence dwindling players. So much so that the Sevenoaks & District League also includes the Old Jail, Biggin Hill, the Tally Ho, Knockholt, and the Blacksmiths Arms at Cudham. To that you can add the Bull’s Head, Pratts Bottom, where, on July 1st, 19 teams took part in a massive open day on the village green to encourage interest in a game which in the words of league chairman Kieran Murray, from Berry’s Green, ‘ unites individual pubs and creates banter between the teams.’ There was plenty of that as the beer flowed freely during the Rose & Crown and Five Bells encounter in which a medley of ages and gender got to grips with a game which some regard as a forerunner to cricket. Well, up to a point, Lord Copper, in the sense that you use hand crafted wooden equipment, but no one actually has to run anywhere! Instead you use a bat-shaped bat, more of a table tennis variety than anything else, to whack a lacrosse ball which TOP LEFT: Trap Ball - From an original picture in the collection of George Watson Esq. The painting was by H. Thomson, and it also bears the caption “London, published Jan 2, 1809 by the Engraver W. Say”. This is an important picture since it shows the combination of both cricket and bat & trap. It was sent to the league by Martin Hoerchner. TOP RIGHT: Players in action at the Pratts Bottom open day.

LEFT: The Black Prince, Newington Butts, 1788, with ‘a pleasant garden for trap ball playing.’ 26 SEPTEMBER2012

DID YOU KNOW …

A in a 13 century monastic manuscript shows a • monk drawing playing a similar game. another precursor to cricket, predominates in the • SKent, toolball Sussex and Surrey border region. Bat and Trap was traditionally played on • IThe n Brighton Level and the Bat and Ball public house is said to th

commemorate this.

is released from the mechanical trap that, in effect, is the ‘bowler.’ At the other end of the pitch the rivals are poised to bowl the ball back in the hope of hitting the flap at the front of the trap… Better still, read up on the rules on www.batandtrap.org.uk (Sevenoaks and District) or www.canterburybatandtrap.co.uk. You try explaining cricket in a couple of paragraphs! Suffice to say that one American visitor who innocently asked: ‘ Is this the place for bat and trap? ’ was told: ‘ Just go out the back and follow the noise.’ He added: ‘Bat and Trap is reminiscent of cricket – or so I’m told – but appears to be a game pretty easily understood by the interested observer.’ He also commented on the camaraderie, deeply rooted, says Kieran, in pub culture. ‘ People who have played for many years are proud of it as a local tradition.’ His own introduction began purely through social outings to local pubs, generally those with a village green and a garden. Now, having realised ‘we were quite good at it’ bat and trap has become part of family life, with his son, Luke, aged 14, also making his mark. Though there are others, Sevenoaks and Canterbury, are the two core leagues, with the latter being acknowledged by the former, perhaps a little reluctantly, as the major force. But it was they, after all, in May 1922, that, faced with the huge Great War loss of young players and the growing popularity of football, rugger and cricket, rescued a declining game played at only a handful of clubs in Canterbury and neighbouring villages. In 1921 a league was conceived, rules laid down and a standard set for pitches and equipment. Among the six founder pubs, all in Canterbury, was Ye Olde Beverlie, a listed redbrick building, established in the 1740s on the site of a monastery where a forerunner of both bat and trap and cricket was reputedly first played in the 1300s. It is still played there today, and was recently featured in a BBC Countryfile programme. By 1982, there was a record 80 teams in eight divisions. Essentially the rules and regulations remain the same today, though while the Sevenoaks league have historically been made up of six players of either sex Canterbury teams have eight players, originally all men but with women players now being allowed on a trial basis. They can also play two substitutes if needed. Matches are now also played in one day; in earlier decades they had to be resumed later because darkness had set in. Which is why since 1951 you can spot a bat and trap pub by looking for the tell-tale floodlights in the garden along with a slab for the trap. This way you can start at 8pm (in earlier times it was seven) carrying on occasionally to midnight if needed. They were still going strong around ten when we left the Halstead match. Oh yes, the Rose & Crown team won by two games (sorry I mean legs) to one. TOP: Final of the Festival Cup in May 1954 played in central Canterbury between Canterbury British Legion and Post Office Telephones. (Courtesy: Canterbury & District Bat & Trap League) CENTRE: Ready for the fray… the teams at Halstead.

LEFT: The trap and ball: little’s changed over the years. SEPTEMBER2012 27

28 SEPTEMBER2012

Emile Azan

“expressing your space”

• • • • •

SEPTEMBER2012 29

LOCAL LIFE

JOHN RULER LOOKS BACK TO A TIME WHEN A BLOSSOMING BROMLEY WAS BLESSED WITH THE BEST IN …

TOWN COUNTRY! BY THE TIME QUEEN VICTORIA CAME TO THE THRONE IN 1837, BROMLEY WAS ALREADY ON A ROLL. THIS WAS THE PLACE TO LIVE, WITH SPLENDID ESTATES, ENCLOSED IN PARKS AND GARDENS, BEING SNAPPED UP BY THE GENTRY. AND AT THE HEART WAS THE MARKET SQUARE, BRISTLING WITH EVERY KIND OF COMMERCIAL VENTURE IMAGINABLE, FROM DRAUGHTSMEN AND SURVEYORS TO BUTCHERS, BAKERS AND CANDLESTICK-MAKERS.

TOWN

PRAISE FROM JANE AUSTEN (painting John Ruler) With its stables of around 100 horses, the original 17th century Bell was one of the town’s two top coaching inns, and recommended by Lady Catherine de Burgh in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It was also known for its foaming tankards of Allsop or Bass beer supplied to customers through a cupboard. I have tried to catch the era with my own monochrome watercolour painting which I based on an old print taken around 1890. The Bell Inn was demolished in 1897-98 to make way for the one remembered by some, but now sadly simply a shell. HART OF THE TOWN If ever a picture seems ready to spring to live, this is surely the case. Central to the busy scene is the White Hart, the town’s other top coaching inn, quite possibly dating back to the 14th century as the sign showed the badge of Richard II. Sadly it fell foul of commercial, rather than historical, considerations in 1980 and was eventually demolished.

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MARKET FORCES Shut your eyes, blink and then look again and you’ll discover the turn of the 20th century Market Square looks distinctly familiar even today. Freeman, Hardy & Willis have long left the scene but the well known shoe shop was just one of a string of familiar names in Market Square… like Marks & Spencer, pictured in 1916.

Pictures: courtesy of Bromley Library

he horse-drawn coach service was booming, with two major staging posts for London – the 17th century Bell and the White Hart dating back even further – leading, along with other horse-drawn trade, to the creation of New Cut, a major widening of the western side of the Market Square in 1832. But this was just the beginning. In 1845 Bromley Palace, residence of the Bishops of Rochester for centuries was sold to William John Coles Child, a big-time, and highly shrewd, businessman who dabbled in everything from hop farming to brick building. He even had with his own gravel pits at Mason’s Hill. Coles Child also held out against the biggest change ever, the coming of the railway. Well, at least until he agreed to sell land on the condition that he had a major share in the Mid Kent Railway Company, and that only bricks from his yard would be used in building a station. In July 1859, Bromley South opened much to the relief of a flood of wealthy new middle-class residents eager to reach their City interests as quickly as possible. All of which meant a district ‘full of picturesque beauty, being pleasantly undulating and wooded’ was, in the words of Edward Walford, author of Greater London in 1883, rapidly seeing its ‘sylvan character’ changing. You bet it was … and even more so by the time Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee. But despite the glaring changes of the last 150 years or so, some remnants of the 19th century stubbornly remain in the town centre. It’s the rapid development of the surrounding countryside that we tend to forget. And there was a lot of it. At the close of the 19th century, a large proportion of the 4,696 acres of land which made up Bromley was still being used for agriculture or as parks to embellish the mansions of some eight to ten big landowners. Fields on every side came right up to and touched the backyards of gardens of the houses in High Street and the Market place. Hop gardens were within a few hundred yards of both. Bromley for many years, even up to 1930, was truly a place of Town and Country as our picture gallery shows.

COUNTRY

A LIVELY JOINT Also meeting a need… these carcasses are strung up along the original frontage of Covell & Harris around 1882. The Covell family was the last in a long line of butchers, stretching back to at least the 17th century. Cavell’s Corner as it was known later became home to the Midland Bank, now the HSBC.

HORSE CART CORNER Another old pub still around today is the Swan & Mitre, at the Swan Hill corner of High Street and Beckenham Lane. Popular with carters and country carriers on their way to the London markets, this link with the town’s rural surroundings became famous for its seating from the Gaiety Theatre, London. Its ornate mirrors were presented by music hall star Marie Lloyd.

MAKING HAY IN HAYES If ever you need a rude reminder just how rural the Bromley area used to be, then consider this 1883 picture of hay making in the meadowland off what is now Bourne Vale, Hayes. But then these were before the days when, in the words of Canon Thompson, a former Rector of Hayes ‘modern amenities began to be provided.’ By the 1930s the whole village seemed up for sale with a frantic building spree creating new streets including Bourne Vale named after the River Bourne the source of which was in the grounds of Hayes Place. The old riverbed led many residents to believe that stones and pebbles ‘grew’ in their gardens.

SHOPPING SPREE 1905 If you think Bromley’s too crowded now, what about the Market Square of yesteryear as pictured above? No date is given, but Skilton, the butchers, left, was run by W.F. Skilton, a farmer and butcher who took over the business in 1905. By the 1930s, he had branches at Croydon, Penge, Sutton and Epsom, with farms at Blackbrook, Sundridge Park and Hayes Place. Many still praise the personal level of service, especially during the last war. ‘There was a proper market square then,’ said local resident 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. I think they knew what was going to happen.’

HARVESTING HISTORY This delightfully posed picture, circa 1883, of rural workers at Springhill Farm was taken by S.B Webber founder of Bromley Camera Club in 1896. The farm lay near the Burnt Ash Lane library, with the picture shot looking towards what was recorded as Powsters Hill, but more likely Pousty’s Hill, or Hilly Fields, known apparently as Mount Misery. In 1885 half the men still worked full-time on the land and many women half time. So did the children who were kept away from school to help with haymaking, harvesting fruit picking and gathering acorns for winter fodder. Boys were used to scare the crows.

SEPTEMBER2012 31

32 SEPTEMBER2012

WEDDING LIFE THE QUALITY WEDDING GUIDE • SEPTEMBER 2012

LOCAL WEDDING SPECIALISTS Adam Swaine Photography 07798 526569 Bea Das Couture Sevenoaks 01732 740959 Blackburn Bridal Blackheath 0208 297 1188 Brides Dress Revisited Otford 01959 525834 Bromley Register Office Bromley 0208 313 4666 Dominic Walmsley Sevenoaks 01732 779555

Eastwell Manor Ashford 01233 213000 Hayley Elizabeth Farnborough 01689 882704 Fellbridge Hotel and Spa East Grinstead 01342 337755 Nikolas Patrick Chislehurst 0208 295 6122 Rowhill Grange Wilmington 01322 615136 Sundridge Park Manor Bromley 0208 313 3232 SEPTEMBER2012 33

Bea Das

WEDDING SPECIAL

The exquisite world of

SEVENOAKS BASED BEA DAS COUTURE IS A LUXURY BRAND SPECIALISING IN STYLISH, GLAMOROUS, BESPOKE GARMENTS. IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 2000. The label focuses on well travelled, cosmopolitan women who are style conscious. The beautifully hand crafted wedding gowns are feminine and designed to make women look confident, and revel in their beauty. Some of their dresses have a sophisticated sexiness and luxury that all women desire. Bea Das is renowned for working closely with each client to create flattering cuts for their body shape by taking an extensive set of measurements, delivering a truly bespoke service. We use traditional couture techniques to produce our high quality gowns. Bea works with each client making a gown from their favourite design which she has designed and hand illustrated after talking through with the client, offering a truly bespoke service. We specialise in couture Bridal wear, evening wear, cocktail wear, occasion wear and daywear. In our Sevenoaks, Kent based atelier we drape, cut, bead / embroider and make each gown by hand. There is only ever one bespoke gown made and it is never repeated. No couture gown is ever made twice. Generally a custom made couture bridal gown takes six months to create. Our custom made couture evening and occasion wear takes between eight to ten weeks but occasionally we have created an evening wear gown in just four weeks! Bea Das has a collection of bridal gowns to view for clients at their boutique in Sevenoaks. This collection gives each client a little peep into what is possible. Our clients come to us because we make unique pieces that no one else has and cannot find easily with out a lead time of three– six months for evening and occasion wear. Bea Das Experience – Each bespoke garment is made from hand drawn illustrations drawn specifically for each client. It is a visual representation of what the garment will look like. Bea Das works on appointments only basis. Please call 01732 740959 to make an appointment. www.beadas.co.uk

34 SEPTEMBER2012

SEPTEMBER2012 35

Numbers

WEDDING SPECIAL

WHITE HOT BY LISA HAYNES

YOU MIGHT ASSOCIATE FALLING IN LOVE AND FINDING ‘THE ONE’ WITH YOUR HUSBAND-TO-BE, BUT THE VERY SAME PRINCIPLES APPLY TO YOUR WEDDING DRESS. Just as you need to kiss a few frogs in the dating world, the search for your dream frock can be a real journey. You’re looking for the right shape, the right shade and exactly the right amount of sparkles, feathers or flounce. If in doubt, turn to the catwalks for inspiration. Bridal designers are seasons ahead of the aisle game so you can tap into the fashion mood for your upcoming nuptials. Check out the trends and find a wedding ensemble you’ll be smitten with. Fabrics to fall for Satin, silk, tulle, taffeta - the bridal options are endless but one fabric is sending everyone wild. “For this season, it’s lace, lace and more lace,” explains Susi Rogol, editor of trade magazine Bridal Buyer. Not only as full-on gowns a la Duchess of Cambridge last April, but as accents too. “Lace is being used in little sculpted shrugs to give a hint of cover-up through to strapless gowns and as detachable straps to complete top layers,” says Rogol. Meanwhile edgier brides are loving laser-cut fabrics to create surface texture and 3D effects, also achieved with swirls of ribbons or fabric forming an entire skirt of flowers or petals. BRIDING YOUR TIME If you’re looking ahead to a wedding next year, look back in time for inspiration. 2013 will be a vintage year, according to Rogol. “Vintage is the direction that every influential designer is taking, harking back to the Thirties and Fifties in particular. “So, slinky body-clinging dresses in slippery satins with clever fabric manipulation to form shape and accentuate curve on one hand, boat necklines and ballerina lengths on the other.” Think Audrey Hepburn for inspiration, with Fifties hallmark details like nipped-in waists, bell skirts and crisp silhouettes. SWEET ON SILHOUTTE Use your body as a guide to choosing a shape that will flatter as you saunter down the aisle. There are two major silhouettes this season: curve-enhancing fishtails or retro ballgown styles. Samantha Neville, founder of Mamfii Bridal, says: “Fishtail shapes accentuate the classic hourglass figure and look fabulous in full lace, or very simply made in the finest silk duchess where the beauty of the gown is all in the fabric and cut. “Ballgowns are cut with a slightly lower waist, ensuring a flatteringfit for all figures. Damask fabrics are making a comeback in classicshapes and are a beautiful choice for the fashion-forward bride, as are softer fabrics such as tulle and chiffon but cut into a fuller shape.” 36 SEPTEMBER2012

Jesus Peiro gown, £POA

HEART THE HIGH STREET For brides who are short on time or cash flow, buying off-thepeg is the obvious option and, thankfully, the trusty high street is going from strength to strength. “It’s obviously a completely different experience to buy your wedding gown from the high street to experiencing the service of a boutique,” Neville warns. “But stores such as Coast and Monsoon have some lovely styles that are both stylish and cost-effective.” Increasingly, big bridal manufacturers are also introducing diffusion lines at accessible prices so brides can still get a killer cut andperfect fit, all within budget. BRIDE ON A BUDGET Don’t begin married life in debt so you can wear a fairytale designer gown for less than 24 hours. Elizabeth Catherine Myers, author of new book Pocket Wedding Planner, has these cost-cutting bridal shopping tips: •

Wait for the sales in wedding dress shops to try and pick up a bargain.

•

Check the small ads in your local paper for a second-hand dress.

• Check auction websites like eBay to look for a second-hand dress. (But take care as the photo provided on the site and the final product may look very different). Check the item description, read the feedback comments about the seller and ask any questions you have before bidding. • Research the types of fabric that suit the style of dress you like. The type of fabric you choose could have a big impact on the overall price of your dress. • Carefully consider the style of dress you would like. If you choose a style that requires a lot of fabric, for example a dress with a long train or a full skirt, the price will increase.

JS Collections bridal one shoulder drape dress, £250 at House of Fraser 020 7003 4000 www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Monsoon Wordsworth lace bridal dress, £300 0203 372 3000 www.monsoon.co.uk

COAST CORA lace maxi dress, £695 www.coast-stores.com

PHASE EIGHT Astoria frill dress, £395; bow peeptoe court shoes, £89 0207 471 4422 www.phase-eight.co.uk

• Consider simple designs without embroidery. Machine work instead of hand beading can greatly reduce costs. A simple dress with simple accessories can look very stylish. • Asking a local dressmaker to copy a style of dress in a cutting-edge magazine could help save hundreds (and even thousands) of pounds. • Consider selling your dress after the wedding to recover some of the cost. DO THE TWIST BHS have solved every indecisive bride’s nightmare. Introducing the new ‘Twist & Wrap’ bridesmaid dress - a versatile piece that comes in two lengths, three colours and offers at least 15 different ways to wear. The dream dress can be styled to suit personality, shape and size, adapting to each bridesmaid’s own unique style. Available in sizes 8-20 in jewel colours of burgundy, purple and jade, from ¬£70, exclusively available online at www.bhs.co.uk from mid-April.

Rock ‘N Rose Liberty oversized floral crown, £36 www.rocknrose.co.uk

Hassal Bon Bon bridal platforms, £220 www.hassall.co.uk

SEPTEMBER2012 37

WEDDING FEATURE

Blackburn Bridal Couture is a luxury boutique for Brides and their mothers in Blackheath Village. New Occasion Wear Studio now open. 38 SEPTEMBER2012

lackburn Bridal are proud to offer a selection of some of the most talented bridal designers all under one roof, and are delighted to announce the opening of the new Occasion Wear studio two minutes from the Blackburn Bridal Boutique. You will be able to find a range of fabulous outfits for every event, from Weddings for Mother of the Bride/groom or guests to evening wear for that “all so special night out”! So if you want to look your absolute best for your daughters or sons wedding, a day at the races or a fabulous Ball then Blackburn Boutique has something special for you.

Russell Blackburn opened his stunning boutique nearly seven years ago. Brides love the dresses that are in store and travel from as far as Ireland and Scotland to view the exquisite collections. A number of brides have flown in from Europe for the wonderful designers showcased. Old Hollywood glamour is the inspiration behind most of the collections. Russell has always been inspired by the movie stars of the 30’s 40’s and 50’s. Designers such as Jenny Packham, Claire Pettibone and Cymbeline and many more are all showcased in store. Russell decided it was the right time to incorporate the

Mother of the Bride and guest outfits into his business. He recently opened a second showroom just two minutes from his store in Blackheath which is by appointment only. For ladies looking for a special Occasion outfit or evening dress this new exclusive boutique offers a private consultation in the luxury of our beautiful first floor studio. Russell decided to open a second store having been asked countless times where to find a beautiful outfit. He struggled to offer a suitable range of shops locally that catered for Mother of the Brides or guests. He decided that now was the time to fill this massive gap in the market in Blackheath for beautiful designer Occasion wear. Russell caters for most budgets and styles and his Occasion wear starts from £250 up to £1,500. His evening wear ranges from £150 to £800 and he is pleased to announce that a hire service on evening gowns will also be available on selected styles from £75. As so many brides do not have the luxury of six months ordering time Russell has also put together a ready to wear collection of dresses for just this dilemma. Blackburn Bridal has a ready to wear, off the peg collection of Bridal dresses for

any bride looking to purchase their wedding dress with no lead time. This excellent service is by private appointment only from the New Occasion wear studio and will be based around a selection of 10 to 12 gowns available to buy off the peg from £500 to £1,000. Brides to be need to act quickly as all dresses from the ready to wear range will be one off styles in one size between 8 and 14. These beautiful gowns will not be ordered again so you will need to make an immediate decision to purchase that special piece to avoid disappointment. So if you’re looking to purchase a dress off the peg and in a hurry makes sure that you book an immediate appointment with the studio. If you are thinking of ordering from the main line collections in the Bridal Boutique Russell and his team recommend you come in at least six months ahead of your big day to avoid disappointment. Every dress needs to be made especially for you based on your current size. The stores and professional staff pride themselves on a superb customer service which Russell feels is key to running a successful business. Each bride gets a private consultation for one hour at the boutique which involves working with the silhouette that best suits her shape. The aim is to help educate brides into working with shapes that flatter their body and in turn compliment their personalities. This ensures that every bride feels comfortable whilst looking her most beautiful on her wedding day. Dresses start at £1,200 up to £8,000 and the choice is amazing. Blackburn Bridal aim to ensure that our friendly consultative service makes for a truly wonderful experience in finding your dream wedding dress. To book an appointment please contact us at Bridal Boutique 0208 297 1188 and Occasion Wear Studio 0208 318 2333. or email at info@blackburnbridal.co.uk SEPTEMBER2012 39

Bromley Register Office

A special place to celebrate Weddings Partnerships n Renewal of Vows n Naming ceremonies The beautiful grounds include a lake and extensive lawns. Ceremony rooms to suit from 2 to 130 guests. n

n Civil

We also conduct civil funerals.

ADAM SWAINE PHOTOGR APHY

07798 526 569

w w w. adam s w ai n e . co . uk a d a m swa i ne@ro c ketm a i l . c o m I N T E R I O R S

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W O R D

ROWHILL GRANGE WEDDING FAYRE S U N DAY 7 T H O C TO B E R 11 AM U N T I L 4 P M • Complimentary entry & showround • Meet with handpicked suppliers • Start planning your dream wedding

PLEASE CALL 01322 612778 OR VISIT ROWHILLGRANGE.CO.UK FOR MORE INFORMATION ROWHILL GRANGE AND UTOPIA SPA, WILMINGTON, KENT, DA2 7QH

/ROWHILLGRANGE

@ROWHILL_GRANGE SEPTEMBER2012 41

Sundridge

Park Manor SUNDRIDGE PARK MANOR IS A STUNNING GRADE 1 LISTED STATELY MANOR IN BROMLEY DESIGNED BY THE RENOWNED ARCHITECT JOHN NASH. THE MANOR PROVIDES A BREATHTAKING BACKDROP TO A WEDDING CEREMONY OR RECEPTION, WITH THE PRIVATE DRIVEWAY AND LUSH GARDENS THRILLING GUESTS FROM THE START. The main hall with the huge sweeping staircase, Corinthian pillars, twinkling chandeliers and ornate plasterwork is fit for a princess, and is guaranteed to wow wedding guests. Three stunning rooms are licensed for civil wedding ceremonies and can accommodate weddings as small as thirty guests up to seventy. With twenty three en-suite bedrooms available, guests can make themselves comfortable and the bride and groom can start their married life in the King wedding suite which once welcomed royalty such as King Edward VII and Napoleon and his wife Eugenie. The expertise of the Manor’s wedding coordinators and the delicious food prepared by the Executive Head Chef will make sure that the wedding day is a dream day with every detail taken care of.

42 SEPTEMBER2012

Your exclusive

wedding venue

www.missymo.co.uk

• Exclusive use for all weddings • Three licensed rooms for civil ceremonies

• Twenty three en-suite bedrooms • Complimentary bridal suite for the bride and groom

• Wedding Fair Sunday 14th October • Wedding Open Day Sunday 25th November Sundridge Park Manor, Willoughby Lane off Plaistow Lane, Bromley, Kent BR1 3FZ T: 0208 313 3232 E: reception@sundridgeparkmanor.com W: sundridgeparkmanor.com

WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO... to devise a menu that is special to them using the finest quality products often locally sourced and seasonal. The Eastwell Manor wine list is extensive including the choice of Champagnes which includes Eastwell’s very own Eastwell Manor Drappier and depending on the time of year, it may also be pleasant to offer a Pimms or mulled wine on arrival. The choices are endless. In the evening many wedding parties adjourn to The Pavilion, Eastwell Manor’s modern building where the entertainment continues with either a disco or live music away from the main hotel. Many guests especially the bride and groom and their families choose to stay at the hotel for the celebrations and take advantage of ‘Dreams’ Beauty Salon and the extensive spa facilities and gymnasium. The Manor bedrooms are elegant and romantic whilst the luxury Mews Cottages are perfect for families and groups of friends.

EASTWELL MANOR PROVIDES THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR THE PERFECT WEDDING. The Manor itself nestles at the foot of the North Downs and stands in beautiful gardens and manicured lawns. The setting is idyllic and offers a fairytale experience at all times of the year. The bride and groom can choose to have their very special day in its entirety at this delightful country house hotel with the ceremony in one of the beautiful oak panelled function rooms or in the secret garden gazebo overlooking the Kent countryside. The wedding breakfast can also be held in one of the wood panelled rooms or for larger numbers, in a marquee in the grounds or in the Chelsfield Suite at The Pavilion. The Head Chef has devised some wonderful menus which give the bride and groom plenty of choices for their guests and if they are still not sure then he will be delighted

WEDDI

G FAYRE

Sunday 24th February 2013 10am - 4pm Quality Exhibitors Free Admission Free & Ample Parking

NEW INCLUSIVE WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE FROM £75-£110 PER PERSON Enjoy both your ceremony and reception at this stunning Country House Hotel set within a 3000 acre estate with perfectly manicured lawns and beautiful grounds in the heart of the Kent countryside - A choice of three oak panelled Manor Rooms or the Walled Maids Garden and Victorian Gazebo for your ceremony

- 4 red star accommodation and 62 individually styled luxurious bedrooms and suites

- Award winning cuisine and new wedding breakfast menus designed by our Executive Head Chef

- Some of the finest Spa & Leisure facilities in England

- Licensed for Weddings and Civil Ceremonies

Telephone 01233 213000 Email weddings@eastwellmanor.co.uk

Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees Ashford, Kent TN25 4HR www.eastwellmanor.co.uk

Applicable to weddings booked after 1st August 2011. Photographs supplied by Alfie & Trish Photography.

SEPTEMBER2012 43

Katie Melua

WEDDING SPECIAL

BEAUTIFUL CELEBRITY BRIDE

LOOKS STUNNING IN CLAIRE PETTIBONE!

KATIE MELUA, THE SINGER SONG WRITER MARRIED JAMES TOSELAND ON SATURDAY 1ST SEPT. HER WEDDING TOOK PLACE AT NASH CONSERVATORY AT ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW, LONDON.

Katie wore a stunning beaded and embroidered tulle gown by Claire Pettibone from her ‘Spirit of the night Collection’. Katie looked beautiful and finished her look off with a genuine vintage headpiece. Katie fell in love with her dress after seeing pictures in a bridal magazine last year and booked to see the collection with London stockist Blackburn Bridal Couture in Blackheath. Russell Blackburn owner commented ‘She came in booked as a normal appointment under Katie in our diary, so it was quite a surprise when we realised it was her standing at the door’. Russell worked with Katie to help her find her dream dress, but after trying on several styles and narrowing it down to one Katie still could not get the dress she had so loved in the bridal magazine out of her head. ‘I told Katie I would contact Claire Pettibone to see if we could source her this dress as it was the dress she had dreamed of wearing’. Within two weeks she was back to try it on when it arrived from America. Russell said ‘it was love at first sight for Katie and nothing else compared once she had the gown on. She looked amazing and I knew this was the gown for her. Katie went ahead and ordered the dress later that day’. For Further information contact Russell Blackburn at Blackburn Bridal Couture on 0208 297 1188 or email info@blackburnbridal.co.uk 44 SEPTEMBER2012

PAWNBROKER, JEWELLER & PREMIER WATCH DEALER

High Quality Pawnbroker, Jeweller and Premier Watch Dealer Nickolas Patrick is a family run jewellers of 30 years. We buy, sell and service all brands of fine Swiss watches including Rolex and Cartier with access to all the top dealers across the country. We stock a variety of fine jewellry and watches, we also custom design and make engagement rings for all budgets. We offer a friendly and efficient pawnbroking service in a professional and secure environment. Our prices for buying gold are unbeatable. As we continue to grow as a company, our clients can rest assure in the knowledge that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re offering the best service and highest possible value for their items. Patrick Devine, 35 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AE M: 07853 923072 T: 020 8295 6122 Email: nikolaspatrick@live.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ www.nikolaspatrick.co.uk

35 High Street, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5AE M: 07853 923072 T: 020 8295 6122 Email: nikolaspatrick@live.co.uk

www.nikolaspatrick.co.uk

SPECIALISTS IN SECOND HAND DESIGNER WEDDING DRESSES AND ACCESSORIES

Whether you are planning an eco-friendly wedding, are looking for an affordable wedding dress without sacrificing quality or simply need a dress in a hurry, Brides Dress Revisited can help you find the perfect outfit for your day! At between 30% - 60% off the original selling price, all of our dresses are less than two years old, in excellent condition and are professionally dry-cleaned and beautifully packaged for you to take home. We can even arrange alterations to ensure you achieve the perfect fit! If you would like to make an appointment to visit us and take a look at our current collection please contact us on 01959 525834 or at bridal@bridesdressrevisited.com

SEPTEMBER2012 45

WEDDING F E AT U R E

Weddings at The Felbridge Hotel and Spa

THE IMMACULATE DESIGN OF THE FELBRIDGE HOTEL AND SPA AND BREATH TAKING ELEGANCE AND STYLE OF EACH ROOM ENABLES US TO OFFER YOU A TRULY MEMORABLE AND ENJOYABLE WEDDING. LOCATED HALF WAY BETWEEN LONDON AND BRIGHTON, THE HOTEL IS NESTLED ON THE BOARDER OF SUSSEX AND SURREY.

ur selection of beautiful suites and our licence to hold civil ceremonies makes The Felbridge Hotel & Spa the perfect venue for a wedding of any size. Our magnificent Grand Ballroom comfortably accommodates up to 300 seated guests. We also have the ability to change the size of the room with the use of acoustic sliding doors which enables us to arrange the ballroom to a size to suit your wishes. Also available is the elegant Willow Suite for up to 80 seated guests and celebrations of up to 150; this opens onto the newly manicured courtyard which is a beautiful location for photo opportunities. If you are looking for a Self Catering Wedding we also have packages which include hire of The Grand Ballroom as well as exclusive use of The Grand Ballroom Kitchens. To begin your honeymoon with the sentimental touch, we recommend to newlyweds our exclusively designed Honeymoon Suite. The elegant fireplace sets the mood and creates the perfect romantic atmosphere every couple should experience. The hotel also boasts 120 luxury bedrooms, The Bay Tree Restaurant, The 2 AA Rosette Anise Fine Dining Restaurant, The Chakra Spa including indoor heated pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi as well as stunning grounds and free parking for all guests. Our experienced wedding team applies perfection as standard and values every couple’s individual requirements and tastes. We have years of experience in all different types of wedding celebrations and with immaculate attention to detail our staff are on hand every step of the way. Why not come along to one of our monthly Wedding Open Evenings at the hotel, visit our website for the next date.

46 SEPTEMBER2012

Special Offer on 2012 Weddings! If you are looking to get married this year we have a special package just for you. We are offering you 60 guests on our Pearl Package in the stunning Willow Suite for just £3,000. That works out at just £50 per guest! PACKAGE INCLUSIONS: Red Carpet Bucks Fizz or Pimms on Arrival Three Course Wedding Breakfast One Glass of House Wine per person A Glass of Sparkling Wine for your Toast Freshly Brewed Coffee and Homemade Petit Fours Personalised Felbridge Table Plan, Menus and Place Cards Cake Stand and Knife Room Hire for your Wedding Breakfast and Evening Reception A Junior Suite including Champagne for the Bride and Groom A member of the Management team will personally supervise your day Preferred accommodation rates available for your guests Valid on weddings in the Willow Suite only up until 31st December 2012. For more information and to request a Wedding Brochure please call 01342 337700 or you can email weddings@felbridgehotel.co.uk The Felbridge Hotel and Spa, London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 2BH.

www.felbridgehotel.co.uk/weddings

Beautiful Bespoke Engagement & Wedding rings Original stunning creations designed together and admired for a lifetime

3 The Square  Riverhead Book an appointment to see sample rings and discuss your requirements at our Riverhead shop or London studio.

01732 779 555

Nestled on the border of Sussex and Surrey The Felbridge Hotel and Spa presents an experience like no other. The stylish Grand Ballroom comfortably accommodates up to 300 seated guests and the Willow Suite, which opens onto the beautifully manicured courtyard accommodates up to 80 seated guests.

www.dominicwalmsley.com

The Felbridge Hotel and Spa also boasts the gorgeous Honeymoon Suite and the Luxurious Chakra Spa as well as the newly manicured and specifically designed courtyard. See for yourself at one of our open days. For more information and to book a show round simply call 01342 337700.

The Felbridge Hotel & Spa, London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 2BH

Special Offer: £3,000* for 60 guests! Valid on Weddings up until 31st December 2012. *T&C’s apply

T 01342 337700

E weddings@felbridgehotel.co.uk

www.felbridgehotel.co.uk/weddings SEPTEMBER2012 47

If you are not eligible for Continuing Care you may be entitled to a Registered Nursing Care Contribution. This is intended to cover the cost of the time a registered nurse spends providing nursing, monitoring and supervision care. The fixed weekly payment is currently £108.70. This payment applies only to care being provided in a nursing home and is paid direct to the home.

ELDERLY CARE: are you entitled to free care fees? With an increasingly ageing population, the issue of long term elderly care is regularly in the news. In particular, the issue of who funds long term care continues to be debated, with sick, elderly people often having to sell their homes and use their life savings to pay for care. If severe ill health is the main reason why care is needed, all care costs should be funded by the NHS rather than the individual. If this applies, it is irrelevant how much money you may have. You can still be eligible for Continuing Care which is fully paid by the NHS, even if you are cared for at home rather than in a nursing home. It is estimated that only around 50% of people eligible for care funded by the NHS are actually receiving it. If you believe that an elderly relative who is currently using their savings to pay for their care has serious health needs which may entitle them to care funded by the NHS, you should apply to their local Primary Care Trust and ask for an assessment to be carried out. Thackray Williams Solicitors NEW enquiry advice line 7 days a week - 8am to 8pm Conveyancing quotes only 0208 461 6140 All other new enquiries 0208 461 6143

48 SEPTEMBER2012

You may need to move quickly as the government has recently introduced deadlines for bringing new claims. Those deadlines are: Care Period

Deadline to apply

1 April 2004 to 30 September 2007

30 September 2012

1 October 2007 to 31 March 2011

30 September 2012

1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012

31 March 2013

If you miss the deadline, you will not be able to recover any fees that you may personally have paid for your care. If your application is turned down, you can ask for an independent review by the Strategic Health Authority. If you are still not happy with the decision, you have the right to appeal to the Health Service Ombudsman. Thackray Williams has expertise in advising and assisting individuals and representatives who wish to make a new application for NHS funded care, and in challenging Primary Care Trust decisions where an individual has been wrongly assessed as ineligible for free ongoing care. If you would like further advice about care fees email: jane.macleod@thackraywilliams.com www.thackraywilliams.com

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH PUTS BRITAIN AT THE CENTRE OF THE WORLD London 2012 Games, based on sport, inspiration, youth and urban transformation. It was a Ceremony ‘for everyone’ and celebrated contributions the UK has made to the world through innovation and revolution, as well as the creativity and exuberance of British people. From flying cyclists and flaming petals to a parachuting Queen, Danny Boyle’s £27million showstopper was an electrifying Titled ‘Isles of Wonder’, the Ceremony welcomed the finest athletes experience. from more than 200 nations for the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games, marking an historic third time the capital has Even the Queen was in on it, to a staggering degree. She had taken to acting for the first time in her life to film a comedy sketch at hosted the world’s biggest and most important sporting event. Buckingham Palace with Daniel Craig as James Bond, and the pair of The Opening Ceremony reflected the key themes and priorities of the them were seen on screen flying down the river towards the stadium. The London 2012 Olympics opened in a spine-tinglingly blast of Britishness. The magnificent London 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony took place at 9pm on 27th July 2012. 90 minutes of dazzling theatre, dance, film and music of our cultural history showing the best of British history in a riot of colour, costume and comedy.

SEPTEMBER2012 49

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

Danny Boyle paid tribute to British film industry with an incredibly funny appearance by Rowan Atkinson as Mr Bean. Other films refereced in Boyle’s ambitious ceremony included Gregory’s Girl, A Matter of Life and Death, The Lady and the Tramp, Shrek, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Harry Potter, 101 Dalmations, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Exorcist, sound-tracked much of the NHS segment which was an amazing tribute. The dancing doctors, the nurses in their old-fashioned uniforms, the cute children bouncing on 300 luminous beds that spelt out those sacred three letters: NHS.

be here than anyone. They were dying to get out there and be part of it. They were taking snaps of themselves in their costumes and just enjoying the whole experience of the night. It was fantastic.” The parade entailed athletes from all 204 competing nationsm with a rolling stream of multi-coloured national costumes and tracksuits. London’s skies lit up after seven young athletes lit up the Olympics to officially launch the start of the 2012 Games. Fireworks rocketed into the night after a circle of flaming torches were lit that closed up to become a 60ft high flame. Five-times gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave, 50, carried the flame into the stadium after being handed it by young footballer Jade Bailey, who had received it from David Beckham.Sir Steve carried it through a guard of honour of 500 construction workers who helped build the stadium. He then passed it to the young torchbearers.

What else could have symbolised Britain at its best than Danny Boyle’s tribute to our British health service? Here was a special moment to give thanks and praise to something British that we deem the envy of the world. There was even a salute to Great Ormond Street Hospital, They were then joined by seven British Olympic heroes – long jumper which has a unique place in the nation’s affections. Lynn Davies, 70, swimmer Duncan Goodhew, 55, Dame Kelly One volunteer said: “The atmosphere in the stadium is electric. It is Holmes, 42, Dame Mary Peters, 73, sailor Shirley Robertson, 44, great just to be part of it. The athletes are more excited and happy to Daley Thompson, 53, and Redgrave.

50 SEPTEMBER2012

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

The spectacular finale of the event saw the Olympic Cauldron, formed of 205 copper petals representing the competing nations coming together in London for the Games. Sir Paul McCartney gave an outstanding performance of the Beatles hit Hey Jude at the end of the ceremony. The show left viewers and spectators wondering what the next 17 days of Olympian action, billed as The Greatest Show on Earth, will bring?

straight sets, 6-2 6-1 6-4, on a raucous Centre Court. The 25-year-old is the first British man to win the Olympic singles gold medal since Josiah Ritchie in 1908. Glory days for the brothers in arms: Gold and bronze as Hyde Park crowds see the Brownlee brothers triathlon swim, cycle and run to victory.

Sir Chris Hoy became the most successful Briton in Olympic history with a total of six gold medals after winning the keirin at the London Team GB exceeded our expectations. Through sheer hard training, 2012 velodrome. After watching Laura Trott become a double self-determination, pure strength, talent and motivation at appearing Olympic champion with victory in the omnium and the retiring at their own Olympics on British soil, the medals kept on coming Victoria Pendleton awarded a sparkling silver goodbye and a third from the most heroic athletes that we can call our own. Incredible Olympic gold as a result of a 2-0 sprint final loss to perennial rival performances throughout the Games from Team GB, with amazing Anna Meares of Australia, Hoy triumphed. results from the now legendary Mo Farah with two Gold Medals, as he won his second gold medal on the track, with 10,000m success and The 36-year-old took his Olympic gold medal-winning tally to five a superb run in the 5,000m. Jessica Ennis became the golden girl of - level with Sir Steve Redgrave - with victory in the team sprint and won the keirin in trademark fashion to send a partisan crowd into these Olympics as she was crowned heptathlon champion. raptures. Andy Murray captured the biggest title of his career with an emphatic victory over Roger Federer in the Olympic menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singles final at Here is the phenomenal list of those that kept the British flag flying, Wimbledon. Murray beat the Swiss world number one in and made all of Britain proud.

SEPTEMBER2012 51

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

TEAM GB GOLD ANTHONY JOSHUA

LAURA TROTT

BOXING - MEN’S SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT (+91KG)

CYCLING - WOMEN’S OMNIUM

Joshua lands Team GB’s 29th gold of the Games by beating 2008 champion, Roberto Cammarelle of Italy. Down three points after two rounds, Joshua fought back in the third and final round to level the tie at 18-18 and then win on count back.

The six-event discipline went down to the time trial where Trott, up against her closest rival Sarah Hammer, needed to finish at least three places above the American in the final event. Trott finished first with Hammer fourth, and the Brit picked up her second gold of the Games.

LUKE CAMPBELL BOXING - MEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT (56 KG)

Campbell beats Ireland’s John Joe Nevin in a tight final. Campbell edges the first round, Nevin the second before Campbell pulls clear to become the first Briton to win the bantamweight crown since 1908.

MO FARAH MENS 5,000 METRES

Mo Farah triumphed in the men’s 5,000m to win his second gold of the Games. Farah saw off a last lap challenge from Ethiopia’s Dejen Gebremeskel to complete the 5,000m and 10,000m double, finishing with a time of 13:41.66.

ED MCKEEVER CANOE SPRINT - 200m MEN’S SINGLE KAYAK

By living up to his billing of “Usain Bolt on water” although unlike Bolt, McKeever - a 26-year-old trainee accountant - made a great start and never gave his rivals a sniff after that.

JADE JONES TAEKWONDO - WOMEN’S - 57KG

19-year-old Jones beat China’s Yuzhuo Hou 6-4 to avenge her defeat by the Chinese fighter at last year’s World Championships and claim Great Britain’s first taekwondo gold.

NICOLA ADAMS BOXING - WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT (51KG)

Adams made history by winning the first gold medal awarded for women’s boxing at an Olympic Games, beating some of the sport’s biggest names before overcoming three-time world champion from China, Ren Cancan, in the final.

CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN EQUESTRIAN - INDIVIDUAL DRESSAGE

Competing to movie themes including Live and Let Die, Dujardin and her horse Valegro won Great Britain’s first individual dressage gold medal with a score of 90.089 points to put her above the nearest challenger Adelinde Cornelissen of the Netherlands.

SIR CHRIS HOY CYCLING - MEN’S KEIRIN

Chris Hoy won a remarkable keirin final to take gold with a time of 10.306 in what will almost certainly be his last Olympic race. Winning his sixth gold medal makes Hoy the most decorated British Olympian of all time, surpassing Sir Steve Redgrave’s five golds.

52 SEPTEMBER2012

LAURA BECHTOLSHEIMER CHARLOTTE DUJARDIN

CARL HESTER

EQUESTRIAN - TEAM DRESSAGE

Over the two-day Grand Prix in the first week of the Games, Charlotte Dujardin and her horse Valegro set an Olympic record. The team continued their good performance before Dujardin and Valegro’s final display confirmed Team GB’s 20th gold of the games.

ALISTAIR BROWNLEE MEN’S TRIATHLON

Alistair Brownlee swam, cycled and ran a perfect race to live up to his pre-Games billing as one of the gold medal favourites for Team GB, finishing in a time of one hour 46 minutes and 25 seconds. His younger brother Jonny won bronze as Spain’s Javier Gomez took silver.

JASON KENNY CYCLING - MEN’S SPRINT

Kenny faced world champion Gregory Bauge of France in the final. Having won the first race, Kenny led out from the front in the second and took the gold by holding his opponent off on the line.

NICK SKELTON BEN MAHER BRASH PETER CHARLES

SCOTT

EQUESTRIAN - MEN’S TEAM SHOWJUMPING

After both sides finished with eight penalty points from their final rounds, the competition went to a jump-off against Netherlands for the gold medal. Marc Houtzager knocked a fence over for the Dutch in the final ride, and Peter Charles completed a flawless round to give the men gold.

ANDY MURRAY TENNIS - MEN’S SINGLES

The British number one beat Switzerland’s Roger Federer in straight sets at Wimbledon 6-2 6-1 6-4, saying it was “the biggest win of my life”.

BEN AINSLIE SAILING - MEN’S FINN

Ben Ainslie clinched his fourth straight gold medal to become the most decorated Olympic sailor in history. The 35-year-old, overtakes Dane Paul

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

MEDAL WINNERS Elvstrom, who won four golds up to 1960. Ainslie came ninth in a tense Finn medal race to edge long-time regatta leader Jonas Hogh-Christensen of Denmark into silver.

MO FARAH

the outside of her rivals and held off Shuang Guo on the line to narrowly claim the gold medal.

STEVEN BURKE ED CLANCY PETER KENNAUGH

GERAINT THOMAS

MEN’S 10,000M

CYCLING - MEN’S TEAM PURSUIT SPRINT

Farah ran a perfect race in the 10,000m final, banishing his Beijing demons to take gold with a time of 27:30.42.

The quartet were defending their gold medal that they won in Beijing, and did so in superb fashion, beating opponents Australia by nearly three seconds and in a world record time of 3:51.659.

GREG RUTHERFORD MEN’S LONG JUMP

Rutherford set a distance of 8.31m in the fourth round of the final and nobody could match it in the remaining jumps. The last time Great Britain had two men in the final of the Olympics long jump was the last time they won it, Lynn Davies grabbing gold back in 1964.

JESSICA ENNIS

KATHERINE GRAINGER

ANNA WATKINS

ROWING - WOMEN’S DOUBLE SCULLS

Grainger and Watkins held off Australia to win the women’s double sculls, with Poland taking the bronze. The pair, unbeaten since teaming up in 2010, exploded out of the blocks to take an early lead ahead of the Australian crew of Brooke Pratley and Kim Crow. By halfway, they had extended their lead and pulled into clear water to earn Britain a sixth gold.

CHRIS HOY

PHILIP HINDES

JASON KENNY

WOMEN’S HEPTATHLON

CYCLING - MEN’S TEAM SPRINT

The London 2012 poster girl from Sheffield dominated from start to finish, leading overnight into the second day. She clinched gold with a dramatic 800m win.

Team GB clinched gold in the men’s team sprint at the velodrome, setting a new world record of 42.600 seconds in the process.

LAURA TROTT DANI KING JOANNA ROWSELL

The Dorset man finished two shots clear of Sweden’s Hakan Dahlby. Russia’s Vasily Mosin was third.

CYCLING - WOMEN’S TEAM PURSUIT

The women’s trio of King, Trott and Rowsell seal gold over United States of America with an emphatic victory, clocking a world record time of 3:14.051.

KATHERINE COPELAND SOPHIE HOSKING ROWING - WOMEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE SCULLS

Great Britain trail Greece and China in the early stages but time their assault perfectly, overhauling the Chinese pair before closing on the Greece boat by halfway and establishing a clear lead with 500m left.

ANDY TRIGGS HODGE PETE REED GREGORY TOM JAMES

ALEX

ROWING - MEN’S COXLESS FOURS

In an event Great Britain has dominated in recent years having won the three previous golds, the crew of Triggs Hodge, Reed, Gregory and James held off the challenge of their main rivals Australia.

VICTORIA PENDLETON CYCLING - WOMEN’S KEIRIN

Aussie Anna Meares had taken the early lead but Pendleton stormed around

PETER WILSON SHOOTING - MEN’S DOUBLE TRAP

TIM BAILLIE

ETIENNE STOTT

CANOE SLALOM - MEN’S C2

The Britons, who are ranked sixth in the world, produced an error-free run to take a shock win and claim Britain’s first ever canoe slalom gold at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.

BRADLEY WIGGINS CYCLING - ROAD - MEN’S INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL

Having barely taken off his yellow jersey, the Tour de France winner clinched gold in the Olympic time trial with a time of 50 minutes and 39 seconds. Wiggins completed the 44km course through the streets of London’s commuter belt an impressive 42 seconds ahead of Germany’s world champion Tony Martin. With seven Olympic medals to his name, Bradley Wiggins has more than any other British Olympian.

HELEN GLOVER

HEATHER STANNING

ROWING - WOMEN’S PAIR

Four years ago, Helen Glover was an aspiring hockey player and Heather Stanning was embarking on a career in the Army. Now they are Olympic champions having led from the front in the women’s pair final. They become the first women to win rowing gold for Great Britain and the country’s first gold medallists at the 2012 games.

SEPTEMBER2012 53

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

SILVER MEDAL WINNERS SAMANTHA MURRAY MODERN PENTATHLON - WOMEN

Murray won Team GB’s 65th and final medal of London 2012 following an inspired finish in modern pentathlon’s run-shoot finale. Starting eight seconds off the lead in fourth, Murray slipped back into the pack before surging into second.

FRED EVANS BOXING - MEN’S WELTERWEIGHT (69KG)

Evans beat world champion Taras Shelestyuk of Ukraine in the semi-finals, but in the final he was outboxed by Kazakhstan’s Serik Sapiyev, who won his country’s third successive Olympic gold at this weight.

HANNAH MILLS

SASKIA CLARK

SAILING - WOMEN’S 470

Hannah Mills and Saskia Clark started the day on level points with the New Zealand crew but failed to overhaul their rivals. The Kiwis claimed gold with Britain taking silver.

LUKE PATIENCE

STUART BITHELL

SAILING - MEN’S 470

The British duo were already guaranteed at least a silver medal and went into the final race needing to beat Australia, with one boat between them, to clinch gold. Patience and Bithell led around the first mark, but Aussies Mathew Belcher and Malcolm Page moved clear to win.

VICTORIA PENDLETON CYCLING - WOMEN’S SPRINT

She lost out to close rival Anna Meares in the second race after being relegated in the first for leaving her lane. It was Pendleton’s last ever Olympic race.

NICK DEMPSEY SAILING - MEN’S RS:X

Dempsey pushed himself into second in the overall standings with five races remaining and needed sixth place on the final day to claim silver. He came third in the medal race to leave the result in no doubt.

CHRISTINE OHURUOGU ATHLETICS - WOMEN’S 400M

Drawn in lane eight after finishing second in her semi-final, she was well outside the medals coming off the final bend but a strong finish saw her close on the leaders, with Sanya Richards-Ross holding on for the gold by just 0.15 seconds.

ANDY MURRAY

LAURA ROBSON

TENNIS - MIXED DOUBLES

The newly-crowned men’s singles champion joined 18-year-old Robson to face number one seeds, Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi. The British pair won the first

54 SEPTEMBER2012

set 6-2, but the Belarusians fought back to win the second 6-3 and then a “champions tie-break” 10-8. Murray commenced play in the mixed doubles final just one hour and 15 minutes after the end of his singles final triumph.

LOUIS SMITH GYMNASTICS - MEN’S POMMEL HORSE

Louis Smith won a dramatic gymnastics silver medal on the pommel horse, missing out on gold by the narrowest margin after his overall score tied with Hungary’s Krisztian Berki. Both Smith and Berki scored 16.066 but Berki was awarded the Olympic gold by virtue of having a fractionally higher execution score.

IAIN PERCY

ANDREW SIMPSON

SAILING - MEN’S STAR

Iain Percy and Andrew Simpson were denied a consecutive Olympic gold as Sweden won the final medal race to clinch the Star title in Weymouth. The British pair led going into the final but finished eighth as Sweden’s Fredrik Loof and Max Salminen won. GB finished on 34 points, two behind Sweden, with Brazil on 40 points.

ZAC PURCHASE MARK HUNTER ROWING - MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT DOUBLE SCULLS

After a restart brought about when Purchase’s seat broke, the British pair set the early pace and looked set to add Team GB’s 11th gold and third of the day only for Denmark to fight back from half a boat down and take the lead with 100m left.

GEMMA GIBBONS JUDO - 78KG

The London-born judoka won a superb silver as she was finally beaten by two yuko scores in the 78kg final by American Kayla Harrison. The world number 33 became Great Britain’s first Judo medalist in 12 years.

DAVID FLORENCE RICHARD HOUNSLOW CANOE SLALOM - MEN’S C2

David Florence and Richard Hounslow took silver in the Canoe Slalom men’s double as team-mates Tim Baillie and Etienne Stott claimed Britain’s first ever gold in the event. World number nine pair Florence and Hounslow were the fastest in the semifinals and therefore had the honour of going last. They were up on the lead time until the final sector, but just missed out to take their first Olympic silver as a pair.

CHRIS BARTLEY RICHARD CHAMBERS PETER CHAMBERS ROB WILLIAMS ROWING - MEN’S LIGHTWEIGHT FOUR

Starting as favourites, Team GB sat in third place for much of the 2,000m with Denmark out in front. Entering the final 500m they made a push for the lead but, in a

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

BRONZE MEDAL WINNERS TOM DALEY

DIVING - MEN’S 10M PLATFORM

Daley struggled in the preliminary round but improved in the semi-final and continued into the fina. Daley took the slenderest of leads with his penultimate leap and only 0.15 points separated the top three in the final round but Daley’s lower difficulty tariff saw him slip to third.

LIAM HEATH - JON SCHOFIELD CANOEING - MEN’S 200M KAYAK PAIRS

After qualifying fourth from their semi-final, the European champions got a good start and held off France’s 2010 and 2011 world champions to grab the bronze behind Russia and Belarus.

LUTALO MUHAMMAD TAEKWONDO - MEN’S - 80KG

tight finish, were pipped by South Africa. The Chambers duo became the first British brothers to win an Olympic medal since Greg and Jonny Searle took bronze in the coxless four at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

MICHAEL JAMIESON SWIMMING - MEN’S 200M BREASTSTROKE

Jamieson did everything he could possibly do, but Hungary’s Daniel Gyurta held him off, breaking the world record in the process. Britain’s Jamieson broke the British record in the final with a time of 2:07.43.

TINA COOK WILLIAM FOX-PITT MARY KING ZARA PHILLIPS NICOLA WILSON EQUESTRIAN - TEAM EVENTING

A Great Britain team including the Queen’s grand-daughter Zara Phillips, finished behind Germany following a dramatic tussle with New Zealand. Holding a narrow lead over the Kiwis as the last riders prepared to go, Tina Cook sealed second place by collecting just one penalty. Zara Phillips received her medal from her mother Princess Anne, who competed in the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. Her father, Captain Mark Phillips, was a member of the British three-day eventing team that won gold in Munich in 1972.

LIZZIE ARMITSTEAD CYCLING - WOMEN’S ROAD RACE

Bronze medallist Russian Olga Zabelinskaya instigated a breakaway with 25km to go and Armitstead and Marianne Vos of the Netherlands went with her, eventually leaving the Russian behind. In a race for the finish Armitstead attacked Vos on the Mall but the Dutch rider had too much power and took gold in a thrilling rain-soaked 140km race.

After easing through his first round clash, Muhammad lost in the quarter-finals to end his hopes of winning gold or silver. However, with the man who beat him - Nicolas Garcia Hemme - advancing to the final, Muhammad entered the repechage where he beat Arman Yeremyan 9-3 to land a bronze.

ALEX DANSON CHRISTA CULLEN SARAH THOMAS WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Great Britain beat New Zealand 3-1 at the Riverbank Arena to claim Olympic bronze in the women’s hockey. With no score at half-time, goals from Alex Danson, Crista Cullen and Sarah Thomas sank the Kiwis.

ANTHONY OGOGO BOXING - MEN’S MIDDLEWEIGHT

Despite losing his semi-final, Ogogo leaves London with a bronze medal thanks to making the last four after victory over Germany’s Stefan Hartel in the quarter-finals.

LAURA BECHTOLSHEIMER EQUESTRIAN - INDIVIDUAL DRESSAGE

On a historic day for British dressage Bechtolsheimer had set the standard with a score of 84.339 which guaranteed GB a first individual dressage medal.

ROBBIE GRABARZ ATHLETICS - MEN’S HIGH JUMP

Grabarz put in a jump of 2.29m, and then had to wait to see if it was good enough for a medal. It was, with Grabarz sharing his medal with two others.

JONNY BROWNLEE MEN’S TRIATHLON

Jonny’s older brother Alistair won gold, but the younger Brownlee overcame a 15-second penalty for mounting his bike too quickly to finish third.

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LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

BETH TWEDDLE GYMNASTICS - WOMEN’S UNEVEN BARS

Tweddle went for maximum difficulty but took a big step on dismount to score 15.916 from her routine, Russia’a Aliya Mustafina scoring a massive 16.133 to take the gold medal. With four world titles and now a bronze medal, Tweddle is the most decorated GB gymnast in history.

ED CLANCY CYCLING - MEN’S OMNIUM

Coming into the final event of the multi-discipline ominium, Ed Clancy sat in fifth place. Needing a victory in the 1km time trial to secure a medal, he delivered, finishing over 1.333 seconds ahead of his nearest rival to secure a bronze medal.

MAX WHITLOCK GYMNASTICS - MEN’S POMMEL HORSE

On his Olympic debut, Whitlock scored a superb 15.600 handing him a bronze medal aged just 19.

REBECCA ADLINGTON SWIMMING - WOMEN’S 800M FREESTYLE

The nation hoped Adlington would win gold again after her sensational performance in Beijing, but it was bronze this time as 15-year-old American Katie Ledecky blew away her rivals with a superb swim. SWIMMING - 400M FREESTYLE

Starting the final in lane eight, defending champion Adlington battled back from sixth place at the halfway point to claim bronze behind Allison Schmitt of the USA and France’s Camille Muffat, who set a new Olympic record.

KARINA BRYANT JUDO - WOMEN’S +78KG

Karina Bryant beat Ukraine’s Iryna Kindzerska in a bronze medal match in the women’s 78+kg category.

ALAN CAMPBELL ROWING - MEN’S SINGLE SCULLS

Campbell won bronze in the men’s single sculls, behind New Zealand’s Mahe Drysdale who put in a brilliant second half of the race to hold off the challenge from Czech Republic’s Ondrej Synek to win gold.

GEORGE NASH

WILL SATCH

ROWING - MEN’S PAIR

Nash and Satch clinched bronze in the men’s pair with New Zealand taking gold and France silver. France’s Germain Chardin and Dorian Mortelette led through 500m before New Zealand’s Eric Murray and Hamish Bond swept past them.

CHRIS FROOME CYCLING - ROAD - MEN’S INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL

With all eyes on Bradley Wiggins, Froome quietly got on with the task of getting himself on to the podium. Any hopes of a cycling one-two at the Games were dashed as Germany’s Martin split the pair, showing why he is a world champion. Froome eventually finished 26 seconds behind Martin and 68 seconds behind team-mate Wiggins, but can still be proud of his bronze medal.

EGINGTON FOAD LANGRIDGE PARTRIDGE RANSLEY SBIHI SEARLE LOULOUDIS HILL ROWING: MEN’S EIGHT

After coming through the repechage to reach the final, Great Britain’s men’s eight pushed Germany for most of the race before the world champions pulled away and a late surge from Canada moved them down into third.

SAM OLDHAM DAN PURVIS LOUIS SMITH KRISTIAN THOMAS MAX WHITLOCK GYMNASTICS - MEN’S TEAM

Claiming Great Britain’s first Olympic medal in team gymnastics for 100 years, Louis Smith and his team-mates were initially awarded the silver medal until a successful appeal saw Japan jump from fourth to second. However, the GB team still surpassed all expectations by winning bronze.

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LONDON 2012 CLOSING CEREMONY:

Dancing the night away as the party finally ends If Danny Boyle’s opening ceremony was a dramatic statement of everything everyone wanted London 2012 to be, then the closing ceremony on Sunday 12th August was a joy-filled celebration of the triumphant way in which so many of the athletes those hopes have been realised. A scale model of London took centre-stage wrapped entirely in newspaper, including Tower Bridge, The Gherkin and the London Eye. Athletes appeared and filled each segment of the iconic Union Jack flag, celebrating their achievements to constant cheering and clapping from the crowds. Performers included Emeli Sande, Madness, Pet Shop Boys, Ray Davies, George Michael, Jessie J and Annie Lennox. Kaiser Chiefs and Ed Sheeran

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

led tributes to British greats The Who, David Bowie and Pink Floyd. The At the end of the Ceremony, there was a handover to Rio de Janeiro for the Stadium turned into huge catwalk with appearances from supermodels 2016 Olympic Games, and the Olympic Flame extinguished, signalling the Naomi Campbell & Kate Moss. end of the Olympic Games. Iconic Black London cabs performed a ‘taxi ballet’ before the Spice Girls emerged and performed an amazing medley of hits. Monty Python star Eric Idle led the 80,000 crowd with a superb rendition of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, leaving the crowds smiling, and enhancing the already positive and excitable atmosphere that has been created as a result of the Games. He was followed by a performance by pop icons Queen, including vocals from Jessie J and from beyond the grave, by the band’s late singer Freddie Mercury.

So that’s it! The London 2012 Olympics are at an end, and for the host nation it has been probably the greatest ever sporting spectacle witnessed on these shores. The stunning performances of British athletes left the nation a comfortable third in the medal table with more medals than in any games since 1908, which was also held in London and at which just 22 nations took part compared to the 204 this year.

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Heritage Sofas and Chairs

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H E A LT H BEAUTY

Personal Bests A of total ofathletes 538 atheletes up Team GBcertain but certain already become Olympic favourites. A total 538 make made up Team GB but facesfaces havehave already become Olympic favourites. Jessica Jessica Victoria Pendleton, Keri-Anne Payne Daley all championing beauty and bodycare Ennis,Ennis, Victoria Pendleton, Keri-Anne Payne and and TomTom Daley are are all championing beauty and bodycare campaigns for the 2012 spotlight. From track andFrom field to pool, these are proving atheletes can campaigns as they prepare for the 2012 spotlight. track and fieldOlympians to pool, these Olympians are proving step up to the style podium too. Lisa Haynes discovers their fast track secrets to groomed glory. athletes can step up to the style podium too. Lisa Haynes discovers their fast track secrets to groomed glory. SEPTEMBER2012 59

H E A LT H BEAUTY

Q: WHAT’S YOUR MAKE-UP MANTRA? It’s always been important to me to look good when I’m racing. I even like to have painted nails when I ride. I like the saying, ‘Look good, feel good, go good!’ I definitely think looking good helps you feel more confident so I’ll wear a little mascara, tinted moisturiser and lip balm. I always reapply before getting up on the podium.

Q: WHICH AREAS REALLY SUFFER BECAUSE OF YOUR SPORT? Training with a helmet on every day means my hair is prone to a lot of frizz so I need a haircare regime that helps protect against helmet hair! I love to leave in a hydrating smoothing product after washing like Pantene’s Smooth & Sleek 24h Frizz Fighter to combat any frizziness. Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF30, £10.29

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR MUST-HAVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS? I love Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream or Neom Organics Moroccan Blush Rose Oil for some indulgent pampering. In my make-up bag I rely on Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF20, By Terry Touche Veloutee highlighting concealer and Vaseline Lip Therapy Rosy.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE FEATURE TO ACCENTUATE FOR A NIGHT OUT? My hair, of course! It’s crammed into a hot helmet pretty much every day so when I’m glamming up, I love to really make my hair stand out.

VICTORIA PENDLETON Track cyclist Victoria Pendleton, 31, is the face of Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek.

JESSICA ENNIS

Heptathlete Jessica Ennis, 26, is the face of Olay Essentials.

Q: DESCRIBE YOUR DAILY BEAUTY ROUTINE? I’m training pretty much every day so it’s important for me to keep my skin clean and hydrated. I’ll start off by cleansing my skin in the morning with a smoothing scrub you can use in the shower. Then I’ll always protect my skin with an SPF as a lot of my training is outdoors. The Olay Essentials Complete Care SPF30 is ideal as it’s really light so doesn’t clog my pores and make me sweat more.

Q: DO YOU WEAR MAKE-UP TO TRAIN OR COMPETE? Absolutely. I wear make up every day when I’m training - I always like to look and feel my best. I’ll wear an oil-free foundation then apply black eyeliner and mascara. I’m an eyeliner addict and love dark smoky eyes for a night out.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR MUST-HAVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS? Bobbi Brown cosmetics - especially their foundations. I also love MAC for eyeliners and mascaras, and they also do a lovely Lip Conditioner.

Q: HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RECOVER AFTER A HARD TRAINING SESSION? I love a long hot soak in the bath. My favourite product is the Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak - it smells a bit like Deep Heat! When I have some downtime, I love to go to a spa with friends. I don’t really have massages as I have plenty of painful sports ones during training!

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Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek 24h Frizz Fighter, £4.49

TOM DALEY

Diver Tom Daley, 18, is ambassador of Adidas Body Care

Q: DO YOU FOLLOW ANY KIND OF SKINCARE REGIME? I use a Dermalogica facial wash and - this is going to sound really stupid - but I always moisturise because chlorine really does dry out your skin. I’m doing say 25 hours a week training and I think about 15 of those are in the pool.

Q: WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE IN YOUR SWIM KIT BAG? A shower gel like Adidas Ice Dive is the key thing, just because I’m constantly in and out of chlorine. It’s quick and easy to rub all over your body and your hair just after you get out the pool. I’ve become immune to the stench of chlorine because I’ve been diving for 10 years now but that, teamed with Ice Dive deodorant, is the best way to make sure I don’t smell of it.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR GROOMING MUST-HAVE? For me, it’s my hair wax - I use TIGI Bed Head. I’ve kind of got to the stage where I can just style it without even looking in the mirror. But when I’m in the pool, it just has to be natural because there’s no waterproof hair wax as yet.

Q: HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR TRAINING OR COMPETING? Shaving foam! But not to shave with. We rub it on our shins and then wash it off, so it gives us better grip when we hold onto our legs for a dive. Max Factor False Lash Effect Gold Edition Mascara, £10.99

Q: HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RECOVER AFTER A HARD TRAINING SESSION? I tend just to chill out. I’ll maybe have a massage from the sports therapist but it will be a deep tissue massage. When diving, you hit the water at about 34 miles an hour, so there’s constantly impact on your shoulders, wrist and back. The massages are kind of painful at the time but you feel much better afterwards. Ice Dive range available Nation wide

KERI-ANNE PAYNE

Swimmer Keri-Anne Payne, 24, is the face of Max Factor & Oral-B

Q: BEING A WATER BABY, HOW DOES THE POOL AFFECT YOUR SKIN? My beauty regime is quite easy. Because I’m a swimmer the chlorine can really make my skin dry so afterwards I shower, exfoliate my face and then moisturise. When I get home from training it’s just a case of applying some more moisturiser and a slick of mascara and then I feel a little bit more girly again.

Q: HOW DO YOU LIKE TO PAMPER YOURSELF? I love to paint my fingernails and toes when I’m watching TV. Being in the pool all day isn’t very glamorous so it’s nice to treat myself when I’m not training. Dior nail polish in Blue Label is my current favourite but I have to keep my nails short to avoid scratching other swimmers in the pool.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR MUST-HAVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS? I love using Bliss Lemon + Sage Body Scrub because it smells so fresh and leaves my skin feeling pampered. I reach for Aussie 3 Minute Miracle deep conditioner twice a week to keep my hair soft, shiny and conditioned.

Q: DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE MAKE-UP TRICK? I would never go for false lashes but if you wiggle a mascara brush from the root of your lashes up to the top you can really plump your eyelashes. I apply a few coats of Max Factor’s False Lash Effect Gold Edition Mascara for real ‘wow’ impact. When it’s on I’m often surprised they’re my own lashes!

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Win Afternoon Tea for Two at Rowhill Grange Hotel DATING BACK TO THE 19TH CENTURY, THE CLASSIC TRADITION OF AFTERNOON TEA HAS EARNED A FIRM PLACE IN TODAY’S SOCIAL CALENDARS.

This cherished tradition, which was pioneered by the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is still an elegant affair, however, the concept of Afternoon Tea has vastly evolved. Cake lovers, food critics and ladies who lunch have been hugely persuasive in ensuring that Afternoon Tea is much more than simply offering a few cucumber sandwiches and home baked scones. This popular social occasion now holds the expectation of midday indulgence, so when it comes to quality tea and dainty desserts, venues must be prepared to raise their standards. Found at the end of a sweeping driveway, Rowhill Grange is a country house hotel that can certainly meet such expectations. The vast, manicured grounds coupled with a welcoming service and distinguished interiors would no doubt have impressed the late Duchess, but it is their Afternoon Tea that guarantees to leave a lasting impression. With their very own in-house pastry chefs passionately creating an assortment of home baked goodies, such as éclairs, profiteroles, bakewell tarts and mini battenbergs, diners can expect their Afternoon Tea to be far from ordinary. Served with either English tea, Champagne or both, it’s easy to understand why this favourite past-time is still going strong. Afternoon Tea at Rowhill Grange Hotel is now served daily from 12.30pm until 5.30pm. To find out more or to book, visit www.rowhillgrange.co.uk

AFTERNOON TEA COMPETITION Rowhill Grange Hotel is offering one winner a complimentary Champagne Afternoon Tea for two worth £50. To enter simply answer the question below and return to: RG Afternoon Tea Competition, Marketing, Alexander Hotels, East Grinstead, RH10 4QD Rowhill Grange offer a traditional English Afternoon Tea, but they also provide a special Afternoon Tea dedicated to what...

A. Summer Fruits B. Winter Berries C. Chocolate

Clue: Visit the website www.rowhillgrange.co.uk Answer Name Address Postcode

Email address

Telephone Closing date Sunday 7th October. Prize must be taken before 6th January 2013. Subject to availability. Over 18s only. Prize is non-transferable or refundable. Winner will be contacted by Rowhill Grange Hotel. By entering this competition you are agreeing to be contacted by Alexander Hotels regarding special offers, news and adverts. If you do not wish to receive communications tick here

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FASHION

KATE’S DUCHESS STYLE IF LAST YEAR WAS ALL ABOUT ONE BIG WHITE DRESS, 2012 HAS BEEN A SHOWCASE OF KATE MIDDLETON’S ENTIRE WARDROBE.

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ith a demanding diary of Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Olympic spectating, state dinners and charity engagements, the Duchess of Cambridge has stepped up her role as fashion queen. Little wonder her high street, vintage and secondhand buys have been upgraded to designer pieces thanks to a reported ¬£35,000 clothing allowance from Prince Charles. Luckily, you don’t need a royal budget to emulate her regal style. The high street is quick to leap on her every elegant fashion move with affordable options. Middleton mania is rife style search engine ShopStyle. co.uk experienced a 114% increase in hunts for ‘red dresses’ following the outing of Kate’s Alexander McQueen scarlet frock for the Jubilee pageant. There’s even a phone app, Kate’s Style List, which tracks her outfit decisions for diehard Duchess admirers. Here’s how to copycat Kate. Get her look and then accessorise with your very own Prince Charming. Below: Peter Hahn navy jacket, £59. Peter Hahn: 0844 557 1214 www.peterhahn.co.uk John Lewis cashmere toast V-neck jumper, £69. John Lewis: 08456 049 049 www.johnlewis.com

CASUAL KATE Kate proved to be a good sport during London 2012 with a string of supportive outings in her capacity as official Olympic ambassador. She looked relaxed in Team GB tracksuit tops, and white fitted polo tops were one of her favoured spectator pieces. Try Esprit’s stretch polo top, ¬£13.99. Team with Kate’s current penchant for coloured skinny jeans, which show off her slender legs. Sales of coral jeans soared when she sported them to play hockey during a GB team training session. George at Asda has a similar pair for just ¬£14. The Duchess often smartens up a casual outfit with a fitted navy blazer. Pull on Peter Hahn’s gold button blazer, ¬£59, for some instant princess chic. Swimmer Rebecca Adlington was caught on camera during a meet-andgree admiring Kate’s Stuart Weitzman navy wedges. Raise your game (and height) with Dune’s Ghita closed toe wedges, ¬£75. When it comes to everyday dog walking and food shopping, Kate tends to veer towards a neutral palette. Channel her on-trend countryside style with John Lewis’s cashmere toast v-neck jumper, ¬£69.

FORMAL KATE Occasionwear is where Kate really excels with her wardrobe choices. Refined and elegant, her choice of knee-grazing hems, long sleeves and demure necklines make her a fashion icon for any age. Kate guaranteed she could be spotted on the Thames from a distance during the Queen’s Jubilee river pageant in eye-popping red. Fashion Union’s belted dress has the same peplum waist and skater skirt detail, ¬£22. Continuing the colour theme, Kate regularly wears cobalt blue. Replicate her familiar shift silhouette with BHS’s bargain blue dress, ¬£25. She uses blush and nude shades to ooze chic for special occasions. Cinch your waist like Kate in her ladylike lace Alexander McQueen number by adding a belt to Lipsy’s Amy Childs lace pencil dress, ¬£65. The Duchess isn’t afraid to recycle outfits and her blue collarless Missoni coat is one of her repeat favourites. Transform any dress with Marks & Spencer’s Autograph sequin collarless coat, ¬£135 (available October). Whatever the outfit, you can bet a plain pair of court shoes will be involved. Step out in Kate’s actual leg-lengthening accessory staples, L.K. Bennett’s taupe patent Sledge heels, ¬£195.

GLAMOUR KATE The Duchess doesn’t work a red carpet very often but when she does she knows exactly how to transform into red-hot royal. Reminiscent of her Grace Kelly-esque wedding dress, Kate loves lace and the Temperley masterpiece she wore to the War Horse premiere echoed the same V-neckline - Madame Tussauds used the very same gown to dress her waxwork model. Get the look for a fraction of the price with Kaliko’s lace maxi dress, ¬£180 (due September). She wowed the crowds looking like a goddess in emerald green wearing a flowing Jenny Packham gown at an Olympics gala dinner. Get the regal jewel look with Mango’s green chiffon maxi dress, ¬£89.99. Floor-sweeping dresses may be Kate’s red carpet paparazzi pleaser but she isn’t adverse to a shorter shape. Her Matthew Williamson dress dazzled at another premiere with its bejewelled collar and sleeves. Try French Connection’s Winter Gems tunic dress, ¬£165. Contrasting with her voluminous blow dry, Kate maintains her style crown by keeping her shoes and evening clutches minimalistic so the focus is all on her and ‘The’ dress that’s just about to join her impeccable fashion archive. Below: Dune Ghita navy wedges, £75. Dune: 0116 284 7800 www.dune.co.uk

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HOUSE GARDEN

BRING YOUR HOLIDAY

HOME

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LET’S BE HONEST, A HOLIDAY ISN’T JUST ABOUT RELAXING AND GETTING AWAY FROM IT ALL, IT ALSO HAS STATUS VALUE. Exotic destinations - the farther flung or more unusual the better - give us instant holiday cred and most of us will have boasted about abreak. But now our homes can do the talking because travelogue style is hot,whether it’s walls and accessories displaying maps, or small toucheswhich give the impression you’re always on the move. So introduce a little wanderlust into your home - or satisfy thearmchair traveller within - with a trunk full of travel treats for rooms.

WONDER WALL: Be bold and paper a wall with a Vintage Wall map mural, from £99 from bespoke textile and wallpaper printers Digetex. 0161 873 8891 www.digetex.com

TYPOGRAPHIC CLOCK Mark the time difference with a Typographic New York clock spelling out the city’s name. ¬£45 from Hunky Dory Home. 0191 645 4004 www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk PICTURE PERFECT: A photographic print, featuring your own photographs and personalised with your own title and captions, could be a brilliant way to display a collection of holiday memories. Personalised Polaroid Album Print from ¬£80, by The Drifting Bear, from Not On The High Street. 0845 259 1359 www.notonthehighstreet.com

POSTCARD PRETTY: Text and tweeting may be the fashionable way of communicating that ‘wish you were here’ message nowadays, but postcards still have traditional charm. Paper a feature wall in Postcard wallpaper, featuring either a collage of the back of old postcards with messages, stamps and addresses; or one depicting vintage style destination photos. Postcard wallpapers available to order from around ¬£54 a square metre from Purldeco. 0203 110 0643 www.purldeco.com

TRAY CHIC: Offer tea and sympathy to those who haven’t had a break and serve it on a Photo Tray, on which you can mount nine photographs (holiday or otherwise!). £35 from Cox & Cox. 0844 858 0734 www.coxandcox.co.uk

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURE: Lounge on a Maps cushion, showing a map of the world. £28 from John Lewis. www.johnlewis.com SEPTEMBER2012 69

HOUSE GARDEN

Interiors...

A Passion For

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

Chameleon Designs anticipates your needs and know exactly what todays properties and spaces should be about, their creativity is balanced with a realistic approach and strong co –ordination skills. They combine creative flair with strong commercial sense and create dynamic interiors by skillfully combining architecture and interior design to produce individual and timeless interiors; they also instinctively know how to add genuine value. Their philosophy is always to work with their clients and listen to what they are trying to achieve with their individual space. Chameleon Designs try to ‘think outside the box’ by not always using the obvious solution - sometimes doing something that is a ‑little bit different can bring huge rewards. As Interior Designers we are not tied to any one supplier or manufacturer, and being completely independent, we can assess all products in the market, selecting the best option for each project based on quality, timescale and cost. Allowing us to focus on the creation of sustainable and long-term design solutions, whilst exceeding your expectations in design, innovation and level of service. 70 SEPTEMBER2012

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

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

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

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

RAFT Bromley

goes from strength to strength

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FREE FITTING** Unit 2b/2c, FAIRWAY, STATION SQUARE, PETTS WOOD, KENT BR5 1EG

Tel: 01689 822100 Design Floors by * On selected lines only. ** FREE FITTING Minimum Order - £300. £25 surcharge for stairs.

www.beharcarpets.co.uk SEPTEMBER2012 71

A SHOWCASE FOR FUN

EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITIES OF ALL-SEASON OUTDOOR LIVING A garden room or gazebo can add value to your home, increase your quality of life and give you the fun of outdoor living all year round. If you have ever thought of owning your own unique garden space, Crown Pavilions are giving you the opportunity to experience their products and talk to their range of experts at a unique Open Day on the 6th October, 2012, from 10 am to 18.00 pm at the Bellhouse Hotel, Oxford Road, Beaconsfield Bucks. Crown Pavilions manufacture a whole range of garden rooms which can feature outdoor kitchens or barbecues, sitting rooms with plasma screens, studies with storage and internet connection, screens or fold back doors to protect you from the weather, mood lighting for evening entertainment, heating, hot tubs, home gyms. Crown Pavilions can create a wide range of buildings for a variety of requirements, all of which will enhance your use of outside space, whether it be leisurely breakfasts with the family, early evening drinks with friends lunches and dinners, or just a private quiet sanctuary. 72 SEPTEMBER2012

Luke Dejahang, Managing Director of Crown Pavilions, said, “We are very excited about giving people the opportunity to experience our products first hand. Our directors and experts will be there to meet clients and answer any and every question which can be asked.” One of the very important questions is the landscaping. When Crown Pavilions install a garden room they are especially mindful of the landscaping round it. Sister company, Crown Gardens, look after every aspect of planning and creating a beautiful setting that fits in with the existing garden. Carl Hooper, who runs Crown Gardens, will be on hand to give people advice and to book site surveys. Carl comments, “We advise and design the planting around the garden room to fit in with the style of the existing garden. You can landscape around the structure to create an integral part of your garden, at every season of the year”. Lighting and heating are also important, especially for evening

AND OUTDOOR LIVING AT THE CROWN PAVILIONS OPEN DAY, 6TH OCTOBER 2012. entertaining. Specialists will advise on specific requirements and to talk about how Crown Pavilions can help with individual projects. Crown Pavilions have created some wonderful garden rooms for many UK and international clients. They specialise in providing a tailored, bespoke service. All the products are manufactured in the UK. The premium material is Canadian Western Red Cedar, one of the most naturally durable timbers for the outdoors, and one that is perfect for the UK climate. As well as meeting clients and answering questions, Crown Pavilions will have more than just their pavilions on display. They will be selling individual unique pieces of furniture at discounted prices. Luke enthused, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very excited about meeting our clients and potential clients, showing them our extensive and diverse range, and talking to them about their own ideas.

We will have live classical music and are going to be serving wine and canapĂŠs all day. My team and myself will be working hard to make this a highly enjoyable event for everyone.

LUKE DEJAHANG Managing Director of Crown Pavilions

FOR MORE INFORMATION Crown Pavilions Open Day, Saturday 6th October 2012, 10.00am to 18.00 pm, at the Bellhouse Hotel, Oxford Road, Beaconsfield, Bucks HP9 2XE

SEPTEMBER2012 73

ANTIQUES

John Bly

ver the years – five to be precise – I’ve written about the Olympia Fine Art and Antiques Fairs, the now deceased Grosvenor House Antiques Fair and more recently the newly formed Masterpiece, which is exactly that, and it has occurred to me that not many people know these are just the very tip of an enormous mountain of antiques fairs held throughout the UK seemingly every day of the week. They are as varied in style and size as the merchandise on show. One of the largest in Europe is held annually at Newark, with 2,500 stallholders and covering 84 acres. This is organised by IACF – 74 SEPTEMBER2012

International Antique and Collectors Fairs – and is one of twenty eight similar events they hold throughout the country drawing 100,000 visitors and engaging over 10,000 dealers. Then there are the several fairs organised by national and regional trade associations such as the BADA – British Antique Dealers’ Association and LAPADA – London and Provincial Antique Dealers’ Association. These fairs usually run for a week and are held in elaborately constructed marquees on the grandest of scales. On the other hand there are the vast majority of one-day fairs, held in hired village halls or hotel banqueting suites and usually

individually run by a single person or small company. To my mind these are certainly the most enjoyable if you are looking for a fascinating day out rather than an academic or commercial event. Some of these have been going for many years, indeed one of my favourites is the Bushey Antiques fair which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. It’s run by David Maggs of Yewtree Antiques and has over 100 tables showing a wide range of merchandise. There are up to four halls in total, comprising a flea market in three halls and antiques and collectors fair in the other. Well worth a visit, usually on the fourth Sunday in every month. Also on my list is the

Midas Quality Antiques Fair held every second Sunday in the month at the Bell House Hotel in Beaconsfield. This is another old-established event now run by Terry Leigh and his brother with around sixty dealers and it can attract up to 1000 visitors, even on a ‘bad weather’ day. So successful have they been recently that they have fixed a new venture by holding a Midas Fair in the grounds of Woburn Abbey on the 26th and 27th January 2013. To my mind the best thing about these small individual fairs is the extraordinary range of goods, from some ancient brain surgeon’s drills and spatulas to Georgian door knobs and Victorian dog collars alongside really good

jewellery, paintings and prints, silverware and of course porcelain. Equally intriguing if not more so is the diversity of character in the dealers themselves. By our very nature we are a pretty off-thewall lot anyway, but some of these people are amazing. If

you’re not interested in their stock they will tell you about themselves. As an example I have got to know one who deals in fine quality jewellery, especially diamond rings, whose other lives include 40 years as a chef in the hotel trade, a butler, a tutor on

etiquette in service, a wine and spirit specialist - obviously we got on extremely well from this point – and High Steward in Oxford University. Just looking at his stock you can tell this chap knows his onions – in and out of the kitchen. But thirty or forty years in the antiques trade is not that long. The great surge of interest began in the early post-war years (WWII that is) when large numbers of houses were coming onto the market because those who might have inherited them had been killed in the 1st or 2nd World Wars and the resident owners were to old and infirm to maintain them. These houses were full of antiques of every description and had to be dispersed somehow. At the same time a large body of able men and a few women came out of four years of active service, and found no work awaiting them. Most therefore became self-employed, setting up and running any sort of business they could; publicans, government surplus agents, scrap metal merchants, demolition men, builders and antiques dealers. The job of the latter was to filter the goods and chattels from these empty houses according to their merit; junk to the junk

shop, middle class goods to local antique shops and fine goods to the great galleries and emporia in London, New York and Paris. The buying and selling of these things involved considerable guile and sometimes quite hairraising escapades. In truth the stories of Lovejoy are nowhere near as chaotic, uproarious and outrageous as real life. Someone of ‘the old school’ has already suggested a fitting title for a true book of the times might well be ‘Bookcases, Blarney, Barmaids and Booze’. In fact my next article could be a trial first chapter. Perhaps not, let’s stick to the present day and take a trip to the next antiques fair close to wherever you are and enjoy the display, the array of goods and the enthusiasm of the dealers as they talk about their stock. They have bought these things with their own money, using their own knowledge and judgement and I’ll guarantee in five minutes you will learn something, even if you don’t buy. John Bly Antiques 1891. Tel: 01442823030 Mobile: 07831 888826 Website: www.johnbly.com Email: john@johnbly.com SEPTEMBER2012 75

FOOD DRINK

Restaurant Reviews

This month, Food Editor Regan Maloney has been out and about in Kent in search of a good Sunday roast. 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

THE GEORGE YES HAYES STREET, HA Y LE OM BR

Interior Designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard is responsible for the newly refurbished Imperial Arms, adding a touch of opulence to a traditional pub environment. It feels instantly comfortable and familiar, with possibly the plushest toilets I’ve ever seen in a pub!

The George underwent a well-needed renovation just over 2 years ago, and since then it’s gone from strength to strength. Sundays are their busiest day, where families are greeted in the restaurant, and couples can read the papers and enjoy a Bloody Mary at the bar.

The owner, Allan Weeks (previous owner of ‘Jazz’ clothes shop in Beckenham) is a friendly face behind the bar, whilst his wife Tina ensures a smooth running kitchen. They are assisted by a great new Chef, and a talented group of young girls behind the bar, some of whom are professional singers and provide live music from 4pm on a Sunday.

The George has a very knowledgeable and friendly team. Our waitress made recommendations of wine to accompany our food, and helped us to choose dessert without being overly intrusive. The bar staff are also great at making cocktails!

Food

A small but perfectly formed menu with good old–fashioned pub favourites. We opted for the scampi with skinny chips and homemade tartar sauce, and the roast lamb. Both were good-sized portions, and the scampi was freshly made with good quality langoustines and lightly fried in a fine coating of flour. The roast lamb came with all of the trimmings – Yorkshire puddings, mint sauce and gravy to die for. The potatoes were perfectly fluffy on the inside and crispy on the out, and the lamb was nicely cooked. For dessert, there was only one option – but a good one! British strawberries and cream.

The menu at The George is full of tempting treats, from sharing platters and baked Camembert to fired pizzas and some delicious fish dishes cooked on the grill. On a Sunday they do a Great British Sunday roast for just £12.95 for two courses. We both went for the roast beef and it was absolutely delicious. Well-sized portions, with perfectly cooked seasonal vegetables and crispy roast potatoes. A good boat of gravy and the meat was perfectly pink and melted in the mouth. For dessert, we had a rich, warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream – the perfect way to end a Sunday afternoon.

Drink

A good selection of beers with a nice tasting Pilsner. The house red is a good strong Sicilian, full of flavour and served in a decent sized wine glass. Other wines available are reasonably priced and come with quirky recommendations such as ‘Muscular with broad shoulders & a great sense of humour’ for the Marktree Merlot.

A good selection of wines served by the bottle or the glass. We opted for the Malbec, which was full of flavour and reasonably priced. There is also a good cocktail list, with contemporary classics and signatures from just £5.95.

A great roast in a traditional family pub setting

A perfect place to enjoy the Sunday papers, a Bloody Mary and a good roast.

Ambiance

Service

Overview 76 SEPTEMBER2012

IMPERIAL ARMS URST D OL HILL, CHISLEH

SEPTEMBER2012 77

FOOD DRINK

THE ITALIAN JOB BY DIANA PILKINGTON

HALF A CENTURY SINCE A WAVE OF ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS SET UP THE FIRST TRATTORIAS ACROSS THE UK, BRITAIN’S LOVE AFFAIR WITH THIS CUISINE SHOWS NO SIGN OF STOPPING.

78 SEPTEMBER2012

ut our understanding and appreciation of Italian food has changed dramatically over the years. Celebrity chef Gennaro Contaldo, who first came to Britain in the late Sixties, says: “At the beginning, a lot of immigrants came to England but there were very few chefs. But because almost every Italian can sing and can cook, they used to open a little restaurant. “They wouldn’t necessarily cook something very Italian. They would cook what we call ‘Britalian’ food, something between British and Italian.” In fact, many of the dishes that we consider typically Italian today are actually an adaptation and not entirely authentic. “The spaghetti bolognese in England nearly gave me a heart attack!” says Contaldo. ‑“It was full of mushrooms, peppers, some different vegetables and perhaps bits and pieces of meat. “But the original dish, ragu bolognese, is made with tagliatelle and is so simple. You just use carrots and onion, and then pork and beef in equal parts.” Though ‘Britalian’ cuisine can still be found in thousands of restaurants, more authentic Italian food is far easier to find these days. Contaldo is an ambassador for the Bertolli Spread Olive D’Oro Awards, which have been searching for the UK’s top Italian delis and trattorias. The winners were announced on June 20, and include eateries across Britain, from Cardiff to Cambridge (for the full list visit www. bertolli.co.uk). With traditional delis now a common sight on many British high streets, it is easier than ever to source the right ingredients to make simple, authentic Italian food at home. “I remember when you wanted olive oil, the only place you could buy it was in a chemist. It was rubbish,” Contaldo says. “Today all these ingredients, you can usually find somewhere local.” Contaldo has created some recipes to reflect modern Italian dining in Britain today. Try these for size...

POLLO ARROSTO CON BURRO BERTOLLI ALL’AGLIO ED ERBE Roast chicken with a bertolli spread, garlic and herb paste Serves 4 • Small head of unpeeled garlic • 5 large sage leaves, finely chopped • 2 sprigs of rosemary needles, finely chopped • Handful of mint, finely chopped • Handful of marjoram leaves, finely chopped • Juice of 1 lemon (keep the lemon halves) • 1 large lemon, cut in half • 100g Bertolli Spread • Salt & pepper • 1 chicken, weighing approx. 1.5kg • ¬Ω glass of white wine • 1 glass of vegetable stock • 4 carrots, cut lengthways in half

For all of these recipes, Bertolli Spread can be substituted with any quality olive oil-based spread

Place the unpeeled garlic cloves in a hot oven for about 15 minutes until soft. With the help of a tea towel, remove the skins while still warm. Place the Bertolli Spread and garlic in a small bowl together with the chopped herbs, lemon juice, butter, salt and pepper. Mix together well until you obtain a smooth paste. Take the chicken and carefully ease the skin away from the breasts, taking care not to tear it, but don’t remove completely. With your fingers, spread the paste evenly all over the breast under the skin. Fill the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves. Line the bottom of the roasting tin with the carrots, arranging them in two lines like a railway track. Place the chicken on top of the carrots - this is done to prevent the bird from sticking to the tin. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil, rubbing well all over. Pour in the wine and stock. Cover with aluminium foil and roast in the hot oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes until the chicken has thoroughly cooked through. Remove the foil 20 minutes before the end of cooking time. Remove from the oven, leave to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

PORRI CON PANCETTA Leeks with bacon Serves 4 • 60g Bertolli Spread • 100g pancetta or bacon, finely chopped • 1.2kg leeks, finely sliced • 120ml hot vegetable stock • Salt & pepper to taste

Melt the Bertolli spread in a frying pan, add the pancetta or bacon and stir-fry on a medium heat until crispy. Stir in the leeks, season with salt and pepper and stir fry for a couple of minutes. Add the vegetable stock, lower the heat, cover with a lid and simmer gently for 10 minutes until the leeks are soft. Remove from the heat and serve immediately.

RISOTTO ALLE FRAGOLE Strawberry risotto Serves 4 • 70g Bertolli Spread • 2 small shallots, finely chopped • 250g arborio rice • 500g strawberries, hulled (half quantity quartered and the rest roughlychopped) • 1/2 glass white wine • 1-litre vegetable stock, kept hot • 50g parmesan cheese, freshly grated, and extra to serve • Salt to taste

Heat 30g of the Bertolli Spread in a saucepan, add the shallots and sweat on a medium heat. Stir in the rice, coating each grain. Stir in the white wine and simmer until evaporated. Add a ladleful of stock, stir and simmer for a minute, then stir in the roughly chopped strawberries. Gradually add the remaining stock, stirring all the time between additions. When the rice becomes al dente, remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 40g of Bertolli Spread and grated parmesan. Add salt to taste if desired. Leave to rest for a minute, then top with the quartered strawberries and some more grated parmesan, if desired, and serve. SEPTEMBER2012 79

TRAVEL

ISLAND HOPPING IN THE CARIBBEAN “DON’T WORRY, WE DON’T GET MANY SHARKS,” ARE THE REASSURING WORDS OF OUR GUIDE AHEAD OF MY FIRST EVER SNORKELLING TRIP. “ANYWAY, THEY’RE ONLY SMALL,” QUIPS THE SKIPPER OF THE TRIMARAN, SENSING MY TREPIDATION AS WE SAIL TOWARDS THE DIVE SITE. FLIPPERS FITTED AND MASK NOT TOO TIGHT, I TENTATIVELY INCH CLOSER TO THE EDGE, PEERING INTO THE CRYSTALCLEAR WATER BELOW.

t looks inviting but my childhood fear of swimming in the sea is threatening to take over. After a few deep breaths and some words of encouragement I slowly lower myself into the warm water. Within minutes all anxiety has disappeared and instead I am transfixed by the spectacular sights beneath the surface. It’s a perfect introduction for a novice snorkeller and a firsttime traveller to the Caribbean. I am here to visit the ABC Islands - Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - which form part of the Dutch Caribbean. They lie on the southern fringes of the hurricane belt and are rarely affected by ferocious storms which lash other islands each year. Although British visitors tend to regard the ABC islands as ‘off the beaten track’, they are reached by direct flights from Amsterdam, which in turn can be reached quickly from various airports in Britain. First port of call on my whistle-stop tour is Bonaire, which lies 30 miles from Curacao, 86 miles east of Aruba and 50 miles north of the Venezuela coast. Within hours of arriving I am on the water. Under sail, we’d made our way towards a reef off a small uninhabited islet called Klein Bonaire (Dutch for Little Bonaire), which forms part of Bonaire National Marine Park (BNMP). We 80 SEPTEMBER2012

are guests of Woodwind Cruises, a family-run business, which offers a variety of guided sailing and snorkelling trips on the 37ft trimaran. Under the water the array of colourful and unusual fish and plant life is startling. Bonaire is the second largest of the three islands yet, with just over 15,000 locals, has the smallest population. The majority of visitors are here for the scuba diving and snorkelling - it’s considered one of the finest spots in the world for underwater activities, with more than 55% of arrivals being repeat visitors. Back on shore, life in Bonaire is relaxed, the locals are laid-back and friendly, and with its myriad tranquil and unspoiled beaches it is the ultimate place to chill out. A short 40-minute plane hop away, however, and Aruba - dubbed One Happy Island - is a different kettle of fish.The Dutch initially occupied the island in 1636 to protect their salt supply from the mainland and establish a naval base in the Caribbean during their 80-year war with Spain. Now it’s a sun worshipper’s paradise with stunning, long, white, sandy beaches and offers a bustling nightlife. Just 20 miles long and six miles wide, it has a population of only 120,000.

On our last night in Aruba we head to the beach where we enjoy a candle-lit meal with waves lapping just yards away. The final stop on our tour is a 20-minute flight away on one of the regular Insel Air shuttles that service the islands. Curacao, famous for the sweet blue liqueur, has become one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean and was chosen as one of the top 10 places to see in 2012 by Frommer’s. It was discovered by the Spanish in 1499 by Alonso de Ojeda, one of Christopher Columbus’s lieutenants, and remained Spanish until the Dutch conquest of 1634. The Dutch influence is still apparent in the architecture and the narrow cobbled streets in the capital city of Willemstad, with vividly-painted houses lining the waterfront. The historic area of Willemstad’s inner city and harbour has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status and walking tours of the capital are a great way to learn about its diverse heritage. Long, wooden boats from Venezuela arrive daily in the lively harbour to sell an array of fish direct from their decks, which makes for a bustling makeshift market place. After a guided walking tour of the city’s highlights, we head west for one final ocean adventure with Go West Diving. All fears now behind me, I snorkel into caves and clamber up cliffs before jumping into the sea, something I would never have been brave enough to do before. Back on shore we head to the All West Apartments, where many seasoned divers choose to stay, and swap stories of our underwater adventures over a sunset BBQ.

Key facts - Dutch Caribbean • B est for: Scuba diving, snorkelling and a relaxing beach holiday. • T ime to go: The islands lie on the edge of the hurricane belt and enjoy year-round sunshine and hot temperatures. • D on’t miss: A visit to the Hato Caves on Curacao which are more than 200,000 years old. • N eed to know: If travelling by air between islands, check departure tax for each airport as it can vary. • Don’t forget: Plenty of mosquito repellent as they come out at night and are fond of tourists!

Travel facts

However, it does have some big-name hotels, a plethora of restaurant chains, coffee shops, bars, upmarket boutiques, casinos and the obligatory golf. It’s a popular destination for cruise ships and a haven for American tourists with plenty to keep them occupied. Our party hopped on board a giant catamaran for a threehour cruise around the coast. The emphasis is on fun and the free cocktail bar ensures no-one goes thirsty. We make two stops for those who want to snorkel - one at a shipwreck - and spend the rest of the time relaxing on the deck, fruit punch in hand. For something a bit more sedate and with a little history, you can visit the California Lighthouse. The old white-washed lighthouse stands as a silent sentry in the area known as Hudishibana, near the island’s north-western tip. It’s named after the US ship, the California, which sunk near the shore before the lighthouse was built in 1914. The site is a great spot to witness spectacular - and very quick - sunsets. Now one of Aruba’s scenic landmarks, the lighthouse offers a picture-perfect view of the island’s western coastline of sandy beaches, rolling sand dunes and rocky coral shorelines.

Victoria Mitchell flew to the Dutch Caribbean with KLM, which offers return flights to Aruba ex-Heathrow and via Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport from £940, ex-Manchester from £929, and ex-Glasgow from £956. For reservations call 0871 222 7474 or visit www.klm.com Operators providing packages to Aruba include Kuoni Travel, which offers seven nights’ B&B during November at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts Aruba, including flights with KLM ex-Heathrow, Manchester or Glasgow (via Amsterdam) with transfers in resort from £1,653 (two sharing). Visit www.kuoni.co.uk For more information about the destinations visit: www.tourismbonaire.com, www.aruba.com, www.curacao.com For more information about snorkelling, diving and other activities visit: www.woodwindbonaire.com, www.mangrovecenter.com, www.redsailaruba.com, www.oceanencounterswest.com, www.dinahveeris.com For more information about accommodation visit: www.diviresorts.com, www.westinaruba.com, www. manchebo.com, www.lionsdive.com, curacao.hyatt.com

SEPTEMBER2012 81

BOOK REVIEWS

The Bookshelf

If what you want is some really mind-bending material, look no further. Any one will keep you guessing! WORDS BY ANNABELLE WALKER AND BRUCE EDWARDS

A RIP IN THE VEIL

DEAD AND BURIED

A FATAL DEBT

A RIP IN THE VEIL ANNA BELFRAGE MATADOR £7.99 PAPERBACK How would you feel if you were thrown several centuries back in time? Modernday Alex, unprepared and dazed, is the latest character to experience the typical ‘Doctor Who’ scenario, suddenly plunged into another era with no warning! With a swift pace and effective dialogue, the storyline progresses in an interesting way, introducing characters in an intriguing and captivating manner. Not many people would describe an escaped seventeenth century convict as having ‘white teeth’, but nevertheless Belfrage’s unique and original personae work well enough. Part sci-fi, part historical, this book deals with the deepest human emotions, an impressive dialogue coupled with intelligent description. Matthew may be a saviour to Alex, but as a convict in the seventeenth century, carries baggage that could see him killed. Be prepared for relationship struggles and be prepared for brutality - is Matthew a reason for Alex to stay behind in time and if so, how will she save him?

DEAD AND BURIED STEPHEN BOOTH SPHERE £17.99 HARDBACK Derbyshire moorland - and on fire. An achingly depressing prospect; the conflagration destroying vegetation and in so doing, revealing traces of a missing couple, on the run from a financial scandal It’s DS Ben Cooper’s patch; intrigued by the report of a break-in at an old pub he’s there, ready to follow-up on this old enquiry. Then there’s another, recent death discovered and the threads start to tangle. There’s an inevitability in the story line, rivalry within the police; the former pub landlord with a reputation is involved, as is Cooper’s brother. Two local ruffians try to hurt Cooper, a former barman is too helpful. The characters are well drawn, the settings perfectly described, local activities aptly used. The conversations move the story on, though the questions always remain, dragging the uncertainties towards a conclusion. And that conclusion isn’t the one you’d expect, brought to a head by yet another fire. Just mind the smoke.

A FATAL DEBT JOHN GAPPER DUCKWORTH £16.99 HARDBACK With the financial world under almost daily scrutiny and extreme doubts being aired in the media over the professionalism and integrity of some high-profile positions, maybe it’s not surprising to find a well-known business commentator turning to ‘fiction’ to, dare we suggest, reveal some facts? Take just such a high profile personality akin to the one or two who’ve been in the press lately, give him a medical problem, put him under the care of a psychiatrist and watch the edifice crumble. Is it greed, or is it a love beyond reality? The whole mish-mash of mortgage accumulations, property values, deals beyond deals and who is trashing who comes alive amongst the glitter of American high society. Add in the hard-nosed police attitude and a very subtle hint of romance; the result a cocktail worthy of Agatha Christie. The oddity - which girl does our psychiatrist ultimately fall for, and who pulled the trigger? Fascinating.

* *

“For the lovers of a decent romance set amongst today’s real life, visit www.jonbeattiey.co.uk and buy on-line. First class reading to stimulate as well as entertain and beautifully produced.”

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SEPTEMBER2012 83

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

STONEHAM FINE

FURNITURE

SINCE

1864

Strata light oak & classic white.

Designed for living Achieving simplicity can be the most complex of challenges, yet every hand-built Stoneham kitchen fulfils its own streamlined elegance both effortlessly and exquisitely. It’s about making the very best of the best – the finest woods and natural materials, the most innovative features and latest technology, supremely crafted by the most knowing and capable hands. Appointed kitchen centres available locally and nationwide. For a colour brochure and details of the Centre most convenient to you call 020 8300 8181 or visit www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk Stoneham plc, Powerscroft Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5DZ. 84 SEPTEMBER2012

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